Changes in physical activity and alimentation habits during the initial phase of the covid-19 pandemic: a descriptive transversal study

Background: Physical exercise and healthy alimentation are considered the two basic columns for a healthy life. This study, objected to describe the impact of physical distancing in the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic on these habits in an adult population well known for its high prevalence of overweight and its associated chronic diseases in Brazil. Materials and Method: From May to July 2020, a digital survey was released, questioning about general health, diet and physical activity before and during decreed pandemic restrictions. Results: The majority (56%) of the 1739 respondents fitted the WHO classification criteria for overweight and obesity, 42% reported chronic morbidities and increased body weight since March 2020 (48%). The number of people not practicing any physical exercise had doubled in only three months (from 25% to 48% after March 2020) and time spend sedentary at work (38%) as well as in work-free times had increased (76%). Alimentation routines adapted partly worrisome habits like introducing more vespertine snacks between main meals but also positive changes like cooking at home (53%), and higher consumption of natural products (34%). Conclusion: Considering the age distribution of the participants (67% < 40 years of age), access to digital media, high educational level (77% with university degree), good to excellent basic sanitation (97%), the observed habit changes in only three months are concerning. It shows that even socially privileged people struggle to adapt healthy routines in times of crisis

Prevalencia do herpes virus tipo 2 e fatores de risco associados a sua infeccao em mulheres do sul do Brasil

SUMMARY The herpes simplex virus type 2 (HVS-2) is the most prevalent infection worldwide. It is a cofactor in the acquisition of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and the persistence of human papillomavirus (HPV). This study evaluated the prevalence of HSV-2, using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and associated factors in patients treated at the Federal University of Rio Grande (FURG) and Basic Health Units (BHU) in Rio Grande, Brazil. The observed prevalence of HSV-2 was 15.6%. Among the 302 women studied, 158 had received assistance in BHU and 144 were treated at FURG. The prevalence of HSV-2 in these groups was 10.8% and 20.8%, respectively, RR 1.9 and p = 0.012. Knowledge about the Pap smear, and the presence of lesions showed no association with HSV-2 infection. Multivariate analysis showed that the variable that most influenced the risk of HSV-2 infection was the presence of HIV infection, with a relative risk of 1.9 and p = 0.04. Discussion: Genital ulcers are an important entry point for HIV, and condom use is an important strategy to reduce transmission of HIV and HSV-2.RESUMO O vírus herpes simplex tipo 2 (HVS-2) é uma das infecções mais prevalentes em todo o mundo. Considera-se um co-factor na aquisição do vírus da imunodeficiência humana (HIV) e na persistência do papilomavirus humano (HPV). Este estudo tem como objetivo avaliar a prevalência de HSV-2 usando a reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR) e fatores associados em pacientes atendidos na Universidade Federal do Rio Grande e em Unidades Básicas de Saúde (UBS) do Rio Grande, Brasil. A prevalência de HSV-2 encontrada neste estudo foi de 15,6%. Entre as 302 mulheres estudadas, 158 haviam recebido assistência na UBS e 144 foram atendidos na FURG. A prevalência de HSV-2 nestes grupos foi de 10,8 e 20,8%, respectivamente, com RR: 1,9 e p = 0,012. Conhecer o exame de Papanicolaou, e presença de lesão não teve associação com infecção HSV-2. A análise multivariada mostrou que a variável que influencia no risco de infecção HSV-2 foi o paciente ter HIV, com risco relativo 1,9 e p = 0,04. Discussão: As úlceras genitais são importante porta de entrada para o vírus HIV e o uso do preservativo é estratégia importante para reduzir a transmissão do HIV e do HSV-2

Protective effect of the probiotic Lactobacillus acidophilus ATCC 4356 in BALB/c mice infected with Toxocara canis

Human toxocariasis consists of chronic tissue parasitosis that is difficult to treat and control. This study aimed to evaluate the action of the probiotic Lactobacillus acidophilus ATCC 4356 on larvae of Toxocara canis and the effect of IFN-γ cytokine on parasite-host in vivo (1.109 CFU) and in vitro (1.106, 1.107, 1.108, 1.109 CFU) interactions. Four groups of six BALB/c mice were formed: G1 - L. acidophilus supplementation and T. canis infection; G2 - T. canis infection; G3 - L. acidophilus supplementation; and G4 - PBS administration. Mice were intragastrically suplemented with probiotics for 15 days before inoculation and 48 h after inoculation with 100 T. canis eggs. The inoculation of T. canis was also perfomed intragastrically. The recovery of larvae took place through digestion of liver and lung tissues; the evaluation of IFN-γ gene transcription in leukocytes was performed by qPCR. The in vitro test consisted of incubating the probiotic with T. canis larvae. The supplementation of probiotics produced a reduction of 57.7% (p = 0.025) in the intensity of infection of T. canis larvae in mice, whereas in the in vitro test, there was no larvicidal effect. In addition, a decrease in the IFN-γ gene transcription was observed in both, T. canis-infected and uninfected mice, regardless of whether or not they received supplementation. The probiotic L. acidophilus ATCC 4356 reduced T. canis infection intensity in mice, however, the probiotic did not have a direct effect on larvae, demonstrating the need of interaction with the host for the beneficial effect of the probiotic to occur. Yet, the proinflammatory cytokine IFN-γ did not apparently contributed to the observed beneficial effect of probiotics

Beyond diversity loss and climate change : impacts of Amazon deforestation on infectious diseases and public health

Amazonian biodiversity is increasingly threatened due to the weakening of policies for combating deforestation, especially in Brazil. Loss of animal and plant species, many not yet known to science, is just one among many negative consequences of Amazon deforestation. Deforestation affects indigenous communities, riverside as well as urban populations, and even planetary health. Amazonia has a prominent role in regulating the Earth’s climate, with forest loss contributing to rising regional and global temperatures and intensification of extreme weather events. These climatic conditions are important drivers of emerging infectious diseases, and activities associated with deforestation contribute to the spread of disease vectors. This review presents the main impacts of Amazon deforestation on infectious-disease dynamics and public health from a One Health perspective. Because Brazil holds the largest area of Amazon rainforest, emphasis is given to the Brazilian scenario. Finally, potential solutions to mitigate deforestation and emerging infectious diseases are presented from the perspectives of researchers in different fields

Synthesizing the connections between environmental disturbances and zoonotic spillover

Zoonotic spillover is a phenomenon characterized by the transfer of pathogens between different animal species. Most human emerging infectious diseases originate from non-human animals, and human-related environmental disturbances are the driving forces of the emergence of new human pathogens. Synthesizing the sequence of basic events involved in the emergence of new human pathogens is important for guiding the understanding, identifi cation, and description of key aspects of human activities that can be changed to prevent new outbreaks, epidemics, and pandemics. This review synthesizes the connections between environmental disturbances and increased risk of spillover events based on the One Health perspective. Anthropogenic disturbances in the environment (e.g., deforestation, habitat fragmentation, biodiversity loss, wildlife exploitation) lead to changes in ecological niches, reduction of the dilution effect, increased contact between humans and other animals, changes in the incidence and load of pathogens in animal populations, and alterations in the abiotic factors of landscapes. These phenomena can increase the risk of spillover events and, potentially, facilitate new infectious disease outbreaks. Using Brazil as a study model, this review brings a discussion concerning anthropogenic activities in the Amazon region and their potential impacts on spillover risk and spread of emerging diseases in this region

PREVALENCE OF HERPES SIMPLEX VIRUS TYPE 2 AND RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS INFECTION IN WOMEN IN SOUTHERN BRAZIL

SUMMARY The herpes simplex virus type 2 (HVS-2) is the most prevalent infection worldwide. It is a cofactor in the acquisition of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and the persistence of human papillomavirus (HPV). This study evaluated the prevalence of HSV-2, using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and associated factors in patients treated at the Federal University of Rio Grande (FURG) and Basic Health Units (BHU) in Rio Grande, Brazil. The observed prevalence of HSV-2 was 15.6%. Among the 302 women studied, 158 had received assistance in BHU and 144 were treated at FURG. The prevalence of HSV-2 in these groups was 10.8% and 20.8%, respectively, RR 1.9 and p = 0.012. Knowledge about the Pap smear, and the presence of lesions showed no association with HSV-2 infection. Multivariate analysis showed that the variable that most influenced the risk of HSV-2 infection was the presence of HIV infection, with a relative risk of 1.9 and p = 0.04. Discussion: Genital ulcers are an important entry point for HIV, and condom use is an important strategy to reduce transmission of HIV and HSV-2

Construction and evaluation of rLTB/Sm14: a recombinant chimera candidate vaccine against schistosomiasis and fascioliasis

Schistosomiasis, caused by Schistosoma mansoni, is the second most prevalent parasitic disease worldwide causing chronic disease in millions of people in developing countries. Similarly, fascioliasis, caused by the trematode Fasciola hepatica, represents a recognized unsolved agricultural problem responsible for economic losses as well as causing a significant number of human infections worldwide. Although chemotherapy for both parasites has been available, this approach has limitations, including high reinfection rates in endemic areas. Vaccines represent the most attractive long-term alternative to invert this scenario. Accordingly, the World Health Organization selected S. mansoni fatty acid-binding protein 14kDa (Sm14) as one out of two anti-schistosome vaccine priority candidates for human clinical trials. Furthermore, Sm14 is the only vaccine candidate to have been shown to afford significant immune protection against both of the above-mentioned helminthes. The objective of this study was to develop and evaluate in mice a recombinant subunit vaccine containing the Sm14 fused to the B subunit of the heat-labile enterotoxin of Escherichia coli (LTB), which is a potent immunoadjuvant; furthermore, was describe the production and characterization of monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against the Sm14 for use as a tool to detect and characterize Sm14 and for development of future diagnostic test. The ltb and sm14 gene were obtained by PCR amplification from E. coli DNA and plasmid pAESm14, respectively, and fused by PCR. The recombinant chimera was expressed in E. coli and purified by nickel affinity chromatography. Groups of outbreed Swiss mice were immunized with three footpad doses of either rLTB/Sm14, rLTB/Sm14 plus aluminum hydroxide (Al(OH)3), rSm14 plus Al(OH)3, rLTB or Al(OH)3. Levels of protection were determined by number of worms recovered after S. mansoni cercarial challenge. The pooled sera of immunized mice were evaluated by ELISA and Western blot. The results showed that the chimera protein was able to elicit specific antibody production to rSm14 and rLTB, however the use of LTB as adjuvant to rSm14 immunization failed to enhance protection against challenge. Furthermore, seven MAbs were obtained after immunization of BALB/c mice with rLTB/Sm14. MAbs isotyping revealed that five were of the isotype IgG1, one belonged to the IgG2b isotype and another to the IgM isotype. These MAbs will be usefull for monitoring protein expression in recombinant systems, protein stability and may have potential for developing diagnostic test.A esquistossomose, causada por Schistosoma mansoni, é a segunda doença parasitária mais prevalente no mundo causando doença crônica em milhões de pessoas em países em desenvolvimento. Semelhantemente, a fasciolose, causada pelo trematódeo Fasciola hepatica, representa um reconhecido problema agrícola responsável por perdas econômicas assim como causa um significante número de infecções em humanos por todo mundo. Embora a quimioterapia para ambos os parasitas esteja disponível, ela tem apresentado limitações, incluindo altas taxas de reinfecção em áreas endêmicas. Vacinas representam a alternativa mais atraente para inverter este cenário. Assim, a Organização Mundial da Saúde selecionou a proteína ligadora de ácidos graxos 14kDa de S. mansoni (Sm14) como uma de duas candidatas à vacina anti-esquistossomose prioritárias para triagem clínica em humanos. Além disso, a Sm14 é a única proteína candidata a vacina que induz imunidade protetora significativa contra ambos os helmintos acima mencionados. O objetivo deste estudo foi desenvolver e avaliar em camundongos uma vacina de subunidade contendo a Sm14 fusionada com a subunidade B da enterotoxina termolábil de Escherichia coli (LTB), a qual é um potente imunoadjuvante; além disso, foi descrever a produção e caracterização de anticorpos monoclonais (MAbs) contra a Sm14 para usa-los como uma ferramenta para detectar e caracterizar a Sm14 e para o desenvolvimento de futuro teste diagnóstico. Os genes ltb e sm14 foram amplificados por PCR a partir do DNA de E. coli e do plasmídeo pAESm14, respectivamente, e fusionados por PCR. A quimera recombinante foi expressa em E. coli e purificada por cromatografia de afinidade em coluna com níquel. Grupos de camundongos suíços não singênicos foram imunizados por via subcutânea com três doses de rLTB/Sm14, rLTB/Sm14 mais hidróxido de alumínio (Al(OH)3), rSm14 plus Al(OH)3, rLTB ou Al(OH)3. Os níveis de proteção foram determinados através do número de parasitas recuperados após desafio com cercárias de S. mansoni. O pool de soros dos camundongos imunizados foi avaliado por ELISA e Western blot. Os resultados mostraram que a proteína quimera foi capaz de estimular a produção de anticorpos específicos para Sm14 e LTB, contudo o uso de LTB como adjuvante para imunização de rSm14 falhou em aumentar a proteção contra o desafio. Além disso, sete MAbs foram obtidos após imunização de um camundongo BALB/c com rLTB/Sm14. A isotipagem dos MAbs revelou que cinco foram do isotipo IgG1, um pertencente ao isotipo IgG2b e outro ao isotipo IgM. Estes MAbs serão úteis para monitorar a expressão da proteína em sistemas recombinantes, a estabilidade protéica e pode ter potencial para desenvolver teste diagnóstico

The effect of adjuvants on vaccine efficacy in infection and co-infection models with schistosomiasis and malaria

Malaria and schistosomiasis are the major human parasitic diseases in developing countries and their coexistence is frequently observed in tropical regions of these countries. Co-infection by these two parasites may have an important influence on the regulation of inflammatory factors associated with the development of these infections and their respective morbidity. There is no safe and effective vaccine available to control these diseases. The Schistosoma mansoni proteins Sm29 and Sm14 and the Plasmodium spp. antigen AMA-1 are promising vaccine candidates against schistosoma and malaria infections, respectively. For a subunit vaccine, selection of the adjuvant is important. The non-toxic derivatives of the heat-labile toxin of Escherichia coli LTB and LTK63 have been reported as powerful adjuvants. The objective of this study was to evaluate the vaccine efficacy of recombinant Sm29, Sm14 and AMA-1 antigens formulated with LTB or LTK63, in infection and co-infection models with S. mansoni and P. chabaudi strain AS (prior to immunizations, naïve mice, pre-infected with S. mansoni and cured or P. chabaudi AS or infected with both and cured). Overall, rLTK63 stimulated high levels of antigen specific antibodies (IgG1, IgG2a and total IgG) and cytokines (IFN-, TNF-α and IL-13) to rSm29 and rAMA-1 than rLTB. Co-infected-cured mice immunized with rLTK63+rSm29 reduced the parasitic load by 46.45% in the schistosomiasis model. Naïve or co-infected-cured mice immunized with rLTK63+rAMA-1 had a reduction in the P. chabaudi parasitemia. Taken together, these data suggest that co-infection showed a positive trend in vaccine efficacy of rSm29 and rAMA-1 when formulated with rLTK63. rSm14 antigen was fused or co-administered with LTB and the best administration rote and protection induced was assessed. The rSm14 was more efective when fused to LTB and administrated by subcutaneous route. Despite the fact that rLTB-Sm14 induced a balanced ratio of IgG1/IgG2a and high levels of IgA and total IgG, rLTB-Sm14 did not protect mice against S. mansoni infection.Malária e esquistossomose são as principais doenças parasitárias humanas nos países em desenvolvimento e a sua coexistência é frequentemente observada em regiões tropicais desses países. A co-infecção por estes dois parasitas pode ter uma importante influência na regulação dos fatores inflamatórios associados ao desenvolvimento destas infecções e suas respectivas morbidades. Não há uma vacina segura e eficaz disponível para o controle dessas doenças. As proteínas Sm29 e Sm14 de Schistosoma mansoni e a proteína AMA-1de Plasmodium spp. são promissores candidatos à vacinas contra esquistossomose e malária, respectivamente. Para qualquer vacina de subunidade, a seleção do adjuvante é importante. Os derivados não-tóxicos da toxina termolábil de Escherichia coli LTB e LTK63 têm sido relatados como potentes adjuvantes. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a eficácia vacinal dos antígenos Sm29, Sm14 e AMA-1 formulados com LTB ou LTK63 recombinantes em modelos de infecção e co-infecção com S. mansoni e P. chabaudi cepa AS (camundongos não infectados, pré-infectados com S. mansoni ou P. chabaudi e curados ou co-infectados com ambos e curados). Em geral, rLTK63 induziu níveis mais altos de anticorpos antígeno específicos (IgG1, IgG2a e IgG total) e citocinas (IFN-, TNF-α e IL-13) para rSm29 e rAMA-1 do que a rLTB. Camundongos co-infectados, curados e imunizados com rLTK63+rSm29 apresentaram redução na carga parasitária de 46.45 % em modelo de esquistossomose. Camundongos não infectados ou co-infectados, curados e imunizados com rLTK63+rAMA-1 tiveram redução na parasitemia de P. chabaudi. Tomados em conjunto, esses dados sugerem que a co-infecção mostrou uma tendência positiva na eficácia da vacinas rSm29 e rAMA-1 quando formuladas com rLTK63. O antígeno rSm14 foi fusionado ou co-administrado com LTB e posteriormente foi avaliada a melhor via de administração e proteção induzida. A rSm14 foi mais efetiva quando fusionada à LTB e administrada por via subcutânea. Apesar da rLTB-Sm14 ter induzido uma razão equilibrada de IgG1/IgG2a e altos níveis de IgA e IgG totais, rLTB-Sm14 não protegeu camundongos contra infecção por S. mansoni

Avaliação dos fatores associados à transmissão vertical de HIV-1

Resumo Objetivo Comparar a prevalência e os fatores associados à transmissão vertical de HIV-1 entre grávidas tratadas de 1998-2004 e de 2005-2011 em um serviço de referência de cuidado de pacientes com HIV no sul do Brasil. Métodos Estudo descritivo e analítico que usou as bases de dados de laboratórios da Rede Nacional de Laboratórios de CD4 e Carga Viral de DST/Aids do Ministério da Saúde. As grávidas com HIV-1 foram selecionadas em uma pesquisa ativa de informações clínicas e dados obstétricos e neonatais em seus prontuários médicos entre 1998-2011. Resultados Foram analisadas 102 grávidas entre 1998 e 2004 e 251 entre 2005-2011, no total 353 crianças nascidas de grávidas com HIV-1. Observou-se que a transmissão vertical foi de 11,8% entre 1998 e 2004 e de 3,2% entre 2005-2011 (p < 0,001). O maior uso de medicamentos antirretrovirais (p = 0,02), a redução na carga viral (p < 0,001) e o tempo de ruptura de membranas menor do que quatro horas (p < 0,001) foram associados à redução nos fatores de transmissão vertical quando os dois períodos são comparados. Conclusão Observou-se uma redução na taxa de transmissão vertical nos últimos anos. De acordo com as variáveis estudadas, sugere-se que os fatores de risco de transmissão vertical de HIV-1 foram ausência de terapia antirretroviral, alta carga viral das grávidas e tempo de ruptura maior do que quatro horas

Frequência do Papilomavírus Humano na placenta, no colostro e no sangue do cordão umbilical

OBJETIVO: Determinar a frequ&#234;ncia do Papilomav&#237;rus Humano (HPV) na placenta, no colostro e no sangue do cord&#227;o umbilical de parturientes e seus neonatos atendidos no Ambulat&#243;rio de Ginecologia e Obstetr&#237;cia do Hospital Universit&#225;rio de Rio Grande (RS), Brasil. M&#201;TODOS: Foram coletadas bi&#243;psias de 150 placentas do lado materno, 150 do lado fetal, 138 amostras do sangue do cord&#227;o umbilical e 118 amostras de colostro. As bi&#243;psias de placenta foram coletadas da por&#231;&#227;o central e perif&#233;rica. O DNA foi extra&#237;do segundo protocolo do fabricante e conforme refer&#234;ncia encontrada na literatura. O HPV foi detectado pela t&#233;cnica da rea&#231;&#227;o em cadeia da polimerase aninhada (PCR-Nested) com os primers MY09/11 e GP5/GP6. A genotipagem foi por sequenciamento direto. As participantes responderam a um question&#225;rio autoaplicado com dados demogr&#225;ficos e cl&#237;nicos, a fim de caracterizar a amostra. RESULTADOS: O HPV foi detectado em 4% (6/150) do lado materno das placentas, 3,3% (5/150) do lado fetal; 2,2% (3/138) no sangue do cord&#227;o e 0,8% (1/118) no colostro. A taxa de transmiss&#227;o vertical foi de 50%. O gen&#243;tipo de baixo risco oncog&#234;nico encontrado foi o HPV-6 (60%) e de alto risco, os HPV-16 e HPV-18 (20% cada). CONCLUS&#213;ES: Esses resultados sugerem que o HPV pode infectar a placenta, o colostro e o sangue do cord&#227;o umbilical