Low awareness of HIV status and high proportion of recent infections among young travestis and trans women in Brazil

Canine Leishmaniasis is a vector-borne zoonotic disease caused by several species of protozoa of the genus Leishmania. In the state of Rio de Janeiro (RJ), Leishmania braziliensis is the most prevalent species causing tegumentary leishmaniasis (TL) and Leishmania infantum is the main causative agent of visceral leishmaniasis (VL). Dogs are the main reservoirs of L. infantum and can be infected with other Leishmania species; however, their role as a reservoir for these species is still poorly understood. There are few epidemiological studies characterising Leishmania at the species level in isolates from dogs in the state of RJ and analysing their geospatial distribution. This work aimed to perform the taxonomic characterisation of Leishmania isolates, obtained from 565 dogs diagnosed between 2000 and 2015 in a reference centre for infectious diseases in RJ, Brazil. Dogs with a positive parasitological diagnosis by invitro culture of different biological samples (intact skin, skin lesion, bone marrow, spleen, lymph node and others) were included. The characterisation of Leishmania species was carried out using multilocus enzyme electrophoresis technique. The dogs' home addresses were individually georeferenced. Thematic and heat maps were created in the QGIS software with cases and the distribution of characterised species. The dogs clinically evaluated (n = 236) were classified as asymptomatic (n = 93; 39.4%), oligosymptomatic (n = 92; 39%), or polysymptomatic (n = 51; 21.6%). A total of 518 Leishmania isolates from dogs were characterised by MLEE as L. infantum (n = 456; 88%) and L. braziliensis (n = 62; 12%), which were obtained by cultivating biological samples from different canine sites. Heat maps identified Barra Mansa as an area of intense VL transmission and Rio de Janeiro and Maricá as municipalities with intense TL transmission. This study contributed to the knowledge of the taxonomic characterisation and geospatial distribution of Leishmania species responsible for canine leishmaniasis in the state of RJ, considering the case series from a reference centre for the diagnosis of leishmaniasis in the state of RJ, Brazil.

Under a climate change scenario, extreme heat episodes show an increase in frequency and intensity, with a scaling impact in Latin American cities. Recently, Rio de Janeiro City developed its heat protocol, using the amount of hours spent over specific heat thresholds as its trigger metric. This study gathers mortality data by 17 causes of death in Rio, over a 12.5-year period (2012–2024). We use Distributed Lag Nonlinear Models to assess the relationship between heat exposure and mortality among younger (0–64 years) and elderly (65+ years) age groups, comparing temperature and heat index as exposure metrics. Additionally, we evaluate whether including measures of exposure duration contributes to the explanation of heat-related mortality. In the study period, there were 466,121 deaths in the city from natural causes. Of the 17 causes of death, six showed a significant association with heat among the younger age group (0–64), while 13 were significant among the elderly. Particularly elevated relative risks were observed for deaths due to diabetes, Alzheimer’s and dementia, hypertensive diseases, urinary tract infections, and deaths by undetermined causes. Even though no clear conclusion was reached on the temperature and heat index comparison, the inclusion of exposure duration showed a relevant additional effect for explaining mortality across broader cause groups. The results characterize cause-specific heat-related mortality in Rio and show potential on the use of exposure period metrics to better understand heat-mortality relationships and guide definitions for heat warning systems.

This study investigated the motivational factors that prompt individuals to participate in physical activities in conventional gyms in the cities of Rio de Janeiro (RJ) and Juiz de Fora (MG). A total of 302 practitioners from 18 gyms participated in the research, using the Motives for Physical Activities Measure – Revised (MPAM-R) scale, adapted and validated for Portuguese as Medida de Motivação para a Atividade Física – Revisada (MMAF-R). Results indicated that the Health factor had the highest overall mean (6.39), followed by Competence (5.28) and Appearance (5.19), while the Social factor (3.46) had the lowest mean. Univariate analyses showed significant associations between motivational factors and variables such as sex, age, educational level, and childhood sports participation. Women tended to attribute greater importance to Competence and Appearance, whereas elderly individuals demonstrated predominantly Health-related motivation. The results support existing literature and provide subsidies for gym managers to formulate more effective relationship marketing strategies for customer attraction, retention, and loyalty. Keywords: Motivation; Physical Activity; Gyms; Self-Determination Theory; Relationship Marketing.

Sand fly vectors harbor and transmit Leishmania parasites and other pathogens, including arboviruses, to vertebrate hosts. The geographical distribution of phleboviruses transmitted by sand flies in areas affected by leishmaniasis has prompted research into coinfection in vectors and in Leishmania reservoirs in Europe and Africa. Despite the widespread occurrence of canine visceral Leishmaniasis in Brazil and the identification of several viruses carried by sand flies, the issue of coinfection remains unclear. We developed an RT-PCR-based assay to detect segmented (-) RNA arboviruses from the families Phenuiviridae and Peribunyaviridae in the Americas. This assay was based on a phylogenetic analysis of the genomes of 29 American species within these families. We processed serum and bone marrow samples from 25 dogs with confirmed cases of visceral leishmaniasis in Rio de Janeiro City, Brazil. Samples from two of the dogs were amplified using a set of primers tailored to the predicted amplicon size. DNA sequencing analysis revealed a high identity to members of the Peribunyaviridae family, specifically within the genus Pacuvirus. We successfully cultivated the virus from one of the samples and sequenced its genome, confirming the identification of a virus belonging to the species Pacuvirus pacuiense or a closely related variant. The implications of our results are discussed.

Abstract Introduction: The KEYNOTE-522 trial established neoadjuvant chemo immunotherapy as the standard of care for stage II-III triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). However, the regimen is associated with high rates of grade ≥3 adverse events, raising concerns in real-world settings where toxicity management may differ from clinical trial. Despite growing global adoption, real-world data on this approach outcomes —particularly in low- and middle-income countries—remain limited. Objectives: To evaluate the real-world incidence of serious adverse events (SAEs) during treatment, pathological complete response (pCR), and overall survival outcomes among patients with stage II-III TNBC receiving the KEYNOTE-522 regimen at a private oncology center in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted at a single private oncology center, including women with previously untreated stage II or III TNBC who received treatment in accordance with the KEYNOTE-522 protocol.Data were obtained through clinician-reported chart reviews of electronic medical records. SAEs were defined as treatment-related hospitalizations or deaths occurring during the neoadjuvant phase. Patients were followed by their medical oncology team from initiation of neoadjuvant therapy through the last documented clinical encounter.Descriptive statistics were used to summarize baseline characteristics. Multivariable logistic regression using the Stepwise Forward method was performed to identify factors associated with adverse outcomes. Overall survival was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Pathological complete response was defined as the absence of invasive residual tumor in both the breast and axillary lymph nodes at the time of definitive surgery (ypT0/Tis ypN0). The study was approved by the local Institutional Review Board. Results: A total of 85 women were included, with a median age of 46 years (range: 26-78); most were white (84.7%). Clinical stage II was the most common at diagnosis (53.6%) and 64.9% of tumors classified as grade 3. Pathogenic germline mutations were identified in 27.1% of patients.Treatment discontinuation was observed in 24.7% of cases, and corticosteroids due to SAEs were used in 14.1% of cases. There was one treatment-related death and 16 hospitalizations due to toxicity, resulting in a SAEs rate of 18.8% and a mean treatment delay of 13.5 days (±9.24). In multivariable analysis, older age was significantly associated with higher risk of SAEs, with a 7% increase in risk per year of age (OR=1.07; 95% CI: 1.03-1.12; p=0.003). Patients diagnosed at stage III had a 3.6-fold increased risk of SAEs compared to those at stage II (OR=3.60; 95% CI: 1.01-12.81; p=0.048). A pathological complete response (pCR) was achieved in 53.6% of patients.The OS rate was 87%, with a median follow-up of 32.9 months (95% CI: 31-35).Conclusão: In this real-world cohort from a private oncology practice in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, nearly one in five patients experienced SAEs during treatment with the KEYNOTE-522 regimen. Older age and stage III disease were independently associated with an increased risk of toxicity. These serious toxicities raise concerns, particularly in a curative-intent setting.Despite the toxicity burden, a pathological complete response (pCR) was achieved in 53.6% of patients, consistent with results from clinical trials. Overall survival (OS) reached 87% at a median follow-up of 33 months, highlighting the potential for favorable outcomes in routine clinical practice. Citation Format: A. C. Pires, A. Bergmann, G. Bretas, A. B. Filgueiras, E. Neves, D. L. Santos, A. C. Goncalves. Real-world safety and effectiveness of the Keynote-522 regimen for triple-negative breast cancer in a private oncology practice in Rio de janeiro, Brazil [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium 2025; 2025 Dec 9-12; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2026;32(4 Suppl):Abstract nr PS5-04-28.

IntroductionReuse of antineoplastic and supportive drugs can reduce costs by cutting down the amount of chemotherapy drug waste generated. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the disposal and reuse of preparations which contain these two pharmaceutical classes.MethodsThis is a prospective study conducted with pediatric and adult patients who did not undergo one or more chemotherapy session between July and November of 2024. The chemotherapy preparations were classified as reused or discarded and quantified. The reasons for drug disposal and patient's sociodemographic data were also analyzed.ResultsOne hundred and forty patients composed the studied population, all of them responsible for 188 missed chemotherapy sessions. The study's population is predominately adult, male, residing at Rio de Janeiro city and with less than 12 years of education. Almost half of the population (47.9%) had one or more comorbidity. The most prevalent tumors were those of the digestive system (40.1%). The drug disposal rate was 2.11%. The chemotherapy suspension rate was higher (66.3%) than non-attendance (32.6%). The patient's worsening clinical condition was the main reason (45.2%) that led to chemotherapy suspension, while miscommunication (37.1%) was the main reason attributed to non-attendance. Oxaliplatin was the most discarded drug whereas vincristine was the most reused drug.ConclusionsRate of chemotherapeutic drug disposal is higher than their reuse. Although session suspension and non-attendance are caused by different reasons, both can be reduced by implementation of an effective communication routine between patient and provider in the days prior to the scheduled session.

Drought is the primary stress factor in semiarid environments. Consequently, selecting plant genetic resources capable of tolerating temporary periods of water scarcity, such as Physalis angulata, becomes essential. This study aimed to identify P. angulata accessions with potential for use under water deficit conditions by evaluating plant water status and physiological and biochemical responses. Five accessions, including two from Bahia (BA1 and BA2), Pará-PA, Rio de Janeiro-RJ, and Piauí-PI, were grown under well-watered and water deficit conditions. Relative water content, gas exchange parameters, and organic solute accumulation were assessed. All accessions exhibited changes in plant water status and reductions in CO2 assimilation, stomatal conductance, and leaf transpiration under water deficit. The accumulation of compatible solutes varied among accessions, with notable contrasts between Bahia accession 2 and Pará accession, particularly for total soluble sugars and reducing sugars. These findings highlight the complexity of the species and the distinct mechanisms underlying its response to limited water availability. Overall, gas exchange was the trait most sensitive to water restriction, followed by alterations in biochemical attributes. Therefore, the Physalis angulata accessions from Bahia accession 2 and Pará accession show potential for use under water-deficit conditions and could provide valuable insights, particularly through transcriptome analysis.

The city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, regularly experiences landslides triggered by rainfall. To enhance our understanding of critical thresholds, this study analyses two datasets over a period of 24 years (1999 to 2022): rainfall events, from data obtained from 33 city-installed rain gauges and an inventory of landslide occurrence reports from the Geo-Rio Foundation. The dataset comprises 7,019 significant rainfall events, of which 6,481 resulted in landslides. A total of 6,671 landslides occurred during the analyzed period, a total of 14,402 technical inspections were conducted after slope instability assessments were requested by the population. In addition to evaluating rainfall values that lead to landslides, the study analyses the impact of Geo-Rio’s slope-stabilization efforts and population growth in landslide-prone areas. Computational techniques were used to manipulate and classify the data, revealing zone-dependent thresholds. A strong correlation is identified between landslide events, rainfall intensity and accumulated rainfall (96-hour period). The results underscore the necessity to improve Rio de Janeiro’s early-warning system, considering both rainfall intensity and 96 hours of accumulated rainfall data to predict landslides, with implications for future slope stabilization efforts and urban planning in landslide-prone areas.

Abstract This article explores the construction of martyrdom surrounding Marielle Franco, a Brazilian human rights activist and Rio de Janeiro city councilor assassinated on 14 March 2018. Using an historical and discourse-analytical approach, it treats martyrdom as a contested phenomenon at the intersection of religion and politics, where meaning evolves as power dynamics shift. Critically engaging with a speech by pastor Henrique Vieira, the study argues that early efforts to frame her assassination as martyrdom, drawing on liberation theology, served as a means of processing political trauma and reinforcing struggles for human rights and social justice. At the same time, this portrayal was challenged by members of Franco’s inner circle, underscoring the potential risks and limitations of labeling political figures as martyrs. The article critically examines both the empowering and problematic dimensions of martyrdom for marginalized communities and social movements, highlighting its complex role as a political and symbolic strategy.

ABSTRACT Objective: to develop a strategic taxonomy of family farming in Rio de Janeiro (RJ) and Rio Grande do Sul (RS), identifying productive profiles and analyzing their performance in sustainability and productivity, as well as the institutional and socioeconomic factors that explain disparities between states. Theoretical approach: the study integrates strategic taxonomies with the sustainable development agenda (SDGs), conceiving sustainability as a multidimensional outcome. Agricultural extension (ATER) and rural credit are framed as orchestrating mechanisms that reconfigure resources and capabilities; territorial governance and market structure condition outcomes. It assumes contingency via cooperative density, infrastructure, and policy access, proposing that combinations of resources-practices-institutions form distinct strategic gestalts that yield differentiated trajectories of productivity and sustainability. Method: amultivariate quantitative approach using data from the 2017 Agricultural Census (IBGE). An exploratory factor analysis synthesized variables into composite scales (loadings > 0.70), followed by two-stage clustering (hierarchical to define the optimal number; k-means for refinement). Robustness was tested via MANOVA, ANOVA, and Tukey procedures, with analyses conducted separately for each state. Results: four recurrent profiles - Incipient, Sustainable Traditional, Preserver, and Taker - emerged in both states, with regional specificities. Sustainable Traditional showed superior economic performance; Preserver excelled environmentally. RS outperformed RJ, associated with structured rural credit and broad ATER coverage, contrasting with institutional fragilities in RJ. Conclusion: regional heterogeneity demands segmented, territorially tailored policies. Strengthening ATER and structured credit is crucial to reduce productive inequalities, promote inclusion, and sustain economic and environmental outcomes. The study offers evidence-based inputs for differentiated strategies, anchored in a framework that connects typologies, public mechanisms, and sustainability.

To identify factors associated with the acceptability of Covid-19 self-testing among socioeconomically vulnerable populations. Cross-sectional study using data from the "TQT Covid-19" project, which involved users from 19 primary health care (PHC) units located in socioeconomically vulnerable areas in Salvador (BA) and Rio de Janeiro (RJ), Brazil. Data were collected between July 2022 and July 2023. Descriptive analysis of Covid-19 self-test acceptability was performed, and logistic regression models were used to estimate factors associated with acceptability, with respective 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). Among 7,939 study participants, 45.8% (95%CI 44.75-46.95) reported willingness to use a Covid-19 self-test. In the analysis of associated factors, regarding sociodemographic profile, non-Black individuals (ORa = 1.17; 95%CI 1.02-1.34), cisgender men (ORa = 1.23; 95%CI 1.12-1.37), and participants with higher educational levels (ORa = 1.60; 95%CI 1.43-1.79) were more likely to accept the self-test. Those with prior knowledge of the self-test (ORa = 2.33; 95%CI 2.11-2.58) and those previously diagnosed with Covid-19 (ORa = 1.17; 95%CI 1.05-1.28) also reported higher acceptance. Provision of Covid-19 self-testing should be considered as a complement to testing within the public health system, especially due to its acceptance among vulnerable populations and the difficulties in accessing testing in many Brazilian regions. During periods of increased Covid-19 incidence, self-testing may serve as an important strategy for mass case detection, provided that access and knowledge are expanded so communities can play an active role in SARS-CoV-2 epidemiological surveillance.

Generally, triathletes participating in short events should aim to finish the swim stage with the leading group to improve their chances in the subsequent cycling and running stages. However, the fatigue associated with very intense swimming can impair subsequent split times. This study aimed to investigate the impact of swimming bout intensity on performance in subsequent cycling, running, and overall racing among well-trained male and female amateur triathletes. Twenty athletes (12 men and 8 women) participated in this study. Critical velocity (CV) was estimated for swimming using a simple linear model. Body composition and maximal oxygen uptake were measured. Participants visited the laboratory three times to swim 750 m at intensities below CV, at CV, and above CV (in randomized order), before they cycled 20 km and ran 5 km as fast as they could to simulate a sprint triathlon. Heart rate, blood lactate level, perceived exertion, muscle pain, and dyspnea levels were measured at the end of each modality. For women, on the day on which swimming intensity was below the CV, the overall race time was higher than on the day on which swimming intensity was at the CV (p = 0.041) or faster than the CV (p = 0.002). For men, there was no significant difference in the overall race time among the three intensities (p > 0.05). The results showed that, for men, swimming at higher intensity did not significantly change total time, whereas for women, lower intensity was associated with poorer performance. The study was registered in ReBEC - Registro Brasileiro de Ensaios Clinicos: Rio de Janeiro (RJ): Instituto de Informação Científica e Tecnológica em Saúde (Brazil); 2010 - Identifier RBR-73vcyff. Available from http://ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-73vcyff .

The aim of this study was to investigate irrigation practices adopted by Brazilian endodontic specialists, highlighting differences related to professional experience and regional diversity. This cross-sectional observational study included endodontists from five Brazilian states. Participants completed a questionnaire comprising five socio-demographic items and seven items related to irrigation protocols. Responses were analyzed to identify regional and experience-based differences using the chi-square test. 333 endodontists from Rio Grande do Sul (RS), Rio de Janeiro (RJ), Santa Catarina (SC), Mato Grosso (MT), and Mato Grosso do Sul (MS) responded to the questionnaire. Most were from RS, and 66.4% were female. Sodium hypochlorite was the most used irrigant, ranging from 66.7% (SC) to 94.3% (MS and MT) (P=0.005), and from 69.3% (5–9 years) to 90.4% (10–15 years since graduation) (P=0.002). Irrigant activation was reported by 85.4% of specialists in RJ, 92.6% in SC, 95.9% in RS, and 97.1% in MT and MS (P=0.014), with no significant difference by graduation time. Ultrasound and EasyClean were the most used activation methods, with significant associations to both region (P<0.001 and P=0.003, respectively) and time since graduation (P=0.037 and P<0.001, respectively). Despite regional and experiential differences, a clear trend toward the adoption of evidence-based irrigation strategies—particularly the use of sodium hypochlorite and irrigant activation protocols—was observed among Brazilian endodontists. These findings highlight a degree of consistency in clinical practice across diverse regions, while also underscoring the importance of continued efforts to promote standardized, science-driven approaches to root canal disinfection.

ABSTRACTBackgroundCat‐transmitted sporotrichosis caused by Sporothrix brasiliensis is increasingly reported in the last three decades within Brazil. Recently, other South American countries like Argentina and Chile also reported cases, while the number of reported cases in Paraguay, a Brazilian neighbour, remains quite limited with 10 feline and three human cases. Importantly, early diagnosis and disease awareness facilitate effective treatment and allow strategies to prevent spread.ObjectivesHere, we describe two previously reported and 11 novel human sporotrichosis cases by S. brasiliensis from Paraguay, diagnosed from 2017 to 2025.MethodsClinical and epidemiological data of patients were collected, fungal isolates were phenotypically analysed with microscopy, and short tandem repeat (STR) genotyping was used for species identification and to determine genetic relatedness between isolates.ResultsFrom the 13 human patients, 11 were diagnosed with sporotrichosis after contact with cats, while two reported ant bites as the source. All patients reported subcutaneous lesions with lymphocutaneous spread and were treated successfully, resulting in complete resolution of the lesions, despite late recognition of the disease and prior antibiotic treatment. STR genotyping revealed a unique genotype for four cases, all imported from Brazil, including the two ant‐associated isolates, all patients had a history of first symptoms while still in Brazil, but later after moving to Paraguay the diagnosis was made. All other isolates were allocated to the previously identified Rio de Janeiro (RJ) clade, originating from Brazil and known to be more widespread in Brazil.ConclusionsAltogether, we report the probable first two cases of transmission by ants for S. brasiliensis , and all cases result from direct import or spread from Brazil.

This article aims, in a geographical framework, meditations on the regressive-progressive method and its application in spatial investigations. For its author, the french sociologist Henri Lefebvre, space is not a given fact, but a living present that brings with it a past and a future. Thus, anyone who wants to critically analyze a space must investigate the processes – the emergence, evolution or extinction of the structuring elements – which are, in short, the space itself. Along these lines, Lefebvre proposes an exercise divided into three Moments: “Descriptive”, “Analytic-regressive” and “Historical-genetic”. After these 3 steps we will be better able to better understand the complexities of the space under scrutiny, making it more open to future interventions. As an empirical example of the method, we carried out a brief investigation into Parque do Flamengo, a public space located in the city of Rio de Janeiro (RJ).

Evaluation of a Heavy Rainfall Event in Rio de Janeiro City Associated with Upper-Air Instability Dynamically Forced by Stratospheric Air Intrusion

Honey is a food product that will be collected, treated, packaged, and distributed by the market, local or international, and it is subject to regulations by authorities that take care of safety in favor of the health of the population. Among the various chemical hazards that may be present in honey and eventually constitute a risk to human health, pesticides occupy a prominent place. Thats why this work aimed to adapt, validate, and use QuEChERS extraction with a clean-up step followed by UPLC-MS/MS detection for multiresidual determination of 324 pesticides in samples of honey produced and sold in the state of Rio de Janeiro. As a result, the method was quantitatively validated for 239 pesticides with a quantification limit of 0.02 mg kg−1 with 22 different pesticides detected in 23 samples, from 17 municipalities, representing 35% of total samples. Meanwhile, only Mephospholam and Propamocarb were quantified at a concentration of 0.02 mg kg−1, with Mephospholam not complying with the MRL stipulated by the European Union.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1038/s41598-025-14249-9.

ABSTRACT Statistical models to wind speed allow understanding accurately the wind potential of a location, which is significant when deciding where to locate new wind farm installations and sometimes for the strategy of buildings and their structural design. The intention of this research is to fit three probability distribution functions (PDFs) named Weibull, generalized extreme value (GEV), and Gumbel (GUM) to average wind speed data from the metropolises of both São Paulo (SP) and Rio de Janeiro (RJ). Moreover, the objective encompassed calculating the anticipated average wind speeds for these metropolises, taking into account the return periods of 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 100 years. The assessment and appropriateness for chosen PDF were evaluated using statistical measures such as mean absolute percentage errors (MAPEs), Ljung–Box test, and Kolmogorov–Smirnov (KS) test. Regarding the evaluation of the accuracy of wind speed predictions in RJ, the Weibull distribution showed the best performance. In SP, the GUM and Weibull distributions showed the same performance. The results presented in this article can help in understanding the wind potential of southeastern Brazil and serve as a source of wind energy projects. This study is the first complete probabilistic analysis of extreme winds in SP and RJ, addressing a significant gap in wind potential assessment in Southeast Brazil. Using high‐resolution data spanning 61 years, the study analyzes extreme events. Unlike previous regional studies that focused on annual averages, this research aims to calculate monthly variability and return periods (10–100 years).

ABSTRACT Waste management in Brazil presents major problems, one of which is the incorrect disposal of medicines, a phenomenon that has been much discussed in recent years. Medicines must be disposed of correctly, otherwise it affects not only the environment, but also many living beings in general. Under these circumstances, this article aims to analyze the population's perception of cities in the north and lake region of the state of Rio de Janeiro and the incorrect disposal of medicines. The work is a bibliographic review in order to verify, in the literature, similar behaviors in the treatment and management of this type of health waste. The study sought works that investigated the perception of the population of the North Fluminense and Lake Region about the incorrect disposal of medicines and its risks to health and the environment. The results showed that the majority of the population is unaware of the appropriate places for disposal and the associated negative impacts. Thus, it is clear that awareness and environmental education campaigns are essential, in addition to the need for effective collection and disposal systems.