Guillain-Barré Syndrome Following Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease in an Adult Patient.

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) stands as one of the primary causes of acute flaccid paralysis. It includes acute-onset peripheral nerve lesions and typically follows a monophasic course. Its etiopathogenesis is linked to an immune-mediated response to a prior infection, often respiratory or intestinal. The main variants of GBS are acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, which accounts for approximately 90% of cases in the USA and Europe, and acute motor axonal neuropathy, responsible for about 10% of cases in the USA and Europe. From the literature review, only one case of GBS preceded by hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) has been described. The authors report a rare clinical case of typical GBS after HFMD. Recognizing this adult-onset disease as a potential preceding infection of GBS is crucial for early diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, the integration into a rehabilitation program adjusted to the deficits plays an important role in motor and functional recovery.

Multivariate optimization of dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction using ionic liquid for the analysis of ultraviolet filters in natural waters.

In this work, a vortex-assisted dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction method, using an ionic liquid as the extracting solvent was developed, for the simultaneous analysis of three UV filters in different water samples. The extracting and dispersive solvents were selected in a univariate way. Then, the parameters such as the volume of the extracting and dispersive solvents, pH and ionic strength were evaluated using a full experimental design 24, followed by Doehlert matrix. The optimized method consisted of 50 µL of extracting solvent (1-octyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate), 700 µL of dispersive solvent (acetonitrile) and pH of 4.5. When combined with high-performance liquid chromatography, the method limit of detection ranged from 0.3 to 0.6 µg L-1, enrichment factors between 81 and 101%, and the relative standard deviation between 5.8 and 10.0%. The developed method demonstrated effectiveness in concentrating UV filters in both river and seawater samples, being a simple and efficient option for this type of analysis.

Transferências fundo a fundo: coordenação e cooperação federativa na segurança pública do Brasil / Transferencias fondo a fondo: coordinación y cooperación federativa en seguridad pública en Brasil / Fund-to-fund transfers: federative coordination and cooperation in public security in Brazil

Resumo O objetivo deste artigo é analisar a realização de transferências fundo a fundo e avaliar se ela tem contribuído para a coordenação e cooperação federativa de políticas voltadas à segurança pública no Brasil. Para tanto, o trabalho foi dividido em três etapas: (i) levantamento dos valores do Fundo Nacional de Segurança Pública (FNSP), destinados aos estados e ao Distrito Federal, no período de 2000 a 2022, antes e depois da adoção das transferências fundo a fundo; (ii) realização de entrevistas semiestruturadas para levantar as percepções dos gestores responsáveis pela elaboração e coordenação do processo de descentralização e pelo acompanhamento da execução dos recursos descentralizados; e (iii) análise dos mecanismos de coordenação/cooperação previstos nos planos de aplicação elaborados pelos estados no período supracitado. Os achados da pesquisa confirmam resultados de estudos anteriores sobre o poder de indução das transferências fundo a fundo na cooperação e coordenação de políticas nacionais, também para a área de segurança pública. Verificou-se que a ampliação de recursos e a obrigatoriedade de seu compartilhamento com os estados favoreceram o alinhamento das políticas estaduais às diretrizes estabelecidas pela União, mas que ainda é incipiente a interação entre os órgãos, organizações e membros da sociedade em relação ao tema.

Resumen El objetivo de este artículo es analizar si las transferencias de fondo a fondo han contribuido a la coordinación y cooperación federal de las políticas dirigidas a la seguridad pública en Brasil. Para ello, el trabajo se dividió en tres etapas: (i) Relevamiento de los montos del Fondo Nacional de Seguridad Pública asignados a los estados y al Distrito Federal en el período 2000-2022, antes y después de la adopción de las transferencias fondo a fondo; (ii) Realización de entrevistas semiestructuradas para conocer la percepción de los gerentes responsables de preparar y coordinar el proceso de descentralización y monitorear la ejecución de los recursos descentralizados; y (iii) Análisis de los mecanismos de coordinación/cooperación previstos en los planes de aplicación elaborados por los estados en el período. Los hallazgos de la investigación confirman los resultados de estudios previos sobre el poder de inducción de las transferencias fondo a fondo en la cooperación y coordinación de políticas nacionales también para el área de seguridad pública. Se verificó que la ampliación de los recursos y la obligatoriedad de compartirlos con los estados favorecieron el alineamiento de las políticas estatales con las directrices establecidas por el Gobierno federal, pero que la interacción entre organismos, organizaciones y miembros de la sociedad sobre el tema es aún incipiente.

Abstract This article aims to analyze whether fund-to-fund transfers have contributed to federal coordination and cooperation of policies aimed at public security in Brazil. To this end, the work was divided into three stages: (i) Survey of National Public Security Fund amounts allocated to the states and the Federal District in the period from 2000 to 2022, before and after the adoption of fund-to-fund transfers; (ii) Conducting semi-structured interviews to raise the perceptions of managers responsible for preparing and coordinating the decentralization process and monitoring the execution of decentralized resources; and (iii) Analysis of the Coordination/Cooperation mechanisms foreseen in the Application Plans prepared by the states in the period. The research findings confirm the results of previous studies on the induction power of fund-to-fund transfers in the cooperation and coordination of national policies for public security. It was verified that the expansion of resources and the obligatoriness of their sharing with the states favored the alignment of state policies with the guidelines established by the Union but that the interaction between bodies, organizations, and members of society on the subject is still incipient.

Photodegradation of oxolinic acid in aquaculture effluents under solar irradiation: is it possible to enhance efficiency by the use of TiO2/carbon quantum dots composites?

Antibiotics, such as oxolinic acid (OXA), in aquaculture effluents contribute to the dissemination of antimicrobial resistance, which makes it urgent to develop efficient and sustainable processes for their removal. Aiming a photocatalytic degradation under solar radiation, different carbon quantum dots (CQDs) were produced in this work through a bottom-up hydrothermal methodology and incorporated into TiO2 by a simple calcination method. A total of thirteen materials were synthesized and tested for OXA photocatalytic removal from synthetic and real matrices. Among them, CQDs produced with citric acid and incorporated into TiO2 at 4% (w/w) (TiO2/CQDs-CA 4% (w/w)) were the most efficient photocatalysts, providing an OXA half-life time (t1/2) decrease of 91%, 79% and 85% in phosphate buffer solution (PBS), synthetic sea salts (SSS) and brackish aquaculture effluent (BAE), respectively. Therefore, the herein synthesized TiO2/CQDs-CA 4% (w/w) composites have shown to be promising materials for a sustainable solar-driven removal of antibiotics from aquaculture effluents.

Composite of methyl polysiloxane and avocado biochar as adsorbent for removal of ciprofloxacin from waters.

Two carbon composite materials were prepared by mixing avocado biochar and methyl polysiloxane (MK). Firstly, MK was dissolved in ethanol, and then the biochar was added at different times. In sample 1 (R1), the time of adding biochar was immediately after dissolving MK in ethanol, and in sample 2 (R2), after 48 h of MK dissolved in ethanol. The samples were characterized by nitrogen adsorption/desorption measurements obtaining specific surface areas (SBET) of 115 m2 g-1 (R1) and 580 m2 g-1 (R2). The adsorbents were further characterized using scanning electron microscopy, FTIR and Raman spectroscopy, adsorption of vapors of n-heptane and water, thermal analysis, Bohem titration, pHpzc, and C H N elemental analysis. R1 and R2 adsorbents were employed as adsorbents to remove the antibiotic ciprofloxacin from the waters. The t1/2 and t0.95 based on the interpolation of Avrami fractional-order were 20.52 and 246.4 min (R1) and 14.00 and 157.6 min (R2), respectively. Maximum adsorption capacities (Qmax) based on the Liu isotherm were 10.77 (R1) and 63.80 mg g-1 (R2) for ciprofloxacin. The thermodynamic studies showed a spontaneous and exothermic process for both samples, and the value of ΔH° is compatible with physical adsorption.

Sulfadiazine's photodegradation using a novel magnetic and reusable carbon based photocatalyst: Photocatalytic efficiency and toxic impacts to marine bivalves.

In the present study, waste-based biochar functionalized with titanium dioxide (TiO2) and afterwards magnetized by an ex-situ approach, defined as synthetic photosensitizer (SPS), was explored for the photocatalytic degradation of sulfadiazine (SDZ), an antibiotic widely used in the aquaculture industry, under solar irradiation. The use of the SPS enhanced the photodegradation efficiency, with a half-life time (t1/2) reduction from 12.2 ± 0.1 h (without SPS) to 5.6 ± 0.4 h. The applied magnetization procedure allowed to obtain a SPS with good reusability for SDZ photodegradation even after five consecutive cycles. To evaluate the effects on marine bivalves of SDZ, before and after photodegradation and in presence or absence of the SPS, a typical bioindicator species, the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis, was used and different biochemical markers were analysed. Results obtained indicated that the exposure to SDZbefore irradiation, both in absence and presence of SPS, caused an increase in mussels' metabolism and defence mechanisms, evidencing great biochemical impacts. However, after irradiation (in the absence and presence of SPS), biochemical responses were similar to those observed in organisms exposed to control conditions, without SDZ. Therefore, this work provided a promising eco-friendly treatment for the removal of SDZ from aquaculture effluents.

Application of a multilayer physical model for the critical analysis of the adsorption of nicotinamide and propranolol on magnetic-activated carbon.

The paper describes a theoretical analysis of the adsorption of nicotinamide and propranolol onto a magnetic-activated carbon (MAC). For a better evaluation of the adsorption mechanism, adsorption isotherms expressing the variation of the adsorption capacity as function of adsorbate concentration were determined at different temperatures ranging from 20 to 45 °C. For both the analytes, experimental tests reveal that adsorption capacity increases with temperature. An advanced multi-layer model derived from the statistical physics is set for the interpretation of the entire adsorption data set. The modelling results show that the propranolol molecules change their adsorption orientation from a mixed (parallel and non-parallel) orientation to a multimolecular process. For nicotinamide, the aggregation of molecules is practically absent, except for the data at lower temperatures. The model allows stating that the adsorption of both the pharmaceutical compounds occurs via the formation of one or two layers on MAC adsorbent, the propranolol showing a higher tendency to form multiple layers. Finally, adsorption energy is estimated suggesting that the adsorption is endothermic and physical interactions are the responsible of the adsorption of both the compounds onto MAC adsorbent.

Idiopathic Scoliosis Trends One Year After COVID-19: A Retrospective Study.

Introduction The reorganization of healthcare services during the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with compromised management of conditions not related to the pandemic. Methods A retrospective descriptive case series study was carried out that included patients followed up at the Spine Deformities (SD) consultation at Centro Hospitalar e Universitário Lisboa Central from January 2019 through December 2021 regarding diagnosis, treatment, referral, and the number of consultations performed. Results Referrals significantly dropped in 2020 (p<0.001). The average number of consultations per patient was found to not vary significantly in 2020 despite the reorganization of our healthcare unit due to the pandemic. 22% of the consultations were performed online. Idiopathic scoliosis (IS) was the primary diagnosis in 50% of the patients observed for the first time during the three-year time period. An increase of 18% was found in the number of IS patients that required bracing in 2021. However, late referrals, defined as the patient meeting surgical criteria at the time of initial presentation, did not increase. Conclusion Despite the significant decrease in primary care referrals during 2020, an overcompensation increase in referrals was not observed in 2021. However, the increase in the percentage of patients needing bracing might reflect a delayed initial presentation to the SD consultation.

Neurological Complications Associated With SARS-CoV-2 Infection: A Single-Centre Experience.

BACKGROUND: The clinical presentation of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection can range from mild or moderate disease (80% of the cases) to severe disease (15%) requiring oxygen support, and critical disease (5%), associated with acute respiratory distress syndrome and admission to the intensive care unit (ICU). In critically ill patients, prone positioning can be used to optimize oxygenation. Although there is a favourable response to this strategy, being a life-saving measure, additional associated complications may appear, including compressive neuropathies. Despite respiratory affection being more common, SARS-CoV-2 infection can also attack other systems and can, under certain conditions, affect the central or peripheral nervous system. It has been described that neurological manifestations can result from the neuroinvasive properties of the SARS-CoV-2 or as an indirect consequence of multiorgan dysfunction. AIMS: We intend to report the patients who presented with neurological complications associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and/or complications of its treatment, followed in our physical and rehabilitation medicine (PRM) service. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of patients admitted to the PRM ward with outpatient consultation in the context of post-COVID-19 status between April 2020 and November 2021 (the period of the highest prevalence of infection) was carried out. Patients with neurological complications after SARS-CoV-2 infection and consequently a decline in previous functionality were identified. RESULTS: Thirteen patients (23.6%) admitted to the PRM ward had peripheral neurological complications, documented by electroneuromyography, including Guillain-Barré syndrome, sensory-motor polyneuropathy, peroneal nerve injury, femoral nerve injury, and lumbar plexus injury. The neurological complications of the patients followed in a post-COVID-19 consultation were also evaluated. Eight patients (20%) reported neurological sequelae. Five patients presented peripheral nerve damage (peroneal, accessory, ulnar, and recurrent laryngeal) of undefined aetiology, diagnosed after the acute phase of hospitalization. Two patients had COVID-19 infection followed by ischemic stroke (vertebrobasilar and middle cerebral artery), requiring hospitalization in the acute phase. One patient had COVID-19 infection followed by longitudinal myelitis, with positive anti-myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG). All patients required follow-up by the rehabilitation team with partial recovery of deficits. CONCLUSIONS:  All patients admitted to the PRM ward with neurological manifestations had critical disease and symptoms compatible with peripheral nervous system involvement. Patients admitted to the PRM consultation had different levels of viral disease severity and had sequelae related to peripheral and central nervous system disorders. Identifying the aetiology of these injuries is essential for us to act on their prevention, particularly with regard to indirect complications, such as compressive neuropathies. It will be necessary to maintain the follow-up of these patients to understand the evolution of the neurological consequences associated with COVID-19.

Photodegradation of Aquaculture Antibiotics Using Carbon Dots-TiO2 Nanocomposites.

In this work, carbon dots (CD) were synthesized and coupled to titanium dioxide (TiO2) to improve the photodegradation of antibiotics in aquaculture effluents under solar irradiation. Oxolinic acid (OXA) and sulfadiazine (SDZ), which are widely used in aquaculture, were used as target antibiotics. To prepare nanocomposites of CD containing TiO2, two modes were used: in-situ (CD@TiO2) and ex-situ (CD/TiO2). For CD synthesis, citric acid and glycerol were used, while for TiO2 synthesis, titanium butoxide was the precursor. In ultrapure water (UW), CD@TiO2 and CD/TiO2 showed the largest photocatalytic effect for SDZ and OXA, respectively. Compared with their absence, the presence of CD@TiO2 increased the photodegradation of SDZ from 23 to 97% (after 4 h irradiation), whereas CD/TiO2 increased the OXA photodegradation from 22 to 59% (after 1 h irradiation). Meanwhile, in synthetic sea salts (SSS, 30‱, simulating marine aquaculture effluents), CD@TiO2 allowed for the reduction of SDZ's half-life time (t1/2) from 14.5 ± 0.7 h (in absence of photocatalyst) to 0.38 ± 0.04 h. Concerning OXA in SSS, the t1/2 remained the same either in the absence of a photocatalyst or in the presence of CD/TiO2 (3.5 ± 0.3 h and 3.9 ± 0.4 h, respectively). Overall, this study provided novel perspectives on the use of eco-friendly CD-TiO2 nanocomposites for the removal of antibiotics from aquaculture effluents using solar radiation.

Congenital infections (syphilis and human immunodeficiency virus) in a federal hospital in Rio de Janeiro / Infecções congênitas (sífilis e vírus da imunodeficiência humana) em hospital federal no Rio de Janeiro

Introduction: Congenital infections are related to a higher risk of morbidity and mortality in the neonatal period and can cause serious complications in the newborn. Among the sexually transmitted infections (IST) present in this group, syphilis and vertical exposure to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are still a challenge in the 21st century. Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of congenital syphilis and exposure to HIV among congenital infections. Methods: Cross-sectional, analytical study with data collected from medical records of newborns admitted to the Conventional Neonatal Intermediate Care Unit, Kangaroo and Joint Accommodation, in the database of the service of the Federal Hospital from Bonsucesso, from January 2015 to December 2018. Results: During the study, 2,202 newborns were discharged from the hospital and 474 were positive for congenital infection (21.8%). In cases of congenital infection, congenital syphilis (398­84%) and maternal HIV infection (40­8,4%) were the most frequently encountered clinical situations. The relationship between prenatal care and the absence of congenital infection was evident. Among the newborns, 117 (5.3%) were premature, 352 (16.3%) were older than 37 weeks and 95 (23.7%) had low birth weight. Conclusion: Congenital infection was one of the main causes of neonatal morbidity; syphilis and HIV had the highest prevalence, being associated with reducible deaths when adequate care is provided for women during pregnancy. Perinatology services demand a great effort in order to manage these avoidable and undesirable situations.

Introdução: As infecções congênitas estão relacionadas a um risco mais elevado de morbimortalidade no período neonatal e geram sérias complicações no recém-nascido. Dentre as infecções sexualmente transmitidas (IST) presentes nesse grupo, a sífilis e a exposição vertical ao vírus da imunodeficiência humana (HIV) ainda são um desafio em pleno século XXI. Objetivo: Avaliar a prevalência da sífilis congênita e exposição ao HIV entre as infecções congênitas. Métodos: Estudo de corte transversal e analítico, com dados coletados nos prontuários de alta dos recém-nascidos que ficaram internados na Unidade de Cuidado Intermediário Neonatal Convencional, Canguru e Alojamento Conjunto, no banco de dados do Serviço do Hospital Federal de Bonsucesso, de janeiro de 2015 a dezembro de 2018. Resultados: No período do estudo, 2.202 recém-nascidos receberam alta hospitalar e 474 apresentaram positividade para infecção congênita (21,8%). Nos quadros de infecção congênita, a sífilis congênita (398­84,0% dos casos) e a infecção materna pelo HIV (40­8,4%) foram as situações clínicas mais frequentemente encontradas. Ficou evidente a relação entre a realização do pré-natal e a ausência de infecção congênita. Desses recém-nascidos, 117 (5,3%) foram prematuros, 352 (16,3%) tinham mais de 37 semanas e 95 (23,7%) tinham peso abaixo de 2.500 g. Conclusão: A infecção congênita foi uma das principais causas de morbidade neonatal; a sífilis e o HIV tiveram as maiores prevalências, estando associados às mortes redutíveis por adequada atenção à mulher na gestação. Os serviços de perinatologia demandam um grande esforço para atender essas situações evitáveis e indesejáveis.

Antibiotics in Aquaculture Wastewater: Is It Feasible to Use a Photodegradation-Based Treatment for Their Removal?

Aquacultures are a sector facing a huge development: farmers usually applying antibiotics to treat and/or prevent diseases. Consequently, effluents from aquaculture represent a source of antibiotics for receiving waters, where they pose a potential threat due to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) induction. This has recently become a major concern and it is expectable that regulations on antibiotics' discharge will be established in the near future. Therefore, it is urgent to develop treatments for their removal from wastewater. Among the different possibilities, photodegradation under solar radiation may be a sustainable option. Thus, this review aims at providing a survey on photolysis and photocatalysis in view of their application for the degradation of antibiotics from aquaculture wastewater. Experimental facts, factors affecting antibiotics' removal and employed photocatalysts were hereby addressed. Moreover, gaps in this research area, as well as future challenges, were identified.

Biochar-TiO2 magnetic nanocomposites for photocatalytic solar-driven removal of antibiotics from aquaculture effluents.

Contamination of surrounding waters with antibiotics by aquaculture effluents can be problematic due to the possible increase of bacterial resistance, making it crucial the efficient treatment of those effluents before their release into the environment. In this work, the application of waste-based magnetic biochar/titanium dioxide (BC/TiO2) composite materials on the photodegradation of two antibiotics widely used in aquaculture (sulfadiazine (SDZ) and oxolinic acid (OXA)) was assessed. Four materials were synthesized: BCMag (magnetized BC), BCMag_TiO2 (BCMag functionalized with TiO2), BC_TiO2_MagIn and BC_TiO2_MagEx (BC functionalized with TiO2 and afterwards magnetized by in-situ and ex-situ approaches, respectively). SDZ half-life time (t1/2) noticeably decreased 3.9 and 3.4 times in presence of BCMag_TiO2 and BC_TiO2_MagEx, respectively. In the case of OXA, even though differences were not so substantial, the produced photocatalysts also allowed for a decrease in t1/2 (2.6 and 1.7 times, in presence of BCMag_TiO2 and BC_TiO2_MagEx, respectively). Overall, the here synthesized BC/TiO2 magnetic nanocomposites through a circular economy process are promising photocatalysts for a sustainable solar-driven removal of antibiotics from aquaculture effluents.

Spatial analysis of canine leishmaniasis in an area of transmission of the semi-arid region of the State of Paraíba, Brazil.

Visceral leishmaniasis is a widely distributed zoonosis and canine infection is an important indicator of risk for the occurrence of the disease in humans. The goal of this analysis was to study the spatial clustering of canine leishmaniasis (CL) in the municipality of Santa Luzia, state of Paraíba. For this, 749 samples of canine plasma were tested using three serological tests. The dog was considered positive if it reacted in two serological tests. The location of the residences was performed with a Global Positioning System receiver (GPS Garmin® eTrex 30), and used to perform georeferencing and spatial analysis. The prevalence of CL was 15.49% and it was observed that most cases of the urban area were concentrated in the Frei Damião neighborhood, on the outskirts of the city, where a high-risk cluster for the occurrence of the disease was formed (p = 0.02; RR = 2.48). No statistically significant cluster was observed in rural areas. CL is widely distributed in the municipality of Santa Luzia in a heterogeneous manner and with a tendency to urbanization. The areas identified with high prevalence and highest risk should be prioritized to maximize the efficiency of the Visceral Leishmaniasis Surveillance and Control Program and minimize the chance of new canine and human cases.

Solidified floating organic drop microextraction (SFODME) for the simultaneous analysis of three non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in aqueous samples by HPLC.

In this work, a liquid-liquid microextraction methodology using solidified floating organic drop (SFODME) was combined with liquid chromatography and UV/Vis detection to determine non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) naproxen (NPX), diclofenac (DCF), and mefenamic acid (MFN) in tap water, surface water, and seawater samples. Parameters that can influence the efficiency of the process were evaluated, such as the type and volume of the extractor and dispersive solvents, effect of pH, agitation type, and ionic strength. The optimized method showed low detection limits (0.09 to 0.25 µg L-1), satisfactory recovery rates (90 to 116%), and enrichment factors in the range between 149 and 199. SFODME showed simplicity, low cost, speed, and high concentration capacity of the analytes under study. Its use in real samples did not demonstrate a matrix effect that would compromise the effectiveness of the method, being possible to apply it successfully in water samples with different characteristics.

Impact of UASB reactors operation mode on the removal of estrone and 17α-ethinylestradiol from wastewaters.

This work aims to compare the performance of the continuous operation (CO) and intermittent operation (IO) of upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactors for the removal of estrone (E1) and 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2) from wastewaters. Results suggest that the IO contribute to the improvement of the overall removal of estrogens (above 95% for E1 and EE2) when compared to CO (49% for E1 and 39% for EE2). For both CO and IO, biodegradation was the main removal mechanism for E1, while for EE2, adsorption to sludge was the major removal pathway. Moreover, a higher biodegradation of estrogens was obtained with the IO compared to CO (69.4% vs. 43.3% for E1 and 21.8% vs. 8.0% for EE2). The favourable effect of IO can be justified by effluent recirculation during the feedless period which promotes the adaptation of microbial biomass to estrogens' biodegradation.

Spatial analysis of canine leishmaniasis in an area of transmission of the semi-arid region of the State of Paraíba, Brazil / Análise espacial da leishmaniose canina em uma área de transmissão do semiárido paraíbano, Brasil

Abstract Visceral leishmaniasis is a widely distributed zoonosis and canine infection is an important indicator of risk for the occurrence of the disease in humans. The goal of this analysis was to study the spatial clustering of canine leishmaniasis (CL) in the municipality of Santa Luzia, state of Paraíba. For this, 749 samples of canine plasma were tested using three serological tests. The dog was considered positive if it reacted in two serological tests. The location of the residences was performed with a Global Positioning System receiver (GPS Garmin® eTrex 30), and used to perform georeferencing and spatial analysis. The prevalence of CL was 15.49% and it was observed that most cases of the urban area were concentrated in the Frei Damião neighborhood, on the outskirts of the city, where a high-risk cluster for the occurrence of the disease was formed (p = 0.02; RR = 2.48). No statistically significant cluster was observed in rural areas. CL is widely distributed in the municipality of Santa Luzia in a heterogeneous manner and with a tendency to urbanization. The areas identified with high prevalence and highest risk should be prioritized to maximize the efficiency of the Visceral Leishmaniasis Surveillance and Control Program and minimize the chance of new canine and human cases.

Resumo A leishmaniose visceral é uma zoonose amplamente distribuída, e a infecção canina é um importante indicador de risco para a ocorrência da doença em humanos. O objetivo foi estudar o comportamento espacial da leishmaniose canina (LC) no município de Santa Luzia, estado da Paraíba. Para tal, 749 amostras de plasma canino foram testadas por meio de três técnicas sorológicas. O cão seria considerado positivo se apresentasse duas sorologias reagentes. A localização das residências foi realizado pelo receptor de Sistema de Posicionamento Global (GPS Garmin® eTrex 30) e usado para a realização do georreferenciamento e análise espacial. A prevalência da LC foi de 15,49% e observou-se que a maioria dos casos de LC da zona urbana estava concentrada no bairro Frei Damião, localizado na periferia da cidade, onde se formou um cluster de alto risco para ocorrência da doença (p = 0,02; RR = 2,48). Nenhum cluster estatisticamente significativo foi observado na zona rural. A LC está amplamente distribuída no município de Santa Luzia, porém de forma heterogênea e com tendência à urbanização. As áreas identificadas com intensa prevalência e maior risco devem ser priorizadas para maximizar a eficiência do Programa de Vigilância e Controle da Leishmaniose Visceral e minimizar a chance de novos casos caninos e humanos.

Differentials in the epidemiological profile of canine visceral leishmaniasis in the semi-arid region of Paraíba, Brazil

ABSTRACT: The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) and to identify the differences in associated factors to its occurrence in urban area and countrysides in the municipality of Santa Luzia located in the semi-arid region of Paraíba. In the years 2015 and 2016, 779 blood samples from dogs were collected. The prevalence was determined by three serological techniques, ELISA-S7® Kit, DPP® Rapid Test and EIE-LVC® Kit, considering positive the samples that reacted in at least two assays. Associated factors were determined by univariate and multivariate analyzes of the guardians responses to the epidemiological questionnaire. The prevalence of anti-Leishmania infantum antibodies in the studied municipality was 15.00% (117/779), being higher in the urban area (15.20%) than in the countryside (13.60%). The neighborhood with the highest prevalence was Frei Damião with 26.40% (33/125), being considered a hotspot (OR 1.245, p=0.007). Other associated factors were the semi-domiciliary breeding (OR 1.798, p=0.025), in the urban area, and hunting dog (OR 18.505, p=0.016), contact with cattle (OR 17.298, p=0.022) and environment where the dog is raised (OR 4.802, p=0.024) in the countryside. In the municipality of Santa Luzia, the prevalence of canine visceral leishmaniasis is high and the disease is widely distributed. Epidemiological differences between urban area and the countryside could be observed demonstrating the need for more adequate control measures for each locality and proving the urbanization process.

RESUMO: O objetivo desta pesquisa foi estimar a prevalência da leishmaniose visceral canina (LVC) e identificar as diferenças nos fatores relacionados à sua ocorrência nas zonas urbana e rural do município de Santa Luzia, localizado no semiárido paraibano. Nos anos de 2015 e 2016, coletaram-se 779 amostras de sangue de cães. A prevalência foi determinada através de três técnicas sorológicas, Kit ELISA-S7®, teste rápido DPP® e Kit EIE-LVC®, considerando positivas as amostras que reagiram em, pelo menos, dois ensaios. Os fatores relacionados foram determinados por meio das análises estatísticas uni e multivariada das respostas dos tutores ao questionário epidemiológico. A prevalência de anticorpos anti-Leishmania infantum encontrada no município estudado foi de 15,00% (117/779), sendo maior na zona urbana (15,20%) do que na rural (13,60%). O bairro que apresentou maior prevalência foi o Frei Damião com 26,40% (33/125), sendo considerado um hotspot (OR 1,245; p=0,007). Outros fatores relacionados encontrados foram a criação semidomiciliar (OR 1,798; p=0,025), na zorna urbana, e cão de caça (OR 18,505; p=0,016), contato com bovinos (OR 17,298; p=0,022) e ambiente onde o cão é criado (OR 4,802; p=0,024), na zona rural. Verifica-se a elevada prevalência da leishmaniose visceral canina e a sua ampla distribuição no município de Santa Luzia. Diferenças epidemiológicas entre as zonas urbana e rural puderam ser observadas, demonstrando a necessidade de medidas de controle mais adequadas para cada localidade e comprovando o processo de urbanização.

Differentials in the epidemiological profile of canine visceral leishmaniasis in the semi-arid region of Paraíba, Brazil / Diferenciais no perfil epidemiológico da leishmaniose visceral canina no semiárido da Paraíba, Brasil

The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) and to identify the differences in associated factors to its occurrence in urban area and countrysides in the municipality of Santa Luzia located in the semi-arid region of Paraíba. In the years 2015 and 2016, 779 blood samples from dogs were collected. The prevalence was determined by three serological techniques, ELISA-S7® Kit, DPP® Rapid Test and EIE-LVC® Kit, considering positive the samples that reacted in at least two assays. Associated factors were determined by univariate and multivariate analyzes of the guardians' responses to the epidemiological questionnaire. The prevalence of anti-Leishmania infantum antibodies in the studied municipality was 15.00% (117/779), being higher in the urban area (15.20%) than in the countryside (13.60%). The neighborhood with the highest prevalence was Frei Damião with 26.40% (33/125), being considered a hotspot (OR 1.245, p=0.007). Other associated factors were the semi-domiciliary breeding (OR 1.798, p=0.025), in the urban area, and hunting dog (OR 18.505, p=0.016), contact with cattle (OR 17.298, p=0.022) and environment where the dog is raised (OR 4.802, p=0.024) in the countryside. In the municipality of Santa Luzia, the prevalence of canine visceral leishmaniasis is high and the disease is widely distributed. Epidemiological differences between urban area and the countryside could be observed demonstrating the need for more adequate control measures for each locality and proving the urbanization process.(AU)

O objetivo desta pesquisa foi estimar a prevalência da leishmaniose visceral canina (LVC) e identificar as diferenças nos fatores relacionados à sua ocorrência nas zonas urbana e rural do município de Santa Luzia, localizado no semiárido paraibano. Nos anos de 2015 e 2016, coletaram-se 779 amostras de sangue de cães. A prevalência foi determinada através de três técnicas sorológicas, Kit ELISA-S7®, teste rápido DPP® e Kit EIE-LVC®, considerando positivas as amostras que reagiram em, pelo menos, dois ensaios. Os fatores relacionados foram determinados por meio das análises estatísticas uni e multivariada das respostas dos tutores ao questionário epidemiológico. A prevalência de anticorpos anti-Leishmania infantum encontrada no município estudado foi de 15,00% (117/779), sendo maior na zona urbana (15,20%) do que na rural (13,60%). O bairro que apresentou maior prevalência foi o Frei Damião com 26,40% (33/125), sendo considerado um hotspot (OR 1,245; p=0,007). Outros fatores relacionados encontrados foram a criação semidomiciliar (OR 1,798; p=0,025), na zorna urbana, e cão de caça (OR 18,505; p=0,016), contato com bovinos (OR 17,298; p=0,022) e ambiente onde o cão é criado (OR 4,802; p=0,024), na zona rural. Verifica-se a elevada prevalência da leishmaniose visceral canina e a sua ampla distribuição no município de Santa Luzia. Diferenças epidemiológicas entre as zonas urbana e rural puderam ser observadas, demonstrando a necessidade de medidas de controle mais adequadas para cada localidade e comprovando o processo de urbanização.(AU)

Oxolinic acid in aquaculture waters: Can natural attenuation through photodegradation decrease its concentration?

Quinolones, such as oxolinic acid (OXA), are antimicrobials commonly used in aquaculture. Thus, its presence in the aquatic environment surrounding aquaculture facilities is quite easy to understand. When present in aquatic environment, pharmaceuticals may be subjected to several attenuation processes that can influence their persistence. Photodegradation, particularly for antibiotics, can have significant importance since these compounds may be resistant to microbial degradation. OXA photodegradation studies reported in literature are very scarce, especially using aquaculture waters, but are markedly important for an appropriate risk assessment. Results hereby presented showed a decrease on photodegradation rate constant from 0.70 ± 0.02 h-1 in ultrapure water to 0.42 ± 0.01 h-1 in freshwater. The decrease on photodegradation rate constant was even more pronounced when brackish water was used (0.172 ± 0.003 h-1). In order to understand which factors contributed to the observed behaviour, environmental factors, such as natural organic matter and salinity, were studied. Results demonstrated that dissolved organic matter (DOM) may explain the decrease of OXA photodegradation observed in freshwater. However, a very sharp decrease of OXA photodegradation was observed in solutions containing NaCl and in synthetic sea salts, which explained the higher decrease observed in brackish water. Moreover, under solar radiation, the use of an 1O2 scavenger allowed us to verify a pronounced retardation of OXA decay, suggesting that 1O2 plays an important role in OXA photodegradation process.