The use of quantitative performance information by local elected politicians in top managers’ performance evaluation: case studies

This paper studies the use of results oriented performance information (outputs and outcomes) by local elected politicians (aldermen) in top managers’ performance evaluation. The main goal is to understand the top managers’ performance evaluation process conducted by Portuguese aldermen and to identify the dominant evaluation style. In line with Bogt (2001), an exploratory field research was developed in three large municipalities: Porto, Braga and Matosinhos. We intend to answer the following research questions: to what extent are local politicians (aldermen) 1 using results information (about outputs and outcomes) to evaluate top managers’ performance? Do aldermen give any importance to quantitative output information and report them on current planning and control documents? Will the output performance information be used on performance evaluation in a different way concerning policy field (task orientation)? Based on the Hopwood evaluation styles (adapted from the private to the public sector by Bogt, 2001), we have found that the performance evaluation process of top managers is more featured by the ‘operations-conscious styles’ (or ‘implicit style’). Portuguese aldermen recognize the importance to quantify outputs and outcomes, but these days they focus on the information about activities and the realized operations when they evaluate performance. We haven´t found significant differences between different tasks (some exceptions for culture and environment areas). However, the municipality of Matosinhos paid more attention on quantitative performance information. This finding is reinforced by the quality of quantitative data on outputs reported on its management report. Generally speaking, aldermen are aware that more attention should be paid to quantitative information about results and performance, taking into account recent reforms introduced in Portuguese municipalities (PLG) on this field, but the ‘implicit’ style is dominant.

Focusing illusion in satisfaction with life among college students living in Brazil

Literature shows that there are significant associations between health and happiness. Various countries are considering, contemplating or formally incorporating the happiness variable into their public health policies. Moreover, the private sector has shown interest in the topic. Based on that This article examines the biases in the perception of satisfaction with life among young adults in two Brazilian cities. The study explores the associations between aspects of life and perception of happiness because public policies associated with happiness require an improved understanding of the subjectivity of the sense of well-being. A survey conducted among 368 college students enabled analysis through Multivariate Analysis of Covariance (MANCOVA) and linear regression. The results suggest that, although there were no significant differences in general satisfaction with life between the two cities, there were indications of focusing illusion in the perception of happiness caused by expectations arising from the feeling of personal insecurity in a metropolis.

O ensino e aprendizagem do gráfico da função quadrática com e sem auxílio do Software Winplot

RESUMO: A utilização adequada das TIC no ensino da Matemática, nos dias de hoje é considerada por alguns como justificada e inevitável, esperando que a sua utilização melhore o ensino e a aprendizagem da Matemática. Nesta investigação, pretende-se testar o Software Winplot), no ensino e aprendizagem do gráfico da função quadrática com alunos do 10ºano, da Escola do segundo ciclo do Ensino Secundário nº9099, de modo a verificar se melhora o ensino e na aprendizagem desta temática.Para a nossa investigação Seleccionámos dois grupos de alunos do 10º ano que funcionaram como grupo de controlo e grupo experimental; depois de ambos os grupos terem realizado dois pré-testes, o grupo experimental realizou as aprendizagens no laboratório de informática com auxílio do Software Winplot, ao longo de 8 semanas, durante o 2º trimestre do ano lectivo de 2009/2010. O grupo de controlo realizou as aprendizagens, ao mesmo tempo que o grupo experimental, na sala normal de aulas sem auxílio do Software Winplot.Ao compararmos os dois grupos, o teste T de pares para amostras independentes, mostra-nos que estatisticamente não há diferenças significativas entre os dois grupos, porque os níveis de significância são maiores que p=0,05, desta feita podemos dizer que o grupo experimental, não obteve melhores resultados que o grupo de controlo, logo o Software Winplot não resultou o efeito desejado nas aprendizagens com alunos da 10ºano da Escola do segundo ciclo do ensino Secundário nº9099, sita no município de Viana (Luanda/Angola). ABSTRACT:The appropriate use of ICTs in teaching mathematics, today is considered by somo to be justified and inevitable, hoping that their use will improve the teaching and learning of mathematics.In this investigation, we intend to test the Software Winplot, teaching and learning of the graph of quadratic functions with students of grade 10, attending the second cycle of secondary School nº9099 in order to verify that improves teaching and learning of this subject.For our research selected two groups of students in 10th grade who acted as the controlo group and experimental group, after both group had undergone two pre-test, the experimental group performed the learning in the computer lab with the aid of Software Winplot, over 8 weeks during the second quarter of the academic year 2009/2010. Thr control gropu performed the learning, while the experimental group, in rregular class room without help of the Software Winplot.Comparing the two groups, the t test for independent samples pairs, shows us that there is no statistically significant differences between the two groups, because the significance levels are greater than p=0,05, this time we can say that experimental group, not yielded better results than the control group, so the Software did not result the desired effect on the learning with students from 10th grade of the School of the second cycle of Secondary nº9099, located in Viana (Luanda/Angola).

Criatividade e estilos parentais em crianças do 4º ano de escolaridade

RESUMO: A História demonstra que a criatividade tem sido uma constante da actividade humana constituindo-se como o motor da vida de qualquer comunidade (Urban, 1996). Diversas pesquisas em Psicologia demonstram a importância da interacção parental e dos estilos educativos utilizados pelos pais no desenvolvimento das crianças (Darling, 1999). Os estilos parentais exercem uma influência importante na expressão da criatividade das crianças, tendo as famílias um papel fundamental no desenvolvimento dessas capacidades criativas (Wu, 2008). Esta investigação pretende estudar a relação entre a criatividade e os estilos parentais em crianças do 4º ano de escolaridade, esperando-se que crianças submetidas a um estilo parental autoritário apresentem níveis inferiores de criatividade. A amostra é constituída por 236 alunos com idades compreendidas entre os 8-12 anos. Na avaliação da criatividade foi utilizado o TCT-DP (Test for Creative Thinking – Drawing Production) de Urban e Jellen (1986) e na avaliação dos estilos parentais foi aplicado o API (Índice de Parentalidade Autorizado) de C. Jackson, L. Henriksen e V. Foshee (1998), adaptado para a população portuguesa por M. Gaspar e M. Alarcão em 2003. Foi ainda aplicado o questionário sócio-demográfico. Verificou-se que não existem diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre os níveis de criatividade em função dos estilos parentais considerados, não confirmando a hipótese colocada. ABSTRACT: History shows that creativity has been a constant of human activity constituting itself as the engine of life of any community (Urban, 1996). Several studies in psychology show the importance of parental interaction and the educational practices used by parents on children's development (Darling, 1999). Parenting styles are considered to be an important influence on the expression of creativity of children, and the families have a fundamental role in the development of these creative abilities (Wu, 2008). This research aims to study the relationship between creativity and parenting styles in children of fourth grade, it is expected that children under an authoritarian parenting style have lower levels of creativity. The sample comprises 236 students aged between 8-12 years. In the assessment of creativity was used TCT-DP (Test for Creative Thinking - Drawing Production) by Urban and Jellen (1986) and in the assessment of parenting style was applied the API Index (Authoritative Parenting Index) of C. Jackson, L. Henriksen and V. Foshee (1998), adapted to portuguese sample by M. Gaspar and M. Alarcão in 2003. It was also applied the socio-demographic questionnaire. It wasn’t found any statistically significant differences between the levels of creativity considering the parenting styles studied, not confirming the hypothesis.

Emoções positivas e motivação na reabilitação biopsicossocial

RESUMO: O presente estudo tem como principal objectivo verificar o fluxo emocional e a motivação para a mudança num programa de reabilitação biopsicossocial de alcoolismo e toxicodependências, com a duração de quatro semanas. Para esse efeito, procedeu-se à recolha da amostra de 30 participantes dentro do programa, utilizando para avaliar o fluxo emocional os relatos de episódios emocionais, o Teste de Positividade (TP), a Analogical Emotional Scale (AES), o Subjective Well-being (SWB), o Controlo Percebido Subjectivo (CPS) em três momentos distintos do programa, pelo que para avaliar a motivação foi utilizada a escala SOCRATES 8D no inicio e no final do programa de reabilitação. A teoria argumenta a existência de um aumento na satisfação pessoal e nas emoções positivas durante o processo de mudança, ou seja, quando o processo terapêutico decorre de forma favorável. Os resultados confirmam a existência de uma evolução linear positiva no TP, como também no SWB e CPS. Contudo não foi totalmente confirmado um aumento positivo da motivação, pelo que os resultados apenas demonstraram diferenças significativas na subescala Ambivalência da escala SOCRATES 8D, verificando-se um decréscimo acentuado entre os dois momentos, o que se revela favorável para o processo de mudança desejado no programa. ABSTRACT: The main objective of this study is to verify the emotional flow and the motivation for change process in a bio-psychosocial rehabilitation program for alcoholism and drug addictions, with a duration of four weeks. To this end, we proceeded to collect the sample of 30 participants in the program, to evaluate the emotional flow we use the emotional reports, the Positivity Test (PT), the Analogical Emotional Scale (AES), the Subjective Well-Being (SWB), the Subjective Perceived Control (PSC) in three separate moments of the program, to assess the motivation scale was used the SOCRATES 8D scale at the beginning and in the end of the rehabilitation program. The theory argues that there is an increase in personal satisfaction and positive emotions during the change process, when the therapeutic process runs optimally. The results confirm the existence of a positive linear trend in the PT, in SWB and CPS. However it was not totally confirmed an positive increase in motivation, so the results only showed significant differences in ambivalence subscale of the SOCRATES 8D, and there is a sharp decrease between the two moments, which proves favorable for the desired process of change in the program.

A questão da verdade e o desenvolvimento de memórias falsas provenientes de processos associativos

RESUMO: O objectivo desta investigação foi analisar as diferenças relativas à produção de recordações falsas, de acordo com o paradigma de associados convergentes. Foram realizadas experiências, nas quais participaram crianças entre os 4 e os 5 anos e adultos. Como metodologia adoptámos a apresentação de dez listas de palavras associadas a uma palavra não incluída na lista (palavra crítica). A ordem das palavras de cada lista foi manipulada de forma a ser apresentada em sentido decrescente de força associativa (ordem standard) ou em sentido crescente (ordem invertida). A instrução fornecida antes da apresentação das listas foi também manipulada nas crianças de forma a incluir uma condição em que se pedia para as crianças repetirem os primeiros três itens de cada lista com o intuito de aumentar a recordação desses itens (instrução de primazia). A predição inicial foi de que este tipo de manipulação ao aumentar a recordação dos itens mais fortemente associados ao item crítico poderia também levar a um aumento das recordações falsas relativas ao item crítico. Os resultados mostraram que a instrução de primazia não teve efeito na produção de memórias falsas e que, nas crianças o uso de listas invertidas diminuiu o número evocações falsas, não tendo qualquer efeito nos adultos. Não foram encontradas diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre as crianças e os adultos relativamente à produção de memórias falsas. ABSTRACT: The purpose of this investigation was to analyze the differences in the production of false memories, according to the paradigm of converging associates. Experiments were carried out, which involved children between 4 and 5 and adults. The methodology adopted was the presentation of ten lists of words associated with a word not included in the list (critical word). The word order of each list was manipulated so as to be presented in descending order of associative strength (standard order) or an increasing trend (inverted order). The instruction given prior to the presentation of lists was also manipulated, in children, to include a condition in which it was asked children to repeat the first three items in each list in order to increase the recall of these items (primacy' instruction). The initial prediction was that this kind of manipulation witch increase the recall of the items most strongly associated with the critical item could also lead to an increase in false memories relative to the critical item. The results showed that the primacy instruction had no effect on production of false memories and that, in children the use of inverted lists reduced the number of false evocations and has no effect in adults. There were no statistically significant differences between children and adults for the production of false memories.

Estudo das diferenças de género nas cognições antecipatórias, estratégias de coping e depressão em adultos

RESUMO: A presente dissertação tem o objectivo de estudar a relação das diferenças de género nas cognições antecipatórias, estratégias de coping e depressão. Para o efeito, constituiu-se duas amostras, uma de indivíduos do género feminino (n=224) de 57,9% (com uma média de idades de 36,2 e um DP=10,5), e outra por indivíduos do género masculino (n=163), perfazendo uma percentagem de 42,1% (com uma média de idades de 41,1 e um DP=12,5). Foi elaborado um protocolo de investigação composto por: Questionário de dados sócio-demográficos, Questionário de Cognições Antecipatórias (QCA), de Figueira & Ramos, 1995, o Questionário de Modos de Lidar com os Acontecimentos (QMLA), de J. Pais Ribeiro, C. Santos, 2001 e o Inventário de Avaliação Clínica da Depressão (IACLIDE), de A, Vaz Serra, 1995. Os resultados demonstraram que não existem diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre géneros nas cognições antecipatórias (p=0,594). Em relação às estratégias de coping, os resultados foram estatisticamente significativos, com as mulheres a recorrerem mais à procura de suporte social (p=0,042) e à fuga-evitamento (p=0,006). O índice de depressão mostra, de forma estatisticamente significativa, que o género feminino apresenta valores mais elevados (p=0,038). A escala de depressão permitiu ainda verificar de forma estatisticamente significativa que as mulheres revelam mais dificuldades no desempenho das tarefas associadas a queixas biológicas e cognitivas (p=0,003), tal como nas dimensões biológica (p=0,002) e de desempenho da tarefa (p=0,007). A relação entre as três variáveis, permite concluir que o índice global da escala de depressão está relacionado positivamente com as Cognições Antecipatórias (p=,000), e nas estratégias de coping, as dimensões fuga-evitamento (p=,002), resolução planeada do problema (p=,000) e a reavaliação positiva (p=,034) também estão relacionadas com esta escala da depressão de forma estatisticamente significativa. ABSTRACT: This dissertation aims to study the relationship of gender differences in anticipatory cognitions, coping strategies and depression. For this purpose, it was constituted two samples, one for female gender (n = 224) 57.9% (with a mean age of 36.2 and a SD=10.5), and other of male gender (n = 163), giving a percentage of 42.1% (with an average age of 41.1 and a SD=12.5). It was prepared a research protocol composed of data questionnaire included social-demographic, Anticipatory Cognitions Questionnaire (QCA), Figueira & Ramos, 1995, the Ways of Coping Questionnaire (WCQ), J. Pais Ribeiro, C. Santos, 2001, and the Inventory and Evaluation of Clinical Depression (IACLIDE) A, Vaz Serra, 1995. The results have shown no statistically significant differences between genders in anticipatory cognitions (p= 0.594). In the coping strategies, the results were statistically significant, with women looking to take more advantage of social support (p= 0.042) and escape-avoidance (p= 0.006). The rate of depression shows a statistically significant with females having higher values (p=0.038). The depression scale allowed us to verify statistically significant that women shows more difficulty in performing tasks associated with biological and cognitive complaints (p=0,003), as in the biological (p=0,002) and task performance (p=0,007). The relationship between the three variables, shows that the overall rate of depression scale is positively related to the Anticipatory Cognitions (p =, 000), and strategies for coping, escape-avoidance dimensions (p =, 002), resolution of the planned problem (p =, 000) and positive reappraisal (p =, 034) are also related to the scale of depression and were also statistically significant.

Maus tratos na infância e relação com a memória, a afectidade negativa e positiva

RESUMO: A presente investigação tem por objectivo estudar a relação entre os maus tratos na infância, a memória, e a afectividade negativa e positiva, em jovens residentes (N=55) em diversos LIJ e RA de duas Instituições da Grande Lisboa, comparando-os com um grupo de controlo (N= 39), de duas Escolas, uma Básica e outra Secundária, também da Grande Lisboa. Foram recolhidas respostas de 47 rapazes e 47 raparigas entre os 12 e os 16 anos, com uma média etária de 14.47 (DP= 1.37). As medidas utilizadas foram a Figura Complexa de Rey, para avaliação da Memória e o PANAS C, para a Afectividade Negativa e Positiva. A análise dos dados permitiu concluir que existem diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre os dois grupos para as dimensões em estudo, tendo piores resultados os jovens que sofreram maus tratos na infância o que corrobora a literatura sobre os danos causados por aqueles, a nível do sistema límbico, sede da afectividade e da memória. ABSTRACT: The present investigation aims at studying the relation between maltreatment in childhood, memory, negative and positive affectivity in youngsters (N=55) living in several Childhood and Youth Homes, as well as in Host Residences of two Institutions located in Greater Lisbon, in comparison to a control group (N=39) of two Schools, an Elementary School and a High School, also located in Greater Lisbon. Answers have been collected from 47 boys and 47 girls, between 12 and 16 years old, with an average range of 14.47 years old (SD= 1.37). The measures used were the Rey Complex Figure, for Memory assessment and PANAS C, for Positive and Negative Affectivity. The data analysis has enabled to conclude that there are statistically significant differences between these two groups for the dimensions in study, having worst results the youngsters that have suffered from maltreatment, confirming the reading about damages caused by it, at limbic system level, the seat of affectivity and memory.

Psicologia das motivações ajurídicas do sentenciar : o lado invisivel da decisão

RESUMO: A presente investigação erige como objective inicial predizer as potencialidades/qualidades avaliativas da Grelha de Observação (Louro, 2005), realçando os diferentes comportamentos, a nível verbal e não-verbal, presentes em tribunal, relativamente aos arguidos, vítimas, testemunhas e juízes, num conjunto 34 julgamentos presenciados, no tribunal da Boa-Hora, 4ª Vara Criminal. Nesta medida, foram preenchidas 249 grelhas em contexto judicial, 190 do sexo feminino e 59 do sexo masculino, das quais, 43 grelhas referiam-se a arguidos dispostos 34 julgamentos, devido ao facto de haver julgamentos com mais do que um arguido; 14 a vítimas, dado a maior parte dos julgamentos a vítima fazer-se representar pelo Ministério Público; 108 a testemunhas e 73 grelhas aplicadas a 4 juízes presidentes de cada colectivo. Verificaram-se diferenças estatisticamente significativas no que toca aos comportamentos verbal e não verbal apresentados pelas personagens judiciais. Os resultados foram apoiados e discutidos com base na literatura revista. ABSTRACT: The present investigation aims at predicting the evaluative potential/quality of the Grelha de Observação (Louro, 2005), highlighting the different behaviors (verbal and non-verbal) displayed in a court of law, regarding the arguidos, victims, witnesses and judges, in a set of 34 observed trials at the court of Boa-Hora, “4rd” Vara Criminal. Therefore, 249 grills were filled in judicial contxt, 190 females and 59 males, from which, 43 grills were arguidos from the 34 trials (in some trials, there were more than one arguido); 14 regarding victims, since most trials she is represented by the public prosecution service; 108 witnesses and 73 grills were applied to 4 judges presidents from each collective jury. Statistically significant differences were found for the comparison between judicial characters for verbal and non-verbal behavior. The results were supported and discussed from the revised literature.

Assessment and prediction of asthma and its severity in the pediatric community

Seventy four asthmatic children aged 7 to 11 years were examined along with controls matched by age and sex. Clinical and laboratory investigations preceded a 28-day follow-up where data about morning and evening peak expiratory flow rate (PEF), symptoms and treatment were recorded. The coefficient of variation of PEF was found to be an objective measurement of asthma severity that has statistically significant correlation with both symptoms (r s= .36) and treatment (r s= .60). Moreover, it separates mild and severe asthmatics, as confirmed by statistically significant differences (p= .008 or less) in symptoms, treatment, skin allergy and airways response to exercise. Skin allergy and airways responsiveness to exercise were found to be predictors of both disease and severity. By means of logistic regression analysis it was possible to establish the probabilities for both asthma and severe asthma when children presenting and not presenting these characteristics are compared. One single positive skin test represent a probability of 88% for the development of asthma and a probability of 70% for severe disease. A PEF reduction of 10% after an exercise test implies a probability of 73% for disease and a probability of 64% for severe disease. Increases in these variables imply geometrically increased risks and their presence together have a multiplicative effect in the final risk.

Physiological age in Lutzomyia youngi (Diptera: Psychodidae) populations from an endemic area for cutaneous leishmaniasis, Venezuela

Batches of sylvatic females of Lutzomyia youngi (Phlebotominae) captured in a Shannon trap on twelve occasions over one year in a locality where subcutaneous leishmaniasis is endemic, near the city of Trujillo, Venezuela, were used to study: 1) the percentages of parous females according to previously established criteria and 2) the average number of eggs laid spontaneously by isolated females during 7 days after feeding on hamsters. The data on the batches of females captured on nights previous to the rainy period (prepluvial) were compared with those on females captured after the rains (postpluvial) . Significant differences were detected by variation analysis for two variables and different number of N, as also were consistent groupings by Duncan's Test for pre-and postpluvial lots of females. The females captured on nights prior to the rainy periods (January-March and August-September) presented higher rates of nulliparity (86-72%) and contained or laid a greater number of eggs (71-67) than those captured after the rains (March-June and November-December) which presented lower rates of nulliparity (60-24%) and a smaller number of eggs (50-30). The rainfall peaks occurred in April and September-October, respectively. It is considered that these differences can be used by epidemiological studies as a means of estimating the physiological age of female populations of L. youngy.

Smoking, consumption of alcohol and sedentary life style in population grouping and their relationships with lipemic disorders

The study, part of the project "Atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases, lipemic disorders, hypertension, obesity and diabetis mellitus in a population of the metropolitan area of the southeastern region of Brazil", had the following objectives: a) the characterization and distribution among typical human socio-economic groupings, of the prevalence of some particular habits which constitute aspects of life-style-the use of tobacco, the use of alcohol and sedentary activity; b) the establishment of the interrelation between the above-mentioned habits and some lipemic disorders. The prevalence of the habits cited behaved in the following manner: the use of tobacco predominated among men, distributed uniformly throughout the social strata; among the women the average percentage of smokers was 18,9%, a significant difference occurring among the highest socio-economic class, where the average was of 40.2%. The sedentary style of life presented high prevalence, among both men and women with exception of the women of the highest socio-economic level and of the skilled working class. The use of alcohol, as one would expect, is a habit basically practised by the men, without any statistically significant differences between classes. For the purpose of establishing associations between these risk fictors and lipemic conditions four situations were chosen, of the following characteristics: 1- total cholesterol > or = 220 mg/dl and triglycerides > or = 150 mg/dl; 2- HDL cholesterol <35 mg/dl for men and <45 mg/dl for women and triglycerides levels > or = 150 mg/dl; 3- HDL cholesterol <35 mg/dl for men and <45 mg/dl for women and triglycerides levels <150 mg/dl; 4- total cholesterol 220 mg/dl with triglycerides levels <150 mg/dl. Six models of multiple (backward) regression were established, with seven independent variables- age, sex, use of tobacco, consumption of alcohol, light physical activity, hypertension and obesity. Significant associations (P<0,05) were revealed with hypercholesterolemia, accompanied by triglyceride levels > or = 150 mg/dl, and the following independent variables: age, use of tobacco and the interactions between obesity and smoking, age and sedentary lifestyle, sex and obesity (R2=22%); the standardized B coefficient showed that the variables with the greatest weight in the forecasting of the variation in the levels of cholesterol were smoking and the interaction between obesity and smoking. The hypercholesterolemia accompanied by triglycerides levels <150 mg/dl showed a positive association between total cholesterol and sex and the interactions obesity/smoking and sex/obesity. As regards HDL cholesterol accompanied by triglyceride/ levels > or = 150 mg/dl was inversely associated with obesity and the interaction smoking/ age and directly with age (R=31%). The standardized B coeffients, indicated that the variables obesity and the interactions smoking/age possessed a weight three times greater than age alone in accounting for the variation in the serum levels of HDL cholesterol. When accompanied by triglycerides <150 mg/dl there was no association between and the independent variables and the set of them presented R equal to 22%. The sum of top, in the population stutied in this project, the component habits of life-style (smoking, alcohol consumption and sedentary activity) which constitute risk factors which determine morbidity from atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases are be found distributed through all the typical social groupings of this particular form of social organization. On the other hand, the seven independent variables used in the multiple regression models for the explanation of the lipemic conditions considered presented multiple determination coefficients which varied, approximately, between 20% and 30%. Thus it is important that in the genetic epidemiology the study of the morbidities in question be emphasized.

Propriedades psicométricas da versão portuguesa do Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire na miocardiopatia dilatada com insuficiência cardíaca congestiva

Vários estudos demonstraram que os doentes com insuficiência cardíaca congestiva (ICC) têm um compromisso da qualidade de vida relacionada com a saúde (QVRS), tendo esta, nos últimos anos, vindo a tornar-se um endpoint primário quando se analisa o impacto do tratamento de situações crónicas como a ICC. Objectivos: Avaliar as propriedades psicométricas da versão portuguesa de um novo instrumento específico para medir a QVRS na ICC em doentes hospitalizados: o Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ). População e Métodos: O KCCQ foi aplicado a uma amostra consecutiva de 193 doentes internados por ICC. Destes, 105 repetiram esta avaliação 3 meses após admissão hospitalar, não havendo eventos ocorridos durante este período de tempo. A idade era 64,4± 12,4 anos (entre 21 e 88), com 72,5% a pertencer ao sexo masculino, sendo a ICC de etiologia isquémica em 42%. Resultados: Esta versão do KCCQ foi sujeita a validação estatística semelhante à americana com a avaliação da fidelidade e validade. A fidelidade foi avaliada pela consistência interna dos domínios e dos somatórios, apresentando valores Alpha de Cronbach idênticos nos vários domínios e somatórios ( =0,50 a =0,94). A validade foi analisada pela convergência, pela sensibilidade às diferenças entre grupos e pela sensibilidade à alteração da condição clínica. Avaliou-se a validade convergente de todos os domínios relacionados com funcionalidade, pela relação verificada entre estes e uma medida de funcionalidade, a classificação da New York Heart Association (NYHA), tendo-se verificado correlações significativas (p<0,01), como medida para avaliar a funcionalidade em doentes com ICC. Efectuou-se uma análise de variância entre o domínio limitação física, os somatórios e as classes da NYHA, tendo-se encontrado diferenças estatisticamente significativas (F=23,4; F=36,4; F=37,4; p=0,0001), na capacidade de descriminação da gravidade da condição clínica. Foi realizada uma segunda avaliação em 105 doentes na consulta do 3º mês após a intervenção clínica, tendo-se observado alterações significativas nas médias dos domínios avaliados entre o internamento e a consulta (diferenças de 14,9 a 30,6 numa escala de 0-100), indicando que os domínios avaliados são sensíveis à mudança da condição clínica. A correlação interdimensões da qualidade de vida que compõe este instrumento é moderada, sugerindo dimensões independentes, apoiando a sua estrutura multifactorial e a adequabilidade desta medida para a sua avaliação. Conclusão: O KCCQ é um instrumento válido, sensível à mudança e específico para medir a QVRS numa população portuguesa com miocardiopatia dilatada e ICC. ABSTRACT - Several studies have shown that patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) have a compromised health-related quality of life (HRQL), and this, in recent years, has become a primary endpoint when considering the impact of treatment of chronic conditions such as CHF. Objectives: To evaluate the psychometric properties of the Portuguese version of a new specific instrument to measure HRQL in patients hospitalized for CHF: the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ). Methods: The KCCQ was applied to a sample of 193 consecutive patients hospitalized for CHF. Of these, 105 repeated the assessment 3 months after admission, with no events during this period. Mean age was 64.4±12.4 years (21-88), and 72.5% were 72.5% male. CHF was of ischemic etiology in 42% of cases. Results: This version of the KCCQ was subjected to statistical validation, with assessment of reliability and validity, similar to the American version. Reliability was assessed by the internal consistency of the domains and summary scores, which showed similar values of Cronbach alpha (0.50-0.94). Validity was assessed by convergence, sensitivity to differences between groups and sensitivity to changes in clinical condition. We evaluated the convergent validity of all domains related to functionality, through the relationship between them and a measure of functionality, the New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification. Significant correlations were found (p<0.01) for this measure of functionality in patients with CHF. Analysis of variance between the physical limitation domain, the summary scores and NYHA class was performed and statistically significant differences were found (F=23.4; F=36.4; F=37.4, p=0.0001) in the ability to discriminate severity of clinical condition. A second evaluation was performed on 105 patients at the 3-month follow-up outpatient appointment, and significant changes were observed in the mean scores of the domains assessed between hospital admission and the clinic appointment (differences from 14.9 to 30.6 on a scale of 0-100), indicating that the domains assessed are sensitive to changes in clinical condition. The correlation between dimensions of quality of life in the KCCQ is moderate, suggesting that the dimensions are independent, supporting the multifactorial nature of HRQL and the suitability of this measure for its evaluation. Conclusion: The KCCQ is a valid instrument, sensitive to change and a specific measure of HRQL in a population with dilated cardiomyopathy and CHF.

Effects of physical exercise training in DNA damage and repair - could the difference be in hOGG1 Ser326Cys polymorphism?

Acute physical exercise is associated with increased oxygen consumption, which could result in an increased formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS can react with several organic structures, namely DNA, causing strand breaks and a variety of modified bases in DNA. Physical exercise training seems to decrease the incidence of oxidative stress-associated diseases, and is considered as a key component of a healthy lifestyle. This is a result of exercise-induced adaptation, which has been associated with the possible increase in antioxidant activity and in oxidative damage repair enzymes, leading to an improved physiological function and enhanced resistance to oxidative stress (Radak et al. 2008). Human 8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase 1 (hOGG1) is involved in the base excision repair (BER) pathway and encodes an enzyme responsible for removing the most common product of oxidative damage in DNA, 8-hydroxyguanine (8-OH-G). The genetic polymorphism of hOGG1 at codon 326 results in a serine (Ser) to cysteine (Cys) amino acid substitution (Ser326Cys). It has been suggested that the carriers of at least one hOGG1Cys variant allele exhibit lower 8-OH-G excision activity than the wild-type (Wilson et al. 2011). The aim of this study was to investigate the possible influence of hOGG1 Ser326Cys polymorphism on DNA damage and repair activity in response to 16 weeks of combined physical exercise training, in thirty healthy Caucasian men. Comet assay was carried out using peripheral blood lymphocytes and enabled the evaluation of DNA damage, both strand breaks and FPG-sensitive sites, and DNA repair activity. Genotypes were determined by PCR-RFLP analysis. The subjects with Ser/Ser genotype were considered as wild-type group (n=20), Ser/Cys and Cys/Cys genotype were analyzed together as mutant group (n=10). Regarding differences between pre and post-training in the wild-type group, the results showed a significant decrease in DNA strand breaks (DNA SBs) (p=0.002) and also in FPG-sensitive sites (p=0.017). No significant differences were observed in weight (p=0.389) and in lipid peroxidation (MDA) (p=0.102). A significant increase in total antioxidant capacity (evaluated by ABTS) was observed (p=0.010). Regarding mutant group, the results showed a significant decrease in DNA SBs (p=0.008) and in weight (p=0.028). No significant differences were observed in FPG-sensitive sites (p=0.916), in ABTS (p=0.074) and in MDA (p=0.086). No significant changes in DNA repair activity were observed in both genotype groups. This preliminary study suggests the possibility of different responses in DNA damage to physical exercise training, considering the hOGG1 Ser326Cys polymorphism.

Influence of HIV positive status on sexual behavior among males

OBJECTIVE: To compare HIV seronegative (HIV-) and HIV seropositive (HIV+) males in terms of sexual behavior with female and male partners of different types. METHOD: Cross-sectional study. From August 1994 to February 1995, a sample of 236 respondents (150 HIV- and 86 HIV+) recruited from public health centers in the State of S. Paulo (Brazil), answered a questionnaire, including questions on demographic aspects, HIV and AIDS related knowledge, sexual orientation, use of alcohol and other drugs, sexual behavior with regular and casual female and male partners, and perceived risk of HIV infection. Sexual behavior with regular and casual female and male partners within the previous three months, was investigated. RESULTS: A lower proportion of HIV+ engaged in sexual contact with regular female partners (p < .01) and in vaginal intercourse with this type of partner (p < .01). A lower proportion of HIV+ engaged in overall sexual activity (p < .001) and reported lower frequency of penetrative sexual practices (p < .05). A high level of condom use with female and male partners was identified with no significant differences being found between the two serostatus groups. Some risky sexual behavior was identified, however, especially with regular partners, suggesting that some men were continuing to practice unsafe sex. CONCLUSIONS: The high level of condom use identified suggests that safer sex advice has been taken up. Condom use was not universal, however, and some men continue to place themselves at risk, especially with regular partners. Prevention programs should strive not only to encourage HIV- to practice safer sex, but also to encourage HIV+ to do so in order to prevent further transmission of the virus.