Tracking the turnover of SARS-CoV-2 VOCs Gamma to Delta in a Brazilian state (Minas Gerais) with a high-vaccination status.

The emergence and global dissemination of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants of concern (VOCs) have been described as the main factor driving the Coronavirus Disease 2019 pandemic. In Brazil, the Gamma variant dominated the epidemiological scenario during the first period of 2021. Many Brazilian regions detected the Delta variant after its first description and documented its spread. To monitor the introduction and spread of VOC Delta, we performed Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) genotyping and genome sequencing in ten regional sentinel units from June to October 2021 in the State of Minas Gerais (MG). We documented the introduction and spread of Delta, comprising 70 per cent of the cases 8 weeks later. Comparing the viral loads of the Gamma and Delta dominance periods, we provide additional evidence that the latter is more transmissible. The spread and dominance of Delta did not culminate in the increase in cases and deaths, suggesting that the vaccination may have restrained the epidemic growth. Analysis of 224 novel Delta genomes revealed that Rio de Janeiro state was the primary source for disseminating this variant in the state of MG. We present the establishment of Delta, providing evidence of its enhanced transmissibility and showing that this variant shift did not aggravate the epidemiological scenario in a high immunity setting.

Reinfection by the SARS-CoV-2 Gamma variant in blood donors in Manaus, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: The city of Manaus, north Brazil, was stricken by a second epidemic wave of SARS-CoV-2 despite high seroprevalence estimates, coinciding with the emergence of the Gamma (P.1) variant. Reinfections were postulated as a partial explanation for the second surge. However, accurate calculation of reinfection rates is difficult when stringent criteria as two time-separated RT-PCR tests and/or genome sequencing are required. To estimate the proportion of reinfections caused by Gamma during the second wave in Manaus and the protection conferred by previous infection, we identified anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody boosting in repeat blood donors as a mean to infer reinfection. METHODS: We tested serial blood samples from unvaccinated repeat blood donors in Manaus for the presence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies using two assays that display waning in early convalescence, enabling the detection of reinfection-induced boosting. Donors were required to have three or more donations, being at least one during each epidemic wave. We propose a strict serological definition of reinfection (reactivity boosting following waning like a V-shaped curve in both assays or three spaced boostings), probable (two separate boosting events) and possible (reinfection detected by only one assay) reinfections. The serial samples were used to divide donors into six groups defined based on the inferred sequence of infection and reinfection with non-Gamma and Gamma variants. RESULTS: From 3655 repeat blood donors, 238 met all inclusion criteria, and 223 had enough residual sample volume to perform both serological assays. We found 13.6% (95% CI 7.0-24.5%) of all presumed Gamma infections that were observed in 2021 were reinfections. If we also include cases of probable or possible reinfections, these percentages increase respectively to 22.7% (95% CI 14.3-34.2%) and 39.3% (95% CI 29.5-50.0%). Previous infection conferred a protection against reinfection of 85.3% (95% CI 71.3-92.7%), decreasing to respectively 72.5% (95% CI 54.7-83.6%) and 39.5% (95% CI 14.1-57.8%) if probable and possible reinfections are included. CONCLUSIONS: Reinfection by Gamma is common and may play a significant role in epidemics where Gamma is prevalent, highlighting the continued threat variants of concern pose even to settings previously hit by substantial epidemics.

One-carbon metabolism pathway genes and their non-association with the development of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Although of unknown etiology, some mechanisms associated with the metabolic cycle of folate are speculated to be related to the genesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Thus, the aim of the study was to analyze the role of genetic polymorphisms rs1051266 in SLC19A1 gene and rs1805087 in MTR gene and their associations with ALS development. A case-control study was conducted with 101 individuals with ALS and 119 individuals without diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases, from the Brazilian central population. The polymorphisms were determined using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism technique. The results showed no statistically significant differences, even when genotypes were analyzed by the dominant, recessive, codominant, and overdominant inheritance models. It was observed a statistical significance relating alcohol consumption with individuals in the case group (p = 0.01). Therefore, the need for more studies to evaluate the influence of genetic variants is highlighted, seeking to provide information on the etiopathogenesis of ALS.

Genomics and epidemiology of the P.1 SARS-CoV-2 lineage in Manaus, Brazil.

Cases of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in Manaus, Brazil, resurged in late 2020 despite previously high levels of infection. Genome sequencing of viruses sampled in Manaus between November 2020 and January 2021 revealed the emergence and circulation of a novel SARS-CoV-2 variant of concern. Lineage P.1 acquired 17 mutations, including a trio in the spike protein (K417T, E484K, and N501Y) associated with increased binding to the human ACE2 (angiotensin-converting enzyme 2) receptor. Molecular clock analysis shows that P.1 emergence occurred around mid-November 2020 and was preceded by a period of faster molecular evolution. Using a two-category dynamical model that integrates genomic and mortality data, we estimate that P.1 may be 1.7- to 2.4-fold more transmissible and that previous (non-P.1) infection provides 54 to 79% of the protection against infection with P.1 that it provides against non-P.1 lineages. Enhanced global genomic surveillance of variants of concern, which may exhibit increased transmissibility and/or immune evasion, is critical to accelerate pandemic responsiveness.

Genomics and epidemiology of a novel SARS-CoV-2 lineage in Manaus, Brazil.

Cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection in Manaus, Brazil, resurged in late 2020, despite high levels of previous infection there. Through genome sequencing of viruses sampled in Manaus between November 2020 and January 2021, we identified the emergence and circulation of a novel SARS-CoV-2 variant of concern, lineage P.1, that acquired 17 mutations, including a trio in the spike protein (K417T, E484K and N501Y) associated with increased binding to the human ACE2 receptor. Molecular clock analysis shows that P.1 emergence occurred around early November 2020 and was preceded by a period of faster molecular evolution. Using a two-category dynamical model that integrates genomic and mortality data, we estimate that P.1 may be 1.4-2.2 times more transmissible and 25-61% more likely to evade protective immunity elicited by previous infection with non-P.1 lineages. Enhanced global genomic surveillance of variants of concern, which may exhibit increased transmissibility and/or immune evasion, is critical to accelerate pandemic responsiveness.

Genomics and epidemiology of the P 1 SARS-CoV-2 lineage in Manaus, Brazil

Cases of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in Manaus, Brazil, resurged in late 2020 despite previously high levels of infection. Genome sequencing of viruses sampled in Manaus between November 2020 and January 2021 revealed the emergence and circulation of a novel SARS-CoV-2 variant of concern. Lineage P.1 acquired 17 mutations, including a trio in the spike protein (K417T, E484K, and N501Y) associated with increased binding to the human ACE2 (angiotensin-converting enzyme 2) receptor. Molecular clock analysis shows that P.1 emergence occurred around mid-November 2020 and was preceded by a period of faster molecular evolution. Using a two-category dynamical model that integrates genomic and mortality data, we estimate that P.1 may be 1.7- to 2.4-fold more transmissible and that previous (non-P.1) infection provides 54 to 79% of the protection against infection with P.1 that it provides against non-P.1 lineages. Enhanced global genomic surveillance of variants of concern, which may exhibit increased transmissibility and/or immune evasion, is critical to accelerate pandemic responsiveness.

Apego e comunicação: considerando o desenvolvimento infantil sob a ótica da etologia e da psicanálise / Attachment and communication: child development from the perspective of ethology and psychoanalysis / Attachement et communication: considérations sur le développement de l'enfant sous la perspective de l'éthologie et de la psychanalyse / Apego y comunicación: considerando el desarrollo infantil desde la perspectiva de la etología y el psicoanálisis

Resumo Este artigo tem como objetivo abordar o vínculo primário da criança com sua mãe, colocando-o como primordial no desenvolvimento humano. Sob a ótica interdisciplinar da etologia e da psicanálise, discutem-se as noções de períodos sensíveis, estampagem e comportamento de apego, estabelecendo um paralelo entre os desenvolvimentos animal e humano. Em seguida, disserta-se sobre os modos de comunicação e suas raízes nas relações de apego que o indivíduo estabelece no início da vida, levando-se em consideração a clínica psicanalítica com o auxílio da teoria etológica.

Abstract This article addresses the primary bond of children to their mothers as primordial in human development. Based on an interdisciplinar perspective uniting ethology and psychoanalysis, we go through the notions of sensitive periods, imprinting and attachment behavior, establishing a parallel between animal and human development. Then, we discuss modes of communication and their roots in attachment relationships established by the individual at the beginning of life, taking into account clinical practice in psychoanalysis with the help of ethological theory.

Résumé Cet article vise à aborder le lien primaire entre l'enfant et sa mère, en le plaçant comme primordial dans le développement humain. Dans la perspective interdisciplinaire de l'éthologie et de la psychanalyse, nous abordons les notions de périodes sensibles, de comportement d'estampage et d'attachement, établissant un parallèle entre les développements humain et animal. Ensuite, nous discutons les modes de communication et leurs racines dans les relations d'attachement que l'individu établit au début de sa vie, en tenant compte de la clinique psychanalytique à l'aide de la théorie éthologique.

Resumen Este artículo tiene como objetivo abordar el vínculo primario del niño con su madre al considerarlo primordial en el desarrollo humano. Desde la perspectiva interdisciplinaria de la etología y el psicoanálisis, pasamos por las nociones de períodos sensibles, estampación y comportamiento de apego, estableciendo un paralelismo entre el desarrollo animal y humano. Luego, discutimos los modos de comunicación y sus raíces en las relaciones de apego que el individuo establece al comienzo de la vida, teniendo en cuenta la clínica psicoanalítica y la teoría etológica.

Dynamics of genomic architecture during composite breed development in cattle.

Some livestock breeds face the challenge of reduced genetic variation, increased inbreeding depression owing to genetic drift and selection. Hybridization can reverse these processes and increase levels of productivity and adaptation to various environmental stressors. Samples from American Brangus were used to evaluate the indicine/taurine composition through nine generations (~45 years) after the hybridization process was completed. The purpose was to determine how hybridization alters allelic combinations of a breed over time when genetic factors such as selection and drift are operating. Furthermore, we explored genomic regions with deviations from the expected composition from the progenitor breeds and related these regions to traits under selection. The Brangus composition deviated from the theoretical expectation, defined by the breed association, of 62.5% taurine, showing taurine composition to be 70.4 ± 0.6%. Taurine and indicine proportion were not consistent across chromosomes. Furthermore, these non-uniform areas were found to be associated with traits that were probably under selection such as intermuscular fat and average daily gain. Interestingly, the sex chromosomes were predominantly taurine, which could be due to the composite being formed particularly in the final cross that resulted in progeny designated as purebred Brangus. This work demonstrated the process of new breed formation on a genomic level. It suggests that factors like genetic drift, selection and complementarity shift the genetic architecture into a uniquely different population. These findings are important to better understand how hybridization and crossbreeding systems shape the genetic architecture of composite populations.

Determinants of corrosion resistance of Ti-6Al-4V alloy dental implants in an In Vitro model of peri-implant inflammation.

BACKGROUND: Titanium (Ti) and its alloys possess high biocompatibility and corrosion resistance due to Ti ability to form a passive oxide film, i.e. TiO2, immediately after contact with oxygen. This passive layer is considered stable during function in the oral cavity, however, emerging information associate inflammatory peri-implantitis to vast increases in Ti corrosion products around diseased implants as compared to healthy ones. Thus, it is imperative to identify which factors in the peri-implant micro-environment may reduce Ti corrosion resistance. METHODS: The aim of this work is to simulate peri-implant inflammatory conditions in vitro to determine which factors affect corrosion susceptibility of Ti-6Al-4V dental implants. The effects of hydrogen peroxide (surrogate for reactive oxygen species, ROS, found during inflammation), albumin (a protein typical of physiological fluids), deaeration (to simulate reduced pO2 conditions during inflammation), in an acidic environment (pH 3), which is typical of inflammation condition, were investigated. Corrosion resistance of Ti-6Al-4V clinically-relevant acid etched surfaces was investigated by electrochemical techniques: Open Circuit Potential; Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy; and Anodic Polarization. RESULTS: Electrochemical tests confirmed that most aggressive conditions to the Ti-6Al-4V alloy were those typical of occluded cells, i.e. oxidizing conditions (H2O2), in the presence of protein and deaeration of the physiological medium. CONCLUSIONS: Our results provide evidence that titanium's corrosion resistance can be reduced by intense inflammatory conditions. This observation indicates that the micro-environment to which the implant is exposed during peri-implant inflammation is highly aggressive and may lead to TiO2 passive layer attack. Further investigation of the effect of these aggressive conditions on titanium dissolution is warranted.

Association between dental anomalies and malocclusion in Brazilian orthodontic patients.

Developmental dental anomalies have been associated with different malocclusions in various populations. This study verified this association in Brazilian non-syndromic orthodontic patients. The prevalence of dental anomalies was evaluated by examining 2,052 pretreatment records of orthodontic patients. Panoramic radiographs, study designs, intraoral photographs and medical history were collected in order to identify hypodontia, hyperdontia, microdontia, macrodontia, taurodontism, transposition, impaction, and ectopia. Epidemiological data and classification of malocclusion were also obtained. Data were analyzed using chi-square and Fisher's exact test (P < 0.05), and the prevalence ratio was obtained from cases that had a significant association between anomaly and malocclusion. The results showed that 27.4% of the patients evaluated had some dental anomaly, and most of them were white women aged 11-20 years. Ectopia, microdontia, impaction, and hypodontia were more prevalent in patients with Class I malocclusion. Macrodontia was the only anomaly associated with Class II division 1. Impaction was associated with Class III malocclusion, at a 1.84-times higher prevalence. In conclusion, impaction was correlated with Class I malocclusion; macrodontia showed association with Class II division 1; and impaction and ectopia were associated with Class III malocclusion in Brazilian orthodontic patients. (J Oral Sci 58, 75-81, 2016).

First isolation of Cryptococcus gattii molecular type VGII and Cryptococcus neoformans molecular type VNI from environmental sources in the city of Belém, Pará, Brazil.

Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii are important agents of meningoencephalitis in humans in the city of Belém. This clinical data suggests that the region may be a highly endemic area for the pathogenic Cryptococcus species within the state of Pará (PA), Northern Brazil. Preliminary analysis of 11 environmental samples from the city of Belém showed two positive locations, including a hollow of a kassod tree (Senna siamea) colonized simultaneously by C. gattii molecular type VGII and C. neoformans molecular type VNI, and a birdcage in a commercial aviary positive for C. neoformans, molecular type VNI. This is the first evidence of an environmental occurrence of molecular types VNI and VGII in PA.

First isolation of Cryptococcus gattii molecular type VGII and Cryptococcus neoformans molecular type VNI from environmental sources in the city of Belém, Pará, Brazil

Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii are important agents of meningoencephalitis in humans in the city of Belém. This clinical data suggests that the region may be a highly endemic area for the pathogenic Cryptococcus species within the state of Pará (PA), Northern Brazil. Preliminary analysis of 11 environmental samples from the city of Belém showed two positive locations, including a hollow of a kassod tree (Senna siamea) colonized simultaneously by C. gattii molecular type VGII and C. neoformans molecular type VNI, and a birdcage in a commercial aviary positive for C. neoformans, molecular type VNI. This is the first evidence of an environmental occurrence of molecular types VNI and VGII in PA.

Obtaining and selection of hexokinases-less strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae for production of ethanol and fructose from sucrose.

Saccharomyces cerevisiae hexokinase-less strains were produced to study the production of ethanol and fructose from sucrose. These strains do not have the hexokinases A and B. Twenty-three double-mutant strains were produced, and then, three were selected for presenting a smaller growth in yeast extract-peptone-fructose. In fermentations with a medium containing sucrose (180.3 g L(-1)) and with cell recycles, simulating industrial conditions, the capacity of these mutant yeasts in inverting sucrose and fermenting only glucose was well characterized. Besides that, we could also see their great tolerance to the stresses of fermentative recycles, where fructose production (until 90 g L(-1)) and ethanol production (until 42.3 g L(-1)) occurred in cycles of 12 h, in which hexokinase-less yeasts performed high growth (51.2% of wet biomass) and viability rates (77% of viable cells) after nine consecutive cycles.

X-ray crystallographic and Mössbauer spectroscopic applications in dependence of partial quadrupole splitting, [R], on the C-Sn-C angle in seven-coordinated diorganotin(IV) complexes.

The synthesis and the IR, NMR (1H, 13C, and 119Sn), and Mössbauer spectroscopies and single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies of seven-coordinated diorganotin(IV) complexes, namely, [Ph2Sn(Hdapsc)]Cl.H2O.DMF [7; H(2)dapsc = 2,6-diacetylpyridine bis(semicarbazone)], [Me(2)Sn(H2,6Achexim)]Br.H2O [8; H(2)2,6Achexim = 2,6-diacetylpyridine bis(3-hexamethyleneiminylthiosemicarbazone)], [Me(2)Sn(dapmts)] [9; H(2)dapmts = 2,6-diacetylpyridine bis(4-methythiosemicarbazone)], and [nBu2Sn(dapmdtc)] [10; H(2)dapmdtc = 2,6-diacetylpyridine bis(S-methydithiocarbazate)], were done. The determination of the structures of [Ph(2)Sn(Hdapsc)]+, [Me2Sn(H2,6Achexim)]+ and [Me2Sn(dapmts)], [nBu2Sn(dapmdtc)] revealed the presence of monocationic and neutral complexes, respectively. The structures consist of monomeric units in which the Sn(IV) ions exhibit distorted pentagonal-bipyramidal geometries, with the X,N,N,N,X-donor (X = O, S) systems of the ligands lying in the equatorial plane and the organic groups in the apical positions. The C-Sn-C angle in the seven-coordinated diorganotin(IV) complexes was estimated using a correlation between Mössbauer and X-ray data based on the point-charge model and using new values obtained in this work for [alkyl] = -1.00 mm s(-1) and [aryl] = -0.80 mm s(-1) for complexes containing O,N,N,N,O-pentadentate ligands and new values for [alkyl] = -0.87 mm s(-1) and [aryl] = -0.75 mm s(-1) for complexes containing S,N,N,N,S-pentadentate ligands.

Representações dos agentes de combate ao Aedes aegypti sobre a estratégia de retirada do inseticida nas ações de controle do vetor / Views of the agents that fight Aedes aegypti on the strategy of eliminating insecticide in vector control action

Estudos realizados pela Superintendência de Controle de Endemias-SUCEN sobre a suscetibilidade do Aedes aegypti a inseticidas utilizados rotineiramente no seu controle demonstraram que o principal problema identificado dizia respeito ao uso excessivo do controle químico, em detrimento da melhoria das condições de saneamento do meio e das ações educativas. Verificou-se também que este uso inadequado do inseticida, se mantido ao longo do tempo, viria a comprometer a sustentabilidade das ações anti-Aedes. A presente pesquisa pretende investigar a percepção de profissionais da Saúde das esferas estadual e municipal que atuam no controle do Aedes aegypti frente à proposta técnica da SUCEN, que, em função desses estudos, decidiu pela retirada do inseticida usado rotineiramente no controle do vetor. A investigação quali-quantitativa foi feita em 5 municípios do Estado de São Paulo, tendo sido utilizado o método do Discurso do Sujeito Coletivo. Chegou-se à conclusão de que as idéias e valores que presidiram a adoção pela SUCEN da política de retirada do inseticida do casa a casa fazem parte do imaginário dos técnicos entrevistados, estando presentes as idéias de toxidade do veneno, do prejuízo à ecologia e à saúde do funcionário, da revalorização do controle mecânico do vetor e da necessidade de reforço da atuação no plano educativo junto à população. Estão também presentes idéias que confrontam com esta política e que dizem respeito à forte crença no uso do inseticida e também a uma visão céptica da atividade educativa a ser desenvolvida junto à população.

[Cryptococcosis in children in the State of Pará, Brazil]. / Criptococose em crianças no Estado do Pará, Brasil.

We report 19 cases of cryptococcosis in children, diagnosed in Belém, PA. In nine patients the variety of the etiologic agent was studied and identified as Cryptococcus neoformans var. gattii. The average age of these patients was 7.8 years (range, 5-13 years) There were 5 girls and 4 boys (ratio, 1.25:1). Amphotericin B treatment (associated with fluconazole 3 or fluocytosine 1) was given but five (56%) of these patients died in the following three months. The existence of highly endemic areas of infection by var. gattii in Pará, Brazil and the severity of the disease due to this fungal variety are commented.

Airway responses to capsaicin in guinea pigs: role of NK-1 and NK-2 neurokinin receptors.

The role of NK-1 and NK-2 receptors on the pulmonary response to capsaicin in guinea pigs was evaluated using intravenous infusion of selective nonpeptide antagonists of NK 1 (CP 96345, 300 nmol/kg, and SR 140333, 300 nmol/kg) and NK-2 (SR 48968, 100 nmol/kg) neurokinin receptors. Maximal values of pulmonary dynamic elastance (Edyn) and pulmonary resistance (RL) after capsaicin infusion were significantly lower in the presence of SR 48968 (p < .005). Morphometric analysis of lungs obtained by quick-freezing showed significant attenuation of airway contraction and peribronchiolar edema formation in the presence of NK-2 antagonist (p < .001). When compared to guinea pigs that received only capsaicin, animals that received SR 140333 or CP 96345 showed lower values of Edyn, RL, airway contraction, and peribronchiolar edema, but only the difference in Edyn values was significant. The combination of NK-1 and NK-2 antagonists was not more effective than NK-2 antagonist alone in attenuating capsaicin effects. The results suggest that airway effects of capsaicin are mainly mediated by activation of NK-2 receptors although NK-1 receptors may also play a role.

Capsaicin-induced release of VIP-like immunoreactivity: modulation by enzyme inhibitors.

Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) is a potent bronchial smooth muscle relaxant. In the present study we measured the release of VIP-like immunoreactivity (VIP-LI) after tracheal infusion of capsaicin, histamine, and methacholine in isolated guinea pig lungs superfused through the trachea. We also studied if inhibition of VIP enzymatic cleavage using a combination of an inhibitor of neutral endopeptidase [thiorphan (Thio)] and an inhibitor of serine proteases [soybean trypsin inhibitor (STI)] influenced the airway effects of capsaicin. Infusion of capsaicin resulted in a significant increase in VIP-LI in the perfusate (12.32 +/- 4.80 to 33.52 +/- 8.46 fmol/5 min fraction; P < 0.001). There was no increase in VIP-LI after infusion of methacholine or histamine. Maximal changes in airway opening pressure (Pao) observed 0-10 min after tracheal infusion of capsaicin were significantly greater in the Thio group than the control group and the groups of lungs that received STI or STI + Thio (P < 0.005). In addition, recovery of VIP-LI in the superfusate after infusion of capsaicin was significantly greater in the group of lungs that was superfused with Thio + STI compared with STI, Thio, and control groups. Our results suggest that a bronchodilator peptide with the profile of enzymatic cleavage of VIP also modulates capsaicin effects, since the increase in Pao in the presence of Thio + STI was significantly lower than Thio alone.