First investigation into the genetic control of meiosis in sugarcane.

The sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) genome is one of the most complex of all. Modern varieties are highly polyploid and aneuploid as a result of hybridization between Saccharum officinarum and S. spontaneum. Little research has been done on meiotic control in polyploid species, with the exception of the wheat Ph1 locus harboring the ZIP4 gene (TaZIP4-B2) which promotes pairing between homologous chromosomes while suppressing crossover between homeologs. In sugarcane, despite its interspecific origin, bivalent association is favored, and multivalents, if any, are resolved at the end of prophase I. Thus, our aim herein was to investigate the purported genetic control of meiosis in the parental species and in sugarcane itself. We investigated the ZIP4 gene and immunolocalized meiotic proteins, namely synaptonemal complex proteins Zyp1 and Asy1. The sugarcane ZIP4 gene is located on chromosome 2 and expressed more abundantly in flowers, a similar profile to that found for TaZIP4-B2. ZIP4 expression is higher in S. spontaneum a neoautopolyploid, with lower expression in S. officinarum, a stable octoploid species. The sugarcane Zip4 protein contains a TPR domain, essential for scaffolding. Its 3D structure was also predicted, and it was found to be very similar to that of TaZIP4-B2, reflecting their functional relatedness. Immunolocalization of the Asy1 and Zyp1 proteins revealed that S. officinarum completes synapsis. However, in S. spontaneum and SP80-3280 (a modern variety), no nuclei with complete synapsis were observed. Importantly, our results have implications for sugarcane cytogenetics, genetic mapping, and genomics.

Molecular basis for host responses to Xanthomonas infection.

MAIN CONCLUSION: This review highlights the most relevant and recent updated information available on the defense responses of selected hosts against Xanthomonas spp. Xanthomonas is one of the most important genera of Gram-negative phytopathogenic bacteria, severely affecting the productivity of economically important crops worldwide, colonizing either the vascular system or the mesophyll tissue of the host. Due to its rapid propagation, Xanthomonas poses an enormous challenge to farmers, because it is usually controlled using huge quantities of copper-based chemicals, adversely impacting the environment. Thus, developing new ways of preventing colonization by these bacteria has become essential. Advances in genomic and transcriptomic technologies have significantly elucidated at molecular level interactions between various crops and Xanthomonas species. Understanding how these hosts respond to the infection is crucial if we are to exploit potential approaches for improving crop breeding and cutting productivity losses. This review focuses on our current knowledge of the defense response mechanisms in agricultural crops after Xanthomonas infection. We describe the molecular basis of host-bacterium interactions over a broad spectrum with the aim of improving our fundamental understanding of which genes are involved and how they work in this interaction, providing information that can help to speed up plant breeding programs, namely using gene editing approaches.

Large vs small genomes in Passiflora: the influence of the mobilome and the satellitome.

MAIN CONCLUSIONS: While two lineages of retrotransposons were more abundant in larger Passiflora genomes, the satellitome was more diverse and abundant in the smallest genome analysed. Repetitive sequences are ubiquitous and fast-evolving elements responsible for size variation and large-scale organization of plant genomes. Within Passiflora genus, a tenfold variation in genome size, not attributed to polyploidy, is known. Here, we applied a combined in silico and cytological approach to study the organization and diversification of repetitive elements in three species of this genus representing its known range in genome size variation. Sequences were classified in terms of type and repetitiveness and the most abundant were mapped to chromosomes. We identified long terminal repeat (LTR) retrotransposons as the most abundant elements in the three genomes, showing a considerable variation among species. Satellite DNAs (satDNAs) were less representative, but highly diverse between subgenera. Our results clearly confirm that the largest genome species (Passiflora quadrangularis) presents a higher accumulation of repetitive DNA sequences, specially Angela and Tekay elements, making up most of its genome. Passiflora cincinnata, with intermediate genome and from the same subgenus, showed similarity with P. quadrangularis regarding the families of repetitive DNA sequences, but in different proportions. On the other hand, Passiflora organensis, the smallest genome, from a different subgenus, presented greater diversity and the highest proportion of satDNA. Altogether, our data indicates that while large genomes evolved by an accumulation of retrotransposons, the smallest genome known for the genus has evolved by diversification of different repeat types, particularly satDNAs.

Transposable element discovery and characterization of LTR-retrotransposon evolutionary lineages in the tropical fruit species Passiflora edulis.

A significant proportion of plant genomes is consists of transposable elements (TEs), especially LTR retrotransposons (LTR-RTs) which are known to drive genome evolution. However, not much information is available on the structure and evolutionary role of TEs in the Passifloraceae family (Malpighiales order). Against this backdrop, we identified, characterized, and inferred the potential genomic impact of the TE repertoire found in the available genomic resources for Passiflora edulis, a tropical fruit species. A total of 250 different TE sequences were identified (96% Class I, and 4% Class II), corresponding to ~ 19% of the P. edulis draft genome. TEs were found preferentially in intergenic spaces (70.4%), but also overlapping genes (30.6%). LTR-RTs accounted for 181 single elements corresponding to ~ 13% of the draft genome. A phylogenetic inference of the reverse transcriptase domain of the LTR-RT revealed association of 37 elements with the Copia superfamily (Angela, Ale, Tork, and Sire) and 128 with the Gypsy (Del, Athila, Reina, CRM, and Galadriel) superfamily, and Del elements were the most frequent. Interestingly, according to insertion time analysis, the majority (95.9%) of the LTR-RTs were recently inserted into the P. edulis genome (< 2.0 Mya), and with the exception of the Athila lineage, all LTR-RTs are transcriptionally active. Moreover, functional analyses disclosed that the Angela, Del, CRM and Tork lineages are conserved in wild Passiflora species, supporting the idea of a common expansion of Copia and Gypsy superfamilies. Overall, this is the first study describing the P. edulis TE repertoire, and it also lends weight to the suggestion that LTR-RTs had a recent expansion into the analyzed gene-rich region of the P. edulis genome, possibly along WGD (Whole genome duplication) events, but are under negative selection due to their potential deleterious impact on gene regions.

Sugarcane smut: shedding light on the development of the whip-shaped sorus.

Background and Aims: Sugarcane smut is caused by the fungus Sporisorium scitamineum (Ustilaginales/Ustilaginomycotina/Basidiomycota), which is responsible for losses in sugarcane production worldwide. Infected plants show a profound metabolic modification resulting in the development of a whip-shaped structure (sorus) composed of a mixture of plant tissues and fungal hyphae. Within this structure, ustilospores develop and disseminate the disease. Despite the importance of this disease, a detailed histopathological analysis of the plant-pathogen interaction is lacking. Methods: The whip-shaped sorus was investigated using light microscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, histochemical tests and epifluorescence microscopy coupled with deconvolution. Key Results: Sorus growth is mediated by intercalary meristem activity at the base of the sorus, where the fungus causes partial host cell wall degradation and formation of intercellular spaces. Sporogenesis in S. scitamineum is thallic, with ustilospore initials in intercalary or terminal positions, and mostly restricted to the base of the sorus. Ustilospore maturation is centrifugal in relation to the ground parenchyma and occurs throughout the sorus median region. At the apex of the sorus, the fungus produces sterile cells and promotes host cell detachment. Hyphae are present throughout the central axis of the sorus (columella). The plant cell produces callose around the intracellular hyphae as well as inside the papillae at the infection site. Conclusions: The ontogeny of the whip-shaped sorus suggests that the fungus can cause the acropetal growth in the intercalary meristem. The sporogenesis of S. scitamineum was described in detail, demonstrating that the spores are formed exclusively at the base of the whip. Light was also shed on the nature of the sterile cells. The presence of the fungus alters the host cell wall composition, promotes its degradation and causes the release of some peripheral cells of the sorus. Finally, callose was observed around fungal hyphae in infected cells, suggesting that deposition of callose by the host may act as a structural response to fungal infection.

Host Transcriptional Profiling at Early and Later Stages of the Compatible Interaction Between Phaseolus vulgaris and Meloidogyne incognita.

The root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) is one of most devastating pathogens that attack the common bean crop. Although there is evidence that some cultivars have race-specific resistance against M. incognita, these resistance sources have not proved effective, and nematodes are able to circumvent the host's defense system. We constructed RNA-seq based libraries and used a high-throughput sequencing platform to analyze the plant responses to M. incognita. Assessments were performed at 4 and 10 days after inoculation corresponding to the stages of nematode penetration and giant cell development, respectively. Large-scale transcript mapping to the common bean reference genome (G19833) resulted in the identification of 27,195 unigenes. Of these, 797 host genes were found to be differentially expressed. The functional annotation results confirm the complex interplay between abiotic and biotic stress signaling pathways. High expression levels of the wounding-responsive genes were observed over the interaction. At early response, an overexpression of the N gene, a TIR-NBS-LRR resistance gene, was understood as a host attempt to overcome the pathogen attack. However, the repression of heat shock proteins resulted in a lack of reactive oxygen species accumulation and absence of a hypersensitive response. Furthermore, the host basal response was broken by the repression of the ethylene/jasmonate pathway later in the response, resulting in a continuous compatible process with consequent plant susceptibility.

Microsatellite markers: what they mean and why they are so useful.

Microsatellites or Single Sequence Repeats (SSRs) are extensively employed in plant genetics studies, using both low and high throughput genotyping approaches. Motivated by the importance of these sequences over the last decades this review aims to address some theoretical aspects of SSRs, including definition, characterization and biological function. The methodologies for the development of SSR loci, genotyping and their applications as molecular markers are also reviewed. Finally, two data surveys are presented. The first was conducted using the main database of Web of Science, prospecting for articles published over the period from 2010 to 2015, resulting in approximately 930 records. The second survey was focused on papers that aimed at SSR marker development, published in the American Journal of Botany's Primer Notes and Protocols in Plant Sciences (over 2013 up to 2015), resulting in a total of 87 publications. This scenario confirms the current relevance of SSRs and indicates their continuous utilization in plant science.

Begin at the beginning: A BAC-end view of the passion fruit (Passiflora) genome.

BACKGROUND: The passion fruit (Passiflora edulis) is a tropical crop of economic importance both for juice production and consumption as fresh fruit. The juice is also used in concentrate blends that are consumed worldwide. However, very little is known about the genome of the species. Therefore, improving our understanding of passion fruit genomics is essential and to some degree a pre-requisite if its genetic resources are to be used more efficiently. In this study, we have constructed a large-insert BAC library and provided the first view on the structure and content of the passion fruit genome, using BAC-end sequence (BES) data as a major resource. RESULTS: The library consisted of 82,944 clones and its levels of organellar DNA were very low. The library represents six haploid genome equivalents, and the average insert size was 108 kb. To check its utility for gene isolation, successful macroarray screening experiments were carried out with probes complementary to eight Passiflora gene sequences available in public databases. BACs harbouring those genes were used in fluorescent in situ hybridizations and unique signals were detected for four BACs in three chromosomes (n=9). Then, we explored 10,000 BES and we identified reads likely to contain repetitive mobile elements (19.6% of all BES), simple sequence repeats and putative proteins, and to estimate the GC content (~42%) of the reads. Around 9.6% of all BES were found to have high levels of similarity to plant genes and ontological terms were assigned to more than half of the sequences analysed (940). The vast majority of the top-hits made by our sequences were to Populus trichocarpa (24.8% of the total occurrences), Theobroma cacao (21.6%), Ricinus communis (14.3%), Vitis vinifera (6.5%) and Prunus persica (3.8%). CONCLUSIONS: We generated the first large-insert library for a member of Passifloraceae. This BAC library provides a new resource for genetic and genomic studies, as well as it represents a valuable tool for future whole genome study. Remarkably, a number of BAC-end pair sequences could be mapped to intervals of the sequenced Arabidopsis thaliana, V. vinifera and P. trichocarpa chromosomes, and putative collinear microsyntenic regions were identified.

Nucleotide diversity based on phaseolin and iron reductase genes in common bean accessions of different geographical origins.

Discriminating genotypes within plant collections is imperative, and DNA sequence approaches for detecting single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have proved essential in any modern analysis of germplasm. By sequencing the α-Phs and PvFRO1 genes that, respectively, encode phaseolin and an iron reductase, we prospected for SNPs in exonic and intronic regions of both genes in a sample of 31 accessions of Phaseolus vulgaris from Mesoamerican and Andean gene pools, and one accession of Phaseolus lunatus, chosen as an outgroup. Sequence alignment showed 95 SNPs in α-Phs and 83 in PvFRO1, but diversity along the nucleotide sequences was not evenly distributed in both genes. Accessions from the same gene pool showed greater similarity than those from different gene pools, and the cluster patterns obtained in this study were consistent with the hierarchical organization into two P. vulgaris gene pools. The polymorphisms detected in the α-Phs gene allowed better discrimination among the accessions within each cluster than the PvFRO1 polymorphisms. Furthermore, some variations within exons changes amino acids in both predicted protein sequences. In an unprecedented result, the phaseolin-predicted amino acid variation allowed most of the accessions to be typified.

A novel linkage map of sugarcane with evidence for clustering of retrotransposon-based markers.

BACKGROUND: The development of sugarcane as a sustainable crop has unlimited applications. The crop is one of the most economically viable for renewable energy production, and CO2 balance. Linkage maps are valuable tools for understanding genetic and genomic organization, particularly in sugarcane due to its complex polyploid genome of multispecific origins. The overall objective of our study was to construct a novel sugarcane linkage map, compiling AFLP and EST-SSR markers, and to generate data on the distribution of markers anchored to sequences of scIvana_1, a complete sugarcane transposable element, and member of the Copia superfamily. RESULTS: The mapping population parents ('IAC66-6' and 'TUC71-7') contributed equally to polymorphisms, independent of marker type, and generated markers that were distributed into nearly the same number of co-segregation groups (or CGs). Bi-parentally inherited alleles provided the integration of 19 CGs. The marker number per CG ranged from two to 39. The total map length was 4,843.19 cM, with a marker density of 8.87 cM. Markers were assembled into 92 CGs that ranged in length from 1.14 to 404.72 cM, with an estimated average length of 52.64 cM. The greatest distance between two adjacent markers was 48.25 cM. The scIvana_1-based markers (56) were positioned on 21 CGs, but were not regularly distributed. Interestingly, the distance between adjacent scIvana_1-based markers was less than 5 cM, and was observed on five CGs, suggesting a clustered organization. CONCLUSIONS: Results indicated the use of a NBS-profiling technique was efficient to develop retrotransposon-based markers in sugarcane. The simultaneous maximum-likelihood estimates of linkage and linkage phase based strategies confirmed the suitability of its approach to estimate linkage, and construct the linkage map. Interestingly, using our genetic data it was possible to calculate the number of retrotransposon scIvana_1 (~60) copies in the sugarcane genome, confirming previously reported molecular results. In addition, this research possibly will have indirect implications in crop economics e.g., productivity enhancement via QTL studies, as the mapping population parents differ in response to an important fungal disease.

Molecular analysis of Aspergillus section Flavi isolated from Brazil nuts.

Brazil nuts are an important export market in its main producing countries, including Brazil, Bolivia, and Peru. Approximately 30,000 tons of Brazil nuts are harvested each year. However, substantial nut contamination by Aspergillus section Flavi occurs with subsequent production of aflatoxins. In our study, Aspergillus section Flavi were isolated from Brazil nuts (Bertholletia excelsa), and identified by morphological and molecular means. We obtained 241 isolates from nut samples, 41% positive for aflatoxin production. Eighty-one isolates were selected for molecular investigation. Pairwise genetic distances among isolates and phylogenetic relationships were assessed. The following Aspergillus species were identified: A. flavus, A. caelatus, A. nomius, A. tamarii, A. bombycis, and A. arachidicola. Additionally, molecular profiles indicated a high level of nucleotide variation within ß-tubulin and calmodulin gene sequences associated with high genetic divergence from RAPD data. Among the 81 isolates analyzed by molecular means, three of them were phylogenetically distinct from all other isolates representing the six species of section Flavi. A putative novel species was identified based on molecular profiles.

Genome-wide association studies dissect the genetic architecture of seed shape and size in common bean.

Seed weight and size are important yield components. Thus, selecting for large seeds has been a key objective in crop domestication and breeding. In common bean, seed shape is also important since it influences industrial processing and plays a vital role in determining the choices of consumers and farmers. In this study, we performed genome-wide association studies on a core collection of common bean accessions to dissect the genetic architecture and identify genomic regions associated with seed morphological traits related to weight, size, and shape. Phenotypic data were collected by high-throughput image-based approaches, and utilized to test associations with 10,362 single-nucleotide polymorphism markers using multilocus mixed models. We searched within genome-associated regions for candidate genes putatively involved in seed phenotypic variation. The collection exhibited high variability for the entire set of seed traits, and the Andean gene pool was found to produce larger, heavier seeds than the Mesoamerican gene pool. Strong pairwise correlations were verified for most seed traits. Genome-wide association studies identified marker-trait associations accounting for a considerable amount of phenotypic variation in length, width, projected area, perimeter, and circularity in 4 distinct genomic regions. Promising candidate genes were identified, e.g. those encoding an AT-hook motif nuclear-localized protein 8, type 2C protein phosphatases, and a protein Mei2-like 4 isoform, known to be associated with seed size and weight regulation. Moreover, the genes that were pinpointed are also good candidates for functional analysis to validate their influence on seed shape and size in common bean and other related crops.

Genetic mapping reveals complex architecture and candidate genes involved in common bean response to Meloidogyne incognita infection.

Root-knot nematodes (RKNs), particularly Meloidogyne incognita, are among the most damaging and prevalent agricultural pathogens due to their ability to infect roots of almost all crops. The best strategy for their control is through the use of resistant cultivars. However, laborious phenotyping procedures make it difficult to assess nematode resistance in breeding programs. For common bean, this task is especially challenging because little has been done to discover resistance genes or markers to assist selection. We performed genome-wide association studies and quantitative trait loci mapping to explore the genetic architecture and genomic regions underlying the resistance to M. incognita and to identify candidate resistance genes. Phenotypic data were collected by a high-throughput assay, and the number of egg masses and the root-galling index were evaluated. Complex genetic architecture and independent genomic regions were associated with each trait. Single nucleotide polymorphisms on chromosomes Pv06, Pv07, Pv08, and Pv11 were associated with the number of egg masses, and SNPs on Pv01, Pv02, Pv05, and Pv10 were associated with root-galling. A total of 216 candidate genes were identified, including 14 resistance gene analogs and five differentially expressed in a previous RNA sequencing analysis. Histochemical analysis indicated that reactive oxygen species might play a role in the resistance response. Our findings open new perspectives to improve selection efficiency for RKN resistance, and the candidate genes are valuable targets for functional investigation and gene editing approaches.

Genetic Transformation of Passionflower and Evaluation of R1 and R2 Generations for Resistance to Cowpea aphid borne mosaic virus.

We report on the production and evaluation of passionflower transgenic lines for resistance to Cowpea aphid borne mosaic virus (CABMV). Genetic transformation was done using Agrobacterium tumefaciens and transgene integration was confirmed by Southern blot analyses, resulting in nine transgenic lines for 'IAC 275' and three for 'IAC 277'. Transgenic lines were clonally propagated and evaluated for resistance to CABMV. After the third inoculation, under higher inoculum pressure, only propagated plants of the transgenic line T16 remained asymptomatic, indicating a high resistance to infection with CABMV. This transgenic line was self-pollinated and the R1 generation was evaluated together with the R1 generation of another resistant transgenic line (T2) identified previously. Plants were inoculated with CABMV by means of viruliferous Myzus nicotianae. All 524 T2R1 plants became infected, whereas 13 of 279 T16R1 remained asymptomatic after four successive inoculations. A T16R2 generation was obtained and plants were inoculated with CABMV mechanically or by aphids. After successive inoculations, 118 of 258 plants were symptomless, suggesting that the resistance to CABMV was maintained in the plant genome as the homozygous condition was achieved. Five selected resistant T16R2 plants which contained the capsid protein gene are being crossed for further analyses.

Meiosis in Polyploids and Implications for Genetic Mapping: A Review.

Plant cytogenetic studies have provided essential knowledge on chromosome behavior during meiosis, contributing to our understanding of this complex process. In this review, we describe in detail the meiotic process in auto- and allopolyploids from the onset of prophase I through pairing, recombination, and bivalent formation, highlighting recent findings on the genetic control and mode of action of specific proteins that lead to diploid-like meiosis behavior in polyploid species. During the meiosis of newly formed polyploids, related chromosomes (homologous in autopolyploids; homologous and homoeologous in allopolyploids) can combine in complex structures called multivalents. These structures occur when multiple chromosomes simultaneously pair, synapse, and recombine. We discuss the effectiveness of crossover frequency in preventing multivalent formation and favoring regular meiosis. Homoeologous recombination in particular can generate new gene (locus) combinations and phenotypes, but it may destabilize the karyotype and lead to aberrant meiotic behavior, reducing fertility. In crop species, understanding the factors that control pairing and recombination has the potential to provide plant breeders with resources to make fuller use of available chromosome variations in number and structure. We focused on wheat and oilseed rape, since there is an abundance of elucidating studies on this subject, including the molecular characterization of the Ph1 (wheat) and PrBn (oilseed rape) loci, which are known to play a crucial role in regulating meiosis. Finally, we exploited the consequences of chromosome pairing and recombination for genetic map construction in polyploids, highlighting two case studies of complex genomes: (i) modern sugarcane, which has a man-made genome harboring two subgenomes with some recombinant chromosomes; and (ii) hexaploid sweet potato, a naturally occurring polyploid. The recent inclusion of allelic dosage information has improved linkage estimation in polyploids, allowing multilocus genetic maps to be constructed.

Prevalence of Angina Pectoris and Associated Factors in the Adult Population of Brazil: National Survey of Health, 2019.

OBJECTIVE: to estimate the prevalence and factors associated with angina pectoris in the Brazilian adult population and per federated units. METHODS: Cross-sectional descriptive study that analyzed data from the National Survey of Health 2019 and assessed the prevalence of angina in the Brazilian population. Angina was defined as chest pain or discomfort when climbing hills or stairs, or when walking fast on flat terrain (angina I) or when walking at normal speed on flat terrain (angina II). Prevalence, crude and adjusted prevalence ratios were calculated, with a 95% confidence interval, according to sociodemographic characteristics (sex, age group, self-reported race/skin color and region of residence) and federative units. RESULTS: The prevalence of mild angina (grade I) was 8.1% and of moderate/severe angina (grade II) was 4.5%, being both more prevalent in women (9.8 and 5.5%, respectively). The prevalence increased progressively with age and was inversely proportional to years of formal study. Grade I angina was higher in individuals self-reportedly black and residents of Sergipe (10,4%). Angina II was more prevalent in people self-reportedly brown and living in Amazonas (6.3%). CONCLUSION: Angina affects more than 10% of the Brazilian population aged 18 years old and more, with higher prevalence in states in the North and Northeast. This is a problem that affects the most vulnerable populations unequally, which places coronary heart disease as a public health problem and points to the need to think about public policies aimed at these strata of the population.

The Family Health Strategy coverage in Brazil: what reveal the 2013 and 2019 National Health Surveys. / Cobertura da Estratégia Saúde da Família no Brasil: o que nos mostram as Pesquisas Nacionais de Saúde 2013 e 2019.

This paper examines the evolution of Brazil's Family Health Strategy coverage from the findings of the 2013 and 2019 National Health Survey censuses. Indicators included Family Health Clinic coverage of residents and households, frequency of visits by Community Health Workers, and usual source of care, all stratified by rural and urban areas, Brazilian regions, states, education of the household head, and income quintile. In 2019, 60.0% of households were enrolled in a Family Health Clinic, and population coverage was 62.6%. Coverage was higher in rural than in urban areas in the Northeast and South regions. Between 2013 and 2019, coverage increased by 11.6%, while monthly health worker visits decreased. Coverage was highest among the most vulnerable population, as defined by the household head education level or by the family income. Availability of usual source of care was highest among those enrolled in a Family Health Clinic. The 2019 National Health Survey findings confirm that Brazil's Family Health Strategy continues to be an equitable policy and the main SUS' Primary Health Care model. However, recent changes in the national policy guidance, which are weakening the community approach and the priority given to the Family Health Strategy Program, may jeopardize those gains.

O artigo analisa a evolução da cobertura da Estratégia de Saúde da Família (ESF), a partir dos resultados dos inquéritos populacionais das Pesquisas Nacionais de Saúde (PNS) de 2013 e 2019. Foram calculados indicadores de cobertura de moradores e domicílios por Unidade de Saúde da Família (USF), frequência da visita de Agente Comunitário de Saúde (ACS), serviço de procura regular e tipo de serviço buscado; estratificados por área rural e urbana, grandes regiões, unidades da federação, escolaridade do responsável pelo domicílio e quintis de renda. Em 2019, 60,0% dos domicílios estavam cadastrados em USF e a cobertura de moradores era 62,6%. A cobertura é superior na área rural e nas regiões Nordeste e Sul. Entre 2013 e 2019, observa-se aumento de cobertura em 11,6% e redução na visita mensal do ACS. A cobertura é mais elevada entre a população mais vulnerável, considerada escolaridade do responsável pelo domicílio ou renda familiar. A disponibilidade de serviço de procura regular é maior entre cadastrados na USF. Os resultados da PNS 2019 reiteram que a ESF permaneceu como política equitativa e principal modelo de APS no SUS. No entanto, as recentes mudanças na condução da política nacional, que enfraquecem o enfoque comunitário e a prioridade da ESF, podem ameaçar tais avanços.

Leisure time physical activity among Brazilian adults: National Health Survey 2013 and 2019.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze the prevalence of leisure-time physical activity in 2013 and 2019 according to sociodemographic characteristics in Brazilian adults. METHODS: We analyzed data from the National Health Surveys conducted in 2013 and 2019. Prevalence of leisure-time physical activity (150+ minutes per week in physical activities) was calculated according to gender, age, education, race/skin color, Federative Units, and regions of Brazil in 2013 and 2019. Poisson regression models and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were used to compare leisure-time physical activity across different groups in 2013 and 2019. RESULTS: The proportion of Brazilian adults active in leisure-time increased from 22.7% (95%CI 22.06-23.34) in 2013 to 30.1% (95%CI 29.44-30.67) in 2019. The prevalence of leisure-time physical activity increased between 2013 and 2019 in 23 of the 27 Federative Units in Brazil. Both in 2013 and in 2019, the proportion of active people during leisure time was higher in men, young people, with a high level of education and individuals with white skin color. Overall, the magnitude of the observed differences in leisure-time physical activity between sociodemographic groups slightly decreased from 2013 to 2019. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the increase in the prevalence of leisure-time physical activity among Brazilian adults in the last six years, marked sociodemographic inequalities persist. The success of future public policies to promote physical activity in leisure must be evaluated from the perspective of social determinants of health and the reduction of inequalities in the practice of physical activity.

Sexual behaviors and condom use in the Brazilian population: analysis of the National Health Survey, 2019.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this research was to describe the sexual behaviors and condom use in the Brazilian population. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional, descriptive study, which used data from 88,531 individuals aged 18 years old or older, who answered the second edition of the National Health Survey carried out in 2019. Prevalence was estimated with the respective 95% confidence intervals for each sexual behavior indicator and condom use according to gender, age, race/skin color, educational level, and region of residence. RESULTS: The majority of the Brazilian population has had sexual intercourse at some point in their lives (93.9%). Mean age of initiation was 17.3 years. Prevalence of consistent condom use was only 22.8%, being even lower among women (20.9%). Moreover, 59% of the population reported not having used a condom in the past 12 months, the main reason being trusting their partner (73.4%). The use of health services to obtain condoms was only 10.7%. It was observed that women, individuals with a higher age group, less education, and income had worse results in relation to the analyzed indicators, in addition to regional disparities. CONCLUSION: Low prevalence of condom use was observed in the Brazilian population. In addition, important socioeconomic and demographic disparities were observed, pointing out the need to revisit, strengthen and expand public policies in the sexual and reproductive health field in order to prevent risky sexual behaviors and promote condom use, including double protection.

Changes in the pattern of health services use in Brazil between 2013 and 2019. / Mudanças no padrão de utilização de serviços de saúde no Brasil entre 2013 e 2019.

This study aimed to investigate changes in the health service use pattern based on information from the 2013 and 2019 National Health Surveys (PNS). The two outcomes, "Seeking health-related care in the past two weeks" and "Medical visit in the last twelve months", were analyzed according to socioeconomic, geographic and health conditions characteristics. Multivariate Poisson regression models were used to investigate the factors associated with seeking care due to a health problem or prevention. The prevalence of chronic diseases increased from 15.0% to 22.5% between 2013 and 2019. The proportion of seeking care increased from 15.3 to 18.6%, and medical visits from 71.2% to 76.2%, ranging from 61.4 to 75.8% and 68.0 to 80.6% between the North and Southeast regions. There was no significant association of seeking care due to a health problem with per capita income, after controlling for the other covariates. We conclude by saying that, despite the expanded coverage of health service use, the persistent regional inequalities indicate unmet health needs among residents of the less developed regions. Health care models focused on prevention and health promotion are required.

Este estudo teve o objetivo de comparar os padrões de utilização de serviços de saúde, a partir das informações das edições da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde (PNS), 2013 e 2019. Os dois desfechos "Procura de atendimento relacionado à saúde nas últimas duas semanas" e "Consulta médica nos últimos doze meses" foram analisados segundo fatores socioeconômicos, geográficos, e condições de saúde. Foram usados modelos multivariados de regressão de Poisson para investigar os fatores associados à procura de atendimento de acordo com o motivo (problema de saúde ou prevenção). Entre 2013 e 2019, a prevalência de doenças crônicas aumentou de 15,0% a 22,5%. A proporção de busca de atendimento cresceu de 15,3 a 18,6%, e de uso de médico, de 71,2% a 76,2%, com amplitudes de variação de 61,4-75,8% e 68,0-80,6% entre as regiões Norte e Sudeste. Para atendimento por problema de saúde, não houve associação significativa com rendimento per capita, após o controle das demais covariáveis. Conclui-se que apesar da expansão da cobertura de utilização de serviços de saúde, as persistentes desigualdades regionais indicam necessidades de saúde não atendidas entre os residentes das regiões menos desenvolvidas. Modelos de atenção focados na prevenção e promoção da saúde são necessários.