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FAPESP and the Sustainable Development Goals

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SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being

News

SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being

COVID-19 creates conditions for emergence of ‘superfungus’ in Brazil
SDG 3
COVID-19 creates conditions for emergence of ‘superfungus’ in Brazil

The presence of Candida auris in a hospital in Salvador, Bahia, was confirmed at end-2020 and reported in an article in the Journal of Fungi. The fungus can cause a lethal invasive disease and is ringing alarm bells because of the speed with which it develops drug resistance.


Second-wave SARS-CoV-2 reinfection rate in Manaus may have reached 31%, study suggests
SDG 3
Second-wave SARS-CoV-2 reinfection rate in Manaus may have reached 31%, study suggests

An Anglo-Brazilian research center analyzed samples from blood donors tested for antibodies against the novel coronavirus.


Nationwide survey shows that several COVID-19 epidemics are under way in Brazil
SDG 3
Nationwide survey shows that several COVID-19 epidemics are under way in Brazil

Supported by FAPESP and led by a researcher at the Federal University of São Paulo, EPICOVID-19 BR 2 tested 120,000 people in 133 cities between January 25 and April 24, 2021. Amazonas was the state with the highest seroprevalence, with positive test results accounting for 31.4%. The nationwide average was 15%.


Non-invasive sensor shows correlation between blood pressure and intracranial pressure
SDG 3
Non-invasive sensor shows correlation between blood pressure and intracranial pressure

The discovery, made possible by a partnership between a research group and a startup in São Paulo state (Brazil), could lead to novel treatments for intracranial hypertension and its complications, such as stroke.


Study contributes to deeper understanding of brain dysfunctions in patients with schizophrenia
SDG 3
Study contributes to deeper understanding of brain dysfunctions in patients with schizophrenia

A group at the University of Campinas used protein mapping to show how abnormal levels of the neurotransmitter glutamate impair the functioning of neurons and oligodendrocytes. The findings could serve as a basis for more effective treatment.


Alzheimer’s disease increases the risk of severe COVID-19 and death from this viral disease
SDG 3
Alzheimer’s disease increases the risk of severe COVID-19 and death from this viral disease

Patients with dementia and especially Alzheimer’s run a threefold risk of dying as a result of infection by SARS-CoV-2. The risk is six times greater if they are over 80, according to a study by Brazilian researchers.


A study conducted in Brazil evaluated the filtration efficacy of 227 commercially available face masks
SDG 3
A study conducted in Brazil evaluated the filtration efficacy of 227 commercially available face masks

Models for professional use were the most effective at retaining aerosol particles of a size equivalent to the novel coronavirus, followed by TNT masks sold in drugstores. The efficacy of fabric masks ranged from 15% to 70%. A tight fit and lack of seams enhanced protection.


Direct action of SARS-CoV-2 on several organs may cause exacerbated immune response in children
SDG 3
Direct action of SARS-CoV-2 on several organs may cause exacerbated immune response in children

The largest series of autopsies ever performed on children who died from COVID-19 showed that the ability of the novel coronavirus to invade and damage the tissue of all major organs is one of the factors leading to multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C).


Cell-mediated immunity is essential to prevent reinfection by the novel coronavirus, study suggests
SDG 3
Cell-mediated immunity is essential to prevent reinfection by the novel coronavirus, study suggests

Brazilian researchers studied the case of identical twins in which only one sibling was reinfected and developed complications after a second exposure to the virus. Their analysis showed that the adaptive immune response can be different even between individuals with the same genome.


People who have had dengue are twice as likely to develop symptomatic COVID-19
SDG 3
People who have had dengue are twice as likely to develop symptomatic COVID-19

This is the main finding of a study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases. The authors analyzed blood samples collected in a town in the Brazilian Amazon before and after the first wave of the pandemic to detect the presence of antibodies against dengue virus and SARS-CoV-2.


Vegan and omnivorous diets promote equivalent muscle mass gain, study shows
SDG 3
Vegan and omnivorous diets promote equivalent muscle mass gain, study shows

Trials performed by researchers at the University of São Paulo with healthy young adults show that the right level of protein intake is the key to muscle health, regardless of protein source.


Scientists use genetic engineering to explore mechanisms involved in psychiatric disorders
SDG 3
Scientists use genetic engineering to explore mechanisms involved in psychiatric disorders

The research group created a virus capable of acting on specific adult brain regions, helping to elucidate the role of key neurons in the prefrontal cortex. They tested the technique on mice.


Obese girls face heightened risk of cardiovascular disease in adulthood more often than obese boys
SDG 3
Obese girls face heightened risk of cardiovascular disease in adulthood more often than obese boys

Conclusion was drawn from a study that involved 92 adolescents aged 11-18. The findings underscore the importance of considering differences between the sexes when treatment is planned.


Study assesses use of stem cells to treat knee injuries
SDG 3
Study assesses use of stem cells to treat knee injuries

Brazilian scientists conducted preclinical trials to test membranes produced from mesenchymal stem cells that can differentiate to cartilage and promote local immunoregulation.


Atlas of human lung helps understand effects of novel coronavirus on alveoli
SDG 3
Atlas of human lung helps understand effects of novel coronavirus on alveoli

Researchers at the University of Campinas in Brazil reveal the mechanisms whereby SARS-CoV-2 disrupts the regulation of inflammation, coagulation and blood pressure when it infects alveolar cells, responsible for gas exchange in the lungs.


Muscle strength and mass help predict length of stay in hospital for COVID-19 patients, study suggests
SDG 3
Muscle strength and mass help predict length of stay in hospital for COVID-19 patients, study suggests

According to researchers affiliated with the University of São Paulo, these indicators can orient preventive care for the most vulnerable and rehabilitation for survivors who suffer from long-term complications.


Researchers describe possible immune escape mechanism for South African variant of novel coronavirus
SDG 3
Researchers describe possible immune escape mechanism for South African variant of novel coronavirus

A mutation in the variant’s spike protein is associated with glycosylation, which prevents antibodies from binding strongly to the virus. If the discovery is confirmed by further research, it could serve as a basis for future vaccines that are more effective against novel variants.


Soybean and linseed oils added to cows’ diet improve the quality of milk for human consumption
SDG 3
Soybean and linseed oils added to cows’ diet improve the quality of milk for human consumption

Brazilian researchers show that feed supplementation improves fatty acid profile of milk and promotes a healthier omega-6/omega-3 ratio.


Study shows how low-protein intake during pregnancy can cause renal problems in offspring
SDG 3
Study shows how low-protein intake during pregnancy can cause renal problems in offspring

In an article published in PLOS ONE, scientists at a FAPESP-supported research center describe the impact of hypoproteinemia on the expression of microRNAs associated with kidney development in rat embryos.


Air pollution and mobility indicators are shown to be predictors of the rise in COVID-19 cases and deaths
SDG 3
Air pollution and mobility indicators are shown to be predictors of the rise in COVID-19 cases and deaths

A multinational research group used data from São Paulo to perform calculations which suggest that even a minor reduction in the city’s mobility – equivalent to a rise from 45% to 50% in the social distancing index – correlates with a considerable fall in new infections and deaths after a few days.


Analysis of saliva is efficacious to detect COVID-19 in children with symptoms
SDG 3
Analysis of saliva is efficacious to detect COVID-19 in children with symptoms

Sample collection is much easier and less invasive. Self-collecting is feasible, depending on the child’s age. Schools should reopen only with mass testing to keep track of asymptomatic cases, the researchers argue.


Brazilian startup develops rapid test to diagnose bladder cancer
SDG 3, SDG 9
Brazilian startup develops rapid test to diagnose bladder cancer

Inexpensive test is non-invasive and based on detection of bladder cancer biomarkers in urine.


FAPESP will select projects that contribute to public policies for recovery from COVID-19
SDG 3, SDG 8, SDG 10, SDG 17
FAPESP will select projects that contribute to public policies for recovery from COVID-19

A total of BRL 18.5 million will be allocated to funding for collaborative projects by researchers in the state of São Paulo with colleagues in other countries. Proposals must be submitted not later than July 10.


Researchers at the University of São Paulo find coronavirus in gum tissue of COVID-19 patients
SDG 3
Researchers at the University of São Paulo find coronavirus in gum tissue of COVID-19 patients

Infection of periodontal tissue, not just airways, explains the high viral load found in the saliva of COVID-19 patients, this study suggests.


Brazilian company develops low-cost mechanical ventilators
SDG 3, SDG 9
Brazilian company develops low-cost mechanical ventilators

Machines designed and prototyped by Setup Automação with PIPE-FAPESP’s support could come to market costing 25% less than currently available devices.


News about research projects funded by FAPESP and articulated with the SDGs: