AGPs as molecular determinants of reproductive development.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Morphogenesis occurs through accurate interaction between essential players to generate highly specialized plant organs. Fruit structure and function are triggered by a neat transcriptional control involving distinct regulator genes encoding transcription factors (TFs) or signalling proteins, such as the C2H2/C2HC zinc-finger NO TRANSMITTING TRACT (NTT) or the MADS-box protein SEEDSTICK (STK), which are important in setting plant reproductive competence, feasibly by affecting cell wall polysaccharide and lipid distribution. Arabinogalactan proteins (AGPs) are major components of the cell wall and are thought to be involved in the reproductive process as important players in specific stages of development. The detection of AGPs epitopes in reproductive tissues of NTT and other fruit development-related TFs, such as MADS-box proteins including SHATTERPROOF1 (SHP1), SHP2 and STK, was the focus of this study. METHODS: We used fluorescence microscopy to perform immunolocalization analyses on stk and ntt single mutants, on the ntt stk double mutant and on the stk shp1 shp2 triple mutant using specific anti-AGP monoclonal antibodies. In these mutants, the expression levels of selected AGP genes were also measured by quantitative real-time PCR and compared with the respective expression in wild-type (WT) plants. KEY RESULTS: The present immunolocalization study collects information on the distribution patterns of specific AGPs in Arabidopsis female reproductive tissues, complemented by the quantification of AGP expression levels, comparing WT, stk and ntt single mutants, the ntt stk double mutant and the stk shp1 shp2 triple mutant. CONCLUSIONS: These findings reveal distinct AGP distribution patterns in different developmental mutants related to the female reproductive unit in Arabidopsis. The value of the immunofluorescence labelling technique is highlighted in this study as an invaluable tool to dissect the remodelling nature of the cell wall in developmental processes.

New insights on the expression patterns of specific Arabinogalactan proteins in reproductive tissues of Arabidopsis thaliana.

Arabinogalactan proteins (AGPs) are hydroxyproline-rich glycoproteins containing a high proportion of carbohydrates, widely distributed in the plant kingdom and ubiquitously present in land plants. AGPs have long been suggested to play important roles in plant reproduction and there is already evidence that specific glycoproteins are essential for male and female gametophyte development, pollen tube growth and guidance, and successful fertilization. However, the functions of many of these proteins have yet to be uncovered, mainly due to the difficulty to study individual AGPs. In this work, we generated molecular tools to analyze the expression patterns of a subgroup of individual AGPs in different Arabidopsis tissues, focusing on reproductive processes. This study focused on six AGPs: four classical AGPs (AGP7, AGP25, AGP26, AGP27), one AG peptide (AGP24) and one chimeric AGP (AGP31). These AGPs were first selected based on their predicted expression patterns along the reproductive tissues from available RNA-seq data. Promoter analysis using ß-glucuronidase fusions and qPCR in different Arabidopsis tissues allowed to confirm these predictions. AGP7 was mainly expressed in female reproductive tissues, more precisely in the style, funiculus, and integuments near the micropyle region. AGP25 was found to be expressed in the style, septum and ovules with higher expression in the chalaza and funiculus tissues. AGP26 was present in the ovules and pistil valves. AGP27 was expressed in the transmitting tissue, septum and funiculus during seed development. AGP24 was expressed in pollen grains, in mature embryo sacs, with highest expression at the chalazal pole and in the micropyle. AGP31 was expressed in the mature embryo sac with highest expression at the chalaza and, occasionally, in the micropyle. For all these AGPs a co-expression analysis was performed providing new hints on its possible functions. This work confirmed the detection in Arabidopsis male and female tissues of six AGPs never studied before regarding the reproductive process. These results provide novel evidence on the possible involvement of specific AGPs in plant reproduction, as strong candidates to participate in pollen-pistil interactions in an active way, which is significant for this field of study.

Repercussões da covid-19 para a saúde de adolescentes / Covid-19 repercusiones para la salud adolescente / Covid-19 repercussions for adolescent health

Objetivo:compreender as repercussões da pandemia da Coronavirus Disease 2019 para a saúde do adolescente. Método:estudo qualitativo, do tipo ação-participante, fundamentado nos pressupostos de Paulo Freire. Realizou-se um Círculo de Cultura Virtual, com a participação de 11 adolescentes, sendo percorrido as etapas do Itinerário de Pesquisa: Investigação Temática; Codificação e Descodificação e Desvelamento Crítico. Resultados: emergiram dois temas geradores: "ACoronavirus Disease 2019 na adolescência: transformações do presente" e "Como será o amanhã?" Discutiu-se sobre a necessidade de ficar somente em casa, sem irà escola e nem ver os amigos. Também refletiram sobre o futuro, demonstrando insegurança e preocupação com a situação da família e a valorização do que é importante na vida.Conclusão:A necessidade do afastamento social ou, alguns casos, do isolamento social, impostas pela pandemia, resultaram em mudanças bruscas na rotina dos adolescentes e de todo o grupo familiar

Objective:understanding the Repercussions of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic for Adolescent Health. Method:study quality, action-participant type, based on the assumptions of Paulo Freire. A Virtual Culture Circle was held, with the participation of 11 adolescents, covering the stages of the Research Itinerary: Thematic Investigation; Encoding and Decoding and Critical Unveiling. Results: emerged two main themes: "Coronavirus Disease 2019 in adolescence: transformations of the present" and"What will tomorrowbe like?" It was discussed the need to stay only at home, without going to school or seeing friends. They also reflected on the future, showing insecurity and concern about the family situation and the appreciation of what is important in life.Conclusion:the need for social distancing or, in some cases, social isolation, imposed by the pandemic, resulted in sudden changes in the routine of adolescents and the entire family group.

Objetivo:comprender las repercusiones de la pandemia de 2019 de la enfermedad del coronavirus para la salud de los adolescentes. Método:estudio cualitativo, acción-participante, basado en los supuestos de Paulo Freire. Se realizó un Círculo de Cultura Virtual, con 11 adolescentes, cubriendo las etapas del Itinerario de Investigación: Investigación Temática; Codificación y decodificación y Revelación crítica. Resultados: surgieron dos temas generativos: "Enfermedad por coronavirus 2019 en la adolescencia: transformaciones del presente" y"¿Cómo será el mañana?" Se habló de la necesidad de quedarse solo en casa, sin ir a la escuela ni ver a los amigos. También reflexionaron sobre el futuro, demostrando inseguridad y preocupación por la situación de la familia y valorando lo importante en la vida.Conclusión:la necesidad de distanciamiento social o, en algunos casos, aislamiento social, impuesto por la pandemia, provocó cambios bruscos en la rutina de los adolescentes y miembros de la familia

The effects of pharmacist interventions on health outcomes in patients with advanced prostate cancer in Brazil

Abstract This study examined the effects of pharmacist interventions for patients with advanced prostate cancer. A pre-post study was conducted between October 2014 and August 2017 in a community pharmacy in Brazil for outpatients with advanced prostate cancer, aged ≥ 18 years, using cyproterone acetate and/or goserelin. The patients had face-to-face meetings with a pharmacist who dispensed antiandrogenic drugs and performed interventions aimed at solving and/or preventing drug-therapy problems. Primary outcomes regarding prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and testosterone levels were compared at 0, 6, and 12 months, whereas secondary outcomes-medication adherence and quality of life-were compared at baseline and at the 12-month follow-up. Medication adherence was assessed using the Morisky-Green test, and quality of life was measured by the Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short Form (SF-36) and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Prostate (FACT-P). The analysis included 20 patients; 311 drug-therapy problems were identified and most of them were related to adverse reactions (78.5%). The most common adverse reactions were reduced libido, erectile dysfunction, hyperglycemia, fatigue, and gynecomastia. Testosterone levels significantly decreased at 6 months, and PSA levels at 6 and 12 months. No significant changes in adherence were noted at the end of the study. A significant increase in the "pain" domain and an improvement trend in the "physical aspects" and "vitality" domains were observed based on the SF-36 instrument. The findings show that pharmacist interventions were able to improve PSA and testosterone levels, and some domains of quality of life of patients.

DNA-protein interaction studies: a historical and comparative analysis.

DNA-protein interactions are essential for several molecular and cellular mechanisms, such as transcription, transcriptional regulation, DNA modifications, among others. For many decades scientists tried to unravel how DNA links to proteins, forming complex and vital interactions. However, the high number of techniques developed for the study of these interactions made the choice of the appropriate technique a difficult task. This review intends to provide a historical context and compile the methods that describe DNA-protein interactions according to the purpose of each approach, summarise the respective advantages and disadvantages and give some examples of recent uses for each technique. The final aim of this work is to help in deciding which technique to perform according to the objectives and capacities of each research team. Considering the DNA-binding proteins characterisation, filter binding assay and EMSA are easy in vitro methods that rapidly identify nucleic acid-protein binding interactions. To find DNA-binding sites, DNA-footprinting is indeed an easier, faster and reliable approach, however, techniques involving base analogues and base-site selection are more precise. Concerning binding kinetics and affinities, filter binding assay and EMSA are useful and easy methods, although SPR and spectroscopy techniques are more sensitive. Finally, relatively to genome-wide studies, ChIP-seq is the desired method, given the coverage and resolution of the technique. In conclusion, although some experiments are easier and faster than others, when designing a DNA-protein interaction study several concerns should be taken and different techniques may need to be considered, since different methods confer different precisions and accuracies.

The best CRISPR/Cas9 versus RNA interference approaches for Arabinogalactan proteins' study.

Arabinogalactan Proteins (AGPs) are hydroxyproline-rich proteins containing a high proportion of carbohydrates, widely spread in the plant kingdom. AGPs have been suggested to play important roles in plant development processes, especially in sexual plant reproduction. Nevertheless, the functions of a large number of these molecules, remains to be discovered. In this review, we discuss two revolutionary genetic techniques that are able to decode the roles of these glycoproteins in an easy and efficient way. The RNA interference is a frequently technique used in plant biology that promotes genes silencing. The Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR)-associated protein 9 (CRISPR/Cas9), emerged a few years ago as a revolutionary genome-editing technique that has allowed null mutants to be obtained in a wide variety of organisms, including plants. The two techniques have some differences between them and depending on the research objective, these may work as advantage or disadvantage. In the present work, we propose the use of the two techniques to obtain AGP mutants easily and quickly, helping to unravel the role of AGPs, surely a great asset for the future.

Insights into secrets along the pollen tube pathway in need to be discovered.

The process of plant fertilization provides an outstanding example of refined control of gene expression. During this elegant process, subtle communication occurs between neighboring cells, based on chemical signals, that induces cellular mechanisms of patterning and growth. Having faced an immediate issue of self-incompatibility responses, the pathway to fertilization starts once the stigmatic cells recognize a compatible pollen grain, and it continues with numerous players interacting to affect pollen tube growth and the puzzling process of navigation along the transmitting tract. The pollen tube goes through a guidance process that begins with a preovular stage (i.e. prior to the influence of the target ovule), with interactions with factors from the transmitting tissue. In the subsequent ovular-guidance stage a specific relationship develops between the pollen tube and its target ovule. This stage is divided into the funicular and micropylar guidance steps, with numerous receptors working in signalling cascades. Finally, just after the pollen tube has passed beyond the synergids, fusion of the gametes occurs and the developing seed-the ultimate aim of the process-will start to mature. In this paper, we review the existing knowledge of the crucial biological processes involved in pollen-pistil interactions that give rise to the new seed.

Immunolocalization of AGPs and Pectins in Quercus suber Gametophytic Structures.

The arabinogalactan proteins (AGPs) are highly glycosylated proteins, ubiquitous in plants that have been linked to numerous aspects of sexual reproduction in several plant species, including the monoecious tree species Quercus suber. AGPs are found in cell membranes and cell walls of all types of tissues, including reproductive cells and organs. Pectins are cell wall components that also have been shown to change in composition and quantity during the maturations of the male and female gametophyte in cork oak. These findings were only possible to reveal, due to the histological study of AGP and pectins epitopes by immunolabeling. The immunofluorescence microscopy technique uses antibodies linked to fluorophores and relies on the specificity of the antibody binding to its antigen, labeling the epitope with a fluorescent dye.In the method presented here, we explore the immunolocalization technique performed in male and female flowers of Quercus suber, using London Resin (LR-White) as the embedding medium, after vacuum fixation with formaldehyde/glutaraldehyde. An extensive description of all the aspects of this technique is provided, from the plant material developmental stages selection to the critical analysis of results performed, continuously supported by troubleshooting recommendations.

JAGGER, an AGP essential for persistent synergid degeneration and polytubey block in Arabidopsis.

A precise control of sperm cells delivery and fusion to the egg cell and the central cell is fundamental for the accomplishment of successful double fertilization in flowering plants. This is mostly regulated by female gametophyte egg and central cells, which control the timing of synergids cell degeneration. We recently identified an arabinogalactan protein, AGP4, named JAGGER, that impairs the persistent synergid degeneration, and consequently leads to the attraction of more than one pollen tube into one embryo sac, a situation termed polytubey. jagger mutants revealed an increased rate of polytubey and persistent synergids that do not degenerate. This persistent synergid, is, as we suggested, the cell responsible for attracting an extra pollen tube into the embryo sacs.

Arabinogalactan proteins and pectin distribution during female gametogenesis in Quercus suber L.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Quercus suber L. (cork oak) is one of the most important monoecious tree species in semi-arid regions of Southern Europe, with a high ecological value and economic potential. However, as a result of its long reproductive cycle, complex reproductive biology and recalcitrant seeds, conventional breeding is demanding. In its complex reproductive biology, little is known about the most important changes that occur during female gametogenesis. Arabinogalactan proteins (AGPs) and pectins are the main components of plant cell walls and have been reported to perform common functions in cell differentiation and organogenesis of reproductive plant structures. AGPs have been shown to serve as important molecules in several steps of the reproductive process in plants, working as signalling molecules, associated with the sporophyte-gametophyte transition, and pectins have been implicated in pollen-pistil interactions before double fertilization. In this study, the distribution of AGP and pectin epitopes was assessed during female gametogenesis. METHODS: Immunofluorescence labelling of female flower cells was performed with a set of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) directed to the carbohydrate moiety of AGPs (JIM8 and JIM13) and pectic homogalacturonans (HGs) (mAbs JIM5 and JIM7). KEY RESULTS: The selective labelling obtained with AGP and pectin mAbs JIM8, JIM13, JIM5 and JIM7 during Q. suber female gametogenesis shows that AGPs and pectic HG can work as markers for mapping gametophytic cell differentiation in this species. Pectic HG showed different distribution patterns, depending on their levels of methyl esterification. Methyl-esterified HGs showed a uniform distribution in the overall female flower cells before fertilization and a more specific pattern after fertilization. A low methyl-ester pectin distribution pattern during the different developmental stages appears to be related to the pathway that pollen tubes follow to reach the embryo sac. AGPs showed a more sparse distribution in early stages of development, but specific labelling is shown in the synergids and their filiform apparatus. CONCLUSIONS: The labelling obtained with anti-AGP and anti-pectin mAbs in Q. suber female flower cells showed a dynamic distribution of AGPs and pectic HGs, which may render these molecules useful molecular markers during female gametogenesis. Changes occurring during development will be determined in order to help describe cork oak ovule structural properties before and after fertilization, providing new insight to better understand Q. suber female gametogenesis.

"Love Is Strong, and You're so Sweet": JAGGER Is Essential for Persistent Synergid Degeneration and Polytubey Block in Arabidopsis thaliana.

Successful double fertilization and subsequent seed development in flowering plants requires the delivery of two sperm cells, transported by a pollen tube, into the embryo sac of an ovule. The embryo sac cells tightly control synergid cell death, and as a result the polyspermy block. Arabinogalactan proteins are highly glycosylated proteins thought to be involved in several steps of the reproductive process. We show that JAGGER, Arabinogalactan Protein 4, is an important molecule necessary to prevent the growth of multiple pollen tubes into one embryo sac in Arabidopsis thaliana. In jagger, an AGP4 knockout mutant, the pistils show impaired pollen tube blockage as a consequence of the survival of the persistent synergid. JAGGER seems to be involved in the signaling pathway that leads to a blockage of pollen tube attraction. Our results shed light on the mechanism responsible for preventing polyspermy in Arabidopsis and for safeguarding successful fertilization of all ovules in one pistil, ensuring seed set and the next generation.

Aspectos teóricos e práticos envolvidos na elaboração da matriz avaliativa de um serviço de tratamento do tabagismo / Theoretical and practical aspects involved in the evaluative framework elaboration of a tobacco smoking treatment service

Introdução: O tabagismo é um problema crônico e de enfrentamento complexo. A ampliação da legislação, a conscientização da sociedade e a menor aceitação social do tabagismo, aumentaram a procura por serviços de cessação do tabagismo. A avaliação de programas desse tipo é tarefa complexa, considerando os diferentes níveis de intervenção, a diversidade de cenários e atores envolvidos. A avaliação de programas de cessação do tabagismo necessita incorporar ferramentas participativas, capazes de apontar a eficiência do programa, além de fomentar ações de transformação das práticas. Esta pesquisa buscou configurar uma matriz avaliativa capaz de contribuir na organização e autoaprendizagem de serviços dirigidos aos sujeitos em suas tentativas de parar de fumar, captando os diferentes contextos presentes na intervenção, nos cenários e nos atores. As questões da pesquisa foram: Quais são os indicadores que podem apontar o quanto um serviço se aproxima ou se distancia das práticas baseadas em evidências e dos modelos e diretrizes da promoção da saúde? Quais são os elementos que indicam ou não a qualidade de um serviço de tratamento do tabagismo? Objetivos: Desenvolver a matriz de indicadores de um serviço de tratamento do tabagismo. Para tanto buscou-se a) Identificar a percepção de experts, usuários e profissionais sobre serviços de tratamento do tabagismo; b) Caracterizar as práticas e bases de um serviço de cessação do tabagismo; c) Construir o modelo lógico avaliativo desse serviço; c) Formular as bases teóricas e práticas para a construção de matriz avaliativa de indicadores para um serviço de tratamento do tabagismo.Método: Situado no desenho orientado por modelo teórico (theory-driven evaluation) na perspectiva da Promoção da Saúde preconizada por Hartz, o percurso metodológico foi apoiado nas abordagens qualitativas e participativas e na estratégia da pesquisa-ação. O cenário de estudo foi o serviço de cessação do tabagismo de um hospital universitário, no município de São Paulo. Foram sujeitos dessa pesquisa profissionais de referência para o PNCT (experts), profissionais que atuam diretamente no serviço (implicados) e usuários do serviço. A análise e discussão dos achados apoiaram-se na triangulação de dados, correlacionada com a literatura. Resultados: O desfecho desta pesquisa foi o desenvolvimento da matriz avaliativa. Utilizou-se as percepções dos experts, implicados e usuários sobre as dimensões de estrutura, processo e resultado. A legislação, o financiamento, extensão e cobertura, a acessibilidade, as instalações, os recursos humanos, os equipamentos e insumos foram apontados como categorias para estrutura. Na dimensão processo as categorias foram: divulgação e captação, acolhimento e busca ativa, o perfil sócio psicológico dos usuários, a rede de referência e contra referência, o diagnóstico, acompanhamento e as estratégias educativas com base no autocuidado e na redução de danos. No âmbito de resultados os sujeitos pontuaram: a taxa de sucesso na cessação do tabagismo, a regularidade do serviço, a adesão, o respeito à autonomia, a melhora na qualidade de vida e a satisfação do usuário. Conclusão: Conclui-se que a matriz avaliativa construída possui potencial para avaliar a qualidade do serviço e promover o aprendizado institucional e o desenvolvimento pessoal/profissional.Contribui para o movimento de reflexão-ação-reorientação das práticas de cuidado. Ao ampliar a análise para além dos importantes indicadores solicitados pelo Programa Nacional do Controle do Tabagismo, a matriz elaborada dirige-se ao fortalecimento (empowerment) dos envolvidos (profissionais e usuários). Ajuda a estabelecer papéis e responsabilidades na reorientação de aspectos que possam influenciar o desempenho no acesso, acolhida, diagnóstico, tratamento e acompanhamento dos que desejam parar de fumar.

Introduction: Tobacco smoking is a chronic problem and very difficult to face. The improvements in the legislation, the awakening of the society and the smaller social acceptance to tobacco smoking have increased the number of people looking for smoking cessation services. The evaluation of such programs is a complex task, considering the different levels of intervention and the diversity of sceneries and actors involved. The evaluation of smoking cessation programs needs to incorporate participatory tools in order to indicate the program efficiency, and foster transformation actions of the practices. This study sought to configure an evaluation framework capable of contributing to the organization and self-learning of the services addressed to individuals in their attempts to quit smoking by capturing the different contexts present in the intervention sceneries and actors. The research questions were: Which are the indicators that may point out how much a service comes close or is distant from evidence-based practices, guidelines and models of health promotion? Which are the elements that indicate or not the quality of a smoking cessation treatment service? Objective: Developing the indicators framework of a smoking cessation service. For this it was sought to a) identify the experts, users and professionals perceptions about smoking cessation services, b) Characterize the practices and basis for a smoking cessation service c) Build the evaluative logical model of such service c) Formulate the theoretical and practical basis for the construction of an evaluative framework of indicators for a smoking cessation service.Method: Situated in the theoretical model oriented design (theory-driven evaluation) from the perspective of health promotion proposed by Hartz, the methodological trajectory was based on the qualitative and participative approaches as well as in the strategy of the action research. The study setting was the smoking cessation service at a university hospital in São Paulo. The subjects of this study were reference for the NTCP professionals (experts), the professionals who work directly in the service (stakeholders) and service users. The analysis and discussion of the findings were based upon the triangulation of data, correlated with the literature. Results: The outcome of this research was the development of the evaluation framework. It was used the perceptions of experts, and users concerned about the dimensions of structure, process and outcome. The legislation, funding, the extension and coverage, accessibility, facilities, human resources, equipment and supplies were identified for \"structure\". In the dimension \"process\" the categories were: dissemination and uptake, host and active search, the social psychological profile of the users, the network of reference and cross reference, diagnosis, monitoring and educational strategies based on self-care and harm reduction. Within the scope of \"outcomes\" the subjects pointed: the success rate of stop smoking, the regularity of service, treatment adherence, the autonomy, the improvement in quality of life and user satisfaction. Conclusions: We conclude that the evaluative framework constructed has the potential for assessing the service quality and to promote institutional learning and personal / professional development.It contributes to the movement of the reflection-action-reorientation of care practices. By broadening the analysis beyond the important indicators requested by the National Tobacco Control Program, the elaborate framework is targeted to the empowerment of those involved (professionals and patients). It helps to set roles and responsibilities in reorienting the aspects that may influence the access, reception, diagnosis, treatment and monitoring performance of those who want to quit smoking.

Avaliação de programas, serviços e tecnologias na perspectiva da promoção da saúde: uma reflexão teórica / Evaluation of programs, services and technologies from the health promotion perspective: a theoretical reflection / Evaluación de programas, servicios y tecnologías desde La perspectiva de la promoción de la salud: una reflexión teórica

Realizar uma reflexão teórica sobre a utilização dos conceitos de ?avaliação?para a aplicação em tecnologias, programas e serviços de promoção da saúde. Síntesedos dados: Com breve descrição sobre os aspectos conceituais da avaliação em saúde eda promoção da saúde, destaca-se a importância na adoção de modelos avaliativos quecontemplem a complexidade e multiplicidade das práticas. Espera-se, assim, expandir os limites das ciências biomédicas e da epidemiologia tradicional, fundamentando-se também nas ciências sociais e humanas. Como resultado dessa reflexão, propõe-se que as avaliações tenham como princípios: serem participativas; serem introduzidas no início do programa/tecnologia/serviço e tomarem parte de todas as fases de desenvolvimento deste; conterem em seu formato estratégias de partilha dos achados com todos os atores envolvidos. Sugere-se a adoção da triangulação de métodos quanti-qualitativos e técnicas científicas com capacidade para abarcar a complexidade dessa temática, tais como: análise documental, entrevistas individuais, realização de grupos focais, levantamento de dados primários ou secundários em bases de dados, observações diretas ou participantes. Conclusão: A reflexão proposta apontou que privilegiar o aprendizado, a ação e a transformação das práticas sociais deve compor a pauta dos modelos avaliativos da promoção da saúde. O conhecimento produzido em tais avaliações tem potencial de fortalecer a prática da promoção da saúde, a intersetorialidade, a mobilização social, as parcerias, a sustentabilidade e a defesa pública da saúde...

To perform a theoretical reflection concerning the use of the ?evaluation? concepts, for application in health promotion?s technologies, programs and services. Data Synthesis: With a brief description of health assessment and health promotion conceptual aspects, stands out the importance of adopting evaluative models that address the complexity and multiplicity of practices. It is hence expected to expand the limits of the biomedical sciences and traditional epidemiology, also underpinned by the social sciences and humanities. Following these considerations, it is proposed that evaluations have as principles: being participative; being introduced at the beginning of the program/technology/service and taking part in all stages of its development; encompassing strategies for sharing the findings with all actors involved. Is suggested the triangulation of qualitative and quantitative methods and scientific techniques, with capacity to embrace the subject complexity, such as document analysis, individual interviews, focus groups, survey of primary or secondary data in databases, direct or participative observations. Conclusion: The reflection proposed indicated that emphasis on learning, action and transformation of social practices should compose the guidelines of health promotion evaluative models. The knowledge produced has the potential to strengthen the practice of health promotion, the intersectionality, social mobilization, partnerships, sustainability and the advocacy of public health...

Realizar una reflexión teórica sobre la utilización de conceptos de ?evaluación? para la aplicación en tecnologías, programas y servicios de promoción de la salud. Síntesis de los datos: Con breve descripción de los aspectos conceptuales de evaluación en salud y de la promoción de la salud, se destaca la importancia de adopción de modelos evaluativos que contemplen la complejidad y multiplicidad de las prácticas. De ese modo, se espera expandir los límites de las ciencias biomédicas y de la epidemiología tradicional, fundamentándose también en las ciencias sociales y humanas. Como resultado de esa reflexión, se propone que las evaluaciones tengan como principios que sean participativas; que sean introducidas al inicio del programa/tecnología/servicio y que hagan parte de todas las fases de su desarrollo; que tengan en su formato estrategias de partición de los hallazgos con todos los actores involucrados. Se sugiere la adopción de triangulación de métodos cuanti-cualitativos y técnicas científicas con capacidad para abarcar la complejidad de esa temática tales como análisis documental, entrevistas individuales, realización de grupos focales, recogida de datos primarios o secundarios en bases de datos, observaciones directas o participantes. Conclusión: La reflexión propuesta apuntó que privilegiar el aprendizaje, la acción y la transformación de prácticas sociales debe componer la pauta de los modelos evaluativos de promoción de la salud. El conocimiento producido en tales evaluaciones tiene potencial para fortalecer la práctica de promoción de la salud, la intersectorialidad, la movilización social, las sociedades, la sostenibilidad y la defensa pública de salud...

Análise bibliométrica da produção sobre prazer e sofrimento no trabalho nos encontros da Associação Nacional de Pós-Graduação em Administração (2000-2010) / Bibliometric analysis of the literature about pleasure and pain at work in the Ennanpad (2000-2010) / Análisis bibliométrica de la producción sobre placer y sufrimiento en el trabajo en los encuentros de la Asociación Nacional De Posgraduación En Administración (2000-2010)

Este artigo se propõe identificar e analisar a produção científica no campo da Administração no que diz respeito aos estudos que abordam a temática de prazer e sofrimento. Foram selecionados os artigos encontrados nos CD-ROMS referentes aos Encontros da Associação Nacional de Pós-Graduação em Administração (EnANPAD) no período de 2000 a 2010, o que perfaz um total de 7.962 trabalhos, considerando todas as divisões acadêmicas dos referidos encontros. Desse total de artigos apresentados, apenas 26 artigos se propuseram abordar o tema prazer e sofrimento no trabalho, publicados nos anais das divisões acadêmicas de Gestão de Pessoas e Relações de Trabalho (20), Estudos Organizacionais (4) e Ensino e Pesquisa em Administração e Contabilidade (2), e mostraram uma distribuição esperada quanto à localização temática. A amostra analisada foi escolhida intencionalmente, ao focar os estudos sobre prazer e sofrimento, explicitamente declarados nos artigos. A análise teve como base as seguintes variáveis: conteúdo científico, autores mais citados e conclusões dos estudos analisados. Observou-se que as vivências de prazer estão ligadas a questões como reconhecimento, flexibilização, desafios e poder. Já as vivências de sofrimento estão atreladas a questões como o contexto organizacional, as relações interpessoais e a rigidez das normas e regras das organizações. Ao final deste trabalho, pôde-se concluir que os sentimentos de prazer e de sofrimento estão relacionados a um conjunto híbrido de fatores que, dependendo da subjetividade dos sujeitos, podem transformar-se em uma patologia.

This article aims to identify and analyze the scientific production in the field of management with regard to studies that address the theme of pleasure and pain. We selected the items found in CD-ROMs related to the meetings of the National Association of Graduate Business Administration (EnANPAD) in the period 2000 to 2010, a total of 7,962 studies, considering all the academic divisions of that meeting. Out of the total of articles submitted, only 26 set out to address the issue of pleasure and pain at work, published in the annals of the academic divisions Relations Personnel Management and Labor (20), Organizational Studies (4) and the Teaching and Research Administration and Accounting (2) showing an expected distribution of the subject location. The sample was chosen intentionally, for the studies focus on pleasure and pain, what was clearly stated in the articles. The analysis was based on the following variables: science content, most cited authors and the conclusions of the studies analyzed. It was observed that the experiences of pleasure are connected to issues such as recoganition, flexibility, and power challenges. On the other hand, the experiences of suffering are linked to issues such as organizational context, interpersonal relations and rigidity of rules and standards organizations. At the end of this work, it can be concluded that the feeling of pleasure and pain is related to a hybrid combination of factors that depending on the subjectivity of the subject can become a pathology.

Este artículo se propone identificar y analizar la producción científica en el campo de la Administración en lo que respecta a los estudios que abordan la temática del placer y el sufrimiento. Fueron seleccionados los artículos encontrados en los CD-ROMS referentes a los Encuentros de la Asociación Nacional de Posgrado en Administración (EnANPAD) en el período de 2000 a 2010, lo que totaliza 7.962 trabajos, considerando todas las divisiones académicas de los referidos encuentros. De ese total de artículos presentados, solamente 26 artículos se propusieron abordar el tema placer y sufrimiento en el trabajo, publicados en los anales de las divisiones académicas de Gestión de Personas y Relaciones de Trabajo (20), Estudios Organizacionales (4) y Enseñanza e Investigación en Administración y Contabilidad (2), y mostraron una distribución esperada en relación a la localización temática. La muestra analizada fue escogida intencionalmente, al focalizar los estudios sobre placer y sufrimiento, explícitamente declarados en los artículos. El análisis tuvo como base las siguientes variables: contenido científico, autores más citados y conclusiones de los estudios analizados. Se observó que las vivencias de placer están relacionadas a cuestiones como reconocimiento, flexibilización, desafíos y poder. Ya las vivencias de sufrimiento están relacionadas a cuestiones como el contexto organizacional, las relaciones interpersonales y la rigidez de las normas y reglas de las organizaciones. Al final de este trabajo, se pudo concluir que los sentimientos de placer y de sufrimiento están relacionados a un conjunto híbrido de factores que, dependiendo de la subjetividad de los sujetos, pueden transformarse en una patología.

Análise bibliométrica da produção sobre prazer e sofrimento no trabalho nos encontros da Associação Nacional de Pós-Graduação em Administração (2000-2010) / Bibliometric analysis of the literature about pleasure and pain at work in the Ennanpad (2000-2010) / Análisis bibliométrica de la producción sobre placer y sufrimiento en el trabajo en los encuentros de la Asociación Nacional De Posgraduación En Administración (2000-2010)

Este artigo se propõe identificar e analisar a produção científica no campo da Administração no que diz respeito aos estudos que abordam a temática de prazer e sofrimento. Foram selecionados os artigos encontrados nos CD-ROMS referentes aos Encontros da Associação Nacional de Pós-Graduação em Administração (EnANPAD) no período de 2000 a 2010, o que perfaz um total de 7.962 trabalhos, considerando todas as divisões acadêmicas dos referidos encontros. Desse total de artigos apresentados, apenas 26 artigos se propuseram abordar o tema prazer e sofrimento no trabalho, publicados nos anais das divisões acadêmicas de Gestão de Pessoas e Relações de Trabalho (20), Estudos Organizacionais (4) e Ensino e Pesquisa em Administração e Contabilidade (2), e mostraram uma distribuição esperada quanto à localização temática. A amostra analisada foi escolhida intencionalmente, ao focar os estudos sobre prazer e sofrimento, explicitamente declarados nos artigos. A análise teve como base as seguintes variáveis: conteúdo científico, autores mais citados e conclusões dos estudos analisados. Observou-se que as vivências de prazer estão ligadas a questões como reconhecimento, flexibilização, desafios e poder. Já as vivências de sofrimento estão atreladas a questões como o contexto organizacional, as relações interpessoais e a rigidez das normas e regras das organizações. Ao final deste trabalho, pôde-se concluir que os sentimentos de prazer e de sofrimento estão relacionados a um conjunto híbrido de fatores que, dependendo da subjetividade dos sujeitos, podem transformar-se em uma patologia.(AU)

This article aims to identify and analyze the scientific production in the field of management with regard to studies that address the theme of pleasure and pain. We selected the items found in CD-ROMs related to the meetings of the National Association of Graduate Business Administration (EnANPAD) in the period 2000 to 2010, a total of 7,962 studies, considering all the academic divisions of that meeting. Out of the total of articles submitted, only 26 set out to address the issue of pleasure and pain at work, published in the annals of the academic divisions Relations Personnel Management and Labor (20), Organizational Studies (4) and the Teaching and Research Administration and Accounting (2) showing an expected distribution of the subject location. The sample was chosen intentionally, for the studies focus on pleasure and pain, what was clearly stated in the articles. The analysis was based on the following variables: science content, most cited authors and the conclusions of the studies analyzed. It was observed that the experiences of pleasure are connected to issues such as recoganition, flexibility, and power challenges. On the other hand, the experiences of suffering are linked to issues such as organizational context, interpersonal relations and rigidity of rules and standards organizations. At the end of this work, it can be concluded that the feeling of pleasure and pain is related to a hybrid combination of factors that depending on the subjectivity of the subject can become a pathology.(AU)

Este artículo se propone identificar y analizar la producción científica en el campo de la Administración en lo que respecta a los estudios que abordan la temática del placer y el sufrimiento. Fueron seleccionados los artículos encontrados en los CD-ROMS referentes a los Encuentros de la Asociación Nacional de Posgrado en Administración (EnANPAD) en el período de 2000 a 2010, lo que totaliza 7.962 trabajos, considerando todas las divisiones académicas de los referidos encuentros. De ese total de artículos presentados, solamente 26 artículos se propusieron abordar el tema placer y sufrimiento en el trabajo, publicados en los anales de las divisiones académicas de Gestión de Personas y Relaciones de Trabajo (20), Estudios Organizacionales (4) y Enseñanza e Investigación en Administración y Contabilidad (2), y mostraron una distribución esperada en relación a la localización temática. La muestra analizada fue escogida intencionalmente, al focalizar los estudios sobre placer y sufrimiento, explícitamente declarados en los artículos. El análisis tuvo como base las siguientes variables: contenido científico, autores más citados y conclusiones de los estudios analizados. Se observó que las vivencias de placer están relacionadas a cuestiones como reconocimiento, flexibilización, desafíos y poder. Ya las vivencias de sufrimiento están relacionadas a cuestiones como el contexto organizacional, las relaciones interpersonales y la rigidez de las normas y reglas de las organizaciones. Al final de este trabajo, se pudo concluir que los sentimientos de placer y de sufrimiento están relacionados a un conjunto híbrido de factores que, dependiendo de la subjetividad de los sujetos, pueden transformarse en una patología.(AU)

Do estresse e mal-estar gerencial ao surgimento da síndrome de estocolmo gerencial / From management stress and discomfort to the emergence of management stockholm syndrome

Este artgo tem como objetvo analisar o mal-estar gerencial vivenciado pelos gestores do setor de informátca, consi-derando as variáveis pressões e estresse, presente nas prátcas gerenciais. O estudo é de natureza qualitatva. Foram realizadas 36 entrevistas semiestruturadas, com gerentes em 10 empresas de médio e grande porte do setor de infor-mátca localizadas na Região Metropolitana de Belo Horizonte, MG. As entrevistas foram gravadas e transcritas posteriormente, preservando-se na íntegra o discurso dos gerentes. A análise dos dados fundamentou-se nos princípios da análise de conteúdo. A pesquisa permitu o surgimento de duas descobertas: primeiro, a necessidade de se conhecer as fontes de estresse gerencial para diagnostcar condições de trabalho do gestor e formular proposições para uma melhor qualidade de vida desse grupo profssional. A segunda e mais signifcatva, apontou para uma percepção de normalidade das situações de pressão, cobranças, falta de tempo, exigências de atualizações aceleradas e constantes, entre outras, até então consideradas como condições de estresse e de adoecimento presentes no exercício da função gerencial. A estas “normalidades” apresentadas, denominamos de Síndrome de Estocolmo Gerencial, revelando um novo contexto para a análise da função gerencial no campo do estresse e do mal-estar no âmbito organizacional.

This artcle aims to analyze the managerial malaise experienced by computer industry managers, considering the variable pressures and stress that occur in management practce. The study is qualitatve in nature. 36 semi-structured interviews were conducted with managers in 10 companies, medium-size and large, from the computer industry in the metropolitan area of Belo Horizonte, MG. The interviews were recorded and later transcribed, preserving the managers’ full discourse. Data analysis was based on the principles of content analysis. The research revealed two discoveries: the frst, a need for awareness of the sources of management stress in order to diagnose management working conditons and formulate proposals for a beter quality of life for this professional group. The second, and more signifcant, indicated a percepton of normality of situatons involving pressure, budget issues, lack of tme, demands for accelerated and constant updates, among others, hitherto regarded as conditons for stress and illness seen in the exercise of the managerial functon. To these exhibited “normalites” we give the name Management Stockholm Syndrome, revealing a new context for analysis of the managerial role in the feld of stress and discomfort in the organizatonal context.

Do estresse e mal-estar gerencial ao surgimento da síndrome de estocolmo gerencial / From management stress and discomfort to the emergence of management stockholm syndrome

Este artgo tem como objetvo analisar o mal-estar gerencial vivenciado pelos gestores do setor de informátca, consi-derando as variáveis pressões e estresse, presente nas prátcas gerenciais. O estudo é de natureza qualitatva. Foram realizadas 36 entrevistas semiestruturadas, com gerentes em 10 empresas de médio e grande porte do setor de infor-mátca localizadas na Região Metropolitana de Belo Horizonte, MG. As entrevistas foram gravadas e transcritas posteriormente, preservando-se na íntegra o discurso dos gerentes. A análise dos dados fundamentou-se nos princípios da análise de conteúdo. A pesquisa permitu o surgimento de duas descobertas: primeiro, a necessidade de se conhecer as fontes de estresse gerencial para diagnostcar condições de trabalho do gestor e formular proposições para uma melhor qualidade de vida desse grupo profssional. A segunda e mais signifcatva, apontou para uma percepção de normalidade das situações de pressão, cobranças, falta de tempo, exigências de atualizações aceleradas e constantes, entre outras, até então consideradas como condições de estresse e de adoecimento presentes no exercício da função gerencial. A estas “normalidades” apresentadas, denominamos de Síndrome de Estocolmo Gerencial, revelando um novo contexto para a análise da função gerencial no campo do estresse e do mal-estar no âmbito organizacional.(AU)

This artcle aims to analyze the managerial malaise experienced by computer industry managers, considering the variable pressures and stress that occur in management practce. The study is qualitatve in nature. 36 semi-structured interviews were conducted with managers in 10 companies, medium-size and large, from the computer industry in the metropolitan area of Belo Horizonte, MG. The interviews were recorded and later transcribed, preserving the managers’ full discourse. Data analysis was based on the principles of content analysis. The research revealed two discoveries: the frst, a need for awareness of the sources of management stress in order to diagnose management working conditons and formulate proposals for a beter quality of life for this professional group. The second, and more signifcant, indicated a percepton of normality of situatons involving pressure, budget issues, lack of tme, demands for accelerated and constant updates, among others, hitherto regarded as conditons for stress and illness seen in the exercise of the managerial functon. To these exhibited “normalites” we give the name Management Stockholm Syndrome, revealing a new context for analysis of the managerial role in the feld of stress and discomfort in the organizatonal context.(AU)

Revisão sistemática de literatura e metassíntese qualitativa: considerações sobre sua aplicação na pesquisa em Enfermagem / Systematic review of literature and qualitative metasynthesis: considerations about their application in Nursing research / Revisión sistemática de literatura y metasíntesis cualitativa: consideraciones sobre su aplicación en la investigación en Enfermería

Trata-se de uma reflexão sobre a condução de metassíntese qualitativa, que aborda características da revisão bibliográfica sistemática, como uma tendência emergente da necessidade de reunir dados para a tomada de decisão em saúde, comparando as diversas modalidades de revisão, metanálise e metassíntese. Aborda também a pesquisa qualitativa, suas definições, variedade de disciplinas, métodos e peculiaridades, destacando a vasta produção em pesquisa qualitativa no âmbito da enfermagem, e a necessidade de dar visibilidade e impacto aos seus resultados, visando a sua aplicação na prática. Apresenta a definição de metassíntese qualitativa e suas características, discutindo aspectos relacionados à complexidade da metodologia e à sua condução prática. Conclui que a metassíntese qualitativa pode ser uma ferramenta a ser pesquisada no âmbito da Enfermagem, aperfeiçoando a metodologia e validando-a, através da inclusão da grande produção de pesquisa qualitativa com aspectos importantes do ofício de cuidar e ser cuidado.

This study is a reflection on the conduction of qualitative meta-synthesis. It addresses the characteristics of systematic bibliographic review as an emerging trend in gathering data for decision-making in health care, comparing diverse review methods, meta-analysis, and meta-synthesis. It discusses qualitative research through its definitions, various disciplines, methods and particularities, highlighting the vast production of qualitative research in nursing and the need create visibility and the impact of results as practical applications. This study presents a definition for qualitative meta-synthesis and its characteristics, discussing the complexity of the methodology and practical aspects of the process. We conclude that qualitative meta-synthesis can be a tool to be researched in nursing, improving and validating the methodology through the inclusion of the large production of qualitative research in nursing, with key points of the profession of providing and receiving care.

Se trata de una reflexión sobre la conducción de metasíntesis cualitativa, en la que se abordan características de la revisión bibliográfica sistemática, como una tendencia emergente de la necesidad de reunir datos para la toma de decisiones en salud, comparando diversas modalidades de revisión, metaanálisis y metasíntesis. También se aborda la investigación cualitativa, sus definiciones, variedad de disciplinas, métodos y peculiaridades, destacando la producción en investigación cualitativa en la enfermería, y la necesidad de dar visibilidad e impacto a sus resultados, teniendo como objetivo su aplicación práctica. Se presenta la definición de metasíntesis cualitativa y sus características, discutiendo aspectos relacionados con la complejidad de la metodología y su conducción práctica. Se concluye que la metasíntesis puede ser una herramienta a ser investigada en el ámbito de la enfermería, perfeccionando la metodología y validándola a través de la inclusión de la vasta producción de la investigación cualitativa en enfermería con importantes aspectos del oficio de cuidar y ser cuidado.

Processos de educação em saúde na cessação do tabagismo: revisão sistemática e metassíntese / Health Educational Processes for smoking cessation: systematic review and metasyntesis

Realizou-se estudo exploratório de revisão bibliográfica sistemática e metassíntese visando descrever e analisar aspectos das práticas educativas em saúde, voltados ao desenvolvimento de habilidades para a cessação do tabagismo, traduzidas na interpretação de autores de pesquisas qualitativas publicadas em periódicos entre 2000 e 2007. Concebeu-se a questão do tabagismo como um problema de enfrentamento complexo, que demanda intervenções em vários âmbitos. Destacou-se a educação em saúde, como campo estratégico e instrumental da promoção da saúde, que sob a perspectiva do \"empowerment\" e \"empowerment education\", é passível de atuação do profissional de saúde. Utilizando-se do instrumental metodológico da metassíntese qualitativa, descrito por Sandelowski e Barroso (2003), identificou-se a produção científica de pesquisas qualitativas originais sobre experiências relativas às práticas educativas na cessação do tabagismo, indexadas nas bases de dados eletrônicas MEDLINE, CINAHL e LILACS. Para tanto utilizou-se os descritores pesquisa qualitativa, educação em saúde e tabagismo, além de descritores de texto livre e palavras com truncamento, visando a identificação ampliada de artigos que pudessem ser relevantes. Mapeou-se os artigos selecionados para a amostra bibliográfica segundo suas características gerais, aplicando-se os critérios de qualidade, dados pelo instrumento \"Critical Appraisal Skills Programme, CASP\" (© Milton Keynes Primary Care Trust, 2002). Osresultados desta produção foram integrados através da análise de conteúdo descrita por Minayo (2004), de modo a buscar temas relacionados à educação em saúde, aos quais foram combinados atributos (ou sub-temas). A busca bibliográfica resultou na identificação de 989 citações nessa temática, das quais 634 foram consideradas relevantes. Após seleção com base na leitura do título, a seguir dos abstracts (340) e ) por fim dos artigos na íntegra (88), foram classificadas 14 publicações como pertinentes para este estudo. Na metassíntese os aspectos recorrentes e as diferenças entre os artigos foram agrupados em duas modalidades temáticas: contexto dos sujeitos (descrevendo os fatores facilitadores e dificultadores do processo de cessação do tabagismo) e abordagem educativa (com processos facilitadores e dificultadores dos programas de cessação do tabagismo e da relação profissional-paciente apresentados em quadro temático, com comentários). As estratégias de abordagem do processo educativo foram classificadas com base nos elementos da promoção da saúde e nos modelos educacionais. Conclui-se que a metassíntese apresenta-se como metodologia relevante no âmbito da enfermagem (que tem vasta produção de pesquisa qualitativa), pois favorece análises e interpretações com potencial de proporcionar visibilidade e impacto no processo de cuidar e ser cuidado, fornecendo elementos para tomada de decisão. A compreensão sobre temas relacionados às abordagens educativas em saúde, nosprocessos de cessação do tabagismo, e o seu significado para os pacientes foi ampliada.

An explorative systematic bibliographic review and meta-synthesis was realized looking to describe and analyze aspects of the educational practices in health, directed to the development of abilities for the smoking cessation, translated through the interpretation of the authors of the qualitative researches published in journals from 2000 to 2007. The smoking question was identified as a complex approach problem, which requires interventions from various aspects. Health education was emphasized, which under the perspective of the empowerment and empowerment education, is liable to the performance of the health professional. Using the qualitative meta-synthesis instrumental method described by Sandelowski and Barroso (2003), it was possible to identify a scientific production of primary qualitative researches about educational practices in the smoking cessation, indexed in MEDLINE, CINAHL and LILACS databasis. For this was used qualitative research controlled vocabulary, health education and smoking, besides the free texts and words with truncation, looking to increase the identification of the studies that may be relevant. The selected studies were identified according to its general characteristics, having been applied quality criterias supplied by the \"Critical Appraisal Skills Programme, CASP\" (© Milton Keynes Primary Care Trust, 2002) instrument. The results of this production were integrated through the analysis of content described by Minayo (2004),in order to look for themes related to health education, of which had attributes (sub-themes) combined to them. The bibliographic research resulted in the identification of 989 citations about this theme, where 634 were considered relevant. After the selection based on the title of the studie, following the abstracts (340) and finally of the reading of 88 complete studies, 14 publications were classified as being pertinent to this study. In the meta-synthesis the reoccurring aspects and the differences between the studies were separated in two types of themes: context of the subjects (describing the facilitating and difficulting facts of the smoking cessation process) and education approach (with facilitating and difficulting processes of the smoking cessation programs and of the patient-professional relationship presented in a theme board, with comments). The strategies used in the educational processes were classified based on the elements of the health promotion and on educational models. We conclude that the meta-synthesis presents itself as a relevant methodology in nursing environment (which provides vast qualitative research productions), because it helps in analysis and interpretations with the potential of facilitating visibility and impact in the process of taking care and being taken care of, supplying elements for decision making. The comprehension about themes related to health educational approaches, in the smoking cessation processes, and itsmeaning to patients, has been increased.

Avaliação de fatores de risco de cães sororreagentes à leptospira spp. e sua distribuição espacial, em área territorial urbana / Risk factor evaluation and spatial distribution analysis for urban dogs serum reactive to Leptospira spp

Objetivou-se avaliar os fatores de risco de cães sororreagentes à aglutinina antileptospírica e sua distribuição espacial, em uma área territorial urbana. Foram colhidas 1.000 amostras de sangue de cães, em 20 postos, distribuídos, homogeneamente, pela área territorial urbana de 32Km elevado a 2 da cidade de Botucatu, Estado de São Paulo, Brasil. O diagnóstico foi realizado pela prova de soroaglutinação microscópica, com 24 sorovares de Leptospira spp. A análise estatística foi feita por meio do teste de Goodman, considerando-se o nível de 5% de significância. Para verificar-se a ocorrência de conglomerados, foi aplicado o teste de varredura espacial, processado por meio do programa SaTScan. Demonstrou-se que 17,9% dos soros reagiram à Leptospira spp. (p<0,0001). Quanto ao manejo de criação, os cães que tinham acesso à rua (22,14%) apresentaram-se (p<0,05) como os mais reagentes, em relação aos que não o tinham (14,83%). Os resultados da estatística de varredura apontaram apenas um conglomerado significativo, influenciado pela composição etária da população em risco. Incorporando-se cada uma das co-variáveis de sexo, raça e acesso à rua, à co-variável idade, verificou-se que o fator acesso à rua foi o que mais contribuiu para explicar o conglomerado encontrado. O acesso à rua e a idade mostraram ser os fatores de risco mais importantes no excesso de animais sororreagentes, no conglomerado encontrado, sendo o sorovar castellonis o que apresentou a maior taxa nas amostras sorológicas caninas da área territorial urbana. A identificação de um conglomerado com cães sororreagentes acima do esperado permite que sejam tomadas medidas preventivas localizadas.

We aimed to evaluate the risk facto r of serum reactive dogs to antileptospire agglutinin and their spatial distribution in an urban area. We collected 1,000 blood samples from dogs at 20 immunization centers, homogeneously distributed in the urban area (32 km involution 2) of Botucatu, Sao Paulo, Brazil. Diagnosis was made by microscopic serum agglutination using 24 serovars of Leptospira spp. Statistical analysis was performed by Goodman's test with 5% of significance. Spatial clusters were tested by spatial scan statistic using SaTScan. We found that 17.9% dogs reacted to Leptospira spp. (p<0.0001). Dogs with street access (22.14%) were more reactive (p<0.05) than those without (14.83%). The scan test indicated only one significant cluster influenced by age. Incorporating each one of the co-variables gender, breed, and street access to age, we found that street access was the most important. Street access and age were the most important risk factors in the large number of reactive animaIs in the cluster, with the castellonis serovar being the most reactive in urban dogs. The identification of a cluster with more reactive dogs than expected allows local preventive measures to be taken.