The order Phallales harbors gasteroid fungi known as stinkhorns, false-truffles, witches’cages and bridal veils, and is mainly characterized by the fetid smelling basidiome, insect-associated dispersal mechanism, and mucilaginous gleba. The order has been well studied in Brazil, with greater occurrence in the southern and northeastern regions of the country. The state of  Bahia has only records of the species Abrachium floriforme and Lysurus sphaerocephalum. The objective of this study is to present new occurrences of Phallales for the State.  The species were collected in the Bahia State, in the municipalities of Elísio Medrado, Mucugê, Salvador and Uruçuca. One herborized specimen from Lençóis was included in the analyses. Seven species were identified: Abrachium floriforme, Itajahya galericulata, Mutinus caninus, M. elegans, M. verrucosus, Phallus denigricans and P. merulinus. All represent new occurrences for the State of Bahia, except A. floriforme. Descriptions, identification key, notes and photos of the species are provided.

A ordem Phallales abriga fungos gasteroides conhecidos como chifres-fedidos, falsas trufas, gaiolas-de-bruxa e véus-de-noiva, e é caracterizada principalmente pelo cheiro fétido do basidioma, mecanismo de dispersão associado a insetos e gleba mucilaginosa. A ordem tem sido bem estudada no Brasil, com maior ocorrência nas regiões Sul e Nordeste do país. O Estado da Bahia apresenta apenas registros das espécies Abrachium floriforme e Lysurus sphaerocephalum. O objetivo deste estudo é apresentar novas ocorrências de Phallales para o Estado.  As espécies foram coletadas na Bahia, nos municípios de Elísio Medrado, Mucugê, Salvador e Uruçuca. Um espécime herborizado coletado em Lençóis foi incluído nas análises. Sete espécies foram identificadas: Abrachium floriforme, Itajahya galericulata, Mutinus caninus, M. elegans, M. verrucosus, Phallus denigricans e P. merulinus. Todas representam novas ocorrências para o Estado da Bahia, com exceção de A. floriforme. Descrições, chave de identificação, notas e fotos das espécies são disponibilizadas.

RESUMO A ordem Phallales abriga fungos gasteroides conhecidos como chifres-fedidos, falsas trufas, gaiolas-de-bruxa e véus-de-noiva, e é caracterizada principalmente pelo cheiro fétido do basidioma, mecanismo de dispersão associado a insetos e gleba mucilaginosa. A ordem tem sido bem estudada no Brasil, com maior ocorrência nas regiões Sul e Nordeste do país. O Estado da Bahia apresenta apenas registros das espécies Abrachium floriforme e Lysurus sphaerocephalum. O objetivo deste estudo é apresentar novas ocorrências de Phallales para o Estado. As espécies foram coletadas na Bahia, nos municípios de Elísio Medrado, Mucugê, Salvador e Uruçuca. Um espécime herborizado coletado em Lençóis foi incluído nas análises. Sete espécies foram identificadas: Abrachium floriforme, Itajahya galericulata, Mutinus caninus, M. elegans, M. verrucosus, Phallus denigricans e P. merulinus. Todas representam novas ocorrências para o Estado da Bahia, com exceção de A. floriforme. Descrições, chave de identificação, notas e fotos das espécies são disponibilizadas.

ABSTRACT The order Phallales harbors gasteroid fungi known as stinkhorns, false-truffles, witches’cages and bridal veils, and is mainly characterized by the fetid smelling basidiome, insect-associated dispersal mechanism, and mucilaginous gleba. The order has been well studied in Brazil, with greater occurrence in the southern and northeastern regions of the country. The state of Bahia has only records of the species Abrachium floriforme and Lysurus sphaerocephalum. The objective of this study is to present new occurrences of Phallales for the State. The species were collected in the Bahia State, in the municipalities of Elísio Medrado, Mucugê, Salvador and Uruçuca. One herborized specimen from Lençóis was included in the analyses. Seven species were identified: Abrachium floriforme, Itajahya galericulata, Mutinus caninus, M. elegans, M. verrucosus, Phallus denigricans and P. merulinus. All represent new occurrences for the State of Bahia, except A. floriforme. Descriptions, identification key, notes and photos of the species are provided.

ABSTRACT After more than a year since the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) disease 2019 or COVID-19 has reached the status of a global pandemic, the number of COVID-19 cases continues to rise in Brazil. As no effective treatment been approved yet, only mass vaccination can stop the spread of SARS-CoV-2 and end the COVID-19 pandemic. Multiple COVID-19 vaccine candidates are under development and some are currently in use. This study aims to describe the characteristics of individuals who have registered in an online platform to participate in clinical trials for COVID-19 vaccines. Additionally, participants’ characteristics according to age and presence of comorbidities associated with severe COVID-19 and differences of SARS-CoV-2 testing across different geographical areas/neighborhoods are provided. This was a cross-sectional web-based study conducted between September and December/2020, aiming to reach individuals aged ≥18 years who live in Rio de Janeiro metropolitan area, Brazil. Among 21,210 individuals who completed the survey, 20,587 (97.1%) were willing to participate in clinical trials for COVID-19 vaccines. Among those willing to participate, 57.8% individuals were aged 18-59 years and had no comorbidity, 33.7% were aged 18-59 years and had at least one comorbidity, and 8.6% were aged ≥ 60 years regardless the presence of any comorbidity. Almost half (42.6%) reported ever testing for COVID-19, and this proportion was lower among those aged ≥ 60 years (p < 0.001). Prevalence of positive PCR results was 16.0%, higher among those aged 18-59 years (p < 0.009). Prevalence of positive antibody result was 10.0%, with no difference across age and comorbidity groups. Participants from areas/neighborhoods with higher Human Development Index (HDI) reported ever testing for SARS-CoV-2 more frequently than those from lower HDI areas. Interest to participate in clinical trials for COVID-19 vaccines candidates in Rio de Janeiro was significantly high. The online registry successfully reached out a large number of individuals with diverse sociodemographic, economic and clinical backgrounds.

Abstract An endophytic bacterium inhibiting pathogenic bacteria was isolated and the strain was genetically identified as Paenibacillus polymyxa. Biochemical characterization of fermentation broth indicated the presence of peptidic antimicrobial molecules. Liquid-liquid partition resulted in an organic fraction (OF) and an aqueous fraction (AF). OF presented a broad spectrum of activity against a panel of pathogenic bacteria and a fungus whereas the AF was active only against Gram-negative bacteria. AF was sequentially submitted to ion-exchange, desalting and reverse phase (RP) chromatography. A molecule with an RT of 2.45 min exhibited activity against all Gram-negative pathogenic strains tested beside P. mirabilis. The primary structure of the molecule, named AMP-Pp, was determined as Gly-Glu-Hyp-Gly-Ala by N-terminal sequencing. The molecular mass and amino acid sequence were confirmed by MS/MS. With a molecular mass of 463 Da, AMP-Pp is one of the smallest active natural peptides reported, yet. RP chromatography of OF resulted in four peaks. The first three peaks corresponded to known antimicrobials. MS analysis of peak 4 revealed the presence of an ion with m/z 3,376.4 Da, whose proposed molecular formula is C182H321N29O29. The compound, named polycerradin, showed a spectrum of activity against Gram-positive bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria (beside P. mirabilis) and a fungus.

A novel anti-inflammatory hybrid 3-ibuprofenyl-copalic acid (3-IbuCA) was synthesized from 3-hydroxy-copalic acid isolated from Amazonian copaiba oil (Copaifera multijuga Hayne), and the anti-inflammatory ibuprofen. After full characterization, several assays to verify its anti-inflammatory effects were performed in vitro, in vivo and in silico (molecular docking). Induced fit docking was performed to observe the interactions with the enzymes cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). In vitro tests of cytotoxicity and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α inhibition, and in vivo tests of pleurisy, protein expression and gastrocytotoxicity were performed. Molecular docking studies with COX-1 and 2 showed binding free energies (ΔG) of -2.2 and -7.8 kcal mol-1, respectively, while for mofezolac and indomethacin, the binding free energies ΔG presented values of -8.5 and -10.1 kcal mol-1, which makes 3-IbuCA selective for COX-2 inhibition. This hybrid showed no toxicity against human macrophage at concentrations up to 2 µM, and inhibited TNF-α production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophages. In the pleurisy assays, 3-IbuCA reduced the total leukocytes and mononuclear cells, which was followed by reduction of p-IKBα (phosphorylated nuclear factor of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B-cells inhibitor, alpha) protein expression. Compared with ibuprofen alone, the hybrid caused less gastric damage. Thus, the docking, together with in vitro and in vivo studies suggest that this novel hybrid has potential as a new anti-inflammatory agent.

The production of fatty acid methyl esther (FAME) via transesterification was studied, assessing the influence of CaO heterogeneous catalysts obtained from four different fishery residues: sururu, crab, clam and mussel. Characterization and properties of the residues were obtained via thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra, nitrogen adsorption/desorption, chemical composition and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Catalytic activities and reaction kinetics of FAME synthesis from the transesterification of soybean oil were performed. FAME yield was determined by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). A higher efficiency and reaction rate were observed for the catalysts obtained from the sururu residues with 93.7% FAME yield after 3.5 h of reaction at the first usage, reducing only to 91.0% after four consecutive cycles of reuse. The best activities were assigned to the presence of SrO, to smaller particle size, higher pore volumes and the higher Ca leaching, yielding Ca-diglyceroxide which is an important active phase for transesterification.

ABSTRACT The heterogeneous light pattern in forest environments leads to specific morphological and physiological responses. However, anthropogenic pressures in areas such as Atlantic Forest and Cerrado are modifying the light availability, and consequently the forest community composition. The aim of this study was to investigate the plasticity of forest species Pimenta pseudocaryophyllus under full sunlight and shade conditions. P. pseudocaryophyllus showed typical shade plant phenotype, with higher net photosynthesis, transpiration, and chlorophyll a and b contents when cultivated under this condition. The decrease in net photosynthesis under full sunlight conditions is probably related to PSII photoinhibition. In addition, under full sunlight, reduced height, number of leaves, and specific leaf area was observed, while plants in shade increased these characteristics. P. pseudocaryophyllus did not show high morphological and physiological plasticity, which may be a maladaptive response. It was concluded that forest disturbances could compromise the occurrence and survival of P. pseudocaryophyllus.

A artroplastia do joelho é uma das cirurgias com maior sucesso em Ortopedia. Por isso, as indicações para a cirurgia têm vindo a expandir-se levando a um exponencial aumento no número de próteses realizadas em todo o mundo. Assim, a prevalência de doentes a viver com uma artroplastia do joelho e consequentemente em risco de falência é também cada vez maior. Apesar do seu sucesso, existe uma proporção relevante de doentes com mau resultado funcional cujo mecanismo subjacente de falência nem sempre é óbvio. O objetivo deste artigo não é rever de forma exaustiva todos os possíveis modos de falência de uma artroplastia total do joelho, mas antes fazer uma revisão da abordagem diagnóstica perante uma prótese total do joelho (PTJ) dolorosa que facilite e torne reprodutível a elucidação do mecanismo de falência da prótese subjacente. Os mecanismos abordados e mais difíceis de diagnosticar são a descelagem asséptica, a infeção, a instabilidade e o desalinhamento patelofemoral pela sua apresentação, por vezes fruste, associada a dor inespecífica no joelho. Nestes casos, para além da clínica, é importante recorrer aos exames auxiliares de diagnóstico numa tentativa de melhor elucidar qual o mecanismo subjacente à falência da prótese, não havendo um único exame de eleição na avaliação da PTJ dolorosa. É também discutido neste artigo a rigidez e outras causas menos comuns de PTJ dolorosa que são de diagnóstico mais evidente.

Knee arthroplasty is one of the procedures in Orthopaedics with better results. Therefore, its indications are more extensive leading to a rising incidence and prevalence of knee arthroplasties worldwide as well as a rise in the number of total knee arthroplasties (TKA) in risk of failure. Nevertheless, there is an important proportion of patients with deficient functional results which failure mechanism is not always obvious. This article does not aim to exhaustively analyse all failure mechanisms of a TKA but to review the diagnostic approach of a painful TKA providing an easy and reproducible explanation of the failure mechanism. The broached and harder to diagnose mechanisms are aseptic loosening, infection, instability and patellofemoral maltracking because of its sometimes eased presentation associated with unspecific knee pain. In these cases, besides anamnesis, it is important use imaging studies to better elucidate the failure mechanism despite not existing a gold standard method. It is also discussed in this article stiffness and other less common causes of painful TKA which have a more obvious diagnose.

Resumo: A compreensão da forma como capital social, empoderamento e governança ambiental se relacionam em escala local pode fortalecer o papel do poder público e de instituições privadas na implementação de estratégias de promoção da qualidade de vida. Nessa perspectiva, o objetivo deste estudo é analisar a confluência do capital social, empoderamento e governança ambiental para a sadia qualidade de vida, em comunidades rurais, no Ceará. Para tanto, foram utilizados dados primários obtidos junto a representantes das comunidades. A operacionalização dos conceitos analisados foi realizada por meio da construção de índices agregados. Como principal método de análise foi estimado um modelo de equações estruturais. Os resultados mais relevantes mostraram que o capital social e o empoderamento se relacionam entre si na promoção da sadia qualidade de vida nas comunidades estudadas, enquanto a governança ambiental não consegue promover mudanças nesse sentido. Ficou evidente a importância da participação da comunidade no desenvolvimento/envolvimento melhorando, assim, o acesso a direitos sociais com a participação responsável e solidária para alcançar a sadia qualidade de vida, em um meio ambiente com equilíbrio ecológico, às presentes e futuras gerações.

Abstract: The understanding of how social capital, empowerment and environmental governance relate in the local level can strengthen the role of public power and private institutions in implementing strategies to promote quality of life. In this perspective the objective of this study is to analyse the confluence of social capital, empowerment and environmental governance for the healthy quality of life in rural communities in Ceará, Brazil. For this, primary data obtained from community representatives were used. The operationalization of the analysed concepts was accomplished through the construction of aggregate indexes. As the main method of analysis, a structural equation model was estimated. The most relevant results showed that social capital and empowerment are related to each other in promoting healthy quality of life in the communities studied, while environmental governance cannot promote change in this sense. The importance of community participation in development / involvement was evident, thus improving access to social rights with responsible and supportive participation in order to achieve the healthy quality of life in an ecologically balanced environment for present and future generations.

ABSTRACT Bone turnover markers (BTMs) are product of bone cell activity and are generally divided in bone formation and bone resorption markers. The purpose of this review was to structure the available information on the use of BTMs in studies on small ruminants, especially for monitoring their variations related to diet, exercise, gestation and metabolic lactation state, circadian and seasonal variations, and also during skeletal growth. Pre-clinical and translational studies using BTMs with sheep and goats as animal models in orthopaedic research studies to help in the evaluation of the fracture healing process and osteoporosis research are also described in this review. The available information from the reviewed studies was systematically organized in order to highlight the most promising BTMs in small ruminant research, as well as provide a wide view of the use of sheep and goat as animal models in orthopaedic research, type of markers and commercial assay kits with cross-reactivity in sheep and goat, method of sample and storage of serum and urine for bone turnover markers determination and the usefulness and limitations of bone turnover markers in the different studies, therefore an effective tool for researchers that seek answers to different questions while using BTMs in small ruminants.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of Carbopol gel formulations containing pilocarpine on the morphology and morphometry of the vaginal epithelium of castrated rats. METHODS: Thirty-one female Wistar-Hannover rats were randomly divided into four groups: the control Groups I (n=7, rats in persistent estrus; positive controls) and II (n=7, castrated rats, negative controls) and the experimental Groups, III (n=8) and IV (n=9). Persistent estrus (Group I) was achieved with a subcutaneous injection of testosterone propionate on the second postnatal day. At 90 days postnatal, rats in Groups II, III and IV were castrated and treated vaginally for 14 days with Carbopol gel (vehicle alone) or Carbopol gel containing 5% and 15% pilocarpine, respectively. Next, all of the animals were euthanized and their vaginas were removed for histological evaluation. A non-parametric test with a weighted linear regression model was used for data analysis (p<0.05). RESULTS: The morphological evaluation showed maturation of the vaginal epithelium with keratinization in Group I, whereas signs of vaginal atrophy were present in the rats of the other groups. Morphometric examinations showed mean thickness values of the vaginal epithelium of 195.10±12.23 μm, 30.90±1.14 μm, 28.16±2.98 μm and 29.84±2.30 μm in Groups I, II, III and IV, respectively, with statistically significant differences between Group I and the other three groups (p<0.0001) and no differences between Groups II, III and IV (p=0.0809). CONCLUSION: Topical gel formulations containing pilocarpine had no effect on atrophy of the vaginal epithelium in the castrated female rats.

Embora a ruptura do tendão de Aquiles seja relativamente comum, a ruptura bilateral não traumática é menos comum, constituindo 0,002% dos casos descritos na literatura. Estão descritos diversos factores intrínsecos e extrínsecos que predispõem à ruptura tendinosa, sendo os mais importantes a tendinose prévia e a administração oral ou peritendinosa de corticoide. Os autores apresentam um caso de ruptura atraumática e bilateral simultânea do tendão de Aquiles em paciente previamente submetida a tratamento com infiltração peritendinosa com corticoide bilateralmente. A paciente foi submetida a sutura percutânea bilateral com Tenolig®. O objetivo deste trabalho é alertar para o risco excessivo do uso de infiltração peritendinosa de corticoide no tratamento da dor retrocalcaneana crónica e de difícil controlo por outros meios, nos doentes com tendinose crónica, mesmo na ausência de outros factores de risco para ruptura. A comunidade médica deve estar ciente dos efeitos nefastos resultantes da infiltração peritendinosa com corticoide, devendo esta ser cautelosamente utilizada.

Although Achilles rupture is relatively common, non-traumatic bilateral rupture is less common, constituting 0.002% of the cases described in the literature. Tendinosis and prior oral or peritendinous corticosteroid infiltration are among the most important factors for tendon rupture. The authors present a case of simultaneous bilateral and atraumatic Achilles tendon rupture in a patient previously submitted to treatment with corticosteroids peritendinous infiltration bilaterally. The patient underwent bilateral percutaneous suture with Tenolig®. The aim of this report is to highlight the excessive risk of using corticosteroids peritendinous injections in the treatment of retrocalcaneal chronic pain difficult to control by other means, in patients with chronic tendinosis, even in the absence of other risk factors for rupture. Medical community should be aware of the adverse effects of peritendinous corticosteroid infiltration, which should be used cautiously.

As técnicas imagiológicas são o método convencional para a avaliação dos processos de cicatrização das fraturas. No entanto, estes métodos não são talvez totalmente confiáveis para a deteção precoce de complicações, as mais frequentes destas sendo o atraso da união e a não-união. Um diagnóstico eficaz destas desordens poderia prevenir a dor e a incapacidade prolongada do paciente. Esforços devem ser dirigidos no sentido do desenvolvimento de novas tecnologias para melhorar a exatidão no diagnóstico de complicações após fraturas ósseas. A variação nos níveis dos marcadores do turnover ósseo (BTMs) têm sido avaliados com vista à sua capacidade para prever o comprometimento da cicatrização das fraturas numa fase inicial, no entanto, as conclusões de alguns estudos não são consensuais. Neste artigo os autores fizeram uma revisão do potencial dos BTMs como fatores de previsibilidade precoce do prognóstico em doentes adultos que apresentavam fraturas ósseas traumáticas mas que não sofriam de osteopenia ou osteoporose pós-menopausa. A informação disponível nos diferentes estudos realizados neste campo foi sistematizada com vista a evidenciar-se os BTMs mais promissores para a avaliação da evolução da cicatrização das fraturas.

Imaging techniques are the standard method for assessment of fracture healing processes. However, these methods are perhaps not entirely reliable for early detection of complications, the most frequent of these being delayed union and non-union. A prompt diagnosis of such disorders could prevent prolonged patient distress and disability. Efforts should be directed towards the development of new technologies for improving accuracy in diagnosing complications following bone fractures. The variation in the levels of bone turnover markers (BTMs) have been assessed with regard to there ability to predict impaired fracture healing at an early stage, nevertheless the conclusions of some studies are not consensual. In this article the authors have revised the potential of BTMs as early predictors of prognosis in adult patients presenting traumatic bone fractures but who did not suffer from osteopenia or postmenopausal osteoporosis. The available information from the different studies performed in this field was systematized in order to highlight the most promising BTMs for the assessment of fracture healing outcome.

This study investigated the effects of acibenzolar-S-methyl (ASM), ethylene (ET) and jasmonic acid (JA) on the resistance of two wheat cultivars (BRS-229 and BR-18) to infection by Pyricularia oryzae. The treatments included spraying plants with ASM (300 mg L-1), ET (0.5 mM), JA (0.1 mM) and distilled water (control) 48 h before inoculation with P. oryzae. Malondialdehyde concentration, an indicative of oxidative damage to the lipids in the leaf cells, was significantly higher for plants sprayed with ASM compared to plants sprayed with JA and ET. Plants sprayed with JA and ET showed reduced values for the number of lesions per cm² of leaf area and area under blast progress curve, but these hormones had no effect on the incubation period and lesion size (in mm). Plants sprayed with JA and ET showed reduce blast symptoms in comparison to plants sprayed with ASM due to greater peroxidase, polyphenoloxidase, chitinase and β-1,3-glucanase activities.

OBJETIVO: Identificar os vírus envolvidos nos quadros de infecções agudas de trato respiratório e analisar as taxas de internação e de óbito em crianças submetidas à profilaxia com palivizumabe.MÉTODOS: Coorte prospectiva com 198 crianças menores de um ano nascidas antes de 29 semanas de idade gestacional e crianças menores de dois anos com cardiopatia hemodinamicamente instável ou doença pulmonar crônica que receberam palivizumabe para profilaxia contra infecções graves pelo vírus sincicial respiratório, em 2008. No período do estudo, em cada episódio de infecção aguda do trato respiratório, coletou-se aspirado de nasofaringe para identificar vírus sincicial respiratório, adenovírus, parainfluenza 1, 2 e 3, influenza A e B por imunofluorescência direta, rinovírus e metapneumovírus por reação em cadeia de polimerase precedida de transcriptase reversa. Monitoraram-se internações e óbitos nesse grupo.RESULTADOS:Das 198 crianças acompanhadas, 117 (59,1%) apresentaram infecções agudas de trato respiratório, totalizando 175 episódios. De 76 aspirados de nasofaringe coletados na vigência de infecções do trato respiratório, 37 foram positivos, encontrando-se: rinovírus (75,7%), vírus sincicial respiratório (18,9%), parainfluenza (8,1%), adenovírus (2,7%), metapneumovírus (2,7%) e múltiplos agentes em três amostras. Das 198 crianças, 48 (24,4%) foram internadas, sendo 30 (15,2%) por etiologia não respiratória e 18 (9,1%) por problemas respiratórios; entre os 18 casos, um foi por vírus sincicial respiratório. Duas crianças evoluíram para óbito, não tendo sido identificado o vírus sincicial respiratório.CONCLUSÕES: Na vigência de profilaxia, observou-se frequência baixa de infecções pelo vírus sincicial respiratório e baixo índice de hospitalizações, sugerindo benefício da profilaxia com palivizumabe.

OBJECTIVE:To identify the viruses involved in acute respiratory tract infections and to analyze the rates of hospitalization and death in children on palivizumab prophylaxis.METHODS: Prospective cohort of 198 infants up to one year old who were born before 29 weeks of gestational age and infants under two years old with hemodynamically unstable cardiopathy or chronic pulmonary disease who received prophylactic palivizumab against severe respiratory syncytial virus infections in 2008. During the study period, in each episode of acute respiratory tract infection, nasopharyngeal aspirate was collected to identify respiratory syncytial virus, adenovirus, parainfluenza 1, 2 and 3, influenza A and B by direct immunofluorescence, rhinovirus and metapneumovirus by polymerase chain reaction preceded by reverse transcription. Data regarding hospitalization and deaths were monitored.RESULTS: Among the 198 studied infants, 117 (59.1%) presented acute respiratory tract infections, with a total of 175 episodes. Of the 76 nasopharyngeal aspirates collected during respiratory tract infections, 37 were positive, as follow: rhinovirus (75.7%), respiratory syncytial virus (18.9%), parainfluenza (8.1%), adenovirus 2 (2.7%), metapneumovirus (2.7%) and three samples presented multiple agents. Of the 198 children, 48 (24.4%) were hospitalized: 30 (15.2%) for non-infectious etiology and 18 (9.1%) for respiratory causes. Among these 18 children, one case of respiratory syncytial virus was identified. Two deaths were reported, but respiratory syncytial virus was not identified.CONCLUSIONS: During the prophylaxis period, low frequency of respiratory syncytial virus infections and low rates of hospitalization were observed, suggesting the benefit of palivizumab prophylaxis.

OBJETIVO: Identificar los virus implicados en los cuadros de infecciones agudas de trato respiratorio y analizar las tasas de internación y de óbito en niños sometidos a la profilaxis con palivizumabe.MÉTODOS: Cohorte prospectiva con 198 niños con menos de un año nacidas antes de 29 semanas de edad gestacional y niños con menos de dos años con cardiopatía hemodinámicamente inestable o enfermedad pulmonar crónica que recibieron palivizumabe para profilaxis contra infecciones graves por el virus sincitial respiratorio, en 2008. En el periodo de estudio, en cada episodio de infección aguda del trato respiratorio, se recogió aspirado de nasofaringe para identificar virus sincitial respiratorio, adenovirus, parainfluenza 1,2 y 3, influenza A y B por técnica del anticuerpo fluorescente directa, rinovirus y metapneumovirus por reacción en cadena de la polimerasa precedida por transcriptasa inversa. Se monitorean internaciones y óbitos en ese grupo.RESULTADOS: De los 198 niños seguidos, 117 (59,1%) presentaron infecciones agudas de trato respiratorio, totalizando 175 episodios. De 76 aspirados de nasofaringe recogidos en la vigencia de infecciones de trato respiratorio, 37 fueron positivos, encontrándose: rinovirus (75,7%), virus sincitial respiratorio (18,9%), parainfluenza (8,1%), adenovirus (2,7%), metapneumovirus (2,7%) y múltiples agentes en tres muestras. De los 198 niños, 48 (24,4%) fueron internados, siendo 30 (15,2%) por etiología no respiratoria y 18 (9,1%) por problemas respiratorios; entre los 18 casos, uno fue por virus sincitial respiratorio. Dos niños evolucionaron a óbito, no habiendo sido identificado el virus sincitial respiratorio.CONCLUSIONES: En la vigencia de profilaxis, se observó frecuencia baja de infecciones por el virus sincitial respiratorio y bajo índice de hospitalizaciones, sugiriendo beneficio de la profilaxis con palivizumabe.