Association between HPV infection and penile cancer and penile intraepithelial neoplasia: A retrospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: Penile cancer is rising in most European countries. Several risk factors have been identified, namely human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. However, the exact role of HPV in penile cancer carcinogenesis is still unknown. Clarifying the contribution of HPV in penile cancer is crucial as it may improve prevention and treatment strategies. OBJECTIVE: To describe the characteristics of patients with penile cancer and penile intraepithelial neoplasia (PeIN), evaluate the prevalence of HPV-DNA in tumour tissue and identify differences between patients with and without HPV-DNA. METHODS: A retrospective observational study including patients with histological diagnosis of penile squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) or PeIN between 2012 and 2021 in a university hospital was carried out. HPV analysis was performed using Anyplex™ II HPV28 Detection that detects and identifies 28 HPV types. (sensitivity of 95.9%). RESULTS: A total of 25 patients were included. Most of the tumours identified were invasive SCC (n = 11) and SCC in situ (PeIN 3) (n = 8). PeIN1/2 was found in the remaining six patients. HPV-DNA was tested in all tissue specimens and was detected in 18 of them. High risk HPV DNA was identified in all positive HPV samples, except one. HPV types included in the nonavalent HPV vaccine were identified in 16 of the 18 samples positive for HPV-DNA. Stratifying patients according to HPV-DNA detection, we found that patients with HPV-DNA were younger (57.5 years vs. 70 years, p = 0.047), less likely to have phimosis (5.8% vs. 42.9%, p = 0.022) and more likely to have PeIN lesions than invasive SCC (85.7% vs. 27.8%, p = 0.025). CONCLUSION: This study shows a prevalence of HPV-DNA in penile SCC and premalignant lesions of 45.5% and 92.9%, respectively. Identifying HPV involvement in SCC and PeIN pathology has the potential to guide treatment and enhance follow-up strategies.

Case management intervention of high users of the emergency department of a Portuguese hospital: a before-after design analysis.

BACKGROUND: Emergency department (ED) High users (HU), defined as having more than ten visits to the ED per year, are a small group of patients that use a significant proportion of ED resources. The High Users Resolution Group (GRHU) identifies and provides care to HU to improve their health conditions and reduce the frequency of ED visits by delivering patient-centered case management integrated care. The main objective of this study was to measure the impact of the GRHU intervention in reducing ED visits, outpatient appointments, and hospitalizations. As secondary objectives, we aimed to compare the GRHU intervention costs against its potential savings or additional costs. Finally, we intend to study the impact of this intervention across different groups of patients. METHODS: We studied the changes triggered by the GRHU program in a retrospective, non-controlled before-after analysis of patients' hospital utilization data on 6 and 12-month windows from the first appointment. RESULTS: A total of 238 ED HU were intervened. A sample of 152 and 88 patients was analyzed during the 6 and 12-month window, respectively. On the 12-month window, GRHU intervention was associated with a statistically significant reduction of 51% in ED visits and hospitalizations and a non-statistically significant increase in the total number of outpatient appointments. Overall costs were reduced by 43.56%. We estimated the intervention costs to be €79,935.34. The net cost saving was €104,305.25. The program's Return on Investment (ROI) was estimated to be €2.3. CONCLUSION: Patient-centered case management for ED HU seems to effectively reduce ED visits and hospitalizations, leading to better use of resources.

Capillary malformation-arteriovenous malformation syndrome associated with basilar artery aneurysm.

A 23-day-old boy with prenatal diagnosis of basilar artery aneurysm presented with multiple congenital red patches consistent with capillary malformations. Genetic testing confirmed the presence of a heterozygous pathogenic variant of the RASA1 gene, confirming the diagnosis of capillary malformation-arteriovenous malformation (CM-AVM) syndrome. This case illustrates an atypical presentation of the RASA1 associated CM-AVM syndrome, with the intracranial vascular malformation diagnosis preceding the identification of the skin lesions. Arterial aneurysms have been associated with CM-AVM syndrome in rare instances but to our knowledge this is the first reported case of an aneurysm of the basilar artery.

Exercise Testing, Family History, and Subclinical Atherosclerosis Markers for Cardiovascular Risk Reclassification in Middle-Aged Women

Abstract Background Cardiovascular diseases are the main cause of death in women and the accuracy of currently available risk scores is questionable. Objective To reclassify the risk estimated by the Framingham Risk Score (FRS) in asymptomatic middle-aged women by incorporating family history, exercise testing variables, and subclinical atherosclerosis markers. Methods This cross-sectional study included 509 women (age range, 46-65 years) without cardiovascular symptoms. Those at low or intermediate risk by the FRS were reclassified to a higher level considering premature family history of acute myocardial infarction and/or sudden death; four variables from exercise testing; and two variables related to subclinical atherosclerosis markers. The homogeneity of these variables according to the FRS was verified by Pearson chi-square test (p<0.05). Results According to the FRS, 80.2%, 6.2%, and 13.6% of the women were classified as low (<5%), intermediate (5-10%), and high (>10%) risks, respectively. The intermediate-risk stratum showed the highest increase (from 6.2% to 33.3%) with addition of family history; followed by addition of chronotropic index <80% (to 24.2%); functional capacity <85% (22.2%), coronary calcium score >0 (20.6%); decreased one-minute heart rate recovery ≤12 bpm (15.2%); carotid intima-media thickness >1 mm and/or carotid plaque (13.8%) and ST-segment depression (9.0%). The high-risk stratum increased to 14.4% with the addition of reduced heart rate recovery and to 17.1% with the coronary calcium score. Conclusion Incorporation of premature family history of cardiovascular events, exercise testing abnormal parameters, and subclinical atherosclerosis markers into the FRS led to risk reclassification in 3.0-29.7% of asymptomatic middle-aged women, mainly by an increase from low to intermediate risk.

Home Mechanical Ventilation Practices in Spain and Portugal.

Introduction: Home mechanical ventilation (HMV) practice has changed with publication of new evidence and introduction of new technologies, and varies between countries. This study investigated current HMV use and practices in Spain and Portugal. Methods: 94 healthcare professionals identified as regularly performing HMV-related activities were sent an e-mail link to an online questionnaire. The questionnaire included 40 items relating to responder demographics, non-invasive ventilation (NIV) care structure, ventilated patient profile, work habits, and potential future practice improvements. Results: 66 questionnaires (70%) were returned (Spain, 36; Portugal, 30). The majority of respondents were physicians (Spain, 95%; Portugal, 63%). Overall, 83% of hospitals had a dedicated NIV unit (Spain, 100%; Portugal, 63%). The most common indication for HMV was neuromuscular disorders in Spain and obstructive diseases in Portugal. Homecare providers (HCPs) and pulmonologists were usually responsible for managing HMV; HCPs were involved more often in Portugal. Choice of ventilator was most often based on usage hours/day; the most important device features were 'ease of use' (Spain) and 'adjustment range' (Portugal). HMV monitoring practices varied between countries. Telemonitoring was used more often in Portugal (20%; vs. Spain, 3%). Follow-up frequency and practices also differed markedly between Spain and Portugal. Respondents highlighted identification of new patient groups and patient phenotyping to optimize treatment and personalize therapy as future HMV strategies. Conclusions: Important differences in the management of HMV were observed between two similar European countries. Better understanding of clinical practices can facilitate targeted education and training to ensure optimal management of patients using HMV.

Introducción: El manejo de la ventilación mecánica domiciliaria (VMD) ha cambiado tras la publicación de información nueva y la introducción de nuevas tecnologías, y varía entre países. Este estudio investigó el uso y el manejo actuales de la VMD en España y Portugal. Métodos: Noventa y cuatro profesionales de la salud que realizaban actividades relacionadas con la VMD con regularidad recibieron un enlace mediante correo electrónico a un cuestionario en línea. El cuestionario incluyó 40 ítems relacionados con la demografía de los encuestados, la estructura de cuidados de la ventilación no invasiva (VNI), el perfil del paciente ventilado, los hábitos de trabajo y las posibles mejoras en el futuro manejo de la VMD. Resultados: Se respondieron 66 cuestionarios (70%) (España, 36; Portugal, 30). La mayoría de los encuestados eran médicos (España, 95%; Portugal, 63%). En total, el 83% de los hospitales tenían una unidad dedicada a la VNI (España, 100%; Portugal, 63%). La indicación más frecuente de VMD fueron los trastornos neuromusculares en España y las enfermedades obstructivas en Portugal. Los prestadores de servicios médicos domiciliarios (SMD) y los neumólogos generalmente fueron los responsables del manejo de la VMD. Los SMD participaron con mayor frecuencia en Portugal. La elección del ventilador se basó con mayor frecuencia en las horas de uso/día; las características más importantes del dispositivo fueron «facilidad de uso¼ (en España) y «rango de ajuste¼ (en Portugal). El manejo del seguimiento de la VMD varió entre países. La telemonitorización se utilizó con mayor frecuencia en Portugal (20%; frente a España, 3%). La frecuencia y la forma de seguimiento también difirieron notablemente entre España y Portugal. Los encuestados destacaron la identificación de nuevos grupos de pacientes y el fenotipado de los pacientes para optimizar el tratamiento y personalizar la terapia como estrategias futuras en la VMD. Conclusiones: Se observaron diferencias importantes en el manejo de la VMD entre dos países europeos similares. Una mejor comprensión de las prácticas clínicas puede facilitar la educación y la formación específicas para garantizar un manejo óptimo de los pacientes que utilizan VMD.

Subcutaneous granuloma annulare induced by acetazolamide.

A 9-year-old boy presented with recurring subcutaneous nodules on both legs and knees temporally related each time to acetazolamide treatment for idiopathic intracranial hypertension. A biopsy of one of the lesions revealed palisaded granulomas in the hypodermis around necrobiotic collagen and interstitial accumulation of mucin, compatible with subcutaneous granuloma annulare (SGA). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case that establishes an association between SGA and acetazolamide.

Natural history of the late-onset phenotype of Fabry disease due to the p.F113L mutation.

BACKGROUND: The common GLA gene mutation p.F113L causes late-onset phenotype of Fabry disease (FD) with predominant cardiac manifestations. A founder effect of FD due to this mutation was found in the Portuguese region of Guimarães. Our study aims to deepen the knowledge on the natural history of this late-onset variant. METHODS: 203 consecutive adult Fabry patients with p.F113L mutation (79 males; mean age 46 ± 18 years), from this region, were submitted at baseline to a predefined diagnostic protocol. The occurrence of FD manifestations was analyzed in each decade of age in both genders. RESULTS: In males, left ventricular hypertrophy (40.2%) and late gadolinium enhancement (21.4%) arose over 30 years; heart failure (HF) (21.9%), ventricular tachycardia (8.9%) and conduction disorders over 40 years; and bifascicular (13.1%) and complete atrioventricular blocks (5.9%) beyond 50 years of age. Cardiac manifestations occurred more commonly and 1-2 decades earlier in males; their frequency increased with age. Septum and posterior wall thickness, LV mass, QRS interval duration and pro-BNP levels increased with age in both genders. Mean survival free from HF (64 ± 1 vs. 76 ± 2 years) and pacemaker (71 ± 2 vs. 86 ± 1 years) was higher in females (p < .001). Albuminuria A2/A3 (33.7%), brain white matter lesions (50.3%) and sensorineural deafness (44.7%) arose before 30 years of age in both genders, increasing with age. Renal failure and stroke were rare. Lysosomal inclusions were demonstrated in podocytes of patients with proteinuria. CONCLUSION: This study improves the knowledge on natural history of late-onset variants of FD, carrying major impact on clinical decisions and guidelines.

Founder effect of Fabry disease due to p.F113L mutation: Clinical profile of a late-onset phenotype.

BACKGROUND: Knowledge on clinical profiles of late-onset phenotypes of Fabry disease (FD) is essential to better define their natural history. Our study aims to demonstrate a founder effect of FD due to the GLA gene mutation c.337T>C (p.F113L) in the Portuguese region of Guimarães; and to characterize the clinical profile of this late-onset phenotype in a large cohort of genetically related adult patients, living in the same region. METHODS AND RESULTS: FD screening was performed in 150 adult patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and found 25 Fabry patients (16.6%). The p.F113L mutation was found in 21 of them, leading to a genealogy study and haplotype analysis of the p.F113L patients. Genealogy research revealed a 12-generation family tree with a common ancestor to p.F113L patients, suggesting a founder effect that was supported by haplotype findings. Pedigree analysis was performed and 120 consecutive p.F113L patients underwent a predefined diagnostic evaluation of FD multiorgan involvement. This late-onset phenotype was characterized by common and/or potentially severe cardiac manifestations (left ventricular hypertrophy 40.8%, atrial fibrillation 5%, non-sustained ventricular tachycardia 12.5%, atrioventricular block 18.3%, bifascicular block 13.4%). Extracardiac manifestations included albuminuria>30 mg/24 h 36.1%, chronic kidney disease≥G3 7.6%, brain white matter lesions 54.4%, stroke 3.3%, sensorineural deafness 44.5%, cornea verticillata 13.9%. Plasma lyso-GB3 was undetectable in females, regardless of clinical manifestations. CONCLUSION: A founder effect of FD due to p.F113L mutation was documented by genealogy and genetics in a Portuguese region. In this late-onset phenotype, although cardiac manifestations carry the highest prognostic impact, extracardiac involvement is common.

Generalised papular variant of elastolytic giant cell granuloma.

Elastolytic giant cell granuloma (EGCG), also known as actinic granuloma, is an uncommon granulomatous dermatosis usually characterised by asymptomatic annular plaques on sun-exposed skin. Its aetiology is not fully elucidated, but actinic damage has been considered the main causal factor. Atypical variants with lesions in a non-photodistributed pattern are rare and often related to a systemic disorder, suggesting a more complex pathogenesis and demanding for a screening work-up. Herein, we report a case of an adult obese, diabetic woman presenting with a generalised pruritic papular eruption, histologically revealing an elastolytic giant cell granuloma, with a good response to treatment. In this case, the dermatosis was probably associated with her metabolic comorbidities.

Non Electrocardiographic alterations in exercise testing in asymptomatic women. Associations with cardiovascular risk factors.

OBJECTIVES: To estimate the prevalence of exercise testing alterations in middle-aged women without symptoms of heart disease and to verify the associations of functional capacity and heart rate behavior during and after exercise with cardiovascular risk factors. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 509 asymptomatic women aged between 46 and 65 years who underwent clinical evaluations and exercise testing (Bruce protocol). The heart rate behavior was evaluated by the maximal predicted heart rate achieved, chronotropic index and recovery heart rate. RESULTS: The mean age was 56.4±4.8 years, and 13.4% of the patients had a Framingham risk score above 10%. In the exercise treadmill testing, 58.0% presented one or more of the following alterations (listed in order of ascending prevalence): symptoms (angina, dyspnea, and dizziness), ST-segment depression, arrhythmia, reduction in recovery heart rate of ≤12 bpm at 1 minute, altered maximal predicted heart rate achieved, abnormal blood pressure, functional capacity deficiency, and altered chronotropic index. In the multivariate analysis, the following associations (odds ratio) were observed for these alterations: chronotropic index was associated with obesity (2.08) and smoking (4.47); maximal predicted heart rate achieved was associated with smoking (6.45); reduction in the recovery heart rate at 1 minute was associated with age (1.09) and obesity (2.78); functional capacity was associated with age (0.92), an overweight status (2.29) and obesity (6.51). CONCLUSIONS: More than half of middle-aged women without cardiovascular symptoms present alterations in one or more exercise testing parameters. Alterations in the functional capacity or heart rate behavior, as verified by exercise testing, are associated with age, smoking, an overweight status and obesity.

Importance of cardiac implantable eletronic devices in the diagnosis of Sleep Apnea Syndrome. / Importância dos dispositivos eletrónicos cardíacos implantáveis no diagnóstico da Síndrome da Apneia do Sono.

INTRODUCTION: Sleep Apnea Syndrome (SAS) is a prevalent respiratory disease with marked expression in the population with cardiovascular disease. The diagnosis is based on polysomnography. In patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED), the prevalence of SAS may reach 60%. The objective of this study was to evaluate the value of DEC in the SAS screening. METHODS: Prospective study that included patients with CIED with sleep apnea algorithm. The frequency response function was activated and simplified polygraphy was performed. The data of the device were collected on the day of the polygraph. RESULTS: The sample included 29 patients, with a mean age of 76.1 years, 71.4% of the male gender. The prevalence of SAS was 77%. For SAS, the agreement between polysomnography and the Pacemaker was Kappa = 0.54 (p = 0.001), 95% CI (0.28, 0.81) (moderate agreement); for moderate to severe SAS, the agreement was Kappa = 0.73 (p <0.001), 95% CI (0.49, 0.976) (substantial agreement). Severe SAS was obtained: sensitivity 60%, specificity 100%, positive predictive value 100%, negative predictive value 60% and diagnostic accuracy 75%; for moderate to severe SAS: sensitivity of 90%, specificity of 83%, positive predictive values of 90% and negative of 87.5%, with a diagnostic accuracy of 87.5%. CONCLUSION: SAS is highly prevalent in patients with CIED. The values obtained through these devices have a strong positive correlation with the Apnea-Hypopnea Índex, which makes them a good tool for the screening of severe SAS.

Efficiency in the environmental management of plastic wastes at Brazilian ports based on data envelopment analysis.

The aim of this study was to analyze different port areas (leased, nonleased and vessels) in terms of plastic segregation (scenario 1) and how much of this plastic is recycled (scenario 2). Data envelopment analysis was applied and the variables were total amount of solid waste and percentage of segregated plastic in relation to total solid waste (scenario 1) and amount of segregated plastics and percentage of recycled in relation to segregated plastics (scenario 2). Segregation efficiency was low (49%) in the nonleased area, but all the segregated material is recycled, suggesting that the management bottleneck in this case is waste segregation. Similar segregation results were obtained in the leased areas and vessels (36 and 35%, respectively), but recycling efficiency was greater in the former (92 and 24%, respectively).

Profile of hospitalizations in Pediatric Intensive Care Units of the Brazilian Unified Health System in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil. / Perfil das internações em Unidades de Terapia Intensiva Pediátrica do Sistema Único de Saúde no estado de Pernambuco, Brasil.

In Brazil, the distribution of pediatric intensive care units (PICUs), causes of admission, costs incurred and how care is provided are still poorly understood. The objective was to describe the profile of hospitalizations in the PICUs of the Brazilian Unified Health System in the state of Pernambuco, in 2010. A cross-sectional study was performed, with 1,915 hospitalizations in the six PICUs, collected in the Hospital Information System. The variables were compared by age group. There was a predominance of male hospitalizations (58.1%), an age range of between one and four years old (32.5%), the use of philanthropic units (64.1%) and type III PICUs (59.2%) and admissions due to neoplasms (28.9%). The mean hospital stay was 14.4 days, and the mean cost was BRL 6,674.80. The mean distance between the municipality of residence and the PICU ranged from 8.7 to 486.5 km. There were 207 deaths (10.8/100 admissions), of which 30% were due to infectious and parasitic diseases. Differences were identified between the age groups (p < 0.05), except regarding gender. In conclusion, admissions to PICUs in Pernambuco show differences in geographical access and sociodemographic characteristics, admissions, and causes of hospitalization and death among age groups.

No Brasil, a distribuição das unidades de terapia intensiva pediátrica (UTIP), causas de admissão, custos despendidos e forma como se presta a assistência ainda são pouco conhecidos. Com o objetivo de descrever o perfil das internações por faixa etária em UTIP do SUS de Pernambuco, em 2010, realizou-se um estudo transversal, com o universo das 1.915 internações nas seis UTIP do estado, captadas no Sistema de Informação Hospitalar. As variáveis foram comparadas por faixa etária. Predominaram internações no sexo masculino (58,1%), na faixa etária de um a quatro anos (32,5%), unidades filantrópicas (64,1%), UTIP tipo III (59,2%) e por neoplasias (28,9%). A permanência média foi de 14,4 dias e o custo médio de R$ 6.674,80. A distância média entre o município de residência e o da UTIP variou de 8,7 a 486,5 km. Ocorreram 207 óbitos (10,8/100 internações), 30% por doenças infectoparasitárias. Identificaram-se diferenças entre as faixas etárias (p < 0,05), exceto quanto ao sexo. Concluindo, em Pernambuco, as internações em UTIP apresentam diferenças no acesso geográfico e nas características sociodemográficas, da admissão e causas de internação e óbito entre faixas etárias.

Perfil das internações em Unidades de Terapia Intensiva Pediátrica do Sistema Único de Saúde no estado de Pernambuco, Brasil / Profile of hospitalizations in Pediatric Intensive Care Units of the Brazilian Unified Health System in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil

Resumo No Brasil, a distribuição das unidades de terapia intensiva pediátrica (UTIP), causas de admissão, custos despendidos e forma como se presta a assistência ainda são pouco conhecidos. Com o objetivo de descrever o perfil das internações por faixa etária em UTIP do SUS de Pernambuco, em 2010, realizou-se um estudo transversal, com o universo das 1.915 internações nas seis UTIP do estado, captadas no Sistema de Informação Hospitalar. As variáveis foram comparadas por faixa etária. Predominaram internações no sexo masculino (58,1%), na faixa etária de um a quatro anos (32,5%), unidades filantrópicas (64,1%), UTIP tipo III (59,2%) e por neoplasias (28,9%). A permanência média foi de 14,4 dias e o custo médio de R$ 6.674,80. A distância média entre o município de residência e o da UTIP variou de 8,7 a 486,5 km. Ocorreram 207 óbitos (10,8/100 internações), 30% por doenças infectoparasitárias. Identificaram-se diferenças entre as faixas etárias (p < 0,05), exceto quanto ao sexo. Concluindo, em Pernambuco, as internações em UTIP apresentam diferenças no acesso geográfico e nas características sociodemográficas, da admissão e causas de internação e óbito entre faixas etárias.

Abstract In Brazil, the distribution of pediatric intensive care units (PICUs), causes of admission, costs incurred and how care is provided are still poorly understood. The objective was to describe the profile of hospitalizations in the PICUs of the Brazilian Unified Health System in the state of Pernambuco, in 2010. A cross-sectional study was performed, with 1,915 hospitalizations in the six PICUs, collected in the Hospital Information System. The variables were compared by age group. There was a predominance of male hospitalizations (58.1%), an age range of between one and four years old (32.5%), the use of philanthropic units (64.1%) and type III PICUs (59.2%) and admissions due to neoplasms (28.9%). The mean hospital stay was 14.4 days, and the mean cost was BRL 6,674.80. The mean distance between the municipality of residence and the PICU ranged from 8.7 to 486.5 km. There were 207 deaths (10.8/100 admissions), of which 30% were due to infectious and parasitic diseases. Differences were identified between the age groups (p < 0.05), except regarding gender. In conclusion, admissions to PICUs in Pernambuco show differences in geographical access and sociodemographic characteristics, admissions, and causes of hospitalization and death among age groups.

Non Electrocardiographic alterations in exercise testing in asymptomatic women. Associations with cardiovascular risk factors

OBJECTIVES: To estimate the prevalence of exercise testing alterations in middle-aged women without symptoms of heart disease and to verify the associations of functional capacity and heart rate behavior during and after exercise with cardiovascular risk factors. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 509 asymptomatic women aged between 46 and 65 years who underwent clinical evaluations and exercise testing (Bruce protocol). The heart rate behavior was evaluated by the maximal predicted heart rate achieved, chronotropic index and recovery heart rate. RESULTS: The mean age was 56.4±4.8 years, and 13.4% of the patients had a Framingham risk score above 10%. In the exercise treadmill testing, 58.0% presented one or more of the following alterations (listed in order of ascending prevalence): symptoms (angina, dyspnea, and dizziness), ST-segment depression, arrhythmia, reduction in recovery heart rate of ≤12 bpm at 1 minute, altered maximal predicted heart rate achieved, abnormal blood pressure, functional capacity deficiency, and altered chronotropic index. In the multivariate analysis, the following associations (odds ratio) were observed for these alterations: chronotropic index was associated with obesity (2.08) and smoking (4.47); maximal predicted heart rate achieved was associated with smoking (6.45); reduction in the recovery heart rate at 1 minute was associated with age (1.09) and obesity (2.78); functional capacity was associated with age (0.92), an overweight status (2.29) and obesity (6.51). CONCLUSIONS: More than half of middle-aged women without cardiovascular symptoms present alterations in one or more exercise testing parameters. Alterations in the functional capacity or heart rate behavior, as verified by exercise testing, are associated with age, smoking, an overweight status and obesity.

Evaluation of the adequacy of information from research on infant mortality in Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil. / Adequação da investigação dos óbitos infantis no Recife, Pernambuco, Brasil.

This study is an evaluation of infant death research in Recife, Pernambuco (PE). It is a cross-sectional study with 120 variables grouped into six dimensions (prenatal, birth, child care, family characteristics, occurrence of death, and conclusion and recommendations), weighted by consensus technique. The research was classifiedas adequate, partially adequate or inadequate according to a composite indicator assessment (ICA). There was dissension on 11 variables (9 in prenatal dimension, one in labor and birth, and 1 in the conclusions and recommendations). Of the 568 deaths studied, 56.2% have adequate research. The occurrence of death was the best-evaluated dimension and prenatal the poorest. The preparation of the ICA enables professionals and managers of child health policies to identify bottlenecks in the investigation of infant deaths for better targeting of actions, and contributing to the discussion about surveillance in other cities and states.

Avaliou-se a adequação da investigação do óbito infantil no Recife-PE, Brasil. Estudo transversal com 120 variáveis da ficha de investigação, agrupadas em seis dimensões (pré-natal; parto e nascimento; puericultura; características da família; ocorrência do óbito; e conclusão e recomendações), ponderadas pela técnica de consenso e analisadas quanto ao preenchimento. A investigação foi classificada (adequada, parcialmente adequada e inadequada) segundo um indicador composto de avaliação (ICA). Houve dissenso em 11 variáveis (9, na dimensão pré-natal; 1, no parto e nascimento; 1, na conclusões e recomendações). Dos 568 óbitos estudados, 56,2% apresentam investigação adequada. A ocorrência do óbito foi a dimensão melhor avaliada, e pré-natal, a mais deficiente. A elaboração do ICA possibilita aos profissionais e gestores das políticas de saúde da criança, identificar os pontos de estrangulamento da investigação dos óbitos infantis para um melhor direcionamento das ações e contribui com a reflexão sobre esta vigilância em outros municípios e estados.

Adequação da investigação dos óbitos infantis no Recife, Pernambuco, Brasil / Evaluation of the adequacy of information from research on infant mortality in Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil

Resumo Avaliou-se a adequação da investigação do óbito infantil no Recife-PE, Brasil. Estudo transversal com 120 variáveis da ficha de investigação, agrupadas em seis dimensões (pré-natal; parto e nascimento; puericultura; características da família; ocorrência do óbito; e conclusão e recomendações), ponderadas pela técnica de consenso e analisadas quanto ao preenchimento. A investigação foi classificada (adequada, parcialmente adequada e inadequada) segundo um indicador composto de avaliação (ICA). Houve dissenso em 11 variáveis (9, na dimensão pré-natal; 1, no parto e nascimento; 1, na conclusões e recomendações). Dos 568 óbitos estudados, 56,2% apresentam investigação adequada. A ocorrência do óbito foi a dimensão melhor avaliada, e pré-natal, a mais deficiente. A elaboração do ICA possibilita aos profissionais e gestores das políticas de saúde da criança, identificar os pontos de estrangulamento da investigação dos óbitos infantis para um melhor direcionamento das ações e contribui com a reflexão sobre esta vigilância em outros municípios e estados.

Abstract This study is an evaluation of infant death research in Recife, Pernambuco (PE). It is a cross-sectional study with 120 variables grouped into six dimensions (prenatal, birth, child care, family characteristics, occurrence of death, and conclusion and recommendations), weighted by consensus technique. The research was classifiedas adequate, partially adequate or inadequate according to a composite indicator assessment (ICA). There was dissension on 11 variables (9 in prenatal dimension, one in labor and birth, and 1 in the conclusions and recommendations). Of the 568 deaths studied, 56.2% have adequate research. The occurrence of death was the best-evaluated dimension and prenatal the poorest. The preparation of the ICA enables professionals and managers of child health policies to identify bottlenecks in the investigation of infant deaths for better targeting of actions, and contributing to the discussion about surveillance in other cities and states.

Management of plastic wastes at Brazilian ports and diagnosis of their generation.

This study evaluated the management of plastic wastes at 20 Brazilian maritime ports, from three sources: vessels, leased and non-leased areas. The data were obtained from documents on port wastes organized in a relational database with defined protocols (closed form). Analysis of the spreadsheets prepared and field visits revealed that the main bottleneck in managing plastic wastes at ports is their segregation. In general, more material is segregated and sent for recycling from leased areas than non-leased ones (administered by the government). This relatively better performance in managing the wastes generated in leased areas is probably due to the need for private operators to comply with the international standards such as the Code of Environmental Practice to satisfy the international market.

Infant mortality surveillance in Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil: operationalization, strengths and limitations. / Vigilância do óbito infantil no Recife, Pernambuco: operacionalização, potencialidades e limites.

OBJECTIVE: to report the experience on infant mortality surveillance (IMS) in the municipality of Recife-PE, Brazil. METHODS: a documentary research and a query with key-informants who participated in the implementation and consolidation of the IMS were conducted; data of the Mortality Information System (SIM) and of the surveillance worksheets were used to measure the coverage of the investigated deaths. RESULTS: the implementation of the IMS has occurred gradually since 2003; the strategy is composed by (i) identification of deaths, (ii) investigation, (iii) discussion, (iv) recommendations and correction of vital statistics; upon completion of implementation (2006), 98.5% (256) of the deaths had been investigated and discussed, with the participation of those involved in the cases; in 2015, this coverage corresponded to 97.7%. CONCLUSION: the main recommendations consisted of expanding the access, coverage and improvement of primary, secondary and tertiary care quality; IMS is able to support changes in health care practices, as well as planning and organization of maternal and child care.