A Simple and Fast Method for the Production and Characterization of Methylic and Ethylic Biodiesels from Tucum Oil via an Alkaline Route

A simple, fast, and complete route for the production of methylic and ethylic biodiesel from tucum oil is described. Aliquots of the oil obtained directly from pressed tucum (pulp and almonds) were treated with potassium methoxide or ethoxide at 40°C for 40 min. The biodiesel form was removed from the reactor and washed with 0.1 M HCl aqueous solution. A simple distillation at 100°C was carried out in order to remove water and alcohol species from the biodiesel. The oxidative stability index was obtained for the tucum oil as well as the methylic and ethylic biodiesel at 6.13, 2.90, and 2.80 h, for storage times higher than 8 days. Quality control of the original oil and of the methylic and ethylic biodiesels, such as the amount of glycerin produced during the transesterification process, was accomplished by the TLC, GC-MS, and FT-IR techniques. The results obtained in this study indicate a potential biofuel production by simple treatment of tucum, an important Amazonian fruit

MAGNITUDE AND SEVERITY OF COVID-19 AMONG NURSING PROFESSIONALS IN BRAZIL

Objetivo: avaliar a tendência, magnitude e severidade da COVID-19 em profissionais de enfermagem segundo os estados brasileiros e macrorregiões.Métodos: estudo ecológico de séries temporais e abordagem espacial. Foram levantados os casos e óbitos, no período de 20/03/2020 a 31/05/2020, disponibilizados pelo Observatório de Enfermagem do Conselho Federal de Enfermagem.Resultados: foram notificados 6149 casos e 138 óbitos de COVID-19 entre profissionais de enfermagem; observou-se tendência de crescimento progressivo de casos e mortes em todas as macrorregiões. Foi identificado um aglomerado de alto risco para ocorrência da doença entre profissionais no Amazonas, e um para mortalidade nos estados do Pará e Amapá.Conclusão: o estudo evidenciou tendências crescentes e áreas de risco por COVID-19, observandose perfil diferenciado entre as regiões, o que se deve às medidas adotadas nas instituições para proteção dos seus trabalhadores. Objective: to evaluate the trend, magnitude and severity of COVID-19 in Nursing professionals according to the Brazilian states and macro-regions.Methods: an ecological study of time series and with a spatial approach. Cases and deaths were surveyed from 03/20/2020 to 05/31/2020, made available by the Nursing Observatory of the Federal Nursing Council.Results: a total of 6,149 cases and 138 deaths due to COVID-19 were reported amongNursing professionals; a trend of progressive growth of cases and deaths was observed in all macro-regions. A high risk cluster for the occurrence of the disease was identified among professionals in the Amazonas, and another for mortality in the states of Pará and Amapá.Conclusion: the study showed growing trends and areas of risk by COVID-19, observing a different profile across the regions, which is due to the measures adopted in the institutions to protect their Nursing workers.Objetivo: evaluar la tendencia, magnitud y gravedad del COVID-19 en profesionales de Enfermería de acuerdo con los estados y las macro-regiones de Brasil.Métodos: estudio ecológico de series temporales y con enfoque espacial. Se relevaron los casos y los fallecimientos durante el período del 20/03/2020 al 31/05/2020, puestos a disposición por el Observatorio de Enfermería del Consejo Federal de Enfermería.Resultados: se notificaron 6149 casos y 138 fallecimientos por COVID-19 entre profesionales de Enfermería; se observó una tendencia de aumento progresivo de casos y fallecimientos en todas las macro-regiones. Se identificó una región de concentración de alto riesgo de incidencia de la enfermedad entre los profesionales en el Amazonas, así como también de mortalidad en los estados de Pará y Amapá. Conclusión: el estudio puso en evidencia tendencias de aumento y áreas de riesgo por COVID-19, observándose un perfil diferenciado entre las regiones, lo que se debe a las medidas adoptadas en las instituciones para proteger a sus trabajadores de Enfermería

Identifying Hotspots of People Diagnosed of Tuberculosis with Addiction to Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs through a Geospatial Intelligence Application in Communities from Southern Brazil

Publisher Copyright: © 2022 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.(1) Background: tuberculosis (TB) is considered one of the leading causes of death world-wide by a single infectious agent. This study aimed to identify hotspots of people diagnosed with tuberculosis and abusive use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs in communities through a geospa-tial intelligence application; (2) Methods: an ecological study with a spatio-temporal approach. We considered tuberculosis cases diagnosed and registered in the Notifiable Diseases Information System, which presented information on alcoholism, smoking, and drug abuse. Spatial Variations in Temporal Trends (SVTT) and scan statistics were applied for the identification of Hotspots; (3) Results: between the study period, about 29,499 cases of tuberculosis were reported. When we applied the SVTT for alcoholism, three Hotspots were detected, one of which was protective (RR: 0.08–CI95%: 0.02–0.32) and two at risk (RR: 1.42–CI95%: 1.11–1.73; RR: 1.39–CI95%: 1.28–1.50). Regarding smoking, two risk clusters were identified (RR: 1.15–CI95%: 1.01–1.30; RR: 1.68–CI95%: 1.54–1.83). For other drugs, a risk cluster was found (RR: 1.13–CI95%: 0.99–1.29) and two protections (RR: 0.70–CI95%: 0.63–0.77; RR: 0.76–CI95%: 0.65–0.89); (4) Conclusion: it was evidenced that in the communities being studied, there exists a problem of TB with drug addiction. The disordered use of these substances may harm a person’s brain and behavior and lead to an inability to continue their treatment, putting the community at further risk for TB.publishersversionpublishe

Impacto do teste rápido molecular GeneXpert® MTB/RIF na detecção da tuberculose: tendências temporais e territórios vulneráveis

Objetivo: evaluar el impacto de la prueba rápida molecular GeneXpert® MTB/RIF en la detección de tuberculosis, analizar la tendencia temporal del evento e identificar territorios vulnerables en un municipio brasileño. Método: estudio ecológico realizado en Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brasil, municipio considerado prioritario en el control de la tuberculosis por el elevado número de casos. Se utilizó el método de Prais-Winsten para clasificar la tendencia temporal y la técnica de Series de Tiempo Interrumpidas para identificar cambios en la incidencia de la enfermedad. Se aplicó un análisis de intensidad de Kernel para identificar áreas vulnerables. Resultados: la tendencia temporal de la tuberculosis disminuyó un 18,1%/año y un 6,9%/año en los menores de 15 años. La incidencia de tuberculosis disminuyó un 6,67%/año en el Distrito Norte y aumentó un 17,5%/año en el Distrito Este. La tuberculosis resistente, después de la implementación de la Prueba Molecular Rápida, aumentó un 0,6% anual. Los Distritos Sur y Oeste presentaron una mayor densidad de casos, con un rango de 45 a 79 casos de tuberculosis por kilómetros cuadrados (km2). Conclusión: aunque la tuberculosis resistente no representa un problema en el escenario, el estudio mostró un aumento en la incidencia, lo que genera una señal de alerta. El uso del análisis espacial permitió identificar áreas prioritarias, para que puedan llevarse a cabo acciones de vigilancia en salud.Objective: to assess the impact of the GeneXpert® MTB/RIF rapid molecular test on tuberculosis detection, to analyze the temporal trend of the event and to identify vulnerable territories in a Brazilian municipality. Method: an ecological study carried out in Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil, a municipality considered a priority in tuberculosis control due to the high number of cases. To classify the temporal trend, the Prais-Winsten method and the Interrupted Time Series were used to identify changes in the disease incidence. Kernel intensity analysis was applied to identify vulnerable areas. Results: the temporal trend of tuberculosis decreased by 18.1%/year and by 6.9%/year for children under 15 years old. The North District decreased by 6.67%/year and the East District increased by 17.5%/year in the incidence of tuberculosis. Resistant tuberculosis, after the implementation of the Rapid Molecular Test, increased by 0.6% per year. The South and West Districts showed a higher density of cases, with a range from 45 to 79 tuberculosis cases per square kilometer (km2). Conclusion: although resistant tuberculosis is not a problem in the scenario, the study showed an increase in its incidence, which puts it on alert. The use of spatial analysis enabled the identification of priority areas, putting them in evidence for health surveillance actions.Objetivo: avaliar o impacto do teste rápido molecular GeneXpert® MTB/RIF na detecção da tuberculose, analisar a tendência temporal do evento e identificar territórios vulneráveis em município brasileiro. Método: estudo ecológico realizado em Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brasil, município considerado prioritário no controle da tuberculose devido ao elevado número de casos. Para classificar a tendência temporal foi utilizado o método de Prais-Winsten e a Série Temporal Interrompida para identificar mudanças na incidência da doença. Aplicou-se a análise de intensidade de Kernel para a identificação de áreas vulneráveis. Resultados: a tendência temporal da tuberculose apresentou decréscimo de 18,1%/ano e de 6,9%/ano em menores de 15 anos. O Distrito Norte apresentou decréscimo de 6,67%/ano e o Distrito Leste crescimento de 17,5%/ano, na incidência de tuberculose. A tuberculose resistente, após a implementação do teste rápido molecular, apresentou aumento de 0,6% por ano. Os Distritos Sul e Oeste apresentaram maior densidade de casos, com variação de 45 a 79 casos de tuberculose por quilômetro quadrado (km2). Conclusão: apesar da tuberculose resistente não ser um problema no cenário, o estudo evidenciou um crescimento na sua incidência, o que o coloca em estado de alerta. O uso da análise espacial possibilitou a identificação das áreas prioritárias, colocando-as em evidência para ações de vigilância em saúde

Effectiveness and trend forecasting of tuberculosis diagnosis after the introduction of GeneXpert in a city in south-eastern Brazil

Background: To evaluate the effectiveness of a rapid molecular test for the detection of tuberculosis (TB) and to predict the rates of disease in a municipality of Brazil where TB is endemic. Methods: An ecological study was carried out in Ribeirão Preto-SP on a population of TB cases notified between 2006 and 2017. Monthly TB incidence rates and the average monthly percentage change (AMPC) were calculated. In order to identify changes in the series, the breakpoint technique was performed; the rates were modelled and predictions of the incidence of TB until 2025 were made. Results: AMPC showed a fall of 0.69% per month in TB and human immunodeficiency virus (TB-HIV) co-infection, a fall of 0.01% per month in general and lung TB and a fall of 0.33% per month in extrapulmonary TB. With the breakpoint technique, general and pulmonary TB changed in structure in late 2007, and extrapulmonary TB and TB-HIV co-infection changed in structure after 2014, which is considered the cut-off point. The IMA(3) models were adjusted for general and pulmonary TB and TB-HIV co-infection, and the AR(5) models for extrapulmonary TB, and predictions were performed. Conclusions: The rapid molecular test for TB is the method currently recommended by the WHO for the diagnosis of the disease and its main advantage is to provide faster, more accurate results and to already check for drug resistance. It is necessary that professionals encourage the use of this technology in order to optimize the diagnosis so that the treatment begins as quickly as possible and in an effective way. Only by uniting professionals from all areas with health policies aimed at early case identification and rapid treatment initiation it is possible to break the chain of TB transmission so that its rates decrease and the goals proposed by the WHO are achieved

COBERTURA DE TRATAMIENTO DIRECTAMENTE OBSERVADO SEGÚN RIESGO DE COINFECCIÓN TB/VIH Y DESENLACES DESFAVORABLES

Objetivo: Analizar la cobertura del tratamiento directamente observado según el riesgo decoinfección tuberculosis/virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana y desenlaces desfavorables.Método: Estudio ecológico con datos secundarios relacionados con los 10.389 nuevos casosde coinfección informados en el estado de São Paulo de 2010 a 2015. Datos analizadosmediante Índice Local de Moran, estadística de muestreo espacial y Modelos BayesianosJerárquicos.Resultados: La región metropolitana de São Paulo y Baixada Santista concentraron mayorincidencia de coinfección y abandono del tratamiento. La baja cobertura de tratamientodirectamente observado estuvo asociada a las áreas con riesgo de coinfección y mayorgrado de abandono. El Municipio de São Paulo, la región litoral y el área de Ribeirão Pretoexpresaron mayor incidencia de decesos, no relacionándose ello con la cobertura deltratamiento directamente observado.Conclusión: La baja cobertura de tratamiento directamente observado mostró asociación conmayor riesgo de coinfección y abandono del tratamiento.Objetivo: analisar a cobertura do tratamento diretamente observado segundo o risco de coinfecçãotuberculose/vírus da imunodeficiência humana e desfechos desfavoráveis.Método: estudo ecológico com dados secundários relacionados aos 10.389 casos novos decoinfecção notificados no estado de São Paulo de 2010 a 2015. Dados analisados pelo Índice Localde Moran, estatística de varredura espacial e Modelos Bayesianos Hierárquicos.Resultados: região metropolitana de São Paulo e Baixada Santista concentraram maior incidênciade coinfecção e abandono ao tratamento. Baixa cobertura de tratamento diretamente observadoesteve associada aos territórios em risco para a coinfecção e maior risco de abandono. Municípiode São Paulo, região litorânea e região de Ribeirão Preto apresentaram maior incidência de óbito,o qual não apresentou relação com a cobertura do tratamento diretamente observado.Conclusão: baixa cobertura de tratamento diretamente observado apresentou associação commaior risco de coinfecção e abandono do tratamento.Objective: To analyze the coverage of directly observed treatment according to the risk oftuberculosis/human immunodeficiency virus coinfection and unfavorable outcomes.Methods: Ecological study with secondary data related to 10,389 new cases of coinfectionnotified in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, from 2010 to 2015. They were analyzed by applyinglocal Moran’s index, spatial scan statistics, and hierarchical Bayesian models.Results: The São Paulo metropolitan area and Baixada Santista concentrate the highestincidence of coinfection and treatment default. Low coverage of directly observed treatmentwas associated with areas at risk for the coinfection and higher withdrawal risk. The city ofSão Paulo, the coastal region, and the Ribeirão Preto area showed a higher incidence ofdeaths, which did not show an association with the coverage of directly observed treatment.Conclusion: Low coverage of directly observed treatment was associated with a higher risk ofcoinfection and treatment default

Analysis of Territories in Extreme Vulnerability and Trends in Southern Brazil

Publisher Copyright: © 2022 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.(1) Background: Tuberculosis presents an epidemiological trend toward inequality, especially among people in social exclusion and situations of vulnerability. This study aimed to analyze territories with a concentration of people diagnosed with tuberculosis in a street situation and who partake in chronic use of alcohol, tobacco, and illicit drugs. We also analyzed trends in this health condition in southern Brazil. (2) Methods: Ecological study, developed in the 399 municipalities of Paraná, southern Brazil, with all tuberculosis cases in the homeless population registered in the Information System of Notifiable Diseases between 2014 and 2018. For data analysis, we used descriptive statistics, the Prais–Winsten autoregression method for the time series, and the Getis-Ord Gi technique* for spatial analysis. (3) Results: in total, 560 cases were reported. We found a predominance of alcohol, smoking, and illicit drug users, with an increasing trend in the state and clusters of spatial risk in the East health macro-region. (4) Conclusions: We observed territories with critical levels of highly vulnerable people who use psychoactive substances and are in a street situation. The results highlight the importance of incorporating public policies of social protection for these individuals and resolutive health services that receive these cases and assist in eradicating TB.publishersversionpublishe

time trends and spatial determinants in Southern Brazil

Publisher Copyright: © 2022, The Author(s).Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis and is a public health problem worldwide. It is estimated that 90% of the patients diagnosed with TB live in vulnerable environments with limited health resources, such as individuals living in correctional facilities. This study aimed to identify the consumption of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs among prisoners diagnosed with TB and the spatial determinants and time trends of the phenomenon in southern Brazil. Methods: A cross-sectional study using data from the Brazilian Notifiable Diseases Information System was carried out. TB cases confirmed from 2014 to 2018 in prisons located in Paraná, Brazil, were selected. The Prais-Winsten procedure was performed to identify time trends by calculating monthly rates and the percentage of monthly variation. The Seasonal-Trend by Loess decomposition method was used to verify the time series and trends. The spatial association was verified with the Getis-Ord Gi* technique, and the risk areas were identified using spatial scan statistics. Results: A total of 1,099 TB cases were found in the studied population. The consumption of tobacco (n = 460; 41.9%), illegal drugs (n = 451; 41.0%), and alcohol (n = 179; 16.3%) stood out. An ascending trend was found for the consumption of alcohol (+ 19.4%/mo. (95%CI: 12.20–23.03)), tobacco (+ 20.2%/mo. (95%CI: 12.20–28.82)), and illegal drugs (+ 62.2%/mo. (95%CI: 44.54–81.97)). Spatial analysis revealed clusters for the use of alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drugs. Conclusions: This study advances knowledge presenting the burden of drug use and its typology among individuals diagnosed with TB in the prison system. There is a growing trend among patients to use drugs, especially illegal drugs. The clusters show differences between the places where the prisons are located.publishersversionpublishe

challenges and strategies for adherence to treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil

Funding Information: The study was supported by the São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP) [Grant 2018/14337–0], the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq) [Grant 130160/2020–2] and Research Productivity Grant from the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq) [Grant 304483/2018–4 - PQ modality (Level 1C)]. Publisher Copyright: © 2021, The Author(s).Background: Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is a serious phenomenon on a global scale that can worsen with the COVID-19 pandemic. The study aimed to understand the perceptions of health professionals about MDR-TB, their strategies to ensure adherence to treatment and their challenges in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic in a priority municipality for disease control. Methods: We conducted a qualitative study and recruited 14 health providers (four doctors, three nurses, three nursing technicians, three nursing assistants and a social worker) working in a city in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Remote semi-structured interviews were conducted with the participants. For data analysis, the thematic content analysis technique was applied according to the study’s theoretical framework. Results: The study revealed the causes of MDR-TB are associated with poverty, vulnerability, and social risk. A pre-judgement from the providers was observed, namely, all patients do not adhere due their resistance and association with drug abuse or alcoholism. The study also observed difficulty among health providers in helping patients reconstruct and reframe their life projects under a care perspective, which would strengthen adherence. Other issues that weakened adherence were the cuts in social protection and the benefits really necessary to the patients and a challenge for the providers manage that. The participants revealed that their actions were impacted by the pandemic and insecurity and fear manifested by patients after acquiring COVID-19. For alleviating this, medical appointments by telephone, delivery of medicine in the homes of patients and visits by health professionals once per week were provided. Conclusion: The study advances knowledge by highlighting the challenges faced by the health system with the adherence of patients with MDR-TB in a context aggravated by the pandemic. An improvement in DOT is really necessary to help the patients reframe their lives without prejudices, face their fears and insecurity, recover their self-esteem and motivate in concluding their treatment.publishersversionpublishe