Brazilian Population Research Articles

The national spatial governance and planning systems in the LAC region: The structure of Brazil, Bolivia, and Cuba

The Spatial Governance and Planning System (SGPS) analysis was born in European studies, has reached a certain stage of maturity in Europe and can be adopted by researchers in other continents. Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) countries currently represent an interesting field to experiment with this analytical approach for several reasons. One of them is the ascertainment that LAC national SGPSs are deeply influenced by the ongoing national democratization which started after the demise of conservative right-wing authoritarian regimes, somehow belonging to the postcolonial political stream and pushed by imperialist and neocolonial pressures. By its own nature, democratization as a whole is an extremely complex, articulated, and multidimensional process that deserves to be treated ad hoc. Within democratization, this work merely considers the institutionalization of spatial governance and planning activities and processes and so, the Structure of SGPSs. Supposedly, the formation and functioning of institutions are central in the process of consolidation of a democratic state which ensures rights and redistributes resources to citizens. To do this, based on the reconstruction of the overall SGPSs of three different countries included in the doctoral thesis of the author, this article presents the analysis of the so-called “Structure” of the Brazilian, Bolivian and Cuban SGPSs. Arguably, the set of Structures of the SGPSs of these countries is especially representative of the wide range of the LAC national cases. In fact, Brazil, Bolivia, and Cuba are iconic cases of distinguished spatial configurations. Brazil, which has experienced industrialization, tertiarization and metropolisation, has become an emergent economy characterized by structured democratic public institutions. Despite a range of well-known redistributive policies, however, Brazilian society remains extremely unequal and stratified. Bolivia has experimented with the promotion of plurinationalism in political and social terms, potentially improving the reciprocal integration of different ethnic groups and cultures. Nevertheless, a great developmental delay is shown by social and economic indicators, if compared to other LAC countries. Cuba, which has experimented with its own form of socialism for decades, is still a socialist republic with tragic problems of widespread poverty in a flattened society. To analytically present the Structure of the three selected national cases, four main scopes of investigation were adopted: (i) National spatial configuration, (ii) Postcolonial legacy in spatial governance and planning, (iii) Spatial governance and planning as redistributive practices, (iv) Metropolitan governance. The identification of these scopes represented the first result of the field research carried out in 2018–2019 in those countries. Assumably, those four scopes are sufficiently comprehensive to describe the Structure of SGPS of a LAC national system and they help systematize at least the main “Structural” factors – which are described one-by-one in this article – and characterize the LAC SGPSs. The article presents the four scopes for each country, according to a case-by-case logic. After that, it analyses the four scopes simultaneously comparing the three cases. Based on the analytical comparison of the main factors from the four scopes, the article discusses a range of issues that emerged, to problematize and operate convenient generalizations on the quality and characterization of the Structure of national SGPSs.

A implementação do art. 26-A da LDBEN: desafios e possibilidades para a atuação do tribunal de contas

Law No. 10,693/2003 established an important public policy by adding art. 26-A in the National Education Guidelines and Bases Law (LDBEN), mandating the teaching of Afro-Brazilian history and culture in primary and secondary education establishments. This is a reparatory and anti-racist policy, motivated by the erasure of the collective memory and culture of the black Brazilian population. However, the effective application of art. 26-A is still incipient, showing that this discussion needs to be deepened in external control institutions, especially after the inclusion of the topic in the performance measurement framework of the Courts of Accounts. This work intends to discuss the possibilities of action by the Court of Accounts to implement art. 26-A, considering the role of this institution in evaluating public policies to ensure fundamental rights, such as education.

The effectiveness of the Sirius School for high school teachers

The Sirius School for High School Teachers (ESPEM) is an in-service program for high school science teachers. It is held at the National Center for Research in Energy and Materials in Campinas, in partnership with the Brazilian Society of Physics. The program aims to enhance the skills of science teachers in high schools, facilitate the exchange of knowledge between teachers from all over Brazil, and produce updated teaching materials that promote Brazilian science and technology. To investigate how ESPEM contributes to the training of basic education teachers, and to assess the effectiveness of the program, we employed various data collection methodologies in a qualitative research study. Our objectives were: i) to identify the expectations of the participating teachers, ii) to evaluate the products generated during the program, and iii) to measure the achievement of the main goals of ESPEM. To achieve these objectives, we analyzed the letters of intent submitted by the selected participants before the program began. During the program, we conducted participant observation. After the program, we conducted semi-structured individual interviews, and a focus group, and distributed questionnaires to the participants.

Fetal Biometric Parameter Reference Charts of a Central Anatolian Turkish Population.

The assessment of fetal biometry using ultrasound provides accurate pregnancy dating and also screening of fetal growth. Fetal biometry, which is common practice in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, is fetal morphometry, which involves taking measurements of the different anatomical body parts. These fetal dimensions vary on ethnicity. The aim of this study is to demonstrate fetal biometric parameters measurement results of the Central Anatolia Turkish population with detailed percentile tables and graphs to screen fetal growth more accurately. This cross-sectional study was performed on a total of 1132 fetuses (47% girl, and 53% boy) between 15 and 40 weeks of gestation. Biparietal diameter (BPD), head circumference (HC), abdominal circumference (AC), and femur length (FL) measurements are performed in a standardized manner every gestational week. BPD and HC were measured at the level of the thalami on the horizontal plane of the fetal head. HC was measured using the ellipse method. AC measurement was taken at the circular cross-section of the upper fetal abdomen. FL was measured along with the ossified diaphysis of the femur. All measurements were taken in millimeters. Pregnant women's mean age was 27.58 (17-43), and the mean body mass index was 27.68 (15.06-50.78) as demographic data. 38.13% of women had their first, 29.74% had their second, and 32.13% had three or more gestations within our study. Percentile data of fetuses for each parameter (BPD, HC, AC, and FL) and for each week were shown as tables and percentile graphics. Fetal 50th percentile measurements were compared between our study and other studies from different countries. The Kruskal-Wallis test results showed that BPD (p = 0.827), HC (p = 0.808), AC (p = 0.846), and FL (p = 0.725) values have a statistically similar mean in all studies. Hierarchical cluster analysis results showed that our results for BPD, HC, AC, and FL percentile curves have been found closer to Italian population results. However, our results were statistically different from Asian, Nigerian, non-Hispanic American, and Brazilian populations for each of the different parameters. The specialization of fetal biometric charts for a particular population can ensure a more accurate assessment of fetal growth rate. We showed fetal biometric percentile tables and graphics of the Central Anatolian Turkish population in this study. These results may provide a valuable contribution to obstetrical practice.Further studies can be conducted in different regions of Turkiye, thus comparisons could be possible over the country.

Mid-term health sequelae in Brazilian people recovered from COVID-19 according to gravity

The aims were to identify the symptoms and comorbidities predictive for severe illness and analyse the mild-term health sequelae in Brazilian recovered from COVID-19. Eighty-four participants were divided into mild (n = 16), moderate (n = 51), severe (n = 9) or critical (n = 8) gravity. A standardized assessment included: anamnesis to identify the symptoms and comorbidities; and cardiorespiratory system, body composition, haematological and immunological indicators, and physical fitness to analyze the mild-term health sequelae. Participants with higher gravity presented fever, fatigue and dyspnoea. Diabetes (p = 0.003), hypertension (p < 0.001) and metabolic syndrome (p = 0.010) were the comorbidities significantly associated for severe or critical illness. People with critical gravity reported a significant higher waist/hip ratio and level of visceral fat compared with mild and moderate severity. Severe and critical participants reported worst results in agility and balance test compared with mild (p = 0.015; p = < 0.001, respectively) and moderate (p = 0.014; p = < 0.001, respectively) gravity. Fever, fatigue and dyspnoea; and diabetes, hypertension and metabolic syndrome were the symptoms and comorbidities associated with higher gravity. Mild-term, altered values of body composition, physical functioning, enhanced glucose, reticulocytes, and lymphocytes levels were reported.

Pediatric Asthma Therapy Assessment Questionnaire for the Brazilian population: Cross-cultural adaptation and measurement properties.

To cross-culturally adapt the Pediatric Asthma Therapy Assessment Questionnaire (ATAQ) into Brazilian Portuguese and analyze its measurement properties. This exploratory methodological study included eight experts and 30 caregivers in the translation and cross-cultural adaptation steps. Thereafter, 118 caregivers of pediatric patients with asthma aged between 5 and 17 years were involved in the analysis of measurement properties. We analyzed the content, structural (exploratory and confirmatory factorial), construct (convergent and discriminant), and known-groups validities; floor and ceiling effects; and determined the cut-off point (receiver operator characteristic curve) to identify pediatric patients with uncontrolled asthma. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) analyzed test-retest reliability with 54 caregivers, whereas Cronbach's α and composite reliability verified the internal consistency of the items. The committee of experts and caregivers found the instructions and response options relevant, understandable, and clear (K > 0.75). During the cross-cultural adaptation, three items (2, 4, and 12) were slightly modified by including terms to facilitate understanding. A two-factor structure (asthma control and patient-provider communication) was identified. Internal consistency (α > .67; composite reliability > 0.73) and test-retest reliability (ICC > 0.80) were acceptable. For construct and know-groups validities, 85.71% of the hypothesis were confirmed. A cut-off point of >3 for the control domain was considered adequate to identify pediatric patients with uncontrolled asthma (sensitivity: 86.21%; specificity: 80.90%). The Pediatric ATAQ was adequately adapted for Brazilian pediatric patients with asthma and produced valid and reliable measures for assessing asthma control. Therefore, it may be considered an adequate instrument for monitoring asthma control in the Brazilian pediatric population.

Health inequity assessment in Brazil: is EQ-5D-3L sensible enough to detect differences among distinct socioeconomic groups?

BackgroundMultidimensional health-related quality of life (HRQOL) instruments, such as the EQ-5D, are increasingly used to assess inequalities in health. However, it is necessary to explore the ability of these instruments to capture differences between population groups, especially in low/middle-income countries. This study aimed to investigate whether the EQ-5D-3L instrument can detect differences in HRQOL between groups of different socioeconomic status (SES) in Brazil.MethodsData collection occurred during the Brazilian EQ-5D-3L valuation study and included respondents aged 18 to 64 years enrolled in urban areas. SES was aggregated into three categories: “higher” (A and B), “intermediate” (C) and “lower” (D and E). EQ-5D-3L index was calculated considering the Brazilian value set. A mixed-effects regression model was estimated with random effects on individuals and marginal effects on SES, sex, and educational attainment. Odds ratios for the chance of reporting problems for each EQ-5D dimension were estimated by logistic regression.ResultsA total of 9,148 respondents were included in the study. Mean age was 37.80 ± 13.13 years, 47.4% were men and the majority was ranked as classes B or C (38.4% and 50.7%, respectively). Participants in lower SES classes reported increasingly poorer health compared to individuals in higher classes. The mean EQ-5D-3L index decreased as SES deteriorates being significantly higher for classes A and B (0.874 ± 0.14) compared to class C (0.842 ± 0.15) and classes D and E (0.804 ± 0.17) (p < 0.001). The same was observed for the mean EQ-VAS scores (84.0 ± 13.8 in classes A and B, 81.0 ± 17 in class C and 78.3 ± 18.7 in class C [p < 0.001]). The multivariate analysis confirmed that SES is an independent factor that effects EQ-5D-3L index measures. Participants in intermediate and lower SES classes have a statistically significant lower EQ-5D-3L index compared to participants in classes A and B, regardless of age, sex, and educational attainment.ConclusionIn a Brazilian population sample, the EQ-5D-3L instrument was able to detect important differences between groups with distinct socioeconomic statuses (SES). The EQ-5D-3L is useful for exploring inequities in health.

Aesthetic Perceptions Regarding a Thyroidectomy Scar and Transvestibular Approach in Brazil.

We investigated motivation levels across the general Brazilian population and subgroups and their willingness to spend for surgery without a cervical scar. This random-sample survey was performed by a specialized third-party research institute. In this study, we created a hypothetical thyroidectomy scenario, and the transcervical and transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach (TOETVA) were used. The survey included sociocultural data and questions regarding participants' surgical preferences. Data were obtained from 1250 participants; 42.4% were of the opinion that a cervical scar affects social or professional life. Young and childless women were most likely to be affected (p <0.001). All respondents accepted the transoral approach to avoid cervical scarring. However, 30.7% and 31.9% of respondents maintained their preference for TOETVA despite understanding the risks of a hypothetical increase in complications and unfavorable oncological outcomes and 98.6% were of the opinion that this approach was likely associated with greater postoperative pain. Only 16.2% were unwilling to spend for TOETVA. The variable that most affected patients' willingness to spend was a salary greater than 10 Brazilian minimum wages (odds ratio 9.797, 95% confidence interval, p <0.005). Upper class respondents were 10 times more likely to spend for TOETVA than lower class patients. This study highlights patients' interest in TOETVA. Cervical scar perception is affected by concerned about appearance, particularly in certain societal subgroups. Our study population showed significant motivation to undergo TOETVA, which was emphasized by their acceptance of the complication rate, poor postoperative outcomes, greater postoperative pain, and willingness to spend on surgery with an invisible scar. 4 Laryngoscope, 2024.

Exposure and power of TV food advertising during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil: a content analysis

BackgroundWith the COVID-19 pandemic and the restrictions imposed to contain the spread of SARS-CoV-2, the Brazilian population has increased the time spent at home and watching television (TV). Since food advertising exposure is a key driver of food choices, this study described the content of food advertisements (ads) on Brazilian TV during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsThis is an exploratory study. A total of 684 h of TV programming comprised of three free-to-air channels and two pay-per-view channels was recorded from 06 a.m. to 12 a.m. for eight non-consecutive days in June 2020. A content analysis of all the food-related ads was carried out. The data collection process followed INFORMAS Protocol for TV food advertising monitoring.ResultsThe sample was composed of 7,083 ads, 752 (10.6%) of which were food-related and 487 (6.9%) were promoting ultra-processed foods. The content analysis indicated seven thematic categories, all of them with reference to the COVID-19 pandemic: brand and product differentials (79.8%); visual and sound effects (70.2%); thematic campaigns (56.0%); digitization (22.9%); convenience (16.5%); economic benefits (11.9%); and commensality and social interaction (6.1%). Ads content varied according to the day of the week, the time of the day, the length of the ad, and the channel type.ConclusionsThe thematic of food advertising on Brazilian TV during the COVID-19 pandemic is aligned with the country’s health crisis context and varied during the programming.

High red meat consumption among PNPLA3 polymorphism carriers is associated with NAFLD in a multi-center cross-sectional study.

Patatin-like phospholipase domain-containing 3 gene (PNPLA3) polymorphism has been implicated in susceptibility to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), with evidence for potential interaction with nutrition. However, the combination of meat consumption with genetic polymorphism has not been tested. Therefore, this study aims to test the association between the joint presence of PNPLA3 rs738409 G-allele with high meat consumption and NAFLD in populations with diverse meat consumption. A cross-sectional study among Israeli screening and Brazilian primary healthcare populations. Food consumption was assessed by a food-frequency questionnaire. PNPLA3 polymorphism was defined as homozygous (GG) or heterozygous (GC). Inconclusive/probable NAFLD was defined as a fatty liver index (FLI) ≥ 30 and probable NAFLD as FLI ≥ 60. The sample included 511 subjects from the screening and primary healthcare populations (n = 213 and n = 298, respectively). Genetic polymorphism (homozygous GG or heterozygous GC) combined with high consumption of total meat, red and/or processed meat, unprocessed red meat, and processed meat was associated with the highest odds for inconclusive/probable NAFLD (OR = 2.75, 95%CI 1.27-5.97, p = 0.011; OR = 3.24, 1.43-7.34, p = 0.005; OR = 2.92, 1.32-6.47, p = 0.008; OR = 3.16, 1.46-6.83, p = 0.003, respectively), adjusting for age, gender, BMI, alcohol consumption, carbohydrate, and saturated fat intake. In addition, genetic polymorphism combined with high processed meat consumption was associated with the highest odds for probable NAFLD (OR = 2.40, 95%CI 1.04-5.56, p = 0.040). High red meat intake may confer a greater risk for NAFLD among PNPLA3 polymorphism carriers. Prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings and consider minimizing red and processed meat consumption among PNPLA3 polymorphism carriers.

Treatment of childhood obesity based on the reduction of ultra-processed foods plus energy restriction: A randomised controlled trial based on the Brazilian guidelines.

Reducing ultra-processed foods (UPF) improves diet quality and may curb energy consumption. This study aimed to compare an intervention based on the reduction of UPF, according to the Dietary Guideline for the Brazilian Population (DGBP), with and without advice on energy intake. A parallel and randomised controlled trial was carried out with children with obesity from 7 to 12 years old. Both control (CG) and intervention groups (IG) participated monthly in 6 standardised educational activities based on the 10 steps of the DGBP. An individualised food plan was also provided to the IG. The rate of change for body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, body weight, and UPF consumption were investigated based on mixed-effect models. At the end of the study, the BMI declined in the IG (Δ = -0.27 kg/m2) compared to the CG (Δ = + 0.53 kg/m2) (p = .0002). Both groups showed a decline in grams of UPF until the fourth month and a gradual increase in the following months. Combining the qualitative approach of the DGBP with counselling on energy restriction through the diet plan proved to be effective in reducing childhood obesity. Clinical Trial Registration: This trial is registered at the Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (REBEC), under the RBR-3st5sn registry, available at http://www.ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-3st5sn/. The datasets generated by the current study are not publicly available but are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

Genomic investigation on genes related to mercury metabolism in Amazonian indigenous populations

Studies have identified elevated levels of mercury in Amazonian Indigenous individuals, highlighting them as one of the most exposed to risks. In the unique context of the Brazilian Indigenous population, it is crucial to identify genetic variants with clinical significance to better understand vulnerability to mercury and its adverse effects. Currently, there is a lack of research on the broader genomic profile of Indigenous people, particularly those from the Amazon region, concerning mercury contamination. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the genomic profile related to the processes of mercury absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion in 64 Indigenous individuals from the Brazilian Amazon. We aimed to determine whether these individuals exhibit a higher susceptibility to mercury exposure. Our study identified three high-impact variants (GSTA1 rs1051775, GSTM1 rs1183423000, and rs1241704212), with the latter two showing a higher frequency in the study population compared to global populations. Additionally, we discovered seven new variants with modifier impact and a genomic profile different from the worldwide populations. These genetic variants may predispose the study population to more harmful mercury exposure compared to global populations. As the first study to analyze broader genomics of mercury metabolism pathways in Brazilian Amazonian Amerindians, we emphasize that our research aims to contribute to public policies by utilizing genomic investigation as a method to identify populations with a heightened susceptibility to mercury exposure.

Women's Performance in Conferences and Their Publications: A Critical Analysis

Abstract Introduction Gender inequality occurs in all spheres of society, which is no different in the medical field. Abstract presentations in congress are the vanguard of scientific knowledge, an integral part of topic discussion, and, ideally, culminate in the publication of these works as complete manuscripts. Objective The objective of this study is to evaluate the role played by women in the presentation of scientific works at the Brazilian Society of Coloproctology congress and in the works published from these presentations. Methods The bibliometric evaluation of the presented abstracts in the editions from 2015 to 2018 of the Brazilian Congress of Coloproctology was used, along with the works later published from these presentations. Gender identification data was extracted from the authors of the abstracts through their names and research for conference on the Lattes and Google Scholar platforms. The collected data was on the number of female participants and their order of authorship of abstracts and publications, evaluating possible changes when publication occurs. Results A total of 1,336 abstracts were analyzed, with 91.6% of female authors. When publication occurs, women's presence dropped to 75.2% and suffered a change of order in the position of authorship to one of lesser relevance in 38.1%. Conclusion Women's participation occurs in most abstracts. However, this proportion undergoes unfavorable changes when these works are published, either by changing the order of authorship, when women leave main positions and become coauthors, or are removed from the complete manuscript's publication.

Epidemiology of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Variant Emergence in the Southeast Brazilian Population.

The aim of this study was to describe epidemiological characteristics and perform SARS-CoV-2 genomic surveillance in the southeastern region of São Paulo State. During the first months of 2022, we compared weekly SARS-CoV-2 infection prevalence considering age, Ct value, and variants' lineages. An increase in the number of SARS-CoV-2-positive cases until the fourth epidemiological week of 2022 was observed. From the fourth epidemiological week onwards, the number of tests for SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis began to decrease, but the number of positive samples for SARS-CoV-2 remained high, reaching its most expressive level with a rate of 60% of infected individual cases. In this period, we observed a progressive increase in SARS-CoV-2 infection within the 0-10 age group throughout the epidemiological weeks, from 2.8% in the first epidemiological week to 9.2% in the eighth epidemiological week of 2022. We further observed significantly higher Ct values within younger patient samples compared to other older age groups. According to lineage assignment, SARS-CoV-2 (BA.1) was the most prevalent (74.5%) in the younger group, followed by BA.1.1 (23%), BA.2 (1.7%), and Delta (1%). Phylogenetic analysis showed that BA.2 sequences clustered together, indicating sustained transmission of this Omicron VOC sub-lineage by that time. Our results suggest the initial dissemination steps of the Omicron's sub-linage BA.2 into the younger group, due to specific genomic features of the detected sequences. These data provide interesting results related to the spread, emergence, and evolution of the Omicron variant in the southeast Brazilian population.

Custos vulnerabilis, fundamental rights and culture: reflections in light of Marc galanter´s critical ideas

This article attempts to investigate the public defender office’s intervention in Brazilian’s civil litigation as custos vulnerabilis. It will analyze whether this legal construction effectively has a redistributive impact on law and changes the status quo or would it be a symbolic commitment. It uses the argumentative dialectical approach method; the structuralism procedure method and the sociological interpretation method. As a research hypothesis, it considers that public defender office’s intervention as a “vulnerable’s guardian” is legitimated by the protection of vulnerable group’s fundamental rights. The objectives of this essay are: i) to analyze the public defender’s intervention as custos vulnerabilis; ii) to examine the civil litigation neutrality discourse and the limitations to law’s transformation by Marc Galanter; iii) associating law and culture, to investigate whether the referred intervention modality has the aptitude to promote social change, analyzing its theoretical basis of legitimation. The conclusions show that: i) the public defender office’s intervention as custos vulnerabilis is interpreted from art. 134 of Brazilian’s Constitution, to promote fundamental human rights; ii) the recognition of this interventional modality by jurisprudence reveals the Brazilian society’s cultural transformation and of process itself; iii) this interventional modality’s consolidation may contribute to a paradigm shift in Brazilian civil process, making it more inclusive and fairer.

Genetic diversity in hereditary axonal neuropathy: Analyzing 53 Brazilian children.

The genetic epidemiology of inherited neuropathies in children remains largely unknown. In this study, we specifically investigated the genetic profile of a Brazilian cohort of pediatric patients with pure or complex axonal neuropathies, a crucial knowledge in the near future for establishing treatment priorities and perspectives for this group of patients. Fifty-three pediatric patients who were assessed prior to reaching the age of 20, and who had clinical diagnoses of axonal hereditary neuropathy or presented with axonal neuropathy as the primary clinical feature, were included in the study. The recruitment of these cases took place from January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2020. The diagnosis was based on clinical and electrophysiological data. A molecular assessment was made using target-gene panel or whole-exome sequencing. Subsequently, segregation analysis was performed on available family members, and all candidate variants found were confirmed through Sanger. A molecular diagnosis was reached in 68% of the patients (n = 36/53), considering only pathogenic and probably pathogenic variants. Variants in MFN2 (n = 15) and GJB1 (n = 3) accounted for half of the genetically confirmed patients (50%; n = 18/36). The other 18 genetically diagnosed patients had variants in several less common genes. Apart from MFN2 and GJB1 genes, universally recognized as a frequent cause of axonal neuropathies in most studied population, our Brazilian cohort of children with axonal neuropathies showed an important genetic heterogeneity, probably reflecting the multi ethnicity of the Brazilian population. Diagnostic, counseling, and future interventions should consider this characteristic.

“Gonging the patterns and closing up with pajubá”, transformations, (des)construction of identity and common linguistic use of the pajubá dialect in brazil

This article aims to address the Pajubá dialect and the process that transformed its use into a linguistic variant in Brazilian daily life. With African roots, coming mainly from the Yoruba, the pajubá changed and shaped itself as the situation required, a characteristic that fosters the resistance and identity of a marginalized group, transvestites and, later, the LGBTQIAPN+ community. The methodology used in this research was through bibliographical research and is based on authors such as Antunes (2009), Bagno (2007) and (2019), Barroso (2018), Preti (2000) and (2019), Rodrigues (2023), Silva ( 2020) and (2022), among others. The aim is to highlight the historical trajectory of the various transformations that pajubá has undergone and to denote the stages that enabled the acquisition of expressions and lexical terms from the pajubá dialect by the Brazilian population, whether consciously or not of their linguistic-social origin. We also highlight the propagating impact that the media and the internet had in expanding pajubá beyond the small conversations held by social groups. Thus, the importance of approaching pajubá as a linguistic variant in Brazilian daily life is highlighted, recognizing the legitimization that a linguistic expression that emerged as a form of identity and resistance of a marginalized group, constituted by transvestites and later by the LGBTQIAPN+ community, and raised flight for the common use of the population.

Psychological distress among Brazilian workers during the initial stage of the COVID-19 pandemic: a descriptive study.

COVID-19 pandemic imposed drastic and abrupt changes to working environment and organization and that might have caused additional negative effects on mental health. Thus, this study aimed to quantify and assess the severity of psychological distress experienced by Brazilian essential and nonessential workers during the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic. This descriptive study included 2,903 participants who answered an online questionnaire between April and May 2020. The research questionnaire was translated and culturally adapted to the Brazilian population from a questionnaire developed and validated for the Spanish population. Variables were analyzed using simple and cumulative percentage distributions and measures of central tendency and dispersion. The Wilson score interval was used to calculate confidence interval (CI) for the main outcome, psychological distress. It was observed a high prevalence (72.6%) of psychological distress among the study's participants. They also presented a median risk perception score of 60 (out of a maximum of 90), and their greatest concern was transmitting the virus to family members, close contacts or patients. Furthermore, it was found a lower sense of coherence and work engagement among the participants than those observed in previous studies conducted in other countries. Almost three quarters of the study's participants were classified as presenting psychological distress. Thus, it is imperative to provide mental health remotely delivered interventions to workers during public health events that require prolonged social distancing measures.

A percepção dos idosos sobre a institucionalização de longa permanência

O envelhecimento da população brasileira é uma realidade que vem sendo percebida há algumas décadas e que tende a se tornar ainda maior com o passar dos anos. Quando o envelhecimento resulta em senilidade, muitas vezes os familiares precisam abrigar os idosos em Instituições de Longa Permanência (ILPIs), nas quais pode ocorrer a perda da singularidade dos indivíduos. Nesse contexto, é de grande importância que os enfermeiros conheçam a realidade do idoso, a partir do seu próprio ponto de vista. Objetivos: Compreender os sentimentos e percepções apresentados por idosos residentes em duas ILPIs do oeste do estado de São Paulo. Método: Pesquisa descritiva, exploratória, com abordagem qualitativa. Os sujeitos da pesquisa foram sete idosos residentes em duas ILPIs do oeste do estado de São Paulo. Os dados foram coletados por meio de entrevistas gravadas e transcritas, que posteriormente foram analisadas segundo a análise de conteúdo temática, levantando duas categorias temáticas: 1) Sentimentos relacionados à história pessoal e 2) Impressões sobre as relações na ILPI. Resultados: Os sentimentos identificados nos discursos foram especialmente perda, solidão, inutilidade e culpa. Em relação às ILPIs, emergiram sentimentos de satisfação e insatisfação. Considerações Finais: As percepções advindas da análise dos resultados podem promover reflexões nos profissionais e gestores das ILPIs. É importante também que as equipes de trabalho possam ser compostas por profissionais diversificados e capazes de atender as necessidades enfrentadas pelos idosos institucionalizados.

Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia in chronic neck pain patients (TSK-neck): structural and construct validity and reliability in a Brazilian population

BackgroundTo date, there are no studies in the literature that define the internal structure of the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK) in patients with chronic neck pain based on factorial analysis. As such, we aimed to verify and identify the best structure of the Brazilian version of the TSK in patients with chronic neck pain.MethodsWe included Brazilian participants aged ≥18 years, both sexes, with self-reported neck pain for more than 3 months and pain intensity ≥3 on the Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS). Dimensionality and number of TSK items were assessed using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). We tested the following internal structures: structure 1 (1 domain and 17 items), structure 2 (1 domain and 11 items), structure 3 (2 domains and 11 items), and structure 4 (2 domains and 9 items). We used the Pain-Related Catastrophizing Thoughts Scale (PCTS) and the NPRS for construct validity. In addition, we assessed test-retest reliability for the seven-day interval using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC2,1), Cronbach’s alpha to assess internal consistency, and ceiling and floor effects.ResultsThe study sample included of 335 patients. Most were women (77.6%), young adults (~ 34 years), single (48.4%), with complete primary education (57.3%), physically inactive (66.6%), with a mean pain duration of 46 months and a mean pain intensity of ~ 5 points on the NPRS. Redundancy was found in the following items: item 1 with item 2 (modification indices = 21.419) and item 13 with item 15 (modification indices = 13.641). Subsequently, based on these paired analyses, the items with the lowest factor loadings (items 2 and 15) were excluded. As such, TSK structure 4 was composed of two domains (“somatic focus” and “activity avoidance”) and 9 items, which showed adequate fit indices and lower AIC and SABIC values. We observed significant values (p < 0.05) with a correlation magnitude greater than 0.142 to 0.657 between the two domains of the TSK-neck and the other instruments (PCTS and NPRS). We found excellent reliability (ICC2,1 ≥ 0.96) and adequate internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha ≥0.98) of the TSK-neck. Finally, ceiling and floor effects were not observed.ConclusionThe TSK-neck structure with two domains (somatic focus and activity avoidance) and nine items is the most appropriate for patients with chronic neck pain.