Are laws restricting soft drinks sales in Brazilian schools able to lower their availability?

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To describe students protected by laws and exposed to soft drinks sales and assess whether forbidding laws are associated with lower availability of these beverages. METHODS We identified laws forbidding non-government administered cafeterias or sales of soft drinks in schools in the 27 Brazilian state capitals. Data on soft drinks sales were obtained from Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde do Escolar 2015 (PeNSE - National Survey of School Health 2015), for a representative sample of 9th graders from public and private schools. Students were attributed with the status of their school regarding the law and sale of soft drinks. Co-variables were school status (public or private), school size, geographic regions, mother's educational level, score of goods and services. We performed multivariate analyses using Poisson regression. RESULTS The total of 23 laws forbidding sales of soft drinks covered 63.0% of capitals, comprising 56.9% of students. Law coverage was higher among students from more developed regions (67.6%) and in public schools (60.6%), compared with those from less developed regions (38.0%) and private schools (45.8%). Soft drinks were available for 33.9% of students. Students attending public schools in less developed regions had the lowest availability of soft drinks, regardless of law coverage (14.8%; 12.0%); while students attending private schools in these regions had a high availability, regardless of law coverage (82.1%; 73.4%). Restrictive laws were associated with lower sales of soft drinks in more developed regions, and restrictions had a greater association with the availability of soft drinks in public schools (PR = 0.25; 95%CI = 0.15-0.41), compared with private schools (PR = 0.48; 95%CI = 0.35-0.66). CONCLUSION Laws restricting soft drinks in schools were associated with fewer sales in more developed regions. Private schools were less compliant with the law than public schools. A broadly enforced national law could reduce the availability of soft drinks in schools.

Regulatory framework for dietary supplements and the public health challenge / Marco regulatório dos suplementos alimentares e o desafio à saúde pública

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE The new regulatory framework for dietary supplements in Brazil prompted this analysis of the current outlook of these products and the challenges posed by the new guidelines. METHODS We conducted a qualitative, observational and descriptive study of dietary supplements commercialized in Brazilian online stores with the help of the Google® search tool. We considered the ingredients on the labels, the effects attributed to these products and the commercial claims used as a means of promoting them to assess the necessary changes for the legal framework in the new guidelines. Finally, with the help of a database, we compared the effects declared by the manufacturers and attributed to certain ingredients with the scientific evidence described in literature. RESULTS In total, we purchased 44 dietary supplements from Brazilian online stores (n = 7). Of the samples studied, 34.2% could not be classified in the category Dietary Supplements, as recommended by the new regulation of the Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency due to the presence of prohibited substances; 16% of products should be commercialized as medicines. Regarding the commercial appeals, 97.7% had banned expressions. Numerous claims of effects attributed to certain products were characterized as consumer fraud because they have no scientific evidence. CONCLUSIONS The necessary changes represent a major regulatory and production challenge due to the wide range of dietary supplements and markets, an effort that aims to protect the consumers' health. Some previous gaps in the regulatory framework were not fully solved.

RESUMO OBJETIVO O novo marco regulatório para os suplementos alimentares no Brasil instigou a presente análise do panorama atual desses produtos e os desafios impostos pelas novas diretrizes. MÉTODOS Foi realizado um estudo qualitativo, observacional e descritivo dos suplementos alimentares comercializados em lojas virtuais brasileiras, com o auxílio da ferramenta de busca Google®. Os ingredientes declarados nos rótulos, bem como os efeitos atribuídos a esses produtos e as alegações comerciais utilizadas como forma de promovê-los foram levados em consideração a fim de avaliarmos as mudanças necessárias para o enquadramento legal nas novas diretrizes. Por fim, com o auxílio de base de dados, foram comparados os efeitos declarados pelos fabricantes e atribuídos a determinados ingredientes com as evidências científicas descritas na literatura. RESULTADOS No total, foram adquiridos 44 suplementos alimentares provenientes de lojas virtuais brasileiras (n = 7). Das amostras estudadas, 34,2% não poderiam ser enquadradas na categoria Suplementos Alimentares, conforme preconiza a nova regulação da Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária, em decorrência de presença de substâncias não permitidas; 16% dos produtos deveriam ser comercializados como medicamentos. Quanto aos apelos comerciais, 97,7% apresentavam expressões não permitidas. Inúmeras alegações de efeitos atribuídos a determinados produtos, por não possuírem comprovação científica, foram caracterizadas como fraude contra o consumidor. CONCLUSÕES Dada a extensa gama de suplementos alimentares e pontos de comercialização, as mudanças necessárias representam um grande desafio regulatório e de produção, esforço este que visa a proteger a saúde dos consumidores. Algumas lacunas previamente existentes ao marco regulatório ainda não foram totalmente solucionadas.

Compra de alimentos da agricultura familiar pelo Programa Nacional de Alimentação Escolar (PNAE): estudo transversal com o universo de municípios brasileiros / Purchase of products directly from family farms for the National School Feeding Program (PNAE): cross-sectional study with the universe of brazilian municipalities

Resumo A integração entre a agricultura familiar e a alimentação escolar têm o potencial de melhorar a variedade dos cardápios escolares aproximando produção e consumo de alimentos. Este estudo caracterizou os municípios brasileiros quanto à compra de alimentos da agricultura familiar pelo Programa Nacional de Alimentação Escolar. Trata-se de estudo transversal realizado por meio de questionário eletrônico enviado aos 5.565 municípios do país. Participaram da pesquisa 93,2% dos municípios (n = 5.184). Destes, 78,5% adquiriram alimentos da agricultura familiar, destacando-se a região Sul, com a maior frequência de municípios realizando a compra (95,5%), e a região Centro-Oeste com a menor (67,9%). Os municípios de grande porte, com gestão da alimentação escolar do tipo mista, descentralizada ou terceirizada e sem nutricionista como responsável técnico, apresentaram menor frequência de compra de alimentos da agricultura familiar. Conclui-se que, apesar da ampla efetivação da aquisição de alimentos da agricultura familiar pelo programa em todo país, 50% dos municípios não investiram o mínimo exigido em lei, demandando ações educativas e de assistência técnica direcionadas para o cumprimento da legislação, em especial nos estados e regiões que apresentaram maiores dificuldades.

Abstract The integration of family farming with school meals has the potential to improve the variety of school menus thereby bringing the production and consumption of food into closer alignment. This study researched the Brazilian municipalities with respect to the purchase of food from family farms for the National School Food Program. It involved a cross-sectional study conducted via an electronic questionnaire sent to 5,565 municipalities in the country. The research included 93.2% of the municipalities (n = 5,184), 78.5% of which acquired food from family farms, with the highest frequency (95.5%) of the municipalities making the purchase in the southern region, and the lowest (67.9%) in the Central West region. The large-scale municipalities, with mixed, decentralized or outsourced school food management, and without a nutritionist as technical manager, purchased food less frequently from family farms. The conclusion reached is that, despite the widespread acquisition of food from family farms in the program throughout the country, 50% of municipalities did not invest the minimum required by law, requiring actions aimed at compliance with legislation and greater investment, especially in states and regions which revealed the greatest difficulties.

Noncompliance with the law prohibiting the sale of cigarettes to minors in Brazil: an inconvenient truth / Descumprimento da lei que proíbe a venda de cigarros para menores de idade no Brasil: uma verdade inconveniente

ABSTRACT Objective: To draw up an up-to-date scenario of compliance with the law prohibiting the sale of cigarettes to minors. Methods: We used data about youth access to cigarette purchase that were obtained through a nationwide survey conducted in 2015 among students aged 13-17 years. We estimated simple proportions of attempts to buy cigarettes, success of attempts, purchase of cigarettes on a regular basis, and purchase of cigarettes on a regular basis in a store or bar. All estimates were stratified by gender, age group, and Brazilian macro-region. Crude absolute difference and adjusted absolute difference in the proportion of smokers in each category by variable of interest were analyzed by a generalized linear model with binomial distribution and identity link function. Results: Approximately 7 in every 10 adolescent smokers attempted to buy cigarettes at least once in the 30 days prior to the survey. Of those, approximately 9 in every 10 were successful, and individuals aged 16-17 years (vs. those aged 13-15 years) were less often prevented from buying cigarettes (adjusted absolute difference, 8.1%; p ≤ 0.05). Approximately 45% of all smokers aged 13-17 years in Brazil reported buying their own cigarettes on a regular basis without being prevented from doing so, and, of those, 80% reported buying them in a store or bar (vs. from a street vendor). Conclusions: Our findings raise an important public health concern and may contribute to supporting educational and surveillance measures to enforce compliance with existing anti-tobacco laws in Brazil, which have been disregarded.

RESUMO Objetivo: Fornecer um cenário atualizado do cumprimento da lei que proíbe a venda de cigarros para menores de 18 anos de idade. Métodos: Foram utilizados dados de acesso à compra de cigarros obtidos por meio de uma pesquisa de âmbito nacional, realizada em 2015, entre jovens escolares de 13 a 17 anos. Foram estimadas as proporções simples de tentativa de comprar cigarros; sucesso dessa tentativa; compra regular de cigarros; e compra regular de cigarros em lojas ou botequins. Todas as estimativas foram estratificadas por sexo, faixa etária e macrorregiões brasileiras. Para avaliar as diferenças absolutas, brutas e ajustadas, das proporções das categorias consideradas em relação às variáveis analisadas, foi utilizado um modelo linear generalizado com distribuição binomial e função de ligação identidade. Resultados: Aproximadamente 7 em cada 10 fumantes adolescentes tentaram comprar cigarros pelo menos em uma ocasião nos 30 dias anteriores à pesquisa. Desses, aproximadamente 9 em cada 10 obtiveram sucesso, sendo que jovens entre 16-17 anos (vs. 13-15 anos) foram menos impedidos de comprar cigarros (diferença absoluta ajustada = 8,1%; p ≤ 0,05). Aproximadamente 45% de todos os fumantes brasileiros entre 13 e 17 anos de idade referiram ter comprado regularmente os seus próprios cigarros sem serem impedidos, e, desses, 80% relataram tê-los comprado em lojas/botequins (vs. vendedores ambulantes). Conclusões: Nossos achados trazem um importante alerta de saúde pública e podem contribuir para apoiar ações educativas e de fiscalização no sentido de reforçar o cumprimento das leis antitabaco já existentes no Brasil, que vêm sendo desrespeitadas.

EXPOSIÇÕES TÓXICAS EM CRIANÇAS A SANEANTES DE USO DOMICILIAR DE VENDA LEGAL E CLANDESTINA / TOXIC EXPOSURES IN CHILDREN INVOLVING LEGALLY AND ILLEGALLY COMMERCIALIZED HOUSEHOLD SANITIZERS

RESUMO Objetivos: Analisar e comparar as repercussões clínicas dos acidentes com saneantes de uso domiciliar de origem legal e ilegal (clandestina) em crianças menores de 7 anos. Métodos: Estudo descritivo de corte transversal, com dados obtidos dos prontuários eletrônicos do Centro de Informações e Assistência Toxicológica de referência regional, no período de um ano completo. Foram realizadas análises estatísticas descritivas não paramétricas e de testes de associação. Resultados: A amostra foi constituída de 737 casos. A maioria das exposições ocorreu em crianças menores de 3 anos (mediana: 1 ano, intervalo interquartil: 1-3 anos) na residência habitual (92,9%) e por ingestão (97,2%). Os produtos envolvidos foram saneantes de baixa toxicidade sem efeito cáustico (38,9%), com efeito cáustico (24,1%), hidrocarbonetos (19,3%), inseticidas/raticidas (16,6%), e outros produtos (1,1%). Setenta casos decorreram de exposições a produtos clandestinos, principalmente cáusticos (n=47) e raticidas (n=15). Entre as 337 crianças que apresentaram manifestações clínicas pós-exposição, as ocorrências mais frequentes foram vômitos (n=125), queimaduras orais (n=74), tosse (n=35), salivação (n=26) e dor abdominal (n=25), significativamente mais comum com produtos clandestinos (55/70 versus 282/667; p<0,01). Dezenove crianças foram hospitalizadas (cáusticos, n=17; produtos clandestinos, n=12; mediana do tempo de internação: 2 dias), e 22 foram submetidas à endoscopia digestiva alta (hidróxido de sódio, n=14; produtos clandestinos, n=14), com alterações em 12 casos (grave=2). Não houve óbitos. Conclusões: Exposições tóxicas a saneantes de uso domiciliar de origem clandestina estão associadas com maior morbidade quando comparadas aos de venda autorizada.

ABSTRACT Objectives: To analyze and to compare clinical repercussions of accidents involving legally and illegally commercialized household sanitizers in children under 7 years of age. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design was used to collect data from electronic database of a regional Poison Control Center during one year. Data were analyzed by means of descriptive non-parametric statistics and association tests. Results: The sample had 737 reported cases. Most of the accidents occurred with children under 3 years of age (median: 1 year of age; interquartile interval: 1-3 years of age), at home (92.9%), by ingestion (97.2%). Products involved were cleaning products with low toxicity and no caustic effects (38.9%); caustics (24.1%); hydrocarbons (19.3%); pesticides/rodenticides (16.6%), and other products (1.1%). Seventy accidents were due to exposures to illegal products, mainly caustics (n=47) and rodenticides (n=15). Among the 337 children presenting post-exposure clinical manifestations, the most frequent were vomiting (n=125), oral burns (n=74), cough (n=35), drooling (n=26), and abdominal pain (n=25). Clinical manifestations were significantly more frequent after illegal products exposure (55/70 versus 282/667, p<0.01). Nineteen children had to be hospitalized (caustics, n=17; illegal products, n=12; median time of hospitalization: 2 days), 22 were submitted to esophagogastroduodenoscopy (sodium hydroxide, n=14; illegal products, n=14); and 12 cases had endoscopic alterations (severe in 2). No deaths occurred. Conclusion: Toxic exposures owing to illegal household sanitizer products are associated with greater morbidity when compared with legal ones.

A conceituação das ameaças ao controle do tabaco provenientes de acordos econômicos internacionais: a experiência brasileira / La conceptualización de las amenazas al control del tabaco provenientes de acuerdos económicos internacionales: la experiencia brasileña / Conceptualizing threats to tobacco control from international economic agreements: the Brazilian experience

Resumo: Com base nos resultados de dezenas de entrevistas com atores-chave envolvidos na formulação de políticas de controle do tabaco, examinamos as percepções desses atores em relação a ameaças ao controle do tabaco provenientes de políticas econômicas internacionais (comerciais e de investimento). Adotando uma perspectiva jurídica, avaliamos também as ameaças existentes e desafios potenciais que as políticas econômicas podem apresentar para os esforços do governo brasileiro na defesa da saúde pública. Segundo nossos achados, a maioria dos atores não percebe tais políticas econômicas como uma grande ameaça ao controle do tabaco. Objetivamente, de fato existem algumas ameaças. Por exemplo, a tentativa do Brasil de proibir a maioria dos aditivos e saborizantes do tabaco ainda enfrenta resistência na Organização Mundial do Comércio.

Resumen: En base a los resultados de decenas de entrevistas con actores-clave, involucrados en la formulación de políticas de control al tabaco, examinamos las percepciones de estos actores, en relación con las amenazas al control del tabaco, provenientes de políticas económicas internacionales (comerciales y de inversión). Adoptando una perspectiva jurídica, evaluamos también las amenazas existentes y desafíos potenciales que las políticas económicas pueden presentar para los esfuerzos del gobierno brasileño en la defensa de la salud pública. Según nuestros hallazgos, la mayoría de los actores no percibe tales políticas económicas como una gran amenaza al control del tabaco. Objetivamente, de hecho, existen algunas amenazas. Por ejemplo, la tentativa de Brasil de prohibir la mayoría de los aditivos y saborizantes del tabaco enfrenta incluso resistencia en el seno de la Organización Mundial del Comercio.

Abstract: Using the results of dozens of interviews with key actors involved in tobacco control policymaking, we examine these actors' perceptions of threats to tobacco control policy efforts from international economic policies on trade and investment. We also evaluate, from a legal perspective, the genuine threats that exist or potential challenges that economic policies may pose to the Brazilian government's public health efforts. We find that most actors did not perceive these economic policies as a major threat to tobacco control. Objectively, we found that some threats do exist. For example, Brazil's attempt to ban most tobacco additives and flavorings continues to met resistance at the World Trade Organization.

Tráfico de animais silvestres e seus produtos no extremo Oeste Brasileiro / Trafficking of wild animals and their products in the far West Brazilian / Tráfico de animales silvestres y sus productos en el extremo Oeste Brasileño

O tráfico de animais silvestres vivos e abatidos no estado do Acre ocorre constantemente. Notadamente a fauna silvestre está perdendo a batalha com a exploração desenfreada nesta região, uma vez que a carne de animais silvestres é importante fonte proteica e muitas pessoas alegam que praticam a caça como forma de subsistência. No entanto, a maioria das apreensões feitas pelos órgãos competentes pertence à avifauna acriana. Estas oriundas de atividades ilícitas, e se não interceptadas iriam abastecer o mercado ilegal, seriam exportadas e vendidas a preços exorbitantes. Diante do acentuado índice de ocorrência de autuações sobre tráfico de animais silvestres, vale ressaltar que a sociedade e as comunidades locais têm papel fundamental na conscientização de que os animais silvestres podem ser extintos devido à caça predatória.

Trafficking of live wild animals and slaughtered in Acre occurs constantly. Notably the wildlife is losing the battle with the unbridled exploitation in this region, since the meat of wild animals is important protein source and many people claim that practice hunting for subsistence. But most of the seizures made by the competent bodies belongs to acriana avifauna. These derived from illicit activities, and if not intercepted would supply the illegal market, would be exported and sold at exorbitant prices. Before the sharp assessments of occurrence index on wildlife trafficking, it is noteworthy that society and local communities have a vital role in awareness that wild animals may be extinct due to poaching.

El tráfico de animales silvestres vivos y sacrificados en el estado de Acre ocurre constantemente. Especialmente la fauna silvestre está perdiendo la batalla con la desenfrenada explotación en esa región, una vez que la carne de animales silvestres es una importante fuente de proteínas y muchas personas afirman que practican la caza como medio de subsistencia. Sin embargo, gran parte de las incautaciones hechas por los órganos competentes pertenecen a la avifauna del estado de Acre. Estos provienen de actividades ilegales que, si no fuera interceptada, abastecería el mercado ilegal, serian exportadas y vendidas a precios exorbitantes. Dada las altas tasas de ocurrencia de aprehensiones en el tráfico de animales silvestres, se debe destacar que la sociedad y las comunidades locales tienen un papel fundamental en la concientización de que los animales silvestres pueden ser extinguidos debido a la caza depredadora.

Comparison between full face and hemifacial CBCT cephalograms in clinically symmetrical patients: a pilot study

INTRODUCTION: One of the advantages of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) is the possibility of obtaining images of conventional lateral cephalograms derived from partial or complete reconstruction of facial images. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed at comparing full face, right and left hemifacial CBCT cephalograms of orthodontic patients without clinical facial asymmetry. METHODS: The sample comprised nine clinically symmetrical patients who had pretreament full face CBCT. The CBCTs were reconstructed so as to obtain full face, right and left hemifacial cephalograms. Two observers, at two different times, obtained linear and angular measurements for the images using Dolphin 3D software. Dependent and independent t-tests were used to assess the reproducibility of measurements. Analysis of Variance and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to compare the variables obtained in the CBCT derived cephalometric views. RESULTS: There was good reproducibility for CBCT scans and no statistically significant differences between measurements of full face, right and left hemifacial CBCT scans. CONCLUSIONS: Cephalometric measurements in full face, right and left hemifacial CBCT scans in clinically symmetrical patients are similar. .

INTRODUÇÃO: uma das vantagens da tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico (TCFC) é a possibilidade de obtenção da imagem da telerradiografia em norma lateral convencional, por reconstruir parcial ou totalmente a face em uma visão sagital. OBJETIVO: o presente estudo teve como objetivo comparar as imagens de cefalogramas obtidas da face total e das hemifaces direita e esquerda por meio de TCFC, em pacientes sem assimetria clinica. MÉTODOS: a amostra foi composta por nove pacientes, clinicamente simétricos, que tinham em seus prontuários TCFC de face total. Os exames tomográficos foram reformatados para a obtenção de cefalogramas de face total e hemifaces direita e esquerda. Dois observadores, em dois momentos diferentes, obtiveram medidas lineares e angulares dessas imagens, utilizando o software Dolphin 3D. Testes t dependentes e independentes foram utilizados para verificar a reprodutibilidade das medidas nas imagens. Análise de variância (ANOVA) e o teste de Kruskal-Wallis foram utilizados para comparar as variáveis obtidas nas análises cefalométricas. RESULTADOS: houve boa reprodutibilidade para as imagens de TCFC e não houve diferença estatisticamente significante entre as medidas cefalométricas obtidas de cefalogramas de face total, hemifaces direita e esquerda. CONCLUSÕES: medidas cefalométricas obtidas de cefalogramas de face total, hemifaces direita e esquerda em pacientes clinicamente simétricos são semelhantes. .

Free-trade agreements: challenges for global health / Tratados de livre comércio: desafios para a saúde global

In this study new free-trade agreements are discussed, which are based on the breaking down of tariff and technical barriers and normally exclude most of the poorest countries in the world. Considering the current context of economic globalization and its health impacts, seven controversial points of these treaties and their possible implications for global public health are presented, mainly regarding health equity and other health determinants. Finally, this research proposes a greater social and health professionals participation in the formulation and discussion of these treaties, and a deeper insertion of Brazil in this important international agenda.

São discutidos os novos tratados de livre comércio, os quais se baseiam em quebra de barreiras tarifárias e técnicas e excluem a maior parte dos países mais pobres do mundo. Considerando-se o atual contexto de globalização econômica, são apresentados sete pontos polêmicos desses tratados e suas possíveis implicações para a saúde pública global, sobretudo no que diz respeito à equidade em saúde e a outros deteminantes da saúde. Conclui-se defendendo maior participação social e de profissionais de saúde na formulação e discussão desses tratados e inserção do Brasil nesta importante e atual discussão internacional.

Illicit tobacco trade between the United States and Mexico / El comercio ilícito de tabaco entre los Estados Unidos y México

OBJECTIVE: To provide a brief history of the illicit tobacco trade between Mexico and the United States. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Research included a previously published study: "Cigarette taxes and smuggling: A statistical analysis and historical review", published by the Mackinac Center for Public Policy; US Customs and Border Protection data; various US court documents; General Accountability Office reporting; media reports; other historical material, and a personal interview. RESULTS: The research revealed that there is no credible evidence of organized criminal activity related to the illicit trade in tobacco products from Mexico into the United States. However, there is clear and convincing evidence of organized criminal activity in smuggling tobacco products from the United States into Mexico for at least 167 years. CONCLUSION: Historical records from 1845 into the 21st century clearly demonstrate that the United States was usually the source country for tobacco products moving illegally between the two countries.

OBJETIVO: Describir brevemente la historia del comercio ilícito de tabaco entre Estados Unidos y México. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: La investigación incluye publicaciones previas, como "Impuestos sobre los cigarrillos y el contrabando: Un análisis histórico y estadístico"; datos de la Agencia de Aduanas y Protección Fronteriza; varios documentos de la Corte; los informes de la Oficina General de Rendición de Cuentas de EU; notas de prensa; materiales históricos, y una entrevista personal. RESULTADOS: La investigación reveló que no hay pruebas creíbles de actividad delictiva organizada relacionada con el comercio ilícito de productos de tabaco de México a EU. Sin embargo, hay pruebas claras y convincentes de que esta actividad se ha realizado de EU a México por lo menos durante 167 años. CONCLUSIÓN: Los registros históricos desde el año 1845 claramente demuestran que EU solía ser el país de origen del tabaco ilegal entre los dos países.

Restricción de la venta de antibióticos en farmacias de Bogotá, Colombia: estudio descriptivo / Restriction of antibiotic sales in pharmacies in Bogotá, Colombia: a descriptive study

Objetivo. Describir el estado de la aplicación de la norma relacionada con la prohibición dela venta de antibióticos sin prescripción médica en farmacias de Bogotá, Colombia. Métodos. Estudio descriptivo transversal, en el cual se utilizó la técnica de simulación de compra en farmacias (droguerías) de Bogotá. La muestra de 263 farmacias se calculó con una precisión de 5% y un factor de corrección de 2% mediante estratificación (farmacias de cadenae independientes) y asignación aleatoria simple en cada estrato. Resultados. Del total de farmacias estudiadas, 80,3% no cumplen la norma que establecela venta de antibióticos con receta. En 20,1% de los casos, el expendedor indagó la edad del paciente o sus síntomas o ambos, con el fin de ofrecer otros medicamentos o para cambiar elantibiótico. En ninguna oportunidad se preguntó por antecedentes personales de alergia a los antibióticos. En los casos en los cuales hubo intención de venta del antibiótico, la presentación genérica fue la más comúnmente ofrecida (81,2%). Algunos expendedores de medicamentos hicieronrecomendaciones inapropiadas. Las localidades con mayor incumplimiento de la norma coinciden con aquellas que tienen altas tasas de necesidades básicas insatisfechas. Conclusiones. A cinco años de adopción de la norma orientada a contrarrestar la ventalibre de antibióticos, su cumplimiento es mínimo y la entrega no se realiza de acuerdo a los parámetros establecidos. El personal de farmacia no suministra la información requerida de acuerdo con sus competencias.

Objective. Describe the implementation status of a regulation prohibiting antibiotic sales without a medical prescription in pharmacies of Bogotá, Colombia. Methods. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted using the simulated purchase technique in Bogotá pharmacies (drugstores). The sample of 263 pharmacies was calculated by stratification (chain pharmacies and independent pharmacies) with 5% accuracy and a 2% correction factor. Simple randomization was assigned in eachstratum. Results. Out of the total pharmacies studied, 80.3% did not comply with the regulation established for prescription sales of antibiotics. In 20.1% of the cases, the dispenser asked about the patient’s age, symptoms, or both age and symptoms in order to offer other drugs or change the antibiotic. There were no inquiries about amedical history of allergy to antibiotics. In cases in which there was the intention to sell antibiotics, the generic format was most commonly offered (81.2%). Some drug dispensers made inappropriate recommendations. The locations with the highest levels of noncompliance with the regulation were also those with high rates of unmetbasic needs. Conclusions. Five years after passage of a regulation to halt the unrestricted sales of antibiotics, there is minimal compliance, and dispensing does not conform to the established parameters. Pharmacy personnel do not provide the required information according to their responsibilities.

La lactancia materna y el cumplimiento del código internacional de comercialización de sucedáneos de leche materna en el Perú. Informe final de monitoreo en Apurímac, Ayacucho, Huancavelica, Lima y Loreto / Breastfeeding and compliance with the international code of marketing of breastmilk substitutes in Peru. Final Report of monitoring in Apurimac, Ayacucho, Huancavelica, Lima and Loreto

En el presente contexto, el Perú ha realizado el monitoreo del cumplimiento del código durante el año 2010, cuyos hallazgos se presentan en este documento. El informe incluye también, información referida a la situación de lactancia materna y las principales políticas nacionales de promoción de la lactancia materna, destacando la Iniciativa Hospital Amigo de la Madre y del Niño vigente en el país. Se propone tomar este informe como punto de partida para elaborar un documento con una diagramación ágil y sencilla para la lectura por el personal de salud

Medicamentos de alto costo: análisis y propuestas para los países del Mercosur / Costly drugs: analysis and proposals for the Mercosur countries

OBJETIVO: Determinar la forma en que los países del Mercosur acceden, regulan y financian los medicamentos de alto costo (MAC) y proponer estrategias de selección y financiación conjunta a nivel sub-regional. MÉTODOS: Diseño cualitativo, utilizando análisis de contenido de fuentes primarias y secundarias, revisiones documentales, entrevistas, grupos focales y análisis de casos Las variables seleccionadas incluyeron: criterios de selección, acceso, financiación y regulación en los distintos países. Los MAC se clasificaron en aquellos que no modifican el curso natural de la enfermedad y aquellos que tiene eficacia demostrada, utilizando la dosis diaria definida para comparar los costos entre tratamientos clásicos y los realizados con MAC. RESULTADOS: Los países del Mercosur carecen en su gran mayoría de estrategias formales para enfrentar las demandas de MAC, y gobiernos y aseguradoras terminan por financiarlos por vía judicial. Los análisis de casos muestran que existen MAC sin eficacia comprobada que igualmente generan demanda. Las compras atomizadas, los compromisos internacionales respecto a propiedad intelectual y el bajo poder de negociación incrementan los precios de MAC exponencialmente, poniendo en riesgo la economía de los sistemas sanitarios. CONCLUSIONES: Los MAC deben ser regulados y seleccionados racionalmente permitiendo que solo aquellos que beneficien sustantivamente a la población sean aceptados. Para financiar los MAC así seleccionados se requieren estrategias comunes entre países que incluyan opciones tales como flexibilidades de acuerdos comerciales, creación de fondos nacionales de recursos o compra conjunta entre países para potenciar su poder de negociación.

OBJECTIVE: Determine how the Mercosur countries access, regulate, and finance costly drugs and propose joint selection and financing strategies at the subregional level. METHODS: Qualitative design, using content analyses of primary and secondary sources, document reviews, interviews, focus groups, and case studies. The variables selected included: selection criteria, access, financing, and regulations in the various countries. Costly drugs were divided into those that do not alter the natural course of the disease and those with demonstrated efficacy, using the defined daily dose to compare the costs of classical treatments and those involving costly drugs. RESULTS: The Mercosur countries generally lack formal strategies for dealing with the demand for costly drugs, and governments and insurers wind up financing them by court order. The case studies show that there are costly drugs whose efficacy has not been established but that nonetheless generate demand. The fragmentation of procurement, international commitments with regard to intellectual property, and low negotiating power exponentially increase the price of costly drugs, putting health system finances in jeopardy. CONCLUSIONS: Costly drugs must be regulated and rationally selected so that only those that substantively benefit people are accepted. To finance the drugs so selected, common country strategies are needed that include such options as flexible in trade agreements, the creation of national resource funds, or joint procurement by countries to enhance their negotiating power.

Applications of DNA identification technology in protection of wild animals / 法医学杂志

With the development of biotechnology, forensic DNA identification technology in protection of wild animals has been used more and more widely. This review introduces the global status of wildlife crime and the relevant protection to wildlife, outlines the practical applications of forensic DNA identification technology with regard to species identification, determination of geographic origin, individual identification and paternity identification. It focus on the techniques commonly used in DNA typing and their merits and demerits, as well as the problems and prospects of forensic DNA technology for wildlife conservation.

Non-legalized commerce in game meat in the Brazilian Amazon: a case study

In tropical forests, wild game meat represents an option or the only protein source for some human populations. This study analyzed the wildlife meat trade destined to human consumption in an open market of the Amazon rainforest, Brazil. Wildlife meat trade was monitored during 2005 through interviews to vendors and consumers in order to evaluate the socioeconomic profile of the sellers, the main species and byproducts sold, their geographical origin, commercial value, frequency of sale and product demand. Data indicated that vendors were financially highly dependant of this activity, getting a monthly income up to US$271.49. During the survey, the amount of wildlife meat on sale added a total of 5 970kg, as follows: 63.2% capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris), 34.4% cayman (Melanosuchus niger and/or Caiman crocodilus crocodilus), 1.1% paca (Cuniculus paca); 0.6% armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus), 0.5% deer (Mazama americana), 0.2% matamata (Chelus fimbriatus), and 0.1% opossum (Didelphis marsupialis). Most of the commercialized species were not slaughtered locally. The consumption of wildlife meat was admitted by 94% of the interviewed, consisting of 27 ethno-species: 19 mammals, 6 reptiles, and 2 birds. The same percentage of the interviewed (94%) already bought wildlife meat of 18 species: 12 mammals and 6 reptiles. The great amount of wildlife meat traded and the important demand for these products by the local population, point out the necessity to adopt policies for a sustainable management of cinegetic species, guaranteeing the conservation of the environment, the improvement of living standards, and the maintenance of the local culture. Rev. Biol. Trop. 58 (3): 1079-1088. Epub 2010 September 01.

En los bosques tropicales, el consumo de carne silvestre representa una opción o la única fuente de proteínas para algunas poblaciones humanas. Este estudio analizó el comercio ilegal de carne de animales silvestres con fines alimenticios en un mercado de la Amazonia brasileña. El comercio de carne fue observado todo el año (2005), a través de entrevistas a los vendedores y consumidores, para la valoración del perfil socioeconómico de los comerciantes, determinar las principales especies y los subproductos vendidos, el origen geográfico, valor comercial, frecuencia de venta y demanda de los productos. Los datos indicaron que los comerciantes tenían una alta dependencia financiera de la actividad, obteniendo una renta mensual de US$ 271.49. Se observó la comercialización de 5 970kg de carne silvestre y su consumo fue confirmado por 94% de los entrevistados, que reportaron 27 etnoespecies: 19 mamíferos, seis reptiles y dos aves. El mismo porcentaje de los entrevistados (94%) han comprado carne de 18 especies silvestres: 12 mamíferos y seis reptiles. La mayoría del comercio ilegal de animales silvestres y la importante demanda de productos en la población local apuntan a la necesidad de políticas de desarrollo sostenible para las especies de caza, que garanticen la conservación del medio ambiente, una mejoría en la calidad de vida y la manutención cultural local.

Pesticide regulation, utilization, and retailers' selling practices in Trinidad and Tobago, West Indies: current situation and needed changes

OBJECTIVE: To explore pesticide regulation in Trinidad and Tobago, and to ascertain pesticide utilization and retailers' selling practices on Trinidad, which is the larger of twin islands that constitute the republic of Trinidad and Tobago. METHODS: Between February and June 2005, agrochemical retailers in Trinidad were surveyed about the most frequently sold pesticides and their knowledge and practices of pesticide sale. The Poisons and Toxic Chemicals Control Board of the Ministry of Health informed on legislature. RESULTS: Of 107 actively trading licensed pesticide outlets, 97 participated (91 percent response rate) in the survey. Currently only 2.9 percent (21) of 720 registered products from four chemical classes are frequently utilized. Paraquat, methomyl, and alpha-cypermethrin (respective trade names are Gramoxone, Lannate, and Fastac) from World Health Organization (WHO) Hazard Classes I and II, and glyphosate isopropylamine (Swiper, Class U) are the most frequently purchased pesticides. Pet shops constitute 39.2 percent (38) of retail shops selling pesticides. No regulations guide pesticide sale to agriculturists, and children may purchase them. Inadequate human and technical resources render legislative controls ineffective and disciplinary action against offenders is weak. Extensive governmental resources are employed in legislative procedures and product approval for the very low, 2.9 percent utilization rate, negatively impacting on monitoring pesticide sales. The Poisons Information Centre (PIC) does not liaise with the Poisons and Toxic Chemicals Control Board or provide educational interventions for the community. As a result of this survey, it was possible to develop the first database to include the chemical, brand, and colloquial names of pesticides used in Trinidad and Tobago; WHO classification of approved pesticides; manufacturers; packaging; and antidotes and their availability for use by the Board and health professionals...

OBJETIVO: Analizar la regulación de los pesticidas en Trinidad y Tobago y verificar la utilización y las prácticas de venta minorista de pesticidas en Trinidad, la mayor de las dos islas que componen la República de Trinidad y Tobago. MÉTODOS: Entre febrero y junio de 2005 se realizó una encuesta a los vendedores minoristas de sustancias químicas de Trinidad sobre los pesticidas más frecuentemente vendidos, así como sobre sus conocimientos y las prácticas de venta de pesticidas. La Junta de Control de Venenos y Sustancias Tóxicas (JCVST) del Ministerio de Salud informó sobre la legislación vigente. RESULTADOS: De 107 tiendas autorizadas que comerciaban activamente con pesticidas, 97 participaron en este estudio (tasa de respuesta de 91 por ciento). Solo 21 (2,9 por ciento) de los 720 productos registrados de cuatro clases de sustancias se utilizan con frecuencia. Los productos paraquat, metomil y alfacipermetrina (cuyos nombres comerciales respectivos son Gramoxone, Lannate y Fastac) pertenecientes a las clases de riego I y II de la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) y la isopropilamina de glifosato (Swiper, Clase U) son los pesticidas más frecuentemente adquiridos. Las tiendas de mascotas constituyen 39,2 por ciento (38 unidades) de las tiendas minoristas que participaron en el estudio. No hay regulaciones que normen la venta de pesticidas a los agricultores y los niños pueden comprarlos. Los recursos humanos y técnicos inadecuados hacen inefectivos los controles legislativos y las medidas disciplinarias contra los infractores son débiles. Se emplean considerables recursos gubernamentales en procedimientos legislativos y en la aprobación de productos de muy baja (2,9 por ciento) tasa de utilización, lo que afecta negativamente en el monitoreo de las ventas de pesticidas. El Centro de Información sobre Venenos no coordina sus acciones con la JCVST ni ofrece intervenciones educativas para la comunidad. Como resultado de este...