Immune Response to an Inactivated Vaccine of SARS-CoV-2 (CoronaVac) in an Indigenous Brazilian Population: A Cohort Study.

INTRODUCTION: Although the adaptive immune responses to the CoronaVac vaccine are known, their dynamics in indigenous communities remain unclear. In this study, we assessed the humoral and cellular immune responses to CoronaVac (Sinovac Biotech Life Sciences, 2021 NCT05225285, Beijing, China), in immunized Brazilian indigenous individuals. METHODS: We conducted a prospective cohort study on indigenous Brazilian people between February 2021 and June 2021. Analyses of immune responses were carried out before (T1) and after a vaccination schedule was completed (T2). Demographic data were collected using a questionnaire. RESULTS: We initially included 328 patients; among them, 120 (36.6%) had no SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were collected from 106 patients during follow-up visits, of which 91 samples were analyzed by immunophenotyping assay to detect SARS-CoV-2-specific memory T-cell response. Post-vaccination, the levels of memory B-cells and Natural Killer T-lymphocytes increased. Bororó village residents, females, and Terena ethnic group members had higher levels of anti-spike IgG antibodies post-vaccination, whereas alcohol and tobacco users had lower concentrations. CONCLUSIONS: To our best knowledge, this was the first comprehensive assessment of antibody and T-cell responses against CoronaVac vaccination in indigenous patients. Our findings showed that antibody response and T-cell immunity against SARS-CoV-2 were present in most patients following the vaccination schedule.

Aprendizaje autónomo en la educación a distancia en estudiantes de Psicopedagogía durante la COVID-19: una revisión sistemática

Introducción: Durante la COVID-19, la educación a distancia fue una oportunidad para el ejercicio del autoaprendizaje en salud mediante el uso de recursos electrónicos, con el dinamismo e impulso del aprendizaje autodidacta mediante el uso de las TIC. Objetivo: Valorar a través de una revisión sistemática el comportamiento del aprendizaje autónomo en estudiantes de Psicopedagogía durante la pandemia por la COVID-19. Método: Se realizó una revisión sistemática en publicaciones entre los años 2020-2022, donde se identificaron 767 artículos en Scopus, 64 registros en SciELO y 759 en Google Scholar, luego de su procesamiento quedó una muestra de 52 artículos. Fueron recopilados: título, año, tipo de artículo, contexto, revista, indexación, tema, comentario, posible uso en el artículo, referencia bibliográfica y DOI. Las referencias bibliográficas se procesaron mediante el gestor bibliográfico Mendeley. Resultados: Se destacó el creciente acto investigativo acerca de las estrategias metodológicas de la autonomía en los aprendizajes en educación básica y con aspiraciones a efectuar estudios en salud, durante la pandemia por la COVID-19. El país con más producciones académicas sobre aprendizaje autónomo en educación básica fue Perú con cuatro, seguido de Ecuador con tres producciones científicas vinculadas a salud; también se encontraron investigaciones de otras latitudes. Conclusiones: El aprendizaje autónomo es una prioridad de vigencia actual, indispensable para responder a las demandas de una sociedad cambiante y compleja. En los países de Latinoamérica hubo creciente interés investigativo sobre aprendizaje autónomo en educación básica y que aspiraron a efectuar estudios en salud durante la pandemia por la COVID-19.

Introduction: During COVID-19, distance education was an opportunity to practice self-learning in health through the use of electronic resources, with the dynamism and promotion of self-taught learning through the use of ICT. Objective: To assess, through a systematic review, the behavior of autonomous learning in Psychopedagogy students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: A systematic review was carried out on publications between the years 2020-2022, where 767 articles were identified in Scopus, 64 records in SciELO and 759 in Google Scholar, after processing a sample of 52 articles remained. The following were collected: title, year, type of article, context, journal, indexing, topic, comment, possible use in the article, bibliographic reference and DOI. Bibliographic references were processed using the Mendeley bibliographic manager. Results: The growing research act was highlighted about the methodological strategies of autonomy in learning in basic education and with aspirations to carry out health studies, during the COVID-19 pandemic. The country with the most academic productions on autonomous learning in basic education was Peru with four, followed by Ecuador with three scientific productions linked to health; Research from other latitudes was also found. Conclusions: Autonomous learning is a current priority, essential to respond to the demands of a changing and complex society. In Latin American countries, there was growing research interest in autonomous learning in basic education and they aspired to carry out health studies during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Introdução: Durante a COVID-19, a educação a distância foi uma oportunidade para praticar a autoaprendizagem em saúde através do uso de recursos eletrônicos, com a dinamização e promoção da aprendizagem autodidata através do uso das TIC. Objetivo: Avaliar, por meio de uma revisão sistemática, o comportamento da aprendizagem autônoma em estudantes de Psicopedagogia durante a pandemia da COVID-19. Método: Foi realizada uma revisão sistemática sobre publicações entre os anos de 2020 a 2022, onde foram identificados 767 artigos na Scopus, 64 registros na SciELO e 759 no Google Acadêmico, após processamento permaneceu uma amostra de 52 artigos. Foram coletados: título, ano, tipo de artigo, contexto, periódico, indexação, tema, comentário, possível uso no artigo, referência bibliográfica e DOI. As referências bibliográficas foram processadas utilizando o gerenciador bibliográfico Mendeley. Resultados: Destacou-se a crescente atuação de pesquisa sobre as estratégias metodológicas de autonomia na aprendizagem na educação básica e com aspirações à realização de estudos em saúde, durante a pandemia de COVID-19. O país com mais produções acadêmicas sobre aprendizagem autônoma na educação básica foi o Peru com quatro, seguido pelo Equador com três produções científicas ligadas à saúde; Pesquisas de outras latitudes também foram encontradas. Conclusões: A aprendizagem autónoma é uma prioridade atual, essencial para responder às exigências de uma sociedade complexa e em mudança. Nos países latino-americanos, havia um crescente interesse de investigação na aprendizagem autónoma no ensino básico e aspiravam a realizar estudos de saúde durante a pandemia da COVID-19.

Seroprevalence Of SARS-COV-2 infection in asymptomatic indigenous from the largest Brazilian periurban area.

This study assessed the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in 496 asymptomatic individuals from Mato Grosso do Sul, located in Dourados, the largest periurban indigenous area in Brazil, from January 25 to February 4, 2021. The volunteers participated before receiving their first dose of the CoronaVac inactivated vaccine. For screening, blood samples were collected and analyzed using SARS-CoV-2 rapid tests and the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). We observed varying trends in total anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies across different variables. Seropositivity among the participants tested was 63.70% (316/496) using the rapid test and 52.82% (262/496) were positive using the ELISA method. The majority of participants identified with the Guarani-Kaiowá ethnic group, with 66.15% (217/328), and other ethnic groups with 58.84% (193/328). The median age of the subjects was 30.5 years, with 79.57% (261/328) being femaleThis research showed the elevated seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in asymptomatic Brazilians. The findings indicate a high seropositivity rate among the asymptomatic indigenous population of Midwest Brazil. This underscores the overlooked status of these communities and underscores the need for targeted national initiatives that emphasize the protection of vulnerable ethnic groups in the fight against COVID-19.

Revisión documental sobre el software GeoGebra aplicado a la Cultura Física y el deporte

El software GeoGebra es muy útil en las simulaciones de movimientos físicos porque con la ayuda de este el profesional del deporte es capaz de interpretar con valores matemáticos y geométricos la realización de un lanzamiento, una acción que a simple vista es muy difícil descifrar. Sin embargo, a pesar de ser este recurso una vía recurrente para contribuir al desarrollo de la cultura física y el deporte, no ha sido muy generalizado su uso en esta área del conocimiento. Es por ello que los autores de esta investigación se proponen como objetivo: realizar una sistematización documental sobre el software Geogebra enfocado en la cultura Física para que se convierta en un referente a tener en cuenta para futuras innovaciones e investigaciones referente al tema. Con vistas a lograr esta meta consultaron un grupo de artículos en bases de datos de Scopus y Google Académico y publicados en los últimos cinco años referente al uso del Software GeoGebra y se visualizaron las características de este medio y los diversos beneficios que ha ofrecido a través del tiempo. Los artículos hallados se sistematizaron considerando la matriz de análisis, conteniendo aspectos preponderantes en cantidad de publicaciones durante el año 2021 con 12 publicaciones y menor cantidad de publicaciones durante el 2022. Se estudió un prototipo de 29 artículos, en los últimos cinco años referente al uso del Softwares educativos que implican al GeoGebra.

O software GeoGebra é muito útil na simulação de movimentos físicos porque com a ajuda dele o profissional do esporte consegue interpretar com valores matemáticos e geométricos a execução de um arremesso, ação muito difícil de decifrar a olho nu. Contudo, apesar deste recurso ser uma forma recorrente de contribuir para o desenvolvimento da cultura física e do desporto, a sua utilização nesta área do conhecimento não tem sido muito difundida. É por isso que os autores desta pesquisa propõem como objetivo: realizar uma sistematização documental sobre o software Geogebra voltado para a Cultura Física para que ele se torne uma referência a ser levada em conta para futuras inovações e pesquisas sobre o tema. do tempo. Os artigos encontrados foram sistematizados considerando a matriz de análise, contendo aspectos predominantes no número de publicações durante o ano de 2021 com 12 publicações e um menor número de publicações durante 2022. Foi estudado um protótipo de 29 artigos, nos últimos cinco anos quanto ao uso de software educacional que envolve o GeoGebra.

The GeoGebra software is very useful in simulating physical movements because with the help of it the sports professional is able to interpret with mathematical and geometric values the execution of a throw, an action that is very difficult to decipher with the naked eye. However, although this resource is a recurring way to contribute to the development of physical culture and sports, its use in this area of knowledge has not been very widespread. That is why the authors of this research propose as an objective: to carry out a documentary systematization on the Geogebra software focused on Physical culture so that it becomes a reference to be taken into account for future innovations and research on the topic. With a view to achieving this goal, they consulted a group of articles in Scopus and Google Scholar databases and published in the last five years regarding the use of GeoGebra Software and the characteristics of this medium, as well as the various benefits it has offered to users through time were visualized. The articles found were systematized considering the analysis matrix, containing predominant aspects in the number of publications during the year 2021 with 12 publications and a smaller number of publications during 2022. A prototype of 29 articles was studied, in the last five years regarding the use of Educational software that involves GeoGebra.

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

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

Determining reference ranges for immunological cells of healthy indigenous individuals from a region in Brazil.

Morais et al. conducted a pioneering study with Brazilian indigenous populations to determine reference values for immunologic cells from healthy adult individuals. The main findings included a higher relative median for T lymphocyte subsets in females than males, and T CD3+, T CD4+, and T CD8+ relative values were statistically different when compared with Brazilian populations from other Brazilian regions. The relative medians of CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+ T cells were significantly higher in women than in men in a healthy indigenous population. Demographic and ethnic diversity of the Brazilian population can be associated with quantitative modifications in the immunologic cells of healthy individuals. OBJECTIVE: The establishment of reference values for a subset of leukocytes is common in clinical practice, and ethnic variations are strongly associated with disease development. In Brazil, indigenous people are vulnerable to infections, and few studies have described the health and disease conditions of this population. This study aimed to provide reference values for immunological cell subsets in indigenous Brazilians living in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul. METHODS: Flow cytometry and 4-color combinations of monoclonal antibodies were used to characterize cells. A total of 115 healthy adults, mostly females (72%), were included in the study. The results are presented as mean and median (2.5%-97.5% percentiles) for T and B lymphocytes, CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, Natural Killer cells, monocytes, and dendritic cells, providing an average immunological profile for the population in question. RESULTS: The relative medians of CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+ T cells were significantly higher in women than in men in a healthy indigenous population. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, cell reference data from indigenous Brazilians are unknown in the literature. The immune cell results presented in this pioneering study will contribute to the clinical and laboratory evaluation of the Brazilian indigenous population, especially given the important differences when compared with other Brazilian ethnic groups.

Exploring dysregulated immune response genes and endothelial dysfunction biomarkers as predictors of severe COVID-19.

Identifying individuals and factors associated with severe cases of COVID-19 is crucial as the pandemic continues to spread globally. Effective biomarkers for predicting severe cases are essential for optimizing clinical management, therapy, and preventing unfavorable outcomes. This exploratory observational study aimed to investigate the expression of dysregulated immune response genes (ARG1, NOS2, ITGA4, and SELPLG) in total leukocytes, plasmatic levels of P-selectin and PSGL-1, and their clinical associations in patients with mild and severe COVID-19. Data from 117 confirmed COVID-19 patients (severe = 58, mild = 59) were collected upon admission. Gene expression was measured using RT-qPCR, and plasma protein levels assessed with ELISA assay. The severe COVID-19 patient group had a higher median age of 62.0 (p = 0.0001), a higher proportion of black individuals (86.2%, p < 0.0001), and more males (65.5%, p = 0.007). The neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) were significantly higher in the severe COVID-19 patient group (p < 0.0001), indicating ongoing systemic inflammation. Severe COVID-19 patients also exhibited increased expression of ARG1 (p < 0.05) and SELPLG (p < 0.0001) genes, as well as higher concentrations of soluble P-selectin (p < 0.005) and PSGL-1 (p < 0.05) proteins. Multivariate analysis revealed that NLR, PLR, the expression of SELPLG and sPSGL-1 were independent predictors of COVID-19 severity. In conclusion, this study suggests that biomarkers of endothelial dysfunction and dysregulated leukocyte responses are associated with COVID-19 severity, serving as promising predictive tools for optimizing clinical management and patient monitoring.

Immunophenotypic characterization of acute leukemias in Bahia, Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the immunophenotypic profile of acute leukemias in the population of the state of Bahia, Brazil. METHODS: This is a descriptive, retrospective study. From 2014 to 2018, 796 new cases of acute leukemia were evaluated. The data were obtained from analysis of reports and records of tests performed by flow cytometry immunophenotyping. All individuals of all age groups diagnosed as acute lymphoblastic leukemia or acute myeloid leukemia were included in the study. Demographic variables and expression of leukemia antigens were evaluated. RESULTS: Most cases were diagnosed as acute myeloid leukemia and 42.7% as acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Significant differences were found in expression of markers in acute leukemias when age groups were compared, as well as in demographic characteristics. B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia was more prevalent than cases of T-cell origin. Assessing the aberrant markers in acute myeloid leukemias, the non-acute promyelocytic leukemia group presented expression of CD7 and CD56 as the most frequent ones. In B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, the most frequent aberrant markers were CD66c, CD13 and CD33. CONCLUSION: Significant differences were found as to several antigens when comparing adults and children, and these findings may contribute to future studies correlating the phenotypic profile to genetic characteristics and therapeutic response, including specific antigen therapies, which may be better targeted.

Immunophenotypic characterization of acute leukemias in Bahia, Brazil

ABSTRACT Objective To characterize the immunophenotypic profile of acute leukemias in the population of the state of Bahia, Brazil. Methods This is a descriptive, retrospective study. From 2014 to 2018, 796 new cases of acute leukemia were evaluated. The data were obtained from analysis of reports and records of tests performed by flow cytometry immunophenotyping. All individuals of all age groups diagnosed as acute lymphoblastic leukemia or acute myeloid leukemia were included in the study. Demographic variables and expression of leukemia antigens were evaluated. Results Most cases were diagnosed as acute myeloid leukemia and 42.7% as acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Significant differences were found in expression of markers in acute leukemias when age groups were compared, as well as in demographic characteristics. B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia was more prevalent than cases of T-cell origin. Assessing the aberrant markers in acute myeloid leukemias, the non-acute promyelocytic leukemia group presented expression of CD7 and CD56 as the most frequent ones. In B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, the most frequent aberrant markers were CD66c, CD13 and CD33. Conclusion Significant differences were found as to several antigens when comparing adults and children, and these findings may contribute to future studies correlating the phenotypic profile to genetic characteristics and therapeutic response, including specific antigen therapies, which may be better targeted.

Determining reference ranges for immunological cells of healthy indigenous individuals from a region in Brazil

ABSTRACT Objective The establishment of reference values for a subset of leukocytes is common in clinical practice, and ethnic variations are strongly associated with disease development. In Brazil, indigenous people are vulnerable to infections, and few studies have described the health and disease conditions of this population. This study aimed to provide reference values for immunological cell subsets in indigenous Brazilians living in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul. Methods Flow cytometry and 4-color combinations of monoclonal antibodies were used to characterize cells. A total of 115 healthy adults, mostly females (72%), were included in the study. The results are presented as mean and median (2.5%-97.5% percentiles) for T and B lymphocytes, CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, Natural Killer cells, monocytes, and dendritic cells, providing an average immunological profile for the population in question. Results The relative medians of CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+ T cells were significantly higher in women than in men in a healthy indigenous population. Conclusion To our knowledge, cell reference data from indigenous Brazilians are unknown in the literature. The immune cell results presented in this pioneering study will contribute to the clinical and laboratory evaluation of the Brazilian indigenous population, especially given the important differences when compared with other Brazilian ethnic groups.

The first year of the COVID-19 pandemic in an indigenous population in Brazil: an epidemiological study.

This cross-sectional observational study that describes the epidemiological data of the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Mato Grosso do Sul State, aimed to demonstrate the differences between indigenous and non-indigenous populations, characterize confirmed cases of COVID-19 according to risk factors related to ethnicity, comorbidities and their evolution and to verify the challenges in facing the disease in Brazil. SIVEP-Gripe and E-SUS-VE, a nationwide surveillance database in Brazil, from March 2020 to March 2021 in Mato Grosso do Sul state, were used to compare survivors and non-survivors from indigenous and non-indigenous populations and the epidemiological incidence curves of these populations. A total of 176,478, including 5,299 indigenous people, were confirmed. Among the indigenous population, 52.5% (confidence interval [CI] 51.2-53.9) were women, 38% (CI 36.7-39.4) were 20-39 years old, 56.7% were diagnosed by rapid antibody tests, 12.3% (CI 95%:11.5-13.2) had at least one comorbidity, and 5.3% (CI 95%:4.7-5.9) were hospitalized. In the non-indigenous patients, 56.8% were confirmed using RT-PCR, 4.4% (CI 95%:4.3-4.5) had at least one comorbidity, and 8.0% (CI 95%:7.9-8.2) were hospitalized. The majority of non-survivors were ≥60 years old (65.1% indigenous vs. 74.1% non-indigenous). The mortality in indigenous people was more than three times higher (11% vs. 2.9%). Indigenous people had a lower proportion of RT-PCR diagnoses; deaths were more frequent in younger patients and were less likely to be admitted to hospital. Mass vaccination may have controlled the incidence and mortality associated with COVID-19 in this population during the period of increased viral circulation.

The Association of Bacterin and Recombinant Proteins Induces a Humoral Response in Sheep against Caseous Lymphadenitis.

In this study, we investigated the capacity of the recombinant proteins SpaC, NanH, SodC, and PLD of C. pseudotuberculosis to trigger protective humoral and cellular immune responses against experimentally induced C. pseudotuberculosis infection in sheep. The antigens were produced in a heterologous system and were purified by affinity chromatography. Nine sheep were randomly divided into three groups, which were immunized as follows: Group 1 (control)-a mix of adjuvants composed of the inactivated T1 strain of C. pseudotuberculosis and commercial Montanide™ISA 61 VG (T1M); Group 2-rSpaC, rSodC, rPLD, and T1M; Group 3-rNanH, rSodC, rPLD, and T1M. All groups were immunized twice (on days 0 and 30) and challenged on day 90 of the experiment. Humoral and cellular immune responses were evaluated by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) to quantify the IgG antibodies and interferon-gamma (IFN-y). Both vaccine formulations with recombinant proteins (groups 2 and 3) could induce a significant humoral IgG immune response in sheep. The proteins rSodC, rPLD, and rNanH were more immunogenic, inducing significant levels of IgG antibodies after the first dose of the vaccine or after the challenge, maintaining constant levels until the end of the experiment. However, it was not possible to differentiate between the cellular responses induced by the vaccines. This lack of effectiveness points toward the need for further studies to improve the efficacy of this subunit-based vaccine approach.

Complete Genome Sequence of Enterobacter Phage vB_EcRAM-01, a New Pseudotevenvirus against the Enterobacter cloacae Complex.

Here, we present the complete genome sequence of Enterobacter phage vB_EcRAM-01, isolated from waters of the Río Abajo river, in Panama City, Panama. This phage has deployed lytic activity against the Enterobacter cloacae complex, a pathogen of clinical importance in intensive care units. It belongs to the Myoviridae family and has a double-stranded DNA genome that is 178,477 bp long and contains 293 open reading frames (ORFs).

The first year of the COVID-19 pandemic in an indigenous population in Brazil: an epidemiological study

ABSTRACT This cross-sectional observational study that describes the epidemiological data of the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Mato Grosso do Sul State, aimed to demonstrate the differences between indigenous and non-indigenous populations, characterize confirmed cases of COVID-19 according to risk factors related to ethnicity, comorbidities and their evolution and to verify the challenges in facing the disease in Brazil. SIVEP-Gripe and E-SUS-VE, a nationwide surveillance database in Brazil, from March 2020 to March 2021 in Mato Grosso do Sul state, were used to compare survivors and non-survivors from indigenous and non-indigenous populations and the epidemiological incidence curves of these populations. A total of 176,478, including 5,299 indigenous people, were confirmed. Among the indigenous population, 52.5% (confidence interval [CI] 51.2-53.9) were women, 38% (CI 36.7-39.4) were 20-39 years old, 56.7% were diagnosed by rapid antibody tests, 12.3% (CI 95%:11.5-13.2) had at least one comorbidity, and 5.3% (CI 95%:4.7-5.9) were hospitalized. In the non-indigenous patients, 56.8% were confirmed using RT-PCR, 4.4% (CI 95%:4.3-4.5) had at least one comorbidity, and 8.0% (CI 95%:7.9-8.2) were hospitalized. The majority of non-survivors were ≥60 years old (65.1% indigenous vs. 74.1% non-indigenous). The mortality in indigenous people was more than three times higher (11% vs. 2.9%). Indigenous people had a lower proportion of RT-PCR diagnoses; deaths were more frequent in younger patients and were less likely to be admitted to hospital. Mass vaccination may have controlled the incidence and mortality associated with COVID-19 in this population during the period of increased viral circulation.

Severe Cases of COVID-19 and High Association with Causes of Immune Dysregulation: A Systematic Review.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the virus responsible for coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19), which was declared a pandemic in March 2020 by the World Health Organization due the rapid spread representing a global health crisis. The disease is characterized by a wide clinical spectrum ranging from asymptomatic forms until severe viral pneumonia, which can to evolve to severe acute respiratory syndrome, especially in elderly patients and/or with comorbidities. An efficient assembly of the immunological response of the patients becomes fundamental against SARS-CoV-2 infection and it has been demonstrating a significant relationship between the severity of the disease and expression profile of the immune cells and the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. This review aims to presents the main immunological mechanisms developed during the infection by SARS-CoV-2 in the evolution of the severe cases of COVID-19. The immune dysregulation of the Th1 cellular response standard, the instability in the production of neutralizing antibodies by plasma B cells, the difference in tropism of CD8+ T cells against virus proteins in early infection, late infection and reinfections, dynamic of alveolar macrophages and pulmonary innate lymphoid cells (TCR γδ) of the natural imune response and the high level of pro-inflammatory cytokines can determine the main cause of breath tissues damages and, consequently, a greater severity of the disease. Therefore, a complete understanding of the main immunological changes involved in SARS-CoV-2 infection can identify possible biomarkers in the evaluation of early prognosis of the severe cases of COVID-19, making possible better therapeutic success to the patients.

Molecular Epidemiology of Dengue in Panama: 25 Years of Circulation.

Dengue virus (DENV) is the most prevalent arbovirus in terms of human public health importance globally. In addition to DENV epidemiological surveillance, genomic surveillance may help investigators understand the epidemiological dynamics, geographic distribution, and temporal patterns of DENV circulation. Herein, we aimed to reconstruct the molecular epidemiology and phylogeny of DENV in Panama to connect the epidemiological history of DENV dispersal and circulation in Latin America. We retrospectively analyzed the epidemiological data obtained during 25 years of DENV surveillance in Panama. DENV was reintroduced in Panama in 1993 after a 35 year absence of autochthonous transmission. The increase in the number of total dengue cases has been accompanied by an increase in severe and fatal cases, with the highest case fatality rate recorded in 2011. All four serotypes were detected in Panama, which is characterized by serotype replacement and/or co-circulation of multiple serotypes. Phylogenetic analysis of datasets collected from envelope (E) gene sequences obtained from viruses isolated from human sera demonstrated that circulating viruses were highly diverse and clustered in distinct clades, with co-circulation of clades from the same genotype. Our analyses also suggest that Panamanian strains were related to viruses from different regions of the Americas, suggesting a continuous exchange of viruses within the Americas.

Increased expression of CD38 and HLADR in HIV-infected patients with oral lesion.

Persistent immune actiation is associated with innadequate immune recovery in HIV-patients. This study assessed the relationship between frequency of expression of cell activation markers (CD38 and HLADR) and presence of oral lesions in HIV-1 infected patients. Fifty-seven HIV-infected persons, undergoing antiretroviral treatment, were divided into three groups, according to the number of CD4+ T cells and CD4+ /CD8+ ratio: adequate, partial, and inadequate immune restauration. All patients underwent full mouth assessments for saliva flow measurement, oral mucosal lesion, periodontal disease, and severity of periodontitis. Immune activation markers levels were compared according to three groups of periodontal disease ("No periodontal disease," "gingivitis," and "periodontitis"). Oral mucosal lesions (P = 0.03) and peridodontal disease (P = 0.03) were associated with lower CD4+ /CD8+ ratio. Patients with oral mucosal lesions had significantly higher median levels of HLADR and CD38 markers in all T-lymphocytes populations than patients without oral lesions. Patients with gingivitis and with periodontitis presented significantly higher median levels of CD3+ HLADR+ , CD4+ HLADR+ , CD8+ HLADR+ , and CD3+ CD38+ and significantly lower CD4+ /CD8+ ratio than patients with no periodontal disease. Increased levels of HLADR and CD38 expressions in peripheral blood were associated with oral lesions in HIV-positive patients. Periodontal disease was associated with HLADR expression.

Genetic Characterization of Rubella Virus Strains Detected in Spain, 1998-2014.

The National Plan for the Elimination of Rubella was implemented in Spain in 2008 using the logistics of the National Plan for the Elimination of Measles that have been employed since year 2000. Molecular characterization of rubella virus (RUBV) is important for disease surveillance and for monitoring elimination of the disease throughout the world. We describe the first complete series of data regarding the circulation of RUBV genotypes in Spain. The 739-nucleotide fragment designated by the WHO for RUBV genotyping was sequenced in 88 selected cases collected from 1998 to 2014. Five genotypes were identified: 1E, 2B, 1J, 1I, and 1a. Genotype 1E was predominant between 1998 and 2003 but was replaced by genotype 2B, which was detected in sporadic cases in 2004, 2006, 2008, 2012, 2013 and 2014. There was an outbreak of genotype 2B in Algeciras (Andalusia) in 2008. Genotype 1J caused an outbreak in Madrid in 2004/2005 and sporadic cases in 2005 and 2007. Genotype 1I was found to have infected an immune-suppressed patient with neurological symptoms in 2008. Finally, vaccine strain RA 27/3 was detected in three sporadic cases, two of them immune-suppressed and without a recent history of vaccination. This suggests that during these years there were a series of imported sporadic cases and outbreaks, confirming the findings of epidemiological data analysis. The importation sources were generally consistent with our geographic and cultural ties, mainly with Europe (genotypes 1E, 2B, 1I) and Latin America (1J).

A Potential Role for Mononuclear Phagocytes in Cutaneous Ulcer Development in Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Leishmania braziliensis Coinfection.

Skin ulcer development in cutaneous leishmaniasis due to Leishmania braziliensis infection is associated with a mononuclear cell infiltrate and high levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF). Herein, we show that despite the absence of Leishmania-driven TNF, a cutaneous leishmaniasis patient with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome developed a skin ulcer. The presence of mononuclear phagocytes and high levels of TNF, chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 (CCL2), and metalloproteinase-9 in tissue are identified as potential contributors to immunopathology observed in L. braziliensis-infected patients.

Lymphocyte subset reference intervals in blood donors from northeastern Brazil.

UNLABELLED: The reference intervals for leukocytes and lymphocytes currently used by most clinical laboratories present limitations as they are primarily derived from individuals of North American and European origin. The objective this study was to determine reference values for peripheral blood B lymphocytes, T lymphocyte subsets (CD4+, CD8+, naïve, memory, regulatory, TCRαß and TCRγδ+) and NK cells from blood donors in Salvador-Bahia, Brazil. RESULTS: The proportion of included male subjects was 73.7% and the median ages of males (34) and females (35) were found to be similar. Absolute counts total lymphocytes subsets to both gender was 1,956 (1,060-4,186) cells and relative values 34%. The T CD4+ and T CD8+ lymphocytes relative values was 51% (20-62) and 24% (9-28), respectively. The most statistically significant finding observed was a higher percentage of B lymphocytes (p=0.03) in females. Commonly cited subset reference intervals were found to be consistent with values in several populations from different geographic areas.