Artigos e Materiais de Revistas Científicas - LIM/52
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- EZH2 Expression Correlates With T-Cell Infiltration in Oral Leukoplakia and Predicts Cancer Transformation(2023) GANESH, Divya; DAFAR, Amal; NIKLASSON, Julia; SANDBERG, Ingrid; BRAZ-SILVA, Paulo; SAPKOTA, Dipak; OHMAN, Jenny; GIGLIO, Daniel; HASSEUS, BengtBackground/Aim: The EZH2 complex is involved in cellular proliferation and modulates the immune response in cancer. Less is known about the importance of EZH2 in precancerous lesions such as oral leukoplakia (OL). The aim of the study was to explore the association between EZH2 expression, immune activation, and cancer transformation in OL. Patients and Methods: Analyses were retrospectively performed on nine OL cases that had undergone transformation to oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC; OL-ca) and nine that had not undergone transformation (OL-non). EZH2-expressing cells, CD3+ and CD8+ T cells, and CD1a+ Langerhans cells were visualized with immunohistofluorescence and counted. Results: A moderate positive correlation between CD3-and EZH2-expressing and CD8-and EZH2-expressing cells in the epithelium was found (r=0.57, p=0.01; r=0.59, p=0.01). The number of EZH2-expressing cells in the epithelium of OL-ca was significantly higher compared to OL-non (p=0.0002). Cancer - free survival rates differed significantly between patients with EZH2high compared to EZH2low expression (p=0.001). EZH2high expression in OL epithelium was associated with a 13-fold higher risk for developing OSCC (HR=12.8). Conclusion: EZH2 expression in oral epithelium predicts OSCC transformation of OL and correlates with the level of T-cell infiltration.
- Data-driven, cross-disciplinary collaboration: lessons learned at the largest academic health center in Latin America during the COVID-19 pandemic(2024) RITTO, Ana Paula; ARAUJO, Adriana Ladeira de; CARVALHO, Carlos Roberto Ribeiro de; SOUZA, Heraldo Possolo De; FAVARETTO, Patricia Manga e Silva; SABOYA, Vivian Renata Boldrim; GARCIA, Michelle Louvaes; KULIKOWSKI, Leslie Domenici; KALLAS, Esper Georges; PEREIRA, Antonio Jose Rodrigues; COBELLO JUNIOR, Vilson; SILVA, Katia Regina; ABDALLA, Eidi Raquel Franco; SEGURADO, Aluisio Augusto Cotrim; SABINO, Ester Cerdeira; RIBEIRO JUNIOR, Ulysses; FRANCISCO, Rossana Pulcineli Vieira; MIETHKE-MORAIS, Anna; LEVIN, Anna Sara Shafferman; SAWAMURA, Marcio Valente Yamada; FERREIRA, Juliana Carvalho; SILVA, Clovis Artur; MAUAD, Thais; GOUVEIA, Nelson da Cruz; LETAIF, Leila Suemi Harima; BEGO, Marco Antonio; BATTISTELLA, Linamara Rizzo; DUARTE, Alberto Jose da Silva; SEELAENDER, Marilia Cerqueira Leite; MARCHINI, Julio; FORLENZA, Orestes Vicente; ROCHA, Vanderson Geraldo; MENDES-CORREA, Maria Cassia; COSTA, Silvia Figueiredo; CERRI, Giovanni Guido; BONFA, Eloisa Silva Dutra de Oliveira; CHAMMAS, Roger; BARROS FILHO, Tarcisio Eloy Pessoa de; BUSATTO FILHO, GeraldoIntroduction The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted global research efforts to reduce infection impact, highlighting the potential of cross-disciplinary collaboration to enhance research quality and efficiency.Methods At the FMUSP-HC academic health system, we implemented innovative flow management routines for collecting, organizing and analyzing demographic data, COVID-related data and biological materials from over 4,500 patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection hospitalized from 2020 to 2022. This strategy was mainly planned in three areas: organizing a database with data from the hospitalizations; setting-up a multidisciplinary taskforce to conduct follow-up assessments after discharge; and organizing a biobank. Additionally, a COVID-19 curated collection was created within the institutional digital library of academic papers to map the research output.Results Over the course of the experience, the possible benefits and challenges of this type of research support approach were identified and discussed, leading to a set of recommended strategies to enhance collaboration within the research institution. Demographic and clinical data from COVID-19 hospitalizations were compiled in a database including adults and a minority of children and adolescents with laboratory confirmed COVID-19, covering 2020-2022, with approximately 350 fields per patient. To date, this database has been used in 16 published studies. Additionally, we assessed 700 adults 6 to 11 months after hospitalization through comprehensive, multidisciplinary in-person evaluations; this database, comprising around 2000 fields per subject, was used in 15 publications. Furthermore, thousands of blood samples collected during the acute phase and follow-up assessments remain stored for future investigations. To date, more than 3,700 aliquots have been used in ongoing research investigating various aspects of COVID-19. Lastly, the mapping of the overall research output revealed that between 2020 and 2022 our academic system produced 1,394 scientific articles on COVID-19.Discussion Research is a crucial component of an effective epidemic response, and the preparation process should include a well-defined plan for organizing and sharing resources. The initiatives described in the present paper were successful in our aim to foster large-scale research in our institution. Although a single model may not be appropriate for all contexts, cross-disciplinary collaboration and open data sharing should make health research systems more efficient to generate the best evidence.
- Rapid viral metagenomics using SMART-9N amplification and nanopore sequencing(2023) CLARO, I. M.; RAMUNDO, M. S.; COLETTI, T. M.; SILVA, C. A. M. da; VALENCA, I. N.; CANDIDO, D. S.; SALES, F. C. S.; MANULI, E. R.; JESUS, J. G. de; PAULA, A. de; FELIX, A. C.; ANDRADE, P. D. S.; PINHO, M. C.; SOUZA, W. M.; AMORIM, M. R.; PROENCA-MODENA, J. L.; KALLAS, E. G.; LEVI, J. E.; FARIA, N. R.; SABINO, E. C.; LOMAN, N. J.; QUICK, J.Emerging and re-emerging viruses are a global health concern. Genome sequencing as an approach for monitoring circulating viruses is currently hampered by complex and expensive methods. Untargeted, metagenomic nanopore sequencing can provide genomic information to identify pathogens, prepare for or even prevent outbreaks. SMART (Switching Mechanism at the 5′ end of RNA Template) is a popular approach for RNA-Seq but most current methods rely on oligo-dT priming to target polyadenylated mRNA molecules. We have developed two random primed SMART-Seq approaches, a sequencing agnostic approach ‘SMART-9N’ and a version compatible rapid adapters available from Oxford Nanopore Technologies ‘Rapid SMART-9N’. The methods were developed using viral isolates, clinical samples, and compared to a gold-standard amplicon-based method. From a Zika virus isolate the SMART-9N approach recovered 10kb of the 10.8kb RNA genome in a single nanopore read. We also obtained full genome coverage at a high depth coverage using the Rapid SMART-9N, which takes only 10 minutes and costs up to 45% less than other methods. We found the limits of detection of these methods to be 6 focus forming units (FFU)/mL with 99.02% and 87.58% genome coverage for SMART-9N and Rapid SMART-9N respectively. Yellow fever virus plasma samples and SARS-CoV-2 nasopharyngeal samples previously confirmed by RT-qPCR with a broad range of Ct-values were selected for validation. Both methods produced greater genome coverage when compared to the multiplex PCR approach and we obtained the longest single read of this study (18.5 kb) with a SARS-CoV-2 clinical sample, 60% of the virus genome using the Rapid SMART-9N method. This work demonstrates that SMART-9N and Rapid SMART-9N are sensitive, low input, and long-read compatible alternatives for RNA virus detection and genome sequencing and Rapid SMART-9N improves the cost, time, and complexity of laboratory work.
- Noninvasive Techniques for Management of Erythema Multiforme(2023) MARTINS, Fabiana; PALLOS, Debora; CANDEIA, Jodkandlys; ZERBINATI, Rodrigo; BRAZ-SILVA, Paulo Henrique; CAMPOS, LuanaAn 18-year-old man was referred for a diagnosis of extensive oral lesions. During the interview, he reported a medical history of ganglionic tuberculosis, type 2 herpes infection, and significant weight loss due to dysphagia. Intraoral exam revealed multiple painful and ulcerated lesions covered by pseudomembrane. Lesions were observed on the labial and buccal mucosa, tongue, and soft palate. The laboratory findings included serum positivity for the Epstein-Barr virus, and salivary tests showed positive values for herpes simplex virus (HSV-2) and human herpesvirus (HHV-7). The diagnostic hypothesis was based on clinical findings and viral infection detected in the saliva, which triggered an immunological disorder, that is, erythema multiforme (EM). The treatment consisted of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT), with substantial improvement in pain and healing as seen in the following twenty-four hours. Complete resolution of the lesions was achieved five days after the first session. Once the diagnosis of virus-induced EM was confirmed, noninvasive techniques (e.g., salivary tests and aPDT) were very successful and can be indicated for managing these lesions.
- Cone-beam computed tomography texture analysis can help differentiate odontogenic and non-odontogenic maxillary sinusitis(2023) COSTA, Andre Luiz Ferreira; FARDIM, Karolina Aparecida Castilho; RIBEIRO, Isabela Teixeira; JARDINI, Maria Aparecida Neves; BRAZ-SILVA, Paulo Henrique; ORHAN, Kaan; LOPES, Sergio Lucio Pereira de CastroPurpose: This study aimed to assess texture analysis (TA) of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images as a quantitative tool for the differential diagnosis of odontogenic and non-odontogenic maxillary sinusitis (OS and NOS, respectively).Materials and Methods: CBCT images of 40 patients diagnosed with OS (N = 20) and NOS (N = 20) were evaluated. The gray level co-occurrence (GLCM) matrix parameters, and gray level run length matrix texture (GLRLM) parameters were extracted using manually placed regions of interest on lesion images. Seven texture parameters were calculated using GLCM and 4 parameters using GLRLM. The Mann-Whitney test was used for comparisons between the groups, and the Levene test was performed to confirm the homogeneity of variance (alpha = 5%).Results: The results showed statistically significant differences (P<0.05) between the OS and NOS patients regarding 3 TA parameters. NOS patients presented higher values for contrast, while OS patients presented higher values for correlation and inverse difference moment. Greater textural homogeneity was observed in the OS patients than in the NOS patients, with statistically significant differences in standard deviations between the groups for correlation, sum of squares, sum of entropy, and entropy.Conclusion: TA enabled quantitative differentiation between OS and NOS on CBCT images by using the parameters of contrast, correlation, and inverse difference moment. (Imaging Sci Dent 20220166)
- Nanobiotics and the One Health Approach: Boosting the Fight against Antimicrobial Resistance at the Nanoscale(2023) Himanshu; MUKHERJEE, Riya; VIDIC, Jasmina; LEAL, Elcio; COSTA, Antonio Charlys da; PRUDENCIO, Carlos Roberto; RAJ, V. Samuel; CHANG, Chung-Ming; PANDEY, Ramendra PatiAntimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing public health concern worldwide, and it poses a significant threat to human, animal, and environmental health. The overuse and misuse of antibiotics have contributed significantly and others factors including gene mutation, bacteria living in biofilms, and enzymatic degradation/hydrolyses help in the emergence and spread of AMR, which may lead to significant economic consequences such as reduced productivity and increased health care costs. Nanotechnology offers a promising platform for addressing this challenge. Nanoparticles have unique properties that make them highly effective in combating bacterial infections by inhibiting the growth and survival of multi-drug-resistant bacteria in three areas of health: human, animal, and environmental. To conduct an economic evaluation of surveillance in this context, it is crucial to obtain an understanding of the connections to be addressed by several nations by implementing national action policies based on the One Health strategy. This review provides an overview of the progress made thus far and presents potential future directions to optimize the impact of nanobiotics on AMR.
- Prevention of multiple whole blood donations by an individual at the same month through the creation of a national Deferred Donor Registry (DDR)(2023) BERMUDEZ-FORERO, Maria-Isabel; ANZOLA-SAMUDIO, Diego-Alexander; LEVI, Jose-Eduardo; GARCIA-OTALORA, Michel-AndresIntroduction: The Colombian National Institute of Health administers the National Information System of Haemovigilance (SIHEVI-INS). Today, SIHEVI-INS constitutes a national blood donor and recipient database, which contains a national deferred donor registry (DDR), allowing blood banks to take acceptance or rejection decisions of a potential donor in real time. The study aimed to determine the rate of people who have made more than one whole blood donation monthly in Colombia, violating the national guideline of intervals between donations (three months for men and four for women), since DDR implementation.Methods: We detected the unique personal identification number of people who, in 30 calendar days, made more than one whole blood donation at any of the 83 blood banks set up in Colombia. There were three comparison periods: 01/01/2018-08/31/2019 (launch of SIHEVI-INS and first national feedback); 09/01/2019-12/31/2020 (second feedback) and 01/01/2021-09/30/2022 (massive incorporation of web services).Results: For the first period, blood banks accepted 18.0 donations per 1000 people. There was a rate of 28.8 people/10,000 donations who had donated whole blood twice within 30 days. In the second period, there were 17.0 donations/1000 people and a rate of 2.1 people/10,000 donations (OR:14.0 CI95 %:12.2-16.0). For the last period, there were 18.2 donations/1000 people and a rate of 0.9 individuals/10,000 donations (OR:31.3 CI95 %:26.6-36.9, p < 0.001).Conclusion: DDR reduced by 31 times the acceptance of blood donors who made more than one whole blood donation in the same month. It was necessary to provide periodic feedback and promote web service implementation to reduce this risky behavior.
- Clinical Aspects and Etiologic Investigation of Pediatric Patients With Acute Liver Failure(2023) LUGLIO, Michele; MARQUES, Tatiana de Carvalho Silva; PEREIRA, Maria Fernanda Badue; DELGADO, Artur Figueiredo; CARVALHO, Werther Brunow de; TANNURI, Ana Cristina Aoun; SANDY, Natascha Silva; LITVINOV, Nadia; PAULA, Camila Sanson Yoshino de; SANTOS, Ariane Guissi dos; LAZARI, Carolina dos Santos; GOUVEA, Michele Soares Gomes; PAULA, Anderson Vicente de; MENDOZA, Tania Regina Tozetto; TANIGAWAH, Ryan Yukimatsu; LIMAH, Fabiana Roberto; HIRAYAMAH, Andre Bubna; SANTOS, Isabela Gusson Galdino dos; PINHOG, Joao Renato Rebello; SABINOG, Ester Cerdeira; MENDES-CORREAHG, Maria Cassia; ALVESH, Venancio Avancini Ferreira; MARQUESC, Heloisa Helena de SousaA new outbreak of hepatitis of unknown origin raised awareness in the international community. A few reports have attempted to associate new cases with adenovirus infection and the immunologic effects of previous SARS-CoV-2 infections through a superantigen mechanism. Moreover, according to a case series, viral isolates were identified in 7 of 10 cases of pediatric patients with hepatitis of unknown origin and acute liver failure. Adenovirus was detected by respiratory secretion polymerase chain reaction in 2 patients, with neither presenting with SARS-CoV-2 acute infection. Clinical and laboratory descriptions and cross-referencing epidemiologic and pathophysiological data can help identify possible disease etiologies.
- Intranasal Liposomal Formulation of Spike Protein Adjuvanted with CpG Protects and Boosts Heterologous Immunity of hACE2 Transgenic Mice to SARS-CoV-2 Infection(2023) RUSSO, Momtchilo; MENDES-CORREA, Maria Cassia; LINS, Bruna B.; KERSTEN, Victor; PERNAMBUCO, Paulo C. A.; MARTINS, Toni Ricardo; TOZETTO-MENDOZA, Tania Regina; BOAS, Lucy Santos Vilas; GOMES, Brisa Moreira; DATI, Livia Mendonca Munhoz; DUARTE-NETO, Amaro Nunes; REIGADO, Gustavo Roncoli; FREDERICO, Ana Beatriz T.; CUNHA, Danielle R. de A.; PAULA, Anderson Vicente de; SILVA, Jose Igor G. da; VASCONCELOS, Carlos F. Moreira; CHAMBERGO, Felipe S.; NUNES, Viviane Abreu; BOM, Ana Paula Dinis Ano; CASTILHO, Leda R.; MARTINS, Rodrigo A. P.; HIRATA, Mario Hiroyuki; MIROTTI, Luciana; TRIPP, Ralph A.Mucosal vaccination appears to be suitable to protect against SARS-CoV-2 infection. In this study, we tested an intranasal mucosal vaccine candidate for COVID-19 that consisted of a cationic liposome containing a trimeric SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and CpG-ODNs, a Toll-like receptor 9 agonist, as an adjuvant. In vitro and in vivo experiments indicated the absence of toxicity following the intranasal administration of this vaccine formulation. First, we found that subcutaneous or intranasal vaccination protected hACE-2 transgenic mice from infection with the wild-type (Wuhan) SARS-CoV-2 strain, as shown by weight loss and mortality indicators. However, when compared with subcutaneous administration, the intranasal route was more effective in the pulmonary clearance of the virus and induced higher neutralizing antibodies and anti-S IgA titers. In addition, the intranasal vaccination afforded protection against gamma, delta, and omicron virus variants of concern. Furthermore, the intranasal vaccine formulation was superior to intramuscular vaccination with a recombinant, replication-deficient chimpanzee adenovirus vector encoding the SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein (Oxford/AstraZeneca) in terms of virus lung clearance and production of neutralizing antibodies in serum and bronchial alveolar lavage (BAL). Finally, the intranasal liposomal formulation boosted heterologous immunity induced by previous intramuscular vaccination with the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine, which was more robust than homologous immunity.
- Encephalopathy Caused by Human Parvovirus B19 Genotype 1 Associated with Haemophilus influenzae Meningitis in a Newborn(2023) FERREIRA, Noely Evangelista; COSTA, Antonio C. da; KALLAS, Esper G.; SILVEIRA, Cassia G. T.; OLIVEIRA, Ana Carolina S. de; HONORATO, Layla; PAIAO, Heuder G. O.; LIMA, Silvia H.; VASCONCELOS, Dewton de M.; CORTES, Marina F.; COSTA, Silvia F.; MENDOZA, Tania R. T.; GOMES, Helio R.; WITKIN, Steven S.; MENDES-CORREA, Maria C.Parvovirus B19 infection is associated with a wide range of clinical manifestations, from asymptomatic to severe neurological disorders. Its major clinical symptoms, fever and rash, are common to multiple viruses, and laboratory tests to detect B19 are frequently not available. Thus, the impact of B19 on public health remains unclear. We report the case of a 38-day old girl admitted to Sao Paulo Clinical Hospital, Brazil, with an initial diagnosis of bacterial meningitis, seizures, and acute hydrocephalus. Antibiotic therapy was maintained for one week after admission and discontinued after negative laboratory results were obtained. Nine days after symptoms onset, a cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) sample revealed persistent pleocytosis. The complete B19 complete genome was subsequently identified in her CSF by a metagenomic next-generation sequencing approach. This report highlights the possible involvement of B19 in the occurrence of acute neurological manifestations and emphasizes that its possible involvement might be better revealed by the use of metagenomic technology to detect viral agents in clinical situations of unknown or uncertain etiology.
- Seroprevalence of hepatitis B, C, and D and associated factors in the semi-isolated Yanomami Amazonian indigenous community(2024) VASCONCELOS, Mariana Pinheiro Alves; SANCHEZ-ARCILA, Juan Camilo; PERES, Luciana; SOUSA, Paulo Sergio Fonseca de; CASTRO-ALVES, Julio; ALBUQUERQUE, Hermano Gomes; MENDES-CORREA, Maria Cassia; MAIA-HERZOG, Marilza; LEWIS-XIMENEZ, Lia Laura; VILLAR, Livia Melo; OLIVEIRA-FERREIRA, JoseliBackground Viral hepatitis is a significant health concern among indigenous population in the Americas. In Brazil, reports find high endemicity of HBV and HDV infections has been reported in several indigenous groups. However, few studies have documented the prevalence of HBV, HCV and HDV in the Yanomami. In this study, the prevalence of hepatitis B, C, and D serological markers and potential risk factors were investigated to provide guidance for the development of strategies aimed at reducing viral transmission in the Yanomami indigenous villages.Methods This cross-sectional study was carried out in March 2015 and included 430 individuals from four Yanomami villages: Alapusi (n = 78), Castanha/Ahima (n = 126), Gasolina (n = 105), and Taibrapa (n = 121). A rapid test was used for detection of HBsAg and anti-HCV and chemiluminescent immunoassay for anti-HBs, anti-HBc, and anti-HDV antibodies.Results HBsAg, anti-HBc, and anti-HBs were detected in 8.8, 45.5, and 49.4% of the participants, respectively. The estimated HBV status: current infection 9.6% (38/395); resolved infection 43.3% (171/395); vaccine immunity 20.5% (81/395), and susceptible to HBV 26.6% (105/395). Gasolina presented the lowest prevalence of HBV infection (6.5%) and the highest prevalence of vaccine immunity (26.9%). Children < 15 years old were highly susceptible to infection, as 53.1% did not have antibodies to HBV, while more than 80% of individuals over 45 years of age had been exposed to HBV. The markers for HDV were founded among 12.5% (4/32) of the HBsAg carriers. Anti-HCV was identified in all villages, with the highest prevalence in Alapusi (5.1%). Possible risk factors such as the use of piercings, tattoos, and contact with prospectors showed no statistical difference between the groups.Conclusions Viral hepatitis B and serological markers for HCV and HDV were found to be widely distributed among the Yanomami indigenous community, while the prevalence of vaccine immunity to HBV was low. This finding reinforces the importance of promoting systematized diagnostic and vaccination strategies in indigenous communities. Our data confirm that isolated and difficult-to-reach indigenous communities lack appropriate access to diagnosis, treatment, and vaccination.
- Torquetenovirus: predictive biomarker or innocent bystander in pathogenesis(2023) TOZETTO-MENDOZA, Tania Regina; BRAZ-SILVA, Paulo Henrique; GIANNECCHINI, Simone; WITKIN, Steven S.
- Immunoglobulin A Antibodies Against Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein in a Subgroup of Patients With Central Nervous System Demyelination(2023) GOMES, Ana Beatriz Ayroza Galvao Ribeiro; KULSVEHAGEN, Laila; LIPPS, Patrick; CAGOL, Alessandro; CERDA-FUERTES, Nuria; NEZIRAJ, Tradite; FLAMMER, Julia; LERNER, Jasmine; LECOURT, Anne-Catherine; SIEBENBORN, Nina De Oliveira S.; CORTESE, Rosa; SCHAEDELIN, Sabine; SCHOEPS, Vinicius Andreoli; MATOS, Aline de Moura Brasil; MENDES, Natalia Trombini; PEREIRA, Clarissa dos Reis; MONTEIRO, Mario Luiz Ribeiro; APOSTOLOS-PEREIRA, Samira Luisa dos; SCHINDLER, Patrick; CHIEN, Claudia; SCHWAKE, Carolin; SCHNEIDER, Ruth; PAKEERATHAN, Thivya; AKTAS, Orhan; FISCHER, Urs; MEHLING, Matthias; DERFUSS, Tobias; KAPPOS, Ludwig; AYZENBERG, Ilya; RINGELSTEIN, Marius; PAUL, Friedemann; CALLEGARO, Dagoberto; KUHLE, Jens; PAPADOPOULOU, Athina; GRANZIERA, Cristina; PROBSTEL, Anne-KatrinIMPORTANCE Differential diagnosis of patients with seronegative demyelinating central nervous system (CNS) disease is challenging. In this regard, evidence suggests that immunoglobulin (Ig) A plays a role in the pathogenesis of different autoimmune diseases. Yet little is known about the presence and clinical relevance of IgA antibodies against myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) in CNS demyelination. OBJECTIVE To investigate the frequency of MOG-IgA and associated clinical features in patients with demyelinating CNS disease and healthy controls. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This longitudinal study comprised 1 discovery and 1 confirmation cohort derived from 5 centers. Participants included patients with suspected or confirmed demyelinating diseases and healthy controls. MOG-IgA, MOG-IgG, and MOG-IgM were measured in serum samples and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients, who were assessed from September 2012 to April 2022. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Frequency and clinical features of patients who were seropositive for MOG-IgA and double-seronegative for aquaporin 4 (AQP4) IgG and MOG-IgG. RESULTS After the exclusion of 5 participants with coexisting AQP4-IgG and MOG-IgA, MOG-IgG, and/or MOG-IgM, 1339 patients and 110 healthy controls were included; the median follow-up time was 39 months (range, 0-227 months). Of included patients with isolated MOG-IgA, 11 of 18 were female (61%), and the median age was 31.5 years (range, 3-76 years). Among patients double-seronegative for AQP4-IgG and MOG-IgG (1126/1339; 84%), isolated MOG-IgA was identified in 3 of 50 patients (6%) with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder, 5 of 228 patients (2%) with other CNS demyelinating diseases, and 10 of 848 patients (1%) with multiple sclerosis but in none of the healthy controls (0/110). The most common disease manifestation in patients seropositive for isolated MOG-IgA was myelitis (11/17 [65%]), followed by more frequent brainstem syndrome (7/16 [44%] vs 14/75 [19%], respectively; P =.048), and infrequent manifestation of optic neuritis (4/15 [27%] vs 46/73 [63%], respectively; P =.02) vs patients with MOG-IgG. Among patients fulfilling 2017 McDonald criteria for multiple sclerosis, MOG-IgA was associated with less frequent CSF-specific oligoclonal bands (4/9 [44%] vs 325/351 [93%], respectively; P <.001) vs patients with multiple sclerosis who were MOG-IgG/IgA seronegative. Further, most patients with isolated MOG-IgA presented clinical attacks after recent infection or vaccination (7/11 [64%]). CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE In this study, MOG-specific IgA was identified in a subgroup of patients who were double-seronegative for AQP4-/MOG-IgG, suggesting that MOG-IgA may be a novel diagnostic biomarker for patients with CNS demyelination.
- Detection of coinfection with Primate Erythroparvovirus 1 and arboviruses (DENV, CHIKV and ZIKV) in individuals with acute febrile illness in the state of Rio Grande do Norte in 2016(2023) MORAIS, Vanessa dos Santos; SANTANA, Lidia Maria Reis; BEZERRA, Joao Felipe; CRUZ, Flavia Emmanuelle; SOUZA, Themis Rocha de; TAHMASEBI, Roozbeh; RAPOSO, Rafael Augusto Alves; MARCATTI, Roberta; BARBOSA, Erick Matheus Garcia; HEFFORD, Philip Michael; BUCCHERI, Renata; SABINO, Ester Cerdeira; COSTA, Antonio Charlys daBackgroundArthropod-borne viruses, known as arboviruses, pose substantial risks to global public health. Dengue (DENV), Chikungunya (CHIKV) and Zika (ZIKV) viruses stand out as significant concerns in Brazil and worldwide. Their overlapping clinical manifestations make accurate diagnosis a challenge, underscoring the need for reliable laboratory support. This study employs a comprehensive molecular diagnostic approach to track viral infections in individuals with acute febrile illness, a period marked by widespread outbreaks of DENV, CHIKV and ZIKV.MethodsBetween January and August 2016, we received a total of 713 serum samples obtained from individuals with acute febrile illness, previously tested for DENV, CHIKV or ZIKV, with initial negative results, from LACEN-NATAL. Of the total 713 samples, 667 were from females (354 of them pregnant) and 46 from males. Molecular diagnosis was conducted using the Multiplex RT-qPCR technique for simultaneous detection of DENV, CHIKV and ZIKV. Additionally, we performed differential diagnosis by RT-qPCR for other viruses of the Flavivirus, Alphavirus Enterovirus genera and qPCR for Primate Erythroparvovirus 1 (B19V) species, in accordance with Ministry of Health guidelines.ResultsAmong the 713 cases, 78.2% tested positive for viral infections, including 48% with CHIKV viremia, 0.6% with DENV and 0.1% with ZIKV. Arboviral coinfections totaled 2.4%, including DENV-CHIKV (1.7%) and CHIKV-ZIKV (0.7%). Moreover, 8% exhibited B19V viremia. Simultaneous infections were identified in 17.5%, encompassing B19V-CHIKV (17.1%), B19V-DENV (0.1%), and B19V-ZIKV (0.3%) Triple infections were observed in 1.3% of cases with B19V-DENV-CHIKV (1%) and B19V-CHIKV-ZIKV (0.3%).ConclusionMolecular testing demonstrated high efficacy in diagnosing prevalent arboviruses and detecting multiple coinfections. This approach helps to elucidate etiologies for symptomatic cases, especially during arbovirus outbreaks, and aids comprehensive surveillance. Our findings underscore the importance of monitoring co-circulating pathogens, such as B19V, with implications for clinical management, particularly in pregnant individuals. This study enhances our understanding of arbovirus epidemiology and reinforces the critical role of molecular diagnosis in disease surveillance and control.
- Survival analysis over a 20-year period of a Brazilian cohort of blood donors coinfected HIV-HCV(2023) MENEZES FILHO, Helio Ranes de; GRANDI, Giuliano; CARDOSO, Ludimila Paula Vaz; SILVA, Juan Felipe Galvao da; MACHADO, Soraia Mafra; ALMEIDA-NETO, Cesar de; SABINO, Ester Cerdeira; MENDES-CORREA, Maria CassiaAmong individuals coinfected with HCV and HIV, studies of mortality from non-hepatic causes have shown inconsistent results. The aim of this study was to investigate the contribution of HCV and HIV co-infection to mortality from hepatic and non-hepatic causes in Brazil. This retrospective cohort study included blood donors from Funda & ccedil;& atilde;o Pr & oacute;-Sangue de S & atilde;o Paulo (FPS) who were followed from 1994 to 2016 to compare mortality and its causes between HIV-HCV coinfected individuals versus those seronegative for all tested infections. Records from the FPS database and the Mortality Information System were linked through a probabilistic record Relationship (RL). The Hazard Ratio (HR) was estimated using Cox multiple regression models. HCV-HIV coinfected individuals compared to seronegative individuals had a higher risk of death from all causes (HR = 14.54), non-liver neoplasms (HR = 2.55), infections (HR = 10.37) and liver disease (HR = 7.0). In addition, HCV mono-infected individuals compared to seronegative individuals had a higher risk of death from all causes (HR = 2.23), liver cancer (HR = 32.21), liver disease (HR = 14.92), infection (HR = 3.22), and trauma (HR = 1.68). Individuals coinfected with HCV and HIV have increased overall mortality and death due to infections, liver diseases and non-liver neoplasms as compared to those uninfected with HCV and HIV.
- Association between torquetenovirus in vaginal secretions and infertility: An exploratory metagenomic analysis(2023) COSTA, A. Charlys Da; BORTOLETTO, Pietro; SPANDORFER, Steven D.; TOZETTO-MENDOZA, Tania Regina; LINHARES, Iara M.; MENDES-CORREA, Maria Cassia; WITKIN, Steven S.ProblemThe association of viruses with infertility remains incompletely evaluated.Method of studyVaginal secretions from 46 women seeking treatment in the Center for Reproductive Medicine and Infertility at Weill Cornell Medicine were tested for viruses by metagenomic analysis by lab personnel blinded to all clinical data.ResultsTorquetenovirus (TTV) was identified in 16 women, alphapapillomavirus in seven women and most were positive for bacteriophages. Twelve of the subjects were fertile and sought to freeze their oocytes for future implantation. These women were all negative for TTV. In contrast, 16 of the 34 women (47.1%) being treated for infertility were TTV-positive (p = .0035). Evaluating the women by cause of infertility, five of nine women (55.6%) whose male partner had inadequate sperm parameters and six of 14 women (42.9%) with defective ovulation were TTV positive (p = .0062 and p = .0171, respectively, vs. the fertile women). Alphapapillomavirus was identified in one (8.3%) fertile woman, five (35.7%) women with ovulation deficiency, and one (11.1%) woman with male factor infertility. These differences were not statistically significant. There were no differences in bacteriophage families or the presence of Lactobacillus phages between fertile or infertile women or between different causes of infertility. There was a negative association between TTV detection and Lactobacillus crispatus dominance in the vaginal microbiota (p = .0184), but no association between TTV detection and the presence of alphapapillomavirus or Candida species.ConclusionDetection of TTV in the vagina might be a biomarker for specific causes of infertility.
- Technical comparison of MinIon and Illumina technologies for genotyping Chikungunya virus in clinical samples(2023) SOUZA, Leandro Menezes de; OLIVEIRA, Isabelle Dias de; SALES, Flavia Cristina Silva; COSTA, Antonio Charlys da; CAMPOS, Karoline Rodrigues; ABBUD, Adriano; GUERRA, Juliana Mariotti; BORGES, Cinthya dos Santos Cirqueira; TAKAHASHI, Carlos Pires Fernandes Junior; ARAUJO, Leonardo Jose Tadeu deNew-generation sequencing (NGS) techniques have brought the opportunity for genomic monitoring of several microorganisms potentially relevant to public health. The establishment of different methods with different mechanisms provides a wide choice, taking into account several aspects. With that in mind, the present aim of the study was to compare basic genomic sequencing metrics that could potentially impact genotyping by nanopores from Oxford Nanopore Technologies and by synthesis from Illumina in clinical samples positive for Chikungunya (CHIKV). Among the metrics studied, running time, read production, and Q score were better represented in Illumina sequencing, while the MinIOn platform showed better response time and greater diversity of generated files. That said, it was possible to establish differences between the studied metrics in addition to verifying that the distinctions in the methods did not impact the identification of the CHIKV virus genotype.
- Characterization of Torquetenovirus in amniotic fluid at the time of in utero fetal surgery: correlation with early premature delivery and respiratory distress(2023) TOZETTO-MENDOZA, Tania Regina; DA-COSTA, A. Charlys; MORON, Antonio F.; LEAL, Elcio; LIMA, Silvia Helena; FERREIRA, Noely Evangelista; HONORATO, Layla; PAIAO, Heuder Gustavo Oliveira; FREIRE, Wilton Santos; MENDES-CORREA, Maria Cassia; WITKIN, Steven S.Torquetenovirus (TTV) is a commensal virus present in many healthy individuals. Although considered to be non-pathogenic, its presence and titer have been shown to be indicative of altered immune status in individuals with chronic infections or following allogeneic transplantations. We evaluated if TTV was present in amniotic fluid (AF) at the time of in utero surgery to correct a fetal neurological defect, and whether its detection was predictive of adverse post-surgical parameters. AF was collected from 27 women by needle aspiration prior to a uterine incision. TTV titer in the AF was measured by isolation of viral DNA followed by gene amplification and analysis. The TTV genomes were further characterized and sequenced by metagenomics. Pregnancy outcome parameters were subsequently obtained by chart review. Three of the AFs (11.1%) were positive for TTV at 3.36, 4.16, and 4.19 log(10) copies/mL. Analysis of their genomes revealed DNA sequences similar to previously identified TTV isolates. Mean gestational age at delivery was >2 weeks earlier (32.5 vs. 34.6 weeks) and the prevalence of respiratory distress was greater (100% vs. 20.8%) in the TTV-positive pregnancies. TTV detection in AF prior to intrauterine surgery may indicate elevated post-surgical risk for earlier delivery and newborn respiratory distress.
- Association between development of severe COVID-19 and a polymorphism in the CIAS1 gene that codes for an inflammasome component(2023) TOZETTO-MENDOZA, Tania R. R.; MENDES-CORREA, Maria Cassia; LINHARES, Iara Moreno; RAYMUNDI, Vanessa de Cassia; PAIAO, Heuder Gustavo de Oliveira; BARBOSA, Erick Matheus Garcia; LUNA-MUSCHI, Alessandra; HONORATO, Layla; CORREA, Giovanna Francisco; COSTA, Antonio Charlys da; COSTA, Silvia Figueiredo; WITKIN, Steven S. S.An elevated pro-inflammatory cytokine response is associated with severe life-threatening symptoms in individuals with Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID). The inflammasome is an intracellular structure responsible for generation of interleukin (IL)-1 & beta; and IL-18. NALP3, a product of the CIAS1 gene, is the rate-limiting component for inflammasome activity. We evaluated if a CIAS1 42 base pair length polymorphism (rs74163773) was associated with severe COVID. DNA from 93 individuals with severe COVID, 38 with mild COVID, and 98 controls were analyzed for this polymorphism. The 12 unit repeat allele is associated with the highest inflammasome activity. Five alleles, corresponding to 6, 7, 9, 12 or 13 repeat units, divided into 12 genotypes were identified. The frequency of the 12 unit repeat allele was 45.3% in those with severe disease as opposed to 30.0% in those with mild disease and 26.0% in controls (p < 0.0001, severe vs. controls). In contrast, the 7 unit repeat allele frequency was 30.1% in controls as opposed to 14.0% and 12.5% in those with severe or mild disease, respectively (p & LE; 0.0017). We conclude that individuals positive for the CIAS1 12 allele may be at elevated risk for development of severe COVID due to an increased level of induced pro-inflammatory cytokine production.
- IMPACT OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON CERVICAL CANCER SCREENING IN SAOPAULO STATE, BRAZIL(2023) MARTINS, Toni Ricardo; WITKIN, Steven S.; MENDES-CORREA, Maria Cassia; GODOY, Amanda Scancella de; CURY, Lise; BALANCIN, Marcelo Luiz; AB'SABER, Alexandre Muxfeldt; PERES, Stela Verzinhasse; MESSIAS, Sandra; MENDONZA, Tania Regina Tozetto; LONGATTO-FILHO, AdhemarINTRODUCTION: The early identification of precursor lesions followed by appropriate treatment prevents development of cervical cancer and its consequences OBJECTIVE: The present study evaluated the influence of the Covid-19 pandemic on cervical cancer screening by comparing the quantity of tests to detect cervical cellular changes performed in Sao Paulo state in 2019, prior to the detection of SARS-CoV-2 in Brazil, to the first (2020) and second (2021) years following its appearance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data from Fundacao Oncocentro de Sao Paulo (FOSP), the agency that analyses approximately 220,000 Pap tests annually, was reviewed. RESULTS: A median of 1835 Papanicolaou (Pap) tests were performed in 55 municipalities in 2019. This was reduced to 815 tests in 2020, a 56% decrease (p = 0.0026). In 2021, the median number was 1745, a 53% increase over 2020 levels (p = 0.0233). The 26 municipalities with >1000 tests in 2020 had a median reduction from 4433 in 2019 to 2580 in 2020 (p = 0. 0046). The 29 municipalities with <1000 tests had a median reduction from 951 in 2019 to 554 in 2020 (p < 0.0001). There was a 44% reduction in the number of follow-up cytological evaluations from 2019 to 2020, followed by a 30% increase the following year. However, the percentage of women with a normal finding or with any abnormality remained unchanged. The findings from a histological evaluation of women in Sao Paulo city indicated that the percent of cases positive for CIN-1 (p<0.0410) and CIN-3 (p<0.0012) increased in 2020 and 2021 as compared to 2019 levels. CONCLUSION: A reduction in testing for cervical cancer in the first year of the Covid-19 pandemic, accompanied by an elevated incidence of precancerous lesions in each of the first two years following its initiation, may portend a subsequent increased occurrence of cervical cancer in Brazil.