Breastfeeding interventions and programmes conducted in Portuguese-speaking sovereign states: A scoping review.

AIM: This scoping review aimed to identify and appraise the effectiveness and impact of breastfeeding promotion interventions conducted across Portuguese-speaking sovereign countries. METHODS: Using the PRISMA-ScR guidelines, we searched 14 electronic databases for publications published through 31 July 2023. The search terms were designed to find studies promoting breastfeeding or exclusive breastfeeding in pre-defined Portuguese-speaking countries. RESULTS: Of the 5263 papers initially retrieved, 30 interventional studies on breastfeeding met the inclusion criteria across three countries: Brazil (N = 26), Portugal (N = 2) and Guinea Bissau (N = 2). Participants ranged from pregnant women, mothers, mother-infant pairs, healthcare professionals, and school children. Overall, the interventions increased exclusive breastfeeding and better breastfeeding practices, such as a higher duration of breastfeeding. The interventions positively affected maternal breastfeeding self-efficacy, knowledge and perception. Only four studies used a theoretical framework. CONCLUSION: While the results were often statistically significant, no study had an outcome close to the recommended UNICEF and WHO goal of 70% breastfeeding at six months. The need to determine what works for the recommended six months postpartum period is critical for maximising children's health in Portuguese-speaking countries.

Spatial and temporal analysis of tuberculosis incidence in Guinea-Bissau, 2018 to 2020.

OBJECTIVE: to analyze the epidemiological profile, spatial and temporal distribution of tuberculosis in Guinea-Bissau from 2018 to 2020. METHODS: an ecological study, carried out in Guinea-Bissau, considering new cases of tuberculosis. Spatial analysis of areas was used to verify tuberculosis distribution in the country, and time series were used to identify incidence evolution over the years of study. RESULTS: a total of 6,840 new cases of tuberculosis were reported. Tuberculosis incidence rate in the country ranged from 36.8 to 267.7 cases/100,000 inhabitants, with emphasis on the regions of Bissau and Biombo (over 90 cases/100,000). By using time series, it was possible to observe an increase in case incidence over the years of study. CONCLUSIONS: the study made it possible to identify the epidemiological profile of tuberculosis in Guinea-Bissau, spatial distribution heterogeneity, in addition to identifying the disease evolution over the years of investigation.

Inequalities in child immunization coverage: potential lessons from the Guinea-Bissau case.

Immunization is one of the main interventions responsible for the decline in under-5 mortality. This study aimed to assess full immunization coverage trends and related inequalities, according to wealth, area of residence, subnational regions, and maternal schooling level in Guinea-Bissau. Data from the 2006, 2014, and 2018 Guinea-Bissau Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (MICS) were analyzed. The slope index of inequality (SII) was estimated by logistic regression for wealth quintiles and maternal schooling level as a measure of absolute inequality. A linear regression model with variance-weighted least squares was used to estimate the annual change of immunization indicators at the national level and for the extremes of wealth, maternal schooling level, and urban-rural areas. Full immunization coverage increased by 1.8p.p./year (95%CI: 1.3; 2.3) over the studied period. Poorer children and children born to uneducated mothers were the most disadvantaged groups. Over the years, wealth inequality decreased and urban-rural inequalities were practically extinguished. In contrast, inequality of maternal schooling level remained unchanged, thus, the highest immunization coverage was among children born to the most educated women. This study shows persistent low immunization coverage and related inequalities in Guinea-Bissau, especially according to maternal schooling level. These findings reinforce the need to adopt equity as a main principle in the development of public health policies to appropriately reduce gaps in immunization and truly leave no one behind in Guinea-Bissau and beyond.

Cotidiano de pessoas que vivem com VIH em Bissau, Guiné-Bissau: perspectivas, desafios e vulnerabilidades / Vida diaria de las personas que viven con VIH en Bissau, Guinea-Bissau: perspectivas, desafíos y vulnerabilidades / The daily life of people living with HIV in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau: perspectives, challenges and vulnerabilities

RESUMO Objetivo compreender as perspectivas e desafios no cotidiano de pessoas após a descoberta do viver com VIH em Bissau, Guiné-Bissau, tendo em vista diferentes contextos de vulnerabilidade. Método estudo exploratório-descritivo, que utilizou entrevista semiestruturada com 16 pessoas vivendo com VIH, acompanhadas em um hospital de Bissau. Empregou-se técnica de análise de conteúdo temática. Os relatos dos participantes foram analisados a partir de duas categorias empíricas: A descoberta, os impactos e os desafios de viver com VIH; e Experiência com o antirretroviral: recomeço e perspectivas. Resultados sinalizaram que os desafios iniciam com a revelação do diagnóstico que, geralmente, desperta uma diversidade de sentimentos e comportamentos. O estigma e a discriminação estimulam a adoção do sigilo sobre o status sorológico, resultando na fragilidade de suporte emocional no enfrentamento à soropositividade. A terapia antirretroviral foi vislumbrada como esperança para o enfrentamento da doença. A vulnerabilidade social foi a dimensão que mais se destacou, e violações dos direitos humanos foram constatadas. Conclusão e implicações para a prática o estudo permite compreender as perspectivas, desafios e vulnerabilidades de pessoas que vivem com VIH. O viver com VIH merece atenção especial por parte dos profissionais de saúde que atuam no cuidado dessas pessoas, destacando-se como contribuição a relevância de um cuidado de saúde integral, em que a ética e a subjetividade estejam presentes.

RESUMEN Objetivo este estudio cualitativo tuvo como objetivo comprender perspectivas y desafíos en la vida cotidiana de las personas que viven con VIH en Bissau, Guinea-Bissau, considerando diferentes contextos de vulnerabilidad. Método estudio exploratorio-descriptivo, que utilizó una entrevista semiestructurada con 16 personas que viven con el VIH, seguido en un hospital de Bissau. Se utilizó la técnica de análisis de contenido temático. Los informes de los participantes se analizaron a partir de dos categorías empíricas: El descubrimiento, los impactos y los desafíos de vivir con el VIH; y La experiencia antirretroviral: un nuevo comienzo y perspectivas. Resultados los resultados indicaron que los desafíos comienzan con la divulgación del diagnóstico, que generalmente suscita una diversidad de sentimientos y conductas. El estigma y la discriminación fomentan la adopción del secreto sobre el estado serológico, lo que resulta en un apoyo emocional débil para hacer frente a la seropositividad. La terapia antirretroviral es una esperanza para hacer frente a la enfermedad. La vulnerabilidad social fue la dimensión que más se destacó y se encontraron violaciones a sus derechos humanos. Conclusión e implicaciones para la práctica el estudio permite comprender las perspectivas, los desafíos y las vulnerabilidades de las personas que viven con el VIH. Vivir con VIH merece especial atención por parte de los profesionales de la salud que actúan en el cuidado de estas personas, destacando como aporte la relevancia de la atención integral en salud, en la que la ética y la subjetividad están presentes.

ABSTRACT Objective to understand perspectives and challenges in the daily lives of people after the discovery of living with HIV in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau, considering different contexts of vulnerability. Method an exploratory-descriptive study conducted through semi-structured interviews with sixteen people living with HIV attending a hospital in the city of Bissau. We used the thematic content analysis technique. Participants' reports were analyzed following two empirical categories: Discovery, impacts and challenges of living with HIV; and Experience with antiretroviral therapy: new beginning and perspectives. Results the results indicate that the challenges start with the disclosure of diagnosis, which arouses a diversity of feelings and behaviors. Stigma and discrimination encourage the adoption of confidentiality about serological status, which increases the fragility of emotional support in coping with seropositivity. Antiretroviral therapy was seen as a hope for coping with the disease. Social vulnerability was the dimension that stood out the most, and human rights violations involving people living with HIV were verified. Conclusion and implications for practice the study makes it possible to understand the perspectives, challenges and vulnerabilities of people living with HIV. Living with HIV deserves special attention from health professionals who work in the care of these people, highlighting as a contribution the relevance of comprehensive health care, in which ethics and subjectivity are present.

Reality or utopia: eradication of the AIDS epidemic in Guinea-Bissau by 2030.

OBJECTIVES: to reflect on the implementation of an integrated strategy to eradicate the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) epidemic in Guinea-Bissau by 2030. METHODS: a reflective study. REFLECTION: Guinea-Bissau is a Portuguese-speaking country located in Sub-Saharan Africa, in constant political and economic instability. Among its characteristics are sociocultural diversity and high rates of morbidity and mortality from causes related to infection by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus. In the quest to eradicate the AIDS epidemic by 2030, instituted especially by the United Nations, it is noted that political and socio-cultural factors transformed eradication of the AIDS epidemic by 2030 into a utopia. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: international strategies, although ambitious, are considered opportunities for countries to propose and build public policies capable of changing the existing reality.

Lipoarabinomannan antigenic epitope differences in tuberculosis disease subtypes.

An accurate urine test for diverse populations with active tuberculosis could be transformative for preventing TB deaths. Urinary liporabinomannan (LAM) testing has been previously restricted to HIV co-infected TB patients. In this study we evaluate urinary LAM in HIV negative, pediatric and adult, pulmonary and extrapulmonary tuberculosis patients. We measured 430 microbiologically confirmed pretreatment tuberculosis patients and controls from Peru, Guinea Bissau, Venezuela, Uganda and the United States using three monoclonal antibodies, MoAb1, CS35, and A194, which recognize distinct LAM epitopes, a one-sided immunoassay, and blinded cohorts. We evaluated sources of assay variability and comorbidities (HIV and diabetes). All antibodies successfully discriminated TB positive from TB negative patients. ROAUC from the average of three antibodies' responses was 0.90; 95% CI 0.87-0.93, 90% sensitivity, 73.5% specificity (80 pg/mL). MoAb1, recognizing the 5-methylthio-D-xylofuranose(MTX)-mannose(Man) cap epitope, performed the best, was less influenced by glycosuria and identified culture positive pediatric (N = 19) and extrapulmonary (N = 24) patients with high accuracy (ROAUC 0.87, 95% CI 0.77-0.98, 0.90 sensitivity 0.80 specificity at 80 pg/mL; ROAUC = 0.96, 95% CI 0.92-0.99, 96% sensitivity, 80% specificity at 82 pg/mL, respectively). The MoAb1 antibody, recognizing the MTX-Man cap epitope, is a novel analyte for active TB detection in pediatric and extrapulmonary disease.

Emergence of multidrug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis of the Beijing lineage in Portugal and Guinea-Bissau: a snapshot of moving clones by whole-genome sequencing.

The Beijing genotype comprises a highly disseminated strain type that is frequently associated with multidrug resistant (MDR) tuberculosis (TB) and increased transmissibility but, countries such as Portugal and Guinea-Bissau fall outside the regions phylogeographically associated with this specific genotype. Nevertheless, recent data shows that this genotype might be gradually emerging in these two countries as an underlying cause of primary MDR-TB. Here, we describe the emergence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Beijing strains associated with MDR-TB in Portugal and Guinea-Bissau demonstrating the presence of the well described superclusters 100-32 and 94-32 in Portugal and Guinea-Bissau, respectively. Genome-wide analysis and comparison with a global genomic dataset of M. tuberculosis Beijing strains, revealed the presence of two genomic clusters encompassing isolates from Portugal and Guinea-Bissau, GC1 (n = 121) and GC2 (n = 39), both of which bore SNP signatures compatible with the 100-32/B0/W148 and 94-32/Central Asia Outbreak clades, respectively. Moreover, GC2 encompasses a cross-border cluster between Portugal, Guinea-Bissau and Brazil thus supporting migration-associated introduction of MDR-TB and subsequent clonal expansion at the community-level. The comparison with global Beijing datasets demonstrates the global reach of the disease and its complex dissemination across multiple countries while in parallel there are clear microevolutionary trajectories towards extensively drug resistant TB.

Comparison of early cardiovascular risk among Brazilian and African university students.

Cardiovascular diseases are among the main causes of mortality worldwide, and dyslipidemia is a principal factor risk. Hence the study of biochemical markers is necessary for early diagnosis. OBJECTIVES: Evaluate biomarkers to diagnose the risks of cardiovascular diseases in healthy Brazilian and African young adults. DESIGN & METHODS: Weight, height, waist circumference, percentage of body fat and systemic blood pressure were measured; and fasting blood samples were taken for biochemical analysis. Triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL-c, and apolipoproteins A-I and B were measured on automated equipment using commercially available kits, in addition to the tests of antioxidant capacity of HDL and the enzymatic activity of Paraoxonase 1. RESULTS: After statistical analysis, it was found that BMI, WC, fat (%), triglycerides, ApoB/ApoA-I ratio and Vmax were higher in Brazilians, while HDL-c, ApoA-I, Lag Time, Vmax and PON1 activity were higher in Africans. In Brazilians, the ApoB/ApoA-I ratio was related to obesity factors and lipid profile, but in Africans it was related only to lipids. The antioxidant capacity of HDL and PON1 activity was better in Africans. Through independence testing, we observed an association with moderate risk of myocardial infarction with gender in Africans. In the binary logistic regression analysis, it was found that men in general - and particularly African men - have higher risk of myocardial infarction than women; Odds Ratio 2144 (CI95%: 1343-3424) and 2281 (CI95%: 1082-4811), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The anthropometric and biochemical parameters of Brazilians, especially men, predispose them to greater risks of cardiovascular diseases.

La cooperación docente cubana en Guinea Bissau, una estrategia para alcanzar la cobertura universal de salud / Cuban teaching cooperation in Guinea Bissau as a strategy to achieve universal health coverage

En 2006 se inició en Guinea Bissau un programa formativo como estrategia de fortalecimiento de las capacidades nacionales del país y de sostenibilidad de las brigadas médicas que laboraron en el proyecto. Este es uno de los países más pobres del mundo, con escasos recursos materiales y humanos, déficit en la educación y con gran migración de profesionales buscando mejores condiciones económicas. Se realizó una investigación cualitativa aplicando el método histórico-lógico. Se recopiló toda la información a partir de la revisión de los documentos afines al trabajo de las brigadas médicas cubanas que han laborado en el país. El presente estudio tiene el objetivo de describir el desarrollo y alcance de la colaboración docente cubana desde el inicio del programa hasta la actualidad. Se enfatiza en la importancia de la aplicación del método formativo desde la comunidad, como vía para el fortalecimiento de los Sistemas Sanitarios y mejorar la salud de las poblaciones(AU)

The present study is aimed to describe the development and scope of Cuban teaching collaboration in the training of human resources, from the beginning of the implementation of the new training program in 2006 to date, as a strategy for strengthening national capacities in Guinea Bissau and sustainability of the work of the Medical Brigade in this country. This is one of the poorest countries in the world, with scarce material and human resources, a deficit in training and a big migration of professionals seeking better economic conditions. It was conducted a qualitative research applying the historical-logical method. It was collected all the information from the revision of the documents related to the work of the Cuban medical brigades that have worked in that country. This research has the objective of describing the development and scope of the Cuban teaching cooperation and it is emphasized the importance of the application of a formative method from the community, as a way for the strengthening of Sanitary Systems and to improve the health of populations. This a successful example of this experience linked to the Medical Brigade, with the intention of demonstrating its feasibility and extending it to the rest of the African continent(AU)

Clonal expansion across the seas as seen through CPLP-TB database: A joint effort in cataloguing Mycobacterium tuberculosis genetic diversity in Portuguese-speaking countries.

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major health problem within the Community of Portuguese Language Speaking Countries (CPLP). Despite the marked variation in TB incidence across its member-states and continued human migratory flux between countries, a considerable gap in the knowledge on the Mycobacterium tuberculosis population structure and strain circulation between the countries still exists. To address this, we have assembled and analysed the largest CPLP M. tuberculosis molecular and drug susceptibility dataset, comprised by a total of 1447 clinical isolates, including 423 multidrug-resistant isolates, from five CPLP countries. The data herein presented reinforces Latin American and Mediterranean (LAM) strains as the hallmark of M. tuberculosis populational structure in the CPLP coupled with country-specific differential prevalence of minor clades. Moreover, using high-resolution typing by 24-loci MIRU-VNTR, six cross-border genetic clusters were detected, thus supporting recent clonal expansion across the Lusophone space. To make this data available to the scientific community and public health authorities we developed CPLP-TB (available at http://cplp-tb.ff.ulisboa.pt), an online database coupled with web-based tools for exploratory data analysis. As a public health tool, it is expected to contribute to improved knowledge on the M. tuberculosis population structure and strain circulation within the CPLP, thus supporting the risk assessment of strain-specific trends.

Cardiovascular Disease Epidemiology in Portuguese-Speaking Countries: data from the Global Burden of Disease, 1990 to 2016.

BACKGROUND: Portuguese-speaking countries (PSC) share the influence of the Portuguese culture but have socioeconomic development patterns that differ from that of Portugal. OBJECTIVE: To describe trends in cardiovascular disease (CVD) morbidity and mortality in the PSC between 1990 and 2016, stratified by sex, and their association with the respective sociodemographic indexes (SDI). METHODS: This study used the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2016 data and methodology. Data collection followed international standards for death certification, through information systems on vital statistics and mortality surveillance, surveys, and hospital registries. Techniques were used to standardize causes of death by the direct method, as were corrections for underreporting of deaths and garbage codes. To determine the number of deaths due to each cause, the CODEm (Cause of Death Ensemble Model) algorithm was applied. Disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) and SDI (income per capita, educational attainment and total fertility rate) were estimated for each country. A p-value <0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: There are large differences, mainly related to socioeconomic conditions, in the relative impact of CVD burden in PSC. Among CVD, ischemic heart disease was the leading cause of death in all PSC in 2016, except for Mozambique and Sao Tome and Principe, where cerebrovascular diseases have supplanted it. The most relevant attributable risk factors for CVD among all PSC are hypertension and dietary factors. CONCLUSION: Collaboration among PSC may allow successful experiences in combating CVD to be shared between those countries.

Cardiovascular Disease Epidemiology in Portuguese-Speaking Countries: data from the Global Burden of Disease, 1990 to 2016 / Epidemiologia das Doenças Cardiovasculares em Países de Língua Portuguesa: Dados do "Global Burden of Disease", 1990 a 2016

Abstract Background: Portuguese-speaking countries (PSC) share the influence of the Portuguese culture but have socioeconomic development patterns that differ from that of Portugal. Objective: To describe trends in cardiovascular disease (CVD) morbidity and mortality in the PSC between 1990 and 2016, stratified by sex, and their association with the respective sociodemographic indexes (SDI). Methods: This study used the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2016 data and methodology. Data collection followed international standards for death certification, through information systems on vital statistics and mortality surveillance, surveys, and hospital registries. Techniques were used to standardize causes of death by the direct method, as were corrections for underreporting of deaths and garbage codes. To determine the number of deaths due to each cause, the CODEm (Cause of Death Ensemble Model) algorithm was applied. Disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) and SDI (income per capita, educational attainment and total fertility rate) were estimated for each country. A p-value <0.05 was considered significant. Results: There are large differences, mainly related to socioeconomic conditions, in the relative impact of CVD burden in PSC. Among CVD, ischemic heart disease was the leading cause of death in all PSC in 2016, except for Mozambique and Sao Tome and Principe, where cerebrovascular diseases have supplanted it. The most relevant attributable risk factors for CVD among all PSC are hypertension and dietary factors. Conclusion: Collaboration among PSC may allow successful experiences in combating CVD to be shared between those countries.

Resumo Fundamento: Os países de língua portuguesa (PLP) partilham a influência da cultura portuguesa com desenvolvimento socioeconômico diverso de Portugal. Objetivo: Descrever as tendências de morbidade e mortalidade por doenças cardiovasculares (DCV) nos PLP, entre 1990 e 2016, estratificadas por sexo, e sua associação com os respectivos índices sociodemográficos (SDI). Métodos: O estudo utilizou dados e metodologia do Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2016. As informações seguiram padrões internacionais de certificação de óbito, através de sistemas de informação sobre estatísticas vitais e vigilância da mortalidade, pesquisas e registros hospitalares. Empregaram-se técnicas para padronização das causas de morte pelo método direto, e correções para sub-registro dos óbitos e garbage codes. Para determinar o número de mortes por cada causa, aplicou-se o algoritmo CODEm (Modelagem Agrupada de Causas de Morte). Estimaram-se os anos saudáveis de vida perdidos (DALYs) e o SDI (renda per capita, nível de escolaridade e taxa de fertilidade total) para cada país. Resultados: Existem grandes diferenças na importância relativa da carga de DCV nos PLP relacionadas principalmente às condições socioeconômicas. Entre as DCV, a doença isquêmica do coração foi a principal causa de morte nos PLP em 2016, com exceção de Moçambique e São Tomé e Príncipe, onde as doenças cerebrovasculares a suplantaram. Os fatores de risco atribuíveis mais relevantes para as DCV entre os PLP foram a hipertensão arterial e os fatores dietéticos. Um valor de p < 0,05 foi considerado significativo. Conclusão: A colaboração entre os PLP poderá permitir que experiências exitosas no combate às DCV sejam compartilhadas entre esses países.

Trypanosoma rangeli is phylogenetically closer to Old World trypanosomes than to Trypanosoma cruzi.

Trypanosoma rangeli and Trypanosoma cruzi are generalist trypanosomes sharing a wide range of mammalian hosts; they are transmitted by triatomine bugs, and are the only trypanosomes infecting humans in the Neotropics. Their origins, phylogenetic relationships, and emergence as human parasites have long been subjects of interest. In the present study, taxon-rich analyses (20 trypanosome species from bats and terrestrial mammals) using ssrRNA, glycosomal glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (gGAPDH), heat shock protein-70 (HSP70) and Spliced Leader RNA sequences, and multilocus phylogenetic analyses using 11 single copy genes from 15 selected trypanosomes, provide increased resolution of relationships between species and clades, strongly supporting two main sister lineages: lineage Schizotrypanum, comprising T. cruzi and bat-restricted trypanosomes, and Tra[Tve-Tco] formed by T. rangeli, Trypanosoma vespertilionis and Trypanosoma conorhini clades. Tve comprises European T. vespertilionis and African T. vespertilionis-like of bats and bat cimicids characterised in the present study and Trypanosoma sp. Hoch reported in monkeys and herein detected in bats. Tco included the triatomine-transmitted tropicopolitan T. conorhini from rats and the African NanDoum1 trypanosome of civet (carnivore). Consistent with their very close relationships, Tra[Tve-Tco] species shared highly similar Spliced Leader RNA structures that were highly divergent from those of Schizotrypanum. In a plausible evolutionary scenario, a bat trypanosome transmitted by cimicids gave origin to the deeply rooted Tra[Tve-Tco] and Schizotrypanum lineages, and bat trypanosomes of diverse genetic backgrounds jumped to new hosts. A long and independent evolutionary history of T. rangeli more related to Old World trypanosomes from bats, rats, monkeys and civets than to Schizotrypanum spp., and the adaptation of these distantly related trypanosomes to different niches of shared mammals and vectors, is consistent with the marked differences in transmission routes, life-cycles and host-parasite interactions, resulting in T. cruzi (but not T. rangeli) being pathogenic to humans.

Cashew cultivation in Guinea-Bissau: risks and challenges of the success of a cash crop

In recent decades a boom in cashew (Anacardium occidentale)cultivation has taken place in Guinea-Bissau, leading to the replacement of traditional slash-and-burn agriculture by a cash crop. As a result, the country is currently one of the worlds largest producers of raw cashew nuts and the cashew sector has acquired enormous importance in Guinea-Bissaus economy. Changes induced by the cashew boom at social and environmental levels are yet to be analyzed and understood. The present study provides an account of the process of cashew expansion in Guinea-Bissau, reviews the current situation and discusses its future prospects. The cashew tree was introduced into the country by the Portuguese in the XIXth century, but only effectively expanded in the mid-1980s. It is largely cultivated by small farmers around villages and also plays a role in land ownership, since land tenure practices are linked to the planting of trees. The effects of this cashew boom on habitat fragmentation, fire regimes and biodiversity are still to be assessed. On the other hand, the spread of pests and diseases is becoming a problem. Strong dependence on a single cash crop also renders the country vulnerable to market fluctuations, entailing risks to local producers and the national economy. In the medium term, losses of export earnings can occur, which may impact the living standards and food security of Bissau-Guineans both in urban and rural areas.

Cashew cultivation in Guinea-Bissau: risks and challenges of the success of a cash crop

In recent decades a boom in cashew (Anacardium occidentale)cultivation has taken place in Guinea-Bissau, leading to the replacement of traditional slash-and-burn agriculture by a cash crop. As a result, the country is currently one of the worlds largest producers of raw cashew nuts and the cashew sector has acquired enormous importance in Guinea-Bissaus economy. Changes induced by the cashew boom at social and environmental levels are yet to be analyzed and understood. The present study provides an account of the process of cashew expansion in Guinea-Bissau, reviews the current situation and discusses its future prospects. The cashew tree was introduced into the country by the Portuguese in the XIXth century, but only effectively expanded in the mid-1980s. It is largely cultivated by small farmers around villages and also plays a role in land ownership, since land tenure practices are linked to the planting of trees. The effects of this cashew boom on habitat fragmentation, fire regimes and biodiversity are still to be assessed. On the other hand, the spread of pests and diseases is becoming a problem. Strong dependence on a single cash crop also renders the country vulnerable to market fluctuations, entailing risks to local producers and the national economy. In the medium term, losses of export earnings can occur, which may impact the living standards and food security of Bissau-Guineans both in urban and rural areas.(AU)

A experiência do departamento de engenharia de saúde pública (DENSP) da Fundação Nacional de Saúde (FUNASA) com vistas à contribuição para o desenvolvimento de uma política de saneamento em Guiné Bissau / The experience of the department of public health engineering (DENSP) of the National Health Foundation (FUNASA) with a view to contributing to the development of a sanitation policy in Guinea Bissau

Esta dissertação visa contribuir com propostas que auxiliem a pensar o saneamento em Guiné Bissau, a partir da experiência brasileira. Serão apontados neste material resumidamente os caminhos que deram origem à FUNASA e o seu papel social no campo de saneamento na atualidade. Discutir-se-á, a partir dessa experiência, o que poderá ser feito para alcançar entendimentos sobre o saneamento ambiental e a situação sanitária em Guiné Bissau. Descrever-se-ão características dos municípios cobertos pela FUNASA / DENSP, por meio do seu Departamento de Engenharia de Saúde Pública, em especial os que possuem até 50 mil haitantes, no Brasil, e os seus semelhantes da Guiné Bissau, segundo os parâmetros do Saneamento Ambiental. Será fundamental abordar o método a ser usado na pesquisa das informações secundárias e a avaliação das mesmas.

The primary aim of this study is to evaluate the programs of the National Health Foundation - FUNASA from its Department of Public Health Engineering - DENSP, focusing on the laws which allow their participation in Brazilian urban municipalities with at most fifty thous and inhabitants, includind rural municipalities, isolated populations and other minorities with the same number of inhabitants. A secondary aim is to contribute with proposals that help to think sanitation in Guinea Bissau from the Brazilian experience. The main factors that may have led to the creation of FUNASA will be taken into account in this study as well as its social role insanitation today in order to help the understanding of what must be done in environmental sanitation and health situation in Guinea Bissau. It is relevant to consider the methodology to be used by the time of collecting and evaluating secondary data. All the regions under the supervision of FUNASA/DENSP willhave their characteristic described as well as the similar áreas in Guine Bissau so that theyfollow thepattern of the Environmental Sanitation, and others who are important.

Le projet de thèse suivant subit étudie les programmes de la Fondation Nationale de laSanté - FUNASA de son Département de Génie de la Santé Publique - DENSP, en mettantl'accent sur les lois qui donnent une protection juridique pour exercer leurs fonctions, à côtéde municipalités urbaines qui ont plus que cinquante mille habitants, les municipalités ruralesavec cinquante mille habitants et aussi, les populations isolées, riverain, marron et d'autresminorités.Cette thèse vise à contribuer à des propositions qui permettent de penserl'assainissement en Guinée Bissau, de l'expérience brésilienne. Tous ces chemins ont conduit.FUNASA a montre son rôle social dans le domaine de l'assainissement actuel. Nousdiscutirons à partir de cette expérience, ce qui peut être fait pour parvenir à des accords surl'assainissement de l'environnement. Et ausside la situation de la santé à Guinée Bissau. Çasera cruciale pour répondre à la méthodes pour utiliser dans la recherche de l'informationsecondaire et leur évaluation. Nous decrivons les caractéristiques des municipalités couvertespar FUNASA/DENSP. Nous suivrons les paramètres de l'assainissement de l'environnement,et nous apliquerons en Guiné Bissau, et dáutres qui sont importants.

Temporal and seasonal changes of genetic polymorphisms associated with altered drug susceptibility to chloroquine, lumefantrine, and quinine in Guinea-Bissau between 2003 and 2012.

In 2008, artemether-lumefantrine was introduced in Guinea-Bissau, West Africa, but quinine has also been commonly prescribed for the treatment of uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria. An efficacious high-dose chloroquine treatment regimen was used previously. Temporal and seasonal changes of genetic polymorphisms associated with altered drug susceptibility to chloroquine, lumefantrine, and quinine have been described. P. falciparum chloroquine resistance transporter (pfcrt) K76T, pfmdr1 gene copy numbers, pfmdr1 polymorphisms N86Y and Y184F, and pfmdr1 sequences 1034 to 1246 were determined using PCR-based methods. Blood samples came from virtually all (n=1,806) children<15 years of age who had uncomplicated P. falciparum monoinfection and presented at a health center in suburban Bissau (from 2003 to 2012). The pfcrt K76T and pfmdr1 N86Y frequencies were stable, and seasonal changes were not seen from 2003 to 2007. Since 2007, the mean annual frequencies increased (P<0.001) for pfcrt 76T (24% to 57%), pfmdr1 N86 (72% to 83%), and pfcrt 76+pfmdr1 86 TN (10% to 27%), and pfcrt 76T accumulated during the high transmission season (P=0.001). The pfmdr1 86+184 NF frequency increased from 39% to 66% (from 2003 to 2011; P=0.004). One sample had two pfmdr1 gene copies. pfcrt 76T was associated with a lower parasite density (P<0.001). Following the discontinuation of an effective chloroquine regimen, probably highly artemether-lumefantrine-susceptible P. falciparum (with pfcrt 76T) accumulated, possibly due to suboptimal use of quinine and despite a fitness cost linked to pfcrt 76T. (The studies reported here were registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under registration no. NCT00137514 [PSB-2001-chl-amo], NCT00137566 [PSB-2004-paracetamol], NCT00426439 [PSB-2006-coartem], NCT01157689 [AL-eff 2010], and NCT01704508 [Eurartesim 2012].).

Fatores associados às mortalidades materna e neonatal na maternidade do Hospital Nacional Simão Mendes entre os anos de 2009 e 2011 - Bissau, Guiné-Bissau / Factors associated with maternal and neonatal mortality in the Simão Mendes National Hospital maternity between the years 2009 and 2011 - Bissau, Guinea-Bissau

Determinar e monitorar as magnitudes e os fatores associados às mortalidades materna e neonatal pode auxiliar na definição de políticas públicas para enfrentá-las. A carência de estudos sobre esses temas em Guiné-Bissau, principalmente advindos de informações do Hospital Nacional Simão Mendes (HNSM), referência em Guiné-Bissau, justifica os objetivos propostos neste trabalho. Este estudo pretende identificar as magnitudes das mortalidades materna e neonatal e as principais variáveis associadas, entre os anos de 2009 e 2011, na Maternidade do HNSM. Procedeu-se ao estudo de dados secundários, provenientes do Projeto Saúde Bandim, de mulheres com idades entre 10 e 49 anos que deram à luz no HNSM e de seus recém-nascidos, dentro do período especificado. Realizou-se um estudo descritivo, a fim de obter a magnitude dos óbitos materno e neonatal, e uma análise por regressão logística múltipla, a fim de determinar os fatores de interesse considerados associados ao óbito materno ou ao óbito neonatal. Assim, das 18683 mães analisadas neste trabalho, 77 morreram, sendo a maioria com idade entre 20 e 34 anos (consideradas de baixo risco) e sem estudos, que estavam na primeira gravidez e tiveram parto cesariano; dos respectivos recém-nascidos, 2265 morreram, sendo que a maioria nasceu através de parto normal e com peso normal, mas com apgar baixo no 5º e no 10º minutos. Os fatores associados à mortalidade materna no HNSM foram: escolaridade (sem estudos) e tipo de parto (cesariano). Já os associados à mortalidade neonatal foram: tipo de parto (cesariano), sexo (masculino), escolaridade da mãe (sem estudos), paridade (primeira gravidez ou sexta gravidez ou mais), peso ao nascer (abaixo de 2.5 Kg), apgar no quinto minuto de vida (notas abaixo de sete, mas principalmente, notas abaixo de três). Como a mortalidade materna no HNSM está relacionada ao tipo de parto (fator interno), os responsáveis do hospital devem ampliar a atenção, talvez, com relação a causas obstétricas advindas do parto. A mortalidade neonatal no HNSM, por outro lado, está relacionada ao tipo de parto e às notas de apgar (fatores internos), sendo necessária a atenção, talvez, às causas obstétricas, ao atendimento tardio ou à falta de qualificação dos profissionais no atendimento nesta maternidade. Portanto, as políticas públicas de saúde do país devem ser orientadas no sentido de ampliar o acesso à atenção de boa qualidade para os públicos materno e neonatal do Hospital Nacional Simão Mendes, objetivando a prevenção dos óbitos, na grande maioria, talvez, evitáveis.

Determine and monitor the magnitude and the factors associated with maternal mortality and neonatal can help define public policies to address them. The lack of studies on these topics in Guinea-Bissau, mainly arising from information the Simão Mendes National Hospital (HNSM), a reference in Guinea-Bissau, justifies the objectives proposed in this work. This study aims to identify the magnitudes of maternal and newborn mortality and the main varia-bles associated, between the years 2009 and 2011, at the Maternity of HNSM. Proceeded to the study of secondary data from the Bandim Health Project, women aged 10 to 49 who gave birth in HNSM and their newborns , within the specified period. We conducted a descriptive study, in order to obtain the magnitude of maternal and neonatal deaths and an analysis by multiple logistic regression, in order to determine the factors considered of interest associated with maternal death or neonatal death. Thus, of the 18 683 mothers analyzed in this study, 77 died, mostly aged between 20 and 34 years (considered low risk) and without studies, who were in their first pregnancy and had cesarean delivery; of their newborns, died in 2265, most of which were born by normal with normal birth weight , but apgar down on the 5th and 10th minutes. Factors associated with maternal mortality in HNSM were: education (uneducated) and mode of delivery (caesarean). Already associated to neonatal mortality were : type of de-livery ( caesarean ) , sex (male) , schooling mother (no studies) , parity ( first pregnancy or sixth pregnancy or more) , birth weight ( below 2.5 kg) , Apgar score at 5 minutes of life ( notes below seven , but primarily notes under three ). Such as maternal mortality in HNSM is related to the type of delivery (internal factor), hospital responsible should expand attention, perhaps in relation to obstetric causes arising from childbirth. Neonatal mortality in HNSM on the other hand, is related to the type of delivery and the notes of apgar (internal factors), re-quiring the attention, perhaps to obstetric causes, the late attendance or lack of qualification of the professionals in attendance this motherhood. Therefore, the country's public health poli-cies should be geared towards increasing access to good quality care for maternal and neona-tal public the Simão Mendes National Hospital, aiming at the prevention of deaths in the vast majority, perhaps preventable.