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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Effects of public health emergencies of international con- cern on disease control: a systematic review

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

[RESUMEN]. Objetivos. Evaluar el conocimiento acumulado acerca de los efectos de las emergencias de salud pública de importancia internacional en el control de enfermedades y en los sistemas de salud locales, y contribuir a una mejor comprensión de estos efectos en los programas y sistemas de salud. Métodos. Se hizo una revisión sistemática de bibliografía gris y publicada (en español, inglés o portugués) para la que se realizaron búsquedas en bases de datos electrónicas (BVS/LILACS, PubMed y SciELO) y en Google Scholar. Los términos de búsqueda fueron: COVID-19 OR H1N1 OR Ebola OR Zika OR poliomyelitis AND (Outbreaks OR epidemics) AND (public health systems OR public health surveillance). Resultados. Se encontraron 3 508 estudios, de los cuales 31 cumplieron los criterios de inclusión. En los estudios se abordaban los efectos de las emergencias en: los sistemas de notificación de enfermedades transmisibles; la vigilancia, el control y el tratamiento de la malaria, el VIH/sida, la tuberculosis y la poliomielitis; la microcefalia; el dengue; y las vacunas. Las poblaciones afectadas por las emergencias experimentaron una reducción de los servicios de salud, incluida una reducción de las consultas de salud, errores en la cadena de diagnóstico, una disminución de la vacunación y el aumento de la incidencia o subnotificación de enfermedades de notificación obligatoria. Conclusiones. La inequidad socioeconómica es un determinante de los efectos de las emergencias de salud pública de importancia internacional en los grupos poblacionales afectados. El desvío de recursos y atención de las autoridades de salud afecta desproporcionadamente a los grupos vulnerables y puede suponer, con el tiempo, un debilitamiento de los sistemas de salud. El análisis de los efectos de las emergencias de salud pública es crucial para la elaboración de nuevos protocolos que puedan mejorar la respuesta ante futuras crisis.

[RESUMO]. Objetivos. Avaliar o conhecimento acumulado sobre os efeitos das emergências de saúde pública de importância internacional no controle de doenças e nos sistemas de saúde locais e contribuir para uma melhor compreensão desses efeitos sobre os programas e sistemas de saúde. Métodos. Trata-se de uma revisão sistemática da literatura branca e cinzenta (em inglês, português ou espanhol) realizada por meio de pesquisas nos bancos de dados eletrônicos BVS/LILACS, PubMed e SciELO e no Google Scholar. Foram utilizados os seguintes termos de busca: COVID-19 OR H1N1 OR Ebola OR Zika OR poliomyelitis AND (outbreaks OR epidemics) AND (public health systems OR public health surveillance). Resultados. Foi identificado um total de 3 508 estudos, dos quais 31 preencheram os critérios de inclusão. Os estudos abordavam os efeitos das emergências sobre: sistemas de notificação de doenças transmissíveis; vigilância, controle e tratamento de HIV/AIDS, tuberculose, poliomielite e malária; microcefalia; dengue; e vacinações. As populações afetadas pelas emergências enfrentaram uma redução nos serviços de saúde, como menos consultas médicas, problemas na cadeia de diagnóstico, diminuição da vacinação e maior incidência ou subnotificação de doenças de notificação compulsória. Conclusões. A desigualdade socioeconômica é um fator determinante dos efeitos das emergências de saúde pública de importância internacional nas populações afetadas. O desvio dos recursos e da atenção das autoridades sanitárias afeta desproporcionalmente as populações vulneráveis e pode levar, com o passar do tempo, a um enfraquecimento dos sistemas de saúde. A análise dos efeitos das emergências de saúde pública é importante para a elaboração de novos protocolos que possam enfrentar melhor futuras crises.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Effects of public health emergencies of international concern on disease control: a systematic review / Efectos de las emergencias de salud pública de importancia internacional en el control de enfermedades: revisión sistemática / Efeitos das emergências de saúde pública de importância internacional no controle de doenças: revisão sistemática

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

RESUMEN Objetivos. Evaluar el conocimiento acumulado acerca de los efectos de las emergencias de salud pública de importancia internacional en el control de enfermedades y en los sistemas de salud locales, y contribuir a una mejor comprensión de estos efectos en los programas y sistemas de salud. Métodos. Se hizo una revisión sistemática de bibliografía gris y publicada (en español, inglés o portugués) para la que se realizaron búsquedas en bases de datos electrónicas (BVS/LILACS, PubMed y SciELO) y en Google Scholar. Los términos de búsqueda fueron: COVID-19 OR H1N1 OR Ebola OR Zika OR poliomyelitis AND (Outbreaks OR epidemics) AND (public health systems OR public health surveillance). Resultados. Se encontraron 3 508 estudios, de los cuales 31 cumplieron los criterios de inclusión. En los estudios se abordaban los efectos de las emergencias en: los sistemas de notificación de enfermedades transmisibles; la vigilancia, el control y el tratamiento de la malaria, el VIH/sida, la tuberculosis y la poliomielitis; la microcefalia; el dengue; y las vacunas. Las poblaciones afectadas por las emergencias experimentaron una reducción de los servicios de salud, incluida una reducción de las consultas de salud, errores en la cadena de diagnóstico, una disminución de la vacunación y el aumento de la incidencia o subnotificación de enfermedades de notificación obligatoria. Conclusiones. La inequidad socioeconómica es un determinante de los efectos de las emergencias de salud pública de importancia internacional en los grupos poblacionales afectados. El desvío de recursos y atención de las autoridades de salud afecta desproporcionadamente a los grupos vulnerables y puede suponer, con el tiempo, un debilitamiento de los sistemas de salud. El análisis de los efectos de las emergencias de salud pública es crucial para la elaboración de nuevos protocolos que puedan mejorar la respuesta ante futuras crisis.

RESUMO Objetivos. Avaliar o conhecimento acumulado sobre os efeitos das emergências de saúde pública de importância internacional no controle de doenças e nos sistemas de saúde locais e contribuir para uma melhor compreensão desses efeitos sobre os programas e sistemas de saúde. Métodos. Trata-se de uma revisão sistemática da literatura branca e cinzenta (em inglês, português ou espanhol) realizada por meio de pesquisas nos bancos de dados eletrônicos BVS/LILACS, PubMed e SciELO e no Google Scholar. Foram utilizados os seguintes termos de busca: COVID-19 OR H1N1 OR Ebola OR Zika OR poliomyelitis AND (outbreaks OR epidemics) AND (public health systems OR public health surveillance). Resultados. Foi identificado um total de 3 508 estudos, dos quais 31 preencheram os critérios de inclusão. Os estudos abordavam os efeitos das emergências sobre: sistemas de notificação de doenças transmissíveis; vigilância, controle e tratamento de HIV/AIDS, tuberculose, poliomielite e malária; microcefalia; dengue; e vacinações. As populações afetadas pelas emergências enfrentaram uma redução nos serviços de saúde, como menos consultas médicas, problemas na cadeia de diagnóstico, diminuição da vacinação e maior incidência ou subnotificação de doenças de notificação compulsória. Conclusões. A desigualdade socioeconômica é um fator determinante dos efeitos das emergências de saúde pública de importância internacional nas populações afetadas. O desvio dos recursos e da atenção das autoridades sanitárias afeta desproporcionalmente as populações vulneráveis e pode levar, com o passar do tempo, a um enfraquecimento dos sistemas de saúde. A análise dos efeitos das emergências de saúde pública é importante para a elaboração de novos protocolos que possam enfrentar melhor futuras crises.

Visceral leishmaniasis in Brazil: scenarios and challenges for the surveillance and control

Adaptation of the vector and displacement of infected dogs to previously disease-free areas challenges visceral leishmaniasis (VL) control, and leads to geographic dispersion and occurrence in urban and peri-urban areas. Continuous VL control measures over time must be applied with a wide geographic reach, along with better diagnosis practices and timely treatment. The high case-fatality of human VL in areas of recent introduction and its growing association with HIV impose the need for an early diagnosis, treatment and the adoption of active search for human and canine cases incorporated into the routine of periodic home visits by health professionals. The increasing on public rejection of canine euthanasia as a control measure, the limitations of canine therapy with the current available drugs, and the controversies regarding available vaccines for canine protection are discussed. Good prospects on the insecticide-impregnated collars as an effective control measure are emphasized.

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

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

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

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

Epidemiological aspects and spatial analysis of chikungunya fever cases from 2017 to 2021, in a state in the northeast region of Brazil

This study aimed to characterize the epidemiological aspects and perform a spatial analysis of Chikungunya fever cases from 2017 to 2021, in the State of Maranhão, Brazil. This is an ecological, descriptive, observational, and retrospective study, conducted by collecting data on Chikungunya fever's confirmed cases in the State of Maranhão, available on the platform of the Department of Informatics of the Unified Health System. Most cases of Chikungunya fever occurred in the year 2017 (p<0.0001), in females (p=0.54), in people between 20 and 39 years old (p=0.04), and with a high school degree (p=0.25). Regarding the evolution of the disease, most cases were cured (p=0.006). The municipalities that obtained a High/High pattern of spatial correlation for the incidence rates of Chikungunya fever per 100,000 inhabitants in the State of Maranhão were located in the West and South Mesoregions in 2017; North and East in 2018; Central, North and East in 2019; North in 2020; and North, East and South in 2021. The epidemiological situation of Chikungunya fever in the State of Maranhão needs attention from public health agencies. Greater efforts towards vector and outbreaks prevention, as well as the improvement on health education programs that educate the population about the disease are necessary. Mainly in the most affected municipalities in order to effectively involve the population in reducing domestic mosquito breeder sites

Prevalence of tungiasis in humans in Brazil and in its federative units: a systematic review

Tungiasis is a neglected parasitic disease caused by penetration of female Tunga penetrans under the skin, causing important health outcomes in humans. Therefore, the aim of this study was to describe the prevalence of tungiasis in Brazil and in its federative units. In November 2019, an investigation was carried out to find studies published from 1980 onwards in MEDLINE, LILACS, Cochrane, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science and Embase databases, and in the gray literature, using descriptors related to the prevalence of tungiasis caused by T. penetrans in Brazil. Of the 542 studies found, only 16 published between 2002 and 2010 met the eligibility criteria to be included in this systematic review. Of the 16 selected publications, 14 addressed the prevalence of tungiasis in communities in the Northeast region of the country, one in the South and one in the Southeast. The general prevalence of the parasitosis in the studies ranged from 1.6% to 54.8%, predominantly in the five to nine age group. Eight studies considered the prevalence by gender, ranging from 2.2% to 62.2% for females and 1.1% to 62.5% for males. This systematic review presents an unprecedented survey of the prevalence of tungiasis, a parasitic disease whose dissemination is facilitated by several factors, occuring mainly in low-income communities. Considering the regionalization of the findings, the scarcity of publications, as well as disease neglect, more studies are required.

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

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

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

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