Diet and Lifestyle Changes During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Ibero-American Countries: Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Peru, and Spain.

This study aimed to evaluate changes in dietary and lifestyle habits during the period of confinement due to the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Ibero-American countries. A cross-sectional investigation was conducted with 6,325 participants of both genders (68% women), over 18 years of age and from five countries: Brazil (N = 2,171), Argentina (N = 1,111), Peru (N = 1,174), Mexico (N = 686), and Spain (N = 1,183). Data were collected during the year 2020, between April 01 and June 30 in Spain and between July 13 and September 26, in the other countries studied using a self-administered online survey designed for the assessment of sociodemographic, employment, physical activity, health status, and dietary habits changes. Most participants (61.6%), mainly those from Spain, remained constant, without improving or worsening their pattern of food consumption. Among those who changed, a pattern of better eating choices prevailed (22.7%) in comparison with those who changed toward less healthy choices (15.7%). Argentina and Brazil showed the highest proportion of changes toward a healthier pattern of food consumption. Peruvians and Mexicans were less likely to make healthy changes in food consumption (OR: 0.51; 95% CI: 0.4-0.6 and OR: 0.69; 95% CI: 0.4-0.8, respectively), when compared to Argentinians. Most respondents did not change their pattern of meal consumption, but those who did reduced their consumption of main meals and increased intake of small meals and snacks. Although most participants affirmed to be doing physical activity at home, about one-half reported perception of weight gain. Individuals with alterations in sleep pattern (either by increasing or decreasing sleep time) were more likely to change their diets to a healthier pattern. In contrast, individuals with confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 and those who reported feeling anxious were more likely to perform changes to a less healthy eating pattern (OR: 1.72; 95% CI: 1.2-2.3 and OR: 1.21; 95% CI: 1.1-1.4, respectively). In conclusion, although most participants remained constant in their eating habits, lifestyle changes and anxiety feelings were reported. Among those who changed patterns of food consumption, healthier choices prevailed, with differences between countries. However, there were alterations in the distribution of meals, with higher consumption of snacks and small meals. These results can be used to guide policies to prevent deleterious consequences that may affect the incidence of chronic diseases.

Evaluating SARS-CoV-2 Seroconversion Following Relieve of Confinement Measures.

Seroprevalence studies are crucial both for estimating the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 exposure and to provide a measure for the efficiency of the confinement measures. Portuguese universities were closed on March 16th 2020, when Portugal only registered 62 SARS-CoV-2 infection cases per million. We have validated a SARS-CoV-2 ELISA assay to a stabilized full-length spike protein using 216 pre-pandemic and 19 molecularly diagnosed SARS-CoV-2 positive individual's samples. At NOVA University of Lisbon, presential work was partially resumed on May 25th with staggered schedules. From June 15th to 30th, 3-4 weeks after the easing of confinement measures, we screened 1,636 collaborators of NOVA university of Lisbon for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 spike specific IgA and IgG antibodies. We found that spike-specific IgG in 50 of 1,636 participants (3.0%), none of which had anti-spike IgA antibodies. As participants self-reported as asymptomatic or paucisymptomatic, our study also provides a measurement of the prevalence of asymptomatic/paucisymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infections. Our study suggests that essential workers have a 2-fold increase in viral exposure, when compared to non-essential workers that observed confinement. Additional serological surveys in different population subgroups will paint a broader picture of the effect of the confinement measures in the broader community.

Comparison of oximeters for the detection of critical congenital heart diseases.

Introduction and objectives: In some centers, the pulse oximetry is not performed with the justification of lack of the adequate oximeter. We compared the effectiveness of two brands of oximeters to perform it. Methods: In neonates, a term of the joint housing service of the Hospital General de Occidente in Zapopan, Jalisco, Mexico, from May to November 2018, an examination of the characteristics of the American Academy of Pediatrics with both oximeters (ChoiceMMed® and Masimo SET®) was carried out, comparing the detection of critical congenital heart disease, time of intake, and false positives. Results: In each group, 1022 patients were analyzed; with the Masimo SET® oximeter, 83 positive tests were obtained (8.12%), of which 22 cases had some heart disease (26.5%), which represents a sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 93.9%, positive predictive value of 26.5%, and negative predictive value of 100% (odds ratio [OR]: 0.73; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.6-0.8). With the ChoiceMMed® oximeter, 168 positive tests were obtained (16.4%), of which 22 cases had some heart disease (13.09%), with a sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 85.4%, positive predictive value of 13.09%, and negative predictive value 100% (OR: 0.86; 95%CI: 0.8-0.92). Regarding the time to perform the cardiac sieve, the mean in minutes of the Masimo SET® oximeter was 5.38 and the ChoiceMMed® oximeter was 9.7 min. Conclusions: The ChoiceMMed® oximeter contains a large number of false positives and a greater number of echocardiograms and comparatively longer cardiac screen printing with Masimo SET®, however, both with a negative predictive value of 100% eliminating such excuses.

Introducción y objetivos: En algunos centros el tamiz cardíaco no se realiza con la justificación de no tener el oxímetro adecuado. Comparamos la efectividad de dos marcas de oxímetros para realizarlo. Métodos: En los neonatos a término del Servicio de alojamiento conjunto del Hospital General de Occidente en Zapopan Jalisco México de mayo a noviembre del 2018 se realizó tamiz cardíaco según las guías de la Academia Americana de Pediatría con dos oxímetros, el Masimo SET® (aprobado por la FDA) y el ChoiceMMed®, comparando su efectividad para la detección de cardiopatías congénitas críticas, el tiempo de toma y los falsos positivos. Resultados: En cada grupo se analizaron 1,022 pacientes; con el oxímetro Massimo SET® se obtuvieron 83 pruebas positivas (8.12%) de las cuales 22 casos presentaron alguna cardiopatía (26.5%), lo que representa una sensibilidad del 100%, una especificidad del 93.9%, un valor predictivo positivo del 26.5% y un valor predictivo negativo del 100% (Odd Ratio [OR]: 0.73; IC 95%: 0.6-0.8). Con el oxímetro ChoiceMMed® se obtuvieron 168 pruebas positivas (16.4%), de las cuales 22 casos presentaron alguna cardiopatía (13.09%), con una sensibilidad del 100%, una especificidad del 85.4%, un valor predictivo positivo del 13.09% y un valor predictivo negativo del 100% (OR: 0.86; IC 95%: 0.8-0.92). En cuanto al tiempo para realizar el tamiz cardíaco, la media en minutos del oxímetro Masimo SET® fue 5.38 y del oxímetro ChoiceMMed® fue 9.7 minutos. Conclusiones: El oxímetro ChoiceMMed® presentó mayor cantidad de falsos positivos y mayor tiempo de realización del tamiz cardíaco en comparación al Masimo SET®, sin embargo, ambos presentan un valor predictivo negativo del 100%, siendo igualmente útiles como método de detección de cardiopatías críticas.

Comparación de oxímetros para detección de cardiopatías congénitas críticas.

Introduction and objectives: In some centers the pulse oximetry is not performed with the justification of lack of the adequate oximeter. We compared the effectiveness of two brands of oximeters to perform it. Methods: In neonates a term of the joint housing service of a Hospital General de Occidente in Zapopan Jalisco Mexico from May-November 2018, an examination of the characteristics of the American Academy of Pediatrics with both oximeters (ChoiceMMed® and Masimo SET®) was carried out, comparing the detection of critical congenital heart disease (CCC), time of intake and false positives. Results: In each group 1,022 patients were analyzed; with the Masimo SET® oximeter 83 positive tests were obtained (8.12%), of which 22 cases had some heart disease (26.5%), which represents a sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 93.9%, positive predictive value of 26.5% and negative predictive value of 100% (OR: 0.73; 95% CI: 0.6-0.8). With the ChoiceMMed® oximeter, 168 positive tests were obtained (16.4%), of which 22 cases had some heart disease (13.09%), with a sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 85.4%, positive predictive value of 13.09% and negative predictive value 100% (OR: 0.86; 95% CI: 0.8-0.92). Regarding the time to perform the cardiac sieve, the mean in minutes of the Masimo SET® oximeter was 5.38 and the ChoiceMMed® oximeter was 9.7 minutes. Conclusions: The ChoiceMMed® oximeter contains a large number of false positives and a greater number of echocardiograms and comparatively longer cardiac screen printing with Masimo SET®, however, both with a negative predictive value of 100% eliminating such excuses.

Introducción y objetivos: En algunos centros el tamiz cardíaco no se realiza con la justificación de no tener el oxímetro adecuado. Comparamos la efectividad de dos marcas de oxímetros para realizarlo. Métodos: En los neonatos a término del Servicio de alojamiento conjunto del Hospital General de Occidente en Zapopan Jalisco México de mayo a noviembre del 2018 se realizó tamiz cardíaco según las guías de la Academia Americana de Pediatría con dos oxímetros, el Masimo SET® (aprobado por la FDA) y el ChoiceMMed®, comparando su efectividad para la detección de cardiopatías congénitas críticas, el tiempo de toma y los falsos positivos. Resultados: En cada grupo se analizaron 1,022 pacientes; con el oxímetro Massimo SET® se obtuvieron 83 pruebas positivas (8.12%) de las cuales 22 casos presentaron alguna cardiopatía (26.5%), lo que representa una sensibilidad del 100%, una especificidad del 93.9%, un valor predictivo positivo del 26.5% y un valor predictivo negativo del 100% (Odd Ratio [OR]: 0.73; IC 95%: 0.6-0.8). Con el oxímetro ChoiceMMed® se obtuvieron 168 pruebas positivas (16.4%), de las cuales 22 casos presentaron alguna cardiopatía (13.09%), con una sensibilidad del 100%, una especificidad del 85.4%, un valor predictivo positivo del 13.09% y un valor predictivo negativo del 100% (OR: 0.86; IC 95%: 0.8-0.92). En cuanto al tiempo para realizar el tamiz cardíaco, la media en minutos del oxímetro Masimo SET® fue 5.38 y del oxímetro ChoiceMMed® fue 9.7 minutos. Conclusiones: El oxímetro ChoiceMMed® presentó mayor cantidad de falsos positivos y mayor tiempo de realización del tamiz cardíaco en comparación al Masimo SET®, sin embargo, ambos presentan un valor predictivo negativo del 100%, siendo igualmente útiles como método de detección de cardiopatías críticas.

Comparación de oxómetros para detección de cardiopatías congénitas críticas / Comparison of oximeters for the detection of critical congenital heart diseases

Resumen Introducción y objetivos: En algunos centros el tamiz cardíaco no se realiza con la justificación de no tener el oxímetro adecuado. Comparamos la efectividad de dos marcas de oxímetros para realizarlo. Métodos: En los neonatos a término del Servicio de alojamiento conjunto del Hospital General de Occidente en Zapopan Jalisco México de mayo a noviembre del 2018 se realizó tamiz cardíaco según las guías de la Academia Americana de Pediatría con dos oxímetros, el Masimo SET (aprobado por la FDA) y el ChoiceMMed, comparando su efectividad para la detección de cardiopatías congénitas críticas, el tiempo de toma y los falsos positivos. Resultados: En cada grupo se analizaron 1,022 pacientes; con el oxímetro Massimo SET se obtuvieron 83 pruebas positivas (8.12%) de las cuales 22 casos presentaron alguna cardiopatía (26.5%), lo que representa una sensibilidad del 100%, una especificidad del 93.9%, un valor predictivo positivo del 26.5% y un valor predictivo negativo del 100% (Odd Ratio [OR]: 0.73; IC 95%: 0.6-0.8). Con el oxímetro ChoiceMMed se obtuvieron 168 pruebas positivas (16.4%), de las cuales 22 casos presentaron alguna cardiopatía (13.09%), con una sensibilidad del 100%, una especificidad del 85.4%, un valor predictivo positivo del 13.09% y un valor predictivo negativo del 100% (OR: 0.86; IC 95%: 0.8-0.92). En cuanto al tiempo para realizar el tamiz cardíaco, la media en minutos del oxímetro Masimo SET fue 5.38 y del oxímetro ChoiceMMed fue 9.7 minutos. Conclusiones: El oxímetro ChoiceMMed presentó mayor cantidad de falsos positivos y mayor tiempo de realización del tamiz cardíaco en comparación al Masimo SET, sin embargo, ambos presentan un valor predictivo negativo del 100%, siendo igualmente útiles como método de detección de cardiopatías críticas.

Abstract Introduction and objectives: In some centers the pulse oximetry is not performed with the justification of lack of the adequate oximeter. We compared the effectiveness of two brands of oximeters to perform it. Methods: In neonates a term of the joint housing service of a Hospital General de Occidente in Zapopan Jalisco Mexico from May-November 2018, an examination of the characteristics of the American Academy of Pediatrics with both oximeters (ChoiceMMed and Masimo SET) was carried out, comparing the detection of critical congenital heart disease (CCC), time of intake and false positives. Results: In each group 1,022 patients were analyzed; with the Masimo SET oximeter 83 positive tests were obtained (8.12%), of which 22 cases had some heart disease (26.5%), which represents a sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 93.9%, positive predictive value of 26.5% and negative predictive value of 100% (OR: 0.73; 95% CI: 0.6-0.8). With the ChoiceMMed oximeter, 168 positive tests were obtained (16.4%), of which 22 cases had some heart disease (13.09%), with a sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 85.4%, positive predictive value of 13.09% and negative predictive value 100% (OR: 0.86; 95% CI: 0.8-0.92). Regarding the time to perform the cardiac sieve, the mean in minutes of the Masimo SET oximeter was 5.38 and the ChoiceMMed oximeter was 9.7 minutes. Conclusions: The ChoiceMMed oximeter contains a large number of false positives and a greater number of echocardiograms and comparatively longer cardiac screen printing with Masimo SET, however, both with a negative predictive value of 100% eliminating such excuses.

Protective effects of neocuproine copper chelator against oxidative damage in NSC34 cells.

In this work, we aim to provide evidence for the protective effect of a copper chelator, neocuproine (NeoCu), against the oxidative stress in NSC34 cells, which inhibits biomolecule oxidation and cell death. Results obtained with the comet assay allowed to determine the increase in oxidized purines and pyrimidines by H2O2 exposure, and their changes after the addition of NeoCu. We also observed a higher ATP7b activity in nuclei and a higher Cu concentration inside the cells, proving that the NeoCu acts directly in DNA to promote cell recovery in oxidative stress conditions, also observed in Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) detection assay by Flow Cytometry. Based on these results, we propose that NeoCu is a promising drug for the protection of motor neuron cells during oxidative stress caused by neurodegenerative diseases in this system.

Occurrence of aflatoxin B1 in natural products

The media claims for the consumption of natural resource-based food have gradually increased in both developing and developed countries. The interest in the safety of these products is partially due to the possible presence of toxigenic fungi acting as mycotoxin producers, such as aflatoxins produced during the secondary metabolism of Aspergillus flavus, A. parasiticus and A. nomius. Aflatoxins, mainly aflatoxin B1, are directly associated with liver cancer in human beings. This paper is aimed at evaluating the presence of aflatoxin B1 in a few vegetable drugs, dried plant extracts and industrialized products traded in 2010 in the city of Belo Horizonte, State of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The method used for the quantification of aflatoxin B1 was based on extraction through acetone:water (85:15), immunoaffinity column purification followed by separation and detection in high efficiency liquid chromatography. Under the conditions of analysis, the Limits of Detection and Quantification were 0.6 µg kg-1 and 1.0 µg kg-1respectively. The complete sets of analyses were carried out in duplicate. Aflatoxin B1 was noticed in a single sample (< 1.0 µg kg-1). The results revealed low aflatoxin B1contamination in the products under analysis. However, it is required to establish a broad monitoring program in order to obtain additional data and check up on the actual extension of contamination.

Oral exposure to methylmercury modifies the prostatic microenvironment in adult rats.

Methylmercury (MeHg) is an environmental pollutant that is highly toxic to the central nervous system. As its effects on male reproductive system are poorly understood, this study was carried out to analyse the effects of MeHg on the rat prostate. To evaluate the MeHg toxicity on ventral prostate, three groups of adult male Wistar rats received oral doses of 0.5, 1.0 and 3.0 mg/kg MeHg, respectively, on a daily basis for 14 days. A fourth group was used as a control. The prostate weight was decreased in rats treated orally with 0.5 mg/kg MeHg compared to controls. Also, Hg concentration increased significantly in the prostate after treatments. There were reductions in serum testosterone levels and androgen receptor immunoreactivity in animals receiving 3.0 mg MeHg/kg. The stereological data showed changes in the prostatic epithelial, stromal and luminal compartments which varied according to the different doses. Histopathological alterations, such as chronic inflammation, stratified epithelial hyperplasia and epithelial inflammatory reactive atypia, were observed in the 0.5 mg/kg MeHg-treated group. Epithelial atrophy was observed in the 3.0 mg/kg MeHg-treated group. In conclusion, the MeHg affects prostatic homoeostasis resulting in histopathological changes that may be relevant in the pathogenesis of prostatic disease.

Occurrence of aflatoxin B1 in natural products.

The media claims for the consumption of natural resource-based food have gradually increased in both developing and developed countries. The interest in the safety of these products is partially due to the possible presence of toxigenic fungi acting as mycotoxin producers, such as aflatoxins produced during the secondary metabolism of Aspergillus flavus, A. parasiticus and A. nomius. Aflatoxins, mainly aflatoxin B1, are directly associated with liver cancer in human beings. This paper is aimed at evaluating the presence of aflatoxin B1 in a few vegetable drugs, dried plant extracts and industrialized products traded in 2010 in the city of Belo Horizonte, State of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The method used for the quantification of aflatoxin B1 was based on extraction through acetone:water (85:15), immunoaffinity column purification followed by separation and detection in high efficiency liquid chromatography. Under the conditions of analysis, the Limits of Detection and Quantification were 0.6 µg kg(-1) and 1.0 µg kg(-1) respectively. The complete sets of analyses were carried out in duplicate. Aflatoxin B1 was noticed in a single sample (< 1.0 µg kg(-1)). The results revealed low aflatoxin B1 contamination in the products under analysis. However, it is required to establish a broad monitoring program in order to obtain additional data and check up on the actual extension of contamination.

Effects of methylmercury on male reproductive functions in Wistar rats.

In this study we investigated the effects of subacute exposure to methylmercury (MeHg) on male reproductive functions in rats by means of determination of alterations in structural and functional parameters. Adult male Wistar rats received 0, 0.5, 1.0 or 3.0 mg/kg/body weight/day orally, daily MeHg for 14 days. Sperm motility, the relative sperm count and transit time in the caput/corpus epididymis, were all reduced at all doses. The lowest dose increased the number of sperm head abnormalities; daily sperm production was elevated at the intermediate dose; while at the highest dose there was a decrease in serum testosterone levels and a rise in mercury (Hg) content in reproductive organs, liver and kidneys. In conclusion, MeHg exposure produced damages on male reproductive functions which may be attributed, at least in part, to the reduction in serum testosterone levels. These consequences could potentially result in infertility in rats.

Antibacterial activity of coffee extracts and selected coffee chemical compounds against enterobacteria.

The in vitro antimicrobial activity of commercial coffee extracts and chemical compounds was investigated on nine strains of enterobacteria. The antimicrobial activity investigated by the disc diffusion method was observed in both the extracts and tested chemical compounds. Even though pH, color, and the contents of trigonelline, caffeine, and chlorogenic acids differed significantly among the coffee extracts, no significant differences were observed in their antimicrobial activity. Caffeic acid and trigonelline showed similar inhibitory effect against the growth of the microorganisms. Caffeine, chlorogenic acid, and protocatechuic acid showed particularly strong effect against Serratia marcescens and Enterobacter cloacae. The IC(50) and IC(90) for the compounds determined by the microtiter plate method indicated that trigonelline, caffeine, and protocatechuic acids are potential natural antimicrobial agents against Salmonella enterica. The concentrations of caffeine found in coffee extracts are enough to warrant 50% of the antimicrobial effect against S. enterica, which is relevant to human safety.

Impairment of adult male reproductive function in rats exposed to ethanol since puberty.

The objective of this work was to evaluate reproductive function in adult male rats exposed to ethanol since puberty. Male Wistar rats, 50 days old, received a liquid diet with 36% of the daily calories derived from ethanol or an isocaloric control diet for 55 days. The ethanol treatment impaired sexual behavior and only 22% of these rats reached ejaculation. The fertility of ethanol-treated animals was significantly reduced, mainly after natural mating. Serum testosterone levels, daily sperm production and sperm count in the epididymis were also significantly diminished after ethanol treatment, associated with an acceleration of the sperm transit time in the cauda epididymidis, decrease in sperm motility and increased percentage of abnormal shaped sperm cells. The results showed that chronic consumption of ethanol beginning at puberty impairs the reproductive function of adult male rats.

Associação do polimorfismo do gene da enzima conversora de angiotensina com doença arterial coronariana: um estudo controlado por angiografia / Association of the angiotensin converting enzyme gene polymorphism and coronary artery disease: an angiographically controlled study

O trabalho teve como objetivo investigar a associação do polimorfismo de inserção/ delegação do gene da enzima conversora de angiotensina (ECA) com a presença de infarto do miocárdio e a extensão da doença arterial coronariana (DAC). Na literatura o alelo D da ECA tem sido relacionado com o desenvolvimento de doenças cardiovasculares, porém os resultados dos estudos publicados permanecem controversos. A associação do genótipo DD da ECA com infarto do miocárdio tem sido inconstante e atualmente sugere-se que esta associação estaria limitada a certos grupos raciais. A população do estudo consistiu de pacientes masculinos com idade entre 35 e 70 anos e que foram submetidos a cateterismo cardíaco para investigação de DAC. Definiu-se como grupo caso os indivíduos com diagnóstico de DAC e como grupo controle os pacientes com coronárias normais ao exame. A extensão do envolvimento caronariano foi classificado de acordo com o número de artérias coronarianas que apresentavam estenoses moderada ou severa. A genotipagem foi realizada através da técnica de reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR) e os fatores de risco clássicos para DAC avaliados através de questionário, exame físico e exames laboratoriais. Participaram do estudo 34 pacientes, sendo 19 casos e 15 controles. A média de idade foi de 56 anos, sem diferença significativa entre os grupos. Na amostra estudada o genótipo da ECA não esteve associado à idade, índice de massa corporal, dislipidemia, níveis de glicemia em jejum elevados, tabagismo e história de hipertensão ou tratamento anti-hipertensivo. Não houve associação significativa entre o genótipo DD da ECA e a presença de infarto do miocárdio (P = 0,257). Também não se evidenciou associação entre o genótipo DD da ECA e o grau de extensão da DAC (P = 0,355). A maior prevalência do Genótipo DD no grupo de pacientes com DAC, levanta a hipótese de que com o aumento do número da amostra poderemos obter dados mais consistentes.