Cross-species comparison of pregnancy-induced GDF15.

Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) is a stress-induced cytokine. Although the exact physiological function of GDF15 is not yet fully comprehended, the significant elevation of circulating GDF15 levels during gestation suggests a potential role for this hormone in pregnancy. This is corroborated by genetic association studies in which GDF15 and the GDF15 receptor, GDNF family receptor alpha like (GFRAL) have been linked to morning sickness and hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) in humans. Here, we studied GDF15 biology during pregnancy in mice, rats, macaques, and humans. In contrast to macaques and humans, mice and rats exhibited an underwhelming induction in plasma GDF15 levels in response to pregnancy (∼75-fold increase in macaques vs. ∼2-fold increase in rodents). The changes in circulating GDF15 levels were corroborated by the magnitude of Gdf15 mRNA and GDF15 protein expression in placentae from mice, rats, and macaques. These species-specific findings may help guide future studies focusing on GDF15 in pregnancy and on the evaluation of pharmacological strategies to interfere with GDF15-GFRAL signaling to treat severe nausea and HG.NEW & NOTEWORTHY In the present study pregnancy-induced changes in circulating growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) in rodents, rhesus macaques, and humans are mapped. In sum, it is demonstrated that humans and macaques exhibit a tremendous increase in placental and circulating GDF15 during pregnancy. In contrast, GDF15 is negligibly increased in pregnant mice and rats, questioning a physiological role for GDF15 in pregnancy in rodents.

Abnormal chondrocyte development in a zebrafish model of cblC syndrome restored by an MMACHC cobalamin binding mutant.

Variants in the MMACHC gene cause combined methylmalonic acidemia and homocystinuria cblC type, the most common inborn error of intracellular cobalamin (vitamin B12) metabolism. cblC is associated with neurodevelopmental, hematological, ocular, and biochemical abnormalities. In a subset of patients, mild craniofacial dysmorphia has also been described. Mouse models of Mmachc deletion are embryonic lethal but cause severe craniofacial phenotypes such as facial clefts. MMACHC encodes an enzyme required for cobalamin processing and variants in this gene result in the accumulation of two metabolites: methylmalonic acid (MMA) and homocysteine (HC). Interestingly, other inborn errors of cobalamin metabolism, such as cblX syndrome, are associated with mild facial phenotypes. However, the presence and severity of MMA and HC accumulation in cblX syndrome is not consistent with the presence or absence of facial phenotypes. Thus, the mechanisms by which mutations in MMACHC cause craniofacial defects are yet to be completely elucidated. Here we have characterized the craniofacial phenotypes in a zebrafish model of cblC (hg13) and performed restoration experiments with either a wildtype or a cobalamin binding deficient MMACHC protein. Homozygous mutants did not display gross morphological defects in facial development but did have abnormal chondrocyte nuclear organization and an increase in the average number of neighboring cell contacts, both phenotypes were fully penetrant. Abnormal chondrocyte nuclear organization was not associated with defects in the localization of neural crest specific markers, sox10 (RFP transgene) or barx1. Both nuclear angles and the number of neighboring cell contacts were fully restored by wildtype MMACHC and a cobalamin binding deficient variant of the MMACHC protein. Collectively, these data suggest that mutation of MMACHC causes mild to moderate craniofacial phenotypes that are independent of cobalamin binding.

The anorectic and thermogenic effects of pharmacological lactate in male mice are confounded by treatment osmolarity and co-administered counterions.

Lactate is a circulating metabolite and a signalling molecule with pleiotropic physiological effects. Studies suggest that lactate modulates energy balance by lowering food intake, inducing adipose browning and increasing whole-body thermogenesis. Yet, like many other metabolites, lactate is often commercially produced as a counterion-bound salt and typically administered in vivo through hypertonic aqueous solutions of sodium L-lactate. Most studies have not controlled for injection osmolarity and the co-injected sodium ions. Here, we show that the anorectic and thermogenic effects of exogenous sodium L-lactate in male mice are confounded by the hypertonicity of the injected solutions. Our data reveal that this is in contrast to the antiobesity effect of orally administered disodium succinate, which is uncoupled from these confounders. Further, our studies with other counterions indicate that counterions can have confounding effects beyond lactate pharmacology. Together, these findings underscore the importance of controlling for osmotic load and counterions in metabolite research.

Identification of the NA+/K+-ATPase α-Isoforms in Six Species of Poison Dart Frogs and their Sensitivity to Cardiotonic Steroids.

Cardiotonic steroids (CTS) are a group of compounds known to be toxic due to their ability to inhibit the Na+/K+-ATPase (NKA), which is essential to maintain the balance of ions in animal cells. An evolutionary strategy of molecular adaptation to avoid self-intoxication acquired by CTS defended organisms and their predators is the structural modification of their NKA where specific amino acid substitutions confer resistant phenotypes. Several lineages of poison dart frogs (Dendrobatidae) are well known to sequester a wide variety of lipophilic alkaloids from their arthropod diet, however there is no evidence of CTS-sequestration or dietary exposure. Interestingly this study identified the presence of α-NKA isoforms (α1 and α2) with amino acid substitutions indicative of CTS-resistant phenotypes in skeletal muscle transcriptomes obtained from six species of dendrobatids: Phyllobates aurotaenia, Oophaga anchicayensis, Epipedobates boulengeri, Andinobates bombetes, Andinobates minutus, and Leucostethus brachistriatus, collected in the Valle del Cauca (Colombia). P. aurotaenia, A. minutus, and E. boulengeri presented two variants for α1-NKA, with one of them having these substitutions. In contrast, O. anchicayensis and A. bombetes have only one α1-NKA isoform with an amino acid sequence indicative of CTS susceptibility and an α2-NKA with one substitution that could confer a reduced affinity for CTS. The α1 and α2 isoforms of L. brachistriatus do not contain substitutions imparting CTS resistance. Our findings indicate that poison dart frogs express α-NKA isoforms with different affinities for CTS and the pattern of this expression might be influenced by factors related to evolutionary, physiological, ecological, and geographical burdens.

Characterization of the zebrafish gabra1sa43718/sa43718 germline loss of function allele confirms a function for Gabra1 in motility and nervous system development.

Mutation of the GABRA1 gene is associated with neurodevelopmental defects and epilepsy. GABRA1 encodes for the α1 subunit of the gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptor (GABAAR), which regulates the fast inhibitory impulses of the nervous system. Multiple model systems have previously been developed to understand the function of GABRA1 during development, but these models have produced complex and at times incongruent data. Thus, additional model systems are required to validate and substantiate previously published results. We investigated the behavioral swim patterns associated with a nonsense mutation of the zebrafish gabra1 (sa43718 allele) gene. The sa43718 allele causes a decrease in gabra1 mRNA expression, which is associated with light induced hypermotility, one phenotype associated with seizure like behavior in zebrafish. Mutation of gabra1 was accompanied by decreased mRNA expression of gabra2, gabra3, and gabra5, indicating a reduction in the expression of additional alpha sub-units of the GABAAR. Although multiple sub-units were decreased in total expression, larvae continued to respond to pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) indicating that a residual GABAAR exists in the sa43718 allele. Proteomics analysis demonstrated that nonsense mutation of gabra1 is associated with abnormal expression of proteins that regulate proton transport, ion homeostasis, vesicle transport, and mitochondrial protein complexes. These data support previous studies performed in a zebrafish nonsense allele created by CRISPR/Cas9 and validate that loss of function mutations in the gabra1 gene result in seizure like phenotypes with abnormal function of inhibitory synapses.

Abnormal chondrocyte intercalation in a zebrafish model of cblC syndrome restored by an MMACHC cobalamin binding mutant.

Variants in the MMACHC gene cause combined methylmalonic acidemia and homocystinuria cblC type, the most common inborn error of intracellular cobalamin (vitamin B12) metabolism. cblC is associated with neurodevelopmental, hematological, ocular, and biochemical abnormalities. In a subset of patients, mild craniofacial dysmorphia has also been described. Mouse models of Mmachc deletion are embryonic lethal but cause severe craniofacial phenotypes such as facial clefts. MMACHC encodes an enzyme required for cobalamin processing and variants in this gene result in the accumulation of two metabolites: methylmalonic acid (MMA) and homocysteine (HC). Interestingly, other inborn errors of cobalamin metabolism, such as cblX syndrome, are associated with mild facial phenotypes. However, the presence and severity of MMA and HC accumulation in cblX syndrome is not consistent with the presence or absence of facial phenotypes. Thus, the mechanisms by which mutation of MMACHC cause craniofacial defects have not been completely elucidated. Here we have characterized the craniofacial phenotypes in a zebrafish model of cblC ( hg13 ) and performed restoration experiments with either wildtype or a cobalamin binding deficient MMACHC protein. Homozygous mutants did not display gross morphological defects in facial development, but did have abnormal chondrocyte intercalation, which was fully penetrant. Abnormal chondrocyte intercalation was not associated with defects in the expression/localization of neural crest specific markers, sox10 or barx1 . Most importantly, chondrocyte organization was fully restored by wildtype MMACHC and a cobalamin binding deficient variant of MMACHC protein. Collectively, these data suggest that mutation of MMACHC causes mild to moderate craniofacial phenotypes that are independent of cobalamin binding.

The GDF15-GFRAL pathway is dispensable for the effects of metformin on energy balance.

Metformin is a blood-glucose-lowering medication with physiological effects that extend beyond its anti-diabetic indication. Recently, it was reported that metformin lowers body weight via induction of growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15), which suppresses food intake by binding to the GDNF family receptor α-like (GFRAL) in the hindbrain. Here, we corroborate that metformin increases circulating GDF15 in mice and humans, but we fail to confirm previous reports that the GDF15-GFRAL pathway is necessary for the weight-lowering effects of metformin. Instead, our studies in wild-type, GDF15 knockout, and GFRAL knockout mice suggest that the GDF15-GFRAL pathway is dispensable for the effects of metformin on energy balance. The data presented here question whether metformin is a sufficiently strong stimulator of GDF15 to drive anorexia and weight loss and emphasize that additional work is needed to untangle the relationship among metformin, GDF15, and energy balance.

Assessing the Health Outcomes of the Food Access Pilot Project: An Evaluation of a Medically Supportive Food Support Program for People Living with HIV in Rural California Counties.

Food insecurity disproportionately affects rural communities and people living with HIV (PLHIV). The Food Access Pilot Project (FAPP) was a California state-funded program that provided home-delivered, medically supportive meals via online meal vendors to food-insecure PLHIV in three rural counties. We performed longitudinal, retrospective analyses of FAPP participant data (n = 158; 504 and 460 person-time observations for viral load and CD4 count, respectively) over 36 months from a Ryan White client management database. Pre-post analyses demonstrated increased prevalence of food security and CD4 ≥ 500 between baseline and 12 months. Population-averaged trends using generalized estimating equations adjusted for participant demographics demonstrated increased odds of viral suppression and CD4 ≥ 500, and increased CD4 count (cells/mm3) for every six months of program enrollment. Home-delivered, medically supportive meals may improve food security status, HIV viral suppression, and immune health for low-income PLHIV in rural settings.

The role of Xist-mediated Polycomb recruitment in the initiation of X-chromosome inactivation.

Xist RNA has been established as the master regulator of X-chromosome inactivation (XCI) in female eutherian mammals, but its mechanism of action remains unclear. By creating novel Xist-inducible mutants at the endogenous locus in male mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells, we dissect the role of the conserved A-B-C-F repeats in the initiation of XCI. We find that transcriptional silencing can be largely uncoupled from Polycomb repressive complex 1 and complex 2 (PRC1/2) recruitment, which requires B and C repeats. Xist ΔB+C RNA specifically loses interaction with PCGF3/5 subunits of PRC1, while binding of other Xist partners is largely unaffected. However, a slight relaxation of transcriptional silencing in Xist ΔB+C indicates a role for PRC1/2 proteins in early stabilization of gene repression. Distinct modules within the Xist RNA are therefore involved in the convergence of independent chromatin modification and gene repression pathways. In this context, Polycomb recruitment seems to be of moderate relevance in the initiation of silencing.

Sacha inchi seeds from sub-tropical cultivation: effects of roasting on antinutrients, antioxidant capacity and oxidative stability.

Due to the strong bitter taste, sacha inchi seeds are usually consumed after roasting, which also contributes to the elimination of antinutrients. Sacha inchi plants fully adapted to cultivation under sub-tropical climate conditions were produced in southeastern Brazil. Our main goal was to evaluate the effect of dry heating (roasting) on the antinutrient content of these seeds. We also investigated the effects of the applied roasting treatments on the antioxidant activity, proximate composition and oxidative stability of the seeds. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on antinutrients of sacha inchi seeds cultivated under sub-tropical conditions, outside their native tropical environment. Except for saponins, which are not heat-labile compounds, the contents of all assessed antinutrients continually reduced with the increase in roasting temperature. Roasting improved antioxidant activity and phenolic content in the seeds at the highest temperature. Oxidation changes occurred in the seed oil, and they increased with temperature. However, maximum peroxide value was within the acceptable consumption limits. As a conclusion, roasting treatments can be applied to minimize the antinutrient potential in sacha inchi seeds. Knowledge on the composition and proper processing of sacha inchi cultivated under sub-tropical conditions may support future efforts focused on the development of new production areas.

Expectativas e concepções de trabalho na velhice em homens na meia-idade / Expectativas y conceptos de trabajo en la vejez en los hombres en mediana edad / Expectations and working concepts in old age in middle-aged men

Objetivou-se neste artigo analisar as expectativas e concepções de trabalho na velhice em homens de meia-idade. Trata-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa que contou com a participação de quinze homens na faixa etária entre 50 e 59 anos que trabalham em atividade formal ou informal. Realizou-se uma entrevista semiestruturada e aplicação da técnica projetiva denominada procedimento Desenhos-Estórias com Tema. Para a análise dos dados utilizou-se a técnica de Análise de Conteúdo. Foram identificadas categorias como expectativas e representações diante da velhice, trabalho e aposentadoria. Observou-se que as expectativas diante da aposentadoria foram associadas ao desejo em praticar atividades prazerosas, porém os dados da realidade sobre a instabilidade financeira e responsabilidades com os familiares não permitem que os participantes na meia-idade parem suas atividades profissionais. O estudo demonstra que as expectativas e concepções de trabalho na velhice estão, de modo geral, associadas tanto a continuidade quanto a sua ressignificação nessa fase da vida (AU).

This study aimed to analyze the expectations and conceptions of work in old age in middle-aged men. This is a qualitative research that included the participation of fifteen men between 50 and 59 years working in formal or informal activity. A semistructured interview and the projective technique called Story-Drawing procedure with theme was held. For data analysis was used the content analysis technique. Categories were identified as expectations and representations before old age, work and retirement. It was observed that retirement expectations were associated with the desire to practice pleasurable activities, but financial instability and responsibilities with family members do not allow participants in middle-aged to stop their professional activities. This study shows that the expectations and conceptions of work in old age are generally associated with both continuity and its reinterpretation in this phase of life.(AU).

Este estudio tuvo como objetivo analizar las expectativas y concepciones de trabajo en la vejez en los hombres de mediana edad. Se trata de una investigación cualitativa que contó con la participación de quince hombres entre 50 y 59 años de trabajo en la actividad formal o informal. Se realizó una entrevista semiestructurada y la técnica proyectiva llamado procedimiento de Historia-Dibujo con el tema. Para el análisis de datos se utilizó la técnica de análisis de contenido. Categorías fueron identificadas como las expectativas y representaciones ante la vejez, el trabajo y la jubilación. Se observó que en las expectativas de jubilación se asociaron con el deseo de practicar actividades placenteras, pero los datos de la realidad sobre la inestabilidad y las responsabilidades financieras con miembros de la familia no permiten a los participantes en la mediana edad detener sus actividades profesionales. El estudio muestra que las expectativas y concepciones de trabajo en la vejez están generalmente asociados con la continuidad y su reinterpretación en esta fase de la vida (AU).

Older people's concepts of spirituality, related to aging and quality of life.

Increased life expectancy and the prospect of longevity lead to reflection on the importance of spirituality while aging. This article aims to investigate and analyze the concepts that older people have of spirituality and how this concept affects their quality of life. It is a descriptive, exploratory, quantitative-qualitative study, with a sample of 12 participants over the age of 60. The following tools were used: semi-structured interviews, social-demographic questionnaires and WHOQOL (Bref, SRPB and Domain VI). The statistical program SPSS 21.0, and Content Analysis, were used in the analysis. The average score on the Psychological Health and Social Relationship domains was high, and the WHOQOL-SRPB showed high averages in all facets, and positive association with the Bref domains. Content analysis showed a relationship between Quality of Life and Spirituality. The latter is conceptualized as: Support, Relationship with the Sacred, and Transcendence; and is distinguished from Religion, which is defined by Religious Affiliation, Cultural Affiliation, and Dogmas. The relationship between spirituality and old age takes place through the capacity to bear the limitations, difficulties and losses inherent to the process; thus, the nature of living a spiritual life was observed to be heterogeneous, while all had in common the recognition of its importance and its significance for living an old age with Quality of Life.

Estratégias de autocuidado usadas por cuidadores de idosos: análise de produção científica / Self-care strategies used by elderly caregivers: scientific production analysis

Devido ao aumento da longevidade, há a necessidade cada vez maior de pessoas que atuem como cuidadores de idosos. Para se conhecer quais são suas estratégias de coping e autocuidado, foi realizada uma análise de produção científica sobre o tema, com artigos encontrados na biblioteca virtual da SciELO e nas bases de dados, PsycInfo, ERIC e MEDLINE, publicados entre os anos de 2004 e 2014. Observou-se que 35% das pesquisas foram realizadas no domicílio dos cuidadores e 52% dos pesquisadores eram da América do Norte. Em 2011 houve um aumento de 16% nas publicações sobre o tema e o tipo de pesquisa mais utilizado foi a descritiva com 73,33% da preferência dos autores. As temáticas mais abordadas foram: a avaliação da qualidade de vida e a necessidade de programas de treinamento e capacitação de cuidadores. (AU)

Due to increased longevity, there is a growing need for people who act as caregivers of patients. To know what their coping and self-care strategies, analysis of scientific production on the subject was held with items found in the virtual library SciELO and in databases, PsycInfo, ERIC and MEDLINE published between the years 2004 and 2014. Itwas observed that 35% of searches were conducted in the homes of caregivers and 52% of researchers were from North America. In 2011 there was a greater publication on the subject with 16% and most used type of research was descriptive with 73.33%. More topics addressed were: the evaluation of quality of life and the need for training programs and training of caregivers. (AU)

Estratégias de autocuidado usadas por cuidadores de idosos: análise de produção científica / Self-care strategies used by elderly caregivers: scientific production analysis

Devido ao aumento da longevidade, há a necessidade cada vez maior de pessoas que atuem como cuidadores de idosos. Para se conhecer quais são suas estratégias de coping e autocuidado, foi realizada uma análise de produção científica sobre o tema, com artigos encontrados na biblioteca virtual da SciELO e nas bases de dados, PsycInfo, ERIC e MEDLINE, publicados entre os anos de 2004 e 2014. Observou-se que 35% das pesquisas foram realizadas no domicílio dos cuidadores e 52% dos pesquisadores eram da América do Norte. Em 2011 houve um aumento de 16% nas publicações sobre o tema e o tipo de pesquisa mais utilizado foi a descritiva com 73,33% da preferência dos autores. As temáticas mais abordadas foram: a avaliação da qualidade de vida e a necessidade de programas de treinamento e capacitação de cuidadores...

Due to increased longevity, there is a growing need for people who act as caregivers of patients. To know what their coping and self-care strategies, analysis of scientific production on the subject was held with items found in the virtual library SciELO and in databases, PsycInfo, ERIC and MEDLINE published between the years 2004 and 2014. Itwas observed that 35% of searches were conducted in the homes of caregivers and 52% of researchers were from North America. In 2011 there was a greater publication on the subject with 16% and most used type of research was descriptive with 73.33%. More topics addressed were: the evaluation of quality of life and the need for training programs and training of caregivers...

Concepções de idosos sobre espiritualidaderelacionada ao envelhecimento e qualidade de vida / Older people´s concepts of spirituality, related to aging and quality of life

Resumo O aumento da expectativa de vida e a promessa de longevidade culminam na reflexão acerca da importância da espiritualidade no envelhecimento. Neste artigo, objetivou-se verificar e analisar a concepção do idoso sobre espiritualidade e como esta interfere em sua qualidade de vida. Estudo descritivo, exploratório, quanti-qualitativo, amostra composta de 12 participantes acima de 60 anos. Foram utilizados: entrevista semiestruturada, questionários sociodemográficos e WHOQOL (Bref, SRPB e domínio VI). Na análise, optou-se pelo programa estatístico SPSS 21.0 e pela Análise de Conteúdo. A pontuação média nos Domínios Psicológico e Relações Sociais mostrou-se mais elevada, o WHOQOL-SRPB revelou médias altas em todas as facetas e associação positiva com Domínios Bref. Na análise de conteúdo, há relação entre Qualidade de Vida e Espiritualidade; esta é concebida como Apoio, Relação com o Sagrado e Transcendência, e se distingue da Religião, definida pela Afiliação religiosa, Cultural e Dogmas. A relação entre Espiritualidade e Velhice se dá pela capacidade de suportar limitações, dificuldades e perdas inerentes ao processo; assim, observou-se a heterogeneidade da vivência espiritual, tendo todos em comum o reconhecimento de sua importância e sua relevância para se viver a velhice com Qualidade de Vida.

Abstract Increased life expectancy and the prospect of longevity lead to reflection on the importance of spirituality while aging. This article aims to investigate and analyze the concepts that older people have of spirituality and how this concept affects their quality of life. It is a descriptive, exploratory, quantitative-qualitative study, with a sample of 12 participants over the age of 60. The following tools were used: semi-structured interviews, social-demographic questionnaires and WHOQOL (Bref, SRPB and Domain VI). The statistical program SPSS 21.0, and Content Analysis, were used in the analysis. The average score on the Psychological Health and Social Relationship domains was high, and the WHOQOL-SRPB showed high averages in all facets, and positive association with the Bref domains. Content analysis showed a relationship between Quality of Life and Spirituality. The latter is conceptualized as: Support, Relationship with the Sacred, and Transcendence; and is distinguished from Religion, which is defined by Religious Affiliation, Cultural Affiliation, and Dogmas. The relationship between spirituality and old age takes place through the capacity to bear the limitations, difficulties and losses inherent to the process; thus, the nature of living a spiritual life was observed to be heterogeneous, while all had in common the recognition of its importance and its significance for living an old age with Quality of Life.

Pesquisa Qualitativa: Grupo Focal e Intervenções Psicológicas com Idosos / Psychologically Focused Group Intervention with the Elderly: a Qualitative Research / Investigación Cualitativa: Grupo Focal e Intervenciones Psicológicas con Ancianos

A realização de pesquisas qualitativas é bastante frequente nas ciências sociais, entretanto pouco comum para investigar o processo de envelhecimento no Brasil, embora haja o esforço dos pesquisadores na utilização de métodos tais como: grupo focal, grupos operativos e oficinas psicoterapêuticas. O objetivo deste ensaio teórico foi conceituar e discutir criticamente a utilização dessa modalidade de investigação na produção de conhecimento científico sobre idosos. Com base na literatura e na reflexão dos próprios autores, discutem-se questões pertinentes aos métodos qualitativos referidos, especialmente na condução de estudos e intervenções fundamentados no método clínico. Para embasar e aprofundar o conhecimento sobre a utilização da técnica de grupo focal com idosos em pesquisas, foi feito levantamento da produção científica na SciELO, LILACS e PsycINFO sobre o tema, sendo discutidos os 18 artigos capturados. Para exemplificar o uso de intervenções psicológicas com idosos nas pesquisas qualitativas, são descritos o aporte teórico, os métodos e os resultados gerais de uma intervenção psicológica e de uma oficina terapêutica. Concluiu-se que as pesquisas qualitativas agregam conhecimento importante sobre os idosos e seu processo de envelhecimento, sendo destacado o benefício das intervenções e a possibilidade de aprofundar o assunto com a utilização de métodos qualitativos.(AU)

Conducting qualitative research is quite common in social sciences; however, this type of research is not very frequently used in Brazil to investigate the aging process despite the efforts of researchers in using methods such as focus groups, operational groups and psychotherapeutic workshops. The aim of this theoretical paper was to conceptualize and critically discuss the use of qualitative research in the production of scientific knowledge about the elderly. Based on the literature and on the authors' own reflections, this study discusses matters relevant to the previously mentioned qualitative methods, especially regarding the conduction of studies and interventions based on the clinical method. To support and deepen the knowledge on the use of the focus group technique in research with the elderly, a search for the scientific production on this theme was performed at SciELO, LILACS, PsycINFO databases. Eighteen articles were selected for discussion. To exemplify the use of psychological interventions with older adults in qualitative research, the theoretical framework, methods and overall results of a psychological intervention and therapeutic workshop are described. We conclude that qualitative studies add important knowledge about the elderly and the aging process, highlighting the benefit of interventions and the possibility of developing a more comprehensive knowledge on the subject through the use of qualitative methods.(AU)

La realización de investigaciones cualitativas es muy frecuente en las ciencias sociales, pero poco utilizada a la hora de investigar el proceso de envejecimiento en Brasil, aunque los investigadores se esfuerzan en el uso de estos métodos: grupo focal, grupos operativos y talleres psicoterapéuticos. El objetivo de este trabajo teórico fue conceptualizar y discutir críticamente el uso de este tipo de investigación en la producción de conocimiento científico sobre los ancianos. Con base en la literatura y en la propia reflexión de los autores, se discuten cuestiones relevantes acerca de los métodos cualitativos citados, sobre todo en la realización de estudios e intervenciones apoyados en el método clínico. Para apoyar y profundizar el conocimiento sobre el uso de la técnica de grupo focal con ancianos en investigaciones, se hizo una averiguación de producción científica en SciELO, LILACS, PsycINFO sobre el tema, siendo debatidos los 18 artículos capturados. Para ejemplificar el uso de intervenciones psicológicas con ancianos en las investigaciones cualitativas, se describen el marco teórico, los métodos y los resultados generales de una intervención psicológica y de un taller terapéutico. Se concluyó que los estudios cualitativos agregan conocimiento importante sobre los ancianos y su proceso de envejecimiento, destacándose el beneficio de las intervenciones y la posibilidad de profundizar en el tema con el uso de métodos cualitativos.(AU)

Pesquisa Qualitativa: Grupo Focal e Intervenções Psicológicas com Idosos / Psychologically Focused Group Intervention with the Elderly: a Qualitative Research / Investigación Cualitativa: Grupo Focal e Intervenciones Psicológicas con Ancianos

A realização de pesquisas qualitativas é bastante frequente nas ciências sociais, entretanto pouco comum para investigar o processo de envelhecimento no Brasil, embora haja o esforço dos pesquisadores na utilização de métodos tais como: grupo focal, grupos operativos e oficinas psicoterapêuticas. O objetivo deste ensaio teórico foi conceituar e discutir criticamente a utilização dessa modalidade de investigação na produção de conhecimento científico sobre idosos. Com base na literatura e na reflexão dos próprios autores, discutem-se questões pertinentes aos métodos qualitativos referidos, especialmente na condução de estudos e intervenções fundamentados no método clínico. Para embasar e aprofundar o conhecimento sobre a utilização da técnica de grupo focal com idosos em pesquisas, foi feito levantamento da produção científica na SciELO, LILACS e PsycINFO sobre o tema, sendo discutidos os 18 artigos capturados. Para exemplificar o uso de intervenções psicológicas com idosos nas pesquisas qualitativas, são descritos o aporte teórico, os métodos e os resultados gerais de uma intervenção psicológica e de uma oficina terapêutica. Concluiu-se que as pesquisas qualitativas agregam conhecimento importante sobre os idosos e seu processo de envelhecimento, sendo destacado o benefício das intervenções e a possibilidade de aprofundar o assunto com a utilização de métodos qualitativos...

Conducting qualitative research is quite common in social sciences; however, this type of research is not very frequently used in Brazil to investigate the aging process despite the efforts of researchers in using methods such as focus groups, operational groups and psychotherapeutic workshops. The aim of this theoretical paper was to conceptualize and critically discuss the use of qualitative research in the production of scientific knowledge about the elderly. Based on the literature and on the authors' own reflections, this study discusses matters relevant to the previously mentioned qualitative methods, especially regarding the conduction of studies and interventions based on the clinical method. To support and deepen the knowledge on the use of the focus group technique in research with the elderly, a search for the scientific production on this theme was performed at SciELO, LILACS, PsycINFO databases. Eighteen articles were selected for discussion. To exemplify the use of psychological interventions with older adults in qualitative research, the theoretical framework, methods and overall results of a psychological intervention and therapeutic workshop are described. We conclude that qualitative studies add important knowledge about the elderly and the aging process, highlighting the benefit of interventions and the possibility of developing a more comprehensive knowledge on the subject through the use of qualitative methods...

La realización de investigaciones cualitativas es muy frecuente en las ciencias sociales, pero poco utilizada a la hora de investigar el proceso de envejecimiento en Brasil, aunque los investigadores se esfuerzan en el uso de estos métodos: grupo focal, grupos operativos y talleres psicoterapéuticos. El objetivo de este trabajo teórico fue conceptualizar y discutir críticamente el uso de este tipo de investigación en la producción de conocimiento científico sobre los ancianos. Con base en la literatura y en la propia reflexión de los autores, se discuten cuestiones relevantes acerca de los métodos cualitativos citados, sobre todo en la realización de estudios e intervenciones apoyados en el método clínico. Para apoyar y profundizar el conocimiento sobre el uso de la técnica de grupo focal con ancianos en investigaciones, se hizo una averiguación de producción científica en SciELO, LILACS, PsycINFO sobre el tema, siendo debatidos los 18 artículos capturados. Para ejemplificar el uso de intervenciones psicológicas con ancianos en las investigaciones cualitativas, se describen el marco teórico, los métodos y los resultados generales de una intervención psicológica y de un taller terapéutico. Se concluyó que los estudios cualitativos agregan conocimiento importante sobre los ancianos y su proceso de envejecimiento, destacándose el beneficio de las intervenciones y la posibilidad de profundizar en el tema con el uso de métodos cualitativos...

A oficina de cartas, fotografias e lembranças como intervenção psicoterapêutica grupal com idosos / Workshop of letters, photographs, and memories as a psychotherapeutic groupintervention with the elderly

O presente estudo tem o objetivo de apresentar a Oficina de Cartas, Fotografias e Lembranças como proposta de método psicoterapêutico dirigido a idosos, em um enquadre grupal, e verificar seu alcance e seus benefícios para esse grupo. A pesquisa foi desenvolvida com o método clínico, baseado na teoria psicanalítica e, em especial, na leitura dos conceitos winnicottianos. Participaram do estudo seis idosos de ambos os sexos – um homem e cinco mulheres – com idades entre 65 e 79 anos, que frequentavam um Grupo da Terceira Idade. Para compreensão diagnóstica foram realizadas duas entrevistas iniciais e aplicados os instrumentos de Qualidade de Vida e de Depressão e uma técnica projetiva – SAT. A partir da análise do processo psicoterapêutico, a proposta da Oficina desenvolvida com esse grupo mostrou-se eficaz. Houve significativa melhora dos sintomas depressivos e, de modo geral, da qualidade de vida dos integrantes que concluíram a participação no grupo. Ao final do estudo, observou-se que o enquadre utilizado na proposta terapêutica favoreceu maior integração e possibilidade de recordação saudável, refletindo vivências que apontaram para o crescimento emocional dos participantes do grupo. (AU)

The aim of this study is to introduce the Workshop of Letters, Photographs, and Memories as a proposal for a group psychotherapeutic method for elders, and check its possibilities and benefits for this group. The research made use ofthe clinical method, based on the psychoanalytical theory and, especially, in the reading of Winnicott’s concepts. Six elders took part in this study – one male and five females – with ages between 65 and 79 years old. They all attended a group for senior citizens. Two initial interviews, together with instruments of Life Quality and Depression and a projective technique (Senior Apperception Test – SAT) were used for diagnosis. The analysis of this psychotherapeutic process showed that the workshop was effective. There was a significant improvement in the depressive symptoms and in the life quality of those who completed the workshop. The study showed that the therapeutic proposal’s framework favored a better integration and the possibility of healthy memories, reflecting experiences that pointedto the participants’ emotional growth. (AU)

A oficina de cartas, fotografias e lembranças como intervenção psicoterapêutica grupal com idosos / Workshop of letters, photographs, and memories as a psychotherapeutic groupintervention with the elderly

O presente estudo tem o objetivo de apresentar a Oficina de Cartas, Fotografias e Lembranças como proposta de método psicoterapêutico dirigido a idosos, em um enquadre grupal, e verificar seu alcance e seus benefícios para esse grupo. A pesquisa foi desenvolvida com o método clínico, baseado na teoria psicanalítica e, em especial, na leitura dos conceitos winnicottianos. Participaram do estudo seis idosos de ambos os sexos – um homem e cinco mulheres – com idades entre 65 e 79 anos, que frequentavam um Grupo da Terceira Idade. Para compreensão diagnóstica foram realizadas duas entrevistas iniciais e aplicados os instrumentos de Qualidade de Vida e de Depressão e uma técnica projetiva – SAT. A partir da análise do processo psicoterapêutico, a proposta da Oficina desenvolvida com esse grupo mostrou-se eficaz. Houve significativa melhora dos sintomas depressivos e, de modo geral, da qualidade de vida dos integrantes que concluíram a participação no grupo. Ao final do estudo, observou-se que o enquadre utilizado na proposta terapêutica favoreceu maior integração e possibilidade de recordação saudável, refletindo vivências que apontaram para o crescimento emocional dos participantes do grupo.

The aim of this study is to introduce the Workshop of Letters, Photographs, and Memories as a proposal for a group psychotherapeutic method for elders, and check its possibilities and benefits for this group. The research made use ofthe clinical method, based on the psychoanalytical theory and, especially, in the reading of Winnicott’s concepts. Six elders took part in this study – one male and five females – with ages between 65 and 79 years old. They all attended a group for senior citizens. Two initial interviews, together with instruments of Life Quality and Depression and a projective technique (Senior Apperception Test – SAT) were used for diagnosis. The analysis of this psychotherapeutic process showed that the workshop was effective. There was a significant improvement in the depressive symptoms and in the life quality of those who completed the workshop. The study showed that the therapeutic proposal’s framework favored a better integration and the possibility of healthy memories, reflecting experiences that pointedto the participants’ emotional growth.