The angiotensin-(1-7)/MasR axis improves pneumonia caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa: Extending the therapeutic window for antibiotic therapy.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a frequent cause of antimicrobial-resistant hospital-acquired pneumonia, especially in critically ill patients. Inflammation triggered by P. aeruginosa infection is necessary for bacterial clearance but must be spatially and temporally regulated to prevent further tissue damage and bacterial dissemination. Emerging data have shed light on the pro-resolving actions of angiotensin-(1-7) [Ang-(1-7)] signaling through the G protein-coupled receptor Mas (MasR) during infections. Herein, we investigated the role of the Ang-(1-7)/Mas axis in pneumonia caused by P. aeruginosa by using genetic and pharmacological approach and found that Mas receptor-deficient animals developed a more severe form of pneumonia showing higher neutrophilic infiltration into the airways, bacterial load, cytokines, and chemokines production and more severe pulmonary damage. Conversely, treatment of pseudomonas-infected mice with Ang-(1-7) was able to decrease neutrophilic infiltration in airways and lungs, local and systemic levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, and increase the efferocytosis rates, mitigating lung damage/dysfunction caused by infection. Notably, the therapeutic association of Ang-(1-7) with antibiotics improved the survival rates of mice subjected to lethal inoculum of P. aeruginosa, extending the therapeutic window for imipenem. Mechanistically, Ang-(1-7) increased phagocytosis of bacteria by neutrophils and macrophages to accelerate pathogen clearance. Altogether, harnessing the Ang-(1-7) pathway during infection is a potential strategy for the development of host-directed therapies to promote mechanisms of resistance and resilience to pneumonia.

Anxiolytic effect of alamandine in male transgenic rats with low brain angiotensinogen is dependent on activation of MrgD receptors.

Alamandine is a peptide hormone belonging to the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). It acts through the Mas-related G-protein coupled receptor type D, MrgD, which is expressed in different tissues, including the brain. In the present study, we hypothesize that a lack of alamandine, through MrgD, could cause the anxiety-like behavior in transgenic rats with low brain angiotensinogen [TGR(ASrAOGEN)680]. Adult male transgenic rats exhibited a significant increase in the latency to feeding time in the novelty suppressed feeding test and a decrease in the percentage of time and entries in the open arms in the elevated plus maze. These effects were reversed by intracerebroventricular infusion of alamandine. Pretreatment with D-Pro7-Ang-(1-7), a Mas and MrgD receptor antagonist, prevented the anxiolytic effects induced by this peptide. However, its effects were not altered by the selective Mas receptor antagonist, A779. In conclusion, our data indicates that alamandine, through MrgD, attenuates anxiety-like behavior in male TGR(ASrAOGEN)680, which reinforces the importance of the counter-regulatory RAS axis as promising target for the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders.

A single dose of angiotensin-(1-7) resolves eosinophilic inflammation and protects the lungs from a secondary inflammatory challenge.

OBJECTIVE: Angiotensin-(1-7) [Ang-(1-7)] is a pro-resolving mediator. It is not known whether the pro-resolving effects of Ang-(1-7) are sustained and protect the lung from a subsequent inflammatory challenge. This study sought to investigate the impact of treatment in face of a second allergic or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge. METHODS: Mice, sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin (OVA), received a single Ang-(1-7) dose at the peak of eosinophilic inflammation, 24 h after the final OVA challenge. Subsequently, mice were euthanized at 48, 72, 96, and 120 h following the OVA challenge, and cellular infiltrate, inflammatory mediators, lung histopathology, and macrophage-mediated efferocytic activity were evaluated. The secondary inflammatory stimulus (OVA or LPS) was administered 120 h after the last OVA challenge, and subsequent inflammatory analyses were performed. RESULTS: Treatment with Ang-(1-7) resulted in elevated levels of IL-10, CD4+Foxp3+, Mres in the lungs and enhanced macrophage-mediated efferocytic capacity. Moreover, in allergic mice treated with Ang-(1-7) and then subjected to a secondary OVA challenge, inflammation was also reduced. Similarly, in mice exposed to LPS, Ang-(1-7) effectively prevented the lung inflammation. CONCLUSION: A single dose of Ang-(1-7) resolves lung inflammation and protect the lung from a subsequent inflammatory challenge highlighting its potential therapeutic for individuals with asthma.

Adipose tissue plasticity mediated by the counterregulatory axis of the renin-angiotensin system: Role of Mas and MrgD receptors.

The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is an endocrine system composed of two main axes: the classical and the counterregulatory, very often displaying opposing effects. The classical axis, primarily mediated by angiotensin receptors type 1 (AT1R), is linked to obesity-associated metabolic effects. On the other hand, the counterregulatory axis appears to exert antiobesity effects through the activation of two receptors, the G protein-coupled receptor (MasR) and Mas-related receptor type D (MrgD). The local RAS in adipose organ has prompted extensive research into white adipose tissue and brown adipose tissue (BAT), with a key role in regulating the cellular and metabolic plasticity of these tissues. The MasR activation favors the brown plasticity signature in the adipose organ by improve the thermogenesis, adipogenesis, and lipolysis, decrease the inflammatory state, and overall energy homeostasis. The MrgD metabolic effects are related to the maintenance of BAT functionality, but the signaling remains unexplored. This review provides a summary of RAS counterregulatory actions triggered by Mas and MrgD receptors on adipose tissue plasticity. Focus on the effects related to the morphology and function of adipose tissue, especially from animal studies, will be given targeting new avenues for treatment of obesity-associated metabolic effects.

Complete genome sequence of deformed wing virus and black queen cell virus isolated from honeybees (Apis mellifera) in Argentina.

We report the complete genome sequence of deformed wing virus and black queen cell virus isolated from Argentinean's honeybees. These sequence data will be valuable for future research on the viral variants present in the country and the development of strategies to control the spread of these viruses in apiaries.

The MVA vector expressing the F protein of bovine respiratory syncytial virus is immunogenic in systemic and mucosal immunization routes.

Bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) affects both beef and dairy cattle, reaching morbidity and mortality rates of 60-80% and 20%, respectively. The aim of this study was to obtain a recombinant MVA expressing the BRSV F protein (MVA-F) as a vaccine against BRSV and to evaluate the immune response induced by MVA-F after systemic immunization in homologous and heterologous vaccination (MVA-F alone or combined with a subunit vaccine), and after intranasal immunization of mice. MVA-F administered by intraperitoneal route in a homologous scheme elicited levels of neutralizing antibodies similar to those obtained with inactivated BRSV as well as better levels of IFN-γ secretion. In addition, nasal administration of MVA-F elicited local and systemic immunity with a Th1 profile. This study suggests that MVA-F is a good candidate for further evaluations combining intranasal and intramuscular routes, in order to induce local and systemic immune responses, to improve the vaccine efficacy against BRSV infection.

Avaliação e intervenção nutricional em transplante cardíaco: relato de caso / Nutritional evaluation and intervention in cardiac transplant: a case report

INTRODUÇÃO: A insuficiência cardíaca (IC) é a via final da maioria das doenças cardíacas. Entre elas, existe a miocardiopatia chagásica, que promove piora do estado nutricional, em virtude da caquexia e desnutrição, que são recorrentes em pacientes com essa doença. O transplante (Tx) cardíaco é uma opção terapêutica para pacientes com IC avançada que é refratária ao tratamento otimizado. A avaliação antropométrica associada com outros instrumentos, como a bioimpedância, permite uma melhor caracterização da evolução desses pacientes. MÉTODO: Foi feito um relato de caso por meio de dados clínicos e nutricionais de prontuários eletrônicos, após consentimento da paciente, que assinou um termo de consentimento. DESCRIÇÃO DO CASO: A paciente de sexo feminino, com 61 anos, hospitalizada com miocardiopatia chagásica, foi admitida com classe funcional III, ortopneia, edema de membros inferiores, ganho recente de peso não intencional, risco nutricional (de acordo com a ferramenta Nutritional Risk Screening 2002) e dados antropométricos com sinais de desnutrição (índice de massa corporal de 21,9 kg/m2, circunferência de braço de 22 cm e circunferência da panturrilha de 31,5 cm). Foi oferecida dieta hospitalar e incluído suplemento nutricional oral (600 Kcal e 24 g de proteína/dia). A aceitação alimentar inicial foi em média de 60% da dieta oferecida. Após implante de balão intra-aórtico, a aceitação atingiu 80%. A avaliação por bioimpedância no período pré-operatório revelou redução do ângulo de fase com elevação após 3 meses da realização do Tx cardíaco, melhora da classe funcional e dos sintomas de IC. CONCLUSÃO: O sucesso da intervenção nutricional em pacientes portadores de IC que são candidatos à Tx cardíaco é desafiado pela condição clínica do paciente e imobilismo prolongado. A intervenção nutricional auxilia a manutenção do estado nutricional na espera pelo órgão. O ângulo de fase obtido pela bioimpedância parece estar associado à condição clínica nesses pacientes.

Seroprevalencia de anticuerpos contra SARS-CoV-2 entre adultos de un municipio del conurbano bonaerense, República Argentina / Seroprevalence of antibodies against SARS-Cov-2 among adults from a municipality in the Buenos Aires suburbs, República Argentina

Resumen Objetivo: determinar la seroprevalencia de anticuerpos contra SARS-CoV-2. Metodología: para ello, entre el 21 de noviembre y el 12 de diciembre del año 2020, se desarrolló un estudio transversal en 1182 muestras de residentes de un municipio bonaerense en la Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina. Se midió IgG por ELISA en muestras obtenidas vía digitopunción. Resultados: la prevalencia general fue del 12,2 % (n = 144; IC95 %: 10,3 - 14,0) con un cociente 1:3,8 entre la incidencia acumulada y la observación en nuestro estudio; en mujeres fue del 13,0 % (IC95 %: 10,2 - 15,7) y en hombres, del 10,5 % (IC95 %: 7,6 - 13,3) (p = 0.21). Las prevalencias en grupos etarios fueron las siguientes: 18 a 30 años, del 17,8 % (IC95 %: 12,0 - 23,6); 31 a 60 años, del 12,2 % (IC95 %: 9,3 - 15,1) y 61 años o más, del 9.9 % (IC95 %: 6.9 - 13.9) (p = 0.02). Las prevalencias según los terciles socioeconómicos (por Necesidades Básicas Insatisfechas) fueron para el Tercil I (mejor tercil): 7,7 % (IC95 %: 4,7 - 10,7); el Tercil II: 12.5 % (IC95 %: 8,7 - 16,4); y el Tercil III: 15,2 % (IC95 %: 11,6 - 18,8) (p = 0.002). Conclusiones: también hubo diferencias entre las localidades de dicho municipio y entre variables clínicas autorrefenciadas. Se detectaron 12 muestras positivas para IgM: el 1 % del total y el 8,3 % respecto de los casos IgG-positivos. Los estudios de seroprevalencia resultan útiles y podrían contribuir a modelizaciones matemáticas más ajustadas.

Abstract Objective: determine the prevalence of anti-bodies against SARS-CoV-2. Method: between November twenty-one and December twelve of two thousand and twenty year, a cross-sectional study was carried out in 1182 samples from residents of a Buenos Aires town in the Province of Buenos Aires, Argentina. IgG was measured by ELISA in samples obtained by acupressure. Results: the global prevalence was 12.2 % (n = 144; 95 % CI: 10.3 - 14.0) with a ratio of 1: 3.8, between cumulative incidence and observational values. Prevalence in women and men were 13.0 % (95 % CI: 10.2 - 15.7) and 10.5 % (95 % CI: 7.6 - 13.3), respectively (p = 0.21). By age, the observed values were: 17.8 % (95 % CI: 12.0 - 23.6) in 18 and 30 years old group; 12.2 % (95 % CI: 9.3 - 15.1) in 31 to 60 years old group, 9.9 % (95 % CI: 6.9 - 13.9) in people over 61 years old (p = 0.02). According the socioeconomic tertiles (for Unsatisfied Basic Needs) the prevalence values were 7.7 % (95 % CI: 4.7 - 10.7) for Tertile I (best tertile), 12.5 % (95 % CI: 8.7 - 16.4) for Tertile II, and 15.2 % (95 % CI: 11.6 - 18.8) for Tertile III (p = 0.002). Conclusion: there were also differences between the neighbourhoods and between self-reported clinical variables. Specific IgM antibodies were detected in 12 samples, which represented 1% of the total. Seroprevalence studies provide useful information that can be apllied to fit modeling.

Utilização da bioimpedância em pacientes cardiopatas cirúrgicos / Bioimpedance usage in cardiac surgery patients

INTRODUÇÃO: Existem diversas ferramentas que podem auxiliar na avaliação e caracterização do estado nutricional. Uma delas é a bioimpedância (BIA), que fornece parâmetros como resistência (R), reactância capacitiva (Xc) e ângulo de fase (AF). Esses parâmetros podem variar, dependendo da composição celular e de seu potencial de membrana. Dessa forma, esse instrumento apresenta cada vez mais destaque no cenário clínico atual, podendo apresentar resultados promissores. Caracterizamos o sexo e estado nutricional da população estudada através do índice de massa corpórea (IMC) e identificamos elementos da BIA por meio de parâmetros da BIA (Xc, R e AF) de pacientes cardiopatas no período pré e pós-operatório. Também associou-se o AF com o tempo de permanência na unidade de terapia intensiva (UTI) e tempo de intubação orotraqueal (IOT) no período pós-operatório, além de possíveis readmissões no hospital público IDPC (Instituto Dante Pazzanese de Cardiologia), em São Paulo, Brasil. MÉTODO: Trata-se de um estudo transversal com 51 pacientes participantes do projeto Avaliação Nutricional e Terapia Nutricional em Cirurgia Cardíaca (AVANTCCA). Os pacientes foram avaliados no período pré-operatório, entre 2016 e 2017, avaliando a composição corporal e dados da BIA. Associou-se aqueles que apresentaram intercorrências clínicas no período pós-operatório. Resultados: Em mulheres, os valores de AF foram relacionados com maior tempo de hospitalização na UTI (p=0,02) e maior readmissão hospitalar (p=0,01). Não houve relação entre AF e tempo de IOT. CONCLUSÃO: A população estudada apresentou eutrofia (homens) e obesidade (mulheres). Houve uma associação entre o valor de AF em mulheres e maior tempo de permanência na UTI. O AF proporcionou uma melhor caracterização da evolução clínica dos pacientes.

The Lambda Variant in Argentina: Analyzing the Evolution and Spread of SARS-CoV-2 Lineage C.37.

The second wave of COVID-19 occurred in South America in early 2021 and was mainly driven by Gamma and Lambda variants. In this study, we aimed to describe the emergence and local genomic diversity of the SARS-CoV-2 Lambda variant in Argentina, from its initial entry into the country until its detection ceased. Molecular surveillance was conducted on 9356 samples from Argentina between October 2020 and April 2022, and sequencing, phylogenetic, and phylogeographic analyses were performed. Our findings revealed that the Lambda variant was first detected in Argentina in January 2021 and steadily increased in frequency until it peaked in April 2021, with continued detection throughout the year. Phylodynamic analyses showed that at least 18 introductions of the Lambda variant into the country occurred, with nine of them having evidence of onward local transmission. The spatial--temporal reconstruction showed that Argentine clades were associated with Lambda sequences from Latin America and suggested an initial diversification in the Metropolitan Area of Buenos Aires before spreading to other regions in Argentina. Genetic analyses of genome sequences allowed us to describe the mutational patterns of the Argentine Lambda sequences and detect the emergence of rare mutations in an immunocompromised patient. Our study highlights the importance of genomic surveillance in identifying the introduction and geographical distribution of the SARS-CoV-2 Lambda variant, as well as in monitoring the emergence of mutations that could be involved in the evolutionary leaps that characterize variants of concern.

Estado e risco nutricional de pacientes admitidos em unidade de pronto socorro de hospital de cardiologia do sistema único de saúde / Nutritional status and risk of patients admitted to the emergency unit of a cardiology hospital of the unified health system

INTRODUÇÃO: Em clínicas de alta rotatividade e preconizado a utilização de um instrumento de triagem de risco nutricional, esses instrumentos apresentam forte acurácia na sinalização de pacientes que terão maior necessidade e benefícios de uma terapia nutricional. Além disso, para compreender o estado nutricional (EN) do paciente, é importante a associação de diversos parâmetros, como antropometria, composição corporal, parâmetros bioquímicos e consumo alimentar. OBJETIVO: Caracterizar o risco e estado nutricional de pacientes admitidos em unidade de pronto socorro, de hospital de cardiologia do sistema único de saúde. METODOLOGIA: Estudo com delineamento transversal, retrospectivo, realizado no período janeiro de 2016 à maio de 2022, referente à pacientes internados em hospital público especializado em cardiologia, de ambos os gêneros e faixa etária. A identificação da amostra foi realizada através da "Planilha de Indicadores de Qualidade do Serviço de Nutrição". As variáveis estudadas foram risco nutricional, índice de massa corporal (IMC) e presença de terapia nutricional. Para estratificação de risco foi utilizado o modelo Nutrition Risk Screening. Para diagnóstico nutricional foi considerado o IMC, para adultos Organização Mundial da Saúde e para idosos, da Organização Pan-Americana de Saúde. Foi considerada terapia nutricional os pacientes que receberam suplementação completa, via oral, específica. Considerou-se para classificação do estado nutricional (EN): desnutrição (baixo peso e desnutrição grau I, II e III), Eutrofia (eutrofia e peso normal), Sobrepeso e Obesidade (obesidade e obesidade grau I, II e III). RESULTADOS: A amostra foi composta por 17248 pacientes entre 18 e 102 anos com média de idade de 62 anos (DP ± 17,57). Foi identificado que 54% dos pacientes apresentaram risco nutricional e mesmo sendo uma unidade em que os pacientes têm baixo tempo de permanência, ainda conseguimos ofertar terapia nutricional para 59% dos pacientes com risco logo após a realização da triagem nutricional que ocorre em até 72 horas após a admissão. A prevalência do estado nutricional segundo IMC para desnutrição foi de 15,6%, para eutrofia foi de 39%, sobrepeso, 19,8% e, obesidade, 25,6 % respectivamente. CONCLUSÃO: Mesmo que a maior parte dos pacientes admitidos na unidade apresentem diagnóstico nutricional de sobrepeso e obesidade, a prevalência de risco nutricional é alta desta forma esses pacientes devem permanecer em monitoramento constante, pois estão sujeitos ao desenvolvimento de desnutrição hospitalar.

Omicron Waves in Argentina: Dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 Lineages BA.1, BA.2 and the Emerging BA.2.12.1 and BA.4/BA.5.

The COVID-19 pandemic has lately been driven by Omicron. This work aimed to study the dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron lineages during the third and fourth waves of COVID-19 in Argentina. Molecular surveillance was performed on 3431 samples from Argentina, between EW44/2021 and EW31/2022. Sequencing, phylogenetic and phylodynamic analyses were performed. A differential dynamic between the Omicron waves was found. The third wave was associated with lineage BA.1, characterized by a high number of cases, very fast displacement of Delta, doubling times of 3.3 days and a low level of lineage diversity and clustering. In contrast, the fourth wave was longer but associated with a lower number of cases, initially caused by BA.2, and later by BA.4/BA.5, with doubling times of about 10 days. Several BA.2 and BA.4/BA.5 sublineages and introductions were detected, although very few clusters with a constrained geographical distribution were observed, suggesting limited transmission chains. The differential dynamic could be due to waning immunity and an increase in population gatherings in the BA.1 wave, and a boosted population (for vaccination or recent prior immunity for BA.1 infection) in the wave caused by BA2/BA.4/BA.5, which may have limited the establishment of the new lineages.

Impact of genetic deletion of MrgD or Mas receptors in depressive-like behaviour in mice.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the impact of genetic deletion of receptors of the counterregulatory arms of the renin-angiotensin system in depressive-like behaviours. METHODS: 8-12 weeks-old male mice wild type (WT, C57BL/6J) and mice with genetic deletion of MrgD (MrgD KO) or Mas receptors (Mas KO) were subjected to the Forced Swim Test (FST) and the Tail Suspension Test (TST). Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Blockade of Mas was performed by acute intracerebroventricular (icv) injection of its selective antagonist, A779. RESULTS: No statistical difference in immobility time was observed between MrgD KO and WT male animals subjected to FST and TST. However, acute icv injection of A779 significantly increased the immobility time of MrgD KO male mice subjected to FST and TST, suggesting the involvement of Mas in preventing depressive-like behaviour. Indeed, Mas KO male animals showed increased immobility time in FST and TST, evidencing a depressive-like behaviour in these animals, in addition to a reduction in BDNF levels in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. No changes in BDNF levels were observed in MrgD KO male animals. CONCLUSION: Our data showed that Mas plays an important role in the neurobiology of depression probably by modulating BDNF expression. On the contrary, lack of MrgD did not alter depressive-like behaviour, which was supported by the lack of alterations in BDNF levels.

Sexual and reproductive health risk behaviours: higher education students' perceptions.

OBJECTIVE: to understand higher education students' perceptions of sexual and reproductive health risk behaviours. METHODS: a descriptive study following a qualitative approach was conducted, using Pender's Health Promotion Model as a theoretical and methodological framework. A thematic analysis of the data obtained from different focus groups was performed. RESULTS: participants consider that factors such as communication with their sexual partner, the ability to negotiate and a positive attitude regarding condoms are positive aspects that will encourage consistent use of condom. The embarrassment felt at the time of purchase, the reduction of sexual pleasure and the growing stability of the relationship are usually seen as barriers. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: the study was crucial to identify some strategies that will be considered in further health promotion programmes, namely peer education, and will help promote personal and social skills and the (re)organisation of healthcare services.

Spotlight on latent tuberculosis infection screening for juvenile idiopathic arthritis in two countries, comparing high and low risk patients.

BACKGROUND: Rheumatic diseases are associated with an increase in overall risks of tuberculosis (TB). The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of TB and the frequency of latent TB infection (LTBI), in clinical practice, for juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) patients from high and low risk of TB incidence endemic countries. METHODS: This is an international, multicenter, cross-sectional, observational study of data collection from Brazil and Registry of Portugal at REUMA.PT. The inclusion criteria were patients with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) with age ≤ 18 years who underwent screening for Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection [tuberculin skin test (TST) and/or interferon gamma release assay (IGRA)]. Chest X-rays and history of exposure to TB were also assessed. RESULTS: 292 JIA patients were included; mean age 14.3 years, mean disease duration 7.5 years, 194 patients (66.4%) performed only TST, 14 (4.8%) only IGRA and 84 (28.8%) both. The frequency of LTBI (10.6%) and TB was similar between the two countries. The reasons for TB screening were different; in Brazil it was performed more often at JIA onset while in Portugal it was performed when starting Disease Modified Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (DMARD) treatment (p < 0.001). Isoniazid therapy was prescribed in 40 (13.7%) patients (31 with LTBI and 9 with epidemiologic risks and/or due to contact with sick people). Only three patients (1%) developed active TB. CONCLUSION: We found nearly 10% of patients with LTBI, a small percentage of patients with treatment due to epidemiologic risks and only 1% with active TB. Distinct reasons and screening methods for LTBI were observed between the two countries.

Molecular Detection and Differentiation of Arthropod, Fungal, Protozoan, Bacterial and Viral Pathogens of Honeybees.

The honeybee Apis mellifera is highly appreciated worldwide because of its products, but also as it is a pollinator of crops and wild plants. The beehive is vulnerable to infections due to arthropods, fungi, protozoa, bacteria and/or viruses that manage to by-pass the individual and social immune mechanisms of bees. Due to the close proximity of bees in the beehive and their foraging habits, infections easily spread within and between beehives. Moreover, international trade of bees has caused the global spread of infections, several of which result in significant losses for apiculture. Only in a few cases can infections be diagnosed with the naked eye, by direct observation of the pathogen in the case of some arthropods, or by pathogen-associated distinctive traits. Development of molecular methods based on the amplification and analysis of one or more genes or genomic segments has brought significant progress to the study of bee pathogens, allowing for: (i) the precise and sensitive identification of the infectious agent; (ii) the analysis of co-infections; (iii) the description of novel species; (iv) associations between geno- and pheno-types and (v) population structure studies. Sequencing of bee pathogen genomes has allowed for the identification of new molecular targets and the development of specific genotypification strategies.

Anthropogenic Infection of Domestic Cats With SARS-CoV-2 Alpha Variant B.1.1.7 Lineage in Buenos Aires.

SARS-CoV-2 reverse zoonosis, particularly to domestic animals, and the potential role of infected animals in perpetuating the spread of the virus is an issue of increasing concern. In this case report, we identified the natural infection of two cats by SARS-CoV-2, in Argentina, whose owner had been previously infected by SARS-CoV-2. Viral genetic material was detected in feline oropharyngeal (OP) and rectal (R) swab by RT-qPCR, and sequence analysis revealed that the virus infecting the owner and one cat were genetically similar. The alpha variant (B.1.1.7 lineage) was identified with a unique additional mutation, strongly suggesting human-to-cat route of transmission. This study reinforces the One Health concept and the importance of integrating human, animal, and environmental perspectives to promptly address relevant health issues.

Characteristics associated with poor COVID-19 outcomes in individuals with systemic lupus erythematosus: data from the COVID-19 Global Rheumatology Alliance.

AIM: To determine characteristics associated with more severe outcomes in a global registry of people with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and COVID-19. METHODS: People with SLE and COVID-19 reported in the COVID-19 Global Rheumatology Alliance registry from March 2020 to June 2021 were included. The ordinal outcome was defined as: (1) not hospitalised, (2) hospitalised with no oxygenation, (3) hospitalised with any ventilation or oxygenation and (4) death. A multivariable ordinal logistic regression model was constructed to assess the relationship between COVID-19 severity and demographic characteristics, comorbidities, medications and disease activity. RESULTS: A total of 1606 people with SLE were included. In the multivariable model, older age (OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.04), male sex (1.50, 1.01 to 2.23), prednisone dose (1-5 mg/day 1.86, 1.20 to 2.66, 6-9 mg/day 2.47, 1.24 to 4.86 and ≥10 mg/day 1.95, 1.27 to 2.99), no current treatment (1.80, 1.17 to 2.75), comorbidities (eg, kidney disease 3.51, 2.42 to 5.09, cardiovascular disease/hypertension 1.69, 1.25 to 2.29) and moderate or high SLE disease activity (vs remission; 1.61, 1.02 to 2.54 and 3.94, 2.11 to 7.34, respectively) were associated with more severe outcomes. In age-adjusted and sex-adjusted models, mycophenolate, rituximab and cyclophosphamide were associated with worse outcomes compared with hydroxychloroquine; outcomes were more favourable with methotrexate and belimumab. CONCLUSIONS: More severe COVID-19 outcomes in individuals with SLE are largely driven by demographic factors, comorbidities and untreated or active SLE. Patients using glucocorticoids also experienced more severe outcomes.

Angiotensin-(1-7)/MasR axis promotes migration of monocytes/macrophages with a regulatory phenotype to perform phagocytosis and efferocytosis.

Nonphlogistic migration of macrophages contributes to the clearance of pathogens and apoptotic cells, a critical step for the resolution of inflammation and return to homeostasis. Angiotensin-(1-7) [Ang-(1-7)] is a heptapeptide of the renin-angiotensin system that acts through Mas receptor (MasR). Ang-(1-7) has recently emerged as a novel proresolving mediator, yet Ang-(1-7) resolution mechanisms are not fully determined. Herein, Ang-(1-7) stimulated migration of human and murine monocytes/macrophages in a MasR-, CCR2-, and MEK/ERK1/2-dependent manner. Pleural injection of Ang-(1-7) promoted nonphlogistic mononuclear cell influx alongside increased levels of CCL2, IL-10, and macrophage polarization toward a regulatory phenotype. Ang-(1-7) induction of CCL2 and mononuclear cell migration was also dependent on MasR and MEK/ERK. Of note, MasR was upregulated during the resolution phase of inflammation, and its pharmacological inhibition or genetic deficiency impaired mononuclear cell recruitment during self-resolving models of LPS pleurisy and E. coli peritonitis. Inhibition/absence of MasR was associated with reduced CCL2 levels, impaired phagocytosis of bacteria, efferocytosis, and delayed resolution of inflammation. In summary, we have uncovered a potentially novel proresolving feature of Ang-(1-7), namely the recruitment of mononuclear cells favoring efferocytosis, phagocytosis, and resolution of inflammation. Mechanistically, cell migration was dependent on MasR, CCR2, and the MEK/ERK pathway.

Spotlight on latent tuberculosis infection screening for juvenile idiopathic arthritis in two countries, comparing high and low risk patients

Abstract Background: Rheumatic diseases are associated with an increase in overall risks of tuberculosis (TB). The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of TB and the frequency of latent TB infection (LTBI), in clinical practice, for juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) patients from high and low risk of TB incidence endemic countries. Methods: This is an international, multicenter, cross-sectional, observational study of data collection from Brazil and Registry of Portugal at REUMA.PT. The inclusion criteria were patients with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) with age ≤ 18 years who underwent screening for Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection [tuberculin skin test (TST) and/or interferon gamma release assay (IGRA)]. Chest X-rays and history of exposure to TB were also assessed. Results: 292 JIA patients were included; mean age 14.3 years, mean disease duration 7.5 years, 194 patients (66.4%) performed only TST, 14 (4.8%) only IGRA and 84 (28.8%) both. The frequency of LTBI (10.6%) and TB was similar between the two countries. The reasons for TB screening were different; in Brazil it was performed more often at JIA onset while in Portugal it was performed when starting Disease Modified Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (DMARD) treatment (p < 0.001). Isoniazid therapy was prescribed in 40 (13.7%) patients (31 with LTBI and 9 with epidemiologic risks and/or due to contact with sick people). Only three patients (1%) developed active TB. Conclusion: We found nearly 10% of patients with LTBI, a small percentage of patients with treatment due to epide-miologic risks and only 1% with active TB. Distinct reasons and screening methods for LTBI were observed between the two countries.