Brazil in the face of new SARS-CoV-2 variants: emergencies and challenges in public health / O Brasil perante as novas variantes de SARS-CoV-2: emergências e desafios em saúde pública

ABSTRACT: This article discusses the epidemic situation of Covid-19 in Brazil, in the face of the emergence of a new strain called P.1, which is more transmissible and may be associated with reinfection. Given the collapse of hospital care in Manaus in January 2021 and the results of three recent preprints, each that reports increased transmissibility of the P.1 variant, we propose some urgent measures. Genomic surveillance based on multi-step diagnostics, starting with RT-PCR type tests and up to sequencing, should be established. Efforts to identify reinfections associated with this variant and the update of its definition in protocols should be prioritized, and studies on the efficacy of currently available vaccines in Brazil concerning the new variant should be conducted. We also propose improving the Brazilian health surveillance system such that genomic surveillance is coordinated and thereby better able to respond to future emergencies in a more timely fashion. We call on the public agents involved in health surveillance to share data and information regarding the epidemic in a clear, fast and transparent way. Finally, we propose a greater engagement in inter-institutional cooperation of all those involved in the response and production of knowledge about the pandemic in our country.

RESUMO: Este artigo discute a situação epidêmica da COVID-19 no Brasil diante do aparecimento de uma nova linhagem, chamada P.1, mais transmissível e com possível reinfecção associada. Tendo em vista o colapso do atendimento hospitalar em Manaus em janeiro de 2021 e os resultados de três preprints recentes, dos quais todos encontraram maior transmissibilidade da variante P.1, propomos algumas ações urgentes: o estabelecimento de uma vigilância genômica baseada em diagnóstico em múltiplos passos, iniciando com os testes do tipo transcrição reversa seguida de reação em cadeia da polimerase (RT-PCR) até o sequenciamento; um esforço imediato na identificação de reinfecções associadas à nova variante, com a atualização dos protocolos de definição; e estudos sobre a eficácia das vacinas disponíveis no Brasil na vigência da nova variante. Propomos, ademais, o aprimoramento do sistema de vigilância em saúde brasileiro para que seja articulado com a vigilância genômica, de forma a responder mais oportunamente a emergências futuras. Chamamos os agentes públicos implicados na vigilância em saúde para que compartilhem dados e informações referentes à epidemia de forma clara, rápida e transparente. Finalmente propomos maior engajamento na cooperação interinstitucional de todos os envolvidos na resposta e produção de conhecimento sobre a pandemia em nosso país.

Defensive behavior associated with secretions from the prosternal paired glands of the larvae of Heliconius erato phyllis Fabricius (Lepidoptera, Nymphalidae)

Defensive behavior associated with secretions from the prosternal paired glands of the larvae of Heliconius erato phyllis Fabricius (Lepidoptera, Nymphalidae). Our work presents for the first time, the defensive behavior associated with the release of the product of the prosternal paired glands of the larva of Heliconius erato phyllis Fabricius, 1775 (Lepidoptera, Nymphalidae, Heliconiinae). The prosternal glands were first described for larvae of H. erato phyllis. They are formed by two types of glandular structures: the impair gland and the paired glands. The prosternal glands are located within the conical integumentary sac, which in turn is situated on the individual's prosternum. The main goal of this study is to analyze the existence of any secretion from the prosternal paired glands, and check the action mode of this secretion. The methodology used for chemical analysis of the glands included the aeration and, analysis in gas chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The results show that the prosternal glands do not produce volatiles. Bioassays were conducted with simulated and natural attacks and revealed that the prosternal paired glands produce secretions of defense together with silk produced by labials glands as a defense strategy, described for the first time, against ants. The strategy consists in wrapping the ant with silk threads, the entire wrapped object moved to the end of the body, with the aid of the legs and prolegs, and possibly fixed in a nearby place. Evidence for the existence of a conical integumentary sac in larvae of other species and families of Lepidoptera allows us to propose the possibility of occurrence of prosternal paired glands with defensive function in these other groups as well.