Taking consciousness for real: Increasing the ecological validity of the study of conscious vs. unconscious processes.

The study of consciousness has developed well-controlled, rigorous methods for manipulating and measuring consciousness. Yet, in the process, experimental paradigms grew farther away from everyday conscious and unconscious processes, which raises the concern of ecological validity. In this review, we suggest that the field can benefit from adopting a more ecological approach, akin to other fields of cognitive science. There, this approach challenged some existing hypotheses, yielded stronger effects, and enabled new research questions. We argue that such a move is critical for studying consciousness, where experimental paradigms tend to be artificial and small effect sizes are relatively prevalent. We identify three paths for doing so-changing the stimuli and experimental settings, changing the measures, and changing the research questions themselves-and review works that have already started implementing such approaches. While acknowledging the inherent challenges, we call for increasing ecological validity in consciousness studies.

Dietary type (carnivore, herbivore and omnivore) and animal species modulate the nutritional metabolome of terrestrial species.

Ecometabolomics could be implemented as a powerful tool in molecular ecology studies, but it is necessary to know the baseline of certain metabolites and understand how different traits could affect the metabolome of the animals. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to provide values for the nutritional metabolome profile of different diet groups and animal species, as well as to study the differences in the metabolomic profile due to the effect of diet type and species. To achieve this goal, blood samples were taken from healthy animals (n = 43) of different species: lion (Panthera leo), jaguar (Panthera onca), chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes), bison (Bison bison), gazelle (Gazella cuvieri) and fallow deer (Dama dama), and with different types of diet (carnivore, herbivore and omnivore). Each blood sample was analysed to determine nutritional metabolites. The main results this study provides are the nutritional metabolic profile of these animals based on the type of diet and the animal species. A significant effect of the dietary type was found on nutritional metabolite levels, with those metabolites related to protein metabolism (total protein and creatine) being higher in carnivores. There is also an effect of the species on nutritional metabolites, observing a metabolome differentiation between lion and jaguar. In the case of herbivores, bison showed higher levels of uric acid and cholesterol, and lower urea levels than gazelle and fallow deer. More molecular ecology studies are needed to further the knowledge of the metabolism of these animals.

Unsuccessful tuberculosis treatment outcomes across Brazil's geographical landscape before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: are we truly advancing toward the sustainable development/end TB goal?

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis is one of the most significant infectious diseases for global public health. The reallocation of healthcare resources and the restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic have hindered access to TB diagnosis and treatment. Increases in unfavorable outcomes of the disease have been observed in Brazil. The objective of this study was to analyze the spatial distribution of unfavorable TB treatment outcomes in Brazil before and during the pandemic. METHODS: An ecological study with spatial analysis was conducted with all 5569 municipalities in Brazil. All reported cases of tuberculosis between January 2010 and December 2021, as well as reported cases of COVID-19 from February 2020 to December 2021, were included. The outcomes studied encompass loss to follow-up, drug-resistant tuberculosis, and death. The Getis Ord GI* technique was employed to assess spatial association, and the Kernel density estimator was used to identify areas with concentrated increases or decreases in outcomes. Bivariate Local Moran's I was used to examine the spatial association between outcomes and COVID-19 incidence. The study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of Ribeirão Preto Nursing School, University of São Paulo. RESULTS: There were 134,394 cases of loss to follow-up, 10,270 cases of drug resistance, and 37,863 deaths. Clusters of high and low values were identified for all three outcomes, indicating significant changes in the spatial distribution patterns. Increases in concentrations were observed for lost to follow-up cases in the Southeast, while reductions occurred in the Northeast, South, and Midwest. Drug-resistant tuberculosis experienced an increase in the Southern and Southeastern regions and a decrease in the Northeast and South. TB-related deaths showed notable concentrations in the Midwest, Northeast, South, and Southeast. There was an increase in high occurrence clusters for deaths after 2020 and 2021 in the Northeast. CONCLUSIONS: The pandemic has brought additional challenges, emphasizing the importance of enhancing efforts and disease control strategies, prioritizing early identification, treatment adherence, and follow-up. This commitment is vital for achieving the goal of tuberculosis elimination.

[Stratification of risk areas for measles transmission: a systematic reviewEstratificación de las zonas de riesgo de transmisión del sarampión: revisión sistemática]. / Estratificação de áreas de risco de transmissão de sarampo: uma revisão sistemática.

Objective: To perform a systematic review of scientific publications addressing the use of stratification methods to define risk areas for measles transmission. Method: Articles published in English, Portuguese, and Spanish in journals indexed in the SciELO, PubMed, and LILACS databases were selected. The search terms risk assessment AND measles were used without date limits. Editorials, opinion articles, individual-level observational studies, and publications that did not focus on the application of methods to stratify measles transmission risk areas were excluded. Year of publication, authorship, country where the study was performed, objective, geographic level of analysis, method used, indicators, and limitations were recorded in a data form. Results: Thirteen articles published between 2011 and 2022 in nine countries from the six World Health Organization (WHO) regions were selected. Of these, 10 referred to the Measles Risk Assessment Tool developed by the WHO/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Only one study adapted the tool to the local context. The risk stratification indicators used in the selected studies focused on a combination of the following dimensions: population immunity, quality of surveillance systems, and epidemiologic status. The systematic output of data with adequate quality and coverage was a noteworthy aspect hindering risk stratification. Conclusion: There seems to be limited dissemination of measles risk stratification strategies, especially at local levels. The need to train human resources to process and interpret risk analyses as part of the routine of surveillance services is emphasized.

Objetivo: Realizar una revisión sistemática de las publicaciones científicas en las que se han abordado experiencias de aplicación de métodos de estratificación para definir las zonas de riesgo de transmisión del sarampión. Métodos: Se seleccionaron artículos publicados en español, inglés o portugués en revistas indizadas en las bases de datos SciELO, PubMed y LILACS. En la búsqueda se utilizaron los descriptores "risk assessment" y "measles", sin limitaciones en la fecha de publicación. Se excluyeron editoriales, artículos de opinión, estudios de observación de pacientes individuales y publicaciones que no tratasen de la aplicación de métodos de estratificación de zonas de riesgo de transmisión del sarampión. Se empleó un formulario para extraer la información sobre año de publicación, autoría, país de realización del estudio, objetivo, escala geográfica, método utilizado, indicadores y limitaciones. Resultados: Se seleccionaron 13 artículos publicados entre el 2011 y el 2022 en nueve países de las seis regiones de la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS). En 10 de ellos se utilizó como referencia la herramienta de evaluación del riesgo de sarampión creada por la OMS y los Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades de Estados Unidos. Solamente en un estudio se adaptó la herramienta al contexto local. Los indicadores utilizados para la estratificación del riesgo se basaron en una combinación de las dimensiones de inmunidad poblacional, calidad de los sistemas de vigilancia y situación epidemiológica. Entre las dificultades de la estratificación del riesgo se destaca la de generación sistemática de datos con una cobertura y calidad adecuadas. Conclusión: Las estrategias de estratificación del riesgo de transmisión del sarampión siguen sin estar, al parecer, muy extendidas, en especial a nivel local. Cabe reiterar la necesidad de fomentar la capacitación de recursos humanos para procesar e interpretar los análisis de riesgo en las operaciones habituales de los servicios de vigilancia.

Spatial association of homicide rate with violence, sociodemographic, and public security factors: global burden of disease study 2018 for municipalities in Brazil.

OBJECTIVES: To analyse spatial-temporal changes and spatial association of homicide rates with violence, sociodemographic, public security and human rights indicators in Brazilian municipalities. STUDY DESIGN: An ecological study using homicide estimates from the Global Burden of Disease and population from the Brazilian Ministry of Health, 2000 to 2018. The explanatory variables come from the systems of mortality, notifications of violence and security, and the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics. METHODS: Moran indices and maps identified clusters of high and low risk for homicides in three trienniums (p < 0.05). Multivariate linear and spatial regressions estimated explanatory factors' contributions for the last triennium. RESULTS: Municipalities with high rates of homicides (>34/100,000) doubled, reaching 21.5 %. Those rates were concentrated in big cities, and increased in smaller municipalities. Increases in critical areas were found in the Northeast and North regions: more than 40 % in the states of Sergipe, Bahia, Ceará, Rio Grande do Norte and Roraima. Decreases occurred in the Southeast and Midwest regions: more than 35 % in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro states. The spatial model, with an 18.9 % higher R2 (0.706), showed a positive association for records of violence, Blacks, low-level education, municipalities >50,000 inhabitants and municipalities with homicide and municipal police. CONCLUSIONS: An increase in and the interiorisation of homicide risk areas in Brazil was observed, with displacement among regions (from the Southeast to the North/Northeast). The level of violence was the main explanatory factor for homicides. Territorial space proved to be important to understand and prevent lethal crime.

Estratificação de áreas de risco de transmissão de sarampo: uma revisão sistemática / Stratification of risk areas for measles transmission: a systematic review / Estratificación de las zonas de riesgo de transmisión del sarampión: revisión sistemática

RESUMO Objetivo. Realizar uma revisão sistemática de publicações científicas que abordaram experiências de aplicação de métodos de estratificação para definir áreas de risco de transmissão de sarampo. Métodos. Foram selecionados artigos publicados nos idiomas inglês, português e espanhol em periódicos indexados nas bases SciELO, PubMed e LILACS. A busca utilizou os descritores risk assessment AND measles, sem delimitação de período. Foram excluídos editoriais, artigos de opinião, estudos observacionais de nível individual e publicações que não tratavam da aplicação de métodos de estratificação de áreas de risco de transmissão de sarampo. As informações de ano de publicação, autoria, país de realização do estudo, objetivo, escala geográfica, método utilizado, indicadores e limitações foram extraídas por meio de formulário. Resultados. Foram selecionados 13 artigos publicados entre 2011 e 2022 em nove países das seis regiões da Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS). Desses, 10 tiveram como referência a ferramenta Measles Risk Assessment Tool desenvolvida pela OMS/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Apenas um estudo adaptou a ferramenta ao contexto local. Os indicadores utilizados para a estratificação de risco enfocaram uma combinação das dimensões imunidade populacional, qualidade dos sistemas de vigilância e situação epidemiológica. Como dificuldades para a estratificação de risco, destaca-se a produção sistemática de dados com cobertura e qualidade adequadas. Conclusão. As estratégias de estratificação do risco de transmissão de sarampo parecem ser ainda pouco difundidas, especialmente na escala local. Reitera-se a necessidade de estímulo à capacitação de recursos humanos para processamento e interpretação das análises de risco nas rotinas dos serviços de vigilância.

ABSTRACT Objective. To perform a systematic review of scientific publications addressing the use of stratification methods to define risk areas for measles transmission. Method. Articles published in English, Portuguese, and Spanish in journals indexed in the SciELO, PubMed, and LILACS databases were selected. The search terms risk assessment AND measles were used without date limits. Editorials, opinion articles, individual-level observational studies, and publications that did not focus on the application of methods to stratify measles transmission risk areas were excluded. Year of publication, authorship, country where the study was performed, objective, geographic level of analysis, method used, indicators, and limitations were recorded in a data form. Results. Thirteen articles published between 2011 and 2022 in nine countries from the six World Health Organization (WHO) regions were selected. Of these, 10 referred to the Measles Risk Assessment Tool developed by the WHO/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Only one study adapted the tool to the local context. The risk stratification indicators used in the selected studies focused on a combination of the following dimensions: population immunity, quality of surveillance systems, and epidemiologic status. The systematic output of data with adequate quality and coverage was a noteworthy aspect hindering risk stratification. Conclusion. There seems to be limited dissemination of measles risk stratification strategies, especially at local levels. The need to train human resources to process and interpret risk analyses as part of the routine of surveillance services is emphasized.

RESUMEN Objetivo. Realizar una revisión sistemática de las publicaciones científicas en las que se han abordado experiencias de aplicación de métodos de estratificación para definir las zonas de riesgo de transmisión del sarampión. Métodos. Se seleccionaron artículos publicados en español, inglés o portugués en revistas indizadas en las bases de datos SciELO, PubMed y LILACS. En la búsqueda se utilizaron los descriptores "risk assessment" y "measles", sin limitaciones en la fecha de publicación. Se excluyeron editoriales, artículos de opinión, estudios de observación de pacientes individuales y publicaciones que no tratasen de la aplicación de métodos de estratificación de zonas de riesgo de transmisión del sarampión. Se empleó un formulario para extraer la información sobre año de publicación, autoría, país de realización del estudio, objetivo, escala geográfica, método utilizado, indicadores y limitaciones. Resultados. Se seleccionaron 13 artículos publicados entre el 2011 y el 2022 en nueve países de las seis regiones de la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS). En 10 de ellos se utilizó como referencia la herramienta de evaluación del riesgo de sarampión creada por la OMS y los Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades de Estados Unidos. Solamente en un estudio se adaptó la herramienta al contexto local. Los indicadores utilizados para la estratificación del riesgo se basaron en una combinación de las dimensiones de inmunidad poblacional, calidad de los sistemas de vigilancia y situación epidemiológica. Entre las dificultades de la estratificación del riesgo se destaca la de generación sistemática de datos con una cobertura y calidad adecuadas. Conclusión. Las estrategias de estratificación del riesgo de transmisión del sarampión siguen sin estar, al parecer, muy extendidas, en especial a nivel local. Cabe reiterar la necesidad de fomentar la capacitación de recursos humanos para procesar e interpretar los análisis de riesgo en las operaciones habituales de los servicios de vigilancia.

Dinâmica espaço-temporal e fatores associados à mortalidade neonatal / Space-temporal dynamics and factors associated with newborn mortality / Dinámica Espacio-temporal y factores asociados a la mortalidad del recién nacido

Objetivo:analisar a distribuição espacial e temporal da mortalidade neonatal e fatores associados no Piauí de 2007 a 2017. Método: foi utilizado o método Joinpoint, estatística bayesiana e a técnica de varredura Scan. A análise multivariada dos indicadores foi realizada através do modelo Ordinary Least Squares Estimation, considerando-se p<0,05. Resultados: a mortalidade neonatal reduziu de forma linear e significativa ao longo do período estudado. As maiores taxas bayesianas variaram de 16,34 a 18,38 óbitos por 1.000 nascidos vivos, especialmente no Sudeste piauiense. Houve associação negativa entre a mortalidade neonatal e as variáveis: Taxa de analfabetismo (ß = -0,60; p= 0,027), Cobertura da Estratégia Saúde da Família (ß = -2,80; p= 0,023) e Índice de Desenvolvimento Humano Municipal (ß = -0,60; p= 0,003). Conclusão: a mortalidade neonatal segue decrescente e sua distribuição no território mostrou-se irregular. Indicadores socioeconômicos e de saúde influenciam a mortalidade neonatal no Piauí

Objective: to analyze the spatial and temporal distribution of neonatal mortality and associated factors in Piauí from 2007 to 2017. Method: the Joinpoint method, Bayesian statistics and the Scan technique were used. The multivariate analysis of the indicators was performed using the Ordinary Least Squares Estimation model, considering p<0.05. Results: neonatal mortality decreased linearly and significantly over the period studied. The highest Bayesian rates ranged from 16.34 to 18.38 deaths per 1,000 live births, especially in Southeast Piauí. There was a negative association between neonatal mortality and the variables: Illiteracy rate (ß = -0.60; p= 0.027), Family Health Strategy Coverage (ß = -2.80; p= 0.023) and Human Development Index Municipal (ß = -0.60; p= 0.003). Conclusion: neonatal mortality continues to decrease and its distribution in the territory proved to be irregular. Socioeconomic and health indicators influence neonatal mortality in Piauí

Objetivos: analizar la distribución espacial y temporal de la mortalidad neonatal y factores asociados en Piauí de 2007 a 2017. Método: se utilizó el método Joinpoint, la estadística bayesiana y la técnica Scan. El análisis multivariado de los indicadores se realizó mediante el modelo de Estimación por Mínimos Cuadrados Ordinarios, considerando p<0,05. Resultados: la mortalidad neonatal disminuyó lineal y significativamente durante el período estudiado. Las tasas bayesianas más altas oscilaron entre 16,34 y 18,38 muertes por 1.000 nacidos vivos, especialmente en el Sudeste de Piauí. Hubo asociación negativa entre la mortalidad neonatal y las variables: Tasa de Analfabetismo (ß = -0,60; p= 0,027), Cobertura de la Estrategia de Salud de la Familia (ß = -2,80; p= 0,023) e Índice de Desarrollo Humano Municipal (ß = -0,60; p= 0,003). Conclusión: la mortalidad neonatal continúa en descenso y su distribución en el territorio resultó ser irregular. Indicadores socioeconómicos y de salud influyen en la mortalidad neonatal en Piauí

Relación entre indicadores de desarrollo social y mortalidad por Diabetes Mellitus en Brasil: análisis espacial y temporal / Relationship between social development indicators and mortality due to Diabetes Mellitus in Brazil: a space-time analysis / Relação indicadores de desenvolvimento social e mortalidade por diabetes mellitus no Brasil: análise espacial e temporal

Objetivo: identificar el patrón espacial y temporal de la mortalidad por Diabetes Mellitus en Brasil y su relación con los indicadores de desarrollo social. Método: estudio ecológico y de series temporales, a nivel nacional, con base en datos secundarios del Departamento de Informática del Sistema Único de Salud, con análisis espacial y temporal e inserción de indicadores en modelos de regresión no espacial y espacial. Se realizaron: cálculo de la tasa de mortalidad general; caracterización del perfil sociodemográfico y regional de las muertes mediante análisis descriptivo y temporal; y elaboración de mapas temáticos. Resultados: en Brasil se registraron 601.521 muertes relacionadas con la Diabetes Mellitus, lo que representa una mortalidad media de 29,5/100.000 habitantes. Los estados de Rio Grande do Norte, Paraíba, Pernambuco, Alagoas y Sergipe, Río de Janeiro, Paraná y Rio Grande do Sul presentaron conglomerados alto-alto. Mediante el uso de modelos de regresión, se comprobó que el índice de Gini (β=11,7) y la cobertura de la Estrategia Salud de la Familia (β=3,9) fueron los indicadores que más influyeron en la mortalidad por Diabetes Mellitus en Brasil. Conclusión: la mortalidad por diabetes en Brasil tiene una tendencia general alcista, está fuertemente asociada a los lugares con peores indicadores sociales.

Objective: to identify the space-time pattern of mortality due to Diabetes Mellitus in Brazil, as well as its relationship with social development indicators. Method: an ecological and time series nationwide study based on secondary data from the Unified Health System Informatics Department, with space-time analysis and inclusion of indicators in non-spatial and spatial regression models. The following was performed: overall mortality rate calculation; characterization of the sociodemographic and regional profiles of the death cases by means of descriptive and time analysis; and elaboration of thematic maps. Results: a total of 601,521 deaths related to Diabetes Mellitus were recorded in Brazil, representing a mean mortality rate of 29.5/100,000 inhabitants. The states of Rio Grande do Norte, Paraíba, Pernambuco, Alagoas and Sergipe, Rio de Janeiro, Paraná and Rio Grande do Sul presented high-high clusters. By using regression models, it was verified that the Gini index (β=11.7) and the Family Health Strategy coverage (β=3.9) were the indicators that most influenced mortality due to Diabetes Mellitus in Brazil. Conclusion: in Brazil, mortality due to Diabetes presents an overall increasing trend, revealing itself as strongly associated with places that have worse social indicators.

Objetivo: identificar o padrão espacial e temporal da mortalidade por diabetes mellitus, no Brasil, e sua relação com indicadores de desenvolvimento social. Método: estudo ecológico e de séries temporais, de abrangência nacional, com base em dados secundários do Departamento de Informática do Sistema Único de Saúde, com análise espacial e temporal e inserção de indicadores em modelos de regressão não espacial e espacial. Realizaram-se: cálculo da taxa de mortalidade geral; caracterização do perfil sociodemográfico e regional dos óbitos mediante análise descritiva e temporal; e construção de mapas temáticos. Resultados: foram registrados 601.521 óbitos relacionados ao diabetes mellitus no Brasil, representando mortalidade média de 29,5/100.000 habitantes. Os estados do Rio Grande do Norte, Paraíba, Pernambuco, Alagoas e Sergipe, Rio de Janeiro, Paraná e Rio Grande do Sul apresentaram aglomerados alto-alto. Por meio do uso de modelos de regressão, verificou-se que o índice Gini (β=11,7) e a cobertura da Estratégia de Saúde da Família (β=3,9) foram os indicadores que mais influenciaram a mortalidade por diabetes mellitus no Brasil. Conclusão: a mortalidade por diabetes, no Brasil, exibe tendência geral ascendente, revelando-se fortemente associada a locais com piores indicadores sociais.

Considerations for Subgroup Analyses in Cluster-Randomized Trials Based on Aggregated Individual-Level Predictors.

In research assessing the effect of an intervention or exposure, a key secondary objective often involves assessing differential effects of this intervention or exposure in subgroups of interest; this is often referred to as assessing effect modification or heterogeneity of treatment effects (HTE). Observed HTE can have important implications for policy, including intervention strategies (e.g., will some patients benefit more from intervention than others?) and prioritizing resources (e.g., to reduce observed health disparities). Analysis of HTE is well understood in studies where the independent unit is an individual. In contrast, in studies where the independent unit is a cluster (e.g., a hospital or school) and a cluster-level outcome is used in the analysis, it is less well understood how to proceed if the HTE analysis of interest involves an individual-level characteristic (e.g., self-reported race) that must be aggregated at the cluster level. Through simulations, we show that only individual-level models have power to detect HTE by individual-level variables; if outcomes must be defined at the cluster level, then there is often low power to detect HTE by the corresponding aggregated variables. We illustrate the challenges inherent to this type of analysis in a study assessing the effect of an intervention on increasing COVID-19 booster vaccination rates at long-term care centers.

Temporal trend in the incidence of human visceral leishmaniasis in Brazil / Tendência temporal da incidência de leishmaniose visceral humana no Brasil

Abstract It is an ecological study that analyzed the time trend of visceral leishmaniasis incidence rates in Brazil using segmented time regression by joinpoints. There was a decreasing incidence rate of this disease in the country with an average annual percent change (AAPC) of -5 (CI95%: -9.1; -0.6) and a reduction of 1.69 cases/100 thousand inhabitants in 2007, and 0.91/100 thousand inhabitants in 2020. The Central-West region showed the highest reduction percent (AAPC: -9.1; CI95%: -13.8; -4.3), followed by the Southeast region (AAPC: -8.7; -14.6; -2.5). The North and South regions showed the largest number of joinpoints in the time series. The highest incidences were recorded in the male population, however, stable (AAPC: 2.14; CI95%: -8.3; 0). In the age group analysis, the trend was decreasing for the groups from 0 to 4 years old (AAPC: -7.7; CI95%: -12.6; -2.4), 5 to 9 years old (AAPC: -7.3; CI95%: -13.6; -0,4) and 10 to 14 years old (AAPC: -5.5; CI95%: -10.3; -0.3). It was found that although Visceral Leishmaniasis is an endemic disease in Brazil, there was a decrease in its incidence rate from 2007 to 2020.

Resumo Trata-se de um estudo ecológico que analisou a tendência temporal das taxas de incidência de leishmaniose visceral no Brasil mediante regressão temporal segmentada por pontos de inflexão. Observou-se tendência de decréscimo na taxa de incidência dessa patologia no país, com variação variação percentual média anual (average annual percent change - AAPC) de -5 (IC95%: -9,1; -0,6) e redução de 1,69 casos/100 mil habitantes em 2007, para 0,91/100 mil habitantes em 2020. A região Centro-Oeste apresentou a maior redução do AAPC (AAPC: -9,1; IC95%: -13,8; -4,3), seguida da região Sudeste (AAPC: -8,7; -14,6; -2,5). As regiões Norte e Sul apresentaram o maior número de pontos de inflexão (joinpoint) na série temporal. As maiores incidências foram registradas na população masculina, porém com tendência estacionária (AAPC: 2,14; IC95%: -8,3; 0). Na análise por faixa etária, a tendência foi decrescente nos grupos de 0 a 4 anos (AAPC: -7,7; IC95%: -12,6; -2,4), 5 a 9 anos (AAPC: -7,3; IC95%: -13,6; -0,4) e de 10 a 14 anos (AAPC: -5,5; IC95%: -10,3; -0,3). Verificou-se que, apesar de a leishmaniose visceral se tratar de uma doença endêmica no Brasil, houve declínio na sua taxa de incidência no período de 2007 a 2020.

[Schistosomiasis, soil-transmitted helminthiases and sanitation in Latin America and the Caribbean: a systematic reviewRelación entre la prevalencia de esquistosomiasis y geohelmintiasis y las condiciones sanitarias en América Latina y el Caribe: una revisión sistemática]. / Esquistossomose, geo-helmintíases e condições sanitárias na América Latina e Caribe: uma revisão sistemática.

Objective: To investigate the relationship between the prevalence of schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis with variables related to access to water, sanitation and solid waste in Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) countries. Method: A systematic review was performed in the LILACS, PubMed, Web of Science, and SciELO databases. Studies published between 1950 and August 2021, with an ecological design and a focus on population groups (states, municipalities and/or districts), having the prevalence of infection by Schistosoma mansoni, Ancylostoma sp., Necator americanus, Ascaris lumbricoides or Trichuris trichiura as primary variable and access to water, sewage and/or solid waste as explanatory variables were included. Open access articles with full text available in English, Spanish, or Portuguese were considered. The risk of bias and the quality of the studies were assessed according to the Joanna Briggs Institute manual. Results: Of 2 714 articles, nine were eligible, published between 1994 and 2021 and covering 22 LAC countries and 14 350 municipalities. All articles had moderate methodological quality. Environmental variables indicated an association between water supply and solid waste collection with schistosomiasis; water supply with ascariasis, trichuriasis and hookworm; and sewage with ascariasis and hookworm. Except for one article, which had regional coverage for LAC, all the others were developed in Brazil. Conclusion: There is a clear need to expand research on the association between household and collective health conditions and parasitic diseases for all endemic countries in LAC to support environmental strategies to control these diseases.

Objetivo: Investigar la relación entre la prevalencia de esquistosomiasis y geohelmintiasis y las variables de acceso al agua, el saneamiento y el manejo de residuos sólidos en los países de América Latina y el Caribe. Métodos: Se realizó una revisión sistemática en las bases de datos LILACS, PubMed, Web of Science y SciELO. Todos los artículos fueron de calidad metodológica moderada. Se incluyeron estudios publicados entre 1950 y agosto del 2021, con diseño ecológico y atención en agregados demográficos (estados, municipios o distritos), que tuvieran como resultado principal la prevalencia de infección por Schistosoma mansoni, Ancylostoma spp., Necator americanus, Ascaris lumbricoides o Trichuris trichiura y como variable explicativa el acceso al agua, el saneamiento y el manejo de residuos sólidos. Se analizaron artículos de texto completo y acceso libre en español, inglés o portugués. El riesgo de sesgo y la calidad de los estudios se evaluaron según las normas del manual del Instituto Joanna Briggs. Resultados: De los 2 714 artículos, hubo 9 que cumplieron con los requisitos establecidos; estos se publicaron entre 1994 y el 2021 y abarcaron 22 países y 14 350 municipios de América Latina y el Caribe. Las variables ambientales indicaron una relación del abastecimiento de agua y la recolección de residuos sólidos con la esquistosomiasis; del abastecimiento de agua con la ascariasis, la tricuriasis y la anquilostomiasis; y del saneamiento con la ascariasis y la anquilostomiasis. Con excepción de un artículo que abarcó la Región de América Latina y el Caribe, todos los demás se realizaron en Brasil. Conclusiones: Es evidente la necesidad de ampliar las investigaciones sobre la relación entre las condiciones sanitarias domésticas y colectivas y las enfermedades parasitarias en todos los países de América Latina y el Caribe donde son endémicas, con el fin de formular estrategias centradas en el medio ambiente para controlar esas enfermedades.

Diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis in Ceará state, Brazil: A flow analysis of cases between 2007 and 2021.

OBJECTIVES: To analyse the flow of cases of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in the state of Ceará, Brazil, between 2007 and 2021. METHODS: An ecological study was conducted using a spatial approach of newly confirmed cases of VL recorded in the Notifiable Diseases Information System. We identified individuals whose municipality of diagnosis differed from that of their residence. Flow maps, constructed using Tabwin 32 and ArcMap 9.2, allowed for the identification of the volume of traffic between the municipality of residence and that of initial care. RESULTS: There were 6775 confirmed VL cases. As a flow indicator, 178 counties had at least one resident diagnosed in another municipality in Ceará, with 2491 VL cases and an average trip of 79 km. The largest hub for receiving cases for diagnosis was the capital Fortaleza (1478 patients from 129 other municipalities), followed by Sobral, located in the northwestern region of Ceará (599 from 55 municipalities), and Barbalha, in the southern region (171 from 29 municipalities). In this southern region, 25 municipalities moved 55 people for treatment to Juazeiro do Norte and 11 municipalities moved 39 patients to Crato. A total of 255 patients with VL from 11 municipalities in other Brazilian states, mainly from the Northeast and North, were observed and notified in health services in Ceará. CONCLUSIONS: The major centres of VL diagnosis outside residence were in the cities of Fortaleza, Sobral, Barbalha, Juazeiro do Norte and Crato. There was also an outflow of cases from other municipalities located in the northeastern and northern regions of Brazil. The flows were more intense during the first triennium of the analysis and milder from 2019 to 2021. Understanding the diagnostic flow of VL helps in decision making and the development of public policies to improve the lives of the population.

A distributional regression approach to modeling the impact of structural and intermediary social determinants on communities burdened by tuberculosis in Eastern Amazonia - Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease that is influenced by social determinants of health. However, the specific structural and intermediary determinants of TB in Eastern Amazonia remain unclear. Despite being rich in natural resources, the region faces significant challenges related to poverty, inequality, and neglected diseases. The objective of this study was to use mathematical modeling to evaluate the influence of structural and intermediary determinants of health on TB in Eastern Amazonia, Brazil. METHODS: This cross-sectional included all TB cases diagnosed and registered in the Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN) from 2001 to 2017. Data on social determinants were collected at the census tract level. The generalized additive model for location, scale, and shape (GAMLSS) framework was employed to identify the effect of social determinants on communities with a high TB prevalence. The Double Poisson distribution (DPO) was chosen, and inclusion of quadratic effects was tested. RESULTS: A total of 1730 individuals were diagnosed with TB and reported in SINAN during the analyzed period. The majority were female (59.3%), aged 31 to 59 years (47.6%), identified as blacks (67.9%), and had incomplete elementary education (46.6%). The prevalence of alcoholism was 8.6% and mental illness was 0.7%. GAMLSS analyses demonstrated that the risk of community incidence of TB is associated with the proportion of the population lacking basic sanitation, as well as with the age groups of 16-31 years and > 61 years. CONCLUSIONS: The study highlights the strategic utility of GAMLSS in identifying high-risk areas for TB. Models should encompass a broader range of social determinants to inform policies aimed at reducing inequality and achieving the goals of the End TB strategy.

Temporal and spatial distribution trends of polio vaccine coverage in less than one-year old children in Brazil, 2011-2021.

BACKGROUND: Low polio vaccine coverage can result in the spread of Poliovirus to areas free from viral circulation. This study analyzed the temporal trends and spatial distribution of polio vaccine coverage in one year-old children in Brazil, between 2011 and 2021. METHODS: This was an ecological, time-series study (2011 to 2021) with annual vaccine coverages against poliomyelitis, extracted from the Information System of the National Immunization Program from the 26 States and the Distrito Federal (DF). The percentage reductions in vaccination coverage in Brazil and in the Regions were calculated. Prais-Winsten regression models were used to analyze time series for the Regions and States, and spatial analysis identified the distribution of clusters (high-high; low-low; high-low and low-high) of vaccination coverages across Brazilian municipalities, using a 5% significance level. RESULTS: From 2011 to 2021, the coverage of polio vaccines decreased by 29,9%. There was a progressive increase observed in clusters resulting in low vaccination coverages (140 low-low Brazilian municipalities in 2011 vs. 403 in 2021), mostly reported in the North and Northeast regions of the country. There was a downward trend in vaccination coverages in 24 of the 26 States and DF (p ≤ 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The reduction in polio vaccine coverage, as observed in the North and Northeast regions of Brazil, may favor the spread of Poliovirus. Therefore, vaccination strategies should be prioritized for children residing in areas with sharp and recurrent declines in vaccination coverages, including travelers, migrants, and refugees.

Tendencias de mortalidad neonatal por regiones de Brasil, 2015-2019: un estudio ecológico / Tendência de mortalidade neonatal por regiões do Brasil, 2015-2019: um estudo ecológico / Neonatal mortality trends by region in Brazil, 2015-2019: an ecological study

Objetivo: Analizar la tendencia de la mortalidad neonatal en Brasil de 2015 a 2019 y sus causas prevenibles. Métodos: Estudio ecológico de series temporales con datos extraídos del Sistema de Información sobre Mortalidad y del Sistema de Información sobre Nacidos Vivos. Se calcularon las tasas de mortalidad neonatal general y por causas evitables. El análisis de tendencias se realizó mediante regresión de Prais-Winsten. Resultados: La tasa global de mortalidad neonatal se redujo de 8,78 en 2015 a 8,60 en 2019. Se observaron disparidades en las tasas de mortalidad neonatal entre regiones, con tasas más elevadas en las regiones septentrional (10,3/1.000) y nororiental (9,9/1.000). Predominaron las causas prevenibles mediante una atención adecuada al embarazo, el parto y los cuidados del recién nacido, que en conjunto sumaron el 97,8% de las muertes neonatales del periodo. Se observó una tendencia a la disminución de las causas prevenibles gracias a los cuidados adecuados del recién nacido (p < 0,001). Conclusión: Hubo una disminución en la tasa de mortalidad neonatal en Brasil de 2015 a 2019. (AU)

Aim: To analyze the trend of neonatal mortality in Brazil from 2015 to 2019 and its preventable causes. Methods: Ecological time-series study with data extracted from the Mortality Information System and Live Births Information System. Neonatal mortality rates were calculated overall and according to preventable causes. Trend analysis was performed by Prais-Winsten regression. Results: The overall neonatal mortality rate reduced from 8.78 in 2015 to 8.60 in 2019. Disparities in neonatal mortality rates were observed among regions, with higher rates in the northern (10.3/1,000) and northeastern (9.9/1,000) regions. The causes preventable by adequate care for pregnancy, delivery and neonatal care prevailed, together totaling 97.8% of neonatal deaths in the period. There was a decreasing trend in preventable causes due to adequate care of the newborn (p < 0.001). Conclusion: There was a decrease in the neonatal mortality rate in Brazil from 2015 to 2019. (AU)

Objetivo: Analisar a tendência de mortalidade neonatal no Brasil de 2015 a 2019 e suas causas evitáveis. Métodos: Estudo ecológico de série temporal com dados extraídos do Sistema de Informação sobre Mortalidade e Sistema de Informações sobre Nascidos Vivos. Foram calculadas as taxas de mortalidade neonatais geral e segundo causas evitáveis. A análise da tendência foi feita pela regressão de Prais-Winsten. Resultados: A taxa de mortalidade neonatal geral reduziu de 8,78 em 2015 para 8,60 em 2019. Foram observadas disparidades nas taxas de mortalidade neonatais entre as regiões, com maiores taxas nas regiões norte (10,3/1.000) e nordeste (9,9/1.000). As causas evitáveis por adequada atenção da gestação, parto e cuidado ao neonato prevaleceram, totalizando juntas 97,8% dos óbitos neonatais no período. Houve tendência decrescente nas causas evitáveis por adequada atenção ao recém-nascido (p < 0,001). Conclusão: Houve decréscimo na taxa de mortalidade neonatal no Brasil, de 2015 a 2019. (AU)

Mortality by road transport injury in Brazilian municipalities between 2000 and 2018.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate patterns of mortality by road transport injury (RTI) in Brazilian municipalities, focused on deaths of motorcyclists, between 2000 and 2018, and their relation with population size and economic status. STUDY DESIGN: This was an ecological epidemiological study with a descriptive and analytical nature. METHODS: The age-standardized RTI mortality rates were calculated for the Brazilian municipalities, referring to the 3-year periods of 2000/2002 (T1), 2009/2011 (T2), and 2016/2018 (T3). The rates were stratified according to macroregion and population size and were compared in terms of percentage variation from one 3-year period to another. The Moran Global and Local indices were used in the spatial point-pattern analysis of the rates. To verify the association with the gross domestic product (GDP) per capita, the Spearman correlation coefficient was applied. RESULTS: A decline in RTI mortality rates was found between 2000 and 2018, with the most significant declines observed in municipalities from the South and Southeast regions of Brazil. However, increases were observed among motorcyclists. Clusters of municipalities were detected, which presented high mortality rates among the motorcyclists in the Northeast region and in some states of the North and Midwest regions. The mortality rates showed a negative correlation with the GDP per capita of the Brazilian municipalities. CONCLUSIONS: Although there were decreases in RTI mortality rates between 1990 and 2018, there was a significant increase in deaths among motorcyclists, especially in the Northeast, North, and Midwest regions of the country. Such differences can be explained by unequal growth in the size of the motorcycle fleet in those regions, by less law enforcement capability, and by the implementation of educational actions.

An ecological association of number of civil servants and physicians with prefectural-level rapid COVID-19 vaccination of older people in Japan.

BACKGROUND: Civil servants and physicians play an important role in combating COVID-19. However, it is unclear whether the number of civil servants and physicians is associated with rapid COVID-19 vaccine uptake among older people (i.e., smoother rollout of priority vaccination for older people). METHODS: Using Poisson regression models of the generalized estimating equations, we examined the ecological association of the number of civil servants and physicians with prefectural-level rapid COVID-19 vaccination in older people. Prefectural-level data were based on publicly available government surveys. The outcome variable was the proportion of fully vaccinated people aged 65 and older on the day with the largest standard deviation across 47 prefectures (i.e., July 6, 2021). The explanatory variable was the number of civil servants and physicians per population by prefecture. RESULTS: After adjusting for population density, influenza vaccination coverage, socioeconomic factors, natural environmental factors, health indicators, and the number of civil servants and physicians, in all 3 models, prefectures with the highest number of civil servants and physicians had faster COVID-19 vaccine uptake than prefectures with the lowest number. A significant trend between higher staffing levels and more rapid vaccination was observed for the number of physicians in all 3 models, but for the number of civil servants only in one model. CONCLUSION: We found that COVID-19 vaccine uptake among older people was more rapid in prefectures with more civil servants and physicians per population, with the number of physicians having a stronger association. This study may point the way to future areas of research on vaccine policies that include other age groups and infectious diseases.

Vacinação contra poliomielite no Brasil de 2011 a 2021: sucessos, reveses e desafios futuros / Vaccination against poliomyelitis in Brazil from 2011 to 2021: successes, setbacks, and challenges ahead

Resumo A queda de coberturas vacinais (CV) na infância, entre elas a da poliomielite, vem se tornando uma preocupação sanitária. O objetivo foi analisar a tendência temporal das coberturas das três doses da vacina contra a poliomielite nos primeiros 12 meses de vida entre 2011 e 2021, com destaque na pandemia de COVID-19, além de mapear as CV no Brasil. Foi realizado um estudo ecológico com técnicas de série temporal interrompida (STI) e análise espacial, a partir dos dados do Sistema de Informação do Programa Nacional de Imunização. A tendência da CV foi ajustada pelo estimador de variância de Newey-West, segundo as unidades federadas e o Índice de Privação Brasileiro. A distribuição da CV foi estimada por modelos bayesianos e os aglomerados espaciais pelos índices de Moran global e local, identificando áreas de menor cobertura nas Regiões de Saúde. Observa-se perda da CV ao longo do período em todas as regiões do país, sendo maiores no Norte e no Nordeste e se acentuando durante a pandemia. As maiores quedas foram identificadas em estados e regiões de saúde com maior vulnerabilidade social. A queda na CV mostra que o risco de reintrodução do vírus selvagem é iminente e os desafios precisam ser enfrentados com o fortalecimento do Sistema Único de Saúde.

Abstract The drop in childhood vaccination coverage (VC), including poliomyelitis, has become a health concern. The objective was to analyze the temporal trend of coverage of the three doses of the polio vaccine in the first 12 months of life between 2011 and 2021, in addition to mapping vaccination coverage in Brazil, including the COVID-19 pandemic period. An ecological study was carried out using interrupted time series (STI) techniques and spatial analysis, with data from the National Immunization Program Information System. The VC trend was adjusted by the Newey-West variance estimator according to the federated units and the Brazilian Deprivation Index. The VC distribution was estimated by Bayesian models and the spatial clusters by the global and local Moran index, identifying areas of lower coverage in the health regions. There was a reduction in the VC over the period in all regions, being more pronounced in the North and Northeast regions and during the Covid-19 pandemic. The biggest drops were identified in states and health regions with greater social vulnerability after 2019. The drop in VC shows that the risk of reintroduction of the wild virus is imminent and the challenges need to be faced with the strengthening of the Brazilian Health System (SUS).

Distribución espacio-temporal y factores relacionados con la sífilis congénita en el nordeste brasileño / Distribuição espaço-temporal e fatores relacionados à sífilis congênita no nordeste brasileiro / Spatiotemporal distribution and factors related to congenital syphilis in the brazilian northeast

Objetivo: Analizar la dinámica espacio temporal y los factores socioeconómicos asociados a la incidencia de sífilis congénita en el Nordeste en el periodo de 2008 a 2018. Método: Estudio ecológico desarrollado con casos de sífilis congénita ocurridos en el Nordeste y notificados en el Sistema de Información de Enfermedades de Notificación. Se utilizaron métodos de análisis espacial y temporal para identificar tendencias y conglomerados de la enfermedad, así como un modelo de regresión lineal para señalar indicadores relacionados con la sífilis congénita, utilizando una significación del 5%. Resultados: La incidencia de sífilis congénita mostró un aumento significativo en todos los estados nordestinos ((p<0,001), con las mayores tasas y conglomerados localizados principalmente en los municipios del litoral de la región. Las variables asociadas a la incidencia de sífilis congénita en el Nordeste fueron: porcentaje de nacidos vivos con bajo peso al nacer (p<0,001), porcentaje de nacidos vivos con al menos siete consultas prenatales (p<;0,001), Índice de Desarrollo Humano (IDHM) (p<0,001), ingreso per cápita (p<0,001), porcentaje de pobres (p<0,001), porcentaje de personas de 18 años o más con educación primaria completa (p = 0,02) y tasa de analfabetismo (p<0,001). Conclusión: Hubo un aumento en la incidencia de sífilis congénita durante el período analizado y conglomerados de tasas altas en la costa de los estados nordestinos. (AU)

Objetivo: Analisar a dinâmica espaço-temporal e os fatores socioeconômicos associados à incidência de sífilis congênita no Nordeste no período de 2008 a 2018.Método: Estudo ecológico desenvolvido com casos de sífilis congênita ocorridos no Nordeste e notificados no Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação. Foram empregados métodos de análises espacial e temporal para identificar a tendências e clusters da doença, bem como modelo de regressão linear para apontar indicadores relacionados à sífilis congênita empregando-se significância de 5%. Resultados: A incidência de sífilis congênita apresentou crescimento significativo em todos os estados nordestinos (p<0,001), com as maiores taxas e clusters localizados prioritariamente em municípios ao longo do litoral da região. As variáveis associadas à incidência de sífilis congênita no Nordeste foram: percentual de nascidos vivos com baixo peso ao nascer (p<0,001), percentual de nascidos vivos com pelo menos sete consultas de pré-natal (p<0,001), Índice de Desenvolvimento Humano (IDHM)(p<0,001), renda per capita (p<0,001), percentual de pessoas pobres (p<0,001), percentual de pessoas de 18 anos ou mais de idade com ensino fundamental completo (p = 0,02) e taxa de analfabetismo (p<0,001).Conclusão: Verificou-se um crescimento na incidência de sífilis congênita ao longo do período analisado e clusters de altas taxas no litoral dos estados nordestinos. (AU)

Aim: To analyze the spatiotemporal dynamics and socioeconomic factors associated with the incidence of congenital syphilis in the Brazilian Northeast from 2008 to 2018. Method: An ecological study conducted on cases of congenital syphilis in the Northeast and notified in the Information System of Notifiable Diseases. Methods of temporal and spatial analysis were applied to identify trends and clusters of the disease as well as a model of linear regression to point out indicators related to congenital syphilis with a 5% significance level. Results: The incidence of congenital syphilis has significantly increased in all states of the Northeast (p<0.001), with higher indexes and clusters mostly in municipalities of the coast region. The variables associated with the incidence of congenital syphilis in the Northeast were: percentage of alive newborns with low birth weight (p<0.001), Human Development Index (p<0.001), income per capita (p<0.001), percentage of poor people (p<0.001), percentage of people with 18 years or more with complete basic education (p<0.001), and illiteracy rate (p<0.001). Conclusion: it was verified that incidence of congenital syphilis during the period analyzed and high indexes clusters in the coast of the Northeast coast. (AU)

Distribuição da COVID-19 e dos recursos de saúde na Amazônia Legal: uma análise espacial / Distribution of COVID-19 cases and health resources in Brazil's Amazon region: a spatial analysis

Resumo O método de análise espacial permite mensurar a acessibilidade espacial dos serviços de saúde para alocação dos recursos de forma eficiente e eficaz. Diante disso, o objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a distribuição espacial das taxas de COVID-19 e dos recursos de saúde na Amazônia Legal. Estudo ecológico realizado com casos de COVID-19 e os recursos de saúde nos 772 municípios em dois picos da pandemia. Utilizou-se o método bayesiano global e local para elaboração de mapas coropléticos, com cálculo do índice de Moran para análise da dependência espacial e utilização do Moran map para identificação dos clusters da doença. Os índices de Moran calculados para os dois períodos demonstraram autocorrelação espacial positiva dessa distribuição e dependência espacial entre os municípios nos dois períodos, sem muita diferença entre os dois estimadores. Evidenciaram-se maiores taxas da doença nos estados do Amapá, Amazonas e Roraima. Em relação aos recursos de saúde, observou-se alocação de forma ineficiente, com maior concentração nas capitais.

Abstract Spatial analysis can help measure the spatial accessibility of health services with a view to improving the allocation of health care resources. The objective of this study was to analyze the spatial distribution of COVID-19 detection rates and health care resources in Brazil's Amazon region. We conducted an ecological study using data on COVID-19 cases and the availability of health care resources in 772 municipalities during two waves of the pandemic. Local and global Bayesian estimation were used to construct choropleth maps. Moran's I was calculated to detect the presence of spatial dependence and Moran maps were used to identify disease clusters. In both periods, Moran's I values indicate the presence of positive spatial autocorrelation in distributions and spatial dependence between municipalities, with only a slight difference between the two estimators. The findings also reveal that case rates were highest in the states of Amapá, Amazonas, and Roraima. The data suggest that health care resources were inefficiently allocated, with higher concentrations of ventilators and ICU beds being found in state capitals.