ABSTRACT Toxoplasmosis is an infection of vast worldwide distribution whose etiologic agent is Toxoplasma gondii. This disease can cause problems ranging from mild symptoms to serious conditions, such as encephalitis, miscarriage and blindness. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to perform a diagnosis with reproducible techniques in order to obtain a good prognosis. The aim of this review was to analyze the efficiency of toxoplasmosis diagnostic techniques based on sensitivity and specificity results. Five research platforms in English language were used (Eric, Elsevier, Google Scholar, PubMed and SciELO), which contained data on the diagnosis of toxoplasmosis. The search and selection were performed for studies published prior to June 2021. The search resulted in the inclusion of 13 articles published from 2005 to 2020. The data revealed the use of different samples in the standardization of techniques such as serum, total blood, colostrum and amniotic fluid. The flow cytometry, lateral flow immunoassay and qPCR techniques showed 100% sensitivity, whereas the ELISA, western blotting, qPCR and RE-LAMP techniques achieved 100% specificity. Significantly, the qPCR and LAMP techniques were more accurate when the likelihood ratio was assessed. The meta-analysis identified that ISAGA and western blotting have low sensitivity values and LIASON, ELFA and ELISA, using a silica bioconjugate, also have low specificity values. It was noted that a wide range of methods have high values of sensitivity and specificity. Therefore, the choice of the method will be based on the conditions and its financial viability.

Abstract The purpose of this study was to isolate Toxoplasma gondii from tissues of free-range chickens in the southwestern region of Goiás, to detect and molecularly characterize the genetic material of the parasite, and to determine the seroprevalence of the protozoan parasite in these animals. A seroprevalence of T. gondii antibodies of 76% (19/25) was found among the chickens, while genetic material from their tissues was detected in 56% (14/25). A total of 14 isolates was obtained in the bioassay, ten of which were considered acute, eight were considered isolates of high virulence lethal to mice, and four of low virulence, considered non-lethal but with the ability to chronify the infection. Seven of the ten isolates showed significant morphometric differences from the RH strain, in terms of nucleus-complex-apical distance, length and width. Genotyping of the acute isolates was performed by RFLP-PCR, using 11 genetic markers: SAG1, SAG2 (3’SAG2 and 5’SAG2), alt.SAG2, SAG3, BTUB, GRA6, c22-8, c29-2, L358, PK1, and APICO. The results were compared and classified according to the genotypes listed on the ToxoDB Platform, where different profiles were observed indicating the presence of two known genotypes (#7 and #63) and five new genotypes (NEW 3, NEW4, NEW5, NEW6, NEW 7). The results showed high seroprevalence, isolation rate, molecular detection and genotypic variations of T. gondii in free-range chickens in the southwestern region of Goiás.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi isolar Toxoplasma gondii de tecidos de galinhas caipiras da região sudoeste de Goiás, detectar e caracterizar molecularmente o material genético do parasito e determinar a soroprevalência do protozoário nestes animais. A soropositividade para anticorpos anti- T. gondii, nas galinhas caipiras, foi de 76% (19/25), enquanto a detecção do material genético dos tecidos foi de 56% (14/25). Por meio do bioensaio foi obtido um total de 14 isolados, sendo 10 agudos, dos quais oito foram considerados isolados de elevada virulência, sendo letais para camundongos; e quatro de baixa virulência, com capacidade de cronificar a infecção, considerados não letais. Em sete dos dez isolados foram identificadas diferenças morfométricas significativas em relação à cepa RH, quanto à distância núcleo-complexo apical, comprimento e largura. A genotipagem dos isolados agudos por RFLP-PCR foi realizada, utilizando-se 11 marcadores genéticos SAG1, SAG2 (3´SAG2 e 5´SAG2), alt.SAG2, SAG3, BTUB, GRA6, c22-8, c29-2, L358, PK1, APICO. Os resultados foram comparados e classificados de acordo com os genótipos presentes na Plataforma ToxoDB, nos quais diferentes perfis foram observados indicando a presença de dois genótipos conhecidos (#7 e #63) e cinco genótipos novos (NEW 3, NEW4, NEW5, NEW6, NEW 7). Os resultados demonstraram elevada soroprevalência, taxa de isolamento, detecção molecular e variações genotípicas de T. gondii em galinhas caipiras da região sudoeste de Goiás.

RESUMO Objetivo A avaliação alimentar e nutricional de crianças pode subsidiar políticas públicas de combate ao sobrepeso e à obesidade precoce. Este estudo desenvolveu e validou um questionário quantitativo de frequência alimentar para avaliação do consumo alimentar de crianças de 7 a 10 anos. Métodos Trata-se de um estudo transversal do desenvolvimento de um questionário de frequência alimentar que avaliou 130 crianças de ambos os sexos com idades entre 7 e 10 anos. Para a lista do questionário, foram selecionados 81 itens alimentares. A validade do instrumento foi avaliada por meio da comparação com recordatórios de 24 horas e a reprodutibilidade foi realizada pela comparação de dois questionários de frequência alimentar. Resultados A maioria dos alimentos com 95% de contribuição relativa foi ultraprocessada, como salgadinhos embalados e suco em pó. Na validação, foram encontrados coeficientes de correlação entre 0,45 (p<0,000) para lipídios e 0,37 (p<0,000) para carboidratos. Um ajuste para energia reduziu as correlações, mas houve um aumento na correlação de cálcio (r=0,75) e retinol (r=0,20). Em termos de reprodutibilidade, todos os macronutrientes e o cálcio apresentaram coeficiente de correlação intraclasse satisfatório (>0,400) e correlações moderadas [proteínas (0,54; p<0,000) e lipídios (0,41; p<0,000)]. Conclusão O questionário de frequência alimentar desenvolvido é válido e foi capaz de avaliar o consumo alimentar local de crianças do Nordeste do Brasil.

ABSTRACT Objective Food and nutritional evaluation of children can support public policies to combat early overweight and obesity. This study developed and validated a quantitative food frequency questionnaire for assessing the dietary intake of children. Methods This is a cross-sectional study of the development of a food frequency questionnaire for 130 children of both genders aged 7 to 10 years old. For the food frequency questionnaire list, 81 food items were selected. The validity of the food frequency questionnaire was evaluated by comparison with 24-hour recalls and reproducibility was performed by comparing two food frequency questionnaires. Results Most of the foods with 95% relative contribution were ultra-processed, such as packaged snacks and powdered juice. In validation, correlation coefficients were found between 0.45 (p<0.000) for lipids and 0.37 (p<0.000) for carbohydrates. An adjustment for energy reduced the correlations, but there was an increase in the correlation in calcium (r=0.75) and retinol (r=0.20). In terms of reproducibility, all macronutrients and calcium showed a satisfactory intraclass correlation coefficient (>0.400) and moderate correlations [proteins (0.54; p<0.000) and lipids (0.41; p<0.000)]. Conclusion The food frequency questionnaire developed was valid and able to assess the local food consumption by children from northeastern Brazil.

resumo Crianças com déficit de crescimento por desnutrição perinatal apresentam especificidades na distribuição do percentual de gordura corporal (%GC) que não puderam ser detectadas por equações anteriores baseadas no %GC. Este estudo desenvolveu e validou equações preditivas do %GC derivadas de variáveis antropométricas em crianças de 7 a 10 anos residentes no Nordeste do Brasil, utilizando como referência a absorciometria radiológica de dupla energia (DXA). Foram utilizados dados de composição corporal de 58 crianças. O DXA foi usado como modelo de referência. Um modelo estatístico de regressão múltipla stepwise (forward) foi usado para desenvolver as equações. A análise de Bland-Altman (IC: 95%), teste t de Student pareado e o coeficiente de correlação intraclasse (CCI) foram utilizados para validar e comparar as equações. Duas novas equações foram desenvolvidas para ambos os sexos: meninos: %GC: 13,642 + (1,527*IMC) + (-0,345*Altura) + (0,875*Tríceps) + (0,290* Circunferência da cintura) e meninas: %GC: - 13,445 + (2,061*coxa). A análise de Bland-Altman mostrou boa concordância, com limites variando de -1,33 a 1,24% para meninos e -3,35 a 4,08% para meninas. O teste t de Student pareado não mostrou diferença entre %GC-DXA e as duas novas equações (p>0,05), e o CCI foi de 0,948 e 0,915, respectivamente.

abstract Children with a deficit of growth because of perinatal malnutrition present specificities in the percentage of body fat (%BF) that could not be detected by previous fat mass-based equations. This study developed and validated predictive equations of the %BF derived from anthropometric variables in children aged 7 to 10 living in Northeast Brazil, using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) as a reference. Body composition data from 58 children were utilized. DXA was used as a reference. A stepwise (forward) multiple regression statistical model was used to develop the new equations. The Bland-Altman analysis (CI: 95%), paired Student's t-test, and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to validate and compare the developed equations. Two new equations were developed for either gender: boys: %BF: 13.642 + (1.527*BMI) + (-0.345*Height) + (0.875*Triceps) + (0.290* Waist Circumference) and girls: %BF: -13.445 + (2.061*Tight). The Bland-Altman analysis showed good agreement, with limits ranging from -1.33 to 1.24% for boys and -3.35 to 4.08% for girls. The paired Student’s t-test showed no difference between %BF-DXA and the two new equations (p> 0.05), and the ICC was 0.948 and 0.915, respectively. DXA-based anthropometric equations provide an accurate and noninvasive method to measure changes in the %BF in children.

OBJECTIVE: Considering the rapid spread of COVID-19, the scientific community has been looking for ways to recognize factors that may interfere with the outcome of viral infection. Despite the lack of studies with the new coronavirus, it is known that adequate serum levels of micronutrients are essential for the organic response to infectious diseases. Thus, we aim to review the effects of vitamin A, D, iron, zinc, or folate deficiency on the prognosis of patients with respiratory infections with manifestations similar to COVID-19 and discuss about supplementation of the nutrients analyzed in this review. METHODS: The search was conducted in the databases PubMed, Lilacs, and SciELO, including observational studies published between 2010-2020, with results for individuals with respiratory tract infections with manifestations similar to COVID-19. RESULTS: Six articles met the inclusion criteria, all of which were related to deficiencies of vitamins A and D. In general, vitamin A deficiency was associated with cough, fever, and greater total respiratory resistance. Regarding vitamin D, the lack of this nutrient led to higher rates of ICU admission, the need for mechanical ventilation, and mortality. Evidence linking specific relationships between nutritional deficiencies and COVID-19 remain lacking due to the small number of studies and heterogeneities in population subgroups. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, deficiencies of vitamins A and D seem to negatively affect the prognosis of respiratory tract infections. Supplementation of these nutrients for prevention or treatment of patients diagnosed with COVID-19 should respect serum levels, nutritional status and housing conditions (e.g.,endemic location) of individuals.