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Martins-Filho PR, de Souza Araújo AA, Quintans-Júnior LJ, Soares BDS, Barboza WDS, Cavalcante TF, Santos VS. Dynamics of hospitalizations and in-hospital deaths from COVID-19 in Northeast Brazil: a retrospective analysis based on the circulation of SARS-CoV-2 variants and vaccination coverage. Epidemiol Health 2022; 44:e2022036. [PMID: 35413166 PMCID: PMC9350422 DOI: 10.4178/epih.e2022036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the dynamics of hospitalizations and in-hospital deaths from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) throughout the pandemic in northeast Brazil, the Brazilian region with the worst socioeconomic indicators. In total, 141,445 cases, 8,213 hospital admissions, and 1,644 in-hospital deaths from COVID-19 were registered from March 14, 2020 to February 5, 2022. The overall rates of hospitalization and in-hospital deaths were 5.8% and 20.0%, respectively. The hospitalization and death rates significantly decreased over time, which may have been related to progress in vaccination. During the spread of the Gamma variant (January to June 2021), most hospitalized individuals were young adults, and approximately 40% of deaths occurred in this age group. During the predominance of Delta (July to December 2021), over 75% of deaths occurred among the elderly and unvaccinated or partially vaccinated individuals. This rate decreased to 42.3% during the transmission of the Omicron variant (January to February 2022), during which 34.6% of deaths were recorded among fully vaccinated individuals (2 doses) and 23.1% among those who received full vaccination and a booster. The Omicron-driven third wave was associated with a rise in the proportion of deaths among vaccinated individuals, especially among those who had not received a booster dose.
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Martins-Filho PR, da Silva DN, dos Santos DM, Rezende MS, Silva JPR, da Silva Neto JB, Schimieguel DM, Quintans-Júnior LJ, Quintans JDSS, Nunes PS, de Souza Araújo AA. Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in radio and television workers. EXCLI JOURNAL 2022; 21:269-272. [PMID: 35221843 PMCID: PMC8859642 DOI: 10.17179/excli2021-4545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
We investigated the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in individuals working in radio and television stations (TV) in Sergipe state, Northeast Brazil. This cross-sectional study was conducted from December 1 to December 20, 2020, a period which was considered as the beginning of the second wave of COVID-19 in the state. One hundred and thirteen professionals from the three largest media companies in the state were included in this study. Venous blood was collected using venipuncture and a fluorescence immunoassay for qualitative detection and differentiation of IgM and IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 was performed. Twenty-eight media workers had detectable levels of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies (11 IgM+, 6 IgM+/ IgG+, and 11 IgG+) and the estimated seroprevalence was 24.8 % (95 % CI 17.7 - 33.5). Our findings showed a high seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in radio and TV workers during the second wave of COVID-19 in Brazil.
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Ribeiro PT, Pedrosa TDN, Chaves FCM, Quintans-Júnior LJ, Araújo AADS, Vasconcellos MCD, Maria-Engler SS, Silva CC, Silva FMAD, Koolen HHF, Lima ES, Lima ÁAND. Physicochemical characterization and cosmetic applications of Passiflora nitida Kunth leaf extract. BRAZ J PHARM SCI 2022. [DOI: 10.1590/s2175-97902022e19723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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de Jesus Silva R, Pinto Borges L, José Quintans-Júnior L, Ferezin Resende C, Adsuara Cadegiani F, Henrique Gomes J, Rebello Mendes R. Acute effects of a typical rhythmic gymnastic training session on physiological parameters in Olympic athletes. KINESIOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.26582/k.54.2.9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a day with two separate training sessions (morning and afternoon) of rhythmic gymnastics on erythrocytes, leukocytes, muscle damage, oxidative stress, and hydration of Brazilian team [age 17.7 (±1.1) years; body height 165 (±0.5) cm; body mass 49.7 (±4.2) kg]. Heart rate and session-ratings of perceived exertion were used to monitor training intensity. Blood samples were collected immediately before (M1) and after (M2) the training day for analyzing erythrocytes, leukocytes, plasma creatine kinase activity, lactate dehydrogenase, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, ferric reducing ability plasma, thyroid-stimulating hormone, and free T4. Saliva was collected for cortisol analysis. After 24 hours rest (M3), blood collection was performed to analyze creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase. The moderate-intensity training day induced significant elevations of total leukocytes (5,163.3 to 9,617.8), lymphocytes (1,752.7 to 2,729.7), neutrophils (2,873.9 to 6,163.6), monocytes (255.7 to 519.1), platelets (280,000.0 to 300,666.7), aspartate aminotransferase (13.1 to 25.6), lactate dehydrogenase (102.5 to 249.1), thyroid-stimulating hormone (1.0 to 3.2), and ferric reducing ability plasma (136.8 to 165.4), as well as significant reductions in red cells (4,691,111.1 to 4,497,777.8), hematocrit (42.1 to 39.3), and hemoglobin (12.9 to 12.5) at M2. There were also significant increases in creatine kinase (144.2 to 519.3) and lactate dehydrogenase (102.5 to 538.2) at M3. The average dehydration rate was 1.3%. A moderate-intensity day of training in rhythmic gymnastics of 8h21min duration caused hemolysis, leukocytosis, muscle damage, redox status perturbations, and insufficient hydration status. These findings show that athletes are exposed to physiological vulnerabilities that can possibly harm their performance and health.
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Borges LP, Martins AF, de Souza DRV, de Rezende Neto JM, Santos AA, Oliveira BM, Matos ILS, da Invenção GB, dos Santos KA, Souza NAA, de Jesus PC, dos Santos CA, de Oliveira Goes MA, de Souza MSF, de Carvalho Barreto ID, Guimarães AG, Quintans-Júnior LJ. Does In-Person Visiting Affect the Number of COVID-19 Cases in Prisons? Life (Basel) 2021; 11:1184. [PMID: 34833060 PMCID: PMC8617881 DOI: 10.3390/life11111184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Even with the current advances that have been made in regard to COVID-19, such as a better understanding of the disease and the steady growth in the number of vaccinated individuals, it remains a challenge for humanity. Dealing with the disease in prison settings has been particularly difficult. This study sought to discover whether in-person visiting affected the number of cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the penitentiaries in the state of Sergipe (Brazil). We conducted a two-phase study (when visiting was suspended and after it recommenced) in seven penitentiaries in Sergipe using immunochromatography and nasopharyngeal swab testing to evaluate whether visiting affects the number of COVID-19 cases. In the first phase (n = 778), 57.6% of inmates reported risk factors and 32.5% were positive for COVID-19 (18.9% IgM, 24.2% IgG, 1% antigen). In the second phase, 19.6% tested positive (13.9% IgM, 7.9% IgG, 0.2% antigen). The occurrence of positive cases of COVID-19 and positive results (IgM and IgG) were significantly higher in the first phase. In the second phase, 56.7% of inmates had received visits and 18.7% were positive for COVID-19 (14% IgM, 7% IgG). Among those who had not received visits, 20.9% tested positive (13.8% IgM, 9.2% IgG, 0.5% antigen). There was no significant difference in positive cases/results between inmates that had and had not received visits. These findings suggest that, under the conditions assessed, visiting does not seem to affect the number of COVID-19 cases in prisons and reinforces the importance of sanitary measures to control dissemination.
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Paulino ET, Rodrigues AKBF, Machado MLDP, de Oliveira KRV, Bernardino AC, Quintans-Júnior LJ, Oliveira AP, Ribeiro ÊAN. Alpha-terpineol prevents myocardial damage against isoproterenol-MI induced in Wistar-Kyoto rats: New possible to promote cardiovascular integrity. Life Sci 2021; 290:120087. [PMID: 34740575 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.120087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Alpha-terpineol (TPN) is one of the major components of the resin obtained from Protium heptaphyllum. This plant has been utilized as medicine by Brazilian indigenous tribes to treat cardiovascular diseases. Scientific reports have shown that the TPN possesses vasorelaxant and antihypertensive effects. This study was conducted to assess the cardioprotective action of TPN against isoproterenol (ISO)-induced cardiotoxicity. Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups. Rats were orally administered with TPN (25, 50, and 75 mg/kg, respectively) for 15 days, and ISO was administered (85 mg/kg, subcutaneously) on the 14th and 15th days. At the end of the experiment, the hemodynamic, baroreflex test, ECG, biochemical, histological, and morphometric changes were monitored from control and experimental groups, i.e., on the 15th day. ISO-induced myocardial infarcted rats showed an increase in mortality rates, cardiac marker enzymes, tachycardia, hypertrophy, myocardium necrosis, edema, hemorrhagic areas, infiltration of inflammatory cells like lymphocytes, and increased myocardial infarct size. However, pretreatment with TPN significantly inhibited these effects of ISO. The histopathological findings obtained for the myocardium further confirmed the biochemical results. Thus, the present study provides evidence for the efficacy of TPN against ISO-induced myocardial infarction in rats.
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Martins-Filho PR, Pereira de Andrade AL, Pereira de Andrade AJ, Moura da Silva MD, de Souza Araújo AA, Nunes PS, Santos VS, Ferreira LC, de Aquino Neves EL, Quintans-Júnior LJ. Miller Fisher Syndrome in Patients With Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Infection: A Systematic Review. J Clin Neurol 2021; 17:541-545. [PMID: 34595862 PMCID: PMC8490896 DOI: 10.3988/jcn.2021.17.4.541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Miller Fisher syndrome (MFS) is a subtype of Guillain-Barré syndrome characterized by the triad of ophthalmoparesis, areflexia, and ataxia. Although cases of MFS have been associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, no studies have synthesized the clinical characteristics of patients with this condition. METHODS In this rapid systematic review, we searched the PubMed database to identify studies on MFS associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. RESULTS This review identified 11 cases, of whom 3 were hospitalized with motor and/or sensory polyneuropathy as the first sign of SARS-CoV-2 infection. SARS-CoV-2 RNA was not detected in analyses of cerebrospinal fluid, suggesting a mechanism of immune-mediated injury rather than direct viral neurotropism. However, antiganglioside antibodies were found in only two of the nine patients tested. It is possible that target antigens other than gangliosides are involved in MFS associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. CONCLUSIONS The present patients exhibited clinical improvement after being treated with intravenous immunoglobulin. Although rare, patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection may present neurological symptoms suggestive of MFS. Early recognition of the MFS clinical triad is essential for the timely initiation of treatment.
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Martins-Filho PR, Ferreira LC, Heimfarth L, Araújo AADS, Quintans-Júnior LJ. Efficacy and safety of hydroxychloroquine as pre-and post-exposure prophylaxis and treatment of COVID-19: A systematic review and meta-analysis of blinded, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trials. LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. AMERICAS 2021; 2:100062. [PMID: 34485970 PMCID: PMC8403035 DOI: 10.1016/j.lana.2021.100062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is an anti-malarial and immunomodulatory drug considered a potential candidate for drug repurposing in COVID-19 due to their in vitro antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2. Despite the potential antiviral effects and anti-inflammatory profile, the results based on clinical studies are contradictory. Therefore, the quality of the decision-making process from meta-analyses summarizing the available evidence selecting studies with different designs and unblinded trials is limited. The aim of this study was to synthesize the best evidence on the efficacy and safety of HCQ as pre-and post-exposure prophylaxis and treatment of non-hospitalized and hospitalized patients with COVID-19. METHODS Searches were performed in PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Lilacs, the website ClinicalTrials.gov and the preprint server medRxiv from January 1, 2020 to May 17, 2021. The following elements were used to define eligibility criteria: (1) Population: individuals at high-risk of exposure to SARS-CoV-2 (pre-exposure), individuals who had close contact with a positive or probable case of COVID-19 (post-exposure), non-hospitalized patients with COVID-19 and hospitalized patients with COVID-19; (2) Intervention: HCQ; (3) Comparison: placebo; (4) Outcomes: incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection, need for hospitalization, length of hospital stay, need for invasive mechanical ventilation (MV), death, and adverse events; and (5) Study type: blinded, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trials (RCTs). Risk of bias was judged according to the Cochrane guidelines for RCTs. Treatment effects were reported as relative risk (RR) for dichotomous variables and mean difference (MD) for continuous variables with 95% confidence intervals (CI). We used either a fixed or random-effects model to pool the results of individual studies depending on the presence of heterogeneity. The GRADE system was used to evaluate the strength of evidence between use of HCQ and the outcomes of interest. FINDINGS Fourteen blinded, placebo-controlled RCTs were included in this meta-analysis. Four trials (1942 patients: HCQ = 1271; placebo = 671) used HCQ as a prophylactic medication pre-exposure to COVID-19, two (1650 patients: HCQ = 821; placebo = 829) as a prophylactic medication post-exposure to COVID-19, three (1018 patients: HCQ = 497; placebo = 521) as treatment for non-hospitalized patients, and five (1138 patients: HCQ = 572; placebo = 566) as treatment for hospitalized patients with COVID-19. We found no decreased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection among individuals receiving HCQ as pre-exposure (RR = 0.90; 95% CI 0.46 to 1.77) or post-exposure (RR = 0.96; 95% CI 0.72 to 1.29) prophylaxis to prevent COVID-19. There was no significant decreased risk of hospitalization for outpatients with SARS-CoV-2 infection (RR = 0.64; 95% CI 0.33 to 1.23) and no decreased risk of MV (RR = 0.81; 95% CI 0.49 to 1.34) and death (RR = 1.05; 95% CI 0.62 to 1.78) among hospitalized patients with COVID-19 receiving HCQ. The certainty of the results on the lack of clinical benefit for HCQ was rated as moderate. Moreover, our results demonstrated an increased risk for any adverse events and gastrointestinal symptoms among those using HCQ. INTERPRETATION Available evidence based on the results of blinded, placebo-controlled RCTs showed no clinical benefits of HCQ as pre-and post-exposure prophylaxis and treatment of non-hospitalized and hospitalized patients with COVID-19. FUNDING There was no funding source.
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Silva-Martins S, Beserra-Filho JIA, Maria-Macêdo A, Custódio-Silva AC, Soares-Silva B, Silva SP, Lambertucci RH, Silva RH, Dos Santos JR, Gandhi SR, Quintans-Júnior LJ, Ribeiro AM. Myrtenol complexed with β-cyclodextrin ameliorates behavioural deficits and reduces oxidative stress in the reserpine-induced animal model of Parkinsonism. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2021; 48:1488-1499. [PMID: 34351001 DOI: 10.1111/1440-1681.13563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Current pharmacological approaches to treat Parkinson's disease have low long-term efficacy and important adverse side effects. The development of new pharmacological therapies has focused on novel plant-derived phytochemicals. The alcoholic monoterpene myrtenol has been isolated from several plant species, and has anxiolytic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions. Our study evaluated the neuroprotective potential of myrtenol complexed with β-cyclodextrin (MYR) on a progressive parkinsonism model induced by reserpine (RES) in mice. The complexation with cyclodextrins enhances the pharmacological action of monoterpenes. Male Swiss mice were treated daily with MYR (5 mg/kg, p.o.) and with RES (0.1 mg/kg, s.c.) every other day during 28 days. Behavioural evaluations were conducted across treatment. At the end of the treatment, immunohistochemistry for tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and oxidative stress parameters were evaluated. Chronic MYR-treatment protected against olfactory sensibility loss, restored short-term memory and decreased RES-induced motor impairments. Moreover, this treatment prevented dopaminergic depletion and reduced the oxidative status index in the dorsal striatum. Therefore, MYR ameliorated motor and non-motor impairments in the progressive animal model of parkinsonism, possibly by an antioxidant action. Additional research is needed to investigate the mechanisms involved in this neuroprotective effect.
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Santos VS, Souza Araújo AA, de Oliveira JR, Quintans-Júnior LJ, Martins-Filho PR. COVID-19 mortality among Indigenous people in Brazil: a nationwide register-based study. J Public Health (Oxf) 2021; 43:e250-e251. [PMID: 33044545 PMCID: PMC7665629 DOI: 10.1093/pubmed/fdaa176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Revised: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has disproportionately affected Black people and minority ethnic groups, but there are limited data regarding the impact of disease on Indigenous people. Herein, we investigated the burden of COVID-19 on the Indigenous population in Brazil. We performed a populational-based study including all cases and deaths from COVID-19 among Brazilian Indigenous people from 26 February to 28 August 2020. Data were obtained from official Brazilian information systems. We calculated incidence, mortality and fatality rates for the Indigenous population for each of the five Brazilian regions. Brazil had an incidence and a mortality rate of 3546.4 cases and 65.0 deaths per 100 000 population, respectively. The case fatality rate (CFR) was 1.8%. The Central-West had the higher estimates of disease burden among Brazilian Indians (incidence rate: 3135.0/100 000; mortality rate: 101.2/100 000 and CFR: 3.2%) followed by the North region (incidence rate: 5664.4/100 000; mortality rate: 92.2/100 000 and CFR: 1.6%). Governmental actions should guarantee the isolation, monitoring and testing capabilities of Indigenous people and rapidly to provide social protection and health facilities.
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Silva Pereira RL, Campina FF, Costa MDS, Pereira da Cruz R, Sampaio de Freitas T, Lucas Dos Santos AT, Cruz BG, Maciel de Sena Júnior D, Campos Lima IK, Xavier MR, Rodrigues Teixeira AM, Alencar de Menezes IR, Quintans-Júnior LJ, Araújo AADS, Melo Coutinho HD. Antibacterial and modulatory activities of β-cyclodextrin complexed with (+)-β-citronellol against multidrug-resistant strains. Microb Pathog 2021; 156:104928. [PMID: 33957243 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2021.104928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The present study aimed to investigate the antibacterial and modulatory activities of (+)-β-citronellol (βCT), β-cyclodextrin (β-CD), and their complex βCT/β-CD and characterize them using infrared spectroscopy. Infrared spectra were recorded in the 750-4000 cm-1 region. The antibacterial effects of these compounds and their modulatory-antibiotic activities were determined using the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) test. Signatures of these pure compounds were detected in the infrared spectrum of the βCT/β-CD complex. The MIC of the βCT/β-CD complex against the tested strains was found to be 1024 μg/mL. The antagonistic and synergistic effects of these compounds were also observed using the modulation tests. βCT or β-CD alone did not exhibit any direct antibacterial activity. However, the βCT/β-CD complex in combination with gentamicin showed a synergistic effect against E. coli.
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Nascimento Júnior JAC, Santos AM, Cavalcante RCM, Quintans-Júnior LJ, Walker CIB, Borges LP, Frank LA, Serafini MR. Mapping the technological landscape of SARS, MERS, and SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. Drug Dev Ind Pharm 2021; 47:673-684. [PMID: 33826439 PMCID: PMC8040490 DOI: 10.1080/03639045.2021.1908343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The last two decades have seen the emergence of several viral outbreaks. Some of them are the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), and severe acute respiratory syndrome 2 (SARS-CoV2) - the cause of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Ever, vaccines for emergency use have been authorized for the control and prevention of COVID-19. Currently, there is an urgent need to develop a vaccine for prophylaxis of COVID-19 and for other future epidemics. METHODS This review describes patented vaccines for SARS and MERS-CoV and vaccines developed and approved for emergency use against the new coronavirus (COVID-19). The European Patent Office and the World Intellectual Property Organization were the patent databases used using specific terms. In addition, another search was carried out in the Clinical Trials in search of ongoing clinical studies focused on the COVID-19 vaccine. RESULTS The patent search showed that most vaccines are based on viral vector platforms, nucleic acids, or protein subunits. The review also includes an overview of completed and ongoing clinical trials for SARS-CoV-2 in several countries. CONCLUSION The information provided here lists vaccines for other types of coronavirus that have been used in the development of vaccines for COVID-19.
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Martins-Filho PR, de Souza Araújo AA, Quintans-Júnior LJ, Santos VS. Digital public interest on coronavirus information and social distancing: a Brazilian nationwide analysis using an infodemiology approach. J Travel Med 2021; 28:5900475. [PMID: 32876696 PMCID: PMC7499688 DOI: 10.1093/jtm/taaa154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Revised: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The decline of social distancing measure in Brazil seems to be associated to the reduction of interest on coronavirus information. Exploring the trends of public interest in searching COVID 19 information on the Internet may be a useful and complementary tool to COVID-19 surveillance and commitment to disease preventive measures.
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de Araújo Andrade T, Nascimento Junior JAC, Santos AM, Borges LP, Quintans-Júnior LJ, Walker CIB, Frank LA, Serafini MR. Technological Scenario for Masks in Patent Database During Covid-19 Pandemic. AAPS PharmSciTech 2021; 22:72. [PMID: 33575845 PMCID: PMC7877530 DOI: 10.1208/s12249-021-01918-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Since January 2020, the World Health Organization announces COVID-19 outbreak a case of public health emergency of international interest, and declaring it a pandemic on March. Due to the high transmission of this disease, rate precautions have been implemented, such as the use of masks by the population, personal protective equipment (PPE), and safety protocols, mainly to health workers. Thus, we performed a patent review to evaluate the current patents related to the protective mask. The review was carried out in the patent database in the period of May 2019 to May 2020. After the process of screening and eligibility, 563 patents were selected for our analysis according to the aim of the study which used masks such as a PPE against dust particles and pathogens, mostly when it is about airborne transmission, such as viruses and bacteria. Here, an overview of the main materials used in the mask manufacturing and their efficiency was described. The results of the review showed that most of the masks used cotton, nylon, silver fiber fabrics, among others as fabrics to develop the masks. It also makes an analysis of masks composed of nanotechnology which provide high filtration efficiency. Moreover, the review also brought possibilities of masking the population, which already have been done in countries such as China and Korea and ways of sterilization for reuse of PPE during COVID-19 outbreak. Thus, this review can further researchers in the developing of masks to decrease the spread of a pandemic disease. Graphical abstract.
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Araújo AADS, Quintans-Júnior LJ, Schimieguel DM, Corrêa CB, de Moura TR, Cavalcante RCM, Grespan R, Cerqueira-Meneses DDV, Barreto-Alves JA, Martins-Filho PR. Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in low-income university students. EXCLI JOURNAL 2021; 20:276-280. [PMID: 33628163 PMCID: PMC7898039 DOI: 10.17179/excli2021-3459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Heimfarth L, dos Santos MA, Barreto-Filho JA, Barreto AS, Macedo FN, Araújo AADS, Martins-Filho P, Scotti MT, Scotti L, Quintans-Júnior LJ. Insights into the actions of angiotensin-1 receptor (AT1R) inverse agonists: Perspectives and implications in COVID-19 treatment. EXCLI JOURNAL 2021; 20:252-275. [PMID: 33628162 PMCID: PMC7898045 DOI: 10.17179/excli2021-3412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
New coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) has caused chaos in health care systems. Clinical manifestations of COVID-19 are variable, with a complex pathophysiology and as yet no specific treatment. It has been suggested that the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system has a possible role in the severity of cases and the number of deaths. Our hypothesis is that drugs with inverse agonist effects to the angiotensin-1 receptor can be promising tools in the management of patients with COVID-19, possibly avoiding complications and the poor evolution in some cases. Any risk factors first need to be identified, and the most appropriate time to administer the drugs during the course of the infection also needs to be established. Several angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) have a favorable profile and are important candidates for the treatment of COVID-19. In this review we discussed a set of compounds with favorable profile for COVID-19 treatment, including azilsartan, candesartan, eprosartan, EXP3174, olmesartan, telmisartan, and valsartan. They are effective as inverse agonists and could reduce the "cytokine storm" and reducing oxidative stress. As COVID-19 disease has several evolution patterns, the effectiveness of ARB therapy would be related to infection "timing", patient risk factors, previous use of ARBs, and the specific molecular effects of an ARB. However, controlled studies are needed to identify whether ARBs are beneficial in the treatment of patients with COVID-19.
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Martins-Filho PR, Antunes de Souza Araújo A, Pereira LX, Quintans-Júnior LJ, de Souza Barboza W, Cavalcante TF, Feitosa de Souza M, de Oliveira Góes MA, Santos VS. Factors Associated with Mortality among Hospitalized Patients with COVID-19: A Retrospective Cohort Study. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2021; 104:103-105. [PMID: 33215578 PMCID: PMC7790112 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.20-1170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Information on the risk factors for COVID-19 mortality in low- and middle-income countries is still scarce. In this retrospective cohort study, we analyzed the factors associated with COVID-19 mortality in hospitalized patients in a poor area of Brazil. Logistic regression was used to identify factors independently associated with mortality, including gender, age, and the presence of underlying medical conditions. A total of 1,207 patients were included in the analysis, and a 1.5-fold increase in COVID-19 mortality was found among patients aged > 65 years with hypertension and diabetes (odds ratio [OR]: 1.50, 95% CI: 1.02–2.19). Moreover, infectious disease (OR: 4.31, 95% CI: 1.39–13.39), kidney disease (OR: 2.59, 95% CI: 1.27–5.27), and heart disease (OR: 2.00, 95% CI: 1.31–3.04) were also predictive for COVID-19 in-hospital death. This large cohort provides important data on potential factors associated with COVID-19 mortality in Brazil.
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Martins-Filho PR, Araújo BCL, Sposato KB, Araújo AADS, Quintans-Júnior LJ, Santos VS. Racial Disparities in COVID-19-related Deaths in Brazil: Black Lives Matter? J Epidemiol 2021; 31:239-240. [PMID: 33456022 PMCID: PMC7878714 DOI: 10.2188/jea.je20200589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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Martins-Filho PR, Quintans-Júnior LJ, de Souza Araújo AA, Sposato KB, Souza Tavares CS, Gurgel RQ, Fontes Leite DC, de Paiva SM, Santos HP, Santos VS. Socio-economic inequalities and COVID-19 incidence and mortality in Brazilian children: a nationwide register-based study. Public Health 2020; 190:4-6. [PMID: 33316478 PMCID: PMC7833565 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2020.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Revised: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Objectives This study aimed to estimate the incidence and mortality rates of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Brazilian children and to analyze its relationship with socio-economic inequalities in a state-level analysis. Study design This is a nationwide register-based study. Methods To estimate the incidence and mortality rates of COVID-19 in Brazilian children aged 0–19 years, we extracted data of confirmed cases and deaths from the de-identified microdata catalog and official bulletins of the 27 Brazilian states' health department websites until September 3, 2020. Social and economic inequalities were evaluated using the Social Vulnerability Index and Gini coefficient, respectively. The relationship between COVID-19 rates in Brazilian children and socio-economic vulnerability at the state level was analyzed using Spearman's rank correlation. Results Of the 3,998,055 individuals with COVID-19 included in our database, 335,279 (8.4%) were children aged 0–19 years. Eight hundred deaths in children were registered, which accounts for about 0.7% of the deaths related to COVID-19 in the country. There were important differences in the incidence and mortality rates among Brazilian regions, and a correlation between mortality rates and social (ρ = 0.519; P-value = 0.007; effect magnitude: moderate) and economic (ρ = 0.615; P-value < 0.001; effect magnitude: strong) inequalities was found in a state-level analysis. Conclusions This population-based study showed important regional differences in COVID-19 estimates for children in Brazil and a relationship between mortality rates and socio-economic inequalities. The knowledge of sociogeographic differences in the estimates of COVID-19 is crucial to planning societal strategies and local decision-making to mitigate the effects of disease in the pediatric population. Adverse outcomes due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are not only the result of individual clinical characteristics. This population-based study showed a relationship between mortality rates of COVID-19 among Brazilian children and socio-economic inequalities. There are important regional differences in COVID-19 estimates for children in Brazil. The knowledge of sociogeographic differences in the estimates of COVID-19 is crucial to planning societal strategies and local decision-making to mitigate the effects of disease in the pediatric population.
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Gomes JH, Mendes RR, Franca CS, Da Silva-Grigoletto ME, Pereira da Silva DR, Antoniolli AR, de Oliveira e Silva AM, Quintans-Júnior LJ. Acute leucocyte, muscle damage, and stress marker responses to high-intensity functional training. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0243276. [PMID: 33270727 PMCID: PMC7714345 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0243276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND High-intensity functional training (HIFT) has become more popular, and the number of practitioners has increased; however, it remains unclear whether perturbations in the immune parameters occur, even after one single bout. Our aim was to examine acute leucocyte, muscle damage, and stress marker responses following a single 'Cindy' workout session, and compare the results between novice and experienced participants. MATERIAL AND METHODS Twenty-three HIFT practitioners (age 31.0 ± 1.0 years) completed the 'Cindy' workout. They were categorized as novice (3-8 months of experience; n = 10) and experienced (≥18 months; n = 13). White blood cell (WBC) count, plasma creatine kinase (CK) activity, blood cortisol level, and lactate concentration were measured. Blood analysis was performed before (pre-ex), immediately after (post-ex), 30 min after (post-30 min), and 24 h after (post-24 h) a single 'Cindy' workout session. RESULTS WBC count was higher post-ex (6.8 to 11.8x103/μL) and returned to baseline values within post-30 min (p<0.01). Neutrophil (3.3 to 4.5x103/μL) and lymphocyte levels (2.8 to 5.9x103/μL) were higher post-ex and returned to baseline values after post-24 h, yet lymphocytopoenia (2.2x103/μL) was observed at post-30 min (p<0.01). CK increased post-ex (174.9 to 226.7 U.L-1) and remained elevated post-24 h. Cortisol (14.7 to 17.0 μg/dL) and lactate (1.9 to 13.5 mmol.l-1) responses increased post-ex, but only the lactate level was reduced at post-30 min (p<0.01). The experienced participants had higher WBC, lymphocyte, and cortisol concentrations post-ex than the novice ones (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS A single HIFT session elicited significant acute perturbations in WBC count, stress markers, and muscle tissue, which is like other similar regimens. Importantly, the experienced participants showed greater lymphocyte and cortisol responses than the novice ones.
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Quintans-Júnior LJ, Albuquerque GR, Oliveira SC, Silva RR. Brazil's research budget: endless setbacks. EXCLI JOURNAL 2020; 19:1322-1324. [PMID: 33192215 PMCID: PMC7658462 DOI: 10.17179/excli2020-2887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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Heimfarth L, Santos VS, Araújo AADS, Quintans-Júnior LJ, Martins-Filho PR. Ivermectin: Panacea or true promise for COVID-19. EXCLI JOURNAL 2020; 19:1517-1519. [PMID: 33542677 PMCID: PMC7855117 DOI: 10.17179/excli2020-3022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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Martins-Filho PR, de Souza Araújo AA, Quintans-Júnior LJ, Santos VS. COVID-19 fatality rates related to social inequality in Northeast Brazil: a neighbourhood-level analysis. J Travel Med 2020; 27:taaa128. [PMID: 32761125 PMCID: PMC7454826 DOI: 10.1093/jtm/taaa128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
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Souza DS, Barreto TDO, Menezes-Filho JERD, Heimfarth L, Rhana P, Rabelo TK, Santana MNS, Durço AO, Conceição MRDL, Quintans-Júnior LJ, Guimarães AG, Cruz JS, Vasconcelos CMLD. Myocardial hypertrophy is prevented by farnesol through oxidative stress and ERK1/2 signaling pathways. Eur J Pharmacol 2020; 887:173583. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2020.173583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Heimfarth L, Serafini MR, Martins-Filho PR, Quintans JDSS, Quintans-Júnior LJ. Drug repurposing and cytokine management in response to COVID-19: A review. Int Immunopharmacol 2020; 88:106947. [PMID: 32919216 PMCID: PMC7457938 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2020.106947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Revised: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the infectious disease caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is an aggressive disease that attacks the respiratory tract and has a higher fatality rate than seasonal influenza. The COVID-19 pandemic is a global health crisis, and no specific therapy or drug has been formally recommended for use against SARS-CoV-2 infection. In this context, it is a rational strategy to investigate the repurposing of existing drugs to use in the treatment of COVID-19 patients. In the meantime, the medical community is trialing several therapies that target various antiviral and immunomodulating mechanisms to use against the infection. There is no doubt that antiviral and supportive treatments are important in the treatment of COVID-19 patients, but anti-inflammatory therapy also plays a pivotal role in the management COVID-19 patients due to its ability to prevent further injury and organ damage or failure. In this review, we identified drugs that could modulate cytokines levels and play a part in the management of COVID-19. Several drugs that possess an anti-inflammatory profile in others illnesses have been studied in respect of their potential utility in the treatment of the hyperinflammation induced by SAR-COV-2 infection. We highlight a number of antivirals, anti-rheumatic, anti-inflammatory, antineoplastic and antiparasitic drugs that have been found to mitigate cytokine production and consequently attenuate the "cytokine storm" induced by SARS-CoV-2. Reduced hyperinflammation can attenuate multiple organ failure, and even reduce the mortality associated with severe COVID-19. In this context, despite their current unproven clinical efficacy in relation to the current pandemic, the repurposing of drugs with anti-inflammatory activity to use in the treatment of COVID-19 has become a topic of great interest.
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