Validation study of obstetric hospitalization data held on the Brazilian National Health System Hospital Information System for maternal morbidity surveillance: Brazil, 2021-2022.

OBJECTIVE: To validate the Brazilian National Health System Hospital Information System (SIH/SUS) for maternal morbidity surveillance. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in 2021/2022, taking as its reference a national study on maternal morbidity (MMG) conducted in 50 public and 28 private hospitals; we compared SIH/SUS and MMG data for hospitalization frequency, reason and type of discharge and calculated sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratios for seven diagnoses and four procedures. RESULTS: Hospitalizations identified on SIH/SUS (32,212) corresponded to 95.1% of hospitalizations assessed by MMG (33,867), with lower recording on SIH/SUS (85.5%) for private hospitals [10,036 (SIH/SUS)]; 11,742 (MMG)]; compared to MMG, SIH/SUS had a lower proportion of hospitalizations due to "complications during pregnancy" (9.7% versus 16.5%) as well as under-recording of all diagnoses and procedures assessed, except "ectopic pregnancy". CONCLUSION: Better recording of diagnoses and procedures on SIH/SUS is essential for its use in maternal morbidity surveillance.

A knowledge framework for the design of built environment supportive of resilient internal logistics in hospitals.

Internal logistics is crucial for hospitals, occurring within facilities that pose constraints and opportunities, demanding resilient performance (RP) to adapt to dynamic conditions and balance safety and efficiency pressures. However, the role of the built environment (BE) to support RP is not explicitly analysed in the hospital logistics literature, which is usually limited to discuss BE in terms of layout and routing issues. To address this gap, this study presents a knowledge framework of BE supportive of RP in internal hospital logistics. The framework was developed based on a study in a large teaching hospital, encompassing 11 service flows of people and supplies between an intensive care unit and other units. Data collection was based on 38 interviews, documents such as floor plans, and observations of logistics activities. Seven BE design principles developed in a previous study, concerned with RP in general but not focused on logistics, were adopted as initial themes for data analysis. Results of the thematic analysis gave rise to a knowledge framework composed of seven design prescriptions and 63 practical examples of BE supportive of RP in hospital internal logistics. The paper discusses how these prescriptions and examples are connected to resilience management. The framework is new in the context of internal hospital logistics and offers guidance to both BE and logistics designers.

Validation study of obstetric hospitalization data held on the Brazilian National Health System Hospital Information System for maternal morbidity surveillance: Brazil, 2021-2022 / Estudio de validación de internaciones obstétricas en el Sistema de Información Hospitalaria del Sistema Único de Salud para vigilancia de la morbilidad materna: Brasil, 2021-2022 / Estudo de validação das internações obstétricas no Sistema de Informações Hospitalares do Sistema Único de Saúde para a vigilância da morbidade materna: Brasil, 2021-2022

ABSTRACT Objective To validate the Brazilian National Health System Hospital Information System (SIH/SUS) for maternal morbidity surveillance. Methods This was a cross-sectional study conducted in 2021/2022, taking as its reference a national study on maternal morbidity (MMG) conducted in 50 public and 28 private hospitals; we compared SIH/SUS and MMG data for hospitalization frequency, reason and type of discharge and calculated sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratios for seven diagnoses and four procedures. Results Hospitalizations identified on SIH/SUS (32,212) corresponded to 95.1% of hospitalizations assessed by MMG (33,867), with lower recording on SIH/SUS (85.5%) for private hospitals [10,036 (SIH/SUS)]; 11,742 (MMG)]; compared to MMG, SIH/SUS had a lower proportion of hospitalizations due to "complications during pregnancy" (9.7% versus 16.5%) as well as under-recording of all diagnoses and procedures assessed, except "ectopic pregnancy". Conclusion Better recording of diagnoses and procedures on SIH/SUS is essential for its use in maternal morbidity surveillance.

RESUMEN Objetivo Validar el Sistema de Información Hospitalaria del Sistema Único de Salud (SIH/SUS) para vigilancia de la morbilidad materna. Métodos Estudio transversal, 2021/2022, utilizando como referencia datos de estudio nacional de morbilidad materna (MMG) realizado en 50 hospitales públicos y 28 privados; comparando: frecuencia, motivo y tipo de alta de internaciones en SIH/SUS y MMG y calculando sensibilidad, especificidad y razones de probabilidad positivos y negativos para siete diagnósticos y cuatro procedimientos. Resultados Las internaciones identificadas en SIH/SUS (32.212) correspondieron al 95,1% de internaciones evaluadas en MMG (33.867), observándose menor registro en SIH/SUS (85,5%) en hospitales privados [10.036 (SIH/SUS)]; 11.742 (MMG)]; comparado con MMG, SIH/SUS tuvo menor proporción de internaciones por "complicaciones durante el embarazo" (9,7% vs 16,5%), así como subregistro de todos los diagnósticos y procedimientos evaluados, excepto "embarazo ectópico". Conclusión Mejor registro de diagnósticos y procedimientos en SIH/SUS es fundamental para su uso en la vigilancia de la morbilidad materna.

RESUMO Objetivo Validar o Sistema de Informações Hospitalares do Sistema Único de Saúde (SIH/SUS) para vigilância da morbidade materna. Métodos Estudo transversal, de 2021-2022, utilizando-se como referência dados de estudo nacional sobre morbidade materna (MMG) realizado em 50 hospitais públicos e 28 privados; foram comparados frequência, motivo e tipo de saída das internações, segundo SIH/SUS e MMG, e calculadas sensibilidade, especificidade, razão de verossimilhança positiva e negativa para sete diagnósticos e quatro procedimentos. Resultados Internações identificadas no SIH/SUS (32.212) corresponderam a 95,1% das internações avaliadas no MMG (33.867), tendo-se observado menor registro no SIH/SUS (85,5%) em hospitais privados [10.036 (SIH/SUS); 11.742 (MMG)]; comparado ao MMG, o SIH/SUS apresentou menor proporção de internações por "intercorrências na gestação" (9,7% versus 16,5%), bem como sub-registro de todos os diagnósticos e procedimentos avaliados, exceto "gestação ectópica". Conclusão Melhor registro de diagnósticos e procedimentos no SIH/SUS é essencial para sua utilização na vigilância da morbidade materna.

Medical experts and trusted confidants: parent perceptions of the clinician-parent relationship in childhood cancer.

PURPOSE: A childhood cancer diagnosis threatens the health, safety, and security of the child and whole family unit. A strong relationship between the healthcare team and family is integral to provision of holistic support during this time of crisis. Family-centered care necessitates a fluid, therapeutic relationship between parents and the child's healthcare team. This study investigated bereaved parents' perspectives on their relationship with their child's care team and the impact of these relationships on their coping across the cancer trajectory and into bereavement. METHODS: Thirty-one parents whose child died from cancer between 1 and 6 years prior to study enrollment participated in semi-structured interviews about their relationships and interactions with their child's healthcare team across the illness course and into bereavement. We audio-recorded interviews, transcribed them verbatim, and utilized a codebook thematic analysis approach to analyze interview transcripts. RESULTS: Four themes emerged across interviews with parents describing their perceptions of the parent-clinician relationship: (1) a collaborative approach improves perceptions of care, (2) professional trust is core to the relationship, (3) parental personal preference and bias can limit relationship-building, and (4) meaningful connections form on an emotional, individualized level. These themes highlight relational patterns between parents and clinicians that can promote or erode alliance and collaboration. CONCLUSION: Bereaved parents recognize key attributes that influence the parent-clinician relationship. Educating clinicians about parent-identified positive modifiable behaviors (e.g., communication deficits) and awareness of non-modifiable care factors (e.g., individual personality preferences) may enable clinicians to strengthen relationships with parents and ultimately improve quality of care.

The Built Environment Influence on Resilient Healthcare: A Systematic Literature Review of Design Knowledge.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to develop built environment (BE) design knowledge to support resilient healthcare by systematically reviewing the evidence-based design (EBD) literature. BACKGROUND: Although the EBD literature is vast, it has not made explicit its contribution to resilient healthcare, which is a key component of the highly complex health service. METHOD: This review followed the steps recommended by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses method. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 43 journal papers were selected. The papers were analyzed in light of five guidelines for coping with complexity, allowing for the development of BE design knowledge that supports resilient healthcare. RESULTS: The design knowledge compiled by the review was structured according to four levels of abstraction: five design-meta principles, corresponding to the five complexity guidelines, seven design principles, 21 design prescriptions, and 58 practical examples. The design knowledge emphasizes the interactions between the BE as physical infrastructure and the functions that it supports. CONCLUSIONS: The design knowledge is expected to be useful not only to architects but also to those involved in the functional design of health services as they interact with the BE. Furthermore, our proposal provides a knowledge template that can be continuously updated based on the experience of practitioners and academic research.

Enhanced glycolysis and GSK3 inactivation promote brain metabolic adaptations following neuronal mitochondrial stress.

We analyzed early brain metabolic adaptations in response to mitochondrial dysfunction in a mouse model of mitochondrial encephalopathy with complex IV deficiency [neuron-specific COX10 knockout (KO)]. In this mouse model, the onset of the mitochondrial defect did not coincide with immediate cell death, suggesting early adaptive metabolic responses to compensate for the energetic deficit. Metabolomic analysis in the KO mice revealed increased levels of glycolytic and pentose phosphate pathway intermediates, amino acids and lysolipids. Glycolysis was modulated by enhanced activity of glycolytic enzymes, and not by their overexpression, suggesting the importance of post-translational modifications in the adaptive response. Glycogen synthase kinase 3 inactivation was the most upstream regulation identified, implying that it is a key event in this adaptive mechanism. Because neurons are thought not to rely on glycolysis for adenosine triphosphate production in normal conditions, our results indicate that neurons still maintain their ability to upregulate this pathway when under mitochondrial respiration stress.

Implementation strategies for the first licensed dengue vaccine: A meeting report.

Dengue vaccination would enhance the control of dengue, one of the most frequent vector-borne viral diseases globally. CYD-TDV is the first dengue vaccine to be licensed, but global uptake has been hampered due to its use being limited to seropositive persons aged 9 years and above, and the need for a 3-dose schedule. The Partnership for Dengue Control (PDC) organized a meeting with key opinion leaders and stakeholders to deliberate on implementation strategies for the use of CYD-TDV. New data have emerged that support the shortening of the primary schedule from a 3 to 2 dose schedule, extending the age range below 9 to 6 years of age, and expanding the indication from endemic populations to also include travelers to endemic areas. Cost-effectiveness may improve with the modified 2-dose regimen and with multiple testing. Strategies to implement a dengue vaccination program have been developed, in particular school-based strategies. A range of delivery scenarios can then be considered, using various settings for each step of the intervention. However, several challenges remain, including communication about limiting the use of this vaccine to seropositive individuals only. Affordability will vary from country to country, as will government commitment and community acceptance. Well-tailored communication strategies that target key stakeholders are expected to make up a significant part of any future dengue vaccination program.

Record linkage under suboptimal conditions for data-intensive evaluation of primary care in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Linking Brazilian databases demands the development of algorithms and processes to deal with various challenges including the large size of the databases, the low number and poor quality of personal identifiers available to be compared (national security number not mandatory), and some characteristics of Brazilian names that make the linkage process prone to errors. This study aims to describe and evaluate the quality of the processes used to create an individual-linked database for data-intensive research on the impacts on health indicators of the expansion of primary care in Rio de Janeiro City, Brazil. METHODS: We created an individual-level dataset linking social benefits recipients, primary health care, hospital admission and mortality data. The databases were pre-processed, and we adopted a multiple approach strategy combining deterministic and probabilistic record linkage techniques, and an extensive clerical review of the potential matches. Relying on manual review as the gold standard, we estimated the false match (false-positive) proportion of each approach (deterministic, probabilistic, clerical review) and the missed match proportion (false-negative) of the clerical review approach. To assess the sensitivity (recall) to identifying social benefits recipients' deaths, we used their vital status registered on the primary care database as the gold standard. RESULTS: In all linkage processes, the deterministic approach identified most of the matches. However, the proportion of matches identified in each approach varied. The false match proportion was around 1% or less in almost all approaches. The missed match proportion in the clerical review approach of all linkage processes were under 3%. We estimated a recall of 93.6% (95% CI 92.8-94.3) for the linkage between social benefits recipients and mortality data. CONCLUSION: The adoption of a linkage strategy combining pre-processing routines, deterministic, and probabilistic strategies, as well as an extensive clerical review approach minimized linkage errors in the context of suboptimal data quality.

Analysis of indoor human thermal comfort in Pelotas municipality, extreme southern Brazil.

The indoor human thermal comfort (HTC) was investigated in residences located in the Pelotas City, southern Brazil, by the effective temperature index (ETI). In this study, temperature and relative humidity were measured inside 429 houses, located in different regions of Pelotas city, from January 11 to August 27, 2019. Samples were obtained using HOBO data loggers, indoor sensors, installed in different regions of the municipality, in the context of a cohort study of children between 2 and 4 years old and their respective mothers, led by Epidemiological Research Center of the Federal University of Pelotas (UFPEL). In general, all regions had average hourly values of effective temperature index above the comfort zone in summer and below the comfort zone in the winter. In terms of spatial variability, the indoor HTC was dependent on environmental factors such as lake breeze and indoor behavior factors, such as the use of air conditioning system in the downtown buildings.

Integrated modelling of built environment and functional requirements: Implications for resilience.

The built environment is a core part of most healthcare systems, involving a number of requirements such as those related to space and patients' well-being. However, these are usually addressed separately from other functional requirements, resulting in designs that do not support resilient performance. This study proposes a framework for the integrated modelling of built environment and other functional requirements, relying on two approaches: Functional Resonance Analysis Method (FRAM), and Building Information Modelling (BIM). Requirements are defined as equivalent to the precondition aspect of FRAM functions. BIM allows the creation of a database of requirements and functions, linked to an object-oriented model of the built environment. The proposed framework was devised and tested in an intensive care unit. Findings shed light on the necessary resilience to cope with the gap between built environment-as-imagined in design and built environment-as-done due to performance adjustments. This type of resilience may have a long-lasting nature, as many built environment attributes cannot be easily changed.

Analysis of the application of a deterministic routine for identifying multiple pregnancies on SINASC, Brazil. / Análise da aplicação de uma rotina determinística para a identificação de gestações múltiplas no Sistema de Informações sobre Nascidos Vivos.

OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the application of a deterministic routine for identifying multiple pregnancies on the Brazilian Live Birth Information System (SINASC). METHODS: SINASC data deduplication and linkage with the mortality database (fetal deaths) for Rio de Janeiro state for the period 2007-2008; we used a deterministic routine, using a key based on SINASC maternal and birth information, complemented by manual review. RESULTS: of the 433,874 SINASC records, 9,036 (2.1%) were classified as multiple pregnancy newborns; after implementing the routine, we reclassified 385 records as twins, and 286 as singletons; accuracy of multiple pregnancy information on the SINASC database was high (sensitivity=95.8%; specificity=99.9%); applying the routine without the manual review process increased sensitivity by 4.2%, with no significant change of specificity. CONCLUSION: despite the accuracy of information regarding multiple pregnancy held on SINASC, we suggest the use of this routine as an option for improving classification of twins.

Monitoring complexity and resilience in construction projects: The contribution of safety performance measurement systems.

Although complexity and resilience are key inter-related characteristics of construction projects, little is known on how to monitor these characteristics and their implications for safety management. This study investigates the contribution of Safety Performance Measurement Systems (SPMS) as a means for monitoring and understanding of sources of complexity and resilience in construction. It is based in three empirical studies carried out in construction projects, two in Chile and one in Brazil. Two main tools were applied in these studies: (i) the Technical, Organizational and Environmental (TOE) framework, focused on complexity; and (ii) the Resilience Assessment Grid (RAG), focused on resilience. Improvement opportunities were identified for existing SPMS. Also, a set of guidelines for the design of SPMS emerged from these studies as well as a model that explains the connections between the main constructs encompassed by the guidelines.

Phytotoxicity in two sugarcane cultivars in the initial development as affected by selectivity to herbicides / Fitotoxidez em dois cultivares de cana-de-açúcar no desenvolvimento inicial em função da seletividade a herbicidas

Sugarcane is a crop of great importance for human consumption, either for the production of sucrose or for the production of ethanol fuel. The objective of this work was to evaluate the phytotoxicity caused by the herbicides, the agronomic components in two sugarcane cultivars, at five evaluation times, during the 12-month and 18-month cultivation periods. The experimental design was randomized blocks with four replicates, in a 10 x 2 factorial scheme, with nine herbicides (tembotrione, mesotrione, clomazone, saflufenacil, 2,4 dichlorophenoxyacetic, fluroxypyr + picloram, metribuzin, isoxaflutole, sulfentrazone), two sugarcane cultivars (RB006995 and RB036153), and five evaluation times (7, 14, 21, 28 and 35 days after application ­ DAA). The most phytotoxic herbicides for the 12-month cultivation period in the cultivars RB036153 and RB006995 were clomazone and sulfentrazone. For 18-month cultivation period, the herbicides isoxaflutole, clomazone and sulfentrazone were the most phytotoxic, mainly for the cultivar RB006995. For most herbicides, phytotoxicity decreased along the days after application. The most selective herbicides for both cultivars and cultivation periods were tembotrione, mesotrione and fluroxypyr + picloram.(AU)

A cana-de-açúcar é uma cultura de grande importância para alimentação humana, tanto para a produção de sacarose quanto para a produção de combustível etanol. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a fitotoxidade causada pelos herbicidas, nos períodos de cultivo de cana de ano e cana de ano-e-meio durante o estádio de brotação e perfilhamento de dois cultivares de cana-de-açúcar. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi de blocos casualizados com quatro repetições, em um esquema fatorial 10 x 2, sendo os fatores compostos por nove herbicidas (tembotriona, mesotriona, clomazona, saflufenacil, 2,4 diclorofenoxiacético, fluroxipir + picloram, metribuzin, isoxaflutol, sulfentrazona) mais uma testemunha, dois cultivares de cana-de-açúcar (RB006995, RB036153) e cinco épocas de avaliação (7, 14, 21, 28 e 35 DAA). Os herbicidas mais fitotóxicos para a cana de ano nos cultivares RB036153 e RB006995 foram clomazona e sulfentrazona. Para a cana de ano-e-meio, os herbicidas isoxaflutol, clomazona e sulfentrazona foram os mais fitotóxicos, principalmente no cultivar RB006995. Para a maioria dos herbicidas houve decréscimo da fitotoxidez com o passar dos dias após a aplicação. Os herbicidas mais seletivos para ambos os cultivares e períodos de cultivo foram tembotriona, mesotriona e fluroxipir + picloram.(AU)

[Use of database linkage and scripting rules to upgrade variables in the Sinan-TB database]. / Uso de linkage entre diferentes bases de dados para qualificação de variáveis do Sinan-TB e a partir de regras de scripting.

Brazil's Information System on Diseases of Notification (Sinan) is the main tool used by tuberculosis (TB) control programs to assess control measures and TB incidence. This requires data from the system that are reliable and accurate, among other features. The study thus aimed to upgrade the entry variables, condition at closure, HIV testing, AIDS-related illness, and diabetes. Linkage was performed between the Sinan-TB database, the Mortality Information System (SIM), and the single AIDS database for the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Criteria for upgrading the variables were based on technical materials on TB and the Sinan database and were implemented in a script in Structured Query Language (SQL). There was a 115% increase in treatment dropout due to the decrease in transfers, records without closure, and patients closed due to cure in less than 150 days. There was a 2.4% increase in records with diseases associated with diabetes in the affirmative category after using data from the SIM. For the variables HIV testing and AIDS-associated illness, the increases were 5.3% and 8.7%, respectively, when the information in the AIDS database was considered. In conclusion, upgrading the Sinan-TB database through integration with other information systems improved the data's quality for decision-making on TB control.

O Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (Sinan) é a principal ferramenta utilizada pelos programas de controle da tuberculose (TB), para avaliar as ações de controle e a taxa de incidência da doença. Para tal, faz-se necessário que os dados provenientes desse sistema sejam, dentre outros, confiáveis e acurados. Dessa forma, o objetivo deste estudo foi qualificar as variáveis tipo de entrada, situação de encerramento, teste para HIV, agravo associado aids e diabetes. Foi realizado um linkage entre a base de dados do Sinan-TB, do Sistema de Informações sobre Mortalidade (SIM) e a base única da aids do Município do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. Os critérios para qualificação das variáveis estão fundamentados em materiais técnicos sobre a TB e sobre o Sinan, e foram implementados em um script em Structured Query Language (SQL). Observou-se um aumento de 115% do abandono de tratamento decorrente da diminuição das transferências, dos registros sem encerramento e de pacientes encerrados por cura com menos de 150 dias. Houve acréscimo de 2,4% de registros com agravo associado diabetes na categoria sim, após utilizada a informação contida no SIM. Para as variáveis teste para HIV e agravo associado à aids o acréscimo foi de 5,3% e 8,7%, respectivamente, com a consideração da informação contida na base da aids. Concluiu-se que a qualificação da base de dados do Sinan-TB, valendo-se da integração com outros sistemas de informação, aprimorou a qualidade da informação para a tomada de decisão para o controle da TB.

El Sistema de Información de Enfermedades de Notificación obligatoria (Sinan) es la principal herramienta utilizada por los programas de control de la tuberculosis (TB), para evaluar las acciones de control y la tasa de incidencia de la enfermedad. Para tal fin, es necesario que los datos provenientes de este sistema sean, entre otros aspectos, fiables y precisos. De esta forma, el objetivo de este estudio fue cualificar las variables: tipo de entrada, situación de cierre, test para VIH, enfermedad asociada al SIDA y diabetes. Se realizó una vinculación entre la base de datos del Sinan-TB, del Sistema de Información sobre Mortalidad (SIM) y la base única del SIDA del municipio de Río de Janeiro, Brasil. Los criterios para la cualificación de las variables están fundamentados en materiales técnicos sobre la TB y sobre el Sinan, y fueron implementados en un script con Structured Query Language (SQL). Se observó un aumento de un 115% en el abandono del tratamiento, a consecuencia de la disminución de transferencias, de los registros sin cierre y de pacientes internados por tratamiento menos de 150 días. Hubo un incremento de un 2,4% de los registros con enfermedad asociada a la diabetes en la categoría SIM, tras utilizar la información contenida en el SIM. Para las variables test del VIH y enfermedad asociada al SIDA el incremento fue de un 5,3% y un 8,7%, respectivamente, considerando la información contenida en la base de datos del SIDA. Se concluyó que la cualificación de la base de datos del Sinan-TB, valiéndose de la integración con otros sistemas de información, perfeccionó la calidad de la información en la toma de decisiones para el control de la TB.

Uso de linkage entre diferentes bases de dados para qualificação de variáveis do Sinan-TB e a partir de regras de scripting / Use of database linkage and scripting rules to upgrade variables in the Sinan-TB database / Uso del linkage entre diferentes bases de datos para la cualificación de variables del Sinan-TB, a partir de reglas de scripting

Resumo: O Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (Sinan) é a principal ferramenta utilizada pelos programas de controle da tuberculose (TB), para avaliar as ações de controle e a taxa de incidência da doença. Para tal, faz-se necessário que os dados provenientes desse sistema sejam, dentre outros, confiáveis e acurados. Dessa forma, o objetivo deste estudo foi qualificar as variáveis tipo de entrada, situação de encerramento, teste para HIV, agravo associado aids e diabetes. Foi realizado um linkage entre a base de dados do Sinan-TB, do Sistema de Informações sobre Mortalidade (SIM) e a base única da aids do Município do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. Os critérios para qualificação das variáveis estão fundamentados em materiais técnicos sobre a TB e sobre o Sinan, e foram implementados em um script em Structured Query Language (SQL). Observou-se um aumento de 115% do abandono de tratamento decorrente da diminuição das transferências, dos registros sem encerramento e de pacientes encerrados por cura com menos de 150 dias. Houve acréscimo de 2,4% de registros com agravo associado diabetes na categoria sim, após utilizada a informação contida no SIM. Para as variáveis teste para HIV e agravo associado à aids o acréscimo foi de 5,3% e 8,7%, respectivamente, com a consideração da informação contida na base da aids. Concluiu-se que a qualificação da base de dados do Sinan-TB, valendo-se da integração com outros sistemas de informação, aprimorou a qualidade da informação para a tomada de decisão para o controle da TB.

Abstract: Brazil's Information System on Diseases of Notification (Sinan) is the main tool used by tuberculosis (TB) control programs to assess control measures and TB incidence. This requires data from the system that are reliable and accurate, among other features. The study thus aimed to upgrade the entry variables, condition at closure, HIV testing, AIDS-related illness, and diabetes. Linkage was performed between the Sinan-TB database, the Mortality Information System (SIM), and the single AIDS database for the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Criteria for upgrading the variables were based on technical materials on TB and the Sinan database and were implemented in a script in Structured Query Language (SQL). There was a 115% increase in treatment dropout due to the decrease in transfers, records without closure, and patients closed due to cure in less than 150 days. There was a 2.4% increase in records with diseases associated with diabetes in the affirmative category after using data from the SIM. For the variables HIV testing and AIDS-associated illness, the increases were 5.3% and 8.7%, respectively, when the information in the AIDS database was considered. In conclusion, upgrading the Sinan-TB database through integration with other information systems improved the data's quality for decision-making on TB control.

Resumen: El Sistema de Información de Enfermedades de Notificación obligatoria (Sinan) es la principal herramienta utilizada por los programas de control de la tuberculosis (TB), para evaluar las acciones de control y la tasa de incidencia de la enfermedad. Para tal fin, es necesario que los datos provenientes de este sistema sean, entre otros aspectos, fiables y precisos. De esta forma, el objetivo de este estudio fue cualificar las variables: tipo de entrada, situación de cierre, test para VIH, enfermedad asociada al SIDA y diabetes. Se realizó una vinculación entre la base de datos del Sinan-TB, del Sistema de Información sobre Mortalidad (SIM) y la base única del SIDA del municipio de Río de Janeiro, Brasil. Los criterios para la cualificación de las variables están fundamentados en materiales técnicos sobre la TB y sobre el Sinan, y fueron implementados en un script con Structured Query Language (SQL). Se observó un aumento de un 115% en el abandono del tratamiento, a consecuencia de la disminución de transferencias, de los registros sin cierre y de pacientes internados por tratamiento menos de 150 días. Hubo un incremento de un 2,4% de los registros con enfermedad asociada a la diabetes en la categoría SIM, tras utilizar la información contenida en el SIM. Para las variables test del VIH y enfermedad asociada al SIDA el incremento fue de un 5,3% y un 8,7%, respectivamente, considerando la información contenida en la base de datos del SIDA. Se concluyó que la cualificación de la base de datos del Sinan-TB, valiéndose de la integración con otros sistemas de información, perfeccionó la calidad de la información en la toma de decisiones para el control de la TB.

Níveis de inclusão da torta da semente de cupuaçu na dieta de frangos caipiras criados na amazônia ocidental / Levels of cupuaçu seed by-product in feedstuff for free-range broilers reared in the western amazon / Niveles de inclusión del subproducto de semilla de cupuaçu en la dieta de pollos campesinos creados en la amazónia ocidental

O experimento foi realizado com o intuito de avaliar os efeitos da inclusão da torta da semente de cupuaçu (TSC) nas dietas de frangos de linhagem caipira. O delineamento foi o inteiramente casualizado e foram utilizados 300 pintainhos de corte, sendo que os níveis de inclusão foram de 0, 5, 10, 15 e 20%, de TSC nas rações. Cada tratamento possuía seis repetições com 10 aves. Foram analisados os níveis de inclusões da TSC nos períodos de 1-14, 1-28, 1-42, 1-56 e 1-70 dias de criação, em relação ao desempenho zootécnico (consumo de ração, peso vivo, conversão alimentar, eficiência alimentar e viabilidade dos frangos). Foi analisado também o rendimento de carcaça e a margem bruta relativa (MBR). A utilização da TSC na dieta dos frangos reduziu o consumo de ração e, consequentemente, o peso vivo, piorando a conversão alimentar, reduzindo a eficiência alimentar da ração e a viabilidade dos frangos. Não houve influência da inclusão da TSC sobre o rendimento de carcaça de machos, porém houve aumento no rendimento de moela vazia, intestinos e redução da gordura abdominal. Houve também redução na MBR, conforme os níveis crescentes de inclusão da TSC.(AU)

The experiment aimed to evaluate the effects of including the by-product of cupuacu seeds (BCS) in dietary feed of free-range broilers. A completely randomized design was used with 300 broiler chickens, and the inclusion levels ranged from 0, 5, 10, 15 to 20% of BCS in the feeds. Each treatment had six replicates with 10 birds. The BCS inclusion levels were analyzed in the total period from 1-14, 1-28, 1-42, 1-56, and 1-70 days old, in relation to the production performance (feed intake, live weight, feed conversion, feed efficiency and viability of broilers). The carcass yield and gross margin ratio (GMR) were also analyzed. The use of BCS in the feed of broiler chickens reduced the feed intake and consequently the live weight, worsening the feed conversion, and also reduced feed efficiency and the viability of broiler chickens. There was no influence of the inclusion levels of BCS on the carcass yield of males; nevertheless, there was an increase in the yield of intestines and gizzard, and a reduction of abdominal fat. There was also a reduction in the GMR as the BCS levels increased.(AU)

El experimento fue realizado con el objetivo de evaluar los efectos de la inclusión del subproducto de semilla de cupuaçu (SSC) en las dietas de pollos de linaje campesino. El delineamiento fue enteramente casual y fueron utilizados 300 pollitos, siendo que los niveles de inclusión fueron de 0,5, 10, 15 y 20% de SSC en las raciones. Cada tratamiento poseía seis repeticiones con 10 aves. Se analizó los niveles de inclusiones del SSC en los períodos de 1-14, 1-28, 1-42, 1-56 y 1-70 días de creación, en relación al desempeño zootécnico (consumo de ración, peso vivo, conversión alimentar, eficiencia alimentar y viabilidad de los pollos). Se ha analizado también el rendimiento del esqueleto y la margen bruta relativa (MBR). La utilización del SSC en la dieta de los pollos acortó el consumo de ración y consecuentemente el peso vivo, afectando de forma negativa la conversión alimentar, reduciendo la eficiencia alimentar de la ración y la viabilidad de los pollos. No hubo influencia de la inclusión del SSC sobre el rendimiento del esqueleto de machos, pero hubo aumento en el rendimiento de molleja vacía, intestinos y reducción de grasa abdominal. Hubo también reducción en la MBR, conforme los niveles crecientes de inclusión del SSC.(AU)

Cost-effectiveness analysis of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine introduction in Paraguay.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a cost-effectiveness analysis of 10- or 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV10 or 13) introduction in Paraguay compared to no vaccination. METHODS: The integrated TRIVAC vaccine cost-effectiveness model (version 2.0) jointly developed by the Pan American Health Organization's ProVac Initiative and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine was applied from the government and societal perspectives to estimate the cost-effectiveness (CE) of PCV introduction during 2010 and 2011. The cost-effectiveness ratios of PCV10 and PCV13 were separately compared to non-vaccination. The model calculated health and economic benefits of vaccination for 10 birth cohorts of children <5 years of age. A base case scenario with two primary doses at 2 and 4 months and a booster dose at 12 months (2+1 schedule) and alternate scenarios with varying parameters were considered. RESULTS: With PCV10 introduction, the incremental costs of the vaccination program would be approximately US$ 67 million to vaccinate all 10 cohorts of children; with PCV13, US$ 87 million. Health services costs avoided by the government with PCV10 would be US$ 19.5 million; with PCV 13, US$ 17.7 million. From the societal perspective, savings were much greater: with PCV10, US$ 43 million; with PCV13, US$ 35 million. For the higher priced PCV13, the average cost-effectiveness ratio was better than for PCV10 when compared to no vaccination, but regardless both were cost effective for government and society based on a threshold of 3× GDP per capita in Paraguay (2009 US$ 2516). The number of averted meningitis and all-cause pneumonia cases and deaths was greater with PCV13 than with PCV10 when compared to no vaccination. CONCLUSION: The introduction of either PCV10 or PCV13 would be cost effective when compared to no vaccination, and in some scenarios, highly cost effective in Paraguay. The outcomes of these analyses demonstrate that a pneumococcal vaccine could substantially reduce morbidity and mortality in children <5 years in Paraguay.

Identification of the transcription factor Znc1p, which regulates the yeast-to-hypha transition in the dimorphic yeast Yarrowia lipolytica.

The dimorphic yeast Yarrowia lipolytica is used as a model to study fungal differentiation because it grows as yeast-like cells or forms hyphal cells in response to changes in environmental conditions. Here, we report the isolation and characterization of a gene, ZNC1, involved in the dimorphic transition in Y. lipolytica. The ZNC1 gene encodes a 782 amino acid protein that contains a Zn(II)2C6 fungal-type zinc finger DNA-binding domain and a leucine zipper domain. ZNC1 transcription is elevated during yeast growth and decreases during the formation of mycelium. Cells in which ZNC1 has been deleted show increased hyphal cell formation. Znc1p-GFP localizes to the nucleus, but mutations within the leucine zipper domain of Znc1p, and to a lesser extent within the Zn(II)2C6 domain, result in a mislocalization of Znc1p to the cytoplasm. Microarrays comparing gene expression between znc1::URA3 and wild-type cells during both exponential growth and the induction of the yeast-to-hypha transition revealed 1,214 genes whose expression was changed by 2-fold or more under at least one of the conditions analyzed. Our results suggest that Znc1p acts as a transcription factor repressing hyphal cell formation and functions as part of a complex network regulating mycelial growth in Y. lipolytica.