Northeastern Brazilian State Research Articles

The Kunitz chymotrypsin inhibitor from Erythrina velutina seeds displays activity against HeLa cells through arrest in cell cycle.

Erythrina velutina is a species of arboreal leguminous that occurs spontaneously in the northeastern states of Brazil. Leguminous seeds represent an abundant source of peptidase inhibitors, which play an important role in controlling peptidases involved in essential biological processes. The aim of this study was to purify and characterize a novel Kunitz-type peptidase inhibitor from Erythrina velutina seeds and evaluate its anti-proliferative effects against cancer cell lines. The Kunitz-type chymotrypsin inhibitor was purified from Erythrina velutina seeds (EvCI) by ammonium sulphate fractionation, trypsin- and chymotrypsin-sepharose affinity chromatographies and Resource Q anion-exchange column. The purified EvCI has a molecular mass of 18kDa with homology to a Kunitz-type inhibitor. Inhibition assays revealed that EvCI is a competitive inhibitor of chymotrypsin (with K i of 4 × 10-8M), with weak inhibitory activity against human elastase and without inhibition against trypsin, elastase, bromelain or papain. In addition, the inhibitory activity of EvCI was stable over a wide range of pH and temperature. Disulfide bridges are involved in stabilization of the reactive site in EvCI, since the reduction of disulfide bridges with DTT 100mM abolished ~ 50% of its inhibitory activity. The inhibitor exhibited selective anti-proliferative properties against HeLa cells. The incubation of EvCI with HeLa cells triggered arrest in the cell cycle, suggesting that apoptosis is the mechanism of death induced by the inhibitor. EvCI constitutes an interesting anti-carcinogenic candidate for conventional cervical cancer treatments employed currently. The EvCI cytostatic effect on Hela cells indicates a promised compound to be used as anti-carcinogenic complement for conventional cervical treatments employed currently.

Prognostic factors and long-term survival in oral squamous cell carcinoma

Objective: this study aimed to evaluate long-term survival and prognostic factors in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) in an economically poor region of Brazil.Methods: the data were obtained from analysis of medical and mortality records of 210 patients with OSCC treated at an oncology hospital providing services to the Brazilian Unified National Health System in a State of northeastern Brazil between January 2006 and December 2008. Sociodemographic and clinical information, treatment performed, recurrence and evolution were collected. Survival curves were estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method and the log rank and Cox regression tests were used to compare the curves.Results: the median survival in the study period was 47.4 months (95% CI = 38.2 - 56.7). The overall survival rates at 5 and 10 years were 29% and 19.8%, respectivelly. Individuals over 60 years of age (HR = 1.70; 95% CI = 1.06 - 2.73), presence of regional metastasis (HR = 2.51; 95% CI = 1.55 - 4.08), presence of recurrence (HR = 3.18; 95% CI = 1.88 - 5.39) and no surgical treatment (HR = 2.10; 95% CI = 1.31 - 3.35) had a worse prognosis.Conclusions: advanced age, presence of regional metastasis, tumor recurrence and non-surgical treatment predict poorer survival in patients diagnosed with OSCC.

Estimates of suicide mortality in women residents in northeast brazilian states from 1996 to 2018.

The objective of this study was to analyze the temporal trend of suicide mortality in women in the states of Northeastern Brazil. This is an ecological study of a time series stratified by states in Northeast Brazil from 1996 to 2018, with data extracted from the Mortality Information System (SIM). The temporal trend was evaluated by negative binomial regression (p values≤0.05). There was a higher proportion of deaths in black and brown women (73.9%), single (57.3%), with the place of death occurring in the home (53.4%). Hanging and strangulation stood out as the perpetration means (47.6%). Most states showed an upward temporal trend, except for Pernambuco, Rio Grande do Norte, Sergipe and Maranhão, which showed a steady trend (p>0.05). An upward temporal trend was identified in the analysis of deaths by suicide in women in five states in northeastern Brazil between 1996 and 2018. The information presented can support planning and decision-making for the prevention of suicide among women in northeastern Brazil.

Perceived barriers to physical activity during the 2nd lockdown in a northeastern state of Brazil.

BackgroundThe practice of physical activity has been recommended during the pandemic period of COVID-19 as a way of preventing the worsening of physical and mental health. After the increase in COVID-19 cases in Brazil and the new lockdown decrees, many people have reported that they are unable to engage in physical activity during the lockdown. AimsThe present study aimed to investigate the barriers to physical activity in the 2nd lockdown in the state of Ceará, Northeast Brazil. Methods1036 (55.6% women) residents of the state of Ceará, Northeastern Brazil participated in the study. For data collection, a questionnaire was used including sample characterization questions, physical activity, and barriers to physical activity during the 2nd lockdown in the state of Ceará. This instrument was made available by Google Forms, between March 8th and 19th, 2021. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were used for data analysis. ResultsThe three most relevant barriers were: Lack of motivation (7.3%), lack of space at home (5.9%) professional instructions (2.8%). The lack of space at home barrier was associated with age (OR = 2.56; CI 95% 1.05–6.02) and living in the capital (OR = 2.53; CI 95% 1.26–5.33). The barriers, taking care of children (OR = 3.75; CI 95% 1.37–10.2) and increased time spent on daily activities (OR = 2.20; CI 95% 1.02–4.74) were associated with living in the metropolitan region.ConclusionThe lack of motivation, space at home, and professional instruction showed as being limiting factors to physical activity during the lockdown, indicating plans of action aimed at encouraging the practice of physical activity during a pandemic period.

Estimated SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Seroprevalence in Firefighters from a Northeastern Brazilian State: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The new coronavirus has been affecting health worldwide and essential service workers are continually exposed to this infectious agent, increasing the chance of infection and the development of the disease. Thus, this study aimed to estimate the frequency of infection and seroprevalence for SARS-CoV-2 in military firefighters in a city in Northeastern Brazil in January 2021. An observational cross-sectional study was carried out with 123 firefighters who answered a brief questionnaire to collect socio-epidemiological data and underwent RT-PCR and immunofluorescence test (IgM and IgG). The results found reveal a positive seroprevalence, with a high rate of infection in this class of workers, since they are essential service professionals who are exposed to risk due to their working hours, in addition to sharing some spaces and work materials. Besides, there were significant associations between positivity for IgG and IgM, as well as for positive RT-PCR prior to the study and the presence of IgG, with odd ratios of 3.04 and 4.9, respectively. These findings reinforce the need for immunization in this category, whose line of service hinders the adoption of distancing measures, since in many situations physical contact is inevitable.

Deaths due to COVID-19 in a state of northeastern Brazil: spatiotemporal distribution, sociodemographic and clinical and operational characteristics.

BackgroundThe detection of spatiotemporal clusters of deaths by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is essential for health systems and services, as it contributes to the allocation of resources and helps in effective decision making aimed at disease control and surveillance. Thus we aim to analyse the spatiotemporal distribution and describe sociodemographic and clinical and operational characteristics of COVID-19-related deaths in a Brazilian state.MethodsA descriptive and ecological study was carried out in the state of Maranhão. The study population consisted of deaths by COVID-19 in the period from 29 March to 31 July 2020. The detection of spatiotemporal clusters was performed by spatiotemporal scan analysis.ResultsA total of 3001 deaths were analysed with an average age of 69 y, predominantly in males, of brown ethnicity, with arterial hypertension and diabetes, diagnosed mainly by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction in public laboratories. The crude mortality rates the municipalities ranged from 0.00 to 102.24 deaths per 100 000 inhabitants and three spatiotemporal clusters of high relative risk were detected, with a mortality rate ranging from 20.25 to 91.49 deaths per 100 000 inhabitants per month. The headquarters was the metropolitan region of São Luís and municipalities with better socio-economic and health development.ConclusionsThe heterogeneous spatiotemporal distribution and the sociodemographic and clinical and operational characteristics of deaths by COVID-19 point to the need for interventions.

Coverage of screening for cervical cancer in a northeastern state of Brazil

Backgroung: Cervical cancer is a serious public health problem in Brazil and around the world. Its screening through the Pap smear screening is crucial for prevention and early detection. Objective: The objective of the study was to evaluate the Pap smear ratio in the regions of the State of Rio Grande do Norte from 2008 to 2014, and to describe the regions with lower and higher screening for cervical cancer according to the space. Methods: It is a quantitative, retrospective, descriptive and cross-sectional study that used secondary data from SISCOLO/DATASUS. The sample was composed by the 167 municipalities of the State of Rio Grande do Norte in Brazil, divided by the eight regions of that State. The results were expressed in absolute and relative frequencies, the differences between means were analyzed by the T student tests, in which significant differences were considered when p<0.05. The mapping of results was done through the TabWin program 32. Conclusion: The average ratio of Pap smear varied considerably between the regions of the State in the years 2008 to 2014. There was decrease in the average of the ratio between the years 2008 and 2014, especially in the metropolitan region. Regarding the space, it was seen that most of the municipalities with the lower ratio are located at the ends of the map. Knowing the cytopathological ratio indicator in the regions of the State is fundamental for the management of health in that State, in order to better qualify practitioners and to establish specific goals for the evaluation of coverage of cervical cancer.

Helicoma barretoi sp. nov. from the Brazilian Atlantic rainforest

A new species, Helicoma barretoi, collected on dead twigs in Paraíba State of northeastern Brazil, is described and illustrated. It is distinguished by frequent branched conidiophores, cylindrical conidiogenous cells constricted at basal septa, and broad terminal denticles.

Effects on circulation and water renewal due to the variations in the river flow and the wind in a Brazilian estuary lagoon complex

The Mundaú-Manguaba Estuary Lagoon Complex is located on the coast of Alagoas state in Northeastern Brazil, and consists of two shallow lagoons, Mundaú and Manguaba, that form a system of choked lagoons which are connected to the Atlantic Ocean by a series of narrow channels with a single outlet which dynamically alters its position. This study uses the Hydrodynamic Environmental System, SisBaHiA® to investigate how variations in river discharge and wind influence hydrodynamic circulation, water renewal, salinity and temperature in the lagoons. The free surface positions, obtained by model, were compared with the free surface positions measured at two points of the complex, showing good agreement. The analyses were carried out for dry and wet seasons and extreme events with very high freshwater discharge. The channel system of the lagoons is an efficient filter in reducing tidal variability inside the lagoons. The tidal ranges in the Manguaba and Mundaú Lagoons are 90% and 80% lower, respectively, as compared with the values in the open boundary. The residence time calculated varied between 11 and 365 days and between 2 and 180 days for the Manguaba and Mundaú Lagoons, respectively, making it possible to identify possible stagnation areas. The results from the salt and heat transport model show a prolonged period with low salt concentrations and slow salinity recovery after the rainy season; the water temperature in the lagoons shows little spatial and temporal variation.

Trends in prostate cancer incidence and mortality to monitor control policies in a northeastern Brazilian state.

Prostate cancer differently affects different regions of the world, displaying higher rates in more developed areas. After the implementation of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing, several studies described rising rates globally, but it is possible that indolent lesions are being detected given the lack of changes in mortality data. The Brazilian government recommends against PSA screening in the male population regardless of age, but the Urology Society issued a report recommending that screening should start at 50 years old for certain men and for those aged ≥75 years with a life expectancy exceeding 10 years. In this study, we examined the incidence and mortality rates of invasive prostate cancer over time in the Sergipe state of Brazil. The databases of the Aracaju Cancer Registry and Mortality Information System were used to calculate age-standardized rates for all prostate tumors (International Classification of Diseases 10th edition: C61 and D07.5) in the following age ranges: 20-44, 45-54, and ≥65 years. We identified 3595 cases of cancer, 30 glandular intraepithelial high-grade lesions, and 3269 deaths. Using the Joinpoint Regression Program, we found that the incidence of prostate cancer dramatically increased over time until the mid-2000s for all age groups, after which the rates declined. Prostate cancer mortality rates increased until 2005, followed by a non-significant annual percent change of 22.0 in 2001-2005 and a stable rate thereafter. We noticed that the increases and decreases of the incidence rates of prostate cancer were associated with the screening recommendations. Meanwhile, the increased mortality rates did not appear to be associated with decreased PSA testing; instead, they were linked to the effects of age and improvements in identification of the cause of death. Thus, we do not believe a PSA screening program would benefit the population of this study.

Effectiveness of mass treatment of Schistosoma mansoni infection in socially vulnerable areas of a state in northeastern Brazil, 2011\u20132014

BackgroundTo assess the effectiveness of mass treatment of Schistosoma mansoni infection in socially vulnerable endemic areas in northeastern Brazil.MethodAn ecological study was conducted, in which 118 localities in 30 municipalities in the state of Pernambuco were screened before 2011 and in 2014 (after mass treatment). Information on the endemic baseline index, mass treatment coverage, socio-environmental conditions and social vulnerability index were used in the multiple correspondence analysis. One hundred fourteen thousand nine hundred eighty-seven people in 118 locations were examined.ResultsThe first two dimensions of the multiple correspondence analysis represented 55.3% of the variability between locations. The human capital component of the social vulnerability index showed an association with the baseline endemicity index. There was a significant reduction in positivity for schistosomes. For two rounds, for every extra 1% of initial endemicity index, the fixed effect of 13.62% increased by 0.0003%, achieving at most 15.94%.ConclusionsThe mass treatment intervention helped to reduce transmission of schistosomiasis in areas of high endemicity. Thus, it can be recommended that application of mass treatment should be accompanied by other control actions, such as basic sanitation, monitoring of intermediate vectors and case surveillance.

Ví­timas de maus-tratos, negligência ou abandono em estado do Nordeste Brasileiro

Objetivo: descrever a situação epidemiológica de pessoas que foram ví­timas de maus-tratos, negligência ou abandono em um estado do nordeste brasileiro. Método: Trata-se de estudo exploratório e descritivo, com abordagem quantitativa e dados retrospectivos, desenvolvido com dados obtidos do Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação. Resultados: A população compreendeu pessoas atendidas e notificadas nos serviços próprios e conveniados ao Sistema Único de Saúde, por causas de maus-tratos, negligência ou abandono, entre 2015 e 2018. Observou-se que a maior parte era do sexo feminino (59,6%), na faixa etária de até 9 anos (56,4%) e residentes da zona urbana (79,1%). Quanto as pessoas que cometeram maus-tratos, negligência ou abandono, a maioria era do sexo feminino, não havia ingerido bebida alcóolica e a violência foi motivada por conflito geracional (20%). Conclusão: Evidenciou-se a necessidade de polí­ticas públicas que proteja as crianças e as pessoas que estão em situação de vulnerabilidade.

Mathematical modeling of COVID-19 in 14.8 million individuals in Bahia, Brazil

COVID-19 is affecting healthcare resources worldwide, with lower and middle-income countries being particularly disadvantaged to mitigate the challenges imposed by the disease, including the availability of a sufficient number of infirmary/ICU hospital beds, ventilators, and medical supplies. Here, we use mathematical modelling to study the dynamics of COVID-19 in Bahia, a state in northeastern Brazil, considering the influences of asymptomatic/non-detected cases, hospitalizations, and mortality. The impacts of policies on the transmission rate were also examined. Our results underscore the difficulties in maintaining a fully operational health infrastructure amidst the pandemic. Lowering the transmission rate is paramount to this objective, but current local efforts, leading to a 36% decrease, remain insufficient to prevent systemic collapse at peak demand, which could be accomplished using periodic interventions. Non-detected cases contribute to a ∽55% increase in R0. Finally, we discuss our results in light of epidemiological data that became available after the initial analyses.

Spatial analysis of congenital syphilis in the State of Rio Grande do Norte, between 2008 and 2018.

To analyze the spatial distribution of congenital syphilis cases in a state in northeastern Brazil. This is an ecological study, with secondary data for the period from 2008 to 2018, taking as a sample the notified cases of congenital syphilis in Rio Grande do Norte. In the data analysis, the eight health regions of the state were used as units of analysis, and the local and global Moran's I was performed, with subsequent smoothing through the local empirical Bayesian method, which resulted in thematic maps. The results showed an increase in cases of congenital syphilis in the 3rd and 7thhealth regions. In terms of spatial analysis, this investigation showed clusters in the 3rd, 5th, and 7thhealth regions, with an increased risk for congenital syphilis of up to 2.65 times and with an incidence rate of 7.91 cases per 1,000 live births. The spatial analysis of congenital syphilis cases allowed observing a high incidence in some health regions, with averages above those calculated for the entire state, indicating the need to implement effective strategies to achieve its control.

The geography of femicide in Sergipe, Brazil: matriarchy, human development, and income distribution.

This research analyzed a joint spatial distribution and explored the possible associations between epidemiological aspects and feminicide rates, in towns of the Sergipe State in Northeastern Brazil. An exploratory ecological study investigated the global spatial autocorrelation of epidemiological aspects with femicide rates from towns in Sergipe State, Brazil, (n = 75), in the 2013-2017 period, using the "global" and "local" Moran statistic method and a multiple spatial regression. The exposure variables included socioeconomic and demographic conditions, services and health condition, and femicide rates. We used the software Stata 11.0, SPSS 18.0 and GeoDa 0.95-i. The spatial distribution of femicide rates was not random and showed high spatial autocorrelation and predominance of significant spatial groupings of towns with the highest mortality rates due to femicide in the central region of Sergipe State. In the multiple regression analysis, the percentage of women in charge of families and the Municipal Human Development Index were positively associated with the femicide rates in towns in Sergipe's municipalities in the studied period (p < 0.05). The opposite situation occurred between the Income Concentration Index (GINI) and the femicide rates. This is the first study that has analyzed the factors associated with the spatial clusters of femicide rates in a geographical space where there is a predominance of patriarchal culture. There was a femicide increase in locations with the lowest social inequality, the highest human development and authority exercised by women in the family environment.

"Faz um filme com a gente, pra gente mostrar para os parentes”: A cultura do povo Ka’apor acionada pelo cinema.

During one of my field trips while developing my doctoral research in Anthropology - about the war histories of the Ka’apor people - in the Axinguirendá village in the northeastern state of Brazil, I held a small Film Show that lasted three nights. From the films shown, all indigenous and / or produced by them, the culture and the pride of this people was strongly triggered by the images projected when leaders of the village propose to me the production of a small film from the script entirely elaborated by them : going to the countryside, cooking of mandiocaba, dispute of bow and arrow in the green papaya, corporal paintings made with urucum, dances and songs. Things that have not been doing for a long time, motives and desires that have been intensified by the viewing of films produced by relatives of other ethnic groups and cultures. The potential of the audiovisual is exposed and evidenced in this interesting experience inspired by the Shared Anthropology of Jean Rouch and the project Video in the Villages, by Vincent Carelli.

Periodic deworming programme in Brazil

To evaluate the periodic deworming programme (PDP) against soil-transmitted helminth infection and estimate the cost-benefit of this action in a Northeastern Brazilian State. An observational descriptive study was peformed by two branches: an epidemiological analysis of parasitological stool tests positivity in the 7 health micro-regions of Sergipe State, from January to June 2019, and a cost-benefitial analysis through comparison between estimated costs of PDP and conventional diagnose and treatment method from 2014 to 2018. From the 1110 parasitological stool tests evaluated, 317 were positive: 20 (1.8 %) for helminths and 307 (26.7%) for protozoan parasites. Among positive tests, 61 (19.2%) were in PDP age target group (5-14 years). An annual average of 255,283 Albendazole tablets (400mg, single dose) were distributed with an annual average coverage rate of 84.2%. To support the programme, approximately R$ 281,859.25 (US$ 89,775.67) were transferred per year to the state of Sergipe. PDP estimated cost-effectiveness was R$ 1.10 (US$ 0.34) per event prevented and generated a cost-minimization of approximately R$ 335.617,60 (US$124,568.00) when compared to the conventional diagnose and treat method. The positive rates of soil-transmitted helminth infection in parasitological tests in Sergipe were low and the recommendation for PDP seems to be currently inadequate. Most positive tests were for commensal protozoa species. PDP estimated cost is lower than conventional diagnose and treatment method. Protozoa infections prevention policies should be evaluated as they are the major parasitic infection in our community after PDP.

How congenital Zika virus impacted my child’s functioning and disability: a Brazilian qualitative study guided by the ICF

IntroductionThe Zika virus outbreak in Brazil has had devasting social, medical and financial consequences for families. Both researchers and clinicians are measuring longer-term outcomes to understand the impact of the...

Attendance in Physical Education classes and associated factors among high school students

The objective of this study was to examine the prevalence of high school student attendance in Physical Education classes and analyze associated factors. The sample consisted of 2,874 public and private high school students (57.9% women, mean age of 16.5 years; SD = 1.2) from João Pessoa, Paraiba (PB) state in Northeastern Brazil. Attendance in Physical Education classes was measured by the following question: ‘How many Physical Education classes do you attend during a normal week? The associated factors measured were: attitude, self-efficacy, risks and benefits related to physical activity, perceived health, level of physical activity, sedentary behavior and nutritional status. It was observed that 41.9% (95% CI: 40.1-43.7) of the students attended two or more Physical Education classes per week, with a higher incidence in public schools (56.6%, 95%CI: 54.6-58.9) than in their private counterparts (6.6%, 95%CI: 4.9-8.2; p &lt;0.001). Higher attendance in Physical Education classes was identified in the following subgroups: male students and the youngest from both schools, in students from public school that did not work, members of the highest economic class, whose parents had higher schooling levels, and those in the 1st and 2nd year of high school education in private institutions. Attending two or more Physical Education classes per week is positively and significantly associated with a more favorable attitude to engaging in physical activity as well as its level, in both private and public students, in addition to positive health perception in public students. Student attendance in Physical Education classes was low, particularly in private schools. Attending two or more Physical Education classes per week was associated with positive aspects of physical activity and health in the students under study.

A new species of Eriotheca (Malvaceae, Bombacoideae) from coastal areas in northeastern Brazil.

A new species of Eriotheca (Malvaceae, Bombacoideae) from coastal areas in the northeastern Brazilian states of Alagoas and Bahia is described and illustrated. Eriothecaalversonii inhabits Atlantic coastal forest and is found principally on sandy soils in restinga vegetation. It is most similar morphologically to E.parvifolia. Both species have 3-foliolate leaves and short petioles on fertile branches, but the new species has smaller flowers, truncate to crenulate calyces, and smaller globose to subglobose capsules. The affinities of E.alversonii to morphologically similar species and its phenology are discussed. A distribution map and preliminary assessment of its conservation status are provided.