Respiratory issues in patients with multiple sclerosis as a risk factor during SARS-CoV-2 infection: a potential role for exercise.

Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is associated with cytokine storm and is characterized by acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and pneumonia problems. The respiratory system is a place of inappropriate activation of the immune system in people with multiple sclerosis (MS), and this may cause damage to the lung and worsen both MS and infections.The concerns for patients with multiple sclerosis are because of an enhance risk of infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The MS patients pose challenges in this pandemic situation, because of the regulatory defect of autoreactivity of the immune system and neurological and respiratory tract symptoms. In this review, we first indicate respiratory issues associated with both diseases. Then, the main mechanisms inducing lung damages and also impairing the respiratory muscles in individuals with both diseases is discussed. At the end, the leading role of physical exercise on mitigating respiratory issues inducing mechanisms is meticulously evaluated.

Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 and Vaccination Coverage among Residents of a Lower-Middle-Class Population in the Federal District, Brazil.

Estimating seroprevalence and vaccination coverage against COVID-19 is crucial to the development of well-targeted public health policies at the local level. Here, we estimated seroprevalence and vaccination coverage in a lower-middle-class population in Brazil. We conducted an observational, cross-sectional, population-based survey from 24 September to 19 December 2021. CMIA tests were used to detect anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG against the N-protein. The overall seroprevalence was 24.15% (177/733), and vaccination coverage was 91.40% (670/733); 72.09% (483/670) were fully vaccinated. Among vaccinated participants, seroprevalence was 24.77% (95% CI 21.50-28.04; 166/670), with a prevalence ratio (PR) of 1.03 (95% CI 0.98-1.08; p-value 0.131). Among participants who received an mRNA vaccine with S-based epitope (485), seroprevalence was 16.29% (95% CI 13.04-19.85; 79/485). Among unvaccinated participants, seroprevalence was 17.46% (95% CI 10.04-28.62; 11/63). Finally, in spite of the political climate and other possible causes for vaccine hesitancy, the positive Brazilian culture towards vaccination might have curbed hesitancy.

[Nonclinical support workers of a reference hospital in Bahia, Brazil, as being essential and invisible in the face of COVID-19]. / Trabalhadores de apoio de um hospital de referência na Bahia, Brasil, no enfrentamento da COVID-19: essenciais e invisíveis.

In the context of hospital work during the COVID-19 pandemic, it should be acknowledged that the nonclinical support activities carried out by stretcher bearers, cleaning agents and administrative assistants were essential for the work process. This article analyzed the results of an exploratory stage of broader research with these workers in a COVID-19 hospital reference unit in the state of Bahia. Three semi-structured interviews were selected, using assumptions of ethnomethodology and ergonomics, to encourage these workers to talk about their work, The analysis concentrated on the work activities of stretcher-bearers, cleaning agents and administrative assistants from a visibility perspective. The study showed that these workers were rendered invisible by the scant social respect for their activities and level of schooling that prevailed despite the circumstances and excess workload; and revealed the essential nature of these services due to the interdependence between support work and care work and their contributions to patient and team safety. The conclusion drawn is that it is necessary to establish strategies such that these workers are valued socially, financially, and institutionally.

No contexto do trabalho hospitalar durante a COVID-19, é preciso reconhecer que as atividades de apoio exercidas por maqueiros, agentes de limpeza e auxiliares administrativos são imprescindíveis para o processo de trabalho. Este artigo analisou resultados de uma etapa exploratória de uma pesquisa ampla com esses trabalhadores dentro de uma unidade hospitalar referência para COVID-19 no estado da Bahia. Foram selecionadas três entrevistas semiestruturadas produzidas a partir da perspectiva do "fazer falar" sobre o trabalho, utilizando pressupostos da etnometodologia e da ergonomia. A análise incidiu sobre as atividades de trabalho de um maqueiro, um agente de limpeza e uma auxiliar administrativa, problematizadas a partir da díade essencialidade-invisibilidade. O estudo demonstrou que esses trabalhadores são invisibilizados pela desvalorização social de suas atividades e nível de escolaridade e resistem apesar das circunstâncias e do sobretrabalho; e evidenciou a essencialidade desses serviços pela interdependência entre o trabalho de apoio e o trabalho assistencial e suas contribuições para a segurança do paciente e da equipe. Conclui-se que é necessário criar estratégias para que esses trabalhadores sejam valorizados social, financeira e institucionalmente.

The role of pets in SARS-CoV-2 transmission: an exploratory analysis.

PURPOSE: There is evidence that humans can transmit SARS-CoV-2 to cats and dogs. However, there is no evidence that they can transmit it back to humans or play any role in SARS-CoV-2 transmission. Here, we present an exploratory analysis on that matter. METHODS: We conducted a case-control study with participants with flu-like symptoms seeking care at a primary healthcare unit to be tested for COVID-19. They were asked if they owned pet cats and/or dogs in their residences, and this variable was evaluated as exposure. RESULTS: The odds ratio of "having dogs and/or cats in the residence" was 1.29 (95% CI 1.08-1.54) of "having only dogs and no cats" was 1.26 (1.05-1.52), and "no dogs and only cats" was 1.29 (0.95-1.75). CONCLUSION: Having a cat/dog in the house can affect the risk of infection by SARS-CoV-2.

The impact of supervised physical exercise on chemokines and cytokines in recovered COVID-19 patients.

COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which induces a high release of pro-inflammatory chemokines and cytokines, leading to severe systemic disorders. Further, evidence has shown that recovered COVID-19 patients still have some symptoms and disorders from COVID-19. Physical exercise can have many health benefits. It is known to be a potent regulator of the immune system, which includes frequency, intensity, duration, and supervised by a professional. Given the confinement and social isolation or hospitalization of COVID-19 patients, the population became sedentary or opted for physical exercise at home, assuming the guarantee of the beneficial effects of physical exercise and reducing exposure to SARS-CoV-2. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a supervised exercise protocol and a home-based unsupervised exercise protocol on chemokine and cytokine serum levels in recovered COVID-19 patients. This study was a prospective, parallel, two-arm clinical trial. Twenty-four patients who had moderate to severe COVID-19 concluded the intervention protocols of this study. Participants were submitted to either supervised exercise protocol at the Clinical Hospital of the Federal University of Pernambuco or home-based unsupervised exercise for 12 weeks. We analyzed serum levels of chemokines (CXCL8/IL-8, CCL5/RANTES, CXCL9/MIG, CCL2/MCP-1, and CXCL10/IP-10) and cytokines (IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17A, TNF-α, and IFN-γ). Before the interventions, no significant differences were observed in the serum levels of chemokines and cytokines between the supervised and home-based unsupervised exercise groups. The CXCL8/IL-8 (p = 0.04), CCL2/MCP-1 (p = 0.03), and IFN-γ (p = 0.004) levels decreased after 12 weeks of supervised exercise. In parallel, an increase in IL-2 (p = 0.02), IL-6 (p = 0.03), IL-4 (p = 0.006), and IL-10 (p = 0.04) was observed after the supervised protocol compared to pre-intervention levels. No significant differences in all the chemokines and cytokines were found after 12 weeks of the home-based unsupervised exercise protocol. Given the results, the present study observed that supervised exercise was able to modulate the immune response in individuals with post-COVID-19, suggesting that supervised exercise can mitigate the inflammatory process associated with COVID-19 and its disorders. Clinical trial registration: https://ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-7z3kxjk, identifier U1111-1272-4730.

Cohort profile: Health trajectories of Immigrant Children (CRIAS)-a prospective cohort study in the metropolitan area of Lisbon, Portugal.

PURPOSE: The CRIAS (Health trajectories of Immigrant Children in Amadora) cohort study was created to explore whether children exposed to a migratory process experience different health risks over time, including physical health, cognitive, socioemotional and behavioural challenges and different healthcare utilisation patterns. PARTICIPANTS: The original CRIAS was set up to include 604 children born in 2015, of whom 50% were immigrants, and their parents. Recruitment of 420 children took place between June 2019 and March 2020 at age 4/5 years, with follow-up carried out at age 5/6 years, at age 6/7 years currently under way. FINDINGS TO DATE: Baseline data at age 4/5 years (2019-2020) suggested immigrant children to be more likely to belong to families with less income, compared with non-immigrant children. Being a first-generation immigrant child increased the odds of emotional and behavioural difficulties (adjusted OR 2.2; 95% CI: 1.06 to 4.76); more immigrant children required monitoring of items in the psychomotor development test (38.5% vs 28.3%). The prevalence of primary care utilisation was slightly higher among immigrant children (78.0% vs 73.8%), yet they received less health monitoring assessments for age 4 years. Utilisation of the hospital emergency department was higher among immigrants (53.2% vs 40.6%). Age 5 years follow-up (2020-2021) confirmed more immigrant children requiring monitoring of psychomotor development, compared with non-immigrant children (33.9% vs 21.6%). Economic inequalities exacerbated by post-COVID-19 pandemic confinement with parents of immigrant children 3.2 times more likely to have their household income decreased. FUTURE PLANS: Further follow-up will take place at 8, 10, 12/13 and 15 years of age. Funds awarded by the National Science Foundation will allow 900 more children from four other Lisbon area municipalities to be included in the cohort (cohort-sequential design).

Effects of combined training during the COVID-19 pandemic on metabolic health and quality of life in sedentary workers: A randomized controlled study.

This study aimed to analyze the effects of a combined training (CT) program performed during the first national lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic on body composition, metabolic profile, quality of life and stress in sedentary workers, and examines whether changes in the metabolic profile are associated with changes in health-related outcomes which are modifiable by exercise. We evaluated 31 sedentary workers (48.26 ± 7.89 years old). Participants were randomly assigned to a CT group (i.e., performed 16 weeks of exercise) or to a non-exercise control group. The CT program consisted of 16-week of resistance and aerobic exercise. Body composition, glycemic and lipidic profiles, cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), health-related quality of life and stress levels were assessed pre- and post-intervention. After the intervention period, the CT group demonstrated significantly lower waist and hip circumference (p < 0.05) values than the control group. The control group significantly increased the fasting glucose and HOMA-IR after 16 weeks follow-up (+4.74 mg/dL, p = 0.029; and +0.41 units, p = 0.010, respectively), whiles no significant changes were observed in the CT group in the same parameters (+3.33 mg/dL, p = 0.176; and +0.04 units, p = 0.628, respectively). No changes were observed in the lipid profile for either group (p > 0.05). A significant positive relationship was detected between the change in BMI with the changes in insulin and HOMA-IR (r = 0.643, p = 0.024; and r = 0.605, p = 0.037, respectively). In addition, the changes in CRF were negatively associated with the changes in total cholesterol (r = -0.578, p = 0.049). We observed differences between groups on perceived stress levels and physical, psychological, and environmental domains of quality of life, with the CT group showing better results. Moreover, the CT group improved perceived life satisfaction (+3.17 points, p = 0.038). The findings of the present study suggest that the participants who remained physically active during the first pandemic-related lockdown were able to mitigate the deleterious effects associated with a sedentary lifestyle.

Evaluación de las creencias hacia la atención de personas con discapacidad auditiva, en prácticas a distancia de Educación Física de estudiantes universitarios durante la pandemia por COVID-19 (Evaluation of beliefs towards the care of people with hearin

Objective: To evaluate the beliefs towards attention to disability in physical activity, in students of Bachelor's Degree in Physical Activity and Sport when carrying out virtual Physical Education teaching practices during the COVID-19 pandemic to schoolchildren with hearing disabilities. Method: Through a quasi-experimental quantitative approach of a quantitative type, 17 undergraduate students in Physical Activity and Sports from the Faculty of Sports of the Autonomous University of Baja California were trained, who carried out teaching practices, implementing 12 classes of Physical Education online to schoolchildren with hearing disability, planning, designing and applying pedagogical strategies according to their condition. Before and after, social and professional attitudes towards people with disabilities were evaluated. Results: The statistical analysis with t-Student test for independent samples reported significant differences (p <0.05), the average of the 30 items of the instrument before the teaching practices was 2.6 and after the teaching practices 1.9 with a change percentage of -29 Δ%. Conclusion: Beliefs towards attention to disability were improved through physical activity online educational environment, which is favorable in the teaching-learning process of participating students, providing elements for the development of future effective and adequate interventions in populations with disability. Alternate : Objetivo: Evaluar las creencias hacia la atención a la discapacidad en actividad física, en estudiantes de Licenciatura en Actividad Física y Deporte al realizar prácticas docentes de Educación Física a distancia durante la pandemia por COVID-19 a escolares con discapacidad auditiva. Método: Mediante un enfoque cuantitativo cuasiexperimental, se capacitó a 17 estudiantes de Licenciatura en Actividad Física y Deporte de la Facultad de Deportes de la Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, que realizaron prácticas docentes, implementando 12 clases de Educación Física a distancia a escolares con discapacidad auditiva, planeando, diseñando y aplicando estrategias pedagógicas acordes a su condición. Antes y después se evaluaron las actitudes sociales y profesionales hacia las personas con discapacidad. Resultados: El análisis estadístico con test t-Student para muestras independientes reportó diferencias significativas (p<0.05), el promedio de los 30 ítems del instrumento antes de las prácticas docentes fue 2.6 y después de las prácticas docentes 1.9 con un porcentaje de cambio de -29 Δ %. Conclusiones: Se mejoraron las creencias hacia la atención a la discapacidad a través de la actividad física, en un ambiente educativo a distancia, que es favorable en el proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje de los estudiantes participantes, lo cual favorecerá competencias futuras para el desarrollo de intervenciones efectivas y adecuadas en poblaciones con discapacidades.Alternate :Objetivo: Avaliar as crenças em relação à atenção à deficiência na atividade física, em alunos do Curso de Bacharelado em Atividade Física e Esporte, na realização de práticas de ensino de Educação Física a distância durante a pandemia COVID-19 para escolares com deficiência auditiva. Método: Por meio de uma abordagem quantitativa quase experimental, foram treinados 17 alunos de graduação em Atividade Física e Esportes da Faculdade de Esportes da Autonomous University of Baja California, que realizaram práticas de ensino, implementando 12 aulas de Educação Física a distância para escolares com deficiência auditiva, planejando, elaborando e aplicando estratégias pedagógicas de acordo com sua condição. Antes e depois, foram avaliadas as atitudes sociais e profissionais em relação às pessoas com deficiência. Resultados: A análise estatística com teste t de Student para amostras independentes relatou diferenças significativas (p <0,05), a média dos 30 itens do instrumento antes das práticas de ensino foi de 2,6 e após as práticas de ensino 1,9 com um ercentual de mudança de -29 Δ%. Conclusões: As crenças na atenção à deficiência foram aprimoradas por meio da atividade física, em ambiente educacional a distância, o que é favorável no processo de ensino-aprendizagem dos alunos participantes, o que favorecerá futuras competências para o desenvolvimento de intervenções eficazes e adequadas nas populações com deficiência.

Actividad física evaluada en la clase de educación física en estudiantes de secundaria con discapacidad y sin discapacidad antes y durante la pandemia por COVID-19 (Physical activity assessed in physical education class in disabled and non-disabled high

Objective: To evaluate physical activity in physical education class in disabled and non-disabled high school students before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: Participating subjects were high school students with an average age of 15.2 ± 5.7 years, 106 students without disabilities and 77 students diagnosed with disabilities, physical activity was evaluated before and during the COVID-19 pandemic using the international activity questionnaire IPAQ physics. Results: The analysis of variance (ANOVA) mixed 2 x 2 (groups x measurements), indicated that a statistically significant difference of p = .001 between the groups and p = .005 the measurements with the highest weekly energy expenditure of physical activity, in the student body without disabilities. Conclusions: When comparing the values ​​with an investigation that used the same methodological procedure, students with disabilities report higher sedentary habits than schoolchildren undiagnosed with disabilities, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Alternate : Objetivo: Evaluar la actividad física en la clase de educación física en estudiantado de secundaria con discapacidad y sin discapacidad antes y durante la pandemia por COVID-19. Método: Los sujetos participantes fueron estudiantes de secundaria con una edad promedio de 15.2±5.7 años, 106 estudiantes sin discapacidad y 77 estudiantes diagnosticados con discapacidad, la actividad física se evaluó antes y durante la pandemia por COVID-19 mediante el cuestionario internacional de actividad física IPAQ. Resultados: El análisis de varianza (ANOVA) mixtas 2 x 2 (grupos x mediciones), indicó que una diferencia estadísticamente significativa de p=.001 entre los grupos y p=.005 las mediciones con mayor gasto energético semanal de actividad física, en el estudiantado sin discapacidad. Conclusiones: Al comparar los valores con una investigación que utilizó el mismo procedimiento metodológico, el estudiantado con discapacidad reporta mayores hábitos sedentarios que escolares no diagnosticados con discapacidad, durante la pandemia por COVID-19.Alternate :Objetivo: Avaliar a atividade física em aulas de educação física em alunos do ensino médio com e sem deficiência antes e durante a pandemia de COVID-19. Método: Os sujeitos participantes foram alunos do ensino médio com idade média de 15,2 ± 5,7 anos, 106 alunos sem deficiência e 77 alunos com diagnóstico de deficiência, a atividade física foi avaliada antes e durante a pandemia COVID-19 usando o questionário internacional de atividade física IPAQ. Resultados: A análise de variância (ANOVA) mista 2 x 2 (grupos x medidas), indicou uma diferença estatisticamente significativa de p = 0,001 entre os grupos ep = 0,005 as medidas com maior gasto energético semanal de atividade física, no corpo discente sem deficiência. Conclusões: Ao comparar os valores com uma pesquisa que utilizou o mesmo procedimento metodológico, os alunos com deficiência relataram hábitos sedentários mais elevados do que os escolares não diagnosticados com deficiência, durante a pandemia do COVID-19.

MicroRNAs as Potential Tools for Predicting Cancer Patients' Susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Vaccination Response.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease that is caused by a highly contagious and severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). This infection started to spread across the world in 2019 and rapidly turned into a global pandemic, causing an urgent necessity for treatment strategies development. The mRNA vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 can trigger an immune response, providing genetic information that allows the production of spike glycoproteins. MiRNAs play a crucial role in diverse key cellular processes, including antiviral defense. Several miRNAs are described as key factors in SARS-CoV-2 human infection through the regulation of ACE2 levels and by the inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 replication and spike expression. Consequently, these molecules have been considered as highly promising biomarkers. In numerous human malignancies, it has been recognized that miRNAs expression is dysregulated. Since miRNAs can target SARS-CoV-2-associated mRNAs, in cancer patients, the deregulation of these molecules can impair the immune response to the vaccines. Therefore, in this review, we propose a miRNA profile of seven SARS-CoV-2-related miRNAs, namely miR-214, miR-98-5p, miR-7-5p, miR-24-3p, miR-145-5p, miR-223-3p and miR-15b-5p, that are deregulated in a high number of cancers and have the potential to be used as prognostic biomarkers to stratify cancer patients.

MAEBL Contributes to Plasmodium Sporozoite Adhesiveness.

The sole currently approved malaria vaccine targets the circumsporozoite protein-the protein that densely coats the surface of sporozoites, the parasite stage deposited in the skin of the mammalian host by infected mosquitoes. However, this vaccine only confers moderate protection against clinical diseases in children, impelling a continuous search for novel candidates. In this work, we studied the importance of the membrane-associated erythrocyte binding-like protein (MAEBL) for infection by Plasmodium sporozoites. Using transgenic parasites and live imaging in mice, we show that the absence of MAEBL reduces Plasmodium berghei hemolymph sporozoite infectivity to mice. Moreover, we found that maebl knockout (maebl-) sporozoites display reduced adhesion, including to cultured hepatocytes, which could contribute to the defects in multiple biological processes, such as in gliding motility, hepatocyte wounding, and invasion. The maebl- defective phenotypes in mosquito salivary gland and liver infection were reverted by genetic complementation. Using a parasite line expressing a C-terminal myc-tagged MAEBL, we found that MAEBL levels peak in midgut and hemolymph parasites but drop after sporozoite entry into the salivary glands, where the labeling was found to be heterogeneous among sporozoites. MAEBL was found associated, not only with micronemes, but also with the surface of mature sporozoites. Overall, our data provide further insight into the role of MAEBL in sporozoite infectivity and may contribute to the design of future immune interventions.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 in cats: a systematic review Síndrome respiratória aguda por coronavírus em gatos: uma revisão sistemática

The epidemiological role of cats in the coronavirus disease pandemic remains unclear despite of several studies that have been conducted to understand it, in other words it is not yet known whether the cat would be able to transmit severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) to humans. Taking that into account, the objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review to identify what is known and not known on this topic. Our results revealed that cats can be infected through an airborne (perhaps oral, too) route and that the clinical development of the infection in cats is parallel to that in humans. The majority of infected cats remained asymptomatic, and more severe clinical cases described occurred only in animals with comorbidities. In addition to infection, cats achieved seroconversion with detectable titers. However, the epidemiological role of cats in relation to transmission routes of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) remains unclear and needs to be studied further. We emphasize that, regardless of the conclusion regarding the epidemiological role of cats, this reinforces the concepts of ONE HEALTH to be incorporated into the studies and practices of epidemiological surveillance of infectious diseases, with multidisciplinary teams, to achieve an understanding of the transmission of diseases with zoonotic potential.

Influence of public policies on the diffusion of wind and solar PV sources in Brazil and the possible effects of COVID-19

Renewable energy is crucial to achieving carbon neutrality and supporting sustainable development, but its success depends on effective policies. This study aims to evaluate public policies and their influences on the use and diffusion of wind and solar PV into the Brazilian electricity grid and to understand if, and how, the two renewable sources could be affected by the post-COVID-19 pandemic scenario. This work plays an important role in the decarbonization of the electricity sector, highlights the need to modernize the Brazilian industrial park, and addresses new barriers to the development of renewable sources in the country. To carry out the analysis and answer the research questions, a mixed methodological approach was adopted covering the quantitative and qualitative aspects, led by a rigorous systematic review of the literature and semi-structured interviews with Brazilian stakeholders. The results revealed that 1/4 of the policies, characterized by socio-economic drives, were responsible for the growth of the share of wind and solar PV supply in the electrical mix, contributing to the decarbonization of the Brazilian energy mix. The results also suggest that new policies will be needed to ensure a greater presence of both sources in the electricity mix. The findings of the study reveal unpublished and valuable information capable of supporting policymakers and stakeholders in the diffusion of renewable sources. Further studies are needed to highlight other aspects, such as the need to modernize the “distribution” network and storage system for renewable technologies.

Thermal dysregulation in patients with multiple sclerosis during SARS-CoV-2 infection. The potential therapeutic role of exercise.

Thermoregulation is a homeostatic mechanism that is disrupted in some neurological diseases. Patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) are susceptible to increases in body temperature, especially with more severe neurological signs. This condition can become intolerable when these patients suffer febrile infections such as coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). We review the mechanisms of hyperthermia in patients with MS, and they may encounter when infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Finally, the thermoregulatory role and relevant adaptation to regular physical exercise are summarized.

Obesity Increases Gene Expression of Markers Associated With Immunosenescence in Obese Middle-Aged Individuals

Recently, it has been argued that obesity leads to a chronic pro-inflammatory state that can accelerate immunosenescence, predisposing to the early acquisition of an immune risk profile and health problems related to immunity in adulthood. In this sense, the present study aimed to verify, in circulating leukocytes, the gene expression of markers related to early immunosenescence associated with obesity and its possible relationships with the physical fitness in obese adults with type 2 diabetes or without associated comorbidities. The sample consisted of middle-aged obese individuals (body mass index (BMI) between 30-35 kg/m²) with type 2 diabetes mellitus (OBD;n = 17) or without associated comorbidity (OB;n = 18), and a control group of eutrophic healthy individuals (BMI: 20 - 25 kg/m²) of same ages (E;n = 18). All groups (OBD, OB and E) performed the functional analyses [muscle strength (1RM) and cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2max)], anthropometry, body composition (Air Displacement Plethysmograph), blood collections for biochemical (anti-CMV) and molecular (gene expression of leptin, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, PD-1, P16ink4a, CCR7, CD28 and CD27) analyses of markers related to immunosenescence. Increased gene expression of leptin, IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, TNF-α, PD-1, P16ink4a, CCR7 and CD27 was found for the OBD and OB groups compared to the E group. Moreover, VO2max for the OBD and OB groups was significantly lower compared to E. In conclusion, obesity, regardless of associated disease, induces increased gene expression of markers associated with inflammation and immunosenescence in circulating leukocytes in obese middle-aged individuals compared to a eutrophic group of the same age. Additionally, increased adipose tissue and markers of chronic inflammation and immunosenescence were associated to impairments in the cardiorespiratory capacity of obese middle-aged individuals.

Design of modular autoproteolytic gene switches responsive to anti-coronavirus drug candidates.

The main (Mpro) and papain-like (PLpro) proteases encoded by SARS-CoV-2 are essential to process viral polyproteins into functional units, thus representing key targets for anti-viral drug development. There is a need for an efficient inhibitor screening system that can identify drug candidates in a cellular context. Here we describe modular, tunable autoproteolytic gene switches (TAGS) relying on synthetic transcription factors that self-inactivate, unless in the presence of coronavirus protease inhibitors, consequently activating transgene expression. TAGS rapidly report the impact of drug candidates on Mpro and PLpro activities with a high signal-to-noise response and a sensitivity matching concentration ranges inhibiting viral replication. The modularity of the TAGS enabled the study of other Coronaviridae proteases, characterization of mutations and multiplexing of gene switches in human cells. Mice implanted with Mpro or PLpro TAGS-engineered cells enabled analysis of the activity and bioavailability of protease inhibitors in vivo in a virus-free setting.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 in cats: a systematic review.

The epidemiological role of cats in the coronavirus disease pandemic remains unclear despite of several studies that have been conducted to understand it, in other words it is not yet known whether the cat would be able to transmit severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) to humans. Taking that into account, the objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review to identify what is known and not known on this topic. Our results revealed that cats can be infected through an airborne (perhaps oral, too) route and that the clinical development of the infection in cats is parallel to that in humans. The majority of infected cats remained asymptomatic, and more severe clinical cases described occurred only in animals with comorbidities. In addition to infection, cats achieved seroconversion with detectable titers. However, the epidemiological role of cats in relation to transmission routes of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) remains unclear and needs to be studied further. We emphasize that, regardless of the conclusion regarding the epidemiological role of cats, this reinforces the concepts of ONE HEALTH to be incorporated into the studies and practices of epidemiological surveillance of infectious diseases, with multidisciplinary teams, to achieve an understanding of the transmission of diseases with zoonotic potential.

O papel epidemiológico dos gatos na pandemia da doença causada pelo novo coronavírus ainda não foi esclarecido. Apesar de vários estudos realizados, ainda não foi determinado se os gatos poderiam transmitir o vírus da síndrome respiratória aguda grave coronavírus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) para os humanos. Diante disso, o objetivo deste estudo foi realizar uma revisão sistemática sobre esse tema. Nossos resultados destacam os achados de que os gatos podem ser infectados por via aérea, talvez oral também, e de que o desenvolvimento clínico da infecção em gatos guarda um paralelo com a infecção em humanos, pois a maioria dos gatos infectados que foram estudados permaneceu assintomática, e os casos clínicos mais graves descritos ocorreram apenas em animais com comorbidades. Além da presença do vírus, os gatos também desenvolvem anticorpos específicos. Ressaltamos que, independentemente da conclusão quanto ao papel epidemiológico dos gatos, os achados desse estudo reforçam os conceitos de ÚNICA SAÚDE a serem incorporados aos estudos e práticas de vigilância epidemiológica de doenças infecciosas, com equipes multidisciplinares, para o entendimento da transmissão de doenças com potencial zoonótico.

Sustaining efficient immune functions with regular physical exercise in the COVID-19 era and beyond.

The new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) appearance in Wuhan, China, did rise the new virus disease (COVID-19), which spread globally in a short time, leading the World Health Organization to declare a new global pandemic. To contain and mitigate the spread of SARS-CoV-2, specific public health procedures were implemented in virtually all countries, with a significant impact on society, making it difficult to keep the regular practice of physical activity. It is widely accepted that an active lifestyle contributes to the improvement of general health and preservation of cardiovascular, respiratory, osteo-muscular and immune system capacities. The positive effects of regular physical activity on the immune system have emerged as a pivotal trigger of general health, underlying the beneficial effects of physical activity on multiple physiological systems. Accordingly, recent studies have already pointed out the negative impact of physical inactivity caused by the social isolation imposed by the public sanitary authorities due to COVID-19. Nevertheless, there are still no current narrative reviews evaluating the real impact of COVID-19 on active lifestyle or even discussing the possible beneficial effects of exercise-promoted immune upgrade against the severity or progression of COVID-19. Based on the consensus in the scientific literature, in this review, we discuss how an exercise adherence could adequately improve immune responses in times of the 'COVID-19 Era and beyond'.