Targeting interventions for HIV testing and treatment uptake: An attitudinal and behavioural segmentation of men aged 20-34 in KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga, South Africa.

Despite recent improvements, men still have worse HIV outcomes than women in South Africa. This study describes how young men form distinct behavioural and attitudinal subgroups, and is intended to inform the design of targeted interventions to encourage HIV testing and initiation on antiretroviral therapy. Data were collected using a cross-sectional survey with questions on men's attitudes, beliefs and behaviours around HIV/AIDS. A total of 2,019 men were randomly sampled from eight district municipalities in KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga provinces between October 2018 and January 2019. Men were eligible to participate if they were aged 20-34, Black African, had an education level below university graduation, were aware of HIV and were willing to disclose whether they had tested for HIV. Each participant responded to a questionnaire asking about their demographic characteristics, reported sexual behaviour, engagement with HIV testing and treatment services, alcohol consumption, HIV knowledge, attitudes to gender equity and reported level of depressive symptoms. Data were analysed using canonical correlation, hierarchical clustering and factor analysis techniques to produce five groups of men. The results were synthesised using Human Centred Design principles to suggests areas for potential intervention for each segment. The results showed that men vary based on their attitudes to gender and masculinity, use of alcohol, testing and treatment behaviour, HIV-related fears and preferences for testing modalities. Segment 1 (21%) avoids the topic of HIV, perhaps fearful of the impact on his life. Segment 2 (23%) is well connected to his community and has social concerns about HIV. Segment 3 (15%) struggles with more distal determinants of HIV acquisition such as unemployment and poor mental health. Segment 4 (25%) has concerns about the lifestyle changes that would be required if he were HIV positive. Segment 5 (16%) has a strong traditional mindset and is fearful of the ramifications of HIV in his community. The results will be used to design targeted interventions to increase HIV testing and treatment rates among young men in South Africa. Further research is required to understand the impact of interventions designed in this way.

Wastewater-based epidemiology as a useful tool to track SARS-CoV-2 and support public health policies at municipal level in Brazil.

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) has been applied as a complementary approach for spatial tracking of coronavirus disease 2019 cases (COVID-19) as well as early warning of the occurrence of infected populations. The present study presents the result of the monitoring of sanitary sewerage in the municipality of Niterói, a metropolitan region of Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) and its use as a complementary indicator in the surveillance of COVID-19 cases, thus assisting actions of public health from local authorities. Twelve composite raw sewage samples were weekly collected from two wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and alternately from 17 sewer pipes (SP) from surrounding neighbourhoods and slums throughout 20 weeks (April 15th to August 25th, 2020). Two hundred twenty-three samples were concentrated using the ultracentrifugation-based method and SARS-CoV-2 RNA detected and quantified by RT-qPCR using primers and probe targeting the N2 genome. SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in 84.3% (188/223) of samples with a positive rate ranging from 42% (5/12) in the first week of monitoring to 100% during the peak of epidemic with viral concentration ranging from 3.1 to 7.1 log10 genome copies /100 mL throughout the studied period. Positive rates were higher in WWTPs when compared to SP, being useful tool for monitoring trends in the evolution of the COVID-19 curve, while SP data were more effective when health public interventions were needed. Whole-genome sequencing using Illumina MiSeq System confirmed the lineage of three genomes as B.1.1.33 (clade G) containing the nucleotide substitutions observed in strains that circulate in the Rio de Janeiro during the period of this study. In addition, geoprocessing tool was used to build heat maps based on SARS-CoV-2 data from sewage samples, which were weekly updated and available online to the general population as an indicator of the ongoing epidemic situation in Niterói city, raising public awareness.

Micoses superficiais na Paraíba: análise comparativa e revisão literária / Superficial mycoses in Paraíba: a comparative analysis and bibliographical revision

A partir de fichas individuais, fizemos um levantamento da incidência de casos de micose superficial, diagnosticadas sob o ponto de vista clínico em quatro Unidades de Saúde da Família de Patos-PB, no ano de 2007. Tivemos uma amostra de 197 notificações positivas, onde as mais incidentes foram: Pitiríase e Tínea, sendo a maior prevalência na faixa etária de 11 a 20 anos e o sexo feminino, o mais acometido. Um número elevado de infecções não identificadas foi encontrado: 46,19 por cento, no entanto, a identificação destes agentes torna-se inacessível, por não serem infecções de notificação obrigatória.

A survey of the incidence of clinically diagnosed cases of superficial mycosis was carried out using individual report cards in four Family Health units in Patos-PB, in 2007. We had a sample of 197 positive records with Pityriasis and Tinea as the most incident mycoses. There was a higher prevalence among female patients who were between 11 - 20 years of age. A high number of non-identified infections was found: 46,19 percent. The identification of the agents of such non-identified infections is not possible as they are not infections of compulsory notification.

Superficial mycoses in Paraíba: a comparative analysis and bibliographical revision.

A survey of the incidence of clinically diagnosed cases of superficial mycosis was carried out using individual report cards in four Family Health units in Patos-PB, in 2007. We had a sample of 197 positive records with Pityriasis and Tinea as the most incident mycoses. There was a higher prevalence among female patients who were between 11 - 20 years of age. A high number of non-identified infections was found: 46,19%. The identification of the agents of such non-identified infections is not possible as they are not infections of compulsory notification.