Effectiveness of care provided by an itinerant community caregiver in reducing the burden and violence of family caregivers of impaired elderly in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: A randomized clinical trial.

Introduction: The aging population and the rise in chronic diseases are linked to a higher number of elderly individuals with impairments. These individuals often depend on family caregivers for basic daily activities, which can impose a significant burden and increase the risk of violence against them.

Objective: To assess the effectiveness of itinerant community caregivers (ICC) in reducing burden, depression and risk of violence among family caregivers of impaired elderly (FCIE), while also increasing their social support.

Comprehensive landscape of neutralizing antibody and cell-mediated response elicited by the 1/5 fractional dose of 17DD-YF primary vaccination in adults.

The present study aimed at evaluating the YF-specific neutralizing antibody profile besides a multiparametric analysis of phenotypic/functional features of cell-mediated response elicited by the 1/5 fractional dose of 17DD-YF vaccine, administered as a single subcutaneous injection. The immunological parameters of each volunteer was monitored at two time points, referred as: before (Day 0) [Non-Vaccinated, NV] and after vaccination (Day 30-45) [Primary Vaccinees, PV]. Data demonstrated high levels of neutralizing antibodies for PV leading to a seropositivity rate of 93%.

Immune response induced by standard and fractional doses of 17DD yellow fever vaccine.

The re-emergence of yellow fever (YF) urged new mass vaccination campaigns and, in 2017, the World Health Organization approved the use of the fractional dose (FD) of the YF vaccine due to stock shortage. In an observational cross-sectional investigation, we have assessed viremia, antibodies, soluble mediators and effector and memory T and B-cells induced by primary vaccination of volunteers with FD and standard dose (SD). Similar viremia and levels of antibodies and soluble markers were induced early after immunization.

Safety of the yellow fever vaccine in people living with HIV: a longitudinal study exploring post-vaccination viremia and hematological and liver kinetics.

Background: Safety data on the yellow fever vaccine 17DD in People Living with HIV (PLWH) are limited. This study explored the occurrence of post-vaccination 17DD viremia and the kinetics of hematological and liver laboratorial parameters in PLWH and HIV-uninfected participants [HIV(-) controls].

Methods: We conducted a secondary analysis of a longitudinal interventional trial (NCT03132311) study that enrolled PLWH and HIV(-) controls to receive a single 17DD dose and were followed at 5, 30 and 365 days after vaccination in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Seroprevalence of Hantavirus among Manual Cane Cutters and Epidemiological Aspects of HPS in Central Brazil.

Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) is a rodent-borne zoonotic disease that is endemic throughout the Americas. Agricultural activities increase exposure to wild rodents, especially for sugarcane cutters. We carried out a survey of the epidemiological aspects of HPS and investigated the prevalence of hantavirus infection in the sugarcane cutter population from different localities in the Brazilian Midwest region.

Standardization, validation, and comparative evaluation of a faster and high-performance test for quantification of yellow fever neutralizing antibodies.

Although it is considered the reference for quantification of neutralizing antibodies, classical method of the plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT) is labor intensive, requires specific equipment and inputs, besides a long time for its finalization, even in the micro-PRNT version (in 96-well plates). It has a higher sample throughput, however the smaller wells make the reading of plaques more difficult. With an immunoenzymatic revelation step and a semi-automated reading, the μFRN-HRP (micro Focus Reduction Neutralization - Horseradish Peroxidase) is a faster and more efficient test for the quantification of YF neutralizing antibodies.

Timeline kinetics of protective immunity to SARS-CoV-2 upon primary vaccination and humoral response to variants after booster dose.

New variants of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) have emerged, imposing the need for periodic booster doses. However, whether booster doses should be applied to the entire population or groups, and the booster doses interval, remains unclear. In this study, we evaluated humoral reactivity kinetics from before the first dose to 180 days after the third booster dose in different schedules in a well-controlled health worker cohort.

Immunogenicity and reactogenicity of yellow fever vaccine in people with HIV.

Objective: To evaluate immunogenicity and reactogenicity of yellow fever (YF) vaccine in people with HIV (PWH) compared to HIV-uninfected controls.

Design: In this longitudinal interventional trial (NCT03132311), PWH with CD4 + cell count ≥200 cells/μl and controls, aged 18-59, without a previous history of YF vaccination received a single standard dose of YF vaccine (17DD) and were followed at Days 5, 30 and Year 1.

Methods: YF-neutralization titers were measured at Days 0, 30 and Year 1 and geometric mean titers (GMT) were calculated.

Seroepidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 on a partially vaccinated island in Brazil: Determinants of infection and vaccine response.

Background: A vaccination campaign targeted adults in response to the pandemic in the City of Rio de Janeiro.

Objective: We aimed to evaluate the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and identify factors associated with seropositivity on vaccinated and unvaccinated residents.

Methods: We performed a seroepidemiologic survey in all residents of Paquetá Island, a neighborhood of Rio de Janeiro city, during the COVID-19 vaccine roll-out.

Effectiveness, safety, and immunogenicity of half dose ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 COVID-19 Vaccine: Viana project.

Fractional dose is an important strategy to increase access to vaccines. This study evaluated the effectiveness, safety, and immunogenicity of half dose of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine. A non-inferiority non-randomized controlled trial compared a half dose of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 with the full dose, with an interval of 8 to 10 weeks, in individuals aged 18-49 years.

[Yellow fever prevention and control: assessment of surveillance activities in a previously unaffected area in Brazil].

Following the reemergence of yellow fever in 2014/2015, Brazil recorded its largest yellow fever epidemic in recent decades, mainly affecting the country's Southeast region. Yellow fever is a hemorrhagic viral disease caused by a flavivirus transmitted by sylvatic mosquitos (Haemagogus; Sabethes). In the urban cycle, eradicated in Brazil since 1942, the virus is transmitted by Aedes aegypti.

Exploratory study of humoral and cellular immunity to 17DD Yellow Fever vaccination in children and adults residents of areas without circulation of Yellow Fever Virus.

The present investigation comprised two independent observational arms to evaluate the influence of pre-existing flavivirus humoral immunity and the age-impact on 17DD-YF vaccination immunity. Flavivirus (YFV; DENV; ZIKV) serology and YF-specific cellular immunity was evaluated in 288 children/9-4 and 288 adults/18-49 residents of areas without YFV circulation. Data demonstrated that flavivirus seropositivity at baseline was higher in Adults as compared to Children (26%;87%;67% vs 6%;13%;15%, respectively).

Homeopathic Treatment of Subclinical Hypothyroidism-A Series of 19 Cases.

Background: Subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) is a common clinical problem. Controversy surrounds the definition, clinical importance, and need for prompt diagnosis and treatment of the mild form of SCH.

Aim: The aim of the study was to analyze the evolution of serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels after a therapeutic homeopathic intervention in women older than 40 years with SCH.

[Mortality and causes of deaths in prisons in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil].

Mortality in prisons, a basic indicator of the right to health for incarcerated persons, has never been studied extensively in Brazil. An assessment of all-cause and cause-specific mortality in prison inmates was conducted in 2016-2017 in the state of Rio de Janeiro, based on data from the Mortality Information System and Prison Administration. Mortality rates were compared between prison population and general population after standardization.

'If I hadn't seen this picture, I'd be smoking'-perceptions about innovations in health warnings for cigarette packages in Brazil: a focus group study.

Objective: To investigate the perceptions of young people and adults, smokers and non-smokers about the current set of innovations introduced in 2018 into the Brazilian tobacco products' health warnings.

Methods: Twenty focus groups were conducted in five state capitals in Brazil. The participants (n=163) were segmented by smoking status, age (15-17 years, 18-55 years) and social grade (C, D-E classes) to examine cigarette packaging and explore the participants' perceptions of health warnings.

[Impact of calendar effect on morbidity and mortality from external causes in tourist towns in the State of São Paulo, Brazil, from 2004 to 2014].

This study aims to analyze the association between temporal variations in injuries and deaths from external causes and periods of greater flow of visitors in tourist municipalities (counties) on the coastline of the state of São Paulo, Brazil, from 2004 to 2014. This is an ecological study of daily and monthly time series based on data from the Brazilian Mortality Information System (SIM) and Brazilian Hospital Information System of the Brazilian Unified National Health System (SIH/SUS) from January 1, 2004, to December 31, 2014, using as the analytical units the four municipalities on the northern coast of the State of São Paulo. Negative binomial regression models were adjusted for the outcome that represented the number of hospital admissions and/or deaths from external causes, with calendar variables as predictors (days of the week, holidays, month, and year of occurrence).

Validation of a yellow fever vaccine model using data from primary vaccination in children and adults, re-vaccination and dose-response in adults and studies with immunocompromised individuals.

Background: An effective yellow fever (YF) vaccine has been available since 1937. Nevertheless, questions regarding its use remain poorly understood, such as the ideal dose to confer immunity against the disease, the need for a booster dose, the optimal immunisation schedule for immunocompetent, immunosuppressed, and pediatric populations, among other issues. This work aims to demonstrate that computational tools can be used to simulate different scenarios regarding YF vaccination and the immune response of individuals to this vaccine, thus assisting the response of some of these open questions.

Surveillance of adverse events following immunization in the late 2010s: an overview of the importance, tools, and challenges.

Immunization is one of the most effective measures to protect individuals and the population against vaccine-preventable diseases. Vaccines are safe and effective products, but like any other drug they can cause adverse events, which tend to become more visible as the diseases are controlled, eliminated, or eradicated. This study analyzed activities in the surveillance of adverse events following immunization (AEFI) based on data from the scientific literature, websites of immunization programs and health andregulatory agencies, and the authors' expertise in the areas of immunizations and pharmacovigilance.

Short-Lived Immunity After 17DD Yellow Fever Single Dose Indicates That Booster Vaccination May Be Required to Guarantee Protective Immunity in Children.

The Yellow Fever (YF) vaccination is recommended for people living in endemic areas and represents the most effective strategy to reduce the risk of infection. Previous studies have warned that booster regimens should be considered to guarantee the long-term persistence of 17DD-YF-specific memory components in adults living in areas with YF-virus circulation. Considering the lower seroconversion rates observed in children (9-12 months of age) as compared to adults, this study was designed in order to access the duration of immunity in single-dose vaccinated children in a 10-years cross-sectional time-span.