Práticas de enfermagem: contexto ambiental e a relação com o materialismo histórico dialético / Nursing practices: environmental context and the relationship with dialectical historical materialism / Prácticas de enfermería: contexto ambiental y la relación con el materialismo histórico dialéctico

Objetivo: Descrever as práticas dos enfermeiros em nossa sociedade e sob as circunstâncias que podem contribuir para a inclusão das práticas avançadas. Métodos: Estudo descritivo, de abordagem qualitativa e delineamento transversal, sob a perspectiva da teoria do materialismo histórico-dialético de Karl Marx, estruturada pela utilização do instrumento COREQ. Resultados: O campo de atuação do enfermeiro na atenção primária à saúde é diversificado, extrapola os muros do consultório. Muitas vezes o dinamismo das atividades traduz o empenho de obter os melhores resultados por meio de sua assistência. E o materialismo histórico-dialético reflete justamente a busca por uma assistência de qualidade e as mudanças no ambiente laboral, onde a interação de diversos fatores contribuem de forma direta no ambiente laboral e social. Conclusão: Os enfermeiros da atenção primária à saúde brasileira atuam nos mais diversos territórios, desse modo, precisam dinamizar os seus atendimentos para contemplar as necessidades sociais. Perante esses aspectos, as diversidades sociodemográficas brasileiras demonstraram que a escassez de recursos em regiões remotas é um dos fatores que fortalece a inclusão das práticas avançadas de enfermagem na atenção primária à saúde no Brasil. (AU)

Objective: To describe the practices of nurses in our society and under circumstances that may contribute to the inclusion of advanced practices. Methods: Descriptive study, with a qualitative approach and cross-sectional design, from the perspective of Karl Marx's dialectical historical materialism theory, structured by using the COREQ instrument. Results: The nurse's field of action in primary health care is diverse, it goes beyond the walls of the office. Often the dynamism of activities translates the effort to obtain the best results through their assistance. And dialectical historical materialism precisely reflects the search for quality care and changes in the work environment, where the interaction of several factors directly contribute to the work and social environment. Conclusion: Brazilian primary health care nurses work in the most diverse territories, therefore, they need to streamline their care to address social needs. In view of these aspects, Brazilian sociodemographic diversity has shown that the scarcity of resources in remote regions is one of the factors that strengthens the inclusion of advanced nursing practices in primary health care in Brazil. (AU)

Objetivo: Describir las prácticas de los enfermeros en nuestra sociedad y en circunstancias que puedan contribuir a la inclusión de prácticas avanzadas. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo, con enfoque cualitativo y diseño transversal, desde la perspectiva de la teoría del materialismo histórico dialéctico de Karl Marx, estructurado mediante el uso del instrumento COREQ. Resultados: El campo de actuación del enfermero en la atención primaria de salud es diverso, va más allá de las paredes del consultorio. Muchas veces el dinamismo de las actividades se traduce en el esfuerzo por obtener los mejores resultados a través de su asistencia. Y el materialismo histórico dialéctico refleja precisamente la búsqueda de cuidados de calidad y cambios en el ambiente laboral, donde la interacción de varios factores contribuyen directamente al ambiente laboral y social. Conclusión: Las enfermeras brasileñas de atención primaria de salud actúan en los más diversos territorios, por lo tanto, necesitan optimizar su atención para atender las necesidades sociales. Frente a estos aspectos, la diversidad sociodemográfica brasileña ha demostrado que la escasez de recursos en regiones remotas es uno de los factores que fortalece la inclusión de prácticas avanzadas de enfermería en la atención primaria de salud en Brasil. (AU)

Assistência de enfermagem à saúde da mulher na atenção primária à saúde / Nursing assistance to women's health in primary health care / Asistencia de enfermería a la salud de la mujer en la atención primaria de salud

Objetivo: Conhecer as práticas de cuidado de enfermeiros voltadas à saúde da mulher na APS. Métodos: Trata-se de uma pesquisa transversal de abordagem quanti-qualitativa, realizada com 24 enfermeiros da Atenção Primária a Saúde do estado de Sergipe. As entrevistas foram realizadas durante o período de dezembro de 2020 a abril de 2021, utilizando um roteiro semiestruturado. A análise dos dados quantitativos ocorreu de forma descritiva, a qualitativa ocorreu através da análise de conteúdo conforme Bardin. Resultados: As práticas mais citadas pelos entrevistados foram: consulta de enfermagem no pré-natal; exame Papanicolau e abordagem sindrômica das infecções sexualmente transmissíveis, exame clínico das mamas e solicitação da mamografia; no planejamento familiar, evidenciou-se a educação em saúde; no puerpério, comentaram sobre a avaliação clínica e obstétrica da mulher e as orientações. Conclusão: Os enfermeiros atuam, principalmente, como agentes fundamentais na promoção e prevenção da saúde da mulher, atuando em diversas fases da vida destas e auxiliando na manutenção da saúde e na prevenção de riscos e agravos. (AU)

Objective: to understand the care practices of nurses focused on women's health in PHC. Methods: This is cross-sectional research with a quantitative-qualitative approach, carried out with 24 nurses from Primary Health Care in the state of Sergipe. The interviews were conducted from December 2020 to April 2021, using a semistructured script. The analysis of the quantitative data occurred in a descriptive way, the qualitative one occurred through content analysis according to Bardin. Results: The practices most frequently mentioned by the interviewees were: prenatal nursing consultation; Pap smear and syndromic approach to sexually transmitted infections, clinical examination of the breasts and request for mammography; In family planning, health education was highlighted; In the postpartum period, they commented on the clinical and obstetric evaluation of the woman and the orientations. Conclusion: Nurses act mainly as fundamental agents in the promotion and prevention of women's health, acting in various phases of women's lives and assisting in the maintenance of health and in the prevention of risks and diseases. (AU)

Objetivo: comprender las prácticas asistenciales de los enfermeros enfocados en la salud de la mujer en la APS. Métodos: Se trata de una investigación transversal con abordaje cuantitativo-cualitativo, realizada con 24 enfermeros de la Atención Básica de Salud del estado de Sergipe. Las entrevistas se realizaron entre diciembre de 2020 y abril de 2021, utilizando un guión semiestructurado. El análisis de los datos cuantitativos ocurrió de forma descriptiva, el cualitativo ocurrió a través del análisis de contenido según Bardin. Resultados: Las prácticas más frecuentemente mencionadas por los entrevistados fueron: consulta de enfermería prenatal; Papanicolaou y abordaje sindrómico de las infecciones de transmisión sexual, examen clínico de las mamas y solicitud de mamografía; En cuanto a la planificación familiar, se destacó la educación para la salud; En el puerperio, comentaron sobre la evaluación clínica y obstétrica de la mujer y las orientaciones. Conclusión: Las enfermeras actúan principalmente como agentes fundamentales en la promoción y prevención de la salud de la mujer, actuando en diversas fases de la vida de la mujer y ayudando en el mantenimiento de la salud y en la prevención de riesgos y enfermedades. (AU)

Overexpression of miR-22-3p and miR-29c-3p in CFU-Hill colonies is related to senescence process among children with low birth weight.

BACKGROUND: The current study mainly focused on provide further insights into the association of the miR-22-3p and miR-29c-3p expression in CFU-Hill colonies with birth weight and senescence process in children. METHODS: This cross-sectional study evaluated 61 children (32 boys, 29 girls). The CFU-Hill colonies number was evaluated in vitro by cell culture technique and senescence was detected by ß-galactosidase (SA-ß-Gal) assay. Expression of miR-22-3p and miR-29c-3p isolated from CFU-Hill colonies were detected using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Birth weight was correlated with both CFU-Hill colonies and %SA-ß-Gal positive staining. Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that the senescence was a predictor of the lower CFU-Hill colonies number, while only the birth weight was a predictor of senescence of CFU-Hill colonies. Overexpression of miR-22-3p and miR-29c-3p was observed in CFU-Hill colonies isolated from children with low birth weight (LBW). Interestingly, we found a significant correlation between %SA-ß-Gal cells staining positive for both miR-22-3p and miR-29c-3p. CONCLUSION: The LBW is associated with decreased CFU-Hill colonies number and high senescence of these cells. The overexpression of miR-22-3p and miR-29c-3p may be partially responsible for this alteration due to regulation of several pathways related to the senescence process. IMPACT: The study establishes a significant correlation between birth weight and the number of CFU-Hill colonies, suggesting that birth weight could be a predictive biomarker for vascular health in children. Data indicates that cellular senescence is a predictor of reduced CFU-Hill colony numbers. This suggests that the aging process of these cells could be an important factor in understanding the vascular health issues in children with low birth weight. The overexpression of miR-22-3p and miR-29c-3p in children with low birth weight and their correlation with increased cellular senescence highlight these microRNAs as possible molecular mechanisms influencing the aging of CFU-Hill colonies.

Atlantic cod individual spatial behaviour and stable isotope associations in a no-take marine reserve.

Foraging is a behavioural process and, therefore, individual behaviour and diet are theorized to covary. However, few comparisons of individual behaviour type and diet exist in the wild. We tested whether behaviour type and diet covary in a protected population of Atlantic cod, Gadus morhua. Working in a no-take marine reserve, we could collect data on natural behavioural variation and diet choice with minimal anthropogenic disturbance. We inferred behaviour using acoustic telemetry and diet from stable isotope compositions (expressed as δ13 C and δ15 N values). We further investigated whether behaviour and diet could have survival costs. We found cod with shorter diel vertical migration distances fed at higher trophic levels. Cod δ13 C and δ15 N values scaled positively with body size. Neither behaviour nor diet predicted survival, indicating phenotypic diversity is maintained without survival costs for cod in a protected ecosystem. The links between diet and diel vertical migration highlight that future work is needed to understand whether the shifts in this behaviour during environmental change (e.g. fishing or climate), could lead to trophic cascades.

Genomic epidemiology unveils the dynamics and spatial corridor behind the Yellow Fever virus outbreak in Southern Brazil.

Despite the considerable morbidity and mortality of yellow fever virus (YFV) infections in Brazil, our understanding of disease outbreaks is hampered by limited viral genomic data. Here, through a combination of phylogenetic and epidemiological models, we reconstructed the recent transmission history of YFV within different epidemic seasons in Brazil. A suitability index based on the highly domesticated Aedes aegypti was able to capture the seasonality of reported human infections. Spatial modeling revealed spatial hotspots with both past reporting and low vaccination coverage, which coincided with many of the largest urban centers in the Southeast. Phylodynamic analysis unraveled the circulation of three distinct lineages and provided proof of the directionality of a known spatial corridor that connects the endemic North with the extra-Amazonian basin. This study illustrates that genomics linked with eco-epidemiology can provide new insights into the landscape of YFV transmission, augmenting traditional approaches to infectious disease surveillance and control.

Technology transfer during the COVID-19 pandemic: report on the first face-to-face practical training course in Brazil.

MAIN RESULTS: Technology transfer can take place at large events, as long as safety protocols are strictly enforced. It is important to disseminate, at these events, the concepts of the Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI). Implications for services: Face-to-face training course is fundamental for training public health professionals. Technology transfer between research institutions and health services results in updating and improving health system performance. PERSPECTIVES: Based on the success of the reported technology transfer, a new module will be incorporated into the next edition of VEME (Panama 2022), entitled Virus Evolution to Public Health Policy Makers. The objective of this report was to describe the first face-to-face course aimed at training public health professionals in performing real-time genomic surveillance during the pandemic period. Experience report on a theoretical-practical course focusing on genomic research and surveillance, including mobile sequencing technologies, bioinformatics, phylogenetics and epidemiological modeling. There were 162 participants in the event and it was the first major face-to-face training course conducted during the COVID-19 epidemic in Brazil. No cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection was detected among the participants at the end of the event, suggesting the safety and effectiveness of all safety measures adopted. The results of this experience suggest that it is possible to conduct professional training safely during pandemics, as long as all safety protocols are followed.

Antilisterial activity of cinnamon essential oil, pomegranate extract, or strawberry tree extract against Listeria monocytogenes in slices of dry-cured ham and pork loin.

Owing to concerns about the antimicrobial resistance of agents that can prevent the growth of Listeria monocytogenes in meat, researchers have investigated natural preservatives with antilisterial effects. However, in vivo application of essential oils and plant extracts usually results in reduced antimicrobial activity in meat products when compared to in vitro studies. This study aimed to evaluate the in vivo antimicrobial activity of cinnamon essential oil, pomegranate, and strawberry tree extracts in slices of dry-cured ham and pork loin against L. monocytogenes. Fragments of sterile dry-cured ham were inoculated with 100 µL cinnamon oil 0.5%, pomegranate, or strawberry crude extract. After 10 min, 100 µL of L. monocytogenes serotype 4b (104 colony-forming unit [CFU]/mL) was inoculated, and samples were incubated at 7 °C for 7 d to simulate the processing and storage temperature conditions of dry-cured meat products. L. monocytogenes was detected and quantified. Only strawberry extract presented significant differences (P < 0.05) from the control; thus, it was selected for the assay with 2% and 4% salt-treated pork loin. The strawberry tree extract significantly (P < 0.05) reduced the growth of L. monocytogenes in dry-cured ham. However, it could not reduce L. monocytogenes growth in pork loin, regardless of the salt concentration. This is the first report on the antimicrobial effect of strawberry tree leaf extract against L. monocytogenes in dry-cured ham.

Increased interregional virus exchange and nucleotide diversity outline the expansion of chikungunya virus in Brazil.

The emergence and reemergence of mosquito-borne diseases in Brazil such as yellow fever, zika, chikungunya, and dengue have had serious impacts on public health. Concerns have been raised due to the rapid dissemination of the chikungunya virus across the country since its first detection in 2014 in Northeast Brazil. In this work, we carried out on-site training activities in genomic surveillance in partnership with the National Network of Public Health Laboratories that have led to the generation of 422 chikungunya virus genomes from 12 Brazilian states over the past two years (2021-2022), a period that has seen more than 312 thousand chikungunya fever cases reported in the country. These genomes increased the amount of available data and allowed a more comprehensive characterization of the dispersal dynamics of the chikungunya virus East-Central-South-African lineage in Brazil. Tree branching patterns revealed the emergence and expansion of two distinct subclades. Phylogeographic analysis indicated that the northeast region has been the leading hub of virus spread towards other regions. Increased frequency of C > T transitions among the new genomes suggested that host restriction factors from the immune system such as ADAR and AID/APOBEC deaminases might be driving the genetic diversity of the chikungunya virus in Brazil.

Increased interregional virus exchange and nucleotide diversity outline the expansion of the chikungunya virus ECSA lineage in Brazil.

The emergence and reemergence of mosquito-borne diseases in Brazil such as Yellow Fever, Zika, Chikungunya, and Dengue have had serious impacts on public health. Concerns have been raised due to the rapid dissemination of the chikungunya virus (CHIKV) across the country since its first detection in 2014 in Northeast Brazil. Faced with this scenario, on-site training activities in genomic surveillance carried out in partnership with the National Network of Public Health Laboratories have led to the generation of 422 CHIKV genomes from 12 Brazilian states over the past two years (2021-2022), a period that has seen more than 312 thousand chikungunya fever cases reported in the country. These new genomes increased the amount of available data and allowed a more comprehensive characterization of the dispersion dynamics of the CHIKV East-Central-South-African (ECSA) lineage in Brazil. Tree branching patterns revealed the emergence and expansion of two distinct subclades. Phylogeographic analysis indicated that the northeast region has been the leading hub of virus spread towards other regions. Increased frequency of C>T transitions among the new genomes suggested that host restriction factors from the immune system such as ADAR and AID/APOBEC deaminases might be driving CHIKV ECSA lineage genetic diversity in Brazil.

Molecular dynamics simulations of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein and variants of concern: structural evidence for convergent adaptive evolution.

The Spike protein's structure of the SARS-CoV-2 provides a unique opportunity to consider perturbations at the atomic level. We used the cryo-electron microscopy structure of the open conformation of the Spike protein to assess the impact of the mutations observed in the variants of concern at the molecular level. Molecular dynamics were subsequently performed with both the wt and the mutated forms to compare the flexibility and variation data for each residue of the three-dimensional fluctuations in the region associated with each alpha carbon. Additionally, protein-protein docking was used to investigate the interaction of each mutated profile with the ACE-2 receptor. After the molecular dynamics, the results show that the mutations increased the stability of the trimeric protein, with greater stability observed in the Gamma variant harboring the 10 characteristic mutations. The results of molecular dynamics, as shown by RMSF demonstrated for the residues that comprise the binding domain receptor (RBD), exhibited a reduction in flexibility, which was more pronounced in the Gamma variant. Finally, protein-protein docking experiments revealed an increase in the number of hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonds in the Gamma variant against the ACE-2 receptor, as opposed to the other variants. Taken together, these in silico experiments suggest that the evolution of the mutations favored the increased stability of Spike protein while potentially improving its interaction with the ACE-2 receptor, which in turn may indicate putative structural outcomes of the selection of these mutations in the convergent adaptive evolution as it has been observed for SARS-CoV-2.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Transferência tecnológica durante a pandemia de covid-19: relato do primeiro treinamento prático presencial no Brasil / Technology transfer during the COVID-19 pandemic: report on the first face-to-face practical training course in Brazil / Transferencia de tecnología durante la epidemia de COVID-19 en Brasil: informe de la primera formación práctica presencial

Abstract The objective of this report was to describe the first face-to-face course aimed at training public health professionals in performing real-time genomic surveillance during the pandemic period. Experience report on a theoretical-practical course focusing on genomic research and surveillance, including mobile sequencing technologies, bioinformatics, phylogenetics and epidemiological modeling. There were 162 participants in the event and it was the first major face-to-face training course conducted during the COVID-19 epidemic in Brazil. No cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection was detected among the participants at the end of the event, suggesting the safety and effectiveness of all safety measures adopted. The results of this experience suggest that it is possible to conduct professional training safely during pandemics, as long as all safety protocols are followed.

Resumen Este estudio tuvo como objetivo describir el primer curso presencial para capacitar a los profesionales de la salud pública para llevar a cabo la vigilancia genómica en tiempo real durante los períodos de pandemia. Este es un informe de experiencia en un curso teórico-práctico centrado en la investigación y vigilancia genómica, que incluye secuenciación móvil, bioinformática, filogenética y tecnologías de modelado epidemiológico. Este evento contó con la asistencia de 162 participantes y fue la primera gran capacitación presencial realizada durante la epidemia de COVID-19 en Brasil. No se detectó infección por SARS-CoV-2 al final del evento en ningún participante, lo que sugiere la seguridad y efectividad de todas las medidas de seguridad adoptadas. Por lo tanto, los resultados del evento sugieren que es posible realizar entrenamientos profesionales de manera segura durante pandemias, siempre y cuando se sigan todos los protocolos de seguridad.

Resumo O relato descrebeu o primeiro curso presencial visando capacitar profissionais de saúde pública na realização de vigilância genômica em tempo real, durante períodos pandêmicos. Relato de experiência sobre um curso teórico-prático com foco em pesquisa e vigilância genômica, incluindo tecnologias de sequenciamento móvel, bioinformática, filogenética e modelagem epidemiológica. O evento contou com 162 participantes e foi o primeiro grande treinamento presencial realizado durante a epidemia de covid-19 no Brasil. Não foi detectada infecção pelo SARS-CoV-2 ao final do evento em nenhum participante, sugerindo a segurança e efetividade de todas as medidas de segurança adotadas. Os resultados do evento sugerem que é possível executar capacitação profissional com segurança durante pandemias, desde que seguidos todos os protocolos de segurança.

Eco-evolutionary dynamics of Atlantic cod spatial behavior maintained after the implementation of a marine reserve.

The effects of marine reserves on the life history and demography of the protected populations are well-established, typically increasing population density and body size. However, little is known about how marine reserves may alter the behavior of the populations that are the target of protection. In theory, marine reserves can relax selection on spatial behavioral phenotypes that were previously targeted by the fishery and also drive selection in favor of less mobile individuals. In this study, we used acoustic telemetry to monitor the individual spatial behavior of 566 Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua Linnaeus, 1758) moving within a marine reserve and a control site in southern Norway, starting 1 year before the implementation of the marine reserve and lasting up to 9 years after. Following a before-after-control-impact approach, we investigated changes in (1) survival, (2) selection acting on behavioral traits, and (3) mean behavioral phenotypes, after the implementation of the marine reserve. We focused on three behavioral traits commonly used to describe the mobility of aquatic animals: home range size, depth position, and diel vertical migration range. Survival increased after reserve implementation, but contrary to our expectations, it subsequently decreased to preprotection levels after just 3 years. Further, we found no significance in selection patterns acting on any of the three behavioral traits after reserve implementation. Although some changes related to water column use (the tendency to occupy deeper waters) were observed in the marine reserve after 9 years, they cannot unequivocally be attributed to protection. Our results show that survival and behavioral responses to marine reserves in some cases may be more complex than previously anticipated and highlight the need for appropriately scaled management experiments and more integrated approaches to understand the effects of marine protected areas on harvested aquatic species.

Abdominal esophagocardiectomy with esophagogastric anastomosis, with vagal preservation and construction of a spiral anti reflux valve in the treatment of advanced megaesophagus.

OBJECTIVE: present a new operative technique characterized by abdominal esophagocardiectomy, with esophagogastrus anastomosis, vagal preservation and spiral anti-reflux valve construction in the treatment of advanced megaesophagus in patients with severe systemic diseases, as well as its result in an initial group of 17 patients. METHOD: We selected 17 patients with advanced megaesophagus and comorbidities submitted to new technique. The following parameters were analyzed: age, sex, length of hospital stay, early and late complications, mortality, radiological/endoscopic aspects. RESULTS: twelve male patients (70%) and five (30%) were operated on, with mean age of 51.5 years and mean hospital stay of 14.8 days. There was no mortality in the immediate intraoperative or postoperative period and there were no cases of postoperative fistula. During hospitalization there was one case of pulmonary atelectasis (5.8%), one of pleural effusion (5.8%), two of wall infection (11.7%) and one of urinary retention (5.8%). Discussion: We believe it to be an easy technique, made exclusively by the abdominal route, that is, without violating the thoracic cavity. Such a procedure would be beneficial in patients with advanced megaesophagus and important comorbidities, as well as in those with a history of previous surgeries. CONCLUSION: the technique described was easy to perform and safe, when performed by an experienced team, with low morbidity and mortality in patients with advanced megaesophagus and important comorbidities, which could increase your complications with more invasive and complex surgeries.

Retrospective Genomic Surveillance of Chikungunya Transmission in Minas Gerais State, Southeast Brazil.

Brazil accounted for a total number of 1,276,194 reported cases of chikungunya fever between 2014 and 2022. Additionally, since 2015, the country has experienced an increasing death toll, in which the Northeast and Southeast regions appear to report the worst scenarios. Although the CHIKV transmission dynamics have been studied in many parts of the country since its introduction in 2014, little is still known about chikungunya virus (CHIKV) transmission and genetic diversity in the state of Minas Gerais, located in southeast Brazil. Moreover, no studies have been published characterizing CHIKV genomic surveillance in this state. Thus, to retrospectively explore the CHIKV epidemic in Minas Gerais, we generated 40 genomes from clinical samples using Nanopore sequencing. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that multiple introductions of CHIKV occurred, likely from the northeastern Brazilian states, with the most recent common ancestral strain dating to early March 2016, which is in agreement with local epidemiological reports. Additionally, epidemiological data reveals a decline in the number of reported cases from 2017 to 2021, indicating that population immunity or changes in vector activity may have contributed to the decreasing waves of CHIKV infection. Together, our results shed light on the dispersion dynamics of CHIKV and show that infections decreased from March 2017 to January 2021 despite multiple introductions into Minas Gerais State. In conclusion, our study highlights the importance of combining genomic and epidemiological data in order to assist public health laboratories in monitoring and understanding the patterns and diversity of mosquito-borne viral epidemics. IMPORTANCE Arbovirus infections in Brazil, including chikungunya, dengue, yellow fever, and Zika, result in considerable morbidity and mortality and are pressing public health concerns. However, our understanding of these outbreaks is hampered by the limited availability of genomic data. In this study, we combine epidemiological analysis and portable genome sequencing to retrospectively describe the CHIKV epidemic in Minas Gerais between 2017 and 2021. Our results indicate that the East/Central/South African (ECSA) CHIKV lineage was introduced into Minas Gerais by three distinct events, likely from the North and Northeast regions of Brazil. Our study provides an understanding of how CHIKV initiates transmission in the region and illustrates that genomics in the field can augment traditional approaches to infectious disease surveillance and control.

Emergence of Dengue Virus Serotype 2 Cosmopolitan Genotype, Brazil.

We used nanopore sequencing and phylogenetic analyses to identify a cosmopolitan genotype of dengue virus serotype 2 that was isolated from a 56-year-old male patient from the state of Goiás in Brazil. The emergence of a cosmopolitan genotype in Brazil will require risk assessment and surveillance to reduce epidemic potential.

Assessing organophosphorus and carbamate pesticides in maize samples using MIP extraction and PSI-MS analyzes.

The indiscriminate utilization of agrochemicals causes environmental and animal life impacts. In this regard, methodologies have been developed to offer efficiency and quickness for agrochemicals detection. Due to their selectivity and molecular recognition sites, Molecular Imprinted Polymer (MIPs) have been widely employed in some areas, including biotechnology, waste analyses, foodstuff, biological fluids, and others. This work proposed developing a method to determine aminocarb, pirimicarb, dimethoate, omethoate, pyridaphenthion, and fenitrothion pesticides using molecularly imprinted polymer combined with solid-phase extraction (MIP-SPE) for clean-up and paper spray ionization mass spectrometry for their analysis. Extractions analysis for Aminocarb, Pirimicarb, and Omethoate using MIP-SPE showed better performance when compared with MIP and NIP. The R 2 values were found with R 2 > 0.98 for all pesticides, and LODs and LOQs values were 50 and 100 µg kg-1, respectively. The precision and accuracy were assessed at three concentration levels-low, medium, and high. The precision values (interday and intraday) were below 10%, and the variation of recovery was between 80 and 120% for all pesticides. Therefore, it was possible to verify the presence of two carbamates and five organophosphorus without the necessity of preconcentration samples with precision and good recovery. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13197-022-05464-7.

Replacement of the Gamma by the Delta variant in Brazil: Impact of lineage displacement on the ongoing pandemic.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic in Brazil was driven mainly by the spread of Gamma (P.1), a locally emerged variant of concern (VOC) that was first detected in early January 2021. This variant was estimated to be responsible for more than 96 per cent of cases reported between January and June 2021, being associated with increased transmissibility and disease severity, a reduction in neutralization antibodies and effectiveness of treatments or vaccines, and diagnostic detection failure. Here we show that, following several importations predominantly from the USA, the Delta variant rapidly replaced Gamma after July 2021. However, in contrast to what was seen in other countries, the rapid spread of Delta did not lead to a large increase in the number of cases and deaths reported in Brazil. We suggest that this was likely due to the relatively successful early vaccination campaign coupled with natural immunity acquired following prior infection with Gamma. Our data reinforce reports of the increased transmissibility of the Delta variant and, considering the increasing concern due to the recently identified Omicron variant, argues for the necessity to strengthen genomic monitoring on a national level to quickly detect the emergence and spread of other VOCs that might threaten global health.

A Retrospective Overview of Zika Virus Evolution in the Midwest of Brazil.

Since the introduction of the Zika virus (ZIKV) into Brazil in 2015, its transmission dynamics have been intensively studied in many parts of the country, although much is still unknown about its circulation in the midwestern states. Here, using nanopore technology, we obtained 23 novel partial and near-complete ZIKV genomes from the state of Goiás, located in the Midwest of Brazil. Genomic, phylogenetic, and epidemiological approaches were used to retrospectively explore the spatiotemporal evolution of the ZIKV-Asian genotype in this region. As a likely consequence of a gradual accumulation of herd immunity, epidemiological data revealed a decline in the number of reported cases over 2018 to 2021. Phylogenetic reconstructions revealed that multiple independent introductions of the Asian lineage have occurred in Goiás over time and revealed a complex transmission dynamic between epidemic seasons. Together, our results highlight the utility of genomic, epidemiological, and evolutionary methods to understand mosquito-borne epidemics. IMPORTANCE Despite the considerable morbidity and mortality of arboviral infections in Brazil, such as Zika, chikungunya, dengue fever, and yellow fever, our understanding of these outbreaks is hampered by the limited availability of genomic data to track and control the epidemic. In this study, we provide a retrospective reconstruction of the Zika virus transmission dynamics in the state of Goiás by analyzing genomic data from areas in Midwest Brazil not covered by other previous studies. Our study provides an understanding of how ZIKV initiates transmission in this region and reveals a complex transmission dynamic between epidemic seasons. Together, our results highlight the utility of genomic, epidemiological, and evolutionary methods to understand mosquito-borne epidemics, revealing how this toolkit can be used to help policymakers prioritize areas to be targeted, especially in the context of finite public health resources.

Median arcuate ligament syndrome: A case report of a rare disease.

INTRODUCTION: Median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS) is a rare condition caused by the compression of the celiac trunk by the median arcuate ligament, which may trigger a typical symptom triad: postprandial abdominal pain, weight loss, nausea and vomiting. CLINICAL CASE: A 58-year-old male was admitted to the emergency department due to abdominal pain, vomiting, fever and diarrhea. On admission, the patient was tachycardic, had abdominal distension, no peritoneal irritation signs, and a serum lactate level of 5 mmol/L. The computed tomography (CT) scan showed gastric and intestinal pneumatosis associated with pneumoportia. Conservative treatment with intravenous fluids, antibiotics and low molecular weight heparin, was initiated. The reassessment CT scan showed resolution of the gastric and intestinal pneumatosis and a severe stenosis of the initial portion of the celiac trunk with associated angulation. After recovery from the acute episode, an abdominal duplex ultrasound and an aortoiliac arteriography in forced inspiration and expiration was performed, corroborating the diagnosis of MALS. A laparoscopic decompression of the celiac trunk was performed. DISCUSSION: Symptoms of MALS closely mimic other abdominal disorders, and it should be considered in the differential diagnosis. Currently, there are no international guidelines on MALS diagnostic criteria. Treatment is focused on decompression of the median arcuate ligament constriction of the celiac artery, with or without celiac lymph node removal. CONCLUSION: MALS diagnostic and therapeutic approach must be patient focused. Laparoscopic decompression is an effective treatment and can provide immediate symptomatic relief, associated with the benefits of the less invasive nature of the procedure.

Bacterial volatile organic compounds induce adverse ultrastructural changes and DNA damage to the sugarcane pathogenic fungus Thielaviopsis ethacetica.

Due to an increasing demand for sustainable agricultural practices, the adoption of microbial volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as antagonists against phytopathogens has emerged as an eco-friendly alternative to the use of agrochemicals. Here, we identified three Pseudomonas strains that were able to inhibit, in vitro, up to 80% of mycelial growth of the phytopathogenic fungus Thielaviopsis ethacetica, the causal agent of pineapple sett rot disease in sugarcane. Using GC/MS, we found that these bacteria produced 62 different VOCs, and further functional validation revealed compounds with high antagonistic activity to T. ethacetica. Transcriptomic analysis of the fungal response to VOCs indicated that these metabolites downregulated genes related to fungal central metabolism, such as those involved in carbohydrate metabolism. Interestingly, genes related to the DNA damage response were upregulated, and micro-FTIR analysis corroborated our hypothesis that VOCs triggered DNA damage. Electron microscopy analysis showed critical morphological changes in mycelia treated with VOCs. Altogether, these results indicated that VOCs hampered fungal growth and could lead to cell death. This study represents the first demonstration of the molecular mechanisms involved in the antagonism of sugarcane phytopathogens by VOCs and reinforces that VOCs can be a sustainable alternative for use in phytopathogen biocontrol.