Mapping evidence on health promotion in HIV testing among men who have sex with men and transgender women using the social-ecological model and the vulnerability theoretical framework: a scoping review.

This study aimed to map the scientific evidence on health promotion in human immunodeficiency virus) HIV testing among men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW) based on the social-ecological model (i.e., individual, organizational and social levels) and the theoretical framework of vulnerability (i.e., individual, social, and programmatic levels). The reviewed studies indicated several barriers to accessing HIV testing (e.g., economic, structural, and bureaucratic) and demonstrated the potential for community approaches to promote greater access to HIV testing and minimize the stigma and discrimination associated with HIV testing, primarily through community leadership and social support networks. The socio-ecological model of health promotion and the vulnerability approach have the potential to contribute to improving HIV testing services by balancing the technical and political power of health services and providers with community participation while considering the social contexts. Therefore, there is a need for reflection on health promotion policies and programs aimed at expanding access to HIV testing among MSM and TGW through interventions that consider the social contexts and cultural perspectives. Moreover, inter-sectoral strategies aimed at improving living conditions and access to fundamental resources for maintaining health and well-being should be considered.

"I Can't Take This Shitty Quarantine Anymore": Sexual Behavior and PrEP Use Among Young Men Who Have Sex with Men and Transgender Women in Brazil During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

This study analyzes how the COVID-19 pandemic affected sexual behavior and use of HIV prevention methods among young transgender women (YTGW) and young gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (YGBMSM) participating in an HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) demonstration study in Brazil. Online interviews with 39 participants aged 15-22 years old were conducted between September and November 2020 and analyzed based on social constructionism and human rights-based approaches to health. The pandemic disrupted interviewees' routines, negatively affecting their life conditions. Among those who did not have a steady partner, social distance measures led to temporary interruption of sexual encounters and increased sexting and solo sex. Conversely, for those who had a steady relationship such measures contributed to increasing sexual practices and intimacy. Participants who had sexual encounters during the pandemic reported having continued to use PrEP. However, home confinement with family, lack of privacy, loss of daily routines and changes in housing impaired PrEP adherence and attendance at follow-up consultations. These results highlight the importance of maintaining HIV-service delivery for these groups during a public health crisis, as well as to address the structural drivers of the epidemic with comprehensive HIV prevention policies and by ensuring access of YGBMSM and YTGW to social protection policies.

HIV Testing Strategies, Types of Tests, and Uptake by Men Who have Sex with Men and Transgender Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the effectiveness of strategies and types of tests on HIV testing uptake by men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW), and in reaching PLWH. Articles published up to July 2020 were identified from major electronic databases and grey literature. Data were extracted and assessed for risk of bias. Estimates were pooled using random-effect meta-analysis while heterogeneity was evaluated by Cochran's Q test and I2. This study is registered with PROSPERO (CRD42020192740). Of 6820 titles, 263 studies (n = 67,288 participants) were included. The testing strategies reported in most studies were community- (71.2%) and facility-based (28.8%). Highest uptake, with facility-based testing, occurred and reached more PLWH while with standard laboratory tests, it occurred with the highest HIV prevalence among MSM. However, urine test showed a highest rate of new HIV infection. Multiple test combinations had the highest uptake and reached more PLWH among TGW. Various testing strategies, considering barriers and regional differences, and different test types, need be considered, to increase uptake among MSM and TGW.

RESUMEN: Esta revisión sistemática y metaanálisis tuvo como objetivo investigar la efectividad de las estrategias y los tipos de pruebas para la realización de la prueba del VIH entre hombres que tienen sexo con hombres (HSH) y mujeres transgénero (MT), y su alcance a personas que viven con el VIH (PVV). Los artículos publicados hasta julio de 2020 fueron identificados utilizando base de datos y literatura gris; se extrajeron los datos de los artículos y se evaluó el riesgo de sesgo. Las estimaciones se agruparon mediante un metaanálisis de efectos aleatorios, mientras que la heterogeneidad fue evaluada utilizando la prueba Q de Cochran y la prueba I2. Este estudio está registrado en PROSPERO (CRD42020192740). De 6820 títulos, fueron incluidos 263 estudios (n = 67,288 participantes). En la mayoría, las estrategias reportadas fueron comunitarias (71.2%) y en establecimientos de salud (28.8%). Las pruebas realizadas en establecimientos de salud tuvieron mayor captación y mayor alcance de PVV mientras que con las pruebas de laboratorio estándar se detectó una mayor prevalencia del VIH entre los HSH. Sin embargo, la prueba de orina mostró una tasa más elevada de nuevas infecciones por el VIH. La combinación de múltiples pruebas tuvo mayor captación y tuvo alcance a PVV entre MT. Es necesario considerar las diferentes estrategias, tomando en cuenta las barreras y diferencias regionales, así como los diferentes tipos de pruebas, para incrementar la realización de pruebas del VIH entre HSH y MT.

Conhecimentos, percepções e itinerários terapêuticos de travestis e mulheres trans no cuidado a infecções sexualmente transmissíveis em Salvador, Brasil / Knowledge, perceptions and therapeutic itineraries of travestis and transgender woman in the care of sexually transmitted infections in Salvador, Brazil / Conocimientos, percepciones e rutas terapéuticas de travestis y mujeres trans en la atención de enfermedades de transmisión sexual en Salvador, Brasil

Resumo O artigo objetivou analisar conhecimentos, percepções, práticas de cuidado e Itinerrários Terapêuticos (IT) para o diagnóstico e tratamento das Infecções Sexualmente Transmissíveis (IST), com destaque para sífilis, entre Travestis e Mulheres Trans (TrMT) em Salvador, Brasil. Foram realizados 05 grupos focais e 06 entrevistas semiestruturadas com 30 TrMT. Os achados apontam amplo desconhecimento e percepções contraditórias sobre as IST, especialmente a sífilis; identificação de duas importantes trajetórias de cuidado às IST e o destaque para IT marcados por estigmas e discriminação nos serviços de saúde. Sugere-se a ampliação das ações de saúde para essa população reconhecendo suas necessidades e a construção de novas estratégias de prevenção e tratamento para IST, dialogadas com as TrMT, e garantia de autonomia, ética e sigilo na produção do cuidado.

Abstract The article aimed to analyze knowledge, perceptions, care practices and Therapeutic Itineraries (TI) for the diagnosis and treatment of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD), with emphasis on syphilis, among travesti and transgender women (TGW) in Salvador, Brazil. 05 focus groups and 06 semi-structured interviews with travesti/TGW were carried out with a total of 30 participants. The findings point to a wide lack of knowledge and contradictory perceptions about STD, especially syphilis; identification of two important trajectories of care for STD and the emphasis on TI marked by stigma and discrimination in health services. The expansion of health actions for this population is suggested, recognizing their needs and the construction of new prevention and treatment strategies for STD, in dialogue with the travesti/TGW, and guaranteeing autonomy, ethics and confidentiality in the production of care.

Resumen El artículo tuvo como objetivo analizar conocimientos, percepciones, prácticas de atención y Rutas Terapêuticas (RT) para el diagnóstico y tratamiento de las Enfermedades de Transmisión Sexual (ETS), con énfasis en la sífilis, entre las travestidas y mujeres trans (TrMT) en Salvador, Brasil. Se realizaron 05 grupos focales y 06 entrevistas semiestructuradas con 30 TrMT. Los hallazgos apuntan a una amplia falta de conocimiento y percepciones contradictorias sobre las ETS, especialmente la sífilis; identificación de dos importantes trayectorias de atención a las ETS y el énfasis en las RT marcadas por el estigma y la discriminación en los servicios de salud. Se sugiere ampliar las acciones de salud para esta población, reconociendo sus necesidades y la construcción de nuevas estrategias de prevención y tratamiento de las ETS, en diálogo con el TrMT, y garantizando la autonomía, ética y confidencialidad en la producción de cuidados.

Challenges and proposals for scaling up COVID-19 testing and diagnosis in Brazil. / Desafios e propostas para ampliação da testagem e diagnóstico para COVID-19 no Brasil.

The Brazilian context of social inequalities and barriers in accessing health services may deteriorate the situation of the COVID-19 pandemic, which already affects all Brazilian federative states, with the growing curve of increasing confirmed cases and deaths. National governments and scientific field agents have been looking for evidence for the best practices of prevention and control of transmission, and care of infection and disease, including diagnosis, treatment, and health care measures. The large-scale testing strategy, aimed at early diagnosis, quarantine of the mild cases identified, as well as those of the contacts, and adequate care of severe cases, has been revised and indicated as one of the efficient pandemic control measures in several countries in the world. This paper aims to discuss the challenges of COVID-19 testing and diagnosis in Brazil.

Desafios e propostas para ampliação da testagem e diagnóstico para COVID-19 no Brasil / Challenges and proposals for scaling up COVID-19 testing and diagnosis in Brazil

Resumo O contexto brasileiro de desigualdades sociais e barreiras no acesso aos serviços de saúde pode agravar a situação da pandemia de COVID-19, que já afeta todos os estados da federação, com a curva crescente de aumento de casos confirmados e mortes. O governo dos países e os agentes do campo científico têm buscado evidências para as melhores práticas de prevenção e controle da transmissão, e cuidado da infecção e doença, incluindo medidas de diagnóstico, tratamento e de atenção à saúde. A estratégia de testagem em larga escala, visando o diagnóstico precoce, quarentena dos casos leves identificados, bem como dos contactantes, e cuidado adequado dos casos graves, tem sido revisada e indicada como uma das medidas eficientes para o controle da pandemia em vários países do mundo. O artigo tem como objetivo discutir os desafios da testagem e do diagnóstico de COVID-19 no Brasil.

Abstract The Brazilian context of social inequalities and barriers in accessing health services may deteriorate the situation of the COVID-19 pandemic, which already affects all Brazilian federative states, with the growing curve of increasing confirmed cases and deaths. National governments and scientific field agents have been looking for evidence for the best practices of prevention and control of transmission, and care of infection and disease, including diagnosis, treatment, and health care measures. The large-scale testing strategy, aimed at early diagnosis, quarantine of the mild cases identified, as well as those of the contacts, and adequate care of severe cases, has been revised and indicated as one of the efficient pandemic control measures in several countries in the world. This paper aims to discuss the challenges of COVID-19 testing and diagnosis in Brazil.

Cigarette smoke combined with staining beverages decreases luminosity and increases pigmentation in composite resin restorations.

This study evaluated the effect of cigarette smoke combined or not with colored beverages on the color change of a composite resin before and after repolishing procedures. Composite specimens were allocated into six groups (N = 10): 1) control (no colorant); 2) cigarette smoke; 3) coffee; 4) coffee and cigarette smoke; 5) red wine; and 6) red wine and cigarette smoke. During 21 days, groups 2, 4, and 6 were exposed daily to the smoke from 20 cigarettes, and groups 3, 4, 5, and 6 were immersed in coffee or red wine for 4 minutes each day. Color measurements were performed with a spectrophotometer at baseline, after 21 days, and after repolishing procedures. Statistical analysis indicated the exposure to cigarette smoke and staining beverages resulted in decreased luminosity (P = .0001) and increased red pigmentation in most experimental groups (P < .05). In groups 3, 4, and 6, an increased yellowish coloration (P = .001) was observed. Irrespective of the experimental group, total color changes were clinically significant (AE > 7.5). Repolishing resulted in greater luminosity, as well as decreased yellow pigmentation (P < .05). It could be concluded that combined staining agents such as cigarette smoke and red wine irreversibly change resin color regardless of the use of repolishing procedures.

Morphologic texture characterization allied to cigarette smoke increase pigmentation in composite resin restorations.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM: The staining effect of tobacco smoke on resin color is clinically observed. However, there is no evidence determining whether this staining is increased on texturized surfaces or if the color change is superficial and can be removed by repolishing procedures. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of tobacco smoke on the color of a composite with smooth or texturized surfaces, before and after repolishing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty composite specimens were allocated into four groups (N = 10): Smooth surface not exposed (G1) and exposed to tobacco smoke (G2), texturized surface not exposed (G3), and exposed to tobacco smoke (G4). During 21 days, G2 and G4 were daily exposed to the smoke from 20 cigarettes. Color measurements were carried out at baseline, after 21 days, and after repolishing. Variables L* (luminosity), b* (blue-yellow), and DeltaE (total color change) were statistically analyzed (repeated measures analysis of variance/Tukey). RESULTS: Texturized and smooth specimens presented similar luminosity at baseline. Tobacco smoke significantly reduced L* in G2 and G4, and increased b* in G4. After repolishing, L* increased and b* reduced in stained groups, but values continued to be different from baseline ones. Repolishing significantly reduced DeltaE, but values from stained groups were still greater than that from unstained groups. CONCLUSION: Tobacco smoke changes the color of composite, and surface texture can increase the staining. Repolishing reduces superficial staining, but this procedure may not return the composite to baseline color. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Smokers that will receive anterior composite restorations should be warned about the negative cosmetic effect of the smoking habit on the color of restorations.