Hypertension is one of the primary modifiable risk factors for morbidity and mortality worldwide, being a major risk factor for coronary artery disease, stroke, and kidney failure. Furthermore, it is highly prevalent, affecting more than one-third of the global population. Blood pressure measurement is a MANDATORY procedure in any medical care setting and is carried out by various healthcare professionals. However, it is still commonly performed without the necessary technical care. Since the diagnosis relies on blood pressure measurement, it is clear how important it is to handle the techniques, methods, and equipment used in its execution with care. It should be emphasized that once the diagnosis is made, all short-term, medium-term, and long-term investigations and treatments are based on the results of blood pressure measurement. Therefore, improper techniques and/or equipment can lead to incorrect diagnoses, either underestimating or overestimating values, resulting in inappropriate actions and significant health and economic losses for individuals and nations. Once the correct diagnosis is made, as knowledge of the importance of proper treatment advances, with the adoption of more detailed normal values and careful treatment objectives towards achieving stricter blood pressure goals, the importance of precision in blood pressure measurement is also reinforced. Blood pressure measurement (described below) is usually performed using the traditional method, the so-called casual or office measurement. Over time, alternatives have been added to it, through the use of semi-automatic or automatic devices by the patients themselves, in waiting rooms or outside the office, in their own homes, or in public spaces. A step further was taken with the use of semi-automatic devices equipped with memory that allow sequential measurements outside the office (ABPM; or HBPM) and other automatic devices that allow programmed measurements over longer periods (HBPM). Some aspects of blood pressure measurement can interfere with obtaining reliable results and, consequently, cause harm in decision-making. These include the importance of using average values, the variation in blood pressure during the day, and short-term variability. These aspects have encouraged the performance of a greater number of measurements in various situations, and different guidelines have advocated the use of equipment that promotes these actions. Devices that perform HBPM or ABPM, which, in addition to allowing greater precision, when used together, detect white coat hypertension (WCH), masked hypertension (MH), sleep blood pressure alterations, and resistant hypertension (RHT) (defined in Chapter 2 of this guideline), are gaining more and more importance. Taking these details into account, we must emphasize that information related to diagnosis, classification, and goal setting is still based on office blood pressure measurement, and for this reason, all attention must be given to the proper execution of this procedure.

La hipertensión arterial (HTA) es uno de los principales factores de riesgo modificables para la morbilidad y mortalidad en todo el mundo, siendo uno de los mayores factores de riesgo para la enfermedad de las arterias coronarias, el accidente cerebrovascular (ACV) y la insuficiencia renal. Además, es altamente prevalente y afecta a más de un tercio de la población mundial. La medición de la presión arterial (PA) es un procedimiento OBLIGATORIO en cualquier atención médica o realizado por diferentes profesionales de la salud. Sin embargo, todavía se realiza comúnmente sin los cuidados técnicos necesarios. Dado que el diagnóstico se basa en la medición de la PA, es claro el cuidado que debe haber con las técnicas, los métodos y los equipos utilizados en su realización. Debemos enfatizar que una vez realizado el diagnóstico, todas las investigaciones y tratamientos a corto, mediano y largo plazo se basan en los resultados de la medición de la PA. Por lo tanto, las técnicas y/o equipos inadecuados pueden llevar a diagnósticos incorrectos, subestimando o sobreestimando valores y resultando en conductas inadecuadas y pérdidas significativas para la salud y la economía de las personas y las naciones. Una vez realizado el diagnóstico correcto, a medida que avanza el conocimiento sobre la importancia del tratamiento adecuado, con la adopción de valores de normalidad más detallados y objetivos de tratamiento más cuidadosos hacia metas de PA más estrictas, también se refuerza la importancia de la precisión en la medición de la PA. La medición de la PA (descrita a continuación) generalmente se realiza mediante el método tradicional, la llamada medición casual o de consultorio. Con el tiempo, se han agregado alternativas a través del uso de dispositivos semiautomáticos o automáticos por parte del propio paciente, en salas de espera o fuera del consultorio, en su propia residencia o en espacios públicos. Se dio un paso más con el uso de dispositivos semiautomáticos equipados con memoria que permiten mediciones secuenciales fuera del consultorio (AMPA; o MRPA) y otros automáticos que permiten mediciones programadas durante períodos más largos (MAPA). Algunos aspectos en la medición de la PA pueden interferir en la obtención de resultados confiables y, en consecuencia, causar daños en las decisiones a tomar. Estos incluyen la importancia de usar valores promedio, la variación de la PA durante el día y la variabilidad a corto plazo. Estos aspectos han alentado la realización de un mayor número de mediciones en diversas situaciones, y diferentes pautas han abogado por el uso de equipos que promuevan estas acciones. Los dispositivos que realizan MRPA o MAPA, que además de permitir una mayor precisión, cuando se usan juntos, detectan la hipertensión de bata blanca (HBB), la hipertensión enmascarada (HM), las alteraciones de la PA durante el sueño y la hipertensión resistente (HR) (definida en el Capítulo 2 de esta guía), están ganando cada vez más importancia. Teniendo en cuenta estos detalles, debemos enfatizar que la información relacionada con el diagnóstico, la clasificación y el establecimiento de objetivos todavía se basa en la medición de la presión arterial en el consultorio, y por esta razón, se debe prestar toda la atención a la ejecución adecuada de este procedimiento.

A hipertensão arterial (HA) é um dos principais fatores de risco modificáveis para morbidade e mortalidade em todo o mundo, sendo um dos maiores fatores de risco para doença arterial coronária, acidente vascular cerebral (AVC) e insuficiência renal. Além disso, é altamente prevalente e atinge mais de um terço da população mundial. A medida da PA é procedimento OBRIGATÓRIO em qualquer atendimento médico ou realizado por diferentes profissionais de saúde. Contudo, ainda é comumente realizada sem os cuidados técnicos necessários. Como o diagnóstico se baseia na medida da PA, fica claro o cuidado que deve haver com as técnicas, os métodos e os equipamentos utilizados na sua realização. Deve-se reforçar que, feito o diagnóstico, toda a investigação e os tratamentos de curto, médio e longo prazos são feitos com base nos resultados da medida da PA. Assim, técnicas e/ou equipamentos inadequados podem levar a diagnósticos incorretos, tanto subestimando quanto superestimando valores e levando a condutas inadequadas e grandes prejuízos à saúde e à economia das pessoas e das nações. Uma vez feito o diagnóstico correto, na medida em que avança o conhecimento da importância do tratamento adequado, com a adoção de valores de normalidade mais detalhados e com objetivos de tratamento mais cuidadosos no sentido do alcance de metas de PA mais rigorosas, fica também reforçada a importância da precisão na medida da PA. A medida da PA (descrita a seguir) é habitualmente feita pelo método tradicional, a assim chamada medida casual ou de consultório. Ao longo do tempo, foram agregadas alternativas a ela, mediante o uso de equipamentos semiautomáticos ou automáticos pelo próprio paciente, nas salas de espera ou fora do consultório, em sua própria residência ou em espaços públicos. Um passo adiante foi dado com o uso de equipamentos semiautomáticos providos de memória que permitem medidas sequenciais fora do consultório (AMPA; ou MRPA) e outros automáticos que permitem medidas programadas por períodos mais prolongados (MAPA). Alguns aspectos na medida da PA podem interferir na obtenção de resultados fidedignos e, consequentemente, causar prejuízo nas condutas a serem tomadas. Entre eles, estão: a importância de serem utilizados valores médios, a variação da PA durante o dia e a variabilidade a curto prazo. Esses aspectos têm estimulado a realização de maior número de medidas em diversas situações, e as diferentes diretrizes têm preconizado o uso de equipamentos que favoreçam essas ações. Ganham cada vez mais espaço os equipamentos que realizam MRPA ou MAPA, que, além de permitirem maior precisão, se empregados em conjunto, detectam a HA do avental branco (HAB), HA mascarada (HM), alterações da PA no sono e HA resistente (HAR) (definidos no Capítulo 2 desta diretriz). Resguardados esses detalhes, devemos ressaltar que as informações relacionadas a diagnóstico, classificação e estabelecimento de metas ainda são baseadas na medida da PA de consultório e, por esse motivo, toda a atenção deve ser dada à realização desse procedimento.

Layered double hydroxides (LDH) with the composition Zn2Cr, intercalated with acetate and chloride ions were synthesized by co-precipitation with increasing pH and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The samples synthesized at optimized pH showed XRD patterns with basal diffraction peaks typical of layered structures, with basal distances of 7.88 and 12.69 Å for intercalated chloride (Zn2Cr/Cl) and acetate (Zn2Cr/Ac), respectively. After optimization experiments, exchange reactions were performed with different anions, using an excess of five times the anions to be intercalated. Zn2Cr/Cl was exchanged with CH3COO-, F-, Br-, I-, SO42- and NO3-, and Zn2Cr/Ac was exchanged with F-, Cl-, Br-, I-, SO42- and NO3-. Not all reactions were effective, indicating that among the evaluated anions, CH3COO- was preferred for exchange, mainly attributed to the pre-expansion with bigger anions, facilitating the exchange with smaller anions.

Abstract Background Cardiovascular risk factors are prognostic factors in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and have been scarcely studied in Brazil. Objective The aim of this study was to assess the impact of cardiovascular risk factors on the outcomes of patients admitted for COVID-19. Methods From July 2020 to February 2021, 200 patients from two public hospitals were enrolled. Patients were included if they had typical symptoms or signs of COVID-19, a positive real-time polymerase chain reaction test (RT-PCR) for COVID-19, and an age above 18 years. This is a prospective, observational, and longitudinal study. Data were collected within 24 h of admission. The primary endpoint was a combination of hospital lethality, mechanical ventilation, hemodialysis, or length of hospital stay >28 days. Continuous variables were compared with the Student’s t-test for independent samples or the Mann-Whitney test. For comparisons of proportions, the χ 2 test was applied. ROC curves and survival curves were constructed. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify independent predictors of events. The level of significance was 0.05. Results There were 98 (49%) events during the hospital course, and 72 (36%) died in the hospital. Patients with a primary endpoint were older and more likely to have a history of hypertension, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Vital signs at admission associated with events were diastolic blood pressure, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation in ambient air (O 2 Sat). Serum creatinine >1.37 mg/dL at admission had a sensitivity of 51.6 and a specificity of 82% to predict the primary endpoint, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.68. In multivariate analysis, age, diabetes, CKD, and COPD were independent predictors of the primary endpoint. Age and CKD were independent predictors of in-hospital lethality. Conclusion Cardiovascular risk factors, such as diabetes and CKD, were related to a worse prognosis in patients hospitalized with COVID-19 in this sample from two public hospitals in the state of Rio de Janeiro.

ABSTRACT Objective: To summarize the scientific productions that used educational technologies to promote self-care for people with diabetes. Method: Integrative review carried out from October 2022 to January 2023, in the databases: LILACS; Scopus; Embase; PubMed/MEDLINE and CINAHL. The search was paired, and the sample consisted of ten articles. The levels of evidence were analyzed by the Hierarchy of Evidence for Intervention Studies, and the results were synthesized for interpretation of the findings. Results: The educational technologies identified to promote self-care were: mobile applications, interactive platforms, print, telemonitoring, video and simulation. The focus of the contents was on the promotion of foot care, prevention of neuropathy, self-management, knowledge, and expectation of people with diabetes and prevention of acute complications. Conclusion: The synthesis of knowledge about educational technologies to promote self-care for people with diabetes pointed to the need for robust evidence.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Sintetizar las producciones científicas que utilizaron tecnologías educacionales para promoción del autocuidado de personas con diabetes. Método: Revisión integradora realizada entre octubre de 2022 hasta enero de 2023, en las bases de datos: LILACS; Scopus; Embase; PubMed/MEDLINE y CINAHL. La búsqueda ocurrió de manera pareada, y la muestra fue construida por diez artículos. Los niveles de evidencia fueron analizados por el Hierarchy of Evidence for Intervention Studies, y los resultados fueron sintetizados para interpretación de los hallados. Resultados: Las tecnologías educacionales identificadas para promoción del autocuidado fueron: aplicativos móviles, plataformas interactivas, impresos, telemonitorización, vídeo y simulado. El enfoque de los contenidos fue en la promoción del cuidado con los pies, prevención de neuropatia, autogestión, conocimiento y expectativa de personas con diabetes y prevención de complicaciones agudas. Conclusión: El síntesis del conocimiento sobre las tecnologías educacionales para promoción del autocuidado de personas con diabetes señaló la necesidad de evidencias robustas.

RESUMO Objetivo: Sumarizar as produções científicas que utilizaram tecnologias educacionais para promoção do autocuidado de pessoas com diabetes. Método: Revisão integrativa realizada no período de outubro de 2022 a janeiro de 2023, nas bases de dados: LILACS; Scopus; Embase; PubMed/MEDLINE e CINAHL. A busca aconteceu de forma pareada, e a amostra foi constituída por dez artigos. Os níveis de evidência foram analisados pelo Hierarchy of Evidence for Intervention Studies, e os resultados foram sintetizados para interpretação dos achados. Resultados: As tecnologias educacionais identificadas para promoção do autocuidado foram: aplicativos móveis, plataformas interativas, impressos, telemonitoramento, vídeo e simulação. O enfoque dos conteúdos foi na promoção do cuidado com os pés, prevenção de neuropatia, autogestão, conhecimento e expectativa de pessoas com diabetes e prevenção de complicações agudas. Conclusão: A síntese do conhecimento sobre as tecnologias educacionais para promoção do autocuidado de pessoas com diabetes apontou a necessidade de evidências robustas.

Resumo Produtos naturais têm apresentado potencial no controle de artrópodes-praga, bem como para ácaros do gênero Oligonychus. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a toxicidade, repelência e efeito ovicida de diferentes formulações comerciais à base de nim (Azadirachta indica A. Juss.) no controle do Oligonychus punicae (Hirst, 1926) em minijardim clonal de eucalipto. Os produtos testados foram Natural Neem®, Off-Neem®, Nim-I-GO® e Azamax®. Para avaliar a toxicidade sobre fêmeas adultas de Oligonychus punicae, foram utilizados discos foliares de eucalipto, pulverizados com diferentes concentrações de cada produto, definidas a partir de testes preliminares. A mortalidade foi avaliada 48 h após aplicação dos produtos e calculadas as concentrações letais (CL50 e CL95) para cada um. O efeito repelente foi verificado através de teste com chance de escolha, utilizando-se discos foliares tratados com os produtos e água destilada. A concentração utilizada foi a CL50 dos produtos calculada no teste de toxicidade. O efeito ovicida foi determinado a partir da aplicação das soluções preparadas com as CL95 de cada produto sobre ovos de Oligonychus punicae em discos foliares de eucalipto. As CL50 variaram entre 0,10 a 0,56% para Off-Neem® e Azamax®, respectivamente, e as CL95 de 0,71 a 1,78% para Off-Neem® e Natural Neem®. Os inseticidas Off-Neem® e Natural Neem® reduziram significativamente o número de fêmeas de Oligonychus punicae, entretanto, Azamax® e Nim-I-GO® não apresentaram uma redução significativa, embora todos tenham sido classificados como repelentes. Os ovos de Oligonychus punicae tratados com as CL95 dos produtos foram inviabilizados, não havendo eclosão. Portanto, conclui-se que os produtos naturais testados apresentaram potencial para o controle de Oligonychus punicae em virtude da significativa toxicidade sobre ovos e fêmeas adultas.

Abstract Natural products have shown potential in the control of pest arthropods, as well as for mites of the genus Oligonychus. This study aims to evaluate the toxicity, repellency and ovicidal effect of different commercial formulations based on neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss.) in the control of Oligonychus punicae (Hirst) in a clonal mini-garden of eucalyptus. The tested products were Natural Neem®, Off-Neem®, NimI-GO® and Azamax®. To evaluate the toxicity on adult females of Oligonychus punicae were used leaf discs of eucalyptus, sprayed with different concentrations of the solution, defined from preliminary tests. Mortality was assessed 48 h after application of the products and lethal concentrations (LC50 and LC95) were calculated for each of them. The repellent effect was verified through a choice test, using leaf discs treated with the products and distilled water. The concentration used was the LC50 of the products calculated in the toxicity test. The ovicidal effect was determined by applying the solutions prepared with the LC95 of each product on Oligonychus punicae eggs in eucalyptus leaf disks. The LC50s ranged from 0.10 to 0.56% for Off-Neem® and Azamax®, respectively, and the LC95s from 0.71 to 1.78% for Off-Neem® and Natural Neem®. The insecticides Off-Neem® and Natural Neem® significantly reduced the number of Oligonychus punicae females, however Azamax® and Nim-I-GO® did not show a significant reduction, although all were classified as repellents. Oligonychus punicae eggs treated with the LC95 of the products were not viable, with no hatching. It is concluded that the tested natural products showed potential for the control of Oligonychus punicae due to the significant toxicity on eggs and adult females.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a tendência temporal da prevalência de excesso de peso (EP) em crianças menores de cinco anos assistidas pelo Programa Bolsa Família (PBF) entre 2008 e 2018. O painel de dados foi baseado nos relatórios de estado nutricional do Sistema de Vigilância Alimentar e Nutricional (SISVAN) (n=30.574.118) e analisado por meio de modelos de regressão joinpoint específicos para idade (lactentes e pré-escolares) e macrorregião. Ainda, calculou-se a cobertura do SISVAN para o PBF e a representatividade nacional, segundo projeção censitária. Na década analisada, o EP em lactentes reduziu de 11,9% (11,8; 12,0 IC95%) para 8,5% (8,4; 8,6 IC95%) (-3,6%/ano [-5,1; -2,0 IC95%]); quanto aos pré-escolares, a prevalência EP aumentou em 3,1%/ano (2,0; 4,2 IC95%) até 2015, seguida por uma retração até 2018 (-6,4%/ano [-10,1; -2,6 IC95%]). Em ambos os grupos etários, a região Norte apresentou a menor prevalência em toda série histórica e a Nordeste o pior desempenho no controle do EP infantil. A cobertura do SISVAN no PBF foi elevada e a representatividade dos dados variou entre 13,9% (Sul) e 42,2% (Nordeste). Apesar da prevalência estar acima do esperado, após 2014, identificou-se redução linear no EP em lactentes e desaceleração na taxa de crescimento nos pré-escolares.

Abstract This study aimed to analyze the overweight (OW) prevalence trends from 2008 to 2018 among under-five-year-old children assisted by the conditional cash transfer program entitled Programa Bolsa Família (PBF). The panel was based on the Food and Nutritional Surveillance System (SISVAN) (n=30,574,118) nutritional status reports. Age- (infants and preschoolers) and region-specific joinpoint regression models were used to analyze OW’s prevalence temporal changes. Besides, the coverage of SISVAN for PBF and national representativity were calculated according to census projection. In the decade analyzed, OW in infants decreased from 11.9% (11.8; 12.0 95%CI) to 8.5% (8.4; 8.6 95%CI) (-3.6%/year [-5.1; -2.0 95%CI]); for preschool children, the prevalence of OW increased by 3.1%/year (2.0; 4.2 95%CI) until 2015, followed by a decrease until 2018 (-6.4%/year [-10.1; -2.6 95%CI]). In both age groups, the North region had the lowest prevalence in all time-series, and the Northeast had the worst performance in managing childhood obesity. The SISVAN’s coverage in the PBF was high, and the data representativity varied between 13.9% (South) and 42.2% (Northeast). Although the prevalence was higher than expected, after 2014, it was detected a linear reduction in OW in infants and a deceleration in the growth rate in preschoolers.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a tendência temporal da prevalência de excesso de peso (EP) em crianças menores de cinco anos assistidas pelo Programa Bolsa Família (PBF) entre 2008 e 2018. O painel de dados foi baseado nos relatórios de estado nutricional do Sistema de Vigilância Alimentar e Nutricional (SISVAN) (n=30.574.118) e analisado por meio de modelos de regressão joinpoint específicos para idade (lactentes e pré-escolares) e macrorregião. Ainda, calculou-se a cobertura do SISVAN para o PBF e a representatividade nacional, segundo projeção censitária. Na década analisada, o EP em lactentes reduziu de 11,9% (11,8; 12,0 IC95%) para 8,5% (8,4; 8,6 IC95%) (-3,6%/ano [-5,1; -2,0 IC95%]); quanto aos pré-escolares, a prevalência EP aumentou em 3,1%/ano (2,0; 4,2 IC95%) até 2015, seguida por uma retração até 2018 (-6,4%/ano [-10,1; -2,6 IC95%]). Em ambos os grupos etários, a região Norte apresentou a menor prevalência em toda série histórica e a Nordeste o pior desempenho no controle do EP infantil. A cobertura do SISVAN no PBF foi elevada e a representatividade dos dados variou entre 13,9% (Sul) e 42,2% (Nordeste). Apesar da prevalência estar acima do esperado, após 2014, identificou-se redução linear no EP em lactentes e desaceleração na taxa de crescimento nos pré-escolares.

Abstract This study aimed to analyze the overweight (OW) prevalence trends from 2008 to 2018 among under-five-year-old children assisted by the conditional cash transfer program entitled Programa Bolsa Família (PBF). The panel was based on the Food and Nutritional Surveillance System (SISVAN) (n=30,574,118) nutritional status reports. Age- (infants and preschoolers) and region-specific joinpoint regression models were used to analyze OW’s prevalence temporal changes. Besides, the coverage of SISVAN for PBF and national representativity were calculated according to census projection. In the decade analyzed, OW in infants decreased from 11.9% (11.8; 12.0 95%CI) to 8.5% (8.4; 8.6 95%CI) (-3.6%/year [-5.1; -2.0 95%CI]); for preschool children, the prevalence of OW increased by 3.1%/year (2.0; 4.2 95%CI) until 2015, followed by a decrease until 2018 (-6.4%/year [-10.1; -2.6 95%CI]). In both age groups, the North region had the lowest prevalence in all time-series, and the Northeast had the worst performance in managing childhood obesity. The SISVAN’s coverage in the PBF was high, and the data representativity varied between 13.9% (South) and 42.2% (Northeast). Although the prevalence was higher than expected, after 2014, it was detected a linear reduction in OW in infants and a deceleration in the growth rate in preschoolers.

BACKGROUND Clostridioides difficile is the most common cause of nosocomial diarrhea associated with antibiotic use. The disease’s symptoms are caused by enterotoxins, but other surface adhesion factors also play a role in the pathogenesis. These adhesins will bind to components of extracellular matrix. OBJECTIVE There is a lack of knowledge on MSCRAMM, this work set-out to determine the adhesive properties of several C. difficile ribotypes (027, 133, 135, 014, 012) towards laminin-1 (LMN-1). METHODS A binding experiment revealed that different ribotypes have distinct adhesion capabilities. To identify this adhesin, an affinity chromatography column containing LMN-1 was prepared and total protein extracts were analysed using mass spectrometry. FINDINGS Strains from ribotypes 012 and 027 had the best adhesion when incubated with glucose supplementations (0.2%, 0.5%, and 1%), while RT135 had a poor adherence. The criteria were not met by RT014 and RT133. In the absence of glucose, there was no adhesion for any ribotype, implying that glucose is required and plays a significant role in adhesion. MAIN CONCLUSIONS These findings show that in the presence of glucose, each C. difficile ribotype interacts differently with LMN-1, and the adhesin responsible for recognition could be SlpA protein.

Abstract Background Cardiovascular risk factors are prognostic factors in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and have been scarcely studied in Brazil. Objective The aim of this study was to assess the impact of cardiovascular risk factors on the outcomes of patients admitted for COVID-19. Methods From July 2020 to February 2021, 200 patients from two public hospitals were enrolled. Patients were included if they had typical symptoms or signs of COVID-19, a positive real-time polymerase chain reaction test (RT-PCR) for COVID-19, and an age above 18 years. This is a prospective, observational, and longitudinal study. Data were collected within 24 h of admission. The primary endpoint was a combination of hospital lethality, mechanical ventilation, hemodialysis, or length of hospital stay >28 days. Continuous variables were compared with the Student’s t-test for independent samples or the Mann-Whitney test. For comparisons of proportions, the χ 2 test was applied. ROC curves and survival curves were constructed. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify independent predictors of events. The level of significance was 0.05. Results There were 98 (49%) events during the hospital course, and 72 (36%) died in the hospital. Patients with a primary endpoint were older and more likely to have a history of hypertension, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Vital signs at admission associated with events were diastolic blood pressure, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation in ambient air (O 2 Sat). Serum creatinine >1.37 mg/dL at admission had a sensitivity of 51.6 and a specificity of 82% to predict the primary endpoint, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.68. In multivariate analysis, age, diabetes, CKD, and COPD were independent predictors of the primary endpoint. Age and CKD were independent predictors of in-hospital lethality. Conclusion Cardiovascular risk factors, such as diabetes and CKD, were related to a worse prognosis in patients hospitalized with COVID-19 in this sample from two public hospitals in the state of Rio de Janeiro.

Resumo Este trabalho avalia, sob a ótica da bioética, o impacto estrutural, institucional e emocional da alocação de recursos escassos durante a pandemia de covid-19, doença que emergiu no final de 2019 e se tornou um dos maiores desafios da sociedade. A análise dos artigos selecionados indica que, mesmo após ampliação de leitos em santas casas e hospitais filantrópicos, a demanda continuou maior que a oferta. Desse modo, é necessário reestruturar o atendimento com medidas de recomendação e protocolos que priorizem profissionais da saúde e melhores prognósticos, com maior tempo de vida pós-tratamento, e excluam qualquer prioridade por classe ou influência social não médica. A adoção dessas medidas e protocolos de atendimento otimiza o tratamento e maximiza os recursos, abrangendo um número maior de doentes e possibilitando a oferta de tratamento com medidas justas, éticas e resolutivas.

Abstract This work evaluates, from the perspective of Bioethics, the structural, institutional and emotional impact of the allocation of scarce resources during the COVID-19 pandemic, a disease that emerged at the end of 2019 and has become one of the greatest challenges of society. The analysis of the selected articles indicates that, even after the expansion of beds in holy houses and philanthropic hospitals, demand remained higher than supply. Thus, it is necessary to restructure care with recommendation measures and protocols that prioritize health professionals and a better prognosis, with longer life after treatment, and exclude any priority by class or non-medical social influence. The adoption of these care measures and protocols optimizes treatment and maximizes resources, covering a greater number of patients and enabling the provision of treatment with fair, ethical and resolute measures.

Resumen Este trabajo evalúa, desde la perspectiva de la Bioética, el impacto estructural, institucional y emocional de la asignación de recursos escasos durante la pandemia de covid-19, una enfermedad que surgió a finales de 2019 y se ha convertido en uno de los mayores retos de la sociedad. El análisis de los artículos seleccionados indica que, incluso después de la expansión de camas en santas casas y hospitales filantrópicos, la demanda se mantuvo por encima de la oferta. Así, es necesario reestructurar el funcionamiento con medidas de recomendación y protocolos que prioricen a los profesionales de la salud y un mejor pronóstico, con una vida más larga después del tratamiento, y excluir cualquier prioridad por clase o influencia social no médica. La adopción de estas medidas y protocolos de atención optimiza el tratamiento y maximiza los recursos, cubriendo un mayor número de pacientes y permitiendo la prestación del tratamiento con medidas justas, éticas y resolutivas.

The Mundaú lagoon (Maceió, AL), besides being relevant socially, economically, and culturally, also in its surroundings, presents an intense anthropic occupation, characterized by a large population and the industrial activities presence. In this systematic environmental monitoring study (from 2017 to 2019), concentrations of Al, As, Bi, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Li, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sb, Sn, V, and Zn in surface waters, and total Hg content in the bivalve Mytella charruana (sururu) were recorded, using cold vapor atomic fluorescence spectrometry (or hydride generation) (HG/CV AFS), inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), and chronopotentiometry. In the water samples, the following elements presented concentrations above the values recommended by the National Council for the Environment (CONAMA), in µg L−1: Al (24.4−2008), Cu (1.88-13.03), Fe (84.9-4107), Hg (<0.0069-2.92), Mn (10.65-200), Pb (192-1443) and Zn (121-997), and therefore, the water was classified following the water pollution index (WPI), as highly impure and polluted. The Hg content in sururu, the main food in Mundaú lagoon, ranged from 0.036-0.63 mg kg−1 (dry weight). Further, the chemometric evaluation of the data based on the principal component and correlation analysis suggested a chemical-defined profile at the different sampling points.

Objective: To assess mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic according to social vulnerability by areas of Belo Horizonte (BH), aiming at strategies for vaccination. Methods: Ecological study with mortality analysis, according to census tracts classified by the Health Vulnerability Index, a composite indicator that includes socioeconomic and sanitation variables. Deaths due to natural causes and COVID-19 were obtained from the “Mortality Information System”, between the 10th and 43rd epidemiological weeks (EW) of 2020. Excess mortality was calculated by a time series model, considering observed deaths by EW, between 2015 and 2019, for census tracts. Mortality rates (MR) were calculated and age-standardized =using population estimates from 2010 census. Results: Excess mortality in BH was 16.1% (n =1524): 11.0%, 18.8% and 17.3% in the low, intermediate and high vulnerability areas, respectively. The differences between observed and expected age-standardized MR by natural causes were equal to 59/100,000 inhabitants in BH, increasing from 31 to 77 and 95/100,000 inhabitants, in the areas of low, intermediate and high vulnerability, respectively. There was an aging gradient in COVID-19 MR, ranging from 4 to 611/100,000 inhabitants among individuals of 20-39 years and 75+ years. The COVID-19 MR per 100,000 elderly (60+ years) was 292 in BH, increasing from 179 to 354 and 476, in the low, intermediate and high vulnerability areas, respectively. Conclusion: Inequalities in mortality, particularly among the elderly, combined with the limited supply of doses, demonstrate the importance of prioritizing socially vulnerable areas during vaccination against COVID-19.

Objetivo: Avaliar a mortalidade por áreas de Belo Horizonte (BH) durante a pandemia de COVID-19 conforme vulnerabilidade social, visando estratégia de vacinação. Métodos: Estudo ecológico com análise de mortalidade, segundo setores censitários classificados pelo Índice de Vulnerabilidade da Saúde, composto por indicadores de saneamento e socioeconômicos. Óbitos por causas naturais e COVID-19 foram obtidos do Sistema de Informação sobre Mortalidade, entre a 10ª e 43ª semana epidemiológica (SE) de 2020. Calculou-se o excesso de mortalidade por modelo de série temporal, considerando as mortes observadas por SE, entre 2015 e 2019, por setor censitário. Taxas de mortalidade (TM) foram calculadas e padronizadas por idade a partir de estimativas populacionais do IBGE. Resultados: Houve 16,1% (n=1524) de excesso de mortalidade em BH: 11,0%, 18,8% e 17,3% nas áreas de baixa, média e elevada vulnerabilidade, respectivamente. As diferenças entre TM observadas e esperadas por causas naturais, padronizadas por idade, foi igual a 59/100.000 habitantes em BH, aumentando de 31 para 77 e 95/100.000, nas áreas de baixa, média e elevada vulnerabilidade, respectivamente. Houve gradiente de aumento com a idade nas TM por COVID-19, variando de 4 a 611/100.000 habitantes entre as idades de 20-39 anos e 75+ anos. A TM por COVID-19 por 100.000 idosos (60+ anos) foi igual a 292, aumentando de 179 para 354 e 476, nos setores de baixa, média e elevada vulnerabilidade, respectivamente. Conclusão: Desigualdades na mortalidade, mesmo entre idosos, aliadas à baixa oferta de doses, demonstram importância de priorizar áreas socialmente vulneráveis durante a vacinação contra COVID-19.

ABSTRACT The objectives of this work were to determine the optimum plot size for tomato seedlings by Hatheway’s method, using the Mestiço and Ozone cultivars, and verify the possibility to obtain the optimum plot size only by non-destructive characteristics. Non-destructives (aerial part height, stem diameter, number of leaves and leaf area) and destructives (aerial part dry matter, root dry matter, total dry matter and Dickson quality index) characteristics were evaluated. For each characteristic evaluated, experimental plans were simulated in a randomized block design with the combination of I treatments (I = 3, 4, 5, ..., 10, 15, 20 and 25) and R repetitions (R= 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7). The optimum plot size ranged according to the characteristic evaluated. Considering the number of treatments, repetitions and the same experimental accuracy, the stem diameter showed the highest size plot. Thus, the stem diameter can be used as a basis characteristic for the non-destructives characteristics, without the need to destroy the seedling.

Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) of Cu:Al in the molar ratio of 2:1, intercalated with sulfate, sulfate/(Li+, Na+, K+ or NH4+), NO3- and CO32-, were synthesized by co-precipitation with increasing pH. The materials were submitted to exchange reactions using B2SO4 (B = Li+, Na+, K+, NH4+) solutions in an attempt to replace previously intercalated cations or incorporated cations without removing intercalated sulfate. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra were consistent with the expected intercalated species and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images indicated submicrometric platelet-like particles, typical of LDHs. The chemical compositions of all phases were confirmed by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP OES) and thermogravimetric analyses (TGA). In the exchange reactions, only in [Cu6Al3(OH)18][Na(H2O)6(SO4)2]·6H2O the sodium cations were almost totally replaced with lithium, potassium and ammonium, without removing the intercalated sulfate.

RESUMO: Objetivo: Avaliar a mortalidade por áreas de Belo Horizonte (BH) durante a pandemia de COVID-19 conforme a vulnerabilidade social, visando a uma estratégia de vacinação. Métodos: Estudo ecológico com análise de mortalidade, segundo setores censitários classificados pelo índice de vulnerabilidade da saúde, composto de indicadores de saneamento e socioeconômicos. Óbitos por causas naturais e COVID-19 foram obtidos do Sistema de Informação sobre Mortalidade, entre a 10ª e a 43ª semanas epidemiológicas (SE) de 2020. Calculou-se o excesso de mortalidade por modelo de série temporal, considerando-se as mortes observadas por SE entre 2015 e 2019, por setor censitário. Taxas de mortalidade (TM) foram calculadas e padronizadas por idade com base em estimativas populacionais do Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (IBGE). Resultados: Houve 16,1% (n = 1.524) de excesso de mortalidade em BH: 11, 18,8 e 17,3% nas áreas de baixa, média e elevada vulnerabilidade, respectivamente. As diferenças entre TM observadas e esperadas por causas naturais, padronizadas por idade, foi igual a 59/100 mil habitantes em BH, aumentando de 31 para 77 e 95/100 mil, nas áreas de baixa, média e elevada vulnerabilidade, respectivamente. Houve gradiente de aumento com a idade nas TM por COVID-19, variando de 4 a 611/100 mil habitantes entre as idades de 20-39 anos e 75+ anos. A TM por COVID-19 por 100 mil idosos (60+ anos) foi igual a 292, aumentando de 179 para 354 e 476 nos setores de baixa, média e elevada vulnerabilidade, respectivamente. Conclusão: Desigualdades na mortalidade, mesmo entre idosos, aliadas à baixa oferta de doses, demonstram a importância de priorizar áreas socialmente vulneráveis durante a vacinação contra COVID-19.

ABSTRACT: Objective: To assess mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic according to social vulnerability by areas of Belo Horizonte (BH), aiming at strategies for vaccination. Methods: Ecological study with mortality analysis according to census tracts classified by the Health Vulnerability Index, a composite indicator that includes socioeconomic and sanitation variables. Deaths by natural causes and by COVID-19 were obtained from the “Mortality Information System”, between the 10th and 43rd epidemiological weeks (EW) of 2020. Excess mortality was calculated in a time series model, considering observed and expected deaths per EW, between 2015 and 2019, per census tracts. Mortality rates (MR) were calculated and age-standardized using population estimates from the 2010 census, by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE). Results: Excess mortality in BH was 16.1% (n = 1,524): 11, 18.8 and 17.3% in low, intermediate and high vulnerability areas, respectively. The differences between observed and expected age-standardized MR by natural causes were equal to 59/100,000 inhabitants in BH, increasing from 31 to 77 and 95/100,000 inhabitants in the areas of low, intermediate and high vulnerability, respectively. There was an aging gradient in MR by COVID-19, ranging from 4 to 611/100,000 inhabitants among individuals aged 20-39 years and 75+ years. The COVID-19 MR per 100,000 older adults (60+ years) was 292 in BH, increasing from 179 to 354 and 476, in low, intermediate and high vulnerability areas, respectively. Conclusion: Inequalities in mortality, particularly among older adults, combined with the limited supply of doses, demonstrate the importance of prioritizing socially vulnerable areas during vaccination against COVID-19.