The multiple roles of trichomes in two Croton species.

Trichomes are common in plants from dry environments, and despite their recognized role in protection and defense, little is known about their role as absorptive structures and in other aspects of leaf ecophysiology. We combine anatomical and ecophysiological data to evaluate how trichomes affect leaf gas exchange and water balance during drought. We studied two congeneric species with pubescent leaves which co-occur in Brazilian Caatinga: Croton blanchetianus (dense trichomes) and Croton adenocalyx (sparse trichomes). We found a novel foliar water uptake (FWU) pathway in C. blanchetianus composed of stellate trichomes and underlying epidermal cells and sclereids that interconnect the trichomes from both leaf surfaces. The water absorbed by these trichomes is redistributed laterally by pectin protuberances on mesophyll cell walls. This mechanism enables C. blanchetianus leaves to absorb water more efficiently than C. adenocalyx. Consequently, the exposure of C. blanchetianus to dew during drought improved its leaf gas exchange and water status more than C. adenocalyx. C. blanchetianus trichomes also increase their leaf capacity to reflect light and maintain lower temperatures during drought. Our results emphasize the multiple roles that trichomes might have on plant functioning and the importance of FWU for the ecophysiology of Caatinga plants during drought.

Species and antifungal susceptibility profile of agents causing vulvovaginal candidiasis in a military population: a cross-sectional study.

Military women on active duty are exposed to constant physical and mental demands, which may predispose them to some infection risks, including vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), a pathology considered a global public health problem. To monitor the prevalent and emerging pathogens in VVC, this study aimed to evaluate the distribution of yeast species and their in vitro antifungal susceptibility profile. We studied 104 vaginal yeast specimens obtained during routine clinical examinations. The population was attended at the Medical Center of the Military Police, São Paulo, Brazil, and was divided into two groups: infected patients (VVC) and colonised patients. Species were identified by phenotypic and proteomic methods (MALDI-TOF MS) and susceptibility to eight antifungal drugs, including azoles, polyenes, and echinocandins, was determined using microdilution broth. Candida albicans stricto sensu was found to be the most frequently isolated species (55%), but we observed a considerable rate of other Candida species isolates (30%), including Candida orthopsilosis stricto sensu only in the infected group. There were also other rare genera such as Rhodotorula, Yarrowia, and Trichosporon (15%), of which Rhodotorula mucilaginosa was the most prevalent in both groups. Fluconazole and voriconazole had the highest activity against all species in both groups. Candida parapsilosis was the most susceptible species, except for amphotericin-B in the infected group. Of note, we observed unusual resistance in C. albicans. Our results have allowed us to compile an epidemiological database on the etiology of VVC to support the empirical treatment and improve the health care of military women.

Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is an infection caused by fungi, mainly Candida albicans. Our results show that fungi other than C. albicans can cause VVC. So, our findings may help to choose the most appropriate treatment, as some may be resistant, to improve the quality of life of military women.

Space-time risk clusters of Covid-19 in a tourism area in the northeastern Brazil: an epidemiological overview after two years of pandemic

The world is facing a serious viral infection caused by the new Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2. We aimed to evaluate and map the high-risk clusters of COVID-19 in the State of Alagoas, a touristic area in northeastern Brazil, after two years of pandemic by a population-based ecological study, using COVID-19 cases reported in the State of Alagoas, between March, 2020 and April, 2022. We performed a descriptive and statistical analysis of epidemiological data. We then map high-risk areas for COVID-19, using spatial analysis, considering the incidence rate by municipality. 297,972 positive cases were registered; 56.9% were female and 42.7% aged between 20 and 39 years old. Men (OR = 1.59) and older than 60 years old (OR = 29.64) had a higher risk of death, while the highest incidence rates of the disease occurred in the metropolitan region. Our data demonstrate the impact of COVID-19 in the State of Alagoas, through the two years of pandemic. Although the number of cases were greater among women and young adults, the chance of death was greater among men and older adults. High-risk clusters of the disease initially occur in metropolitan cities and tourist areas.

Magnitude of visceral leishmaniasis and HIV coinfection and association with social determinants of health in the Northeast region of Brazil: a retrospective, spatiotemporal model (2010-2018).

The Northeast region of Brazil (NRB) includes the states with the highest prevalence of visceral leishmaniasis (VL), as well as those with significant increases in HIV cases. This study aims to analyze the spatiotemporal patterns of VL-HIV coinfection and its association with the social determinants of health (SDH) in the NRB. Time trend analysis and Bayesian spatial statistical inferences, Moran's autocorrelation, and retrospective space-time scanning were performed. Spatial regression modelling was used to build an explanatory model for the occurrence of VL-HIV coinfection within NRB. A total of 1550 cases of VL-HIV coinfection were confirmed. We observed a higher prevalence among males (1232; 83%), individuals aged from 20 to 59 years (850; 54.8%), non-white skin color (1,422; 91.7%), and with low education (550; 35.48%). NRB showed an increasing and significant trend in the detection rate of coinfection (APC, 5.3; 95% CI, 1.4 to 9.4). The states of Maranhão and Piauí comprised the high-risk cluster. The SDH that most correlated with the occurrence of coinfection were poor housing, low income, and low education. VL-HIV is dispersed in the NRB but chiefly affects states with greater social vulnerability. Taken together, these findings reinforce the necessity to implement surveillance strategies that will contribute to the reduction of cases in these populations.

Association between frailty phenotype, quantification of plasma HIV-1 RNA, CD4 cell count and HAART in HIV-positive subjects: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies.

HIV infection causes a constant activation of the immune system and contributes to an enhanced systemic pro-inflammatory cytokine milieu, which has been associated with premature aging and frailty. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to analyze whether the HIV-1 RNA load, CD4+ T-lymphocyte counts and exposure to HAART in HIV-positive subjects are associated with frailty phenotype. Searches were performed in PubMed, SCOPUS, Lilacs, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and OpenThesis databases. We used the odds ratio as a measure of the association. We used either a fixed or random-effects model to pool the results of individual studies depending on the presence of heterogeneity. Eleven studies were included in the review. Data from 8035 HIV-positive subjects were analyzed; 2413 of the subjects had viral load detectable, 981 had a CD4T-cell count <350 cells/µL, and 1342 had HAART exposure information. We found an association between frailty and CD4T-cell count <350 cells/µL (OR 2.68, CI 95% 1.68-4.26, I2 = 46%), HIV-1 RNA load detectable (OR 1.71, CI 95% 1.38-2.12, I2 = 0%), and protease inhibitor-containing HAART regimen (OR 2.21, CI 95% 1.26-3.89, I2 = 0%). Further studies are necessary to evaluate the effects of other factors on the development of clinical features related to frailty.

Risk clusters of Schistosoma mansoni infection in an endemic state of Brazil: space-time modelling and association with socio-economic and environmental factors.

BACKGROUND: We analysed the spatial distribution and the socio-economic and environmental factors (SEFs) associated with Schistosoma mansoni infection in the state of Alagoas, an important tourist area in northeastern Brazil. METHODS: We conducted an ecological time-series study (2007-2016) on schistosomiasis cases and SEFs. We evaluated the temporal trends of schistosomiasis cases (annual percentage change [APC]) and their correlation with SEFs. Spatial analysis maps were built using QGIS and TerraView software. RESULTS: We observed that 4.9% of the municipalities had a high prevalence of S. mansoni infection and were located mainly in the coastal strip of Alagoas state. The positivity rate for schistosomiasis decreased during the period (8.1% in 2007 to 4.9% in 2016; APC=-5.71). There was a reduction in the number of tests performed (APC=-5.05). There was a negative correlation between S. mansoni infection and the municipal human development index (ρ=-0.34) and schooling rate (ρ=-0.24). The main species of snail was Biomphalaria glabrata (94.79%), but Biomphalaria straminea showed a higher percentage of S. mansoni detection (10.11%). Lastly, Biomphalaria tenagophila specimens were identified for the first time in Alagoas (n=28). CONCLUSIONS: Despite a reduction in the number of cases, intestinal schistosomiasis still represents a serious public health concern in Alagoas. It urgently requires planning and improvements in diagnosis, prevention programs and the state's socio-economic indicators.

Construction and validation of an instrument for assessing the functionality of individuals with schistosomiasis / Construcción y validación de instrumento de evaluación del funcionamiento de individuos con esquistosomiasis / Construção e validação de instrumento de avaliação da funcionalidade de indivíduos com esquistossomose

ABSTRACT Objectives: to construct and validate an instrument for assessing the functionality of individuals with schistosomiasis. Methods: methodological study, developed in three stages: 1) construction of the instrument and its association with categories of the International Classification of Functionality, which the study used to elaborate the questions; 2) validation of content, performed by judges experts in the subject; 3) application of the instrument by the test-retest technique in the population with schistosomiasis in 14 days. The study used the correlation coefficient kappa to calculate the degree of agreement between the judges kappa. Results: in its final version, the instrument consists of 27 items, 9 of which are from the Body functions component, 6 from Body structures, 4 from Activity and participation, and 8 from Environmental factors. Conclusions: the constructed instrument has a biopsychosocial approach, considering four components of the ICF, besides presenting good validity and interobserver reliability.

RESUMEN Objetivos: construir y validar instrumento de evaluación del funcionamiento de individuos con esquistosomiasis. Métodos: estudio metodológico, desarrollado en tres etapas: 1) Construcción del instrumento y su asociación con categorías de la Clasificación Internacional del Funcionamiento, que fueron usadas para elaborar las preguntas; 2) Validez de contenido, realizada por jueces especialistas en la temática; 3) Aplicación del instrumento por la técnica de test-retest en la población con esquistosomiasis en el intervalo de 14 días. Para cálculo del grado de concordancia entre los jueces, se utilizó el coeficiente de correlación kappa. Resultados: en su versión final, el instrumento se constituyó por 27 ítems, siendo 9 del componente de Funciones del cuerpo, 6 de Estructuras del cuerpo, 4 de Actividad y participación y 8 de Factores ambientales. Fue considerado válido y confiable. Conclusiones: el instrumento construido tiene abordaje biopsicosocial, considerando cuatro componentes de la CIF, además de presentar buena validez y confiabilidad interobservador.

RESUMO Objetivos: construir e validar um instrumento de avaliação da funcionalidade de indivíduos com esquistossomose. Métodos: estudo metodológico, desenvolvido em três etapas: 1) Construção do instrumento e associação deste com categorias da Classificação Internacional de Funcionalidade, que foram usadas para elaborar as perguntas; 2) Validação de conteúdo, realizada por juízes especialistas na temática; 3) Aplicação do instrumento pela técnica de teste-reteste na população com esquistossomose no intervalo de 14 dias. Para o cálculo do grau de concordância entre os juízes, utilizou-se o coeficiente de correlação kappa. Resultados: em sua versão final, o instrumento constitui-se por 27 itens, sendo 9 do componente de Funções do corpo, 6 de Estruturas do corpo, 4 de Atividade e participação e 8 de Fatores ambientais. Foi considerado válido e confiável. Conclusões: o instrumento construído tem abordagem biopsicossocial, considerando quatro componentes da CIF, além de apresentar boa validade e confiabilidade interobservador.

Evaluation of the schistosomiasis control program (PCE) in an endemic area, northeastern Brazil: a population-based and 10-year time series study

Schistosomiasis is an endemic disease in Brazil and the State with the highest positive rate in the country is Sergipe. Herein, we assessed data from the Brazilian Schistosomiasis Control Program (PCE) in the State of Sergipe between the period 2008 and 2017. We evaluated data about schistosomiasis and snails of the genus Biomphalaria. We used the log-linear regression model (joinpoint) to assess temporal trends and the Kernel estimator for spatial statistics analysis. According to the PCE, Sergipe has 51 endemic municipalities for schistosomiasis. Nevertheless, information about the disease and that collected by the PCE has not been recorded regularly in all endemic municipalities. Additionally, only nine municipalities (17.6%) carried out the malacological survey. The average of positive rate from schistosomiasis in Sergipe was 8.4%. However, our data suggest that it may be underestimated. The spatial analysis maps (Kernel maps) showed areas of high transmission of the disease in municipalities close to the São Francisco River and in the metropolitan region of the State. Altogether, our findings suggest that schistosomiasis has been underreported and it is still a serious public health concern in Sergipe. In addition, there are significant failures in the conduction of PCE's activities by the municipalities.

Basic and associated causes of schistosomiasis-related mortality in Brazil: A population-based study and a 20-year time series of a disease still neglected.

BACKGROUND: Schistosomiasis is a persistent public health problem in Brazil. Regardless advances in diagnosis and mass treatment, schistosomiasis has a severe impact on morbimortality in the country and remains a neglected tropical disease. Herein, we assessed the basic and associated causes of schistosomiasis-related deaths and the temporal and spatial patterns of mortality from the disease in Brazil between 1999 and 2018. METHODS: We conducted an ecological and time series study. The segmented log-linear regression model was applied to assess time trends, considering all deaths recorded in the category B65/ICD-10. Additionally, we elaborated maps of mortality rates from schistosomiasis in Brazil. RESULTS: A total of 4168 schistosomiasis-related deaths were recorded in Brazil in this period, as an associated cause. Time trend analysis revealed an increase in the average age of deaths from schistosomiasis (annual percentage change (APC) = 0.84), and stable trend in Brazil (APC = 0.31). Concerning schistosomiasis-related deaths, we observed disorders related to the digestive system, liver diseases, septicemias, and chronic diseases. Surprisingly, there were deaths caused by non-endemic Schistosoma species in Brazil. Also, municipalities from non-endemic areas in Brazil presented schistosomiasis-related deaths. CONCLUSION: Altogether, our analyses demonstrated that schistosomiasis remains a significant cause of death in Brazil, and it is increasing in some areas, especially in the Northeast region. Additionally, women and the elderly showed a stable time trend of deaths. Thereby, it urgently requires improvements in the control programs strategies, in the sense of an effective reduction in cases and deaths from the disease in Brazil.

Construction and validation of an instrument for assessing the functionality of individuals with schistosomiasis.

OBJECTIVES: to construct and validate an instrument for assessing the functionality of individuals with schistosomiasis. METHODS: methodological study, developed in three stages: 1) construction of the instrument and its association with categories of the International Classification of Functionality, which the study used to elaborate the questions; 2) validation of content, performed by judges experts in the subject; 3) application of the instrument by the test-retest technique in the population with schistosomiasis in 14 days. The study used the correlation coefficient kappa to calculate the degree of agreement between the judges kappa. RESULTS: in its final version, the instrument consists of 27 items, 9 of which are from the Body functions component, 6 from Body structures, 4 from Activity and participation, and 8 from Environmental factors. CONCLUSIONS: the constructed instrument has a biopsychosocial approach, considering four components of the ICF, besides presenting good validity and interobserver reliability.

Evaluation of PD-L1 and tumor infiltrating lymphocytes in paired pretreatment biopsies and post neoadjuvant chemotherapy surgical specimens of breast carcinoma.

Herein it was evaluated the impact of PD-L1 immunohistochemical expression and stromal tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (sTIL) counts in pretreatment needle core biopsy on response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) for patients with breast carcinomas (BC). In 127 paired pre- and post-NACT BC specimens, immunohistochemical expression of PD-L1 was evaluated in stroma and in neoplastic cells. In the same samples sTILs were semi-quantified in tumor stroma. Post-NACT specimens were histologically rated as having residual cancer burden (RCB of any degree), or with complete pathological response (pCR). PD-L1 expression and higher sTIL counts were associated with histological grade 3 BC. PD-L1 expression was also associated with the non-luminal-HER2+ and triple negative immunohistochemical profiles of BC. Pathological complete response was associated with histological grade 3 tumors, and with the non-luminal-HER2+ and triple negative profiles. Additionally, our results support an association between PD-L1 expression and pCR to NACT. It was also observed that there is a trend to reduction of sTIL counts in the post-NACT specimens of patients with pCR. Of note, PD-L1 was expressed in half of the hormone receptor positive cases, a finding that might expand the potential use of immune checkpoint inhibitors for BC patients.

Desenvolvimento de um instrumento de avaliação para o método Pilates baseado na Classificação Internacional de Funcionalidade, Incapacidade e Saúde / Development of an evaluation instrument for the Pilates method based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health

Há uma escassez em evidências científicas acerca de instrumentos de avaliação validados e padronizados aplicados ao Pilates. Diante da importância de uma análise individualizada e holística de cada paciente/cliente para melhor aplicação do método, faz-se necessário a construção de instrumentos que possuam uma abordagem biopsicossocial. Objetivo: Desenvolver um instrumento de avaliação para o Pilates, baseado na da Classificação Internacional de Funcionalidade, Incapacidade e Saúde (CIF). Métodos: A pesquisa foi realizada em quatro etapas. Levantamentos de informações sobre a avaliação no método Pilates, associação das informações com categorias da CIF, estudo Delphi, construção do instrumento. As informações foram obtidas por meio de um a scoping review e entrevistas com fisioterapeutas que trabalham com o Pilates, para construção as informações obtidas foram vinculadas com as categorias da CIF por dois pesquisadores de forma independente, em caso de discordância um terceiro julgaria a mais pertinente. Em seguida, foi realizado um estudo Delphi, para selecionar as categorias mais relevantes para compor o instrumento. Por fim, a construção do instrumento por três pesquisadores com conhecimento em Pilates e CIF. Resultados: O instrumento foi constituído por 49 categorias da CIF, distribuídas em 33 questões, sendo, 10 de funções do corpo, duas de estruturas do corpo, 16 de atividade e participação e, cinco dos fatores ambientais. Conclusão: O estudo possibilitou a construção de um instrumento que visa facilitar a compreensão do estado de saúde do paciente a partir de uma avaliação já realizada em cada serviço e, ao final será proporcionado uma linguagem comum.

There is a lack of scientific evidence on validated and standardized evaluation instruments applied to Pilates. Given the importance of an individualized and holistic analysis of each patient/client for a better application of the method, it is necessary to build instruments that have a bio-psychosocial approach. Objective: To develop an evaluation instrument for Pilates, based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). Methods: The research was carried out in four stages. This is a survey of information about the assessment in the Pilates method, association of information with ICF categories, Delphi study, construction of the instrument. The information was obtained through a scoping review and interviews with physical therapists who work with Pilates. For the construction of the instrument, the information obtained was independently linked to the ICF categories by two researchers, and in case of disagreement a third party would judge the most pertinent. Next, a Delphi study was carried out to select the most relevant categories to compose the instrument; finally, the construction of the instrument by three researchers with knowledge about Pilates and ICF. Results: The instrument was made up of 49 ICF categories, distributed among 33 questions, being ten of body functions, two of body structures, 16 of activity and participation, and five of environmental factors. Conclusion: The study allowed the construction of an instrument that aims to facilitate the understanding of the patient's health status from an evaluation already performed in each service and, at the end, will provide a common language.

Early identification of individuals at risk for loss to follow-up of tuberculosis treatment: A generalised hierarchical analysis.

BACKGROUND: We characterise the loss to follow-up (locally termed abandoned) of tuberculosis treatment with individual and ecological health determinants and to identify the predictive capacity of these risk factors. METHODS: A cohort study with individual and ecological characterisation of patients diagnosed with tuberculosis in Sergipe/Brazil from 2015 to 2018 with either loss to follow-up or completion of treatment as a therapeutic outcome was performed. The examined variables were based on the social determinants of health with descriptive analysis, binary logistic regression, a generalised hierarchical model and graphical presentation using a nomogram. RESULTS: The loss to follow-up accounted for 18.21% of the 2,449 studied cases. The characteristics revealed that the highest abandonment percentages were people who: were male (20.0%), had black skin colour (20.3%), were aged 20-39 years (21.8%), had 4-7 years of schooling (23.6%), re-entered treatment after abandonment (36.5%), used alcohol (31.0%), used drugs (39.3%), were smokers (26.5%) and were homeless (55.4%). The ecological characteristics showed that individuals living in municipalities with a high human development index (HDI; odds ratio [OR]: 1.91) and high-income inequality (OR: 1.81) had a greater chance of not finishing the treatment. Most of these variables were identified as predictors in the generalised hierarchical model; the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) curve had 0.771 precision and 84.0% accuracy. CONCLUSION: The group of identified characteristics influenced the loss to follow-up of tuberculosis treatment. This data provides evidence for the early identification of individuals who are at greater risk of abandoning tuberculosis treatment.

Hipoglucemia hiperinsulinémica congénita persistente, reporte de un caso / Persistent congenital hyperinsulinemic hypoglucemia, case report

Resumen La placenta y el hígado son los encargados del metabolismo de los carbohidratos. La glucosa es fundamental para el metabolismo cerebral. La hipoglucemia se define con valores < 47 mg/dl. La hipoglicemia que persiste más de 7 días se atribuye a problemas metabólicos o endocrinológicos y requiere un flujo de glucosa > 12 mg/kg/min para alcanzar normo-glicemia. La hipoglicemia hiperinsulinémica congénita persistente (HHCP) es poco común (1:50,000 nacidos vivos), es la causa más común de hipoglicemia persistente secundaria a una secreción inadecuada de insulina, que puede afectar el neurodesarrollo. Hay una forma difusa y una focal, con manifestaciones clínicas idénticas, pero con mecanismos patológicos diferentes. El tratamiento médico es a base de diazóxido y ocreótide. En el 95% de los casos no hay respuesta al tratamiento médico, requiriendo pancreatectomía subtotal. Se utilizó ocreótide y nifedipino. La tomografía computada con emisión de positrones (PET/TC 18F-DOPA) encontró incremento en la capación pancreática de insulina, se realizó pancreactectomía. Se egresó sin complicaciones y en seguimiento pediátrico sin alteraciones neurológicas.

Abstract The placenta and liver are responsible for the metabolism of carbohydrates. The glucose is fundamental for brain metabolism. Hypoglycaemia is defined as values < 47 mg/dl. Hypoglycaemia that persists for more than 7 days is attributed to metabolic or endocrine problems and requires glucose flow > 12 GKM to reach normoglycemia. Persistent congenital hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia (PCHH) is uncommon (1:50,000 live births) is the most common cause of persistent hypoglycemia secondary to inadequate insulin secretion, can significantly affect neurodevelopment. There is a diffuse and a focal form, with identical clinical manifestations, but with different pathological mechanisms. The medical treatment is diazoxide and ocreotide. In 95% of cases there is no response to medical treatment, requiring subtotal pancreatectomy. Ocreotide and nifedipine were used. Positron emission computed tomography (PET/CT 18F-DOPA) found an increase in pancreatic insulin capacity, a pancreactectomy was performed. He was discharged without complications and in pediatric follow-up without neurological alterations.

Population-based, spatiotemporal modeling of social risk factors and mortality from schistosomiasis in Brazil between 1999 and 2018.

Schistosomiasis remains a significant public health concern in Brazil. To identify areas at, and social determinants of health (SDH) associated with, high-risk for schistosomiasis-related mortality from Brazil, we conducted a spatial and spatiotemporal modeling assessing all deaths confirmed in Brazil between 1999 and 2018. We used the segmented log-linear regression model to assess temporal trends, and the local empirical Bayesian estimator, the Global and Local Moran Index for spatial analysis. A total of 12,251 schistosomiasis-related deaths were reported in this period. Within the Mortality Information System (SIM) of the Brazilian Ministry of Health, the states of Alagoas (AL), Pernambuco (PE) and Sergipe (SE) recording the highest mortality rates: 2.21, 1.92 and 0.80 deaths/100,000 inhabitants, respectively. Analyses revealed an increase in the mean age of schistosomiasis-related deaths over the time assessed (APC = 0.9; p-value<0.05). Spatial analysis identified a concentration of municipalities presenting high risk of schistosomiasis-related mortality along the coastline of PE and AL. Similarly, we identified the formation of high space-time clusters in municipalities in the states of PE, AL, SE, Bahia, and Minas Gerais. Finally, mortality rates showed a significant correlation with 96.96% of SDH indices. The data reveal additional important changes in schistosomiasis-related deaths in Brazil between 1999 and 2018, such as a slow reduction among males (unlike females that displayed no change). Regardless, our analyses indicates that schistosomiasis continues to have the greatest detrimental impact in poor regions of Brazil and suggest the need for enhancement of current control measures to accelerate progress.

Space-time risk cluster of visceral leishmaniasis in Brazilian endemic region with high social vulnerability: An ecological time series study.

BACKGROUND: Despite visceral leishmaniasis (VL) being epidemic in most Brazilian regions, the Northeast region is responsible for the highest morbidity and mortality outcomes within the country. OBJECTIVE: To analyse the spatiotemporal dynamics of VL cases to identify the temporal trends and high-risk areas for VL transmission, as well as the association of the disease with social vulnerability in Brazilian Northeast. METHODS: We carried out an ecological time series study employing spatial analysis techniques using all VL confirmed cases of 1,794 municipalities of Brazilian Northeast between the years 2000 to 2017. The Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) was used to represent the social vulnerability. Incidence rates were standardized and smoothed by the Local Empirical Bayesian Method. Time trends were examined through segmented linear regression. Spatiotemporal analysis consisted of uni- and bivariate Global and Local Moran indexes and space-time scan statistics. RESULTS: Incidence rate remained stable and ranged from 4.84 to 3.52 cases/100,000 inhabitants. There was higher case prevalence between males (62.71%), children and adolescents (63.27%), non-white (69.75%) and urban residents (62.58%). Increasing trends of new cases were observed among adult male subjects (≥ 40 years old) and urban residents. Importantly, VL incidence showed a direct spatial dependence. Spatial and space-time clusters were identified in sertão and meio-norte sub-regions, overlapping with high social vulnerability areas. CONCLUSIONS: VL is a persistent health issue in Brazilian Northeast and associated with social vulnerability. Space-time clustering of VL cases in socially vulnerable municipalities demands intersectoral public policies of surveillance and control, with focus on reducing inequalities and improving living conditions for regional inhabitants.

Spatial and spatiotemporal dynamics of visceral leishmaniasis in an endemic North-eastern region of Brazil.

Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) is a neglected disease with increasing incidence in Brazil, particularly in the North-eastern. The aim of this study was to analyze the spatial and spatiotemporal dynamics of VL in an endemic region of North-eastern Brazil, between 2009 and 2017. Using spatial analysis techniques, an ecological and time series study was made regarding VL cases in Sergipe filed as notifiable disease events. With data from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística, IBGE), a digital population and cartographic baseline was established. Segmented linear regression was used to examine the temporal trends. The statistical analysis methods of Global and Local Moran' I, local Bayesian empirical methodology and spatial-temporal scanning were used to produce thematic maps. High instances were found among adults, males, urban residents, non-Whites and persons with low levels of education. A decrease in the recovery rate and an increase in the proportion of urban cases and lethality was found. A heterogeneous VL distribution with spatiotemporal agglomeration on the seaside of the state was seen in Sergipe. To better manage the disease, new research is encouraged together with development of public health strategies. Further, improving health care networks, especially primary care, is suggested as this approach has a key role in health promotion, prevention and monitoring of the most prevalent diseases.

Quality of tuberculosis information systems after record linkage.

OBJECTIVE: to analyze the quality of a tuberculosis notification information system after record linkage and spatial and temporal distribution of tuberculosis in a Brazilian state. METHOD: an ecological study carried between 2006 and 2016 in Sergipe, Brazil. A deterministic linkage was performed with Notifiable Diseases Information System and Mortality Information System, recording 7,873 cases and 483 deaths. The temporal trend of tuberculosis incidence was calculated. RESULTS: there was an increase among men (2.75%), > 60 years (6.29%), higher education (4.34%) and indigenous (4.76%). A total of 190 new cases (2.9%) was found. There was an increasing trend in tuberculosis incidence with a concentration of deaths in the metropolitan region. CONCLUSION: the quality of the information system showed fragility in identifying cases and deaths in Sergipe. Temporal distribution showed an increasing trend in tuberculosis incidence, and spatial distribution identified higher incidences in southeastern Brazil.