The effect of intra- and inter-fractional motion on target coverage and margins in proton therapy for uveal melanoma.

INTRODUCTION: This study aims to assess the effective lateral margin requirements for target coverage in ocular proton therapy (OPT), considering the unique challenges posed by eye motion and hypofractionation. It specifically addresses the previously unaccounted-for uncertainty contribution of intra-fractional motion, in conjunction with setup uncertainties, on dosimetric determination of lateral margin requirements. Method: The methodology integrates dose calculations from the in-house developed treatment planning system OCULARIS with measured intra-fractional motion, patient models from EyePlan and Monte Carlo (MC) sampling of setup uncertainties. The study is conducted on 16 uveal melanoma patients previously treated in the OPTIS2 treatment room at the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI). Results: The retrospective simulation analysis highlights a significant impact of non-systematic factors on lateral margin requirements in OPT. Simulations indicate that reducing the 2.5 mm clinical lateral margin, represented by a 2.1 mm margin in this work, would have resulted in inadequate target coverage for two patients, revealing a greater impact of non-systematic factors on lateral margin requirements. Conclusions: This work characterizes intra-fractional motion in 16 OPT patients and identifies limitations of clinical margin selection protocols for OPT applications. A novel framework was introduced to assess margin sufficiency for target coverage. The findings suggest that prior research underestimated non-systematic factors and overestimated systematic contributions to lateral margin components. This re-evaluation highlights the critical need to prioritize the management of non-systematic uncertainty contributions in OPT.

A Joanna Briggs Institute Framework Approach to Shared Decision Making in End-of-Life.

AIM: To implement shared decision-making (SDM) through a patient decision aid (PtDA) for the initiation of palliative care (PC) in end-of-life (EOL) cancer patients. METHODOLOGY: A comprehensive Scoping Review was conducted on SDM in PubMed, CINAHL and PsycInfo. An evidence-based implementation of PtDAs was created using the Joanna Briggs Institute framework, which followed rigorous pillars: (1) context, (2) facilitation and (3) evaluation. RESULTS: Fifteen studies were identified and categorised into (1) Implementation characteristics and (2) Strategies for implementing SDM in terminally ill cancer patients. SDM should consider the decision-making location, optimal timing, participants and decision type. Strategies include professional training, PtDAs and implementation programmes. A PtDA implementation protocol in video format for deciding to initiate PC is proposed, following International Patient Decision Aid Standards (IPDAS) and Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPG). CONCLUSIONS: SDM implementation should be guided by evidence-based methodological models justifying and structuring its execution, especially in complex and interdisciplinary contexts. National or international frameworks facilitate the adoption of health innovations, such as PtDAs, benefiting patients and improving their usage. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: SDM is not just a concept but an important approach to the Care of cancer patients at EOL, enhancing patient satisfaction and improving care quality. The success and sustainability of SDM hinge on the fundamental aspects of staff training, interdisciplinary collaboration and ongoing evaluation. The lack of specific aid in Spanish underscores the immediate need for local development. Further research is needed in this area, as most reviewed studies did not measure SDM effectiveness in diverse hospital settings. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: This proposal was developed based on the experience and input of the nursing staff from the healthcare service where it is intended to be implemented.

Vaccine Confidence and Coverage among Medical Students at a Federal University in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Declining vaccination coverage (VC) and vaccine hesitancy among medical students are global challenges. These challenges reflect individual and logistical barriers to a sufficient adherence toward essential vaccines for healthcare professionals, as well as presenting a need for educational strategies during undergraduate training. METHODS: This is a prospective study for evaluating VC rates, sociodemographic associations, and the vaccine confidence among medical students at a federal university in Brazil. The data collection included questionnaires and individual analyses of the participants' vaccination records. RESULTS: A total of 237 medical students from all six years of an undergraduate program participated, of whom 124 (52.3%) had a vaccination record. Although the majority considered the vaccines to be "Completely Safe" (86.9%), the VC rates for complete vaccination schedules were relatively low, ranging from 87.9% (hepatitis B vaccine) to 3.2% (meningococcal B vaccine), including the vaccines from the National Immunization Program (NIP) and the private sector. Higher VC rates were found to occur among students in the final years of their undergraduate studies, in those from families with higher monthly incomes, and those from private secondary schools. CONCLUSIONS: Given the low VC rates among medical students, other factors in addition to vaccine confidence may be determinants, thus highlighting the importance of reviewing policies for the inclusion of priority groups in the NIP and in implementing educational interventions during undergraduate training.

The effects of a quality improvement project to reduce caesarean sections in selected private hospitals in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Brazil is one of the countries with the highest rates of caesarean sections (CS), reaching almost 90% of births in the private sector. A quality improvement project called "Adequate Childbirth Project (PPA)" was conceived to reduce CS in the private sector. This project consisted of four primary components: "Governance", "Participation of Women", "Reorganization of Care" and "Monitoring". This paper aims to evaluate: (1) which specific activities of the PPA had the largest effect on the probability of a woman having a vaginal delivery; (2) which primary component of the PPA had the largest effect on the probability of vaginal delivery and (3) which scenarios combining the implementation of different activities planned in the PPA had a higher effect on the probability of vaginal delivery. METHODS: A sample of 12 private hospitals participating in the PPA was evaluated. We used a Bayesian Network (BN) to capture both non-linearities and complex cause-effect relations. The BN integrated knowledge from experts and data from women to estimate 26 model parameters. The PPA was evaluated in 2473 women belonging to groups 1-4 of the Robson classification, who were divided into two groups: those participating or not participating in the PPA. RESULTS: The probability of a woman having a vaginal delivery was 37.7% higher in women participating in the PPA. The most important component of the project that led to an increase in the probability of vaginal delivery was "Reorganization of Care", leading to a 73% probability of vaginal delivery among women in labor. The activity that had the greatest effect on the type of delivery was access to best practices during labor, with a 72% probability of vaginal delivery. Considering the 12 scenarios combining the different activities of the PPA, the best scenarios included: a non-scheduled delivery, access to information about best practices, access to at least 4 best practices during labor and respect of the birth plan, with an 80% probability of vaginal delivery in the best combinations. CONCLUSION: PPA has been shown to be an effective quality improvement program, increasing the likelihood of vaginal delivery in private Brazilian hospitals.

INTRODUCTION: Brazil boasts one of the highest rates of caesarean sections (CS) globally, with nearly 90% of births in private facilities being delivered via CS. In response, the 'Adequate Childbirth Project ­ PPA' was launched as a quality improvement initiative aimed at curbing CS rates in private healthcare. Its goal is to improve the quality of childbirth and reduce the number of CS in private healthcare. The project has four main parts: 'Governance', 'Participation of Women', 'Reorganization of Care', and 'Monitoring'. METHOD: an evaluative study was conducted across 12 private hospitals involved in the PPA, involving 2473 women who were categorized into PPA participants and non-participants. They used a method called a cause-effect network to see which parts of the PPA helped more women have vaginal deliveries. RESULTS: They found that women in the PPA were 37.7% more likely to have a vaginal delivery. Giving women access to good practices during labor and birth was really important. Also, 'Reorganization of Care' was the most important part of the project. It led to a 73% chance of vaginal delivery for women in labor. CONCLUSION: The PPA is effective in helping more women in private hospitals have vaginal deliveries. This means it's a good program for improving childbirth in Brazil's private hospitals.

Nontuberculous Mycobacteria Isolates in Respiratory Samples and Mycobacterial Pulmonary Disease in an Area of Northern Spain.

Introduction: The epidemiology of nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) is not well known. In this study, we aimed to determine the incidence of NTM isolates and nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease (NTM-PD) in five closely located hospitals in an area of northern Spain and analyse differences between them. Material and methods: Demographic, microbiological, clinical and radiological data were collected retrospectively from all patients with a NTM isolated from respiratory specimens at five hospitals between 2012 and 2019. Mycobacterium gordonae isolates were excluded. Once the data was collected, it was determined which patients met the NMT-PD criteria. Results: 594 patients were included in the study. The mean incidence rate of NTM isolates across all five hospitals in the period studied was 4.15 per 100,000 person-year, while the rate of NTM-PD was 1.2. The annual number of isolates showed an upward trend over this period, but the same did not occur in the number of cases of NTM-PD. The species most frequently isolated were Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) and Mycobacterium xenopi and those most frequently causing disease were MAC and Mycobacterium kansassi. There were significant differences between the five centres. Conclusions: Our results are in line with similar studies in Europe in terms of NTM isolation and NTM-PD incidence and species isolated; however, we do not see the upward trend in NTM-PD rates described elsewhere. The great variability in isolation and disease rates, as well as in species isolated in geographically close areas, underlines, in our opinion, the importance of local environmental factors.

Introducción: La epidemiología de las micobacterias no tuberculosas (MNT) no se conoce bien. Nuestro objetivo fue determinar la incidencia de aislamientos de MNT y de enfermedad pulmonar por micobacterias no tuberculosas (EP-MNT) en cinco hospitales del norte de España, próximos entre sí, y analizar las diferencias entre ellos. Material y métodos: Se recopilaron retrospectivamente datos demográficos, microbiológicos, clínicos y radiológicos de todos los pacientes con una MNT aislada en muestra respiratoria entre 2012 y 2019 en los cinco hospitales. Se excluyeron los aislamientos de Mycobacterium gordonae. Una vez recogidos los datos, se determinó qué casos cumplían los criterios de EP-MNT. Resultados: Se incluyeron 594 pacientes. La tasa de incidencia media de aislamientos de NTM en los cinco hospitales fue de 4,15 por 100.000 personas-año y la tasa de EP-MNT fue de 1,2. El número anual de aislamientos mostró una tendencia creciente durante este periodo, pero no así el de EP-MNT. Las especies aisladas con mayor frecuencia fueron Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) y Mycobacterium xenopi y las que causaron enfermedad con mayor frecuencia fueron MAC y Mycobacterium kansasii. Hubo diferencias significativas entre los cinco centros. Conclusiones: Nuestros resultados están en línea con estudios similares en Europa en términos de aislamiento de MNT, incidencia de EP-MNT y especies aisladas; sin embargo, no vemos la tendencia ascendente en las tasas de EP-MNT descrita en otros lugares. La gran variabilidad entre los cinco hospitales en las tasas de aislamiento y de enfermedad y en las especies aisladas resalta la importancia de los factores ambientales locales.

Epidemiology of obstetric violence: a narrative review of the Brazilian context. / Epidemiologia da violência obstétrica: uma revisão narrativa do contexto brasileiro.

The aim of this review is to present the state of the art regarding obstetric violence in Brazil. The most commonly used terms are "obstetric violence," "disrespect and abuse," and "mistreatment". Concerning measurement, the most widely used instrument is based on the definition of "mistreatment," still in its early stages of evaluation and lacking adaptation to Brazil. The prevalence of obstetric violence varies widely in national studies due to methodological factors and the type of postpartum women considered. Regarding risk factors, adolescent or women over 35, non-white, with low education levels, users of the public health system (SUS), those who had vaginal birth or abortion, are at higher risk. Hierarchical relationships between the healthcare team and the family are also relevant, as well as inadequate hospital structures, bed shortages, and insufficient healthcare professionals, which contribute to obstetric violence. The consequences of this violence include an increased risk of postpartum depression and PTSD, reduced likelihood of attending postpartum and childcare consultations, and difficulties in exclusive breastfeeding. Interventions to mitigate obstetric violence should consider women's empowerment, healthcare professionals' training, monitoring obstetric violence, and legal support.

O objetivo da revisão é apresentar o estado da arte da violência obstétrica no Brasil. Os termos mais utilizados são "violência obstétrica", "desrespeitos e abusos" e "maus-tratos". Em relação à mensuração, o instrumento mais utilizado é baseado na definição de "Maus-Tratos", ainda em fase inicial de avaliações e sem adaptação para o Brasil. A prevalência da violência obstétrica varia nos estudos nacionais devido a fatores metodológicos e tipo de puérpera. Em relação aos fatores de risco, mulheres adolescentes ou com mais de 35 anos, negras, com baixa escolaridade, usuárias do SUS, com parto vaginal ou aborto estão sob risco. Relações hierárquicas entre equipe de saúde e família também são relevantes, assim como estruturas hospitalares inadequadas, falta de leitos, profissionais de saúde insuficientes, contribuem para a violência obstétrica. As consequências da violência obstétrica são: risco aumentado de depressão e TEPT, menor probabilidade de realizar consultas pós-parto e puericultura e dificuldades para amamentar. Intervenções para mitigar a violência obstétrica devem ser empreendidas considerando o empoderamento das mulheres, a capacitação dos profissionais de saúde, a vigilância da violência obstétrica e o amparo legal.

Green reduction of ZnO nanoparticles using cationic dialdehyde cellulose (cDAC) for efficient Congo red dye removal.

More sustainable materials have been becoming an important concern of worldwide scientists, and cellulosic materials are one alternative in water decontamination. An efficient strategy to improve removal capacity is functionalizing or incorporating nanomaterials in cellulose-based materials. The new hybrid cDAC/ZnONPs was produced by green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs), promoting the in situ reduction and immobilization on the cationic dialdehyde cellulose microfibers (cDAC) surface to remove Congo red dye from water. cDAC/ZnONPs was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDS) and infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), which showed efficient nanoparticles reduction. Adsorption efficiency on cationic cellulose surface was investigated by pH, contact time, initial concentration, and dye selectivity tests. The material followed the H isotherm model, which resulted in a maximum adsorption capacity of 1091.16 mg/g. Herein, was developed an efficient and ecologically correct new adsorbent, highly effective in Congo red dye adsorption even at high concentrations, suitable for the remediation of contaminated industrial effluents.

Using Respondent-Driven Sampling (RDS) to Identify the Healthcare Needs among Women of Reproductive Age Who Migrated from Venezuela to Brazil, 2018-2021.

In 2021, an RDS survey was conducted among Venezuelan migrant women of reproductive age who migrated to two Brazilian cities (Manaus and Boa Vista) from 2018 to 2021. To start the RDS recruitment, we chose seeds non-randomly in both cities. The study variables were age, educational level, self-rated health, pregnancy, migratory status and use of health services. We estimated the prevalence, confidence intervals and homophily effects by variable category. We used a multivariate logistic regression model to identify the main factors associated with healthcare use. A total of 761 women were recruited in Manaus and 1268 in Boa Vista. Manaus showed more irregular migrants than Boa Vista. The main reasons for using health services were as follows: illness, disease prevention and prenatal care. The logistic regression model showed the use of health services was associated with educational level and healthcare needs but not with migratory status. The social inclusion of Venezuelan migrants is extremely relevant, although many challenges must be overcome. The strategy of the Brazilian Federal Government for providing humanitarian assistance to Venezuelan migrants should be expanded to include and facilitate their integration into labor markets, access to healthcare and education, benefiting both migrants and the Brazilian people by reducing social inequality.

The role of time in involving patients with cancer in treatment decision making: A scoping review.

BACKGROUND: Time is often perceived as a barrier to shared decision making in cancer care. It remains unclear how time functions as a barrier and how it could be most effectively utilized. OBJECTIVE: This scoping review aimed to describe the role of time in patient involvement, and identify strategies to overcome time-related barriers. METHODS: Seven databases were searched for any publications on patient involvement in cancer treatment decisions, focusing on how time is used to involve patients, the association between time and patient involvement, and/or strategies to overcome time-related barriers. Reviewers worked independently and in duplicate to select publications and extract data. One coder thematically analyzed data, a second coder checked these analyses. RESULTS: The analysis of 26 eligible publications revealed four themes. Time was a resource 1) to process the diagnosis, 2) to obtain/process/consider information, 3) for patients and clinicians to spend together, and 4) for patient involvement in making decisions. DISCUSSION: Time is a resource throughout the treatment decision-making process, and generic strategies have been proposed to overcome time constraints. PRACTICE VALUE: Clinicians could co-create decision-making timelines with patients, spread decisions across several consultations, share written information with patients, and support healthcare redesigns that allocate the necessary time.

Perinatal mortality, severe maternal morbidity and maternal near miss: protocol of a study integrated with the Birth in Brazil II survey. / Mortalidade perinatal, morbidade materna grave e near miss materno: protocolo de um estudo integrado à pesquisa Nascer no Brasil II.

Brazil presents high maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Cases of severe maternal morbidity, maternal near miss, and perinatal deaths are important health indicators and share the same determinants, being closely related to living conditions and quality of perinatal care. This article aims to present the study protocol to estimate the perinatal mortality rate and the incidence of severe maternal morbidity and maternal near miss in the country, identifying its determinants. Cross-sectional study integrated into the research Birth in Brazil II, conducted from 2021 to 2023. This study will include 155 public, mixed and private maternities, accounting for more than 2,750 births per year, participating in the Birth in Brazil II survey. We will collect retrospective data from maternal and neonatal records of all hospitalizations within a 30-day period in these maternities, applying a screening form to identify cases of maternal morbidity and perinatal deaths. Medical record data of all identified cases will be collected after hospital discharge, using a standardized instrument. Cases of severe maternal morbidity and maternal near miss will be classified based on the definition adopted by the World Health Organization. The perinatal deaths rate and the incidence of severe maternal morbidity and maternal near miss will be estimated. Cases will be compared to controls obtained in the Birth in Brazil II survey, matched by hospital and duration of pregnancy, in order to identify factors associated with negative outcomes. Results are expected to contribute to the knowledge on maternal morbidity and perinatal deaths in Brazil, as well as the development of strategies to improve care.

O Brasil apresenta elevada morbimortalidade materna e perinatal. Casos de morbidade materna grave, near miss materno e óbitos perinatais são indicadores importantes de saúde e compartilham dos mesmos determinantes sociais, tendo estreita relação com as condições de vida e qualidade da assistência perinatal. Este artigo pretende apresentar o protocolo de estudo que visa estimar a taxa de mortalidade perinatal e a incidência de morbidade materna grave e near miss materno no país, assim como identificar seus determinantes. Trata-se de estudo transversal integrado à pesquisa Nascer no Brasil II, realizada entre 2021 e 2023. Serão incluídas neste estudo 155 maternidades públicas, mistas e privadas, com mais de 2.750 partos por ano, participantes do Nascer no Brasil II. Nessas maternidades, será realizada coleta retrospectiva de dados de prontuário materno e neonatal de todas as internações ocorridas num período de 30 dias, com aplicação de uma ficha de triagem para identificação de casos de morbidade materna e de óbito perinatal. Dados de prontuário de todos os casos identificados serão coletados após a alta hospitalar, utilizando instrumento padronizado. Casos de morbidade materna grave e near miss materno serão classificados por meio da definição adotada pela Organização Mundial da Saúde. Será estimada a taxa de mortalidade perinatal e a incidência de morbidade materna grave e near miss materno. Os casos serão comparados a controles obtidos na pesquisa Nascer no Brasil II, pareados por hospital e duração da gestação, visando a identificação de fatores associados aos desfechos negativos. Espera-se que os resultados deste artigo contribuam para o conhecimento sobre a morbidade materna e a mortalidade perinatal no país, bem como para a elaboração de estratégias de melhoria do cuidado.

Brasil tiene una alta morbimortalidad materna y perinatal. Los casos de morbilidad materna severa, maternal near miss y muertes perinatales son importantes indicadores de salud y comparten los mismos determinantes sociales, y tienen una estrecha relación con las condiciones de vida y la calidad de la asistencia perinatal. Este artículo pretende presentar el protocolo de estudio que tiene como objetivo estimar la tasa de mortalidad perinatal y la incidencia de morbilidad materna severa y maternal near miss en el país, así como identificar sus determinantes. Se trata de un estudio transversal integrado a la investigación Nacer en Brasil II, realizada entre el 2021 y el 2023. Este estudio incluirá 155 maternidades públicas, mixtas y privadas, con más de 2.750 partos al año, que participan en el Nacer en Brasil II. En estas maternidades, se realizará una recopilación retrospectiva de datos de las historias clínicas maternas y neonatales de todas las hospitalizaciones ocurridas en un período de 30 días, con la aplicación de un formulario de triaje para identificar casos de morbilidad materna y de muerte perinatal. Los datos de las historias clínicas de todos los casos identificados se recopilarán tras el alta hospitalaria, mediante un instrumento estandarizado. Los casos de morbilidad materna severa y maternal near miss se clasificarán por medio de la definición adoptada por la Organización Mundial de la Salud. Se estimará la tasa de mortalidad perinatal y la incidencia de morbilidad materna severa y maternal near miss. Los casos se compararán con los controles obtenidos en el estudio Nacer en Brasil II, emparejados por hospital y duración del embarazo, para identificar factores asociados con desenlaces negativos. Se espera que los resultados de este artículo contribuyan al conocimiento sobre la morbilidad materna y la mortalidad perinatal en el país, así como a la elaboración de estrategias para mejorar el cuidado.

Health care itineraries for women in situations of abortion: methodological aspects of a qualitative study for Birth in Brazil II survey. / Itinerários de cuidado à saúde de mulheres em situações de abortamento: aspectos metodológicos do estudo qualitativo da pesquisa Nascer no Brasil II.

In recent decades, several academic studies on abortion have been produced in Brazil, with different designs, objectives, and methodologies. However, due to the diversity of situations in which Brazilian women experience abortion, the complexity of this topic, and its modulations in different political and sociocultural contexts, it still challenges academicians and the fields of health and reproductive rights. In this article, we present methodological aspects of a qualitative study on health care itineraries of women in situations of abortion, a component of the Birth in Brazil II survey, whose objective is to discuss the effects of gender; race/ethnicity; social class; generational, regional, and territorial inequalities on care itineraries. We discuss the study design development, the construction of the theoretical framework and specific analytical axes, the development of interview instrument, definition of participant selection criteria, strategies to contact participants and conduct the interviews, management of field work and materials produced, analytical procedures, and ethical issues. In total, 120 narrative interviews were conducted in order to include a diversity of women and obtain detailed results from the quantitative analysis under Birth in Brazil II survey. The context of criminalization of abortion has an impact on the production of knowledge on this subject, creating challenges such as difficult access to women, women's anonymity, privacy and data confidentiality, creation of objective and subjective conditions so that they can narrate their experiences in depth. With this article, we seek to contribute to the debate about these challenges in abortion research in Brazil.

Nas últimas décadas, produziu-se um robusto corpus de pesquisas sobre aborto no Brasil, com diferentes desenhos, objetos e metodologias. Contudo, pela diversidade de situações em que as mulheres brasileiras vivenciam o abortamento, pela complexidade do tema e por suas modulações em contextos políticos e socioculturais distintos, o assunto não cessa de desafiar a academia, o campo da saúde e dos direitos reprodutivos. Neste artigo, apresentamos aspectos metodológicos de um estudo qualitativo sobre itinerários de cuidado à saúde de mulheres em situações de abortamento, componente da pesquisa Nascer no Brasil II, que objetiva discutir efeitos das desigualdades de gênero, de raça/etnia, de classe social, geracionais, regionais e territoriais nesses percursos. Discutimos o desenvolvimento do desenho do estudo; a construção do arcabouço teórico e recortes analíticos específicos; a elaboração do instrumento de entrevista; os critérios de seleção das mulheres; as estratégias de abordagem e condução das entrevistas; a gestão do fluxo do campo e dos materiais produzidos; os procedimentos analíticos; e os problemas éticos. Para incluir uma diversidade de mulheres e aprofundar resultados do componente quantitativo do Nascer no Brasil II, serão realizadas 120 entrevistas narrativas. O contexto de criminalização do aborto impacta a produção de conhecimento sobre o tema, impondo desafios como conseguir acesso às mulheres, assegurar o anonimato e sua privacidade, além do sigilo das informações, gerar condições objetivas e subjetivas para que possam narrar em profundidade as suas experiências. Com este artigo, procuramos contribuir para o debate sobre esses desafios das pesquisas sobre aborto no Brasil.

En las últimas décadas, se produjo un robusto corpus de investigaciones sobre el aborto en Brasil, con diferentes diseños, objetos y metodologías. Sin embargo, debido a la diversidad de situaciones en las que las mujeres brasileñas vivencian el abortamiento, la complejidad del tema y sus modulaciones en diferentes contextos políticos y socioculturales, el tema continúa desafiando a la academia, el campo de la salud y los derechos reproductivos. En este artículo, presentamos aspectos metodológicos de un estudio cualitativo sobre los itinerarios de cuidados de la salud de mujeres en situación de abortamiento, componente de la encuesta Nacer en Brasil II, que tiene como objetivo discutir los efectos de las desigualdades de género, raza/etnia, clase social, generacionales, regionales y territoriales en esos recorridos. Discutimos el desarrollo del diseño del estudio, la construcción del marco teórico y los recortes analíticos específicos, la elaboración del instrumento de entrevista, los criterios de selección de las mujeres, las estrategias de abordaje y realización de las entrevistas, el manejo del flujo del campo y de los materiales producidos, los procedimientos analíticos y los problemas éticos. Para abarcar una diversidad de mujeres y profundizar los resultados del componente cuantitativo de Nacer en Brasil II, se realizarán 120 entrevistas narrativas. El contexto de criminalización del aborto impacta la producción de conocimiento sobre el tema, imponiendo desafíos, tales como conseguir acceso a las mujeres, asegurar su anonimato y privacidad y la confidencialidad de la información, generar condiciones objetivas y subjetivas para que puedan narrar en profundidad sus experiencias. Con este artículo buscamos contribuir al debate sobre estos desafíos de las investigaciones sobre el aborto en Brasil.

Birth in Brazil II: a postpartum maternal, paternal and child health research protocol. / Nascer no Brasil II: protocolo de investigação da saúde materna, paterna e da criança no pós-parto.

Pregnancy, parturition and birth bring major changes to the lives of mothers and fathers. This article presents a research protocol for estimating the prevalence of postpartum mental health outcomes in mothers and fathers, abuse and satisfaction in delivery/abortion care, and the correlations between them and socioeconomic, obstetric, and child health factors. As a 2-component research, it consists of a prospective cohort study with all postpartum women interviewed in the 465 maternity hospitals included at the Birth in Brazil II baseline survey conducted from 2021 to 2023, and a cross-sectional study with the newborns' fathers/partners. Interviews will be conducted via telephone or self-completion link sent by WhatsApp with the mother at 2 and 4 months after delivery/abortion. Partners will be approached three months after birth (excluding abortions, stillbirths and newborn death) using the telephone number informed by the mother at the maternity ward. Postpartum women will be inquired about symptoms of depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder, abuse during maternity care and quality of the mother-newborn bond. Maternal and neonatal morbidity, use of postnatal services, and satisfaction with maternity care are also investigated. Fathers will be asked to report on symptoms of depression and anxiety, and the quality of the relationship with the partner and the newborn. The information collected in this research stage may help to plan and improve care aimed at the postpartum health of the mother-father-child triad.

A gravidez, o parto e o nascimento são momentos de grandes mudanças na vida das mães e dos pais. Este artigo tem como objetivo apresentar o protocolo da pesquisa para estimar a prevalência dos desfechos em saúde mental nas mães e pais no pós-parto, dos maus tratos e satisfação na atenção ao parto/abortamento, e as inter-relações entre eles e fatores socioeconômicos, obstétricos e da saúde da criança. A pesquisa tem dois componentes: estudo de coorte prospectiva com todas as puérperas entrevistadas nas 465 maternidades incluídas na linha de base da pesquisa Nascer no Brasil II realizada entre 2021 e 2023, e estudo seccional com os companheiros/pais dos bebês. As entrevistas são realizadas por ligação telefônica ou link de autopreenchimento enviado por WhatsApp com as puérperas aos 2 e 4 meses após o parto/aborto. Os companheiros são abordados três meses após o nascimento (excluídos os abortos, natimortos e neomortos), a partir do telefone informado pela puérpera na maternidade. As entrevistas abordam, entre as puérperas, sintomas de depressão, ansiedade e transtorno de estresse pós-traumático, maus-tratos na atenção na maternidade e qualidade do vínculo mãe-bebê. São investigados também a presença de morbidade materna e neonatal, utilização de serviços pós-natais, e satisfação com o atendimento na maternidade. Entre os pais, é abordada a ocorrência de sintomas de depressão e ansiedade, e a qualidade do relacionamento com a esposa/companheira e o bebê. As informações coletadas nessa etapa da pesquisa poderão subsidiar o planejamento e melhoria do cuidado voltado para a saúde da tríade mãe-pai-filho após o nascimento.

El embarazo, el parto y el nacimiento son momentos de grandes cambios en la vida de madres y padres. Este artículo tiene como objetivo presentar el protocolo de investigación para estimar la prevalencia de los resultados de la salud mental en madres y padres en el posparto, maltratos y la satisfacción durante la atención del parto/aborto, y las interrelaciones entre ellos y los factores socioeconómicos, obstétricos y de salud infantil. La investigación tiene dos componentes: un estudio de cohorte prospectivo con todas las puérperas entrevistadas en las 465 maternidades incluidas en la línea de base de la encuesta Nacer en Brasil II realizada entre 2021 y 2023, y un estudio seccional con las parejas/padres de los bebés. Las entrevistas se efectúan mediante llamada telefónica o enlace de autocumplimentación enviado vía WhatsApp a las puérperas a los 2 y 4 meses después del parto/aborto. El contacto con la pareja se hace a los tres meses del nacimiento (excluyendo abortos, mortinatos y muertes de recién nacidos), a través del teléfono facilitado por la puérpera en la sala de maternidad. Las entrevistas abordan, entre las puérperas, los síntomas de depresión, ansiedad y trastorno de estrés postraumático, maltrato durante la atención en la maternidad y la calidad del vínculo madre-bebé. También se investiga la presencia de morbilidad materna y neonatal, uso de servicios posnatales y satisfacción con la atención en la maternidad. Entre los padres, se aborda la ocurrencia de síntomas de depresión y ansiedad, y la calidad de la relación con la esposa/pareja y el bebé. La información recopilada en esta etapa de la investigación puede apoyar la planificación y mejora de la atención dirigida a la salud de la tríada madre-padre-hijo después del nacimiento.

Protocol of Birth in Brazil II: National Research on Abortion, Labor and Childbirth. / Protocolo do Nascer no Brasil II: Pesquisa Nacional sobre Aborto, Parto e Nascimento.

Brazil has made advances in obstetric care in public and private hospitals; however, weaknesses in this system still require attention. The Brazilian Ministry of Health, aware of this need, funded the second version of the Birth in Brazil survey. This study aimed to evaluate: prenatal, labor and birth, postpartum, and abortion care, comparing the results with those of Birth in Brazil I; and analyze the main determinants of perinatal morbidity and mortality; evaluate the care structure and processes of obstetrics and neonatology services in maternity hospitals; analyze the knowledge, practices, and attitudes of health professionals who provide birth and abortion care; and identify the main barriers and facilitators related to care of this nature in Brazil. With a national scope and a 2-stage probability sample: 1-hospitals and 2-women, stratified into 59 strata, 465 hospitals were selected with a total planned sample of around 24,255 women - 2,205 for abortion reasons and 22,050 for labor reasons. Data collection was conducted using six electronic instruments during hospital admission for labor or abortion, with two follow-up waves, at two and four months. In order to expand the number of cases of severe maternal morbidity, maternal and perinatal mortality, three case control studies were incorporated into Birth in Brazil II. The fieldwork began in November 2021 and is scheduled to end in 2023. It will allow a comparison between current labor and birth care results and those obtained in the first study and will evaluate the advances achieved in 10 years.

Com o passar do tempo, o Brasil vem apresentando avanços na assistência obstétrica em hospitais públicos e privados; no entanto, ainda existem pontos frágeis que necessitam de atenção. O Ministério da Saúde, ciente dessa necessidade, financiou a segunda versão da pesquisa Nascer no Brasil. Os objetivos gerais são: avaliar a assistência pré-natal, ao parto e nascimento, ao puerpério e ao aborto, comparando com os resultados do Nascer no Brasil I, e analisar os principais determinantes da morbimortalidade perinatal; avaliar a estrutura e processos assistenciais dos serviços de obstetrícia e neonatologia das maternidades; analisar os conhecimentos, atitudes e práticas de profissionais de saúde que prestam assistência ao parto e ao aborto; e identificar as principais barreiras e facilitadores para essa assistência no país. Com escopo nacional e amostra probabilística em dois estágios (1-hospitais e 2-mulheres), dividida em 59 estratos, foram selecionados 465 hospitais com total planejado de, aproximadamente, 24.255 mulheres, 2.205 por motivo de aborto e 22.050 por motivo de parto. A coleta de dados, realizada por meio de seis instrumentos eletrônicos, ocorre durante a internação hospitalar para o parto ou aborto, com duas ondas de seguimento, aos dois e quatro meses. Com o intuito de expandir o número de casos de morbidade materna grave, mortalidade materna e perinatal, três estudos caso controle foram incorporados ao Nascer no Brasil II. O trabalho de campo foi iniciado em novembro de 2021 com término previsto para 2023. Os resultados permitirão comparar a atenção atual ao parto e ao nascimento com a retratada no primeiro inquérito e, com isso, avaliar os avanços alcançados no decorrer desses 10 anos.

Aunque Brasil ha presentado avances en la atención obstétrica en hospitales públicos y privados, todavía hay puntos débiles que necesitan atención. El Ministerio de Salud, consciente de esta necesidad, financió la segunda versión de la encuesta Nacer en Brasil. Los objetivos generales son: evaluar la atención prenatal, el parto y el nacimiento, el puerperio y el aborto, comparando con los resultados del Nacer en Brasil I, y analizar los principales determinantes de la morbimortalidad perinatal; evaluar la estructura y los procesos de atención de los servicios de obstetricia y neonatología en las maternidades; analizar los conocimientos, prácticas y actitudes de los profesionales de la salud que brindan atención para el parto y el aborto; e identificar las principales barreras y facilitadores para esta atención en el país. Tiene un alcance nacional y muestra probabilística en dos etapas (1-hospitales y 2-mujeres), la cual se dividió en 59 estratos; y se seleccionaron 465 hospitales con un total planificado de aproximadamente 24.255 mujeres, de las cuales 2.205 tuvieron procedimientos por aborto y 22.050 por parto. Para la recolección de datos se aplicó seis instrumentos electrónicos, que se realizó durante la hospitalización por parto o aborto, con dos rondas de seguimiento, a los dos y cuatro meses. Con el fin de ampliar el número de casos de morbilidad materna grave, mortalidad materna y perinatal, se incorporaron tres estudios de casos y controles en Nacer en Brasil II. El trabajo de campo comenzó en noviembre de 2021 y finalizará en 2023. Los resultados nos permitirán evaluar la atención al parto y al nacimiento actual con lo que se retrató en la primera encuesta, de esta manera se podrá evaluar los avances alcanzados a lo largo de estos 10 años.

Maternal mortality: protocol of a study integrated to the Birth in Brazil II survey. / Mortalidade materna: protocolo de um estudo integrado à pesquisa Nascer no Brasil II.

The Maternal Mortality Study conducts a hospital investigation of maternal deaths that occurred in 2020/2021 in the maternity hospitals sampled by the Birth in Brazil II survey, with the following objectives: estimate the maternal mortality underreporting; calculate a correction factor and the corrected (MMR); validate the causes of maternal mortality reported in the death certificate (DC); and analyze the factors associated with maternal mortality. The Birth in Brazil II includes approximately 24,250 puerperal women distributed in 465 public, private, and mixed hospitals with ≥ 100 live births/year in the five macroregions of Brazil. The Maternal Mortality Study data will be completed using the same Birth in Brazil II questionnaire, from the consultation of hospital records. Trained obstetricians will fill out a new DC (redone DC) from independent analysis of this questionnaire, comparing it to official data. The database of the investigated deaths will be related to the deaths listed in the Mortality Information System of the Brazilian Ministry of Health, allowing the estimation of underreporting and calculation of the corrected MMR. To calculate the reliability of the causes of death, the kappa test and prevalence-adjusted kappa with 95% confidence interval will be used. A case-control study to estimate the risk factors for maternal mortality will be developed with the investigated deaths (cases) and the controls obtained in the Birth in Brazil II survey, using conditional multiple logistic regression models. We expect this research to contribute to the correction of the underreporting of maternal mortality and to a better understanding of the determinants of the persistence of a high MMR in Brazil.

O Estudo da Mortalidade Materna conduz uma investigação hospitalar dos óbitos maternos ocorridos em 2020/2021 nas maternidades amostradas na pesquisa Nascer no Brasil II, com os seguintes objetivos: estimar o sub-registro da mortalidade materna e calcular um fator de correção e a razão de mortalidade materna (RMM) corrigida; validar as causas de mortalidade materna informadas na declaração de óbito (DO); e analisar os fatores associados à mortalidade materna. O Nascer no Brasil II inclui aproximadamente 24.255 puérperas distribuídas em 465 hospitais públicos, privados e mistos com ≥ 100 partos de nascidos vivos/ano nas cinco macrorregiões do país. Os dados do Estudo da Mortalidade Materna serão preenchidos utilizando o mesmo questionário do Nascer no Brasil II, a partir da consulta aos prontuários hospitalares. Obstetras treinados preencherão uma nova DO (DO refeita) a partir de análise independente desse questionário, comparando aos dados oficiais. A base de dados dos óbitos investigados será relacionada com os óbitos constantes no Sistema de Informações sobre Mortalidade do Ministério da Saúde, permitindo a estimativa do sub-registro e cálculo da RMM corrigida. Para o cálculo da confiabilidade das causas de morte, serão utilizados os testes kappa e kappa ajustado à prevalência com intervalo de 95% de confiança. Um estudo de caso-controle para estimar os fatores de risco para mortalidade materna será desenvolvido com os óbitos investigados (casos) e os controles obtidos na pesquisa Nascer no Brasil II, utilizando-se modelos de regressão logística múltipla condicional. Espera-se contribuir para a correção do sub-registro da mortalidade materna e para a melhor compreensão dos fatores determinantes da persistência de RMM elevada no Brasil.

El Estudio de Mortalidad Materna evalúa las muertes maternas ocurridas en 2020-2021 en las muestras de maternidades del encuesta Nacer en Brasil II con los objetivos de estimar el subregistro de mortalidad materna y calcular el factor de corrección y la tasa de mortalidad materna corregida (TMM); validar las causas de mortalidad materna reportadas en el certificado de defunción (CD); y analizar los factores asociados a la mortalidad materna. La Nacer en Brasil II incluye aproximadamente 24.250 mujeres puerperales, distribuidas en 465 hospitales públicos, privados y mixtos con ≥ 100 nacidos vivos/año en las cinco macrorregiones de Brasil. Los datos de Estudio de Mortalidad Materna se completarán con la información del cuestionario Nacer en Brasil II a partir de una búsqueda de los registros médicos hospitalarios. Los obstetras capacitados completarán un nuevo CD (CD rehecho) desde un análisis independiente de este cuestionario, comparándolo con los datos oficiales. La base de datos de muertes investigadas se relacionará con las muertes que constan en el Sistema de Informaciones sobre la Mortalidad del Ministerio de Salud para permitir la estimación del subregistro y el cálculo de la TMM corregida. Para calcular la exactitud de las causas de muerte, se utilizarán las pruebas kappa y kappa ajustada a la prevalencia con un intervalo de 95% de confianza. Un estudio de casos y controles se aplicará para estimar los factores de riesgo de las mortalidad materna con las muertes investigadas (casos) y los controles obtenidos en el estudio Nacer en Brasil II utilizando modelos de regresión logística múltiple condicional. Se espera que este estudio pueda contribuir a la corrección del subregistro de la mortalidad materna y a una mejor comprensión de los determinantes de la persistencia de alta TMM en Brasil.

Dynamic microglia alterations associate with hippocampal network impairments: A turning point in amyloid pathology progression.

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurological disorder causing memory loss and cognitive decline. The underlying causes of cognitive deterioration and neurodegeneration remain unclear, leading to a lack of effective strategies to prevent dementia. Recent evidence highlights the role of neuroinflammation, particularly involving microglia, in Alzheimer's disease onset and progression. Characterizing the initial phase of Alzheimer's disease can lead to the discovery of new biomarkers and therapeutic targets, facilitating timely interventions for effective treatments. We used the AppNL-G-F knock-in mouse model, which resembles the amyloid pathology and neuroinflammatory characteristics of Alzheimer's disease, to investigate the transition from a pre-plaque to an early plaque stage with a combined functional and molecular approach. Our experiments show a progressive decrease in the power of cognition-relevant hippocampal gamma oscillations during the early stage of amyloid pathology, together with a modification of fast-spiking interneuron intrinsic properties and postsynaptic input. Consistently, transcriptomic analyses revealed that these effects are accompanied by changes in synaptic function-associated pathways. Concurrently, homeostasis- and inflammatory-related microglia signature genes were downregulated. Moreover, we found a decrease in Iba1-positive microglia in the hippocampus that correlates with plaque aggregation and neuronal dysfunction. Collectively, these findings support the hypothesis that microglia play a protective role during the early stages of amyloid pathology by preventing plaque aggregation, supporting neuronal homeostasis, and overall preserving the oscillatory network's functionality. These results suggest that the early alteration of microglia dynamics could be a pivotal event in the progression of Alzheimer's disease, potentially triggering plaque deposition, impairment of fast-spiking interneurons, and the breakdown of the oscillatory circuitry in the hippocampus.

Bioprospecting of extremophilic perchlorate-reducing bacteria: report of promising Bacillus spp. isolated from sediments of the bay of Cartagena, Colombia.

Three extremophile bacterial strains (BBCOL-009, BBCOL-014 and BBCOL-015), capable of degrading high concentrations of perchlorate at a range of pH (6.5 to 10.0), were isolated from Colombian Caribbean Coast sediments. Morphological features included Gram negative strain bacilli with sizes averaged of 1.75 × 0.95, 2.32 × 0.65 and 3.08 × 0.70 µm, respectively. The reported strains tolerate a wide range of pH (6.5 to 10.0); concentrations of NaCl (3.5 to 7.5% w/v) and KClO4- (250 to 10000 mg/L), reduction of KClO4- from 10 to 25%. LB broth with NaCl (3.5-30% w/v) and KClO4- (250-10000 mg/L) were used in independent trials to evaluate susceptibility to salinity and perchlorate, respectively. Isolates increased their biomass at 7.5 % (w/v) NaCl with optimal development at 3.5 % NaCl. Subsequently, ClO4- reduction was assessed using LB medium with 3.5% NaCl and 10000 mg/L ClO4-. BBCOL-009, BBCOL-014 and BBCOL-015 achieved 10%, 17%, and 25% reduction of ClO4-, respectively. The 16 S rRNA gene sequence grouped them as Bacillus flexus T6186-2, Bacillus marisflavi TF-11 (T), and Bacillus vietnamensis 15 - 1 (T) respectively, with < 97.5% homology. In addition, antimicrobial resistance to ertapenem, vancomycine, amoxicillin clavulanate, penicillin, and erythromycin was present in all the isolates, indicating their high adaptability to stressful environments. The isolated strains from marine sediments in Cartagena Bay, Colombia are suitable candidates to reduce perchlorate contamination in different environments. Although the primary focus of the study of perchlorate-reducing and resistant bacteria is in the ecological and agricultural realms, from an astrobiological perspective, perchlorate-resistant bacteria serve as models for astrobiological investigations.

Migration process of Venezuelan women to Brazil: living conditions and use of health services in Manaus and Boa Vista, 2018-2021.

BACKGROUND: The last decade saw the emergence of a new significant migration corridor due to the mass migration of Venezuelans to neighboring countries in South America. Since 2018, Brazil became the third host country of Venezuelan displaced populations. Little is known about how migratory processes affect needs, access to social programs, and public health services of migrant women. The goal of this study is to shed light on the socio-economic profile, living conditions, and use of health services of Venezuelan migrant women in two main reception cities in Brazil. METHODS: A survey was conducted using respondent-driven sampling (RDS) in the cities of Boa Vista (Roraima), and Manaus (Amazonas). The study included 2012 Venezuelan migrant women aged between 15 and 49 years old who migrated from Venezuela to Brazil between 2018 and 2021. Relative prevalence was calculated, and the χ2 test was used to analyse the homogeneity of proportions. All analyses considered the complex sampling. RESULTS: The main reasons for migrating relate to difficulties obtaining food (54%) and accessing health services (37.8%) in their country of origin. They were young and mixed race (65.7%) and had high school education (69.9%). In Manaus, 3.7% of the interviewees declared that they had no family income in the last month, while in Boa Vista, it was higher (66.2%) (p-value < 0.001). Almost one-third of them sought health care in the last 15 days, and 95% of them received care. The residents of Boa Vista arrived more recently and family income and access to paid work improved with time of residence in Brazil. CONCLUSIONS: Given the increasing flow of Venezuelan migrants crossing to Brazil, a reception system was established for the provision of food, shelter, access to health services, and income transfer programs to migrants. This was the case despite high unemployment and poverty levels and income inequality, particularly in the city of Boa Vista. However, the majority had legal migrant status and had access to the public and universal healthcare system in Brazil (SUS). The use of the SUS was similar in both cities, acting as a buffer for the differences in opportunities offered.

Impaired astrocytic synaptic function by peripheral cholesterol metabolite 27-hydroxycholesterol.

Astrocytes represent the most abundant cell type in the brain, where they play critical roles in synaptic transmission, cognition, and behavior. Recent discoveries show astrocytes are involved in synaptic dysfunction during Alzheimer's disease (AD). AD patients have imbalanced cholesterol metabolism, demonstrated by high levels of side-chain oxidized cholesterol known as 27-hydroxycholesterol (27-OH). Evidence from our laboratory has shown that elevated 27-OH can abolish synaptic connectivity during neuromaturation, but its effect on astrocyte function is currently unclear. Our results suggest that elevated 27-OH decreases the astrocyte function in vivo in Cyp27Tg, a mouse model of brain oxysterol imbalance. Here, we report a downregulation of glutamate transporters in the hippocampus of CYP27Tg mice together with increased GFAP. GLT-1 downregulation was also observed when WT mice were fed with high-cholesterol diets. To study the relationship between astrocytes and neurons, we have developed a 3D co-culture system that allows all the cell types from mice embryos to differentiate in vitro. We report that our 3D co-cultures reproduce the effects of 27-OH observed in 2D neurons and in vivo. Moreover, we found novel degenerative effects in astrocytes that do not appear in 2D cultures, together with the downregulation of glutamate transporters GLT-1 and GLAST. We propose that this transporter dysregulation leads to neuronal hyperexcitability and synaptic dysfunction based on the effects of 27-OH on astrocytes. Taken together, these results report a new mechanism linking oxysterol imbalance in the brain and synaptic dysfunction through effects on astrocyte function.

An implementation analysis of a quality improvement project to reduce cesarean section in Brazilian private hospitals.

BACKGROUND: Brazil has one of the highest prevalence of cesarean sections in the world. The private health system is responsible for carrying out most of these surgical procedures. A quality improvement project called Adequate Childbirth Project ("Projeto Parto Adequado"- PPA) was developed to identify models of care for labor and childbirth, which place value on vaginal birth and reduce the frequency of cesarean sections without a clinical indication. This research aims to evaluate the implementation of PPA in private hospitals in Brazil. METHOD: Evaluative hospital-based survey, carried out in 2017, in 12 private hospitals, including 4,322 women. We used a Bayesian network strategy to develop a theoretical model for implementation analysis. We estimated and compared the degree of implementation of two major driving components of PPA-"Participation of women" and "Reorganization of care" - among the 12 hospitals and according to type of hospital (belonging to a health insurance company or not). To assess whether the degree of implementation was correlated with the rate of vaginal birth data we used the Bayesian Network and compared the difference between the group "Exposed to the PPA model of care" and the group "Standard of care model". RESULTS: PPA had a low degree of implementation in both components "Reorganization of Care" (0.17 - 0.32) and "Participation of Women" (0.21 - 0.34). The combined implementation score was 0.39-0.64 and was higher in hospitals that belonged to a health insurance company. The vaginal birth rate was higher in hospitals with a higher degree of implementation of PPA. CONCLUSION: The degree of implementation of PPA was low, which reflects the difficulties in changing childbirth care practices. Nevertheless, PPA increased vaginal birth rates in private hospitals with higher implementation scores. PPA is an ongoing quality improvement project and these results demonstrate the need for changes in the involvement of women and the care offered by the provider.