COVID-19 seroepidemiological survey among healthcare workers in the City of Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil

ABSTRACT Background: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) serology testing evaluates the prevalence of COVID-19 cases. Methods: A seroepidemiological survey of COVID-19 among healthcare workers was performed (June 2020 to November 2020) in Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil. Overall, 10,172 and 2,129 workers participated in the first and second phases, respectively. Results: First phase: 12.7% tested positive for COVID-19 (73.5% females and 35.2% aged 30-39 years), and 29.6% were nursing technicians. Second phase: 12.1% tested positive for COVID-19 (65.5% females and 33.3% aged 40-49 years), and 24.8% were nursing assistants. Conclusions: In 2020, healthcare workers in Ribeirão Preto had COVID-19 in a similar way.

Immunogenic potential of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus aquaporin 1 against Rhipicephalus sanguineus in domestic dogs / Potencial imunogênico da aquaporina 1 de Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus contra o carrapato Rhipicephalus sanguineus em cães domésticos

Abstract This study evaluated a recombinant aquaporin 1 protein of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus (RmAQP1) as antigen in a vaccine against R. sanguineus. Five dogs were immunized with RmAQP1 (10 µg) + adjuvant (Montanide) (G1), and five were inoculated with adjuvant only (G2), three times. Twenty-one days after the last immunization, animals of both groups were challenged with R. sanguineus larvae, nymphs and adults, and their biotic potential was compared. Blood samples were collected before each immunization and every 28 days after the last immunization for 10 weeks. Serum antibody titers (IgG) were assessed by ELISA. We observed that: engorgement period of adult females from G1 was 12% shorter than G2; larvae from G1 had 8.7% longer engorgement period than G2 and weighed 7.2% less; nymphs from G1 had 4.5% shorter engorgement period than G2 and weighed 3.6% less; although the antibody titers increased following the second immunization, they rapidly decreased after the third immunization. Results indicated low immunoprotection of RmAQP1 against adult R. sanguineus ticks, and possible efficacy on larvae and nymphs fed on immunized dogs. Further studies should be performed for a full evaluation of the immunoprotection of RmAQP1 against R. sanguineus infestations in dogs.

Resumo Este estudo avaliou a proteína recombinante (aquaporina) do carrapato Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus como antígeno em vacina contra Rhipicephalus sanguineus. Cinco cães foram imunizados com RmAQP1 (10 µg) + adjuvante (G1) e cinco foram inoculados apenas com adjuvante (G2), três vezes. 21 dias após a última imunização todos os animais foram desafiados com larvas, ninfas e adultos de R. sanguineus, e potencial biótico dos carrapatos foi comparado. Amostras de sangue foram coletadas antes de cada imunização e a cada 28 dias após a última imunização, durante 10 semanas. Títulos de anticorpos dos soros dos cães foram avaliados por ELISA. Resultados: o período de ingurgitamento das fêmeas do G1 foi 12% mais curto que o período de ingurgitamento de G2; o período de ingurgitamento das larvas do G1 8,7% foi mais longo e o peso 7,2% menor que no caso de G2; o período de ingurgitamento das ninfas do G1 4,5% foi mais curto e peso 3,6% menor que no caso do G2; aumento dos títulos de anticorpos do G1 após a segunda imunização e declínio após a terceira imunização. Os resultados indicaram baixo potencial de imunoproteção de RmAQP1 contra R. sanguineus adultos, e possível eficácia contra larvas e ninfas, na dose testada. Sugere-se desenvolver novos estudos para melhor avaliação da eficácia de RmAQP1 contra R. sanguineus em cães.

Bovine pericardial patch augmentation of one insufficient aortic valve cusp with twenty-three-year positive clinical follow-up independent of the patch degeneration

Abstract Scientific progress shall ultimately boost the current acceptance level for conservative aortic valve surgery. The present text aimed to report the 23-year long-term follow-up of one patient operated with bovine pericardium cusp extension. Growing confidence in the efficacy of the operation will allow a more expeditious indication for surgical treatment, as is already the case in mitral valve repair. This change of attitude will certainly make it possible for patients to be sent for operation in mild aortic valve regurgitation. The present report reinforces the concept and highlights the impression that the aortic valvoplasty, independent of the progressive bovine pericardium degeneration, may positively change the natural history of the aortic valve insufficiency.

Key Points for Curbing Cardiopulmonary Bypass Inflammation

PURPOSE: Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) procedures are thought to activate systemic inflammatory reaction syndrome (SIRS). Strategies to curb systemic inflammation have been previously described. However, none of them is adequate, since "curbing" the extent of the inflammatory response requires a multimodal approach. The aim of the present mini-review is to discuss the main key points about the main principles in cardiopulmonary bypass curbing inflammation. METHODS: No systematic literature search (MEDLINE) and extracted data from the accumulated experience of the authors. The preconceived idea of an association between severe inflammation and coagulation disorders is reviewed. Also, some fundamental concepts, CPB inflammatory biomarkers, the vasoplegic syndrome and the need forindividual CPB protocols for children, diabetes and old patients, are discussed. CONCLUSION: The ways in which surgical technique (atraumatic vein harvest, biocompatibility and shear resistance of the circuit, monitoring, minimizing organ ischemia, minimal cross-clamping trauma, and blood management) are thought to curb SIRS induced by CPB and affect positively the patient outcome.Improved patient outcomes are strongly associated with these modalities of care, more than single or combinatorial drug strategies (aprotinin, tranexamic acid, pentoxifylline) or CPB modalities (minicircuits, heparin-coated circuits, retrograde autologous prime).

Absence of arteriosclerosis in intramyocardial coronary arteries: a mystery to be solved? / Ausência de arteriosclerose na porção intramiocárdica das artérias coronárias: um mistério a ser resolvido?

Several studies show that portions of intramyocardial coronary arteries are spared of arteriosclerosis, involving morphological, embryological, biochemical and pathophysiological aspects. Endothelial function is significantly affected in the segment of transition, as estimated by the vasoactive response to Ach. These findings suggest that myocardial bridge can provide protection against arteriosclerosis by counteracting the negative effects of endothelial dysfunction. The intramyocardial portion's protection phenomenon deserves further scientific research on all research fronts. Improved morphological, biomechanical and especially physiological and embryological knowledge may be the key to a future window of opportunity for chronic arterial disease therapy and prevention. In addition, this review discusses possible therapeutic approaches for symptomatic coronary ischemia caused by myocardial bridges.

Diversos estudos demonstram que as porções intramiocárdicas das artérias coronárias são poupadas da arteriosclerose, envolvendo aspectos morfológicos, embriológicos, biomecânicos e aspectos fisiopatológicos. A função endotelial é significativamente afetada no segmento de transição, tal como estimado pela resposta vasoativa para acetilcolina (Ach). Esses achados sugerem que ponte miocárdica pode fornecer proteção contra a arteriosclerose, por contrariar os efeitos negativos da disfunção endotelial. O fenômeno dessa proteção da porção intramiocárdica merece maior investigação científica em todas as frentes de pesquisa. Maiores conhecimentos sobre os aspectos morfológicos, biomecânicos e, principalmente, fisiológicos e embriológicos podem ser a chave para uma futura janela de oportunidades de terapia e prevenção da doença arterial crônica. Nessa revisão, discutem-se, também, possíveis abordagens terapêuticas para fenômenos coronarianos isquêmicos causados por pontes miocárdicas.