Long-term antibody titers variation in unvaccinated patients receiving convalescent plasma or placebo for severe SARS-CoV-2 pulmonary infection.

BACKGROUND: Convalescent plasma (CP) became a prominent treatment in the early stages of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. In Argentina, a randomized clinical trial was executed to compare the use of CP in inpatients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia versus placebo. No differences in clinical outcomes or overall mortality between groups were observed. We conducted a cohort study in outpatients enrolled in the trial to describe long-term antibody titer variations between CP and placebo recipients. METHODS: Patients' total SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies against spike protein were collected 3, 6 and 12 months after hospital discharge from August 2020 to December 2021. In addition, reinfections, deaths and vaccination status were retrieved. Statistical analysis was performed using antibody geometric mean titers (GMT). All estimations were made considering the date of the trial infusion (placebo or CP) as time 0. RESULTS: From the 93 patients included in the follow-up, 64 had received CP and 29 placebo. We excluded all 12-month measurements because they were collected after the patients' vaccination date. At 90 days post-infusion, patients had an antibody GMT of 8.1 (IQR 7.4-8.1) in the CP group and 8.8 (IQR 8.1-9.1) in the placebo group. At 180 days, both groups had a GMT of 8.1 (IQR 7.4-8.1). No statistical differences in GMT were found between CP and placebo groups at 90 days (p = 0.12) and 180 days (p = 0.25). No patients registered a new COVID-19 infection; one died in the CP group from an ischemic stroke. CONCLUSIONS: No differences were observed in long-term antibody titers in unvaccinated patients that received CP or placebo after severe COVID-19 pneumonia.

Functional polymorphisms of DNA repair genes in Latin America reinforces the heterogeneity of Myelodysplastic Syndrome.

Nucleotide excision repair pathway (NER) is an essential mechanism for single-strand breaks (SSB) repair while xeroderma pigmentosum family (XPA to XPG) is the most important system to NER. Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is a heterogeneous hematological cancer characterized by cytopenias and risk of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) transformation. MDS pathogenesis has been associated with problems of DNA repair system. This report aimed to evaluate NER polymorphisms (XPA rs1800975, XPC rs2228000, XPD rs1799793 and XPF rs1800067) in 269 MDS patients of different populations in Latin America (173 Brazilian and 96 Argentinean). Genotypes were identified in DNA samples by RT-qPCR using TaqMan SNP Genotyping Assay. Regarding rs1799793 polymorphism of XPD for Brazilian population, the heterozygous genotype AG presented a high odds ratio (OR) to have a normal karyotype (p = 0.012, OR=3.000) and the mutant homozygous genotype AA was associated to a high OR of AML transformation (p = 0.034, OR=7.4). In Argentine population, the homozygous mutant AA genotype of rs1800975 polymorphism of XPA was associated with an increased odd to have hemoglobin levels below 8g/dL (p = 0.013, OR=10.000) while for the rs1799793 polymorphism of XPD, the heterozygous AG genotype decreased OR to be classified as good (p < 0.001, OR=9.05 × 10-10), and intermediate (p < 0.001, OR=3.08 × 10-10), according to Revised-International Prognostic Scoring System. Regarding the rs1800067 polymorphisms of XPF, the homozygous mutant AA genotype showed a decreased OR to be classified as good (p < 0.001, OR=4.03 × 10-13) and intermediate (p < 0.001, OR=2.54 × 10-13). Our report reinforces the heterogeneity of MDS and demonstrates the importance of ethnic differences and regional influences in pathogenesis and prognosis of MDS.

Functional polymorphisms of DNA repair genes in Latin America reinforces the heterogeneity of Myelodysplastic Syndrome

Abstract Nucleotide excision repair pathway (NER) is an essential mechanism for single-strand breaks (SSB) repair while xeroderma pigmentosum family (XPA to XPG) is the most important system to NER. Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is a heterogeneous hematological cancer characterized by cytopenias and risk of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) transformation. MDS pathogenesis has been associated with problems of DNA repair system. This report aimed to evaluate NER polymorphisms (XPA rs1800975, XPC rs2228000, XPD rs1799793 and XPF rs1800067) in 269 MDS patients of different populations in Latin America (173 Brazilian and 96 Argentinean). Genotypes were identified in DNA samples by RT-qPCR using TaqMan SNP Genotyping Assay. Regarding rs1799793 polymorphism of XPD for Brazilian population, the heterozygous genotype AG presented a high odds ratio (OR) to have a normal karyotype (p= 0.012, OR=3.000) and the mutant homozygous genotype AA was associated to a high OR of AML transformation (p= 0.034, OR=7.4). In Argentine population, the homozygous mutant AA genotype of rs1800975 polymorphism of XPA was associated with an increased odd to have hemoglobin levels below 8g/dL (p= 0.013, OR=10.000) while for the rs1799793 polymorphism of XPD, the heterozygous AG genotype decreased OR to be classified as good (p< 0.001, OR=9.05 × 10−10), and intermediate (p< 0.001, OR=3.08 × 10−10), according to Revised-International Prognostic Scoring System. Regarding the rs1800067 polymorphisms of XPF, the homozygous mutant AA genotype showed a decreased OR to be classified as good (p< 0.001, OR=4.03 × 10−13) and intermediate (p< 0.001, OR=2.54 × 10−13). Our report reinforces the heterogeneity of MDS and demonstrates the importance of ethnic differences and regional influences in pathogenesis and prognosis of MDS.

Effect of Linewidth on the Relative Intensity Noise in Random Distributed Feedback Raman Fiber Lasers.

We experimentally explore the relation between spectral linewidth and RIN transfer in half-open cavity random distributed feedback Raman lasers, demonstrating for the first time the possibility of adjusting the pump-to-signal RIN transfer intensity and cut-off frequency by using spectral filtering in the reflector section. We apply this approach to a 50-km laser system, operating in the C-Band, reliant on a standard single-mode fiber. We obtained a minimum bandwidth of 13 pm, which translates into a visible RIN cut-off at 800 MHz.

Argentinian small ruminant lentivirus (SRLV) p55gag antigen fused to maltose binding protein to use in SRLV serological confirmatory diagnosis.

The complete gag gene from small ruminant lentiviruses (SRLV) encodes for a polyprotein of 55 kDa, known as p55gag. p55gag presents multiple antigenic epitopes, which can be recognized by antibodies, increasing the opportunity to detect SRLV-positive animals. Therefore, this polyprotein is considered an excellent candidate to use in diagnostic tests to detect antibodies against SRLV. Different studies have suggested that the selection of the recombinant antigen, which must be representative of the virus strains circulating in the test population, is crucial to avoid false negative results. Thus, the use of proteins from different viral strains isolated from goats or sheep of a given region or country may be a useful strategy to increase the ability to detect SRLV-infected animals. In the present study, the pMAL-p5X vector was used to express and purify p55gag (now called rp55gag for recombinant polyprotein 55 gag). The cloned gene was inserted downstream from the malE gene of Escherichia coli, which encodes a maltose-binding protein (MBP), resulting in the expression of an MBP fusion protein. The complete gag gene was amplified by RT-PCR. Finally, after digestion, the product was cloned into the pMAL-p5X vector and used to transform E. coli ER2325 cells. After the purification of MBP-rp55gag by affinity chromatography, the eluted fraction was observed by SDS-PAGE and Western Blot (WB). The WB was carried out with 85 serum samples from small ruminants previously analysed and compared by two commercial ELISAs. The results show that 76 of the serum samples were concordant with those by both ELISAs. Regarding the other nine serum samples, which showed discordant results between both ELISAs, were positive by WB. The results thus show that the rp55gag could be considered as an antigen in a confirmatory diagnostic assay to detect SRLV by WB. For this purpose, a future study with a high number of sera to determine the test specificity and sensitivity, using the p55gag of the circulating strain in Argentina will be necessary.

Sensor Node Network for Remote Moisture Measurement in Timber Based on Bluetooth Low Energy and Web-Based Monitoring System.

This paper proposes an IoT system based on wireless BLE connectivity to monitor the moisture content of wood, using a compact and low-cost moisture device that relies on a resistance measurement method valid for an ultra-wide range of resistance values. This device is digitally controlled with a BLE-incorporated micro-controller characterized by its small size and low power consumption, providing long-life battery. The proposed system consists of two main parts: first, the BLE moisture device including the moisture content measurement and wireless capability (BLE); second, the cloud-based monitoring platform, providing remote visualization and control for all the sensor nodes of the network. The complete infrastructure shows how multiple nodes can read and transmit moisture content of timber in buildings using small and unattended devices, with data saved in a central database and monitored by multiple commercial devices such as PC, smartphone, tablet, etc. The proposed system is innovative, scalable and low cost, and it can be deployed in wooden buildings and the wood industry, providing a practical solution that will help to avoid rot and other damaging effects caused by the moisture content.

Anomalous relative intensity noise transfer in ultralong random fiber lasers.

We present, for the first time, an experimental demonstration of RIN noise transfer dampening at low frequencies in random distributed feedback ultralong Raman fibre lasers based on conventional telecommunication fibres. Furthermore, we present a thorough theoretical description of the phenomenon and demonstrate how our model can be used to predict the observed behaviour, identifying the general requirements for system improvement through RIN transfer reduction.

Quasi-distributed vibration sensing using OFDR and weak reflectors.

We proposed a quasi-distributed vibration sensing technique using in-line weak reflectors and optical frequency domain reflectometry (OFDR). As a result, we achieved an 8 kHz measurable vibration frequency with a 15-20 cm spatial resolution employing a low repetition rate (∼8 Hz). Moreover, a measurable frequency of 30 kHz was achieved for a 1.5 m spatial resolution. The ability of the system to determine the frequency and amplitude of several sections vibrating simultaneously is evaluated for different configurations. Because of the simple arrangement, high detectable frequency, and high sensitivity, this approach is expected to be especially well suited for mechanical vibration sensing applications, particularly in medium-sized structures.

Japanese-American confinement and scientific democracy: Colonialism, social engineering, and government administration.

During World War II, the U.S. Indian Service conducted social science experiments regarding governance among Japanese Americans imprisoned at the Poston, Arizona, camp. Researchers used an array of techniques culled from anthropological culture and personality studies, psychiatry, psychology, medicine, and public opinion research to probe how the personality traits of the confined Japanese-Americans and camp leaders affected the social interactions within each group and between them. The research drew on prior studies of Indian personality in the US Southwest, Mexico's Native policies, and indirect colonial rule. Researchers asked how democracy functioned in contexts marked by hierarchy and difference. Their goal was to guide future policies toward US "minorities" and foreign races in post-war occupied territories. We show how researchers deployed ideas about race, cultural, and difference across a variety of cases to create a universal, predictive social science, which they combined with a prewar romanticism and cultural relativism. These researchers made ethnic, racial, and cultural difference compatible with predictive laws of science based on notions of fundamental human similarities.

Study of Optical Fiber Sensors for Cryogenic Temperature Measurements.

In this work, the performance of five different fiber optic sensors at cryogenic temperatures has been analyzed. A photonic crystal fiber Fabry-Pérot interferometer, two Sagnac interferometers, a commercial fiber Bragg grating (FBG), and a π-phase shifted fiber Bragg grating interrogated in a random distributed feedback fiber laser have been studied. Their sensitivities and resolutions as sensors for cryogenic temperatures have been compared regarding their advantages and disadvantages. Additionally, the results have been compared with the given by a commercial optical backscatter reflectometer that allowed for distributed temperature measurements of a single mode fiber.

High resolution polarization-independent high-birefringence fiber loop mirror sensor.

In this work, two all polarization-maintaining (PM) high-birefringence (Hi-Bi) fiber loop mirrors (FLM) which are immune to external polarization perturbations are validated both theoretically and experimentally. Simplified and stable versions of classical FLMs were attained using a PM-coupler and by fusing the different Hi-Bi fiber sections with an adequate rotation angle between them. Since the polarization states are fixed along the whole fiber loop, no polarization controllers are needed. This simplifies the operation and increases the stability of the systems, which were also validated as ultra-high resolution sensors, experimentally obtaining a resolution of 6.2∙10-4 °C without averaging.

Medicina transfusional basada en la evidencia / Evidence-based transfusional medicine

La idea de publicar este trabajo, es estimular la utilización de preguntas surgidas de la práctica médica, para obtener respuestas con base en la mejor evidencia publicada. La medicina basada en la evidencia, es una herramienta fundamental para la toma de decisiones, no sólo en lo que respecta a un paciente o caso puntual, sino también para la salud y la sociedad en general. El caso que motiva esta publicación es una de las entidades que, como equipo dedicado a la medicina transfusional más nos convoca, ya que no sólo es una patología que requiere de nuestra participación activa como integrantes de un equipo médico, sino que además depende en gran medida del desarrollo de los bancos de sangre como servicios activos y pensados para dar respuesta a este tipo de problemática.

Publishing this paper aims to encourage doctors to take questions that arise from their medical practice to be answered basing their research on the best evidence published. Evidence-based medicine is an essential tool when making decisions not only when it comes to a patient or a particular case but also when these decisions have an impact on health and societies in general. The case that inspires this publication is one that concerns us the most because it consists in a pathology that requires our whole active participation as members of a transfusion medicine team. Furthermore, it heavily depends on the development of blood banks as an active service that is conceived to salve this type of problem.

Glomérulo esclerosis focal y segmentaria. Trasplante renal y plasmaféresis / Focal segmental glomerulo sclerosis renal transplant and plasmapheresis

La Glomérulo Esclerosis Focal y Segmentaria (GEFS) primaria es una entidad que se define histológicamente por el depósito de material hialino en los glomérulos renales. Su origen permanece aún desconocido y es una de las causas más importantes del Síndrome Nefrótico (SN) Corticorresistente. La GEFS es la causa diagnostica de base del 8,3 por ciento de los casos de Insuficiencia Renal Crónica (lRC), del 14 por ciento de pacientes en plan de diálisis y del 13,5 por ciento de los receptores de Trasplante Renal. Además, luego del trasplante renal, esta enfermedad tiene una tasa elevada de recaída sobre el injerto. Sobre la fisiopatología de esta enfermedad, las últimas líneas teóricas hacen hincapié en la función de los podocitos, estos datos surgieron del conocimiento de alteraciones genéticas que implican a estas células. La hipótesis de que un "factor plasmático circulante" aumenta la permeabilidad de los glomérulos a la albumina está apoyada en numerosos estudios clínicos y experimentales. Esta es la base fisiopatológica del tratamiento donde se encuentra ubicada como uno de los pilares la Plasmaféresis, acompañando a las nuevas modalidades de Inmunosupresión. Esta revisión está focalizada en los mecanismos fisiopatológicos involucrados en esta enfermedad y a describir las terapéuticas utilizadas en su tratamiento.

Primary focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is an entity defined in histological terms by the hyaline material depot that is found in renal glomerulus. Its origin still remains unknown and it's one of the most important causes of corticosteroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome. FSGS is the main diagnostic cause of: 8.3 per cent of chronic renal failure (CRF) cases, 14 per cent of dialysis patients and 13.5 per cent of people receiving a kidney transplant. Besides, after the renal transplantation, this disease has a high rate relapse over the graft. Concerning the pathophysiology of FSGS, the latest theoretical research emphasizes on the podocytes function. These data came out from the knowledge of the genetic disorder that these cells implicate. The hypothesis that a "plasmatic circulating factor" increases the permeability of the glomerulus for albumin is supported by both several clinical and experimental research. The plasmatic circulating factor is the pathophysiological base for the treatment whit plasmapheresis along whit immunosuppression procedures. This present revision is focused on the pathophysiological mechanisms involved in, and des­cribes the therapies used on its treatment.

Desempenho operacional do conjunto trator-recolhedora de feijão / Operational performance of a pull-type bean combine

A colheita mecanizada do feijão apresenta altos custos. Além disso, as características botânicas e a alta tendência ao acamamento do feijoeiro dificultam o uso de colhedoras combinadas. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o desempenho operacional do conjunto trator-recolhedora-trilhadora de feijão e quantificar as perdas ocasionadas durante a colheita, em Jaboticabal, SP. Foi utilizado delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com fatorial 2 x 3, combinando-se dois sistemas de preparo de solo (convencional e plantio direto) e três velocidades teóricas de trabalho (V1, V2 e V3, correspondendo a 4,0; 4,9 e 5,8km h-1, respectivamente), com quatro repetições, totalizando 24 observações. O nível de ruído, os consumos volumétrico e ponderal, a taxa de alimentação da máquina, a matéria seca e a densidade da palhada, as perdas na plataforma da recolhedora e totais não são influenciadas pelos sistemas de preparo do solo (preparo convencional e plantio direto) e pelas velocidades de trabalho. As perdas ocorridas no sistema de trilha, separação e limpeza são menores na velocidade de 4,9km h-1.

Mechanized harvesting of beans has a high cost. On the other hand, the botanical characteristics and the high tendency for lodging of bean planting make the combined use of harvesters difficult. This paper aimed to evaluate the operational performance of the pull-type bean combine and to quantify losses in bean harvest. The experiment was carried out in the experimental field of the São Paulo State University in the city of Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil. The field trial was in randomized blocks, in a 2 x 3 factorial scheme, combining two soil tillage systems (conventional and no-tillage) and three theoretical working speeds (V1, V2 and V3, respectively 4.0, 4.9 and 5.8km h-1). Four repetitions of the scheme totaled up 24 observations. The analyzed factors (tillage systems and working speeds) did not affect noise level, volume and weight of fuel consumption, machine feeding flow, dry matter and straw density, losses at the harvester platform and total losses. The losses with threshing, separation and cleaning were lesser in the 4.9km h-1 speed.