A perspective on research ethics committees in the Brazilian amazon

This study presents the importance of the Research Ethics Committees (CEP) in the context of the Brazilian North Region, formed by the Amazon rainforest, which is occupied by traditional populations and those constituted by migratory currents. This study aims to analyze the bioethical implications arising from the activities of CEPs in the ethical evaluation of research projects and their essential role in protecting vulnerable populations. The authors seek to highlight the importance of ethics committees in the Amazon and their importance face the modern bioethical values that can contribute to the preservation of one of the most valuable and diverse environments on earth.

Este estudio presenta la importancia de los comités de ética en investigación (CEP) en el contexto de la Región Norte de Brasil, formada por la selva amazónica, ocupada por poblaciones tradicionales y constituida por corrientes migratorias. Este estudio tiene como objetivo analizar las implicaciones bioéticas derivadas de las actividades de los CEP en la evaluación ética de los proyectos de investigación y su papel esencial en la protección de las poblaciones vulnerables. Los autores buscan destacar la importancia de los comités de ética en la Amazonia y su importancia frente a los valores bioéticos modernos que pueden contribuir a la preservación de uno de los ambientes más valiosos y diversos del planeta.

Esse estudo apresenta a importância dos Comitês de Ética em Pesquisa (CEPs) no contexto da Região Norte Brasileira, formada pela floresta amazônica e ocupada por populações tradicionais e aquelas constituídas por correntes migratórias. Esse estudo objetiva analisar as implicações bioéticas que surgem das atividades dos CEPs na avaliação ética de projetos de pesquisa e seu papel fundamental em proteger populações vulneráveis. Os autores procuram enfatizar a importância dos comitês de ética na Amazônia e sua importância face a valores bioéticos modernos, que podem contribuir para a preservação de um dos mais valiosos e diversos ambientes na terra.

Grupo centrado: experiência com mulheres na vivência do ciclo gravídico puerperal / Centered group: a study with women experiencing pregnancy-puerperal cycle / Grupo focal: experiencia con mujeres en la vivencia del ciclo de embarazo puerperal

OBJETIVO: Compreender experiência de grupo orientado pela Abordagem Centrada na Pessoa (ACP) com mulheres que vivenciam o ciclo gravídico puerperal, no contexto do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS). MÉTODO: Pesquisa qualitativa, de inspiração fenomenológica, e utilização do referencial da ACP como norteador do estudo. As informações foram coletadas por meio de grupo, em quatro encontros presenciais nos meses de maio e junho de 2022, utilizando-se dos instrumentos Versão de Sentido (VS's) e Entrevista Fenomenológica (EF), sendo as informações organizadas em Eixos de Sentido e compreendidas a partir das premissas da ACP em diálogo com estudos vinculados às temáticas emergidas. RESULTADOS E DISCUSSÃO: Os Eixos elaborados a partir das VS's evidenciaram aspectos e tendências típicas do desenvolvimento de grupo fundamentado pela ACP; descreveram o grupo como espaço de acolhimento e liberdade experiencial, no qual se facilitou a expressão de vivências significativas relacionadas à gestação, parto e puerpério; apresentaram, ainda, o sentido de que a experiência grupal constituiu-se como promotora de trocas e apoio mútuo, de desenvolvimento e aprendizagens significativas. Os Eixos formulados com base na EF revelaram que as mulheres compreenderam a participação no grupo como uma experiência positiva, que propiciou cuidado aos aspectos emocionais, impulsionando autoconhecimento e desenvolvimento; e facilitadora de mudanças construtivas na vivência da maternidade. CONCLUSÃO: O estudo demonstrou a viabilidade de grupo centrado na assistência integral à saúde da mulher no período gravídico puerperal, e as convergências entre os princípios da ACP e os que orientam a prática na assistência do SUS.

OBJECTIVE: Understanding the group guided by the Person-Centered Approach (PCA) with women who experience the pregnancypuerperal cycle, in the Sistema Único de Saúde ­ SUS (Brazilian National Health System) context. METHOD: Qualitative research of phenomenological inspiration using the PCA framework as a guide for the study. Information was collected through groups, in four face-to-face meetings between May and June 2022, using the Sense's Version (SV's) and Phenomenological Interview (PI), with the information organized in Sense Axes and understood from the premises of the PCA in dialogue with studies linked to emerging themes. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The Axes created from the SV's showed aspects and tendencies which are typical of the development of a group based on the PCA; described the group as a welcoming space and experiential freedom, in which the expression of significant experiences related to pregnancy, childbirth and puerperium was facilitated; they also presented, the sense that the group experience was constituted as a promoter of exchanges and mutual support, of development and significant learning. The Axes formulated based on the PI, revealed that the women understood participation in the group as a positive experience, which provided care for emotional aspects, boosting self-knowledge and development; and a facilitator of constructive changes in the experience of motherhood. CONCLUSION: The study demonstrated the viability of a group centered on comprehensive care for women's health in the pregnancy-puerperal period between the PCA principles and those that guide the SUS care practice.

OBJETIVO: Comprender la experiencia de grupo orientado por el Enfoque Centrado en la Persona (ACP) con mujeres que vivenciaron el ciclo de embarazo puerperal, en el contexto del Sistema Único de Saúde ­ SUS (Sistema Único de Salud). MÉTODO: Pesquisa cualitativa de inspiración fenomenológica e utilización del referencial de la ACP como guía de estudio. Las informaciones fueron colectadas por medio de un grupo, en cuatro encuentros presenciales en los meses de mayo y junio del 2022, utilizando-se de los instrumentos Versiones del Sentido (VS's) e Entrevista Fenomenológica (EF), siendo las informaciones organizadas en Ejes del Sentido y comprendidas a partir de las premisas de la ACP en dialogo con estudios vinculados a las temáticas emergidas. RESULTADOS Y DISCUSIONES: Los Ejes elaborados a partir de las VS's evidenciaron aspectos y tendencias típicas del desarrollo del grupo fundamentado por la ACP, describieron el grupo como espacio de acogimiento y libertad experimental en lo cual se facilitó expresar las vivencias significativas relacionadas a la gestación, el parto y el puerperio, presentaron todavía, el sentido de que la experiencia grupal e constituyó como promotora de cambios y apoyos mutuos, de desarrollo y aprendizajes significativos. Los Ejes formulados con base en la EF, revelaron que las mujeres comprendieron la participación en el grupo como una experiencia positiva que les proporcionó cuidados a los aspectos emocionales aumentando el autoconocimiento y desarrollo; y facilitadora de cambios constructivos en la vivencia de la maternidad. CONCLUSIÓN: El estudio demostró la viabilidad del grupo enfocado en la asistencia integral a la salud de la mujer en el período del embarazo puerperal, y las convergencias entre los principios de la ACP y los que orientan la practica en la asistencia del SUS.

Presupuesto por resultados y calidad del gasto del programa de cáncer en un hospital público / Budgeting for results and quality of cancer program spending in a public hospital / Orçamento para resultados e qualidade dos gastos com o programa de câncer em um hospital público

La implementación del Presupuesto por Resultados (PpR) requiere elementos como información oportuna, sistemas de monitoreo, incentivos y procedimientos normados. En el caso de Perú, su enfoque de PpR ha generado cambios significativos en resultados de salud, especialmente en programas como desnutrición y salud materna y neonatal, al priorizar actividades demostradas como más costo-eficaces a nivel mundial. Objetivo. Determinar la relación entre el presupuesto por resultados (PpR) y la Calidad del gasto del programa de cáncer en un hospital público del Ministerio de Salud, 2021. Materiales y Métodos. Se realizó un estudio de enfoque cuantitativo, tipo básico, diseño no experimental, descriptivo y nivel correlacional. La población fue de 131 trabajadores vinculados al ciclo del presupuesto, de los cuales se seleccionó una muestra de 32 trabajadores responsables directos del PpR. Se utilizó la técnica de encuesta y dos cuestionarios como instrumentos, sometidos a los coeficientes KR-20 y Alpha de Cronbach para evaluar la confiabilidad. Resultados. El coeficiente de Spearman fue de 0.387, indicando una relación positiva y media entre las variables. La significancia fue de 0.029 (< 0.05). Conclusiones. Se encontró una relación significativa entre el PpR y la Calidad del gasto del programa de Cáncer en el hospital del Ministerio de Salud, confirmando que un mejor manejo del PpR está asociado a una mejor calidad de gasto.

The implementation of results-based budgeting (RBB) requires elements such as timely information, monitoring systems, incentives and standardized procedures. In the case of Peru, its PfR approach has generated significant changes in health outcomes, especially in programs such as malnutrition and maternal and neonatal health, by prioritizing activities proven to be more cost-effective worldwide. Objective. To determine the relationship between the budget for results (BfR) and the Quality of cancer program spending in a public hospital of the Ministry of Health, 2021. Materials and Methods. A quantitative approach, basic type, non-experimental, descriptive and correlational study was carried out. The population was 131 workers linked to the budget cycle, from which a sample of 32 workers directly responsible for the PpR was selected. The survey technique and two questionnaires were used as instruments, subjected to Cronbach's KR-20 and Alpha coefficients to assess reliability. Results. Spearman's coefficient was 0.387, indicating a positive and average relationship between the variables. Significance was 0.029 (< 0.05). Conclusions. A significant relationship was found between PpR and Quality of expenditure of the Cancer program in the Ministry of Health hospital, confirming that better management of PpR is associated with better quality of expenditure.

A implementação do orçamento por desempenho (PfR) requer elementos como informações oportunas, sistemas de monitoramento, incentivos e procedimentos padronizados. No caso do Peru, sua abordagem de PfR gerou mudanças significativas nos resultados de saúde, especialmente em programas como desnutrição e saúde materna e neonatal, priorizando atividades comprovadamente mais econômicas em todo o mundo. Objetivo. Determinar a relação entre o orçamento por resultados (BfR) e a qualidade dos gastos com o programa de câncer em um hospital público do Ministério da Saúde, 2021. Materiais e métodos. Foi realizado um estudo de abordagem quantitativa, do tipo básico, não experimental, descritivo e correlacional. A população foi de 131 trabalhadores ligados ao ciclo orçamentário, dos quais foi selecionada uma amostra de 32 trabalhadores diretamente responsáveis pelo BfR. Como instrumentos, foram utilizados a técnica de survey e dois questionários, submetidos aos coeficientes KR-20 e Alfa de Cronbach para avaliar a confiabilidade. Resultados. O coeficiente de Spearman foi de 0,387, indicando uma relação positiva e média entre as variáveis. A significância foi de 0,029 (< 0,05). Conclusões. Foi encontrada uma relação significativa entre o PfR e a qualidade das despesas do programa de câncer no hospital do Ministério da Saúde, confirmando que uma melhor gestão do PfR está associada a uma melhor qualidade das despesas.

Conferências Nacionais de Saúde: estudo sobre aderência de propostas de política de comunicação aos princípios de comunicação pública / National Health Conferences: study on adherence of proposals on communication policy to the principles of public communication / Conferencias Nacionales de Salud: estudio sobre la adhesión de las propuestas de política de comunicación a los principios de la comunicación pública

Este artigo apresenta resultados preliminares de uma investigação sobre a aderência de propostas de criação de uma política de comunicação aos princípios de comunicação pública no Sistema Único de Saúde. As proposições foram discutidas no âmbito das Conferências Nacionais de Saúde realizadas entre 2003 e 2019. O estudo abrangeu a avaliação de documentos e entrevistas em profundidade com fontes-chave com atuação no controle social e que participaram das conferências. Buscaram-se também subsídios teóricos que tratam das temáticas da comunicação pública e da comunicação em saúde para embasar a discussão sobre a elaboração de uma política de comunicação voltada para o SUS. Observa-se falta de ancoragem clara das propostas das conferências com relação aos princípios da comunicação pública, bem como a não adesão do governo federal à pauta, mesmo nas gestões afinadas com ideais democráticos, princípios de participação social e atuação no interesse público.

This article presents the preliminary results of an investigation into the adherence of the proposals to create a communication policy for the Unified Health System, according to the principles of public communication. Those proposals were held between 2003 and 2019 within the National Health Conferences scope. The study covered the evaluation of documents and in-depth interviews with key sources working in social control and who had participated in conferences. It also included theoretical subsidies that deal with the themes of public communication and communication and health to support the discussion on the creation of a communication policy aimed at the SUS. The results showed a lack of clear anchorage of the conference proposals in principles of public communication, and the non-adherence of the federal government to the agenda, even during governments aligned with democratic ideals, principles of social participation, and action on the public interest.

Este artículo presenta resultados preliminares de una investigación sobre la adhesión de las propuestas de creación de una política de comunicación del Sistema Único de Salud a los principios de la comunicación pública. Las proposiciones fueron discutidas en las Conferencias Nacionales de Salud, entre 2003 y 2019. El estudio abarcó la evaluación de documentos y entrevistas en profundidad con fuentes que trabajan en el control social y con participación en las conferencias. Se buscaron subsidios teóricos que tratan de los temas de comunicación pública y comunicación y salud para apoyar la discusión sobre la elaboración de una política de comunicación dirigida al SUS. Hay una falta de anclaje de las propuestas de la conferencia en principios de comunicación pública, así como la falta de adhesión del gobierno federal, incluso en gestiones en sintonía con los ideales democráticos, principios de participación y acción social centrado en el interés público.

Investigação do aleitamento materno com foco sobre a exclusividade dessa prática no primeiro semestre de vida da criança, em um município do norte de Minas Gerais / Investigation of breastfeeding focusing on the exclusivity of this practice in the first semester of the child's life, in a municipality in the north of Minas Gerais

Objetivo: investigar o aleitamento materno com foco sobre a exclusividade dessa prática no primeiro semestre de vida da criança, em um município do norte de Minas Gerais. Métodos: trata-se de um estudo descritivo, qualitativo realizado com 13 mães com idade entre 24 e 39 anos. Os dados foram coletados entre agosto e setembro de 2023, por meio de uma entrevista semiestruturada, e analisados mediante análise temática. Resultados: as mulheres indicaram ter enfrentado dificuldades na prática do aleitamento materno exclusivo, especialmente nos primeiros dias de vida da criança, devido a ingurgitamento, mastite, fissuras mamárias, pressão social e pessoal de leite fraco. Identificou-se como benefícios do aleitamento materno exclusivo a proteção imunológica, o estreitamento de vínculo, a prevenção de doenças e de desnutrição na criança, assim como a aceleração da involução uterina e a prevenção de cânceres na mulher. O apoio da família, do parceiro e da equipe de saúde foi apontado como fatores facilitadores do aleitamento materno, porém indicaram receber poucas orientações dos profissionais sobre amamentação. Conclusão: destaca-se a importância de a equipe de saúde atuar com um olhar zeloso perante esse público, intensificando as orientações sobre aleitamento materno exclusivo a fim de reduzir as dúvidas e dificuldades para elevar as taxas de duração e exclusividade do aleitamento materno.

Objective: to investigate breastfeeding with a focus on the exclusivity of this practice in the first semester of a child's life in a municipality in the north of Minas Gerais. Methods: this is a descriptive, qualitative study carried out with 13 mothers aged between 24 and 39 years old. Data were collected between August and September 2023 from a semi-structured interview and analyzed using Thematic Analysis. Results: women indicated that they faced difficulties in practicing exclusive breastfeeding, especially in the first days of the child's life, due to engorgement, mastitis, breast fissures, and social and personal pressure of weak milk. The benefits of exclusive breastfeeding were identified as immunological protection, strengthening bonds, preventing diseases and malnutrition in children, as well as accelerating uterine involution, and preventing cancer in women. Support from family, partner, and healthcare team was identified as factors that facilitate breastfeeding, but they indicated that they received little guidance from professionals about breastfeeding. Conclusion: the importance of the health team acting with a zealous eye towards the public is highlighted, intensifying guidance on exclusive breastfeeding in order to reduce doubts and difficulties in increasing the duration and exclusivity of breastfeeding.

Perfil e práticas dos médicos da atenção primária na pandemia de covid-19 em Salvador, Bahia, Brasil / The profile and practices of primary care physicians during the covid-19 pandemic in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil / Perfil y prácticas de los médicos de atención primaria en la pandemia de la covid-19 en Salvador, Bahía, Brasil

Em 2020, a atenção à saúde sofreu o impacto da pandemia de covid-19, e a Atenção Primária não foi exceção. Para melhor compreender a reorganização desse setor no município de Salvador, Bahia, esta pesquisa descreve o perfil dos médicos e as práticas de saúde realizadas por eles na Atenção Primária no contexto da pandemia. Trata-se de um estudo de corte transversal descritivo, que se utiliza de um questionário online autoaplicável distribuído aos médicos participantes que atuam nas unidades básicas de saúde que compõem a Atenção Primária do município. Para análise dos dados, foi utilizada estatística descritiva simples. Com um total de 43 questionários respondidos, foram descritos aspectos referentes a: perfil, formação e atuação dos médicos; mudanças estruturais ocorridas e adoção de novas ferramentas de trabalho; manutenção dos cuidados primários de rotina; ações de vigilância em saúde; suporte social a grupos vulneráveis; e atuação clínica em pacientes com covid-19. Com uma maioria de médicas jovens, recém-formadas e em um período curto de atuação nas equipes onde estavam inseridas, observou-se pouco envolvimento em vigilância e suporte a grupos vulneráveis e um abrangente uso de telemedicina e reestruturação do funcionamento das unidades. Contudo, alguns cuidados primários, como acompanhamento de doenças crônicas e puericultura, resultaram em limitações no acesso e, consequentemente, menor atenção ao cuidado longitudinal.

In 2020, health care suffered the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and primary care was no exception. To better understand the reorganization of this segment in the municipality of Salvador, Bahia, this research describes the profile of physicians and health practices performed by them in primary care in the pandemic context. This is a cross-sectional descriptive study using an online self-administered questionnaire distributed to participating physicians who work in the basic health units that are a part of primary care in the municipality. For data analysis, simple descriptive statistics was used. With a total of 43 questionnaires answered, the following aspects were described: profile, training, and performance of physicians; structural changes and adoption of new work tools; maintenance of routine primary care; health surveillance actions; social support to vulnerable groups; and clinical performance with COVID-19 patients. With mostly young females, recently graduated, and with a short period of service in the teams where they were located; little involvement in surveillance and support to vulnerable groups is observed, as well as an extensive use of telemedicine and restructuring of the operation of the units. However, some primary care, such as chronic disease follow-up and childcare, resulted in limitations in access and, consequently, less attention to longitudinal care.

En 2020, la atención sanitaria sufrió el impacto de la pandemia de la covid-19 y la atención primaria no fue la excepción. Para comprender mejor la reorganización de este sector en el municipio de Salvador, en Bahía (Brasil), esta investigación describe el perfil de los médicos y las prácticas de salud realizadas por ellos en la atención primaria en el contexto de la pandemia. Se trata de un estudio descriptivo transversal que utilizó un cuestionario autoadministrado en línea distribuido a los médicos participantes que trabajan en las Unidades Básicas de Salud que componen la atención primaria del municipio. Para el análisis de los datos, se utilizó estadística descriptiva simple. Con un total de 43 preguntas respondidas, se describieron aspectos referentes al perfil, formación y capacitación de los médicos; a los cambios estructurales ocurridos y adopción de nuevas herramientas de trabajo; al mantenimiento de los cuidados primarios de rutina; a las acciones de vigilancia en salud; al apoyo social a grupos vulnerables; y a la capacitación clínica en pacientes con covid-19. La mayoría de las médicas eran jóvenes, recién licenciadas y tenían un corto período de actuación en los equipos con los cuales trabajaban, se observó una escasa implicación en la vigilancia y apoyo a colectivos vulnerables, así como un amplio uso de la telemedicina y la reestructuración del funcionamiento de las unidades. Sin embargo, algunas atenciones primarias, como el seguimiento de enfermedades crónicas y la atención a la infancia, se tradujeron en limitaciones en el acceso y, en consecuencia, en menos atención al cuidado longitudinal.

Efficacy，safety and cost-effectiveness evaluation of voriconazole original and generic drugs / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy， safety and cost-effectiveness of generic drugs and original drugs of voriconazole. METHODS The information of patients who used voriconazole generic drugs selected in National Centralized Drug Procurement （generic drug group） or non-selected original drugs （original drug group） in the treatment of fungal infection was collected from the our hospital. The propensity score matching was carried out to eliminate bias. The comprehensive efficacy was evaluated according to clinical efficacy， image findings and microbiological test， and stratified analysis of different populations was conducted based on fungal species， underlying diseases， etc.， the efficacy of different stratifications was evaluated. Evaluation of safety was performed by using the incidence of adverse reactions. The total cost， defined daily doses （DDDs） and defined daily dose cost （DDDc） were used to evaluate the cost-effectiveness. RESULTS A total of 436 patients were included， and there were 190 patients in each group after matching. In terms of efficacy， the effective rates of voriconazole generic drugs and original drugs were 62.63% and 59.47% （P＝0.528）； in terms of safety， the incidence of adverse reactions caused by generic drugs and original drugs of voriconazole was 13.68% and 7.89%， respectively（P＝0.069）. In terms of cost-effectiveness， the average total cost of generic drugs was 4 636.26 yuan， and that of original drugs was 8 613.20 yuan （P＜0.001）. After the implementation of National Centralized Drug Procurement， replacement rate of generic drugs increased to 87.30%， and DDDc decreased by 59.08%. CONCLUSIONS The efficacy and safety of voriconazole generic drugs are similar to those of original drugs in the treatment of fungal infection， and it is more cost-effective in terms of treatment cost.

Preparation of the first national reference standard for determination of HEK293 cell DNA content / 中国生物制品学杂志

@#Objective To prepare a national reference standard for the quantification of HEK293 cell DNA content,so as to provide a support for the determination of residual DNA in HEK293 cells in the industry.Methods HEK293 cell DNA prepared using Genomic-tip 500/G and genomic DNA purification reagents was used as source materials,and the purity and content were assessed using ultraviolet spectrophotometry and agarose gel electrophoresis.After dilution to approximately 100 ng/μL,the DNA was aliquoted at 160 μL/tube.Five different laboratories were organized for collaborative calibration by using ultraviolet spectrophotometry, and the stability and applicability were evaluated.Results The HEK293 cell DNA national reference standard exhibited A_(260)/A_(280) ratios between 1.8 and 2.0 and displayed a single band on electrophoresis,meeting the specified criteria.Collaborative calibration across five laboratories yielded 78 valid data points with an average content of 104.8 ng/μL,a relative standard deviation(RSD) of 4.2%.The 95% confidence interval for the mean was 103.8—105.8 ng/μL,and the 95% reference range for single measurements was 96.0—113.6 ng/μL.The average confidence limit rate was 1.0%,and the recommended storage condition was-80 ℃.Applicability studies were conducted using two different models of fluorescence quantitative PCR instruments.The reference standard exhibited good applicability within the range of 0.3—3 000 pg/reaction,with amplification efficiencies of 101% and 95%,and R~2 values of 0.999 2 and 0.999 5 for the standard curves,respectively.Conclusion This batch of HEK293 cell DNA national reference standard meets all required specifications and can be utilized as a national reference standard for fluorescence quantitative PCR detection,with a certified content of 104.8 ng/μL,assigned batch number 270039-202301.

Study on the Teaching Path of Medical Ethics in Medical Colleges and Universities in Ethnic Areas by Integrating the Consciousness of the Chinese National Community / 中国医学伦理学

From an ethical point of view, the ethical characteristics of the consciousness of the Chinese national community contain an ethical starting point based on "love"; ethical path with "people first" as the core; ethical vision for the purpose of "prosperity". The consciousness of the Chinese national community greatly conforms to the teaching objectives and teaching content of medical ethics. Therefore, medical ethics teaching from the perspective of the Chinese national community should implement the fundamental task of helping students develop good morals and enhance the moral quality of "love"; take the "community of doctor-patient destiny" as the starting point of education and build the concept of "people first"; strengthen the country’s sense of responsibility of "prosperity and strength" and establish the mission of "rooting and maintaining health at the grassroots level", build a strong consciousness of the Chinese national community.

Ethical Implications of Biosecurity Law of the People’s Republic of China / 中国医学伦理学

Safeguarding biosecurity is an important subject under the rapid development of biotechnology. There are four explicit references to ethical concepts in Biosecurity Law of the People’s Republic of China. This paper interpreted and analyzed Biosecurity Law from three perspectives of ethical stipulation, ethical connotation and institutional construction. By clarifying the ethical content involved in the national Biosecurity Law, explaining the ethical connotation, and putting forward suggestions on the construction of ethical related systems. So as to provide reference for the understanding of the law and promote the protection of national biosecurity.

Analysis of the effects of national centralized drug volume-based procurement policy in public medical institutions of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To investigate the implementation effects of the national centralized drug volume-based procurement policy （abbreviated as “national centralized procurement policy”） in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region prefecture， and to provide a reference for the future centralized drug procurement work of the medical institution. METHODS Drug procurement data before and after policy implementation were included in the study. The six secondary indicators （such as availability， affordability， and drug safety） and eighteen third-level indicators （such as completion rate of agreed purchase volume， affordability level， drug revenue proportion） were introduced， guided by the policy objectives and issues of concern to policy beneficiaries. Descriptive statistics was adopted to analyze the data before and after policy implementation （in 2019 and 2020） in terms of differences and change trends. RESULTS In terms of accessibility， the participation rate of medical institutions in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region was 92.55%， the proportion of diseases involved and median completed procurement rate were 40.16%， and 287.82% respectively， and the total centralized delivery rate was 97.20%. In terms of affordability， the total reduction amplitude in drug price was 74.80% from 2019 to 2022； the charge for medicine per capita in hospitalization， the proportion of medicine used for outpatient service and hospitalization， decreased by 17.61%， 10.22%， and 20.10% in order； the burden levels on medical fares for patients were all below 1 in addition to chronic diseases， and anti-tumor drugs. In terms of the impact on medicine， the ratio of adverse drug reaction event cases in 2022 was 66.00%， an increase of 1.29% compared to the previous； since the implementation of the policy， 12 drugs from local pharmaceutical enterprises from Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region had passed the consistency evaluation， and the market concentration rate of the top 8 pharmaceutical companies was less than 20.00%. In terms of the impact on healthcare and medical insurance， the public medical institutions achieved generic substitution for originator drugs mostly until 2022； about 9.12% of drugs that were non- centrally purchased in the same category were used； 63.39% of people under investigation did not show a need for a second dressing change； drug expenditure decreased by 2.459 billion yuan. CONCLUSIONS The national centralized procurement policy achieves a significant effect in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. On the other hand， attention should be paid to these suggestions as follows: expanding the category of drugs used in clinic， conducting clinically comprehensive evaluation of selected drugs， and improving reasonable allocation strategy， etc.

Catastrophic Health Expenditure Among Cancer Patients In National Cancer Institute (NCI), Malaysia And Its Influencing Factors

@#Introduction: This study looks at the patient’s perspective to determine the Catastrophic Health Expenditure (CHE) level and the possible factors which can be associated with CHE in cancer patients. Methods: This cross sectional study was done in National Cancer Institute, Malaysia with 206 patients sampled using the multilevel sampling method and data collected from interview with patients using a validated questionnaire. The CHE definition used in this study is when the monthly health expenditure exceeds more than 10% of the monthly household income. Results: This study showed a CHE level of 26.2%. CHE was higher in Indian ethnicity (P = 0.017), single marital status (P = 0.019), poverty income (P < 0.001), small household size (P = 0.006) and without Guarantee Letter (GL) (P = 0.002) groups. The significant predicting factors were poverty income aOR 5.60 (95% CI: 2.34 – 13.39), home distance near to hospital aOR 4.12 (95% CI: 1.74 – 9.76), small household size aOR 4.59 (95% CI: 1.07 – 19.72) and lack of Guarantee Letter aOR 3.21 (95% CI: 1.24 – 8.30). Conclusion: The information from this paper can be used by policy makers to formulate better strategies in terms of health financing so that high risk for CHE cancer patients groups can be protected under a better health financing system.

Analysis on Application and Funding Situation of General，Young Scholar and Regional Scholar Programs from NSFC in Field of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine in 2023 / 中国实验方剂学杂志

By combing the application and funding situation of general， young scholar and regional scholar programs from National Natural Science Foundation of China（NSFC） in field of integrated traditional Chinese and western medicine in 2023， this paper summarizes the distribution of supporting units， application and funding hotspots， and the problems of application and funding projects in this discipline， in order to provide a reference for applicants and supporting organizations to understand the hotspot dynamics and reporting requirements of the discipline. In 2023， the discipline of integrated traditional Chinese and western medicine received a total of 2 793 applications， and there were 1 254 applications for general programs， 1 278 applications for young scholar programs， and 261 applications for regional scholar programs. The amounts of project funding obtained by the three were 145， 164 and 35， respectively， and the funding rates were 11.56%， 12.83% and 13.41% in that order. From the situation of obtaining funding， the age distribution of the project leaders who obtained funding for the general， young scholar and regional scholar programs were mainly distributed in the age of 40-46， 30-34， 38-44 years， respectively. Within the supported programs， the Chinese medicine affiliations accounted for 55.52%. With respect to research subjects， the proportion of one single Chinese herbs， or monomers， or extracts accounted for 29.4%， but the proportion of Chinese herb pairs or prescriptions accounted for 47.1%. Research hotspots included ferroptosis， bile acid metabolism， macrophages， mitochondria， microglia， exosomes， intestinal flora， microecology and so on. The current research mainly focused on the common key problems of the advantageous diseases of Chinese and western integrative medicine， but still need to be improved in the basic theories of Chinese and western medicine and multidisciplinary cross-disciplinary research.

Penicilina: da descoberta ao patenteamento do processo de produção em larga escala / Penicillin: from discovery to patenting the large-scale production process

Resumo A partir de pesquisa sobre a descoberta, a invenção e a inovação relacionadas à penicilina, por amostra de atividades de resolução de problemas tecnológicos rastreada pela distribuição, no período de 1929 a 1945, de trabalhos científicos, relatórios de governo, inovações e patentes, o artigo propõe uma reflexão sobre a importância do progresso científico para a segurança nacional. A análise destaca a trajetória tecnológica e os resultados na área de propriedade intelectual, considerando um fator importante a política implementada nos EUA para catalisar processos de inovação e oferecer condições institucionais para atender às demandas de defesa nacional, o que não significa necessariamente unicidade de solução em outros contextos.

Abstract This article examines discoveries, inventions, and innovations related to penicillin by sampling activities to solve technological problems which can be traced by the distribution of scientific articles, government reports, innovations, and patents between 1929 and 1945, and proposes reflection on the importance of scientific progress for national security. The analysis highlights the technological trajectory and outcomes in the area of intellectual property, considering US policy implemented to catalyze innovation and provide institutional conditions to meet national defense needs as an important factor, although this did not necessarily imply a unique solution in other contexts.

History of Eugenics in Otorhinolaryngology: Ernst Rüdin and the International Eugenics Network

Abstract Introduction The early geneticist and psychiatrist Ernst Rüdin (1874-1952) became one of the key figures in the eugenics movement and in the German health system of the Nazi era. His connections in the international eugenics network have played an important role in the history of eugenics. Objective To discuss the connections between Ernst Rüdin's scientific group in Munich and Otmar von Verschuer's group in Frankfurt during the Nazi era. Methods Otorhinolaryngological materials from Ernst Rüdin's former private library are presented, and they show Rüdin's deep involvement in the international eugenics network. These materials provide insights into early medical genetics in otorhinolaryngology. Results One result of the present study is that eugenics groups from Munich, Frankfurt, and New York certainly influenced one another in the field of otorhinolaryngology. Karlheinz Idelberger and Josef Mengele were two scientists who performed hereditary research on orofacial clefts. Later, Mengele became deeply involved in Nazi medical crimes. His former work on orofacial clefts clearly had, to some extent, an influence on subsequent studies. Conclusion An international eugenics network already existed before 1933. However, it becomes clear that the weaknesses of many early genetic studies did not enable its authors to draw firm scientific conclusions, suggesting that scientists lacked an accurate concept of the genetic causes of most illnesses.

Asthma in the Brazilian Unified Health Care System: an epidemiological analysis from 2008 to 2021

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze the number of hospitalizations, the length of hospital stay, and mortality due to asthma, as well as the costs to the Unified Health Care System in Brazil between 2008 and 2021. Methods: This was a cross-sectional epidemiological study using data from the Information Technology Department of the Brazilian Unified Health Care System. Proportional hospitalization and death rates were estimated per 100,000 population by age, microregion, and year. Results: The number of hospitalizations and deaths due to asthma decreased from 2008 to 2021 (205,392 vs. 55,009 and 822 vs. 327, respectively). In addition, a between-sex difference was observed in asthma-related hospitalizations in 2008, and more men were hospitalized in 2021 (51.8%). Asthma mortality rates were similar for both sexes (50.0% each) in 2008, and a slight increase was observed in women's deaths in 2021 (52.9%). Even so, approximately one death/day and more than 55,000 hospitalizations were observed yearly, with a mean length of hospital stay of three days. Additionally, the Southeast region allocated more financial resources to asthma-related hospitalizations. Conclusions: Our results showed that the number of deaths and hospitalizations due to asthma substantially declined during the study period.

A emergência do Zika vírus no Brasil e a resposta federal dos Sistemas Nacionais de Vigilância em Saúde e de Vigilância Sanitária / The Zika virus emergency in Brazil and the federal response of the National Public Health Surveillance and Brazilian Health Regulatory Systems

Resumo O artigo analisa a resposta federal dos Sistemas Nacionais de Vigilância em Saúde e de Vigilância Sanitária frente à epidemia do Zika vírus no Brasil, de 2015 a 2018, com foco nos contextos político-institucionais e no conteúdo das medidas governamentais desenvolvidas no período. O estudo ancorou-se na abordagem institucionalista histórica, compreendendo análise documental e entrevistas com atores-chave. A resposta se caracterizou pela priorização inicial da emergência sanitária na agenda política do governo federal, reduzindo-se ao longo do período, influenciada pelas crises financeira e política. Verificou-se multiplicidade de atores e instâncias voltadas à contingência, com certa articulação entre os dois sistemas, a partir de experiências pré-emergência próprias. O controle vetorial teve centralidade, valorizando ações intersetoriais e comunitárias, induzidas sobretudo pela Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde do Ministério da Saúde e complementarmente pela Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária. Observaram-se expressivas limitações alocativas de recursos financeiros novos e mudanças no aparato organizativo de resposta, com efeitos para a continuidade das políticas no pós-emergência, incluindo o desenvolvimento de medicamentos, vacinas e testes. A Emergência em Saúde Pública do Zika Vírus no Brasil foi marcada por limitada institucionalização de aprendizados e estratégias estruturantes, reduzindo oportunidades para a (re)organização das vigilâncias no Sistema Único de Saúde.

Abstract The article analyzes the federal response of the National Public Health Surveillance and Brazilian Health Regulatory Systems to the Zika virus epidemic in Brazil, from 2015 to 2018, focusing on the political-institutional contexts and the content of government measures developed during the period. The study was anchored in the historical institutionalist approach, comprising documentary analysis and interviews with key actors. The response was characterized by the initial prioritization of the health emergency on the federal government's political agenda, which was reduced over the period, influenced by the financial and political crises. There was a multiplicity of actors and instances focused on contingency, with a certain articulation between the two systems, based on their own pre-emergency experiences. Vector control had centrality, valuing intersectoral and community actions, induced mainly by the Health Surveillance Secretariat of the Ministry of Health and additionally by the National Health Surveillance Agency. Significant allocation limitations of new financial resources and changes in the organizational response apparatus were observed, with effects on the continuity of post-emergency policies, including the development of medicines, vaccines and tests. The Zika Virus Public Health Emergency in Brazil was marked by limited institutionalization of learning and structuring strategies, reducing opportunities for the (re)organization of surveillance in the Unified Health System.

Integração ensino-serviço-comunidade: perspectivas do Comitê Gestor Local do Contrato Organizativo de Ação Pública Ensino-Saúde / Integración enseñanza-servicio-comunidad: perspectivas del Comité Gestor Local del Contrato Organizativo de Acción Pública Enseñanza-Salud / Teaching-service-community integration: perspectives of the Local Management Committee of the TeachingHealth Public Action Organizational Contract

Com o objetivo de compreender o desenvolvimento da integração ensino-serviço-comunidade (Iesc) no município de Bragança Paulista, São Paulo, por meio do Contrato Organizativo de Ação Pública Ensino-Saúde (Coapes), realizou-se um estudo de caso. Uma amostra intencional com dez integrantes do Comitê Gestor Local que participaram de entrevistas semiestruturadas, em ambiente virtual, gravadas e transcritas na íntegra. Os relatos passaram por análise de conteúdo na modalidade temática e os resultados indicaram que a condução da Iesc e do Coapes foi bem-sucedida. A sustentabilidade e os êxitos da contratualização estão relacionados a estratégias, como aproximação, diálogo institucional, igualdade de valor e transparência, provenientes de discussões técnicas, compreensão do processo, escolha do formato, sensibilização e engajamento dos atores. A combinação desses elementos, aliada a novos projetos e atitudes, aponta caminhos para a consolidação da Iesc no território, que apresenta desafios a serem superados.(AU)

Con el objetivo de comprender el desarrollo de la integración enseñanza-servicio-comunidad (IESC) en el municipio de Braganza Paulista (Estado de São Paulo), a partir del Contrato Organizativo de Acción Pública Enseñanza-Salud (Coapes), se realizó un estudio de caso. Una muestra intencional con diez integrantes del Comité Gestor Local participó en entrevistas semiestructuradas, realizadas en ambiente virtual, grabadas y transcritas integralmente. Los relatos pasaron por un análisis de contenido en la modalidad temática. Los resultados indicaron que la conducción de la IESC y del Coapes fue exitosa. La sostenibilidad y los éxitos de la contractualización están relacionados con estrategias tales como la aproximación, el diálogo institucional, la igualdad de valor y transparencia, provenientes de discusiones técnicas, comprensión del proceso, elección del formato, sensibilización y compromiso de los actores. La combinación de esos elementos, aliada a nuevos proyectos y actitudes, señala caminos para la consolidación de la IESC en el territorio que presenta desafíos que hay que superar.(AU)

To comprehend the evolution of education-service-community integration (ESCI) in the municipality of Bragança Paulista, SP, through the Teaching-Health Public Action Organizational Contract (Coapes), a case study was conducted. An intentional sample of ten members from the Local Management Committee participated in semi-structured interviews, conducted virtually, recorded, and transcribed in full. The narratives underwent thematic content analysis. The results indicated that the implementation of IESC and Coapes was successful. The sustainability and achievements in contractualization are related to strategies such as approaching, institutional dialogue, equal value, and transparency, resulting from technical discussions, understanding of the process, format selection, sensitization, and actor engagement. The combination of these elements, along with new projects and attitudes, points towards the consolidation of IESC in the territory, which presents challenges to be overcome.(AU)

Contextual inequalities in specialized dental public health care in Brazil

Abstract The present study aimed to investigate the contextual inequalities of specialized public dental care (SPDC) in Brazil. The outcome was the trajectory of dental specialized production in municipalities with SPDC (from 2015 to 2017) obtained by group-based trajectory modeling. A Poisson regression model was used to analyze the factors associated with the high trajectory of SPDC production. The inequality indicators for SPDC production were the slope index and the concentration index according to contextual factors. The study included 954 SPDC units distributed across 893 municipalities. Among the municipalities evaluated, 62.9% had a low trajectory of SPDC. Large-sized municipalities had the highest production (IRR = 2.84, 95%CI: 1.94-4.14) and the southern region had the lowest production (IRR = 0.73, 95%CI: 0.58-0.92). Municipalities presenting a very high human development index (HDI) showed the greatest SPDC production (IRR = 3.34, 95%CI: 1.09-10.24), as well as municipalities with the highest tertile of schooling rate (IRR = 1.23, 95%CI: 1.00-1.50). The absolute inequality was 52.1 percentage points for the average monthly wage (p < 0.001), 61.0 percentage points for the HDI (p < 0.001), -22.1 for infant mortality rate (p <0.001), and 14.8 for the schooling rate (p = 0.012). Thus, there are contextual inequalities in the Brazilian SPDC. Higher scores for social indicators were associated with better SPDC performance.

Atenção à pessoa com anemia falciforme no contexto da Estratégia Saúde da Família: a ótica dos profissionais / Caring the patient with falciform anemia in the context of the Family Health Strategy: the views of professionals

Resumo Introdução: Na atenção à pessoa com anemia falciforme, é imprescindível um cuidado compartilhado e coordenado pela Atenção Primária à Saúde. Os profissionais de saúde da família devem se comprometer com a assistência, sendo necessária uma articulada rede de atenção à saúde. Este estudo teve por objetivo compreender as visões de profissionais de saúde da família acerca da atenção à saúde da pessoa com anemia falciforme. Método: Pesquisa qualitativa, realizada em Diamantina, estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil, com enfermeiros e médicos da Estratégia Saúde da Família (ESF). Conduziram-se entrevistas semiestruturadas com 15 profissionais — sendo, depois, submetidas à análise temática de conteúdo. Resultados: Emergiram duas categorias temáticas: "assistência à pessoa com anemia falciforme: fragilidades no contexto da Estratégia Saúde da Família" e "referência e contrarreferência na atenção: uma rede fragmentada". Revelaram-se desafios a serem superados: o acompanhamento sistemático mostrou-se incipiente, atribuiu-se a responsabilidade pelo cuidado principalmente ao serviço do hemocentro e o sistema de referência e contrarreferência apresentou fragmentação. Conclusões: No cenário da ESF, a assistência requer avanços para que seja de melhor qualidade, com efetiva atuação da equipe e rede de atenção bem estruturada.

Abstract Background: While caring the patients with sickle cell anemia, shared care coordinated by Primary Health Care is essential. Family health professionals must commit to care, and an articulated healthcare network is necessary. This study aimed to understand the visions of family health professionals about health care for patients with sickle cell anemia. Method: Qualitative research was carried out in Diamantina, state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, with nurses and physicians of the Family Health Strategy (ESF). Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 professionals and the results were submitted to content thematic analysis. Results: Two thematic categories emerged: "assistance to the person with sickle cell anemia: fragilities in the context of the Family Health Strategy" and "reference and counterreference in care: a fragmented network." Challenges to overcome were revealed: systematic follow-up was incipient; responsibility for care was attributed mainly to the blood center service; and the reference and counter-reference system presented fragmentation. Conclusions: In the ESF scenario, care requires advances to be of better quality, with effective team performance and a well-structured care network.