A efetividade social e a concessão do saneamento à iniciativa privada: o caso do leilão da CEDAE no Rio de Janeiro, Brasil / Social effectiveness and private sanitation concessions: the CEDAE auction in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Resumo A alteração no marco legal do saneamento (Lei 14.026, de 15 de julho de 2020) passou a exigir licitação no Brasil, mesmo nos casos de prestação do serviço de saneamento antes delegada pelos municípios às companhias estaduais, mediante contrato de programa. O objetivo foi identificar os atores que se beneficiaram com a mudança na lei e observar a efetividade social do processo de desestatização, que ocorreu em abril de 2021 com o leilão dos serviços de abastecimento de água e esgotamento sanitário prestados pela Companhia Estadual de Águas e Esgotos do Rio de Janeiro (CEDAE) em 35 municípios do estado. Adotou-se a análise exploratória de dados secundários e a metodologia da integração sistêmica, que possibilita identificar o papel e a atuação de atores sociais na concessão dos serviços operados pela CEDAE no Rio de Janeiro. Concluiu-se que os governos federal, estadual e municipais, o Banco Nacional de Desenvolvimento Econômico e Social e grupos privados ganharam com as concessões, mas quanto à efetividade social dos serviços, observou-se que é menor a proporção de população de baixa renda com redes de afastamento do esgoto sanitário nos municípios do estado operados pela iniciativa privada e que as tarifas praticadas são em média maiores ao comparar com os municípios que participaram do leilão.

Abstract Changes in the regulatory and legal framework for Brazil's water and sanitation sector (Law 14,026, July 15, 2020) require competitive bidding for service contracts, even in cases where the provision of services was previously delegated to state-owned utilities under program contracts. The aim of this study was to identify the actors who benefited from these changes to the legislation and assess the social effectiveness of the privatization of water supply and sewerage services in the state of Rio de Janeiro by investigating the auction of services provided by the public utility CEDAE in four blocks comprising 35 municipalities in April 2021. We conducted an exploratory analysis of secondary data and used the systemic integration method to identify the main actors involved in the concession process and the role they played. It is concluded that federal, state, and municipal governments, the Brazilian Development Bank, and the concessionaires have gained from the concessions, while the percentage of low-income populations connected to the sewage collection or drainage network is lower and tariffs are higher in municipalities served by the private sector when compared to the municipalities encompassed by the auction.

Social effectiveness and private sanitation concessions: the CEDAE auction in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. / A efetividade social e a concessão do saneamento à iniciativa privada: o caso do leilão da CEDAE no Rio de Janeiro, Brasil.

Changes in the regulatory and legal framework for Brazil's water and sanitation sector (Law 14,026, July 15, 2020) require competitive bidding for service contracts, even in cases where the provision of services was previously delegated to state-owned utilities under program contracts. The aim of this study was to identify the actors who benefited from these changes to the legislation and assess the social effectiveness of the privatization of water supply and sewerage services in the state of Rio de Janeiro by investigating the auction of services provided by the public utility CEDAE in four blocks comprising 35 municipalities in April 2021. We conducted an exploratory analysis of secondary data and used the systemic integration method to identify the main actors involved in the concession process and the role they played. It is concluded that federal, state, and municipal governments, the Brazilian Development Bank, and the concessionaires have gained from the concessions, while the percentage of low-income populations connected to the sewage collection or drainage network is lower and tariffs are higher in municipalities served by the private sector when compared to the municipalities encompassed by the auction.

A alteração no marco legal do saneamento (Lei 14.026, de 15 de julho de 2020) passou a exigir licitação no Brasil, mesmo nos casos de prestação do serviço de saneamento antes delegada pelos municípios às companhias estaduais, mediante contrato de programa. O objetivo foi identificar os atores que se beneficiaram com a mudança na lei e observar a efetividade social do processo de desestatização, que ocorreu em abril de 2021 com o leilão dos serviços de abastecimento de água e esgotamento sanitário prestados pela Companhia Estadual de Águas e Esgotos do Rio de Janeiro (CEDAE) em 35 municípios do estado. Adotou-se a análise exploratória de dados secundários e a metodologia da integração sistêmica, que possibilita identificar o papel e a atuação de atores sociais na concessão dos serviços operados pela CEDAE no Rio de Janeiro. Concluiu-se que os governos federal, estadual e municipais, o Banco Nacional de Desenvolvimento Econômico e Social e grupos privados ganharam com as concessões, mas quanto à efetividade social dos serviços, observou-se que é menor a proporção de população de baixa renda com redes de afastamento do esgoto sanitário nos municípios do estado operados pela iniciativa privada e que as tarifas praticadas são em média maiores ao comparar com os municípios que participaram do leilão.

Historical trends and new surveillance of Plasmodium falciparum drug resistance markers in Angola.

BACKGROUND: Plasmodium falciparum resistance to chloroquine (CQ) and sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) has historically posed a major threat to malaria control throughout the world. The country of Angola officially replaced CQ with artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) as a first-line treatment in 2006, but malaria cases and deaths have recently been rising. Many classic resistance mutations are relevant for the efficacy of currently available drugs, making it important to continue monitoring their frequency in Angola. METHODS: Plasmodium falciparum DNA was sampled from the blood of 50 hospital patients in Cabinda, Angola from October-December of 2018. Each infection was genotyped for 13 alleles in the genes crt, mdr1, dhps, dhfr, and kelch13, which are collectively involved in resistance to six common anti-malarials. To compare frequency patterns over time, P. falciparum genotype data were also collated from studies published from across Angola in the last two decades. RESULTS: The two most important alleles for CQ resistance, crt 76T and mdr1 86Y, were found at respective frequencies of 71.4% and 6.5%. Historical data suggest that mdr1 N86 has been steadily replacing 86Y throughout Angola in the last decade, while the frequency of crt 76T has been more variable across studies. Over a third of new samples from Cabinda were 'quintuple mutants' for SP resistance in dhfr/dhps, with a sixth mutation at dhps A581G present at 9.6% frequency. The markers dhfr 51I, dhfr 108N, and dhps 437G have been nearly fixed in Angola since the early 2000s, whereas dhfr 59R may have risen to high frequency more recently. Finally, no non-synonymous polymorphisms were detected in kelch13, which is involved in artemisinin resistance in Southeast Asia. CONCLUSIONS: Genetic markers of P. falciparum resistance to CQ are likely declining in frequency in Angola, consistent with the official discontinuation of CQ in 2006. The high frequency of multiple genetic markers of SP resistance is consistent with the continued public and private use of SP. In the future, more complete haplotype data from mdr1, dhfr, and dhps will be critical for understanding the changing efficacy of multiple anti-malarial drugs. These data can be used to support effective drug policy decisions in Angola.

MRI as a complementary tool for the assessment of suspicious mammographic calcifications: Does it have a role?

INTRODUCTION: Mammography remains the standard imaging modality for the identification and characterization of breast calcifications. However, its low specificity results in high biopsy rates in cases of suspicious calcifications. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the diagnostic performance of MRI as an additional tool in the assessment of suspicious mammographic calcifications and to identify the enhancement patterns most related to malignancy. METHODS: An observational, prospective, cross-sectional, bi-centre study was conducted including consecutive patients with suspicious calcification groups on mammography (BI-RADS® 4 and 5). Anatomopathological results obtained from biopsies were considered the reference standard, and the patients were followed up for at least two years. MRI examinations were interpreted by two radiologists in consensus. The chi-square test was used to evaluate the correlation between MRI features and histological results. The overall diagnostic performance of MRI for malignancy was calculated. RESULTS: 162 female patients were included (mean age, 53 years; range 34-82 years), with 163 mammographic lesions, of which 77 (47.2%) were benign, 64 (39.3%) malignant, and 22 (13.5%) precursor lesions on histopathology. Malignant lesions demonstrated a significantly higher presence of enhancement (56/64; 87.5%) than benign lesions (17/77; 22.1%) (p < 0.001). Non-mass enhancement (NME) was the morphology most related to malignant lesions (38/56; 67.9%). The accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of MRI for malignancy were 81.5%, 87.5%, 77.8%, 71.8%, and 90.5%, respectively. CONCLUSION: MRI performed as an adjunct tool allows to increase imaging specificity for malignancy in suspicious calcifications, which may contribute to reduce the need for biopsy.

Opinions on a car smoking ban: a needed guide for public health decision-makers / Opiniones sobre la prohibición de fumar en el coche: la guía necesaria para la toma de decisiones de salud pública

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Computed tomography angiography in patients with active gastrointestinal bleeding / Angiotomografia abdominal no paciente com sangramento gastrintestinal ativo

Abstract Gastrointestinal bleeding represents a common medical emergency, with considerable morbidity and mortality rates, and a prompt diagnosis is essential for a better prognosis. In such a context, endoscopy is the main diagnostic tool; however, in cases where the gastrointestinal hemorrhage is massive, the exact bleeding site might go undetected. In addition, a trained professional is not always present to perform the procedure. In an emergency setting, optical colonoscopy presents limitations connected with the absence of bowel preparation, so most of the small bowel cannot be assessed. Scintigraphy cannot accurately demonstrate the anatomic location of the bleeding and is not available at emergency settings. The use of capsule endoscopy is inappropriate in the acute setting, particularly in the emergency department at night, and is a highly expensive method. Digital angiography, despite its high sensitivity, is invasive, presents catheterization-related risks, in addition to its low availability at emergency settings. On the other hand, computed tomography angiography is fast, widely available and minimally invasive, emerging as a promising method in the diagnostic algorithm of these patients, being capable of determining the location and cause of bleeding with high accuracy. Based on a critical literature review and on their own experience, the authors propose a computed tomography angiography protocol to assess the patient with gastrointestinal bleeding.

Resumo O sangramento gastrintestinal representa uma emergência médica comum, com taxas consideráveis de morbimortalidade, sendo essencial um rápido diagnóstico para se obter um prognóstico favorável. A endoscopia digestiva alta é o principal método diagnóstico, porém, em casos de sangramento maciço, o exato local de sangramento pode não ser detectável. Além disso, nem sempre está disponível um profissional treinado para a sua execução. A colonoscopia óptica na urgência tem suas limitações ligadas à ausência do preparo intestinal adequado e não permite avaliar a maior parte do intestino delgado. A cintilografia não determina a localização precisa do sangramento e não é disponível na emergência. O uso da cápsula endoscópica é inapropriado no cenário emergencial e tem custo elevado. A angiografia digital, apesar de altamente sensível, é um método invasivo, tem riscos associados ao cateterismo, além de baixa disponibilidade emergencial. Por outro lado, pela sua rapidez, ampla disponibilidade e baixa invasividade, a angiotomografia desponta como opção promissora no algoritmo diagnóstico desses pacientes, sendo capaz de determinar o local e a causa do sangramento com alta acurácia, bem como orientar o seu tratamento. Com base em revisão crítica da literatura e na nossa própria experiência, propomos um protocolo de exame de angiotomografia para o paciente com hemorragia digestiva.

Fish consumption patterns and hair mercury levels in children and their mothers in 17 EU countries.

The toxicity of methylmercury (MeHg) in humans is well established and the main source of exposure is via the consumption of large marine fish and mammals. Of particular concern are the potential neurodevelopmental effects of early life exposure to low-levels of MeHg. Therefore, it is important that pregnant women, children and women of childbearing age are, as far as possible, protected from MeHg exposure. Within the European project DEMOCOPHES, we have analyzed mercury (Hg) in hair in 1799 mother-child pairs from 17 European countries using a strictly harmonized protocol for mercury analysis. Parallel, harmonized questionnaires on dietary habits provided information on consumption patterns of fish and marine products. After hierarchical cluster analysis of consumption habits of the mother-child pairs, the DEMOCOPHES cohort can be classified into two branches of approximately similar size: one with high fish consumption (H) and another with low consumption (L). All countries have representatives in both branches, but Belgium, Denmark, Spain, Portugal and Sweden have twice as many or more mother-child pairs in H than in L. For Switzerland, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Slovenia and Slovakia the situation is the opposite, with more representatives in L than H. There is a strong correlation (r=0.72) in hair mercury concentration between the mother and child in the same family, which indicates that they have a similar exposure situation. The clustering of mother-child pairs on basis of their fish consumption revealed some interesting patterns. One is that for the same sea fish consumption, other food items of marine origin, like seafood products or shellfish, contribute significantly to the mercury levels in hair. We conclude that additional studies are needed to assess and quantify exposure to mercury from seafood products, in particular. The cluster analysis also showed that 95% of mothers who consume once per week fish only, and no other marine products, have mercury levels 0.55 µg/g. Thus, the 95th percentile of the distribution in this group is only around half the US-EPA recommended threshold of 1 µg/g mercury in hair. Consumption of freshwater fish played a minor role in contributing to mercury exposure in the studied cohort. The DEMOCOPHES data shows that there are significant differences in MeHg exposure across the EU and that exposure is highly correlated with consumption of fish and marine products. Fish and marine products are key components of a healthy human diet and are important both traditionally and culturally in many parts of Europe. Therefore, the communication of the potential risks of mercury exposure needs to be carefully balanced to take into account traditional and cultural values as well as the potential health benefits from fish consumption. European harmonized human biomonitoring programs provide an additional dimension to national HMB programs and can assist national authorities to tailor mitigation and adaptation strategies (dietary advice, risk communication, etc.) to their country's specific requirements.

Computed tomography angiography in patients with active gastrointestinal bleeding.

Gastrointestinal bleeding represents a common medical emergency, with considerable morbidity and mortality rates, and a prompt diagnosis is essential for a better prognosis. In such a context, endoscopy is the main diagnostic tool; however, in cases where the gastrointestinal hemorrhage is massive, the exact bleeding site might go undetected. In addition, a trained professional is not always present to perform the procedure. In an emergency setting, optical colonoscopy presents limitations connected with the absence of bowel preparation, so most of the small bowel cannot be assessed. Scintigraphy cannot accurately demonstrate the anatomic location of the bleeding and is not available at emergency settings. The use of capsule endoscopy is inappropriate in the acute setting, particularly in the emergency department at night, and is a highly expensive method. Digital angiography, despite its high sensitivity, is invasive, presents catheterization-related risks, in addition to its low availability at emergency settings. On the other hand, computed tomography angiography is fast, widely available and minimally invasive, emerging as a promising method in the diagnostic algorithm of these patients, being capable of determining the location and cause of bleeding with high accuracy. Based on a critical literature review and on their own experience, the authors propose a computed tomography angiography protocol to assess the patient with gastrointestinal bleeding.

O sangramento gastrintestinal representa uma emergência médica comum, com taxas consideráveis de morbimortalidade, sendo essencial um rápido diagnóstico para se obter um prognóstico favorável. A endoscopia digestiva alta é o principal método diagnóstico, porém, em casos de sangramento maciço, o exato local de sangramento pode não ser detectável. Além disso, nem sempre está disponível um profissional treinado para a sua execução. A colonoscopia óptica na urgência tem suas limitações ligadas à ausência do preparo intestinal adequado e não permite avaliar a maior parte do intestino delgado. A cintilografia não determina a localização precisa do sangramento e não é disponível na emergência. O uso da cápsula endoscópica é inapropriado no cenário emergencial e tem custo elevado. A angiografia digital, apesar de altamente sensível, é um método invasivo, tem riscos associados ao cateterismo, além de baixa disponibilidade emergencial. Por outro lado, pela sua rapidez, ampla disponibilidade e baixa invasividade, a angiotomografia desponta como opção promissora no algoritmo diagnóstico desses pacientes, sendo capaz de determinar o local e a causa do sangramento com alta acurácia, bem como orientar o seu tratamento. Com base em revisão crítica da literatura e na nossa própria experiência, propomos um protocolo de exame de angiotomografia para o paciente com hemorragia digestiva.

Atuação do enfermeiro nos programas de prevenção de doenças sexualmente transmissíveis: planejamento natural da família e aborto / Nurses participation the STD programs

O estudo tem por objetivo mostrar a importância do trabalho na comunidade pelo Enfermeiro, para orientação de DST, Planejamento Natural da Família e aborto. Evidenciar a participação do Enfermeiro na divulgação do Método Billings em uma comunidade. A metodologia utilizada foi análise de dados colhidos no ambulatório do HUCFF-UFRJ e no curso de noivos da Arquidiocese do Rio de Janeiro. Os resultados mostram que no ambulatório onde não há atuação efetiva do Enfermeiro as mulheres preferem o uso do DIU, pílula a esterilização. Na comunidade onde há atuação efetiva do Enfermeiro existe aceitação significativa pelo método Billigs. Conclui-se que a atuação do Enfermeiro influencia na redução do uso de dispositivos , contraceptivos e substâncias químicas, em prol dos métodos naturais. Mostrando assim a credibilidade e a valorização das orientações ministradas pelo Enfermeiro.