ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate deaths, hospitalizations, and persistence of symptoms in patients with COVID-19 after infection in an outpatient setting during the first COVID-19 wave in Brazil. Methods This prospective cohort was between April 2020 and February 2021. Hospitalized or non-hospitalized COVID-19 patients until five days after symptom onset were included. The outcomes measured were incidence of death, hospitalization, and persistence of more than two symptoms 60 days after discharge. Results Out of 1,198 patients enrolled in the study, 66.7% were hospitalized. A total of 289 patients died (1 [0.3%] non-hospitalized and 288 [36%] hospitalized). At 60 days, patients non-hospitalized during admission had more persistent symptoms (16.2%) compared to hospitalized (37.1%). The COVID-19 severity variables associated with the persistence of two or more symptoms were increased age (OR= 1.03; p=0.015), respiratory rate at hospital admission (OR= 1.11; p=0.005), length of hospital stay of more than 60 days (OR= 12.24; p=0.026), and need for intensive care unit admission (OR= 2.04; p=0.038). Conclusion COVID-19 survivors who were older, tachypneic at admission, had a hospital length of stay >60 days, and were admitted to the intensive care unit had more persistent symptoms than patients who did not require hospitalization in the early COVID-19 waves. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04479488. deaths hospitalizations COVID19 COVID 19 COVID-1 Brazil 202 2021 nonhospitalized non included death 6 discharge 1198 1 198 1,19 study 667 66 7 66.7 28 ( 0.3% 03 0 3 [0.3% 36% 36 [36% . hospitalized) 16.2% 162 16 2 (16.2% 37.1%. 371 37.1% 37 (37.1%) OR= OR (OR 1.03 103 p=0.015, p0015 p p=0.015 , 015 p=0.015) 1.11 111 11 p=0.005, p0005 p=0.005 005 p=0.005) 12.24 1224 12 24 p=0.026, p0026 p=0.026 026 p=0.026) 2.04 204 04 p=0.038. p0038 p=0.038 038 p=0.038) older >6 waves ClinicalTrialsgov ClinicalTrials gov Identifier NCT04479488 NCT COVID1 COVID- 20 119 1,1 66. 0.3 [0.3 [36 16.2 (16.2 37.1 (37.1% 1.0 10 p001 p=0.01 01 1.1 p000 p=0.00 00 12.2 122 p002 p=0.02 02 2.0 p003 p=0.03 > NCT0447948 1, 0. [0. [3 16. (16. 37. (37.1 1. p00 p=0.0 12. 2. NCT044794 [0 [ (16 (37. p0 p=0. NCT04479 (37 p=0 NCT0447 (3 p= NCT044 NCT04 NCT0

La sífilis ha resurgido como un problema serio de salud pública en Brasil y en todo el mundo, afectando desproporcionadamente a hombres que tienen sexo con hombres (HSH), travestis y mujeres transgénero (TrTGW). Los estudios de las enfermedades trasmitidas sexualmente (ETS) en adolescentes de estas poblaciones clase son relativamente escasos. Se trata de un estudio transversal brasileño multicéntrico, con análisis de prevalencia de la base de referencia de la cohorte PrEP1519 de hombres activos sexualmente que mantienen sexo con hombres y adolescentes TrTGW, reclutados desde abril de 2019 a diciembre de 2020. Se hicieron análisis, usando las dimensiones de vulnerabilidad a las ETS/VIH, y se realizaron modelos de regresión logística para estimar las odds ratios de la asociación entre las variables predictoras y la prueba treponémica positiva para la sífilis al comenzar el estudio. Se analizaron a 677 participantes. La media de edad fue 18,9 años (IQR: 18,1-19,5), 70,5% (477) se autodeclararon como negros, 70,5% (474) como homosexuales/gays y 48 (7,1%) como mujeres trans o travestis. La base de referencia de prevalencia de sífilis fue 21,3%. En el modelo final de regresión logística, se asociaron con una posibilidad más alta de sífilis: un episodio autoinformado de ETS en los últimos 12 meses (OR = 5,92; IC95%: 3,74-9,37), trabajadores sexuales (OR = 3,39; IC95%: 1,32-8,78) y < 11 años de estudio (OR = 1,76; IC95%: 1,13-2,74). La prevalencia de sífilis entre adolescentes HSH/TrTGW con edades de 15 a 19 años fue alarmante, mucho más que lo descrito para la población general en este rango de edad y asociado con factores de vulnerabilidad. Esto refuerza la urgente necesidad de fortalecer los programas de salud pública, discutiendo cuestiones de raza, género, sexualidad y prevención. mundo HSH, HSH , (HSH) TrTGW. TrTGW . (TrTGW) (ETS escasos multicéntrico PrEP PrEP151 201 2020 ETSVIH VIH ETS/VIH 67 participantes 189 18 9 18, IQR (IQR 18,119,5, 181195 18,1 19,5 1 5 18,1-19,5) 705 70 70,5 477 (477 negros 474 (474 homosexualesgays homosexuales gays 4 7,1% 71 7 (7,1% 213 21 3 21,3% OR 5,92 592 92 IC95% IC95 IC 3,749,37, 374937 3,74 9,37 74 37 3,74-9,37) 3,39 339 39 1,328,78 132878 1,32 8,78 32 8 78 1,32-8,78 1,76 176 76 1,132,74. 113274 1,13 2,74 13 2 1,13-2,74) HSHTrTGW alarmante raza género prevención (HSH (TrTGW PrEP15 20 202 6 119 18,119,5 18119 181 195 19, 18,1-19,5 70, 47 (47 7,1 (7,1 21,3 5,9 59 IC9 749 3,749,37 37493 374 3,7 937 9,3 3,74-9,37 3,3 33 328 1,328,7 13287 132 1,3 878 8,7 1,32-8,7 1,7 17 1,132,74 11327 113 1,1 274 2,7 1,13-2,74 PrEP1 18,119, 1811 18,1-19, (4 7, (7, 21, 5, 3,749,3 3749 3, 93 9, 3,74-9,3 1,328, 1328 1, 87 8, 1,32-8, 1,132,7 1132 27 2, 1,13-2,7 18,119 18,1-19 ( (7 3,749, 3,74-9, 1,328 1,32-8 1,132, 1,13-2, 18,11 18,1-1 3,749 3,74-9 1,32- 1,132 1,13-2 18,1- 3,74- 1,13-

A sífilis reemergiu enquanto problema sério de saúde pública no Brasil e no mundo, afetando de maneira desproporcional homens que fazem sexo com homens (HSH), travestis e mulheres transgênero. São relativamente escassos os estudos sobre infecções sexualmente transmissíveis (IST) entre adolescentes pertencentes a essas populações-chave. O estudo transversal multicêntrico brasileiro analisou a prevalência de sífilis na linha de base da coorte PrEP15-19 de HSH, travestis e mulheres transgênero adolescentes, sexualmente ativos, recrutados entre abril de 2019 e dezembro de 2020. As análises foram realizadas com as dimensões de vulnerabilidade a ISTs/HIV, e modelos de regressão logística foram construídos para estimar as razões de chances da associação entre as variáveis preditoras e um teste treponêmico positivo para sífilis na entrada do estudo. Foram analisados 677 participantes. A idade mediana era 18,9 anos (IIQ: 18,1-19,5), 70,5% (477) se autoidentificaram como pretos, 70,5% (474) como homossexuais/gays e 48 (7,1%) como mulheres trans ou travestis. A prevalência de sífilis na linha de base era 21,3%. No modelo final de regressão logística, as seguintes variáveis estiveram associadas com chances maiores de sífilis: autorrelato de episódio de IST nos últimos 12 meses (OR = 5,92; IC95%: 3,74-9,37), profissional do sexo (OR = 3,39; IC95%: 1,32-8,78) e menos de 11 anos de escolaridade (OR = 1,76; IC95%: 1,13-2,74). A prevalência de sífilis entre HSH, travestis e mulheres transgênero adolescentes entre 15 e 19 anos de idade foi alarmante, muito acima da taxa relatada na população geral nesta faixa etária, e esteve associada a fatores de vulnerabilidade. Os achados reforçam a necessidade urgente de fortalecer os programas de saúde pública com a discussão sobre raça, gênero, sexualidade e prevenção. mundo HSH , (HSH) (IST populaçõeschave. populaçõeschave populações chave. chave populações-chave PrEP1519 PrEP PrEP15 PrEP15-1 ativos 201 2020 ISTsHIV ISTs HIV ISTs/HIV 67 participantes 189 18 9 18, IIQ (IIQ 18,119,5, 181195 18,1 19,5 1 5 18,1-19,5) 705 70 70,5 477 (477 pretos 474 (474 homossexuaisgays homossexuais gays 4 7,1% 71 7 (7,1% 213 21 3 21,3% OR 5,92 592 92 IC95% IC95 IC 3,749,37, 374937 3,74 9,37 74 37 3,74-9,37) 3,39 339 39 1,328,78 132878 1,32 8,78 32 8 78 1,32-8,78 1,76 176 76 1,132,74. 113274 1,13 2,74 . 13 2 1,13-2,74) alarmante etária raça gênero prevenção (HSH PrEP151 PrEP1 PrEP15- 20 202 6 119 18,119,5 18119 181 195 19, 18,1-19,5 70, 47 (47 7,1 (7,1 21,3 5,9 59 IC9 749 3,749,37 37493 374 3,7 937 9,3 3,74-9,37 3,3 33 328 1,328,7 13287 132 1,3 878 8,7 1,32-8,7 1,7 17 1,132,74 11327 113 1,1 274 2,7 1,13-2,74 18,119, 1811 18,1-19, (4 7, (7, 21, 5, 3,749,3 3749 3, 93 9, 3,74-9,3 1,328, 1328 1, 87 8, 1,32-8, 1,132,7 1132 27 2, 1,13-2,7 18,119 18,1-19 ( (7 3,749, 3,74-9, 1,328 1,32-8 1,132, 1,13-2, 18,11 18,1-1 3,749 3,74-9 1,32- 1,132 1,13-2 18,1- 3,74- 1,13-

Syphilis has reemerged as a serious public health problem in Brazil and worldwide, disproportionately affecting men who have sex with men (MSM) and travestis and transgender women (TrTGW). Studies on sexually transmitted infections (STI) in adolescents from these key populations are relatively scarce. This is a Brazilian multi-center, cross study with prevalence analysis, using as baseline the PrEP1519 cohort of sexually active MSM and TrTGW adolescents, recruited from April 2019 to December 2020. Analyses were made using the dimensions of vulnerability to STI/HIV and logistic regression models were conducted to estimate the odds ratios of the association between the predictor variables and positive treponemal test for syphilis at the moment of entry in the study. In total, 677 participants were analyzed; participants’ median age was 18.9 years (IQR: 18.1-19.5); 70.5% (477) self-declared as black; 70.5% (474), as homosexuals/gays; and 48 (7.1%), as trans women or travestis. The baseline prevalence of syphilis was 21.3%. In the final logistic regression model, higher chance of syphilis was associated with: self-reported episode of STI in the last 12 months (OR = 5.92; 95%CI: 3.74-9.37), sex worker (OR = 3.39; 95%CI: 1.32-8.78), and < 11 years of schooling (OR = 1.76; 95%CI: 1.13-2.74). The prevalence of syphilis among MSM/TrTGW adolescents aged from 15 to 19 years was alarming, much higher than the described for the general population within this age range and associated with vulnerability factors. This reinforces the urgent need to strengthen public health programs to debate about race, gender, sexuality, and prevention. worldwide (MSM TrTGW. . (TrTGW) (STI scarce multicenter, multicenter multi center, center multi-center analysis PrEP PrEP151 201 2020 STIHIV HIV total 67 analyzed 189 18 9 18. IQR (IQR 18.119.5 181195 18.1 19.5 1 5 18.1-19.5) 705 70 70.5 477 (477 selfdeclared self declared black 474, 474 , (474) homosexuals/gays homosexualsgays homosexuals gays 4 7.1%, 71 7.1% 7 (7.1%) 213 21 3 21.3% model selfreported reported OR 5.92 592 92 95%CI 95CI CI 95 3.749.37, 374937 3.74 9.37 74 37 3.74-9.37) 3.39 339 39 1.328.78, 132878 1.32 8.78 32 8 78 1.32-8.78) 1.76 176 76 1.132.74. 113274 1.13 2.74 13 2 1.13-2.74) MSMTrTGW alarming factors race gender sexuality prevention (TrTGW PrEP15 20 202 6 119 18.119. 18119 181 195 19. 18.1-19.5 70. 47 (47 (474 7.1 (7.1% 21.3 5.9 59 749 3.749.37 37493 374 3.7 937 9.3 3.74-9.37 3.3 33 328 1.328.78 13287 132 1.3 878 8.7 1.32-8.78 1.7 17 1.132.74 11327 113 1.1 274 2.7 1.13-2.74 PrEP1 18.119 1811 18.1-19. (4 7. (7.1 21. 5. 3.749.3 3749 3. 93 9. 3.74-9.3 1.328.7 1328 1. 87 8. 1.32-8.7 1.132.7 1132 27 2. 1.13-2.7 18.11 18.1-19 ( (7. 3.749. 3.74-9. 1.328. 1.32-8. 1.132. 1.13-2. 18.1-1 (7 3.749 3.74-9 1.328 1.32-8 1.132 1.13-2 18.1- 3.74- 1.32- 1.13-

A sífilis reemergiu enquanto problema sério de saúde pública no Brasil e no mundo, afetando de maneira desproporcional homens que fazem sexo com homens (HSH), travestis e mulheres transgênero. São relativamente escassos os estudos sobre infecções sexualmente transmissíveis (IST) entre adolescentes pertencentes a essas populações-chave. O estudo transversal multicêntrico brasileiro analisou a prevalência de sífilis na linha de base da coorte PrEP15-19 de HSH, travestis e mulheres transgênero adolescentes, sexualmente ativos, recrutados entre abril de 2019 e dezembro de 2020. As análises foram realizadas com as dimensões de vulnerabilidade a ISTs/HIV, e modelos de regressão logística foram construídos para estimar as razões de chances da associação entre as variáveis preditoras e um teste treponêmico positivo para sífilis na entrada do estudo. Foram analisados 677 participantes. A idade mediana era 18,9 anos (IIQ: 18,1-19,5), 70,5% (477) se autoidentificaram como pretos, 70,5% (474) como homossexuais/gays e 48 (7,1%) como mulheres trans ou travestis. A prevalência de sífilis na linha de base era 21,3%. No modelo final de regressão logística, as seguintes variáveis estiveram associadas com chances maiores de sífilis: autorrelato de episódio de IST nos últimos 12 meses (OR = 5,92; IC95%: 3,74-9,37), profissional do sexo (OR = 3,39; IC95%: 1,32-8,78) e menos de 11 anos de escolaridade (OR = 1,76; IC95%: 1,13-2,74). A prevalência de sífilis entre HSH, travestis e mulheres transgênero adolescentes entre 15 e 19 anos de idade foi alarmante, muito acima da taxa relatada na população geral nesta faixa etária, e esteve associada a fatores de vulnerabilidade. Os achados reforçam a necessidade urgente de fortalecer os programas de saúde pública com a discussão sobre raça, gênero, sexualidade e prevenção.

La sífilis ha resurgido como un problema serio de salud pública en Brasil y en todo el mundo, afectando desproporcionadamente a hombres que tienen sexo con hombres (HSH), travestis y mujeres transgénero (TrTGW). Los estudios de las enfermedades trasmitidas sexualmente (ETS) en adolescentes de estas poblaciones clase son relativamente escasos. Se trata de un estudio transversal brasileño multicéntrico, con análisis de prevalencia de la base de referencia de la cohorte PrEP1519 de hombres activos sexualmente que mantienen sexo con hombres y adolescentes TrTGW, reclutados desde abril de 2019 a diciembre de 2020. Se hicieron análisis, usando las dimensiones de vulnerabilidad a las ETS/VIH, y se realizaron modelos de regresión logística para estimar las odds ratios de la asociación entre las variables predictoras y la prueba treponémica positiva para la sífilis al comenzar el estudio. Se analizaron a 677 participantes. La media de edad fue 18,9 años (IQR: 18,1-19,5), 70,5% (477) se autodeclararon como negros, 70,5% (474) como homosexuales/gays y 48 (7,1%) como mujeres trans o travestis. La base de referencia de prevalencia de sífilis fue 21,3%. En el modelo final de regresión logística, se asociaron con una posibilidad más alta de sífilis: un episodio autoinformado de ETS en los últimos 12 meses (OR = 5,92; IC95%: 3,74-9,37), trabajadores sexuales (OR = 3,39; IC95%: 1,32-8,78) y < 11 años de estudio (OR = 1,76; IC95%: 1,13-2,74). La prevalencia de sífilis entre adolescentes HSH/TrTGW con edades de 15 a 19 años fue alarmante, mucho más que lo descrito para la población general en este rango de edad y asociado con factores de vulnerabilidad. Esto refuerza la urgente necesidad de fortalecer los programas de salud pública, discutiendo cuestiones de raza, género, sexualidad y prevención.

Syphilis has reemerged as a serious public health problem in Brazil and worldwide, disproportionately affecting men who have sex with men (MSM) and travestis and transgender women (TrTGW). Studies on sexually transmitted infections (STI) in adolescents from these key populations are relatively scarce. This is a Brazilian multi-center, cross study with prevalence analysis, using as baseline the PrEP1519 cohort of sexually active MSM and TrTGW adolescents, recruited from April 2019 to December 2020. Analyses were made using the dimensions of vulnerability to STI/HIV and logistic regression models were conducted to estimate the odds ratios of the association between the predictor variables and positive treponemal test for syphilis at the moment of entry in the study. In total, 677 participants were analyzed; participants’ median age was 18.9 years (IQR: 18.1-19.5); 70.5% (477) self-declared as black; 70.5% (474), as homosexuals/gays; and 48 (7.1%), as trans women or travestis. The baseline prevalence of syphilis was 21.3%. In the final logistic regression model, higher chance of syphilis was associated with: self-reported episode of STI in the last 12 months (OR = 5.92; 95%CI: 3.74-9.37), sex worker (OR = 3.39; 95%CI: 1.32-8.78), and < 11 years of schooling (OR = 1.76; 95%CI: 1.13-2.74). The prevalence of syphilis among MSM/TrTGW adolescents aged from 15 to 19 years was alarming, much higher than the described for the general population within this age range and associated with vulnerability factors. This reinforces the urgent need to strengthen public health programs to debate about race, gender, sexuality, and prevention.

ABSTRACT Objective: Staphylococcus aureus infections remain associated with considerable morbidity and mortality in both hospitals and the community. There is little information regarding the role of ovarian hormones in infections caused by S. aureus. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of ovariectomy in the immune response induced by S. aureus. Methods: Female mice BALB/c were ovariectomized (OVX) to significantly reduce the level of ovarian hormones. We also used sham-operated animals. The mice were inoculated intraperitoneally with S. aureus. Blood samples were collected for leukocyte count and bacterial quantification. The uterus and spleen were removed and weighed to calculate the uterine and splenic indexes. Lungs were removed and fractionated for immunohistochemical analysis for macrophage detection (anti-CD68) and relative gene expression of IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α by RT-PCR. Results: Ovariectomy enlarged spleen size and generally increased circulating lymphocytes. OVX females experienced a continuation of the initial reduction of lymphocytes and a monocyte and neutrophil late response compared to shams (p ≥ 0.05). Moreover, OVX females showed neutropenia after 168 h of infection (p ≥ 0.05). Macrophage response in the lungs were less pronounced in OVX females in the initial hours of infection (p ≥ 0.01). OVX females showed a higher relative gene expression of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α in the lung at the beginning of the infection compared to sham females (p ≥ 0.01). Among the uninfected females, the OVX control females showed a higher expression of IL-6 in the lung compared to the sham control females (p ≥ 0.05). In this model, the lack of ovarian hormones caused a minor increase in circulating leukocytes during the initial stage of infection by S. aureus and increased pulmonary gene expression of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. Ovariectomy alone enlarged the spleen and increased circulating lymphocytes. Ovarian hormones acted as immunoprotectors against S. aureus infection.

Resumo O contexto brasileiro de desigualdades sociais e barreiras no acesso aos serviços de saúde pode agravar a situação da pandemia de COVID-19, que já afeta todos os estados da federação, com a curva crescente de aumento de casos confirmados e mortes. O governo dos países e os agentes do campo científico têm buscado evidências para as melhores práticas de prevenção e controle da transmissão, e cuidado da infecção e doença, incluindo medidas de diagnóstico, tratamento e de atenção à saúde. A estratégia de testagem em larga escala, visando o diagnóstico precoce, quarentena dos casos leves identificados, bem como dos contactantes, e cuidado adequado dos casos graves, tem sido revisada e indicada como uma das medidas eficientes para o controle da pandemia em vários países do mundo. O artigo tem como objetivo discutir os desafios da testagem e do diagnóstico de COVID-19 no Brasil.

Abstract The Brazilian context of social inequalities and barriers in accessing health services may deteriorate the situation of the COVID-19 pandemic, which already affects all Brazilian federative states, with the growing curve of increasing confirmed cases and deaths. National governments and scientific field agents have been looking for evidence for the best practices of prevention and control of transmission, and care of infection and disease, including diagnosis, treatment, and health care measures. The large-scale testing strategy, aimed at early diagnosis, quarantine of the mild cases identified, as well as those of the contacts, and adequate care of severe cases, has been revised and indicated as one of the efficient pandemic control measures in several countries in the world. This paper aims to discuss the challenges of COVID-19 testing and diagnosis in Brazil.

Resumo Objetivos: compilar estudos produzidos acerca dos fatores de risco genéticos e não genéticos associados a ocorrência de aborto espontâneo. Métodos: trata-se de um artigo de revisão sistemática, com estudos publicados entre janeiro de 2008 a novembro de 2018 nas bases de dados SciELO, PubMed, Lilacs e BVS. Resultados: um total de 567 artigos foram encontrados. Após aplicação dos critérios de elegibilidade definidos, 44 artigos compuseram a presente revisão com a maioria publicada na Ásia, entre os anos de 2008 a 2011, e 10 artigos publicados no Brasil. Causas não genéticas, como fatores sociodemográficos e estado de saúde, estiveram entre as condições mais associadas ao abortamento espontâneo. No continente asiático houve predominância na correlação do aborto espontâneo com fatores relacionados ao estilo de vida como obesidade, tabagismo e atividades laborais; já nas Américas destacam-se causas relacionadas aos fatores sociodemográficos, como baixa renda e baixa escolaridade. Conclusões: os fatores de risco diferem em relação a região de ocorrência, sendo importante a realização de estudos detalhados para que sejam capazes de subsidiar a implantação de políticas públicas e, assim, minorar a ocorrência de abortos.

Abstract Objectives: to compile studies produced regardinggenetic and non-genetic risks factors associated with occurrence of spontaneous abortion. Methods: it talks about a systematic review article, with studies between January of 2008 to November of 2018 according to SciELO, PubMed, Lilacs and BVS. Results: in total, 567 articles were found. After applying the definedeligibility criteria, 44 articles made part of the review, being the majority published on Asia between 2008 and 2011, and 10 articles published on Brazil. Not genetic causes like sociodemographic factors and healthy state were among the most associated conditions of spontaneous abortion. Asiatic continent had predominance about the correlation of spontaneous abortion with factors related to life style like obesity, smoking and labor activities, on the other hand, in the Americas, causes related to sociodemographics factors like low pay and low studies are high-lighted. Conclusions: the risk factors change about the occurrence region, being important to make local studies capable of subsidize the implantation of public politics and to reduce abortions.

Resumo O contexto brasileiro de desigualdades sociais e barreiras no acesso aos serviços de saúde pode agravar a situação da pandemia de COVID-19, que já afeta todos os estados da federação, com a curva crescente de aumento de casos confirmados e mortes. O governo dos países e os agentes do campo científico têm buscado evidências para as melhores práticas de prevenção e controle da transmissão, e cuidado da infecção e doença, incluindo medidas de diagnóstico, tratamento e de atenção à saúde. A estratégia de testagem em larga escala, visando o diagnóstico precoce, quarentena dos casos leves identificados, bem como dos contactantes, e cuidado adequado dos casos graves, tem sido revisada e indicada como uma das medidas eficientes para o controle da pandemia em vários países do mundo. O artigo tem como objetivo discutir os desafios da testagem e do diagnóstico de COVID-19 no Brasil.

Abstract The Brazilian context of social inequalities and barriers in accessing health services may deteriorate the situation of the COVID-19 pandemic, which already affects all Brazilian federative states, with the growing curve of increasing confirmed cases and deaths. National governments and scientific field agents have been looking for evidence for the best practices of prevention and control of transmission, and care of infection and disease, including diagnosis, treatment, and health care measures. The large-scale testing strategy, aimed at early diagnosis, quarantine of the mild cases identified, as well as those of the contacts, and adequate care of severe cases, has been revised and indicated as one of the efficient pandemic control measures in several countries in the world. This paper aims to discuss the challenges of COVID-19 testing and diagnosis in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Bacterial pathogens have many strategies for infecting and persisting in host cells. Adhesion, invasion and intracellular life are important features in the biology of mollicutes. The intracellular location ofUreaplasma diversum may trigger disturbances in the host cell. This includes activation or inhibition of pro and anti-apoptotic factors, which facilitate the development of host damage. The aim of the present study was to associate U. diversum infection in HEp-2 cells and apoptosis induction. Cells were infected for 72hs with four U. diversum clinical isolates and an ATCC strain. The U. diversuminvasion was analyzed by Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy and gentamicin invasion assay. The apoptosis was evaluated using pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic gene expression, and FITC Annexin V/Dead Cell Apoptosis Kit. RESULTS: The number of internalized ureaplasma in HEp-2 cells increased significantly throughout the infection. The flow cytometry analysis with fluorochromes to detect membrane depolarization and gene expression for caspase 2, 3 and 9 increased in infected cells after 24 hours. However, after 72 hours a considerable decrease of apoptotic cells was observed. CONCLUSIONS: The data suggests that apoptosis may be initially induced by some isolates in association with HEp-2 cells, but over time, there was no evidence of apoptosis in the presence of ureaplasma and HEp-2 cells. The initial increase and then decrease in apoptosis could be related to bacterial pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMPS). Moreover, the isolates of U. diversum presented differences in the studied parameters for apoptosis. It was also observed that the amount of microorganisms was not proportional to the induction of apoptosis in HEp-2 cells.

Este trabalho teve como objetivos avaliar o potencial antimicrobiano e os teores de flavonoides e quinonas de extratos foliares de Aloe arborescens Mill., Xanthorrhoeaceae, produzidos em diferentes épocas do ano. Extratos etanólicos e clorofórmicos foram preparados a partir de folhas, os bioensaios de atividade antimicrobiana foram desenvolvidos pelo método de macrodiluição em caldo, e dosagens de flavonoides e quinonas foram realizadas nos extratos. Todos os extratos apresentaram ação inibitória sobre os microrganismos testados. O extrato clorofórmico de inverno apresentou a menor CIM (128 µg/mL) sobre B. subtilis. Os extratos clorofórmicos de inverno, primavera e verão apresentaram maior atividade antimicrobiana em relação ao extrato clorofórmico de outono. O extrato etanólico de inverno apresentou a menor CIM (256 µg/mL) e a menor CMM (512 µg/mL) sobre K. pneumoniae. Os extratos etanólicos de verão e outono mostraram baixa atividade antimicrobiana. Os teores de quinonas das folhas foram maiores nos períodos mais quentes de coleta (verão e outono), enquanto os teores de flavonoides foram semelhantes nos quatro períodos de coleta.

This work has the objective of evaluate the antimicrobial potency and the content of flavonoids and quinones from the Aloe arborescens Mill., Xanthorrhoeaceae, leaf extracts produced in the four seasons of the year. Ethanol and chloroform extracts were prepared from the leaves, the bioassays from antimicrobial activity were developed by the macrodilution method in broth, and dosages of flavonoids and quinones were performed in the extracts. The winter chloroform extract showed the lowest CIM (128 µg/mL) on B. subtilis. The ethanol extract showed the lowest CIM (256 µg/mL) and the lowest CMM (512 µg/mL) on K. pneumoniae. The summer and fall ethanol extracts showed low antimicrobial activity. The quinones extracts showed inhibitory activity on the tested microorganisms. The winter, spring and summer chloroform extracts showed higher antimicrobial activity compared to the fall chloroform one. The winter ethanol extract content from the leaves were higher in the hotter periods of collection (summer and fall) and the flavonoids content were similar in the four collection periods.