A single dose of COVID-19 vaccine induces a strong T cell and B cell response in healthcare professionals recovered from SARS-CoV-2 infection.

A broad understanding on how SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination mobilize the immune system is necessary to find the best predictors of long-term protection and identify individuals that would benefit from additional vaccine doses. This study aims to understand the effect of a single dose of Pfizer-BioNTech BNT162b2 COVID-19 vaccine, in individuals recovered from SARS-CoV-2 infection, on circulating CD4+ T follicular helper (Tfh)-cells, Spike-specific T-cells and IgG/IgA antibodies. For that, peripheral blood samples from 50 healthcare professionals, recovered from SARS-CoV-2 infection, collected immediately before (T1) and 15 days after (T2) vaccine administration, were used to analyze the frequency and numbers of Tfh-cells and their subsets, serum titers of SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies, and SARS-CoV-2-specific T-cells. Six months after infection (T1), 96% of recovered participants presented either IgG or T-cells specific for Spike, however, Spike-specific T-cells were missing in 16% of them. These individuals presented lower levels of Spike-specific IgG (T1 and T2), IgA (T1), and Spike-specific T-cells (T2). Vaccination increased the percentage of participants reactive for Spike-specific T-cells (from 64 to 98%), IgG (from 90 to 100%) and IgA (from 48 to 98%). It also mobilized circulating Tfh-cells, increasing their frequency and activation, and promoting Tfh17 polarization, restoring the decreased numbers of Tfh-cells (especially Tfh17) observed in recovered participants. Interestingly, Tfh percentage correlated with Spike-specific IgG levels. Our data showed that a single dose of vaccine efficiently restored Spike-specific T-cells, and IgG and IgA antibodies. Mobilization of Tfh-cells, and their correlation with IgG levels, suggest that vaccination induced a functional Tfh cell response.

A simulation study to evaluate contamination during reuse of N95 respirators and effectiveness of interventions to reduce contamination.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the potential for contamination of personnel, patients, and the environment during use of contaminated N95 respirators and to compare the effectiveness of interventions to reduce contamination. DESIGN: Simulation study of patient care interactions using N95 respirators contaminated with a higher and lower inocula of the benign virus bacteriophage MS2. METHODS: In total, 12 healthcare personnel performed 3 standardized examinations of mannequins including (1) control with suboptimal respirator handling technique, (2) improved technique with glove change after each N95 contact, and (3) control with 1-minute ultraviolet-C light (UV-C) treatment prior to donning. The order of the examinations was randomized within each subject. The frequencies of contamination were compared among groups. Observations and simulations with fluorescent lotion were used to assess routes of transfer leading to contamination. RESULTS: With suboptimal respirator handling technique, bacteriophage MS2 was frequently transferred to the participants, mannequin, and environmental surfaces and fomites. Improved technique resulted in significantly reduced transfer of MS2 in the higher inoculum simulations (P < .01), whereas UV-C treatment reduced transfer in both the higher- and lower-inoculum simulations (P < .01). Observations and simulations with fluorescent lotion demonstrated multiple potential routes of transfer to participants, mannequin, and surfaces, including both direct contact with the contaminated respirator and indirect contact via contaminated gloves. CONCLUSION: Reuse of contaminated N95 respirators can result in contamination of personnel and the environment even when correct technique is used. Decontamination technologies, such as UV-C, could reduce the risk for transmission.

Atención social especializada a familias de personas víctimas de desaparición durante la contingencia COVID-19

En México la situación de la desaparición forzada es crítica, más de 73 mil familias a nivel nacional y más de 4,000 a nivel estatal que están afectadas por la situación que padecen cuando uno de los familiares se encuentra desaparecido. Con motivo de la crisis sanitaria derivada de la pandemia mundial COVID-19, la situación de vulnerabilidad de las familias de desaparecidos se ha incrementado, si bien la epidemia es una condición generalizada en esta población las afectaciones se agudizan por las condiciones en las que viven después del hecho victimizante. El presente documento da cuenta de la atención especializada que dichas familias han recibido en el estado de Nuevo León durante esta crisis sanitaria.Alternate : In Mexico, the situation of forced disappearance is critical;more than 73,000 families at the national level and more than 4,000 at the state level are affected by the situation they suffer when one of their relatives is missing. As a result of the health crisis caused by the global pandemic COVID-19, the vulnerability of families of disappeared persons has increased, although the epidemic is a generalized condition in this population, the effects are exacerbated by the conditions in which they live after the victimization. This document reports on the specialized attention that these families have received in the state of Nuevo León during this health crisis.

Tourism and COVID-19: The Show Must Go On

Tourism and hospitality actors face an unprecedented challenge in reigniting these industries through digital communication. All past knowledge regarding tourist behavior and preferences has been rendered irrelevant since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and its resulting enforced changes. Several reports have pointed to the existence of a travel sentiment that may be actionable by communication. This work attempts to reveal some of the elements that may compose this travel sentiment. To pursue this aim, an online pilot survey was conducted among those who were regular travelers before the COVID-19 outbreak. The data was used to validate the conceptual model through a partial least squares structural equation model estimation. The findings revealed that travel constraints are the most influential dimension, along with social media and technology usage, in affecting tourist behavior. Thus, in their communication strategy, tourism and hospitality players should reinforce the health- and hygiene-related measures taken, while simultaneously promoting the trustworthiness of the shared information.

New Trends in Biological Activities and Clinical Studies of Quinolinic Analogues: A Review.

The quinolinic ring, present in several molecules, possesses a great diversity of biological activities. Therefore, this ring is in the structural composition of several candidates of drugs in preclinical and clinical studies; thus, it is necessary to compile these results to facilitate the design of new drugs. For this reason, some of the activities of compounds are selected to examine in this review, such as antimalarial, antimicrobial, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, anti-rheumatic, and antiviral activities. All publications of scientific articles chosen are dated between 2000 and 2020. In addition to presenting the structures of some natural and synthetic compounds with their activities, we have listed the clinical studies of phases III and IV on antimalarial drugs containing the quinoline nucleus and phase III clinical studies on hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine to assess their possible role in COVID-19. Finally, we have reviewed some of the mechanisms of action, as well as the side effects of some of the quinolinic derivatives.

Evolution of COVID-19 cases from december 2019 to october 2020 in Maranhão

At the end of December 2019, in Wuhan, a new variety of Corona virus was identified, being declared as a public health emergency by the World Health Organization. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the epidemiological evolution of COVID-19 in the state of Maranhão. METHODS: This is a descriptive and retrospective epidemiological study, with a quantitative approach. RESULTS: Maranhão represents 1.7% of the cases in Brazil, ranking 5th in the Northeast region. In terms of number of deaths due to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, the same state contributed with 2.1% of Brazilian cases, with its predominance in females (56%) and in the age group between 30 and 49 years (37.5 %). CONCLUSION: The importance of promoting further studies on the disease and investing in strategies to control the coronavirus is emphasized, since the outbreak of COVID-19 is recent and its duration is uncertain. A fines de diciembre de 2019, en Wuhan, se identificó una nueva variedad del virus Corona, declarada emergencia de salud pública por la Organización Mundial de la Salud. OBJETIVO: Analizar la evolución epidemiológica del COVID-19 en el estado de Maranhão. MÉTODOS: Se trata de un estudio epidemiológico descriptivo, retrospectivo, con enfoque cuantitativo. RESULTADOS: Maranhão representa el 1,7% de los dos casos en Brasil, ocupando el quinto lugar en la región Nordeste. En cuanto al número de defunciones por Síndrome Respiratorio Agudo Severo, o el mismo estado, dos casos brasileños aportaron el 2,1%, con predominio de mujeres (56%) y un grupo de 30 a 49 años (37, 5%). CONCLUSIÓN: Se enfatiza la importancia de impulsar más estudios sobre la enfermedad e invertir en estrategias para controlar el coronavirus, ya que el brote de COVID-19 es reciente y su duración es incierta. No final de dezembro de 2019, em Wuhan, uma nova variedade de Corona vírus foi identificada, sendo declarada como uma emergência de saúde pública pela Organização Mundial de Saúde. OBJETIVO: Analisar a evolução epidemiológica do COVID-19 no estado do Maranhão. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de um estudo epidemiológico descritivo e retrospectivo, com abordagem quantitativa. RESULTADOS: O Maranhão representa 1,7% dos casos no Brasil, figurando na 5º colocação na região Nordeste. Em termos de número de óbitos por Síndrome Respiratória Aguda Grave, o mesmo estado contribuiu com 2,1% dos casos brasileiros, sendo sua predominância em indivíduos do sexo feminino (56%) e na faixa etária entre 30 a 49 anos (37,5%). CONCLUSÃO: Ressalta-se a importância de promover mais estudos sobre a doença e investir em estratégias para o controle do coronavírus, pois o surto do COVID-19 é recente e sua duração é incerta.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) nucleic acid contamination of surfaces on a coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) ward and intensive care unit.

On coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) wards, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) nucleic acid was frequently detected on high-touch surfaces, floors, and socks inside patient rooms. Contamination of floors and shoes was common outside patient rooms on the COVID-19 wards but decreased after improvements in floor cleaning and disinfection were implemented.

Coping strategies and health promotion through teaching-service integration in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic

In the current situation related to 2019-nCoV ß-coronavirus, the National Health Authorities have determined the elaboration of contingency plans (CP) that minimize the contagion and allow the functioning of essential activities. The CP presented defines a set of guidelines that allow the adequacy of the response of a public university in Northeast of Brazil linked to the Programa Mais Médicos para o Brasil. Descriptive and qualitative study, type of comment, from the analysis of the data of the CP for the definition of strategies for coping with public health emergencies. The CP consists of ten measures that include assistance via applications/social networks;monitoring of physicians who are at risk;screening of suspected/confirmed cases;production of guides/protocols;24h psychological/technical assistance to physicians working at primary health care and provision of online courses. The methodology proposed provides different models from those trivially presented in academia and is essential to promote health education. En la situación actual relacionada con el coronavirus ß-nCoV 2019, las Autoridades Nacionales de Salud han determinado la elaboración de planes de contingencia (PC) que minimizan el contagio y permiten el funcionamiento de actividades esenciales. El PC presentado define un conjunto de pautas que permiten la adecuación de la respuesta de una universidad pública en el noreste de Brasil vinculada al Programa Mais Médicos para o Brasil. Estudio descriptivo y cualitativo, tipo de comment, a partir del análisis de los datos de la PC para la definición de estrategias para hacer frente a emergencias de salud pública. El PC consta de diez medidas que incluyen asistencia a través de aplicaciones/redes sociales;monitoreo de médicos en riesgo;detección de casos sospechosos/confirmados;producción de guías/protocolos;Asistencia psicológica/técnica las 24 horas a los médicos que trabajan en atención primaria de salud y provisión de cursos en línea. La metodología propuesta proporciona modelos diferentes de los presentados trivialmente en la academia y es esencial para promover la educación sanitaria Na atual situação relacionada ao 2019-nCoV ß-coronavirus, as Autoridades de Saúde Nacionais determinaram a elaboração de planos de contingência (PC) que minimizem o contágio e permitam o funcionamento das atividades essenciais. O PC apresentado define um conjunto de orientações que permitem a adequação da resposta de uma universidade pública do Nordeste do Brasil vinculada ao Programa Mais Médicos para o Brasil. Estudo descritivo e qualitativo, tipo comment, da análise dos dados do PC para a definição de estratégias para o enfrentamento de emergências de saúde pública. O PC consiste em dez medidas que incluem assistência via aplicativos/redes sociais;monitoramento dos médicos que estão em risco;triagem de casos suspeitos/confirmados;produção de guias/protocolos;24 horas de assistência técnica e psicológica para os médicos trabalhando na assistência primária à saúde e fornecimento de cursos online. A metodologia proposta oportuniza modelos diferentes daqueles trivialmente apresentados na academia e é essencial para promover a educação em saúde.

What are the sources of exposure in healthcare personnel with coronavirus disease 2019 infection?

In our facility, 25% of personnel with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) had a higher-risk exposure to an infected patient or co-worker and 14% reported a higher-risk exposure in the community. All higher-risk exposures to infected patients occurred on non-COVID-19 units, often when there was a delay in diagnosis because COVID-19 was not initially suspected. Higher-risk exposures to co-workers with COVID-19 often involved lapses in compliance with masking in nonpatient care areas such as nursing stations and staff work or break rooms.