Abstract Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the association between iron deficiency anemia and sleep duration in the first year of life. Methods: A total of 123 infants were investigated, with sleep being evaluated at 3, 6, and 12 months of age and anemia at birth and 6 months. The cutoff points for anemia and short sleep duration were hemoglobin <11 g/dL (at birth and/or 6 months) and <10 h (at 3, 6, and 12 months), respectively. The comparison of the average sleep time between infants with and without anemia was performed using the Student’s t-test, and logistic regression models were also used to verify differences in the sleep duration (short/not short) between the groups. Linear regression analyses were conducted to determine the association between sleep duration and hemoglobin values. The analyses were adjusted for potential confounders. Results: Children with anemia were more likely to be short sleepers [odds ratio (95% confidence interval (CI)): 4.02 (1.02–15.76); p≤0.05], and for each unit increase in hemoglobin values, the sleep duration increased by 16.2 min [β (95%CI): 0.27 (0.00–0.55); p≤0.05), regardless of family income, maternal schooling, gender, and body mass index at birth. Conclusions: Our results suggest that iron deficiency anemia is associated with short sleep duration in the first year of life and indicate the need for longitudinal investigations, with longer follow-up, to verify the impact of anemia on sleep duration at subsequent ages.

RESUMO Objetivo: Investigar a associação entre a anemia por deficiência de ferro e a duração do sono no primeiro ano de vida. Métodos: Foram avaliadas 123 crianças, sendo o sono investigado aos três, seis e 12 meses de idade e a anemia ao nascimento e aos seis meses. Utilizaram-se como pontos de corte para anemia e curta duração de sono, respectivamente, hemoglobina<11 g/dL (nascimento e/ou seis meses) e tempo total <10 h (3, 6 e/ou 12 meses). A comparação do tempo médio de sono entre as crianças com e sem anemia foi realizada pelo teste t de Student e modelos de regressão logística foram usados para verificar diferenças na duração do sono (curta/não curta) entre os grupos. Análises de regressão linear foram conduzidas para determinar a associação entre a duração do sono e valores de hemoglobina. As análises foram ajustadas para potenciais confundidores. Resultados: As crianças com anemia tiveram maior chance de apresentar curta duração do sono [odds ratio — OR (intervalo de confiança — IC95%): 4,02 (1,02–15,76); p≤0,05]. Para cada unidade de aumento nos valores da hemoglobina, o tempo de sono aumentou em 16,2 min [β (IC95%): 0,27 (0,00–0,55); p≤0,05), independentemente de renda familiar, escolaridade materna, sexo e índice de massa corporal ao nascimento. Conclusões: Nossos resultados sugerem que a anemia ferropriva está associada à curta duração do sono no primeiro ano de vida e indicam a necessidade de investigações longitudinais, com maior tempo de seguimento, para verificar o impacto da anemia na duração do sono em idades subsequentes.

ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate the association between sleep duration, nocturnal awakenings, and sleep latency with body mass index (BMI) at six and 12 months of age. Methods: 179 children from a birth cohort were enrolled. At six and 12 months of age, anthropometric data were obtained using standardized techniques and infants’ mothers answered the Brief Infant Sleep Questionnaire for sleep data. The association of BMI with the independent variables (sleep duration, latency, and nocturnal awakenings) was assessed by linear regression models. Analyses were adjusted for potential confounders and a p-value<0.05 was adopted to define statistical significance. Results: For each additional hour of sleep duration, BMI was reduced by 0.15 kg/m² (95% confidence interval [CI] -0.28; -0.01; p=0.03) and each additional minute of sleep latency increased BMI by 0.01 kg/m² (95%CI -0.00; 0.03; p=0.02). These associations were independent of gestational age, child sex, birth weight, duration of exclusive breastfeeding, smoking during pregnancy, and mother’s BMI, education, and marital status. Nocturnal awakenings showed no association with the outcome. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that sleep duration and sleep latency time are associated with BMI in the first year of life. Insights into the influence of sleep early in life on weight status may be helpful to complement future nutritional recommendations and prevent and treat obesity.

RESUMO Objetivo: Investigar a associação entre duração do sono, despertares noturnos e latência do sono com o índice de massa corporal (IMC) aos seis e 12 meses de idade. Métodos: foram incluídas 179 crianças de uma coorte de nascimentos. Aos seis e 12 meses de idade, dados antropométricos foram obtidos por meio de técnicas padronizadas e as mães dos lactentes responderam ao Brief Infant Sleep Questionnaire para dados do sono. A associação do IMC com as variáveis independentes (duração do sono, latência e despertares noturnos) foi avaliada por modelos de regressão linear. As análises foram ajustadas para potenciais fatores de confusão e o p-valor<0,05 foi adotado para definir a significância estatística. Resultados: Para cada hora adicional de duração do sono, o IMC foi reduzido em 0,15 kg/m² (intervalo de confiança [IC]95% -0,28; -0,01; p=0,03) e cada minuto adicional no tempo de latência resultou em aumento de 0,01 kg/m² (IC95% -0,00; 0,03; p=0,02) no IMC. Essas associações foram independentes da idade gestacional, sexo da criança, peso ao nascer, duração do aleitamento materno exclusivo, tabagismo durante a gravidez e IMC, escolaridade e estado civil da mãe. Os despertares noturnos não apresentaram associação com o desfecho. Conclusões: Nossos achados sugerem que a duração e a latência do sono estão associadas ao IMC no primeiro ano de vida. Informações sobre a influência do sono no início da vida sobre o status do peso podem ser úteis para complementar futuras recomendações nutricionais e prevenir e tratar a obesidade.

Objectives: To re-evaluate a sample of older adults enrolled in a randomized controlled trial of lithium for amnestic mild cognitive impairment (MCI) after 11 to 15 years, re-assessing their current (or last available) global cognitive and functional state. Methods: We recalled all former participants of the Lithium-MCI trial conducted by our group between 2009 and 2012 to perform a single-blinded, cross-sectional evaluation of their global clinical state to compare the long-term outcome of those who received lithium vs. those who received placebo. Results: Of the original sample (n=61), we were able to reach 36 participants (59% of retention), of whom 22 had previously received lithium (61% of the recall sample) and 14 (39%) had received placebo. Since 30.5% of the recalled sample was deceased, psychometric data were collected only for 69.5% of the participants. We found statistically significant differences in current mean Mini Mental State Examination score according to previous treatment group (25.5 [SD, 5.3] vs. 18.3 [SD, 10.9], p = 0.04). The lithium group also had better performance in the phonemic Verbal Fluency Test than the control group (34.4 [SD, 14.4] vs. 11.6 [SD, 10.10], p < 0.001). Differences in these measures also had large effect sizes, as shown by Cohen’s d values of 0.92 and 1.78, respectively. Conclusion: This data set suggests that older adults with amnestic MCI who had been treated with lithium during a previous randomized controlled trial had a better long-term global cognitive outcome than those from a matched sample who did not receive the intervention.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Identificar características relacionadas ao estilo de vida, sociodemográficas e saúde mental de pessoas com sintomas de insônia e pessoas sem insônia durante a pandemia. MÉTODOS A partir de dados coletados por amostragem em bola de neve, por meio de um questionário online foi realizado um estudo caso-controle. Durante o período de novembro de 2020 a abril de 2021, 6.360 pessoas com idade média de 43,5 anos (DP = 14,3) participaram da pesquisa. No presente estudo, foram considerados 158 casos de transtorno de insônia e 476 controles (três controles por caso) selecionados aleatoriamente dentre os participantes sem problemas de sono. RESULTADOS Os resultados da análise comparativa entre casos e controles mostraram que dormir menos de seis horas diárias (OR = 3,89; IC95% 2,50–6,05), sentir tristeza frequentemente (OR = 2,95; IC95% 1,69–5,17), residir em metrópoles (OR = 1,71; IC95% 1,04–2,84), estar com 40 anos ou mais (OR = 1,93; IC95% 1,22–3,06) e a interação entre ocupação e escolaridade mais precária (OR = 2,12; IC95% 1,22–3,69) foram fatores preditores para sintomas de transtorno de insônia durante a pandemia. CONCLUSÕES Além da confirmação da hipótese de que problemas de saúde mental estão associados a sintomas de insônia, os resultados apontam para a insônia como um desfecho importante para estudos sobre efeitos do desemprego, vulnerabilidade e baixa escolaridade da população, sobretudo nas grandes metrópoles, ressaltando que os efeitos da crise sobre a saúde e a economia são distribuídos de forma extremamente desiguais.

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To identify lifestyle-related, sociodemographic, and mental health characteristics of people with insomnia symptoms and people without insomnia during the pandemic. METHODS A case-control study was conducted with data collected by snowball sampling using an online questionnaire. From November 2020 to April 2021, 6,360 people with a mean age of 43.5 years (SD = 14.3) participated in the survey. For this study, we considered 158 cases of insomnia disorder and 476 controls (three controls per case) randomly selected from the participants without sleep problems. RESULTS The results of the comparative analysis between cases and controls showed that sleeping less than six hours daily (OR = 3.89; 95%CI 2.50–6.05), feeling sadness frequently (OR = 2.95; 95%CI 1.69–5.17), residing in metropolitan areas (OR = 1.71; 95%CI 1.04–2.84), being 40 years or older (OR = 1.93; 95%CI 1.22–3.06), and the interaction between occupation and poorer education (OR = 2.12; 95%CI 1.22–3.69) were predictors for symptoms of insomnia disorder during the pandemic. CONCLUSIONS In addition to confirming the hypothesis that mental health problems are associated with insomnia symptoms, the results point to insomnia as an important outcome for studies on the effects of unemployment, vulnerability and low education of the population, especially in large cities, highlighting that the effects of the crisis on health and the economy are extremely unequally distributed.

Abstract Objective: Due to the high cost and short term of passive immunization against the respiratory syncytial virus, the main virus causing acute viral bronchiolitis, predicting epidemic regions and epidemic months is extremely important. The objective of this study is to identify both the month when the seasonal peak begins and Brazilian regions and states with the highest incidence of monthly hospitalizations due acute viral bronchiolitis. Methods: Based on data obtained from DATASUS, monthly hospitalization rates due acute viral bronchiolitis were calculated for every 10,000 live births to children under 12 months of age in all Brazilian states and the Federal District between 2000 and 2019. Seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average models were estimated to forecast monthly hospitalization rates in 2020. Results: A higher incidence of hospitalizations was found for male children, especially under six months of age. As for Brazilian regions, between 2000 and 2019, the South region registered the highest incidence of hospitalizations, followed by the Southeast, Midwest, North and Northeast regions, in this order. Considering the seasonal peak, the period between March and July 2020 comprised the highest expected hospitalization rates. Conclusions: Palivizumab is suggested to be started between February/March and June/July for most Brazilian states, with the exception of Rio Grande do Sul, which, in addition to presenting the highest rates of hospitalizations for acute viral bronchiolitis per 10,000 live births, has the longest seasonal peak between May and September.

RESUMO Objetivo: Em razão do alto custo e do curto prazo da imunização passiva contra o vírus sincicial respiratório, principal vírus causador de bronquiolite viral aguda, a previsão das regiões e meses epidêmicos é extremamente importante. Objetiva-se identificar o mês de início do pico sazonal e as regiões e Estados brasileiros de maior incidência de hospitalizações mensais por bronquiolite viral aguda. Métodos: Com dados obtidos no Departamento de Informática do Sistema Único de Saúde do Brasil, foram calculadas as taxas mensais de hospitalizações por bronquiolite viral aguda a cada 10 mil nascidos vivos de crianças com idade inferior a 12 meses, em todos os Estados brasileiros e no Distrito Federal, no período entre 2000 e 2019. Modelos sazonais autorregressivos integrados e de médias móveis foram estimados para a previsão das taxas mensais de hospitalizações em 2020. Resultados: Verificou-se maior incidência de hospitalizações em crianças do sexo masculino, principalmente naquelas com idade inferior a seis meses. Em relação às regiões brasileiras, entre 2000 e 2019, a Região Sul apresentou a maior incidência de hospitalizações, seguida pelas Regiões Sudeste, Centro-Oeste, Norte e Nordeste, respectivamente. Quanto ao pico sazonal, o período entre março e julho de 2020 compreende as maiores taxas de hospitalizações previstas. Conclusões: Sugere-se o início da administração do Palivizumab entre fevereiro/março e junho/julho para a maioria dos Estados brasileiros, com exceção do Rio Grande do Sul, que, além de apresentar as maiores taxas de hospitalizações por bronquiolite viral aguda a cada 10.000 nascidos vivos, possui o pico sazonal de maior duração entre maio e setembro.

ABSTRACT Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the laboratory performance of periostin associated with a panel of biomarkers to identify the inflammatory phenotype of Brazilian asthma patients. Methods: We evaluated 103 Brazilian individuals, including 37 asthmatics and 66 nonasthmatic controls. Both groups underwent analyses for serum periostin, eosinophil levels in the peripheral blood, the fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), total serum IgE, urinary leukotriene E4, and serum cytokines. Results: Higher levels of periostin (p = 0.005), blood eosinophils (p = 0.012), FeNO (p = 0.001), total IgE (p < 0.001), and IL-6 (p ≤ 0.001) were found in the asthmatic patients than the controls. Biomarker analyses by the ROC curve showed an AUC greater than 65%. Periostin (OR: 12,550; 95% CI: 2,498-63,063) and IL-6 (OR: 7,249; 95% CI: 1,737-30,262) revealed to be suitable asthma inflammation biomarkers. Blood eosinophils, FeNO, total IgE, IL-6, TNF, and IFN-g showed correlations with clinical severity characteristics in asthmatic patients. Periostin showed higher values in T2 asthma (p = 0.006) and TNF in non-T2 asthma (p = 0.029). Conclusion: The panel of biomarkers proposed for the identification of the inflammatory phenotype of asthmatic patients demonstrated good performance. Periostin proved to be an important biomarker for the identification of T2 asthma.

RESUMO Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi de avaliar o desempenho laboratorial da periostina associada a um painel de biomarcadores para identificar o fenótipo inflamatório de pacientes brasileiros com asma. Métodos: Foram avaliados 103 indivíduos brasileiros, incluindo 37 asmáticos e 66 controles não asmáticos. Ambos os grupos foram submetidos a análises de periostina sérica, níveis de eosinófilos no sangue periférico, a fração exalada de óxido nítrico (FeNO), IgE sérica total, leucotrieno E4 urinário e citocinas séricas. Resultados: Maiores níveis de periostina (p = 0,005), eosinófilos periféricos (p = 0,012), FeNO (p = 0,001), IgE total (p < 0,001) e IL-6 (p ≤ 0,001) foram encontrados nos pacientes asmáticos do que nos controles. As análises de biomarcadores pela curva ROC mostraram uma AUC superior a 65%. A periostina (OR: 12.550; IC 95%: 2.498-63.063) e a IL-6 (OR: 7.249; IC 95%: 1.737-30.262) se mostraram biomarcadores adequados da inflamação da asma. Eosinófilos periféricos, FeNO, IgE total, IL-6, TNF e IFN-g apresentaram correlação com características clínicas de gravidade em pacientes asmáticos. A periostina teve valores mais elevados na asma T2 (p = 0,006) e o TNF na asma não T2 (p = 0,029). Conclusão: O painel de biomarcadores proposto para a identificação do fenótipo inflamatório de pacientes asmáticos demonstrou bom desempenho. A periostina provou ser um importante biomarcador para a identificação da asma T2.

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To identify lifestyle-related, sociodemographic, and mental health characteristics of people with insomnia symptoms and people without insomnia during the pandemic. METHODS A case-control study was conducted with data collected by snowball sampling using an online questionnaire. From November 2020 to April 2021, 6,360 people with a mean age of 43.5 years (SD = 14.3) participated in the survey. For this study, we considered 158 cases of insomnia disorder and 476 controls (three controls per case) randomly selected from the participants without sleep problems. RESULTS The results of the comparative analysis between cases and controls showed that sleeping less than six hours daily (OR = 3.89; 95%CI 2.50–6.05), feeling sadness frequently (OR = 2.95; 95%CI 1.69–5.17), residing in metropolitan areas (OR = 1.71; 95%CI 1.04–2.84), being 40 years or older (OR = 1.93; 95%CI 1.22–3.06), and the interaction between occupation and poorer education (OR = 2.12; 95%CI 1.22–3.69) were predictors for symptoms of insomnia disorder during the pandemic. CONCLUSIONS In addition to confirming the hypothesis that mental health problems are associated with insomnia symptoms, the results point to insomnia as an important outcome for studies on the effects of unemployment, vulnerability and low education of the population, especially in large cities, highlighting that the effects of the crisis on health and the economy are extremely unequally distributed.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Identificar características relacionadas ao estilo de vida, sociodemográficas e saúde mental de pessoas com sintomas de insônia e pessoas sem insônia durante a pandemia. MÉTODOS A partir de dados coletados por amostragem em bola de neve, por meio de um questionário online foi realizado um estudo caso-controle. Durante o período de novembro de 2020 a abril de 2021, 6.360 pessoas com idade média de 43,5 anos (DP = 14,3) participaram da pesquisa. No presente estudo, foram considerados 158 casos de transtorno de insônia e 476 controles (três controles por caso) selecionados aleatoriamente dentre os participantes sem problemas de sono. RESULTADOS Os resultados da análise comparativa entre casos e controles mostraram que dormir menos de seis horas diárias (OR = 3,89; IC95% 2,50–6,05), sentir tristeza frequentemente (OR = 2,95; IC95% 1,69–5,17), residir em metrópoles (OR = 1,71; IC95% 1,04–2,84), estar com 40 anos ou mais (OR = 1,93; IC95% 1,22–3,06) e a interação entre ocupação e escolaridade mais precária (OR = 2,12; IC95% 1,22–3,69) foram fatores preditores para sintomas de transtorno de insônia durante a pandemia. CONCLUSÕES Além da confirmação da hipótese de que problemas de saúde mental estão associados a sintomas de insônia, os resultados apontam para a insônia como um desfecho importante para estudos sobre efeitos do desemprego, vulnerabilidade e baixa escolaridade da população, sobretudo nas grandes metrópoles, ressaltando que os efeitos da crise sobre a saúde e a economia são distribuídos de forma extremamente desiguais.

Abstract The current work intends to give visibility to the story of a poor black woman, who has broken the triple oppression related to her gender, color, and social status, as well as breaking the constraints of social representations that impose career choices based on their gender. Thereby, this article introduces the first PhD in Mathematics from Bahia, and one of the firsts in Brazil, the PhD in algebra – Eliza Maria Ferreira Veras da Silva – a woman who can be recognized as a “black warrior”. Therefore, semi-structured interviews were conducted with the Professor, which were submitted to the analytical method of speech according to the French standard. The analysis revealed discursive practices that passed through the daily known mathematics, besides the resistance methods used by her in an academic field still androcentric. Thus, showing the journey of a poor black woman, who stood out in the mathematics field, contributes a lot to recognize and appreciate the scientist, as well as reveals an important reference to the new generations of women, who aspire to join the mathematics field.

Resumo O presente trabalho pretende dar visibilidade à história de uma mulher negra e pobre que quebrou a tríplice opressão decorrente do seu gênero, sua cor e sua classe social, bem como rompeu os condicionantes das representações sociais que impõem escolhas de carreiras de acordo com o gênero. A análise se apoia nos Estudos Feministas da Ciência e da Tecnologia, bem como em reflexões articuladas às questões econômicas e raciais. Assim, este artigo apresenta a primeira doutora em Matemática da Bahia e uma das primeiras do Brasil, a doutora em Álgebra Eliza Maria Ferreira Veras da Silva – uma mulher que pode ser reconhecida como uma “guerreira negra”. Para tanto, foram realizadas entrevistas semiestruturadas com a professora, as quais foram submetidas ao método de análise do discurso de acordo com a linha francesa. A análise revelou as práticas discursivas que atravessaram o cotidiano da referida matemática, além das formas de resistência utilizadas por ela em um campo acadêmico ainda androcêntrico. Desse modo, apresentar a trajetória de uma mulher negra e pobre que se destacou na área da Matemática tanto contribui para o reconhecimento e valorização da cientista, como revela um referencial importante para as novas gerações de mulheres que almejam ingressar no campo da Matemática.

ABSTRACT The Heart Failure (HF) is responsible for a large number of hospitalizations in Brazil, but there is still a considerable gap in the scrutiny of the public health system (SUS) regarding the quality of care provided. Objective: to describe the methodology used in the VICTIM-CHF study, which aims to characterize and compare the nutritional, clinical, lifestyle, treatment received, outcomes, as well as the possible disparities observed among patients in Brazil. Methodology: This is a cross-sectional, descriptive and prospective study, carried out with patients with heart failure (HF) admitted to 4 hospitals in Sergipe, Brazil. Clinical, sociodemographic, nutritional, quality of life and outcomes (death and readmission) parameters will be investigated up to 30 days after hospital discharge. Preliminary results of ten volunteers: 70% were male, 60% adults. The most frequent etiology was ischemic (50%), 50% had HF with preserved ejection fraction (EF) and the remainder, with intermediate EF. Malnutrition, according to BMI, was present in 20% and the hospital stay was significantly (p= 0.036) longer in SUS users. Conclusion: The VICTIM-CHF Registry aims to identify opportunities for improvement in the line of care for HF users of the SUS and the supplementary health system. It is hoped that the findings of this investigation can help to optimize the strategic planning of more efficient and equitable health policies.

RESUMO A Insuficiência Cardíaca (IC) é responsável por um grande número de internações no Brasil, mas ainda existe considerável lacuna escrutinizando o sistema de saúde pública (SUS) no tocante a qualidade assistencial praticada. Objetivo: descrever a metodologia empregada no estudo VICTIM-CHF que tem como objetivo caracterizar e comparar os aspectos nutricionais, clínicos, estilo de vida, tratamento recebido, desfechos, bem como as possíveis disparidades observadas entre os pacientes Brasil, mas ainda existe considerável lacuna escrutinizando o sistema de saúde pública (SUS) no tocante a qualidade assistencial praticada. Métodologia: Trata-se de estudo transversal, descritivo e prospective, realizado com portadores de insuficiência cardíaca (IC), internados em 4 hospitais de Sergipe, Brasil. Serão investigados parâmetros clínicos, sociodemográficos, nutricionais, qualidade de vida e desfechos (morte e reinternação) até 30 dias após a alta hospitalar. Resultados preliminaries de dez voluntários: 70% eram do sexo masculine, sendo 60% adultos. A etiologia mais frequente foi a isquêmica (50%), 50% exibia IC pcom fração de ejeção (FE) preservada e o restante, com FE intermediária. Desnutrição, segundo o IMC, esteve presente em 20% e o período de internação foi, significativamente (p= 0,036) superior nos usuários do SUS. Conclusão: O Registro VICTIM-CHF visa identificar oportunidades de melhoria na linha de cuidado para a IC de usuários do SUS e do Sistema de saúde suplementar. Espera-se que os achados desta investigação possam ajudar a otimizar o planejamento estratégico de políticas de saúde mais eficientes e equânimes.

ABSTRACT Technological advances have demonstrated the need for intellectual property rights, and patent granting is one of its most widespread forms. This includes the protection of inoculant formulations for agriculture, in which Brazil is a leader. This study aimed to analyze the number of patents for formulations of biological inoculants for agriculture in Brazil and the microorganisms used. An advanced search was performed in the National Institute of Industrial Property database, using the title and abstract fields. The indexers included inoculant, bioinoculant, endophyte, endophytic, fungus, bacteria, Rhizobium, Azospirillum and Gluconacetobacter. The inoculant formulation patents were grouped by the number of files per decade, number of patents per holder(s), characterization of granted patents, international patent classification, and main genera of fungi and bacteria used in inoculant formulations per decade. The number of patents filed for inoculant formulations in the last four decades increased from 7 in the first decade (1981–1990) to 37 from 2011–2020. In the first decades of study, the use of Rhizobium in inoculants stood out, followed by other genera of fungi and bacteria. However, most inoculant patent applications are still denied, considering data from 1981 to 2020. This may be partially due to the low reproducibility of inoculant results, as microorganism activity is highly affected by climate, soil, plant cultivars and crop management. The percentage of acceptance equal to or higher than 50 % in the number of applied patents for using endophytic microorganisms may be because this group of microorganisms acts mainly inside plants and is thus more protected from the influence of climate and some soil and management factors. The growing number of patent applications in the last 40 years demonstrates the business and technological development interest in inoculants in Brazil.

Abstract In the present study, we evaluated the physicochemical characteristics (color, humidity, soluble solids, free acidity, pH, ash content, carbohydrate content, and 5-HMF) and antioxidant activity (Folin-Ciocalteu reagent and DPPH free radical scavenging) of honey samples produced by different species of Meliponinae subfamily (n = 16) and A. mellifera (n = 16) from the Eastern Brazilian Amazon region. Considering global averages, the stingless-bee honey had high acidity (93.45 mEq kg-1), high humidity (27.43%), low content of reducing sugars (55.65%), and darker colors (Pfund scale – 162.17 mm), when compared with A. mellifera honey (62.96 mEq kg-1, 19.35%, 65.70% and 68.43 mm for the respective parameters). Furthermore, more than 50% of samples of stingless-bee honey had values of 5-HMF above that proposed by Codex Alimentarius (max. 80 mg kg-1). The two types of honey investigated showed similar results for total phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity. The principal component analysis (PCA) of the physicochemical characteristics of the honey samples, showed that the A. mellifera samples formed a differentiated group, while the multi-species Meliponinae samples were more scattered along the PCA axes. The distinctive characteristics of stingless-bee honey compared to A. mellifera honey produced in the same region, reinforces the need for specific regulations for honey produced by stingless-bees.

ABSTRACT Background: Microscopy and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) are routinely used for Cryptosporidium diagnosis, without differentiating the parasite species. Methods: Children’s feces were analyzed by modified Ziehl-Neelsen (mZN) and ELISA for Cryptosporidium diagnosis and by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism for species identification. Results: Cryptosporidium frequency was 2.6%. The sensitivity and specificity of ELISA were 85.7% and 99.7%, respectively, with excellent concordance with mZN (kappa=0.854). Parasite species were characterized as Cryptosporidium hominis (78.3%), Cryptosporidium felis (17.4%), and Cryptosporidium parvum (4.3%). Conclusions: Coproantigen ELISA is as efficient as mZN for Cryptosporidium diagnosis. Cryptosporidium genotyping suggests anthroponotic and zoonotic transmission to children.

Abstract Background The relationship between Multidrug Resistant-Gram Negative Bacteria (MDR-GNB) infection and colonization in critically ill COVID-19 patients has been observed, however, it is still poorly understood. This study evaluated the risk factors for acquiring MDR-GNB in patients with severe COVID-19 in Intensive Care Units (ICU). Methods This is a nested case-control study in a cohort of 400 adult patients (≥ 18 years old) with COVID-19, hospitalized in the ICU of 4 hospitals in the city of Curitiba, Brazil. Cases were critical COVID-19 patients with one or more MDR GNB from any surveillance and/or clinical cultures were taken during their ICU stay. Controls were patients from the same units with negative cultures for MDR-GNB. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were done. Results Sixty-seven cases and 143 controls were included. Independent risk factors for MDR bacteria were: male gender (OR = 2.6; 95% CI 1.28‒5.33; p = 0.008); the hospital of admission (OR = 3.24; 95% CI 1.39‒7.57; p = 0.006); mechanical ventilation (OR = 25.7; 95% CI 7.26‒91; p < 0.0001); and desaturation on admission (OR = 2.6; 95% CI 1.27‒5.74; p = 0.009). Conclusions Male gender, desaturation, mechanical ventilation, and the hospital of admission were the independent factors associated with MDR-GNB in patients in the ICU with COVID-19. The only modifiable factor was the hospital of admission, where a newly opened hospital posed a higher risk. Therefore, coordinated actions toward a better quality of care for critically ill COVID-19 patients are essential.