The Collapsible Light Trap: a portable Pennsylvania Light Trap for collecting aquatic insects.

A Collapsible Light Trap (CLT) for collecting insects, particularly aquatic insects, is described here. CLT is a modified Pennsylvania Light Trap with the advantage of being collapsible and lightweight to be carried in a small backpack and very easy to set up in the field. CLT is equipped with LED light strip wrapped around a PVC tube and can be connected to a regular 12 V / 7 Ah battery, running for more than 48 uninterrupted hours. Complete CLT weighs 0.8-1.0 kg, depending on the metal used, and the battery weighs around 2 kg, being easily transportable to more remote collecting areas. Over the years, CLTs have been used for collecting and describing the diversity of aquatic insects from Brazil, particularly caddisflies. Depending on the locality, only one trap for one night can collect over a thousand insect specimens and more than 200 individuals of caddisflies.

Head-to-head comparison of [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 and [18F]FDG PET/CT in multiple myeloma.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare [18F]FDG and [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT image findings in patients with multiple myeloma (MM). METHODS: Twenty consecutive patients with symptomatic biopsy-proven MM were submitted to whole body [18F]FDG and [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT with a time interval of 1-8 days between procedures. All lesions were counted and had their maximum SUV (SUVmax) measured. Intra-class correlation (ICC) was used to assess the agreement between [18F]FDG and [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT findings. RESULTS: A total of 266 lesions were detected in 19/20 patients. [18F]FDG detected 223/266 (84%) lesions in 17 patients and [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 190/266 (71%) lesions in 19 patients. Both procedures did not identify any active lesion in 1 patient. Forty-three (16%) lesions were detected only by [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 and 76 (29%) only by [18F]FDG. Both tracers identified 147 (55%) lesions. Intralesional mismatch of FDG-PSMA uptake was identified in 25 of these 147 lesions, found in 8 different patients. Different lesions with uptake of only [18F]FDG or [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 in the same patient were found in 4 patients. The highest SUVmax of [18F]FDG and [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 had a median (min-max) SUVmax of 6.5 (2.0-37.8) and 5.5 (1.7-51.3), respectively. [18F]FDG and [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 respectively identified 18 and 19 soft tissue lesions. False-positive [18F]FDG findings had minimal or no uptake of [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11. Good reliability (ICC ≥ 0.75) was found for number of lesions, number of soft tissue lesions and highest SUVmax in each patient. CONCLUSION: [18F]FDG or [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 alone can detect most MM lesions. Almost half of the lesions take up only one of the tracers, reflecting increased glycolysis or angiogenesis in specific lesions, and suggesting their possible complementary role in MM. The marked [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 uptake in some cases raises the possibility of a theranostic approach in selected patients.

Temporal trend, spatial analysis and spatiotemporal clusters of infant mortality associated with congenital toxoplasmosis in Brazil: Time series from 2000 to 2020.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the spatial, temporal and spatial-temporal patterns of infant mortality associated with congenital toxoplasmosis in Brazil between the years 2000 and 2020. METHODS: Ecological study of time series, with spatial analysis and spatiotemporal scan of infant mortality associated with congenital toxoplasmosis from the records of deaths of the Mortality Information System of the Brazilian Ministry of Health. The rates were smoothed by the Local Empirical Bayesian model. The Global Moran Index, Global Geary's Contiguity and Getis-Ord General statistics were calculated for spatial autocorrelation assessment. The trends were evaluated by the Joinpoint method. RESULTS: We identified 1183 infant deaths associated with congenital toxoplasmosis in Brazil between 2000 and 2020. The predominant characteristics were male sex (52.1%), post-neonatal age group (51.9%), white race/colour (45.7%), and Southeast region of residence (40.0%). The infant mortality rate associated with congenital toxoplasmosis showed an increasing trend in the country in the years analysed. The spatial analysis showed heterogeneous distribution of mortality in the Brazilian territory and found no evidence of spatial autocorrelation; but spatial-temporal analysis identified three risk clusters involving 703 municipalities. CONCLUSION: Infant mortality associated with congenital toxoplasmosis is a persistent public health problem in Brazil. The risk factors male sex, indigenous race/colour, early neonatal age, North and Northeast regions and risk clusters mapped in this study should be observed for future analysis and planning of health care policies in the control of infant deaths associated with congenital toxoplasmosis. Health surveillance strategies and public health policies need to be strengthened.

PHTHALATE ESTERS (PLASTICIZERS) IN THE UROPYGIAL GLAND AND THEIR RELATIONSHIP TO PLASTICS INGESTION IN SEABIRDS ALONG THE COAST OF ESPÍRITO SANTO, EASTERN BRAZIL.

Plastic ingestion is a problem for seabirds worldwide. In addition to direct health effects such as obstruction or perforation of the gastrointestinal tract, plastic ingestion can also lead to indirect health effects through the release of chemicals that may be absorbed and cause systemic and chronic toxicity. Among chemicals that can be released by plastics are phthalate esters, a group of chemicals widely used as plasticizers or additives to change the physical characteristics of plastics. In this study, three phthalate esters, dimethyl phthalate (DMP), dibuthyl phthalate (DBP), and diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), were quantified in the uropygial gland of 48 seabirds from 16 species collected ashore in a tropical region, the coast of Espírito Santo, Eastern Brazil. Including trace levels, DMP was detected in 16 birds (33%) from 10 species, with an average concentration of 0.014 ± 0.005 ng/µl (mean ± SD for individuals with concentrations above the practical level of detection of 0.01 ng/µl). DBP was detected in 15 birds (31%) from 11 species, with an average concentration of 0.049 ± 0.032 ng/µl. DEHP was detected in 21 birds (44%) from 11 species, with an average concentration of 0.115 ± 0.105 ng/µl. DMP concentration in the uropygial gland was positively associated with the presence, number, and mass of plastic items in the upper digestive tract. However, no such relationship was noted for DBP nor DEHP, suggesting the concentration of phthalate compounds in the uropygial gland might not always serve as a reliable proxy for plastic ingestion. In spite of relatively high frequencies of detection, the low concentrations of phthalates detected in this study suggest levels of exposure below known toxicity thresholds. Further studies on the potential adverse effects of phthalate exposure in seabirds are necessary, especially on the reproductive development of embryos and chicks.

Magnitude of visceral leishmaniasis and HIV coinfection and association with social determinants of health in the Northeast region of Brazil: a retrospective, spatiotemporal model (2010-2018).

The Northeast region of Brazil (NRB) includes the states with the highest prevalence of visceral leishmaniasis (VL), as well as those with significant increases in HIV cases. This study aims to analyze the spatiotemporal patterns of VL-HIV coinfection and its association with the social determinants of health (SDH) in the NRB. Time trend analysis and Bayesian spatial statistical inferences, Moran's autocorrelation, and retrospective space-time scanning were performed. Spatial regression modelling was used to build an explanatory model for the occurrence of VL-HIV coinfection within NRB. A total of 1550 cases of VL-HIV coinfection were confirmed. We observed a higher prevalence among males (1232; 83%), individuals aged from 20 to 59 years (850; 54.8%), non-white skin color (1,422; 91.7%), and with low education (550; 35.48%). NRB showed an increasing and significant trend in the detection rate of coinfection (APC, 5.3; 95% CI, 1.4 to 9.4). The states of Maranhão and Piauí comprised the high-risk cluster. The SDH that most correlated with the occurrence of coinfection were poor housing, low income, and low education. VL-HIV is dispersed in the NRB but chiefly affects states with greater social vulnerability. Taken together, these findings reinforce the necessity to implement surveillance strategies that will contribute to the reduction of cases in these populations.

PSMA whole-body tumor burden in primary staging and biochemical recurrence of prostate cancer.

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to evaluate whether 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT whole-body tumor burden (PSMAwbtb) is associated with clinical parameters and laboratory parameters in prostate cancer patients. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated prostate cancer patients submitted to PSMA PET/CT for primary staging purposes or due to biochemical recurrence (BR). PSMAwbtb metrics (total volume of PSMA-avid tumor (PSMA-TV)) and total uptake of PSMA-avid lesions (PSMA-TL) were calculated semi-automatically. Spearman's rank correlations between PSMAwbtb metrics and clinical, laboratory parameters (age, time-to-BR, years of diagnosis of prostate cancer, free and total serum PSA levels, and the Gleason score) and with the highest SUVmax of a lesion (hSUVmax) were analyzed. RESULTS: Among the 257 PSMA PET/CT studies, there were 46 scans (17.9%) performed for primary staging and 211 (82.1%) for BR. PSMA-TV and PSMA-TL were calculated for the 157 positive scans (58.8%), which were 43 patients (93.5%) in the primary staging group and 114 patients (54.0%) in the BR group. In the primary staging group, we observed a significant correlation between PSMA-TL and hSUVmax (p = 0.0021). In the BR group, there was a significant direct correlation between PSMA-TL and the variables age (p = 0.0031), total serum PSA values (p = < 0.0001), free serum PSA values (p = < 0.0001), and the hSUVmax (p = < 0.0001). Similar results were obtained for PSMA-TV. CONCLUSION: PSMAwbtb has a direct and positive correlation with serum PSA values and age in prostate cancer patients with BR.

High-risk transmission clusters of leprosy in an endemic area in the Northeastern Brazil: A retrospective spatiotemporal modelling (2001-2019).

OBJECTIVES: To analyse and map the leprosy risk areas in the state of Alagoas, an endemic region in the Northeastern Brazil, between 2001 and 2019. METHODS: Ecological and time series study, using spatial analysis techniques. First, we analyse the epidemiological aspects of leprosy cases, using the data available in the Notifiable Diseases Information System; then, we used the segmented log-linear regression model to assess time trends. Spatial distribution was analysed by the Local Empirical Bayesian Estimator and by calculating the Global and Local Moran Index. Finally, spatiotemporal clusters were identified through scanning statistics, using the Kulldorf method of retrospective analysis. RESULTS: We observed that Alagoas showed an average new case detection rate of 14.43/100,000 inhabitants between 2001 and 2019, being classified as highly endemic. The area of highest risk was the 9th health region (state hinterland), with increasing time trend (Annual Percentage Change/APC = 7.2; p-value < 0.05). Several clusters of high risk of leprosy transmission were verified in Alagoas, including the state capital and hinterland municipalities. CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicate that active M. leprae transmission persists in Alagoas; that diagnosis is delayed and that there are high-risk areas, especially in inland municipalities.

Successful Treatment of Capture Myopathy and Satellite Transmitter Injury in an Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross (Thalassarche chlororhynchos).

An Atlantic yellow-nosed albatross (Thalassarche chlororhynchos) was found on shore 3 days after having been captured at sea by researchers. It presented very lethargic, moderately dehydrated, and in poor body condition. It was mildly hypothermic, with moderate pediculosis, and dark malodorous feces with yellow urates. The bird had a 48-g satellite transmitter attached with a backpack-style chest harness, which caused an ulcerative lesion on the interscapular area. The bird was severely anemic (packed cell volume, 18%), and plasma chemistry results were suggestive of a severe rhabdomyolysis (aspartate transaminase, 3620 U/L; creatine kinase, 100 400 U/L). We hypothesized that capture myopathy occurred because of a combination of capture stress and prolonged physical restraint by researchers, stress associated with repeated attempts by the bird to remove the satellite-transmitter harness, and a lengthy road transport to the rehabilitation center. A treatment protocol, which relied on a combination of aggressive fluid therapy, selenium, vitamins E and B12, and multivitamin supplementation, was administered after the initial physical assessment of the albatross. Isoflurane inhalation anesthesia was used to minimize stress associated with the performed medical procedures (eg, physical examination, removal of the satellite transmitter harness, blood collection, and wound management). Measures were adopted while the bird was hospitalized to reduce stress (eg, quiet and comfortable environment with visual barriers and restricting handling of the patient to experienced staff). Clinical and hematological monitoring was used to assess the patient's condition as the bird gradually recovered while hospitalized. The albatross was successfully released 28 days after the initial presentation, suggesting that the medical protocol employed in this case may be useful for the treatment of capture myopathy in albatrosses and other birds.

Spatial patterns and temporal tendency of mortality related to Chagas disease in an endemic area of northeastern Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse spatial patterns and the temporal tendency of mortality related to Chagas disease, in order to identify priority control areas in the state of Sergipe, Northeast Brazil. METHODS: We conducted an ecological and time-series study with spatial analysis techniques on deaths from Chagas disease in the state of Sergipe (1996-2016). We used data from the Mortality Information System (SIM). The temporal analysis was performed using a statistical technique capable of describing changes in the trend pattern for the period. Thematic maps were elaborated from point and polygonal analyses. RESULTS: There were 247 deaths related to Chagas disease, with a mean of 11.7 deaths/year, most of them male (64%), and aged 50-59 years (21%) and 60-69 years (26%). Two segments with increasing, non-constant and significant trends were identified: 1996-2005 (APC = 21.6%; P = 0.01) and 2005-2016 (APC = 4.4%; P = 0.01), with APPC = 11.8% (P = 0.01). A positive and significant spatial autocorrelation with areas of higher risk of death was found in the southern region of the state. CONCLUSIONS: The trend of mortality related to Chagas disease in the state of Sergipe was increasing during the period analysed, with a heterogeneous distribution of cases. A main risk area was identified in the southern region of the state.

OBJECTIF: Analyser les profils spatiaux et la tendance temporelle de la mortalité liée à la maladie de Chagas, afin d'identifier les domaines de priorité de lutte dans l'Etat de Sergipe, dans le nord-est du Brésil. MÉTHODES: Nous avons mené une étude écologique et de séries chronologiques avec des techniques d'analyse spatiale sur les décès dus à la maladie de Chagas dans l'état de Sergipe (1996-2016). Nous avons utilisé les données du système d'information sur la mortalité (SIM). L'analyse temporelle a été réalisée à l'aide d'une technique statistique capable de décrire les changements dans le profil de tendance pour la période. Des cartes thématiques ont été élaborées à partir d'analyses ponctuelles et polygonales. RÉSULTATS: Il y a eu 247 décès liés à la maladie de Chagas, avec une moyenne de 11,7 décès/an, pour la plupart de sexe masculin (64%), et âgés de 50 à 59 ans (21%) et de 60 à 69 ans (26%). Deux segments avec des tendances à la hausse, non constantes et significatives ont été identifiés: 1996-2005 (APC = 21,6%; p = 0,01) et 2005-2016 (APC = 4,4%; p = 0,01), avec APPC = 11,8% (p = 0,01). Une autocorrélation spatiale positive et significative avec des zones à haut risque de décès a été trouvée dans la région sud de l'Etat. CONCLUSIONS: La tendance de la mortalité liée à la maladie de Chagas dans l'état de Sergipe a augmenté au cours de la période analysée , avec une répartition hétérogène des cas. Une principale zone à risque a été identifiée dans la région sud de l'Etat.

Spatial and temporal analysis of tuberculosis in an area of social inequality in Northeast Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It is a disease known worldwide for its vulnerability factors, magnitude and mortality. The objective of the study was to analyze the spatial and temporal dynamics of TB in the area of social inequality in northeast Brazil between the years 2001 and 2016. METHODS: An ecological time series study with the use of spatial analysis techniques was carried out from 2001 to 2016. The units of analysis were the 75 municipalities in the state of Sergipe. Data from the Notification of Injury Information System were used. For the construction of the maps, the cartographic base of the state of Sergipe, obtained at the Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística, was used. Georeferenced data were analysed using TerraView 4.2.2 software (Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas Espaciais) and QGis 2.18.2 (Open Source Geospatial Foundation). Spatial analyses included the empirical Bayesian model and the global and local Moran indices. The time trend analyses were performed by the software Joinpoint Regression, Version 4.5.0.1, with the variables of sex, age, cure and abandonment. RESULTS: There was an increasing trend of tuberculosis cases in patients under 20 years old and 20-39 years old, especially in males. Cured cases showed a decreasing trend, and cases of treatment withdrawal were stationary. A spatial dependence was observed in almost all analysed territories but with different concentrations. Significant spatial correlations with the formation of clusters in the southeast and northeast of the state were observed. The probability of illness among municipalities was determined not to occur in a random way. CONCLUSION: The identification of risk areas and priority groups can help health planning by refining the focus of attention to tuberculosis control. Understanding the epidemiological, spatial and temporal dynamics of tuberculosis can allow for improved targeting of strategies for disease prevention and control.

Impact of 68GA-PSMA PET / CT on treatment of patients with recurrent / metastatic high risk prostate cancer - a multicenter study.

PURPOSE: The purpose of our study was to evaluate the clinical impact of 68Ga-PSMA PET / CT in the setting of biochemical recurrence of prostate cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 125 prostate cancer patients submitted to the 68Ga-PSMA PET / CT due to biochemical recurrence. The parameters age, Gleason score, PSA levels, and the highest SUVmax were correlated to potential treatment changes. The highest SUVmax values were correlated with age and Gleason score. The median follow-up time was 24 months. RESULTS: 68Ga-PSMA PET / CT led to a treatment change in 66 / 104 (63.4%) patients (twenty-one patients were lost to follow-up). There was a significant change of treatment plan in patients with a higher Gleason score (P = 0.0233), higher SUVmax (p = 0.0306) and higher PSA levels (P < 0.0001; median PSA = 2.55 ng / mL). CONCLUSION: 68Ga-PSMA PET / CT in prostate cancer patients with biochemical recurrence has a high impact in patient management.

Applicability of geomechanical classifications for estimation of strength properties in Brazilian rock masses.

Many authors have been proposed several correlation equations between geomechanical classifications and strength parameters. However, these correlation equations have been based in rock masses with different characteristics when compared to Brazilian rock masses. This paper aims to study the applicability of the geomechanical classifications to obtain strength parameters of three Brazilian rock masses. Four classification systems have been used; the Rock Mass Rating (RMR), the Rock Mass Quality (Q), the Geological Strength Index (GSI) and the Rock Mass Index (RMi). A strong rock mass and two soft rock masses with different degrees of weathering located in the cities of Ouro Preto and Mariana, Brazil; were selected for the study. Correlation equations were used to estimate the strength properties of these rock masses. However, such correlations do not always provide compatible results with the rock mass behavior. For the calibration of the strength values obtained through the use of classification systems, ​​stability analyses of failures in these rock masses have been done. After calibration of these parameters, the applicability of the various correlation equations found in the literature have been discussed. According to the results presented in this paper, some of these equations are not suitable for the studied rock masses.

Impact of Wheelchair Rugby on Body Composition of Subjects With Tetraplegia: A Pilot Study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the longitudinal effects of wheelchair rugby (WR) training on body composition of subjects with tetraplegia. DESIGN: Subjects were evaluated at baseline and after WR training. SETTING: Faculty of physical education settings. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals with tetraplegia (N=13; age, 26.6±6.0y). INTERVENTIONS: Four sessions per week of WR training composed by aerobic and anaerobic activities and technical and tactical aspects of WR. The average time of intervention was 8.1±2.5 months. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Body composition assessed by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. RESULTS: After training, fat mass was significantly reduced in the whole body (15,191±4603 vs 13,212±3318 g, P=.016), trunk (7058±2639 vs 5693±1498 g, P=.012), and legs (2847±817 vs 2534±742 g, P=.003). Conversely, increased bone mineral content (183±35 vs 195±32 g, P=.01) and fat-free mass (2991±549 vs 3332±602 g, P=.016) in the arms and reduced bone mineral content in the trunk (553±82 vs 521±86 g, P=.034) were observed after training. Furthermore, no significant correlation between the duration of training and changes in body composition was detected. CONCLUSIONS: Regular WR training increased lean mass and bone mineral content in the arms and decreased total body fat mass. Conversely, WR training was associated with decreased bone mineral content in the trunk. These results suggest that regular WR training improves body composition in subjects with tetraplegia.

Microcystin removal by microbial communities from a coastal lagoon: Influence of abiotic factors, bacterioplankton composition and estimated functions.

Toxic cyanobacterial blooms present a substantial risk to public health due to the production of secondary metabolites, notably microcystins (MCs). Microcystin-LR (MC-LR) is the most prevalent and toxic variant in freshwater. MCs resist conventional water treatment methods, persistently impacting water quality. This study focused on an oligohaline shallow lagoon historically affected by MC-producing cyanobacteria, aiming to identify bacteria capable of degrading MC and investigating the influence of environmental factors on this process. While isolated strains did not exhibit MC degradation, microbial assemblages directly sourced from lagoon water removed MC-LR within seven days at 25 ºC and pH 8.0. The associated bacterial community demonstrated an increased abundance of bacterial taxa assigned to Methylophilales, and also Rhodospirillales and Rhodocyclales to a lesser extent. However, elevated atmospheric temperatures (45 ºC) and acidification (pH 5.0 and 3.0) hindered MC-LR removal, indicating that extreme environmental changes could contribute to prolonged MC persistence in the water column. This study highlights the importance of considering environmental conditions in order to develop strategies to mitigate cyanotoxin contamination in aquatic ecosystems.

Surveillance of TB-HIV coinfection in Brazil: a space-time approach.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the epidemiological, spatial, and temporal pattern of TB-HIV coinfection in Brazil during the period from 2001 to 2020. METHODS: Ecological study using space-time analysis techniques. It included cases of TB-HIV coinfection registered in Brazil from 2001 to 2020. The temporal trend analysis was performed using segmented regression by Joinpoint regression. For spatial analysis, Moran indices were calculated and choropleth maps were produced using TerraView and QGIS software. RESULTS: A stable temporal trend was observed in the incidence rates of TB-HIV coinfection in Brazil during the analyzed period. In addition, high-risk areas for coinfection located in states in the North, Southeast, South, and Midwest regions were identified. CONCLUSION: There was stability in the incidence of TB-HIV coinfection in Brazil over the last 20 years and heterogeneous geographic distribution of risk areas for the condition.

Description of lymphocyte and cytokine profiles in individuals with acute myeloid leukemia associated with FLT3-ITD and NPM1 mutation status.

The pathogenesis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) involves mutations in genes such as FLT3 and NPM1, which are also associated with the prognosis of the disease. The immune system influences disease progression, but the mechanisms underlying the interaction between the immune system and AML are not clear. In this study, the profiles of lymphocytes and cytokines were described in individuals with AML stratified by molecular changes associated with prognosis. The participants included in this study were newly diagnosed AML patients (n = 43) who were about to undergo chemotherapy. Subtypes of lymphocytes in peripheral blood, including B cells, T cells, and natural killer cells, and serum concentrations of cytokines, including Th1, Th2, and Th17, were studied by flow cytometry assays (BD FACSCanto II). The correlations between lymphocyte subsets, cytokines, and genetic/prognostic risk stratification (based on the FLT3 and NPM1 genes) were analyzed. The differences in B lymphocytes (%), T lymphocytes (%), plasmablasts (%), leukocytes (cells/µl), and tumor necrosis factor (pg/ml) were determined between groups with FLT3-ITD+ and FLT3-ITD- mutations. The presence of mutations in NPM1 and FLT3-ITD and age suggested changes in the lymphocyte and cytokine profile in individuals with AML.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic Surveillance of Visceral Leishmaniasis in Brazil: An Ecological Study.

The aim of the study was to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the notification of new VL cases in Brazil in 2020. It is an ecological and time-series study (2015-2020) with spatial analysis techniques, whose units of analysis were the 5570 Brazilian municipalities. The study population consisted of all new cases of VL recorded between 2015 and 2020. The P-score was calculated to estimate the percentage variation in new VL cases. Global and local univariate Moran's Indices and retrospective space-time scan statistics were used in spatial and space-time analyses, respectively. It was expected that there would be 3627 new cases of VL in Brazil in 2020, but 1932 cases were reported (-46.73%). All Brazilian regions presented a negative percentage variation in the registration of new VL cases, with the Southeast (-54.70%), North (-49.97%), and Northeast (-44.22%) standing out. There was spatial dependence of the disease nationwide in both periods, before and during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. There was a significant reduction in the incidence of new VL cases in Brazil during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. These findings reinforce the need for better preparedness of the health system, especially in situations of new epidemics.

Potential of NIR spectroscopy for predicting cellulose nanofibril quality in commercial bleached Kraft pulp of Eucalyptus.

Multivariate models were developed to classify cellulose nanofibril (CNF) fibrillation by a quality index from near infrared (NIR) spectra. Commercial pulps of Eucalyptus spp. were used to produce cellulose nanofibrils by means of a fibrillator mill. After each of the five passes through the mill, samples were collected and analyzed for energy consumption and fiber classification. As a standard, pulps were oxidized with TEMPO reagent followed by a single pass through the mill to compare the resulting quality of CNFs produced by each method. NIR spectra of CNFs were associated with quality indices determined by conventional laboratory analyses that included morphology, turbidity, mechanical properties, X-ray diffraction and quality index measurements. Principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) were applied to the spectral and experimental data. Fibrillator milling to obtain CNFs was efficient and resulted in gel formation following the third pass through the mill. NIR spectroscopy combined with PLS-DA was used successfully to create a model to classify quality of CNFs with 96 % certainty in 3 wt% solutions. These findings suggest that NIR spectroscopy holds promise for estimating CNF quality in suspension, particularly in real-time industrial applications where reliable estimates are crucial.

Spatial and Temporal Dynamics of Chikungunya Incidence in Brazil and the Impact of Social Vulnerability: A Population-Based and Ecological Study.

To assess the temporal and spatial dynamics of chikungunya incidence and its association with social vulnerability indicators in Brazil, an ecological and population-based study was conducted herein, with confirmed cases of chikungunya and based on clinical and clinical-epidemiological criteria from 2017 to 2023. Data were obtained from the Notifiable Diseases Information System and social vulnerability indicators were extracted from the official platform of the United Nations Development Program and the Social Vulnerability Atlas. Temporal, spatial, and global spatial regression models were employed. The temporal trend showed that in 2017, the incidence increased by 1.9%, and this trend decreased from 2020 to 2021 (-0.93%). The spatial distribution showed heterogeneity and positive spatial autocorrelation (I: 0.71; p < 0.001) in chikungunya cases in Brazil. Also, the high-risk areas for the disease were concentrated in the northeast and north regions. The social vulnerability indicators associated with the outcome were those related to income, education, and housing conditions. Our analyses demonstrate that chikungunya continues to be a serious health concern in Brazil, but specially in the northeast and north regions. Lastly, mapping risk areas can provide evidence for the development of public health strategies and disease control in endemic regions.