Artigos e Materiais de Revistas Científicas - ODS/15

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A coleção de Artigos e Materiais de Revistas Científicas engloba artigos originais, artigos de revisão, artigos de atualização, artigos técnicos, relatos de experiências, resenhas, ensaios, editoriais, cartas ao editor, debates, notas científicas e técnicas, depoimentos, entrevistas e pontos de vista. Consideram-se como artigos científicos originais os trabalhos redigidos para divulgação de informações e resultados sobre determinada pesquisa científica, publicados em periódico científico após avaliação por outros pesquisadores.

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Fast and cost-effective protocol to produce Paracoccidioides spp. antigens
(2023) FERNANDES-BERALDO, Karolina Rosa; FREITAS-XAVIER, Roseli Santos de; PARDINI-VICENTINI, Adriana
Introduction. The existing methods for Paracoccidioides spp. antigen production are problematic in terms of standardization, specificity, stability, repeatability, and reproducibility.Objective. To optimize the methodology for Paracoccidioides spp. antigen production and evaluate its applicability in paracoccidioidomycosis immunodiagnosis.Materials and methods. The antigens were obtained from Paracoccidioides lutzii isolates (01, 66, and 8334), Paracoccidioides brasiliensis sensu stricto (113), and Paracoccidioides restripiensis (B-339). These fungi were grown at 36 degrees C +/- 1 degrees C, on modified Fava-Netto agar, according to Freitas et al. (2018). Paracoccidioides lutzii antigens were obtained after 5, 10, and 20 days of culture, whereas P. brasiliensis and P. restripiensis antigens were obtained after 10 days. Antigens were evaluated in natura, 10 and 20 times concentrated. Antigenic capacity was evaluated using a double immunodiffusion assay against serum samples from patients with paracoccidioidomycosis, histoplasmosis, and aspergillosis, and random blood donors.Results. Cross-reactivity between Paracoccidioides spp. antigens was observed when P. brasiliensis, P. restrepiensis antigens, and P. lutzii antigens were evaluated with the polyclonal antibodies against P. lutzii and P. brasiliensis, respectively. No cross-reactivity was obtained for polyclonal antibodies against Histoplasma capsulatum, Aspergillus fumigatus, and random blood donors. The proposed protocol allowed stable, repeatable, and reproducible genus-specific antigen production at a low cost and in a short cultivation time.Conclusion. The proposed protocol allowed us to obtain genus-specific antigens that can be developed and reproduced in all laboratories in Brazil and South America, where paracoccidioidomycosis is a neglected disease, contributing to an early diagnosis, especially in endemic regions, regardless of the species.
Bifidobacteria define gut microbiome profiles of golden lion tamarin (Leontopithecus rosalia) and marmoset (Callithrix sp.) metagenomic shotgun pools
(2023) MALUKIEWICZ, Joanna; D'ARC, Mirela; DIAS, Cecilia A.; CARTWRIGHT, Reed A.; GRATIVOL, Adriana D.; MOREIRA, Silvia Bahadian; SOUZA, Antonizete R.; TAVARES, Maria Clotilde Henriques; PISSINATTI, Alcides; RUIZ-MIRANDA, Carlos R.; SANTOS, Andre F. A.
Gut microbiome disruptions may lead to adverse effects on wildlife fitness and viability, thus maintaining host microbiota biodiversity needs to become an integral part of wildlife conservation. The highly-endangered callitrichid golden lion tamarin (GLT-Leontopithecus rosalia) is a rare conservation success, but allochthonous callitrichid marmosets (Callithrix) serve as principle ecological GLT threats. However, incorporation of microbiome approaches to GLT conservation is impeded by limited gut microbiome studies of Brazilian primates. Here, we carried out analysis of gut metagenomic pools from 114 individuals of wild and captive GLTs and marmosets. More specifically, we analyzed the bacterial component of ultra filtered samples originally collected as part of a virome profiling study. The major findings of this study are consistent with previous studies in showing that Bifidobacterium, a bacterial species important for the metabolism of tree gums consumed by callitrichids, is an important component of the callitrichid gut microbiome - although GTLs and marmosets were enriched for different species of Bifidobacterium. Additionally, the composition of GLT and marmoset gut microbiota is sensitive to host environmental factors. Overall, our data expand baseline gut microbiome data for callitrichids to allow for the development of new tools to improve their management and conservation.
Zoonotic Malaria Risk in Serra Do Mar, Atlantic Forest, Brazil
(2023) RANGEL, Marina E. O.; DUARTE, Ana Maria R. C.; OLIVEIRA, Tatiane M. P.; MUCCI, Luis F.; LOSS, Ana Carolina; LOAIZA, Jose R.; LAPORTA, Gabriel Z.; SALLUM, Maria Anice M.
Here, the main goal is to assess natural infections of Plasmodium spp. in anophelines in a forest reserve from the same region where we previously found a surprisingly high rate (5.2%) of plasmodia infections (n = 25) in Kerteszia mosquitoes (N = 480) on the slopes of Serra do Mar, Atlantic Forest, Brazil. The mosquito collection sampling was carried out at the Legado das aguas Forest Reserve using CDC light traps and Shannon traps at night (5-10 pm) in 3-day collections in November 2021 and March, April, May, and November 2022. The captured specimens were morphologically identified at the species level and had their genomic DNA extracted in pools of up to 10 mosquitoes/pool. Each pool was tested using 18S qPCR and cytb nested PCR plus sequencing. A total of 5301 mosquitoes, mostly belonging to the genus Kerteszia (99.7%), were sampled and sorted into 773 pools. Eight pools positive for Plasmodium spp. were identified: four for Plasmodium spp., one for P. vivax or P. simium, one for P. malariae or P. brasilianum, and two for the P. falciparum-like parasite. After Sanger sequencing, two results were further confirmed: P. vivax or P. simium and P. malariae or P. brasilianum. The minimum infection rate for Kerteszia mosquitoes was 0.15% (eight positive pools/5285 Kerteszia mosquitoes). The study reveals a lower-than-expected natural infection rate (expected = 5.2% vs. observed = 0.15%). This low rate relates to the absence of Alouatta monkeys as the main simian malaria reservoir in the studied region. Their absence was due to a significant population decline following the reemergence of yellow fever virus outbreaks in the Atlantic Forest from 2016 to 2019. However, this also indicates the existence of alternative reservoirs to infect Kerteszia mosquitoes. The found zoonotic species of Plasmodium, including the P. falciparum-like parasite, may represent a simian malaria risk and thus a challenge for malaria elimination in Brazil.
A Machine Learning Prediction Model for Immediate Graft Function After Deceased Donor Kidney Transplantation
(2023) QUININO, Raquel M. M.; AGENA, Fabiana; ANDRADE, Luis Gustavo Modelli de; FURTADO, Mariane; CHIAVEGATTO FILHO, Alexandre D. P.; DAVID-NETO, Elias
Background. After kidney transplantation (KTx), the graft can evolve from excellent immediate graft function (IGF) to total absence of function requiring dialysis. Recipients with IGF do not seem to benefit from using machine perfusion, an expensive procedure, in the long term when compared with cold storage. This study proposes to develop a prediction model for IGF in KTx deceased donor patients using machine learning algorithms. Methods. Unsensitized recipients who received their first KTx deceased donor between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2019, were classified according to the conduct of renal function after transplantation. Variables related to the donor, recipient, kidney preservation, and immunology were used. The patients were randomly divided into 2 groups: 70% were assigned to the training and 30% to the test group. Popular machine learning algorithms were used: eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), Light Gradient Boosting Machine, Gradient Boosting classifier, Logistic Regression, CatBoost classifier, AdaBoost classifier, and Random Forest classifier. Comparative performance analysis on the test dataset was performed using the results of the AUC values, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and F1 score. Results. Of the 859 patients, 21.7% (n = 186) had IGF. The best predictive performance resulted from the eXtreme Gradient Boosting model (AUC, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.71-0.84; sensitivity, 0.64; specificity, 0.78). Five variables with the highest predictive value were identified. Conclusions. Our results indicated the possibility of creating a model for the prediction of IGF, enhancing the selection of patients who would benefit from an expensive treatment, as in the case of machine perfusion preservation.
Evaluation of Structural Viability of Porcine Tracheal Scaffolds after 3 and 6 Months of Storage under Three Different Protocols
(2023) GUIMARAES, Alberto Bruning; CORREIA, Aristides Tadeu; SILVA, Ronaldo Soares da; SANTOS, Elizabete Silva dos; COSTA, Natalia de Souza Xavier; DOLHNIKOFF, Marisa; MAIZATO, Marina; CESTARI, Idagene Aparecida; PEGO-FERNANDES, Paulo Manuel; CARDOSO, Paulo Francisco Guerreiro
Tracheal replacement with a bioengineered tracheal substitute has been developed for long-segment tracheal diseases. The decellularized tracheal scaffold is an alternative for cell seeding. It is not defined if the storage scaffold produces changes in the scaffold's biomechanical properties. We tested three protocols for porcine tracheal scaffold preservation immersed in PBS and alcohol 70%, in the fridge and under cryopreservation. Ninety-six porcine tracheas (12 in natura, 84 decellularized) were divided into three groups (PBS, alcohol, and cryopreservation). Twelve tracheas were analyzed after three and six months. The assessment included residual DNA, cytotoxicity, collagen contents, and mechanical properties. Decellularization increased the maximum load and stress in the longitudinal axis and decreased the maximum load in the transverse axis. The decellularization of the porcine trachea produced structurally viable scaffolds, with a preserved collagen matrix suitable for further bioengineering. Despite the cyclic washings, the scaffolds remained cytotoxic. The comparison of the storage protocols (PBS at 4 degrees C, alcohol at 4 degrees C, and slow cooling cryopreservation with cryoprotectants) showed no significant differences in the amount of collagen and in the biomechanical properties of the scaffolds. Storage in PBS solution at 4 degrees C for six months did not change the scaffold mechanics.
Pediatric peritoneal dialysis in Brazil: a discussion about sustainability. A document by the Brazilian Society of Nephrology, the Brazilian Society of Pediatrics, the Brazilian Association of Organ Transplantation, and the Brazilian Association of Dialysis and Transplant Centers
(2022) PALMA, Lilian Monteiro Pereira; PENIDO, Maria Goretti Moreira Guimarães; BRESOLIN, Nilzete Liberato; TAVARES, Marcelo de Sousa; SYLVESTRE, Lucimary; ANDRADE, Olberes Vitor Braga de; BERNARDES, Rejane de Paula; BANDEIRA, Maria de Fátima Santos; GARCIA, Clotilde Druck; KOCH, Vera Hermina Kalika; BELANGERO, Vera Maria Santoro; UHLMANN, Anelise; SOEIRO, Emília Maria Dantas; KAUFMAN, Arnauld; ANDRADE, Maria Cristina de; SILVA, Roxana de Almeida Roque Fontes; CALICE-SILVA, Viviani; VIEIRA, Marcos Alexandre; MEREGE NETO, Osvaldo Vieira
Abstract Introdução: A diálise peritoneal (DP) é importante para a pediatria. Este estudo mostrou dados de centros brasileiros que utilizam DP pediátrica. Método: Estudo transversal, observacional, descritivo com questionário eletrônico. Incluiu-se pacientes de 0-18 anos em DP cadastrados nos bancos de dados dos diversos centros. Questionário preenchido anonimamente, sem dados de identificação. Foi adotada metodologia quantitativa. Resultados: 212 pacientes estão em DP no Brasil (agosto, 2021). 80% têm menos de 12 anos de idade. A maioria realiza DP automatizada e 74% são dependentes do Sistema Único de Saúde. Em 25% dos centros faltou material de DP e em 51% os pacientes pediátricos foram convertidos de DP para HD. Conclusão: A maioria dos pacientes tinha menos de 12 anos e era dependente do SUS. A escassez de insumos aconteceu em 25% dos centros. Esses dados apontam para o problema da sustentabilidade de DP, única alternativa de TRS em crianças muito pequenas.
Context-specific emergence and growth of the SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant
(2022) MCCRONE, John T.; HILL, Verity; BAJAJ, Sumali; PENA, Rosario Evans; LAMBERT, Ben C.; INWARD, Rhys; BHATT, Samir; VOLZ, Erik; RUIS, Christopher; DELLICOUR, Simon; BAELE, Guy; ZAREBSKI, Alexander E.; SADILEK, Adam; WU, Neo; SCHNEIDER, Aaron; JI, Xiang; RAGHWANI, Jayna; Ben Jackson; COLQUHOUN, Rachel; PEACOCK, Thomas P.; TWOHIG, Kate; THELWALL, Simon; DABRERA, Gavin; MYERS, Richard; FARIA, Nuno R.; HUBER, Carmen; BOGOCH, Isaac I.; KHAN, Kamran; PLESSIS, Louis du; BARRETT, Jeffrey C.; AANENSEN, David M.; BARCLAY, Wendy S.; CHAND, Meera; CONNOR, Thomas; LOMAN, Nicholas J.; SUCHARD, Marc A.; PYBUS, Oliver G.; RAMBAUT, Andrew; KRAEMER, Moritz U. G.
The SARS-CoV-2 Delta (Pango lineage 8.1.617.2) variant of concern spread globally, causing resurgences of COVID-19 worldwide(1,2). The emergence of the Delta variant in the UK occurred on the background of a heterogeneous landscape of immunity and relaxation of non-pharmaceutical interventions. Here we analyse 52,992 SARS-CoV-2 genomes from England together with 93,649 genomes from the rest of the world to reconstruct the emergence of Delta and quantify its introduction to and regional dissemination across England in the context of changing travel and social restrictions. Using analysis of human movement, contact tracing and virusgenomic data, we find that the geographic focus of the expansion of Delta shifted from India to a more global pattern in early May 2021. In England, Delta lineages were introduced more than 1,000 times and spread nationally as non-pharmaceutical interventions were relaxed. We find that hotel quarantine for travellers reduced onward transmission from importations; however, the transmission chainsthat later dominated the Delta wave in England were seeded before travel restrictions were introduced. Increasing inter-regional travel within England drove the nationwide dissemination of Delta, with some cities receiving more than 2,000 observable lineage introductions from elsewhere. Subsequently, increased levels of local population mixing-and not the number of importations-were associated with the faster relative spread of Delta. The invasion dynamics of Delta depended on spatial heterogeneity in contact patterns, and our findings will inform optimal spatial interventionsto reduce the transmission of current and future variants of concern, such as Omicron (Pango lineage B.1.1.529).
Anopheles (Kerteszia) cruzii infected by Plasmodium in the Atlantic Forest indicates that the malaria transmission cycle is maintained even after howler monkeys' population decline
(2022) FERREIRA, Lucas Mendes; REZENDE, Helder Ricas; FUX, Blima; ALENCAR, Filomena Euridice Carvalho De; LOSS, Ana Carolina; BUERY, Julyana Cerqueira; DUARTE, Ana Maria Ribeiro De Castro; CERUTTI JUNIOR, Crispim
The Atlantic Forests outside of the Amazon region in Brazil are low-frequency malaria hotspots. The disease behaves as a zoonosis maintained by nonhuman primates (NHPs), especially howler monkeys. Between 2016 and 2018, Brazil witnessed the largest yellow fever outbreak since 1980, resulting in massive declines in these NHP populations. However, reports of malaria cases continued in transmission areas. This scenario motivated this survey to determine the frequency of infection of the anophelines by Plasmodium species. Mosquitoes were captured using Shannon traps and CDC light traps and identified as to species based on morphological characters. The screening for malaria parasites targeted only Anopheles species belonging to the subgenus Kerteszia, the proven primary malaria vector. A TaqMan qPCR assay using ribosomal primers (18S rRNA gene) was performed in a Step One Plus Real-time PCR to detect Plasmodium species. Seven hundred sixty field-caught anophelines divided into 76 pools were examined. Out of 76 tested pools, seven (9.21%) were positive. Three pools were Plasmodium malariae-positive, and four were Plasmodium vivax-positive. The anopheline infection was expressed as the maximum infection rate (MIR), disclosing a value of 0.92%, indicative of a steady state. Such stability after the yellow fever outbreak suggests that other species of NHPs could support transmission.
Minimally invasive craniotomies for lesions of the anterior and middle fossa
(2022) BERTANI, Raphael; KOESTER, Stefan; BATISTA, Savio; PERRET, Caio; BOCANEGRA-BECERRA, Jhon E.; MARIA, Paulo Santa; GALLO, Bruno Henrique Dallo; ABI-AAD, Karl; FERRAREZ, Carlos Eduardo; RABELO, Nicollas Nunes; ZUBEN, Daniela Von; SANTO, Marcelo Prudente Do Espirito; FIGUEIREDO, Eberval Gadelha
Minimally invasive craniotomies are the subject of increasing attention over the last two decades in neurosurgery, following the current trend of attempting to increase patient safety by providing surgeries with less tissue disruption, blood loss, and decreased operative time. However, a significant information overlap exists among the various keyhole approaches regarding their indications and differences with more invasive techniques. Therefore, the present study aims to comprehensively review, illustrate, and describe the potential benefits and disadvantages of minimally invasive techniques to access the anterior and middle fossa, including the mini-pterional, mini orbito-zygomatic, supraorbital, lateral supraorbital, and extended lateral supraorbital approaches while comparing them to classic, more invasive approaches.
Near-Complete Proviral Genome Sequence of Reticuloendotheliosis Virus Isolated from an Attwater's Prairie Chicken (Tympanuchus cupido attwateri)
(2022) WILLIS, Bianca; STEWART, Brittany; COX, Faith; LUJAN, Tiffany; HAEFELE, Holly; ROMANO, Camila; BRADY, Jeff; EDWARDS, Dustin
We report the near-complete proviral genome sequence of a reticuloendo- theliosis virus isolated and propagated from an endangered Attwater's prairie chicken (Tympanuchus cupido &twofers) during a 2016-2017 outbreak at a captive breeding facility.
The influence of landscape structure on the dispersal pattern of yellow fever virus in the state of Sao Paulo
(2022) WILK-DA-SILVA, Ramon; MEDERIROS-SOUSA, Antonio Ralph; LOPORTA, Gabriel Zorello; MUCCI, Luis Filipe; PRIST, Paula Ribeiro; MARRELLI, Mauro Toledo
Man-made changes to the landscape play a crucial role in altering the epidemiologic patterns of infectious diseases, mainly as a result of pathogen spillover. Sylvatic yellow fever is ideally suited to modeling of this phenomenon as the risk of transmission of the disease as well as its circulation and dispersal are associated with forest fragmentation. In this study we investigated the temporal dispersal pattern of yellow fever virus (YFV) by means of confirmed cases of epizootics in non-human primates in municipalities in the state of Sao Paulo where there was no recommendation for vaccination in 2017. We analyzed the resistance to dispersal associated with different classes of land use and the geographic distances between the different locations where epizootics were recorded. The model that best explained the temporal dispersal pattern of YFV in the study area indicated that this was influenced by the geographic distance between collection locations and by the permeability of the forest edges (150 m) at the interface with the following core areas: Water, Agricultural, Non-Forest Formation and Forestry. Water, Agricultural, Urban and Forest core areas and the interfaces between the latter two formed important barriers to circulation of the virus. These findings indicate that fragmentation of vegetation tends to decrease the time taken for pathogens to spread, while conservation of forest areas has the opposite effect.
2021 DORIS definition of remission in SLE: final recommendations from an international task force
(2021) VOLLENHOVEN, Ronald F. van; BERTSIAS, George; DORIA, Andrea; ISENBERG, David; MORAND, Eric; PETRI, Michelle A.; PONS-ESTEL, Bernardo A.; RAHMAN, Anisur; UGARTE-GIL, Manuel Francisco; VOSKUYL, Alexandre; ARNAUD, Laurent; BRUCE, Ian N.; CERVERA, Ricard; COSTEDOAT-CHALUMEAU, Nathalie; GORDON, Caroline; HOUSSIAU, Frederic A.; MOSCA, Marta; SCHNEIDER, Matthias; WARD, Michael M.; ALARCON, Graciela; ARINGER, Martin; ASKENASE, Anka; BAE, Sang-Cheol; BOOTSMA, Hendrika; BOUMPAS, Dimitrios T.; BRUNNER, Hermine; CLARKE, Ann Elaine; CONEY, Cindy; CZIRJAK, Laszlo; DOERNER, Thomas; FARIA, Raquel; FISCHER, Rebecca; FRITSCH-STORK, Ruth; INANC, Murat; JACOBSEN, Soren; JAYNE, David; KUHN, Annegret; LEEUW, Bernadette van; LIMPER, Maarten; MARIETTE, Xavier; NAVARRA, Sandra; NIKPOUR, Mandana; OLESINSKA, Marzena Helena; PONS-ESTEL, Guillermo; ROMERO-DIAZ, Juanita; RUBIO, Blanca; SCHOENFELD, Yehuda; BONFA, Eloisa; SMOLEN, Josef; TENG, Y. K. Onno; TINCANI, Angela; TSANG-A-SJOE, Michel; VASCONCELOS, Carlos; VOSS, Anne; WERTH, Victoria P.; ZAKHARHOVA, Elena; ARANOW, Cynthia
Objective To achieve consensus on a definition of remission in SLE (DORIS). Background Remission is the stated goal for both patient and caregiver, but consensus on a definition of remission has been lacking. Previously, an international task force consisting of patient representatives and medical specialists published a framework for such a definition, without reaching a final recommendation. Methods Several systematic literature reviews were performed and specific research questions examined in suitably chosen data sets. The findings were discussed, reformulated as recommendations and voted on. Results Based on data from the literature and several SLE-specific data sets, a set of recommendations was endorsed. Ultimately, the DORIS Task Force recommended a single definition of remission in SLE, based on clinical systemic lupus erythematosus disease activitiy index (SLEDAI)=0, Evaluator's Global Assessment <0.5 (0-3), prednisolone 5 mg/day or less, and stable antimalarials, immunosuppressives, and biologics. Conclusion The 2021 DORIS definition of remission in SLE is recommended for use in clinical care, education, and research including clinical trials and observational studies.
Genomic skimming and nanopore sequencing uncover cryptic hybridization in one of world's most threatened primates
(2021) MALUKIEWICZ, Joanna; CARTWRIGHT, Reed A.; DERGAM, Jorge A.; IGAYARA, Claudia S.; NICOLA, Patricia A.; PEREIRA, Luiz M. C.; RUIZ-MIRANDA, Carlos R.; STONE, Anne C.; SILVA, Daniel L.; SILVA, Fernanda de Fatima Rodrigues da; VARSANI, Arvind; WALTER, Lutz; WILSON, Melissa A.; ZINNER, Dietmar; ROOS, Christian
The Brazilian buffy-tufted-ear marmoset (Callithrix aurita), one of the world's most endangered primates, is threatened by anthropogenic hybridization with exotic, invasive marmoset species. As there are few genetic data available for C. aurita, we developed a PCR-free protocol with minimal technical requirements to rapidly generate genomic data with genomic skimming and portable nanopore sequencing. With this direct DNA sequencing approach, we successfully determined the complete mitogenome of a marmoset that we initially identified as C. aurita. The obtained nanopore-assembled sequence was highly concordant with a Sanger sequenced version of the same mitogenome. Phylogenetic analyses unexpectedly revealed that our specimen was a cryptic hybrid, with a C. aurita phenotype and C. penicillata mitogenome lineage. We also used publicly available mitogenome data to determine diversity estimates for C. aurita and three other marmoset species. Mitogenomics holds great potential to address deficiencies in genomic data for endangered, non-model species such as C. aurita. However, we discuss why mitogenomic approaches should be used in conjunction with other data for marmoset species identification. Finally, we discuss the utility and implications of our results and genomic skimming/nanopore approach for conservation and evolutionary studies of C. aurita and other marmosets.
Spatiotemporal invasion dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 lineage B.1.1.7 emergence
(2021) KRAEMER, Moritz U. G.; HILL, Verity; RUIS, Christopher; DELLICOUR, Simon; BAJAJ, Sumali; MCCRONE, John T.; BAELE, Guy; PARAG, Kris V.; BATTLE, Anya Lindstrom; GUTIERREZ, Bernardo; JACKSON, Ben; COLQUHOUN, Rachel; O'TOOLE, Aine; KLEIN, Brennan; VESPIGNANI, Alessandro; VOLZ, Erik; FARIA, Nuno R.; AANENSEN, David M.; LOMAN, Nicholas J.; PLESSIS, Louis du; CAUCHEMEZ, Simon; RAMBAUT, Andrew; SCARPINO, Samuel V.; PYBUS, Oliver G.
Understanding the causes and consequences of the emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants of concern is crucial to pandemic control yet difficult to achieve because they arise in the context of variable human behavior and immunity. We investigated the spatial invasion dynamics of lineage B.1.1.7 by jointly analyzing UK human mobility, virus genomes, and community-based polymerase chain reaction data. We identified a multistage spatial invasion process in which early B.1.1.7 growth rates were associated with mobility and asymmetric lineage export from a dominant source location, enhancing the effects of B.1.1.7's increased intrinsic transmissibility. We further explored how B.1.1.7 spread was shaped by nonpharmaceutical interventions and spatial variation in previous attack rates. Our findings show that careful accounting of the behavioral and epidemiological context within which variants of concern emerge is necessary to interpret correctly their observed relative growth rates.
First Molecular Detection of Polychromophilus Parasites in Brazilian Bat Species
(2021) MINOZZO, Guilherme Augusto; MATHIAS, Bruno da Silva; RIEDIGER, Irina Nastassja; GUIMARAES, Lilian de Oliveira; ANJOS, Carolina Clares dos; MONTEIRO, Eliana Ferreira; SANTOS, Andrea Pires dos; BIONDO, Alexander Welker; KIRCHGATTER, Karin
Blood parasites of the Haemosporida order, such as the Plasmodium spp. responsible for malaria, have become the focus of many studies in evolutionary biology. However, there is a lack of molecular investigation of haemosporidian parasites of wildlife, such as the genus Polychromophilus. Species of this neglected genus exclusively have been described in bats, mainly in Europe, Asia, and Africa, but little is known about its presence and genetic diversity on the American continent. Here, we investigated 406 bats from sites inserted in remnant fragments of the Atlantic Forest and Cerrado biomes and urbanized areas from southern Brazil for the presence of Polychromophilus species by PCR of the mitochondrial cytochrome b encoding gene. A total of 1.2% of bats was positive for Polychromophilus, providing the first molecular information of these parasites in Myotis riparius and Eptesicus diminutus, common vespertilionid bats widely distributed in different Brazilian biomes, and Myotis ruber, an endangered species. A Bayesian analysis was conducted to reconstruct the phylogenetic relationships between Polychromophilus recovered from Brazilian bats and those identified elsewhere. Sequences of Brazilian Polychromophilus lineages were placed with P. murinus and in a clade distinct from P. melanipherus, mainly restricted to bats in the family Vespertilionidae. However, the sequences were split into two minor clades, according to the genus of hosts, indicating that P. murinus and a distinct species may be circulating in Brazil. Morphological observations combined with additional molecular studies are needed to conclude and describe these Polychromophilus species.
Relationship between vertical stratification and feeding habits of mosquito (Diptera: Culicidae) assemblages collected in conservation units in the green belt of the city of Sao Paulo, Brazil
(2021) EVANGELISTA, Eduardo; MEDEIROS-SOUSA, Antonio Ralph; CERETTI-JUNIOR, Walter; OLIVEIRA-CHRISTE, Rafael; WILK-DA-SILVA, Ramon; DUARTE, Ana Maria Ribeiro de Castro; VENDRAMI, Daniel Pagotto; CARVALHO, Gabriela Cristina de; MUCCI, Luis Filipe; MARRELLI, Mauro Toledo
Sa tilde o Paulo is one of the largest cities in the world and has several characteristics that favor a diversity of urban and wild mosquitoes. Little is known about how variations in mosquito diversity and feeding preferences for different hosts in different vegetation strata can influence the risk of pathogen transmission to humans. We investigated vertical stratification of mosquitoes and its relationship with vertebrate hosts in environments with different degrees of conservation in two conservation units in the city of Sa tilde o Paulo. Adult mosquitoes were collected using CDC traps, aspiration and Shannon traps. After morphological identification, host blood in engorged females was analyzed by PCR with a vertebrate-specific primer set based on mitochondrial cytochrome b DNA of vertebrates commonly found in the two conservation units. Although a higher abundance of the species Anopheles cruzii and Culex nigripalpus was found in the canopy, blood not only from birds but also from humans and rodents was identified in these mosquitoes. In one of the units, Wyeomyia confusa and Limatus durhamii were found occupying mainly niches at ground level while Culex vaxus was frequently found in the canopy. Haemagogus leucocelaenus, the main vector of yellow fever, was found in low abundance at all collection points, particularly in the canopy. Species richness and composition tended to vary little between canopy and ground level in the same environment, but the abundance between canopy and ground level varied more depending on the species analyzed, the most abundant and frequent species exhibiting a predilection for the canopy. Even those mosquito species observed more frequently in the canopy did not show an association with hosts found in this stratum as most of the blood identified in these species was from humans, suggesting opportunist feeding behavior, i.e., feeding on the most readily available host in the environment. The two most common species in the study, An. cruzii and Cx. nigripalpus, may be able to act as bridge vectors for pathogens to circulate between the forest canopy and ground level.
Microgeographic Wing-Shape Variation in Aedes albopictus and Aedes scapularis (Diptera: Culicidae) Populations
(2020) OLIVEIRA-CHRISTE, Rafael; WILKE, Andre Barretto Bruno; MARRELLI, Mauro Toledo
Simple Summary Aedes albopictus and Aedes scapularis have been incriminated as vectors of arboviruses that can cause human diseases. Geometric morphometric tools have been used in several epidemiological studies to investigate how each of these mosquito species behaves in urban areas in the city of Sao Paulo, Brazil, and how these species have adapted to anthropogenic changes in the environment. Since it is exotic to the Brazilian fauna, Ae. albopictus has received more attention from health agencies than Ae. scapularis, a native species. It is thus crucial to investigate and compare the two species simultaneously in the same geographic area to better understand how they adapt to urban environments. The aim of this work was to evaluate the population profile of these species in urban parks in the city of Sao Paulo using wing geometric morphometrics. Our results showed different levels of population structuring for both species, suggesting different adaptive responses to urbanization: Ae. albopictus populations collected in the urban parks displayed homogeneous wing patterns, whereas Ae. scapularis populations were shown to have more variation. This indicates the importance of maintaining surveillance of exotic and native mosquito vector species given the fundamental role that urbanization can play in the population dynamics of arbovirus vector species. Aedes albopictus and Aedes scapularis are vectors of several arboviruses, including the dengue, chikungunya, and Rocio virus infection. While Ae. albopictus is a highly invasive species native to Asia and has been dispersed by humans to most parts of the world, Ae. scapularis is native to Brazil and is widely distributed in the southeast of the country. Both species are highly anthropophilic and are often abundant in places with high human population densities. Because of the great epidemiological importance of these two mosquitoes and the paucity of knowledge on how they have adapted to different urban built environments, we investigated the microgeographic population structure of these vector species in the city of Sao Paulo, Brazil, using wing geometric morphometrics. Females of Ae. albopictus and Ae. scapularis were collected in seven urban parks in the city. The right wings of the specimens were removed and digitized, and eighteen landmarks based on vein intersections in the wing venation patterns were used to assess cross-sectional variation in wing shape and size. The analyses revealed distinct results for Ae. albopictus and Ae. scapularis populations. While the former had less wing shape variation, the latter had more heterogeneity, indicating a higher degree of intraspecific variation. Our results indicate that microgeographic selective pressures exerted by different urban built environments have a distinct effect on wing shape patterns in the populations of these two mosquito species studied here.
Health economic assessment of a shift to active transport
(2020) RODRIGUES, P. F.; ALVIM-FERRAZ, M. C. M.; MARTINS, F. G.; SALDIVA, P.; SA, T. H.; SOUSA, S. I. V.
Active transportation (walking or cycling) as a substitute for car trips still represents a small percentage of all daily travels in many European cities. This study aimed to estimate the health and economic co-benefits for the adult population of modal shift from driving to active travel in urban environments. Three scenarios were modelled for the case study, the city of Porto, Portugal, by comparing travel patterns of 2013 to hypothetical scenarios of modal shifts from driving to active transport, namely: i) SC1 - conservative scenario, with a change of 5% from driving to cycling and 10% from driving to walking; ii) SC2 - moderate scenario, with a shift of 10% and 15%, respectively; and iii) SC3 - optimistic scenario, with a shift of 15% and 20%, respectively. The mortality risk reduction for five health outcomes (colon and breast cancers, diabetes, ischemic heart disease, cerebrovascular disease) was assessed, including an estimation of traffic injury and air pollution exposure risks. Results were presented in Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) avoided. Economic valuation for each scenario was performed using a Willingness-to-Pay approach for morbimortality and a Cost of Illness approach for 2013 hospitalizations and work absenteeism. Significant health benefits were found in all modelled scenarios, ranging from 1657 (16%) to 2881 (28%) DALYs avoided. Total costs averted ranged from (sic)3894 to (sic)6769 million through the scenarios. Cardio and cerebrovascular diseases mortality presented the largest benefit, accounting for about 3/4 of all avoidable DALYs in all scenarios. Reductions in CO2 and PM10 emissions were calculated, showing a decrease from 31.6 to 73.7 kt of CO2 and 7 to 16 t for PM10, respectively. A modal shift towards active transportation could lead to significant health and economic benefits, indicating that the evaluation of health impacts should be included in the analysis of active transport interventions.
Green Spaces, Land Cover, Street Trees and Hypertension in the Megacity of Sao Paulo
(2020) MOREIRA, Tiana C. L.; POLIZEL, Jefferson L.; SANTOS, Itamar de Souza; FILHO, Demostenes F. Silva; BENSENOR, Isabela; LOTUFO, Paulo A.; MAUAD, Thais
Proximity to green spaces has been shown to be beneficial to several cardiovascular outcomes in urban spaces. Few studies, however, have analyzed the relationship between these outcomes and green space or land cover uses in low-medium income megacities, where the consequences of rapid and inordinate urbanization impose several health hazards. This study used a subgroup of the dataset from The Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health ELSA-BRASIL (n = 3418) to identify the correlation between the medical diagnosis of hypertension and green spaces in the megacity of Sao Paulo. Land cover classification was performed based on the random forest algorithm using geometrically corrected aerial photography (orthophoto). Three different indicators of exposure to green spaces were used: number of street trees, land cover and number of parks within 1 km. We used logistic regression models to obtain the association of the metrics exposure and health outcomes. The number of street trees in the regional governments (OR = 0.937 and number of parks within 1 km (OR = 0.876) were inversely associated with a diagnosis of hypertension. Sixty-three percent of the population had no parks within 1 km of their residence. Our data indicate the need to encourage large-scale street tree planting and increase the number of qualified parks in megacities.
Understanding the dynamics of hydroxychloroquine blood levels in lupus nephritis
(2020) PEDROSA, Tatiana N.; PASOTO, Sandra G.; AIKAWA, Nadia E.; YUKI, Emily F. N.; BORBA, Eduardo F.; FERREIRA FILHO, Julio C. R.; CARRICONDO, Pedro C.; ZANETTI, Caio B.; CONDE, Paola G.; DUARTE, Nilo J. C.; FONTOURA, Nicole; ROMANO, Paschoalina; CARVALHO, Valdemir M.; SILVA, Clovis A.; BONFA, Eloisa
Objectives It is unknown if hydroxychloroquine blood level dynamics impact flare rates in lupus nephritis patients. We prospectively evaluated hydroxychloroquine levels to determine which blood-based patterns are more associated with disease activity. Methods In total, 82 lupus nephritis patients under a prescribed hydroxychloroquine dose of 4-5.5 mg/kg actual body weight (maximum 400 mg/day) for >= 3 months were evaluated at baseline and 7 months. Hydroxychloroquine blood levels were determined by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Flare was defined as increase >= 3 in the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000 score and/or a change or increase in therapy. Results Overall, 9/82(11%) patients had flares during follow-up and had lower baseline hydroxychloroquine blood levels than those without flares (220.4 (53.5-1471.1) vs. 1006.3 (53.5-2137.8) ng/ml, p = 0.013). The hydroxychloroquine blood level cut-off that best predicted flares was 613.5 ng/ml (odds ratio = 8.67, 95% confidence interval: 1.66-45.18, p = 0.006). For 77 (94%) patients, the 7-month hydroxychloroquine level dynamics was evaluated and revealed: 59/77 (77%) had a persistent pattern of adequate (41/77(53%)) or fluctuating (18/77 (23%)) levels, with a low and comparable risk of flares (2/41 (5%) vs. 1/18 (5%), p = 1.000). The remaining group had persistent low levels (18/77 (23%)) and their flare frequency was significantly higher than the adequate group (5/18 (28%) vs. 2/41 (5%), p = 0.023). The frequencies of adequate/inadequate hydroxychloroquine blood levels in patients were comparable at baseline and 7 months (McNemar's test, p = 0.480). Conclusion We provide novel evidence that hydroxychloroquine blood-level patterns (persistently low, adequate, or intermittent) have distinct impacts on flare rates in lupus nephritis patients. These findings reinforce the need of routine hydroxychloroquine measurements to maintain the appropriate blood levels.

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