Effectiveness of mat pilates on fatigue in women with breast cancer submitted to adjuvant radiotherapy: randomized controlled clinical trial.

PURPOSE: This clinical trial aimed to evaluate the influence of Mat Pilates and time on the change in fatigue scores in women with breast cancer undergoing adjuvant radiotherapy (RT). Additionally, assess the adherence and adverse effects of Mat Pilates sessions and the association of the level of physical activity with severe fatigue symptoms. METHODS: One hundred fifty-six patients with non-metastatic breast cancer were randomized to usual care or supervised Mat Pilates exercise. Fatigue and physical activity level were measured at baseline, end of RT, 30 days, 3 and 6 months after RT. The generalized estimating equation (GEE) with intention to treat was applied. RESULTS: A significant difference in the fatigue mean between the end of RT and the baseline was found in patients of both groups. There was no adverse effect with the practice of Mat Pilates, and it was analyzed the reduction of the symptom pain after the end of RT in women of intervention group compared to the control. There was no significant effect on fatigue between the groups. Patients with severe fatigue after 3 and 6 months of RT reported a significantly lower level of physical activity in the last periods. CONCLUSION: Fatigue levels increased at the end of RT but returned to baseline values after 6 months. A lower level of physical activity was associated with severe fatigue symptoms. Mat Pilates was safe for these women and reduced the symptom pain after treatment, but it did not successfully reduce fatigue during adjuvant RT. REGISTRATION: NCT03333993. November 7, 2017.  https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03333993?term=breast+cancer&cond=pilates&draw=2&rank=1 .

Cancer incidence in indigenous populations of Western Amazon, Brazil.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to estimate a population-based cancer incidence among indigenous populations in the State of Acre, Brazilian Western Amazon, to provide knowledge about cancer epidemiological profiles contributing to healthcare policies and service planning. Although cancer epidemiology in Brazil is well described through incidence and mortality estimate in the general population, cancer estimates among indigenous peoples are still unknown. DESIGN: This is a descriptive study of cancer incidence among the indigenous population (2000-2012) in the State of Acre, Brazil. The sources used were population-based cancer registries of Goiânia, hospital-based cancer registry of Acre, São Paulo, and Porto Velho; Special Indigenous Health Districts databases of Acre, Goiânia, and São Paulo; Mortality Information System, and Rio Branco's public and private laboratories' reports. Standardized Incidence Ratio (SIR) was calculated using cancer incidence rates of Goiânia as reference. RESULTS: From 137 cancer cases, 51.8% occurred in women and 32.1% in people aged 70 + . Among men, the most frequent cancer sites were stomach (25.8%), liver (15.1%), colorectal (7.6%), leukemia (7.6%), and prostate (6.1%). Among women, the most frequent were cervical (50.7%), stomach (8.5%), leukemia (5.6%), liver (4.3%), and breast (4.3%). Among men, there was an excess of cancer cases for stomach (SIR=1.75; 95%CI:1.67-1.83), liver (SIR=1.77; 95%CI:1.66-1.88), and leukemia (SIR=1.64; 95%CI:1.49-1.78). In women, an excess of cancer cases was observed for cervical (SIR=4.49; 95%CI:4.34-4.64) and liver (SIR=2.11; 95%CI:1.88-2.34). A lower cancer incidence for prostate (SIR=0.06; 95%CI:0.05-0.07) and female breast (SIR=0.12; 95%CI:0.11-0.14) was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Cervical, stomach, and liver cancers corresponded to 52% of the cases and were highly incident among the Brazilian indigenous population of Western Amazon compared to non-indigenous counterparts. Despite the low frequency of breast and prostate cancer, the fact they were present among indigenous peoples suggests a complex epidemiological transition framework in these populations.

Axillary web syndrome is not a risk factor for lymphoedema after 10 years of follow-up.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between axillary web syndrome and the development of lymphoedema after 10 years of follow-up. METHODOLOGY: A prospective observational study in a hospital cohort of women diagnosed with breast cancer and treated at a referral centre for cancer. Patients were followed according to the routine of the hospital's physical therapy service. In addition, a review of medical records was conducted for the period between 5 and 10 years of follow-up. Data on patient characteristics, treatment, tumour and postoperative complications were collected. RESULTS: In all, 964 patients were included, mostly <65 years old (75 %) and classified as being overweight (68 %). Disease was diagnosed as being up to stage IIA in 54.9 % of the cases; 65.1% underwent mastectomy and 83.8% had total axillary dissection. As adjuvant treatment, 61 % underwent chemotherapy, 63.5 % radiotherapy and 68 % hormone therapy. Among surgical complications, 62.6 % of patients had seroma, 40.7 % had necrosis, 35.9 % axillary web syndrome and 31.4 % lymphoedema. There was no association between axillary web syndrome and the development of lymphoedema (OR = 0.87, 95 % CI 0.65 to 1.15, p = 0.329). CONCLUSION: The occurrence of axillary web syndrome was not a risk factor for lymphoedema after 10 years of follow-up.

Prevalence of very low birthweight, malformation, and low Apgar score among newborns in Brazil according to maternal urban or rural residence at birth.

AIM: Adverse birth outcomes are a major public health issue in rural areas, where several environmental risk factors, including pesticides, may endanger the health of women of reproductive age. We investigated the prevalence of selected birth outcomes among newborns from mothers living in urban and rural areas of a Brazilian municipality. METHODS: Information about all live births that occurred between 2004 and 2006 in the Municipality of Nova Friburgo, Brazil, was retrieved from the Live Birth Information System. Newborns were classified as rural or urban, according to the mother's residence address. RESULTS: Newborns from rural areas had a higher prevalence of very low-birthweight, low Apgar score, and malformation. On Poisson regression with adjustment for several confounders, rural offspring were more likely to have the aforementioned outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Women in rural areas are at higher risk of giving birth to an infant with very low-birthweight, low 5-min Apgar score and malformations detectable at birth, regardless of socioeconomic and gestational conditions.

Hematological and hepatic alterations in Brazilian population heavily exposed to organochlorine pesticides.

The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of hematological and hepatic alterations and possible association with serum levels of beta-hexachlorocyclohexane (beta-HCH), p,p'-DDE, and hexachlorobenzene (HCB) among residents in an area heavily contaminated with organochlorine (OC) pesticides. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 415 male and 432 female residents aged >14 years. Serum samples were collected and analyzed for OC pesticides concentrations and biochemical parameters. Frequencies of hematological and hepatic alterations were calculated for each gender. Association between beta-HCH, p,p'-DDE (1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl) ethylene), and HCB levels and presence of alterations was determined by logistic regression stratified by gender and controlling for confounders. Highest frequencies were observed for eosinophilia (23% men and 18% women), low hemoglobin (12% men and 15% women), and low erythrocyte count (12% men). High levels of bilirubin, glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT), and glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (GPT) were observed, respectively, in 10, 11, and 12% of men and <10% of women. Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) was elevated in 26 and 25% of males and females, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed associations between eosinophilia and beta-HCH in men (OR = 1.06, 95%CI = 1.01-1.12) and women (OR = 1.05, 96%CI = 0.99-1.11), p,p'-DDE in men (OR = 1.03, 95%CI = 0.99-1.06) and women (OR = 1.02, 95%CI = 0.99-1.06), and HCB in women (OR = 1.54, 95%IC = 0.85-4.45). Beta-HCH was found to be associated with increased risk of elevated bilirubin in females (OR = 1.18, 95%CI = 1.07-1.29) and males (OR = 4.21, 95%CI = 1.87-9.47 for fourth vs. first quintile). Thus, OC pesticides may exert adverse effects on hematopoietic tissue and liver in populations chronically exposed to high levels of these compounds.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) 16 and the prognosis of head and neck cancer in a geographical region with a low prevalence of HPV infection.

BACKGROUND: The role of human papillomavirus (HPV) on head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) survival in regions with low HPV prevalence is not yet clear. We evaluated the HPV16 infection on survival of HNSCC Brazilian patient series. METHODS: This cohort comprised 1,093 HNSCC cases recruited from 1998 to 2008 in four Brazilian cities and followed up until June 2009. HPV16 antibodies were analyzed by multiplex Luminex assay. In a subset of 398 fresh frozen or paraffin blocks of HNSCC specimens, we analyzed for HPV16 DNA by L1 generic primer polymerase chain reaction. HNSCC survival according to HPV16 antibodies was evaluated through Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression. RESULTS: Prevalence of HPV16 E6 and E6/E7 antibodies was higher in oropharyngeal cancer than in other head and neck tumor sites. HPV16 DNA positive in tumor tissue was also higher in the oropharynx. Seropositivity for HPV16 E6 antibodies was correlated with improved HNSCC survival and oropharyngeal cancer. The presence of HPV16 E6/E7 antibodies was correlated with improved HNSCC survival and oropharyngeal cancer survival. The death risk of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma patients HPV16 E6/E7 antibodies positive was 78 % lower than to those who test negative. CONCLUSION: Oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma is less aggressive in the HPV16 E6/E7 positive serology patients. HPV16 E6/E7 antibody is a clinically sensible surrogate prognostic marker of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma.

Brain cancer mortality in an agricultural and a metropolitan region of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: a population-based, age-period-cohort study, 1996-2010.

BACKGROUND: Individuals who live in rural areas are at greater risk for brain cancer, and pesticide exposure may contribute to this increased risk. The aims of this research were to analyze the mortality trends and to estimate the age-period-cohort effects on mortality rates from brain cancer in two regions in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. METHODS: This descriptive study examined brain cancer mortality patterns in individuals of both sexes, >19 years of age, who died between 1996 and 2010. They were residents of a rural (Serrana) or a non-rural (Metropolitan) area of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. We estimated mortality trends using Joinpoint Regression analysis. Age-period-cohort models were estimated using Poisson regression analysis. RESULTS: The estimated annual percentage change in mortality caused by brain cancer was 3.8% in the Serrana Region (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.8-5.6) and -0.2% (95% CI: -1.2-0.7) in the Metropolitan Region. The results indicated that the relative risk was higher in the rural region for the more recent birth cohorts (1954 and later). Compared with the reference birth cohort (1945-49, Serrana Region), the relative risk was four times higher for individuals born between 1985 and 1989. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicate that there is an increasing trend in brain cancer mortality rates in the rural Serrana Region in Brazil. A cohort effect occurred in the birth cohorts born in this rural area after 1954. At the ecological level, different environmental factors, especially the use of pesticides, may explain regional disparities in the mortality patterns from brain cancers.

Reference values of lead in blood and related factors among blood donors in the Western Amazon, Brazil.

The aim of this study was to (1) determine the reference value of blood lead levels (BLL) in a sample of blood donors of Rio Branco, the capital city of Acre, in the Western Brazilian Amazon, and (2) explore factors influencing lead (Pb) exposure levels. Between 2010 and 2011, blood samples were collected from universal blood donors attending the Central Hemotherapic Unit in Rio Branco with a total number of 1196. Information on characteristics of 1183 donors was obtained through questionnaires. Blood Pb concentrations were determined by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry with detection limit of 0.003 µg/L. Association between BLL and participant characteristics was examined by linear regression analysis. Reference values of BLL were calculated as the upper limit of the 95% confidence interval of the 95th percentile. Reference values of BLL were 109.5 µg/L for men, 70.7 µg/L for women, 88.9 µg/L for younger individuals (18-29 yr), 115.3 µg/L for older ones (≥30 yr), 94.2 µg/L for nonsmokers, and 164.5 µg/L for smokers. Levels of BLL were significantly higher in males, subjects older than 29 yr, non-whites, smokers, regular consumers of manioc flour, and donors practicing any activity related to paints, ceramics, pottery, fishing, or firearms. Subjects with higher education, higher income, vitamin intake use, and drinkers of bottled water displayed lower BLL. In general, BLL in men and women from Rio Branco were higher than those described in other adult populations. Prevention of exposure of this population to local sources of Pb needs to be addressed.

Cancer mortality among Brazilian dentists.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have variably shown excess risks of elected cancers among dentists. METHODS: National Brazilian mortality data were used to obtain mortality patterns among dentists between 1996 and 2004. Cancer mortality odds ratios (MORs) and cancer proportional mortality ratios for all cancer sites were calculated, using the general population and physicians and lawyers as comparison groups. RESULTS: Female dentists from both age strata showed higher risks for breast, colon-rectum, lung, brain, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Compared to physicians and lawyers, higher MOR estimates were observed for brain cancer among female dentists 20-49 yr. Among male dentists, higher cancer mortality was found for colon-rectum, pancreas, lung, melanoma, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Higher risk estimates for liver, prostate, bladder, brain, multiple myeloma and leukemia were observed among 50-79 yr old male dentists. DISCUSSION: If confirmed, these results indicate the need for limiting occupational exposures among dentists in addition to establishing screening programs to achieve early detection of selected malignant tumors.

Functionality in Women with Breast Cancer: The Use of International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) in Clinical Practice.

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to evaluate the functionality of women diagnosed with breast cancer according to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). [Subjects and Methods] This was a cross-sectional study. We applied instruments consistent with the summary of ICF codes for breast cancer: quality of life questionnaire (WHOQOL), upper limb symptoms and function (DASH), social support, physical examination and functional medical record data. [Results] The study included 105 women who were 55 years old and subjected to surgical treatment within an average of 1.63 year previously. The 'function' component considered in the WHOQOL, the DASH and physical examination. There were high prevalences of positive responses for most codes, and only b130, d430, d445, d640, d650, d920 and codes of environmental factors considered by the Social Support Questionnaire showed high prevalences of negative responses (47.6%, 61%, 43.8%, 63.8%, 56.2%, 52.4%, and 35.2%, respectively). [Conclusion] There was a lower prevalence of disability, with the exception of issues related to strenuous activity and load. Some findings showed conflicting results between different instruments that measure the same code, and studies that propose more accurate tools and are able to consider the ICF codes specific to this pathology are necessary.

Minimum acceptable diet in a cohort of children aged between 6 and 15 months: Complementary feeding assessment and associated factors in the Brazilian western Amazon.

OBJECTIVE: The goal of the article was to assess complementary feeding patterns, and associated factors, of children between 6 and 15-month old in Rio Branco-Acre, Brazil, based on the minimum acceptable diet indicator. METHODS: This study was cross-sectional, including 857 children between ages 6 and 15 mo, from a 2015 birth cohort of Rio Branco, Brazil. The prevalence of complementary feeding indicators, minimum meal frequency, minimum dietary diversity, and minimum acceptable diet was estimated based on the recommendations of the World Health Organization. Sociodemographic characteristics, infant and maternal habits, prenatal information, birth characteristics, breastfeeding, and complementary feeding were evaluated. Differences between the proportions were evaluated by the χ2 test and univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses, to determine associated factors with child minimum acceptable diet. RESULTS: The minimum frequencies of meals and dietary diversity were observed in 81.0% and 51.8% of the children, respectively. The minimum acceptable diet prevalence was 47.1%. Also, minimum acceptable diet was inversely associated with C, D, and E social classes (adjusted odds ratio = 0.49; 95% CI, 0.33-0.72), number of living siblings (adjusted odds ratio for two or three children = 0.69; 95% CI, 0.48-0.98, and adjusted odds ratio for ≥ 4 children = 0.56; 95% CI, 0.37-0.84). Maternal regular consumption of fruits, vegetables, and legumes (adjusted odds ratio = 2.62; 95% CI, 1.69-4.05), child age from 12 to 15 mo (adjusted odds ratio = 2.05; 95% CI, 1.32-3.18), and receiving guidance regarding complementary feeding during postnatal consultations (adjusted odds ratio = 1.38; 95% CI, 1.03-1.86) were directly associated with minimum acceptable diet. CONCLUSIONS: Fewer than 50% of the children received adequate food with adequate frequency and diversity. Low socioeconomic status and having ≥ 2 living siblings reduced the chance of minimum acceptable diet, whereas maternal healthy diet, child age (12-15 mo), and complementary feeding counseling during postnatal appointments increased the chance of minimum acceptable diet.

Long-term exposure to organochlorine pesticides and thyroid status in adults in a heavily contaminated area in Brazil.

Organochlorine (OC) pesticides are endocrine disruptors altering the thyroid hormonal system. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between exposure to OC pesticides and thyroid status in adults from a rural area in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, heavily contaminated with OC pesticides. A cross-sectional study was carried out in 303 men and 305 women >14 years old. Concentrations of 19 OC pesticides and levels of free thyroxine (T4), total triiodothyronine (T3), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), anti-thyroperoxidase (TPOAb) and anti-thyroglobulin (TgAg) antibodies were analyzed in serum samples. Associations between OC pesticides concentrations and values of biochemical thyroid parameters were determined using multivariate regression models stratified by gender. Prevalence of subclinical hyperthyroidism and the presence of TPOAb antibodies were higher than those described for euthyroid populations elsewhere. After adjusting for confounders, total T3 levels were associated with lower concentrations of endosulphan 2 in men and with higher alpha-chlordane, p,p'-dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), endosulphan 2, and methoxychlor in women. Levels of free T4 showed inverse association with beta-hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) and p,p'-DDT in men, and were positively associated with hexachlorobenzene (HCB), heptachlor, o,p'-DDT, and p,p'-DDT in women. TSH levels were associated with higher beta-HCH in men. A positive association was observed between exposure methoxychlor in males and presence of TPOAb, but no association with TPOAb was found in women. These results suggest that OC pesticides can affect the thyroid system through gender-specific mechanisms that may differ among compounds. Further detailed investigations and health monitoring should be warranted for this population.

Accident and social security benefits granted to cancer patients in Brazil, 2008-2014. / Benefícios acidentários e previdenciários concedidos a portadores de câncer no Brasil, 2008-2014.

This article aims to describe the distribution of cancer among the benefits granted by the General Social Security Registry, from 2008 to 2014, in Brazil. Ecological study using data given by the National Social Security Institute. The proportion of accidental (work-related) and social security (general) benefits granted by cancer in Brazil was determined, among the benefits granted for all causes, and a spatial analysis was conducted to assess the geographical distribution of these proportions, with the states Brazilians as a unit of analysis. Cancer was the reason for granting 533,438 benefits (2.9% of the total benefits granted for all causes), with a predominance of females in social security benefits (53.7%) and males in accidental benefits (71.6 %). The highest proportions of social security benefits for cancer occurred in North and Midwest regions. In 19 of the 26 Brazilian states (including all states in the southern region) and in the Federal District, there was no granting of accident benefits for cancer. The analysis of the occurrences of cancer that generated benefit concessions suggests a disproportionality in granting of social security benefits in relation to accident workers, mainly in North, Northeast and South regions of Brazil.

O objetivo deste artigo é descrever a distribuição do câncer entre os benefícios concedidos pelo Registro Geral da Previdência Social (RGPS), de 2008 a 2014, no Brasil. Estudo ecológico com dados cedidos pelo Instituto Nacional do Seguro Social (INSS). Determinou-se a proporção de benefícios acidentários (relacionados ao trabalho) e previdenciários (gerais) concedidos por câncer no Brasil, entre os benefícios concedidos por todas as causas e realizou-se uma análise espacial para avaliar a distribuição geográfica dessas proporções, tendo os estados brasileiros como unidade de análise. O câncer foi motivo de concessão de 533.438 benefícios (2,9% do total de benefícios concedidos por todas as causas), com predomínio do sexo feminino nos benefícios previdenciários (53,7%) e do sexo masculino nos benefícios acidentários (71,6%). As maiores proporções de benefícios previdenciários por câncer ocorreram nas regiões Norte e Centro-Oeste. Em 19 dos 26 estados brasileiros e no Distrito Federal não houve concessão de benefício acidentário por câncer. A análise das ocorrências de câncer que geraram concessões de benefícios do RGPS sugere uma desproporcionalidade da concessão de benefícios previdenciários em relação aos acidentários, principalmente nas regiões Norte, Nordeste e Sul do Brasil.

Delays in treatment initiation and conclusion in women with stage IA to IIIB cervical cancer: A survival study in a hospital-based cohort from a developing country.

AIM: To evaluate the effect of delays in stage IA to IIIB cervical cancer treatment initiation and conclusion on hospital-based survival among Brazilian women. METHODS: A retrospective follow-up study was conducted in a stage IA to IIIB cervical cancer cohort treated from 2012 and 2014 and followed until December 31, 2017 in Rio de Janeiro. Delay in treatment initiation definition was defined based on the Brazilian law of 60 days for treatment initiation after diagnosis. Delay in treatment conclusion was defined based on the literature and sample distributions: < 120/121-200/> 200 days. The endpoint was death(from all causes or cervical cancer). Death causes and dates were obtained by a record linkage procedure between the hospital cancer registry and the Mortality Information System. Global 36-month survival and HRs were estimated by the KaplanMeier method and proportional Cox regression models, respectively. RESULTS: From 865 patients, 269(31.1%) died over the median follow-up time of 27 months. Delay on treatment initiation(>60-days) was 92.8%, while the delay in treatment conclusion(>120 days) was 87.5%. Overall survival was 61.3% (<60-days:62.6%; 61-90 days:63.5%). Among stage IIB-IIIB, women treated < 60-days presented 40.1% survival, while 61-90-days had 52.5%, and > 90-days had 53.3%. Delays in treatment conclusion significantly reduced survival[72.2%(<120-days) to 60.7%(>200-days)]. Multivariate analysis showed that delays in treatment initiation did not affect 36-month death risk. Compared to women concluding treatment in < 120-days, those taking 121-200-days or > 200-days showed increases in death risk of 89%(95%CI:1.10-3.24) and 111%(95%CI:1.31-3.39), respectively, regardless of age, stage, treatment protocol, and time to treatment initiation. CONCLUSION: Delays in cervical cancer treatment conclusion (but not treatment initiation) affected 36-month survival and death risk among Brazilians.

Effect of prenatal care quality on the risk of low birth weight, preterm birth and vertical transmission of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis.

BACKGROUND: Averse birth-outcomes still affect newborns worldwide. Although high-quality prenatal care is the main strategy to prevent these outcomes, the effect of prenatal care based on Kotelchuck index combined with consultation contents is still unclear. Thus, this article to evaluate the effect of the quality of prenatal care (PC) process on birth indicators in a cohort of puerperaes who attended maternity hospitals in Brazilian western Amazon, city of Rio Branco, in the state of Acre, Brazil, in 2015. METHODS: This research was a hospital-based cohort study. The sample consisted of 1,030 women who gave birth in maternity hospitals in the city between April 6 and June 30, 2015. This research was a hospital-based cohort study. The sample consisted of 1,030 women who gave birth in maternity hospitals in Rio Branco between April 6th. and June 30th., 2015. Prenatal care was classified as fully adequate when started ≤4th month; ≥80.0-109% expected consultations for GA according to the Kotelchuck Index; ≥5 records of blood pressure, weight, GA, fundal height, ≥4 records of fetal heart rate, fetal movements or equivalent to 75% of the number of consultations; in addition to recording ABO/RH, hemoglobin, VDRL, urine, glucose, anti-HIV and anti-toxoplamosis during the 1st trimester. The evaluated outcomes were low birth weight (LBW), preterm birth and vertical transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/hepatitis/syphilis. Differences between proportions were assessed using the X² test, and the crude and adjusted odds ratios (OR) (95% CI) were estimated using unconditional logistic regression. RESULTS: Overall cohort, the outcomes incidences were 8.8% for LBW, 9.2% for preterm birth, and 1.1% for vertical transmission (syphilis/HIV/hepatitis). Crude and adjusted OR showed that inadequate PC increased the risk statistically significant of LBW (ORcrude: 1.84; 95%CI: 0.99-3.44; ORadjusted: 1.87; 95%CI: 1.00-3.52), and preterm birth (ORcrude: 1.79; 95%CI: 1.00-3.29; ORadjusted: 3.98; 95%CI: 1.40-11.29). CONCLUSION: The results draw attention to the importance of quality PC in reducing the risks of LBW, preterm birth, and vertical transmission of syphilis/HIV/hepatitis. Moreover, using this proposed quality prenatal care indicator based on Kotelchuck index combined with consultations contents adjusted by GA may accurately predict unfavorable outcomes.

The environmental monitoring of air pollution in the Santa Cruz industrial district of Rio de Janeiro using a plant fertility model.

In 2010, a steel company was established in Santa Cruz, Rio de Janeiro. In 2012, silver rain raised concerns about human and environmental impacts. In 2013, the steel company signed an Adjustment of Conduct Term (ACT). To evaluate air pollution in the vicinity of the steel company based on a plant fertility assay before and after ACT implementation. A pollen abortion assay was implemented using flower buds of Bauhinia forficata in 2013 and Delonix regia in 2015. Sites over 5 km from the steel company, highways, and tunnels were classified as unexposed; sites 5 km from highway/tunnel were classified as exposed to other sources; and sites 5 km from the steel company were classified as exposed. Random plant collection occurred during the dry and rainy seasons (10 buds/site and 300 cells/slide). Aborted grains were analyzed using a 400-fold magnification microscope. Statistical analyses were considered significant at the 5% level. In 2013 were collected flower buds in 27 sites (2 unexposed, 18 highway/tunnel-exposed, and 7 steel company-exposed); and 34 sites in 2015 (14 unexposed, 18highway/tunnel-exposed, and 2 steel company-exposed). In both years, the mean pollen abortion was significantly higher in the dry season for sites exposed to highway/tunnel (p < 0.001) and the steel company (p = 0.005). In 2013, the mean pollen abortion was significantly higher in sites exposed to highway/tunnel compared to unexposed sites (p = 0.004) and in sites exposed to the steel company compared to sites exposed to highway/tunnel (p = 0.034). In 2015, compared to unexposed sites, the mean pollen abortion was significantly higher in sites exposed to highway/tunnel (p = 0.014) and the steel company (p < 0.001). Overall, compared to unexposed sites, the mean pollen abortion was 5.79-fold higher in sites exposed to the steel company and 4.08-fold higher in sites exposed to highway/tunnel. Compared to unexposed plants, greater air pollution effects occurred in plants exposed to the steel company before (2013) and after (2015)ACT implementation.

Long term exposure to organochlorine pesticides and thyroid function in children from Cidade dos Meninos, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

A pesticide factory in Cidade dos Meninos village, Duque de Caxias County, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, ended its activity in 1961, leading to widespread contamination of the environment by several organochlorine pesticides. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of chronic exposure to organochlorine pesticides on thyroid hormone levels in children residing in Cidade dos Meninos. In a population-based survey carried out between 2003 and 2004, serum concentration of 19 pesticides and levels of free thyroxine (T4), total triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) were determined in 193 children younger than 15 years old. Multivariate linear regression was conducted to examine thyroid hormone levels according to quintiles of organochlorine exposure, controlling for age, gender and serum lipid content. Free T4 and TSH levels were within reference values (0.7-1.8 ng/dl and 0.35-5.5 mU/l), whereas total T3 was above the reference range (80-180 ng/dl) in 28% of children. More than 60% of the children had detectable levels of most organochlorine pesticides. With the exception of heptachlor and methoxychlor, total T3 levels showed a significant increasing linear trend regardless of pesticide type to which children were exposed. Free T4 levels were positively and significantly associated only with exposure to p,p'-DDD, endosulfan 1, and dieldrin. No significant trend was found for TSH. Data showed that exposure of children to organochlorine pesticides produced a significant increase in serum total T3 concentrations. The clinical implications of such a total T3 elevation and subsequent development are uncertain and warrant the need for health monitoring of these children.

[Residential typologies in Chilean irregular settlements with precarious housing conditions]. / Tipologías residenciales en comunidades chilenas en condiciones de precariedad habitacional.

OBJECTIVE: To identify residential parameters that characterize the physical and social environment in Chile's irregular settlements, and to construct typologies that will allow to develop profiles with those distinctive residential attributes. METHODS: The study examined the universe of irregular settlements (n = 122) in Chile's Metropolitan Region, based on the 2007 national inventory of irregular settlements conducted by the "Un Techo para Chile" foundation. Information about the communities and their locations was obtained from key informants, and these variables were modeled using factor analysis to identify residential parameters, which were then refined by k-means clustering. RESULTS: The factor analysis pointed to three underlying parameters: local social response, the environment beyond the community, and basic services. The key variables shaping these categories were the existence of housing projects, the urban area involved, and access to electricity. The cluster analysis generated four profiles that combined the three parameters: an urban profile with relatively reliable basic services (n = 30), an urban-rural profile with high potential for local social response (n = 32), an urban profile with a high level of environmental threat (n = 43), and a rural profile with low potential for local social response (n = 17). CONCLUSIONS: The residential parameters formed are consistent with the revised theoretical model and suggest relevant indicators for monitoring these communities. Definition of the profiles facilitates assessment of the heterogeneity of residential situations, which helps in the prioritization of areas with deficits or risks that may be present in each cluster. This, in turn, opens the door to further investigation and to exploring opportunities for action.

[Evaluation of missed opportunities in the control of vertical HIV transmission in Rio Branco, Acre State, Brazil]. / Avaliação das oportunidades perdidas no controle da transmissão vertical do HIV em Rio Branco, Acre, Brasil.

Vertical HIV transmission is still an important global public health problem. This study aimed to verify vertical HIV transmission in Rio Branco, Acre, Brazil, and to assess the possibility of its elimination. A cross-sectional study was conducted of HIV in pregnant women and a longitudinal study on the incidence of vertical HIV transmission in pregnant women living in the municipality (county) of Rio Branco in 2007-2015. The cohorts of pregnant women consisted of women who had liveborn children, stillbirths, or abortions. The data were obtained from the Brazilian Information System for Notificable Diseases (SINAN), Brazilian Information System on Live Births (SINASC), Brazilian Mortality Information System (SIM), and Brazilian Hospital Information Systems (SIH). Databases. Probabilistic database linkage was performed with the OpenRecLink software. The authors calculated the HIV prevalence rate in pregnant women, the vertical transmission rate, and the principal associated factors. HIV prevalence in pregnant women showed an upward trend, and the mean prevalence was 0.18%. Variables statistically associated with the occurrence of HIV in pregnant women were maternal age ≥ 20 years (p = 0.007), lower schooling (p = 0.054), and unmarried conjugal status/without partner (p = 0.001). Vertical HIV transmission was 6.9%. Use of antiretroviral therapy (ART) during prenatal care, even among pregnant women that already knew they were HIV-positive, was less than 90%. The elective cesarean rate was less than 60%, and the use of ART during delivery and by the newborn in the first 24 hours showed variations, depending on the period in which the maternal diagnosis was made. Although the strategies for the elimination of vertical HIV transmission are well established, this study's results point to important flaws in the cascade of care for HIV-infected pregnant women in Rio Branco.

A transmissão vertical do HIV ainda representa um importante problema de saúde pública no mundo. O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar a transmissão vertical do HIV em Rio Branco, Acre, Brasil, e avaliar a possibilidade de eliminação. Foi realizado estudo transversal dos casos de HIV em gestante e longitudinal sobre a incidência da transmissão vertical do HIV na base populacional de gestantes residentes no Município de Rio Branco, no período de 2007-2015. As coortes de gestantes foram formadas por mulheres que tiveram filhos nascidos vivos, mortos ou abortos. Os dados foram obtidos do Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (SINAN), Sistema de Informações sobre Nascidos Vivos (SINASC), Sistema de Informação sobre Mortalidade (SIM) e Sistema de Informações Hospitalares (SIH). Foi realizado o relacionamento entre as bases de dados utilizando o software OpenRecLink. Foram calculadas as prevalências de HIV em gestante, a taxa de transmissão vertical e os principais fatores associados. A prevalência de HIV em gestante apresentou tendência de aumento, e a prevalência média foi de 0,18%, as variáveis estatisticamente associadas à ocorrência de HIV em gestantes foram idade materna ≥ 20 anos (p = 0,007), menor escolaridade (p = 0,054) e não ter companheiro (p = 0,001). A transmissão vertical foi de 6,9%. O uso de terapia antirretroviral (TARV) no pré-natal, mesmo entre as gestantes que já sabiam ser portadoras do vírus, foi menor que 90%. A realização de cesáreas eletivas ficou abaixo de 60%, e o uso de TARV no parto e pelo recém nascido nas primeiras 24 horas apresentou variações, dependendo do período em que o diagnóstico materno foi realizado. Embora as estratégias de eliminação da transmissão vertical do HIV estejam bem estabelecidas, os resultados deste estudo ainda apontam falhas importantes na cascata de cuidados das gestantes infectadas em Rio Branco.

La transmisión vertical del VIH todavía representa un importante problema de salud pública en el mundo. El objetivo de este estudio fue verificar la transmisión vertical del VIH en Río Branco-Acre y evaluar la posibilidad de su eliminación. Se realizó un estudio transversal de los casos de VIH en gestantes y longitudinal sobre la incidencia de la transmisión vertical del VIH en la base poblacional de gestantes residentes en el municipio de Río Branco, durante el período de 2007-2015. Las cohortes de gestantes estuvieron formadas por mujeres que tuvieron hijos nacidos vivos, muertos o abortos. Los datos se obtuvieron del Sistema Brasileño de Información de Enfermedades de Notificación (SINAN), Sistema de Información sobre Nacidos Vivos (SINASC), Sistema de Información sobre Mortalidad (SIM) y Sistema de Informaciones Hospitalarias (SIH). Se realizó la relación entre las bases de datos, utilizando el software OpenRecLink. Se calcularon las prevalencias de VIH en gestantes, la tasa de transmisión vertical y sus principales factores asociados. La prevalencia de VIH en gestantes presentó una tendencia de aumento y la prevalencia media fue de 0,18%, las variables estadísticamente asociadas a la ocurrencia de VIH en gestantes fueron: edad materna ≥ 20 años (p = 0,007), menor escolaridad (p = 0,054) y no contar con compañero (p = 0,001). La transmisión vertical fue de un 6,9%. El uso de terapia antirretroviral viral (TARV) durante el período prenatal, incluso entre las gestantes que ya se sabían portadoras del virus, fue menor de un 90%. La realización de cesáreas electivas quedó por debajo de un 60% y el uso de TARV en el parto y por el recién nacido en las primeras 24 horas presentó variaciones, dependiendo del período en que el diagnóstico materno fue realizado. A pesar de que las estrategias de eliminación de la transmisión vertical del HIV estén bien establecidas, los resultados de este estudio todavía apuntan fallos importantes en la cascada de cuidados de las gestantes infectadas en Río Branco.

Time trends in colorectal cancer incidence in four regions of Latin America: 1983-2012.

This study aimed to assess time trends in colorectal cancer incidence from 1983 to 2012 in Latin America. This was an ecological time-series study whose population consisted of individuals aged 20 years or older diagnosed with colorectal cancer. Data from population-based cancer registries in Cali (Colombia), Costa Rica, Goiânia (Brazil), and Quito (Ecuador), were used for rates estimation, while time trends estimations were proceeded by the Joinpoint Regression Program. The study showed an increase in colorectal cancer incidence in men and women in Cali (2.8% and 3.2%, respectively), Costa Rica (3.1% and 2.1%, respectively), and Quito (2.6% and 1.2%, respectively), whereas in Goiânia, only women showed an increase in colorectal cancer rates (3.3%). For colon cancer, we observed an increasing trend in incidence rates in men and women in Cali (3.1% and 2.9%, respectively), Costa Rica (3.9% and 2.8%, respectively), and Quito (2.9% and 1.8%). For rectal cancer, we observed an increasing trend in incidence in men and women in Cali (2.5% and 2.6%, respectively), Costa Rica (2.2% and 1%, respectively), and Goiânia (5.5% and 4.6%, respectively), while in Quito only men showed an upward trend (2.8%). The study found increases in colorectal cancer, colon cancer, and rectal cancer in four Latin America regions. This findings reflect lifestyle, such as dietary changes, following the economic opening, and the prevalence variations of colorectal cancer risk factors by sex and between the four studied regions. Finally, the different strategies adopted by regions for colorectal cancer diagnosis and screening seem to influence the observed variation between anatomical sites.