The recent advances of novel methodologies such as non-targeted and suspect screening based on high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) have paved the way to a new paradigm for exposure assessment. These methodologies allow to profile simultaneously thousands of small unknown molecules present in environmental and biological samples, and therefore hold great promises in order to identify more efficiently hazardous contaminants potentially associated with increased risks of developing adverse health outcomes. In order to further explore the potential of these methodologies and push the transition from research applications towards regulatory purposes, robust harmonized quality standards have to be implemented. Here, we discuss the feasibility of using ISO/IEC 17025: 2017 as a guideline to implement non-targeted and suspect screening methodologies in laboratories, whether it is for accreditation purposes or not. More specifically, we identified and then discussed how specificities of non-targeted HRMS methodology can be accounted for in order to comply with the specific items of ISO/IEC 17025: 2017. We also discussed other specificities of HRMS methodologies (e.g., need for digital storage capacity) that are so far not included in the ISO/IEC 17025 requirements but should be considered. This works aims to fuel and expand the discussion in order to subsidize new opportunities of harmonization for non-targeted and suspect screening.

Key words: American Cutaneous Leishmaniasis; American Visceral Leishmaniasis; Rio de Janeiro City; Lutzomyia longipalpis ; Lutzomyia intermedia

Arsênico - saúde: uma relação que exige vigilância

OBJECTIVE: To map public health courses and training programs in Brazil and identify, in their curricula and study plans, the level of linkage between the skills and competencies developed by them and the essential public health functions. METHODS: Descriptive, exploratory study based on collection and analysis of information available on the websites of educational institutions that offer public health courses and training programs in Brazil. Data was collected within the scope of the I Mapeo de Cursos y Programas de Formación en Salud Pública de América Latina. RESULTS: A total of 1,222 public health courses and training programs offered in the country were identified, with unequal territorial distribution but taking place in all federation units. Results revealed a set of challenges to public health professionals’ training, including lack of linkage both between training offer and demand in public health (unequal distribution of courses, concentration of training capacity in capitals and in certain regions, among others), and between theories and training practices (low levels of connection of developed skills and competencies with the essential public health functions, predominance of disciplinary method guided by professional competence centers, among others). CONCLUSIONS: Overcoming these challenges requires structural, political, and technological efforts, narrowing the gaps between public health training programs’ availability and the demands of health services and programs in the country.

Metabolic reactive intermediates can react with biomolecules such as DNA and proteins to produce adducts. Recently, research has shown that such adducts can act as precursors of some chronic diseases (cancer, Parkinson's, immunologic system diseases, etc.), and their determination is important because they are biomarkers of undesirable health effects. These compounds are produced at very low concentrations, but the development and dissemination of sensitive new analytical tools, especially those based on chromatography coupled to other analytical instruments, make such determinations possible. This mini review is focused on the formation of reactive intermediates, their reaction with biomolecules, and the importance of their determination

Introdução: O arsênio (As) é um elemento químico reconhecidamente carcinogênico capaz de contaminar o homem por meio das águas e dos alimentos. Dentre os alimentos, o arroz tem significativa importância devido ao seu elevado consumo e à sua capacidade de acumular As sob diversas espécies químicas, as quais determinam os seus efeitos biológicos.Por esta razão, a ingestão desse elemento é regulada nacional e internacionalmente. Como as diferentes espécies arsenicais possuem diferentes toxicidades, é importante a determinação de cada uma nos alimentos. Objetivo: Verificar a existência e dimensionar a significância de efeitos matriciais sobre os resultados da especiação química em amostras de produtos à base de arroz. Método: A concentração de As total nas 15 amostras de produtos derivados do arroz foi analisada por ICP/MS e a especiação química por HPLCICP/MS. Resultados: As concentrações de As total situaram-se entre 31,6 e 311,6 mg.kg-1 e duas amostras encontravam-se acima dos limites recomendados. As espécies químicas As (II), MMA, DMA e As (V) foram determinadas e o somatório de suas concentrações produziu resultados compatíveis com os valores declarados nos materiais certificados e com a concentração de As total nos produtos de composição simples. No entanto, observou-se maior variabilidade (13% a 97%) para amostras complexas contendo fibras, carboidratos, proteínas e gorduras. Conclusões: A presença na formulação dos alimentos de fibras, proteínas, óleos e carboidratos, nesta ordem, impactou negativamente os resultados obtidos e confirma a necessidade de mais estudos para superar estas interferências.