Worker's exposure to radiation in fluoroscopy, assessing and instruments: A systematic literature review.

This review aims to identify and analyze the instruments employed for assessing the overall performance of workers exposed to fluoroscopy during surgical procedures and/or interventional procedures, using the PRISMA methodology. The studies were located through searches conducted on PubMed, Web of Science, Lilacs, ScienceDirect, B-ON, EBSCOhost, and EBSCO Discovery Service on March 27, 2023. Additional studies were identified using backward and forward citation techniques. The PEO strategic model was followed. The search spanned studies published between 2012 and 2022. The quality of the studies underwent assessment using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist for analytical cross-sectional studies. Out of the 23 studies identified, encompassing 3604 individuals, 12 (52%) addressed the reliability and/or validity of the instruments, while 3 (13%) focused on the development and psychometric testing of the instruments. Only 5 instruments (23%), validated and reliable, exclusively evaluated occupational radiological protection. The predominant dimension covered was knowledge (82%, n = 19). The population was assessed in 18 studies, pre- and post-intervention in 2 studies, and 21 studies provided recommendations or tools for improvement. Individuals in the studies utilized passive dosimeters (ranging from 5% to 98%), thyroid shields (15% to 98%), and aprons or lead skirts/coats (28% to 99%). The evidence quality was moderate (6/8). This study underscores the imperative to enhance compliance with protective and monitoring equipment. Furthermore, additional information is warranted concerning the validity and reliability of the instruments used, as well as the development of instruments that are both valid and reliable.

Trace elements in bean-to-bar chocolates from Brazil and Ecuador.

BACKGROUND: The high quality and unique flavor and aroma of bean-to-bar chocolates have resulted in an increase in the consumption of these products. Nevertheless, cocoa beans may present inorganic contaminants from environmental and anthropogenic sources which can contribute to contamination of the chocolates, despite the fewer processing steps and few ingredients used in bean-to-bar manufacturing process compared to the industrial one. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the content of trace elements (As, Cd, Co, Cu, Hg, Pb, Se) in bean-to-bar chocolates and traceable cocoa beans from Brazil and Ecuador. METHODS: Bean-to-bar chocolate samples were acquired in Brazil (n=65) and Ecuador (n=10), considering the main products available: white, milk, semisweet and dark chocolate. Cocoa samples from dedicated farms (n=23) were analyzed for trace elements and inorganic contaminants regulated by Brazil and European agencies. Samples were mineralized using acid digestion (nitric acid and hydrogen peroxide) in a closed microwave-assisted system. Quantification of trace elements was performed using Inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS) and Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP OES) in optimized conditions. The analytical control was performed with certified reference materials (ERM BD512 - Dark Chocolate, Tort-2 and Tort-3 - Lobster Hepatopancreas and SRM 1547 - Peach leaves) and recoveries ranged between 84% and 105% for all elements. RESULTS: The trace element levels in the bean-to-bar chocolates were (mg/kg): As (<0.022-0.023), Cd (<0.002-0.74), Cu (0.11-21.2), Co (<0.003-1.88), Hg (<0.010-<0.010), Pb (<0.007-0.22), and Se (<0.029-0.35). The exposure assessment from inorganic contaminants in chocolates revealed up to 93% of provisional tolerable monthly intake (PTMI) for Cd and 123% of tolerable upper intake level (UL) for Co for children. Inorganic contaminants were also analyzed in cocoa beans from dedicated farms and Cd and Pb levels were found above the thresholds established by Brazil health agency. CONCLUSION: The results observed for both bean-to-bar chocolates and raw materials (cocoa beans from dedicated farms) indicated a need for monitoring these trace elements.

Mental health conditions and utilisation of mental health services by survivors of physical intimate partner violence in Portugal: Results from the WHO world mental health survey.

The aim of this article is to study mental health conditions among survivors of severe physical intimate partner violence (IPV) and their utilisation of mental health services. This study is an integrated part of the World Mental Health Survey Initiative-Portugal, for which data was collected from a nationally representative adult sample using well-validated scales. Logistic regression models were used in the analysis. The most common statistically significant mental health conditions among IPV survivors were suicide ideation, PTSD, major depressive episode, and generalised anxiety disorder. More than one in three survivors developed PTSD. Suicide ideation was likely to occur after first experiencing IPV. Almost a half of survivors received specialised mental health treatment; in most cases, delivered by a psychiatrist. Over 60 % addressed their mental health issues consulting general physicians or other healthcare professionals. Those who experienced family violence in childhood had greater odds of also experiencing IPV; survivors of IPV with this experience were more likely to receive mental health treatment. The need to promote greater awareness and competencies of not only mental health professionals but also of general physicians and other healthcare professionals to provide support more effectively to survivors of any type of IPV deserves to be emphasised.

Prevalence and acceptability of psychological and/or economic intimate partner violence, and utilization of mental health services by its survivors in Lithuania.

BACKGROUND: Lithuania has one of the highest averages in the European Union when it comes to psychological and/or economic intimate partner violence (PE-IPV). IPV survivors are several times more likely to have mental health conditions than those without IPV experiences. The aim of this article is to study the prevalence, characteristics and attitudes of PE-IPV survivors in Lithuania, and the predictors of them accessing mental health services. METHODS: A cross-sectional study based on a national survey representative of the adult population. The survey was implemented by a third-party independent market research company employing an online survey panel. Logistic regression models were used in the analysis. RESULTS: Almost 50% of women in Lithuania experience PE-IPV. Females are significantly more likely to experience it than males. The vast majority of women find PE-IPV unacceptable; however, only one-third of survivors seek any type of help. Only one-tenth approach mental health services, with divorcees being at higher odds of doing so. CONCLUSIONS: Further research is needed to explore predictors and contextual factors of why IPV survivors seek mental healthcare, or not. Policy implications include the need to eliminate IPV and mental health stigma; develop accessible mental health services and effective treatment approaches.

Revisiting the psychometric properties of the McArthur admission experience survey: Validating the Portuguese version using a bifactor approach.

Cultural factors play a significant role in shaping the perception of coercion during psychiatric admissions. The present study aimed to assess the psychometric properties of the Portuguese Admission Experience Survey(P-AES). The study employed a cross-sectional approach in five psychiatric departments in three regions of Portugal. A total of 208 patients participated in the survey. Reliability was assessed through internal consistency and test-retest procedures. Internal validity was analyzed using a two-parameter logistic item response model, exploring three models, including a bifactor model. Convergent validity was determined by correlating AES scores with the Coercion Ladder (CL), Client Assessment of Satisfaction (CAT), and Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) scale. Discriminatory power was assessed by comparing scores between patients with voluntary and involuntary admission status. The P-AES demonstrated satisfactory internal consistency and test-retest reliability. The bifactor model exhibited superior fit compared to the one-factor and three-factor models. Correlations between P-AES and CL, as well as CAT scores, indicated good convergent validity. Additionally, P-AES scores were notably higher in patients with compulsory psychiatric hospital admission compared to those admitted voluntarily, confirming its discriminatory power. The bifactor model suggests that all three domains of the AES should be used to measure the subjective experience of coercion.

Use of coercion in mental healthcare services in Nigeria: Service providers' perspective.

BACKGROUND: There is increasing advocacy to reduce coercive practices in mental healthcare. Little research has been done on the topic in developing countries. AIMS: To explore what mental health professionals in Nigeria think about coercion, why it is used, and what contextual factors influence its use in mental healthcare services. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were carried out with 16 doctors and 14 nurses from two psychiatric hospitals in two regions of Nigeria. The audio-recorded interviews were analyzed thematically with the aid of MAXQDA software. RESULTS: Three broad categories relating to the perception of, reasons for, and barriers/facilitators to the use of coercion were derived. Coercion was viewed as being for the best interests of patients, a means to an end, and effective for achieving desired outcomes. Safety was both a reason to use a coercive measure and a deterrent to using specific coercive measures thought to be unsafe. The socio-cultural context, obsolete mental health legislation, staff shortages, and attitudes were factors influencing the use of coercion in mental healthcare. CONCLUSION: Coercion was perceived to be ultimately beneficial in mental health practice. There is need for a new mental health legislation and more resources for mental health care in Nigeria to address the problem of coercion.

Placenta Accreta Spectrum Disorders - The Impact of the Creation of a Multidisciplinary Team on Maternal Outcomes in Portugal / Patologia do espectro do acretismo placentário - O impacto da criação de uma equipa multidisciplinar nos desfechos maternos em Portugal

Abstract Objective To describe a cohort of placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) cases from a tertiary care institution and compare the maternal outcomes before and after the creation of a multidisciplinary team (MDT). Methods Retrospective study using hospital databases. Identification of PAS cases with pathological confirmation between 2010 and 2021. Division in two groups: standard care (SC) group - 2010-2014; and MDT group - 2015-2021. Descriptive analysis of their characteristics and maternal outcomes. Results During the study period, there were 53 cases of PAS (24 - SC group; 29 - MDT group). Standard care group: 1 placenta increta and 3 percreta; 12.5% (3/24) had antenatal suspicion; 4 cases had a peripartum hysterectomy - one planned due to antenatal suspicion of PAS; 3 due to postpartum hemorrhage. Mean estimated blood loss (EBL) was 2,469 mL; transfusion of packed red blood cells (PRBC) in 25% (6/24) - median 7.5 units. Multidisciplinary team group: 4 cases of placenta increta and 3 percreta. The rate of antenatal suspicion was 24.1% (7/29); 9 hysterectomies were performed, 7 planned due to antenatal suspicion of PAS, 1 after intrapartum diagnosis of PAS and 1 after uterine rupture following a second trimester termination of pregnancy. The mean EBL was 1,250 mL, with transfusion of PRBC in 37.9% (11/29) - median 2 units. Conclusion After the creation of the MDT, there was a reduction in the mean EBL and in the median number of PRBC units transfused, despite the higher number of invasive PAS disorders.

Resumo Objetivo Descrever uma coorte de casos do espectro do acretismo placentário (PAS) de uma instituição terciária e comparar os resultados maternos antes e depois da criação de uma equipa multidisciplinar (MDT). Métodos Estudo retrospectivo utilizando bancos de dados hospitalares. Identificação de casos de PAS com confirmação patológica entre 2010 e 2021. Divisão em dois grupos: grupo Standard Care (SC) - 2010-2014; e grupo MDT - 2015-2021. Análise descritiva de suas características e desfechos maternos. Resultados Durante o período do estudo, houve 53 casos de PAS (24 - grupo SC; 29 - grupo MDT). Grupo Standard Care: 1 placenta increta e 3 percretas; 12,5% (3/24) tiveram suspeita anteparto; 4 casos tiveram histerectomia periparto - uma eletiva devido à suspeita anteparto de PAS; 3 devido a hemorragia pós-parto. A média de perda hemática estimada (EBL) foi de 2.469 mL; transfusão de concentrado eritrocitário (PRBC) em 25% (6/24) - mediana 7,5 unidades. Equipa multidisciplinar: 4 casos de placenta increta e 3 percretas. A taxa de suspeita anteparto foi de 24,1% (7/29); foram realizadas 9 histerectomias, 7 eletivas por suspeita anteparto de PAS, 1 após diagnóstico intraparto de PAS e 1 após rotura uterina após interrupção da gravidez no segundo trimestre. A EBL média foi de 1.250 mL, com transfusão de PRBC em 37,9% (11/29) - mediana de 2 unidades. Conclusão Após a criação da MDT, houve redução na média de EBL e na mediana do número de unidades de PRBC transfundidas, apesar do maior número de PAS invasivos.

Placenta Accreta Spectrum Disorders - The Impact of the Creation of a Multidisciplinary Team on Maternal Outcomes in Portugal.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a cohort of placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) cases from a tertiary care institution and compare the maternal outcomes before and after the creation of a multidisciplinary team (MDT). METHODS: Retrospective study using hospital databases. Identification of PAS cases with pathological confirmation between 2010 and 2021. Division in two groups: standard care (SC) group - 2010-2014; and MDT group - 2015-2021. Descriptive analysis of their characteristics and maternal outcomes. RESULTS: During the study period, there were 53 cases of PAS (24 - SC group; 29 - MDT group). Standard care group: 1 placenta increta and 3 percreta; 12.5% (3/24) had antenatal suspicion; 4 cases had a peripartum hysterectomy - one planned due to antenatal suspicion of PAS; 3 due to postpartum hemorrhage. Mean estimated blood loss (EBL) was 2,469 mL; transfusion of packed red blood cells (PRBC) in 25% (6/24) - median 7.5 units. Multidisciplinary team group: 4 cases of placenta increta and 3 percreta. The rate of antenatal suspicion was 24.1% (7/29); 9 hysterectomies were performed, 7 planned due to antenatal suspicion of PAS, 1 after intrapartum diagnosis of PAS and 1 after uterine rupture following a second trimester termination of pregnancy. The mean EBL was 1,250 mL, with transfusion of PRBC in 37.9% (11/29) - median 2 units. CONCLUSION: After the creation of the MDT, there was a reduction in the mean EBL and in the median number of PRBC units transfused, despite the higher number of invasive PAS disorders.

OBJETIVO: Descrever uma coorte de casos do espectro do acretismo placentário (PAS) de uma instituição terciária e comparar os resultados maternos antes e depois da criação de uma equipa multidisciplinar (MDT). MéTODOS: Estudo retrospectivo utilizando bancos de dados hospitalares. Identificação de casos de PAS com confirmação patológica entre 2010 e 2021. Divisão em dois grupos: grupo Standard Care (SC) ­ 2010­2014; e grupo MDT ­ 2015­2021. Análise descritiva de suas características e desfechos maternos. RESULTADOS: Durante o período do estudo, houve 53 casos de PAS (24 - grupo SC; 29 - grupo MDT). Grupo Standard Care: 1 placenta increta e 3 percretas; 12,5% (3/24) tiveram suspeita anteparto; 4 casos tiveram histerectomia periparto ­ uma eletiva devido à suspeita anteparto de PAS; 3 devido a hemorragia pós-parto. A média de perda hemática estimada (EBL) foi de 2.469 mL; transfusão de concentrado eritrocitário (PRBC) em 25% (6/24) - mediana 7,5 unidades. Equipa multidisciplinar: 4 casos de placenta increta e 3 percretas. A taxa de suspeita anteparto foi de 24,1% (7/29); foram realizadas 9 histerectomias, 7 eletivas por suspeita anteparto de PAS, 1 após diagnóstico intraparto de PAS e 1 após rotura uterina após interrupção da gravidez no segundo trimestre. A EBL média foi de 1.250 mL, com transfusão de PRBC em 37,9% (11/29) - mediana de 2 unidades. CONCLUSãO: Após a criação da MDT, houve redução na média de EBL e na mediana do número de unidades de PRBC transfundidas, apesar do maior número de PAS invasivos.

Amorphous Solid Forms of Ranolazine and Tryptophan and Their Relaxation to Metastable Polymorphs.

Different methods were explored for the amorphization of ranolazine, a sparingly soluble anti-anginal drug, such as mechanochemistry, quench-cooling, and solvent evaporation from solutions. Amorphous phases, with Tg values lower than room temperature, were obtained by cryo-milling and quench-cooling. New forms of ranolazine, named II and III, were identified from the relaxation of the ranolazine amorphous phase produced by cryo-milling, which takes place within several hours after grinding. At room temperature, these metastable polymorphs relax to the lower energy polymorph I, whose crystal structure was solved in this work for the first time. A binary co-amorphous mixture of ranolazine and tryptophan was produced, with three important advantages: higher glass transition temperature, increased kinetic stability preventing relaxation of the amorphous to crystalline phases for at least two months, and improved aqueous solubility. Concomitantly, the thermal behavior of amorphous tryptophan obtained by cryo-milling was studied by DSC. Depending on experimental conditions, it was possible to observe relaxation directly to the lower energy form or by an intermediate metastable crystalline phase and the serendipitous production of the neutral form of this amino acid in the pure solid phase.

Contextual factors influencing the use of coercive measures in Portuguese mental health care.

The use of coercive measures in mental health care is an important indicator of the quality of care being provided, and non-patient-related factors are increasingly recognized to contribute to their use. The study aimed to explore the perspectives of mental health care professionals who have first-hand experience with the use of coercion on the contextual factors that influence the use of coercion in the Portuguese mental health care. Five focus group discussions were conducted among 23 doctors and 17 nurses from five psychiatric departments in urban and rural regions of Portugal. Discussions were audio recorded, transcribed, and analyzed with the aid of MAXQDA. Four broad themes related to insufficient resources, staff-related factors, inefficient services, and socio-legal factors were derived. Participants highlighted how inadequate structures, staff shortages, staff attitudes, a lack of training, restrictive ward rules, an inefficient organization of services, the mental health legislation, and public attitudes contributed to the use of coercive measures. The COVID-19 pandemic complicated existing shortfalls in the system and increased the use of coercive measures. The study confirms that the use of coercive measures in mental health care is influenced by factors that are independent of patient characteristics. Addressing existing systemic problems is crucial for the successful implementation of interventions to reduce coercion in mental health care.

Beyond Patient Characteristics: A Narrative Review of Contextual Factors Influencing Involuntary Admissions in Mental Health Care.

Variations in the rates of involuntary admission (IA) reflect the influence of unexplained contextual variables that are typically too heterogeneous to be included in systematic reviews. This paper attempts to gather and analyze factors unrelated to the patients that have been linked to IA. The articles included in this review were selected by iteratively searching four electronic databases (PubMed, PsychINFO, EMBASE, and Web of Science). A total of 54 studies from 19 different countries and regions, including 14 European countries, the United States, Canada, China, Vietnam, and Taiwan, were selected. The factors were categorized as service-related factors, impactful events, seasonal and temporal factors, mental health legislation, staff factors, and public attitudes. The factors rarely act in isolation but rather interact and reinforce each other, causing a greater influence on IA. This paper explains how these factors present opportunities for robust and sustainable interventions to reduce IAs. The paper also identifies future directions for research, such as examining the effects of economic recessions. Enhancing global reporting standards is essential to validate future research and support further in-depth studies. The complexity of the factors influencing IA and the implicit role of society suggest that resolving it will require social change.

Immunoglobulin A as a Key Immunological Molecular Signature of Post-COVID-19 Conditions.

COVID-19 has infected humans worldwide, causing millions of deaths or prolonged symptoms in survivors. The transient or persistent symptoms after SARS-CoV-2 infection have been defined as post-COVID-19 conditions (PCC). We conducted a study of 151 Brazilian PCC patients to analyze symptoms and immunoglobulin profiles, taking into account sex, vaccination, hospitalization, and age. Fatigue and myalgia were the most common symptoms, and lack of vaccination, hospitalization, and neuropsychiatric and metabolic comorbidities were relevant to the development of PCC. Analysis of serological immunoglobulins showed that IgA was higher in PCC patients, especially in the adult and elderly groups. Also, non-hospitalized and hospitalized PCC patients produced high and similar levels of IgA. Our results indicated that the detection of IgA antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 during the course of the disease could be associated with the development of PCC and may be an immunological signature to predict prolonged symptoms in COVID-19 patients.

Introduction to Pharmaceutical Co-amorphous Systems Using a Green Co-milling Technique.

The concept of co-amorphous systems is introduced in an integrated laboratory experiment, designed for advanced chemistry students, using solvent-free, environmentally friendly mechanochemistry. The dual-drug naproxen-cimetidine co-amorphous system (NPX-CIM) is investigated as an example of the emergent field of medicinal mechanochemistry. Students are trained in solid-state characterization techniques including X-ray powder diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and thermal analysis by differential scanning calorimetry. This lab experiment also provides an opportunity to discuss the relevance of different solid forms of pharmaceutics, emphasizing particular properties of disordered materials. This experiment can easily fit the curriculum of any Chemistry or Pharmacy master level degree in courses dealing with instrumental analysis, solid state chemistry, or green chemistry, for classes of 6 to 18 students, in a 5-h lab session. Suggestions to adapt it to the use of a single characterization technique are provided.

In silico screening of phenylethanoid glycosides, a class of pharmacologically active compounds as natural inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 proteases.

Since the advent of Covid-19, several natural products have been investigated regarding their in silico interactions with SARS-CoV-2 proteases - 3CLpro and PLpro, two of the most important pharmacological targets for antiviral development. Phenylethanoid glycosides (PG) are a class of natural products present in important medicinal plants and a drug containing this group of active ingredients has been successfully used in the treatment of Covid-19 in China. Thus, a dataset with 567 derivatives of this class was built from reviews published between 1994 and 2020, and their interaction against both SARS-CoV-2 proteases was investigated. The virtual screening was performed by filtering the PGs through the evaluation of scores based on the AutoDock Vina, GOLD/ChemPLP, and GOLD/GoldScore evaluation functions. The bRO5 pharmacokinetic parameters of the PGs ranked in the previous step were analyzed and their interaction with key amino acid residues of the 3CLpro and PLpro enzymes was evaluated. Ninety-eight compounds were identified by computational approaches against PLpro and 80 PGs against 3CLpro. Of these, four interacted with key catalytic residues of PLpro, which is an indicative of inhibitory activity, and three compounds interacted with catalytic key residues of 3CLpro. Of these, five PGs occur in plants of the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), while two are components of plants/formulations currently used in the Covid-19 protocols in China. The data presented here show the potential of PGs as selective inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro and PLpro.

A qualitative integrative analysis of service users' and service providers' perspectives on ways to reduce coercion in mental health care.

PURPOSE: The movement to develop and implement non-coercive alternatives in the provision of mental health care is gaining momentum globally. To strengthen the basis of potential interventions that will be contextually relevant, and to complement the body of literature which is largely from high-income settings, the current study sought to explore the suggestions of service users and providers in Nigeria on how to reduce the use of coercive measures in mental health settings. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews with 30 mental health professionals and four focus group discussions among 30 service users from two psychiatric hospitals in Nigeria were conducted. The data were analyzed thematically with the aid of MAXQDA. RESULTS: The suggestions proposed by service users and mental health professionals were within the broad themes of communication, policies and legislation, and increased resources. Service users felt that improved communication, home consultations, non-legal advocates and clear rules and legislation would reduce the use of coercion, while service providers suggested increased public mental health literacy, better interpersonal relationships with patients, increased resources for mental health care, more research on the topic and regulation of coercive measures. CONCLUSION: Many of the suggestions from this study reinforce strategies already in place to decrease coercion in other settings. However, additional recommendations that are relevant to the study setting, such as enhancing public mental health literacy, mental health legislation reform and increasing access to mental health services, deserve further consideration.

Genomic surveillance and sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 across South America.

After 2 years of the COVID-19 pandemic, the protocols used to control infection lack attention and analysis. We present data about deposits of complete genomic sequences of SARS-CoV-2 in the Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data (GISAID) database made between January 2021 and May 31, 2022. We build the distribution profile of SARS-CoV-2 variants across South America, highlighting the contribution and influence of each variant over time. Monitoring the genomic sequences in GISAID illustrates negligence in the follow up of infected patients in South America and also the discrepancies between the number of complete genomes deposited throughout the pandemic by developed and developing countries. While Europe and North America account for more than 9 million of the genomes deposited in GISAID, Africa and South America deposited less than 400 000 genome sequences. Genomic surveillance is important for detecting early warning signs of new circulating viruses, assisting in the discovery of new variants and controlling pandemics.

Tras dos años de pandemia del COVID-19, los protocolos empleados para controlar la infección carecen de atención y análisis. En este artículo se presentan datos sobre depósitos de secuencias genómicas completas del SARS-CoV-2 en la base de datos de secuenciación GISAID, la Iniciativa mundial para intercambiar todos los datos sobre la gripe aviar, realizadas entre enero del 2021 y el 31 de mayo del 2022. Se creó el perfil de distribución de las variantes del SARS-CoV-2 en América del Sur, en el que se destacaron la contribución y la influencia de cada variante a lo largo del tiempo. El monitoreo de las secuencias genómicas en GISAID ilustra la negligencia en el seguimiento de los pacientes infectados en América del Sur, así como las discrepancias entre el número de genomas completos depositados a lo largo de la pandemia por parte de los países desarrollados y los países en desarrollo. Mientras que Europa y América del Norte han depositado más de 9 millones de genomas en GISAID, África y América del Sur han aportado menos de 400 000 secuencias genómicas. La vigilancia genómica es importante para detectar los primeros signos de alerta de virus nuevos en circulación, ayudar en el descubrimiento de nuevas variantes y controlar las pandemias.

Após 2 anos da pandemia de covid-19, os protocolos usados para controlar a infecção necessitam maior atenção e análise. Apresentamos dados sobre as sequências genômicas completas do SARS-CoV-2 depositadas no banco de dados do a iniciativa internacional para o intercâmbio de dados sobre os vírus da influenza (GISAID) entre janeiro de 2021 e 31 de maio de 2022. Construímos o perfil de distribuição das variantes do SARS-CoV-2 na América do Sul, destacando a contribuição e a influência de cada variante ao longo do tempo. O monitoramento das sequências genômicas do GISAID ilustra a negligência no acompanhamento de pacientes infectados na América do Sul e as discrepâncias entre os países desenvolvidos e em desenvolvimento com relação ao número de genomas completos depositados ao longo da pandemia. Enquanto a Europa e a América do Norte respondem por mais de 9 milhões dos genomas depositados no GISAID, a África e a América do Sul depositaram menos de 400 000 sequências genômicas. A vigilância genômica é importante para detectar sinais de alerta precoces de novos vírus circulantes, auxiliar na descoberta de novas variantes e controlar pandemias.

Genomic surveillance and sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 across South America

[ABSTRACT]. After 2 years of the COVID-19 pandemic, the protocols used to control infection lack attention and analysis. We present data about deposits of complete genomic sequences of SARS-CoV-2 in the Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data (GISAID) database made between January 2021 and May 31, 2022. We build the distribution profile of SARS-CoV-2 variants across South America, highlighting the contribution and influence of each variant over time. Monitoring the genomic sequences in GISAID illustrates negligence in the follow up of infected patients in South America and also the discrepancies between the number of complete genomes deposited throughout the pandemic by developed and developing countries. While Europe and North America account for more than 9 million of the genomes deposited in GISAID, Africa and South America deposited less than 400 000 genome sequences. Genomic surveillance is important for detecting early warning signs of new circulating viruses, assisting in the discovery of new variants and controlling pandemics.

[RESUMEN]. Tras dos años de pandemia del COVID-19, los protocolos empleados para controlar la infección carecen de atención y análisis. En este artículo se presentan datos sobre depósitos de secuencias genómicas completas del SARS-CoV-2 en la base de datos de secuenciación GISAID, la Iniciativa mundial para intercambiar todos los datos sobre la gripe aviar, realizadas entre enero del 2021 y el 31 de mayo del 2022. Se creó el perfil de distribución de las variantes del SARS-CoV-2 en América del Sur, en el que se destacaron la contribución y la influencia de cada variante a lo largo del tiempo. El monitoreo de las secuencias genómicas en GISAID ilustra la negligencia en el seguimiento de los pacientes infectados en América del Sur, así como las discrepancias entre el número de genomas completos depositados a lo largo de la pandemia por parte de los países desarrollados y los países en desarrollo. Mientras que Europa y América del Norte han depositado más de 9 millones de genomas en GISAID, África y América del Sur han aportado menos de 400 000 secuencias genómicas. La vigilancia genómica es importante para detectar los primeros signos de alerta de virus nuevos en circulación, ayudar en el descubrimiento de nuevas variantes y controlar las pandemias.

[RESUMO]. Após 2 anos da pandemia de covid-19, os protocolos usados para controlar a infecção necessitam maior atenção e análise. Apresentamos dados sobre as sequências genômicas completas do SARS-CoV-2 depositadas no banco de dados do a iniciativa internacional para o intercâmbio de dados sobre os vírus da influenza (GISAID) entre janeiro de 2021 e 31 de maio de 2022. Construímos o perfil de distribuição das variantes do SARS-CoV-2 na América do Sul, destacando a contribuição e a influência de cada variante ao longo do tempo. O monitoramento das sequências genômicas do GISAID ilustra a negligência no acompanhamento de pacientes infectados na América do Sul e as discrepâncias entre os países desenvolvidos e em desenvolvimento com relação ao número de genomas completos depositados ao longo da pandemia. Enquanto a Europa e a América do Norte respondem por mais de 9 milhões dos genomas depositados no GISAID, a África e a América do Sul depositaram menos de 400 000 sequências genômicas. A vigilância genômica é importante para detectar sinais de alerta precoces de novos vírus circulantes, auxiliar na descoberta de novas variantes e controlar pandemias.

Experiences of care perceived by users of supported accommodations for people with serious mental disorders: Can they impact quality of life?

BACKGROUND: To understand if supported accommodations (SA) are promoting the recovery of people with serious mental disorders, quality of life (QoL) is an important outcome. This study aimed to analyse the association between QoL and experiences of care in general and to identify specific experiences of care that are associated with QoL in users of SA. METHODS: A random sample of users of 42 SA was interviewed to obtain standardized measures of QoL and personal experiences of care. The sample was also characterized according to sociodemographic and clinical aspects. Linear regressions models analysed the association between QoL and experiences of care, adjusting for potential confounders. Results include estimated regression coefficients, corresponding 95% confidence intervals and p-values. RESULTS: The number of users interviewed was 272. The median QoL was 4.9 (2.3-6.8) out of 7. Although 84.9% of users were satisfied with the care received, only 16.2% felt involved in their treatment. Feeling safe (ß = .73; 95% CI [0.22-1.24], p = .006) and having privacy (ß = .42; 95% CI [0.09-0.75], p = .014) influenced QoL. Involvement in care (ß = .44; 95% CI [0.13-0.74], p = .006), safety and privacy (ß = .72; 95% CI [0.44-0.99], p = 8.38e-07) and user-professional relationship (ß = .42; 95% CI [0.14-0.69], p = .003) were also associated with QoL. CONCLUSIONS: Feeling safe, having privacy, feeling involved in care and having good user-professional relationships influence the QoL of users. These findings have implications from the political and economic level to the organizational and individual levels.

How legislations affect new taxonomic descriptions.

Restrictions placed on the distribution of biological material by the legislation of countries such as India, South Africa, or Brazil exclude strains that could serve as type material for the validation or valid publication of prokaryotic species names. This problem goes beyond prokaryotic taxonomy and is also relevant for other areas of biological research.

Prevalence of allergic rhinitis symptoms and associated factors in six-year-old children in a municipality in southern Brazil / Prevalência de sintomas de rinite alérgica e fatores associados em crianças de seis anos em um município do sul do Brasil

ABSTRACT Objective: To estimate the prevalence of allergic rhinitis symptoms and associated factors in six-year-old children. Methods: Cross-sectional epidemiological study involving 956 six-year-old schoolchildren from Palhoça, Santa Catarina, Brazil. Home interviews were conducted with mothers in which socio-demographic and house environmental conditions information were obtained, and the International Study of Athma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) questionnaire for allergic rhinitis symptoms was applied. Bivariate and multivariate hierarchical analyses were performed using Poisson regression with a robust estimator. Results: The prevalence of allergic rhinitis symptoms was 21.7%. Children whose mothers had over 8 years of education, or who had air conditioning equipment in the house, or whose bedroom walls presented mold or moisture showed statistically significant and independent 5% higher prevalence of allergic rhinitis. Similarly, children of smoker mothers or those who lived with fur or feather animals indoors showed a 4% higher prevalence. Conclusion: Significant associations were observed between socio-demographic factors and environmental conditions in child's home and allergic rhinitis symptoms in children aged six years.

RESUMO Objetivo: Estimar a prevalência de sintomas de rinite alérgica e fatores associados em crianças de seis anos de idade. Métodos: Estudo epidemiológico de delineamento transversal envolvendo 956 escolares de seis anos de idade do município de Palhoça, Santa Catarina, Brasil. Foram realizadas entrevistas domiciliares com as mães sobre as informações sociodemográficas e as condições ambientais da casa e foi aplicado o questionário ISAAC para sintomas de rinite alérgica. Análises bivariada e multivariada hierarquizada foram realizadas por meio da Regressão de Poisson com estimador robusto. Resultados: A prevalência de sintomas de rinite alérgica foi de 21,7%. Crianças cujas mães apresentavam escolaridade maior que oito anos ou com presença de aparelho de ar condicionado ou mofo/umidade nas paredes do quarto em que dormiam apresentaram prevalência 5% maior, estatisticamente significativa e independente, de rinite alérgica. Da mesma forma, crianças com mães tabagistas ou que conviviam com animais de pelo ou pena dentro de casa apresentaram prevalência 4% maior. Conclusão: Foram observadas associações significativas entre fatores sociodemográficos e condições ambientais da casa da criança e sintomas de rinite alérgica em crianças de seis anos de idade.