Population survey of Holothuria (Halodeima) grisea (Aspidochirotida: Holothuriidae) at its limit of geographic distribution in the Western South Atlantic / Estudio poblacional de Holothuria (Halodeima) grisea (Aspidochirotida: Holothuriidae) en su límite de distribución geográfica en el Atlántico Sur Occidental

Abstract Introduction: The sea cucumber Holothuria (Halodeima) grisea Selenka, 1867 is a common echinoderm in intertidal regions along the Brazilian coast, which recently became the focus of unreported and unregulated fisheries. This study was carried out in sandy-rocky substrates at Armação do Itapocoroy, Penha, Santa Catarina (26o47' S; 48o36' W), near its southern limit of geographic distribution. Objective: To determine the densities (individuals*m-2) of Holothuria (H.) grisea within a spatial-temporal perspective as well as to determine biometric and growth characteristics of the population. Methods: Two-meter wide transects perpendicular to the coastline were carried out in winter and spring 2019 and in summer and spring 2020, in periods of spring low-tides. In each sampling occasion the total number of specimens of H. grisea were determined, and a group of 90 organisms was submitted to in situ biometrics (weight, length and width), and immediately returned alive to their habitat. Results: The densities of H. (H.) grisea were significantly higher in the subtidal sector and lower in the upper intertidal sector with no indication of significant differences among sampling campaigns. Depth was the primary factor explaining the observed density patterns and rugosity of the substrate was secondary but also important. The body length ranged from 5.2 to 22.5 cm, whereas the weight varied from 6.0 to 230 g. The mean and modal lengths were 12.54 and 13 cm, respectively. Approximately 75 % of the population sampled was between 10 and 14 cm and the average weight was 60 g. Estimates from von Bertalanffy growth function indicate that the youngest sea cucumber was one year-old, and the oldest had approximately two and a half years. Conclusions: This is the first study to determine biometric parameters for H. (H.) grisea in southern Brazil and the first one to estimate growth and age estimates for a wild population of this species. The densities recorded in the present study were lower than those previously reported for this region, suggesting anthropic influence.

Resumen Introducción: El pepino de mar Holothuria (Halodeima) grisea Selenka, 1867 es un equinodermo común en las regiones intermareales a lo largo de la costa brasileña, que recientemente se convirtió en foco de pesquerías no declaradas y no reguladas. Este estudio se realizó en sustratos arenosos-rocosos en Armação do Itapocoroy, Penha, Santa Catarina (26o47' S; 48o36' W), cerca del límite sur de su distribución geográfica. Objetivo: Determinar las densidades (individuos*m-2) de Holothuria (H.) grisea dentro de una perspectiva espacio-temporal así como determinar las características biométricas y de crecimiento de la población. Métodos: Se realizaron transectos de dos metros de ancho perpendiculares a la línea de costa en invierno y primavera de 2019 y en verano y primavera de 2020, en periodos de bajamar sicigia. En cada ocasión de muestreo se determinó el número total de especímenes de H. (H.) grisea, y se sometió un grupo de 90 organismos a biometría in situ (peso, longitud y ancho), e inmediatamente se los devolvieron vivos a su hábitat. Resultados: Las densidades de H. (H.) grisea fueron significativamente más altas en el sector submareal y más bajas en el sector intermareal superior sin indicios de diferencias significativas entre las campañas de muestreo. La profundidad fue el factor principal que explica los patrones de densidad observados y la rugosidad del sustrato fue secundaria pero también importante. La longitud del cuerpo varió de 5.2 a 22.5 cm, mientras que el peso varió de 6.0 a 230 g. Las longitudes media y modal fueron 12.54 y 13 cm, respectivamente. Aproximadamente el 75 % de la población muestreada midió entre 10 y 14 cm y el peso promedio fue de 60 g. Estimados de la función de crecimiento de von Bertalanffy indican que el ejemplar más joven presentaba un año de edad, mientras el más viejo presentaba cerca de dos años y medio. Conclusiones: Este es el primer estudio que determina parámetros biométricos para una población de H. (H.) grisea en el sur de Brasil y el primero en estimar el crecimiento y edades para una población salvaje de esta especie. Las densidades registradas en el presente estudio fueron inferiores a las reportadas previamente para esta región sugiriendo la ocurrencia de influencia antrópica.

Análise dos feminicídios no estado de Pernambuco: violência de gênero e invisibilidade / Analysis of femicides in the state of Pernambuco: gender-based violence and invisibility / Análisis de los feminicidios en el estado de Pernambuco: violencia de género e invisibilidad

O feminicídio é um fenômeno decorrente da herança patriarcal machista e de estruturas sociais historicamente permeadas por relações desiguais de gênero. O objetivo desta dissertação, que é um estudo ecológico, foi analisar os aspectos epidemiológicos dos feminicídios registrados em Pernambuco, entre 2016 e 2019. Como proxy dos eventos de feminicídio, foi admitido como referência o registro de homicídios e de mortes por causas indeterminadas de mulheres no Sistema de Informações sobre Mortalidade. Foram estabelecidas etapas de buscas com o linkage probabilístico em bases de dados da saúde e, de forma complementar, de revisões manuais em plataforma do Tribunal de Justiça de Pernambuco (TJPE) e mídias noticiosas online. Realizou-se a descrição dos dados mediante a distribuição de frequências, medidas de tendência central e dispersão. Para analisar o padrão espacial das taxas de feminicídio, foram utilizados o método bayesiano empírico local e o índice de autocorrelação de Moran. Aplicou-se a regressão logística hierarquizada para verificar a associação entre o feminicídio e a violência interpessoal e estimar a razão de chances (Odds Ratio) com intervalos de confiança de 95% (IC95%). Assim, foram localizados 490 feminicídios, o que correspondeu a uma taxa de 2,5 por 100.000 mulheres. A maior proporção de feminicídios foi identificada pela busca manual em mídias noticiosas online e na base processual do TJPE (n = 247; 50,41%). As características principais das vítimas são: idade entre 20 e 39 anos (n = 286; 58,37%); raça/cor negra (n = 400; 81,63%); sem companheiro(a) (n = 407; 83,06%); e escolaridade superior a oito anos de estudo (n = 303; 61,84%). A autocorrelação espacial do evento foi confirmada pelo índice global de Moran das taxas suavizadas (I = 0,3; p = 0,001); a autocorrelação local reforça a interiorização do evento ao apontar área crítica (Q1) formada por municípios localizados na macrorregião do Vale do São Francisco e Araripe. No nível de determinação distal, identificou-se que as seguintes variáveis elevam as chances de ocorrência do feminicídio: residir em município de pequeno porte (OR = 2,10); indisponibilidade de delegacias especializadas no atendimento à mulher (OR = 1,11); e ausência de encaminhamentos para rede assistencial e protetiva na oportunidade de agressão anterior (OR = 1,32). Nos determinantes intermediários, destacou-se que, quanto maior é a intensidade do meio de ação empregado na prática da violência, maior é a chance do desfecho fatal, ressaltando-se o uso de objeto perfurocortante (OR = 3,93) e arma de fogo (OR = 11,14). E, acerca dos determinantes proximais, as vítimas inseridas na faixa etária entre 10 e 19 anos apresentaram menor chance quanto à ocorrência de feminicídio (OR = 0,51). A caracterização da população de estudo pode proporcionar a ampliação dos conhecimentos sobre violência estrutural contra as mulheres, aspectos da notificação e da rede assistencial e protetiva. A análise espacial identificou a interiorização do evento e áreas de transição em Pernambuco, as quais requerem priorização de intervenções. E a modelagem evidenciou que as mulheres estão expostas a múltiplos fatores de risco para a ocorrência de feminicídio, de forma que a discussão, de modo particularizado a todos os níveis de determinação, faz-se ainda mais necessária.

Feminicide results from the sexist patriarchal heritage and social structures historically permeated by unequal gender relations. This ecological study analyzes the epidemiological aspects of feminicides recorded in Pernambuco between 2016 and 2019. Records of homicides and undetermined causes of death of women available in the Mortality Information System were the proxy for feminicide events and accepted as reference. Search steps were established with probabilistic linkage in health databases, as well as manual reviews on the Pernambuco Court of Justice (TJPE) platform and online news media as a complement. Data were described by the distribution of frequencies, measures of central tendency and dispersion. Local empirical Bayesian method and Moran's autocorrelation index were used in the spatial pattern analysis of femicide rates. Hierarchical logistic regression was applied to verify the association between femicide and interpersonal violence and to estimate the Odds Ratio with 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). Search returned a total of 490 feminicides, corresponding to a rate of 2.5 per 100,000 women. The highest proportion of feminicides was identified by manual search in online news media and in the TJPE database (n = 247; 50.41%). Most victims were aged between 20 and 39 years (n = 286; 58.37%), black (n = 400; 81.63%), had no partner (n = 407; 83.06%) and with over eight years of schooling (n = 303; 61.84%). Spatial autocorrelation of the event was confirmed by the Global Moran Index of smoothed rates (I = 0.3; p = 0.001). Local autocorrelation reinforces the interiorization of the phenomenon by pointing to a critical area (Q1) formed by municipalities located in the Vale do São Francisco and Araripe macroregion. At the distal level, the following variables increase the chances of feminicide: living in a small city (OR = 2.10); unavailability of specialized police stations (OR = 1.11); and absence of referrals to the care and protection network in the event of a previous aggression (OR = 1.32). Regarding intermediate determinants, the greater the violence inflicted the greater the chance of a fatal outcome, emphasizing the use of sharp objects (OR = 3.93) and firearms (OR = 11.14). Regarding proximal determinants, victims in the age group 10-19 years old were less likely to be a victim of femicide (OR = 0.51). Characterizing the study population can further knowledge about structural violence against women, and aspects of the notification and the care and protection network. Spatial analysis pointed to the interiorization of the phenomenon and transition areas in Pernambuco, requiring prioritization of interventions. The modeling showed that women are exposed to multiple risk factors for feminicide and further discussions at all levels of determination are necessary.

El feminicidio es un fenómeno derivado de la herencia patriarcal machista y de estructuras sociales históricamente permeadas por relaciones desiguales de género. Este estudio de tipo ecológico tuvo por objetivo analizar los aspectos epidemiológicos de los feminicidios registrados en Pernambuco, en el período entre 2016 y 2019. Como proxy de los eventos de feminicidio, se utilizó como referencia el registro de homicidios y de causas indeterminadas de muertes de mujeres en el Sistema de Informaciones sobre Mortalidad. Se establecieron etapas de búsquedas con vinculación probabilística en las bases de datos de salud y, de forma complementaria, búsquedas manuales en la plataforma del Tribunal de Justicia de Pernambuco (TJPE) y medios en línea. Para describir los datos se utilizaron la distribución de frecuencias, medidas de tendencia central y dispersión. Para analizar el padrón espacial de las tasas de feminicidio se emplearon el método bayesiano empírico local y el índice de autocorrelación de Moran. Se aplicó la regresión logística jerarquizada para constatar la asociación entre el feminicidio y la violencia interpersonal, y estimar la razón de posibilidades (Odds Ratio) con intervalos de confianza del 95% (IC95%). Los resultados apuntaron a 490 feminicidios, lo que correspondió a una tasa de 2,5 por 100.000 mujeres. La mayor proporción de feminicidios se identificó mediante la búsqueda manual en prensa en línea y en la base procesal del TJPE (n = 247; 50,41%). Las principales características de las víctimas fueron edad entre 20 y 39 años (n = 286; 58,37%), raza/color negro (n = 400; 81,63%), sin compañero(a) (n = 407; 83,06%) y nivel de estudios superior a ocho años de estudio (n = 303; 61,84%). La autocorrelación espacial del evento se confirmó mediante el índice de Moran global de las tasas suavizadas (I = 0,3, p = 0,001); la autocorrelación local refuerza la interiorización del evento al señalar área crítica (Q1) formada por municipios situados en la macrorregión del Valle de São Francisco y Araripe. En el nivel de determinación distal se identificó que las siguientes variables aumentan las posibilidades de feminicidio: residir en municipio de pequeño tamaño, (OR = 2,10); indisponibilidad de comisarías especializadas en la atención a la mujer (OR = 1,1); y ausencia de remisiones a la red asistencial y protectora en la ocasión de agresión anterior (OR = 1,32). En los determinantes intermediarios, se destacó que cuanto mayor es la intensidad del medio de acción empleado en la práctica de la violencia, mayor es la posibilidad de desenlace fatal, destacándose el empleo de objeto cortopunzante (OR = 3,93) y arma de fuego (OR = 11,14). En cuanto a los determinantes proximales, las víctimas comprendidas en el tramo de edad comprendido entre los 10 y los 19 años presentaron menos posibilidad de incidencia de feminicidio (OR = 0,51). La caracterización de la población de estudio puede proporcionar la ampliación de los conocimientos sobre violencia estructural contra la mujer, aspectos de la notificación y de la red asistencial protectora. El análisis espacial identificó la interiorización del evento y áreas de transición en Pernambuco, las cuales requieren priorización de las intervenciones. Y el modelaje reveló que las mujeres están expuestas a múltiples factores de riesgo para la incidencia de feminicidio y el debate, de modo particularizado de todos los niveles de determinación, se hace todavía más necesario.

Correlation between Helicobacter pylori infection and gastrointestinal tumor in the physical examination population in Xi'an City / 公共卫生与预防医学

Objective To analyze the spatial distribution of Helicobacter Pylori (Hp) infection and its correlation with gastrointestinal tumors in the physical examination population of Xi'an city, and to provide reference for the prevention of gastrointestinal tumors in this area. Methods A total of 23 200 subjects who underwent physical examination in 25 public hospitals in Xi'an from January 2019 to January 2023 were selected as the research objects. The basic Information of the patients was derived through the Hospital Information System (HIS), and all subjects underwent 13C-breath test and gastroenterological endoscope. ArcGIS 10.6 software was used to draw a statistical map of Hp infection in Xi 'an for spatial autocorrelation analysis. Hp infection in patients with different gastrointestinal tumors was analyzed. Results In this study population, there were 10 858 cases of Hp infection , with an infection rate of 46.80% ; among them , 5 491 cases were male, with an infection rate of 46.60% , and 5,367 cases were female, with an infection rate of 47.01% , and there was no significant difference in the infection rate between genders (P>0.05). The prevalence of HP infection was higher in the 30-year-old and 20-year-old groups, 55.62% and 42.71%, respectively, and the infection rate showed a first increase and then a decreasing trend with age (χ2trend = 6201.21, 6945.22 , P2=13.49, 16.16, 17.27, 24.66, P<0.05 for all). Conclusion The distribution of Hp infection in the physical examination population of Xi'an city has the characteristics of spatial aggregation and is related to gastrointestinal tumor diseases. It is suggested to carry out Hp infection education for the population in key areas to prevent the occurrence of gastrointestinal tumor diseases.

Perception of first-order grating acuity and second-order spatial contrast sensitivity in anisometropia amblyopia / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM: To study the perception of first-order grating acuity and second-order spatial contrast sensitivity in patients with monocular anisometropia amblyopia.METHODS:A total of 715 children(715 eyes)diagnosed as monocular anisometropia amblyopia in our hospital from January 2018 to December 2022 were collected as amblyopia group, and 745 children(745 eyes)with normal corrected visual acuity were collected. The best corrected visual acuity(BCVA), first-order grating acuity and/or second-order spatial contrast sensitivity were measured, repectively. The perception ability of amblyopia patients to first-order grating acuity and second-order spatial contrast sensitivity were analyzed.RESULTS:There were significant differences between amblyopia group and normal control group in the perception of first-order grating acuity(11.58±6.10 vs. 20.27±3.47, P&#x0026;#x003C;0.001)and second-order spatial contrast sensitivity(0.33±0.16 vs 0.12±0.04, P&#x0026;#x003C;0.001). And there were significant differences between mild-to-moderate amblyopia and severe amblyopia patients in first-order grating acuity(12.10±6.23 vs. 8.13±3.70, P&#x0026;#x003C;0.001)and second-order spatial contrast sensitivity(0.32±0.16 vs. 0.37±0.17, P&#x0026;#x003C;0.05).CONCLUSION: The first-order and second-order visual pathway of the cerebral cortex in children with monocular anisometropia amblyopia have different degrees of damage. The injury of severe amblyopia is more serious than that of mild-to-moderate amblyopia.

Spatial-temporal Distribution and Influencing Factors of Late Diagnosis of HIV/AIDS Based on Bayes Spatial-temporal Model / 中山大学学报(医学科学版)

ObjectivesTo analyze the spatial and temporal clustering characteristics and related influencing factors of late diagnosis of HIV/AIDS in Lanzhou， to identify its high-risk areas and time trends in Lanzhou， and to provide a theoretical basis for developing targeted HIV/AIDS prevention and control strategies in Lanzhou. MethodsThe subjects of this study were adult HIV/AIDS cases reported in Lanzhou City between 2011 and 2018. Data used in the study were sourced from the Lanzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the Lanzhou Statistical Yearbook. To analyze the spatial distribution characteristics and influencing factors of the relative risk （RR） of late HIV/AIDS diagnosis， Bayes spatial-temporal model was used. ResultsA total of 1984 new HIV/AIDS cases were reported in Lanzhou from 2011 to 2018， with an mean age of 37.51 years and predominantly male （91.8%）. The number of late diagnosis cases was 982， with an mean age of 39.67 years and a predominance of males （91.8%）. Late diagnosis was more common in older individuals and women with HIV/AIDS. Chengguan District （51.1%）， Anning District （50.3%） and Yuzhong County （51.9%） had an above-average proportion of late diagnosis of HIV/AIDS. The proportion of late diagnosis cases in Lanzhou showed a fluctuating upward trend from 2011 to 2018. The results of Bayes spatial-temporal model showed that the risk of late HIV/AIDS diagnosis in Lanzhou had fluctuated from 2011 to 2015， and then increased rapidly after 2015 ［RR （95% credibility interval， 95%CI） increased from 1.01 （0.84， 1.23） to 1.11 （0.77， 1.97）］； the trends of risk of late diagnosis in Honggu district and three counties were similar to the overall trend in Lanzhou city， while the risk of late diagnosis in Chengguan District and Qilihe District showed a decreasing trend. The regions with the RR for late diagnosis greater than 1 included Yongdeng County （RR=1.07， 95% CI： 0.55， 1.96）， Xigu District （RR=1.04， 95% CI： 0.67， 1.49）， Chengguan District （RR=2.41， 95% CI： 0.85， 6.16）， and Qilihe District （RR=2.03， 95% CI： 1.10， 3.27）. Besides， the heatmap analysis showed that Chengguan District and Qilihe District were the hot spots. The influencing factors analysis showed that the higher GDP per capita （RR=0.65， 95% CI： 0.35， 0.90） and the larger proportion of males with HIV/AIDS cases （RR=0.53， 95% CI： 0.19， 0.92） could lead to the lower the relative risk of late HIV/AIDS diagnosis. However， the higher the population density （RR=1.35， 95% CI： 1.01， 1.81） caused the higher the risk of late diagnosis. ConclusionOur study shows the risk of late diagnosis of HIV/AIDS in Lanzhou was on the rise， and there are significant regional differences. GDP per capita， the proportion of males in HIV/AIDS cases and population density are influencing factors in the late diagnosis of HIV/AIDS. Therefore， for regions with a high risk of late diagnosis or related risk factors， targeted HIV screening and prevention services should be given priority in order to reduce the proportion and risk of late diagnosis of HIV/AIDS.

Factors Associated with Site-specific Distribution of Glioblastoma / 肿瘤防治研究

The treatment of glioblastoma, the most prevalent malignant tumor in the central nervous system, poses considerable challenges. Glioblastoma multiforme, classified as a grade Ⅳ highly malignant brain glioma by the World Health Organization, is typically managed through a combination of surgery, postoperative chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. The treatment of glioblastoma is complicated by its infiltrative nature, genetic heterogeneity, and presence of the blood-brain barrier. Almost all cases of glioblastoma experience recurrence despite aggressive therapy, exploring the development of updated molecular treatment strategies that can improve overall efficacy. A crucial aspect in modern neurosurgery is the precise delineation of brain regions in terms of their anatomy and function. It serves as the fundamental basis for investigating variations in the distribution of brain gliomas. Hence, this review will elucidate the origin of glioblastomas and analyze the potential factors contributing to the spatially specific distribution of gliomas on the basis of a theoretical framework of brain connectomics research. Molecular characteristics, information pathways, tumor microenvironment landscape, and immunology will inform the analysis. We aim to identify novel biomolecular targets and therapeutic pathways to gain scientific insights for effective glioblastoma treatment.

3D hippocampal segmentation based on spatial and frequency domain features adaptive fusion and inter⁃class boundary region enhancement / 解剖学报

Objective Hippocampal atrophy is a clinically important marker for the diagnosis of many psychiatric disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease‚ so accurate segmentation of the hippocampus is an important scientific issue. With the development of deep learning‚ a large number of advanced automatic segmentation method have been proposed. However‚ 3D hippocampal segmentation is still challenging due to the effects of various noises in MRI and unclear boundaries between various classes of the hippocampus. Therefore‚ the aim of this paper is to propose new method to segment the hippocampal head‚ body‚ and tail more accurately. Methods To overcome these challenges‚ this paper proposed two strategies. One was the spatial and frequency domain features adaptive fusion strategy‚ which reduced the influence of noise on feature extraction by automatically selecting the appropriate frequency combination through fast Fourier transform and convolution. The other was an inter-class boundary region enhancement strategy‚ which allowed the network to focus on learning the boundary regions by weighting the loss function of the boundary regions between each class to achieve the goal of pinpointing the boundaries and regulating the size of the hippocampal head‚ body and tail. Results Experiments performed on a 50-case teenager brain MRI dataset show that our method achieves state-of-the-art hippocampal segmentation. Hippocampal head‚ body and tail had been improved compared to the existing method. Ablation experiments demonstrated the effectiveness of our two proposed strategies‚ and we also validated that the network had a strong generalization ability on a 260-case Task04_Hippocampus dataset. It was shown that the method proposed in this paper could be used in more hippocampal segmentation scenarios. Conclusion The method proposed in this paper can help clinicians to observe hippocampal atrophy more clearly and accomplish more accurate diagnosis and follow-up of the condition.

Effect of galvanic vestibular stimulation on stroke patients with lateropulsion / 中国康复理论与实践

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of galvanic vestibular stimulation on stroke patients with lateropulsion. MethodsFrom February to October, 2023, 30 stroke patients with lateropulsion in the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University were divided into control group (n = 15) and experimental group (n = 15) randomly. The control group received routine rehabilitation and sham galvanic vestibular stimulation, and the experimental group received routine rehabilitation and true galvanic vestibular stimulation, for two weeks. They were assessed with Scale for Contraversive Pushing (SCP), subjective visual vertical (SVV), Line Cancellation Test (LCT), Star Cancellation Test (SCT), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Holden Functional Ambulation Category (FAC) and Barthel Index (BI) before and after treatment. ResultsAll the indexes improved in both groups after intervention (|t| > 2.461, Z > 3.000, P < 0.05), except the SVV orientation, SVV certainty and SCT in the control group; while the SCP, SVV certainty, LCT and FAC were better in the experimental group than in the control group (|t| > 2.189, Z = -2.862, P < 0.05), and the differences before and after intervention were better in the experimental group than in the control group (|t| > 2.382, P < 0.05), except LCT. SCP was correlated with SVV orientation, SVV certainty, SCT, BBS, BI and FAC (|r| > 0.381, P < 0.05). ConclusionGalvanic vestibular stimulation can improve the lateropulsion, balance, walking function and activities of daily living in stroke patients, which may be related to improvement for spatial cognitive function, especially vertical perception.

Provincial distribution differences and influencing factors of self-assessed health among elderly population in China / 环境与职业医学

Background Regional differences in economic development, natural environment, health care level, and social structure may lead to differences in the provincial distribution of the health status of the elderly population. Objective To explore the provincial distribution characteristics, regional differences, and influencing factors of the self-assessed health of the elderly population, with the aim of providing a policy basis for improving the health of the elderly population and promoting healthy aging according to local conditions. Methods Using 31 provinces (municipalities and autonomous regions) in China as the basicstudy unit and based on the method of Wagstaff, the self-rated health data of the elderly population (aged 60 years and above) in each province from the 2010 and 2020 national censuses and the 2015 1% National Population Sample Survey were converted into ill-health scores as a measure of self-assessed health, and higher scores represented worse health status perception. Global Moran's I was used to evaluate spatial autocorrelation, range [−1, 1], with a value of 1 as a perfect clustered pattern. Local Moran's I was used to evaluate the tendency of local autocorrelation, and high-high aggregation/low-low aggregation indicated that both target province and its neighboring provinces showed higher/lower ill-health scores. Spatial econometric models were selected by Lagrange multiplier test and Hausman test to explore influencing factors of the self-assessed health of the elderly population. Results In 2010, 2015, and 2020, the national ill-health scores of the elderly population were 1.831, 1.873, and 1.547, respectively, and the corresponding Global Moran's I statistics were 0.347, 0.482, and 0.511, respectively (P<0.01), indicating that the ill-health scores of the elderly population showed a significant spatial positive autocorrelation, and the degree of spatial aggregation was increasing gradually. From 2010 to 2020, the high-high aggregation of ill-health scores among the elderly population was concentrated in the inland northwest, while the low-low aggregation was concentrated in the southeast coast, gradually showing a "southeast-central-northwest" stepped incremental pattern of differentiation. The Lagrange multiplier test and Hausman test suggested that the fixed-effects spatial lagged model was a better choice, and the regression model showed a spatial autocorrelation in the ill-health scores of the elderly population, with an autocorrelation coefficient of 0.3969 (P<0.001); the ill-health scores of the elderly population were negatively correlated with the natural logarithms of gross regional product per capita, and the number of beds in health care facilities per 1000 population, with regression coefficients of −0.8297 and −0.0454 (P<0.05) respectively, and positively correlated with the annual average concentration of PM2.5, illiteracy rate, and the number of health technicians per 1000 population, with regression coefficients of 0.0033, 0.0297, and 0.0765 (P<0.05), respectively. Conclusion From 2010 to 2020, the overall self-assessed health level of China's elderly population showed an upward trend and a spatial positive autocorrelation, with better self-assessed health in the southeast coast and poorer ratings in the northwestern inland. Additionally, there was a gradual decline in self-assessed health of the elderly population from the southeast to the central regions and further to the northwest in terms of spatial distribution. Economic development level, environmental pollution, health resource allocation, and education level are important factors influencing the self-assessed health of the elderly population.

Targeting stroma and tumor, silencing galectin 1 treats orthotopic mouse hepatocellular carcinoma

This study examines inhibiting galectin 1 (Gal1) as a treatment option for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Gal1 has immunosuppressive and cancer-promoting roles. Our data showed that Gal1 was highly expressed in human and mouse HCC. The levels of Gal1 positively correlated with the stages of human HCC and negatively with survival. The roles of Gal1 in HCC were studied using overexpression (OE) or silencing using Igals1 siRNA delivered by AAV9. Prior to HCC initiation induced by RAS and AKT mutations, lgals1-OE and silencing had opposite impacts on tumor load. The treatment effect of lgals1 siRNA was further demonstrated by intersecting HCC at different time points when the tumor load had already reached 9% or even 42% of the body weight. Comparing spatial transcriptomic profiles of Gal1 silenced and OE HCC, inhibiting matrix formation and recognition of foreign antigen in CD45+ cell-enriched areas located at tumor-margin likely contributed to the anti-HCC effects of Gal1 silencing. Within the tumors, silencing Gal1 inhibited translational initiation, elongation, and termination. Furthermore, Gal1 silencing increased immune cells as well as expanded cytotoxic T cells within the tumor, and the anti-HCC effect of lgals1 siRNA was CD8-dependent. Overall, Gal1 silencing has a promising potential for HCC treatment.

Spatio-temporal analysis of the visceral leishmaniasis in the state of Alagoas, Brazil

Abstract Visceral leishmaniosis is a neglected tropical disease. We evaluated the spatial distribution of cases of visceral leishmaniosis in the state of Alagoas, Brazil. All cases of VL, registered by the health department, were analyzed and georeferenced. Results: Between 2008 and 2017, 97.1% of the municipalities presented sporadic classification of transmission. With temporal evolution, the incidence of cases of visceral leishmaniosis was concentrated in most municipalities in the microregion of Santana do Ipanema-AL. Space-time analysis, if considered, may promote the improvement of surveillance and control actions of visceral leishmaniosis.

Resumo A leishmaniose visceral é uma doença tropical negligenciada. Foram avaliadas a distribuição espacial dos casos de leishmaniose visceral no estado de Alagoas. Todos os casos de LV, registrados pela secretaria de saúde, foram analisados e georreferenciados. Entre 2008 e 2017, 97,1% dos municípios apresentaram classificação esporádica de transmissão. Com a evolução temporal, a incidência de casos de leishmaniose visceral se concentrou na maioria dos municípios da microrregião de Santana do Ipanema-AL. A análise espaço-tempo, se considerada, pode promover o aprimoramento das ações de vigilância e controle da leishmaniose visceral.

Recognize the epidemiological and geospatial profile of the Mobile Emergency Care Service: a strategy to optimize response time

Epidemiological, cross-sectional, descriptive, retrospective study of a quantitative nature, to trace the epidemiological and geospatial profile of the occurrences assisted by the Mobile Emergency Care Service. For that purpose, secondary data from the documents of the Mobile Emergency Care Service of a city in the interior of Rio Grande do Norte were used, considering the frequency of the variables: sex, age group, nature of occurrences, days of the week, ambulance sent, removal inter-hospital care and patient destination. Of the 363 occurrences, most were due to clinical causes, followed by traumatic, psychiatric, and gynecological/obstetric causes, with an emphasis on cardiovascular diseases and transport accidents. aged 19 to 59 years and over 60 years, with the Basic Support Unit providing the majority of care. Among the calls for clinical causes, women stood out, while for traumatic and psychiatric causes, men. The information contributes to the organization and planning of the service and the understanding of the morbidity profile. The geographic distribution highlights the need for integration between health agencies, for the institution of preventive actions, and the redirection of human and financial resources.

Estudio epidemiológico, transversal, descriptivo, retrospectivo, de carácter cuantitativo que tiene como objetivo trazar el perfil epidemiológico y geoespacial de los incidentes atendidos por el Servicio Móvil de Atención de Urgencias. Para ello se utilizan datos secundarios de dos documentos del Servicio Móvil de Atención de Emergencias de un municipio del interior de Rio Grande do Norte; considera la frecuencia de las variables: sexo, edad, naturaleza de los eventos, días de la semana, ambulancia enviada, retiro interhospitalario y destino del paciente. De los 363 sucesos, la mayoría se debió a causas clínicas, seguidas de causas traumáticas, psiquiátricas y ginecológicas/obstétricas, incluidas las enfermedades cardiovasculares y los accidentes de transporte. La frecuencia de ocurrencia fue ligeramente mayor en individuos masculinos con predominio de mujeres y edades entre los 19 y 59 años y mayores de 60 años; la Unidad Básica de Apoyo fue la responsable de la mayoría de los servicios. Entre los lesionados por causas clínicas destacan las mujeres, mientras que los hombres tienen causas traumáticas y psiquiátricas. Esta información contribuye a la organización y planificación de los servicios y a la comprensión del perfil de morbilidad. La distribución geográfica resalta la necesidad de integración entre las organizaciones de salud para implementar acciones preventivas y redireccionar recursos humanos y financieros.

Influência dos indicadores socioeconômicos na distribuição dos casos suspeitos de dengue no município de São Carlos-SP / Influence of socioeconomic indicators on the distribution of suspected dengue

Resumo O estabelecimento definitivo do Aedes aegypti nas Américas está associado às mudanças ambientais, urbanização desorganizada, ausência de água e saneamento básico e deslocamentos populacionais, definindo, assim, a trajetória da doença. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a distribuição espacial dos casos suspeitos de dengue e a relação com indicadores socioeconômicos no município de São Carlos-SP. Trata-se de estudo ecológico, realizado nesse município, em que foram utilizados dados secundários do Sistema de Informação sobre Agravos de Notificação no período de 2016 a 2017 e do Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística do Censo Demográfico de 2010. Os dados foram analisados por meio da Análise de Componentes Principais pelo software Statistica 12.0 e os mapas temáticos foram gerados pelo software Arcgis versão 10.5. Os resultados mostraram elevadas taxas de casos suspeitos de dengue em áreas de ponderação com condições sociais adequadas e taxas reduzidas em áreas de ponderação com iniquidades sociais. Concluiu-se que o perfil de casos suspeitos por dengue na população de São Carlos não está relacionado a baixos indicadores socioeconômicos, uma vez que a dinâmica e a mobilidade populacional relacionadas ao elevado fluxo de universitários podem influenciar no padrão de distribuição espacial da doença.

Abstract The definitive establishment of Aedes aegypti in the Americas is associated with environmental changes, disorganized urbanization, lack of water and basic sanitation and population displacement, thus defining the trajectory of the disease. The aim of this study was to analyze the spatial distribution of the dengue suspected cases and understand its correlation with the socioeconomic indicators in the city of São Carlos (SP). This is an ecological study, carried out at the São Carlos (SP). Secondary data from the Information System on Notifiable Diseases in the period from 2016 to 2017 and from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics of the 2010 Demographic Census were used. The data were analyzed using Principal Component Analysis (ACP) by the software Statistica 12.0 and the thematic maps were generated by the software Arcgis version 10.5. The results showed high rates of suspected dengue cases in areas with adequate social conditions and reduced rates in areas with worst social condition. It was concluded that the outline of suspected dengue cases in the population of São Carlos (SP) is not related to low socioeconomic indicators, once the population dynamics and mobility related to the high flow of university students can influence the pattern of spatial distribution of the disease.

Evaluation of water-soluble dyes to mark internal structures of Lepidoptera via larval feeding

ABSTRACT Understanding aspects of insect ecology is a key component for the applicability of control methods or pest resistance management. For instance, the comprehension of insect dispersal is crucial to determining insect gene flow and the maximum distance between refuge areas in Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) crops. But, for such studies, insects need to be marked prior to release. Seeking to refine the technique of dispersion studies of the genetic material of Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), this study aimed to determine the efficiency of water-soluble dyes for the internal marking of S. frugiperda immatures and adults via larval feeding, with emphasis on marking the spermatophore. Rhodamine B, Methylene Blue, Ponceau, Coomassie, and Eosin-Nigrosin were added to the larval artificial diet at concentrations of 0, 100, 200, 400, 600, 800, and 1000 ppm. Mortality and duration of the larval stage as well as the efficiency of marking internal structures of larvae and adults were evaluated. Rhodamine B and Methylene Blue increased the duration of the larval period, but the former caused higher mortality. The staining of the gut, hemolymph, and imaginal discs, in the larval phase, was observed for Rhodamine B, Methylene Blue, and Coomassie dyes. However, none of the dyes were efficient for marking spermatophores. Thus, the addition of these water-soluble dyes to the larval diet of S. frugiperda can mark internal structures of the larva, but not the adult. Therefore, these dyes have limited application once they may be used only for marking larvae.

Geography and public health: analysis of the epidemiological dynamics of meningitis in Brazil, between 2010 and 2019 / Geografia e saúde coletiva: análise da dinâmica epidemiológica das meningites no Brasil, entre os anos de 2010 e 2019

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze the spatiotemporal epidemiological dynamics of meningitis in Brazil, between 2010 and 2019. Methods: Descriptive ecological study with cases and deaths due to meningitis in Brazil (2010-2019) in the National Notifiable Diseases Information System (Sistema de Informações de Agravos de Notificação - SINAN). The following analyses were performed: (I) frequency analyses of cases and deaths, prevalence rates, mortality, lethality, Fisher's exact test, and chi-square test; (II) Prais-Winstein regression; and (III) Global, Local Moran's index, and Kernel density. Results: 182,126 cases of meningitis were reported in Brazil, of which 16,866 (9.26%) resulted in death, with prevalence rates of 9.03/100,000 inhabitants, mortality of 0.84/100,000 inhabitants, and lethality of 9.26%. There was a noted trend of decreasing prevalence rates (−9.5%, 95% confidence interval — 95%CI −13.92; −4.96, p<0.01) and mortality (−11.74%, 95%CI −13.92; −9.48, p<0.01), while lethality remained stable (−2.08%, 95%CI −4.9; 0.8; p<0.1941). The majority of cases were viral meningitis (45.7%), among 1-9 years old (32.2%), while the highest proportion of deaths was due to bacterial meningitis (68%), among 40-59 years old (26.3%). In the Moran and Kernel maps of prevalence and mortality rates, municipalities in the South, Southeast, and the capital of Pernambuco in the Northeast stood out with high rates; as for lethality, the North, Northeast, and Southeast coastal areas were highlighted. Conclusion: A decrease in meningitis cases and deaths was found in this study; however, the lethality rate was higher in areas with lower prevalence, emphasizing the need to enhance actions for identifying, monitoring, and providing health care for cases, as well as expanding vaccination coverage.

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar a dinâmica epidemiológica espaçotemporal das meningites no Brasil, entre os anos de 2010 e 2019. Métodos: Estudo ecológico descritivo com os casos e óbitos por meningites no Brasil (2010-2019) no Sistema de Informações de Agravos de Notificação. Realizaram-se (I) análises de frequências dos casos e óbitos, taxas de prevalência, mortalidade, letalidade, testes de exato de Fisher e qui-quadrado; (II) regressão de Prais-Winsten; e (III) índice de Moran global, local e densidade de Kernel. Resultados: Notificaram-se 182.126 casos de meningites no Brasil, dos quais 16.866 (9,26%) evoluíram para óbito, com taxas de prevalência de 9,03/100.000/habitantes, mortalidade de 0,84/100.000/habitantes e letalidade de 9,26%. Destaca-se a tendência de decrescimento das taxas de prevalência (−9,5%, intervalo de confiança de 95% — IC95% −13,92; −4,96, p<0,01) e mortalidade (−11,74%, IC95% −13,92; −9,48, p<01,01), enquanto a letalidade se manteve estacionária (−2,08%, IC95% −4,9; 0,8; p<0,1941). A maioria dos casos foi de meningites virais (45,7%), entre 1 e 9 anos (32,2%), enquanto a maior parcela dos óbitos foi por meningites bacterianas (68%), entre 40 e 59 anos (26,3%). Nos mapas de Moran e Kernel das taxas de prevalência e mortalidade, destacaram-se com altas taxas os municípios do sul, sudeste e a capital de Pernambuco, no nordeste; já na letalidade, evidenciaram-se o norte, o nordeste e o litoral do sudeste. Conclusão: Encontrou-se decréscimo dos casos e óbitos por meningites neste estudo, entretanto a taxa de letalidade foi maior em áreas com menor prevalência, reforçando a necessidade do aprimoramento das ações de identificação, vigilância e assistência em saúde dos casos, bem como da ampliação da cobertura vacinal.

HIV and AIDS in the state of Paraná, Brazil, 2007-2022: trends and spatiotemporal distribution / HIV e AIDS no Estado do Paraná, Brasil, 2007-2022: tendência e distribuição espaçotemporal

ABSTRACT Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the spatiotemporal evolution of the incidence rates of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) in the state of Paraná, Brazil. Methods: An ecological study with an analytical component of time series analysis was conducted in the state of Paraná from 2007 to 2022. The data source was the Notifiable Diseases Information System. To study the trend, the Prais-Winsten generalized linear regression model was used by decomposing the time series, and for spatial analysis, the Moran's index was applied. Results: The total sample consisted of 50,676 HIV/AIDS records. The incidence rate showed an increasing trend, with an average growth of 2.14% [95% confidence interval - 95%CI 1.16-3.13] per month. From 2007 to 2014 and from 2015 to 2022, the average number of cases in the state was 105.64 and 159.20 per 100,000 inhabitants, respectively, with significant variation among municipalities. Spatial clusters of high risk persisted in the metropolitan region, the capital, and coastal areas, and a new cluster was observed in the northern region of the state. Conclusion: The incidence rates of HIV/AIDS showed an upward trend over time. The number of cases varied considerably in some municipalities, especially in the coastal region. Spatial analysis revealed geospatial patterns of high risk in the main metropolitan areas of Paraná: Curitiba (including the coastal area), Londrina, and Maringá, which share characteristics such as a high degree of urbanization and ongoing economic development.

RESUMO Objetivo: Este estudo teve como objetivo analisar a evolução espaçotemporal das taxas de incidência do vírus da imunodeficiência humana (HIV) e da síndrome da imunodeficiência adquirida (AIDS) no estado do Paraná, Brasil. Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo ecológico com componente analítico de séries temporais e análise espacial no estado do Paraná, de 2007 a 2022. A fonte de dados foi o Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação. Para estudar a tendência, foi utilizado o modelo de regressão linear generalizada de Prais-Winsten por meio da decomposição de séries temporais e, para a análise espacial, foi aplicado o Índice de Moran. Resultados: A amostra total foi composta de 50.676 registros de HIV/AIDS. A taxa de incidência apresentou tendência crescente, com crescimento médio de 2,14% (intervalo de confiança de 95% — IC95% 1,16-3,13) ao mês. Nos períodos de 2007 a 2014 e 2015 a 2022, a média de casos no estado foi de 105,64 e 159,20 a cada 100 mil habitantes, respectivamente, com importantes variações entre os municípios. Agrupamentos espaciais de alto risco permaneceram na região metropolitana à capital e litoral e um novo agrupamento foi observado à região norte do estado. Conclusão: As taxas de incidência do HIV/AIDS apresentaram tendência temporal crescente. O número de casos variou substancialmente em alguns municípios, principalmente naqueles localizados na região litorânea. A análise espacial revelou padrões geoespaciais de alto risco nas principais regiões metropolitanas do Paraná: Curitiba (abrange o litoral), Londrina e Maringá, as quais compartilham características como elevado grau de urbanização e constante desenvolvimento econômico.

Prediction of tuberculosis clusters in the riverine municipalities of the Brazilian Amazon with machine learning / Predição de áreas de aglomeração de tuberculose nos municípios ribeirinhos da Amazônia brasileira com aprendizagem de máquina

ABSTRACT Objective: Tuberculosis (TB) is the second most deadly infectious disease globally, posing a significant burden in Brazil and its Amazonian region. This study focused on the "riverine municipalities" and hypothesizes the presence of TB clusters in the area. We also aimed to train a machine learning model to differentiate municipalities classified as hot spots vs. non-hot spots using disease surveillance variables as predictors. Methods: Data regarding the incidence of TB from 2019 to 2022 in the riverine town was collected from the Brazilian Health Ministry Informatics Department. Moran's I was used to assess global spatial autocorrelation, while the Getis-Ord GI* method was employed to detect high and low-incidence clusters. A Random Forest machine-learning model was trained using surveillance variables related to TB cases to predict hot spots among non-hot spot municipalities. Results: Our analysis revealed distinct geographical clusters with high and low TB incidence following a west-to-east distribution pattern. The Random Forest Classification model utilizes six surveillance variables to predict hot vs. non-hot spots. The machine learning model achieved an Area Under the Receiver Operator Curve (AUC-ROC) of 0.81. Conclusion: Municipalities with higher percentages of recurrent cases, deaths due to TB, antibiotic regimen changes, percentage of new cases, and cases with smoking history were the best predictors of hot spots. This prediction method can be leveraged to identify the municipalities at the highest risk of being hot spots for the disease, aiding policymakers with an evidenced-based tool to direct resource allocation for disease control in the riverine municipalities.

RESUMO Objetivo: A tuberculose (TB) é a segunda doença infecciosa que mais mata no mundo, representando um problema de saúde pública no Brasil, especialmente na região amazônica. Este estudo analisa a TB nos municípios ribeirinhos" com o objetivo de identificar aglomerados de alta incidência, também conhecidos como "hot spots". Posteriormente, utilizando aprendizagem de máquina, visamos prever estes aglomerados por meio de variáveis de vigilância epidemiológica. Assim buscamos auxiliar o ente público no combate à TB nesta região. Métodos: Dados da incidência de TB nos "municípios ribeirinhos" foram coletados entre os anos de 2019 e 2022 do Departamento de Informática do Ministério da Saúde. O índice de Moran foi utilizado para a determinação de autocorrelação espacial global, enquanto o método Getis-Ord GI* foi empregado para a autocorrelação espacial local. Variáveis referentes ao diagnóstico, tratamento e características socioeconômicas associadas aos casos foram utilizadas para a predição de aglomerados de alta incidência por meio de um modelo Random Forest. Resultados: Foram identificados aglomerados com alta incidência de TB a oeste e baixa incidência a leste. O total de seis variáveis de vigilância epidemiológica foi identificado como relevante para a predição. Nosso modelo Random Forest alcança uma área sob a curva da característica operacional do receptor (AUC-ROC) de 0,81. Conclusão: Municípios com altas porcentagens de casos recorrentes, mortes por TB, mudança do esquema de tratamento, casos novos e casos com história de tabagismo estão associados a aglomerados de alta incidência. Esperamos que este método de identificação de possíveis aglomerados de TB seja útil para o ente público no combate à doença na região.

Space-time dispersion of dengue occurrence in epidemic and non-epidemic years in a municipality in the metropolitan region of Belo Horizonte, MG, 2011 to 2017 / Dispersão espaçotemporal da ocorrência de dengue em anos epidêmicos e não epidêmicos em município da região metropolitana de Belo Horizonte, MG, 2011 a 2017

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze the transmission dynamics of dengue, a public health problem in Brazil and the Metropolitan Region of Belo Horizonte (MRBH). Methods: The spatiotemporal evolution of the occurrence of dengue in the municipality of Contagem, state of Minas Gerais, a region with high arbovirus transmission, was analyzed. Furthermore, epidemic and non-epidemic periods were analyzed, based on probable cases of dengue. This is an ecological study that used the Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN) national database. The analyses were carried out considering the period from epidemiological week (EW) 40 of 2011 to 39 of 2017. Spatial analysis tools (crude and smoothed incidence rate, directional distribution ellipse, global Moran index and local Moran index, and spatial scanning time with definition of epidemiological risk) were used. Results: The 2012 to 2013 and 2015 to 2016 epidemic cycles presented high incidence rates. The disease was concentrated in more urbanized areas, with a small increase in cases throughout the municipality. Seven statistically significant local clusters and areas with a high rate of cases and accentuated transmission in epidemic cycles were observed throughout the municipality. Spatial autocorrelation of the incidence rate was observed in all periods. Conclusion: The results of the present study highlight a significant and heterogeneous increase in dengue notifications in Contagem over the years, revealing distinct spatial patterns during epidemic and non-epidemic periods. Geoprocessing analysis identified high-risk areas, a piece of knowledge that can optimize the allocation of resources in the prevention and treatment of the disease for that municipality.

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar a dinâmica de transmissão da dengue, problema de saúde pública no Brasil e Região Metropolitana de Belo Horizonte (RMBH). Métodos: Foi analisada a evolução espaçotemporal da ocorrência de dengue no município de Contagem, estado de Minas Gerais, região de alta transmissão da arbovirose. Ainda, foram analisados períodos epidêmicos e não epidêmicos, com base em casos prováveis de dengue. Trata-se de um estudo ecológico que utilizou o banco de dados nacional do Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (SINAN). As análises foram realizadas considerando-se o período compreendido da semana epidemiológica 40 de 2011 a 39 de 2017. Ferramentas de análise espacial (taxa de incidência bruta e suavizada, elipse de distribuição direcional, índice de Moran global e índice de Moran local, e varredura espaçotemporal com definição do risco epidemiológico) foram utilizadas. Resultados: Os ciclos epidêmicos 2012 a 2013 e 2015 a 2016 apresentaram altas taxas de incidência. A doença concentrou-se em áreas mais urbanizadas, com pequena expansão de casos por todo o município. Foram observados sete aglomerados locais estatisticamente significativos e áreas com alta taxa de casos e transmissão acentuada em ciclos epidêmicos em todo o município. A autocorrelação espacial da taxa de incidência foi observada em todos os períodos. Conclusão: Os resultados do presente estudo destacam um aumento significativo e heterogêneo nas notificações de dengue em Contagem ao longo dos anos, revelando padrões espaciais distintos durante períodos epidêmicos e não epidêmicos. A análise de geoprocessamento identificou áreas de alto risco, conhecimento este que pode otimizar a alocação de recursos na prevenção e tratamento da doença para o referido município.

Clusters of heterogeneity of tuberculosis-HIV coinfection in Brazil: a geospatial study / Clusters da heterogeneidade da coinfecção tuberculose-HIV no Brasil: um estudo geoespacial

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To analyze the geospatialization of tuberculosis-HIV coinfection in Brazil, from 2010 to 2021, and the correlation with socioeconomic, housing, and health indicators. METHODS An ecological study of Brazilian municipalities and states, with data from HIV and tuberculosis information systems, previously reported by the Ministry of Health. The crude and smoothed coefficients were calculated by the local empirical Bayesian method of incidence of coinfection per 100,000 inhabitants in the population aged between 18 and 59 years. Univariate (identification of clusters) and bivariate (correlation with 20 indicators) Moran's indices were used. RESULTS A total of 122,223 cases of coinfection were registered in Brazil from 2010 to 2021, with a mean coefficient of 8.30/100,000. The South (11.44/100,000) and North (9.93/100,000) regions concentrated the highest burden of infections. The coefficients dropped in Brazil, in all regions, in the years of covid-19 (2020 and 2021). The highest coefficients were observed in the municipalities of the states of Rio Grande do Sul, Mato Grosso do Sul, and Amazonas, with high-high clusters in the capitals, border regions, coast of the country. The municipalities belonging to the states of Minas Gerais, Bahia, Paraná, and Piauí showed low-low clusters. There was a direct correlation with human development indices and aids rates, as well as an indirect correlation with the proportion of poor or of those vulnerable to poverty and the Gini index. CONCLUSIONS The spatial analysis of tuberculosis-HIV coinfection showed heterogeneity in the Brazilian territory and constant behavior throughout the period, revealing clusters with high-burden municipalities, especially in large urban centers and in states with a high occurrence of HIV and/or tuberculosis. These findings, in addition to alerting to the effects of the covid-19 pandemic, can incorporate strategic planning for the control of coinfection, aiming to eliminate these infections as public health problems by 2030.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Analisar a geoespacialização da coinfecção tuberculose-HIV no Brasil, de 2010 a 2021, e a correlação com indicadores socioeconômicos, habitacionais e sanitários. MÉTODOS Estudo ecológico dos municípios e estados brasileiros, com dados dos sistemas de informação do HIV e da tuberculose, previamente relacionados pelo Ministério da Saúde. Foram calculados os coeficientes brutos e suavizados pelo método bayesiano empírico local de incidência da coinfecção, por 100 mil habitantes, na população entre 18 e 59 anos. Empregaram-se os índices de Moran univariado (identificação de clusters) e bivariado (correlação com 20 indicadores). RESULTADOS Foram registrados 122.223 casos de coinfecção no Brasil, de 2010 a 2021, com coeficiente médio de 8,30/100 mil. As regiões Sul (11,44/100 mil) e Norte (9,93/100 mil) concentraram a maior carga das infecções. Houve queda dos coeficientes no Brasil, em todas as regiões, nos anos de covid-19 (2020 e 2021). Os maiores coeficientes foram visualizados nos municípios do Rio Grande do Sul, do Mato Grosso do Sul e do Amazonas, com aglomerados alto-alto nas capitais, em regiões de fronteira e no litoral do país. Os municípios pertencentes aos estados de Minas Gerais, da Bahia, do Paraná e do Piauí apresentaram clusters baixo-baixo. Houve correlação direta com os índices de desenvolvimento humano e as taxas de aids, bem como indireta com a proporção de pobres ou vulneráveis à pobreza e o índice de Gini. CONCLUSÕES A análise espacial da coinfecção tuberculose-HIV demonstrou heterogeneidade no território brasileiro e comportamento constante ao longo do período, revelando clusters com municípios de alta carga, principalmente nos grandes centros urbanos e nos estados com ocorrência elevada do HIV e/ou da tuberculose. Esses achados, além de trazerem um alerta para os efeitos da pandemia da covid-19, podem incorporar o planejamento estratégico para o controle da coinfecção, visando à eliminação dessas infecções como problemas de saúde pública até 2030.

Spatial analysis of American cutaneous leishmaniasis in the state of Amazonas

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To evaluate, using spatial analysis, the occurrence of American Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (ACL) and analyze its association with the municipal human development index (MHDI) and deforestation in the state of Amazonas, Brazil, from 2016 to 2020. METHODS This ecological study, carried out from January 2016 to December 2020, included the 62 municipalities of the state of Amazonas. The incidence rate of ACL was determined in space and time. Using Multiple Linear Regression by Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) and Spatial Autoregressive Regression (SAR) models, the relationship between incidence rates and Human Development Index (HDI) and deforestation was analyzed., The high- and low-risk clusters were identified by employing the Getis-Ord Gi* statistic. RESULTS A total of 7,499 cases of ACL were registered in all 62 municipalities in the state. Most cases were in male (n=5,924; 79.24%), with the greatest frequency in the population aged from 20 to 39 years (n=3,356; 44.7%). The incidence rate in the state of Amazonas was 7.34 cases per 100,000 inhabitants-year, with the municipalities of Rio Preto da Eva and Presidente Figueiredo showing the highest rates (1,377.5 and 817.5 cases per 100,000 population-year, respectively). The ACL cases were clustered into specific areas related to those municipalities with the highest incidence rates. The SAR model revealed a positive relationship between ACL and deforestation. CONCLUSIONS The occurrence of ACL was evident in a variety of patterns in the state of Amazonas; the high incidence rates and persistence of this disease in this state were linked to deforestation. The temporal distribution showed variations in the incidence rates during each year. Our results can help optimize the measures needed to prevent and control this disease in the state.