Antimicrobial potential of linear low-density polyethylene food packaging with Ag nanoparticles in different carriers (Silica and Hydroxyapatite).

Silver nanoparticles incorporation into polymeric packaging aims to prevent microbiological contamination in food products, thus ensuring superior food safety and preservation. In this context, this study aimed to verify the antimicrobial efficacy of linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) films incorporated with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) dispersed in silica (SiO2) and hydroxyapatite (HAP) carriers at different concentrations. AgNPs + carriers polymer films were characterized at 0.2, 0.4, and 0.6% concentrations using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), field emission gun-scanning electron microscope (FEG-SEM), thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and migration in acidic and non-acidic simulants. Antimicrobial action was investigated on Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus, Gram-negative Escherichia coli, and the Penicillium expansum and Fusarium solani fungi with antimicrobial activity by direct contact test and bacterial imaging by scanning electron microscopy. AgNPs addition to the LLDPE matrix did not interfere with the films' chemical and thermal properties and presented no significant migration to the external medium. For antimicrobial action, silver nanoparticles showed, in most concentrations, an inhibition percentage higher than 90% on all microorganisms studied, regardless of the carrier. However, a greater inhibitory action on S. aureus and between carriers was found, making hydroxyapatite more effective. The results indicated that nanostructured films with AgNPs + hydroxyapatite showed more promising antimicrobial action on microorganisms than AgNPs + silica, making hydroxyapatite with silver nanoparticle potentially useful in food packaging, improving safety and maintaining quality.

Cognitive evaluation in Parkinson's disease: applying the Movement Disorder Society recommendations in a population with a low level of formal education.

BACKGROUND: The diagnosis of cognitive disorders in Parkinson disease (PD) can be very challenging. Aiming at establishing uniform and reliable diagnostic procedures, the International Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorder Society (MDS) commissioned task forces to delineate diagnostic criteria for mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia in PD. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the applicability of the MDS recommendations for cognitive evaluation in a Brazilian sample of patients with PD with low levels of formal education. METHODS: A total of 41 patients with PD were subjected to a comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation based on tests proposed by the MDS, which included the Mini-Mental State Examination, the Mattis Dementia Rating Scale (MDRS), the Trail Making Test (TMT) parts A and B, in addition to language and memory skills assessment. Neuropsychiatric and daily functioning features were also evaluated. Spearman correlation analyses were used to evaluate the association between the scores obtained in the cognitive scales and demographic/clinical variables. RESULTS: Although none of the participants had a formal diagnosis of dementia, 50% presented some degree of cognitive impairment when considering the results of the MDRS. Of note, a noticeable number of patients was not able to complete the full neuropsychological assessment. The TMT part B was the most difficult task, being completed by only 22 participants (54%). As expected, the greater the educational level, the better the performance on the cognitive tests. Better motor function was also associated with better scores in cognition. CONCLUSIONS: Adopting strict inclusion/exclusion criteria and a comprehensive clinical evaluation, we found remarkable limitations for the MDS recommendations when individuals with low educational levels are considered. A revision of the current guidelines is necessary considering differences among populations, especially related to formal education.

ANTECEDENTES: O diagnóstico de distúrbios cognitivos na doença de Parkinson (DP) pode ser muito desafiador. Com o objetivo de estabelecer procedimentos diagnósticos uniformes e confiáveis, a Sociedade Internacional da Doença de Parkinson e Distúrbios do Movimento (MDS, na sigla em inglês) encomendou forças-tarefa para delinear critérios diagnósticos para comprometimento cognitivo leve (CCL) e demência na DP. OBJETIVOS: Investigar a aplicabilidade das recomendações da MDS para avaliação cognitiva em uma amostra brasileira de pacientes com DP de baixa escolaridade. MéTODOS: Um total de 41 pacientes com DP foram submetidos a uma avaliação neuropsicológica abrangente com base nos testes propostos pela MDS, que incluiu o Miniexame do Estado Mental, a Escala de Avaliação de Demência de Mattis (MDRS, na sigla em inglês), o teste de trilhas (TMT, na sigla em inglês) partes A e B, além da avaliação das habilidades de linguagem e memória. Características neuropsiquiátricas e de funcionamento diário também foram avaliadas. Análises de correlação de Spearman foram utilizadas para avaliar a associação entre os escores obtidos nas escalas cognitivas e variáveis demográficas/clínicas. RESULTADOS: Apesar de nenhum dos participantes ter diagnóstico formal de demência, 50% apresentaram algum grau de comprometimento cognitivo ao levar em consideração os resultados da MDRS. Vale ressaltar que um número notável de pacientes não conseguiu completar a avaliação neuropsicológica completa. A parte B do TMT foi a tarefa mais difícil, sendo realizada por apenas 22 participantes (54%). Como esperado, quanto maior o nível educacional, melhor o desempenho nos testes cognitivos. Melhor função motora também foi associada a melhores escores em cognição. CONCLUSõES: Adotando critérios rígidos de inclusão/exclusão e uma avaliação clínica abrangente, encontramos limitações marcantes para as recomendações da MDS quando considerados indivíduos com baixa escolaridade. É necessária uma revisão das diretrizes atuais considerando as diferenças entre as populações, principalmente relacionadas ao nível educacional.

Cognitive evaluation in Parkinson's disease: applying the Movement Disorder Society recommendations in a population with a low level of formal education / Avaliação cognitiva na doença de Parkinson: aplicando as recomendações da Movement Disorder Society em uma população de baixa escolaridade

Abstract Background The diagnosis of cognitive disorders in Parkinson disease (PD) can be very challenging. Aiming at establishing uniform and reliable diagnostic procedures, the International Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorder Society (MDS) commissioned task forces to delineate diagnostic criteria for mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia in PD. Objectives To investigate the applicability of the MDS recommendations for cognitive evaluation in a Brazilian sample of patients with PD with low levels of formal education. Methods A total of 41 patients with PD were subjected to a comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation based on tests proposed by the MDS, which included the Mini-Mental State Examination, the Mattis Dementia Rating Scale (MDRS), the Trail Making Test (TMT) parts A and B, in addition to language and memory skills assessment. Neuropsychiatric and daily functioning features were also evaluated. Spearman correlation analyses were used to evaluate the association between the scores obtained in the cognitive scales and demographic/clinical variables. Results Although none of the participants had a formal diagnosis of dementia, 50% presented some degree of cognitive impairment when considering the results of the MDRS. Of note, a noticeable number of patients was not able to complete the full neuropsychological assessment. The TMT part B was the most difficult task, being completed by only 22 participants (54%). As expected, the greater the educational level, the better the performance on the cognitive tests. Better motor function was also associated with better scores in cognition. Conclusions Adopting strict inclusion/exclusion criteria and a comprehensive clinical evaluation, we found remarkable limitations for the MDS recommendations when individuals with low educational levels are considered. A revision of the current guidelines is necessary considering differences among populations, especially related to formal education.

Resumo Antecedentes O diagnóstico de distúrbios cognitivos na doença de Parkinson (DP) pode ser muito desafiador. Com o objetivo de estabelecer procedimentos diagnósticos uniformes e confiáveis, a Sociedade Internacional da Doença de Parkinson e Distúrbios do Movimento (MDS, na sigla em inglês) encomendou forças-tarefa para delinear critérios diagnósticos para comprometimento cognitivo leve (CCL) e demência na DP. Objetivos Investigar a aplicabilidade das recomendações da MDS para avaliação cognitiva em uma amostra brasileira de pacientes com DP de baixa escolaridade. Métodos Um total de 41 pacientes com DP foram submetidos a uma avaliação neuropsicológica abrangente com base nos testes propostos pela MDS, que incluiu o Miniexame do Estado Mental, a Escala de Avaliação de Demência de Mattis (MDRS, na sigla em inglês), o teste de trilhas (TMT, na sigla em inglês) partes A e B, além da avaliação das habilidades de linguagem e memória. Características neuropsiquiátricas e de funcionamento diário também foram avaliadas. Análises de correlação de Spearman foram utilizadas para avaliar a associação entre os escores obtidos nas escalas cognitivas e variáveis demográficas/clínicas. Resultados Apesar de nenhum dos participantes ter diagnóstico formal de demência, 50% apresentaram algum grau de comprometimento cognitivo ao levar em consideração os resultados da MDRS. Vale ressaltar que um número notável de pacientes não conseguiu completar a avaliação neuropsicológica completa. A parte B do TMT foi a tarefa mais difícil, sendo realizada por apenas 22 participantes (54%). Como esperado, quanto maior o nível educacional, melhor o desempenho nos testes cognitivos. Melhor função motora também foi associada a melhores escores em cognição. Conclusões Adotando critérios rígidos de inclusão/exclusão e uma avaliação clínica abrangente, encontramos limitações marcantes para as recomendações da MDS quando considerados indivíduos com baixa escolaridade. É necessária uma revisão das diretrizes atuais considerando as diferenças entre as populações, principalmente relacionadas ao nível educacional.

Outbreak of equine pythiosis in a southeastern region of Brazil: Environmental isolation and phylogeny.

Pythiosis is a disease caused by the oomycete Pythium insidiosum, mainly reported in equines, dogs and humans and directly transmitted through contaminant zoospores in aquatic environments. We report the first outbreak of equine pythiosis in five equines. Wound samples were submitted for diagnostic testing including mycological culture and nested PCR. Treatment approaches consisted of conventional and alternative therapies. Microbiological analyses were performed using water samples from the riverbanks close to where the animals had grazed. All animals were positive for P. insidiosum cultures, and two animals responded successfully to alternative therapy (ozone therapy). After culture and molecular analysis of environmental samples, the presence of P. insidiosum in one section of the Tietê River was confirmed through a 99% sequence identity. Phylogenetic analyses using the cytochrome oxidase II gene showed that the animal isolates clustered in clade I and the environmental isolates clustered in clade III. Although the environmental and wound isolates belonged to different genetic clades, we concluded that the Tietê River is an important source of infection by P. insidiosum and that research concerning environmental isolation of P. insidiosum from rivers and lakes should be strongly facilitated in Brazil.

Prospecting Biomarkers for Diagnostic and Therapeutic Approaches in Pythiosis.

Pythiosis, whose etiological agent is the oomycete Pythium insidiosum, is a life-threatening disease that occurs mainly in tropical and subtropical countries, affecting several animal species. It is frequently found in horses in Brazil and humans in Thailand. The disease is difficult to diagnose because the pathogen's hyphae are often misdiagnosed as mucoromycete fungi in histological sections. Additionally, there is no specific antigen to use for rapid diagnosis, the availability of which could improve the prognosis in different animal species. In this scenario, we investigated which P. insidiosum antigens are recognized by circulating antibodies in horses and humans with pythiosis from Brazil and Thailand, respectively, using 2D immunoblotting followed by mass spectrometry for the identification of antigens. We identified 23 protein spots, 14 recognized by pooled serum from horses and humans. Seven antigens were commonly recognized by both species, such as the heat-shock cognate 70 KDa protein, the heat-shock 70 KDa protein, glucan 1,3-beta-glucosidase, fructose-bisphosphate aldolase, serine/threonine-protein phosphatase, aconitate hydratase, and 14-3-3 protein epsilon. These results demonstrate that there are common antigens recognized by the immune responses of horses and humans, and these antigens may be studied as biomarkers for improving diagnosis and treatment.

Juventudes, trabalho e cultura em tempos de racionalidade neoliberal / Youths, work and culture in neoliberal rationality times

Resumo O presente artigo se debruça sobre a temática das juventudes enquanto importante categoria social, inscrita em um contexto de diversidade social interessada, em especial, nos grupos que mais sofrem com os efeitos da exclusão e da desigualdade. Temos que a expansão da lógica do atual modo social de produção capitalista e suas respostas diante das crises, como o neoliberalismo e a reestruturação das relações de trabalho, por exemplo, resultaram em mutações acerca do trabalho e das sociabilidades no mundo contemporâneo. Compreende-se, então, que a racionalidade neoliberal interfere diretamente na relação entre juventudes, trabalho e cultura e o presente texto apresenta análise crítica sobre como esse contexto interfere nos/as jovens trabalhadores/as da cultura. O trabalho no campo cultural se apresenta como possibilidade factível e também como potencializador para a essência criativa, novas subjetividades e formas de ser e estar no mundo, ao mesmo tempo em que enfrenta e reproduz os desafios da precarização e flexibilização e o próprio desemprego ou não trabalho como parte deste processo. Na terapia ocupacional se faz essencial investigar como a desigualdade, a exclusão e a exploração, intrínsecos ao capitalismo e à racionalidade neoliberal, interferem e alteram as ocupações, as atividades humanas e os cotidianos, sobretudo daqueles que mais vivenciam seus efeitos.

Abstract This article focuses on the theme of youth as an important social category, in a context of social diversity especially interested in the groups that suffer most the effects of exclusion and inequality. The expanded logic of the current social mode of capitalist production and its responses to crises such as neoliberalism and the restructuring of labor relations has resulted in mutations about work and sociability in the contemporary world. It is understood, then, that neoliberal rationality directly interferes in the relation between youths, work and culture and the present essay presents a critical analysis on how this context interferes in the young cultural workers. In the cultural field, labor is a feasible possibility and also enhances the creative essence, new subjectivities and ways of being and being in the world, at the time it faces and reproduces the challenges of precarious work and flexibilization and unemployment or not working as part of this process. In occupational therapy, it is essential to investigate how inequality, exclusion and exploitation intrinsic to capitalism and neoliberal rationality interferes and alters occupations, human activities and daily life, especially of those who most experience its effects.

La Terapia Ocupacional comunitaria para la promoción del arte y la cultura: reflexiones desde el proyecto Tienda Cultural / Community-based Occupational Therapy for the promotion of art and culture: reflections from the project Tienda Cultural / A Terapia Ocupacional comunitária para a promoção da arte e da cultura: reflexões a partir do projeto Tenda Cultural

Se presenta el proyecto de extensión universitaria Tienda Cultural: una ventana abierta para el arte, la ciencia y la ciudadanía, y las reflexiones derivadas de su implementación. Su objetivo fue promover, a partir del compromiso ético y político de la Terapia Ocupacional, la accesibilidad, la ciudadanía y la participación sociocultural a través de acciones artísticas, culturales y educativas. Fue una práctica de Terapia Ocupacional en el ámbito de la cultura desde una perspectiva comunitaria crítica y comprometida con la transformación social. La gestión cultural fue coordinada entre equipos transdisciplinarios y comunidades, y la programación se realizó en territorios periféricos de una ciudad mediana brasileña. Se incluyeron talleres artístico-culturales y educativos, exposiciones, cine, espectáculos con artistas y producciones culturales centradas en las demandas, los intereses y la producción artística de cada comunidad. Se generaron reflexiones sobre la cultura como derecho, el rol de la Terapia Ocupacional comunitaria y cultural, y la función social de la universidad pública. La Terapia Ocupacional y la cultura pueden contribuir a promover la diversidad, el reconocimiento y el acceso a la cultura; asimismo, a ampliar la participación social y la ciudadanía en estrecha colaboración con, para y desde las comunidades que enfrentan procesos de desigualdad y exclusión.

This article presents the university extension project "Cultural Store: an open window for art, science, and citizenship" and the reflections derived from its implementation. Based on Occupational Therapy's ethical and political commitment, the objectives were to promote accessibility, citizenship, and socio-cultural participation through artistic, cultural and educational activities. The project was an occupational therapy practice within a cultural environment from a critical community perspective, committed to social transformation. Cultural management was coordinated between transdisciplinary teams and communities, and the cultural programming was carried out in peripheral areas from a mid-sized Brazilian city. The programming included socio-cultural and educational workshops, exhibitions, cinema, shows with artists, and cultural productions focused on each community's demands, interests, and artistic production. The results generated reflections on culture as a right, the role of community and cultural Occupational Therapy, and the social function of the public university. Occupational Therapy and cultural activity can contribute to promote cultural diversity, recognition, and access. They also expand social participation and citizenship for communities experiencing exclusion and unequal processes, by intimately collaborating with, for, and within them.

Apresenta-se o projeto de extensão universitária "Tenda Cultural: janela aberta para arte, ciência e cidadania", assim como as reflexões derivadas de sua implementação. A partir do compromisso ético político da Terapia Ocupacional, seu objetivo foi promover acessibilidade, cidadania e participação sociocultural por meio de ações artísticas, culturais e educativas. Foi uma prática da Terapia Ocupacional no campo da cultura a partir de uma perspectiva critica comunitária e comprometida com a transformação social. A gestão cultural foi realizada entre equipes transdisciplinares e comunidades e a programação cultural em territórios periféricos de uma cidade de médio porte brasileira. A programação incluiu oficinas artístico-culturais e educativas, exposições, cine, espetáculos com artistas e produções culturais baseadas nas demandas, interesses e produção artística de cada comunidade. Os resultados demonstraram reflexões da cultura como direitos, o papel da Terapia Ocupacional comunitária e cultural e a função social da universidade pública. A Terapia Ocupacional e a cultura podem contribuir significativamente para a promoção da diversidade e o reconhecimento e acesso à cultura, assim como ampliar a participação social e a cidadania em consonância com, para e a partir das comunidades que enfrentam cotidianamente processos de desigualdades e exclusões.

Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy against clinical isolates of carbapenem-susceptible and carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii.

Infections caused by Acinetobacter baumannii have become a challenge for healthcare professionals because of the rapid increase in Gram-negative bacteria resistant to carbapenem antibiotics. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) against different strains of A. baumannii isolated from patients with infectious process and hospitalized at the intensive care unit of the hospitals of São Jose dos Campos, São Paulo. These isolates were obtained from the Valeclin Clinical Analysis Laboratory (SP, Brazil) and were tested for susceptibility to the carbapenems imipenem and meropenem by determination of the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) using the broth microdilution method. The strains susceptible and resistant to these antibiotics were submitted to aPDT using methylene blue and a low-level laser with a wavelength of 660 nm and fluence of 39.5 J/cm2 (energy of 15 J and time of 428 s). The number of colony-forming units (CFU/mL) was analyzed by ANOVA and the Tukey test. The laboratory of origin of the clinical isolates identified 1.54% of 13,715 strains tested over a period of 8 months as A. baumannii. Among the A. baumannii isolates, 58% were resistant to carbapenems by the disk diffusion test. Susceptible isolates exhibited MIC of 0.5 to 1 µg/mL and resistant isolates of 64 to > 128 µg/mL. PDT reduced the number of A. baumannii cells for all isolates tested, with this reduction ranging from 63 to 88% for susceptible isolates and from 26 to 97% for resistant isolates. The percentage of viability was dependent on the strain analyzed. In conclusion, these data indicate that PDT could be an alternative strategy for the control of infections caused by carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii.

Inhibitory effect of probiotic Lactobacillus supernatants from the oral cavity on Streptococcus mutans biofilms.

Probiotics can release bioactive substances that can inhibit the growth and biofilm formation of pathogenic microorganisms such as Streptococcus mutans. In this context, we evaluated whether the supernatants of Lactobacillus strains isolated from caries-free subjects can inhibit S. mutans, one of the most important bacteria for dental caries. First, the supernatants of 22 Lactobacillus strains were screened for antibacterial activity against S. mutans in planktonic cultures. All 22 Lactobacillus strains studied (100%) showed antibacterial activity. Thereafter, the Lactobacillus strains with the greatest reductions in the planktonic S. mutans cultures were tested on biofilms. The L. fermentum 20.4, L. paracasei 11.6, L. paracasei 20.3 and L. paracasei 25.4 strains could significantly reduce the number of S. mutans cells in biofilms formed in hydroxyapatite (p < 0.05). This reduction was also confirmed by scanning electron microscopy analysis and was not caused by the decreased pH value in the medium (p > 0.05). In addition, the supernatants of these probiotic strains could also reduce the total biomass of S. mutans biofilms (p < 0.05). In conclusion, most of the Lactobacillus strains tested have some antibacterial activity against S. mutans. L. fermentum 20.4, L. paracasei 11.6, L. paracasei 20.3 and L. paracasei 25.4 produce bioactive substances that caused a significant reduction in S. mutans biofilms.

The effects of gender, age, schooling, and cultural background on the identification of facial emotions: a transcultural study.

ABSTRACTBackground:Social cognition tasks, such as identification of emotions, can contribute to the diagnosis of neuropsychiatric disorders. The wide use of Facial Emotion Recognition Test (FERT) is hampered by the absence of normative dataset and by the limited understanding of how demographic factors such as age, education, gender, and cultural background may influence the performance on the test. METHODS: We analyzed the influence of these variables in the performance in the FERT from the short version of the Social and Emotional Assessment. This task is composed by 35 pictures with 7 different emotions presented 5 times each. Cognitively healthy Brazilian participants (n = 203; 109 females and 94 males) underwent the FERT. We compared the performance of participants across gender, age, and educational subgroups. We also compared the performance of Brazilians with a group of French subjects (n = 60) matched for gender, age, and educational level. RESULTS: There was no gender difference regarding the performance on total score and in each emotion subscore in the Brazilian sample. We found a significant effect of aging and schooling on the performance on the FERT, with younger and more educated subjects having higher scores. Brazilian and French participants did not differ in the FERT and its subscores. Normative data for employing the FERT in Brazilian population is presented. CONCLUSIONS: Data here provided may contribute to the interpretation of the results of FERT in different cultural contexts and highlight the common bias that should be corrected in the future tasks to be developed.

Creative strategies and homeless people: occupational therapy, art, culture and sensitive displacement / Estratégias criativas e a população em situação de rua: terapia ocupacional, arte, cultura e deslocamentos sensíveis

Abstract The population that finds on the streets an alternative for their own survival and for sorting out their identities, is marked by a number of disruptions and violation of rights, resulting in vulnerability processes and social disaffiliation, given the current socioeconomic conditions and the neoliberal rationality. There is a need of innovative work that can add different sectors and knowledge, which defend the strengthening of a support network and services that aims the enfranchisement of the individuals, promote social participation and respect their diversity. Therefore, it is reported the experience of an extension project that promoted creative strategies to operate with the homeless from an arts and culture perspective. In order to do so, the weekly activities workshops promoted experimentations for the participants, aiming to express their potentialities, from the themes and requests relevant to the group, producing art, dynamics, and products that reflected the culture of the streets. Sensitive displacements were produced, noticeable to those involved, making the participants protagonists of their own expressions. The encounters took on creative proportions and composed new experiences of occupational therapeutic formation and practices in the social field. In defense of respect, appreciation of the human dimensions and capacities, especially of the groups in a vulnerable situation, associated with actions that aim to promote and extend their human and social rights.

Resumo A população que encontra nas ruas uma alternativa para sua sobrevivência e ordenação de suas identidades é marcada por inúmeras rupturas e violações de direitos, resultando em processos de vulnerabilidade e desfiliação social, dada as condições socioeconômicas e a racionalidade neoliberal vigente. Vimos a necessidade de trabalhos inovadores que possam agregar diferentes setores e saberes, que defendam o fortalecimento de rede de apoio e de serviços, que objetivem a emancipação dos sujeitos, promovam participação social e respeitem sua diversidade. Assim, relata-se a experiência de projeto de extensão que promoveu estratégias criativas para a atuação junto à população em situação de rua, a partir da arte e da cultura. Para tanto, as oficinas de atividades, realizadas semanalmente, promoveram experimentações aos participantes visando à expressão de suas potencialidades, a partir dos temas e demandas pertinentes ao grupo, produzindo arte, dinâmicas e produtos que refletiram a cultura da rua. Foram produzidos deslocamentos sensíveis, perceptíveis aos envolvidos, tornando os participantes protagonistas de suas expressões. Os encontros tomaram proporção criativa e se constituíram em novas experiências de formação e práticas terapêuticas ocupacionais no campo social. Na defesa do respeito, da valorização das dimensões e capacidades humanas, em especial de grupos vulneráveis, associadas às ações que buscam promover e ampliar seus direitos humanos e sociais.

La terapia ocupacional y la cultura: miradas a la transformación social / Occupational therapy and culture: perspectives towards social transformation

Introducción. este trabajo descorre sobre la correlación entre la ocupación y la cultura de forma contextualizada y consciente, sobre las dimensiones de la cultura simbólica, económica y ciudadana y el potencial de la Terapia Ocupacional en producir prácticas, investigaciones y conocimiento en este campo. Objetivo. Busca ampliar las reflexiones teóricas y prácticas de la Terapia Ocupacional directamente relacionadas a la cultura en conexión con demandas y problemáticas socioeconómicas, desde los paradigmas crítico y social. Método. Para eso, se presentan cuatro proyectos y programas desarrollados por un grupo de enseñanza, investigación y extensión universitaria, en las áreas de fruición, promoción, producción y gestión cultural con grupos distintos (niños, jóvenes, artistas, población de la calle, comunidades periféricas y usuarios de servicios de salud mental). Las experiencias fueron desarrolladas por un equipo transdisciplinar, coordinadas por un terapeuta ocupacional en São Carlos (SPBrasil). Conclusión. El terapeuta ocupacional se revela como un profesional articulado para promover de forma amplia e integrada las diferentes dimensiones de la cultura, implicadas en las ocupaciones de las personas y colectivos, en la promoción de sus propias culturas y en defensa de la ciudadanía, pertenencia, pluralidad y derechos sociales y humanos. Las prácticas contribuyen para promoverla diversidad cultural y la consciencia de un desarrollo más humano, sustentable y responsable.

Introduction. this paper discusses the correlations between occupation and culture in a contextualized and conscious way, the dimensions of the symbolic, economic and citizen culture and the potential of the Occupational Therapy to produce practices, research and knowledge in this field. Objective. This paper aims to expand the theoretical and practical reflections of Occupational Therapy directly related to culture in connection with socioeconomic demands and problems, from the critical and social paradigms. Method. Four projects and programs are presented. They were developed by a teaching, researching and extension university group, in the areas of enjoyment, promotion, production and cultural management, with different groups (children, young people, artists, homeless, vulnerable communities and people with mental disorders). The experiences were developed by an transdisciplinary team, coordinated by an occupational therapist in São Carlos (SP Brazil). Conclusion. The occupational therapist was considered an articulated professional to promote the different dimensions of culture, in a comprehensive and integrated manner, involved in the occupations of people and groups, in the promotion of their own cultures and in defense of citizenship, belonging, plurality and social and human rights. The practices may contribute to the promotion of cultural diversity and the sense of a human, sustainable and responsible development.

Cognitive functioning in adolescents with migraine / Funcionamento Cognitivo em Adolescentes com Migrânea

Although migraine is highly prevalent in children and teenagers, it often goes undetected in these patients, resulting in underdiagnosis and inadequate treatment. Several studies have investigated cognitive changes in adults with migraine. However, there are few studies focusing on children and adolescents. Objective : To investigate cognitive performance of adolescents with migraine. Methods : Twenty-eight adolescents diagnosed with migraine and twenty-six individuals without a history of headache were recruited for the study. All participants were evaluated using standardized neuropsychological tests. Results : Adolescents with migraine had worse performance on tests evaluating short- and long-term verbal memory, attention, executive function, and speed of processing information than controls. Conclusion : Cognitive dysfunction is common in adolescents with migraine. Since the cognitive deficits found in adolescents with migraine are similar to those reported in adults with migraine, cognitive impairment seems to persist throughout life.

Apesar de apresentar uma prevalência alta em crianças e adolescentes, nem sempre a migrânea é corretamente identificada nessa faixa etária, o que resulta em tratamentos inadequados e ineficazes. Vários estudos investigaram disfunções cognitivas associadas à migrânea em adultos. No entanto, poucos foram direcionados às crianças e aos adolescentes. Objetivo : Investigar o funcionamento cognitivo de adolescentes com migrânea. Métodos : Participaram do estudo 28 adolescentes diagnosticados com migrânea e 26 controles. Os participantes foram avaliados através de testes neuropsicológicos padronizados. Resultados : Os adolescentes com migrânea apresentaram pior desempenho que controles em testes que avaliaram memória verbal de curto e de longo prazo, atenção, funções executivas, velocidade de processamento. Conclusão : Disfunção cognitiva é comum em adolescentes com migrânea. Os resultados apontam para a persistência dos prejuízos cognitivos ao longo da vida, uma vez que os prejuízos encontrados nos adolescentes são semelhantes aos encontrados em adultos com migrânea.

Juventude, cultura e profissionalização da criatividade / Youth, culture and creativity professionalization

Este artigo integra reflexões sobre a juventude, o trabalho e a cultura a partir do conceito de profissionalização da criatividade. Afinal, a educação e o trabalho são temas centrais para a juventude que possui dificuldades reais de inserção, e a cultura tem sido apontada como essencial para o desenvolvimento das sociedades. Para tanto, apresenta-se uma pesquisa que teve o intuito de contribuir para a compreensão acerca de jovens gestores e produtores culturais por meio de um mapeamento na cidade de São Carlos (SP ­ Brasil). A metodologia consistiu em: i) mapeamento de programas, serviços e ações artístico- culturais dos diferentes setores, destinadas ou protagonizadas por jovens, com aplicação de um questionário específico; e ii) entrevistas com os artistas (15 a 29 anos), residentes na cidade e com interesse na profissionalização. Foram indicados 210 jovens artistas, realizadas 96 entrevistas e encontrados 46 jovens no perfil. As análises consideraram os artistas a partir de suas produções artísticas e das categorias: identificação, estrutura, profissionalização e financiamento. As demandas estiveram marcadas pela dificuldade de financiamento e gestão, o que acarreta numa precarização do trabalho em diferentes âmbitos. Ao mesmo tempo, sonhos, satisfação, cunho ideológico de transformação social e sublimação da vida fortalecem esses jovens na luta pela profissionalização de sua arte. Corrobora-se, portanto, com o investimento público para a cultura na direção do potencial transformador de processos culturais que produzem deslocamentos sensíveis. Além de estratégias visando ao desenvolvimento e ao impacto social, somando, portanto, importantes saberes e práticas para a terapia ocupacional.

This article links reflections on youth work and culture from the concept of the creativity professionalization. After all, education and work are central themes for youth with real insertion problems; and culture has been pointed as essential for societies' developments. Therefore, we present a search that aimed to contribute to the understanding of young managers and cultural producers through a mapping in the city of São Carlos (SP - Brazil). The methodology consisted of: i) mapping of programs, services and cultural artistic actions, from the different sectors, designed for or protagonized by young people, by applying a specific questionnaire; and ii) artists' interviews (15 to 29 years), living in the city and with professionalization interests. From the mapping of these sectors, 210 young artists were indicated, with 96 conducted interviews and 46 young matching the profile. The analysis considered the artists from their artistic productions and the categories: identification, structure, professionalization and financing. The demands were marked by the financing and management difficulty which results in work precariousness in different areas, at the same time, dreams, satisfaction, ideological social transformation and sublimation of life, strengthen these young people in the struggle for professionalization of their art. It contributes, therefore, with public investment for the culture toward the transformative potential of cultural processes that produce sensitive displacement. In addition to strategies for development and social impact, adding, therefore, important knowledge and practices for occupational therapy.

Cognitive functioning in adolescents with migraine.

Although migraine is highly prevalent in children and teenagers, it often goes undetected in these patients, resulting in underdiagnosis and inadequate treatment. Several studies have investigated cognitive changes in adults with migraine. However, there are few studies focusing on children and adolescents. OBJECTIVE: To investigate cognitive performance of adolescents with migraine. METHODS: Twenty-eight adolescents diagnosed with migraine and twenty-six individuals without a history of headache were recruited for the study. All participants were evaluated using standardized neuropsychological tests. RESULTS: Adolescents with migraine had worse performance on tests evaluating short- and long-term verbal memory, attention, executive function, and speed of processing information than controls. CONCLUSION: Cognitive dysfunction is common in adolescents with migraine. Since the cognitive deficits found in adolescents with migraine are similar to those reported in adults with migraine, cognitive impairment seems to persist throughout life.

Apesar de apresentar uma prevalência alta em crianças e adolescentes, nem sempre a migrânea é corretamente identificada nessa faixa etária, o que resulta em tratamentos inadequados e ineficazes. Vários estudos investigaram disfunções cognitivas associadas à migrânea em adultos. No entanto, poucos foram direcionados às crianças e aos adolescentes. OBJETIVO: Investigar o funcionamento cognitivo de adolescentes com migrânea. MÉTODOS: Participaram do estudo 28 adolescentes diagnosticados com migrânea e 26 controles. Os participantes foram avaliados através de testes neuropsicológicos padronizados. RESULTADOS: Os adolescentes com migrânea apresentaram pior desempenho que controles em testes que avaliaram memória verbal de curto e de longo prazo, atenção, funções executivas, velocidade de processamento. CONCLUSÃO: Disfunção cognitiva é comum em adolescentes com migrânea. Os resultados apontam para a persistência dos prejuízos cognitivos ao longo da vida, uma vez que os prejuízos encontrados nos adolescentes são semelhantes aos encontrados em adultos com migrânea.

From "five" to 5 for 5 minutes: Arabic number transcoding as a short, specific, and sensitive screening tool for mathematics learning difficulties.

Number transcoding (e.g., writing 29 when hearing "twenty-nine") is one of the most basic numerical abilities required in daily life and is paramount for mathematics achievement. The aim of this study is to investigate psychometric properties of an Arabic number-writing task and its capacity to identify children with mathematics difficulties. We assessed 786 children (55% girls) from first to fourth grades, who were classified as children with mathematics difficulties (n = 103) or controls (n = 683). Although error rates were low, the task presented adequate internal consistency (0.91). Analyses revealed effective diagnostic accuracy in first and second school grades (specificity equals to 0.67 and 0.76 respectively, and sensitivity equals to 0.70 and 0.88 respectively). Moreover, items tapping the understanding of place-value syntax were the most sensitive to mathematics achievement. Overall, we propose that number transcoding is a useful tool for the assessment of mathematics abilities in early elementary school.