Is there evidence for cognitive intervention in Alzheimer disease? A systematic review of efficacy, feasibility, and cost-effectiveness.

Several studies have shown that cognitive intervention may be beneficial for people with Alzheimer disease (AD), but literature reviews conducted so far, have yielded mixed and inconclusive results. In this work, through an extensive bibliographic search, we aim: (1) to analyze the efficacy of cognitive intervention in patients diagnosed with AD; (2) to provide an estimate of the feasibility of cognitive intervention; and (3) to review available cost-effectiveness data of this approach. Four randomized controlled trials of cognitive intervention, for patients diagnosed with AD that incorporated cognitive intervention and mock intervention control conditions, were included in the analysis. Only the domain of global cognitive functioning, as measured by Mini-Mental State Examination, showed significant intervention effects. No effects were observed in the remaining domains. Concerning feasibility, high rates of completion and adherence were found. A single randomized controlled trial, with unspecified dementia, suggested cognitive intervention to be cost-effective. Given the currently available dearth of well-controlled and focused trials in AD, these results should be carefully interpreted and remain to be confirmed in the future. There is a clear need for more high-quality research.

[Social research in health: why read Norbert Elias?] / Pesquisa social em saúde: por que ler Norbert Elias?

This essay aims to reflect on the theoretical-methodological challenges of social research in health and, especially, to explore the conceptual matrix present in the work of Norbert Elias, a sociologist and historian whose approach to the civilizing process greatly contributes to understanding the singularities that shape individual and collective existence. By investigating long chains of interdependence throughout history, Elias challenged deterministic interpretations of social processes and built a vigorous analysis of a plurality of objects from an interdisciplinary, constructivist, and relational perspective. By illuminating the dynamics of interaction and the mutual constitution of individuals and society, the author redefines the nature of the reciprocal relations among social structures, the psychic economy, and the body. In this sense, the appropriation of this reflexive perspective can fertilize studies and research processes. Considering the complexity of Public Health, we propose to stimulate possible articulations, dialogues, and uses of the Eliasian theoretical framework in the problematization and construction of strategies and research paths.

Este ensaio busca refletir sobre os desafios teórico-metodológicos do campo da pesquisa social em saúde e, especialmente, explorar a matriz conceitual presente na obra de Norbert Elias, sociólogo e historiador cuja abordagem sobre o processo civilizador contribui substancialmente para a compreensão das singularidades que conformam a existência individual e coletiva. Investigando longas cadeias de interdependência no decorrer da história, Elias desafiou interpretações deterministas sobre os processos sociais e construiu análises expressivas sobre uma pluralidade de objetos em perspectiva interdisciplinar, construtivista e relacional. Ao iluminar a dinâmica de interação e constituição mútua dos indivíduos e da sociedade, o autor redefine a natureza das relações recíprocas entre as estruturas sociais, a economia psíquica e o corpo. Nesse sentido, a apropriação dessa postura reflexiva pode originar estudos e processos de investigação. Considerando a complexidade da Saúde Coletiva, propõe-se, assim, estimular possíveis articulações, diálogos e usos do referencial teórico eliasiano na problematização e construção de estratégias e caminhos de pesquisa.

El ensayo busca reflexionar sobre los desafíos teórico-metodológicos del campo de la investigación social en salud y, sobre todo, explorar la matriz conceptual presente en la obra de Norbert Elias, sociólogo e historiador cuyo enfoque sobre el proceso civilizador aporta una gran contribución a la comprensión de las singularidades que configuran la existencia individual y colectiva. Investigando largas cadenas de interdependencia a lo largo de la historia, Elias desafió interpretaciones deterministas sobre los procesos sociales y construyó un análisis vigoroso sobre una pluralidad de objetos desde una perspectiva interdisciplinaria, constructivista y relacional. Al iluminar la dinámica de interacción y constitución mutua de los individuos y de la sociedad, el autor redefine la naturaleza de las relaciones recíprocas entre las estructuras sociales, la economía psíquica y el cuerpo. En este sentido, la apropiación de esta postura reflexiva puede fertilizar estudios y procesos de investigación. Considerando la complejidad de la Salud Colectiva, se propone incentivar posibles articulaciones, diálogos y usos del marco teórico eliasiano en la problematización y construcción de estrategias y caminos de investigación.

From the Brazilian Income Transfer Program to Brazil Assistance: challenges and achievements according to a theory-driven evaluation research on the program. / Do Bolsa Família ao Auxílio Brasil: desafios e alcances a partir de uma pesquisa avaliativa baseada na teoria do programa.

The recent COVID-19 pandemic has led many countries to adopt emergency cash transfer policies as a way to contain the economic and humanitarian crisis. Such initiatives were developed in a context of exacerbated gender, race, ethnicity and class inequalities resulting from physical and social distancing measures. The article analyzes, by means of an exploratory study and the so-called theory-driven evaluation of the program, the theoretical premises of the Brazilian Income Transfer Program (2003), Brazilian Emergency Assistance (2020) and Brazil Assistance (2021) programs, and their corresponding implementation dynamics. As cash transfer programs are given centrality in the contemporary public agenda, the conclusion is that evaluating their limits and advances - as to theoretical conception and mechanisms triggered in each context - contributes to trace evidence about their effectiveness in addressing long-term inequalities and those inequalities that arise in health emergency contexts.

A recente pandemia de COVID-19 levou muitos países a adotarem políticas emergenciais de transferência de renda como forma de conter a crise econômica e humanitária. Tais iniciativas foram desenvolvidas em um contexto de agudização das desigualdades de gênero, raça, etnia e classe em decorrência de medidas de isolamento físico e social. O artigo analisa, a partir de um estudo exploratório e da chamada avaliação baseada na teoria do programa, as premissas teóricas dos programas Bolsa Família (2003), Auxílio Emergencial (2020) e Auxílio Brasil (2021) e suas respectivas dinâmicas de implementação. Na medida em que os programas de transferência de renda ocupam lugar central na agenda pública contemporânea, conclui-se que a avaliação de limites e avanços, tanto em sua concepção teórica como em relação aos mecanismos disparados em cada contexto, contribui para revelar evidências sobre sua efetividade no enfrentamento das desigualdades duráveis e daquelas que surgem em cenários de emergência sanitária.

La reciente pandemia de COVID-19 llevó a muchos países a adoptar políticas de emergencia de transferencias monetarias como una forma de contener la crisis económica y humanitaria. Dichas iniciativas se desarrollaron en un contexto de profundización de las desigualdades de género, raciales, étnicas y de clase como resultado de las medidas de aislamiento físico y social. El artículo analiza, a partir de un estudio exploratorio y de la llamada evaluación basada en la teoría del programa, los supuestos teóricos de los programas Bolsa Familia (2003), Ayuda de Emergencia (2020) y Ayuda Brasil (2021), y sus respectivas dinámicas de implementación. Dado que los programas de transferencias monetarias ocupan un lugar central en la agenda pública contemporánea, se concluye que la valoración de los límites y avances, tanto en su concepción teórica como en relación con los mecanismos desencadenados en cada contexto, ayuda a revelar evidencias sobre su efectividad para enfrentar las desigualdades duraderas y las que surgen en escenarios de emergencia sanitaria.

The National Council for Food and Nutrition Security: dynamics and agenda (2006-2016). / O Conselho Nacional de Segurança Alimentar e Nutricional: dinâmica de atuação e agenda (2006-2016).

Food insecurity is a worldwide public health problem. In Brazil, the configuration of a Food and Nutrition Security (FNS) policy has gained prominence in the government agenda since 1980. We highlight the creation of the National Council for Food and Nutrition Security (CONSEA) aiming at articulation between sectors and social participation. This article examines the role of CONSEA in coordinating FNS policy in Brazil from 2006 to 2016. The research was based on the approaches of historical institutionalism and used the dynamics of action and the CONSEA agenda as axes of analysis. The methodological strategies carried out were: bibliographic review, document analysis and semi-structured interviews. It was observed that CONSEA was marked by an expressive performance by civil society and variable participation of government representatives. Regarding the agenda, conflicting topics were much debated, but had little impact on the adoption of legal and normative measures. It is concluded that the strengthening of CONSEA, combined with the confrontation of economic interests, adequate financing and the performance of the State in social protection, are essential for overcoming challenges, implementing the FNS policy and promoting the health of the population.

A insegurança alimentar é um problema mundial de saúde pública. No Brasil, a configuração de uma política de Segurança Alimentar e Nutricional (SAN) ganhou centralidade na agenda governamental a partir de 1980. Destaca-se a criação do Conselho Nacional de Segurança Alimentar e Nutricional (CONSEA) visando à articulação entre setores e à participação social. Este artigo examina a atuação do CONSEA na coordenação da política de SAN no Brasil de 2006 a 2016. A pesquisa baseou-se na abordagem do institucionalismo histórico e utilizou a dinâmica de atuação e a agenda do CONSEA como eixos de análise. As estratégias metodológicas realizadas foram: revisão bibliográfica, análise documental e entrevistas semiestruturadas. Observou-se que O CONSEA foi marcado por expressiva atuação da sociedade civil e participação variável dos representantes do poder público. Em relação à agenda, temas conflitivos foram muito debatidos, mas tiveram pouca repercussão na adoção de medidas legais e normativas. Conclui-se que o fortalecimento do CONSEA aliado ao enfrentamento dos interesses econômicos, o financiamento adequado e a atuação do Estado na proteção social são essenciais para a superação dos desafios, a efetivação da política de SAN e promoção da saúde da população.

Alterations in functional connectivity are associated with white matter lesions and information processing efficiency in multiple sclerosis.

Functional connectivity (FC) is typically altered in individuals with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). However, in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) patients, the relationship between brain FC, tissue integrity and cognitive impairment is still unclear as contradictory findings have been documented. In this exploratory study we compared both the whole brain connectome and resting state networks (RSNs) FC of twenty-one RRMS and seventeen healthy controls (HCs), using combined network based statistics and independent component analyses. The total white matter (WM) lesion volume and information processing efficiency were also correlated with FC in the RRMS group. Both whole brain connectome and individual RSNs FC were diminished in patients with RRMS compared to HC. Additionally, the reduction in FC was found to be a function of the total WM lesion volume, with greatest impact in those harboring the largest lesion volume. Finally, a positive correlation between FC and information processing efficiency was observed in RRMS. This complimentary whole brain and RSNs FC approach can contribute to clarify literature inconsistencies regarding FC alterations and provide new insights on the white matter structural damage in explaining functional abnormalities in RRMS.

Critical realism and social inequalities: considerations from an evaluative research. / Realismo crítico e desigualdades sociais: considerações a partir de uma pesquisa avaliativa.

Based on different theoretical references (public health, program evaluation, and critical realism), the paper analyzes whether conditional cash transfers contribute to the reduction of monetary poverty and improved health care. It employs evaluative research material, consisting of a case study on the health conditionalities of the "Bolsa Família" Program (PBF) and its implementation by the Family Health Strategy in a primary care service (PHC service) located in a slum area in Rio de Janeiro. Experiences and perceptions of managers, health professionals, and beneficiary families were prioritized to understand the dynamics of the program. A predominant perception is that the PBF "benefits those who need it, but also those who do not need it". On the one hand, health care is recognized as limited, since households are vulnerable and with health problems resulting from this condition. On the other hand, having access to the Clinic is a crucial resource since the benefit is seen as of little value, which reinforces the idea of "aid". It concludes that the three domains of stratified reality contribute to understanding the scope of programs that address the imbrication of biological and social aspects in contexts marked by inequality and poverty.

Reviewing working memory training gains in healthy older adults: A meta-analytic review of transfer for cognitive outcomes.

The objective of this meta-analytic review was to systematically assess the effects of working memory training on healthy older adults. We identified 552 entries, of which 27 experiments met our inclusion criteria. The final database included 1130 participants. Near- and far-transfer effects were analysed with measures of short-term memory, working memory, and reasoning. Small significant and long-lasting transfer gains were observed in working memory tasks. Effects on reasoning was very small and only marginally significant. The effects of working memory training on both near and far transfer in older adults were moderated by the type of training tasks; the adopted outcome measures; the training duration; and the total number of training hours. In this review, we provide an updated review of the literature in the field by carrying out a robust multi-level meta-analysis focused exclusively on working memory training in healthy older adults. Recommendations for future research are suggested.

[Governance, social networks and health promotion: reshaping practices and institutions]. / Governança, redes sociais e promoção da saúde: reconfigurando práticas e institucionalidades.

Governance refers to the ongoing process in which governments, civil associations, markets and social networks mobilize resources and consolidate power relations and trust in order to achieve goals and legitimacy using different mechanisms and organizational perspectives. The objective of this article based on a critical review of the literature is to discuss the limits and scope of the governance arrangements oriented to health promotion and to reflect on the possible implications for the institutional and decision making profile in the area. The conclusion drawn is that effective governance in the health sector involves an incremental and dynamic process capable of bringing together multiple actors, enhancing inclusive deliberative spaces and expanding networking mechanisms.

Governança se refere ao processo contínuo em que governos, associações civis, mercados e redes sociais, através de diferentes perspectivas organizacionais, mobilizam recursos e consolidam relações de poder e confiança a fim de alcançar objetivos e legitimidade. O objetivo deste artigo, baseado em uma revisão crítica da literatura, é discutir os limites e os alcances dos arranjos de governança orientados para a promoção da saúde e refletir sobre as possíveis implicações para o perfil institucional e decisório na área. Conclui-se que a governança efetiva no campo da saúde envolve um processo incremental e dinâmico capaz de articular de maneira flexível múltiplos atores, fortalecer espaços deliberativos inclusivos e expandir mecanismos de vinculação em rede.

Pesquisa social em saúde: por que ler Norbert Elias? / Social research in health: why read Norbert Elias? / Investigación social en salud: ¿por qué leer Norbert Elias?

Resumo: Este ensaio busca refletir sobre os desafios teórico-metodológicos do campo da pesquisa social em saúde e, especialmente, explorar a matriz conceitual presente na obra de Norbert Elias, sociólogo e historiador cuja abordagem sobre o processo civilizador contribui substancialmente para a compreensão das singularidades que conformam a existência individual e coletiva. Investigando longas cadeias de interdependência no decorrer da história, Elias desafiou interpretações deterministas sobre os processos sociais e construiu análises expressivas sobre uma pluralidade de objetos em perspectiva interdisciplinar, construtivista e relacional. Ao iluminar a dinâmica de interação e constituição mútua dos indivíduos e da sociedade, o autor redefine a natureza das relações recíprocas entre as estruturas sociais, a economia psíquica e o corpo. Nesse sentido, a apropriação dessa postura reflexiva pode originar estudos e processos de investigação. Considerando a complexidade da Saúde Coletiva, propõe-se, assim, estimular possíveis articulações, diálogos e usos do referencial teórico eliasiano na problematização e construção de estratégias e caminhos de pesquisa.

Abstract: This essay aims to reflect on the theoretical-methodological challenges of social research in health and, especially, to explore the conceptual matrix present in the work of Norbert Elias, a sociologist and historian whose approach to the civilizing process greatly contributes to understanding the singularities that shape individual and collective existence. By investigating long chains of interdependence throughout history, Elias challenged deterministic interpretations of social processes and built a vigorous analysis of a plurality of objects from an interdisciplinary, constructivist, and relational perspective. By illuminating the dynamics of interaction and the mutual constitution of individuals and society, the author redefines the nature of the reciprocal relations among social structures, the psychic economy, and the body. In this sense, the appropriation of this reflexive perspective can fertilize studies and research processes. Considering the complexity of Public Health, we propose to stimulate possible articulations, dialogues, and uses of the Eliasian theoretical framework in the problematization and construction of strategies and research paths.

Resumen: El ensayo busca reflexionar sobre los desafíos teórico-metodológicos del campo de la investigación social en salud y, sobre todo, explorar la matriz conceptual presente en la obra de Norbert Elias, sociólogo e historiador cuyo enfoque sobre el proceso civilizador aporta una gran contribución a la comprensión de las singularidades que configuran la existencia individual y colectiva. Investigando largas cadenas de interdependencia a lo largo de la historia, Elias desafió interpretaciones deterministas sobre los procesos sociales y construyó un análisis vigoroso sobre una pluralidad de objetos desde una perspectiva interdisciplinaria, constructivista y relacional. Al iluminar la dinámica de interacción y constitución mutua de los individuos y de la sociedad, el autor redefine la naturaleza de las relaciones recíprocas entre las estructuras sociales, la economía psíquica y el cuerpo. En este sentido, la apropiación de esta postura reflexiva puede fertilizar estudios y procesos de investigación. Considerando la complejidad de la Salud Colectiva, se propone incentivar posibles articulaciones, diálogos y usos del marco teórico eliasiano en la problematización y construcción de estrategias y caminos de investigación.

Do Bolsa Família ao Auxílio Brasil: desafios e alcances a partir de uma pesquisa avaliativa baseada na teoria do programa / Del Bolsa Familia al Ayuda Brasil: desafíos y alcance a partir de una investigación evaluativa de acuerdo con la teoría del programa / From the Brazilian Income Transfer Program to Brazil Assistance: challenges and achievements according to a theory-driven evaluation research on the program

Resumo: A recente pandemia de COVID-19 levou muitos países a adotarem políticas emergenciais de transferência de renda como forma de conter a crise econômica e humanitária. Tais iniciativas foram desenvolvidas em um contexto de agudização das desigualdades de gênero, raça, etnia e classe em decorrência de medidas de isolamento físico e social. O artigo analisa, a partir de um estudo exploratório e da chamada avaliação baseada na teoria do programa, as premissas teóricas dos programas Bolsa Família (2003), Auxílio Emergencial (2020) e Auxílio Brasil (2021) e suas respectivas dinâmicas de implementação. Na medida em que os programas de transferência de renda ocupam lugar central na agenda pública contemporânea, conclui-se que a avaliação de limites e avanços, tanto em sua concepção teórica como em relação aos mecanismos disparados em cada contexto, contribui para revelar evidências sobre sua efetividade no enfrentamento das desigualdades duráveis e daquelas que surgem em cenários de emergência sanitária.

Resumen: La reciente pandemia de COVID-19 llevó a muchos países a adoptar políticas de emergencia de transferencias monetarias como una forma de contener la crisis económica y humanitaria. Dichas iniciativas se desarrollaron en un contexto de profundización de las desigualdades de género, raciales, étnicas y de clase como resultado de las medidas de aislamiento físico y social. El artículo analiza, a partir de un estudio exploratorio y de la llamada evaluación basada en la teoría del programa, los supuestos teóricos de los programas Bolsa Familia (2003), Ayuda de Emergencia (2020) y Ayuda Brasil (2021), y sus respectivas dinámicas de implementación. Dado que los programas de transferencias monetarias ocupan un lugar central en la agenda pública contemporánea, se concluye que la valoración de los límites y avances, tanto en su concepción teórica como en relación con los mecanismos desencadenados en cada contexto, ayuda a revelar evidencias sobre su efectividad para enfrentar las desigualdades duraderas y las que surgen en escenarios de emergencia sanitaria.

Abstract: The recent COVID-19 pandemic has led many countries to adopt emergency cash transfer policies as a way to contain the economic and humanitarian crisis. Such initiatives were developed in a context of exacerbated gender, race, ethnicity and class inequalities resulting from physical and social distancing measures. The article analyzes, by means of an exploratory study and the so-called theory-driven evaluation of the program, the theoretical premises of the Brazilian Income Transfer Program (2003), Brazilian Emergency Assistance (2020) and Brazil Assistance (2021) programs, and their corresponding implementation dynamics. As cash transfer programs are given centrality in the contemporary public agenda, the conclusion is that evaluating their limits and advances - as to theoretical conception and mechanisms triggered in each context - contributes to trace evidence about their effectiveness in addressing long-term inequalities and those inequalities that arise in health emergency contexts.

[Nutrition and health promotion: recent perspectives]. / Nutrição e promoção da saúde: perspectivas atuais.

In recent years, health promotion has been introduced as a promising strategy for the public health field. The current study is intended to link nutrition into the recent debate on health promotion, analyzing the role of nutritionists in this process. Given the complexity of the Brazilian nutritional situation due to the nutritional transition currently under way in the country, the health promotion proposal points to both new perspectives and challenges for eating and nutrition. New demands in academic training and the nutritional care model tend to foster a search for partnerships, innovation in eating practices, and nutritional education aimed at the achievement of nutritional citizenship.

Therapy and rehabilitation of mild brain injury/concussion: Systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Assessment of therapies for the key consequences of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI)/concussion is required. OBJECTIVE: Identify all RCTs of mTBI/concussion therapy, risks of bias, and therapies with significant positive results. METHODS: 17 electronic, 9 grey-literature databases searched without language/date restrictions; independent assessment of 1450 Abstracts/titles, 141 fulltext articles, 14 included RCTs. RESULTS: Four RCTs used American Congress of Rehabilitation TBI definition, others used unique definitions. Risk of bias: 43% low risk randomization; 14% concealed assignments; 21% blinded participants/personnel; 57% blinded assessors; 64% low risk attrition; 100% no selective reporting. Eleven RCTs included only mTBI. Ten significant positive results: six cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), three videotape, pagers or personal digital assistants, and one physical therapy. One of referrals to health professionals no significant positive results. Three RCTs included both mTBI and moderate TBI. We wished to assess if authors proved using same interventions with both groups is appropriate. Two used CBT, one used pagers. All three RCTs significant positive results but results for their mild and moderate TBI patients were not separated. Two RCTs assessed return to work and no differences between intervention. CONCLUSION: Of 14 RCTs, six CBT, four digital assistants or videotape feedback and one physical therapy all had significant positive results. One referred patients to consultants and no significant positive results. Two assessed return to employment and no differences between interventions. Limitations are: (1) only four RCTs used the same concussion definition; (2) average age 38 (except for one study of adolescents, (3) all studies used unique interventions; (4) most authors used multiple interventions and effects could not be separated; (5) substantial attrition from eligibles to randomization, (4) only 64% at low risk from randomization, (5) 80 different outcome measures and meta-analysis was not possible, (6) only two studies assessed return to work.

Local implementation of the Family Health Program in Brazil.

This article discusses the implementation of the Family Health Program in the municipalities of Camaragibe, Aracaju, São Gonçalo, and the Federal District of Brazil, aiming to identify possible interfaces between the program's shaping and different incentives structures, the local health system's case-resolving capacity, experiences with social participation, and accountability mechanisms. The article shows that aspects related to the constitution of local health systems in terms of the quantitative and qualitative supply of services, technical and management training within the Municipal Health Department, investment in other levels of care, and local political traditions are crucial variables for understanding the diversity of experiences in the implementation of the Family Health Program.

[Evaluation of the National Health Promotion Policy (PNPS): prospects and challenges]. / Avaliação da Política Nacional de Promoção da Saúde: perspectivas e desafios.

This article analyzes prospects and challenges for the evaluation of the implementation of the National Health Promotion Policy in Brazil. Based on a critical review of the literature, it highlights the limits of the approaches that pay little heed to the theory of programs and reject evaluation as know-how entrenched in the historical, cultural and political dynamics of each society. The conclusion is that despite recent advances in this debate, the evaluation of complex, participatory and intersectoral programs imposes in-depth reflection on the nature of proof of effectiveness as well as methodological strategies capable of illuminating aspects of the concept and design of actions and the process of implementation in the local context, over and above the emphasis on risk factors and final results.

Efficacy of cognitive intervention in stroke: A long road ahead.

Numerous studies have been conducted discussing the importance and effectiveness of cognitive interventions for stroke-related cognitive impairments. Definite conclusions, however, are yet to be established. An extensive literature and database search was executed to summarize the existing evidence from high-quality randomized clinical trials on the effects of cognitive intervention and feasibility of this approach in stroke patients. Out of 507 identified studies, after thorough inspection, only three randomized clinical trials, with low risk of bias, met the established criteria and were included in the following meta-analysis. No significant effects of cognitive intervention in any of the analyzed outcomes were observed with feasibility analyzes displaying high rates of completion and adherence.The following study suggests a lack of sufficient evidence to support or refute the efficacy of cognitive intervention in stroke patients. However, these results should be interpreted with caution. Additionally, serious efforts must be made to improve the quality of empirical studies in the field. In sum, the quality of methodological techniques in the field were inspected in hopes of contributing to further development of this therapeutic approach.

O Conselho Nacional de Segurança Alimentar e Nutricional: dinâmica de atuação e agenda (2006-2016) / The National Council for Food and Nutrition Security: dynamics and agenda (2006-2016)

Resumo A insegurança alimentar é um problema mundial de saúde pública. No Brasil, a configuração de uma política de Segurança Alimentar e Nutricional (SAN) ganhou centralidade na agenda governamental a partir de 1980. Destaca-se a criação do Conselho Nacional de Segurança Alimentar e Nutricional (CONSEA) visando à articulação entre setores e à participação social. Este artigo examina a atuação do CONSEA na coordenação da política de SAN no Brasil de 2006 a 2016. A pesquisa baseou-se na abordagem do institucionalismo histórico e utilizou a dinâmica de atuação e a agenda do CONSEA como eixos de análise. As estratégias metodológicas realizadas foram: revisão bibliográfica, análise documental e entrevistas semiestruturadas. Observou-se que O CONSEA foi marcado por expressiva atuação da sociedade civil e participação variável dos representantes do poder público. Em relação à agenda, temas conflitivos foram muito debatidos, mas tiveram pouca repercussão na adoção de medidas legais e normativas. Conclui-se que o fortalecimento do CONSEA aliado ao enfrentamento dos interesses econômicos, o financiamento adequado e a atuação do Estado na proteção social são essenciais para a superação dos desafios, a efetivação da política de SAN e promoção da saúde da população.

Abstract Food insecurity is a worldwide public health problem. In Brazil, the configuration of a Food and Nutrition Security (FNS) policy has gained prominence in the government agenda since 1980. We highlight the creation of the National Council for Food and Nutrition Security (CONSEA) aiming at articulation between sectors and social participation. This article examines the role of CONSEA in coordinating FNS policy in Brazil from 2006 to 2016. The research was based on the approaches of historical institutionalism and used the dynamics of action and the CONSEA agenda as axes of analysis. The methodological strategies carried out were: bibliographic review, document analysis and semi-structured interviews. It was observed that CONSEA was marked by an expressive performance by civil society and variable participation of government representatives. Regarding the agenda, conflicting topics were much debated, but had little impact on the adoption of legal and normative measures. It is concluded that the strengthening of CONSEA, combined with the confrontation of economic interests, adequate financing and the performance of the State in social protection, are essential for overcoming challenges, implementing the FNS policy and promoting the health of the population.

Governança e coordenação intersetorial de políticas públicas: a Câmara Intersetorial de Segurança Alimentar e Nutricional / Governance and intersectoral coordination of public policies: the Intersectoral Chamber for Food and Nutritional Security

RESUMO A trajetória da política de Segurança Alimentar e Nutricional (SAN) no Brasil expressa a construção de estratégias de governança para viabilizar a participação social e a articulação entre setores. Nesse processo, destacam-se as Conferências Nacionais, o Conselho Nacional de Segurança Alimentar e Nutricional (Consea) e a Câmara Intersetorial de Segurança Alimentar e Nutricional (Caisan), composta por ministérios e secretarias governamentais. O objetivo deste artigo é analisar a atuação da Caisan, de 2012 a 2016, na coordenação intersetorial da política no governo federal. A pesquisa se baseou na literatura sobre governança, considerando dois eixos de análise: estrutura e dinâmica de atuação da Câmara; a agenda da Caisan e sua relação com o Consea. As estratégias metodológicas foram: revisão bibliográfica, análise documental e entrevistas semiestruturadas. Observou-se que a atuação da Caisan favoreceu a coordenação intersetorial da política, influenciando medidas governamentais em resposta a demandas das Conferências e do Consea. Contudo, constataram-se fragilidades, como baixa participação de representantes governamentais com poder decisório e limitado enfrentamento de desafios em áreas que expressam conflitos entre interesses econômicos e sanitários. Conclui-se que o seu fortalecimento é essencial, sobretudo após a extinção do Consea, que favorecia a participação social e a intersetorialidade na política de SAN.

ABSTRACT The trajectory of the Food and Nutrition Security Policy in Brazil expresses the construction of governance strategies to enable social participation and articulation between sectors. Noteworthy in this process are the National Conferences, the National Council for Food and Nutrition Security (Consea), and the Intersectoral Chamber for Food and Nutrition Security (Caisan), made up of government ministries and secretariats. The purpose of this article is to analyze Caisan's performance from 2012 to 2016 in the intersectoral coordination of politics in the federal government. The research was based on the literature on governance, considering two axes of analysis: structure and dynamics of the Chamber's performance; the Caisan agenda and its relationship with Consea. The methodological strategies were: literature review, document analysis, and semi-structured interviews. It was observed that Caisan's performance favored the intersectoral coordination of the policy, influencing governmental measures in response to demands from the Conferences and Consea. However, weaknesses were expressed, such as low participation of government representatives with decision-making power and limited coping with challenges in areas that express conflicts between economic and health interests. It is concluded that its strengthening is essential, especially after the end of Consea, which favored social participation and intersectoriality in policy.

SCAT2 and SCAT3 scores at baseline and after sports-related mild brain injury/concussion: qualitative synthesis with weighted means.

OBJECTIVE: Identify all Sport Concussion Assessment Tool (SCAT2/3) studies, compare baseline and postconcussion results. DESIGN: Systematic review (qualitative synthesis, weighted means). DATA SOURCES: 18 databases, 9 grey literature resources searched for SCAT2/3 data; 9150 articles identified, titles/abstracts assessed/data-entry independently by two reviewers. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDIES: Any studies reporting partial/complete SCAT2/3 data. RESULTS: 21 studies with data (partial/complete data 16 SCAT2 (4087 athletes); 5 SCAT3 (891). Newcastle-Ottawa risk-of-bias scale: studies with maximum possible score of 4, 85% scored 3 or 4; studies with maximum possible score of 6, 75% scored 5 or 6. SCAT2 high schoolers: weighted mean score for symptoms 18.46 (22=no symptoms), Balance Error Scoring System (BESS) 26.14, Standardised Assessment of Concussion (SAC) 26.00 and SCAT2 total 88.63. Collegiate/adults weighted means: symptoms 20.09, BESS 25.54, SAC 27.51 and total SCAT2 91.20. Between-study and within-study variability similar to those of the high schoolers. Limited variability between genders. Only 2 studies report baseline and postconcussion scores and 9 partial scores, but data are too limited to provide weighted average scores. CONCLUSIONS: Group mean baseline SCAT scores for high school and collegiate athletes are similar, with minimal gender differences; baseline symptoms show more variability than other components. There are minimal data for elementary students and professionals, no data for adult non-collegiate athletes. Two studies provide preconcussion and postconcussion scores. No data on minimal significant clinical differences to guide players/coaches in withdrawing from a game in progress and deciding when recovery is complete and play can be resumed. The SCAT needs supplementing with clinical and neuropsychological return-to-play assessments.

[Obesity and poverty: the apparent paradox. A study among women from the Rocinha slum, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil]. / Obesidade e pobreza: o aparente paradoxo. Um estudo com mulheres da Favela da Rocinha, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil.

In recent decades the Brazilian population has undergone intense changes in its nutritional conditions, especially with an increase in obesity. According to the National Survey on Health and Nutrition in 1989, 32.0% of adults were overweight. However, distribution of the problem is not homogeneous. The highest prevalence occurs among poor women in the Southeast. Understanding this apparent paradox requires the search for approaches capable of overcoming simplistic interpretations about eating practices. Thus, the objective of this study was to understand obesity combined with poverty, focusing beyond economic determinants on constraints of a cultural and symbolic nature. From this perspective, the study analyzed the daily lives of poor women who used a Municipal Health Center and resided in the Rocinha slum in Rio de Janeiro. The results showed the complexity of the relationship between obesity and poverty. Cultural and material life aspects as well as different concepts of eating and the body proved to be fundamental elements for the analysis of the multiple facets of obesity in Brazil.