Validation of the illustrated questionnaire on eating and sedentary behaviors (QUICAS) for seven to ten-year-old children.

The Illustrated Questionnaire on Eating and Sedentary Behaviors (QUICAS) was developed and validated for schoolchildren seven to ten years old. It used previous day recall and was illustrated with ten eating behaviors (referring to the act of eating without distractions, with company, on a regular basis, the type of food eaten, and participation in tasks involved in meal preparation) and five sedentary behaviors (related to the use of television, computer, tablet, cell phone, and video game). The instrument was validated in four stages: (1) Its content was developed based on literature review and expert evaluation; (2) Items were validated by comparing the responses of children and their parents, through a questionnaire on Google Forms. At this stage, a convenience sample was adopted, consisting of 145 parent-child dyads. High sensitivity (average of 90.7%); high specificity (mean of 87.9%); low number of false positives (mean of 12.1%); low number of false negatives (mean of 9.3%); almost perfect agreement between the child's and the parent's reports (k = 0.81); and low disagreement (≤22%) were found. In addition, the child's gender and age did not significantly influence the child's report. (3) The illustrations were validated in a focus group with 18 children, who satisfactorily described all the eating and sedentary behaviors of the illustrations. (4) In the pretest of the questionnaire on Google Forms, with the participation of 15 children, the majority (86.7%) judged the questionnaire as excellent or good. Therefore, the QUICAS is valid to assess eating and sedentary behaviors in schoolchildren seven to ten years old.

Effects of public health emergencies of international concern on disease control: a systematic review.

Objectives: To assess the accumulated knowledge of the effects of public health emergencies of international concern on disease control and local health systems, and contribute to a better understanding of their effects on health programs and systems. Methods: This was a systematic review of published and gray literature (in English, Portuguese, or Spanish). Electronic databases (BVS/LILACS, PubMed, and SciELO) and Google Scholar were searched. Search terms were: COVID-19 OR H1N1 OR Ebola OR Zika OR poliomyelitis AND (outbreaks OR epidemics) AND (public health systems OR public health surveillance). Results: A total of 3 508 studies were retrieved, of which 31 met the inclusion criteria. The studies addressed the effects of the emergencies on: communicable diseases notification systems; malaria, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, poliomyelitis, and malaria surveillance, control, and treatment; microcephaly; dengue; and vaccinations. The populations affected by the emergencies experienced reduced health services, which included fewer health visits, failures in the diagnostic chain, decrease in vaccination, and increased incidence or underreporting of notifiable diseases. Conclusions: Socioeconomic inequity is a determinant of the effects of public health emergencies of international concern within affected populations. The diversion of resources and attention from health authorities disproportionately affects vulnerable populations and can lead, over time, to a weakening of health systems. The analysis of the effects of public health emergencies is important for the development of new protocols that can better respond to future crises.

Food-dependent NSAID-induced hypersensitivity (FDNIH) reactions: Unraveling the clinical features and risk factors.

BACKGROUND: In up to 70%-80% of patients with a suspected non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug hypersensitivity (NSAIDH), challenge tests with the culprit drug yield negative results. On the other hand, there could be a NSAIDH overdiagnosis when anaphylaxis is the clinical manifestation. We hypothesize that some negative NSAID challenge tests and an overdiagnosis of NSAIDH occur in patients with food-dependent NSAID-induced hypersensitivity (FDNIH). METHODS: We studied 328 patients with a suspected acute NSAIDH. FDNIH was diagnosed in patients meeting all the following: (1) tolerance to the food ingested more temporally closed before the reaction, later the episode, (2) respiratory or cutaneous symptoms or anaphylaxis related to NSAID, (3) positive skin prick test to foods and/or specific IgE to food allergens (Pru p 3, Tri a 19, Pen a 1) involved in the reaction, and (4) negative oral provocation test to the culprit NSAID. RESULTS: 199 patients (60%) were diagnosed with NSAIDH and 52 (16%) with FDNIH. Pru p 3 was involved in 44 cases (84.6%) and Tri a 19 in 6 cases (11%). FDNIH subjects were younger (p < .001), with a higher prevalence of rhinitis (p < .001) and previous food allergy (p < .001), together with a higher proportion of subjects sensitized to pollens (p < .001) and foods (p < .001). Using just four variables (Pru p 3 sensitization, Tri a 19 sensitization, anaphylaxis, and any NSAID different from pyrazolones), 95.3% of cases were correctly classified, with a sensitivity of 92% and specificity of 96%. CONCLUSION: Evaluation of FDNIH should be included in the diagnostic workup of NSAIDH.

Performance of basophil activation test and specific IgG4 as diagnostic tools in nonspecific lipid transfer protein allergy: Antwerp-Barcelona comparison.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies show that nsLTP sensitization is not limited to the Mediterranean basin and can present diverse clinical phenotypes. It remains challenging to predict clinical outcome when specific IgE antibodies (sIgE) to nsLTPs are present. This study compares both clinical and in vitro allergy characteristics but also diagnostic performance of a basophil activation test (BAT) and sIgG4 in nsLTP-sensitized patients from Antwerp (ANT, Belgium) and Barcelona (BCN, Spain). METHODS: Adult subjects with positive sIgE rPru p 3 and/or rMal d 3 ≥ 0.10 kUA /L (n = 182) and healthy controls (n = 37) were included. NsLTP-sensitized individuals were stratified according to clinical symptoms with peach/apple, respectively. BAT rPru p 3 and rMal d 3 were performed and sIgG4 antibodies to both components quantified. RESULTS: In BCN, only ratios of sIgG4/sIgE rMal d 3 and BAT rMal d 3 (0.001 µg/mL) can identify clinically relevant Mal d 3 sensitization (sensitivity of 60%-63% and a specificity of 75%-67%, respectively). In ANT, only the sIgE/total IgE rPru p 3 ratio shows added value (sensitivity 60% and specificity 83%). Finally, it appears that symptomatic patients in BCN are more sensitive to lower allergen concentrations compared to ANT. In addition, it was shown that ANT patients were more often sensitized to pollen and that specific pollen sources differed between regions. CONCLUSIONS: NsLTP-related allergy profiles and diagnostic performance differ significantly between regions and are component-specific, which makes extrapolation of data difficult to do. In addition, it seems that basophil sensitivity might show geographical differences. Additional research is needed to confirm these findings.

New Drugs and Promising Drug Combinations in the Treatment of Chagas Disease in Brazil: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Chagas disease (CD) is a parasitic infection caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi (Kinetoplastida, Trypanosomatidae). Benznidazole (Bz) has a limited ability to interfere with the pathogenicity of the parasite, which manages to overcome host defenses. This study aimed to conduct a systematic literature review and meta-analysis to understand and describe the drugs and their combinations, as well as new promising compounds used in the treatment of CD in Brazil. This study was registered in the Open Science Framework (OSF) and the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Searches were performed in the electronic scientific databases PubMed, LILACS, SciELO, and BVS. Searches were conducted using descriptors cataloged in the Health Sciences Descriptors (DeCS) and Medical Subject Headings (MeSH), in Portuguese, English, and Spanish. Of the 26 articles included in this systematic review and meta-analysis, 16 were related to drug combinations, and nine described new inhibitors of parasitic molecules. Despite high heterogeneity (I² = 92%), studies that evaluated the combination of Bz with other treatments for CD had an overall grouped cure rate of 74% (95% CI 54-94%). Only one study presented drug repositioning by monotherapy. Thus, drug combinations offer quick and accessible solutions for CD treatment, acting against resistant strains of T. cruzi. Certainly, the introduction of these promising compounds into the pharmaceutical market is distant, and the adoption of prophylactic measures is recommended as a barrier to the increasing number of CD cases.

Space-time dispersion of dengue occurrence in epidemic and non-epidemic years in a municipality in the metropolitan region of Belo Horizonte, MG, 2011 to 2017.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the transmission dynamics of dengue, a public health problem in Brazil and the Metropolitan Region of Belo Horizonte (MRBH). METHODS: The spatiotemporal evolution of the occurrence of dengue in the municipality of Contagem, state of Minas Gerais, a region with high arbovirus transmission, was analyzed. Furthermore, epidemic and non-epidemic periods were analyzed, based on probable cases of dengue. This is an ecological study that used the Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN) national database. The analyses were carried out considering the period from epidemiological week (EW) 40 of 2011 to 39 of 2017. Spatial analysis tools (crude and smoothed incidence rate, directional distribution ellipse, global Moran index and local Moran index, and spatial scanning time with definition of epidemiological risk) were used. RESULTS: The 2012 to 2013 and 2015 to 2016 epidemic cycles presented high incidence rates. The disease was concentrated in more urbanized areas, with a small increase in cases throughout the municipality. Seven statistically significant local clusters and areas with a high rate of cases and accentuated transmission in epidemic cycles were observed throughout the municipality. Spatial autocorrelation of the incidence rate was observed in all periods. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study highlight a significant and heterogeneous increase in dengue notifications in Contagem over the years, revealing distinct spatial patterns during epidemic and non-epidemic periods. Geoprocessing analysis identified high-risk areas, a piece of knowledge that can optimize the allocation of resources in the prevention and treatment of the disease for that municipality.

The impact of comorbidities and COVID-19 on the evolution of community onset sepsis.

Sepsis is a disease with high mortality and morbidity despite advances in diagnostic procedures and therapeutic strategies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the profile and outcomes of community-onset sepsis. This retrospective, multicenter study included five 24-h health care units and was conducted from January 2018 to December 2021. Patients were diagnosed with sepsis or septic shock according to the Sepsis 3.0 criterion. A total of 2630 patients diagnosed as having sepsis (68.4%, 1800) or septic shock (31.6%, 830) in the 24-h health care unit were included; 43.76% of the patients were admitted to the intensive care unit, 12.2% died, 4.1% had sepsis and 30% had septic shock. The comorbidities that were independent predictors of septic shock were chronic kidney disease on dialysis (CKD-d), bone marrow transplantation and neoplasia. CKD and neoplasia were also independent predictors of mortality, with ORs of 2.00 (CI 1.10-3.68) p = 0.023 and 1.74 (CI 1.319-2.298) p = < 0.0001, respectively. Mortality according to the focus of primary infection was as follows: pulmonary 40.1%; COVID-19 35.7%; abdominal 8.1% and urinary 6.2%. Mortality due to the COVID-19 outbreak had an OR of 4.94 (CI 3.08-8.13) p ≤ 0.0001. Even though community-onset sepsis can be potentially fatal, this study revealed that some comorbidities lead to an increased risk of septic shock (d-CKD and neoplasia) and mortality. COVID-19 infection as the primary focus was an independent predictor of mortality in patients with sepsis when compared to other foci.

Occurrence of human visceral leishmaniasis in the Central-West region of Brazil: A systematic review.

Since the first case of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) recorded in Brazil, in 1913, referring to a patient from Boa Esperança, state of Mato Grosso, Central-West region, epidemics have been observed, with intensified expansion and urbanization from 1980. For a better understanding of the factors associated with VL in the Brazilian Central-West region, the present study aimed to carry out a systematic review on aspects related to the occurrence of VL in this region, which includes the states of Goiás, Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul and the Distrito Federal. Three thousand and nineteen studies were evaluated, of which twenty published between the years of 2002 and 2020 were included in this systematic review. In the states of Central-West region, it was possible to verify the occurrence of VL related to epidemiological characteristics that included: climatic variables (temperature and precipitation); socioeconomic factors (male gender; age group from zero to 14 years old; deaths from 40 years old, with emphasis from the 60 years and residents of the urban area); urban infrastructure vulnerability indicators (areas with environmental degradation, occupied by low-income population, with precarious hygienic-sanitary conditions; anthropic disturbances and population agglomerations; densely vegetated and vacant lots containing rubble and material decaying organic matter); presence of the vector (Lutzomyia longipalpis and Lu. cruzi), dogs and other animals; in addition to the migratory process. Studies related to regional aspects of VL epidemiology can help in the adoption of strategies for better effectiveness in its control.

Validation of the illustrated questionnaire on food consumption for Brazilian schoolchildren (QUACEB) for 6- to 10-year-old children.

Introduction: Evaluating the food consumption of school-aged children is crucial to monitor their dietary habits, promote targeted interventions, and contribute public policies that aimed healthy eating. In this context, our objective was to develop and validate the Illustrated Questionnaire on Food Consumption for Brazilian Schoolchildren (QUACEB) of 6 to 10 years old, which is a self-reported illustrated recall. Methods: Validity was obtained in four stages as follows: selection of foods, validation of items, validation of illustrations, and pretest. Foods were selected by considering the data from the main surveys that have been conducted with the Brazilian population and schoolchildren in recent years, the degree of food processing, and the main foods from each of the country's five macroregions. The content of the items was validated by comparing the children's and their parent's responses. For this, the questionnaire was published in an online format, and 6- to 10-year-old elementary schoolchildren were recruited using the snowball technique. The first part of the questionnaire was answered by the parent after the child's lunch, and the second was completed by the child the following day. Thirty-two parent and child dyads participated. Sensitivity, specificity, area under the curve (AUC), and kappa (k) tests were performed. Results: Of the 30 foods presented on the questionnaire, 15 were reported as consumed. High sensitivity (mean of 88.5%), high specificity (average of 92.0%), substantial agreement (k = 0.78), low disagreement (6.2%), and AUC of 0.90 were found. The illustrations were validated in a focus group with fourth-grade children from a school chosen for convenience. The food illustrations were designed for children, who were asked to name the food. Eighteen children participated and verified that the images were representative of the foods. In the pretest, three schools were chosen for convenience that announced the link to the online questionnaire in WhatsApp groups of parents with students from first to fifth grade. Fifteen children answered the questionnaire and 86.7% (n = 13) judged it excellent or good. Conclusion: Thus, the food consumption questionnaire is valid for elementary schoolchildren of 6 to 10 years old and can be applied in research to assess the dietary patterns of children in Brazil.

Design and Characterization of Lipid-Surfactant-Based Systems for Enhancing Topical Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Ursolic Acid.

Skin inflammation is a symptom of many skin diseases, such as eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis, which cause rashes, redness, heat, or blistering. The use of natural products with anti-inflammatory properties has gained importance in treating these symptoms. Ursolic acid (UA), a promising natural compound that is used to treat skin diseases, exhibits low aqueous solubility, resulting in poor absorption and low bioavailability. Designing topical formulations focuses on providing adequate delivery via application to the skin surface. The aim of this study was to formulate and characterize lipid-surfactant-based systems for the delivery of UA. Microemulsions and liquid crystalline systems (LCs) were characterized by polarized light microscopy (PLM), rheology techniques, and textural and bioadhesive assays. PLM supported the self-assembly of these systems and elucidated their formation. Rheologic examination revealed pseudoplastic and thixotropic behavior appropriate, and assays confirmed the ability of these formulations to adhere to the skin. In vivo studies were performed, and inflammation induced by croton oil was assessed for response to microemulsions and LCs. UA anti-inflammatory activities of ~60% and 50% were demonstrated by two microemulsions and 40% and 35% by two LCs, respectively. These data support the continued development of colloidal systems to deliver UA to ameliorate skin inflammation.

Combining LAESI Imaging and Tissue Spray Ionization Mass Spectrometry To Unveil Pesticides Contaminants in Fruits.

There is an increasing need for developing a strategy to analyze the penetration of pesticides in cultures during postharvest control with minimal or no sample preparation. This study explores the combined use of laser ablation electrospray ionization mass spectrometry imaging (LAESI imaging) and tissue spray ionization mass spectrometry (TSI-MS) to investigate the penetration of thiabendazole (TBZ) in fruits, simulating a postharvest procedure. Slices of guava and apple were prepared, and an infrared laser beam was used, resulting in the ablation of TBZ directly ionized by electrospray and analyzed by mass spectrometry. The experiments were conducted for 5 days of fruit storage after TBZ administration to simulate a postharvest treatment. During postharvest treatment, TBZ is applied directly to the fruit peel after harvesting. Consequently, TBZ residues may remain on the peel if the consumer does not wash the fruit properly before its consumption. To evaluate the effectiveness of household washing procedures, TSI-MS was employed as a rapid and straightforward technique to monitor the remaining amount of TBZ in guava and apple peels following fruit washing. This study highlights the advantages of LAESI imaging for evaluating TBZ penetration in fruits. Moreover, the powerful capabilities of TSI-MS are demonstrated in monitoring and estimating TBZ residues after pesticide application, enabling the comprehensive unveiling of pesticide contaminants in fruits.

Integrated Metabolic and Inflammatory Signatures Associated with Severity of, Fatality of, and Recovery from COVID-19.

Severe manifestations of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and mortality have been associated with physiological alterations that provide insights into the pathogenesis of the disease. Moreover, factors that drive recovery from COVID-19 can be explored to identify correlates of protection. The cellular metabolism represents a potential target to improve survival upon severe disease, but the associations between the metabolism and the inflammatory response during COVID-19 are not well defined. We analyzed blood laboratorial parameters, cytokines, and metabolomes of 150 individuals with mild to severe disease, of which 33 progressed to a fatal outcome. A subset of 20 individuals was followed up after hospital discharge and recovery from acute disease. We used hierarchical community networks to integrate metabolomics profiles with cytokines and markers of inflammation, coagulation, and tissue damage. Infection by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) promotes significant alterations in the plasma metabolome, whose activity varies according to disease severity and correlates with oxygen saturation. Differential metabolism underlying death was marked by amino acids and related metabolites, such as glutamate, glutamyl-glutamate, and oxoproline, and lipids, including progesterone, phosphocholine, and lysophosphatidylcholines (lysoPCs). Individuals who recovered from severe disease displayed persistent alterations enriched for metabolism of purines and phosphatidylinositol phosphate and glycolysis. Recovery of mild disease was associated with vitamin E metabolism. Data integration shows that the metabolic response is a hub connecting other biological features during disease and recovery. Infection by SARS-CoV-2 induces concerted activity of metabolic and inflammatory responses that depend on disease severity and collectively predict clinical outcomes of COVID-19. IMPORTANCE COVID-19 is characterized by diverse clinical outcomes that include asymptomatic to mild manifestations or severe disease and death. Infection by SARS-CoV-2 activates inflammatory and metabolic responses that drive protection or pathology. How inflammation and metabolism communicate during COVID-19 is not well defined. We used high-resolution mass spectrometry to investigate small biochemical compounds (<1,500 Da) in plasma of individuals with COVID-19 and controls. Age, sex, and comorbidities have a profound effect on the plasma metabolites of individuals with COVID-19, but we identified significant activity of pathways and metabolites related to amino acids, lipids, nucleotides, and vitamins determined by disease severity, survival outcome, and recovery. Furthermore, we identified metabolites associated with acute-phase proteins and coagulation factors, which collectively identify individuals with severe disease or individuals who died of severe COVID-19. Our study suggests that manipulating specific metabolic pathways can be explored to prevent hyperinflammation, organ dysfunction, and death.

Electromembrane Extraction of Naphthenic Acids in Produced Water Followed by Ultra-High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry Analysis.

Naphthenic acids comprise one of the most toxic compounds of the produced water released from offshore oil platforms. Therefore, developing and applying faster, simpler, and more efficient analytical methods for analyzing naphthenic acids are urgently needed. Electromembrane extraction (EME) uses the electrokinetic migration of target ions through a porous membrane. Herein, the EME method was applied to extract naphthenic acids from produced water. The EME method was optimized, and the optimal conditions encompassed decanol as the organic solvent, the sample with pH 10.0, 5 min of extraction at 200 V, and the ratio 4:1 (borate buffer/matrix, v/v). Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy confirmed charged species' migration from produced water through the EME. Subsequently, all extracts were analyzed by ultra-high-resolution mass spectrometry. The EME efficiency was assessed by comparing the extraction results to the liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) method results. Analytical results showed good linearity for both solvent and matrix curves (R2 > 0.98). Low detection limits ranged from 0.10 to 0.13 µg mL-1 and quantification limits from 0.36 to 0.45 µg mL-1. Precision and accuracy values ranged from -13.3% to 16.5%. These values fit the proposed method, demonstrating that the EME was more efficient than LLE in naphthenic acid extraction. The EME method preferably extracted aromatic compounds with double-bond equivalence from 6 to 8. The EME coupled with ultra-high-resolution mass spectrometry was demonstrated as a promising analytical approach to naphthenic acid extraction as an efficient and more environmentally friendly alternative to conventional extraction methods.

Bats as hosts of Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum in Minas Gerais, an endemic area for visceral leishmaniasis.

Bats are parasitized by a wide spectrum of ecto and endoparasites, but their role as a reservoir for some zoonoses is not fully understood. The objective of this work was to evaluate the presence of Leishmania DNA in the blood of bats from 30 municipalities in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. We analyzed samples of 120 bats, covering 29 species. The blood samples were used for DNA extraction and submitted to conventional PCR analysis with primers directed to the Leishmania ITS-1 region of the rRNA. In total, 1.67% (2/120 samples) were positive for Leishmania spp., detected in animals from the metropolitan region of Belo Horizonte, the state capital. Sequencing of the positive samples revealed that both bats were infected with Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum. Considering the adaptability of some bats species to synanthropic environments, the results of the present work can contribute to a better comprehension of the leishmaniasis cycle and epidemiology.

Miniaturized sample preparation techniques and ambient mass spectrometry as approaches for food residue analysis.

Analytical methods such as liquid chromatography (LC) and mass spectrometry (MS) are widely used techniques for the analyses of different classes of compounds. This is due to their highlighted capacity for separating and identifying components in complex matrices such food samples. However, in most cases, effective analysis of the target analyte becomes challenging due to the complexity of the sample, especially for quantification of trace concentrations. In this case, miniaturized sample preparation methods have been used as a strategy for analysis of complex matrices. This involves removing the interferents and concentrating the analytes in a sample. These methods combine simplicity and effectiveness and given their miniaturized scale, they are in accordance with green chemistry precepts. Besides, ambient mass spectrometry represents a new trend in fast and rapid analyses, especially for qualitative and screening analysis. However, for complex matrix analyses, sample preparation is still a difficult step and the miniaturized sample preparation techniques show great potential for an improved and widespread use of ambient mass spectrometry techniques. . This review aims to contribute as an overview of current miniaturized sample preparation techniques and ambient mass spectrometry methods as different approaches for selective and sensitive analysis of residues in food samples.

Immune-Mediated Mechanisms in Cofactor-Dependent Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis: Effect of Cofactors in Basophils and Mast Cells.

Cofactors may explain why in some cases food ingestion leads to anaphylaxis while in others elicits a milder reaction or tolerance. With cofactors, reactions become more severe and/or have a lower allergen threshold. Cofactors are present in up to 58% of food anaphylaxis (FAn). Exercise, NSAIDs, and alcohol are the most frequently described, although the underlying mechanisms are poorly known. Several hypotheses have suggested the influence of these cofactors on basophils and mast cells (MCs). Exercise has been suggested to enhance MC activation by increasing plasma osmolarity, redistributing blood flow, and activating adenosine and eicosanoid metabolism. NSAIDs' cofactor effect has been related with cyclooxygenase inhibition and therefore, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production. Indeed, overexpression of adenosine receptor 3 (A3) gene has been described in NSAID-dependent FAn; A3 activation potentiates FcϵRI-induced MC degranulation. Finally, alcohol has been related with an increase of histamine levels by inhibition of diamino oxidase (DAO) and also with and increase of extracellular adenosine by inhibition of its uptake. However, most of these mechanisms have limited evidence, and further studies are urgently needed. In conclusion, the study of the immune-related mechanisms involved in food allergic reactions enhanced by cofactors is of the utmost interest. This knowledge will help to design both tailored treatments and prophylactic strategies that, nowadays, are non-existent.

Polypyrrole-coated needle as an electrospray emitter for ambient mass spectrometry.

Polypyrrole (PPy) is a polymer widely used as an extraction phase due to its ability to perform intermolecular interactions with the analyte, such as acid-base, π-π, dipole-dipole, hydrophobic, and hydrogen bonding. In this manuscript, we report the coating of a stainless steel needle with a PPy film for analyte extraction and subsequent analysis by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) under ambient and open-air conditions. The method, named PPy-ESI-MS, was optimized for analysis of 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA) and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) in synthetic urine. Seven cycles of electrodeposition of the PPy film onto the needle surface, sample at pH 8, and 40 min of extraction of analytes were determined as the best analysis conditions. The analytical performance of PPy-ESI-MS was evaluated for MDA and MDMA compounds. Analytical curves were obtained with R2 > 0.98. Limits of detection (LODs) and limits of quantification (LOQs) were determined as 20 µg L-1 and 70 µg L-1 for MDA and as 25 µg L-1 and 80 µg L-1 for MDMA, respectively. Values of precision were below 17%, and values of accuracy below 5%. The apparent recoveries ranged between 84.5% and 111.3%. In addition, the PPy-ESI-MS method was applied for the analysis of sarcosine in synthetic urine in order to evaluate the performance of the method for another class of compounds. The calibration curve was obtained with R2 > 0.98, along with LOD and LOQ of 30 µg L-1 and 100 µg L-1, respectively. The precision and accuracy values were below 5% and 8%, respectively, and the apparent recoveries close to 100%. This work demonstrates the usefulness of combining an extraction phase with ESI-MS analysis under ambient conditions to determine different classes of small molecules in a complex sample.

Space-time dispersion of dengue occurrence in epidemic and non-epidemic years in a municipality in the metropolitan region of Belo Horizonte, MG, 2011 to 2017 / Dispersão espaçotemporal da ocorrência de dengue em anos epidêmicos e não epidêmicos em município da região metropolitana de Belo Horizonte, MG, 2011 a 2017

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze the transmission dynamics of dengue, a public health problem in Brazil and the Metropolitan Region of Belo Horizonte (MRBH). Methods: The spatiotemporal evolution of the occurrence of dengue in the municipality of Contagem, state of Minas Gerais, a region with high arbovirus transmission, was analyzed. Furthermore, epidemic and non-epidemic periods were analyzed, based on probable cases of dengue. This is an ecological study that used the Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN) national database. The analyses were carried out considering the period from epidemiological week (EW) 40 of 2011 to 39 of 2017. Spatial analysis tools (crude and smoothed incidence rate, directional distribution ellipse, global Moran index and local Moran index, and spatial scanning time with definition of epidemiological risk) were used. Results: The 2012 to 2013 and 2015 to 2016 epidemic cycles presented high incidence rates. The disease was concentrated in more urbanized areas, with a small increase in cases throughout the municipality. Seven statistically significant local clusters and areas with a high rate of cases and accentuated transmission in epidemic cycles were observed throughout the municipality. Spatial autocorrelation of the incidence rate was observed in all periods. Conclusion: The results of the present study highlight a significant and heterogeneous increase in dengue notifications in Contagem over the years, revealing distinct spatial patterns during epidemic and non-epidemic periods. Geoprocessing analysis identified high-risk areas, a piece of knowledge that can optimize the allocation of resources in the prevention and treatment of the disease for that municipality.

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar a dinâmica de transmissão da dengue, problema de saúde pública no Brasil e Região Metropolitana de Belo Horizonte (RMBH). Métodos: Foi analisada a evolução espaçotemporal da ocorrência de dengue no município de Contagem, estado de Minas Gerais, região de alta transmissão da arbovirose. Ainda, foram analisados períodos epidêmicos e não epidêmicos, com base em casos prováveis de dengue. Trata-se de um estudo ecológico que utilizou o banco de dados nacional do Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (SINAN). As análises foram realizadas considerando-se o período compreendido da semana epidemiológica 40 de 2011 a 39 de 2017. Ferramentas de análise espacial (taxa de incidência bruta e suavizada, elipse de distribuição direcional, índice de Moran global e índice de Moran local, e varredura espaçotemporal com definição do risco epidemiológico) foram utilizadas. Resultados: Os ciclos epidêmicos 2012 a 2013 e 2015 a 2016 apresentaram altas taxas de incidência. A doença concentrou-se em áreas mais urbanizadas, com pequena expansão de casos por todo o município. Foram observados sete aglomerados locais estatisticamente significativos e áreas com alta taxa de casos e transmissão acentuada em ciclos epidêmicos em todo o município. A autocorrelação espacial da taxa de incidência foi observada em todos os períodos. Conclusão: Os resultados do presente estudo destacam um aumento significativo e heterogêneo nas notificações de dengue em Contagem ao longo dos anos, revelando padrões espaciais distintos durante períodos epidêmicos e não epidêmicos. A análise de geoprocessamento identificou áreas de alto risco, conhecimento este que pode otimizar a alocação de recursos na prevenção e tratamento da doença para o referido município.

Interaction between foods and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and exercise in the induction of anaphylaxis.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To assess the studies that focus on the study of food-dependent exercise-induced anaphylaxis (FDEIA) and food-dependent NSAID-induced anaphylaxis (FDNIA). RECENT FINDINGS: Cofactors, as exercise and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), are relevant in up to 30% of episodes of anaphylaxis. Gliadin and lipid transfer proteins are the main allergens involved. The attempts to reproduce FDEIA and FDNIA in a controlled setting have an important failure rate. The cyclooxigenase (COX) pathway could play an important role in the underlying mechanisms: NSAIDs and exercise increase the permeability of the intestinal barrier. This effect is stronger with NSAID that inhibit both isoforms than with preferential COX-2 inhibitor. Basophils obtained from FDNIA patients, showed an increase of its activation with the food allergen with lysine-aspirin compared with the food allergen alone. This potentiating effect was not observed when basophils were stimulated with the food allergen with selective COX-2 inhibitor. Other mechanisms including transient receptor potential superamily, reactive oxygen species, altered B-cell pathway and increased neutrophil activation markers have been speculated. SUMMARY: The frequent implication of cofactors, as exercise and NSAID, in food-induced anaphylaxis highlights the importance of recognizing and including them into diagnostic workup. The understanding of the underlying mechanisms would help in the development of diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.