Food price trends during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil.

The present study aims to analyze the trends in food price in Brazil with emphasis on the period of the Covid-19 pandemic (from March 2020 to March 2022). Data from the Brazilian Household Budget Survey and the National System of Consumer Price Indexes were used as input to create a novel data set containing monthly prices (R$/Kg) for the foods and beverages most consumed in the country between January 2018 and March 2022. All food items were divided according to the Nova food classification system. We estimated the mean price of each food group for each year of study and the entire period. The monthly price of each group was plotted to analyze changes from January 2018 to March 2022. Fractional polynomial models were used to synthesize price changes up to 2025. Results of the present study showed that in Brazil unprocessed or minimally processed foods and processed culinary ingredients were more affordable than processed and ultra-processed foods. However, trend analyses suggested the reversal of the pricing pattern. The anticipated changes in the prices of minimally processed food relative to ultra-processed food, initially forecasted for Brazil, seem to reflect the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the global economy. These results are concerning as the increase in the price of healthy foods aggravates food and nutrition insecurity in Brazil. Additionally, this trend encourages the replacement of traditional meals for the consumption of unhealthy foods, increasing a health risk to the population.

Exposure and power of TV food advertising during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil: a content analysis.

BACKGROUND: With the COVID-19 pandemic and the restrictions imposed to contain the spread of SARS-CoV-2, the Brazilian population has increased the time spent at home and watching television (TV). Since food advertising exposure is a key driver of food choices, this study described the content of food advertisements (ads) on Brazilian TV during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: This is an exploratory study. A total of 684 h of TV programming comprised of three free-to-air channels and two pay-per-view channels was recorded from 06 a.m. to 12 a.m. for eight non-consecutive days in June 2020. A content analysis of all the food-related ads was carried out. The data collection process followed INFORMAS Protocol for TV food advertising monitoring. RESULTS: The sample was composed of 7,083 ads, 752 (10.6%) of which were food-related and 487 (6.9%) were promoting ultra-processed foods. The content analysis indicated seven thematic categories, all of them with reference to the COVID-19 pandemic: brand and product differentials (79.8%); visual and sound effects (70.2%); thematic campaigns (56.0%); digitization (22.9%); convenience (16.5%); economic benefits (11.9%); and commensality and social interaction (6.1%). Ads content varied according to the day of the week, the time of the day, the length of the ad, and the channel type. CONCLUSIONS: The thematic of food advertising on Brazilian TV during the COVID-19 pandemic is aligned with the country's health crisis context and varied during the programming.

In situ single-cell profiling sheds light on IFI27 localisation during SARS-CoV-2 infection.

The utilization of single-cell resolved spatial transcriptomics to delineate immune responses during SARS-CoV-2 infection was able to identify M1 macrophages to have elevated expression of IFI27 in areas of infection.

Irregular practices in drugstores in the offer of products for children under three years old / Práticas irregulares em drogarias na oferta de produtos para crianças menores de três anos

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze the compliance with the commercialization of children's products included in the Brazilian Code of Marketing of Infant and Toddlers Food and Childcare-Related Products (NBCAL) in drugstores in Uberlândia/MG. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in 143 drugstores that sold infant products: infant formula (IF), follow-up IF, nipples, teats, pacifiers and nipple shields; FI for young children, transition foods and cereal-based foods, fluid or powdered milk, modified/similar milks of plant origin and dairy compounds. The location of drugstores in the five geographic sectors was performed by geoprocessing. The data collected were: types of promotion and types of drugstore administration (drugstore chains/drugstores with independent administration). Irregular commercial promotion was expressed as absolute and relative frequencies. Results: Irregular commercial promotion was found in 11.7% of nipples, pacifiers and bottles, in 10.0% of IF and follow-up formula, in 9.5% of IF for young children, in 11.1% fluid or powdered milk, in 25.0% of transition foods and cereal-based foods and in 59.1% of dairy compounds. In commercial drugstore chains, the presence of promotion for dairy (81.8 vs. 28.6%, respectively) was higher than in drugstores with independent administration. The opposite ocurred for fluid or powdered milk, modified and similar milks of plant origin. The downtown and eastern sectors had the highest percentages of promotions (26%). Conclusions: NBCAL violations still occur in drugstores, mainly in the sale of young children's foods and in the commercial network drugstores.

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar a conformidade da comercialização dos produtos infantis incluídos na Norma Brasileira de Comercialização de Alimentos para Lactentes e Crianças de Primeira Infância, Bicos, Chupetas e Mamadeira (NBCAL) e de compostos lácteos em drogarias de Uberlândia/MG. Métodos: Estudo transversal realizado em 143 drogarias que vendiam produtos infantis: fórmulas infantis (FI) para lactentes, FI de seguimento para lactentes, mamadeiras, bicos, chupetas e protetores de mamilo; FI para crianças de primeira infância, alimentos de transição e alimentos à base de cereais, leites fluidos/em pó, leites modificados/similares de origem vegetal e composto lácteo. A localização das drogarias nos cinco setores geográficos foi realizada por geoprocessamento. Os dados coletados foram: tipos de promoção comercial irregular e tipo de administração da drogaria (rede/independente). As promoções comerciais irregulares foram expressas em frequências absoluta e relativa. Resultados: Verificamos a presença de promoção comercial irregular em 11,7% dos bicos, chupetas e mamadeiras, em 10,0% das FI lactentes/seguimento de lactentes, em 9,5% das FI para crianças de primeira infância, em 11,1% dos leites, em 25,0% de alimentos de transição e em 59,1% dos compostos lácteos. Nas drogarias de rede, a presença de promoção comercial irregular foi maior para compostos lácteos (81,8 vs. 28,6%, respectivamente) e, para leites, foi maior nas drogarias independentes (30,8 vs. 6,0%). Os setores central e leste apresentaram os maiores percentuais de promoção comercial irregular (26%). Conclusões: As violações à NBCAL ainda ocorrem nas drogarias, principalmente para os produtos destinados às crianças de primeira infância, e nas drogarias de rede.

Revolutionising food advertising monitoring: a machine learning-based method for automated classification of food videos.

OBJECTIVE: Food advertising is an important determinant of unhealthy eating. However, analysing a large number of advertisements (ads) to distinguish between food and non-food content is a challenging task. This study aims to develop a machine learning-based method to automatically identify and classify food and non-food ad videos. DESIGN: Methodological study to develop an algorithm model that prioritises both accuracy and efficiency in monitoring and classifying advertising videos. SETTING: From a collection of Brazilian television (TV) ads data, we created a database and split it into three sub-databases (i.e. training, validation and test) by extracting frames from ads. Subsequently, the training database was classified using the EfficientNet neural network. The best models and data-balancing strategies were investigated using the validation database. Finally, the test database was used to apply the best model and strategy, and results were verified with field experts. PARTICIPANTS: The study used 2124 recorded Brazilian TV programming hours from 2018 to 2020. It included 703 food ads and over 20 000 non-food ads, following the protocol developed by the INFORMAS network for monitoring food marketing on TV. RESULTS: The results showed that the EfficientNet neural network associated with the balanced batches strategy achieved an overall accuracy of 90·5 % on the test database, which represents a reduction of 99·9 % of the time spent on identifying and classifying ads. CONCLUSIONS: The method studied represents a promising approach for differentiating food and non-food-related video within monitoring food marketing, which has significant practical implications for researchers, public health policymakers, and regulatory bodies.

Whole grain products in Brazil: the need for regulation to ensure nutritional benefits and prevent the misuse of marketing strategies.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the use of "whole grains" claims in food products marketed in Brazil and evaluate the nutrient profile of these products. METHODS: Data from 775 grain-based packaged foods collected in Brazil from April to July 2017 were analyzed. Based on the INFORMAS protocol for food labeling, the prevalence of packaged foods with "whole grains" claims was estimated. Information on the list of ingredients was analyzed to evaluate the presence and amount of whole or refined grains in six food groups. The nutrient profiles of the products with and without "whole grains" claims were compared using the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) nutrient profile model. RESULTS: The packages of about 19% of the evaluated products showed "whole grains" claims in their front panel. Of these, 35% lacked any whole grains among their top three ingredients. Breakfast cereals, granola bars, bread, cakes and other bakery products, cookies, and pasta had higher amounts of refined flour than whole grain ingredients in their compositions.We found 66% of products with "whole grains" claims were high in nutrients of concern according to PAHO's criteria. CONCLUSION: Our results showed that over a third of the products in Brazil with "whole grains" claims lacked whole grains as one of their main ingredients. Most had a high content of nutrients associated with noncommunicable chronic disease risk factors, indicating the overestimation of their health benefits.

Food additives and PAHO's nutrient profile model as contributors' elements to the identification of ultra-processed food products.

The NOVA classification system categorizes foods according to the extent and purpose of industrial processing. Ultra-processed food products (UPF) are frequently composed of excessive amounts of sugars, salt, oils, and fats, and cosmetic additives designed to make them palatable and/or appealing. We aimed to describe the presence of critical nutrients in excess and cosmetic additives in packaged foods and beverages and to evaluate the proportion of UPF that can be correctly identified through the presence of critical nutrients in excess or the presence of cosmetic additives in food products. A total of 9851 items available in Brazilian supermarkets containing lists of ingredients and nutrition facts panels were analyzed. Cosmetic additives and critical nutrients in excess, according to Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)'s nutrient profile model, were assessed. All food items were categorized into the four NOVA classification groups. Relative frequencies of items with at least one critical nutrient in excess and one type of cosmetic additive were estimated. For UPF, 82.1% had some cosmetic additive, and 98.8% had some cosmetic additive or a nutrient in excess. This combined criterion allowed the identification of 100.0% of sweet cookies, salted biscuits, margarine, cakes and sweet pies, chocolate, dairy beverages, and ice cream. Combining the presence of cosmetic additives and the PAHO's nutrient profile model contributes to the identification of UPF.

Promotion of ultra-processed foods in Brazil: combined use of claims and promotional features on packaging.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the availability of different promotional strategies applied for UPF sales in Brazilian food retailers. METHODS: Information available on food packaging was gathered from all packaged products sold in the five largest food retail chains in Brazil in 2017. UPF were identified using the NOVA food classification system. From this sample, data related to promotional characteristics, nutrition claims and health claims were collected and coded using the INFORMAS methodology. Additional claims referring to the Brazilian Dietary Guidelines were also collected. RESULTS: This study evaluated the packaging of 2,238 UPF, of which 59.8% presented at least one promotional strategy. Almost one third denoted a simultaneous use of different promotional strategies in the same packaging. Nutrition claims were the most commonly found promotional strategy, followed by health claims and the use of characters. The food subgroups comprising the highest prevalence of promotional strategies on their labels were: noncaloric sweeteners (100.0%), breakfast cereals and granola bars (96.2%), juices, nectars and fruit-flavoured drinks (92.9%), other unsweetened beverages (92.9%), and other sweetened beverages (92.6%). CONCLUSIONS: Considering the poor nutritional quality of UPF, the widespread presence of promotional features on their packaging highlights the need for marketing restrictions on this kind of product.

Real-World Effectiveness in Hypertension and Hyperlipidemia Collaborative Management between Pharmacies and Primary Care in Portugal: A Multicenter Pragmatic Controlled Trial (USFarmácia®).

There is evidence of the efficacy of collaborative health interventions with pharmacies and primary care providers but little of its real-world effectiveness. We aimed to assess the effectiveness and discuss the design and challenges of hypertension and hyperlipidemia management between pharmacies and primary care providers using real-world data exchange between providers and experimental bundled payment. This was a pragmatic, quasi-experimental controlled trial. We collected patient-level data from primary care prescription claims and Electronic Medical Record databases, a pharmacy claims database, and patient telephone surveys at several time points. The primary outcomes were changes in blood pressure and total cholesterol. We used matched controls with difference-in-differences estimators in a Generalized Linear Model (GLM) and controlled interrupted time series (CITS). We collected additional data for economic and qualitative studies. A total of 6 Primary Care Units, 20 pharmacies, and 203 patients entered the study. We were not able to observe significant differences in the effect of intervention vs. control. We experienced challenges that required creative strategies. This real-world trial was not able to show effectiveness, likely due to limitations in the primary care technology which affected the sample size. It offers, however, valuable lessons on methods, strategies, and data sources, paving the way for more real-world effectiveness trials to advance value-based healthcare.

Compreensão da equipe de enfermagem sobre a atuação do psicólogo hospitalar / Understanding of the nursing team on the role of the hospital psychologist / Comprensión del equipo de enfermería sobre la actuación del psicólogo hospitalario

Objetivo: investigar a compreensão dos profissionais da equipe de enfermagem de um hospital no interior de Mato Grosso acerca da atuação do psicólogo no âmbito hospitalar. Método: estudo descritivo-exploratório, com abordagem qualitativa. Compuseram a amostra por conveniência profissionais de enfermagem de um hospital de médio porte do sul de Mato Grosso. Os dados foram coletados por meio de entrevistas semiestruturadas, entre junho e julho de 2020, sendo transcritas e analisadas de acordo com os preceitos teóricos da análise de conteúdo de Bardin. Resultados: a partir das narrativas de 24 profissionais de enfermagem, emergiram duas categorias temáticas, o local e função do psicólogo como membro da equipe; necessidades e solicitações da assistência psicológica. Conclusão: os participantes compreendem a atuação do profissional psicólogo focado no que julgam comprometedor do cuidado de enfermagem ou evolução clínica satisfatória para a alta hospitalar. Isso pode estar interferindo na solicitação ou limitação da assistência psicológica, já que, rotineiramente, a psicologia hospitalar realiza mais atendimentos após a identificação de demandas por outros profissionais que estão efetivamente em contato direto e prolongado com o paciente e família.

Objective: to investigate the understanding of the professionals of the nursing team of a hospital in the interior of Mato Grosso about the role of the psychologist in the hospital environment. Method: descriptive-exploratory study with a qualitative approach. The sample was composed by convenience by nursing professionals from a medium-sized hospital in the south of Mato Grosso. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews between June and July 2020, being transcribed and analyzed according to the theoretical precepts of Bardin's content analysis. Results: from the narratives of 24 nursing professionals, two thematic categories emerged, the place and function of the psychologist as a team member; needs and requests for psychological assistance. Conclusion: the participants understand the work of the psychologist focused on what they consider compromising nursing care or satisfactory clinical evolution for hospital discharge. This may be interfering with the request or limitation of psychological assistance, as hospital psychology routinely performs more care after the identification of demands by other professionals who are effectively in direct and prolonged contact with the patient and family.

Staged Treatment of Phlegmasia Cerulea Dolens in a Patient with Iliac Vein Compression Syndrome and Deep Vein Thrombosis: A Case Report.

Iliac vein compression syndrome (IVCS) is defined as extrinsic compression of the left common iliac vein (LCIV) between the overlying right common iliac artery and the lumbar vertebra. The most severe complication is phlegmasia cerulea dolens (PCD), a medical emergency that requires quick intervention to prevent irreversible limb ischemia. This article reports the case of a patient with PCD as the first manifestation of IVCS. The treatment included embolectomy and fasciotomy. Bilateral femoral iliac axis phlebography and cavography were performed 48 hours after the procedure. The IVCS was identified, and balloon predilatation of the lesions followed by implantation of self-expanding stents from the confluence of the LCIV with the inferior vena cava to the middle portion of the left external iliac vein was performed. Postprocedure phlebography demonstrated satisfactory final results, and a 12-month follow-up image showed patent stents and minimal intimal hyperplasia.

Information on food additives on food labels in Brazil: a critical analysis.

Questions about the safety of food additives and their consumption have been raised in recent years. The increased exposure to these substances, either by intake of ultra-processed foods or by the broad use and combination of various categories of additives, may be related to higher risks to consumer health. This article comments on the results of a study that quantified and characterized food additives found on the labels of 9,856 packaged foods and beverages available in Brazilian supermarkets. The study adopted a field diary method to record and analyze nonconformities in the lists of ingredients. The objective of this article is to discuss the use of additives identified on the labels and the limitations of Brazilian legislation, which should guarantee the right to information and health.

Does Regular Exercise Impact the Lung Function of Healthy Children and Adolescents? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

PURPOSE: To assess the quality of the available evidence on the effect of exercise for the improvement of lung function in healthy children and adolescents. METHOD: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of intervention studies examining the effects of regular exercise on spirometric parameters of healthy children and adolescents aged ≤18 years. RESULTS: Within the exercise groups, there were significant improvements in forced vital capacity (mean difference: 0.17 L; 95% confidence interval, 0.07 to 0.26; P < .05) and forced expiratory volume in the first second (mean difference: 0.14 L; 95% confidence interval, 0.06 to 0.22; P < .05). Results were consistent across different age groups and duration of interventions. In the between-group analysis, forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in the first second, and peak expiratory flow were higher in the exercise group compared with the nonexercise group, but the differences did not reach statistical relevance. There was significant statistical heterogeneity between studies. CONCLUSION: Regular exercise has the potential to improve lung function parameters in healthy children and adolescents; however, the small number of studies and the heterogeneity between them raise concern about the quality of the currently available evidence. These findings bring to attention the need for well-designed trials addressing this important public health issue.

Information on food additives on food labels in Brazil: a critical analysis / Informação sobre aditivos alimentares nos rótulos de alimentos no Brasil: análise crítica

ABSTRACT Questions about the safety of food additives and their consumption have been raised in recent years. The increased exposure to these substances, either by intake of ultra-processed foods or by the broad use and combination of various categories of additives, may be related to higher risks to consumer health. This article comments on the results of a study that quantified and characterized food additives found on the labels of 9,856 packaged foods and beverages available in Brazilian supermarkets. The study adopted a field diary method to record and analyze nonconformities in the lists of ingredients. The objective of this article is to discuss the use of additives identified on the labels and the limitations of Brazilian legislation, which should guarantee the right to information and health.

RESUMO Nos últimos tempos, questões vêm sendo levantadas sobre a segurança no uso de aditivos alimentares e em seu consumo. verificou-se que o aumento da exposição a essas substâncias, seja pela ingestão mais frequente de alimentos ultraprocessados ou pela ampla utilização e combinação de várias categorias de aditivos pela indústria, pode estar relacionado ao maior risco à saúde do consumidor. Um estudo quantificou e caracterizou aditivos alimentares encontrados nos rótulos de 9.856 alimentos e bebidas embalados disponíveis nos supermercados brasileiros. nele, foi adotado um diário de campo para registro de falhas e inconformidades nas informações presentes nas listas de ingredientes, sendo, por fim, analisadas qualitativamente e descritas de forma narrativa. Com base nisso, o objetivo deste comentário é apresentar e discutir o uso desses aditivos identificados nos rótulos e as limitações da legislação brasileira, que deveria garantir o direito à informação e a saúde da população.

Whole grain products in Brazil: the need for regulation to ensure nutritional benefits and prevent the misuse of marketing strategies

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE This study aims to evaluate the use of "whole grains" claims in food products marketed in Brazil and evaluate the nutrient profile of these products. METHODS Data from 775 grain-based packaged foods collected in Brazil from April to July 2017 were analyzed. Based on the INFORMAS protocol for food labeling, the prevalence of packaged foods with "whole grains" claims was estimated. Information on the list of ingredients was analyzed to evaluate the presence and amount of whole or refined grains in six food groups. The nutrient profiles of the products with and without "whole grains" claims were compared using the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) nutrient profile model. RESULTS The packages of about 19% of the evaluated products showed "whole grains" claims in their front panel. Of these, 35% lacked any whole grains among their top three ingredients. Breakfast cereals, granola bars, bread, cakes and other bakery products, cookies, and pasta had higher amounts of refined flour than whole grain ingredients in their compositions.We found 66% of products with "whole grains" claims were high in nutrients of concern according to PAHO's criteria. CONCLUSION Our results showed that over a third of the products in Brazil with "whole grains" claims lacked whole grains as one of their main ingredients. Most had a high content of nutrients associated with noncommunicable chronic disease risk factors, indicating the overestimation of their health benefits.

Promotion of ultra-processed foods in Brazil: combined use of claims and promotional features on packaging

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To assess the availability of different promotional strategies applied for UPF sales in Brazilian food retailers. METHODS Information available on food packaging was gathered from all packaged products sold in the five largest food retail chains in Brazil in 2017. UPF were identified using the NOVA food classification system. From this sample, data related to promotional characteristics, nutrition claims and health claims were collected and coded using the INFORMAS methodology. Additional claims referring to the Brazilian Dietary Guidelines were also collected. RESULTS This study evaluated the packaging of 2,238 UPF, of which 59.8% presented at least one promotional strategy. Almost one third denoted a simultaneous use of different promotional strategies in the same packaging. Nutrition claims were the most commonly found promotional strategy, followed by health claims and the use of characters. The food subgroups comprising the highest prevalence of promotional strategies on their labels were: noncaloric sweeteners (100.0%), breakfast cereals and granola bars (96.2%), juices, nectars and fruit-flavoured drinks (92.9%), other unsweetened beverages (92.9%), and other sweetened beverages (92.6%). CONCLUSIONS Considering the poor nutritional quality of UPF, the widespread presence of promotional features on their packaging highlights the need for marketing restrictions on this kind of product.

Lung Inflammasome Activation in SARS-CoV-2 Post-Mortem Biopsies.

The inflammasome complex is a key part of chronic diseases and acute infections, being responsible for cytokine release and cell death mechanism regulation. The SARS-CoV-2 infection is characterized by a dysregulated cytokine release. In this context, the inflammasome complex analysis within SARS-CoV-2 infection may prove beneficial to understand the disease's mechanisms. Post-mortem minimally invasive autopsies were performed in patients who died from COVID-19 (n = 24), and lung samples were compared to a patient control group (n = 11) and an Influenza A virus H1N1 subtype group from the 2009 pandemics (n = 10). Histological analysis was performed using hematoxylin-eosin staining. Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining was performed using monoclonal antibodies against targets: ACE2, TLR4, NF-κB, NLRP-3 (or NALP), IL-1ß, IL-18, ASC, CASP1, CASP9, GSDMD, NOX4, TNF-α. Data obtained from digital analysis underwent appropriate statistical tests. IHC analysis showed biomarkers that indicate inflammasome activation (ACE2; NF-κB; NOX4; ASC) were significantly increased in the COVID-19 group (p < 0.05 for all) and biomarkers that indicate cell pyroptosis and inflammasome derived cytokines such as IL-18 (p < 0.005) and CASP1 were greatly increased (p < 0.0001) even when compared to the H1N1 group. We propose that the SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis is connected to the inflammasome complex activation. Further studies are still warranted to elucidate the pathophysiology of the disease.