Clinical usability study of a home-based self-administration transcranial direct current stimulation for primary dysmenorrhea: A randomized controlled trial.

This study tested the usability of a home-based self-administration transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) device designed specifically for women's health needs. This is a single center triple blinded clinical usability study for a new wireless, Bluetooth-controlled wearable tDCS device for women's health. The study aims to evaluate the usability and effective blinding of a home-based tDCS system. A total of forty-nine women of reproductive age were randomly allocated (1:1) to receive one session of active tDCS (n = 24) or sham tDCS (n = 25) over the motor and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Each participant self-administered one 20-minute session without supervision following guidance on a software application alone. The System Usability Scale (SUS) and the Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC) were used to evaluate the usability of the system. Regardless of sham or active conditions, all users found the system easy to use without the support of researchers. Usability scores were considered to be "excellent" in both groups and no significant difference was found between sham and active groups showing effective blinding of the device (Active group: 93.7 (83.1-97.5); Sham group 90 (86.2-95) p = 0.79) and PGIC (Active group: 2 (1-2.75); Sham group 2 (1-2) p = 0.99) using an unpaired t-test or non-parametric statistical tests accordingly. The new Bluetooth-controlled wearable tDCS device is easy, safe to use and completely controlled by a smartphone app. This device is focused on women's health and will be tested as an alternative treatment for chronic pelvic pain and mood disturbance associated with menstrual cycles in further research.

Exposição ao cádmio e Síndromes Hipertensivas da Gestação: uma revisão sistemática / Cadmium exposure and Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy: a systematic review

RESUMO As Síndromes Hipertensivas da Gestação (SHG) são uma das principais causas de morbimortalidade materna. Evidências crescentes indicam a associação entre a exposição ao cádmio e a hipertensão arterial na população em geral, mas não as SHG. Afim de investigar esse tema, realizou-se uma revisão sistemática seguindo as diretrizes PRISMA, nas bases de dados BVS/Lilacs, PubMed/Medline e SciELO e no repositório da Universidade de São Paulo (USP) até agosto de 2021. A qualidade metodológica foi avaliada pelo checklist Downs and Black. Selecionaram-se dezenove artigos, sendo treze caso-controle, quatro coortes e dois seccionais. No total, 11.451 participantes foram avaliadas, sendo 1.445 (12,6%) com SHG e, destas, 1.071 (74,1%) com pré-eclâmpsia. Observou-se o ajuste inadequado para confundimento em onze estudos. Dos sete estudos considerados de boa qualidade metodológica, quatro relataram associação positiva e três não a observaram, enquanto somente um estudo observou diferença de média, que foi maior nas gestantes com SHG. Atribuiu-se a divergência dos resultados às diferenças metodológicas e ao ajuste inadequado para os fatores de confusão. Como o cádmio é um metal tóxico que pode levar ao aumento do estresse oxidativo, que desempenha papel importante na fisiopatologia das SHG, estudos adicionais são necessários para elucidar esta associação.

ABSTRACT Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy (HDP) are one of the main causes of maternal morbimortality. Strong evidence point to an association between cadmium and hypertension in the general population, but not HDP. A systematic review was carried out to investigate this potential relationship, following PRISMA guidelines, in the BVS/LILACS, PubMed/MEDLINE, and SciELO databases and a repository (University of São Paulo - USP) until August 2021. The methodological quality was assessed using the Downs and Black checklist. Nineteen articles were selected, thirteen of which were case-control, four were cohorts, and two were cross-sectional. A total of 11.451 participants were evaluated, 1.445 (12.6%) with HDP, and of these 1.071 (74.1%) with preeclampsia. The inadequate adjustment for confounding was observed in eleven studies. Out of the seven studies considered good methodological quality, four reported a positive association, and three did not observe it. In contrast, only one observed a mean difference, which was higher in HDP. The inconsistency of the results was attributed to the methodological differences and inadequate adjustment for confounding. As cadmium is a toxic metal that can induce an increase in oxidative stress, which plays an essential role in the pathophysiology of HDP, additional studies are needed to elucidate this association.

Nanosilver-Functionalized Hybrid Hydrogels of Carboxymethyl Cellulose/Poly(Vinyl Alcohol) with Antibacterial Activity for Prevention and Therapy of Infections of Diabetic Chronic Wounds.

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are considered one of the most severe chronic complications of diabetes and can lead to amputation in severe cases. In addition, bacterial infections in diabetic chronic wounds aggravate this scenario by threatening human health. Wound dressings made of polymer matrices with embedded metal nanoparticles can inhibit microorganism growth and promote wound healing, although the current clinical treatments for diabetic chronic wounds remain unsatisfactory. In this view, this research reports the synthesis and characterization of innovative hybrid hydrogels made of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) chemically crosslinked by citric acid (CA) functionalized with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) generated in situ using an eco-friendly aqueous process. The results assessed through comprehensive in vitro and in vivo assays demonstrated that these hybrid polymer hydrogels functionalized with AgNPs possess physicochemical properties, cytocompatibility, hemocompatibility, bioadhesion, antibacterial activity, and biocompatibility suitable for wound dressings to support chronic wound healing process as well as preventing and treating bacterial infections. Hence, it can be envisioned that, with further research and development, these polymer-based hybrid nanoplatforms hold great potential as an important tool for creating a new generation of smart dressings for treating chronic diabetic wounds and opportunistic bacterial infections.

In vitro effects of the co-release of icariin and strontium from bioactive glass submicron spheres on the reduced osteogenic potential of rat osteoporotic bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells.

Osteoporosis is a metabolic disease that affects bone tissue and is highly associated with bone fractures. Typical osteoporosis fracture treatments, such as bisphosphonates and hormone replacement, present important challenges because of their low bioavailability on the site of action. Options to overcome this issue are systems for the local release of therapeutic agents such as bioactive glasses containing therapeutic molecules and ions. These agents are released during the dissolution process, combining the drugs and ion therapeutic effects for osteoporosis treatment. Among the therapeutic agents that can be applied for bone repair are strontium (Sr) ion and phytopharmaceutical icariin, which have shown potential to promote healthy bone marrow stem cells osteogenic differentiation, increase bone formation and prevent bone loss. Submicron Sr-containing bioactive glass mesoporous spheres with sustained ion release capacity were obtained. Icariin was successfully incorporated into the particles, and the glass composition influenced the icariin incorporation efficiency and release rates. In this work, for the first time, Sr and icariin were incorporated into bioactive glass submicron mesoporous spheres and the in vitro effects of the therapeutic agents release were evaluated on the reduced osteogenic potential of rat osteoporotic bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, and results showed an improvement on the reduced differentiation potential.

Intracerebral Injection of Streptozotocin to Model Alzheimer Disease in Rats.

Animal models have promoted meaningful contribution to science including Alzheimer's disease (AD) research. Several animal models for AD have been used, most of them related to genetic mutations observed in familial AD. However, sporadic form of AD, also named late-onset is the most frequent form of the disease, which is multifactorial, being influenced by genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors. Here, we describe a protocol of an AD-like pathology of the sporadic form using Wistar rats by a single bilateral intracerebroventricular (icv) injection of streptozotocin (STZ, 2 mg/kg). Icv injection of STZ induces brain resistance to insulin and other pathological alterations related to those observed in AD, such as cognitive impairment and accumulation of phosphorylated tau protein and ß-amyloid in the brain. Thus, icv injection of STZ is a useful tool to investigate the pathological mechanisms and the metabolic alterations involved in AD and to propose new therapeutic approaches and neuroprotective drugs.

Base excision repair imbalance in colorectal cancer has prognostic value and modulates response to chemotherapy.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is prevalent worldwide, and treatment often involves surgery and genotoxic chemotherapy. DNA repair mechanisms, such as base excision repair (BER) and mismatch repair (MMR), may not only influence tumour characteristics and prognosis but also dictate chemotherapy response. Defective MMR contributes to chemoresistance in colorectal cancer. Moreover, BER affects cellular survival by repairing genotoxic base damage in a process that itself can disrupt metabolism. In this study, we characterized BER and MMR gene expression in colorectal tumours and the association between this repair profile with patients' clinical and pathological features. In addition, we exploited the possible mechanisms underlying the association between altered DNA repair, metabolism and response to chemotherapy. Seventy pairs of sporadic colorectal tumour samples and adjacent non-tumour mucosal specimens were assessed for BER and MMR gene and protein expression and their association with pathological and clinical features. MMR-deficient colon cancer cells (HCT116) transiently overexpressing MPG or XRCC1 were treated with 5-FU or TMZ and evaluated for viability and metabolic intermediate levels. Increase in BER gene and protein expression is associated with more aggressive tumour features and poor pathological outcomes in CRC. However, tumours with reduced MMR gene expression also displayed low MPG, OGG1 and PARP1 expression. Imbalancing BER by overexpression of MPG, but not XRCC1, sensitises MMR-deficient colon cancer cells to 5-FU and TMZ and leads to ATP depletion and lactate accumulation. MPG overexpression alters DNA repair and metabolism and is a potential strategy to overcome 5-FU chemotherapeutic resistance in MMR-deficient CRC.

Rhizobium ecuadorense sp. nov., an indigenous N2-fixing symbiont of the Ecuadorian common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) genetic pool.

There are two major centres of genetic diversification of common bean (Phaseolus vilgaris L.), the Mesoamerican and the Andean, and the legume is capable of establishing nitrogen-fixing symbioses with several rhizobia; Rhizobium etli seems to be the dominant species in both centres. Another genetic pool of common bean, in Peru and Ecuador, is receiving increasing attention, and studies of microsymbionts from the region can help to increase our knowledge about coevolution of this symbiosis. We have previously reported several putative new lineages from this region and here present data indicating that strains belonging to one of them, PEL4, represent a novel species. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence phylogeny, PEL4 strains are positioned in the Rhizobium phaseoli/R. etli/Rhizobium leguminosarum clade, but show unique properties in several morphological, physiological and biochemical analyses, as well as in BOX-PCR profiles ( < 75% similarity with related species). PEL4 strains also differed from related species based on multilocus sequence analysis of three housekeeping genes (glnII, gyrB and recA). Nucleotide identities of the three concatenated genes between PEL4 strains and related species ranged from 91.8 to 94.2%, being highest with Rhizobium fabae. DNA-DNA hybridization ( < 47% DNA relatedness) and average nucleotide identity values of the whole genomes ( < 90.2%) also supported the novel species status. The PEL4 strains were effective in nodulating and fixing N2 with common beans. The data supported the view that PEL4 strains represent a novel species, Rhizobium ecuadorense sp. nov. The type strain is CNPSo 671(T) ( = UMR 1450(T) = PIMAMPIRS I 5(T) = LMG 27578(T)).

Association between time spent sitting and diabetes mellitus in older adults: a population-based study / Associação entre tempo sentado e diabetes mellitus em idosos: um estudo de base populacional

Abstract By the middle of the last century, changes in the Brazilian economy and society triggered a rapid demographic transition characterized by an increased number of older adults in the population. Thus, Brazil has witnessed population aging, which was accompanied by an increased incidence of non-communicable chronic diseases. Some risk factors for the development of the chronic non-communicable diseases have been well established, such as overweight, tobacco and alcohol consumption, inadequate nutrition, and physical inactivity. Additionally, sedentary behavior has been related to significant deleterious effects on health, such as diabetes mellitus type 2, obesity and mortality. The objective of this study was to investigate the association between sitting time and diabetes mellitus in older adults. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 24 municipalities in the Regional Health Superintendence of Uberaba, MG. Selected subjects answered a structured questionnaire and underwent anthropometric assessment. A total of 3,265 elderly subjects, with a median time spent sitting of 240.00 (P25th=137.14 and P75th=330.00) minutes/day and a 20.0% prevalence of diabetes mellitus were detected. Adjusted logistic regression analysis showed that a sitting time of more than 330.00 minutes/day was positively associated with diabetes mellitus (OR=1.351, 95%CI: 1.057-1.729). It was concluded that older adults who daily sit for long periods of time have higher chances of having diabetes compared to those who sit for less time.

Resumo Em meados do século passado, transformações na economia e sociedade brasileira somaram-se para desencadear uma rápida transição demográfica, que se caracterizou pelo aumento de idosos. Assim, presenciou-se um envelhecimento populacional, que foi acompanhado pelo aumento da incidência de doenças crônicas não transmissíveis. Alguns fatores de risco estão bem estabelecidos para o desenvolvimento das doenças crônicas não transmissíveis, como excesso de peso, consumo de tabaco e álcool, alimentação inadequada e inatividade física. Adicionalmente, o comportamento sedentário mostrou-se relacionado a importantes efeitos deletérios à saúde, como, por exemplo, diabetes mellitus tipo 2, obesidade e mortalidade.O estudo teve como objetivo investigar a associação entre tempo sentado e diabetes mellitus em idosos. Estudo transversal, realizado em 24 municípios integrantes da Superintendência Regional de Saúde de Uberaba, MG. Os indivíduos selecionados responderam um questionário estruturado e foram submetidos à avaliação antropométrica. Foram analisados 3.265 idosos. A prevalência de diabetes mellitus foi de 20,0% e a mediana de tempo sentado de 240,00 (P25º=137,14 e P75º=330,00) minutos/dia. A análise de regressão logística ajustada demonstrou que o tempo sentado superior a 330,00 minutos/dia associou-se positivamente com a diabetes mellitus (OR=1,329; IC95%: 1,040-1,700). Pode-se concluir que os idosos que ficam sentados por longos períodos diariamente apresentam maior chance de ter diabetes mellitus quando comparados com aqueles que ficam sentados por menor tempo.

Açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) modulates oxidative stress resistance in Caenorhabditis elegans by direct and indirect mechanisms.

Açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) has recently emerged as a promising source of natural antioxidants. Despite its claimed pharmacological and nutraceutical value, studies regarding the effects of açaí in vivo are limited. In this study, we use the Caenorhabditis elegans model to evaluate the in vivo antioxidant properties of açaí on an organismal level and to examine its mechanism of action. Supplementation with açaí aqueous extract (AAE) increased both oxidative and osmotic stress resistance independently of any effect on reproduction and development. AAE suppressed bacterial growth, but this antimicrobial property did not influence stress resistance. AAE-increased stress resistance was correlated with reduced ROS production, the prevention of sulfhydryl (SH) level reduction and gcs-1 activation under oxidative stress conditions. Our mechanistic studies indicated that AAE promotes oxidative stress resistance by acting through DAF-16 and the osmotic stress response pathway OSR-1/UNC-43/SEK-1. Finally, AAE increased polyglutamine protein aggregation and decreased proteasome activity. Our findings suggest that natural compounds available in AAE can improve the antioxidant status of a whole organism under certain conditions by direct and indirect mechanisms.

Relação entre o estado nutricional de estudantes e a escolaridade dos país de uma escola municipal em Embu das Artes / Relationship between students' nutritional conditions and their parents educational background at a district school in Enbu das Artes

Introdução: Os índices de obesidade vêm aumentando nosúltimos anos, e pode ser que o grau de escolaridade dos pais tenhainfluência nesse aumento. Objetivo: Avaliar o estado nutricionalde estudantes do Ensino Fundamental I, em uma Escola doMunicípio de Embu das Artes, e relacionar o estado nutricionalcom o nível de escolaridade dos pais. Métodos: Foram avaliados204 estudantes com idade entre 7 e 11 anos. Foram medidos opeso e altura para calcular o Índice de Massa Corporal (IMC).Para avaliação do estado nutricional, utilizou-se o programada Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS) AnthroPlus versão1.0.3.0.; para a classificação do estado nutricional utilizouseas curvas da OMS (2007), representadas por percentis deIMC para idade, e para análises estatísticas utilizou-se o testede normalidade de D’Agostino & Pearson e teste do Quiquadrado.Os dados de escolaridade dos pais foram coletadosno prontuário dos estudantes. Resultados: Verificou-se que70% de estudantes encontravam-se em estado de eutrofia,24% com excesso de peso e 6% com baixo peso. Em relaçãoà escolaridade de pais houve uma significante associação(p < 0,05) entre ao grau de escolaridade da mãe, em que a maiorescolaridade implicou em valores mais baixos de IMC de seusfilhos. Conclusão: Conclui-se que houve um maior índicede estudantes eutróficos, mas houve índices de baixo peso,sobrepeso e obesidade. A escolaridade da mãe teve influênciasignificante no estado nutricional dos estudantes.

Introduction: Obesity rates have increased in recentyears, and the degree of parents’ educational backgroundhas contributed to that rise. Purpose: To evaluate students’nutritional status in an elementary school - level I, locatedin the city of Embu das Artes. Methods: 204 students - aged7 to 11- have been studied. Weight and height have beenmeasured to calculate Body Mass Index (BMI). To evaluatethe nutritional state, the BMI for that particular age hasbeen taken into consideration. Data on parents’ educationalbackground were collected from students’ school records.Results: It has been found that 70% of the students arein eutrophic state, 15% are overweight, 9% are obese and6% are underweight. Regarding their parents’ educationalbackground, there was a statistically significant (p <0.05)regarding their mothers’ educational background, where thehigher educational level resulted in lower values of theirchildren’s BMI. Conclusion: Thus, it has been concludedthat there was a higher rate of eutrophic students, but therewere also levels of underweight, overweight and obesity. Amother’s educational background had significant influenceon students’ nutritional status.

Brazilian workshop model to train investigators in chronic graft-versus-host disease clinical trials according to the 2005-2006 National Institutes of Health recommendations

BACKGROUND: The lack of standardization of clinical diagnostic criteria, classification and severity scores of chronic graft-versus-host disease led the National Institutes of Health to propose consensus criteria for the purpose of clinical trials. METHODS: Here we describe a one-day workshop model conducted by the Chronic Graft-versus-Host Disease Brazil-Seattle Consortium Study Group to train investigators interested in participating in multicenter clinical trials in Brazil. Workshop participants included eight transplant physicians, one dermatologist, two dentists, three physical therapists and one psychologist from five institutions. Workshop participants evaluated nine patients with varying degrees of severity of mucocutaneous lesions and other manifestations of the disease followed by a training session to review and discuss the issues encountered with the evaluation and scoring of patients and in the methods used to evaluate grip strength and the 2-minute walk test. RESULTS: Most participants had difficulties in rating the percentage of each type of mucocutaneous lesion and thought 20 minutes was insufficient to evaluate and record the scores of each patient using the National Institutes of Health criteria and other cutaneous assessments. Several specific areas of difficulties encountered by the evaluators were: 1) determining the percentage of erythema in movable and non-movable sclerosis, 2) whether to score all cutaneous findings in a particular area or just the dominant lesion; 3) clarification of the definition of poikiloderma in chronic graft-versus-host disease; 4) discrepant interpretation of the mouth score and 5) clarification on the methodology used for the evaluation of grip strength and the 2-minute walk tests. CONCLUSIONS: Results of this workshop support the need to train investigators participating in clinical trials on chronic graft-versus-host disease.

Brazilian workshop model to train investigators in chronic graft-versus-host disease clinical trials according to the 2005-2006 National Institutes of Health recommendations.

BACKGROUND: The lack of standardization of clinical diagnostic criteria, classification and severity scores of chronic graft-versus-host disease led the National Institutes of Health to propose consensus criteria for the purpose of clinical trials. METHOD: Here we describe a one-day workshop model conducted by the Chronic Graft-versus-Host Disease Brazil-Seattle Consortium Study Group to train investigators interested in participating in multicenter clinical trials in Brazil. Workshop participants included eight transplant physicians, one dermatologist, two dentists, three physical therapists and one psychologist from five institutions. Workshop participants evaluated nine patients with varying degrees of severity of mucocutaneous lesions and other manifestations of the disease followed by a training session to review and discuss the issues encountered with the evaluation and scoring of patients and in the methods used to evaluate grip strength and the 2-minute walk test. RESULTS: Most participants had difficulties in rating the percentage of each type of mucocutaneous lesion and thought 20 minutes was insufficient to evaluate and record the scores of each patient using the National Institutes of Health criteria and other cutaneous assessments. Several specific areas of difficulties encountered by the evaluators were: 1) determining the percentage of erythema in movable and non-movable sclerosis, 2) whether to score all cutaneous findings in a particular area or just the dominant lesion; 3) clarification of the definition of poikiloderma in chronic graft-versus-host disease; 4) discrepant interpretation of the mouth score and 5) clarification on the methodology used for the evaluation of grip strength and the 2-minute walk tests. CONCLUSIONS: Results of this workshop support the need to train investigators participating in clinical trials on chronic graft-versus-host disease.

Epidemiology of neglected tropical diseases in transplant recipients: review of the literature and experience of a Brazilian HSCT center / Epidemiologia das doenças tropicais negligenciadas em receptores de transplantes: revisão da literatura e experiência de um centro brasileiro

The rising success rate of solid organ (SOT) and haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and modern immunosuppression make transplants the first therapeutic option for many diseases affecting a considerable number of people worldwide. Consequently, developing countries have also grown their transplant programs and have started to face the impact of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) in transplant recipients. We reviewed the literature data on the epidemiology of NTDs with greatest disease burden, which have affected transplant recipients in developing countries or may represent a threat to transplant recipients living in other regions. Tuberculosis, Leprosy, Chagas disease, Malaria, Leishmaniasis, Dengue, Yellow fever and Measles are the topics included in this review. In addition, we retrospectively revised the experience concerning the management of NTDs at the HSCT program of Amaral Carvalho Foundation, a public transplant program of the state of São Paulo, Brazil.

O sucesso crescente dos transplantes de órgãos sólidos (TOS) e de células tronco-hematopoiéticas (TCTH) e as novas drogas imunossupressoras fizeram dos transplantes a primeira opção terapêutica para muitas doenças que afetam milhares de pessoas em todo o mundo. Também os populosos países em desenvolvimento investiram no crescimento de seus programas de transplante e desde então começaram a vivenciar o impacto das doenças tropicais negligenciadas (DTNs) nestes pacientes. Revisamos os dados da literatura sobre a epidemiologia das DTNs de maior impacto clinico e social que afetam receptores de transplante de países em desenvolvimento, ou que podem representar um risco para receptores de transplante vivendo em outras regiões não afetadas por estas doenças. Tuberculose, hanseníase, doença de Chagas, malaria, leishmaniose, dengue, febre amarela e sarampo são os tópicos incluídos nesta revisão. Além disso, revisamos retrospectivamente a experiência referente ao manejo das DTNs do Serviço de Transplante de Medula Óssea da Fundação Amaral Carvalho, atualmente o maior centro de TCTH alogênico do Brasil.

Epidemiology of neglected tropical diseases in transplant recipients. Review of the literature and experience of a Brazilian HSCT center.

The rising success rate of solid organ (SOT) and haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and modern immunosuppression make transplants the first therapeutic option for many diseases affecting a considerable number of people worldwide. Consequently, developing countries have also grown their transplant programs and have started to face the impact of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) in transplant recipients. We reviewed the literature data on the epidemiology of NTDs with greatest disease burden, which have affected transplant recipients in developing countries or may represent a threat to transplant recipients living in other regions. Tuberculosis, Leprosy, Chagas disease, Malaria, Leishmaniasis, Dengue, Yellow fever and Measles are the topics included in this review. In addition, we retrospectively revised the experience concerning the management of NTDs at the HSCT program of Amaral Carvalho Foundation, a public transplant program of the state of São Paulo, Brazil.

A participação de agentes comunitários de saúde na atuação da fisioterapia na atenção básica / Community health agents participation in primary health care physico therapy action

A atuação da fisioterapia na atenção básica (AB) requer a adoção de estratégias para intensificar suas ações, a exemplo da colaboração de agentes comunitários de saúde (ACS). Esse trabalho é resultado de uma pesquisa-ação que analisou uma possibilidade de integração dos ACS na assistência fisioterapêutica na AB, através de reuniões de discussão e capacitação, bem como de orientações individuais. Os dados foram coletados através de entrevistas e registros em diário de pesquisa, condensados em categorias de análise. A maioria dos ACS reconheceu que as ações desenvolvidas possibilitaram uma mudança em suas práticas, beneficiando a população. Apenas uma parte dos usuários considerou válida a atuação do agente de saúde. Algumas dificuldades foram encontradas, tais como a pouca definição do papel do ACS nesse trabalho e a insegurança sentida por parte deles na realização das orientações. Constata-se que a integração dos ACS representa uma possibilidade importante e viável para potencializar as ações fisioterapêuticas na AB, desde que exista clareza do caráter complementar dessa participação e que os agentes de saúde sejam continuamente orientados para essa tarefa.(AU)

Testes psicológicos mais conhecidos e utilizados por psicólogos de Umuarama/PR e região / The most known and used psychological tests in Umuarama-Pr and its surrounding areas

O objetivo desta pesquisa foi realizar um levantamento dos testes psicológicos conhecidos e utilizados por psicólogos de Umuarama/PR e região. Participaram 77 psicólogos de ambos os gêneros. O material utilizado constituiu-se de um questionário com uma relação de 69 testes psicológicos com parecer favorável pelo Conselho Federal de Psicologia, no qual os participantes tiveram quatro possibilidades de resposta para cada teste psicológico listado, a saber: (a) conheci na graduação/pós-graduação; (b) já utilizei; (c) conheci por procura espontânea; (d) sei que existe, desejo conhecer. Os resultados indicaram que 90% dos testes psicológicos mais conhecidos foram aprendidos nos cursos de graduação/pós-graduação e 60% são os mais utilizados. Estes dados estão em concordância com pesquisas realizadas em relação à manutenção do uso de testes psicológicos comumente aprendidos durante a formação e confirmam a necessidadede investimento do psicólogo em sua atualização (NORONHA, 2002; NORONHA et al., 2002, 2003 e 2005).

This paper surveys the most known and used psychological tests in Umuarama-PR and its surrounding areas. 77 psychologists– male and female – took part in this study. The material consisted on a questionnaire with 69 psychological tests accredited by thePsychology Federal Council, in which the participants had four possibilities of answer for each psychological test: (a) I have known during graduation/post graduate; (b) I have already used; (c) I have known by myself; (d) I know it exists, and I would like to know it. The results indicate that 90% of the most known psychological tests were studied during graduation / post graduation, as well as 60% of the most used.These data agree with studies related to the prevalence of using the psychological tests often learned in graduation, and confi rm the needfor the psychologist to invest in its own update (NORONHA, 2002; NORONHA et al., 2002, 2003 e 2005).