Unraveling the Complexity of Chikungunya Virus Infection Immunological and Genetic Insights in Acute and Chronic Patients.

: The chikungunya virus (CHIKV), transmitted by infected Aedes mosquitoes, has caused a significant number of infections worldwide. In Brazil, the emergence of the CHIKV-ECSA genotype in 2014 posed a major public health challenge due to its association with more severe symptoms. : This study aimed to shed new light on the host immune response by examining the whole-blood transcriptomic profile of both CHIKV-acute and chronically infected individuals from Feira de Santana, Bahia, Brazil, a region heavily affected by CHIKV, Dengue, and Zika virus epidemics.

A multicentre study of amphotericin B treatment for histoplasmosis: assessing mortality rates and adverse events.

Background: Progressive disseminated histoplasmosis is a significant issue in Latin America, particularly in Brazil, contributing to high mortality rates.

Objectives: Our objectives were to comprehensively describe histoplasmosis treatment with various amphotericin B (AmB) formulations, including mortality rates, adverse effects and risk factors for mortality.

Methods: This multicentre retrospective cohort study (January 2014-December 2019) evaluated medical records of patients with proven or probable histoplasmosis treated with at least two doses of AmB in seven tertiary medical centres in Brazil.

Insights into SARS-CoV-2 Surveillance among Prison Populations in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, in 2022.

This study examines the epidemiological and genomic characteristics, along with the transmission dynamics, of SARS-CoV-2 within prison units I and II in Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. Conducted between May and October 2022, it reveals how the virus spreads in the confined settings of prisons, emphasizing the roles of overcrowded cells, frequent transfers, and limited healthcare access. The research involved 1927 participants (83.

Identification and serological responses to a novel merozoite surface protein 1 (MSP-1) derived synthetic peptide: a putative biomarker for malaria exposure.

Background: The integration of diagnostic methods holds promise for advancing the surveillance of malaria transmission in both endemic and non-endemic regions. Serological assays emerge as valuable tools to identify and delimit malaria transmission, serving as a complementary method to rapid diagnostic tests (RDT) and thick smear microscopy. Here, we evaluate the potential of antibodies directed against peptides encompassing the entire amino acid sequence of the MSP-1 Sal-I strain as viable serological biomarkers for exposure.

Exploring the urban arbovirus landscape in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: transmission dynamics and patterns of disease spread.

Background: This study focuses on urban arboviruses, specifically dengue (DENV), chikungunya (CHIKV), and Zika (ZIKV), which pose a significant public health challenge in Rio de Janeiro state, Southeast Brazil. In our research, we highlight critical findings on the transmission dynamics of these arboviruses in Rio de Janeiro, identifying distinct patterns of disease spread.

Methods: By combining genomic data with case reports from the Brazilian Ministry of Health, we have analysed the phylogenetics, prevalence and spatial distribution of these endemic viruses within the state.

Effectiveness, Tolerability, and Safety of Different Amphotericin B Formulations in Invasive Fungal Infections: A Multicenter, Retrospective, Observational Study.

Purpose: Data on the real-life use of amphotericin B lipid complex (ABLC) compared with other available formulations are limited. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness, tolerability, and safety of different amphotericin B (AMB) intravenously administered in the context of hospital practice for the treatment of invasive fungal infections (IFI) and to provide new insights into the profile of ABLC.

Methods: This is a multicenter, retrospective, observational study conducted at 10 tertiary Brazilian hospitals.

Women with Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause Treated with Vaginal Estriol, Microablative Fractional CO Laser and Microablative Fractional Radiofrequency: A Randomized Pilot Study.

This pilot study intended to assess the feasibility of a large-scale randomized clinical trial designed to analyze the effectiveness of microablative fractional CO laser (COL) and microablative fractional radiofrequency (RF) compared with vaginal estriol (VE) as treatments for women with moderate-to-severe Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM). Participants were randomized into VE, COL, or RF groups. In the VE group, women were required to use vaginal estriol cream for 14 days and then twice a week for 4 months.

Dengue Fever Surveillance in Mato Grosso do Sul: Insights from Genomic Analysis and Implications for Public Health Strategies.

Since its discovery in early 1916, dengue fever, a common vector-borne illness in Brazil, has resulted in extensive urban outbreaks and poses a serious threat to the public's health. Understanding the dynamics of Dengue Virus (DENV) serotypes circulating in different regions of Brazil is essential for implementing effective disease control and prevention measures. In response to this urgent need, we conducted an on-site training program in genomic surveillance in collaboration with the Central Laboratory of Health and the Secretary of Health of the Mato Grosso do Sul state.

Unveiling the Impact of the Omicron Variant: Insights from Genomic Surveillance in Mato Grosso do Sul, Midwest Brazil.

Genomic surveillance has emerged as a crucial tool in monitoring and understanding the dynamics of viral variants during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the Midwest region of Brazil, Mato Grosso do Sul has faced a significant burden from the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic, with a total of 613,000 confirmed cases as of June 2023. In collaboration with the Central Public Health Laboratory in the capital city of Campo Grande, we conducted a portable whole-genome sequencing and phylodynamic analysis to investigate the circulation of the Omicron variant in the region.

Reverse Potts for the Treatment of Severe Idiopathic Pulmonary Hypertension in Children.

Idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension is a rare and progressive disease with poor prognosis. Many patients progressively worsen even when using combinations of specific drugs for its treatment. Herein, we present our experience in the management of three children with severe pulmonary arterial hypertension refractory to clinical treatment who underwent Potts surgery in addition to clinical treatment.

Retrospective Spatio-Temporal Dynamics of Dengue Virus 1, 2 and 4 in Paraguay.

Dengue virus (DENV) has been a major public health concern in Paraguay, with frequent outbreaks occurring since early 1988. Although control measures have been implemented, dengue remains a significant health threat in the country, and continued efforts are required for prevention and control. In response to that, in collaboration with the Central Public Health Laboratory in Asunción, we conducted a portable whole-genome sequencing and phylodynamic analysis to investigate DENV viral strains circulating in Paraguay over the past epidemics.

Phylogenetic Reconstructions Reveal the Circulation of a Novel Dengue Virus-1V Clade and the Persistence of a Dengue Virus-2 III Genotype in Northeast Brazil.

Dengue fever is among the most significant public health concerns in Brazil. To date, the highest number of Dengue notifications in the Americas has been reported in Brazil, with cases accounting for a total number of 3,418,796 reported cases as of mid-December 2022. Furthermore, the northeastern region of Brazil registered the second-highest incidence of Dengue fever in 2022.

Impact of customised ICU handover protocol on the quality of ICU discharge reports.

Background: The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the impact of implementing a handover protocol, based on a standardised mnemonic tool specific for a cardiovascular intensive care unit (ICU), on the quality of information transferred during ICU discharge.

Methods: In this prospective pre-post study, we evaluated the implementation of an ICU discharge handover protocol in 168 patients who underwent coronary artery bypass graft surgery. The primary outcome was the quality of the information.

Retrospective Investigation in Horses with Encephalitis Reveals Unnoticed Circulation of West Nile Virus in Brazil.

During these past years, several studies have provided serological evidence regarding the circulation of West Nile virus (WNV) in Brazil. Despite some reports, much is still unknown regarding the genomic diversity and transmission dynamics of this virus in the country. Recently, genomic monitoring activities in horses revealed the circulation of WNV in several Brazilian regions.

Emergence of Dengue Virus Serotype 2 Cosmopolitan Genotype, Brazil.

We used nanopore sequencing and phylogenetic analyses to identify a cosmopolitan genotype of dengue virus serotype 2 that was isolated from a 56-year-old male patient from the state of Goiás in Brazil. The emergence of a cosmopolitan genotype in Brazil will require risk assessment and surveillance to reduce epidemic potential.

Bimodal transcranial direct current stimulation reduces alcohol consumption and induces long-term neurochemical changes in rats with neuropathic pain.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of repeated bimodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on alcohol consumption and immunohistological and neurochemical parameters in nerve-injured rats. Forty-eight adult male Wistar rats were distributed into six groups: control, neuropathic pain (NP) + sham-tDCS, NP + alcohol + sham-tDCS, alcohol + sham-tDCS, alcohol + tDCS, and NP + alcohol + tDCS. NP is induced by chronic sciatic nerve constriction (CCI).

Clinical and epidemiological aspects of Candidemia in eight medical centers in the state of Parana, Brazil: Parana Candidemia Network.

Objectives: Candida spp. has been reported as one of the common agents of nosocomial bloodstream infections and is associated with a high mortality. Therefore, this study evaluated the clinical findings, local epidemiology, and microbiological aspects of candidemia in eight tertiary medical centers in the state of Parana, South of Brazil.