Daniele Stéfanie Sara Lopes Lera-Nonose

No laboratory test performed to date provides an absolute guarantee for detecting infectious agents. Nucleic acid amplification techniques/tests (NAT) associated with serological tests can increase safety and provide greater diagnostic accuracy for patients. We investigated the added safety of NAT technology combined with serological tests for screening blood donors for Hepatitis C virus (HCV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV). Data were obtained from a systematic search conducted up until march 30, 2024 in five electronic databases: PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase , and the Cochrane library . Twenty‐nine studies, published between 1998 and 2023, were included in the review. Notably, HBV infection was predominant among donors with positive NAT results, with 425 cases, including 373 with positive serology and 52 with negative serology. Data from the diagnostic window period (WP) indicated the highest number of HBV infection cases, with 154 reported. Of the 29 included studies, 10 reported cases of occult HBV infection and diagnostic WP infection. Thirteen studies identified donors during the occult HBV infection period, and 17 identified WP cases. Meta‐analyses of positive NAT results following negative serological screening for HBV, HCV, and HIV revealed a significantly pooled frequency ( p < 0.001). Positive NAT results retrieved from donors with negative serological HBV and HCV showed a significantly combined frequency ( p < 0.001), while for HIV occurs the opposite ( p = 0.085). For HBV, HBC and HIV serological tests and NAT‐positive results, the pooled frequency was significantly ( p < 0.001). The findings demonstrate the positive relationship and safety of molecular technology in screening blood donors for HBV, HCV, and HIV using serological tests. Molecular testing remains a valuable tool for detecting and elucidating bloodborne infections.

Studies with strong scientific evidence have demonstrated that comorbidities are associated with fatal outcomes in patients with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. To aggregate the findings of these studies and assess the magnitude of the effect of different chronic diseases on COVID‐19 mortality, we conducted a systematic review of reviews and meta‐analysis. Six databases were searched to retrieve systematic reviews with meta‐analysis published during the early years of the pandemic. Statistical analysis was performed using Stata v.12.0 software, and the risk ratio (RR) and odds ratio (OR), with a confidence interval of 95% (95% CI), were calculated. We selected 15 publications with 476 original articles and 2,135,888 patients. Our results indicated the following risk factors for COVID‐19 mortality: diabetes mellitus (RR = 1.95; 95% CI:1.41–2.49); hypertension (RR = 1.88; 95% CI:1.51–2.26); cancer (RR = 1.84; 95% CI:1.24–2.43); cardiovascular (RR = 2.14; 95% CI:1.66–2.63), cerebrovascular (RR = 2.43; 95% CI:2.15–2.72), kidney (RR = 2.39; 95% CI:1.36–3.42), pulmonary (RR = 1.98; 95% CI:1.48–2.47) and liver diseases (OR = 1.56; 95% CI:1.18–1.94); obesity (OR = 1.15; 95% CI:1.04–1.26); smoking habits (OR = 1.18; 95% CI:1.13–1.22); and the male sex (OR = 1.69; 95% CI:1.65–1.73). Evidence has confirmed that underlying chronic conditions, which involve an imbalance in the immune response, significantly increase the risk of COVID‐19 deaths.

Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), such as leishmaniasis, remain a global health challenge due to limited therapeutic options and rising drug resistance. In this study, we developed an advanced nanogel formulation incorporating curcumin (CUR) and Pectis brevipedunculata essential oil (OEPb) within an F127/Carbopol 974P matrix to enhance bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy against Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis (LLa) promastigotes. The chemical composition of OEPb was characterized using GC-MS and NMR, confirming the presence of major bioactive monoterpenes, including neral, geranial, α-pinene, and limonene. The nanogel formulation (nGPC) was optimized to ensure thermosensitivity, and stability, exhibiting a sol-gel transition at physiological temperatures. Rheological analysis revealed that nGPC exhibited Newtonian behavior at 5 ∘C, transitioning to shear-thinning and thixotropic characteristics at 25 and 32 ∘C, respectively. This behavior facilitates application and controlled drug release, making it ideal for topical formulations. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis demonstrated that nGPC maintained a stable nanoscale structure with hydrodynamic diameters below 300 nm, while Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed strong molecular interactions between OEPb, CUR, and the polymer matrix. Biological assays demonstrated that nGPC significantly enhanced anti-promastigote activity compared to free CUR and OEPb. At the highest tested concentration (17.5 μg/mL OEPb and 50 μg/mL CUR, nGPC induced over 88% mortality in LLa promastigotes across 24, 48, and 72 h, indicating sustained efficacy. Even at lower concentrations, nGPC retained dose-dependent activity, suggesting a synergistic effect between CUR and OEPb. These findings highlight the potential of nGPC as an innovative nanocarrier for leishmaniasis treatment. Future studies will investigate the underlying mechanisms of this synergism and explore the potential application of photodynamic therapy (PDT) to further enhance therapeutic outcomes.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania amazonensis is a significant public health issue. This study aimed to evaluate an ecofriendly, thermosensitive nanogel, developed using a low-energy, solvent-free method, incorporating F127 and Carbopol 974P copolymers, and enriched with Pectis brevipedunculata essential oil (EOPb) for its leishmanicidal and anti-inflammatory properties. The nanogel was prepared and characterized through FTIR, DLS, SEM, and AFM to confirm the incorporation of EOPb as well as its stability and rheological properties. In vitro leishmanicidal activity was evaluated on Leishmania amazonensis promastigotes, and in vivo anti-inflammatory effects were assessed using a rat paw edema model. In vitro, nGF3 (EOPb-loaded nanogel) demonstrated significant leishmanicidal activity, with promastigote mortality rates exceeding 80% at 24 h and 90% at 48 h. In vivo, nGF1, nGF2, and nGF3 exhibited anti-inflammatory effects, with nGF2 and nGF3 reducing edema by 62.7% at 2 h post-treatment. The empty nanogel (nGF0) showed minimal anti-inflammatory activity. The ecofriendly EOPb-loaded nanogel (nGF3) demonstrated strong leishmanicidal and anti-inflammatory effects, presenting a promising candidate for cutaneous leishmaniasis treatment. Further studies are necessary to explore its clinical potential.

Background/Objectives: Cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania amazonensis is a significant public health issue. This study aimed to evaluate an eco-friendly, thermosensitive nanogel, developed using a low-energy, solvent-free method, incorporating F127 and Carbopol 974P copolymers, and enriched with Pectis brevipedunculata essential oil (EOPb) for its leishmanicidal and anti-inflammatory properties. Methods: The nanogel was prepared and characterized through FTIR, DLS, SEM, and AFM to confirm the incorporation of EOPb, stability and rheological properties. In vitro leishmanicidal activity was evaluated on Leishmania amazonensis promastigotes, and in vivo anti-inflammatory effects were assessed using a rat paw edema model. Results: In vitro, nGF3 (EOPb-loaded nanogel) demonstrated significant leishmanicidal activity, with promastigote mortality rates exceeding 80% at 24 h and 90% at 48 h. In vivo, nGF1, nGF2, and nGF3 exhibited anti-inflammatory effects, with nGF2 and nGF3 reducing edema by 62.7% at 2 h post-treatment. The empty nanogel (nGF0) showed minimal anti-inflammatory activity. Conclusions: The eco-friendly EOPb-loaded nanogel (nGF3) demonstrated strong leishmanicidal and anti-inflammatory effects, presenting a promising candidate for cutaneous leishmaniasis treatment. Further studies are necessary to explore its clinical potential.

Following technological advances in the educational scenario, digital teaching platforms have been important allies as tools in the teaching-learning process. This experience report aims to explain the development, benefits and potential of a digital educational platform created by the Laboratório de Imunologia Clínica da Universidade Estadual de Maringá (LIC/UEM), called PLIC: Plataforma do Laboratório de Imunologia Clínica. PLIC has made available 26 tutorials prepared by LIC/UEM staff on the use of equipments, the preparation of materials and reagents and the handling of cell cultures and microrganisms. These tutorials have been accessed directly on the platform and also via QR codes placed strategically throughout the laboratory. Since October 2022, the instructional videos have been accessed 688 times. PLIC also created a space for a training courses with researchers to discuss the technical and scientific foundations of the recorded tutorials. In addition, PLIC was disseminated to the university's internal and external community through seminar, mini-course and implementation in a partner laboratory at the Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados, due to the positive experience of LIC/UEM members with the platform. The implementation of PLIC has boosted the autonomy, engagement and standardization of tasks among LIC/UEM members. The tool has provided greater qualification and independence for researchers through the development of good laboratory practices, as well as improvements in biosafety techniques. This model of digital platform developed has potential to be applied in various areas of teaching and research. Resumo: acompanhando os avanços tecnológicos no cenário educacional, as plataformas digitais de ensino têm sido importantes aliadas como ferramentas no processo de ensino-aprendizagem. Este relato de experiência objetiva expor o desenvolvimento, bem como os benefícios e potencialidades, de uma plataforma educacional digital criada pelo Laboratório de Imunologia Clínica da Universidade Estadual de Maringá (LIC/UEM), denominada PLIC: Plataforma do Laboratório de Imunologia Clínica. Na PLIC foram disponibilizados 26 tutoriais elaborados pelos próprios membros do LIC/UEM referentes ao uso de equipamentos, preparação de materiais e reagentes, e manipulação de culturas celulares e microrganismos. Estes tutoriais têm sido acessados diretamente na plataforma e também através de QR codes posicionados estrategicamente em todo o laboratório. Desde outubro de 2022, os vídeos instrucionais já foram acessados 688 vezes. Na PLIC foi criado ainda um espaço para cursos de treinamento com os pesquisadores para discutir os fundamentos técnicos-científicos dos tutoriais gravados. Ademais, a PLIC foi disseminada à comunidade interna e externa da universidade através de seminário, minicurso e implementação em um laboratório parceiro da Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados, devido a experiência positiva dos membros do LIC/UEM com a plataforma. A implementação da PLIC potencializou a autonomia, engajamento e padronização de tarefas dos membros do LIC/UEM. A ferramenta tem propiciado uma maior qualificação e independência dos pesquisadores através do desenvolvimento das boas práticas laboratoriais, além de melhorias nas técnicas de biossegurança. Esse modelo de plataforma digital desenvolvido tem potencial de aplicação em diversas áreas de ensino e pesquisa.

O aumento dos casos de dengue e febre Zika tem preocupado a população, uma vez que ambos são transmitidos pelo mesmo vetor. Considerando que a disseminação de conhecimento sobre estas infecções junto à população por meio dos acadêmicos é fundamental, o presente estudo buscou mensurar o conhecimento de acadêmicos de uma instituição de ensino superior da Região Centro-oeste do Paraná quanto a dengue e febre Zika. Foram avaliados 477 acadêmicos de cursos das áreas de saúde, ciências exatas e humanas por meio de um questionário. Constatou-se, então que os acadêmicos do curso de Farmácia obtiveram a maior mediana de acertos (76,00), seguido por biomedicina (68,00), enfermagem (66,67), engenharia civil (63,64), agronomia (63,41) e administração (59,26). Por fim, nos cursos da saúde, foi evidenciada uma elevação nos níveis de acertos proporcional ao período do curso. Os resultados obtidos sugerem que, conforme esperado, os estudantes da área da saúde estão terminando sua formação acadêmica com nível superior de conhecimento sobre dengue e febre Zika, que este conhecimento está intrinsecamente ligado à sua atuação profissional e que pode ainda ter sido adquirido ao longo do curso.

Leishmaniasis is a neglected disease that affects millions of people worldwide, and special attention should be given to treatment because the available drugs have limitations, which can lead to low therapeutic adherence and parasitic resistance. This study evaluated the activity of the bioactive naphthoquinones, lapachol and β-lapachone, against Leishmania amazonensis. The cell alterations were evaluated in vitro on promastigote and amastigote forms. The lethal dose (LD₅₀) at 24, 48, and 72 h on the promastigote's forms using lapachol was 75.60, 72.82, and 58.85 μg/mL and for β-lapachone was 0.65, 1.24, and 0.71 μg/mL, respectively. The naphthoquinones significantly inhibited the survival rate of L. amazonensis amastigotes at 83.11, 57.59, and 34.95% for lapachol (82.28, 41.14, and 20.57 µg/mL), and 78.49, 83.25, and 80.22% for β-lapachone (3.26, 1.63, and 0.815 µg/mL). The compounds on the promastigote's forms led to the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, induced changes in the integrity of the membrane, caused damage to cells suggestive of the apoptotic process, and showed inhibition of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-6 production. The results showed that these naphthoquinones are promising candidates for research on new drugs with anti-Leishmania activity derived from natural products.

The outcomes of tegumentary leishmaniasis (TL) rely on a complex interaction between the host immune system and the parasite. This study assessed the influence of polymorphisms in immune-related ge...