Barriers to research in family medicine-interviews with Portuguese family physician researchers.

BACKGROUND: There is a need for a deeper understanding of the barriers to research in family medicine (FM) and to consider the perceptions and perspectives of professionals. Our study aims to provide a strategic view for research capacity building in FM. We included the perspective of family physician researchers (FPR) on the existing barriers to investigation in this context. OBJECTIVES: To understand and characterize the barriers to research in FM (personal and structural), from the perspective of Portuguese family physicians who are researchers. METHODS: A qualitative study, of phenomenological nature, was performed, through the conduction of semi-structured interviews with FPR, from 2019 to 2022. Data analysis and thematic coding were done on MAxQDA®, with inductive and deductive approaches, until data saturation was reached. RESULTS: A total of 12 family physicians/researchers were interviewed. Seven main themes were identified as barriers to research: time, professional valorization, funding, ethics committees, infrastructure, management/institutions, and participants. Each theme is divided into subthemes that make it possible to assess how a barrier can affect researchers in performing research activities. CONCLUSION: Our study highlights the identification of 7 main barriers. Structuring them into sub-themes not only improved the organization of our results but also provided robust support for the next phase, namely the application of a survey with the aim of gaining a deeper insight into the repercussions that these barriers to FPR have at a national level. This research is crucial to laying the foundations for a policy document that offers well-defined and tailored recommendations to address the barriers we have uncovered.

Strategies for research capacity building by family physicians in primary healthcare: a scoping review protocol.

INTRODUCTION: The qualities of primary healthcare (PHC) make it a very relevant environment for research; however, there is still work to be done to enhance the research capabilities of family physicians in healthcare units. Considering there is no ongoing review that specifically addresses this objective, the proposed goal of this scoping review is to determine the depth of the literature on the current strategies that support research capacity building among family physicians in the context of PHC. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: The scoping review will include studies from PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and grey literature, published from 2008 to 2023, that address strategies to promote research capacity building among family physicians in the context of PHC. Only studies published in English, Portuguese or Spanish will be considered. All study designs, including quantitative, qualitative and mixed-methods studies, will be eligible for inclusion. The literature search will be performed from January to March of 2024 and data charting will employ a descriptive-analytical method, systematically summarising study objectives, methodologies, findings and implications. This protocol follows the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Protocols and the review will employ the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for scoping reviews. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This review does not need ethical approval. Peer-reviewed publications, policy summaries, presentations at conferences and involvement with pertinent stakeholders are all part of our outreach approach.

Effectiveness of Neuropsychological Rehabilitation in the Recovery of Executive Deficits in Patients with Alcohol Use Disorder: A Systematic Review Protocol.

INTRODUCTION: Changes in executive functions associated with alcohol consumption are frequently found in alcohol use disorder. Neuropsychological rehabilitation can play an essential role as an effective treatment in the recovery from these deficits, leading to the maintenance of abstinence. However, there are still some uncertainties regarding its impact on the recovery of deficits in executive functions. Our purpose is to present a protocol for a systematic review aiming to assess which neuropsychological rehabilitation programs are effective in the recovery of executive deficits in patients with alcohol use disorder. METHODS: We will search the following databases: PubMed, Cochrane Library (CENTRAL), Web of Science, and Scopus, as well as the list of references of the identified studies. Screening, data extraction, and synthesis, as well as evaluation of the risk of bias, will be carried out by two reviewers independently, using ROBINS-I and RoB 2. Disagreements will be resolved using a third additional reviewer. Primary outcomes will correspond to changes in executive functions, following a neuropsychological rehabilitation program in patients with alcohol use disorder. The evidence will be synthesized using a narrative description of neuropsychological rehabilitation programs and the indicators of their effectiveness will be identified. The neuropsychological rehabilitation programs for executive functions will be assessed considering their different components and their impact on the recovery of these functions. The review described in this protocol will allow the development of guidelines for the design of more effective rehabilitation programs for clinical populations with alcohol use disorder.

Education and Training in Addiction Medicine and Psychology across Europe: A EUFAS Survey.

INTRODUCTION: Training in addiction medicine and addiction psychology is essential to ensure the quality of treatment for patients with substance use disorders. Some earlier research has shown varying training between countries, but no comprehensive study of addiction training across Europe has been performed. The present study by the European Federation for Addiction Societies (EUFAS) aimed to fill this gap. METHODS: A Delphi process was used to develop a questionnaire on specialist training in addiction treatment in 24 European countries. The final questionnaire consisted of 14 questions on either addiction medicine or addiction psychology, covering the nature and content of the training and institutional approval, the number of academic professorial positions, and the estimated number of specialists in each country. RESULTS: Information was not received from all countries, but six (Belgium, Denmark, Ireland, Italy, Poland, and Romania) reported no specialized addiction medicine training, while 17 countries did. Seven countries (Belgium, France, Ireland, Italy, Russia, Switzerland, and the Netherlands) reported no specialized addiction psychology training, while 14 countries did. Training content and evaluation methods varied. Approval was given either by governments, universities, or professional societies. Eighteen countries reported having professorships in addiction medicine and 12 in addiction psychology. The number of specialists in addiction medicine or psychology varied considerably across the countries. DISCUSSION: The survey revealed a large heterogeneity in training in addiction medicine and addiction psychology across Europe. Several countries lacked formal training, and where formal training was present, there was a large variation in the length of the training. Harmonization of training, as is currently the case for other medical and psychology specializations, is warranted to ensure optimal treatment for this under-served patient group.

Hábitos de vida, propósito de vida e funcionalidade de idosos de um centro de convivência / Living habits, purpose in life, and functionality of seniors of a community center

Verificar a relação entre hábitos de vida, propósito de vida e funcionalidade de idosos integrantes de um centro de convivência. Estudo transversal realizado com 100 idosos. Utilizou-se questionário de hábitos de vida, Escala de Propósito de Vida e o Whodas 2.0. A análise dos dados foi realizada por meio dos testes Kolmogorov-Smirnov, U de Mann Whitney e Kruskal-Wallis (p<0,05). Os idosos apresentaram escore alto no propósito de vida. Idosos não etilistas apresentaram melhor funcionalidade na mobilidade (p=0,02). Aqueles fumantes tiveram pior funcionalidade no autocuidado (p=0,01). Notou-se que os integrantes do centro de convivência, praticantes de atividades educacionais e culturais mostraram melhor funcionalidade total (p=0,03) e nos domínios "Participação na sociedade" (p=0,00) e "Atividades da vida" (p=0,01). Os idosos apresentaram alto nível de propósito de vida. Aqueles com melhor funcionalidade eram os que frequentavam as atividades culturais e educacionais.

To verify the relationship between life habits, life purpose and functionality of older adults members of a Community Center. Cross-sectional study carried out with 100 elderly people. A life habits questionnaire, Life Purpose Scale and Whodas 2.0 were used. Data analysis was performed using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis "U" tests (p<0.05). The older adults had a high score in life purpose. Older adults who reported not consuming alcohol had better mobility functionality (p=0.02). Those who reported being smokers had worse self-care functionality (p=0.01). It was noted that the members of the community center, practitioners of educational and cultural activities showed better total functionality (p=0.03) and in the domains of participation in society (p=0.00) and life activities (p=0 .01). The older adults showed a high level of life purpose. Those with better functionality were those who attended cultural and educational activities.

Atenção básica: indicadores de Saúde da Mulher no Estado do Tocantins, Brasil / Primary care: women's health indicators in the state of Tocantins, Brazil

Resumo Introdução Na região norte do Brasil observa-se a maior taxa de incidência e mortalidade por câncer de colo uterino (CCU), uma patologia 100% curável quando diagnosticada precocemente. Objetivo Este estudo visa apresentar uma análise temporo-espacial da adesão ao exame de rastreio do CCU, assim como o número de gestantes acompanhadas por agentes de saúde em domicílio, no estado do Tocantins. Método Os dados para a análise foram obtidos através da plataforma DATASUS, considerando um período de quinze anos (2001 a 2015), e foram organizados em planilhas através do software Excel. Para a avaliação espacial, ferramentas de geoprocessamento foram utilizadas, como o software Quantum GIS, com o intuito de gerar mapas temáticos. Resultados Os resultados revelaram que embora existam programas de prevenção do CCU, a adesão ao exame pelas mulheres no estado é muito inferior ao desejado. Quanto ao acompanhamento domiciliar das gestantes, a maior parte dos munícipios registrou médias acima do esperado. Conclusão Mediante ao estudo nota-se a necessidade de adotar novas medidas para melhorar a adesão ao exame preventivo do CCU, já que empregar apenas campanhas educacionais não está sendo suficientemente efetivo. Em relação ao acompanhamento das gestantes, é necessário avaliar a qualidade e não apenas a quantidade, para que seja possível uma melhor orientação e cuidado.

Abstract Background The northern Brazil has the highest rates of incidence and mortality from cervical cancer (CC), a 100% curable pathology if diagnosed early. Objective This study aims at a temporo-spatial analysis of the adherence to the screening test for CC and the number of pregnant women monitored by health agents at home, in the state of Tocantins. Method Data searched on the DATASUS platform covering a 15-year period (2001 to 2015) and organized on Excel spreadsheets. The spatial assessment was performed through geoprocessing tools, such as the Quantum GIS program, to generate thematic maps. Results The results revealed that despite the CC prevention programs, women's adherence to the exam is still far below the expected for the state. In turn, most municipalities registered averages above expectations concerning pregnant women monitoring. Conclusion The study indicates the need to adopt new measures to improve the adherence to the CC preventive exam since educational campaigns have not been effective enough. Pregnant women monitoring should be assessed in terms of quality and not just of quantity to provide better guidance and care.

Residues of Veterinary Drugs in Animal Products Commercialized in the Border Region of Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay.

ABSTRACT: The traffic in international animal products can become a public health hazard when legal import sanitary procedures are not followed. In Brazil, due to its extensive border area, the importation of animal products is a common practice in many areas, especially in Rio Grande do Sul, a state that borders Argentina and Uruguay. The objective of this study was to evaluate the presence of veterinary drug residues (antibiotics and antiparasitics) in animal products consumed in Rio Grande do Sul. The presence of residues of veterinary antibiotics and antiparasitics was assessed in 189 meat (beef, pork, and chicken), processed dairy, and meat product samples bought in Argentina (n = 90) and Uruguay (n = 99). Residues of these veterinary drugs were detected in 50 (26.45%) of the samples; 28 samples (14.81%) had antibiotic residues, and 22 samples (11.64%) had antiparasitic residues. Of the 50 positive samples, 40% (15 from Argentina and 5 from Uruguay) had residues above the maximum residue limits (MRLs). Of these 20 samples, 12 had antiparasitic residues above the MRLs (11 beef samples had ivermectin and 1 pork sample had ivermectin and doramectin) and 8 had antibiotic residues above the MRLs (2 pork and 2 sausage samples had doxycycline, 2 cheese samples had doxycycline and chlortetracycline, 1 poultry meat sample had chloramphenicol, and 1 cheese sample had monensin). Because of the potential toxic effects on humans and the potential for pathogens to develop antibiotic resistance, the presence of these residues above the MRLs is a potential risk to public health. The negative impact of consumption of imported animal products can be reduced by implementation of an effective surveillance system and educational campaigns for the general population.

Efficacy of a theory-driven program to implement alcohol screening and brief interventions in primary health-care: a cluster randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Screening and brief interventions (SBI) in primary health-care practices (PHCP) are effective in reducing reported alcohol consumption, but have not been routinely implemented. Most programs seeking to improve implementation rates have lacked a theoretical rationale. This study aimed to test whether a theory-based intervention for PHCPs could significantly increase alcohol SBI delivery. DESIGN: Two-arm, cluster-randomized controlled, parallel, 12-month follow-up, trial. SETTING: PHCPs in Portugal. PARTICIPANTS: Staff from 12 PHCPs (n = 222, 81.1% women): nurses (35.6%), general practitioners (28.8%), receptionists (26.1%) and family medicine residents (9.5%); patients screened for alcohol use: intervention n = 8062; controls n = 58. INTERVENTION AND COMPARATOR: PHCPs were randomized to receive a training and support program (n = 6; 110 participants) tailored to the barriers and facilitators for implementing alcohol SBIs following the principles of the Behavior Change Wheel/Theoretical Domains Framework approach, or to a waiting-list control (n = 6; 112 participants). Training was delivered over the first 12 weeks of the trial. MEASUREMENTS: The primary outcome was the proportion of eligible patients screened (unit of analysis: patient list). Secondary outcomes included the brief intervention (BI) rate per screen-positive patient and the population-based BI rate (unit of analysis: patient list), and changes in health providers' perceptions of barriers to implementation and alcohol-related knowledge (unit of analysis: health provider). FINDINGS: The implementation program had a significant effect on the screening activity in the intervention practices compared with control practices at the 12-month follow-up (21.7% vs. 0.16%, intention-to-treat analysis, p = 0.003). Although no significant difference was found on the BI rate per screen-positive patient (intervention 85.7% vs. control 63.6%, p = 0.55, Bayes factor = 0.28), the intervention was effective in increasing the population-based BI rate (intervention 0.69% vs. control 0.02%, p = 0.006). Health providers in the intervention arm reported fewer barriers to SBI implementation and higher levels of alcohol-related knowledge at 12-month follow-up than those in control practices. CONCLUSION: A theory-based implementation program, which included training and support activities, significantly increased alcohol screening and population-based brief intervention rates in primary care.

Propósito de vida e desempenho de atividades avançadas de vida diária em idosos mais velhos / Purpose in life and performance of advanced activities of daily living among the oldest old

Resumo Objetivo Verificar a associação entre propósito de vida (PV) e a realização de atividades avançadas e instrumentais de vida diária (AAVD e AIVD) em idosos. Método Estudo de corte transversal com participantes da avaliação de seguimento do estudo FIBRA (Fragilidade em Idosos Brasileiros) nas cidades de Campinas e Ermelino Matarazzo (SP), Brasil, nos anos de 2016 e 2017. Participaram 187 idosos com 80 anos e mais recrutados em domicílios familiares. O protocolo incluiu a aplicação de um teste de rastreio de deficit cognitivo sugestivo de demência, escala para avaliação das AAVD, a Escala de Lawton e Brody avaliando AIVD, a Escala de Depressão Geriátrica e a Escala de Propósito de Vida de Ryff e Keyes (1995). Resultados Os participantes tinham em média 83,81 (±3,60) anos, 4,38 (±3,76) anos de escolaridade e tinham renda mensal média de 3,49 salários mínimos (±2,61) e 125 (66,8%) eram mulheres. Análises de regressão hierárquica mostraram associações estatisticamente significativas entre PV, sintomas depressivos e pontuação mais alta em AAVD (p=0,003) e sem associação significativa com AIVD (0,580), em modelo ajustado para variáveis sociodemográficas, avaliação subjetiva de saúde, desempenho cognitivo e depressão. Conclusões Os idosos com maior escore de PV e menor número de sintomas depressivos foram mais propensos a realizar AAVD, mas não AIVD, que se associaram à idade, sexo, sintomas depressivos e desempenho cognitivo. PV pode colaborar para a manutenção do estado funcional no idoso, contribuindo para um envelhecimento saudável.

Abstract Objective To verify the association between purpose in life (PL) and the performance in advanced (AADL) and instrumental (IADL) activities of daily living. Methods Cross-sectional community-based study which analyzed data from the follow-up assessment of the FIBRA Study (Frailty in Elderly Brazilians) in the cities of Campinas and Ermelino Matarazzo (SP), Brazil, in 2016 and 2017. Participants were 187 community dwelling persons aged 80 years and older. The protocol included the application of a cognitive deficit screening test suggestive of dementia, an inventory assessing AADL, the Lawton and Brody scale (IADL), the Geriatric Depression Scale and the Ryff and Keyes' (1995) Purpose in Life Scale. Results Participants had an average of 83.81 (±3.60) years, 4.38 (± 3.76) years of schooling, 3.49 minimum wages (±2.61) of income, 125 (66.8%) being women. Hierarchical linear regression analyzes showed that PV and depressive symptoms were significantly associated with a higher number of AADL (p=0.003) and no significant association with IADL scores (0.580), in a model adjusted for sociodemographic variables, self-rated health, cognitive performance and depression. Conclusions The results suggest that older adults with higher PL and lower number of depression symptoms are more likely to perform a higher number of AADL. This association was not observed for IADL, which were associated with age, sex, depression and cognitive performance. PL may have an impact on complex levels of functional status in the elderly, thus contributing to healthy aging.

Characterization of the Striatal Extracellular Matrix in a Mouse Model of Parkinson's Disease.

Parkinson's disease's etiology is unknown, although evidence suggests the involvement of oxidative modifications of intracellular components in disease pathobiology. Despite the known involvement of the extracellular matrix in physiology and disease, the influence of oxidative stress on the matrix has been neglected. The chemical modifications that might accumulate in matrix components due to their long half-live and the low amount of extracellular antioxidants could also contribute to the disease and explain ineffective cellular therapies. The enriched striatal extracellular matrix from a mouse model of Parkinson's disease was characterized by Raman spectroscopy. We found a matrix fingerprint of increased oxalate content and oxidative modifications. To uncover the effects of these changes on brain cells, we morphologically characterized the primary microglia used to repopulate this matrix and further quantified the effects on cellular mechanical stress by an intracellular fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)-mechanosensor using the U-2 OS cell line. Our data suggest changes in microglia survival and morphology, and a decrease in cytoskeletal tension in response to the modified matrix from both hemispheres of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-lesioned animals. Collectively, these data suggest that the extracellular matrix is modified, and underscore the need for its thorough investigation, which may reveal new ways to improve therapies or may even reveal new therapies.

Factors influencing the implementation of screening and brief interventions for alcohol use in primary care practices: a systematic review using the COM-B system and Theoretical Domains Framework.

BACKGROUND: Alcohol is a leading risk factor contributing to the global burden of disease. Several national and international agencies recommend that screening and brief interventions (SBI) should be routinely delivered in primary care settings to reducing patients' alcohol consumption. However, evidence shows that such activities are seldom implemented in practice. A review of the barriers and facilitators mediating implementation, and how they fit with theoretical understandings of behaviour change, to inform the design of implementation interventions is lacking. This study aimed to conduct a theory-informed review of the factors influencing general practitioners' and primary care nurses' routine delivery of alcohol SBI in adults. METHODS: A systematic literature search was carried out in four electronic databases (Medline, CINAHL, CENTRAL, PsycINFO) using comprehensive search strategies. Both qualitative and quantitative studies were included. Two authors independently abstracted and thematically grouped the data extracted. The barriers and facilitators identified were mapped to the domains of the Capability-Opportunity-Motivation-Behaviour system/Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF). RESULTS: Eighty-four out of the 258 studies identified met the selection criteria. The majority of the studies reported data on the views of general practitioners (n = 60) and used a quantitative design (n = 49). A total of 660 data items pertaining to barriers and 253 data items pertaining to facilitators were extracted and thematically grouped into 46 themes. The themes mapped to at least one of the 14 domains of the TDF. The three TDF domains with the highest number of data units coded were 'Environmental Context and Resources' (n = 158, e.g. lack of time), 'Beliefs about Capabilities' (n = 134, e.g. beliefs about the ability to deliver screening and brief advice and in helping patients to cut down) and 'Skills' (n = 99, e.g. lack of training). CONCLUSIONS: This study identified a range of potential barriers and facilitators to the implementation of alcohol SBI delivery in primary care and adds to the scarce body of literature that identifies the barriers and facilitators from a theoretical perspective. Given that alcohol SBI is seldom implemented, this review provides researchers with a tool for designing novel theory-oriented interventions to support the implementation of such activity. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42016052681.

Tratamento ortodôntico híbrido com associação de técnicas 3D-BOT e alinhadores digitais ­ relato de caso / Hybrid orthodontic treatment with association of 3D-BOT techniques and digital aligners ­ case report

Resumo Com o passar dos anos, os pacientes têm procurado tratamentos ortodônticos com altas expectativas, em relação a resultado/qualidade, tempo e propostas mais estéticas de tratamento. Muitos afirmam que aparelhos vestibulares afetam diretamente sua autoestima e comprometem o seu bem-estar social. Neste artigo será exposto o relato de um caso clínico de uma paciente do sexo feminino, que buscou um tratamento ortodôntico confortável e imperceptível. A técnica 3D-BOT utilizada faz uso de fixação do fio nas faces oclusal dos dentes posteriores e lingual dos dentes anteriores, o que faz com que leigos não percebam a existência de tratamento ortodôntico, nem mesmo quando muito próximos ao paciente. Buscando refinar o tratamento foram utilizados alinhadores sequenciais digitais no arco superior apenas. Para a conclusão do caso relatado foi necessário um total de 12 visitas e as queixas principais da paciente, bem como as metas ortodônticas, funcionais e estéticas foram atingidas de uma forma imperceptível e sem atrapalhar a autoestima e o convívio social da paciente. (AU)

Absctract Over the years, patients have sought orthodontic treatments with high expectations, in relation to result/quality, time and more aesthetic treatment proposals. Many claim that vestibular devices directly affect their self-esteem and compromise their social well-being. This article will present a clinical case report of a female patient who sought a comfortable and imperceptible orthodontic treatment. The 3D-BOT technique used, makes use of wire fixation on the occlusal surface of posterior teeth and lingual of anterior teeth, which makes laypeople not realize the existence of orthodontic treatment, even when very close to the patient. Seeking to refine the treatment, sequential digital aligners were used in the upper arch only. To conclude the case reported a total of 12 visits were required and the patient's main complaints as well as the orthodontic, functional, and aesthetic goals were achieved, in an imperceptible way and without interfering with the patient's self-esteem and social life.(AU)

Non-immune-mediated versus immune-mediated type 1 diabetes: diagnosis and long-term differences-retrospective analysis.

BACKGROUND: The American Diabetes Association proposed two subcategories for type 1 diabetes mellitus: type 1A or immune-mediated diabetes (IDM) and type 1B or idiopathic diabetes. The absence of ß-cell autoimmune markers, permanent insulinopenia and prone to ketoacidosis define the second category, whose pathogenesis remains unclear. Only a minority of patients fall into this category, also designated non-immune-mediated (NIDM), which is considered by several authors similar to type 2 diabetes. The aim of this study is to evaluate differences at the diagnosis and 10 years later of two categories. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study of patients with ß-cell autoimmune markers performed at diagnosis and undetectable c-peptide. Were excluded patients with suspicion of another specific type of diabetes. We obtained two groups: IDM (≥ 1 positive antibody) and NIDM (negative antibodies). Age, family history, anthropometry, duration of symptoms, clinical presentation, blood glucose at admission, A1C, lipid profile, arterial hypertension, total diary insulin dose (TDID), microvascular and macrovascular complications were evaluated. Results were considered statistically significant with p < 0.05. RESULTS: 37 patients, 29 with IDM and 8 patients with NIDM. The age of diagnosis of IDM group (23 years) was significantly different (p = 0.004) from the NIDM group (38.1). The body mass index (BMI) at the diagnosis did not differ significantly (p = 0.435). The duration of symptoms was longer in the NIDM (p = 0.003). The disease presentation (p = 0.744), blood glucose (p = 0.482) and HbA1c (p = 0.794) at admission and TDID at discharge (p = 0.301) did not differ significantly. Total and LDL cholesterol levels were higher in NIDM group but did not differ significantly (p = 0.585 and p = 0.579, respectively). After 10 years BMI did not differ between groups (p = 0.079). Patients with IDM showed a significantly higher HbA1c (p = 0.008) and TDID (p = 0.017). Relative to the lipid profile, there was no significant difference, however the LDL cholesterol and triglycerides were higher on the NIDM group, as the percentage of hypertension. Microvascular complications were higher in the IDM group, but no significant difference was found. CONCLUSION: Patients with IDM had a poor metabolic control and higher insulin requirement. Patients with NIDM were older and showed higher cardiovascular risk, resembling a clinical phenotype of type 2 diabetes.

Purpose in life in adulthood and older adulthood: integrative review. / Propósito de vida em adultos e idosos: revisão integrativa.

Purpose in life (PiL) is defined as the sense that life has meaning and intentionality, and plays a guiding role in life goals and decision making regarding the use of personal resources. OBJECTIVES: to recognize and analyze data on PiL and conditions associated with good aging or with positive adaptation in aging. METHOD: an integrative review of articles in peer-reviewed journals published in the PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, PsycInfo and Scielo/BVS/Lilacs databases was performed using the terms "purpose in life" and "aging" in the title, without temporal restriction. RESULTS: twenty-seven articles were selected, 22 of which were conducted under large prospective longitudinal studies, 3 were cross-sectional studies and 2 were experimental studies. The studies revealed robust associations between high PiL scores and lower risk of death, Alzheimer's disease, coronary and cerebrovascular diseases, disability, and sleep disorders; high PiL and positive outcomes in health, cognition, emotional regulation, subjective well-being, and sense of adjustment; PiL as a moderator or resilience resource between risks and adversities and good adaptation. These data are useful for research and intervention involving long-lived and vulnerable older persons.

Propósito de vida (PV) é definido como o senso de que a vida tem sentido e intencionalidade, o qual desempenha papel orientador em relação às metas de vida e à tomada de decisões relativas ao uso dos recursos pessoais. Objetivos: reconhecer e analisar dados sobre PV e condições identificadas com bom envelhecimento ou com adaptação positiva no envelhecimento. Método: foi realizada revisão integrativa de publicações de periódicos com avaliação por pares, indexadas nas bases de dados PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, PsycInfo e Scielo/BVS/Lilacs, com os termos "purpose in life" and "aging" no título, sem restrição de datas. Resultados: foram selecionados 27 artigos, 22 dos quais conduzidos no âmbito de grandes estudos longitudinais prospectivos, 3 de corte transversal e 2 experimentais, que revelaram associações robustas entre alta pontuação em PV e redução do risco para mortalidade, Doença de Alzheimer, doenças coronarianas e cerebrovasculares, incapacidades e distúrbios de sono; alto PV e desfechos positivos em saúde, cognição, regulação emocional, bem-estar subjetivo e senso de ajustamento; PV como variável moderadora, ou recurso de resiliência, entre riscos e adversidades e boa adaptação. São dados úteis à investigação e à intervenção envolvendo idosos longevos e vulneráveis.

Idosos frequentadores de clubes de dança possuem maior propósito na vida do que os não frequentadores / Older adults' dance club members have a higher purpose in life than non-members

Este estudo transversal teve o objetivo comparar o propósito de vida entre idosos frequentadores e não frequentadores de clubes de dança. Foram avaliados 100 idosos, sendo 50 frequentadores de clubes de dança e 50 não frequentadores. Foi utilizado um questionário sociodemográficas e a Escala de Propósito de vida. Os dados foram analisados por meio dos testes Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Qui-quadrado de Pearson, "U" de Mann-Whitney e correlação de Spearman (p<0,05). Os idosos frequentadores de clubes de dança apresentaram maior escore de propósito de vida do que os idosos não frequentadores (p=0,010. Não foi encontrada correlação significativa (p > 0,05) entre a idade e o propósito de vida dos idosos frequentadores e não frequentadores de clubes de dança. Pode-se concluir que a frequência em clubes de dança de salão parece ser um fator interveniente no propósito de vida dos idosos.

This cross-sectional study aimed to compare the purpose of life between older-adult members and non-members of a dancing club. A total of 100 older adults were evaluated, which included 50 dance club members and 50 non-members. An instrument with sociodemographic questions and the Life Purpose Scale was used. Data were analyzed using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Pearson Chi-square, Mann-Whitney "U" and Spearman correlation tests (p <0.05). Older adults who attended dance clubs had a higher life purpose score than those who did not attend (p = 0.010. No significant correlation (p> 0.05) was found between age and life purpose of older adults who did not attend the dance club. It can be concluded that attendance at ballroom dance clubs seems to be an intervening factor in the life purpose of older adults.

Corticotroph adenoma and pituitary fungal infection: a rare association.

SUMMARY: Pituitary infections, particularly with fungus, are rare disorders that usually occur in immunocompromised patients. Cushing's syndrome predisposes patients to infectious diseases due to their immunosuppression status. We report the case of a 55-year-old woman, working as a poultry farmer, who developed intense headache, palpebral ptosis, anisocoria, prostration and psychomotor agitation 9 months after initial diabetes mellitus diagnosis. Cranioencephalic CT scan showed a pituitary lesion with bleeding, suggesting pituitary apoplexy. Patient underwent transsphenoidal surgery and the neuropathologic study indicated a corticotroph adenoma with apoplexy and fungal infection. Patient had no preoperative Cushing's syndrome diagnosis. She was evaluated by a multidisciplinary team who decided not to administer anti-fungal treatment. The reported case shows a rare association between a corticotroph adenoma and a pituitary fungal infection. The possible contributing factors were hypercortisolism, uncontrolled diabetes and professional activity. Transsphenoidal surgery is advocated in these infections; however, anti-fungal therapy is still controversial. LEARNING POINTS: Pituitary infections are rare disorders caused by bacterial, viral, fungal and parasitic infections. Pituitary fungal infections usually occur in immunocompromised patients. Cushing's syndrome, as immunosuppression factor, predisposes patients to infectious diseases, including fungal infections. Diagnosis of pituitary fungal infection is often achieved during histopathological investigation. Treatment with systemic anti-fungal drugs is controversial. Endocrine evaluation is recommended at the time of initial presentation of pituitary manifestations.

Propósito de vida em adultos e idosos: revisão integrativa / Purpose in life in adulthood and older adulthood: integrative review

Resumo Propósito de vida (PV) é definido como o senso de que a vida tem sentido e intencionalidade, o qual desempenha papel orientador em relação às metas de vida e à tomada de decisões relativas ao uso dos recursos pessoais. Objetivos: reconhecer e analisar dados sobre PV e condições identificadas com bom envelhecimento ou com adaptação positiva no envelhecimento. Método: foi realizada revisão integrativa de publicações de periódicos com avaliação por pares, indexadas nas bases de dados PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, PsycInfo e Scielo/BVS/Lilacs, com os termos "purpose in life" and "aging" no título, sem restrição de datas. Resultados: foram selecionados 27 artigos, 22 dos quais conduzidos no âmbito de grandes estudos longitudinais prospectivos, 3 de corte transversal e 2 experimentais, que revelaram associações robustas entre alta pontuação em PV e redução do risco para mortalidade, Doença de Alzheimer, doenças coronarianas e cerebrovasculares, incapacidades e distúrbios de sono; alto PV e desfechos positivos em saúde, cognição, regulação emocional, bem-estar subjetivo e senso de ajustamento; PV como variável moderadora, ou recurso de resiliência, entre riscos e adversidades e boa adaptação. São dados úteis à investigação e à intervenção envolvendo idosos longevos e vulneráveis.

Abstract Purpose in life (PiL) is defined as the sense that life has meaning and intentionality, and plays a guiding role in life goals and decision making regarding the use of personal resources. Objectives: to recognize and analyze data on PiL and conditions associated with good aging or with positive adaptation in aging. Method: an integrative review of articles in peer-reviewed journals published in the PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, PsycInfo and Scielo/BVS/Lilacs databases was performed using the terms "purpose in life" and "aging" in the title, without temporal restriction. Results: twenty-seven articles were selected, 22 of which were conducted under large prospective longitudinal studies, 3 were cross-sectional studies and 2 were experimental studies. The studies revealed robust associations between high PiL scores and lower risk of death, Alzheimer's disease, coronary and cerebrovascular diseases, disability, and sleep disorders; high PiL and positive outcomes in health, cognition, emotional regulation, subjective well-being, and sense of adjustment; PiL as a moderator or resilience resource between risks and adversities and good adaptation. These data are useful for research and intervention involving long-lived and vulnerable older persons.

Spatial distribution of prenatal indicators in the State of Tocantins 2001 to 2015 / Distribuição espacial de indicadores do pré-natal no Estado do Tocantins de 2001 a 2015

Abstract Objectives: temporal-spatial analysis of prenatal indicators in the municipalities of the state of Tocantins based on the use of five-year intervals from 2001 to 2015. Methods: the indicators subject to analysis were: average prenatal care (APCPW), proportion of prenatal care in the first trimester (PPCFT) and proportion of pregnant women with vaccine on time (PWVT). Data from the DATASUS platform were used for spatialization of indicators through Thematic Maps, using the QGIS software. Results: indicators of proportion of prenatal care in the first trimester and proportion of pregnant women with vaccine on time showed gradual improvement in their indicators after 15 years of analysis, with values above 75% and 90%, respectively, showing compatibility with the current national scenario. However, APCPW has revealed that no municipality had more than 3 prenatal care visits within 15 years. Conclusions: among the indicators analyzed, the average of prenatal care, although it showed improvement in the 15-year interval, is the one with the greatest deficiency in the state and should therefore have a greater focus on primary care. Thus, it emphasizes the need to encourage the development of organized health systems and the use of specific policy actions to improve not only this indicator, but also the others, to improve prenatal quality.

Resumo Objetivos: análise temporal e espacial de indicadores do pré-natal nos municípios do Estado do Tocantins, baseando-se na utilização de intervalos quinquenais dentro do período de 2001 a 2015. Métodos: os indicadores sujeitos a análise foram: média de atendimentos de pré-natal (MAPNG), proporção de pré-natal no primeiro trimestre (PGPNPT) e proporção de gestantes com vacina em dia (PGVD). Utilizaram-se dados da plataforma do DATASUS para espacia-lização dos indicadores mediante Mapas Temáticos, através do software QGIS. Resultados: os indicadores de início do pré-natal no primeiro trimestre e proporção de gestantes com vacina em dia exibiram melhora gradual no indicador após 15 anos de análise, com valores superiores a 75% e 90%, respectivamente, demostrando compatibilidade com o atual cenário nacional. Entretanto, a MAPNG revelou que nenhum munícipio apresentou atendimento superior a 3 no intervalo de 15 anos. Conclusões: dentre os indicadores analisados, a média de atendimentos de pré-natal, embora tenha apresentado melhora no intervalo de 15 anos, é o que apresenta maior deficiência no estado, devendo, portanto, possuir maior foco na atenção primária. Desse modo, enfatiza-se a necessidade de encorajar o desenvolvimento de sistemas de saúde organizados e emprego de ações políticas específicas que permitam a melhora de não apenas esse indi-cador, como também os demais, para melhoria da qualidade do pré-natal.

Purpose in life and physical activities in community-dwelling older adults: a cross-sectional study / Propósito de vida e atividade física em idosos da comunidade: estudo transversal

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate purpose in life among community-dwelling older adults and its possible associations with physical activity. METHODS: Cross-sectional study conducted with 654 older adult users of primary health care in a city in Southern Brazil. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire and the Purpose in Life Scale were administered to participants. Data analysis was conducted using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Kruskal-Wallis, and Mann-Whitney tests, and Spearman's correlation coefficients were calculated. Significance was accepted at p < 0.05. RESULTS: The results showed a significant difference in purpose in life according to age (p = 0.003), monthly income (p = 0.001), health perception (p = 0.020), and medication (p = 0.008). There was a very weak correlation between purpose in life and minutes walked per day (r = -0.13). CONCLUSION: We conclude that sociodemographic variables and health conditions (such as health perception and medications used, respectively) can be considered intervening factors in purpose in life among older adults. Engagement in physical activity was not associated with purpose in life.

OBJETIVO: Este estudo teve como objetivo investigar o propósito de vida de idosos de uma cidade do sul do Brasil e suas possíveis associações com a prática de atividade física. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal realizado com 654 idosos usuários de atenção primária à saúde em uma cidade do sul do Brasil. Os instrumentos utilizados foram o Questionário Internacional de Atividade Física e a Escala Objetivo na Vida. A análise dos dados foi realizada pelos testes de Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney e coeficiente de correlação de Spearman (p < 0,05). RESULTADOS: Os resultados mostraram uma diferença significativa no propósito de vida de acordo com a idade (p = 0,003), a renda mensal (p = 0,001), a percepção de saúde (p = 0,020) e a medicação (p = 0,008). Houve uma correlação muito fraca entre o propósito de vida e os minutos de caminhada por dia (r = -0,13). CONCLUSÃO: Concluímos que variáveis sociodemográficas e condições de saúde, como percepção de saúde e medicamentos utilizados, respectivamente, podem ser considerados fatores intervenientes no propósito de vida dos idosos. Os resultados revelaram que a prática de atividade física não está associada ao propósito na vida.

Osteogenic, anti-osteoclastogenic and immunomodulatory properties of a strontium-releasing hybrid scaffold for bone repair.

Strontium (Sr) is known to stimulate osteogenesis, while inhibiting osteoclastogenesis, thus encouraging research on its application as a therapeutic agent for bone repair/regeneration. It has been suggested that it may possess immunomodulatory properties, which might act synergistically in bone repair/regeneration processes. To further explore this hypothesis we have designed a Sr-hybrid system composed of an in situ forming Sr-crosslinked RGD-alginate hydrogel reinforced with Sr-doped hydroxyapatite (HAp) microspheres and studied its in vitro osteoinductive behaviour and in vivo inflammatory response. The Sr-hybrid scaffold acts as a dual Sr2+ delivery system, showing a cumulative Sr2+ release of ca. 0.3 mM after 15 days. In vitro studies using Sr2+concentrations within this range (0 to 3 mM Sr2+) confirmed its ability to induce osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSC), as well as to reduce osteoclastogenesis and osteoclasts (OC) functionality. In comparison with a similar Sr-free system, the Sr-hybrid system stimulated osteogenic differentiation of MSC, while inhibiting the formation of OC. Implantation in an in vivo model of inflammation, revealed an increase in F4/80+/CD206+ cells, highlighting its ability to modulate the inflammatory response as a pro-resolution mediator, through M2 macrophage polarization. Therefore, the Sr-hybrid system is potentially an appealing biomaterial for future clinical applications.