Personal data usage and privacy considerations in the COVID-19 global pandemic

Data has become increasingly important and valuable for both scientists and health authorities searching for answers to the COVID-19 crisis. Due to difficulties in diagnosing this infection in populations around the world, initiatives supported by digital technologies are being developed by governments and private companies to enable the tracking of the public’s symptoms, contacts and movements. Considering the current scenario, initiatives designed to support infection surveillance and monitoring are essential and necessary. Nonetheless, ethical, legal and technical questions abound regarding the amount and types of personal data being collected, processed, shared and used in the name of public health, as well as the concomitant or posterior use of this data. These challenges demonstrate the need for new models of responsible and transparent data and technology governance in efforts to control SARS-COV2, as well as in future public health emergencies

Preservação da privacidade no enfrentamento da COVID-19: dados pessoais e a pandemia global

Data is becoming ever more critical and valuable for both scientists and health authorities searching for answers to the COVID-19 crisis. Due to difficulties in diagnosing this infection in populations around the world, initiatives supported by digital technologies have been developed by governments or private companies which enable the tracking of the public’s symptoms, contacts and movements. Considering the current scenario, these initiatives, designed to support the surveillance and monitoring of contagion, are essential and necessary.  Nonetheless, ethical, legal and technical questions remain unanswered regarding the amount and types of personal data being collected, processed, shared and used in the name of public health, as well as the concomitant or later use of this data. These challenges demonstrate the need for new models of responsible and transparent data and technology governance in efforts to control Sars-Cov2 as well as future public health emergencies.Dados ganham cada vez mais importância e valor na busca de respostas para enfrentar a COVID-19 tanto para ciência quanto para as autoridades sanitárias. Em virtude da dificuldade de realizar diagnóstico da infecção na população em geral, iniciativas apoiadas em tecnologias digitais vem sendo desenvolvidas por governos ou empresas privadas para possibilitar rastreamentos de sintomas, contatos e deslocamentos para apoiar estratégias de acompanhamento e avaliação na vigilância de contágios. A despeito da importância e necessidade dessas iniciativas, questionamentos acerca da quantidade e tipos de dados pessoais coletados, processados, compartilhados e utilizados em nome da saúde pública, bem como os concomitantes ou posteriores usos desses dados, suscitam questionamentos éticos, legais e técnicos. Desafios que apontam para a necessidade de novos modelos de governança de dados e de tecnologias, responsáveis e transparentes, para controlar o Sars-Cov2 e as futuras emergências de saúde pública

“Nossa luta é pela vida”: relato de experiência de pesquisa em ambiente virtual sobre a atuação de movimentos sociais no contexto da pandemia de Covid-19 em países da América Latina

This article aims to present an experience report on the research "Mapping the digital actions and initiatives of social movements of vulnerable populations to confront the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil, Mexico and Ecuador (2020 - 2021)". Given the rise of social research on the internet, the study made use of virtual ethnography to search for the main initiatives digitally embraced by social movements of indigenous and non-indigenous populations in urban contexts in the three countries. The report discusses the process, results and products of this research, with emphasis on the strategic networks adopted by social movements according to their specificities.Este artículo tiene como objetivo presentar un informe de experiencia sobre la investigación "Mapeo de las acciones e iniciativas digitales de movimientos sociales de poblaciones vulnerables para enfrentar la pandemia de COVID-19 en Brasil, México y Ecuador (2020 - 2021)". Ante el crecimiento de la investigación social en internet, el estudio utilizó la etnografía virtual para buscar las principales iniciativas incorporadas digitalmente por movimientos sociales de poblaciones indígenas y no indígenas en un contexto urbano en los tres países. El informe aborda cómo se realizó el estudio, los resultados y los productos, con énfasis en las redes estratégicas adoptadas por los movimientos sociales en función de sus especificidades.O presente artigo pretende apresentar um relato da experiência sobre a pesquisa “Mapeamento das ações e iniciativas digitais dos movimentos sociais de populações vulnerabilizadas para o enfrentamento da pandemia de COVID-19 no Brasil, México e Equador (2020 - 2021)”. Diante da ascensão da pesquisa social na internet, o estudo fez uso da etnografia virtual para buscar as principais iniciativas encampadas digitalmente por movimentos sociais de populações indígenas e de não indígenas em contexto urbano nos três países. No relato, aborda-se a condução do estudo, resultados e produtos, com ênfase às redes estratégicas adotadas pelos movimentos sociais de acordo com suas especificidades

Promoting Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) During Brazilian Activities of Genomic and Epidemiological Surveillance of Arboviruses

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Antimicrobial resistance among migrants in Europe: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Rates of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are rising globally and there is concern that increased migration is contributing to the burden of antibiotic resistance in Europe. However, the effect of migration on the burden of AMR in Europe has not yet been comprehensively examined. Therefore, we did a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify and synthesise data for AMR carriage or infection in migrants to Europe to examine differences in patterns of AMR across migrant groups and in different settings. METHODS: For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, and Scopus with no language restrictions from Jan 1, 2000, to Jan 18, 2017, for primary data from observational studies reporting antibacterial resistance in common bacterial pathogens among migrants to 21 European Union-15 and European Economic Area countries. To be eligible for inclusion, studies had to report data on carriage or infection with laboratory-confirmed antibiotic-resistant organisms in migrant populations. We extracted data from eligible studies and assessed quality using piloted, standardised forms. We did not examine drug resistance in tuberculosis and excluded articles solely reporting on this parameter. We also excluded articles in which migrant status was determined by ethnicity, country of birth of participants' parents, or was not defined, and articles in which data were not disaggregated by migrant status. Outcomes were carriage of or infection with antibiotic-resistant organisms. We used random-effects models to calculate the pooled prevalence of each outcome. The study protocol is registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42016043681. FINDINGS: We identified 2274 articles, of which 23 observational studies reporting on antibiotic resistance in 2319 migrants were included. The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or AMR infection in migrants was 25·4% (95% CI 19·1-31·8; I2 =98%), including meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (7·8%, 4·8-10·7; I2 =92%) and antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (27·2%, 17·6-36·8; I2 =94%). The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or infection was higher in refugees and asylum seekers (33·0%, 18·3-47·6; I2 =98%) than in other migrant groups (6·6%, 1·8-11·3; I2 =92%). The pooled prevalence of antibiotic-resistant organisms was slightly higher in high-migrant community settings (33·1%, 11·1-55·1; I2 =96%) than in migrants in hospitals (24·3%, 16·1-32·6; I2 =98%). We did not find evidence of high rates of transmission of AMR from migrant to host populations. INTERPRETATION: Migrants are exposed to conditions favouring the emergence of drug resistance during transit and in host countries in Europe. Increased antibiotic resistance among refugees and asylum seekers and in high-migrant community settings (such as refugee camps and detention facilities) highlights the need for improved living conditions, access to health care, and initiatives to facilitate detection of and appropriate high-quality treatment for antibiotic-resistant infections during transit and in host countries. Protocols for the prevention and control of infection and for antibiotic surveillance need to be integrated in all aspects of health care, which should be accessible for all migrant groups, and should target determinants of AMR before, during, and after migration. FUNDING: UK National Institute for Health Research Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, Imperial College Healthcare Charity, the Wellcome Trust, and UK National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare-associated Infections and Antimictobial Resistance at Imperial College London

Surgical site infection after gastrointestinal surgery in high-income, middle-income, and low-income countries: a prospective, international, multicentre cohort study

Background: Surgical site infection (SSI) is one of the most common infections associated with health care, but its importance as a global health priority is not fully understood. We quantified the burden of SSI after gastrointestinal surgery in countries in all parts of the world. Methods: This international, prospective, multicentre cohort study included consecutive patients undergoing elective or emergency gastrointestinal resection within 2-week time periods at any health-care facility in any country. Countries with participating centres were stratified into high-income, middle-income, and low-income groups according to the UN's Human Development Index (HDI). Data variables from the GlobalSurg 1 study and other studies that have been found to affect the likelihood of SSI were entered into risk adjustment models. The primary outcome measure was the 30-day SSI incidence (defined by US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria for superficial and deep incisional SSI). Relationships with explanatory variables were examined using Bayesian multilevel logistic regression models. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02662231. Findings: Between Jan 4, 2016, and July 31, 2016, 13 265 records were submitted for analysis. 12 539 patients from 343 hospitals in 66 countries were included. 7339 (58·5%) patient were from high-HDI countries (193 hospitals in 30 countries), 3918 (31·2%) patients were from middle-HDI countries (82 hospitals in 18 countries), and 1282 (10·2%) patients were from low-HDI countries (68 hospitals in 18 countries). In total, 1538 (12·3%) patients had SSI within 30 days of surgery. The incidence of SSI varied between countries with high (691 [9·4%] of 7339 patients), middle (549 [14·0%] of 3918 patients), and low (298 [23·2%] of 1282) HDI (p < 0·001). The highest SSI incidence in each HDI group was after dirty surgery (102 [17·8%] of 574 patients in high-HDI countries; 74 [31·4%] of 236 patients in middle-HDI countries; 72 [39·8%] of 181 patients in low-HDI countries). Following risk factor adjustment, patients in low-HDI countries were at greatest risk of SSI (adjusted odds ratio 1·60, 95% credible interval 1·05–2·37; p=0·030). 132 (21·6%) of 610 patients with an SSI and a microbiology culture result had an infection that was resistant to the prophylactic antibiotic used. Resistant infections were detected in 49 (16·6%) of 295 patients in high-HDI countries, in 37 (19·8%) of 187 patients in middle-HDI countries, and in 46 (35·9%) of 128 patients in low-HDI countries (p < 0·001). Interpretation: Countries with a low HDI carry a disproportionately greater burden of SSI than countries with a middle or high HDI and might have higher rates of antibiotic resistance. In view of WHO recommendations on SSI prevention that highlight the absence of high-quality interventional research, urgent, pragmatic, randomised trials based in LMICs are needed to assess measures aiming to reduce this preventable complication

Atrasentan and renal events in patients with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease (SONAR): a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial

Background: Short-term treatment for people with type 2 diabetes using a low dose of the selective endothelin A receptor antagonist atrasentan reduces albuminuria without causing significant sodium retention. We report the long-term effects of treatment with atrasentan on major renal outcomes. Methods: We did this double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial at 689 sites in 41 countries. We enrolled adults aged 18–85 years with type 2 diabetes, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)25–75 mL/min per 1·73 m 2 of body surface area, and a urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR)of 300–5000 mg/g who had received maximum labelled or tolerated renin–angiotensin system inhibition for at least 4 weeks. Participants were given atrasentan 0·75 mg orally daily during an enrichment period before random group assignment. Those with a UACR decrease of at least 30% with no substantial fluid retention during the enrichment period (responders)were included in the double-blind treatment period. Responders were randomly assigned to receive either atrasentan 0·75 mg orally daily or placebo. All patients and investigators were masked to treatment assignment. The primary endpoint was a composite of doubling of serum creatinine (sustained for ≥30 days)or end-stage kidney disease (eGFR <15 mL/min per 1·73 m 2 sustained for ≥90 days, chronic dialysis for ≥90 days, kidney transplantation, or death from kidney failure)in the intention-to-treat population of all responders. Safety was assessed in all patients who received at least one dose of their assigned study treatment. The study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01858532. Findings: Between May 17, 2013, and July 13, 2017, 11 087 patients were screened; 5117 entered the enrichment period, and 4711 completed the enrichment period. Of these, 2648 patients were responders and were randomly assigned to the atrasentan group (n=1325)or placebo group (n=1323). Median follow-up was 2·2 years (IQR 1·4–2·9). 79 (6·0%)of 1325 patients in the atrasentan group and 105 (7·9%)of 1323 in the placebo group had a primary composite renal endpoint event (hazard ratio [HR]0·65 [95% CI 0·49–0·88]; p=0·0047). Fluid retention and anaemia adverse events, which have been previously attributed to endothelin receptor antagonists, were more frequent in the atrasentan group than in the placebo group. Hospital admission for heart failure occurred in 47 (3·5%)of 1325 patients in the atrasentan group and 34 (2·6%)of 1323 patients in the placebo group (HR 1·33 [95% CI 0·85–2·07]; p=0·208). 58 (4·4%)patients in the atrasentan group and 52 (3·9%)in the placebo group died (HR 1·09 [95% CI 0·75–1·59]; p=0·65). Interpretation: Atrasentan reduced the risk of renal events in patients with diabetes and chronic kidney disease who were selected to optimise efficacy and safety. These data support a potential role for selective endothelin receptor antagonists in protecting renal function in patients with type 2 diabetes at high risk of developing end-stage kidney disease. Funding: AbbVie

A atenção primária em saúde na agenda da organização panamericana de saúde nos anos 2000

O artigo aborda a agenda da Organização Pan-Americana da Saúde para a atenção primária em saúde e suas possíveis implicações na proteção social na América Latina nos anos 2000. O estudo, de natureza exploratória, partiu da literatura sobre proteção social e compreendeu como estratégias metodológicas a revisão bibliográfica e a análise documental, cujo referencial técnico foi a análise de retórica. A pesquisa procurou identificar as concepções e significados subjacentes à proposta de 'atenção primária em saúde renovada' no que concerne à perspectiva da proteção social, considerando três aspectos: a população-alvo (universal ou focalizada), o escopo (abrangente ou restrito) e a forma de organização dos serviços (relações público—privadas). Os resultados indicam que a agenda política da Organização Pan-Americana da Saúde apresenta historicamente continuidades e descontinuidades. O movimento de renovação da atenção primária em saúde expressa uma inflexão importante nessa agenda, pois sugere uma visão da atenção primária em saúde como estratégia de reestruturação dos sistemas nacionais de saúde, para além da abordagem programática. Porém, no que se refere à proteção social, as propostas apresentadas parecem compatíveis com diferentes arranjos de sistemas de saúde no que tange à concepção sobre o universalismo, o escopo das ações e as parcerias público-privadas