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Abstract HBV/HCV co-infection is common in HIV-1-infected prisoners. To investigate the characteristics of HIV co-infections, and to evaluate the molecular heterogeneity of HIV, HBV and HCV in prisoners, we carried-out a multicenter cross-sectional study, including 65 HIV-1-infected inmates enrolled in 5 Italian detention centers during the period 2017–2019. HIV-1 subtyping showed that 77.1% of inmates were infected with B subtype and 22.9% with non-B subtypes. Italian nationals were all infected with subtype B (93.1%), except two individuals, one infected with the recombinant form CRF72_BF1, and the other with the HIV-1 sub-subtype A6, both previously not identified in inmates of Italian nationality. Non-Italian nationals were infected with subtype B (52.6%), CRFs (36.8%) and sub-subtypes A1 and A3 (5.2%). HIV variants carrying resistance mutations to NRTI, NNRTI, PI and InSTI were found in 7 inmates, 4 of which were never exposed to the relevant classes of drugs associated with these mutations. HBV and/or HCV co-infections markers were found in 49/65 (75.4%) inmates, while 27/65 (41.5%) showed markers of both HBV and HCV coinfection. Further, Italian nationals showed a significant higher presence of HCV markers as compared to non-Italian nationals (p = 0.0001). Finally, HCV phylogenetic analysis performed in 18 inmates revealed the presence of HCV subtypes 1a, 3a, 4d (66.6%, 16.7% and 16.7%, respectively). Our data suggest the need to monitor HIV, HBV and HCV infections in prisons in order to prevent spreading of these viruses both in jails and in the general population, and to implement effective public health programs that limit the circulation of different genetic forms as well as of viral variants with mutations conferring resistance to treatment.

Bats are well-known to be natural reservoirs of various zoonotic coronaviruses, which have caused outbreaks of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and the COVID-19 pandemic in 2002 and 2019, respectively. In late 2020, two new Sarbecoviruses were found in Russia, isolated in Rhinolophus bats, i.e., Khosta-1 in R. ferrumequinum and Khosta-2 in R. hipposideros. The potential danger associated with these new species of Sarbecovirus is that Khosta-2 has been found to interact with the same entry receptor as SARS-CoV-2. Our multidisciplinary approach in this study demonstrates that Khosta-1 and -2 currently appear to be not dangerous with low risk of spillover, as confirmed by prevalence data and by phylogenomic reconstruction. In addition, the interaction between Khosta-1 and -2 with ACE2 appears weak, and furin cleavage sites are absent. While the possibility of a spillover event cannot be entirely excluded, it is currently highly unlikely. This research further emphasizes the importance of assessing the zoonotic potential of widely distributed batborne CoV in order to monitor changes in genomic composition of viruses and prevent spillover events (if any).

Abstract Fishery enhancement methods are being explored globally to sustain commercial and recreational fisheries through improving the productivity and management of marine populations impacted by anthropogenic stressors. It is expected that access to important Atlantic surfclam fishing grounds will be limited or lost due to growing overlap with offshore wind energy development. This study explores the economic viability of large‐scale hatchery production to improve fishery access and potentially offset additional costs, reduced revenues and potential job losses associated with the displacement of the fishing fleet. Reports and primary literature were used to understand the growth and survival of Atlantic surfclams in hatchery and nursery settings to calculate the scale of hatchery efforts needed to support one million (1M) bushels of fishery‐sized clams (>120 mm). Data on labour, energy, construction and material inputs and costs for hatchery and nursery production were gathered by analysing available literature and information provided by hatchery managers, researchers and others knowledgeable about shellfish hatchery production. A techno‐economic cost model and Monte Carlo analyses were employed to explore average costs and their variability. This study suggests that 374M–2.1B Atlantic surfclams are needed at the end of the hatchery stage to produce 1M bushels of market‐sized product. Total production costs range from $3.7 to $15.1M, including $2.9–$13.3M in hatchery costs and $800K–$1.9M in nursery costs. Under current market conditions, where Atlantic surfclams regularly sell for $14–$17/bushel, this analysis suggests that hatchery production could be considered a viable fishery enhancement method that supports human access to the fishery, though several additional questions remain.

In early February 2023, the Omicron subvariant XBB.1.5, also known as “Kraken”, accounted for more than 44% of new COVID-19 cases worldwide, whereas a relatively new Omicron subvariant named CH.1.1, deemed “Orthrus”, accounted for less than 6% of new COVID-19 cases during the subsequent weeks. This emerging variant carries a mutation, L452R, previously observed in the highly pathogenic Delta and the highly transmissible BA.4 and BA.5 variants, necessitating a shift to active surveillance to assure adequate preparedness for likely future epidemic peaks. We provide a preliminary understanding of the global distribution of this emerging SARS-CoV-2 variant by combining genomic data with structural molecular modeling. In addition, we shield light on the number of specific point mutations in this lineage that may have functional significance, thereby increasing the risk of disease severity, vaccine resistance, and increased transmission. This variant shared about 73% of the mutations with Omicron-like strains. Our homology modeling analysis revealed that CH.1.1 may have a weakened interaction with ACE2 and that its electrostatic potential surface appears to be more positive than that of the reference ancestral virus. Finally, our phylogenetic analysis revealed that this likely-emerging variant was already cryptically circulating in European countries prior to its first detection, highlighting the importance of having access to whole genome sequences for detecting and controlling emerging viral strains.

Avian influenza virus (AIV) poses a significant challenge to poultry production, with negative repercussions for both the economy and public health worldwide. Since January 2003, a total of 868 human cases of AIV H5N1 have been reported from four countries in the Western Pacific Region, as of 9 March 2023. When AIVs are circulating in poultry, there is a risk of sporadic infections and small clusters of human cases due to exposure to infected poultry or contaminated environments. The increase in reported A(H5N1) infections may reflect continued virus circulation in birds, as well as enhanced surveillance and diagnostic capacity resulting from the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Numerous countermeasures, including vaccines and antiviral treatments, are available for influenza infection. However, their effectiveness is often debated due to the ongoing resistance to antivirals and the relatively low and unpredictable efficiency of influenza vaccines compared to other vaccines. Vaccination remains the primary method for preventing influenza acquisition or avoiding serious complications related to the disease. In this review, we summarize the global landscape of the Influenza A virus and provide insights into human clinical symptomatology. We call for urgent investment in genomic surveillance strategies to timely detect and shape the emergence of any potential viral pathogen, which is essential for epidemic/pandemic preparedness.

The influenza A(H1N1) pdm09 virus, which emerged in 2009, has been circulating seasonally since then. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive genome-based investigation to gain a detailed understanding of the genetic and evolutionary characteristics of the hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) surface proteins of A/H1N1pdm09 strains circulating in Italy over a fourteen-year period from 2009 to 2023 in relation to global strains. Phylogenetic analysis revealed rapid transmission and diversification of viral variants during the early pandemic that clustered in clade 6B.1. In contrast, limited genetic diversity was observed during the 2023 season, probably due to the genetic drift, which provides the virus with a constant adaptability to the host; furthermore, all isolates were split into two main groups representing two clades, i.e., 6B.1A.5a.2a and its descendant 6B.1A.5a.2a.1. The HA gene showed a faster rate of evolution compared to the NA gene. Using FUBAR, we identified positively selected sites 41 and 177 for HA and 248, 286, and 455 for NA in 2009, as well as sites 22, 123, and 513 for HA and 339 for NA in 2023, all of which may be important sites related to the host immune response. Changes in glycosylation acquisition/loss at prominent sites, i.e., 177 in HA and 248 in NA, should be considered as a predictive tool for early warning signs of emerging pandemics, and for vaccine and drug development.

The growing emergence of non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) HIV drug resistance in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) led to the World Health Organization (WHO) recommending, in 2018, a transition to dolutegravir (DTG) as a first-line antiretroviral therapy (ART) in SSA. The broad HIV-1 genetic diversity in SSA could shape DTG effectiveness and the pattern of drug resistance mutations (DRMs) in this region. This study evaluated HIV-1 integrase (IN) DRMs and conserved regions among published groups M, N, O, and P HIV-1 sequences spanning forty years of the HIV epidemic during the transition of DTG-based ART. Overall, we found low levels of integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI)-DRMs (

Each time the virus starts a new round of expression/replication, even under effective antiretroviral therapy (ART), the transactivator of viral transcription Tat is one of the first HIV-1 protein to be produced, as it is strictly required for HIV replication and spreading. At this stage, most of the Tat protein exits infected cells, accumulates in the extracellular matrix and exerts profound effects on both the virus and neighbor cells, mostly of the innate and adaptive immune systems. Through these effects, extracellular Tat contributes to the acquisition of infection, spreading and progression to AIDS in untreated patients, or to non-AIDS co-morbidities in ART-treated individuals, who experience inflammation and immune activation despite virus suppression. Here, we review the role of extracellular Tat in both the virus life cycle and on cells of the innate and adaptive immune system, and we provide epidemiological and experimental evidence of the importance of targeting Tat to block residual HIV expression and replication. Finally, we briefly review vaccine studies showing that a therapeutic Tat vaccine intensifies ART, while its inclusion in a preventative vaccine may blunt escape from neutralizing antibodies and block early events in HIV acquisition.

Abstract Estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) drives mammary gland development and breast cancer (BC) growth through an evolutionarily conserved linkage of DNA binding and hormone activation functions. Therapeutic targeting of the hormone binding pocket is a widely utilized and successful strategy for breast cancer prevention and treatment. However, resistance to this endocrine therapy is frequently encountered and may occur through bypass or reactivation of ER-regulated transcriptional programs. We now identify the induction of an ERα isoform, ERα-LBD, that is encoded by an alternative ESR1 transcript and lacks the activation function and DNA binding domains. Despite lacking the transcriptional activity, ERα-LBD is found to promote breast cancer growth and resistance to the ERα antagonist fulvestrant. ERα-LBD is predominantly localized to the cytoplasm and mitochondria of BC cells and leads to enhanced glycolysis, respiration and stem-like features. Intriguingly, ERα-LBD expression and function does not appear to be restricted to cancers that express full length ERα but also promotes growth of triple-negative breast cancers and ERα-LBD transcript (ESR1-LBD) is also present in BC samples from both ERα(+) and ERα(−) human tumors. These findings point to ERα-LBD as a potential mediator of breast cancer progression and therapy resistance.

Abstract Natural mortality estimates of harvested stocks are key parameters used in stock assessments to aid in understanding the dynamics of populations, but these estimates are difficult to obtain and have a high degree of uncertainty. Data from unfished populations, which is often rare, provide a unique and valuable opportunity to estimate natural mortality. This study provides estimates of natural mortality using multiple methods from an unfished whelk (Buccinum undatum) population using statolith ages which prove to be an accurate method to assess age of gastropods. Using statolith age‐frequency data, natural mortality for this unexploited Mid‐Atlantic Bight whelk population was estimated to be 0.45–0.60 year−1. Due to the unexploited state of this population, the mortality estimate in this study can be assumed to be a true reflection of natural mortality and thus compared with mortality estimates for populations under varying degrees of exploitation to understand how exploitation affects population dynamics.

O conceito de Intencionalidade abarca em sua essência a bagagem sociocognitiva dos sujeitos informacionais que sob a influência de diferentes contextos (político, social, econômico, tecnológico) produzem, interpretam medeiam, utilizam e se apropriam de informação a partir de seus comportamentos, competências, habilidades e experiências. Dentro do paradigma pós-custodial o desenvolvimento tecnológico propicia o aumento das informações que são geradas, especialmente, em ambientes informacionais digitais. Assim, estudos que possam potencializar o modo como esses ambientes são projetados se fazem necessários para que propiciem qualidade na encontrabilidade, no acesso, no uso e na apropriação das informações. Esta pesquisa busca apontar as relações entre os conceitos de Intencionalidade e de Mediação da Informação no contexto dos estudos responsáveis pela construção de projetos de ambientes informacionais digitais - a Arquitetura e Encontrabilidade da Informação. Nesse sentido, foi possível desenvolver reflexões teóricas a partir de correlações dos termos e fundamentos dos conceitos de Intencionalidade e da Mediação da Informação. Além de discussões pertinentes à área da Ciência da Informação diante de uma abordagem mais prática no contexto dos ambientes informacionais digitais.

Monkeypox, a viral zoonotic disease, has emerged as a significant global threat in recent years. This review focuses on the importance of global monitoring and rapid response to monkeypox outbreaks. The unpredictable nature of monkeypox transmissions, its potential for human-to-human spread, and its high morbidity rate underscore the necessity for proactive surveillance systems. By analyzing the existing literature, including recent outbreaks, this review highlights the critical role of global surveillance in detecting, containing, and preventing the further spread of monkeypox. It also emphasizes the need for enhanced international collaboration, data sharing, and real-time information exchange to effectively respond to monkeypox outbreaks as a global health concern. Furthermore, this review discusses the challenges and opportunities of implementing robust surveillance strategies, including the use of advanced diagnostic tools and technologies. Ultimately, these findings underscore the urgency of establishing a comprehensive global monitoring framework for monkeypox, enabling early detection, prompt response, and effective control measures to protect public health worldwide.

The COVID-19 pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has brought about significant challenges worldwide. In this study, we present a comprehensive analysis of the genomic epidemiology and lineage dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 in Bulgaria over a three-year period. Through extensive genomic sequencing and data analysis, we investigated the evolution of the virus, the emergence of variants of concern (VOCs), and their impact on the country’s pandemic trajectory. We also assessed the relationship between viral diversity and COVID-19 morbidity and mortality in Bulgaria. Our findings shed light on the temporal and spatial distribution of SARS-CoV-2 lineages and provide crucial insights into the dynamics of the pandemic in the country. The interplay between international travel and viral transmission plays a significant role in the emergence and dissemination of different SARS-CoV-2 variants. The observed proportions of exportation to various continents provide insights into the potential pathways through which these lineages spread globally. Understanding the genomic epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 in Bulgaria is essential for formulating targeted public health strategies, enhancing vaccination efforts, and effectively managing future outbreaks.

The XBB.1.16 SARS-CoV-2 variant, also known as Arcturus, is a recent descendant lineage of the recombinant XBB (nicknamed Gryphon). Compared to its direct progenitor, XBB.1, XBB.1.16 carries additional spike mutations in key antigenic sites, potentially conferring an ability to evade the immune response compared to other circulating lineages. In this context, we conducted a comprehensive genome-based survey to gain a detailed understanding of the evolution and potential dangers of the XBB.1.16 variant, which became dominant in late June. Genetic data indicates that the XBB.1.16 variant exhibits an evolutionary background with limited diversification, unlike dangerous lineages known for rapid changes. The evolutionary rate of XBB.1.16, which amounts to 3.95 × 10−4 subs/site/year, is slightly slower than that of its direct progenitors, XBB and XBB.1.5, which have been circulating for several months. A Bayesian Skyline Plot reconstruction suggests that the peak of genetic variability was reached in early May 2023, and currently, it is in a plateau phase with a viral population size similar to the levels observed in early March. Structural analyses indicate that, overall, the XBB.1.16 variant does not possess structural characteristics markedly different from those of the parent lineages, and the theoretical affinity for ACE2 does not seem to change among the compared variants. In conclusion, the genetic and structural analyses of SARS-CoV-2 XBB.1.16 do not provide evidence of its exceptional danger or high expansion capability. Detected differences with previous lineages are probably due to genetic drift, which allows the virus constant adaptability to the host, but they are not necessarily connected to a greater danger. Nevertheless, continuous genome-based monitoring is essential for a better understanding of its descendants and other lineages.

Objetivo: o número crescente de usuários das Tecnologias de Informação e Comunicação (TIC) influenciou o aumento de pesquisas científicas voltadas para a relação humano-computador. Com base nos métodos e técnicas de pesquisa para coleta de dados em User eXperience, buscou-se neste trabalho fazer uma releitura no contexto do Ciclo de Vida dos Dados refletindo como esses ocorrem nas demais fases - armazenamento, recuperação e descarte. Método: este artigo possui enfoque metodológico descritivo e aborda a questão do acesso a dados por pesquisadores no contexto de User eXperience, partindo da visão da Ciência da Informação sobre as fases do Ciclo de Vida dos Dados. Resultado: evidenciou-se a importância do planejamento incluir todas as quatro fases da pesquisa. As práticas abordadas buscam contribuir para estruturar o olhar do pesquisador, especialmente em questões como a elaboração de um plano de gestão de dados, o possível futuro uso dos dados, a replicabilidade da pesquisa, a privacidade do usuário com as atuais legislações de proteção de dados pessoais e a estruturação dos dados para serem também interpretados por máquinas. Conclusões: concluiu-se que o planejamento no contexto do Ciclo de Vida dos Dados é de suma importância para pesquisas de User eXperience, por pensar no acesso e uso dos dados a curto e longo prazo. Inclusive os fatores transversais que permeiam todas essas fases do Ciclo de Vida dos Dados podem ser extrapolados e adaptados para outras realidades de pesquisa.

Antibiotic resistance is a significant global health concern that affects both human and animal populations. The One Health approach acknowledges the interconnectedness of human health, animal health, and the environment. It emphasizes the importance of collaboration and coordination across these sectors to tackle complex health challenges such as antibiotic resistance. In the context of One Health, antibiotic resistance refers to the ability of bacteria to withstand the efficacy of antibiotics, rendering them less effective or completely ineffective in treating infections. The emergence and spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria pose a threat to human and animal health, as well as to the effectiveness of medical treatments and veterinary interventions. In particular, One Health recognizes that antibiotic use in human medicine, animal agriculture, and the environment are interconnected factors contributing to the development and spread of antibiotic resistance. For example, the misuse and overuse of antibiotics in human healthcare, including inappropriate prescribing and patient non-compliance, can contribute to the selection and spread of resistant bacteria. Similarly, the use of antibiotics in livestock production for growth promotion and disease prevention can contribute to the development of antibiotic resistance in animals and subsequent transmission to humans through the food chain. Addressing antibiotic resistance requires a collaborative One Health approach that involves multiple participants, including healthcare professionals, veterinarians, researchers, and policymakers.

The COVID-19 pandemic has not only strained healthcare systems in Africa but has also intensified the impact of emerging and re-emerging diseases. Specifically in Equatorial Guinea, mirroring the situation in other African countries, unique zoonotic outbreaks have occurred during this challenging period. One notable resurgence is Marburg virus disease (MVD), which has further burdened the already fragile healthcare system. The re-emergence of the Marburg virus amid the COVID-19 pandemic is believed to stem from a probable zoonotic spill-over, although the precise transmission routes remain uncertain. Given the gravity of the situation, addressing the existing challenges is paramount. Though the genome sequences from the current outbreak were not available for this study, we analyzed all the available whole genome sequences of this re-emerging pathogen to advocate for a shift towards active surveillance. This is essential to ensure the successful containment of any potential Marburg virus outbreak in Equatorial Guinea and the wider African context. This study, which presents an update on the phylodynamics and the genetic variability of MARV, further confirmed the existence of at least two distinct patterns of viral spread. One pattern demonstrates a slower but continuous and recurring virus circulation, while the other exhibits a faster yet limited and episodic spread. These results highlight the critical need to strengthen genomic surveillance in the region to effectively curb the pathogen’s dissemination. Moreover, the study emphasizes the importance of prompt alert management, comprehensive case investigation and analysis, contact tracing, and active case searching. These steps are vital to support the healthcare system’s response to this emerging health crisis. By implementing these strategies, we can better arm ourselves against the challenges posed by the resurgence of the Marburg virus and other infectious diseases.

HIV-1 replication in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract causes severe CD4+ T-cell depletion and disruption of the protective epithelial barrier in the intestinal mucosa, causing microbial translocation, the main driver of inflammation and immune activation, even in people living with HIV (PLWH) taking antiretroviral drug therapy. The higher levels of HIV DNA in the gut compared to the blood highlight the importance of the gut as a viral reservoir. CD4+ T-cell subsets in the gut differ in phenotypic characteristics and differentiation status from the ones in other tissues or in peripheral blood, and little is still known about the mechanisms by which the persistence of HIV is maintained at this anatomical site. This review aims to describe the interaction with key subsets of CD4+ T cells in the intestinal mucosa targeted by HIV-1 and the role of gut microbiome and its metabolites in HIV-associated systemic inflammation and immune activation that are crucial in the pathogenesis of HIV infection and related comorbidities.

Objetivo: Compreender o processo de autoavaliação da infraestrutura e oferta de serviços de gestão de dados de pesquisa, por meio do diagnóstico da Universidade Estadual Paulista utilizando a ferramenta de autoavaliação Research Infrastructure Self-Evaluation. Método: A pesquisa de cunho exploratória, aplicada e de natureza qualitativa, que se constituiu na autoavaliação realizada junto à Universidade Estadual Paulista, com o uso do Research Infrastructure Self-Evaluation, gerando um spider chart, visando avaliar a infraestrutura e a oferta de serviços de gestão de dados de pesquisa. A coleta de dados consistiu na aplicação do Research Infrastructure Self-Evaluation, tendo como resultado o mapeamento das práticas de gestão de dados de pesquisa na Instituição. Resultado: A partir do mapeamento foi possível a análise dos pontos fortes e necessidades de melhoria da infraestrutura de apoio à gestão de dados de pesquisa na Universidade Estadual Paulista, possibilitando à Instituição verificar aspectos que demandam investimentos, visando aperfeiçoar a infraestrutura e os serviços de apoio ao pesquisador. Conclusões: A partir da autoavaliação e da análise dos aspectos relacionados à gestão de dados de pesquisa, foi possível identificar os pontos fortes, dentre os quais se destaca a atenção institucional para políticas que, embora generalista, pode ser aplicada à gestão de dados de pesquisa. Por outro lado, para que a infraestrutura e os serviços de gestão de dados de pesquisa sejam adequadamente estruturados é necessário um olhar global da Universidade Estadual Paulista para todos os aspectos que compõem a gestão dos dados de pesquisa, conforme estruturado no modelo Research Infrastructure Self-Evaluation e, por meio do resultado da autoavaliação investir no preenchimento de lacunas ora existentes e saná-las em benefício do pesquisador, dos seus resultados de pesquisa, da comunidade científica, da sociedade e da própria instituição.

O objetivo deste trabalho é propor um modelo teórico de arquitetura da informação pervasiva, focado no uso de sistemas de recomendação, para aumentar a encontrabilidade da informação nas bibliotecas universitárias. Esta pesquisa foi desenvolvida sob uma ótica multidisciplinar, e definida como uma pesquisa exploratória, pois se realiza uma revisão bibliográfica que permite a obtenção de informação dos elementos teóricos necessários para estabelecer a base central da pesquisa; e como descritiva, pois, procura trazer soluções para questões que se apresentam no cotidiano das bibliotecas universitárias. Como resultado se apresenta um modelo de arquitetura da informação pervasiva para bibliotecas universitárias com foco na melhoria da encontrabilidade da informação a partir da inclusão do sistemas de recomendação. Como conclusão, pode-se afirmar que produto do amplo avanço no desenvolvimento de aplicativos e ferramentas para o uso nas bibliotecas, percebe-se um notável aumento do nível de complexidade dos ambientes de informação destas instituições, o que desde a perspectiva da Arquitetura da Informação, cria a necessidade de projetos de pesquisas mais apurados, e que visem melhorar os ambientes de informação das bibliotecas universitárias, tendo sempre como principal objetivo, favorecer as experiências dos usuários, e ajudá-los nos processos de Encontrabilidade das informações pertinentes, no momento preciso e com a máxima qualidade possível.

Giovanetti et al. examine SARS-CoV-2 transmission dynamics in Italy using phylodynamic analysis of viral genetic and epidemiological data. They present evidence to suggest that the efficacy of public health interventions is limited by the size and structure of epidemic reservoirs, which may influence vaccination programmes.

A evasão é um tema de interesse mundial na área da educação, contudo o entendimento atual sobre o fenômeno é ainda insuficiente, sobretudo quando o objetivo é avaliar políticas efetivas de evasão. Neste artigo o percentual anual de evasão da Unesp é avaliado com base na adoção da política de reserva de vagas. Existem três possibilidades de ingresso - sistema universal (SU), quota por ter estudado em escola pública (EP) e quota por ser PPI (pretos, pardos, indígenas). Os dados foram segmentados por curso e ano de ingresso. A Unesp tem campus em 24 cidades, que reúnem 34 unidades e abrigam 136 diferentes cursos de Graduação. O ingresso para estes cursos é realizado por meio de vestibular com 186 diferentes opções em 63 carreiras. Uma comparação das taxas de evasão permite observar que elas podem depender do modo de ingresso, mas isso ocorre de forma variada ao longo do tempo e depende da área do curso, não sendo significativo. Verificou-se um decréscimo consistente da taxa de evasão global e por categoria de ingresso.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, the generation of new variants periodically recurs. The XBB.1.5 SARS-CoV-2 variant is one of the most recent. This research was aimed at verifying the potential hazard of this new subvariant. To achieve this objective, we performed a genome-based integrative approach, integrating results from genetic variability/phylodynamics with structural and immunoinformatic analyses to obtain as comprehensive a viewpoint as possible. The Bayesian Skyline Plot (BSP) shows that the viral population size reached the plateau phase on 24 November 2022, and the number of lineages peaked at the same time. The evolutionary rate is relatively low, amounting to 6.9 × 10−4 subs/sites/years. The NTD domain is identical for XBB.1 and XBB.1.5 whereas their RBDs only differ for the mutations at position 486, where the Phe (in the original Wuhan) is replaced by a Ser in XBB and XBB.1, and by a Pro in XBB.1.5. The variant XBB.1.5 seems to spread more slowly than sub-variants that have caused concerns in 2022. The multidisciplinary molecular in-depth analyses on XBB.1.5 performed here does not provide evidence for a particularly high risk of viral expansion. Results indicate that XBB.1.5 does not possess features to become a new, global, public health threat. As of now, in its current molecular make-up, XBB.1.5 does not represent the most dangerous variant.

Background: SARS-CoV-2 related immunopathology may be the driving cause underlying severe COVID-19. Through an immunophenotyping analysis on paired bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and blood samples collected from mechanically ventilated patients with COVID-19-associated Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (CARDS), this study aimed to evaluate the cellular immune responses in survivors and non-survivors of COVID-19. Methods: A total of 36 paired clinical samples of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) mononuclear cells (BALF-MC) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were collected from 18 SARS-CoV-2-infected subjects admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) of the Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University Hospital in Rome (Italy) for severe interstitial pneumonia. The frequencies of monocytes (total, classical, intermediate and non-classical) and Natural Killer (NK) cell subsets (total, CD56bright and CD56dim), as well as CD4+ and CD8+ T cell subsets [naïve, central memory (TCM) and effector memory (TEM)], and those expressing CD38 and/or HLADR were evaluated by multiparametric flow cytometry. Results: Survivors with CARDS exhibited higher frequencies of classical monocytes in blood compared to non-survivors (p < 0.05), while no differences in the frequencies of the other monocytes, NK cell and T cell subsets were recorded between these two groups of patients (p > 0.05). The only exception was for peripheral naïve CD4+ T cells levels that were reduced in non-survivors (p = 0.04). An increase in the levels of CD56bright (p = 0.012) and a decrease in CD56dim (p = 0.002) NK cell frequencies was also observed in BALF-MC samples compared to PBMC in deceased COVID-19 patients. Total CD4+ and CD8+ T cell levels in the lung compartment were lower compared to blood (p = 0.002 and p < 0.01, respectively) among non-survivors. Moreover, CD38 and HLA-DR were differentially expressed by CD4+ and CD8+ T cell subsets in BALF-MC and in PBMC among SARS-CoV-2-infected patients who died from COVID-19 (p < 0.05). Conclusions: These results show that the immune cellular profile in blood and pulmonary compartments was similar in survivors and non-survivors of COVID-19. T lymphocyte levels were reduced, but resulted highly immune-activated in the lung compartment of patients who faced a fatal outcome.

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Introduction The aim of the present analysis was to study the safety and efficacy associated with reanimation in facial nerve palsy by the endoscopically assisted multiple muscle transposition and lifts (EMTL). Patients and Methods The study sample included all patients who had undergone a facial reanimation by EMTL procedure from September 2015 to May 2019. The patients were analyzed retrospectively, with more than 1 year of follow-up, and were evaluated in terms of functional-aesthetic results and postoperative complications. The outcome was evaluated with the Sunnybrook scale. Results Fourteen patients were included in the present study. They were all inveterate palsies with minimum 4 years from the initial injury. The preoperative Sunnybrook score ranged from 0 to 5 and the postoperative ranged from 30 to 65. Spontaneous smile achievement was obtained in 10 patients and only mild restoration in one patient. The scar and static correction were satisfactory in all patients. Eye protection was improved in all cases with some form of active blinking in six cases. Conclusion This study showed that facial palsy correction with EMTL procedure offers a promising alternative treatment for patients with facial palsy not suitable for microsurgical muscle transposition.

A strategy adopted to combat human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) infection is based on interfering with virus entry into target cells. In this study, we found that phosphatidylcholine (PC) liposomes reduced the expression of the CD4 receptor in human primary type-1 macrophages but not in CD4+ T cells. The down-regulation was specific to CD4, as any effect was not observed in CCR5 membrane expression. Moreover, the reduction of membrane CD4 expression required the Ca2+-independent protein kinase C (PKC), which in turn mediated serine phosphorylation in the intracytoplasmic tail of the CD4 receptor. Serine phosphorylation of CD4 was also associated with its internalization and degradation in acidic compartments. Finally, the observed CD4 downregulation induced by PC liposomes in human primary macrophages reduced the entry of both single-cycle replication and replication competent R5 tropic HIV-1. Altogether, these results show that PC liposomes reduce HIV entry in human macrophages and may impact HIV pathogenesis by lowering the viral reservoir.