Utilizing COVID-19 as a Model for Diagnostics Using an Electrochemical Sensor.

This paper reports a rapid and sensitive sensor for the detection and quantification of the COVID-19 N-protein (N-PROT) via an electrochemical mechanism. Single-frequency electrochemical impedance spectroscopy was used as a transduction method for real-time measurement of the N-PROT in an immunosensor system based on gold-conjugate-modified carbon screen-printed electrodes (Cov-Ag-SPE). The system presents high selectivity attained through an optimal stimulation signal composed of a 0.0 V DC potential and 10 mV RMS-1 AC signal at 100 Hz over 300 s. The Cov-Ag-SPE showed a log response toward N-PROT detection at concentrations from 1.0 ng mL-1 to 10.0 µg mL-1, with a 0.977 correlation coefficient for the phase (θ) variation. An ML-based approach could be created using some aspects observed from the positive and negative samples; hence, it was possible to classify 252 samples, reaching 83.0, 96.2 and 91.3% sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy, respectively, with confidence intervals (CI) ranging from 73.0 to 100.0%. Because impedance spectroscopy measurements can be performed with low-cost portable instruments, the immunosensor proposed here can be applied in point-of-care diagnostics for mass testing, even in places with limited resources, as an alternative to the common diagnostics methods.

Improved protocol for Bst polymerase and reverse transcriptase production and application to a point-of-care diagnostics system.

The pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has raised awareness in the scientific community about the importance of being prepared for sanitary emergencies. Many measures implemented during the COVID pandemic are now being expanded to other applications. In the field of molecular and immunological diagnostics, the need to massively test the population worldwide resulted in the application of a variety of methods to detect viral infection. Besides gold standard reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), the use of reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) arose as an alternative and sensitive method to amplify and detect viral genetic material. We have used openly available protocols and have improved the protein production of RT-LAMP enzymes Bst polymerase and HIV-reverse transcriptase. To optimize enzyme production, we tested different protein tags, and we shortened the protein purification protocol, resulting in reduced processing time and handling of the enzymes and, thus, preserved the protein activity with high purity. The enzymes showed significant stability at 4 °C and 25 °C, over 60 days, and were highly reliable when used as a one-step RT-LAMP reaction in a portable point-of-care device with clinical samples. The enzymes and the reaction setup can be further expanded to detect other infectious diseases agents.

Data treatment methods for real-time colorimetric loop-mediated isothermal amplification reactions.

With the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and the need for affordable and rapid mass testing, colorimetric isothermal amplification reactions such as Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) are quickly rising in importance. The technique generates data that is similar to quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR), but instead of an endpoint color visualization, it is possible to construct a signal over a time curve. As the number of works using time-course analysis of isothermal reactions increases, there is a need to analyze data and standardize their related treatments quantitatively. Here, we take a step forward toward this goal by evaluating different available data treatments (curve models) for amplification curves, which allows for a cycle threshold-like parameter extraction. In this study, we uncover evidence of a double sigmoid equation as the most adequate model to describe amplification data from our remote diagnostics system and discuss possibilities for similar setups. We also demonstrate the use of multimodal Gompertz regression models. Thus, this work provides advances toward standardized and unbiased data reporting of Reverse Transcription (RT) LAMP reactions, which may facilitate and quicken assay interpretation, potentially enabling the application of machine learning techniques for further optimization and classification.

Hilab System Device in an Oncological Hospital: A New Clinical Approach for Point of Care CBC Test, Supported by the Internet of Things and Machine Learning.

The complete blood count (CBC) is a highly requested test that is generally restricted to centralized laboratories, which are limited by high cost, being maintenance-demanding, and requiring costly equipment. The Hilab System (HS) is a small, handheld hematological platform that uses microscopy and chromatography techniques, combined with machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI), to perform a CBC test. This platform uses ML and AI techniques to add higher accuracy and reliability to the results besides allowing for faster reporting. For clinical and flagging capability evaluation of the handheld device, the study analyzed 550 blood samples of patients from a reference institution for oncological diseases. The clinical analysis encompassed the data comparison between the Hilab System and a conventional hematological analyzer (Sysmex XE-2100) for all CBC analytes. The flagging capability study compared the microscopic findings from the Hilab System and the standard blood smear evaluation method. The study also assessed the sample collection source (venous or capillary) influences. The Pearson correlation, Student t-test, Bland-Altman, and Passing-Bablok plot of analytes were calculated and are shown. Data from both methodologies were similar (p > 0.05; r ≥ 0.9 for most parameters) for all CBC analytes and flagging parameters. Venous and capillary samples did not differ statistically (p > 0.05). The study indicates that the Hilab System provides humanized blood collection associated with fast and accurate data, essential features for patient wellbeing and quick physician decision making.

Clinical Validation of a Colorimetric Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification Using a Portable Device for the Rapid Detection of SARS-CoV-2.

Quick and reliable mass testing of infected people is an effective tool for the contingency of SARS-CoV-2. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Point-of-Care (POC) tests using Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) arose as a useful diagnostic tool. LAMP tests are a robust and fast alternative to Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), and their isothermal property allows easy incorporation into POC platforms. The main drawback of using colorimetric LAMP is the reported short-term stability of the pre-mixed reagents, as well as the relatively high rate of false-positive results. Also, low-magnitude amplification can produce a subtle color change, making it difficult to discern a positive reaction. This paper presents Hilab Molecular, a portable device that uses the Internet of Things and Artificial Intelligence to pre-analyze colorimetric data. In addition, we established manufacturing procedures to increase the stability of colorimetric RT-LAMP tests. We show that ready-to-use reactions can be stored for up to 120 days at -20 °C. Furthermore, we validated both the Hilab Molecular device and the Hilab RT-LAMP test for SARS-CoV-2 using 581 patient samples without any purification steps. We achieved a sensitivity of 92.93% and specificity of 99.42% (samples with CT ≤ 30) when compared to RT-qPCR.

Enhancing a SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid antigen test sensitivity with cost efficient strategy through a cotton intermembrane insertion.

Lateral flow antigen tests have been widely used in the Covid-19 pandemic, allowing faster diagnostic test results and preventing further viral spread through isolation of infected individuals. Accomplishment of this screening must be performed with tests that show satisfactory sensitivity in order to successfully detect the target protein and avoid false negatives. The aim of this study was to create a lateral flow test that could detect SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein in low concentrations that were comparable to the limits of detection claimed by existing tests from the market. To do so, several adjustments were necessary during research and development of the prototypes until they were consistent with these criteria. The proposed alternatives of increasing the test line antibody concentration and addition of an intermembrane between the conjugate pad and the nitrocellulose membrane were able to increase the sensitivity four-fold and generate a new rapid test prototype called "lateral flow intermembrane immunoassay test" (LFIIT). This prototype showed an adequate limit of detection (2.0 ng mL-1) while maintaining affordability and simplicity in manufacturing processes.

Development of an optimized colorimetric RT-LAMP for SARS-CoV-2 assay with enhanced procedure controls for remote diagnostics.

The coronavirus pandemic accentuated the need for molecular diagnostic tests. A technique highly used to this end is the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)-a sensitive and specific technique commonly used as the gold standard for molecular diagnostics. However, it demands highly trained personnel and high-maintenance equipment and is relatively time-consuming. An alternative is the Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) technique, which doesn't need sample purification or expensive equipment, and is similar to PCR when compared in sensitivity and specificity. In this paper, we developed an optimized colorimetric Reverse Transcriptase Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (RT-LAMP) Point-of-Care test using a portable device to diagnose COVID-19. Variables such as concentration of primers, magnesium sulfate, betaine, hydrochloride guanidine, Bst, and temperature of the reactions were tested. We also created a pipetting quality control system-using a combination of dyes-to avoid false negatives due to a lack of samples added to the reaction test tube. Mineral oil was incorporated in the composition of the RT-LAMP reactions to avoid evaporation when a heating lid isn't available. The final RT-LAMP test is tenfold more sensitive when compared to the WarmStart Colorimetric Master mix from New England Biolabs with a sensitivity of 5 copies per µL.

Efeito do cimento cirúrgico sobre o pós-operatório de gengivectomias e gengivoplastias: uma revisão crítica da literatura / Effect of surgical cement on the post-operative following gingivectomy and gingivoplasty: a critical review of the literature

Contexto:O cimento cirúrgico é um material alternativo no pós operatório de gengivoplastia e gengivectomia, que proporciona conforto ao paciente. Porém, existem controvérsias sobre sua utilização, sendo relatado por alguns especialistas o surgimento do processo inflamatório agudo, sendo classificado como desnecessário.Objetivo: Identificar evidências na literatura acerca do efeito do cimento cirúrgico no pós-operatório do tecido gengival após gengivectomia e gengivoplastia. Materiais e métodos: Foi realizada uma revisão crítica de literatura por meio de buscas nas bases de dadosPubmed, Scielo, Lilacs, Cochrane, Scopus e na literatura cinzenta (Periódicos Capes, Google Scholar). Foram incluídos ensaios clínicos randomizados que testaram o cimento cirúrgico em casos de gengivectomias. Os artigos foram selecionados inicialmente pelo título e resumo, seguido de análise do texto na íntegra. Os estudos incluídos tiveram o nível de evidência avaliado por parâmetros do CONSORT. Resultados:Foram levantados 1458 estudos, sendo 16 escolhidos para leitura na íntegra e, destes, 3 foram incluídos na revisão. A amostra teve idade variando de dezessete a setenta e um anos. Foi utilizado cimento cirúrgico sem eugenol comparado com o bochecho de clorexidina 0,2% e a escovação mecânica precoce no pós-cirúrgico. Um estudo relatou menor índice de dor com o uso de cimento cirúrgico. O tempo de acompanhamento dos estudos foi de 30 dias. Dois estudos tiveram nível de evidência III.Conclusão: Os artigos apresentaram baixa evidência científica e quenão há consenso na literatura quanto ao efeito de cimento cirúrgico após gengivectomias.

Aim:To identify evidence in the literature about the effect of periodontal dressing on the healing of gingival tissue after gingivectomy and gingivoplasty. Materials and methods: A critical literature review was carried out through electronic searches in thePubmed, Scielo, Lilacs, Cochrane, Scopus databases and in the gray literature (Periódicos Capes, Google Scholar). Randomized clinical trials evaluating periodontal dressing in gingivectomies were included. The articles were selected by title and abstract,followed by analysis of the full text. The included studies have the level of evidence determined by CONSORT parameters. Results: A total of 1458 studies were surveyed, 16 were selected for full reading and, of these, 3 were included in the review. The age sample ranged from seventeen to seventy-one years old. A periodontal dressing without eugenol was used compared to a 0.2% chlorhexidine mouthwash and an early mechanical brushing after surgery. One study reported less pain with the use of periodontal dressing. The follow-up of the studies was 30 days. Two studies had Level of Evidence III.Conclusion:It was concluded that the articles had low scientific evidence and that there is no consensus in the literature regarding the effect of periodontal dressing after gingivectomies.

Hilab system, a new point-of-care hematology analyzer supported by the Internet of Things and Artificial Intelligence.

The complete blood count (CBC) is one of the most requested tests by physicians. CBC tests, most realized in conventional hematological analyzers, are restricted to centralized laboratories due to frequent maintenance, large devices, and expensive costs required. On the other hand, most handheld CBC devices commercially available show high prices and are not liable to calibration or control procedures, which results in poor quality compared to standard hematology instruments. The Hilab system is a small-handed hematological platform that uses microscopy and chromatography techniques for blood cells and hematimetric parameters analysis through artificial intelligence, machine learning, and deep learning techniques. For clinical evaluation of the handheld CBC device, 450 blood samples were analyzed. The samples encompassed normal (82%) and pathological conditions (18%), such as thalassemias (2.2%), anemias (6.6%), and infections (9.2%). For all analytes, accuracy, precision, method comparison, and flagging capabilities of the Hilab System, were compared with the Sysmex XE-2100 (Sysmex, Japan) results. The sample source (venous and capillary) influences were also evaluated. Pearson correlation, Student t test, bias, and the Bland-Altman plot of each blood count analyte were calculated and shown. The significance level was set at p ≤ 0.05. For clinical evaluation, Hilab System and the Sysmex XE-2100 showed a strong correlation (r ≥ 0.9) for most evaluated parameters. In the precision study, analytes showed CV inside the limits established according to European Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine guidelines. The flagging capabilities of the Hilab system, compared to the manual microscopy technique, presented high sensibility, specificity, and accuracy. Venous and capillary samples (p > 0.05) do not differ statistically. Considering the need for point-of-care CBCs, the study indicated that the Hilab system provides fast, accurate, low cost, and robust analysis for reliable clinical use.

Linkage strategy and vulnerabilities in the barriers to HIV/AIDS treatment for men who have sex with men. / Estratégia de linkagem e vulnerabilidades nas barreiras ao tratamento de HIV/Aids para homens que fazem sexo com homens.

This study aims to analyze the linkage to HIV/AIDS treatment among Men who have Sex with Men (MSM) of the project "A Hora é Agora" in Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil. The concept of vulnerability with its three axes, namely, the individual, social, and programmatic, was the theoretical framework. The barriers from testing up to the onset of the treatment were mapped through linkage registration and minutes from supervisory meetings. In the individual axis, the data revealed that the MSM struggled to address the HIV diagnosis, besides psychological problems that could cause the delay in starting treatment. Considering the social axis, stigma/discrimination was identified in the service at the Basic Health Care Network and within the families, delaying the disclosure of serology. Lastly, in the programmatic axis, the MSM found barriers in accessing the health services due to requests to repeat the HIV test, changing doctors due to poor service, and difficulties in conducting further tests, which adversely reflected on health care. In order to overcome these barriers, it is recommended not only a macro-structural work within this group, but also an investment in the micropolitics, which will enable a real change of attitude, continued care, and a stance related to approaches of care and the defense of life.

Este estudo tem por objetivo analisar a vinculação ao tratamento de HIV/Aids de Homens que fazem Sexo com Homens (HSH) no Projeto A Hora é Agora, na cidade de Curitiba, Paraná. O conceito de vulnerabilidade com seus três eixos: individual, social e programático foi considerado o marco teórico. Realizou-se levantamento das barreiras enfrentadas pelos sujeitos da testagem até o início do tratamento, por meio de registro da linkagem e atas das reuniões de supervisão. Os dados revelaram que, no plano individual, os HSH tiveram dificuldade em aceitar o diagnóstico de HIV, além de problemas psicológicos que podem ter acarretado na demora de início do tratamento. No eixo social, o estigma/discriminação foi identificado no atendimento nas Unidades Básicas de Saúde e na família, protelando a revelação da sorologia. Por fim, no eixo programático, os HSH encontraram entraves no acesso aos serviços de saúde em função: dos pedidos para repetirem o teste de HIV; mudança de médico pelo mau atendimento; e obstáculos na realização de outros exames, refletindo negativamente no cuidado da saúde. Para a superação dessas barreiras recomenda-se uma atuação não apenas macroestrutural frente a esse grupo, mas um investimento na micropolítica, possibilitando uma mudança real de atitude, cuidado contínuo e postura frente a abordagem do cuidador e a defesa da vida.

SARS-CoV-2 Delta and Omicron Variants Surge in Curitiba, Southern Brazil, and Its Impact on Overall COVID-19 Lethality.

Screening efforts and genomic surveillance are essential tools to evaluate the course of the COVID-19 pandemic and assist the public healthcare system in dealing with an increasing number of infections. For the analysis of COVID-19 cases scenarios in Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil, we performed a diagnosis of positive cases, coupled with genotyping, for symptomatic and asymptomatic members of the Federal University of Paraná. We achieved over 1000 samples using RT-qPCR for diagnosis. The posterior genotyping allowed us to observe differences in the spread of strains in Curitiba, Brazil. The Delta variant was not associated with an infection wave, whereas the rapid Omicron variant spread became dominant in less than one month. We also evaluated the general vaccination coverage in the state, observing a striking reduction in lethality correlated to the vaccinated fraction of the population; although lower lethality rates were not much affected by the Omicron variant wave, the same effect was not translated in the number of infections. In summary, our results provide a general overview of the pandemic's course in Paraná State and how there was reduction in lethality after a combination of multiple infection waves and a large-scale vaccination program.

Estratégia de linkagem e vulnerabilidades nas barreiras ao tratamento de HIV/Aids para homens que fazem sexo com homens / Linkage strategy and vulnerabilities in the barriers to HIV/AIDS treatment for men who have sex with men

Resumo Este estudo tem por objetivo analisar a vinculação ao tratamento de HIV/Aids de Homens que fazem Sexo com Homens (HSH) no Projeto A Hora é Agora, na cidade de Curitiba, Paraná. O conceito de vulnerabilidade com seus três eixos: individual, social e programático foi considerado o marco teórico. Realizou-se levantamento das barreiras enfrentadas pelos sujeitos da testagem até o início do tratamento, por meio de registro da linkagem e atas das reuniões de supervisão. Os dados revelaram que, no plano individual, os HSH tiveram dificuldade em aceitar o diagnóstico de HIV, além de problemas psicológicos que podem ter acarretado na demora de início do tratamento. No eixo social, o estigma/discriminação foi identificado no atendimento nas Unidades Básicas de Saúde e na família, protelando a revelação da sorologia. Por fim, no eixo programático, os HSH encontraram entraves no acesso aos serviços de saúde em função: dos pedidos para repetirem o teste de HIV; mudança de médico pelo mau atendimento; e obstáculos na realização de outros exames, refletindo negativamente no cuidado da saúde. Para a superação dessas barreiras recomenda-se uma atuação não apenas macroestrutural frente a esse grupo, mas um investimento na micropolítica, possibilitando uma mudança real de atitude, cuidado contínuo e postura frente a abordagem do cuidador e a defesa da vida.

Abstract This study aims to analyze the linkage to HIV/AIDS treatment among Men who have Sex with Men (MSM) of the project "A Hora é Agora" in Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil. The concept of vulnerability with its three axes, namely, the individual, social, and programmatic, was the theoretical framework. The barriers from testing up to the onset of the treatment were mapped through linkage registration and minutes from supervisory meetings. In the individual axis, the data revealed that the MSM struggled to address the HIV diagnosis, besides psychological problems that could cause the delay in starting treatment. Considering the social axis, stigma/discrimination was identified in the service at the Basic Health Care Network and within the families, delaying the disclosure of serology. Lastly, in the programmatic axis, the MSM found barriers in accessing the health services due to requests to repeat the HIV test, changing doctors due to poor service, and difficulties in conducting further tests, which adversely reflected on health care. In order to overcome these barriers, it is recommended not only a macro-structural work within this group, but also an investment in the micropolitics, which will enable a real change of attitude, continued care, and a stance related to approaches of care and the defense of life.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection among healthcare workers in a tertiary public hospital in Curitiba, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to describe the clinical characteristics of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) among healthcare workers (HCWs) in Curitiba, Brazil. METHODS: Upper respiratory samples from 1077 HCWs were tested for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction from June 16, 2020 to December 9, 2020. RESULTS: Overall, 32.7% of HCWs were infected. The positivity rates in symptomatic and asymptomatic HCWs were 39.2% and 15.9%, respectively. Hospital departments categorized as high-risk for exposure had the highest number of infected HCWs. CONCLUSIONS: Early diagnosis and isolation of infected HCWs remain key in controlling SARS-CoV-2 transmission because HCWs in close contact with COVID-19 patients are more likely to be infected than those who are not.

Cost-Effectiveness of Molecular Method Diagnostic for Rapid Detection of Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to perform a cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) of the molecular diagnostic method (MM) associated with conventional diagnostic method (CM) compared with the CM alone, for the detection of resistant profile in bacteremia, from the perspective of the Brazilian Public Health System, in intensive care units setting. METHODS: The clinical parameters regarding methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (CRGNB), and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus spp. (VRE) infections were collected from searches on PubMed, Scopus, and SciELO, using specific keywords. Data on direct medical costs to treat these infections were collected according to Brazilian Public Health System perspective from Brazilian databases, in tables of 2018 to 2019. CEA was performed after building a dynamic model, which was calibrated and validated according to international recommendations. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of the MM + CM compared with the CM was calculated using the outcomes "avoided death" and "avoided resistant infections." One-way sensitivity analyses were performed. RESULTS: This CEA demonstrated that the MM + CM was dominant in all scenarios. Estimates showed that for MRSA, CRGNB, and VRE infections, every avoided death would lead to savings of Brazilian real (R$) 4.9 million ($937 301), R$2.2 million ($419 899), and R$1.3 million ($248 919), respectively. The same infections assessed by avoided resistant infections savings were projected to be R$24 964 ($4686), R$40 260 ($7558), and R$23 867 ($4480). CONCLUSIONS: MM leads to cost reduction and increased benefits, optimizing the use of financial resources on the health system in the intensive care unit setting, in bacteremia caused by MRSA, CRGNB, and VRE.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection among healthcare workers in a tertiary public hospital in Curitiba, Brazil

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: We aimed to describe the clinical characteristics of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) among healthcare workers (HCWs) in Curitiba, Brazil. METHODS: Upper respiratory samples from 1077 HCWs were tested for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction from June 16, 2020 to December 9, 2020. RESULTS: Overall, 32.7% of HCWs were infected. The positivity rates in symptomatic and asymptomatic HCWs were 39.2% and 15.9%, respectively. Hospital departments categorized as high-risk for exposure had the highest number of infected HCWs. CONCLUSIONS: Early diagnosis and isolation of infected HCWs remain key in controlling SARS-CoV-2 transmission because HCWs in close contact with COVID-19 patients are more likely to be infected than those who are not.

Comprehensive approach to HIV/AIDS testing and linkage to treatment among men who have sex with men in Curitiba, Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: The Curitiba (Brazil)-based Project, A Hora é Agora (AHA), evaluated a comprehensive HIV control strategy among men who have sex with men (MSM) aimed at expanding access to HIV rapid testing and linking HIV-positive MSM to health services and treatment. AHA's approach included rapid HIV Testing Services (HTC) in one mobile testing unit (MTU); a local, gay-led, non-governmental organization (NGO); an existing government-run health facility (COA); and Internet-based HIV self-testing. The objectives of the paper were to compare a) number of MSM tested in each strategy, its positivity and linkage; b) social, demographic and behavioral characteristics of MSM accessing the different HTC and linkage services; and c) the costs of the individual strategies to diagnose and link MSM to services. METHODS: We used data for 2,681 MSM tested at COA, MTU and NGO from March 2015 to March 2017. This is a cross sectional comparison of the demographics and behavioral factors (age group, race/ethnicity, education, sexually transmitted diseases, knowledge of AHA services and previous HIV test). Absolute frequencies, percentage distributions and confidence intervals for the percentages were used, as well as unilateral statistical tests. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: AHA performed 2,681 HIV tests among MSM across three in-person strategies: MTU, NGO, and COA; and distributed 4,752 HIV oral fluid tests through the self-testing platform. MTU, NGO and COA reported 365 (13.6%) HIV positive diagnoses among MSM, including 28 users with previous HIV diagnosis or on antiretroviral treatment for HIV. Of these, 89% of MSM were eligible for linkage-to-care services. Linkage support was accepted by 86% of positive MSM, of which 66.7% were linked to services in less than 90 days. The MTU resulted in the lowest cost per MSM tested ($137 per test), followed by self-testing ($247). CONCLUSIONS: AHA offered MSM access to HTC through innovative strategies operating in alternative sites and schedules. It presented the Curitiba HIV/AIDS community the opportunity to monitor HIV-positive MSM from diagnosis to treatment uptake. Self-testing emerged as a feasible strategy to increase MSM access to HIV-testing through virtual tools and anonymous test kit delivery and pick-up. Cost per test findings in both the MTU and self-testing support expansion to other regions with similar epidemiological contexts.

Rapid Serological Tests for SARS-CoV-2: Diagnostic Performance of 4 Commercial Assays.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the diagnostic performance of lateral flow immunochromatographic assays (LFAs) of 4 different manufacturers to identify SARS-CoV-2 antibodies (IgM, IgG, or total), comparing them with the nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) or the clinical defined test (definite or probable SARS-CoV-2 infection, respectively). METHODS: One hundred nineteen serum samples were randomly selected by convenience and distributed in the following groups: (1) group with SARS-CoV-2 infection (n = 82; RT-qPCR positive [definite, n = 70] and probable [n = 12]); (2) other diseases (n = 27; other viruses identified [n = 8] and SARS of other etiologies [n = 19]); and (3) healthy control group (n = 10). LFAs of 4 manufacturers were compared: MedTest Coronavirus (COVID-19) IgG/IgM (MedLevensohn, Brazil); COVID-19 IgG/IgM ECO Test (Ecodiagnóstica, Brazil); Camtech COVID-19 IgM/IgG Rapid Test Kit (Camtech Diagnostics Pte Ltd, Singapore); and 1-Step COVID-19 Test for total antibodies (Guangzhou Wondfo Biotech Co., China). RESULTS: The 4 tests studied showed high diagnostic performance characteristics for the diagnoses of definite or probable SARS-CoV-2 infection. The best measures were for the Wondfo test: sensitivity (86.59%; 95% CI: 77.26-93.11%), specificity (100%; 90.51-100%), DOR (257; 60-1,008), LR+ (33.43; 4.82-231.85), LR- (0.13; 0.08-0.23), accuracy (90.76%; 84.06-95.29%), and Matthews correlation coefficient (MCC) 0.82. Although considering only the probable SARS-CoV-2 infection (PCR-) cases, all the kits studied showed limited values. CONCLUSION: Our data demonstrate the excellent performance of LFA for the diagnoses of definite or probable SARS-CoV-2 infection. There was substantial heterogeneity in sensitivities of IgM and IgG antibodies among the different kits. LFA tests cannot replace molecular diagnostics but should be used as an additional screening tool.

Small vessel occlusion and syphilis in patients with first-ever ischemic stroke.

BACKGROUND: Syphilis is an endemic disease, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, with vascular involvement in large vessels (aortitis), but no clear relationship with stroke patients, except for those who presented with meningovascular neurosyphilis. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between a positive history of syphilis determined by serological testing and ischemic stroke etiology, particularly small vessel disease (SVD). METHODS: In total, 269 first-ever ischemic stroke patients admitted to the stroke unit were tested for syphilis. Patients with neurosyphilis were excluded. All patients were classified according to the ASCOD phenotyping as SVD - when SVD was the potential causal mechanism (S1) - or non-SVD - when SVD was uncertain (S2), unlike (S3), or not detected (S0). RESULTS: Syphilis was positive in 32 (12%) patients. When comparing patients with positive and negative serology, the only significant difference was SVD as the causal mechanism (S1) in patients with positive results: 9 (28%) vs. 22 (9%), p<0.01. CONCLUSION: The current study showed that the frequency of positive syphilis serological test was higher in patients with first-ever ischemic stroke and SVD as the potential causal mechanism. This finding could be related to the endothelial dysfunction occurring in syphilis.

Recommendations for Managing Endodontic Emergencies during Coronavirus Disease 2019 Outbreak.

INTRODUCTION: The management of endodontic emergencies has been particularly challenging during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak because of the possible generation of airborne particles and aerosols. The aim of this report was to contribute to the practice of endodontics by proposing a general protocol for the management of emergencies showing the rationale for remote diagnosis, clinical procedures, and the use of personal protective equipment and barriers at the dental office during the COVID-19 outbreak. METHODS: A review of the literature was conducted up to May 2020 on relevant institutional sites, aiming to retrieve the best updated evidence. The reporting considered the Reporting Tool for Practice Guidelines in Health Care statement. RESULTS: Recommendations from Cochrane Oral Health, the American Dental Association, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention were included along with the American Association of Endodontists resources and scientific articles that addressed the issue. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed protocol could contribute to the management of endodontic emergencies at the dental office during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Charlson comorbidity index scores and in-hospital prognosis of patients with severe acute respiratory infections.

BACKGROUND: Respiratory infections are one of the leading causes of mortality, and comorbid conditions play a significant role in the severity and fatality of these infections. AIMS: We evaluated the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) score and possible predictors of mortality in hospitalised patients with severe acute respiratory infection (SARI), aiming to test if the CCI is a valid in-hospital prognostic indicator. METHODS: Patients older than 14 years, hospitalised from 2010 to 2016 due to SARI by viral infection and who were submitted to respiratory virus testing were included. We assessed comorbidity retrospectively through chart review and calculated four variants of the CCI. RESULTS: Of the 291 patients assessed, 72.8% (n = 212) presented comorbidities, and 24% died (n = 70). The most recurrent comorbidities were chronic pulmonary disease (n = 76/212, 36%) and HIV (n = 50/212, 23.6%). The 1994 age-adjusted CCI predicted in-hospital mortality in SARI patients (P = 0.04), and HIV was associated with in-hospital mortality (P = 0.032). CONCLUSIONS: The comorbidity scores used to assess mortality risk in hospitalised patients with SARI displayed poor results, but HIV infection was considered a marker of severity. However, other factors should be considered in order to compose a score system that allows us to specifically assess the risk of mortality in patients with SARI.