Distribuição e autocorrelação espacial da mortalidade materna por pré-eclâmpsia e eclâmpsia no Brasil / Distribution and spatial autocorelation of maternal mortality from preeclampsia and eclampsia in Brazil / Distribución y autocorelación espacial de la mortalidad materna por preeclampsia y eclampsia en Brasil

Objetivo: analisar a distribuição e autocorrelação espacial das taxas de mortalidade materna por pré-eclâmpsia e eclâmpsia no Brasil. Método: estudo ecológico, transversal, das taxas de mortalidade por pré-eclâmpsia e eclâmpsia de mulheres residentes no Brasil, em 2019. Foram calculadas as taxas, segundo estado e região de residência. A dependência espacial foi analisada pelo coeficiente de autocorrelação de Moran Global e Local. Resultados: foram analisados 278 óbitos (9,7/100 mil nascidos vivos). A autocorrelação espacial indicou um aglomerado alto-alto envolvendo o Norte e Nordeste e um único aglomerado baixo-baixo no Sul. Houve predomínio de óbitos em mulheres de 20 a 34 anos (60,79%), com oito anos ou mais de estudo (55,04%), sem companheiro (63,31%), ocorrência no ambiente hospitalar (92,81%), e de cor preta/parda (70,50%). Conclusão: as disparidades na distribuição das taxas de mortalidade materna mostram a necessidade de políticas públicas que considerem as especificidades de cada local para ações de prevenção

Objective: to analyze the distribution and spatial autocorrelation of maternal mortality rates from preeclampsia and eclampsia in Brazil. Method: an ecological, cross-sectional study of mortality rates from preeclampsia and eclampsia in women residing in Brazil in 2019. Rates were calculated according to state and region of residence. Spatial dependence was analyzed by the Global and Local Moran autocorrelation coefficient. Results: 278 deaths were analyzed (9.7 deaths/100.000 live births). Spatial autocorrelation indicated a high-high cluster involving the North and Northeast regions and a single low-low cluster in the South. There was a predominance of deaths in women aged 20 to 34 years (60.79%), with eight or more years of study (55.04%), without a partner (63.31%), occurring in a hospital environment (92.81%) and black/brown (70.50%). Conclusion: the disparities in the distribution of maternal mortality rates show the need for public policies that consider the specificities of each location for prevention actions

Objetivo: analizar la distribución y autocorrelación espacial de las tasas de mortalidad materna por preeclampsia y eclampsia en Brasil. Método: estudio transversal ecológico de las tasas de mortalidad por preeclampsia y eclampsia en mujeres residentes en Brasil en 2019. Las tasas se calcularon según el estado y la región de residencia. La dependencia espacial se analizó mediante el coeficiente de autocorrelación Global y Local de Moran. Resultados: se analizaron 278 defunciones (9,7 defunciones/100.000 nacidos vivos). La autocorrelación espacial indicó un grupo alto-alto que involucraba las regiones norte y noreste y un solo grupo bajo-bajo en el sur. Predominaron las defunciones en mujeres de 20 a 34 años (60,79%), con ocho o más años de estudio (55,04%), sin pareja (63,31%), ocurridas en ambiente hospitalario (92,81%) y negras/ marrón (70,50%). Conclusión: las disparidades en la distribución de las tasas de mortalidad materna muestran la necesidad de políticas públicas que consideren las especificidades de cada localidad para las acciones de prevención

Occupational Exposure to Hexavalent Chromium, Nickel and PAHs: A Mixtures Risk Assessment Approach Based on Literature Exposure Data from European Countries.

Hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)), nickel (Ni) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are genotoxic co-occurring lung carcinogens whose occupational health risk is still understudied. This study, conducted within the European Human Biomonitoring Initiative (HBM4EU), aimed at performing a mixtures risk assessment (MRA) based on published human biomonitoring (HBM) data from Cr(VI), Ni and/or PAHs occupational co-exposure in Europe. After data extraction, Risk Quotient (RQ) and Sum of Risk Quotients (SRQ) were calculated for binary and ternary mixtures to characterise the risk. Most selected articles measured urinary levels of Cr and Ni and a SRQ > 1 was obtained for co-exposure levels in welding activities, showing that there is concern regarding co-exposure to these substances. Similarly, co-exposure to mixtures of Cr(VI), Ni and PAHs in waste incineration settings resulted in SRQ > 1. In some studies, a low risk was estimated based on the single substances' exposure level (RQ < 1), but the mixture was considered of concern (SRQ > 1), highlighting the relevance of considering exposure to the mixture rather than to its single components. Overall, this study points out the need of using a MRA based on HBM data as a more realistic approach to assess and manage the risk at the workplace, in order to protect workers' health.

HBM4EU Occupational Biomonitoring Study on e-Waste-Study Protocol.

Workers involved in the processing of electronic waste (e-waste) are potentially exposed to toxic chemicals. If exposure occurs, this may result in uptake and potential adverse health effects. Thus, exposure surveillance is an important requirement for health risk management and prevention of occupational disease. Human biomonitoring by measurement of specific biomarkers in body fluids is considered as an effective method of exposure surveillance. The aim of this study is to investigate the internal exposure of workers processing e-waste using a human biomonitoring approach, which will stimulate improved work practices and contribute to raising awareness of potential hazards. This exploratory study in occupational exposures in e-waste processing is part of the European Human Biomonitoring Initiative (HBM4EU). Here we present a study protocol using a cross sectional survey design to study worker's exposures and compare these to the exposure of subjects preferably employed in the same company but with no known exposure to industrial recycling of e-waste. The present study protocol will be applied in six to eight European countries to ensure standardised data collection. The target population size is 300 exposed and 150 controls. Biomarkers of exposure for the following chemicals will be used: chromium, cadmium and lead in blood and urine; brominated flame retardants and polychlorobiphenyls in blood; mercury, organophosphate flame retardants and phthalates in urine, and chromium, cadmium, lead and mercury in hair. In addition, the following effect biomarkers will be studied: micronuclei, epigenetic, oxidative stress, inflammatory markers and telomere length in blood and metabolomics in urine. Occupational hygiene sampling methods (airborne and settled dust, silicon wristbands and handwipes) and contextual information will be collected to facilitate the interpretation of the biomarker results and discuss exposure mitigating interventions to further reduce exposures if needed. This study protocol can be adapted to future European-wide occupational studies.

Short Communication: HIV and Tuberculosis Co-Infection Among Migrants in Portugal: A Brief Study on Their Sociodemographic, Clinical, and Genomic Characteristics.

HIV and tuberculosis (TB) are among the global deadliest diseases. Migrant populations are particularly vulnerable to these infections. Yet, literature is still scarce on the epidemiology of HIV-TB co-infection among migrants. In this study, we characterized native and migrant HIV patients followed in Portuguese hospitals, who were diagnosed with TB, regarding their sociodemographic, clinical, and genomic characteristics. Among 67 patients with HIV and TB diagnoses, there were 24 migrants, most from sub-Saharan Africa. Most patients had CD4+ T cell counts below 350 cells/µL, and were diagnosed simultaneously for HIV and TB. When compared to natives, migrants presented a higher proportion of non-B HIV-1 infections. Patients infected with these non-B HIV-1 strains presented higher viral loads, which can have an important impact for the transmissibility and pathogenicity of both diseases. Future studies should investigate different HIV strains and consequences for TB and HIV transmission and disease outcomes, especially among vulnerable populations.

Are Opportunities Being Missed? Burden of HIV, STI and TB, and Unawareness of HIV among African Migrants.

Sub-Saharan African migrants (SSAMs) have been disproportionately affected by infectious disease burden. We aimed to identify correlates of HIV, past sexually transmitted infection (STI) and past Tuberculosis infection (TB), as well as examine HIV seropositivity unawareness and testing history among SSAMs. A venue-based sample of 790 SSAMs completed a cross-sectional biobehavioral survey on sexual practices, HIV testing and self-reported infectious diseases; an HIV rapid test was offered. Overall, 5.4% of participants were HIV-positive and 16.7% reported a past STI. Odds of being HIV positive or having a past STI were higher among participants with low socioeconomic status and who experienced violence from a partner. Increased odds of having a past STI were also found among long-term migrants and those who reported sexual risk behaviors. In total, 4.1% of participants had TB in the past; these were more likely male and HIV positive. Unawareness of HIV-positive status was notably high (35%). Half of the participants had never been tested for HIV before, including over a third of those who had STI or TB in the past. Efforts are needed to reduce missed opportunities for HIV/STIs prevention and uptake of HIV testing among SSAMs through more integrated care, while addressing social determinants of infectious diseases.

Tuberculosis care for migrant patients in Portugal: a mixed methods study with primary healthcare providers.

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis (TB) is still a major global health problem. The increasing number of cases observed among foreign-born populations contrasts with the decreasing trends observed in later years in some high-income countries. Healthcare providers are key interveners in the control of TB and HIV-TB infections. In this study, we aimed to explore the perspectives of healthcare providers working in primary care in Portugal about the provision of TB care for migrant patients with TB or HIV-TB co-infection. METHODS: We applied a mixed-methods approach using an online survey and semi-structured interviews with primary healthcare providers. A total of 120 Portuguese healthcare providers participated in the survey, and 17 were interviewed. Survey and interview data were analysed applying descriptive statistics and thematic analysis, respectively. RESULTS: Migrants' lack of knowledge on TB disease and its symptoms was the main reason for advanced-stage presentation of cases. Their high mobility and social isolation affect adherence to treatment. The providers also listed several barriers to migrants' access and use of TB care. The most frequently referred were limited socioeconomic resources, complex bureaucracy at the point of access and registration for healthcare services, especially for undocumented migrants, and obstacles for social protection. Providers also advocated more training initiatives on migrants' health, social and cultural contexts, on HIV and TB integrated care, and on TB scientific update for general practitioners and nurses working at primary healthcare centres. CONCLUSIONS: Future efforts should provide measures to overcome social, economic and administrative obstacles to care for TB-infected migrants, and promote regular training initiatives for national healthcare providers in order to raise awareness and facilitate better care to culturally diverse populations with TB.

HIV and tuberculosis co-infection among migrants in Europe: A systematic review on the prevalence, incidence and mortality.

BACKGROUND: International human migration has been rapidly growing. Migrants coming from low and middle income countries continue to be considerably vulnerable and at higher risk for infectious diseases, namely HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) and tuberculosis (TB). In Europe, the number of patients with HIV-TB co-infection has been increasing and migration could be one of the potential driving forces. OBJECTIVE: This systematic review aims to improve the understanding on the burden of HIV-TB co-infection among migrants in Europe and to assess whether these populations are particularly vulnerable to this co-infection compared to nationals. DESIGN: MEDLINE®, Web of Science® and Scopus® databases were searched from March to April 2016 using combinations of keywords. Titles and abstracts were screened and studies meeting the inclusion criteria proceeded for full-text revision. These articles were then selected for data extraction on the prevalence, incidence and mortality. RESULTS: The majority of HIV-TB prevalence data reported in the analysed studies, including extrapulmonary/disseminated TB forms, was higher among migrant vs. nationals, some of the studies even showing increasing trends over time. Additionally, while HIV-TB incidence rates have decreased among migrants and nationals, migrants are still at a higher risk for this co-infection. Migrants with HIV-TB co-infection were also more prone to unsuccessful treatment outcomes, death and drug resistant TB. However, contradicting results also showed lower mortality compared to nationals. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, a disproportionate vulnerability of migrants to acquire the HIV-TB co-infection was observed across studies. Such vulnerability has been associated to low socioeconomic status, poor living conditions and limited access to healthcare. Adequate social support, early detection, appropriate treatment, and adequate access to healthcare are key improvements to tackle HIV-TB co-infection among these populations.