Luiz Antonio Bastos Camacho

Adaptação transcultural da Escala de Independência em Atividades da Vida Diária (Escala de Katz)

Abstract This study involved the development and per-formance assessment of a cultural adaptation of the Katz scale of independence in activities of daily living, translated into Portuguese in Bra-zil. Two translations and two back-translations of the items were analyzed by experts in order to decide on the final version. Operational equiv-alence was assessed in a pilot study. The reli-ability and internal consistency of the adapted version were assessed by retesting 156 patients on the same day or 7 days after the first inter-view. Cultural equivalence was achieved after resolving subtle differences in some items. The final version was considered easy to understand and use. Chance-corrected agreement (weighted kappa) was 0.91. Cronbach’s alpha ranged from 0.80 to 0.92. Conclusions: a Portuguese version of the Katz scale of independence in activities of daily living, thoroughly developed and test-ed, proved equivalent to the original version in English. The items were internally consistent and the rates were reliable.Activities of Daily Living; Reproducibility of Re-sults; Aged

O Sistema de Informação Hospitalar e sua aplicação na saúde coletiva

The objective of this study was to survey the scientific production of applications for data from the Hospital Information System of Brazils Unified National System (SUS) in analyses of relevant Public Health issues. To find articles published in scientific journals from 1984 to 2003, the authors consulted the SciELO, MEDLINE, and Virtual Public Health Library databases. To locate monographs, theses, and dissertations, the authors consulted the websites of institutions providing Masters and doctoral courses in Public Health. A total of 76 articles were identified for the reference period, and they were classified into five categories with different analytical approaches. Although the Hospital Information System in the SUS has incomplete coverage and there are uncertainties about the reliability of its data, the range of studies showed internal consistency with current knowledge, reinforcing the systems importance and the need to understand its strengths and weaknesses.

Cytokine Signatures of Innate and Adaptive Immunity in 17DD Yellow Fever Vaccinated Children and Its Association With the Level of Neutralizing Antibody

BACKGROUND The live attenuated yellow fever (YF) vaccines have been available for decades and are considered highly effective and one of the safest vaccines worldwide. METHODS The impact of YF-17DD-antigens recall on cytokine profiles of YF-17DD-vaccinated children were characterized using short-term cultures of whole blood samples and single-cell flow cytometry. This study enrolled seroconverters and nonseroconverters after primovaccination (PV-PRNT⁺ and PV-PRNT⁻), seroconverters after revaccination (RV-PRNT⁺), and unvaccinated volunteers (UV-PRNT⁻). RESULTS The analysis demonstrated in the PV-PRNT⁺ group a balanced involvement of pro-inflammatory/regulatory adaptive immunity with a prominent participation of innate immunity pro-inflammatory events (IL-12⁺ and TNF-α⁺ NEU and MON). Using the PV-PRNT⁺ cytokine signature as a reference profile, PV-PRNT⁻ presented a striking lack of innate immunity proinflammatory response along with an increased adaptive regulatory profile (IL-4⁺CD4⁺ T cells and IL-10⁺ and IL-5⁺CD8⁺ T cells). Conversely, the RV-PRNT⁺ shifted the overall cytokine signatures toward an innate immunity pro-inflammatory profile and restored the adaptive regulatory response. CONCLUSIONS The data demonstrated that the overall cytokine signature was associated with the levels of PRNT antibodies with a balanced innate/adaptive immunity with proinflammatory/regulatory profile as the hallmark of PV-PRNT(MEDIUM⁺), whereas a polarized regulatory response was observed in PV-PRNT⁻ and a prominent proinflammatory signature was the characteristic of PV-PRNT(HIGH⁺).

Tuberculosis among indigenous populations in Rondonia, Amazonia, Brazil

Tuberculosis persists as a serious public health problem in Brazil. Prevalence rates are alarming in certain social groups, including indigenous peoples. This article presents an epidemiological analysis of records in the Rondonia State Tuberculosis Control Program, identifying the diseases profile among indigenous groups, which are socially more vulnerable and have different issues involved in controlling the disease. The study includes a descriptive statistical and multivariate multinomial analysis of cases reported in 1992 and from 1994 to 1998, attempting to identify factors associated with tuberculosis-related deaths, treatment drop-out, and missing data. Associations were identified between variables related to the disease, to the health service, and to treatment results. There is evidence that the indigenous populations in Rondonia have an increased risk of acquiring and dying from tuberculosis as compared to other residents of the State. Attention is called to the need for prevention and control measures specifically tailored to the reality of indigenous peoples.

Immunogenicity of WHO-17D and Brazilian 17DD yellow fever vaccines: a randomized trial

OBJECTIVE To compare the immunogenicity of three yellow fever vaccines from WHO-17D and Brazilian 17DD substrains (different seed-lots). METHODS An equivalence trial was carried out involving 1,087 adults in Rio de Janeiro. Vaccines produced by Bio-Manguinhos, Fiocruz (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) were administered following standardized procedures adapted to allow blocked randomized allocation of participants to coded vaccine types (double-blind). Neutralizing yellow fever antibody titters were compared in pre- and post-immunization serum samples. Equivalence was defined as a difference of no more than five percentage points in seroconversion rates, and ratio between Geometric Mean Titters (GMT) higher than 0.67. RESULTS Seroconversion rates were 98% or higher among subjects previously seronegative, and 90% or more of the total cohort of vaccinees, including those previously seropositive. Differences in seroconversion ranged from -0.05% to -3.02%. The intensity of the immune response was also very similar across vaccines: 14.5 to 18.6 IU/mL. GMT ratios ranged from 0.78 to 0.93. Taking the placebo group into account, the vaccines explained 93% of seroconversion. Viremia was detected in 2.7% of vaccinated subjects from Day 3 to Day 7. CONCLUSIONS The equivalent immunogenicity of yellow fever vaccines from the 17D and 17DD substrains was demonstrated for the first time in placebo-controlled double-blind randomized trial. The study completed the clinical validation process of a new vaccine seed-lot, provided evidence for use of alternative attenuated virus substrains in vaccine production for a major manufacturer, and for the utilization of the 17DD vaccine in other countries.

Tuberculosis in Rio de Janeiro prisons, Brazil: an urgent public health problem

The tuberculosis incidence rate in prisons in Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil, was 30 times higher in 2004 than in the general population and is probably underestimated, particularly given the difficult access to care in the prison setting. To obtain a better estimate, a survey used systematic X-ray screening and showed a prevalence rate of 4.6% in one such detention facility, A (n = 1,052). Two additional surveys, in facilities B (n = 590) and C (n = 1,372), showed even higher prevalence rates (6.3% and 8.6% respectively). A comparison of socio-demographic characteristics between A, B, and C showed a heterogeneous prison population. As compared to facility A, inmates in B and C come from poorer urban communities and have more frequent histories of incarceration and tuberculosis. These differences, consistent with the prevalence data, imply the necessary adaptation of tuberculosis control programs to each detention facilitys epidemiological and socio-demographic profile.Em 2004, a taxa de incidencia da tuberculose nas prisoes do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, foi trinta vezes superior a da populacao geral do Estado. Essa taxa provavelmente e subestimada, especialmente pela dificuldade de acesso ao servico de saude nesse ambiente. Com o objetivo de melhor avaliar a situacao, um primeiro inquerito radiologico sistematico foi realizado e mostrou taxa de prevalencia de 4,6% (prisao A, n = 1.052). Dois inqueritos adicionais revelaram, nas unidades B (n = 590) e C (n = 1.372), taxas maiores (6,3% e 8,6%, respectivamente). A comparacao das caracteristicas socio-demograficas das prisoes A, B e C mostrou que a populacao encarcerada nao e homogenea. Em comparacao com prisao A, os individuos encarcerados nas prisoes B e C sao oriundos de comunidades mais desfavorecidas e tem mais frequentemente historia de encarceramento anterior e de tuberculose. Essas diferencas, coerentes com os dados de prevalencia, implicam a adaptacao das medidas de controle da tuberculose ao perfil epidemiologico e socio-demografico de cada unidade prisional.

Mutual interference on the immune response to yellow fever vaccine and a combined vaccine against measles, mumps and rubella.

A randomized trial was conducted to assess the immunogenicity and reactogenicity of yellow fever vaccines (YFV) given either simultaneously in separate injections, or 30 days or more after a combined measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. Volunteers were also randomized to YFV produced from 17DD and WHO-17D-213 substrains. The study group comprised 1769 healthy 12-month-old children brought to health care centers in Brasilia for routine vaccination. The reactogenicity was of the type and frequency expected for the vaccines and no severe adverse event was associated to either vaccine. Seroconversion and seropositivity 30 days or more after vaccination against yellow fever was similar across groups defined by YFV substrain. Subjects injected YFV and MMR simultaneously had lower seroconversion rates--90% for rubella, 70% for yellow fever and 61% for mumps--compared with those vaccinated 30 days apart--97% for rubella, 87% for yellow fever and 71% for mumps. Seroconversion rates for measles were higher than 98% in both comparison groups. Geometric mean titers for rubella and for yellow fever were approximately three times higher among those who got the vaccines 30 days apart. For measles and mumps antibodies GMTs were similar across groups. MMRs interference in immune response of YFV and YFVs interference in immune response of rubella and mumps components of MMR had never been reported before but are consistent with previous observations from other live vaccines. These results may affect the recommendations regarding primary vaccination with yellow fever vaccine and MMR.

Modeling the Impact of Tuberculosis Control Strategies in Highly Endemic Overcrowded Prisons

Background Tuberculosis (TB) in prisons is a major health problem in countries of high and intermediate TB endemicity such as Brazil. For operational reasons, TB control strategies in prisons cannot be compared through population based intervention studies. Methodology/Principal Findings A mathematical model is proposed to simulate the TB dynamics in prison and evaluate the potential impact on active TB prevalence of several intervention strategies. The TB dynamics with the ongoing program was simulated over a 10 year period in a Rio de Janeiro prison (TB prevalence 4.6 %). Then, a simulation of the DOTS strategy reaching the objective of 70 % of bacteriologically-positive cases detected and 85 % of detected cases cured was performed; this strategy reduced only to 2.8% the average predicted TB prevalence after 5 years. Adding TB detection at entry point to DOTS strategy had no major effect on the predicted active TB prevalence. But, adding further a yearly X-ray mass screening of inmates reduced the predicted active TB prevalence below 1%. Furthermore, according to this model, after applying this strategy during 2 years (three annual screenings), the TB burden would be reduced and the active TB prevalence could be kept at a low level by associating X-ray screening at entry point and DOTS. Conclusions/Significance We have shown that X-ray mass screenings should be considered to control TB in highly endemic prison. Prisons with different levels of TB prevalence could be examined thanks to this model which provides a rational tool for public health deciders.

Consumo de álcool entre estudantes universitários

Consumption of alcoholic beverages is widely encouraged by the mass media, despite the related health risks. Todays students in the health fields are the professionals of tomorrow who will be providing advice and serving as role models for patients. The aim of this study was to analyze alcohol consumption and related factors among these students. A total of 608 male and female university students from Maceio, the capital of Alagoas State, Brazil, completed a self-administered questionnaire. Data analysis included Poisson regression and multinomial logistic models. Prevalence of lifetime use of alcohol was 90.4%. Prevalence of alcohol abuse was 18.3% in men and 6.1% in women. Heavier alcohol consumption and alcohol abuse were observed in males, older students, non-natives of Maceio, smokers, and those exposed to alcohol advertising. The results emphasized the vulnerability of these young people to risky health behaviors. Their future social role highlights distinct needs in their university education to enable them to act professionally in this area.

17DD yellow fever vaccine: a double blind, randomized clinical trial of immunogenicity and safety on a dose-response study.

Objective: To verify if the Bio-Manguinhos 17DD yellow fever vaccine (17DD-YFV) used in lower doses is as immunogenic and safe as the current formulation. Results: Doses from 27,476 IU to 587 IU induced similar seroconversion rates and neutralizing antibodies geometric mean titers (GMTs). Immunity of those who seroconverted to YF was maintained for 10 mo. Reactogenicity was low for all groups. Methods: Young and healthy adult males (n = 900) were recruited and randomized into 6 groups, to receive de-escalating doses of 17DD-YFV, from 27,476 IU to 31 IU. Blood samples were collected before vaccination (for neutralization tests to yellow fever, serology for dengue and clinical chemistry), 3 to 7 d after vaccination (for viremia and clinical chemistry) and 30 d after vaccination (for new yellow fever serology and clinical chemistry). Adverse events diaries were filled out by volunteers during 10 d after vaccination. Volunteers were retested for yellow fever and dengue antibodies 10 mo later. Seropositivity for dengue was found in 87.6% of volunteers before vaccination, but this had no significant influence on conclusions. Conclusion: In young healthy adults Bio-Manguinhos/Fiocruz yellow fever vaccine can be used in much lower doses than usual. International Register ISRCTN 38082350.