HIV testing inside Brazilian female prisons: results of a national survey.

This study aimed to identify the prevalence of women in prisons who have already had an HIV test inside prison and the factors associated with this test. A cross-sectional study was carried out with 1327 women in 15 prisons in 9 states in Brazil. Almost 60% (95% CI: 57.8-63.7) of women have already been tested for HIV in prison. The factors associated with this HIV test were age ≥41 years (OR = 1.9; 95% CI = 1.2-2.9), highest level of education (OR = 1.9; 95% CI = 1.3-2.8), having been arrested 3 or more times (OR = 1.9; 95% CI = 1.3-2.8), having received information about HIV/STI in the lifetime (OR = 1.4; 95% CI = 1.1-1.9) and perceived themselves to be at no risk for HIV infection (OR = 1.7; 95% CI = 1.2-2.5), black or mixed race (OR = 0.7; 95% CI = 0.5-0.9) and having a male sexual partner (OR = 0.6; 95% CI = 0.5-0.9). The routine HIV testing in prisons needs to be expanded to promote HIV prevention for a population with limited access to these services outside of prison.

Hepatitis C virus prevalence among men who have sex with men: a cross-sectional study in 12 Brazilian cities.

BACKGROUND: Despite the preventive policies adopted, reduction in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among men who have sex with men (MSM) has been limited. The risk of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has increased among the most vulnerable population groups, including MSM. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of HCV infection and to assess risky practices among MSM from 12 Brazilian cities. METHODS: This study was carried out from June to December 2016 using respondent driven sampling (RDS). Participants completed a self-administered questionnaire to collect behavioral, socioeconomic, and demographic variables. In addition, the rapid diagnostic test (RDT) for HCV was offered. Positive results were sent to Instituto Adolfo Lutz for confirmation. RESULTS: A total of 4,176 participants were recruited and 23 samples were sent for confirmation. Of these, 16 were confirmed, resulting in a prevalence of 0.7% (95% CI: 0.3%-1.7%). The Southeast region showed a prevalence of 0.9% (95% CI: 0.3-2.6), followed by the South region, with 0.6% (95% CI: 0.2-2.1). The Northeast region had a prevalence of 0.3% (95% CI: 0.1-1.0) and the Midwest 0.1% (95% CI: 0.0-0.7). No positive cases were found in the North. Single men aged 40 years or older were the majority of participants exposed to HCV. High levels of alcohol consumption, illicit drug use, irregular condom use, in addition to infection with other STIs, were associated with exposure to HCV. CONCLUSIONS: STIs continue to be important health problems in Brazil and globally. Many STIs are inapparent for many years until they bring more serious consequences. Extra investment in HCV is also warranted, given that it can be eliminated. Relying solely on clinical data to provide information about inapparent infection, especially in stigmatized populations, will make that goal more difficult to achieve. Surveillance studies, such as the one reported here need to be repeated over time to demonstrate trends and to provide information for evaluation, program and policies. Investments in the most vulnerable populations are critical to achieve the World Health Organization global health goals including the elimination of viral hepatitis by 2030.

Perceived Risk of HIV Infection and Acceptability of PrEP among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Brazil.

The HIV epidemic affects men who have sex with men (MSM) disproportionally in Brazil, and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is effective for preventing HIV in this population. However, low perceived risk of HIV may influence the acceptability and decision to use PrEP. This study estimated the association between self-perception of HIV risk and acceptability of daily oral PrEP among Brazilian MSM. Respondent-driven sampling (RDS) was used for behavioral and biological surveillance to recruit 4,176 MSM 18 years or over in 12 Brazilian cities in 2016. Results were weighted using Gile's estimator in RDS Analyst software. Adjusted odds rations (OR) with 95% confidence intervals were calculated using multivariate logistic regression. Acceptability of daily oral PrEP was high (69.7%) among the 3,544 MSM available for analysis. Most participants self-reported low or moderate risk of HIV infection (67.2%) and a small proportion (9.3%) reported high risk. A dose-response relationship was observed between acceptability of PrEP and self-reported risk: PrEP acceptability was 1.88 times higher (OR 1.8; 95% CI: 1.24-2.85) among MSM whose perceived risk of HIV infection was low or moderate, and 5 times higher (OR 5.68; 95% CI: 2.54-12.73) among those who self-reported high risk compared to MSM reporting no HIV risk. MSM with the highest risk perception of HIV reported higher rates of PrEP acceptability. Given the availability of daily oral PrEP in the public health care system in Brazil, we suggest emphasizing counseling about self-perception of HIV risk as part of routine HIV prevention services.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of frontline healthcare workers in a highly affected region in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic had a major impact on the mental health of healthcare workers (HCWs), especially in low and middle-income countries, which had to face additional political, social, and economic challenges. We thus aimed to assess the prevalence of mental health outcomes and the associated factors in HCWs treating COVID-19 patients in one of the most affected regions in Brazil. METHODS: We used the Respondent-Driven Sampling method to assess the risks of COVID-19 infection and symptoms of mental disorders in nurses, nursing technicians, and physicians who worked on the frontline in the metropolitan region of Recife. 865 healthcare workers completed a survey regarding sociodemographic data, work-related risks, and symptoms of mental disorders - SRQ-20 for common mental disorders (CMD); AUDIT-C for problematic alcohol use; GAD-7 for anxiety; PHQ-9 for depression; PCL-5 for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Gile's successive sampling estimator was used to produce the weighted estimates by professional category. A Poisson regression model with robust variance was used to analyze factors associated with a positive screening for CMD. We will present the results of a cross-sectional analysis of the mental health outcomes after the first peak of COVID-19 - from August 2020 to February 2021. RESULTS: The prevalence ratios for a positive screening for CMD were 34.9% (95% CI: 27.8-41.9) in nurses, 28.6% (95% CI: 21.3-36.0) in physicians, and 26.6% (95% CI: 16.8-36.5) in nursing technicians. Nurses presented a higher prevalence of depressive symptoms (23%). Positive screening for problematic alcohol use (10.5 to14.0%), anxiety (10.4 to 13.3%), and PTSD (3.3 to 4.4%) were similar between the professional categories. The main factors associated with CMD in nurses and physicians were related to an intrinsic susceptibility to mental illness, such as previous or family history of psychiatric disorder, and female sex. Among nurse technicians, work-related factors, such as accidents with biological material, presented the strongest association with CMD. CONCLUSION: The mental health of HCWs fighting COVID-19 in Recife was severely affected. It is crucial that healthcare services provide adequate working conditions and psychological support, investing in programs to promote and protect HCWs mental health.

Mental health outcomes in frontline healthcare workers in Brazil during the COVID-19 epidemic: Results of an online survey in four regions using respondent-driven sampling (RDS).

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic overwhelmed health facilities and presented healthcare workers (HCWs) with a new infectious disease threat. In addition to a sanitary crisis, Brazil still had to face major political, economic, and social challenges. This study aimed to investigate mental health outcomes in frontline HCWs in different regions of the country and at different epidemic times. We also sought to identify the main risk factors associated with these outcomes. METHODS: A cross-sectional online survey using respondent-driven sampling was conducted to recruit physicians (n = 584), nurses (n = 997), and nurse technicians (n = 524) in 4 regions of Brazil (North, Northeast, Southeast, and South) from August 2020 to July 2021. We used standardized instruments to screen for common mental disorders (CMD)(SRQ-20), alcohol misuse (AUDIT-C), depression (PHQ-9), anxiety (GAD-7), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)(PCL-5). Gile's successive sampling estimator was used to produce weighted estimates. We created a three-cluster data set for each HCW category and developed a hierarchical regression model with three levels: individual characteristics; workplace-related aspects; COVID-19 personal experience. The impact of the epidemic moment on the outcomes was also studied. RESULTS: The prevalence of probable CMD was 26.8-36.9%, alcohol misuse 8.7-13.6%, depression 16.4-21.2%, anxiety 10.8-14.2%, and PTSD 5.9-8.0%. We found a stronger association between mental health outcomes and the following factors: history of psychiatric disorders, female gender, and clinical comorbidities (level 1); work overload and family isolation (level 2); sick leave (level 3). Epidemic variables, such as the number of deaths and trend of deaths by COVID-19, had almost no impact on the outcomes. CONCLUSION: An alarmingly high prevalence of depression and anxiety was found in Brazilian frontline HCWs. Individual factors were the most strongly associated with mental health outcomes. These findings indicate the need to develop programs that provide emotional support, identify professionals at risk and refer them to specialized treatment when necessary.

Reports from the frontline: health workers describe COVID-19 risks and fears in five cities in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Health providers are under unprecedented pressures to perform in the COVID-19 health crisis and under unprecedented risks. We initiated a large mixed-method survey of health professionals in five large metropolitan areas in Brazil to document the risks and needs of health professionals. To initiate the study, we conducted formative research. METHODS: We conducted 77 open-ended semi-structured interviews online in a convenience sample of physicians, nurses, nurse technicians, and physiotherapists in Belem, Fortaleza, Porto Alegre, Recife, and São Paulo, Brazil. Design, data collection, and analysis were informed by Rapid Ethnographic Analysis (REA). RESULTS: Responses are organized into three themes that emerged in the interviews: the lack of preparation - both locally and nationally-for the pandemic and its effects on staffing and training; the overlap of personal, family, and professional risk and consequences; and inadequately addressed anxiety and suffering among health staff. CONCLUSIONS: Our respondents were unprepared for the epidemic, especially the institutional sequelae and psychological cost. These consequences were exacerbated by both lack of leadership and sweeping changes undercutting the Brazilian health system noted by almost all participants.

Lifetime Syphilis Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors Among Female Prisoners in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: In 2016, approximately 42,000 women were incarcerated in Brazil. The objectives of this study were to measure the lifetime prevalence of syphilis and sociodemographic and behavior correlates of antibody positivity among female prisoners in Brazil. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 1327 incarcerated women in 2014 to 2015 sampled through a multistage cluster design to represent the penitentiary system throughout Brazil. A rapid treponemal antibody test approved by the Ministry of Health (Rapid Test DPP Sífilis Bio-Manguinhos) was used to detect lifetime history of infection. Analyses were adjusted using weights based on the inverse of the product of the probabilities of the sampling units at each stage of the design. Variables significantly associated with syphilis infection at P < 0.05 in multivariate analyses were retained in the final model. RESULTS: Prevalence of syphilis antibody among female prisoners in Brazil was 11.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 9.8%-13.8%). Higher syphilis prevalence was associated with black/Afro-Brazilian or mixed race/ethnicity (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.78; 95% CI, 1.10-2.87), homelessness (AOR, 4.58; 95% CI, 2.78-7.56), abortion (AOR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.02-2.38), and sexual violence (AOR, 1.59; 95% CI, 1.01-2.49). Syphilis prevalence was lower among women who had received condoms in school (AOR, 0.28; 95% CI, 0.08-1.00) as a marker for reproductive health education. CONCLUSIONS: Women within the vast Brazilian prison system demonstrate a high lifetime cumulative incidence of syphilis. Our data advocate for increased screening and treatment of syphilis of incarcerated women and help identify women at higher risk within the prison system and within their communities of origin.

High Rates of Unprotected Receptive Anal Intercourse and Their Correlates Among Young and Older MSM in Brazil.

The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence and factors associated with unprotected receptive anal intercourse (URAI), stratified by age (18-24 or 25 + years old), in a sample of 4,129 MSM recruited by respondent driven sampling in 12 Brazilian cities in 2016. The prevalence of URAI was higher among younger MSM (41.9% vs 29.7%) (p < 0.01). Multivariate analysis indicated that perception of risk, sexual identity, self-rated health status, and having commercial sex were associated with URAI among younger MSM. History of sexual violence, sex with younger partners, having 6 + partners and unprotected sexual debut were associated with URAI among older MSM. Marital status, having stable partner, and reporting sex with men only were associated with URAI in both groups. Despite access to condoms and lubricants, preventive efforts may not be reaching MSM effectively. Age specific intervention approaches, including stigma, discrimination, and perception of risk must be considered.

Acceptability of HIV self-testing is low among men who have sex with men who have not tested for HIV: a study with respondent-driven sampling in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Brazil has many people living with HIV (PLWH) who are unaware of their serostatus. The public health system has recently added HIV self-testing (HIVST) for key populations such as men who have sex with men (MSM). This study estimates HIVST acceptability among Brazilian MSM and explores factors associated with acceptability among MSM who have never tested for HIV or who had a previous negative result. METHODS: Respondent-driven sampling (RDS) was used to recruit 4176 MSM in 12 Brazilian cities in 2016 to this biological and behavioral surveillance study. We excluded from this analysis all MSM who were aware of their positive HIV serostatus. Descriptive, bivariate and multivariate analyses were conducted. Overall proportions were weighted with Gile's estimator in RDS Analyst software and 95% confidence intervals were calculated. The analyses of HIVST acceptability were stratified by prior HIV testing (never or one or more times). RESULTS: For this analysis, 3605 MSM were included. The acceptability of HIVST was 49.1%, lower among those who had never tested for HIV (42.7%) compared to those who had a previous HIV negative test (50.1%). In the subgroup of MSM who had never tested for HIV, those who reported discrimination or who had a medical appointment in the last 12 months reported higher HIVST acceptability. Among MSM who had a previous negative HIV test, only those reporting condomless receptive anal sex reported higher HIVST acceptability. In addition, we observed that high levels of knowledge of HIV/AIDS, taking part in lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender nongovernmental organizations (LGBT-NGO), or complete secondary or incomplete higher undergraduate education reported higher acceptability. CONCLUSIONS: The acceptability of HIVST was low among MSM, especially among those who never tested for HIV. Given access to HIVST in Brazil, we point to the need for programs that enhance promotion of testing addressed to MSM.

Behind bars: the burden of being a woman in Brazilian prisons.

BACKGROUND: Brazil has the third largest prison population in the world. In 2016, the female prison population totaled 42,000, an increase of 656% over the population recorded in the early 2000s. The objective of this study was to describe the socialeconomic and reproductive health of women in Brazilian prisons, and the specific assistance received within the prison system. METHODS: This is a first of its kind national survey conducted in 15 female prisons in eight Brazilian states between 2014 and 2015. The sample consisted of 1327 women in closed or semi-open prison regimes. Data collection used Audio Computer-Assisted Self-Interviewing (ACASI). STATA v.15. Was use in analysis. The study was submitted to the Research Ethics Committee of the Federal University of Ceará, under CEP protocol No. 1,024,053. RESULTS: The population was overwhelmingly Black or Brown, poor and little educated. When women worked previously, they had worked as domestic servants and were the sole source of income for their families. Most were mothers, with 39% having children less than 10 years old, now in the care of others. Most were in jail for drug-related crimes. Prisons were crowded, with more than 2/3rds of the inmates sharing a cell with 6 or more inmates. Services were provide, but women had not had a cervical cancer screening within the past 3 years and breast cancer screening was not conducted. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, given their backround and prison conditions they are unlikely to change the circumstances that brought them to prison in the first place.

CAIX is a predictor of pathological complete response and is associated with higher survival in locally advanced breast cancer submitted to neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Locally advanced breast cancer often undergoes neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC), which allows in vivo evaluation of the therapeutic response. The determination of the pathological complete response (pCR) is one way to evaluate the response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy. However, the rate of pCR differs significantly between molecular subtypes and the cause is not yet determined. Recently, the metabolic reprogramming of cancer cells and its implications for tumor growth and dissemination has gained increasing prominence and could contribute to a better understanding of NAC. Thus, this study proposed to evaluate the expression of metabolism-related proteins and its association with pCR and survival rates. METHODS: The expression of monocarboxylate transporters 1 and 4 (MCT1 and MCT4, respectively), cluster of differentiation 147 (CD147), glucose transporter-1 (GLUT1) and carbonic anhydrase IX (CAIX) was analyzed in 196 locally advanced breast cancer samples prior to NAC. The results were associated with clinical-pathological characteristics, occurrence of pCR, disease-free survival (DFS), disease-specific survival (DSS) and overall survival (OS). RESULTS: The occurrence of pCR was higher in the group of patients whith tumors expressing GLUT1 and CAIX than in the group without expression (27.8% versus 13.1%, p = 0.030 and 46.2% versus 13.5%, p = 0.007, respectively). Together with regional lymph nodes staging and mitotic staging, CAIX expression was considered an independent predictor of pCR. In addition, CAIX expression was associated with DFS and DSS (p = 0.005 and p = 0.012, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: CAIX expression was a predictor of pCR and was associated with higher DFS and DSS in locally advanced breast cancer patients subjected to NAC.

Incidence of Histologically Proven Pelvic and Para-Aortic Lymph Node Metastases and Rate of Upstaging in Patients with Locally Advanced Cervical Cancer: Results of a Prospective Randomized Trial.

BACKGROUND: Surgical staging is associated with a significant rate of upstaging compared to clinical/radiological staging in patients with locally advanced cervical cancer. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the stage-specific percentage of pelvic and para-aortic lymph node metastases and the upstaging ratio in a prospective randomized trial (Uterus-11). METHODS: FIGO stage IIB-IVA cervical cancer patients were randomized to surgical staging (arm A) or to clinical staging and primary chemoradiation (arm B). Arm B patients underwent CT-guided biopsy of suspicious para-aortic lymph nodes. Confirmed para-aortic metastasis patients received extended-field radiation therapy. RESULTS: A total of 234 patients were enrolled, including 120 (arm A) and 114 (arm B) treated per protocol. The groups were well balanced. Pelvic and para-aortic lymph node metastases were identified after surgical staging in 51 and 24% of patients, respectively (p < 0.001). Pelvic and para-aortic lymph node metastases were confirmed in 45 and 20% of IIB patients and in 71 and 37% of IIIB patients, respectively. Upstaging occurred in 39/120 (33%) in arm A and in 9/114 (8%) in arm B (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The histological results in both groups led to a considerable rate of upstaging. Oncological data from the Uterus-11 study may reveal whether modified therapy translates into a survival benefit.

Natural environmental water sources in endemic regions of northeastern Brazil are potential reservoirs of viable Mycobacterium leprae.

BACKGROUND: The detection of live Mycobacterium leprae in soil and animals other than humans suggests that the environment plays a role in the transmission of leprosy. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate the presence of viable M. leprae in natural water sources used by the local population in five municipalities in the state of Ceará, northeastern Brazil. METHODS: Samples were collected from 30 different sources. Viable bacilli were identified by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of the M. leprae gyrA gene and sequencing of the PCR products. Physicochemical properties of each water source were also assessed. FINDINGS: M. leprae gyrA mRNA was found in 23 (76.7%) of the water sources. No association was found between depth of the water and sample positivity, nor was there any association between the type of water used by the population and sample positivity. An association between viable M. leprae and temperature and pH was found. Georeferencing showed a relation between the residences of leprosy cases and water source containing the bacterium. MAIN CONCLUSIONS: The finding of viable M. leprae in natural water sources associated with human contact suggests that the environment plays an important role in maintaining endemic leprosy in the study region.

Correlation between clinical tests and electroneuromyography for the diagnosis of leprosy neuropathy.

BACKGROUND: In leprosy, sensory function of nerves is evaluated with monofilaments test and the motor function with voluntary muscle test, however electroneuromyography is considered as the gold-standard tool. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed: i) to evaluate the correlation between clinical tests and electroneuromyography for the diagnosis of leprosy neuropathy; and ii) to identify the prevalence of leprosy neuropathy and the most compromised peripheral nerves in leprosy. METHODS: We analysed the data from a nested case-control study that identified 166 patients diagnosed with leprosy neuropathy confirmed by electromyography. This study was designed for an analysis of correlation between the diagnostic tests. RESULTS: The most prevalent type of the neural damage was the sensory and motor multiple mononeuropathy, observed in 62 (37.3%) cases. The highest prevalence was the ulnar nerve in 67 (40.3%) cases. Agreement specified by nerves was moderate, ranging from k = 0.58 in the deep peroneal nerve to k = 0.41 in the posterior tibial nerve). Overall agreement between the clinical tests and electroneuromyography was very poor. Monofilaments test with k = 0.02 (95% CI 0.00-0.12) and voluntary muscle test with 0.16 (95% CI 0.04 to 0.28, P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: There is a low to moderate correlation between clinical tests (monofilaments and voluntary muscle tests) and the electroneuromyography examination. The most prevalent type of neural impairment was the sensory and motor multiple mononeuropathy, and the most affected nerve was the ulnar.

Intrapatient comparison of Mycobacterium leprae by VNTR analysis in nasal secretions and skin biopsy in a Brazilian leprosy endemic region.

Background: This study compares the strains of genotypes of M. leprae from nasal secretions (NS) and skin biopsy (SB) in the same patient, supplementing conventional epidemiology to gain insight into the infection of leprosy in Fortaleza, Brazil. Methods: The sample consisted of 38 newly diagnosed leprosy patients attending the National Reference Center of Dermatology Dona Libania (CDERM), in Fortaleza, who tested positive for M. leprae by PCR in DNA extracts of nasal secretions. DNA was also extracted from skin biopsy (SB) scrapings of each patient and used for multiplex PCR amplification of M. leprae VNTR loci. The number of repeats at 15 loci were determined by the fragment length analysis method. Results: Locus VNTR genotypes were achieved in 38 NS, and in 38 SB specimens. M. leprae strains differed in their genotypes in paired specimens in all but two of 38 patients. The genotype similarity in the remainder ranged from 53% to 87%. Conclusion: M. leprae 15 VNTR loci genotypes of paired nasal and biopsy skin samples from five patients were identical, while as many as seven loci differed in the 33 other patients. When the NS and biopsy genotypes were pooled and compared, it was found that there was a great variability among different VNTR markers. It is important to investigate other molecular markers suitable for typing genetic variations of the bacilli.

Sexual Violence Against Men Who Have Sex with Men in Brazil: A Respondent-Driven Sampling Survey.

We estimated the prevalence of sexual violence (SV) experience among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Brazil and identified its associated risk factors. We recruited 3859 MSM through respondent driven sampling. A multivariable hierarchical analysis was performed using an ecological model. The prevalence of having ever experienced SV was 15.9 % (95 % confidence interval [CI] 14.7-17.1). SV experience was independently associated with discrimination due to sexual orientation (odds ratio [OR] 3.05; 95 % CI 2.10-4.42), prior HIV testing (OR 1.81; 95 % CI 1.25-2.63), ≤14 years at first sex (OR 1.86; 95 % CI 1.28-2.71), first sex with a man (OR 1.89; 95 % CI 1.28-2.79), presenting STI symptoms (last year) (OR 1.66; 95 % CI 1.12-2.47), and having suicidal ideas (last 6 months) (OR 2.08; 95 % CI 1.30-3.35). The high levels of SV against MSM in Brazil place them at a markedly higher risk of SV than the general population. Homophobic prejudice is the strongest determinant of SV and urgently needs to be included at the forefront of the national response to SV.

Widespread nasal carriage of Mycobacterium lepraeamong a healthy population in a hyperendemic region of northeastern Brazil.

A case-control study was conducted to determine the presence ofMycobacterium lepraeDNA in nasal secretions of leprosy cases and nonleprosy individuals in Fortaleza, Brazil. It included 185 cases identified by physicians at the Dona Libânia National Reference Centre for Sanitary Dermatology (CDERM). A control group (Co) (n = 136) was identified among individuals from CDERM not diagnosed as leprosy cases. To augment the spatial analysis of M. leprae specific repetitive element (RLEP) positive prevalence, an external group (EG) (n = 121), a convenience sample of healthy students, were included. Polymerase chain reaction for the RLEP sequence was conducted for all participants. Prevalence of RLEP positivity for cases and Co were 69.2% and 66.9%, respectively, significantly higher than for EG (28.1%), and reported elsewhere. Male sex, belonging to a lower socioeconomic status (D/E), history of a previous contact with a case and being older, were associated with being a leprosy case. Our geographical analysis demonstrated that the bacillus is widespread among the healthy population, with clusters of RLEP positive multibacillary cases concentrated in distinct areas of the city. Our results suggest that in endemic areas, as in Fortaleza, surveillance for both nonhousehold leprosy contacts and members of the general population living in cluster areas should be implemented.

MicroRNA expression as risk biomarker of breast cancer metastasis: a pilot retrospective case-cohort study.

BACKGROUND: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding RNA molecules involved in post-transcriptional gene regulation and have recently been shown to play a role in cancer metastasis. In solid tumors, especially breast cancer, alterations in miRNA expression contribute to cancer pathogenesis, including metastasis. Considering the emerging role of miRNAs in metastasis, the identification of predictive markers is necessary to further the understanding of stage-specific breast cancer development. This is a retrospective analysis that aimed to identify molecular biomarkers related to distant breast cancer metastasis development. METHODS: A retrospective case cohort study was performed in 64 breast cancer patients treated during the period from 1998-2001. The case group (n = 29) consisted of patients with a poor prognosis who presented with breast cancer recurrence or metastasis during follow up. The control group (n = 35) consisted of patients with a good prognosis who did not develop breast cancer recurrence or metastasis. These patient groups were stratified according to TNM clinical stage (CS) I, II and III, and the main clinical features of the patients were homogeneous. MicroRNA profiling was performed and biomarkers related to metastatic were identified independent of clinical stage. Finally, a hazard risk analysis of these biomarkers was performed to evaluate their relation to metastatic potential. RESULTS: MiRNA expression profiling identified several miRNAs that were both specific and shared across all clinical stages (p ≤ 0.05). Among these, we identified miRNAs previously associated with cell motility (let-7 family) and distant metastasis (hsa-miR-21). In addition, hsa-miR-494 and hsa-miR-21 were deregulated in metastatic cases of CSI and CSII. Furthermore, metastatic miRNAs shared across all clinical stages did not present high sensitivity and specificity when compared to specific-CS miRNAs. Between them, hsa-miR-183 was the most significative of CSII, which miRNAs combination for CSII (hsa-miR-494, hsa-miR-183 and hsa-miR-21) was significant and were a more effective risk marker compared to the single miRNAs. CONCLUSIONS: Women with metastatic breast cancer, especially CSII, presented up-regulated levels of miR-183, miR-494 and miR-21, which were associated with a poor prognosis. These miRNAs therefore represent new risk biomarkers of breast cancer metastasis and may be useful for future targeted therapies.

What's pregnancy got to do with it? Late presentation to HIV/AIDS services in Northeastern Brazil.

Despite the known benefits of early treatment initiation for individual morbidity and mortality, as well as for reducing the risk of transmission, late presentation (LP) to HIV/AIDS services remains a major concern in many countries. There is little information on LP from middle- and low-income countries and studies that do evaluate LP commonly disaggregate data by sex. It is rare, however, for researchers to further disaggregate the data by pregnancy status so it remains unclear if pregnancy status modifies the effects associated with sex. The study was conducted at the only State Reference Center for HIV/AIDS in Salvador, Brazil's third largest city. LP was defined as a patient accessing services with a CD4 < 350 cells/mm(3). Data were abstracted from the electronic medical records of 1421 patients presenting between 2007 and 2009. CD4 counts and viral load (VL) information was validated with data from the National CD4/VL Database. Descriptive and bivariate statistics were conducted to inform the multivariate analysis. Adjusted prevalence ratios (APR) were estimated using generalized linear models due to the high frequency of the outcome. Half of the sample (52.5%; n = 621) was classified as LP. Compared to the prevalence among pregnant women (21.1%), the prevalence of LP was more than twice as high among non-pregnant women (56.0%) and among men (55.4%). The multivariate analysis demonstrated no statistical difference between men and nonpregnant women (APR 1.04; 95%CI 0.92-1.19), but the APR of LP for nonpregnant women was 53% less than men (APR 0.47; 95%CI 0.33-0.68). These results highlight the importance of analyzing data disaggregated not only by sex but also by pregnancy status to accurately identify the risk factors associated with LP so that programs and policies can effectively and efficiently address LP in Brazil and beyond.