Influence of Aging Time on Filtration Performance of P84 Filter Media with Seam.

Although the area with the seam is approximately 4% of the total area of an industrial filter bag, a more extensive investigation of the influence of this region on surface filtration is necessary since the small seam holes can be a conduit for the passage of fine particles even after a certain time of use of the filter bag. Therefore, this work aimed to assess the influence of aging time on the filtration performance of P84 filter bags (samples without and with seam) used in an industrial bag filter, regarding tensile mechanical properties, air permeability, fractional separation efficiency, and filtration cycles. The particulate matter applied (sinter dust) to evaluate the efficiency and to perform the cycles was collected in the hoppers of an industrial bag filter installed in the primary dedusting system of a sinter plant in the steel industry. The results showed that the filter bag aged for 10 months presented a fractional separation efficiency of almost 100%, even for the samples with a seam, suggesting that the seam holes were sealed by the powder in the industrial installation. As for the tensile mechanical properties, the tests showed that the aging of the filter bag caused a reduction in the tensile strength of the filter medium. With respect to air permeability and filtration cycles, the longer the aging time of the filter bag, the more similar was the filtration performance of the samples without and with seam.

O26 Polysaccharides as Key Players in Enteropathogenic E. coli Immune Evasion and Vaccine Development.

Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) produce a capsule of polysaccharides identical to those composing the O-antigen polysaccharide of its LPS (lipopolysaccharide) molecules. In light of this, the impact of O26 polysaccharides on the immune evasion mechanisms of capsulated O26 EPEC compared to non-capsulated enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) was investigated. Our findings reveal that there was no significant difference between the levels in EPEC and EHEC of rhamnose (2.8:2.5), a molecule considered to be a PAMP (Pathogen Associated Molecular Patterns). However, the levels of glucose (10:1.69), heptose (3.6:0.89) and N-acetylglucosamine (4.5:2.10), were significantly higher in EPEC than EHEC, respectively. It was also observed that the presence of a capsule in EPEC inhibited the deposition of C3b on the bacterial surface and protected the pathogen against lysis by the complement system. In addition, the presence of a capsule also protected EPEC against phagocytosis by macrophages. However, the immune evasion provided by the capsule was overcome in the presence of anti-O26 polysaccharide antibodies, and additionally, these antibodies were able to inhibit O26 EPEC adhesion to human epithelial cells. Finally, the results indicate that O26 polysaccharides can generate an effective humoral immune response, making them promising antigens for the development of a vaccine against capsulated O26 E. coli.

Molecular characterization of Chikungunya virus recovered from patients in the Maranhão state, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is an arbovirus from the Togaviridae family which has four genotypes: West African (WA), East/Central/South African (ECSA) and Asian/Caribbean lineage (AL) and Indian Ocean Lineage (IOL). The ECSA genotype was first registered in Brazil in Feira de Santana and spread to all Brazilian regions. This study reports the characterization of CHIKV isolates recovered from sera samples of fifty patients from seventeen cities in Maranhão, a state from Brazilian northeast region and part of the Legal Amazon area. METHODS AND RESULTS: Primers were developed to amplify the partial regions coding structural proteins (E1, E3, E2, 6 K, and Capsid C). The consensus sequences have 2871 bp, covering approximately 24% of the genome. The isolates were highly similar (> 99%) to the ECSA isolate from Feira de Santana (BHI3734/H804698), presenting 30 non-synonymous mutations in E1 (5.95%), 18 in E2 (4.46%), and 1 in E3 (3.03%), taking the BHI3734/H804698 isolate as standard. Although the mutations described have not previously been related to increased infectivity or transmissibility of CHIKV, in silico analysis showed changes in physicochemical characteristics, antigenicity, and B cell epitopes of E1 and E2. CONCLUSIONS: These findings demonstrate the importance of molecular approaches for monitoring the viral adaptations undergone by CHIKV and its geographic distribution.

High Concentrations of Cannabidiol Induce Neurotoxicity in Neurosphere Culture System.

Recent studies have demonstrated that cannabinoids are potentially effective in the treatment of various neurological conditions, and cannabidiol (CBD), one of the most studied compounds, has been proposed as a non-toxic option. However, the adverse effects of CBD on neurodevelopmental processes have rarely been studied in cell culture systems. To better understand CBD's influence on neurodevelopment, we exposed neural progenitor cells (NPCs) to different concentrations of CBD (1 µM, 5 µM, and 10 µM). We assessed the morphology, migration, differentiation, cell death, and gene expression in 2D and 3D bioprinted models to stimulate physiological conditions more effectively. Our results showed that CBD was more toxic at higher concentrations (5 µM and 10 µM) and affected the viability of NPCs than at lower concentrations (1 µM), in both 2D and 3D models. Moreover, our study revealed that higher concentrations of CBD drastically reduced the size of neurospheres and the number of NPCs within neurospheres, impaired the morphology and mobility of neurons and astrocytes after differentiation, and reduced neurite sprouting. Interestingly, we also found that CBD alters cellular metabolism by influencing the expression of glycolytic and ß-oxidative enzymes in the early and late stages of metabolic pathways. Therefore, our study demonstrated that higher concentrations of CBD promote important changes in cellular functions that are crucial during CNS development.

O26 Polysaccharides as key players in enteropathogenic E. coli immune evasion and vaccine development

Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) produce a capsule of polysaccharides identical to those composing the O-antigen polysaccharide of its LPS (lipopolysaccharide) molecules. In light of this, the impact of O26 polysaccharides on the immune evasion mechanisms of capsulated O26 EPEC compared to non-capsulated enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) was investigated. Our findings reveal that there was no significant difference between the levels in EPEC and EHEC of rhamnose (2.8:2.5), a molecule considered to be a PAMP (Pathogen Associated Molecular Patterns). However, the levels of glucose (10:1.69), heptose (3.6:0.89) and N-acetylglucosamine (4.5:2.10), were significantly higher in EPEC than EHEC, respectively. It was also observed that the presence of a capsule in EPEC inhibited the deposition of C3b on the bacterial surface and protected the pathogen against lysis by the complement system. In addition, the presence of a capsule also protected EPEC against phagocytosis by macrophages. However, the immune evasion provided by the capsule was overcome in the presence of anti-O26 polysaccharide antibodies, and additionally, these antibodies were able to inhibit O26 EPEC adhesion to human epithelial cells. Finally, the results indicate that O26 polysaccharides can generate an effective humoral immune response, making them promising antigens for the development of a vaccine against capsulated O26 E. coli.

Mental disorders in judicial workers: analysis of sickness absence in a cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze risk factors for sickness absence due to mental disorders among judicial workers in Bahia, Brazil. METHODS: Retrospective cohort with follow-up from 2011 to 2016 with 2,660 workers of a judicial sector in Bahia, Brazil. The main outcome measures were survival curves estimated for the independent variables using the Kaplan-Meier product limit estimator and risk factors for the first episode of sickness absence calculated based on the Cox regression model. RESULTS: The survival estimate of the population of this study for the event was 0.90 and from the Cox model the risk factors for the first episode of sickness absence due to mental disorders were: female (HR = 1.81), occupation of magistrate (HR = 1.80), and age over 30 years old (HR = 1.84). In addition, the risk for new cases of sickness absence among women reached 4.0 times the risk for men, in 2015. The estimated relative risks of sickness absence and the observed survival reduction behavior over time add information to the literature on sociodemographic and occupational factors associated with sickness absence due to mental disorders in the public sector. CONCLUSION: These results highlight the need for further research to more precisely identify vulnerable groups at risk of preventable mental health-related sickness absence in the workplace, better identify the workplace organizational factors that contribute to these disorders as well as studies on the effectiveness of workplace interventions to improve mental health among judicial and other public sectors workers.

SARS-CoV-2 Rapid Antigen Test Based on a New Anti-Nucleocapsid Protein Monoclonal Antibody: Development and Real-Time Validation.

SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic tests have become an important tool for pandemic control. Among the alternatives for COVID-19 diagnosis, antigen rapid diagnostic tests (Ag-RDT) are very convenient and widely used. However, as SARS-CoV-2 variants may continuously emerge, the replacement of tests and reagents may be required to maintain the sensitivity of Ag-RDTs. Here, we describe the development and validation of an Ag-RDT during an outbreak of the Omicron variant, including the characterization of a new monoclonal antibody (anti-DTC-N 1B3 mAb) that recognizes the Nucleocapsid protein (N). The anti-DTC-N 1B3 mAb recognized the sequence TFPPTEPKKDKKK located at the C-terminus of the N protein of main SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern. Accordingly, the Ag-RDT prototypes using the anti-DTC-N 1B3 mAB detected all the SARS-CoV-2 variants-Wuhan, Alpha, Gamma, Delta, P2 and Omicron. The performance of the best prototype (sensitivity of 95.2% for samples with Ct ≤ 25; specificity of 98.3% and overall accuracy of 85.0%) met the WHO recommendations. Moreover, results from a patients' follow-up study indicated that, if performed within the first three days after onset of symptoms, the Ag-RDT displayed 100% sensitivity. Thus, the new mAb and the Ag-RDT developed herein may constitute alternative tools for COVID-19 point-of-care diagnosis and epidemiological surveillance.

Bibliometric Review on New Possibilities of Antimycobacterial Agents: Exploring Siderophore Desferrioxamine's Applications as an Antimicrobial Agent.

Mycobacteria cause tuberculosis and other serious diseases. Understanding their mechanisms of resistance to our immune system and exploring novel drugs are critical strategies to combat infections. A bibliometric analysis was performed to identify publication trends and critical research areas in the field of the antimicrobial activity of desferrioxamine. A total of twenty-four publications on the topic, from 2012 to 2023, were retrieved from databases including Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, and Embase, using specific keywords. The quality of the publications was assessed using impact and productivity metrics, with an average annual publication rate of 2.1 articles. The United States emerged as the most productive country, with medicine (23.4%, 11 publications) and biochemistry, genetics, and molecular biology (21.3%, 10 publications) as the top research fields. The five most cited publications accounted for 672 citations, with a relatively low h-index (11:11). In conclusion, there has been a lack of publications on this topic in the last decade. The United States dominates production and publication in this area, and there appears to be limited exchange of knowledge, ideas, and technology within the field. Therefore, fostering international cooperation through funding is essential to facilitate further research and development of desferrioxamine-related studies.

Adherence to healthy lifestyle recommendations in Brazilian cancer survivors.

PURPOSE: We aimed to describe the adherence to healthy lifestyle recommendations (regular consumption of fruits, vegetables, and salad greens; limit the consumption of red and processed meat, fast food, sugary and alcoholic beverages; keeping a healthy body weight, being physically activity, and not smoking) of 2314 cancer survivors and 86,517 adults without cancer diagnosis (general population) from the Brazilian National Health Survey, 2019. METHODS: We developed a score including eight healthy lifestyle recommendations proposed by the World Cancer Research Fund (i.e., the score ranged from 0 to 8; being 0 did not follow any recommendation and 8 followed all recommendations). RESULTS: Cancer survivors had higher healthy lifestyle score than the general population. In contrast, they presented similar adherence to the recommendations of physical activity, healthy body weight, and quitting smoking. Among cancer survivors, women (OR 1.52; 95%CI 1.12 to 2.06) and widows (OR 1.49; 95%CI 1.02 to 2.18) had greater odds of adherence to healthy lifestyle recommendations, adjusted for other sociodemographic characteristics. However, cancer survivors with complete primary education (OR 0.64; 95%CI 0.44 to 0.94) and higher education (OR 0.58; 95%CI 0.40 to 0.83) had lower adherence to the recommendations. CONCLUSION: Our findings may be useful to support counseling and interventions aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles for Brazilian cancer survivors. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: Healthy lifestyle may reduce mortality and cancer recurrence, and improve quality of life in cancer survivors. Identifying factors associated with the adherence to healthy lifestyle in cancer survivors may be useful to support actions and interventions.

Mental disorders in judicial workers: analysis of sickness absence in a cohort study

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To analyze risk factors for sickness absence due to mental disorders among judicial workers in Bahia, Brazil. METHODS Retrospective cohort with follow-up from 2011 to 2016 with 2,660 workers of a judicial sector in Bahia, Brazil. The main outcome measures were survival curves estimated for the independent variables using the Kaplan-Meier product limit estimator and risk factors for the first episode of sickness absence calculated based on the Cox regression model. RESULTS The survival estimate of the population of this study for the event was 0.90 and from the Cox model the risk factors for the first episode of sickness absence due to mental disorders were: female (HR = 1.81), occupation of magistrate (HR = 1.80), and age over 30 years old (HR = 1.84). In addition, the risk for new cases of sickness absence among women reached 4.0 times the risk for men, in 2015. The estimated relative risks of sickness absence and the observed survival reduction behavior over time add information to the literature on sociodemographic and occupational factors associated with sickness absence due to mental disorders in the public sector. CONCLUSION These results highlight the need for further research to more precisely identify vulnerable groups at risk of preventable mental health-related sickness absence in the workplace, better identify the workplace organizational factors that contribute to these disorders as well as studies on the effectiveness of workplace interventions to improve mental health among judicial and other public sectors workers.

SARS-CoV-2 rapid antigen test based on a new anti-nucleocapsid protein monoclonal antibody: development and real-time validation

SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic tests have become an important tool for pandemic control. Among the alternatives for COVID-19 diagnosis, antigen rapid diagnostic tests (Ag-RDT) are very convenient and widely used. However, as SARS-CoV-2 variants may continuously emerge, the replacement of tests and reagents may be required to maintain the sensitivity of Ag-RDTs. Here, we describe the development and validation of an Ag-RDT during an outbreak of the Omicron variant, including the characterization of a new monoclonal antibody (anti-DTC-N 1B3 mAb) that recognizes the Nucleocapsid protein (N). The anti-DTC-N 1B3 mAb recognized the sequence TFPPTEPKKDKKK located at the C-terminus of the N protein of main SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern. Accordingly, the Ag-RDT prototypes using the anti-DTC-N 1B3 mAB detected all the SARS-CoV-2 variants—Wuhan, Alpha, Gamma, Delta, P2 and Omicron. The performance of the best prototype (sensitivity of 95.2% for samples with Ct ≤ 25; specificity of 98.3% and overall accuracy of 85.0%) met the WHO recommendations. Moreover, results from a patients’ follow-up study indicated that, if performed within the first three days after onset of symptoms, the Ag-RDT displayed 100% sensitivity. Thus, the new mAb and the Ag-RDT developed herein may constitute alternative tools for COVID-19 point-of-care diagnosis and epidemiological surveillance.

Violência obstétrica à luz da Teoria da Diversidade e Universalidade do Cuidado Cultural / Obstetric violence in the light of the theory of culture care diversity and universality

Introdução: A violência obstétrica pode ser do tipo física, verbal, psicológica, sexual e negligência da assistência. Não utilização de medicação analgésica, tratamento grosseiro, privação do direito de acompanhante durante o parto, procedimento sem o consentimento da parturiente são exemplos de violência, que está cada vez mais presente e de forma velada nos serviços de saúde brasileiro. Objetivou-se analisar relatos de puérperas sobre violência obstétrica à luz da Teoria da Diversidade e Universalidade do Cuidado Cultural. Materiais e Método: Estudo transversal, abordagem qualitativa, desenvolvido em estratégias de Saúde da Família com 10 puérperas. A coleta de dados foi realizada através de entrevista semi-estruturada cujos resultados foram organizados e adaptados ao modelo Sunrise. Resultados: A maioria das participantes eram jovens, casadas/união estável, primíparas e com parto vaginal. Na adaptação do modelo, considerando seus conceitos, observou-se ausência de conhecimento do parto/trabalho de parto; medo; violência perpetrada contra as mulheres resultantes da ausência de comunicação, desumanização, exposição do corpo e desconforto, repercutindo em cuidado fragilizado, com insatisfação frente ao serviço de saúde. Discussão: A violência obstétrica é comum no cenário brasileiro, acontecendo muitas vezes de forma velada, pois as parturientes não conhecem sobre o assunto, bem como, seus direitos. Conclusão: A violência obstétrica aconteceu por meio do caráter sexual, físico, psicológico e institucional, tornando o ato de parir algo temoroso, resultante do medo, falhas na comunicação e cuidado fragilizado.

Introduction: Obstetric violence can involve physical, verbal, psychological and sexual abuse, and neglect of care. Refusal to administer pain relief, disrespectful treatment, deprivation of women's right to be accompanied during childbirth, medical interventions without their prior consent are some examples of this violence, which is an increasingly present but hidden practice in healthcare services in Brazil. This study aims to analyze the narratives of labouring women on obstetric violence in the light of the theory of culture care diversity and universality. Materials and Methods: A qualitative cross-sectional study developed in the light of the Family Health Strategy was conducted with ten labouring women. Data was collected through a semi-structured interview with results organized and adapted to the Sunrise Model. Results: Most participants were young, married/in a stable relationship, primiparous with vaginal delivery. Based on the model principles, the lack of knowledge about childbirth/labor, medication, violence against women resulting from miscommunication, body exposure and discomfort leads to weakened care provision and dissatisfaction with health services. Discussion: Obstetric violence is a common practice in the Brazilian scenario that often occurs covertly due to the lack of knowledge about its existence and childbirth rights as labouring women. Conclusions: Obstetric violence involves sexual, physical, psychological and institutional abuse, making the act of giving birth seem frightening due to fear, lack of communication and weakened care provision.

Introducción: La violencia obstétrica puede ser de tipo física, verbal, psicológica, sexual y de negligencia asistencial. La negativa a administrar medicamentos analgésicos, el trato brusco, la privación del derecho a estar acompañada durante el parto, el procedimiento sin el consentimiento de la parturienta son una muestra de esta violencia, cada vez más presente, pero de forma disimulada en los servicios asistenciales en Brasil. El objetivo es analizar los relatos de las parturientas sobre la violencia obstétrica a la luz de la teoría de la diversidad y universalidad de los cuidados culturales. Materiales y métodos: Estudio transversal con enfoque cualitativo desarrollado a la luz de la política de Estrategia de Salud de la Familia con diez parturientas. Los datos se recolectaron a través de una entrevista semiestructurada y los resultados se organizaron y adaptaron al modelo de sol naciente. Resultados: La mayoría de las participantes eran jóvenes, casadas/en unión estable, primíparas y con parto vaginal. En la adaptación del modelo, a partir de sus conceptos, se observó la falta de conocimiento del parto/trabajo de parto, la medicación, la violencia perpetrada contra las mujeres resultante de la falta de comunicación, deshumanización, exposición del cuerpo y descontento, lo que repercute en un cuidado debilitado con insatisfacción frente al servicio de salud. Discusión: La violencia obstétrica es común en el escenario brasileño que a menudo ocurre de forma disimulada, debido al desconocimiento de su existencia y de sus derechos como parturientas. Conclusión: La violencia obstétrica pasa por el carácter sexual, físico, psicológico e institucional, lo que hace que el acto de dar a luz se vea como algo aterrador, producto del miedo, la falta de comunicación y la atención debilitada.

3D Bioprinted Neural-Like Tissue as a Platform to Study Neurotropism of Mouse-Adapted SARS-CoV-2.

The effects of neuroinvasion by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) become clinically relevant due to the numerous neurological symptoms observed in Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients during infection and post-COVID syndrome or long COVID. This study reports the biofabrication of a 3D bioprinted neural-like tissue as a proof-of-concept platform for a more representative study of SARS-CoV-2 brain infection. Bioink is optimized regarding its biophysical properties and is mixed with murine neural cells to construct a 3D model of COVID-19 infection. Aiming to increase the specificity to murine cells, SARS-CoV-2 is mouse-adapted (MA-SARS-CoV-2) in vitro, in a protocol first reported here. MA-SARS-CoV-2 reveals mutations located at the Orf1a and Orf3a domains and is evolutionarily closer to the original Wuhan SARS-CoV-2 strain than SARS-CoV-2 used for adaptation. Remarkably, MA-SARS-CoV-2 shows high specificity to murine cells, which present distinct responses when cultured in 2D and 3D systems, regarding cell morphology, neuroinflammation, and virus titration. MA-SARS-CoV-2 represents a valuable tool in studies using animal models, and the 3D neural-like tissue serves as a powerful in vitro platform for modeling brain infection, contributing to the development of antivirals and new treatments for COVID-19.

Surgery remember@: an innovation to reduce surgical cancellations.

The use of mobile phones has dramatically increased all over the world. Such revolution in the communication amongst individuals has a great impact in patient care, supporting their self-management and promoting shared responsibility with health services. Given that improved communication facilitates compliance with scheduled procedures and reduces surgical cancellations, the current work aims to develop a communication tool named Surgery Remember@ to mitigate surgical suspensions due to patient absenteeism. The present article is a study of technological production divided into four chapters: literature review; analysis of the hospital administrative profile; software development; and process mapping for software implementation. Taking into account that in the last three years the problem of absenteeism was the main cause of institutional surgical cancellations; the development of Surgery Remember@ endeavours to reduce surgery cancellations, improving efficiency and reducing costs. It is known that sending messages three days before the surgical procedure makes it possible to replace patients in the event of cancellations, optimizing the human and material resources in the operating room. The confirmation of the pre-aesthetic consultation is also positive, for it allows the verification of perioperative assistance improvement. Hence, besides being viable and easy to implement, the software developed allows the addition of other features based on user requirements, proving to be an asset to reduce surgery cancellations.

Indicadores de absenteísmo por doença mental no setor judiciário: abordagem descritiva de uma coorte retrospectiva / Absenteeism indicators due to mental disorders in the Judiciary Branch: descriptive approach of a retrospective cohort

Resumo Objetivo: descrever os indicadores de afastamento por transtornos mentais de servidores públicos do setor judiciário da Bahia. Métodos: estudo descritivo com dados de uma coorte retrospectiva sobre a casuística de absenteísmo-doença no período de 2011 a 2016. Foi traçado o perfil sociodemográfico e ocupacional, assim como foram estimados os indicadores epidemiológicos. O evento foi caracterizado a partir da frequência e duração dos afastamentos e dos diagnósticos clínicos. Resultados: registraram-se 1.023 eventos, com maior quantidade de episódios entre servidores com mais de 10 anos de serviço. As mulheres constituíram o grupo mais afetado, com prevalências superiores a dos homens em todo o período (76,50/1.000 trabalhadores em 2016). Em 2016, a incidência cumulativa foi de 12,72 casos novos/1.000 trabalhadores entre as mulheres e 5,58 casos novos/1.000 trabalhadores entre os homens. Os transtornos do humor, neuróticos e relacionados ao estresse foram os diagnósticos clínicos mais prevalentes associados ao absenteísmo-doença. Conclusão: o perfil e a dinâmica das ocorrências de absenteísmo-doença entre servidores públicos do setor judiciário da Bahia mostram semelhanças com outros serviços, validando sua externalidade e suscitando desafios para os serviços de saúde, principalmente quanto à detecção precoce do risco de afastamento e da monitorização das condições de trabalho.

Abstract Objective: to describe the indicators of sick leave due to mental disorders among civil servants of the Judiciary Branch in Bahia, Brazil. Methods: descriptive study conducted with data from a retrospective cohort on the casuistry of illness-related absenteeism from 2011 to 2016. We collected data on the participants' sociodemographic and occupational profile, and estimated their epidemiological indicators. The event was characterized based on the frequency and duration of absences, as well as the clinical diagnoses. Results: 1,023 absence events were recorded, most of which among civil servants in service for more than 10 years. Women were the most affected group, with higher prevalence than men in the entire period (76.50/1000 workers in 2016). In 2016, the cumulative incidence was 12.72 new cases/1000 workers among women and 5.58 new cases/1000 workers among men. Mood, neurotic, and stress-related disorders were the most prevalent clinical diagnoses associated with absenteeism. Conclusion: the profile and dynamics of the illness-related absenteeism among civil servants of the Judiciary Branch in Bahia are similar to those verified in other services, validating the externality of such events and posing challenges for health services, especially regarding early detection of sick leave risk, as well as working conditions monitoring.

Expressão do fragmento RBD da proteína S1 do vírus SARS-Cov-2 em leveduras

The pandemics Corona Virus Disease started in 2019 (COVID-19) has being the third outbreak of coronaviruses in the last two decades. Initially associated to cases of pneumonia, the contamination was related to a seafood market in Wuhan City, China. The transmission of the virus occurs from person to person, directly or indirectly. SARS-Cov-2 belongs to the Coronaviridae family and the β-coronavirus genus. The virus genome is a single RNA strand positive of 30 kilobases (kb). The surface of the virus is composed of 3 main proteins, spike (S), membrane (M) and envelope (E). The receptor binding domain (RBD) is located in the S1 subunit. The viral RBD binds to angiotensina conversor enzyme (ACE 2) and then the virus can enter into the cells. The production of recombinant RBD becomes interesting as it can be used directly for the production of antibodies. The aim of this work is to produce the recombinant RBD of the S1 protein from SARS-Cov-2 for studies of immunological response. The yeast Pichia pastoris strains GS115 and Glycoswitch were used as expression systems, which implicates in different glycosylations of the antigen. GS115 determinates a glycosylation that can be beneficial as adjuvant, while the Glycoswitch strain, modified to reproduce humanized glycosylation, can induce a more specific immunity. The RBD protein was recovered from the supernatant and purified by metal affinity chromatography. The elution fractions were analyzed by SDS-PAGE and Western Blot. The yeast Pichia pastoris proved to be a good system to obtain the soluble recombinant RBD, but with low expression. New strategies to optimize the production are being evaluated. For example, a new strain of P. pastoris, X33 has been cloned to tests the expression and evaluate the yields.

A pandemia do Coronavírus iniciada em 2019 (COVID-19) foi o terceiro surto de coronavírus nas duas últimas décadas. Inicialmente associado a casos de pneumonia, a contaminação foi relacionada a um mercado de frutos do mar, na cidade de Wuhan, China. A transmissão do vírus ocorre de pessoa para pessoa, de forma direta ou indireta. O SARS-Cov-2 pertence à família Coronaviridae, do gênero β-corona vírus. O genoma do vírus é uma molécula única de RNA de fita positiva de 30 quilobases (kb). A superfície do vírus é composta por 3 proteínas principais, spike (S), membrana (M) e envelope (E). O domínio de ligação ao receptor (RBD) está localizado na subunidade S1 e liga-se ao receptor de enzima conversora de angiotensina (ACE 2), o que permite a entrada nas células. A produção de RBD recombinante torna-se interessante para utilização direta na produção de anticorpos. O objetivo deste trabalho é a produção recombinante do fragmento RBD da proteína S1 do vírus SARS-Cov-2 para estudos de resposta imunológica. A levedura Pichia pastoris cepas GS115 e Glycoswitch foram utilizadas como sistemas de expressão que preveem diferentes glicosilações do antígeno. A glicosilação determinada pela GS115 pode ter um resultado benéfico como adjuvante. A levedura Glycoswitch, modificada para reproduzir a glicosilação humanizada, pode ter um efeito benéfico produzindo resposta imune mais especifica. A proteína RBD foi recuperada no sobrenadante dos cultivos, purificada por cromatografia de afinidade a metal e as frações de eluição foram analisadas por SDS-PAGE e Western Blot. O sistema Pichia pastoris mostrou-se uma boa forma de expressão da proteína RBD recombinante solúvel, porém em baixa concentração. Novas formas de otimizar o rendimento estão sendo estudadas. Por exemplo, uma nova linhagem de P. pastoris, a X33, foi clonada, para testes de expressão e avaliação de rendimentos.

The Deleterious Effects of Shiga Toxin Type 2 Are Neutralized In Vitro by FabF8:Stx2 Recombinant Monoclonal Antibody.

Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS) associated with Shiga-toxigenic Escherichia coli (STEC) infections is the principal cause of acute renal injury in pediatric age groups. Shiga toxin type 2 (Stx2) has in vitro cytotoxic effects on kidney cells, including human glomerular endothelial (HGEC) and Vero cells. Neither a licensed vaccine nor effective therapy for HUS is available for humans. Recombinant antibodies against Stx2, produced in bacteria, appeared as the utmost tool to prevent HUS. Therefore, in this work, a recombinant FabF8:Stx2 was selected from a human Fab antibody library by phage display, characterized, and analyzed for its ability to neutralize the Stx activity from different STEC-Stx2 and Stx1/Stx2 producing strains in a gold standard Vero cell assay, and the Stx2 cytotoxic effects on primary cultures of HGEC. This recombinant Fab showed a dissociation constant of 13.8 nM and a half maximum effective concentration (EC50) of 160 ng/mL to Stx2. Additionally, FabF8:Stx2 neutralized, in different percentages, the cytotoxic effects of Stx2 and Stx1/2 from different STEC strains on Vero cells. Moreover, it significantly prevented the deleterious effects of Stx2 in a dose-dependent manner (up to 83%) in HGEC and protected this cell up to 90% from apoptosis and necrosis. Therefore, this novel and simple anti-Stx2 biomolecule will allow further investigation as a new therapeutic option that could improve STEC and HUS patient outcomes.

Condição de saúde bucal de pacientes oncológicos / Oral health condition for oncological patients

Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a condição de saúde bucal de pacientes em terapia oncológica. Trata-se de um estudo observacional transversal realizado no Centro OncoHematologico de Pernambuco (CEONHPE), vinculado ao Hospital Universitário Oswaldo Cruz (HUOC), da Universidade de Pernambuco (UPE). Foram incluídos no estudo pacientes com idade entre 1 e 19 anos, de ambos os sexos, totalizando uma amostra de 177 pacientes, dentre os quais 25 realizaram o índice de placa, 111 submeteram-se ao índice de Dentes Cariados, Perdidos e Obturados (CPOD) e 129 ao índice de Dentes Decíduos Cariados, Com Extração Indicada e Obturados (ceo-d). Foi realizada coleta de dados secundários obtidos nas fichas clínicas dos pacientes que estiveram em atendimento no ano de 2018. Através da análise estatística descritiva foram consideradas as variáveis: condição de saúde bucal, idade, gênero, diagnóstico oncológico e fase atual do tratamento. Com relação às condições de saúde bucal foram avaliadas: condições de higiene oral (índice de placa de O´Leary); cárie (CPO-D e ceo-d). Verificou-se que houve predominância do índice CPO-D e ceo-d em zero e o índice de placa foi considerado insatisfatório na maioria dos pacientes. Portanto, apesar de baixo índice de cárie, foi constatado elevado índice de placa bacteriana...(AU)

This study aimed to assess the oral health condition of patients undergoing cancer therapy. This is a cross-sectional observational study carried out at the Centro OncoHematologico de Pernambuco (CEON-HPE), linked to the Hospital Universitário Oswaldo Cruz (HUOC), of the University of Pernambuco (UPE). The study included patients aged between 1 and 19 years old, of both sexes, totaling a sample of 177 patients, among whom 25 underwent the plaque index, 111 underwent the Decayed, Lost and Filled Teeth Index (CPOD) and 129 to the Decayed Deciduous Teeth Index, with Extraction Indicated and Filled (ceo-d). Secondary data were collected from the clinical records of patients who were in care in 2018. Through the descriptive statistical analysis, the variables were considered: oral health condition, age, gender, cancer diagnosis and current treatment stage. Regarding oral health conditions, the following were evaluated: oral hygiene conditions (O´Leary plaque index); caries (CPOD e ceo-d). It was found that there was a pre dominance of the CPOD index and ceo-d at zero and the plaque index was considered unsatisfactory in most patients. Therefore, despite a low rate of caries, a high rate of plaque was found... (AU)

Molecular Detection of Drug-Resistance Genes of blaOXA-23-blaOXA-51 and mcr-1 in Clinical Isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa has caused high rates of mortality due to the appearance of strains with multidrug resistance (MDR) profiles. This study aimed to characterize the molecular profile of virulence and resistance genes in 99 isolates of P. aeruginosa recovered from different clinical specimens. The isolates were identified by the automated method Vitek2, and the antibiotic susceptibility profile was determined using different classes of antimicrobials. The genomic DNA was extracted and amplified by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (mPCR) to detect different virulence and antimicrobial resistance genes. Molecular typing was performed using the enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus (ERIC-PCR) technique to determine the clonal relationship among P. aeruginosa isolates. The drug susceptibility profiles of P. aeruginosa for all strains showed high levels of drug resistance, particularly, 27 (27.3%) isolates that exhibited extensively drug-resistant (XDR) profiles, and the other isolates showed MDR profiles. We detected the polymyxin E (mcr-1) gene in one strain that showed resistance against colistin. The genes that confer resistance to oxacillin (blaOXA-23 and blaOXA-51) were present in three isolates. One of these isolates carried both genes. As far as we know from the literature, this is the first report of the presence of blaOXA-23 and blaOXA-51 genes in P. aeruginosa.

3D culture models to study SARS-CoV-2 infectivity and antiviral candidates: From spheroids to bioprinting.

The pandemic caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is receiving worldwide attention, due to the severity of the disease (COVID-19) that resulted in more than a million global deaths so far. The urgent need for vaccines and antiviral drugs is mobilizing the scientific community to develop strategies for studying the mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 infection, replication kinetics, pathogenesis, host-virus interaction, and infection inhibition. In this work, we review the strategies of tissue engineering in the fabrication of three-dimensional (3D) models used in virology studies, which presented many advantages over conventional cell cultures, such as complex cytoarchitecture and a more physiological microenvironment. Scaffold-free (spheroids and organoids) and scaffold-based (3D scaffolding and 3D bioprinting) approach allow the biofabrication of more realistic models relevant to the pandemic, to be used as in vitro platforms for the development of new vaccines and therapies against COVID-19.