Objective: To estimate the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in an asymptomatic population in the state of Sergipe, Brazil. Methods: This cross-sectional study with stratified sampling (sex and age) includeD serological immunofluorescent tests for IgM and IgG on samples from 3 046 asymptomatic individuals. Sample collection was performed in wet-markets of the 10 most populous cities of Sergipe, Brazil. Exclusion criteria included symptomatic individuals and health workers. The presence of comorbidities was registered. Results: Of the 3 046 participants, 1 577 (51.8%) were female and 1 469 (48.2%) were male; the mean age was 39.76 (SD 16.83) years old. 2 921 tests were considered valid for IgM and 2 635 for IgG. Of the valid samples, 347 (11.9% [CI 10.7%–13.1%]) tested positive for IgM and 218 (8.3% CI 7.2%–9.4%]) tested positive for IgG. Women over 40 had the highest prevalence for IgM (group C, p=0.006; group D p=0.04). The capital Aracaju displayed the highest prevalence for both antibodies; 83 (26.3% [CI 21.6%-31.6%]) tested positive for IgM and 35 (14.6% [CI 10.4%-19.7%]) for IgG. The most prevalent comorbidities were hypertension (64/123 individuals) and diabetes (29/123). Conclusions: A high prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies was found among asymptomatic persons in Sergipe. Women over 40 showed the highest rates. The capital, Aracaju, displayed the highest seroprevalence. Surveys like this one are important to understand how the virus spreads and to help authorities to plan measures to control it. Repeated serologic testing are required to track the progress of the epidemic.

Hyperammonaemia is related to both central and peripheral fatigue during exercise. Hyperammonaemia in response to exercise can be reduced through supplementation with either amino acids or combined keto analogues and amino acids (KAAA). In the present study, we determined the effect of short-term KAAA supplementation on ammonia production in subjects eating a low-carbohydrate diet who exercise. A total of thirteen male cyclists eating a ketogenic diet for 3 d were divided into two groups receiving either KAAA (KEx) or lactose (control group; LEx) supplements. Athletes cycled indoors for 2 h, and blood samples were obtained at rest, during exercise and over the course of 1 h during the recovery period. Exercise-induced ammonaemia increased to a maximum of 35 % in the control group, but no significant increase was observed in the supplemented group. Both groups had a significant increase (approximately 35 %) in uraemia in response to exercise. The resting urate levels of the two groups were equivalent and remained statistically unchanged in the KEx group after 90 min of exercise; an earlier increase was observed in the LEx group. Glucose levels did not change, either during the trial time or between the groups. An increase in lactate levels was observed during the first 30 min of exercise in both groups, but there was no difference between the groups. The present results suggest that the acute use of KAAA diminishes exercise-induced hyperammonaemia.

Highlights COVID-19 clinical cases were reported in Brazil in February 2020. SARS-CoV-2 may have circulated before the clinical cases were detected. We tested serum samples collected in Jan-April 2020 for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies 16/989 (1.6%) had antibodies, suggesting an earlier circulation of the virus. Patients with undetected and reported infection had similar age, sex and residency.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the renal function of rural workers in a city of northeastern Brazil. A cross‐sectional study was carried out with 208 workers in Boquim, Sergipe, Brazil. Renal function markers and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) were evaluated and the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was determined. The sample consisted mainly of illiterate males with a low usage of personal protective equipment and no training. Approximately 40% had some level of renal failure. Relative risk (1.59) of GFR alteration was higher in workers with more than 5 yr of exposure, mainly to organophosphates. Workers more than 60 yr of age presented a 17.06 greater risk for manifesting acute intoxication. Butyrylcholinesterase reduction was associated with reports of intoxication (relative risk of 11.36). We concluded that exposure to pesticides represented a risk factor for the development of nephrotoxic effects and alteration of renal function, which reinforced the need to implement measures to protect rural workers. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:1132–1138. © 2020 SETAC

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