SARS-CoV-2 introduction and lineage dynamics across three epidemic peaks in Southern Brazil: massive spread of P.1

BackgroundGenomic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 is paramount for understanding viral dynamics, contributing to disease control. This study analyzed SARS-CoV-2 genomic diversity in Rio Grande do Sul (RS), Brazil, including the first case of each Regional Health Coordination and cases from three epidemic peaks. MethodsNinety SARS-CoV-2 genomes from RS were sequenced and analyzed against SARS-CoV-2 datasets available in GISAID for phylogenetic inference and mutation analysis. ResultsSARS-CoV-2 lineages among the first cases in RS were B.1 (33.3%), B.1.1.28 (26.7%), B.1.1 (13.3%), B.1.1.33 (10.0%), and A (6.7%), evidencing SARS-CoV-2 introduction by both international origin and community-driven transmission. We found predominance of B.1.1.33 (50.0%) and B.1.1.28 (35.0%) during the first epidemic peak (July-August, 2020), emergence of P.2 (55.6%) in the second peak (November-December, 2020), and massive spread of P.1 and related sequences (78.4%), such as P.1-like-II, P.1.1 and P.1.2 in the third peak (February-April, 2021). Eighteen novel mutation combinations were found among P.1 genomes, and 22 different spike mutations and/or deletions among P.1 and related sequences. ConclusionsThis study shows the dispersion of SARS-CoV-2 lineages in Southern Brazil, and describes SARS-CoV-2 diversity during three epidemic peaks, highlighting the spread of P.1 and the high genetic diversity of currently circulating lineages. Genomic monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 is essential to guide health authorities decisions to control COVID-19 in Brazil. SummaryNinety SARS-CoV-2 genomes from Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, were sequenced, including the first cases from 15 State Health Coordination regions and samples from three epidemic peaks. Phylogenomic inferences showed SARS-CoV-2 lineages spread, revealing its genomic diversity.

Emergence of the novel SARS-CoV-2 lineage P.4.1 and massive spread of P.2 in South Brazil

South Brazil has been the novel epicenter of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in 2021, accounting for the greatest number of cumulative cases and deaths (per 100 thousand inhabitants in a week) worldwide. In this study, we analyzed 340 whole genomes of SARS-CoV-2, which were sampled between April and November 2020 in 33 cities in South Brazil. We demonstrated the circulation of two novel emergent lineages, described here as P.4 and P.4.1 (provisionally termed VUI-NP13L), and seven lineages that had already been assigned (B.1.1.33, B.1.1.28, P.2, B.1.91, B.1.1.94, B.1.195 and B.1.212). P.2 and P.4.1 demonstrated massive spread from approximately September/October 2020. Constant and consistent genomic surveillance is crucial to identify newly emerging SARS-CoV-2 lineages in Brazil and to guide decision making in the Brazilian Public Healthcare System.

Gender, race and parenthood impact academic productivity during the COVID-19 pandemic: from survey to action.

While the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is altering academia dynamics, those juggling remote work and domestic demands - including childcare - have already felt the impacts on productivity. Female authors are facing a decrease in papers submission rates since the beginning of the pandemic period. The reasons for this decline in women productivity need to be further investigated. Here we show the influence of gender, parenthood and race in academics productivity during the pandemic period, based on a survey answered by 3,345 Brazilian academics from various knowledge areas and research institutions. Findings revealed that male academics - especially childless ones - were the least affected group, whereas female academics, especially Black women and mothers, were the most impacted group. This scenario will leave long-term effects on the career progression of the most affected groups. The results presented here are crucial for the development of actions and policies that aim to avoid further deepening the gender gap in science. This particular situation we are facing during the pandemic demands institutional flexibility and academia should foster the discussion about actions to benefit Black scientists and academics with families in the post-pandemic scenario.

Alimentacao de pre-escolares frequentadores de instituicoes publicas de Florianopolis/SC: analise das dietas oferecidas / Nutrition of preschool children attending public institutions in Florianopolis/SC: analysis of the diets offered

Avaliou-se a adequacao nutricional de 462 dietas oferecidas aos pre-escolares matriculados em 18 creches publicas sendo 13 municipais e 5 estaduais localizadas no municipio de Florianopolis durante o ano de 1992. Calculou-se o valor calorico total, hidratos de carbono, lipidios, proteinas, vitamina A, vitamina C e ferro. Os resultados demonstraram que 97 por cento e 48,6 por cento das dietas oferecidas nas creches municipais e estaduais respectivamente, sao deficientes em calorias; 97 por cento e 64 por cento de hidratos de carbono, 73 por cento e 38 por cento dos lipidios e 54 por cento e 47 por cento das proteinas estao abaixo das necessidades e recomendacoes, nas creches municipais e estaduais respectivamente. Com relacao ao ferro e as vitaminas observou-se que a vitamina A esta sendo fornecida nos padroes proximos a normalidade, porem o ferro e a vitamina C estao sendo oferecidadas em quantidades insuficientes. 96,3 por cento e 100 por cento das dietas das creches municipais e estaduais respectivamente, se encontram abaixo dos padroes de normalidade. Com relacao aos alimentos oferecidos observou-se que as creches municipais oferecem uma variedade maior de alimentos que as creches estaduais. Evidenciou-se entretanto, que os alimentos estao sendo preparados e oferecidos em quantidades insuficientes e inadequados havendo necessidades urgentes de se estabelecer programas de acompanhamento alimentar e nutricional nestes locais.