Publications by authors named "Alex F De Carvalho"

SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic tests have become an important tool for pandemic control. Among the alternatives for COVID-19 diagnosis, antigen rapid diagnostic tests (Ag-RDT) are very convenient and widely used. However, as SARS-CoV-2 variants may continuously emerge, the replacement of tests and reagents may be required to maintain the sensitivity of Ag-RDTs.

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  • * A study analyzed 12 cases over five years, revealing that most patients (average age 53) had ganglion cysts, with the surgical removal consistently performed from the dorsal side.
  • * Due to the complexity of the anatomy and variety of potential diagnoses, thorough preoperative planning and advanced imaging are essential for effective surgery.
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  • The study investigates the spread of the Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2 in Minas Gerais, Brazil, highlighting its introduction and dominance, which reached 70% of cases within 8 weeks during mid 2021.
  • Using PCR genotyping and genome sequencing, it is shown that Delta is more transmissible than the earlier Gamma variant, but this increase in transmissibility did not lead to a rise in cases or deaths, likely due to vaccination efforts.
  • The research also identifies Rio de Janeiro as the primary source for the Delta variant's spread in Minas Gerais, suggesting effective control measures despite the heightened transmissibility of the variant.
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  • Nitazoxanide was tested in a study to see its effects on COVID-19 patients, but it didn’t improve symptom resolution compared to a placebo.
  • The trial involved 392 patients who received either nitazoxanide or a placebo, with findings showing a significant reduction in viral load for those on nitazoxanide.
  • Overall, while nitazoxanide didn’t alleviate symptoms within 5 days, it was found to be safe and effective in lowering the amount of virus present in the body.
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One of the major challenges in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus L.) farming is the occurrence of bacterial infections, and the Francisella noatunensis subsp. orientalis (FNO) is an important pathogen that has emerged in last decades.

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Francisella noatunensis subsp. orientalis (FNO) is an important emerging pathogen associated with disease outbreaks in farm-raised Nile tilapia. FNO genetic diversity using PCR-based typing, no intra-species discrimination was achieved among isolates/strains from different countries, thus demonstrating a clonal behaviour pattern.

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The epidemiology of Clostridium difficile infections is highly dynamic as new strains continue to emerge worldwide. Here we present a detailed analysis of a new C. difficile strain (ICC-45) recovered from a cancer patient in Brazil that died from severe diarrhea.

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Streptococcus agalactiae, also referred to as Group B Streptococcus, is a frequent resident of the rectovaginal tract in humans, and a major cause of neonatal infection. The pathogen can also infect adults with underlying disease, particularly the elderly and immunocompromised ones. In addition, S.

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Background: Studies have detected mis-assemblies in genomes of the species Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis. These new discover have been possible due to the evolution of the Next-Generation Sequencing platforms, which have provided sequencing with accuracy and reduced costs. In addition, the improving of techniques for construction of high accuracy genomic maps, for example, Whole-genome mapping (WGM) (OpGen Inc), have allow high-resolution assembly that can detect large rearrangements.

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The genus Francisella is composed of Gram-negative, pleomorphic, strictly aerobic and non-motile bacteria, which are capable of infecting a variety of terrestrial and aquatic animals, among which Francisella noatunensis subsp. orientalis stands out as the causative agent of pyogranulomatous and granulomatous infections in fish. Accordingly, F.

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Leprosy, an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae, affects millions of people worldwide. However, little is known regarding its molecular pathophysiological mechanisms. In this study, a comprehensive assessment of human mRNA was performed on leprosy skin lesions by using DNA chip microarrays, which included the entire spectrum of the disease along with its reactional states.

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Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common tumor of the oral cavity and has been associated with poor prognosis. Scarce prognostic markers are available for guiding treatment and/or sub-classifying patients. This study aims to identify biomarkers by searching for genes whose expression is increased or decreased during tumor progression (through T1 to T4 stages).

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Background: Cutaneous melanoma displays high morbidity and mortality rates. Isolated limb perfusion with melphalan (Mel) is used for the treatment of non-resectable, locally advanced extremity melanomas. When combined with tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) treatment, the complete response varies between 70% and 90%.

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Germline mutations in BRCA1, BRCA2 and TP53 genes have been identified as one of the most important disease-causing issues in young breast cancer patients worldwide. The specific defective biological processes that trigger germline mutation-associated and -negative tumors remain unclear. To delineate an initial portrait of Brazilian early-onset breast cancer, we performed an investigation combining both germline and tumor analysis.

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Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a heterogeneous disease affecting the epithelium of the oral cavity, pharynx and larynx. Conditions of most patients are diagnosed at late stages of the disease, and no sensitive and specific predictors of aggressive behavior have been identified yet. Therefore, early detection and prognostic biomarkers are highly desirable for a more rational management of the disease.

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  • The sural artery flap is a versatile and minimally invasive surgical technique used for covering defects in the foot and ankle, offering a wide range of mobility without compromising major blood vessels.
  • A study involving 17 cases showed good outcomes, with various causes of defects including trauma, surgery, tumors, and infections, and demonstrated an effective average flap size of 11 x 7.5 cm.
  • Follow-up results indicated no complete flap failures, with minor complications like partial necrosis and wound issues, and no significant functional problems reported by patients post-surgery.
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Purpose: Flexion-pronation of the hand and the forearm is a common deformity when the upper extremity is affected by cerebral palsy. Solutions used to improve the pronation deformity and increase supination include transfer of the flexor carpi ulnaris to the extensor carpi radialis brevis, pronator teres rerouting, and brachioradialis rerouting. The purpose of this study was to compare the biomechanic efficacy of these 3 tendon transfers in simulated supination in cadaveric forearms.

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