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HLA genes can exhibit extensive variations in frequency, especially in highly admixed populations, such as that of Brazil. In this study, we demonstrated NGS‐based HLA typing in our laboratory using an Illumina HiSeq 2500 sequencing platform and downstream analysis. We herein describe and compare the allele and haplotype frequencies of the populations in Barra Mansa (BM) and Rio de Janeiro (RJ), using the acquired genetic data. Sequences encompassing 7 HLA loci (HLA‐A, HLA‐B, HLA‐C, HLA‐DRB1, HLA‐DQB1, HLA‐DPA1, and HLA‐DPB1) were amplified from a total of 1435 bone marrow samples donated by volunteers recruited in BM (37.56%) and RJ (62.44%) using polymerase chain reactions, and were sequenced using five distinct HiSeq 2500 runs. Alleles were analyzed to generate 2‐locus haplotypes and extended haplotypes encompassing more than two loci. The most frequent haplotype was A*01:01:01~C*07:01:01~B*08:01:01~DRB1*03:01:01~DQB1*02:01:01~DPA1*01:03:01~DPB1*04:01:01 in both populations. The populations of BM and RJ exhibited a significant difference in genetic composition (P = .03) but not in genetic variance (P = .45). However, some groups of subjects, classified based on self‐declared ethnicity, particularly Branca and Preta, displayed significant genetic variance (P < .05). In conclusion, these genetic data indicate no differences in HLA loci between the populations of these two cities, but were informative with respect to variations in ancestry composition.

Transplantation using hematopoietic stem cells from umbilical cord blood (UCB) is a life-saving treatment option for patients with select oncologic diseases, immunologic diseases, bone marrow failure, and others. Often this transplant modality requires cryopreservation and storage of hematopoietic stem cells (HSC), which need to remain cryopreserved in UCB banks for possible future use. The most widely used cryoprotectant is dimethylsulfoxide (Me(2)SO), but at 37 degrees C, it is toxic to cells and for patients, infusion of cryopreserved HSC with Me(2)SO has been associated with side effects. Freezing of cells leads to chemical change of cellular components, which results in physical disruption. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation also has been implicated as cause of damage to cells during freezing. We assessed the ability of two bioantioxidants and two disaccharides, to enhance the cryopreservation of UCB. UCB was processed and subjected to cryopreservation in solutions containing different concentrations of Me(2)SO, bioantioxidants and disaccharides. Samples were thawed, and then analysed by: flow cytometry analysis, CFU assay and MTT viability assay. In this study, our analyses showed that antioxidants, principally catalase, performed greater preservation of: CD34+ cells, CD123+ cells, colony-forming units and cell viability, all post-thawed, compared with the standard solution of cryopreservation. Our present studies show that the addition of catalase improved the cryopreservation outcome. Catalase may act on reducing levels of ROS, further indicating that accumulation of free radicals indeed leads to death in cryopreserved hematopoietic cells.

Aims: This study aimed to identify the symptoms associated with early-stage SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) infections in healthcare professionals (HCP) using both clinical and laboratory data. Methods: A total of 1,297 patients, admitted between March 18 and April 8, 2020, were stratified according to their risk of developing COVID-19 using their responses to a questionnaire designed to evaluate symptoms and risk conditions. Results: Anosmia/hyposmia (p <0.0001), fever (p<0.0001), body pain (p<0.0001), and chills (p=0.001) were all independent predictors for COVID-19, with a 72% estimated probability for detecting COVID-19 in nasopharyngeal swab samples. Leukopenia, relative monocytosis, decreased eosinophil values, CRP, and platelets were also shown to be significant independent predictors for COVID-19. Conclusions: The significant clinical features for COVID-19 were identified as anosmia, fever, chills, and body pain. Elevated CRP, leukocytes under 5,400 x 109/L, and relative monocytosis (>9%) were common among patients with a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis. These variables may help, in the absence of RT-PCR tests, to identify possible COVID-19 infections during pandemic outbreaks.

This study demonstrated that the presence of HLA-DRB1*15 was a strong factor that predisposed patients to the development of SLE and LN, but did not influence kidney graft survival.

Nosso objetivo é analisar como as narrativas dos telejornais configuraram as manifestações das vítimas do desastre em Mariana (MG) nas primeiras 24 horas de cobertura da Rede Globo de Televisão. A intenção do trabalho é refletir sobre como o jornalismo transpõe um problema individual para o âmbito de problema público a partir dos aportes teóricos de Queré (2011), Lage (2013; 2016) e Charaudeau (2007; 2010). Entre as 27 inserções veiculadas sobre o rompimento da barragem de rejeitos, analisamos as cinco reportagens que apresentaram um total de 11 depoimentos de vítimas. Sistematizamos quais tiveram visibilidade de acordo com o grau de proximidade com o acontecimento. Também observamos como o jornalismo evocou suas falas e que efeitos patêmicos foram mobilizados a partir destes depoimentos. Concluímos que as narrativas jornalísticas se utilizam das manifestações das vítimas com efeitos patêmicos mais ligados à aflição, terror e tristeza. A maior parte das vítimas sequer é identificada pelas reportagens e suas manifestações são da ordem do sofrimento, sendo silenciadas menções às causas, riscos e vulnerabilidades do desastre ou a qualquer tipo de indignação pelo ocorrido.

estudos desenvolvidos em 13 universidades e instituições do Brasil, Argentina, Chile, Guatemala e Cuba. Os trabalhos foram divididos em cinco mesas: "Correlatos psicológicos da pandemia na população em geral", "Estudos sobre o efeito psicológico e biológico em populações específicas", "Aspectos da pandemia sobre mulheres grávidas e recém-nascidos", "Infância e adolescência na pandemia", e "Terapia e psicologia positiva em tempos de pandemia". O objetivo deste artigo de perspectivas é divulgar as pesquisas expostas e refletir a respeito das principais tendências. Assim, apresenta-se uma síntese de cada trabalho, objetivos e resultados. Os estudos apontam para um aumento nos sintomas de estresse, ansiedade e depressão na população em geral e em grupos específicos como crianças, grávidas, puérperas, profissionais da saúde e imigrantes. Foram sugeridos como possíveis preditores de sofrimento psicológico: exposição excessiva às notícias, insônia, sedentarismo,

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