Associated factors, incidence, and management of gestational and congenital syphilis in a Brazilian state capital: a cross-sectional study.

Maternal and child health remains an enduring global challenge, having occupied a prominent position on international agendas since the dawn of the 21st century. During pregnancy, syphilis emerges as the second most prevalent cause of stillbirth on a global scale, potentially leading to a range of adverse outcomes. This study aimed to describe the clinical and epidemiological profile of cases of gestational and congenital syphilis and the hospital care provided for newborns in Campo Grande municipality, Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil, from 2013 to 2018. This is a cross-sectional study based on data from Brazilian Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System (SINAN) and hospital medical records. Chi-square or Fisher's exact test and logistic regression analysis were used to assess the associations and relationships between the child's clinical outcome at birth and the mother's clinical-obstetric and epidemiological characteristics. Cumulative detection rate of gestational syphilis was 174.3 cases per 1,000 live births and cumulative incidence of congenital syphilis was 47.7 cases per 1,000 live births. Alcoholism, prenatal care, number of prenatal visits, maternal treatment regimen, and timing of maternal diagnosis were associated with child's clinical outcome at birth and considered in the regression model. Prenatal visits showed a protective effect against the signs and symptoms of congenital syphilis (odds ratio = 0.37; 95% confidence interval = 0.17-0.77). Medical assistance was considered inadequate in 62.3% of cases. Prenatal consultations should be encouraged among pregnant women. There is a need for better education of health personnel on the treatment and diagnosis of syphilis.

Associated factors, incidence, and management of gestational and congenital syphilis in a Brazilian state capital: a cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT Maternal and child health remains an enduring global challenge, having occupied a prominent position on international agendas since the dawn of the 21st century. During pregnancy, syphilis emerges as the second most prevalent cause of stillbirth on a global scale, potentially leading to a range of adverse outcomes. This study aimed to describe the clinical and epidemiological profile of cases of gestational and congenital syphilis and the hospital care provided for newborns in Campo Grande municipality, Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil, from 2013 to 2018. This is a cross-sectional study based on data from Brazilian Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System (SINAN) and hospital medical records. Chi-square or Fisher's exact test and logistic regression analysis were used to assess the associations and relationships between the child's clinical outcome at birth and the mother's clinical-obstetric and epidemiological characteristics. Cumulative detection rate of gestational syphilis was 174.3 cases per 1,000 live births and cumulative incidence of congenital syphilis was 47.7 cases per 1,000 live births. Alcoholism, prenatal care, number of prenatal visits, maternal treatment regimen, and timing of maternal diagnosis were associated with child's clinical outcome at birth and considered in the regression model. Prenatal visits showed a protective effect against the signs and symptoms of congenital syphilis (odds ratio = 0.37; 95% confidence interval = 0.17−0.77). Medical assistance was considered inadequate in 62.3% of cases. Prenatal consultations should be encouraged among pregnant women. There is a need for better education of health personnel on the treatment and diagnosis of syphilis.

HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis and incidence of sexually transmitted infections in Brazil, 2018 to 2022: An ecological study of PrEP administration, syphilis, and socioeconomic indicators.

BACKGROUND: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is one of the pillars of a combination prevention strategy for reducing the risk of new infections caused by HIV. The daily use of antiretroviral drugs by individuals who are not infected with HIV is required to prevent infection. Although its efficacy has been well established in the literature, in recent years, the decreased supply of antiretroviral drugs has been associated with an increase in the incidence of sexually transmitted infections (STI) and changes in the social determinants of health. An ecological study was conducted covering a five-year period (2018-2022), starting from the year of initiation of PrEP administration in Brazilian state capitals. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Descriptive analysis was performed, and the spatial distribution of study data was taken into account. Correlation analysis was used to assess the association between PrEP administration, the incidence and detection rate of STI, and socioeconomic data. The southern region showed the highest incidence rates of STI, but the northern and northeastern regions demonstrated the worst socioeconomic indicators, especially those related to illiteracy and basic sanitation. PrEP administration was significantly correlated with illiteracy (ρ = -0.658), per capita income (ρ = 0.622), public garbage collection (ρ = 0.612), syphilis (ρ = 0.628) and viral hepatitis (ρ = 0.419) incidences. Further, all STI were significantly associated with illiteracy and per capita income. SIGNIFICANCE: Our findings highlight the need to continue exploring PrEP use and rising syphilis rates. In terms of policy, PrEP administration appears to be inversely associated with regions of greater social vulnerability. Further efforts should focus on the social determinants and health needs of this population to improve access to PrEP and reduce social disparities.

Schools reopening and the COVID-19 pandemic: a case study from Macaé, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Since the first reported case of COVID-19 in Brazil, the public and private educational system started to close. Up to November 2020, scientific discussions about the return of schooling activities have been rarely performed by the national scientific community and police-makers. The great delay of school returning in Brazil contrasts with successful international strategies of school reopening worldwide and seems counterintuitive with the reopening of non-essential activities. Here, important issues to be considered before and during school reopening are reviewed and discussed. COVID-19 testing is essential to avoid disease spreading, but high cost of individual RT-qPCRs impairs an extensive testing strategy for school returning. To reduce costs and increase the speed of diagnosis, we tested the efficiency of a pooled-sample PCR strategy in a cohort of the educational staff in the city of Macaé/RJ, finding five asymptomatic individuals (0,66%) among the 754 people tested. Thus, a polled-sample PCR testing strategy of the educational staff might prevent infection spreading in schools at a reasonable cost. We discuss how our test strategy could be coupled with internationally recognized safety rules to allow for a safe school return and how countries from different world regions are dealing with educational activities during COVID-19 pandemic.

Spatio-temporal modeling of visceral leishmaniasis in Midwest Brazil: An ecological study of 18-years data (2001-2018).

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a neglected vector-borne disease associated with socioeconomic and environmental issues. In Brazil, epidemics of VL have occurred in major cities since 1980. Applied models for medical and epidemiological research have been used to assess the distribution and characteristics of disease endpoints and identify and characterize potential risk factors. This study described the demographic features of VL and modeled the spatio-temporal distribution of human VL cases and their relationship with underlying predicitve factors using generalized additive models. We conducted an ecological study covering an 18-year period from the first report of an autochthonous case of VL in Campo Grande, state of Mato Grosso do Sul, in 2001 to 2018. The urban area of the city has 74 neighborhoods, and they were the units of analysis of our work. Socioeconomic and demographic data available from Brazilian public databases were considered as covariables. A total of 1,855 VL cases were reported during the study period, with an annual mean incidence rate of 13.23 cases per 100,000 population and a cumulative crude incidence of 235.77 per 100,000 population. The results showed the rapid transition from epidemic to endemic and the centrifugal dispersal pattern of the disease. Moreover, the model highlighted that the urban quality of life index, which is calculated based on income, education, housing conditions, and environmental sanitation data, plays a role in VL occurrence. Our findings highlighted the potential for improving spatio-temporal segmentation of control measures and the cost-effectiveness of integrated disease management programs as soon as VL is difficult to control and prevent and has rapid geographical dispersion and increased incidence rates.

Correction: Congenital Zika Syndrome in a Brazil-Paraguay-Bolivia border region: Clinical features of cases diagnosed between 2015 and 2018.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0223408.].

Congenital Zika Syndrome in a Brazil-Paraguay-Bolivia border region: Clinical features of cases diagnosed between 2015 and 2018.

Congenital Zika Syndrome (CZS) is a unique pattern of congenital abnormalities found in fetuses and neonates infected with the Zika virus (ZIKV). Here, we clinically identify and characterize infants with CZS between 2015 and 2018 in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil-a border area with Paraguay and Bolivia. This cross-sectional study, based on primary and secondary data, tracks the cases registered in the Brazilian Public Health Reporting System through the following stages: (1) preliminary data analysis, (2) identification of the congenital syndrome cases, (3) etiologic classification of the cases, (4) active search, and (5) clinical assessment. Of the 72 investigated cases, 16 were probable cases of CZS. Of these, it was only possible to clinically assess 11 infants. Considering the 16 probable cases of CZS, nine were classified as confirmed cases, and five as potential cases of the syndrome. Regarding clinical features, brain palsy was identified in all analyzed infants. Moreover, microcephaly and pseudobulbar syndrome were found in eight infants, and hydrocephalus was found in three individuals. In addition to these conditions, seven children were malnourished. Our study may provide significant insights for other researches that aim to elucidate CZS and its clinical and populational consequences.

Monthly Distribution of Phlebotomine Sand Flies, and Biotic and Abiotic Factors Related to Their Abundance, in an Urban Area to Which Visceral Leishmaniasis Is Endemic in Corumbá, Brazil.

The monthly distribution and abundance of sand flies are influenced by both biotic and abiotic factors. The present study aimed to evaluate the seasonal distribution of sand flies and the relation between their abundance and environmental parameters, including vegetation and climate. This study was conducted over a 2-year period (April 2012 to March 2014). Monthly distribution was evaluated through the weekly deployment of CDC light traps in the peridomicile area of 5 residences in an urban area of the municipality of Corumbá in the State of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. Meteorological data were obtained from the Mato Grosso do Sul Center for Weather, Climate, and Water Resources. The spectral indices were calculated based on spatial resolution images (GeoEye) and the percentage of vegetal coverage. Differences in the abundance of sand flies among the collection sites were assessed using the Kruskal-Wallis test, and the strength of correlations between environmental variables was determined by calculating Spearman's correlation coefficients. Lutzomyia cruzi, Lu. forattinii, and Evandromyia corumbaensis were the most frequently found species. Although no significant association was found among these sand fly species and the tested environmental variables (vegetation and climate), high population peaks were found during the rainy season, whereas low peaks were observed in the dry season. The monthly distribution of sand flies was primarily determined by Lu. cruzi, which accounted for 93.94% of the specimens collected each month throughout the experimental period. The fact that sand flies were detected year-round indicates a continuous risk of infection to humans, demonstrating the need for targeted management and education programs.

Relacionamento entre câncer colorretal e indicadores socioeconômicos no município de São Paulo: uso de modelos de regressão espacial / Relationship between colorectal cancer and socioeconomic indicators in São Paulo use of spatial regression models

Introdução: O câncer de localização colorretal é o terceiro tipo de câncer mais comumente diagnosticado no mundo. As taxas de incidências do câncer colorretal não são homogêneas, apresentando diferenças entre os países. Não há estudos brasileiros que investiguem a variação geográfica da incidência de câncer colorretal conjuntamente com indicadores socioeconômicos. Esta avaliação pode revelar diferenças locais importantes na ocorrência da doença. Objetivos: Descrever as taxas de incidência e de mortalidade do câncer colorretal no Município de São Paulo, segundo sexo e faixa etária, no período de 1997 a 2009 e realizar análise da distribuição espacial segundo distrito dos casos de câncer colorretal diagnosticados em residentes no Município de São Paulo entre 1997 e 2009. Material e Métodos: Foram analisados os novos casos de câncer colorretal diagnosticados em residentes no Município de São Paulo de 1997 a 2009. Estes dados foram fornecidos pelo Registro de Câncer de Base Populacional de São Paulo (RCBP-SP). A análise dos dados foi realizada em duas etapas: na primeira, com cárater exploratório/descritivo, os dados analíticos foram utilizados para descrever a incidência e mortalidade por câncer colorretal no período pesquisado. Na segunda etapa, os casos de câncer colorretal foram geocodificados, agrupados por distrito administrativo e estudados segundo a metodologia de análise para dados de área. Toda análise foi implementada no software R. Resultados: Com 7,7 por cento e 7,3 por cento dos casos respectivamente em homens e mulheres, câncer colorretal foi o segundo tipo de câncer mais frequente, sendo a quarta (9,0 por cento dos óbitos) e a segunda (11,0 por cento dos óbitos) causa de morte respectivamente em homens e mulheres. Do total de casos incidentes (39.250), 47,50 por cento são do sexo masculino e 52,50 por cento do sexo feminino. Destes, 4.784 (37,7 por cento ) evoluíram a óbito, sendo 48,1 por cento no sexo masculino e 51,9 por cento no sexo feminino. As taxas específicas por sexo e faixa etária de incidência aumentam fortemente com a idade, na faixa etária de 80 ou mais anos chega a 377,9 e 282,9 (por 100 mil hab.) para o sexo masculino e feminino respectivamente, sendo relativamente próximas em ambos os sexos até a idade de 49 anos e maiores para homens nas faixas etárias subsequentes. As taxas específicas por sexo e faixa etária de mortalidade, apresentam comportamento análogo, aumentam fortemente com a idade, na faixa etária de 80 ou mais anos chega a 206,9 e 159,9 (por 100 mil hab.) para o sexo masculino e feminino respectivamente. A taxa anual de incidência ajustada pela população de SEGI (1960) e modificada por DOLL et al. (1966) apresenta-se em torno de 30,0 (por 100 mil hab.) nos três primeiros anos observados (1997-1999), chega a 19,0 (por 100 mil hab.) em 2002, volta a crescer nos anos seguintes (2003-2005), chegando a 31,7 (por 100 mil hab.) e matem-se estável de 2007 a 2009. A taxa anual de mortalidade de câncer colorretal ajustada pela população crescente até 2004, chegando a 15,7 (por 100 mil hab.) e decrescem nos anos seguintes, chegando a aproximadamente 3,6 mortes por 100 mil habitantes em 2009. A média anual da taxa bruta de incidência e os indicadores socioeconômicos apresentam dependência forte dependência espacial, sendo o menor Índice I de Moran observado foi para o índice de exclusão/inclusão dos anos potenciais de vida perdidos (IEX apvp = 0,29), os demais são acima de 0,6. Os indicadores apresentam forte correlação linear com a média anual da taxa bruta de incidência. Conclusões: As distribuições da incidência e da mortalidade apresentam padrões semelhantes ao identificado mundialmente. O Município de São Paulo tem taxas equivalentes às encontradas nas regiões em transição econômica. Foi identificada forte dependência espacial na distribuição da incidência de câncer colorretal no Município de São Paulo, com a formação de clusters nas áreas centrais e periféricas. As maiores taxas são encontradas nas áreas centrais e nas periferias. A distribuição espacial da incidência de câncer colorretal apresenta forte associação com a distribuição dos indicadores de status socioeconômico no Município de São Paulo, em particular apresenta associação positiva com indicadores de renda e escolaridade.

Introduction: Colorectal cancer is the third most common diagnosed cancer worldwide. Colorectal cancer incidence rates are not homogeneous, with differences between countries. No Brazilian studies investigated the geographical variation of colorectal cancer incidence with socioeconomic indicators. This study may reveal important local differences in the occurrence of the disease. Objectives: To describe colorectal cancer incidence and mortality in São Paulo, by sex and age using 1997-2009 data and perform the spatial distribution analysis according to district colorectal cancer cases diagnosed in residents at Municipality of São Paulo between 1997 and 2009. Methods: Colorectal cancer cases diagnosed from 1997 to 2009 in São Paulo residents were analyzed. These data were provided by Population Based Cancer Registry of São Paulo (RCBP-SP). Data analysis was performed in two stages. First, analytical data were used to describe the incidence and mortality from colorectal cancer. Second, colorectal cancer cases were geocoded, grouped by administrative district and studied according data area analysis methodology. All analysis was implemented in software R. Results: 7.7 per cent and 7.3 per cent of observed cases was respectively in men and women, colorectal cancer was the second most common cancer, the fourth (9.0 per cent ) cause of death in men and the second (11.0 per cent ) cause in women. It was diagnosed 39,250 colorectal cancer new cases, 47.50 per cent in men and 52.50 per cent in women. And 4,784 (37.7 per cent ) died, with 48.1 per cent in male and 51.9 per cent in female. The specific incidence rates strongly increase with age, at the 80 years or more age reaches 377.9 and 282.9 (per 100,000 inhabitants) for male and female respectively. The mortality specific rates, have similar behavior, strongly increase with age and at the 80 years or more age reaches 206.9 and 159.9 (per 100,000 inhabitants), for males and female respectively. The annual age adjusted incidence rate was around 30.0 (per 100,000 inhab.) in the first observed years (1997-1999), arrives to 19.0 (per 100,000 inhab.) in 2002, grow back reaching 31.7 (per 100,000 inhab.) and kill stable from 2007 to 2009. The annual age colorectal cancer mortality rate grow reaching 15.7 (per 100,000 inhab.) and decrease in the following years, reaching approximately 3.6 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants in 2009. The average annual the crude incidence rate and the socio-economic indicators show strong spatial dependence, the lowest Moran´s I Index was observed for the exclusion/inclusion potential years of life lost index (IEX apvp = 0.29). The indicators show strong linear correlation with the average annual crude incidence rate. Conclusions: Distributions of incidence and mortality have similar worldwide patterns. The Municipality of São Paulo has equivalent rates founded in regions in economic transition. It was identified strong spatial dependence in the distribution of the incidence of colorectal cancer, with the formation of clusters in the central and peripheral areas of Municipality of São Paulo. The highest rates were found in the central areas and lowest were found in the suburbs. The spatial distribution of colorectal cancer incidence has a strong association with the socioeconomic status indicators distribution in Municipality of São Paulo. It was identified positive association between colorectal cancer incidence with income and education indicators.

Associação entre atividade física e marcadores bioquímicos de risco para doença cardiovascular em adolescentes de escolas públicas de Piracicaba / Association between physical activity and biochemical markers of risk for cardiovascular disease in adolescents attending public schools in Piracicaba

Fatores de risco bioquímicos para as doenças cardiovasculares surgem na infância e na adolescência com grande chance de permanecerem na vida adulta. O objetivo do presente estudo foi verificar possíveis associações entre atividade física (AF) e marcadores bioquímicos em adolescentes de escolas públicas. Trata-se de um estudo transversal. Por meio de questionários foram coletados dados demográficos e informações sobre AF e consumo alimentar. Também foram realizadas avaliação antropométrica e coleta de sangue para análises bioquímicas (Colesterol total, Lipoproteína de alta densidade, Lipoproteína de baixa densidade, Triacilglicerol, Insulinemia e Glicemia). A amostra foi constituída por 199 adolescentes com idade entre 10 e 14 anos. O teste de Mann Whitney foi utilizado para comparar variáveis contínuas entre os sexos. Para verificar a associação entre as variáveis AF e os indicadores bioquímicos foram usados modelos de regressão logística múltiplos, ajustados por estado nutricional, maturação sexual, densidade energética e sexo. Dos 199 adolescentes, 57,3% eram meninas e 65,8% eram insuficientemente ativos. Os meninos apresentam um tempo maior de AF comparado às meninas (p=0,013), e as médias de triacilglicerol e resistência à insulina das meninas são significativamente maiores que a dos meninos (p<0,001 para ambas). Verificou-se que ser mais ativo apresentou efeito protetor contra valores indesejáveis de Lipoproteína de alta densidade (HDL). Conclui-se que a AF é uma excelente ferramenta para manter a HDL em níveis saudáveis independente de estado nutricional, maturação sexual, consumo alimentar e sexo. As variáveis Colesterol total, Lipoproteína de baixa densidade, Triacilglicerol, Insulinemia e Glicemia não apresentaram associação com a prática da AF.

Biochemical risk factors for cardiovascular diseases arise in childhood and adolescence with great chance of staying in adult life. The aim of the present study was to verify possible association between the adolescent's physical activity (PA) and biochemical markes. Through questionnaires we collected demographic data and information about PA and food intake. We also performed anthropometric measurements and blood sampling for biochemical analyses (total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein, low density lipoprotein, Triglycerides, Insulin and glycemia). Mann Whitney test were used to compare continuous variables between sexes. To verify the association among independent variable and dependent we used models of multiple logistic regression, adjusted for nutritional status, sexual maturation, energy density and sex. Among 199 adolescents, 57.3% were girls and 65.8% were insufficiently active. The boys had a longer AF compared to females (p = 0.013), and the mean triglyceride and insulin resistance Girls are significantly higher than boys (p <0.001 for both).It has been found to be more active showed a protective effect against undesirable values of high density lipoprotein (HDL). We conclude that PA is an excellent tool to maintain healthy levels of HDL independent of nutritional status, sexual maturation, food consumption and sex. The variables total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein, triacylglycerol, insulin and blood glucose were not associated with the practice of AF.