Annexin A1 improves immune responses and control of tissue parasitism during Leishmania amazonensis infection in BALB/c mice.

Leishmaniases, a group of diseases caused by the species of the protozoan parasite Leishmania, remains a significant public health concern worldwide. Host immune responses play a crucial role in the outcome of Leishmania infections, and several mediators that regulate inflammatory responses are potential targets for therapeutic approaches. Annexin A1 (AnxA1), an endogenous protein endowed with anti-inflammatory and pro-resolving properties, has emerged as a potential player. We have shown that during L. braziliensis infection, deficiency of AnxA1 exacerbates inflammatory responses but does not affect parasite burden. Here, we have investigated the role of AnxA1 in L. amazonensis infection, given the non-healing and progressive lesions characteristic of this infectious model. Infection of AnxA1 KO BALB/c mice resulted in increased lesion size and tissue damage associated with higher parasite burdens and enhanced inflammatory response. Notably, therapeutic application of the AnxA1 peptidomimetic Ac2-26 improves control of parasite replication and increases IL-10 production in vivo and in vitro, in both WT and AnxA1 KO mice. Conversely, administration of WRW4, an inhibitor of FPR2/3, resulted in larger lesions and decreased production of IL-10, suggesting that the effects of AnxA1 during L. amazonensis infection are associated with the engagement of these receptors. Our study illuminates the role of AnxA1 in L. amazonensis infection, demonstrating its impact on the susceptibility phenotype of BALB/c mice. Furthermore, our results indicate that targeting the AnxA1 pathway by using the Ac2-26 peptide could represent a promising alternative for new treatments for leishmaniasis.

Validez de contenido de la propuesta del diagnóstico de enfermería Sequedad ocular en pacientes adultos internados en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos / Content validity of the nursing diagnosis proposal Ocular dryness in adult patients admitted to the intensive care unit

Objetivo: Verificar la validez de contenido de la propuesta del diagnóstico de enfermería “Sequedad ocular” en pacientes adultos internados en una Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos. Materiales y métodos: Se trata de un estudio metodológico de validación de contenido de la propuesta del diagnóstico de enfermería “Sequedad ocular”, operacionalizado a través de un grupo focal. La selección de especialistas tuvo en cuenta la experiencia clínica y/o académica en el área de diagnósticos de enfermería y/o sequedad ocular y/o ojo seco y/o salud ocular, así como el tiempo de actuación con el tema. Fueron invitados 13 enfermeros que cumplieron con los criterios descritos anteriormente, de los cuales 10 aceptaron participar. El enfoque de validación fue por consenso. Los datos fueron analizados mediante estadística descriptiva, nivel de especialización y análisis de elementos diagnósticos. Resultados: Luego del consenso final de los jueces de enfermería en relación a los elementos diagnósticos, se definió una propuesta del diagnóstico “Sequedad ocular” basada en la validez de contenido con una nueva definición, 14 características definitorias, 9 factores relacionados, 2 poblaciones en riesgo y 20 problemas asociados. Además, luego de juzgar la coherencia de los elementos en relación a la estructura diagnóstica, los jueces emitieron el consenso en relación a las definiciones conceptuales y operativas (AU)

Objetivo: Verificar a validade de conteúdo da proposição diagnóstica de enfermagem Ressecamento ocular em pacientes adultos internados em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva. Materiais e métodos: Trata-se de um estudo metodológico de validação de conteúdo da proposição diagnóstica de enfermagem Ressecamento ocular, operacionalizado mediante grupo focal. A seleção dos especialistas levou em consideração a experiência clínica e/ou acadêmica na área de diagnósticos de enfermagem e/ou ressecamento ocular e/ou olho seco e/ou saúde ocular, bem como o tempo de atuação na temática. Foram convidados 13 enfermeiros que se enquadravam nos critérios acima descritos, dos quais 10 aceitaram participar. A abordagem de validação foi por consenso. Os dados foram analisados mediante estatística descritiva, nível de expertise e análise dos elementos diagnósticos. Resultados: Após o consenso final dos enfermeiros juízes em relação aos elementos diagnósticos, foi definida uma proposta do diagnóstico Ressecamento ocular a partir da validade de conteúdo com nova definição, 14 características definidoras, 9 fatores relacionados, 2 populações em risco e 20 condições associadas. Após julgar a coerência dos elementos em relação a estrutura diagnóstica, os juízes emitiram o consenso sobre as definições conceituais e operacionais. Conclusões: O estudo permitiu verificar a validade do conteúdo por juízes da proposição diagnóstica de enfermagem Ressecamento ocular em pacientes em unidades de terapia intensiva, o que favorece o raciocínio diagnóstico do enfermeiro e o planejamento de intervenções efetivas relacionadas a esse diagnóstico, permitindo o manejo do paciente de maneira a proporcionar a integridade ocular (AU)

Objective: to verify the content validity of the nursing diagnosis proposal Ocular dryness in adult patients admitted to an intensive care unit. Materials and methods: this is a methodological study of content validation of the nursing diagnosis proposal Ocular dryness, operationalized through a focus group. The selection of specialists took into account the clinical and/or academic experience in the area of nursing diagnoses and/or ocular dryness and/or dry eye and/or ocular health, as well as the time of performance with the theme. Thirteen nurses who met the criteria described above were invited, of whom 10 agreed to participate. The validation approach was by consensus. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, level of expertise and analysis of diagnostic elements. Results: after the final consensus of the nurse judges in relation to the diagnostic elements, a proposal of the diagnosis Ocular dryness was defined based on the validity of content with a new definition, 14 defining characteristics, 9 related factors, 2 populations at risk and 20 associated conditions. In addition, after judging the coherence of the elements in relation to the diagnostic structure, the judges issued the consensus in relation to the conceptual and operational definitions. Conclusions: the study allowed verifying the validity of the content by judges of the nursing diagnosis proposal Ocular dryness in patients in intensive care units, which favors the diagnostic reasoning of nurses and the planning of effective interventions related to this diagnosis, allowing the management of the patients in order to provide ocular integrity (AU)

Ocular dryness in intensive care: proposal for a new nursing diagnosis.

OBJECTIVE: to analyze the concept associated with diagnostic proposition Ocular dryness in adult patients hospitalized in an Intensive Care Unit, identifying its attributes, antecedents and consequences. METHODS: a methodological study carried out through concept analysis, operationalized by scoping review. RESULTS: the analysis of 180 studies allowed the identification of two attributes, 32 antecedents and 12 consequences. The attributes were tear film deficiency and ocular signs and/or symptoms. The prevalent antecedents were incomplete eyelid closure (lagophthalmos) and blinking mechanism decrease. Major consequences included conjunctival hyperemia and decreased tear volume. CONCLUSIONS: this study allowed constructing nursing diagnosis Ocular dryness, part of domain 11, class 2, with 12 defining characteristics, 12 related factors, seven populations at risk and 13 associated conditions. This problem-focused proposal may provide targeted care by promoting early detection and implementing interventions that reduce the risk of ocular damage.

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.

Work ability of school servants and the mediating effects between personal characteristics, work conditions, and sickness absence1.

BACKGROUND: School servants are professionals involved with cleaning and feeding activities in schools. Exposed to conditions of physical and psychosocial overload at work, they may face situations of morbidity and functional restrictions. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate personal and work characteristics and work ability index (WAI) of school servants in Brazil and test the mediating effect of WAI in the duration of sickness absence. METHODS: 163 Brazilian school servants participated in this cross-sectional study, that including the self-completion of a sociodemographic questionnaire, information about the Work Environment, the Protocol of Psychosocial Risks at Work's Evaluation, and the Work Ability Index. Also was collected, in a secondary health database, information about sickness absence. A linear regression model was constructed to identify the predictors of the duration of absence, followed by the analysis of mediation with the Path Analysis method. RESULTS: The study found that the WAI partially mediates the relation of the personal characteristics and the work conditions with the duration of absence of the school servants. The predictors included the organizational aspects of work, mental exhaustion, physical damage, health self-evaluation, availability of personal protective equipment, and the need to assume inadequate postures at work. These predictors explained 33% of the duration of absence and 53% of the WAI of these workers. CONCLUSION: This study indicated that inadequate working conditions and low WAI impact in the sickness absence, increasing by 33% the length of time off work of school servants.

Effects of a self-care educational program via telerehabilitation on quality of life and caregiver burden in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a single-blinded randomized clinical trial protocol.

Introduction: The implementation of a telerehabilitation protocol for self-care in the routine of caregivers of individuals with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) has been associated with reduced levels of stress and improved quality of life. Moreover, it may reduce the difficulty of traveling to perform physical or other self-care activities. Thus, this study designed a clinical trial protocol to investigate the effects of a self-care education program via telerehabilitation on the burden and quality of life of caregivers of individuals with ALS. Methods: This single-blinded randomized clinical trial will recruit 26 caregivers and randomly allocate them to the experimental (EG = 13) or control group (CG = 13). The EG will receive an informative booklet and participate in a 6-week synchronous telerehabilitation program with a neuropsychologist, nutritionist, and physiotherapist to discuss physical and mental health. The CG will receive an informative booklet on self-care and physical activity and weekly phone calls for 6 weeks to solve questions about the booklet. Outcomes will include the caregiver burden (Zarit scale), quality of life (World Health Organization Quality of Life BREF), pain (McGill Pain Questionnaire), stress (Perceived Stress Scale), and depression (Beck Depression Inventory), which will be evaluated at the baseline after the six-week program and 30 days after the program. Additionally, we will assess daily the nocturnal awakenings, sleep patterns, level of physical activity, and heart rate variability. Discussion: This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of telerehabilitation for caregivers of individuals with ALS. If effective, this program could be disseminated among health professionals, increasing the possibility of remotely monitoring individuals with difficulty performing physical activities. Trial registration number: NCT05884034 (clinicaltrials.gov).

Quality attributes of CTVad1, a nanoemulsified adjuvant for phase I clinical trial of SpiN COVID-19 vaccine.

Aim: To develop, characterize and evaluate an oil/water nanoemulsion with squalene (CTVad1) to be approved as an adjuvant for the SpiN COVID-19 vaccine clinical trials. Materials & methods: Critical process parameters (CPPs) of CTVad1 were standardized to meet the critical quality attributes (CQAs) of an adjuvant for human use. CTVad1 and the SpiN-CTVad1 vaccine were submitted to physicochemical, stability, in vitro and in vivo studies. Results & conclusion: All CQAs were met in the CTVad1 production process. SpiN- CTVad1 met CQAs and induced high levels of antibodies and specific cellular responses in in vivo studies. These results represented a critical step in the process developed to meet regulatory requirements for the SpiN COVID-19 vaccine clinical trial.

Plasma Sphingomyelin Disturbances: Unveiling Its Dual Role as a Crucial Immunopathological Factor and a Severity Prognostic Biomarker in COVID-19.

SARS-CoV-2 infection triggers distinct patterns of disease development characterized by significant alterations in host regulatory responses. Severe cases exhibit profound lung inflammation and systemic repercussions. Remarkably, critically ill patients display a "lipid storm", influencing the inflammatory process and tissue damage. Sphingolipids (SLs) play pivotal roles in various cellular and tissue processes, including inflammation, metabolic disorders, and cancer. In this study, we employed high-resolution mass spectrometry to investigate SL metabolism in plasma samples obtained from control subjects (n = 55), COVID-19 patients (n = 204), and convalescent individuals (n = 77). These data were correlated with inflammatory parameters associated with the clinical severity of COVID-19. Additionally, we utilized RNAseq analysis to examine the gene expression of enzymes involved in the SL pathway. Our analysis revealed the presence of thirty-eight SL species from seven families in the plasma of study participants. The most profound alterations in the SL species profile were observed in patients with severe disease. Notably, a predominant sphingomyelin (SM d18:1) species emerged as a potential biomarker for COVID-19 severity, showing decreased levels in the plasma of convalescent individuals. Elevated SM levels were positively correlated with age, hospitalization duration, clinical score, and neutrophil count, as well as the production of IL-6 and IL-8. Intriguingly, we identified a putative protective effect against disease severity mediated by SM (d18:1/24:0), while ceramide (Cer) species (d18:1/24:1) and (d18:1/24:0)were associated with increased risk. Moreover, we observed the enhanced expression of key enzymes involved in the SL pathway in blood cells from severe COVID-19 patients, suggesting a primary flow towards Cer generation in tandem with SM synthesis. These findings underscore the potential of SM as a prognostic biomarker for COVID-19 and highlight promising pharmacological targets. By targeting sphingolipid pathways, novel therapeutic strategies may emerge to mitigate the severity of COVID-19 and improve patient outcomes.

Complete assembly, annotation of virulence genes and CRISPR editing of the genome of Leishmania amazonensis PH8 strain.

We report the sequencing and assembly of the PH8 strain of Leishmania amazonensis one of the etiological agents of leishmaniasis. After combining data from long Pacbio reads, short Illumina reads and synteny with the Leishmania mexicana genome, the sequence of 34 chromosomes with 8317 annotated genes was generated. Multigene families encoding three virulence factors, A2, amastins and the GP63 metalloproteases, were identified and compared to their annotation in other Leishmania species. As they have been recently recognized as virulence factors essential for disease establishment and progression of the infection, we also identified 14 genes encoding proteins involved in parasite iron and heme metabolism and compared to genes from other Trypanosomatids. To follow these studies with a genetic approach to address the role of virulence factors, we tested two CRISPR-Cas9 protocols to generate L. amazonensis knockout cell lines, using the Miltefosine transporter gene as a proof of concept.

ASP-2/Trans-sialidase chimeric protein induces robust protective immunity in experimental models of Chagas' disease.

Immunization with the Amastigote Surface Protein-2 (ASP-2) and Trans-sialidase (TS) antigens either in the form of recombinant protein, encoded in plasmids or human adenovirus 5 (hAd5) confers robust protection against various lineages of Trypanosoma cruzi. Herein we generated a chimeric protein containing the most immunogenic regions for T and B cells from TS and ASP-2 (TRASP) and evaluated its immunogenicity in comparison with our standard protocol of heterologous prime-boost using plasmids and hAd5. Mice immunized with TRASP protein associated to Poly-ICLC (Hiltonol) were highly resistant to challenge with T. cruzi, showing a large decrease in tissue parasitism, parasitemia and no lethality. This protection lasted for at least 3 months after the last boost of immunization, being equivalent to the protection induced by DNA/hAd5 protocol. TRASP induced high levels of T. cruzi-specific antibodies and IFNγ-producing T cells and protection was primarily mediated by CD8+ T cells and IFN-γ. We also evaluated the toxicity, immunogenicity, and efficacy of TRASP and DNA/hAd5 formulations in dogs. Mild collateral effects were detected at the site of vaccine inoculation. While the chimeric protein associated with Poly-ICLC induced high levels of antibodies and CD4+ T cell responses, the DNA/hAd5 induced no antibodies, but a strong CD8+ T cell response. Immunization with either vaccine protected dogs against challenge with T. cruzi. Despite the similar efficacy, we conclude that moving ahead with TRASP together with Hiltonol is advantageous over the DNA/hAd5 vaccine due to pre-existing immunity to the adenovirus vector, as well as the cost-benefit for development and large-scale production.

Genomic Surveillance of Monkeypox Virus, Minas Gerais, Brazil, 2022.

Phylogenetic analysis of 34 monkeypox virus genome sequences isolated from patients in Minas Gerais, Brazil, revealed initial importation events in early June 2022, then community transmission within the state. All generated genomes belonged to the B.1 lineage responsible for a global mpox outbreak. These findings can inform public health measures.

Immunoproteomics approach for the discovery of antigens applied to the diagnosis of canine visceral leishmaniasis.

In the present study, an immunoproteomic approach using Leishmania infantum parasites isolated from naturally infected dogs from an endemic region of the disease, was carried out to identify new antigens to be used in the diagnosis of canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL). Protein extracts, obtained from parasites isolated from asymptomatic (CanLA) and symptomatic (CanLS) dogs, were used to perform the two-dimensional gels. Western Blotting assays were carried out by employing a pool of sera from dogs with visceral leishmaniasis (CanLA or CanLS), healthy dogs from an endemic area, or dogs with similar diseases associated with cross-reactions (babesiosis and ehrlichiosis). With these results, it was possible to exclude the spots that showed a cross-reactivity of the sera from groups of healthy dogs, and those with babesiosis or ehrlichiosis. Taken together, 20 proteins were identified, 15 of which have already been described in the literature and 5 of which are hypothetical. An immunogenomic screen strategy was applied to identify conserved linear B-cell epitopes in the identified hypothetical proteins. Two peptides were synthesized and tested in ELISA experiments as a proof of concept for the validation of our immunoproteomics findings. The results demonstrated that the antigens presented sensitivity and specificity values ranging from 81.93% to 97.59% and 78.14 to 85.12%, respectively. As a comparative antigen, a preparation of a Leishmania extract showed sensitivity and specificity values of 75.90% and 74.88%, respectively. The present study was able to identify proteins capable of being used for the serodiagnosis of canine visceral leishmaniasis.

Conhecimento dos estudantes de enfermagem sobre biossegurança no contexto hospitalar na pandemia: abordagem qualitativa / Nursing students' knowledge about biosafety in the hospital context during the pandemic: a qualitative approach

OBJETIVO: Descrever o conhecimento dos estudantes de enfermagem sobre as medidas de biossegurança no contexto hospitalar em tempos de pandemia. MÉTODO: Estudo descritivo, exploratório, qualitativo, com estudantes de enfermagem de uma universidade pública da baixada litorânea do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, através de entrevista em ambiente virtual, entre julho e setembro de 2021. Utilizou-se o Interface de R pour Analyses Multidimensionnelles de Textes Et de Questionnaires para processamento do corpus textual e Análise de Conteúdo Temática para interpretação das falas. RESULTADOS: Participaram 29 estudantes que reconhecem a biossegurança, mas não possuem segurança ao abordá-la. Para eles, trata-se de normas para proteção do trabalhador e pacientes, associando-as aos EPIs e ao uso durante a pandemia. CONCLUSÃO: A biossegurança não é reconhecida na sua totalidade entre estudantes de enfermagem que estarão no mercado de trabalho futuramente. É necessário um olhar ampliado em perspectiva transversal, especialmente nas disciplinas do ciclo profissionalizante da enfermagem.

OBJECTIVE: To describe Nursing students' knowledge about the biosafety measures in the hospital context in pandemic times. METHOD: A descriptive, exploratory and qualitative study conducted through interviews in a virtual environment between July and September 2021 with Nursing students from a public university in the coastal lowland of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Interface de R pour Analyses Multidimensionnelles de Textes Et de Questionnaires was used to process the text corpus and Thematic Content Analysis was employed to interpret the testimonies. RESULTS: The participants were 29 students that recognize biosafety but are not confident enough to address it. For them, it is but a set of standards for the protection of workers and patients alike, associating it with PPE and with its use during the pandemic. CONCLUSION: Biosafety is not recognized in its entirety by the Nursing students who will enter the labor market in the near future. An expanded and cross-sectional perspective is required, especially in the academic disciplines of Nursing training cycle.

Ocular dryness in intensive care: proposal for a new nursing diagnosis / Sequedad ocular en cuidados intensivos: propuesta para un nuevo diagnóstico de enfermería / Ressecamento ocular em terapia intensiva: proposta de novo diagnóstico de enfermagem

ABSTRACT Objective: to analyze the concept associated with diagnostic proposition Ocular dryness in adult patients hospitalized in an Intensive Care Unit, identifying its attributes, antecedents and consequences. Methods: a methodological study carried out through concept analysis, operationalized by scoping review. Results: the analysis of 180 studies allowed the identification of two attributes, 32 antecedents and 12 consequences. The attributes were tear film deficiency and ocular signs and/or symptoms. The prevalent antecedents were incomplete eyelid closure (lagophthalmos) and blinking mechanism decrease. Major consequences included conjunctival hyperemia and decreased tear volume. Conclusions: this study allowed constructing nursing diagnosis Ocular dryness, part of domain 11, class 2, with 12 defining characteristics, 12 related factors, seven populations at risk and 13 associated conditions. This problem-focused proposal may provide targeted care by promoting early detection and implementing interventions that reduce the risk of ocular damage.

RESUMEN Objetivo: analizar el concepto asociado a la proposición del diagnóstico de enfermería Sequedad ocular en pacientes adultos internados en una unidad de cuidados intensivos, identificando sus atributos, antecedentes y consecuencias. Métodos: estudio metodológico, realizado a través del análisis de concepto operacionalizado por scoping review. Resultados: el análisis de 180 estudios permitió identificar dos atributos, 32 antecedentes y 12 consecuentes. Los atributos fueron deficiencia de película lagrimal y signos y/o síntomas oculares. Los antecedentes prevalentes fueron cierre palpebral incompleto (lagoftalmos) y disminución del mecanismo de parpadeo. Las principales consecuencias incluyeron hiperemia conjuntival y disminución del volumen lagrimal. Conclusiones: este estudio permitió la construcción del diagnóstico de enfermería Sequedad ocular, parte del dominio 11, clase 2, con 12 características definidoras, 12 factores relacionados, siete poblaciones de riesgo y 13 condiciones asociadas. Esta propuesta centrada en el problema puede brindar atención dirigida al promover la detección temprana e implementar intervenciones que reduzcan el riesgo de daño ocular.

RESUMO Objetivo: analisar o conceito associado à proposição do diagnóstico de enfermagem Ressecamento ocular em pacientes adultos internados em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva com identificação de seus atributos, antecedentes e consequentes. Métodos: estudo metodológico, realizado mediante análise de conceito operacionalizada por scoping review. Resultados: a análise dos 180 estudos permitiu identificação de dois atributos, 32 antecedentes e 12 consequentes. Os atributos foram deficiência do filme lacrimal e sinais e/ ou sintomas oculares. Os antecedentes prevalentes foram fechamento palpebral incompleto (lagoftalmia) e mecanismo de piscar diminuído. Os principais consequentes incluíram hiperemia conjuntival e volumetria lacrimal diminuída. Conclusões: este estudo permitiu a construção do diagnóstico de enfermagem Ressecamento ocular, integrante do domínio 11, classe 2, com 12 características definidoras, 12 fatores relacionados, sete populações em risco e 13 condições associadas. Essa proposta com foco no problema poderá proporcionar cuidado direcionado, promovendo detecção precoce e execução de intervenções que reduzam o risco de danos oculares.

Acurácia dos indicadores clínicos da proposta diagnóstica de enfermagem sobre o ressecamento ocular em terapia intensiva / Precisión de los indicadores clínicos de la propuesta diagnóstica de enfermería sobre la sequedad ocular en unidad de cuidados intensivos / Accuracy of clinical indicators of the nursing diagnosis proposal on ocular dryness in intensive care

Resumo Objetivo Analisar a acurácia dos indicadores clínicos da proposta diagnóstica de enfermagem Ressecamento ocular em pacientes adultos em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva. Métodos Estudo de acurácia diagnóstica, com delineamento analítico transversal e de abordagem quantitativa. A amostra foi composta por 206 pacientes internados em uma unidade de terapia intensiva adulto. Foi aplicado um instrumento elaborado de acordo com variáveis relacionadas aos dados sociodemográficos, clínicos, indicadores clínicos, fatores etiológicos, população em risco e condições associadas do Ressecamento ocular . Um modelo de classe latente foi utilizado para identificação da prevalência do diagnóstico e identificação da especificidade e sensibilidade dos indicadores clínicos. Resultados Dentre os participantes do estudo, 52,4% eram do sexo masculino e apresentaram média de idade de 58,69 anos (±14,61). A prevalência do Ressecamento ocular foi de 76,22%. Os indicadores clínicos volume lacrimal diminuído e excesso de secreção mucoide apresentaram valores elevados de especificidade (81,63% e 99,99%, respectivamente). Além disso, vasos sanguíneos dilatados na superfície ocular, excesso de secreção mucoide, filamento mucoide e quemose apresentaram valores mais altos para sensibilidade (74,52%, 99,99%, 100,0% e 71,97%, respectivamente). Conclusão Após a análise da acurácia dos indicadores clínicos, conclui-se que cinco características definidoras foram capazes de apresentar valores elevados de especificidade ou sensibilidade. Este achado corrobora para uma inferência diagnóstica acurada, de modo a possibilitar a otimização de resultados com o intuito de impedir o declínio clínico referente à resposta humana indesejável Ressecamento ocular .

Resumen Objetivo Analizar la precisión de los indicadores clínicos de la propuesta diagnóstica de enfermería Sequedad ocular en pacientes adultos en Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos. Métodos Estudio de precisión diagnóstica, con diseño analítico transversal y de enfoque cuantitativo. La muestra estuvo compuesta por 206 pacientes internados en una unidad de cuidados intensivos adulta. Se aplicó un instrumento elaborado de acuerdo con variables relacionadas con datos sociodemográficos, clínicos, indicadores clínicos, factores etiológicos, población en riesgo y condiciones asociadas a la sequedad ocular . Se utilizó un modelo de clase latente para identificar la prevalencia del diagnóstico y para identificar la especificidad y sensibilidad de los indicadores clínicos. Resultados De los participantes del estudio, el 52,4 % era de sexo masculino y con edad promedio de 58,69 años (±14,61). La prevalencia de la sequedad ocular fue de 76,22 %. Los indicadores clínicos volumen lagrimal reducido y exceso de secreción mucoide presentaron valores elevados de especificidad (81,63 % y 99,99 %, respectivamente). Además, vasos sanguíneos dilatados en la superficie ocular, exceso de secreción mucoide, filamento mucoide y quemosis presentaron valores más altos de sensibilidad (74,52 %, 99,99 %, 100,0 % y 71,97 %, respectivamente). Conclusión Después del análisis de precisión de los indicadores clínicos, se concluye que cinco características definitorias fueron capaces de presentar valores elevados de especificidad o sensibilidad. Este descubrimiento corrobora una inferencia diagnóstica precisa, a fin de permitir la optimización de resultados con el objetivo de impedir el deterioro clínico referente a la respuesta humana indeseable sequedad ocular .

Abstract Objective To analyze the clinical indicator accuracy of Ocular dryness nursing diagnostic proposal in adult patients in the Intensive Care Unit. Methods This is a diagnostic accuracy study, with cross-sectional analytical design and quantitative approach. The sample consisted of 206 patients admitted to an adult Intensive Care Unit. An instrument designed according to variables related to sociodemographic and clinical data, clinical indicators, etiological factors, population at risk and associated conditions of Ocular dryness was applied. A latent class model was used to identify the prevalence of diagnosis and to identify clinical indicator specificity and sensitivity. Results Among the study participants, 52.4% were male and had a mean age of 58.69 years (±14.61). The prevalence of Ocular dryness was 76.22%. The reduced tear volume and excessive mucous secretion clinical indicators showed high specificity values (81.63% and 99.99%, respectively). Moreover, extended blood vessels on the ocular surface, excessive mucous secretion, mucoid filaments and chemosis presented higher values for sensitivity (74.52%, 99.99%, 100.0% and 71.97%, respectively). Conclusion After analyzing clinical indicator accuracy, it is concluded that five defining characteristics were able to present high values of specificity or sensitivity. This finding corroborates an accurate diagnostic inference, in order to enable the optimization of results in order to prevent the clinical decline related to the undesirable human response Ocular dryness .

Fatores clínicos e preditores do ressecamento ocular em pacientes no período pós-operatório / Factores clínicos y predictores de sequedad ocular en pacientes postoperados / Clinical factors and predictors of dry eye in postoperative patients

Objetivo: avaliar os fatores clínicos preditores para o ressecamento ocular e para o diagnóstico de enfermagem Risco de ressecamento ocular em pacientes no pós-operatório em Unidade de Recuperação Pós-Anestésica. Método: estudo transversal realizado entre maio e agosto de 2017. Amostra foi de 157 pacientes adultos submetidos a procedimentos cirúrgicos eletivos. Os dados foram analisados mediante estatística descritiva e inferencial. Resultados: o diagnóstico clínico de ressecamento ocular prevaleceu em 85,35% dos pacientes, e o diagnóstico de enfermagem Risco de ressecamento ocular em 14,65%. Observou-se diferenças estatísticas entre a hiperemia, lacrimejamento excessivo e teste de Schirmer insuficiente com o diagnóstico de ressecamento ocular no olho direito e com o diagnóstico Risco de ressecamento ocular. No olho esquerdo o teste de Schirmer foi insuficiente. Conclusão: a hiperemia, o lacrimejamento excessivo e o teste de Schirmer insuficiente são fatores clínicos preditores relevantes no perioperatório para promover medidas preventivas e/ou detectar precocemente o ressecamento ocular.

Objetivo: evaluar los predictores clínicos de ojo seco y el diagnóstico de enfermería Riesgo de ojo seco en pacientes postoperados en la Unidad de Recuperación Postanestésica. Material y método: estudio transversal realizado entre mayo y agosto de 2017. La muestra fue de 157 pacientes adultos sometidos a procedimientos quirúrgicos electivos. Los datos se analizaron mediante estadística descriptiva e inferencial. Resultados: el diagnóstico clínico de ojo seco predominó en el 85,35% de los pacientes, y el diagnóstico de enfermería Riesgo de ojo seco en el 14,65%. Se observaron diferencias estadísticas entre la hiperemia, el lagrimeo excesivo y el test de Schirmer insuficiente con el diagnóstico de sequedad ocular en el ojo derecho y con el diagnóstico Riesgo de ojo seco. En el ojo izquierdo el test de Schirmer fue insuficiente. Conclusión: la hiperemia, el lagrimeo excesivo y el test de Schirmer insuficiente son predictores clínicos perioperatorios relevantes para promover medidas preventivas y/o la detección precoz del ojo seco.

Objective: to evaluate the clinical predictors for dry eye and the nursing diagnosis Risk of dry eye in postoperative patients in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit. Method: cross-sectional study conducted between May and August, 2017. The sample was 157 adult patients undergoing elective surgical procedures. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: the clinical diagnosis of dry eye prevailed in 85.35% of patients, and the nursing diagnosis Risk of dry eye in 14.65%. Statistical differences were observed between hyperemia, excessive tearing and insufficient Schirmer test with the diagnosis of ocular dryness in the right eye and with the diagnosis Risk of dry eye. In the left eye the Schirmer test was insufficient. Conclusão: hyperemia, excessive tearing and insufficient Schirmer test are relevant perioperative clinical predictors to promote preventive measures and/or early detection of dry eye.

Monitoring the Establishment of VOC Gamma in Minas Gerais, Brazil: A Retrospective Epidemiological and Genomic Surveillance Study.

Since its first identification in Brazil, the variant of concern (VOC) Gamma has been associated with increased infection and transmission rates, hospitalizations, and deaths. Minas Gerais (MG), the second-largest populated Brazilian state with more than 20 million inhabitants, observed a peak of cases and deaths in March-April 2021. We conducted a surveillance study in 1240 COVID-19-positive samples from 305 municipalities distributed across MG's 28 Regional Health Units (RHU) between 1 March to 27 April 2021. The most common variant was the VOC Gamma (71.2%), followed by the variant of interest (VOI) zeta (12.4%) and VOC alpha (9.6%). Although the predominance of Gamma was found in most of the RHUs, clusters of Zeta and Alpha variants were observed. One Alpha-clustered RHU has a history of high human mobility from countries with Alpha predominance. Other less frequent lineages, such as P.4, P.5, and P.7, were also identified. With our genomic characterization approach, we estimated the introduction of Gamma on 7 January 2021, at RHU Belo Horizonte. Differences in mortality between the Zeta, Gamma and Alpha variants were not observed. We reinforce the importance of vaccination programs to prevent severe cases and deaths during transmission peaks.

Promotion of neutralizing antibody-independent immunity to wild-type and SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern using an RBD-Nucleocapsid fusion protein.

Both T cells and B cells have been shown to be generated after infection with SARS-CoV-2 yet protocols or experimental models to study one or the other are less common. Here, we generate a chimeric protein (SpiN) that comprises the receptor binding domain (RBD) from Spike (S) and the nucleocapsid (N) antigens from SARS-CoV-2. Memory CD4+ and CD8+ T cells specific for SpiN could be detected in the blood of both individuals vaccinated with Coronavac SARS-CoV-2 vaccine and COVID-19 convalescent donors. In mice, SpiN elicited a strong IFN-γ response by T cells and high levels of antibodies to the inactivated virus, but not detectable neutralizing antibodies (nAbs). Importantly, immunization of Syrian hamsters and the human Angiotensin Convertase Enzyme-2-transgenic (K18-ACE-2) mice with Poly ICLC-adjuvanted SpiN promotes robust resistance to the wild type SARS-CoV-2, as indicated by viral load, lung inflammation, clinical outcome and reduction of lethality. The protection induced by SpiN was ablated by depletion of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and not transferred by antibodies from vaccinated mice. Finally, vaccination with SpiN also protects the K18-ACE-2 mice against infection with Delta and Omicron SARS-CoV-2 isolates. Hence, vaccine formulations that elicit effector T cells specific for the N and RBD proteins may be used to improve COVID-19 vaccines and potentially circumvent the immune escape by variants of concern.

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.

Development and validation of an enzyme-linked immunoassay kit for diagnosis and surveillance of COVID-19.

There is a massive demand to identify alternative methods to detect new cases of COVID-19 as well as to investigate the epidemiology of the disease. In many countries, importation of commercial kits poses a significant impact on their testing capacity and increases the costs for the public health system. We have developed an ELISA to detect IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 using a recombinant viral nucleocapsid (rN) protein expressed in E. coli. Using a total of 894 clinical samples we showed that the rN-ELISA was able to detect IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 with high sensitivity (97.5%) and specificity (96.3%) when compared to a commercial antibody test. After three external validation studies, we showed that the test accuracy was higher than 90%. The rN-ELISA IgG kit constitutes a convenient and specific method for the large-scale determination of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in human sera with high reliability.