Cuidar e (não) vacinar no contexto de famílias de alta renda e escolaridade em São Paulo, SP, Brasil / Care and (non)-vaccination in the context of high-income and well-schooled families in São Paulo in the state of São Paulo, Brazil

O trabalho analisa a dimensão do cuidado parental e suas relações com as decisões de (não) vacinar os filhos no contexto de famílias de alta renda e escolaridade de São Paulo, SP. A pesquisa se orienta pela abordagem qualitativa, com uso de entrevista em profundidade, realizada com 15 casais alocados em três grupos: vacinadores, vacinadores seletivos e não vacinadores. O percurso analítico-interpretativo dos dados foi realizado por meio da análise de conteúdo e segundo os referenciais de cuidado em saúde e família. Para todos os casais do estudo, a escolha da (não) vacinação dos filhos é concebida como um cuidado parental e proteção ao filho, porém, para os vacinadores, proteger é vacinar os filhos; para os vacinadores seletivos, proteger é singularizar cada caso; e para os não vacinadores, proteger é não vacinar os filhos, é proteger contra os riscos da vacinação. O estudo revelou, também, que as justificativas da não vacinação e da seleção e/ou postergação do calendário vacinal foram semelhantes às encontradas na literatura internacional. O estudo aponta a importância da compreensão sociocultural da (não) aceitabilidade da vacinação no contexto do cuidado parental.

This paper analyzes the parental care dimension and the relationship with the decisions on (non)-vaccination of their children in the context of high-income and well-schooled families in São Paulo city/state. The research adopts the qualitative approach, using in-depth interviews conducted with 15 couples that were divided into three groups: vaccinators, selective vaccinators and non-vaccinators. The analytic-interpretative study of the data was performed by means of content analysis and in line with the benchmarks of care of health and family. For all the couples analyzed, the option of (non)-vaccination of their children is perceived as parental care and protection of the child. However, for the vaccinators, protection is to vaccinate their children; for the selective vaccinators, protection is to study case by case; and for the non-vaccinators, protection is not to vaccinate their children, but to protect them against the risks of vaccination. The study also revealed that the reasons for non-vaccination, selection and/or postponement of the vaccination schedule were similar to those found in the international literature. The study highlights the importance of socio-cultural comprehension of (non)-acceptance of vaccination in the context of parental care.

Estudio fitoquímico, toxicidad aguda y efectos antiulceroso y antitumoral de los extractos acuoso, etanólico y metanólico de Capsicum pubescens, «Rocoto¼ / Phytochemical Study, Acute Toxicity and Anti-ulcerous and Anti-tumoral Effects of the Aqueous, Ethanolic and Methanolic Extracts of Capsicum pubescens, «Rocoto¼

Objetivo: Evaluar la composición química, la toxicidad aguda y los efectos antiulceroso y antitumoral de tres extractos de Capsicum pubescens (ROCOTO) en estudios preclínicos. Materiales y métodos: Estudio experimental preclínico, analítico. Utilizamos 50 ratas albinas machos para evaluar el efecto antiulceroso y 86 ratones albinos para evaluar el efecto antitumoral y la toxicidad aguda. El tamizado fitoquímico se realizó con el método de Ciulei. Para producir las úlceras gástricas usamos Indometacina como agente ulcerígeno. El efecto antitumoral de Capsicum pubescens, fue evaluado frente al sarcoma-180. La toxicidad aguda (DL-50) fue evaluada con dosis de 500, 1000, 2000, 10000 y 12000 mg/kg de peso de rocoto. Resultados: En el estudio fitoquímico, detectamos grasas, aceites, alcaloides, lactonas, coumarinas, triterpenos, esteroides, catequinas, resinas, azúcares reductores, fenoles y taninos, entre otros. Apreciamos reducción de las lesiones gástricas macroscópicas producidas por indometacina con los extractos acuoso y etanólico de rocoto, superiores a los de la ranitidina. No observamos mortalidad en los ratones hasta la dosis de 12,000 mg/kg de peso, del extracto metanólico de rocoto. El extracto metanólico de rocoto, mejoró la sobrevida de los ratones inoculados con sarcoma, cuando se administró preventivamente, siendo mayor el efecto a la dosis de 750 mg/kg. Conclusiones: Los extractos acuoso y etanólico de rocoto, presentaron propiedades gastroprotectoras, dosis dependiente, superiores a Ranitidina, y el extracto metanólico presentó efecto antitumoral frente al sarcoma-180, administrado preventivamente y es, prácticamente, atóxico según los criterios de Williams.

Work-related allergic respiratory disease and asthma in spice mill workers is associated with inhalant chili pepper and garlic exposures.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors for allergic respiratory disease in spice mill workers. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of 150 workers used European Community Respiratory Health Survey questionnaires, Phadiatop, serum specific IgE (garlic, chili pepper), spirometry and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO). Personal air samples (n=62) collected from eight-hour shifts were analysed for inhalable particulate mass. Novel immunological assays quantified airborne garlic and chili pepper allergen concentrations. RESULTS: Mean dust particulate mass (geometric mean (GM)=2.06 mg/m(3)), chili pepper (GM=0.44 µg/m(3)) and garlic allergen (GM=0.24 µg/m(3)) were highest in blending and were highly correlated. Workers' mean age was 33 years, 71% were men, 46% current smokers and 45% atopic. Spice-dust-related asthma-like symptoms (17%) were common, as was garlic sensitisation (19%), with 13% being monosensitised and 6% cosensitised to chili pepper. Airflow reversibility and FeNO>50 ppb was present in 4% and 8% of workers respectively. Spice-dust-related ocular-nasal (OR 2.40, CI 1.09 to 5.27) and asthma-like (OR 4.15, CI 1.09 to 15.72) symptoms were strongly associated with airborne garlic in the highly exposed (>0.235 µg/m(3)) workers. Workers monosensitised to garlic were more likely to be exposed to higher airborne chili pepper (>0.92 µg/m(3)) (OR 11.52, CI 1.17 to 113.11) than garlic allergens (OR 5.08, CI 1.17 to 22.08) in this mill. Probable asthma was also more strongly associated with chili pepper than with garlic sensitisation. CONCLUSIONS: Exposure to inhalable spice dust (GM >2.06 mg/m(3)) containing garlic (GM>0.24 µg/m³) and chili pepper (GM >0.44 µg/m(3)) allergens increase the risk of allergic respiratory disease and asthma.

[Severe type 1-allergy to raw bell pepper]. / Schwere Soforttypallergie nach Verzehr roher Paprika.

We report on a patient with rare anaphylaxis after ingestion of raw bell pepper. A complex cluster of sensitization including grass and birch pointed out a possible pollen-associated food allergy. We suggest that the severe reaction is due to cross-reactivity towards Bet v 1. Western blot showed binding of the patient's serum to an 11 kDa protein, which has not been described yet and might be a new allergenic structure of the bell pepper plant or a fragment of the Bet v 1-homologous bell pepper protein.

Safety assessment of dietary administered paprika color in combined chronic toxicity and carcinogenicity studies using F344 rats.

Combined chronic toxicity and carcinogenicity studies of paprika color, used as a food additive in various countries, were performed in male and female F344 rats. Dietary concentrations of 0%, 0.62%, 1.25%, 2.5% and 5% were applied in a 52-week toxicity study and 0%, 2.5% and 5% in a 104-week carcinogenicity study. Treatment with paprika color caused a significant increase in incidence of hepatocellular vacuolation in 5% males, but no toxicological effects were found with reference to survival rates, body weights, hematological or serum biochemical parameters and organ weights at any dose level in either sex in the chronic toxicity study. Also, paprika color did not induce specific tumors nor did it exert significant influence on the development of spontaneous tumors in any of the organs examined in the carcinogenicity study. In conclusion, based on slight histopathological changes observed in 5% male livers, the no-observed-effect level (NOEL) was estimated to be 2.5% in the diet (1,253 mg/kg bw/day) and the no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) was determined to be 5% in the diet (2,388 mg/kg bw/day) for male rats, and for females, the NOEL was concluded to be 5% in the diet (2,826 mg/kg bw/day). Additionally, paprika color was not carcinogenic to male and female F344 rats under the present experimental conditions.

[Sudan and other illegal dyes--food adulteration]. / Sudan i inne barwniki niedozwolone--zafalszowanie zywnosci.

As foodstuffs adulterated by illegal dyes, such as Sudan I, II, III IIV, para-Red, have appeared on the European Union market, the emergency measures to eliminate this problem have been taken. The illegal dyes are added to dried, ground chilli, curry, curcuma and to palm oil. These products are imported from countries outside the E.U. The adulteration concerns also ready to eat products which contain the ingredients mentioned above. Apart from the adulteration, the presence of illegal dyes in foodstuffs can be a threat to consumer's health. In 2003-2005 three Commission Decisions on emergency measures regarding some products which can contain illegal dyes were published. Since May 2003 to March 2006, 651 notifications on food adulteration by illegal dyes were sent to the RASFF system. As a result of the taken measures, the number of notifications have decreased. The possibility of food adulteration by illegal dyes different from the ones which are used now are considered. This is the reason why the continuation of food control and cooperation between official control authorities and food producers are necessary.

A 13-week subchronic toxicity study of paprika color in F344 rats.

The fruit of the paprika (Capsicum annuum) has been widely used in various countries as a spice and food-coloring additive. As a part of the safety assessment of paprika color (Paprika oleoresin), a 13-week subchronic toxicity study was performed in F344 rats. To establish a no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) for application in subsequent long-term studies, rats were fed powder diet containing paprika color at dose levels of 0 (basal diet), 0.62, 1.25, 2.5 and 5% (maximum) for 13 weeks. During the experiment, there were no remarkable changes in general appearance and no deaths occurred in any experimental group. Although serum total cholesterol was dose-dependently increased in both sexes, no related histopathological changes were observed in the liver. Slight inflammatory cell infiltration in the myocardium and vacuolation of hepatocytes were noted in both control and paprika color-treated animals, but there were no clear differences between groups. In conclusion, paprika color even at 5% in the diet (0.67 g/rat/day or 2948.4 mg/kg bw/day for male rats and 0.43 g/rat/day or 3197.4 mg/kg bw/day for female rats) did not cause remarkable adverse effects in F344 rats. Thus, the NOAEL and the maximum dose level for carcinogenicity testing of paprika color were concluded to be 5% in the diet.

Effect of combination of Capsicum frutescens and Citrullus colocynthis on growth, haematological and pathophysiological parameters of rats.

The toxicity of diet containing 10% of Capsicum frutescens or 10% of Citrullus colocynthis fruits or their 1:1 mixture (5% + 5%) to rats treated for 6 weeks was evaluated. Body weight loss, inefficiency of feed utilization, diarrhoea, and enterohepatonephropathy characterized C. colocynthis toxicosis in rats. Despite impairment of rat's growth neither nephropathy nor diarrhoea was detected in rats fed the 10% C. frutescens diet. Feeding the mixture of C. frutescens and C. colocynthis caused more pronounced effects and death of rats. Vital organ lesions accompanied by anaemia and leucopenia were correlated with changes in serum ALP, AST and ALT activities with alterations in concentrations of total protein, albumin, urea and other serum constituents. Serum bilirubin concentration did not change.

Effects of red chilli (Capsicum frutescens L) on rats.

The effects of red chilli were examined in 12-w-old male Wistar rats fed a commercial diet mixed with ground Capsicum frutescens L fruits at levels of 2% and 10% (w/w) for 8 w. When compared with controls, the general health, body weight gain, feed intake and feed efficiency were not adversely affected on the rats on feed with 2% Capsicum, while the feed intake and growth rate were depressed and exfoliation of the intestinal epithelium into the lumen and cytoplasmic fatty vacuolation and necrosis of the centrilobular hepatocytes occurred in rats at 4 and 8 w on feed with 10% Capsicum. This correlated with changes in hematology, serum enzyme profiles and other serum constituents.

Comparative acute toxicity of o-chlorobenzylidene malononitrile (CS) and oleoresin capsicum (OC) in awake rats.

Tear gases are largely used to control civil unrest. Their incapaciting effects involve eyes, skin and respiratory tract. This study was performed to compare acute respiratory effects of o-chlorobenzylidene malononitrile (CS), oleoresin capsicum (OC) and their respective solvents in awake rats, using an integrated system of nose-only exposure and multiple monitoring of breathing. Aerosols were generated by a Collison Nebulizer from the solutions held in tear gas sprays. The reduction of minute ventilation, observed during a 5 min exposure, was significantly more important with CS than with OC: minute ventilation represented 29+/-8 and 50+/-6% of pre-exposure minute ventilation respectively (P<0.05). The reduction of minute ventilation observed with CS and OC solvents alone was not significantly different from that observed with the tear gases themselves. The decrease in minute ventilation observed, between the second and the fifth minute of exposure, was of the same level for repeated exposure separated by 24 h. Time necessary to recover to 80% of pre-exposure minute ventilation was not significantly different between the two tear gases: 722+/-272 and 691+/-262 s for CS and OC respectively (NS). Histological analysis of the trachea, performed at the end of exposures, revealed an increase in mucus secretion after exposure to OC and cytoplasmic vacuoles in epithelial cells after exposure to CS. In the lungs, interstitial oedema was observed after exposure to OC and emphysema after exposure to CS.

Toxicologic evaluation of pepper spray as a possible weapon for the Dutch police force: risk assessment and efficacy.

The efficacy and possible health risks of pepper spray were evaluated. In a number of countries, pepper spray is being used by police forces to aid in arresting aggressive individuals. Pepper spray is commercially available as a canister filled with Capsicum extract, which contains capsaicin as the active component. When applied in the form of a spray, it causes an acute inflammation, and humans involuntarily close their eyes, experience a burning feeling on the skin, and are usually rapidly incapacitated. Use by the U.S. police was successful in subduing aggressive individuals in 90% of cases, and a reduction of injury to both police and arrested individuals was noted. In general, pepper spray appeared to be a relatively safe weapon with small risk of causing acute physical harm. Despite this evidence, a number of fatalities were reported in the United States following the use of pepper spray. However, it was concluded that it was not the pepper spray but rather other factors such as drugs and hog-tying that contributed to the cause of death. In only 1 case, that of an asthmatic man, was it concluded that the use of pepper spray contributed to the cause of death. Much attention has been paid to possible genotoxic effects of Capsicum extract such as mutagenicity and carcinogenicity. It was concluded that the risk of long-term health effects is negligible. Because pepper spray may induce bronchoconstriction, people suffering from chronic obstructive lung disease may be hypersensitive to it. Although the results of one study indicate that asthmatics do not develop additional bronchoconstriction following inhalation of capsaicin, the number of experimental data are too few to draw sound conclusions.

Lack of tumor promoting activity of capsaicin, a principal pungent ingredient of red pepper, in mouse skin carcinogenesis.

Capsaicin (trans-8-methyl-N-vanillyl-6-nonenamide) is the major pungent principle of hot peppers of the genus Capsicum. There have been numerous investigations to evaluate the effects of capsaicin on experimental carcinogenesis and mutagenesis, but the results are discordant. In the present study, we have assessed the tumor promoting potential of capsaicin using a two stage mouse skin carcinogenesis model. Repeated applications of capsaicin (10 mumol) onto the shaven backs of female ICR mice following a single-initiation dose of 7,12-dimethylbenz[alpha]anthracene did not cause any significant increase in papilloma formation and abnormal hyperplastic or inflammatory skin lesions, compared with the solvent control. Furthermore, the topical application of capsaicin did not induce the epidermal ornithine decarboxylase activity, suggesting that it lacks tumor-promotional activity. On the contrary, the compound ameliorated the mouse skin carcinogenesis when given simultaneously with the tumor promoter, 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate.

A 4-week feeding study of ground red chilli (Capsicum annuum) in male B6C3F1 mice.

The toxicity of red chilli was examined in male B6C3F1 mice fed a commercial meal diet mixed with ground Capsicum annuum (Linn.) at levels of 0.5, 1.0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10% by weight. Mice were offered control or test diets ad lib. starting at 6 wk of age. Food consumption was measured daily and individual body weights recorded weekly for the 4-wk feeding period. General health, body weight and food intake were apparently not adversely affected at any level of pepper consumption. Histopathological evaluation revealed slight glycogen depletion and anisocytosis of hepatocytes in the 10% group. However, other organs did not reveal any lesions attributable to the chilli exposure. It appears that red chilli is relatively non-toxic at the doses tested in male B6C3F1 mice.

Chilli extract treatment and induction of eye lesions in hamsters.

On chronic administration of 20 microliter of chilli extract to the cheek pouch of hamsters till death, 23% of the hamsters developed shrunken eye balls and closing of the eyelids. This effect was not observed in hamsters which received a single application of the potent carcinogen methylacetoxymethyl nitrosamine (DMN-OAC) (2 mg/kg body wt.) prior to repeated treatment with chilli extract. Vitamin A levels decreased significantly in the liver tissue of chilli-treated and carcinogen + chilli-treated groups compared to absolute alcohol-treated and untreated groups, while serum Vitamin A values decreased only in the DMN-OAC + chilli-treated group. However, Vitamin A levels do not seem to be linked causally with the effect on the eyes of chilli-treated hamsters, because these hamsters had circulating levels of Vitamin A comparable to those observed in untreated and alcohol-treated groups.

Subchronic toxicity studies of capsaicin and capsicum in rats.

Rats were fed by stomach tube with 50 mg/kg B.W./day capsaicin (Sigma) or 0.5 gm/kg B.W./day capsicum fruit crude extract for 60 days. The influences of capsaicin or capsicum upon body weight, rectal temperature, food and water consumptions, haematological parameters, plasma chemistry, urine concentration and dilution tests, together with the relative organ weight, were evaluated at 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 days. The results showed that there were significant reductions of the growth rate in both capsaicin and capsicum treated groups. However, the food intake in both experimental groups increased steadily throughout the experimental periods. There were no significant differences from the control rats in the rectal temperature, water intake, plasma chemistry, urine dilution and concentration, and the relative organ weights. After one month of oral administration of capsaicin or capsicum, there were significant reductions of plasma urea nitrogen, glucose, phospholipids, triglycerides, total cholesterol, free fatty acids, glutamic pyruvic transaminase, and alkaline phosphatase. It is also interesting to observe that capsicum fruit crude extract exerted more influences on the various biological parameters being studied here than its pungent substance, capsaicin. Therefore, it is concluded that capsaicin or capsicum, if given orally for a relatively longer period, may have a mild effect on the experimental animals.

Pepper sauce toxicity.

An acute oral LD50 of Pepper Sauce in male white Sprague-Dawley rats was determined to be 23.58 ml/kg with upper and lower limits of 29.75 and 18.70 ml/kg, respectively, at the 0.95 confidence level. In the female rats, the LD50 was determined to be 19.52 ml/kg with upper and lower limits of 24.35 and 15.64 ml/kg, respectively, at the 0.95 confidence level. This sex variation was found to be insignificant. A subchronic oral toxicity evaluation of Pepper Sauce in male and female white Sprague-Dawley rats revealed no gross or microscopic pathological changes in the animals nor were any significant biochemical changes noted. The growth rates remained within normal range. Pepper Sauce was shown to be a mild skin irritant and a moderate to severe eye irritant in New Zealand albino rabbits; vinegar, an ingredient of Pepper Sauce, was shown to contribute significantly to the ocular toxicity. The Pepper Sauce did not induce terata in Sprague-Dawley rats nor skin sensitization in guinea pigs.