Detection and Molecular Characterization of GI-1 and GI-23 Avian Infectious Bronchitis Virus in Broilers Indicate the Emergence of New Genotypes in Bolivia.

Infectious Bronchitis Virus (IBV) is a major threat to the poultry industry worldwide, causing significant economic losses. While the virus's genetic structure is well understood, the specific strains circulating in Bolivia have remained uncharacterized until now. This study aimed to identify and characterize new IBV strains in Bolivia. Tissue samples from broilers exhibiting clinical signs of Infectious Bronchitis were screened to detect IBV using real-time RT-PCR (RT-qPCR). Positive samples with low cycle threshold (Ct) values were selected for sequencing the full S1 gene. Of the 12 samples analyzed, 10 were determined to be positive for IBV. However, only four samples yielded sufficient genetic material for sequencing and subsequent phylogenetic analysis. The results revealed the presence of GI-1 and GI-23 lineages, both belonging to genotype I (GI). The GI-1 lineage showed >99% sequence identity to the H120 and Massachusetts vaccine strains, suggesting a close relationship. In contrast, the GI-23 lineage clustered with other IBV strains, showing a distinct subclade that is genetically distant from Brazilian strains. No evidence of recombination was found. Furthermore, amino acid substitution analysis identified specific mutations in the S1 subunit, particularly in the hypervariable regions 1, 2, and 3. These mutations could potentially alter the virus's antigenicity, leading to reduced vaccine efficacy. The findings of this study highlight the importance of continued and broad genomic surveillance of circulating IBV strains and the need to improve vaccination strategies in Bolivia.

Impact of COVID-19 on the epidemiology of respiratory viruses in southern Brazil / Impacto da COVID-19 na epidemiologia de vírus respiratórios no Rio Grande do Sul / Impacto epidemiológico de la COVID-19 sobre los virus respiratorios en sur de Brasil

Background and objectives: During the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, reduction in detection of other Respiratory Viruses (RV) was observed. Epidemiological studies are needed to understand the impact of the pandemic on the circulation of RV. The aim of this study is to analyze the epidemiological profile of cases of severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) associated with the main RV in hospitalized patients from Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil (RS), between 2010 and 2019 (period A) and between 2020 and 2021 (period B). Methods: Data related to SARI cases in RS were retrieved from SIVEP-Gripe. Results: In period A there were more infections with Influenza, Parainfluenza, Adenovirus and Respiratory Syncytial Virus, while in period B most cases were of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The most affected age groups were individuals <5 years old (67.1%) in period A, and >60 years old (50%) in period B. The main symptoms were fever and cough in period A, and dyspnea and O2 saturation <95% in period B. The most reported comorbidities were lung diseases and chronic cardiovascular diseases in period A, and chronic cardiovascular diseases and diabetes mellitus in period B. Importantly, a higher fatality rate was observed in period B. Most cases occurred between May and July in period A, and in November and December 2021 in period B. Conclusion: This study reveals that the COVID-19 pandemic changed the epidemiological profile of SARI in RS, and most cases were in the elderly with chronic cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus.(AU)

Justificativa e Objetivos: Durante a pandemia de SARS-CoV-2 foi observada redução na detecção de outros vírus respiratórios (VR). Estudos epidemiológicos são importantes para uma melhor compreensão dos impactos da pandemia sobre a circulação de VR. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar o perfil epidemiológico dos casos de síndrome respiratória aguda grave (SRAG) associados aos principais VR em pacientes internados no Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil (RS), entre 2010 e 2019 (período A) e entre 2020 e 2021 (período B). Métodos: Dados relacionados a casos de SRAG no RS foram obtidos do SIVEP-Gripe. Resultados: No período A houve mais infecções por Influenza, Parainfluenza, Adenovírus e Vírus Sincicial Respiratório, enquanto no período B a maioria foi por SARS-CoV-2. Os grupos etários mais afetados foram de indivíduos <5 anos de idade (67,1%) no período A, e >60 anos (50%) no período B. Os principais sintomas foram febre e tosse no período A, e dispneia e saturação de O2 <95% no período B. As principais comorbidades no período A foram pneumopatias e cardiopatias, enquanto no período B foram cardiopatias e diabetes mellitus. A mortalidade foi maior no período B. A maioria dos casos no período A foram entre maio e julho, e no período B entre novembro e dezembro de 2021. Conclusão: Este estudo revela que a pandemia de COVID-19 alterou o perfil epidemiológico de SRAG no RS, sendo a maioria dos casos em indivíduos idosos com doença cardiovascular e diabetes. (AU)

Justificación y Objetivos: Durante la pandemia por SARS-CoV-2 se observó reducción en la detección de otros virus respiratorios (VR). Los estudios epidemiológicos son importantes para comprender los impactos de la pandemia en la circulación de VR. Este estudio analizó variables epidemiológicas asociadas al Síndrome Respiratorio Agudo Grave (SRAG) en Rio Grande do Sul (RS), Brasil, antes de la aparición del SARS-CoV-2 (período A, 2010-2019) y durante la pandemia (período B, 2020-2021). Métodos: Los datos relacionados con los casos de SRAG en RS se obtuvieron de SIVEP-Gripe. Resultados: En el período A hubo más infecciones por Influenza, Parainfluenza, Adenovirus y Virus Respiratorio Sincitial, mientras que en el período B la mayoría de los casos fueron causados por SARS-CoV-2. Los grupos de edad más afectados fueron <5 años (67,1%) en el período A, y >60 años (50%) en el período B. Los principales síntomas fueron fiebre y tos en el período A, y disnea y saturación de O2 <95% en el período B. Las principales comorbilidades en el período A fueron enfermedades pulmonares y cardíacas, y en el período B fueron enfermedades cardíacas y diabetes mellitus. La mortalidad fue mayor en el período B. La mayoría de los casos en el período A fueron entre mayo y julio, y en el período B entre noviembre y diciembre. Conclusiones: Este estudio revela que la pandemia de COVID-19 cambió el perfil epidemiológico del SRAG en RS. La mayoría de los casos se dan en personas de edad avanzada con enfermedades cardiovasculares y diabetes. (AU)

Postorotracheal intubation dysphagia in patients with COVID-19: A retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: The cause of oropharyngeal dysphagia in patients with coronavirus disease (COVID-19) can be multifactorial and may underly limitations in swallowing rehabilitation. OBJECTIVE: Analyze the factors related to dysphagia in patients with COVID-19 immediately after orotracheal extubation and the factors that influence swallowing rehabilitation. DESIGN AND SETTING: A retrospective study. METHODS: The presence of dysphagia was evaluated using the American Speech-Language Hearing Association National Outcome Measurement System (ASHA NOMS) scale and variables that influenced swallowing rehabilitation in 140 adult patients who required invasive mechanical ventilation for >48 h. RESULTS: In total, 46.43% of the patients scored 1 or 2 on the ASHA NOMS (severe dysphagia) and 39.29% scored 4 (single consistency delivered orally) or 5 (exclusive oral diet with adaptations). Both the length of mechanical ventilation and the presence of neurological disorders were associated with lower ASHA NOMS scores (odds ratio [OR]: 0.80, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.74-0.87 P < 0.05; and OR: 0.13, 95% CI: 0.61-0.29; P < 0.05, respectively). Age and the presence of tracheostomy were negatively associated with speech rehabilitation (OR: 0.92; 95% CI: 0.87--0.96; OR: 0.24; 95% CI: 0.80--0.75), and acute post-COVID-19 kidney injury requiring dialysis and lower scores on the ASHA NOMS were associated with longer time for speech therapy outcomes (ß: 1.62, 95% CI, 0.70-3.17, P < 0.001; ß: -1.24, 95% CI: -1.55--0.92; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Prolonged orotracheal intubation and post-COVID-19 neurological alterations increase the probability of dysphagia immediately after extubation. Increased age and tracheostomy limited rehabilitation.

Voice handicap and voice-related quality of life in COVID-19 patients.

OBJECTIVES: Identifying voice handicap and voice-related quality of life in patients presenting pulmonary impairment associated with COVID-19 infection, comparing pulmonary parameters between these patients and individuals in the control group, as well as correlating pulmonary parameters to self-assessment questionnaires (IDV-10 and QVV). METHODS: Thirty-five (35) patients presenting pulmonary impairment with COVID-19 infection were herein selected and compared to 35 individuals who were not affected by COVID-19 infection. Two self-assessment questionnaires were applied (vocal handicap index and voice quality of life protocol). Maximum phonation time Forced Expiratory Pressure (PEF) and Forced Inspiratory Pressure (PIF) were measured and videolaryngoscopy was performed. RESULTS: There was statistically significant difference in scores recorded in voice self-assessment questionnaires (IDV-10 and QVV), Expiratory Pressure (PEF) and Forced Inspiratory Pressure (PIF) between patients with pulmonary impairment associated with COVID-19 infection and those in the control group. Correlation between PEF/PIF and scores recorded in voice self-assessment questionnaires was also observed. CONCLUSION: Pulmonary impairment associated with COVID-19 infection has worsened voice handicap and voice-related quality of life in the assessed patients, as well as reduced their forced expiratory and inspiratory pressure in comparison to the control group.

Gestão do cuidado de enfermagem na atenção paliativa oncológica frente à pandemia pela covid-19 / Nursing care management in palliative cancer care in the face of the pandemic by covid-19 / Gestión de cuidados de enfermería en cuidados paliativos oncológicos ante la pandemia por covid-19

Objetivo: Discutir um caso clínico de paciente em cuidado paliativo exclusivo com covid-19, que foi acompanhado por dois processos: assistência domiciliar e internação hospitalar. Métodos: Estudo qualitativo, do tipo caso clínico, realizado com idosa com os diagnósticos de câncer avançado e covid-19, internada em um hospital especializado em cuidados paliativos exclusivos (CPE) oncológicos, no Rio de Janeiro. Os dados foram coletados no prontuário em dezembro/2020. Resultados: As ações de enfermagem foram fundamentadas na teoria de Wanda de Aguiar Horta. Os principais diagnósticos da taxonomia da North American Nursing Diagnosis Association - NANDA-1 identificados, foram correlacionados às Necessidades Humanas Básicas afetadas, em especial as psicossociais e psicobiológicas. Conclusão: Gerenciar o cuidado na atenção paliativa oncológica frente à pandemia de covid-19 abarca compreender os fatores diretamente relacionados ao cuidado, bem como questões amplas que envolvem políticas, condições de trabalho, recursos humanos, dentre outros fatores capazes de influenciar as ações de cuidado. (AU)

Objective: To discuss a clinical case of a patient in exclusive palliative care with covid-19, who was followed by two processes: home care and hospital admission. Methods: Qualitative study, of the clinical case type, carried out with an elderly woman diagnosed with advanced cancer and covid-19, admitted to a hospital specializing in exclusive palliative care (CPE) oncology, in Rio de Janeiro. Data were collected from the medical record in December/2020. Results: The nursing actions were based on Wanda de Aguiar Horta's theory, the main diagnoses of the North American Nursing Diagnosis Association - NANDA-1 taxonomy making a correlation with the Basic Human Needs affected, in particular the psychosocial and psychobiological needs. Conclusion: Managing care in palliative cancer care in the face of the covid-19 pandemic encompasses understanding the factors directly related to care, as well as broad issues involving policies, working conditions, human resources, among other factors capable of influencing the actions of care. (AU)

Objetivo: Discutir un caso clínico de un paciente en cuidados paliativos exclusivos con covid-19, al que le siguieron dos procesos: atención domiciliaria e ingreso hospitalario. Métodos: Estudio cualitativo, tipo caso clínico, realizado con una anciana diagnosticada de cáncer avanzado y covid-19, ingresada en un hospital especializado en oncología de cuidados paliativos exclusivos (CPE), en Río de Janeiro. Los datos fueron recolectados de la historia clínica en diciembre / 2020. Resultados: Las acciones de enfermería se fundamentaron en la teoría de Wanda de Aguiar Horta. Los principales diagnósticos identificados por la taxonomía de la Asociación Norteamericana de Diagnóstico de Enfermería - NANDA-1 se correlacionaron con las Necesidades Humanas Básicas afectadas, especialmente psicosociales y psicobiológicas. Conclusion: Gestionar los cuidados en cuidados paliativos oncológicos frente a la pandemia covid-19 comprende comprender los factores directamente relacionados con el cuidado, así como temas amplios que involucran políticas, condiciones laborales, recursos humanos, entre otros factores capaces de incidir en las acciones de cuidado. (AU)

Aplicabilidade prática de parâmetros clínicos utilizados pelo enfermeiro na monitorização de pacientes em ventilação mecânica / Practical applicability of clinical parameters used by nurses in monitoring mechanically ventilated patients / Aplicabilidad práctica de parámetros clínicos utilizados por los enfermeros en el monitoreo de pacientes con ventilación mecánica

Objetivo: Descrever os parâmetros validados por enfermeiros relacionando com a sua prática assistencial na monitorização de pacientes críticos sob ventilação mecânica. Métodos: Estudo descritivo-exploratório, de abordagem quantitativa, cujos dados foram discutidos à luz da Resolução Conselho Federal de Enfermagem n. 639/2020 e de parâmetros clínicos obtidos validados por enfermeiros intensivistas. Resultados: Os parâmetros validados foram discutidos em termos de sua aplicabilidade clínica para o alcance da competência monitorização respiratória, um dos itens presentes na referida resolução como privativa do enfermeiro. Criou-se um quadro com os parâmetros gerais para a monitorização respiratória/ventilatória por enfermeiros, com alvo clínico e local de obtenção do parâmetro no ventilador mecânica, para colaborar com a sua usabilidade. Conclusão: Apresentou-se a aplicabilidade de parâmetros validados por enfermeiros na assistência aos pacientes sob ventilação mecânica. Pondera-se sua contribuição para maior qualidade na assistência, melhores desfechos clínicos, assim como, evitar complicações associadas à ventilação mecânica. (AU)

Objective: To describe the respiratory/ventilatory parameters validated by nurses relating to their care practice in critical patients on mechanical ventilation. Methods: Descriptive-exploratory study with quantitative approach, whose data were discussed based on COFEN Resolution 639/2020 and clinical parameters obtained validated by critical care nurses. Results: The validated parameters were discussed in terms of clinical applicability for achieving the competence "respiratory monitoring", one of the items present in the aforementioned resolution as private nurse care. A framework was created with the general parameters for respiratory/ventilatory monitoring by nurses, with clinical target and location of obtaining the parameter on the mechanical ventilator, to collaborate with its usability. Conclusion: The applicability of parameters validated by nurses in care of mechanically ventilated patients was presented. Its contribution to better quality care and clinical outcomes, as well as avoiding complications associated with mechanical ventilation. (AU)

Objetivo: describir los parámetros respiratorios/ventilatorios validados por enfermeros relacionando con su práctica asistencial en pacientes críticos con ventilación mecánica. Métodos: investigación descriptiva-exploratoria con abordaje cuantitativo, cuyos datos fueron discutidos en la Resolución COFEN 639/2020 y de parámetros clínicos obtenidos y validados por enfermeros intensivistas. Resultados: los parámetros validados fueron discutidos en términos de su aplicabilidad clínica para el alcance de la competencia "monitoreo respiratorio", uno de los ítems presentes en la referida resolución como exclusiva del enfermero. Se creó un cuadro con los parámetros generales para el monitoreo respiratorio/ventilatorio por enfermeros, con objetivo clínico y lugar de obtención del parámetro en el ventilador mecánico, para colaborar con su usabilidad. Conclusión: se presentó la aplicabilidad de parámetros validados por enfermeros en la asistencia a pacientes con ventilación mecánica. Se pondera su contribución para una mayor calidad en la asistencia, mejores desenlaces clínicos y, también, para evitar complicaciones asociadas con la ventilación mecánica. (AU)

Patients hospitalized with active tuberculosis and Covid-19 coinfection: A matched case-control from the Brazilian Covid-19 Registry.

Although control of Covid-19 has improved, the virus continues to cause infections, such as tuberculosis, that is still endemic in many countries, representing a scenario of coinfection. To compare Covid-19 clinical manifestations and outcomes between patients with active tuberculosis infection and matched controls. This is a matched case-control study based on data from the Brazilian Covid-19 Registry, in hospitalized patients aged 18 or over with laboratory confirmed Covid-19 from March 1, 2020, to March 31, 2022. Cases were patients with tuberculosis and controls were Covid-19 patients without tuberculosis. From 13,636 Covid-19, 36 also had active tuberculosis (0.0026%). Pulmonary fibrosis (5.6% vs 0.0%), illicit drug abuse (30.6% vs 3.0%), alcoholism (33.3% vs 11.9%) and smoking (50.0% vs 9.7%) were more common among patients with tuberculosis. They also had a higher frequency of nausea and vomiting (25.0% vs 10.4%). There were no significant differences in in-hospital mortality, mechanical ventilation, need for dialysis and ICU stay. Patients with TB infection presented a higher frequency of pulmonary fibrosis, abuse of illicit drugs, alcoholism, current smoking, symptoms of nausea and vomiting. The outcomes were similar between them.

Acute murine-betacoronavirus infection impairs testicular steroidogenesis and the quality of sperm production.

Although several testicular alterations promoted by coronavirus infection have been demonstrated, the extent, causes, and players of testicular pathogenesis are not totally understood. The present study aimed to investigate the short-term effects on male fertility of intranasally administered murine hepatitis virus strain 3 (MHV-3), a member of the genus Betacoronavirus, which causes a severe systemic acute infection. This mouse model might be used as a in vivo prototype for investigating the impact of betacoronavirus on the endocrine and exocrine testicular functions with the advantage to be performed in a biosafety level 2 condition. Herein, we performed virological, histopathological, and molecular studies regarding the testicular spermatogenesis and the spermatic quality analyses in an MHV-3-infected C57BL/6 mice. The main outcomes showed that MHV-3 infects mouse testis and induces a testicular inflammatory state, impairing the steroidogenic pathway. The infection led to several alterations in the testicular parenchyma, such as: seminiferous epithelium sloughing, retention of residual bodies, germ cell apoptosis, alterations in intercellular junction proteins, and worse spermatogenic parameters. Moreover, the levels of plasmatic testosterone as well as the quality of sperm production reduced. Therefore, the present data suggest that the viral/inflammatory impairment of the steroidogenic pathway and the consequent imbalance of androgen levels is critical in testicular pathology, disturbing the SC barrier function and the germ cell differentiation. Our study is important for comprehending the effects of beta coronavirus infections on testis function in order to develop treatments that could prevent virus-mediated male infertility.

Development of Glycyrrhizinic Acid-Based Lipid Nanoparticle (LNP-GA) as An Adjuvant That Improves the Immune Response to Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus Spike Recombinant Protein.

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) has affected the pork industry worldwide and during outbreaks the mortality of piglets has reached 100%. Lipid nanocarriers are commonly used in the development of immunostimulatory particles due to their biocompatibility and slow-release delivery properties. In this study, we developed a lipid nanoparticle (LNP) complex based on glycyrrhizinic acid (GA) and tested its efficacy as an adjuvant in mice immunized with the recombinant N-terminal domain (NTD) of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) spike (S) protein (rNTD-S). The dispersion stability analysis (Z-potential -27.6 mV) confirmed the size and charge stability of the LNP-GA, demonstrating that the particles were homogeneously dispersed and strongly anionic, which favors nanoparticles binding with the rNTD-S protein, which showed a slightly positive charge (2.11 mV) by in silico analysis. TEM image of LNP-GA revealed nanostructures with a spherical-bilayer lipid vesicle (~100 nm). The immunogenicity of the LNP-GA-rNTD-S complex induced an efficient humoral response 14 days after the first immunization (p < 0.05) as well as an influence on the cellular immune response by decreasing serum TNF-α and IL-1ß concentrations, which was associated with an anti-inflammatory effect.

A comprehensive molecular analysis of bovine coronavirus strains isolated from Brazil and comparison of a wild-type and cell culture-adapted strain associated with respiratory disease.

Bovine coronavirus (BCoV) has dual tropisms that can trigger enteric and respiratory diseases in cattle. Despite its global distribution, BCoV field strains from Brazil remain underexplored in studies investigating the virus's worldwide circulation. Another research gap involves the comparative analysis of S protein sequences in BCoV isolates from passages in cell lines versus direct sequencing from clinical samples. Therefore, one of the objectives of our study was to conduct a comprehensive phylogenetic analysis of BCoV strains identified from Brazil, including a respiratory strain obtained during this study, comparing them with global and ancestral BCoV strains. Additionally, we performed a comparative analysis between wild-type BCoV directly sequenced from the clinical sample (nasal secretion) and the cell culture-adapted strain, utilizing the Sanger method. The field strain and multiple cell passage in cell culture (HRT-18) adapted BCoV strain (BOV19 NS) detected in this study were characterized through molecular and phylogenetic analyses based on partial fragments of 1,448 nt covering the hypervariable region of the S gene. The analyses have demonstrated that different BCoV strains circulating in Brazil, and possibly Brazilian variants, constitute a new genotype (putative G15 genotype). Compared with the ancestral prototype (Mebus strain) of BCoV, 33 nt substitutions were identified of which 15 resulted in non-synonymous mutations (nine transitions and six transversions). Now, compared with the wild-type strain was identified only one nt substitution in nt 2,428 from the seventh passage onwards, which resulted in transversion, neutral-neutral charge, and one substitution of asparagine for tyrosine at aa residue 810 (N810Y).

Phylogenetic and Molecular Analysis of the Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus in Mexico during the First Reported Outbreaks (2013-2017).

The characteristics of the whole PEDV genome that has circulated in Mexico from the first outbreak to the present are unknown. We chose samples obtained from 2013 to 2017 and sequenced them, which enabled us to identify the genetic variation and phylogeny in the virus during the first four years that it circulated in Mexico. A 99% identity was found among the analyzed pandemic strains; however, the 1% difference affected the structure of the S glycoprotein, which is essential for the binding of the virus to the cellular receptor. The S protein induces the most efficacious antibodies; hence, these changes in structure could be implicated in the clinical antecedents of the outbreaks. Antigenic changes could also help PEDV avoid neutralization, even in the presence of previous immunity. The characterization of the complete genome enabled the identification of three circulating strains that have a deletion in ORF1a, which is present in attenuated Asian vaccine strains. The phylogenetic analysis of the complete genome indicates that the first PEDV outbreaks in Mexico were caused by INDEL strains and pandemic strains related to USA strains; however, the possibility of the entry of European strains exists, which may have caused the 2015 and 2016 outbreaks.

NLRP1 restricts porcine deltacoronavirus infection via IL-11 inhibiting the phosphorylation of the ERK signaling pathway.

Continuously emerging highly pathogenic coronaviruses remain a major threat to human and animal health. Porcine deltacoronavirus (PDCoV) is a newly emerging enterotropic swine coronavirus that causes large-scale outbreaks of severe diarrhea disease in piglets. Unlike other porcine coronaviruses, PDCoV has a wide range of species tissue tropism, including primary human cells, which poses a significant risk of cross-species transmission. Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor (NLR) family pyrin domain-containing 1 (NLRP1) has a key role in linking host innate immunity to microbes and the regulation of inflammatory pathways. We now report a role for NLRP1 in the control of PDCoV infection. Overexpression of NLRP1 remarkably suppressed PDCoV infection, whereas knockout of NLRP1 led to a significant increase in PDCoV replication. A mechanistic study revealed that NLRP1 suppressed PDCoV replication in cells by upregulating IL-11 expression, which in turn inhibited the phosphorylation of the ERK signaling pathway. Furthermore, the ERK phosphorylation inhibitor U0126 effectively hindered PDCoV replication in pigs. Together, our results demonstrated that NLRP1 exerted an anti-PDCoV effect by IL-11-mediated inhibition of the phosphorylation of the ERK signaling pathway, providing a novel antiviral signal axis of NLRP1-IL-11-ERK. This study expands our understanding of the regulatory network of NLRP1 in the host defense against virus infection and provides a new insight into the treatment of coronaviruses and the development of corresponding drugs.IMPORTANCECoronavirus, which mainly infects gastrointestinal and respiratory epithelial cells in vivo, poses a huge threat to both humans and animals. Although porcine deltacoronavirus (PDCoV) is known to primarily cause fatal diarrhea in piglets, reports detected in plasma samples from Haitian children emphasize the potential risk of animal-to-human spillover. Finding effective therapeutics against coronaviruses is crucial for controlling viral infection. Nucleotide-binding oligomerization-like receptor (NLR) family pyrin domain-containing 1 (NLRP1), a key regulatory factor in the innate immune system, is highly expressed in epithelial cells and associated with the pathogenesis of viruses. We demonstrate here that NLRP1 inhibits the infection of the intestinal coronavirus PDCoV through IL-11-mediated phosphorylation inhibition of the ERK signaling pathway. Furthermore, the ERK phosphorylation inhibitor can control the infection of PDCoV in pigs. Our study emphasizes the importance of NLRP1 as an immune regulatory factor and may open up new avenues for the treatment of coronavirus infection.

Healthy lifestyle as predictors of common mental disorder during coronavirus disease.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the present study was to verify the indication of common mental disorder and changes in healthy lifestyle among individuals affected by coronavirus disease, as well as to evaluate if changes in healthy lifestyle are predictors of common mental disorder. METHODS: This descriptive, cross-sectional study employed an exploratory approach and quantitative methodology, using the Self-Reporting Questionnaire to assess the indication of common mental disorder and questions regarding healthy lifestyle during the pandemic. RESULTS: A total of 280 individuals affected by coronavirus disease, aged 18 years and above, participated in the study. The average indication for common mental disorder was 5.0±5.34. The average age was characterized by adults (41.24±14.03 years), with the majority being women (57.9%), White (51.4%), and those in stable relationships (55.7%). Worsening sleep quality (ß==6.327; p<0.001) was the main predictor of common mental disorder, followed by female gender (ß==2.814; p<0.001) and worsening dietary habits (ß==2.227; p<0.012). CONCLUSION: These factors should be considered in the assessment of individuals affected by coronavirus disease to provide comprehensive care.

Changes in Food and Beverage Purchases Associated With the Coronavirus Disease Pandemic in Mexico.

BACKGROUND: Public policies to contain the spread of coronavirus disease in Mexico could have had an effect on food purchase patterns. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to assess changes in the quantity of food and beverages purchased and proportion spent on food consumed away from home during the coronavirus disease pandemic in Mexican households. DESIGN: This study is a secondary analysis of cross-sectional data from the National Household Income and Expenditure Survey 2014-2020. PARTICIPANTS/SETTING: The study included 234,631 households with information on food and beverages purchases from 2014 to 2020. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Food and beverage purchases were classified into six categories: basic, nonbasic energy-dense foods, prepared food for consumption at home, water, milk, and sugar-sweetened beverages. In the National Household Income and Expenditure Survey 2014-2020, expenditures on food and beverages consumed away from home are not classified into any specific items but represents more than 10% of food and beverage expenditures; therefore, the analyses included the proportion of food and beverage expenditures spent on food consumed away from home. STATISTICAL ANALYSES PERFORMED: A two-part model was used to evaluate changes in the quantity of food purchased and the proportion spent away from home during the coronavirus disease pandemic in 2020 compared with 2018, adjusting for socio-demographic variables, gross domestic product and previous survey rounds. Results are presented at the national level, by income quintile and by place of residence. RESULTS: Purchases of basic food increased by 17 g/capita/day at the national level and 22.4 g/capita/day in urban areas (P < 0.001). Purchases of nonbasic energy-dense foods decreased both at the national level (-4.2 g/capita/day; P < 0.001) and by place of residence (-4.8 g/capita/day; P < 0.001 in urban areas and -2.5 g/capita/day; P = 0.001 in rural settings). Purchases of prepared food increased 16 g/capita/day (P < 0.001). In rural areas, purchases of sugar-sweetened beverages increased 7.2 mL/per capita/day (P < 0.001). For the lowest income quintile purchases of processed meat increased 2.4 g/capita/day (P < 0.001). The proportion spent on food consumed away from home decreased by -44.9% (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Results of this study show that during the coronavirus disease lockdown there was an increase in basic and prepared food purchases, whereas purchases of nonbasic energy-dense foods and the proportion spent on food consumed away from home decreased. However, findings showed an increase in sugar-sweetened beverages purchases among rural dwellers and an increase in purchases of processed meat among the lowest income quintile. Various factors such as income reductions, unemployment, mobility restrictions, or increases in prices may have led the observed changes. Future research should be conducted to analyze these potential pathways.

Clinical, epidemiological characteristics and mortality of pregnant and postpartum women associated with COVID-19 in Brazil: cohort study

Abstract Objective To analyze the death of Brazilian pregnant and postpartum women due to COVID-19 or unspecific cause. Methods This is retrospective, descriptive-exploratory, population-based study carried out with the Sistema de Informação de Vigilância Epidemiológica da Gripe (SIVEP-Gripe) database, with pregnant and postpartum women of reproductive age who died from confirmed COVID-19 between 2020 and 2021. The chosen variables were: age, gestational period, type and number of comorbidities, skin color, using the statistical software R Foundation for Statistical Computing Platform, version 4.0.3 and Statistical Package for Social Science, version 29.0 for analysis. Results A total of 19,333 cases of pregnant and postpartum women aged between 10 and 55 years diagnosed with SARS were identified, whether due to confirmed COVID-19 or unspecific causes. Of these, 1,279 died, these cases were classified into two groups according to the cause of death: deaths from COVID-19 (n= 1,026) and deaths from SARS of unspecific cause (n= 253). Conclusion The risk of death increased among black and brown women, in the postpartum period and with the presence of comorbidities, mainly diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and obesity. The data presented here draw attention to the number of deaths from SARS, especially among sociodemographic profiles, precarious access to health, such as the black population. In addition, limitations in adequate access to health care are reinforced by even lower rates of ICU admissions among women who died from SARS of an unspecified cause.

In the same storm, but on different boats: The social determination of mental health during COVID-19 / Na mesma tempestade, mas em barcos diferentes: a determinação social da saúde mental na COVID-19

Objective The social and health scenario of the pandemic caused by COVID-19 had an impact on the mental health of the population, characterized by strong health inequities. Faced with this problem, this study aimed to analyze the predictor variables of mental health in Brazilians during the pandemic, identifying the most vulnerable groups. Method An online survey was carried out, with a non-probabilistic sample of 1.397 Brazilians, who answered a biodemographic and general health questionnaire, analyzed using descriptive and analytical statistics. Results It was identified that being female, non-heterosexual, unemployed, with low income, and history of mental health comorbidities are predictors of mental health problems. In addition to these, the sample comparisons revealed other groups with greater susceptibility: single and divorced, without religion, with history of COVID-19, maintaining social distancing, and bereaved. Conclusion There are groups with greater vulnerability to mental health problems, requiring health policies for prevention and health promotion that are appropriate for different social groups.

Objetivo O cenário social e sanitário da pandemia de COVID-19 repercutiram na saúde mental da população, marcada por fortes iniquidades em saúde. Diante desse problema, o presente estudo objetivou analisar as variáveis preditoras da saúde mental de brasileiros durante a pandemia, identificando os grupos mais vulneráveis. Método Realizou-se um levantamento online, com amostra não probabilística de 1.397 brasileiros, que responderam a um questionário biodemográfico e ao Questionário de Saúde Geral, analisados por meio de estatística descritiva e analítica. Resultados Identificou-se que ser do sexo feminino, não heterossexual, desempregado, com baixa renda e comorbidade prévia em transtornos mentais são preditores de problemas em saúde mental. Além desses, as comparações amostrais revelaram outros grupos com maior susceptibilidade: solteiros e divorciados, sem religião, com histórico de COVID-19, em distanciamento social e enlutados. Conclusão Existem grupos com maior vulnerabilidade a problemas de saúde mental, sendo necessárias políticas de saúde de prevenção e promoção da saúde adequadas aos diferentes grupos sociais.

Association of placental histopathological findings with COVID-19 and its predictive factors

Abstract Objective: The aims of the study are to describe the association of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) with the abnormal histopathological findings in human placenta and to highlight the potential predictors of these histopathological findings. Methods: A retrospective cohort study, held in two obstetric units from January 2021- 2022, 34 patients who were confirmed cases of COVID- 19 were followed up till the time of delivery as their placenta were sent for histopathology. Patients diagnosed with other viral infections, chorioamnionitis, or were known case of as pre-term or term pre labour rupture of membrans (PROM) were excluded as well as pre exisiting diabetes mellitus or pre-eclampsia. Data analysis were performed using STATA software version 16. Result: Specific histopatological findings (fetal vascular malperfusion, maternal vascular malperfusion, inflammatory pathology and thrombotic finding) were significantly high among 13 (38.2%) of the study group who got infected earlier in pregnancy (P<0.001). The period between the diagnosis of COVID-19 and the delivery significantly increases the odds of the presence of pathological findings by 2.75 times for each week the patients getting infected earlier. Conclusion: Association of abnormal placental histopathological findings with COVID-19 infection in pregnancy and the potential predictor for the occurrence of placental findings is the longer duration between the diagnosis of the infection and the delivery.

Active surveillance for influenza virus and coronavirus infection in Antarctic birds and mammals in environmental fecal samples, South Shetland Islands.

Numerous Antarctic species are recognized as reservoirs for various pathogens, and their migratory behavior allows them to reach the Brazilian coast, potentially contributing to the emergence and circulation of new infectious diseases. To address the potential zoonotic risks, we conducted surveillance of influenza A virus (IAV) and coronaviruses (CoVs) in the Antarctic Peninsula, specifically focusing on different bird and mammal species in the region. During the summer of 2021/2022, as part of the Brazilian Antarctic Expedition, we collected and examined a total of 315 fecal samples to target these respiratory viruses. Although we did not detect the viruses of interest during this particular expedition, previous research conducted by our team has shown the presence of the H11N2 subtype of influenza A virus in penguin fecal samples from the same region. Given the continuous emergence of new viral strains worldwide, it is crucial to maintain active surveillance in the area, contributing to strengthening integrated One Health surveillance efforts.

Lipid compartments and lipid metabolism as therapeutic targets against coronavirus.

Lipids perform a series of cellular functions, establishing cell and organelles' boundaries, organizing signaling platforms, and creating compartments where specific reactions occur. Moreover, lipids store energy and act as secondary messengers whose distribution is tightly regulated. Disruption of lipid metabolism is associated with many diseases, including those caused by viruses. In this scenario, lipids can favor virus replication and are not solely used as pathogens' energy source. In contrast, cells can counteract viruses using lipids as weapons. In this review, we discuss the available data on how coronaviruses profit from cellular lipid compartments and why targeting lipid metabolism may be a powerful strategy to fight these cellular parasites. We also provide a formidable collection of data on the pharmacological approaches targeting lipid metabolism to impair and treat coronavirus infection.

Daño miocárdico en la COVID-19 / Myocardial Damage in COVID-19

Introducción: La enfermedad por coronavirus ha causado daño miocárdico, razón que ha impactado en las ciencias médicas por lo que ha sido motivo de investigación. Objetivo: Mostrar a través de resultados de recientes investigaciones, los mecanismos mediante los cuales el virus SARS-CoV-2 produce daño miocárdico en los pacientes afectados por la COVID-19, y su influencia en el pronóstico a corto y largo plazo. Métodos: Se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica de la literatura médica actualizada sobre el tema publicada en idioma inglés y español, indexado en varias bases de datos en el período comprendido de mayo de 2019 a mayo de 2022. De un total de 198 artículos en la revisión, cumplieron con los criterios de selección 78 artículos. Se excluyeron los que no contenían información precisa en cuanto al daño miocárdico provocado por el SARS-CoV-2. Resultados: Se han descrito varios mecanismos que pueden ser los desencadenantes entre los que se destacan: daño directo por angiotensina II, lesión inducida por hipoxia, daño microvascular miocárdico y síndrome de respuesta inflamatoria sistémica. Conclusiones: Los diferentes mecanismos por los cuales el virus SARS-CoV-2 produce daño miocárdico, hacen que los pacientes con la COVID-19 tengan más probabilidades de sufrir una lesión miocárdica. Las manifestaciones clínicas en pacientes con la COVID-19 como miocarditis, insuficiencia cardíaca, arritmias cardíacas, síndrome coronario agudo y derrame pericárdico, son más comunes en pacientes con antecedentes de enfermedad cardiovascular que desfavorecen su pronóstico(AU)

Introduction: Coronavirus disease has caused myocardial damage. This reality has impacted medical sciences and it has been the subject of research. Objective: To show, through the results of recent research, the mechanisms by which the SARS-CoV-2 virus produces myocardial damage in patients affected by COVID-19, and its influence on short- and long-term prognosis. Methods: A bibliographic search was carried out of the updated medical literature on the topic published in English and Spanish, indexed in several databases from May 2019 to May 2022. One hundred ninety-eight articles were included in the review, only 78 met the selection criteria. Those that did not contain precise information regarding myocardial damage caused by SARS-CoV-2 were excluded. Results: Several mechanisms have been described as probable triggers, standing out direct damage by angiotensin II, hypoxia-induced injury, myocardial microvascular damage and systemic inflammatory response syndrome. Conclusions: The different mechanisms by which SARS-CoV-2 virus produces myocardial damage make COVID-19 patients more likely to suffer myocardial injury. Clinical manifestations in COVID-19 patients such as myocarditis, heart failure, cardiac arrhythmias, acute coronary syndrome and pericardial effusion are more common in patients with history of cardiovascular disease, which do not favors their prognosis(AU)