Enhanced performance of impedimetric immunosensors to detect SARS-CoV-2 with bare gold nanoparticles and graphene acetic acid.

Immunosensors based on electrical impedance spectroscopy allow for label-free, real-time detection of biologically relevant molecules and pathogens, without requiring electro-active materials. Here, we investigate the influence of bare gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), synthesized via laser ablation in solution, on the performance of an impedimetric immunosensor for detecting severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). Graphene acetic acid (GAA) was used in the active layer for immobilizing anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, owing to its high density of carboxylic groups.

A flow cytometry-based assay to measure neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 virus.

The COVID-19 pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus has highlighted the need for serological assays that can accurately evaluate the neutralizing efficiency of antibodies produced during infection or induced by vaccines. However, conventional assays often require the manipulation of live viruses on a level-three biosafety (BSL3) facility, which presents practical and safety challenges. Here, we present a novel, alternative assay that measures neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) against SARS-CoV-2 in plasma using flow cytometry.

Diving into the proteomic atlas of SARS-CoV-2 infected cells.

The COVID-19 pandemic was initiated by the rapid spread of a SARS-CoV-2 strain. Though mainly classified as a respiratory disease, SARS-CoV-2 infects multiple tissues throughout the human body, leading to a wide range of symptoms in patients. To better understand how SARS-CoV-2 affects the proteome from cells with different ontologies, this work generated an infectome atlas of 9 cell models, including cells from brain, blood, digestive system, and adipocyte tissue.

Hemograms and serial hemogram-derived ratios in survivors and non-survivors of COVID-19 in Campinas, Brazil.

Introduction: The hemogram and hemogram-derivative ratios (HDRs) are becoming markers of the severity and mortality of COVID-19. We evaluated the hemograms and serial weekly HDRs [neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), monocyte-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), neutrophil-platelet ratio (NPR) and systemic immune-inflammatory index (SII)] in the survivors and non-survivors of COVID-19.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical notes and serial hemograms of real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)-confirmed COVID-19 adults hospitalized from April 2020 to March 2021 from the time of diagnosis to the 3 week of diagnosis.

Genomics and epidemiology of a novel SARS-CoV-2 lineage in Manaus, Brazil.

Cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection in Manaus, Brazil, resurged in late 2020, despite high levels of previous infection there. Through genome sequencing of viruses sampled in Manaus between November 2020 and January 2021, we identified the emergence and circulation of a novel SARS-CoV-2 variant of concern, lineage P.1, that acquired 17 mutations, including a trio in the spike protein (K417T, E484K and N501Y) associated with increased binding to the human ACE2 receptor.

Characterization of Placental Infection by Zika Virus in Humans: A Review of the Literature.

Objective:  The aim of the current review is to present a systematic evaluation of reported human placental findings in cases of zika virus (ZIKV) infection.

Data Sources:  We reviewed the EMBASE, PUBMED, and SCIELO databases until June 2019, without language restrictions.

Selection Of Studies:  The search terms AND were used.

Outer Membrane Vesicles from Neisseria Meningitidis (Proteossome) Used for Nanostructured Zika Virus Vaccine Production.

The increase of Zika virus (ZIKV) infections in Brazil in the last two years leaves a prophylactic measures on alert for this new and emerging pathogen. Concerning of our positive experience, we developed a new prototype using Neisseria meningitidis outer membrane vesicles (OMV) on ZIKV cell growth in a fusion of OMV in the envelope of virus particles. The fusion of nanoparticles resulting from outer membrane vesicles of N.

Upper gastrointestinal Kaposi's sarcoma in HIV-infected patients: ten years of endoscopy observation at a single Brazilian center.

Background: Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is the most common neoplasm among HIV-infected individuals. The frequency of involvement of KS in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and the associated epidemiological, immune, endoscopic, and histopathological features in HIV-infected patients, were evaluated in this study.

Methods: A review of the medical and endoscopy reports of 1428 HIV-infected patients, who had undergone upper GI endoscopy at the Endoscopy Service, Clinical Hospital, Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto between January 1999 and June 2009, was performed.

Co-infection with paracoccidioidomycosis and human immunodeficiency virus: report of a case with esophageal involvement.

Paracoccidioiodomycosis (PCM) is a systemic and deep mycosis endemic in Latin America, especially in Brazil. In patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), PCM can manifest with prominent involvement of the reticuloendothelial system. There are no reports in the literature of esophageal involvement by PCM in that population.

Esophageal ulcer in Brazilian patients with HIV: prevalence and comparative analysis among diagnostic methods.

Esophageal ulcer (EU) represents an important comorbidity in AIDS. We evaluated the prevalence of EU, the accuracy of the endoscopic and histologic methods used to investigate viral EU in HIV-positive Brazilian patients and the numerical relevance of tissue sampling. A total of 399 HIV-positive patients underwent upper gastrointestinal (UGI) endoscopy.

[Unexplained acute pancreatitis: the microlithiasis must be searched?].

In a large number of patients, with episodes of acute pancreatitis the etiology is not identified, even after initial clinical history, detailed physical examination, laboratory tests and biochemical exams and an transabdominal ultrasound. This patient are considered with a unexplained acute pancreatitis. In this cases the treatment is restricted to improvement of symptoms.

Clinical, endoscopic and prognostic aspects of primary gastric non-hodgkin's lymphoma associated with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

Primary gastric non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) is a co-morbidity that can be observed during the clinical course of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). We evaluated the prevalence, clinical-evolutive aspects and form of endoscopic presentation of primary gastric NHL associated with AIDS. Two hundred and forty-three HIV patients were submitted to upper digestive endoscopy, with evaluation of clinical, endoscopic and histological data.

Case report: Esophageal histoplasmosis associated with disseminated tuberculosis in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

Bacterial and fungal infections are common in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Histoplasmosis is a common fungal disease in severely immunocompromised patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in endemic areas. In this population the most frequent form of presentation of histoplasmosis is disseminated, with the clinical manifestations being similar to those of disseminated tuberculosis.

Single-step EUS-guided endoscopic treatment for sterile pancreatic collections: a single-center experience.

Background And Aims: Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is useful for the treatment of sterile pancreatic fluid collections (PFC), either by means of transmural drainage or by complete aspiration. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of single-step EUS-guided endoscopic approaches for treatment of sterile PFC.

Patients And Methods: During a 3-year period, 77 consecutive patients with symptomatic, persistent sterile PFC were evaluated and treated with the linear EUS.

Cell block technique and cytological smears for the differential diagnosis of pancreatic neoplasms after endosonography-guided fine-needle aspiration.

Cytological smear is widely employed to analyse specimens obtained from endosonography-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA), but false-negative or inconclusive results may occur. A better diagnostic yield can be obtained from processing cell blocks. We compared the effectiveness of the cell block technique and cytological smear in the diagnosis of pancreatic neoplasms.

Treatment of gastrogastric fistula after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: surgery combined with gastroscopy.

A 53-year-old male who had previously undergone an open gastric bypass (Capella-Fobi) developed a gastrogastric fistula during the late postoperative course. Because he regained weight and had a stomal ulcer difficult to control, it was decided to submit him to revisional surgery. At laparotomy, a retrogastric approach plus gastroscopy permitted easy identification and closure of the fistula.

Correlation between Helicobacter pylori infection, gastric diseases and life habits among patients treated at a university hospital in Southeast Brazil.

Helicobacter pylori is considered a significant agent in the development of various gastric diseases. However, the diseases caused by this bacterium are known as being multi-factorial, with the genotype, immune system and life habits of the host playing important roles in the establishment of the clinical outcome. Also, H.

Endoscopic ultrasound and fine needle aspiration in chronic pancreatitis: differential diagnosis between pseudotumoral masses and pancreatic cancer.

Context: Pseudotumoral chronic pancreatitis can be difficult to differentiate from pancreatic carcinoma.

Objective: To evaluate the role of endoscopic ultrasound and fine needle aspiration in differentiating between inflammatory masses and malignancies in chronic pancreatitis.

Design: Retrospective study.

Association between Helicobacter pylori genotypes and gastric disorders in relation to the cag pathogenicity island.

Helicobacter pylori is a bacterium associated with upper gastrointestinal diseases in humans. However, only a small proportion of infected people become sick. Although several studies have tried to establish an association between known virulence markers and clinical outcomes, in many cases the results have been conflicting.

Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori cagA, iceA and babA2 alleles in Brazilian patients with upper gastrointestinal diseases.

Helicobacter pylori is an important human pathogen associated with gastrointestinal diseases such as gastritis, gastric and duodenal ulcer (peptic ulcer disease, PUD), and gastric cancer. A number of pathogenic factors have been described for this bacterium, and some of them have been proposed as markers for the prediction of the clinical outcome. However, with the exception of the cag and vacA status, there is no universal consensus regarding the importance of the other virulence factors.

Liver disease associated with intestinal failure in the small bowel syndrome.

The introduction of the Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) has given rise to a new hope in the treatment of intestinal failure (LF) associated with the Short Bowel Syndrome (SBS). However, together with the TPN and the increase of survival of these patients, new problems and questions have emerged, as well as new therapeutical procedures. Taking into consideration this emerging reality, this paper has the purpose to undertake a review of current concepts and available treatments for patients with IF associated-liver disease.

Effect of preoperative endoscopic decompression on malignant biliary obstruction and postoperative infection.

Background/aims: The role of preoperative biliary drainage as an adjunct in patients undergoing surgical resection for malignant biliary obstruction is controversial. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of preoperative endoscopic biliary drainage and its possible association with postoperative infection in patients presenting neoplastic obstructive jaundice.

Methodology: The medical records of 53 patients presenting periampullary neoplasia were reviewed.

Accuracy of the 14C-urea breath test for the diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori.

Context: The development of simple, accurate and low-expense techniques for detection of Helicobacter pylori infection has great relevance.

Objective: To determine the accuracy of a rapid 14C-urea breath test (UBT) employing a very simple device for breathed air collection.

Design: Prospective study.