Primary Health Care assessment in the COVID-19 pandemic from physicians’ and nurses’ perspective

ABSTRACT Objectives: to assess the operationalization of Primary Health Care in the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Primary Care Assessment Tool: PCATool-Brasil attributes, from physicians’ and nurses’ perspective. Methods: a cross-sectional study, carried out with 99 physicians and nurses from Basic Health Units in a state in northeastern Brazil, with the aid of the adapted instrument PCATool-Brasil. Results: Essential Score was classified as high performance (6.6) and General Score as low performance (6.5). First Contact Access, Care Integration, and Community Guidance scores were 6.6). Conclusions: the attributes of Primary Health Care, in general, showed values above or close to the cut-off point in the assessment. These data can support strategies for local and national managers to strengthen Primary Health Care in the COVID-19 pandemic and future public health emergencies

ECONOMIA E GESTÃO PÚBLICA

Economics and Public Management are of great relevance to the analysis of government policies and their effectiveness in allocating resources for the well-being of society. The intersection between economic principles and public management practices provides crucial insights for optimizing the use of public resources and achieving social objectives. The aim of this study is to investigate how economic concepts can be applied to public management. This is a qualitative bibliographical study and its objectives are exploratory, using the IBGE and Google Scholar databases. The results reveal the interconnection between economics and public management, showing how economic choices directly affect the efficiency of government programs. It identifies areas in which the allocation of resources can be optimized and more effective policies can be implemented to achieve the defined social objectives. As such, the study highlights the importance of an evidence-based approach in the formulation and implementation of public policies. The integration of economics and public management offers a comprehensive framework for making informed decisions aimed at maximizing benefits for society. Continuous dialog between these disciplines is essential to deal effectively with the constantly evolving challenges facing public administration.A Economia e a Gestão Pública são de grande relevância para a análise das políticas governamentais e sua eficácia na alocação de recursos em prol do bem-estar da sociedade. A intersecção entre princípios econômicos e práticas de gestão pública fornece insights cruciais para otimizar a utilização dos recursos públicos e atingir objetivos sociais. O objetivo deste estudo é investigar como os conceitos econômicos podem ser aplicados à gestão pública. Trata-se de uma pesquisa bibliográfica do tipo qualitativa, quanto aos  objetivos será do tipo exploratória, através das bases de dados IBGE e google acadêmico. Os resultados revelam a interligação entre a economia e a gestão pública, evidenciando como as escolhas econômicas afetam diretamente a eficiência dos programas governamentais. Identificam-se áreas em que a alocação de recursos pode ser otimizada e políticas mais eficazes podem ser implementadas para alcançar os objetivos sociais definidos. Sendo assim, o estudo ressalta a importância de uma abordagem baseada em evidências na formulação e implementação de políticas públicas. A integração entre a economia e a gestão pública oferece um quadro abrangente para a tomada de decisões informadas, visando a maximização dos benefícios para a sociedade. O contínuo diálogo entre essas disciplinas é essencial para lidar eficazmente com os desafios em constante evolução que a administração pública enfrenta

Hepatitis A and E among immigrants and refugees in Central Brazil

OBJECTIVE To estimate the prevalence of hepatitis A virus (HAV) and hepatitis E virus (HEV) among immigrants and refugees in Goiás, Central Brazil. METHODS Overall, 355 individuals were interviewed, and blood samples were tested for anti-HAV and anti-HEV IgG. Anti-HEV-positive samples were similarly tested for HEV RNA. RESULTS All participants were from Latin American countries, most of whom, young adult males. The overall anti-HAV IgG prevalence was 87.4% (95%CI: 83.5–90.4), of whom 94.9%, 75.6%, and 60% were from Haiti, Venezuela, and other Latin American countries, respectively (p < 0.001). Age above 19 years and more than 36 months residing in Brazil were associated with a higher prevalence of previous HAV and HEV infection, respectively. Of the children eligible for HAV vaccination according to the National Immunization Program, only eight (44%) had been vaccinated. The overall anti-HEV IgG prevalence was 6.5% (95%CI: 4.4–9.5). All anti-HEV IgG-positive individuals were Haitians, including a child born in Brazil. HEV RNA was detected in two of the anti-HEV IgG-positive samples. CONCLUSION The survey detected a high prevalence of anti-HAV and anti-HEV IgG among immigrants and refugees, and active HEV infection among some Haitian participants. Prevention measures are urgently required to interrupt enteric virus transmission in this emergent and vulnerable population

PROMOÇÃO DE QUALIDADE DE VIDA E SUSTENTABILIDADE

The promotion of quality of life and sustainability is an interdisciplinary theme of great contemporary relevance. It focuses on finding approaches that balance human well-being with preserving natural resources and the health of the planet. This theme covers a variety of areas, from public health and urban development to environmental conservation and economic policy. The objective of this study is to investigate strategies and practices that seek to improve people's quality of life in a sustainable way. This study is a bibliographic review, in which a multidisciplinary approach was adopted that integrated qualitative and quantitative analyses. Data collection covered the investigation of specialized literature, relevant case studies and an in-depth analysis of socio-environmental indicators. The results demonstrated that the promotion of quality of life and sustainability requires an integrated approach. Successful initiatives include the implementation of efficient public transport policies, the creation of urban green spaces, the adoption of renewable energies and education for environmental awareness. Public awareness and cross-sectoral collaboration also emerged as critical factors in achieving positive outcomes. Promoting quality of life and sustainability is not just a necessity, but an imperative to ensure a livable future for future generations. The integrated approach, combined with the participation of society and government engagement, can result in an effective balance between human well-being and preservation of the environment. By prioritizing sustainability in all spheres of life, we can aspire to a future where prosperity and care for the planet go hand in hand.A promoção da qualidade de vida e sustentabilidade é um tema interdisciplinar de grande relevância contemporânea. Ele se concentra em encontrar abordagens que equilibrem o bem-estar humano com a preservação dos recursos naturais e a saúde do planeta. Este tema abrange uma variedade de áreas, desde saúde pública e desenvolvimento urbano à conservação ambiental e políticas econômicas. O objetivo deste estudo é investigar estratégias e práticas que buscam melhorar a qualidade de vida das pessoas de forma sustentável. Este estudo trata-se de uma revisão bibliográfica, em que foi adotada uma abordagem multidisciplinar que integrou análises qualitativas e quantitativas. A coleta de dados abrangeu a investigação de literatura especializada, estudos de caso relevantes e uma análise aprofundada de indicadores socioambientais. Os resultados demonstraram que a promoção da qualidade de vida e sustentabilidade requer uma abordagem integrada. Iniciativas bem-sucedidas incluem a implementação de políticas de transporte público eficiente, a criação de espaços verdes urbanos, a adoção de energias renováveis e a educação para a conscientização ambiental. A conscientização da população e a colaboração entre setores também emergiram como fatores críticos para alcançar resultados positivos. A promoção da qualidade de vida e sustentabilidade não é apenas uma necessidade, mas um imperativo para garantir um futuro habitável para as gerações vindouras. A abordagem integrada, aliada à participação da sociedade e ao engajamento governamental, pode resultar em um equilíbrio eficaz entre o bem-estar humano e a preservação do meio ambiente. Ao priorizar a sustentabilidade em todas as esferas da vida, podemos aspirar a um futuro em que prosperidade e cuidado com o planeta caminhem lado a lado

High anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody seroconversion rates before the second wave in Manaus, Brazil, and the protective effect of social behaviour measures: results from the prospective DETECTCoV-19 cohort

Background: The city of Manaus, Brazil, has seen two collapses of the health system due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We report anti-SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid IgG antibody seroconversion rates and associated risk factors in Manaus residents before the second wave of the epidemic in Brazil. Methods: A convenience sample of adult (aged ≥18 years) residents of Manaus was recruited through online and university website advertising into the DETECTCoV-19 study cohort. The current analysis of seroconversion included a subgroup of DETECTCoV-19 participants who had at least two serum sample collections separated by at least 4 weeks between Aug 19 and Oct 2, 2020 (visit 1), and Oct 19 and Nov 27, 2020 (visit 2). Those who reported (or had no data on) having a COVID-19 diagnosis before visit 1, and who were positive for anti-SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid IgG antibodies at visit 1 were excluded. Using an in-house ELISA, the reactivity index (RI; calculated as the optical density ratio of the sample to the negative control) for serum anti-SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid IgG antibodies was measured at both visits. We calculated the incidence of seroconversion (defined as RI values ≤1·5 at visit 1 and ≥1·5 at visit 2, and a ratio >2 between the visit 2 and visit 1 RI values) during the study period, as well as incidence rate ratios (IRRs) through cluster-corrected and adjusted Poisson regression models to analyse associations between seroconversion and variables related to sociodemographic characteristics, health access, comorbidities, COVID-19 exposure, protective behaviours, and symptoms. Findings: 2496 DETECTCoV-19 cohort participants returned for a follow-up visit between Oct 19 and Nov 27, 2020, of whom 204 reported having COVID-19 before the first visit and 24 had no data regarding previous disease status. 559 participants were seropositive for anti-SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid IgG antibodies at baseline. Of the remaining 1709 participants who were seronegative at baseline, 71 did not meet the criteria for seroconversion and were excluded from the analyses. Among the remaining 1638 participants who were seronegative at baseline, 214 showed seroconversion at visit 2. The seroconversion incidence was 13·06% (95% CI 11·52–14·79) overall and 6·78% (5·61–8·10) for symptomatic seroconversion, over a median follow-up period of 57 days (IQR 54–61). 48·1% of seroconversion events were estimated to be asymptomatic. The sample had higher proportions of affluent and higher-educated people than those reported for the Manaus city population. In the fully adjusted and corrected model, risk factors for seroconversion before visit 2 were having a COVID-19 case in the household (IRR 1·49 [95% CI 1·21–1·83]), not wearing a mask during contact with a person with COVID-19 (1·25 [1·09–1·45]), relaxation of physical distancing (1·31 [1·05–1·64]), and having flu-like symptoms (1·79 [1·23–2·59]) or a COVID-19 diagnosis (3·57 [2·27–5·63]) between the first and second visits, whereas working remotely was associated with lower incidence (0·74 [0·56–0·97]). Interpretation: An intense infection transmission period preceded the second wave of COVID-19 in Manaus. Several modifiable behaviours increased the risk of seroconversion, including non-compliance with non-pharmaceutical interventions measures such as not wearing a mask during contact, relaxation of protective measures, and non-remote working. Increased testing in high-transmission areas is needed to provide timely information about ongoing transmission and aid appropriate implementation of transmission mitigation measures. Funding: Ministry of Education, Brazil; Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Amazonas; Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)/WHO.World Health OrganizationRevisión por pare

Avaliação Ecológica Rápida de Qualidade de Água e Bioindicadores Bentônicos no Parque Nacional da Serra do Gandarela, Minas Gerais

Durante uma disciplina de pós-graduação, realizamos uma Avaliação Ecológica Rápida sobre qualidade de água e biodiversidade de bioindicadores bentônicos no Parque Nacional (PARNA) da Serra do Gandarela, MG. Os objetivos foram: (a) capacitar profissionais na utilização de metodologias atuais em Rapid Assessment Protocols (RAP) para estudos de diagnóstico e monitoramento de integridade ecológica de ecossistemas aquáticos em regiões de cabeceira de bacias hidrográficas; (b) contribuir ao conhecimento da biodiversidade aquática em corpos d’água no PARNA Serra do Gandarela; (c) fomentar intercâmbio e colaboração entre mestrandos, doutorandos, guarda-parques, visitantes, membros de comitês de bacia, gestores ICMBio, moradores e interessados na conservação de biodiversidade no Quadrilátero Ferrífero; (d) gerar informações de base sobre qualidade de água, biodiversidade de macroinvertebrados bentônicos bioindicadores de qualidade de água no PARNA Serra do Gandarela. Os principais resultados revelam que o PARNA Serra do Gandarela é guardião de riachos de cabeceira em condições de referência, com elevada diversidade de hábitats aquáticos e ótima qualidade de água, onde vivem organismos bentônicos sensíveis, tolerantes e resistentes à poluição. Sendo a Serra do Gandarela responsável pela segurança hídrica de grande parte dos municípios do Quadrilátero Ferrífero de Minas Gerais, é extremamente importante que estes riachos em condições de referência sejam conservados e utilizados em futuros estudos de avaliação de impactos ambientais e programas de monitoramento de condições ecológicas de longo prazo. As condições de alta preservação devem servir como baliza de referência para tomadores de decisão em processos de licenciamento ambiental de empreendimentos potencialmente causadores de impactos ambientais e riscos à biodiversidade

ATLANTIC EPIPHYTES: a data set of vascular and non-vascular epiphyte plants and lichens from the Atlantic Forest

Epiphytes are hyper-diverse and one of the frequently undervalued life forms in plant surveys and biodiversity inventories. Epiphytes of the Atlantic Forest, one of the most endangered ecosystems in the world, have high endemism and radiated recently in the Pliocene. We aimed to (1) compile an extensive Atlantic Forest data set on vascular, non-vascular plants (including hemiepiphytes), and lichen epiphyte species occurrence and abundance; (2) describe the epiphyte distribution in the Atlantic Forest, in order to indicate future sampling efforts. Our work presents the first epiphyte data set with information on abundance and occurrence of epiphyte phorophyte species. All data compiled here come from three main sources provided by the authors: published sources (comprising peer-reviewed articles, books, and theses), unpublished data, and herbarium data. We compiled a data set composed of 2,095 species, from 89,270 holo/hemiepiphyte records, in the Atlantic Forest of Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay, recorded from 1824 to early 2018. Most of the records were from qualitative data (occurrence only, 88%), well distributed throughout the Atlantic Forest. For quantitative records, the most common sampling method was individual trees (71%), followed by plot sampling (19%), and transect sampling (10%). Angiosperms (81%) were the most frequently registered group, and Bromeliaceae and Orchidaceae were the families with the greatest number of records (27,272 and 21,945, respectively). Ferns and Lycophytes presented fewer records than Angiosperms, and Polypodiaceae were the most recorded family, and more concentrated in the Southern and Southeastern regions. Data on non-vascular plants and lichens were scarce, with a few disjunct records concentrated in the Northeastern region of the Atlantic Forest. For all non-vascular plant records, Lejeuneaceae, a family of liverworts, was the most recorded family. We hope that our effort to organize scattered epiphyte data help advance the knowledge of epiphyte ecology, as well as our understanding of macroecological and biogeographical patterns in the Atlantic Forest. No copyright restrictions are associated with the data set. Please cite this Ecology Data Paper if the data are used in publication and teaching events. © 2019 The Authors. Ecology © 2019 The Ecological Society of Americ