First confirmation of importation and transmission in Spain of the newly identified SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 variant.

INTRODUCTION: A newly identified SARS-CoV-2 variant, VOC202012/01 originating lineage B.1.1.7, recently emerged in the United Kingdom. The rapid spread in the UK of this new variant has caused other countries to be vigilant. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We based our initial screening of B.1.1.7 on the dropout of the S gene signal in the TaqPath assay, caused by the 69/70 deletion. Subsequently, we confirmed the B.1.1.7 candidates by whole genome sequencing. RESULTS: We describe the first three imported cases of this variant from London to Madrid, subsequent post-arrival household transmission to three relatives, and the two first cases without epidemiological links to UK. One case required hospitalization. In all cases, drop-out of gene S was correctly associated to the B.1.1.7 variant, as all the corresponding sequences carried the 17 lineage-marker mutations. CONCLUSION: The first identifications of the SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 variant in Spain indicate the role of independent introductions from the UK coexisting with post-arrival transmission in the community, since the early steps of this new variant in our country.

First confirmation of importation and transmission in Spain of the newly identified SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 variant / Primera confirmación de importación y transmisión en España de la variante B.1.1.7 del SARS-CoV-2 recientemente identificada

Introduction: A newly identified SARS-CoV-2 variant, VOC202012/01 originating lineage B.1.1.7, recently emerged in the United Kingdom. The rapid spread in the UK of this new variant has caused other countries to be vigilant. Material and methods: We based our initial screening of B.1.1.7 on the dropout of the S gene signal in the TaqPath assay, caused by the 69/70 deletion. Subsequently, we confirmed the B.1.1.7 candidates by whole genome sequencing. Results: We describe the first three imported cases of this variant from London to Madrid, subsequent post-arrival household transmission to three relatives, and the two first cases without epidemiological links to UK. One case required hospitalization. In all cases, drop-out of gene S was correctly associated to the B.1.1.7 variant, as all the corresponding sequences carried the 17 lineage-marker mutations. Conclusion: The first identifications of the SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 variant in Spain indicate the role of independent introductions from the UK coexisting with post-arrival transmission in the community, since the early steps of this new variant in our country.(AU)

Introducción: Recientemente, ha surgido en Reino Unido una nueva variante de SARS-CoV-2, VOC202012/01, que origina el linaje B.1.1.7. Su rápida distribución en Reino Unido ha alertado a otros países a vigilar su presencia. Material y métodos: El rastreo inicial de la variante B.1.1.7 se basó en la ausencia de amplificación del gen S en el ensayo TaqPath, causado por la deleción 69/70. Todos los casos candidatos de corresponder a la variante B.1.1.7 con este criterio fueron posteriormente confirmados por secuenciación de genoma completo. Resultados: Describimos los primeros 3 casos importados de esta variante, desde Londres hasta Madrid, con la posterior transmisión domiciliaria de uno de estos casos a 3 familiares y, adicionalmente, los 2 primeros casos con la variante sin vínculo epidemiológico con Reino Unido. Uno de los casos requirió hospitalización. En todos los casos el criterio de no amplificación del gen S identificó con precisión la variante B.1.1.7, como demostró posteriormente la presencia de las 17 mutaciones marcadoras de este linaje. Conclusión: Las primeras identificaciones de la variante B.1.1.7 de SARS-CoV-2 indican un papel solapante de las introducciones independientes desde Reino Unido, con eventos de transmisión comunitaria, incluso desde los primeros momentos de la presencia de esta variante en nuestro país.(AU)

Chlorpyrifos should be banned in agriculture and livestock production in Colombia

Chlorpyrifos (CPF) is a pesticide widely used in Colombia´s agriculture, including crops, farm animals and pets, despite it has been banned for use in the European Union and the United States. Studies demonstrate that even low blood levels of CPF -which do not inhibit blood acetylcholinesterase- can lead to child developmental and neurological disorders such as smaller head circumference and brain alterations, and psychomotor and cognitive deficits related to learning ability, attention and memory. In adults, CPF is an endocrine disruptor and breast carcinogen. High direct and indirect economic costs have been associated with CPF exposure. Not only farmers and their families -who have the highest exposures- but the general population consuming crops sprayed with CPF are also at risk. For these reasons CPF was recently banned by the European Union (2020) and the USA (2021). Pesticide regulation policies vary greatly depending on which and how scientific studies are used to assess health risks. Pesticide evaluations funded by the chemical industry should be rectified to avoid conflicts of interest. Furthermore, political alignment with the interests of the industry should not take precedence over independent scientific evidence. It is discouraging, to say the least, that until stricter health laws are passed in Colombia, CPFs and related pesticides will continue to be imported from those countries that have already banned them. Colombian scientists should raise their voice to challenge blind acceptance of profits over unintended consequences, and efforts to prevent pesticide´s abuse should be encouraged.

El clorpirifos (CPF) es un pesticida ampliamente utilizado en la agricultura de Colombia, incluidos cultivos, animales de granja y mascotas, a pesar de haber sido prohibido en la Unión Europea y Estados Unidos. Los estudios han demostrado que incluso niveles bajos de CPF en sangre -que no inhiben la acetilcolinesterasa sanguínea- pueden provocar trastornos neurológicos y del desarrollo infantil, como menor circunferencia de la cabeza y alteraciones cerebrales, y déficits psicomotores y cognitivos relacionados con la capacidad de aprendizaje, la atención y la memoria. En adultos, el CPF es un disruptor endocrino y causante de cáncer de mama. Altos costos económicos directos e indirectos se han asociado con la exposición al CPF. No solo los trabajadores agrícolas y sus familias, que están más expuestos, sino también la población en general que consume cultivos rociados con CPF también están en riesgo. Por estas razones el CPF fue prohibido recientemente por la Unión Europea (2020) y los EE. UU. (2021). Las políticas de regulación de plaguicidas varían mucho según los estudios científicos escogidos para evaluar los riesgos para la salud. Las evaluaciones de plaguicidas financiadas por la industria química deben rectificarse para evitar conflictos de interés. Además, ante la evidencia científica independiente no debería prevalecer la alineación política con los intereses de dicha industria. Es desalentador, por decir lo menos, que hasta que se aprueben leyes de salud más estrictas en Colombia se seguirán importando CPF y pesticidas relacionados desde aquellos países que ya los han prohibido. Los científicos colombianos deben alzar la voz para desafiar la aceptación ciega de ganancias por encima de las consecuencias no deseadas en salud pública, y se deben alentar los esfuerzos para prevenir el abuso de pesticidas.

Clorpirifós (CPF) é um pesticida registrado amplamente utilizado na agricultura colombiana, incluindo lavouras, animais de fazenda e animais de estimação, apesar de ter sido proibido na União Europeia e nos Estados Unidos. Estudos têm demonstrado que mesmo níveis baixos de CPF no sangue -que não inibem a acetilcolinesterase sanguínea-podem levar a distúrbios neurológicos e de desenvolvimento em crianças, como menor perímetro cefálico e alterações cerebrais, além de déficits psicomotores e cognitivos relacionados à capacidade de aprendizagem, atenção e memoria. Em adultos, o CPF é um desregulador endócrino e cancerígeno da mama. Altos custos econômicos diretos (devido ao tratamento) e indiretos (devido à perda de produtividade) têm sido associados à exposição ao CPF. Não apenas os trabalhadores agrícolas e suas famílias, que têm as maiores exposições, mas a população em geral que consome culturas pulverizadas com CPF também estão em risco. Por essas razões, o CPF foi recentemente proibido pela União Europeia (2020) e pelos EUA (2021). As políticas de regulamentação de pesticidas variam muito, dependendo de quais (e como) os estudos científicos são usados para avaliar os riscos à saúde. As avaliações de pesticidas financiadas pela indústria química devem ser retificadas para evitar conflitos de interesse. Além disso, o alinhamento político com os interesses da indústria não deve ter precedência sobre as evidências científicas independentes. É desanimador - para dizer o mínimo - que até que leis de saúde mais rígidas sejam aprovadas na Colômbia, o CPF e tóxicos relacionados continuarão a ser importados dos países que já os proibiram.

First importations of SARS-CoV-2 P.1 and P.2 variants from Brazil to Spain and early community transmission.

INTRODUCTION: SARS-CoV-2variants of concern (VOC) have been described in the UK (B.1.1.7), South Africa (B.1.351) and Brazil (P.1). Among them, the most scarce information has been obtained from the P.1 variant and more data on its global presence and about its spreading dynamics are needed. METHODS: Whole genome sequencing was performed prospectively on travellers arriving from Brazil and on a random selection of SARS-CoV-2 positive cases from our population. RESULTS: In this study we report the first SARS-CoV-2 P.1 and P.2 variants exported from Brazil to Spain. The case infected with the P.1 variant, who had only stayed in Rio de Janeiro, required hospitalisation. The two P.2 cases remained asymptomatic. A wider distribution for P.1 variant beyond the Brazilian Amazonia should be considered. The exportation of the P.2 variant, carrying the E484K mutation, deserves attention. One month after the first description of P.1 and P.2 importations from Brazil to Madrid, these variants were identified circulating in the community, in cases without a travel history, and involved in household transmissions CONCLUSION: Whole genome sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 positive travellers arriving from Brazil allowed us to identify the first importations of P.1 and P.2 variants to Spain and their early community transmission.

First importations of SARS-CoV-2 P.1 and P.2 variants from Brazil to Spain and early community transmission / Primeras importaciones de las variantes SARS-CoV-2 P.1 y P.2 de Brasil a Madrid y transmisión comunitaria

Introduction: SARS-CoV-2variants of concern (VOC) have been described in the UK (B.1.1.7), South Africa (B.1.351) and Brazil (P.1). Among them, the most scarce information has been obtained from the P.1 variant and more data on its global presence and about its spreading dynamics are needed.Methods: Whole genome sequencing was performed prospectively on travellers arriving from Brazil and on a random selection of SARS-CoV-2 positive cases from our population.Results: In this study we report the first SARS-CoV-2 P.1 and P.2 variants exported from Brazil to Spain. The case infected with the P.1 variant, who had only stayed in Rio de Janeiro, required hospitalisation. The two P.2 cases remained asymptomatic. A wider distribution for P.1 variant beyond the Brazilian Amazonia should be considered. The exportation of the P.2 variant, carrying the E484K mutation, deserves attention. One month after the first description of P.1 and P.2 importations from Brazil to Madrid, these variants were identified circulating in the community, in cases without a travel history, and involved in household transmissionsConclusion: Whole genome sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 positive travellers arriving from Brazil allowed us to identify the first importations of P.1 and P.2 variants to Spain and their early community transmission.

Introducción: Se han descrito «variantes de preocupación» (VOC) de SARS-CoV-2 en el Reino Unido (B.1.1.7), Sudáfrica (B.1.351) y Brasil (P.1). Entre ellas, se dispone de información más escasa para la variante P.1 y se necesitan más datos sobre su presencia global y sobre su dinámica de expansión.Métodos: Se realizó secuenciación del genoma completo de forma prospectiva de SARS-CoV-2 en viajeros procedentes de Brasil y en una selección aleatoria de casos positivos de SARS-CoV-2 de nuestra población.Resultados: En este estudio reportamos las primeras variantes de SARS-CoV-2 P.1 y P.2 exportadas desde Brasil a España. El caso infectado por la variante P.1, que solo había permanecido en Río de Janeiro, requirió hospitalización. Los 2 casos de la variante P.2 permanecieron asintomáticos. Se debe considerar una distribución más amplia para la variante P.1 más allá de la Amazonía brasileña. La exportación de la variante P.2, que porta la mutación E484K, merece asimismo atención adicional. Un mes después de la primera descripción de las importaciones de P.1 y P.2 de Brasil a Madrid, se identificaron estas variantes circulando en la comunidad, en casos sin antecedentes de viaje, e implicadas en transmisiones domiciliarias.Conclusión: La secuenciación de genoma completo de viajeros positivos para SARS-CoV-2 procedentes de Brasil nos permitió identificar las primeras importaciones de variantes P.1 y P.2 a España y su transmisión comunitaria precoz.

First confirmation of importation and transmission in Spain of the newly identified SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 variant.

INTRODUCTION: A newly identified SARS-CoV-2 variant, VOC202012/01 originating lineage B.1.1.7, recently emerged in the United Kingdom. The rapid spread in the UK of this new variant has caused other countries to be vigilant. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We based our initial screening of B.1.1.7 on the dropout of the S gene signal in the TaqPath assay, caused by the 69/70 deletion. Subsequently, we confirmed the B.1.1.7 candidates by whole genome sequencing. RESULTS: We describe the first three imported cases of this variant from London to Madrid, subsequent post-arrival household transmission to three relatives, and the two first cases without epidemiological links to UK. One case required hospitalization. In all cases, drop-out of gene S was correctly associated to the B.1.1.7 variant, as all the corresponding sequences carried the 17 lineage-marker mutations. CONCLUSION: The first identifications of the SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 variant in Spain indicate the role of independent introductions from the UK coexisting with post-arrival transmission in the community, since the early steps of this new variant in our country.

Determinantes econômicos da demanda por importações de produtos farmoquímicos e farmacêuticos / Economic determinants of the demand for importation of pharmacochemical and pharmaceutical products / Determinantes económicos de la demanda de importaciones de productos farmoquímicos y farmacéuticos

Resumo: Este artigo analisa a relação entre a demanda por importações de produtos farmoquímicos e farmacêuticos e variáveis econômicas (taxa de câmbio, preço das importações e renda agregada), no Brasil, fazendo uso de dados mensais do período 1997-2014. Os principais resultados mostraram que aumentos na renda agregada e reduções nos preços das importações têm impacto positivo e significativo, respectivamente de forma elástica e inelástica, sobre as importações. A taxa de câmbio foi significativa apenas no modelo mais agregado. Portanto, a renda agregada se mostrou uma variável bastante robusta e com forte impacto sobre as importações dos produtos farmoquímicos e farmacêuticos. Considerando os argumentos explicitados na literatura de que o déficit no comércio internacional dessa indústria se relaciona com déficit em conhecimento e tecnologia, somando aos resultados encontrados neste trabalho, há indícios de que conforme o nível de atividade econômica cresce, ocorre maior demanda por esse tipo de produto, e, não havendo produção nacional suficiente, existe necessidade de importações, o que pode gerar pressões no déficit comercial desse segmento, representando dependência do Brasil a outros países.

Abstract: This article analyzes the relationship between the demand for importation of pharmacochemical and pharmaceutical products and economic variables (exchange rate, import prices, and aggregate income) in Brazil, using monthly data from 1997-2014. The main results showed that increases in aggregate income and price reductions in imports have a positive and significant impact (elastic and inelastic, respectively) on imports. Exchange rate was only significant in the more aggregate model. Thus, aggregate income was a robust variable with strong impact on the importation of pharmacochemical and pharmaceutical products. The arguments in the literature that this industry's international trade deficit is related to a deficit in knowledge and technology and the current study's results provide evidence that as economic activity grows, there is a greater demand for this type of product. Additionally, if domestic production is insufficient, there is a need for imports, which can generate pressure on the trade deficit in the industry and contribute to Brazil's dependence on other countries.

Resumen: Este artículo analiza la relación entre la demanda de importaciones de productos farmoquímicos y farmacéuticos y las variables económicas (tasa de cambio, precio de las importaciones y renta agregada), en Brasil, utilizando datos mensuales del período 1997-2014. Los principales resultados mostraron que los aumentos en la renta agregada y las reducciones en los precios de las importaciones tienen un impacto positivo y significativo, respectivamente, de forma elástica e inelástica sobre las importaciones. La tasa de cambio fue significativa sólo en el modelo más agregado. Por tanto, la renta agregada se mostró una variable bastante robusta y con un fuerte impacto sobre las importaciones de los productos farmoquímicos y farmacéuticos. Considerando los argumentos explicitados en la literatura, acerca de que el déficit en el comercio internacional de esa industria se relaciona con el déficit en conocimiento y tecnología, sumado a los resultados hallados en este trabajo, hay indicios de que conforme el nivel de actividad económica crece, se produce una mayor demanda por ese tipo de productos, y, sin existir producción nacional suficiente, hay una necesidad de importaciones, lo que puede generar presiones en el déficit comercial de este segmento, representando la dependencia de Brasil de otros países.