ABSTRACT
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has demonstrated the need for genomic epidemiology surveillance. To date, various methodologies have been applied, including metagenomic approaches and amplicon-based sequencing associated with high-throughput sequencing platforms. We adapted some details in amplicon-based sequencing using a SARS-CoV-2 community panel (Illumina AmpliSeq), with additional modifications for balanced and high-quality sequencing using the MiSeq platform. The modified protocol was used to detect circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants in Goiás state, Brazil. Initially, RNA samples were obtained from swab samples from 15 patients from the state of Goiás, Brazil, in November/2020 and February/2021 to validate protocol steps. The libraries were prepared following AmpliSeq for Illumina workflow with modifications;subsequently, we analyzed 305 positive samples collected from the state of Goiás from December 2020 to July 2021. For protocol improvement, we removed the need to treat samples with DNAse and demonstrated the importance of quantification by qPCR before and after library dilution. No fragmentation pattern was observed in the samples analyzed with Bioanalyzer. The libraries returned sequencing results that were used for genome assembly and variant detection. We were able to assemble SARS-CoV-2 genomes from 318 samples, which were used to identify 13 variants of coronavirus circulating in Goiás throughout those months. Variants of concern, such as Alpha (B.1.1.7), Gamma (P.1) and Delta (B.1.617.2) were detected;the latter was detected at first in Goiás in April 2021. The modifications in the workflow we developed were successfully applied to detect SARS-CoV-2 variants, resulting in high coverage genome assembly, and they can be used to increase the number of genome sequences and aid in epidemiological surveillance in Brazil.
ABSTRACT
This article discusses the interruption of Teaching and learning activities at Brazilian federal universities at the time the Covid-19 pandemic broke out, as well as the extent to which the lack of access to the internet would prohibit remote resumption of those activities. Political-educational strategies for tackling the pandemic that are in line with WHO recommendations are addressed. Then the universities’ immediate responses to the necessary suspension of face-to-face activities are discussed. Finally, official data are reported measuring the size of the problem of internet access among higher education students. Given that 98% are connected, there is an urgent need to enable internet and digital literacy for 2% without access. However, there are no consistent justifications for prolonging the interruption of Teaching and learning activities. Emergency remote Education emerges as an immediate path in the midst of the pandemic, but it is blended learning methodologies that tend to consolidate in the post-pandemic world – which, sooner or later, will require new attitudes and strategies from Brazilian federal universities. © 2021. All Rights Reserved.