ABSTRACT Muscle weakness has been associated to insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome in the general population. However, it is still unclear whether this association is maintained in older adults. This study investigated correlations between low handgrip strength (HGS) and metabolic syndrome, or some of its components, in older adults through a systematic review of the literature. Searches were conducted in the Virtual Health Library Regional Portal, Scopus, Cochrane, Embase, MEDLINE/PubMed, SciELO, and Web of Science databases for relevant studies investigating muscle weakness (measured by hand dynamometer) and metabolic syndrome or its components in older adult populations, published up to September 2023. From the 2050 references initially identified, 20 studies, comprising a total of 31,264 older adults of both genders, completely met the inclusion/exclusion criteria. Eighteen studies showed that lower HGS was associated with metabolic syndrome or some of its risk factors, such as abdominal obesity, hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, or high blood pressure. Two studies found that older men with high blood pressure had increased HGS. Most studies included in this systematic review revealed a significant correlation between reduced HGS and metabolic syndrome or some of its components, especially abdominal obesity and insulin resistance. We conclude that below-average HGS can be associated with metabolic syndrome in older adults. population However (HGS literature Portal Scopus Cochrane Embase MEDLINEPubMed MEDLINE PubMed MEDLINE/PubMed SciELO measured dynamometer populations 2023 205 identified 2 31264 31 264 31,26 genders inclusionexclusion inclusion exclusion criteria factors hyperglycemia dyslipidemia belowaverage below average 202 3126 3 26 31,2 312 31,

Abstract Background: Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), a gut microbiota metabolite, is associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) development. TMAO can trigger an inflammatory response by inducing the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling cascade and increasing the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, contributing to the worsening of CVD. This study aimed to evaluate the association between TMAO plasma levels and inflammation in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out including 29 patients with CAD. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were isolated from fasting blood samples, and NF-κB and vascular cell adhesion protein 1 (VCAM1) mRNA expression were estimated using real-time quantitative PCR. We determined TMAO plasma levels by LC-MS/MS and TNF-α by ELISA. Routine biochemical parameters were evaluated using an automatic biochemical analyzer. Correlations were estimated by Spearman or Pearson test. Statistical significance was set at the level of p < 0.05. Results: All patients presented TMAO levels within the normal range according to EUTox (normal range: 2.83 ± 1.53 mg/L; CAD patients: 0.2 [0.1 to 0.2] ng/μL). TMAO plasma levels were positively correlated with NF-κB mRNA expression (0.555; p = 0.002). Conclusion: TMAO plasma levels may be associated with NF-κB mRNA expression in patients with CAD and may contribute to the pathogenesis of this disease. Background Noxide N oxide TMAO, , (TMAO) metabolite CVD (CVD development factorkappa factor kappa NFκB NF κB (NF-κB proinflammatory pro cytokines . (CAD) Methods crosssectional cross sectional 2 PBMC (PBMC samples VCAM1 VCAM (VCAM1 realtime real time PCR LCMS/MS LCMSMS LC MS/MS MS TNFα TNF α ELISA analyzer test 005 0 05 0.05 Results 283 83 2.8 153 53 1.5 mg/L mgL mg L 02 0. 0.1 01 [0. ng/μL. ngμL ng/μL ng μL ng/μL) 0.555 0555 555 (0.555 0.002. 0002 0.002 002 0.002) Conclusion (TMAO (CAD (VCAM LCMS MSMS 00 0.0 28 8 2. 15 5 1. [0 0.55 055 55 (0.55 000 0.00 [ 0.5 (0.5 (0. (0 (

RESUMO Introdução: Discutimos a percepção difundida sobre o poder local e as Câmaras Municipais no Brasil. Destacamos a visão ambígua sobre os municípios: ora vistos como espaços de inovação democrática e participação popular, ora como arenas de reprodução de práticas políticas tradicionais. Também abordamos a visão negativa sobre os vereadores, frequentemente considerados fracos, improdutivos e subordinados ao Executivo. Materiais e métodos: Baseando-nos em debates da Ciência Política sobre democracia e representação política, e em uma revisão dos estudos sobre poder local e Câmaras Municipais no Brasil nas últimas três décadas, mostramos a complexidade dessas instituições e do comportamento legislativo. Resultados: Os estudos disponíveis apresentam um quadro multifacetado da representação política e do processo de governo municipal. Destacam o papel dos vereadores na fiscalização do Executivo, a importância das indicações políticas e o papel das Câmaras Municipais na regulamentação de políticas sociais. Discussão: Argumentamos que a percepção das Câmaras e dos vereadores se baseia em uma concepção normativa da representação, pouco alinhada à dinâmica política local. Identificamos os principais obstáculos nos estudos sobre poder local e sugerimos maior articulação entre universidades, governo, ONGs e setor privado e maior fomento à pesquisa sobre poder local através de editais específicos. Introdução municípios popular tradicionais fracos Executivo métodos Baseandonos Baseando décadas legislativo Resultados municipal sociais Discussão universidades específicos

ABSTRACT Introduction: This study examines the prevalent perceptions about local power and City Councils in Brazil. We highlight the contradictory views on municipalities, which are sometimes perceived as arenas for democratic innovation and popular participation, and at other times as bastions of traditional political practices. Additionally, the paper explores the negative perceptions of city councilors, who are often seen as weak, unproductive, and subordinate to the Executive branch. Materials and methods: This study draws on political science debates about democracy and political representation, alongside a comprehensive literature review of studies on local power and City Councils in Brazil from the past three decades. Through this approach, we explore the complexity of these institutions and their legislative behaviors. Results: The studies reviewed present a multifaceted picture of political representation and municipal governance, highlighting the role of city councilors in overseeing the Executive, the significance of political appointments, and the role of City Councils in regulating social policies. Discussion: We argue that perceptions about City Councils and councilors are often rooted in a normative understanding of representation, which often fails to reflect the nuances of local politics. We pinpoint several key challenges inherent in the study of local power, and suggest greater collaboration among universities, government entities, NGOs, and the private sector. Furthermore, we advocate for increased funding dedicated to research on local power dynamics through targeted grants Introduction municipalities participation practices Additionally weak unproductive branch methods decades approach behaviors Results governance appointments policies Discussion politics universities entities NGOs sector Furthermore

Este trabajo analiza, desde la perspectiva de las propiedades deseables de las curvas de interés, la adecuación a la realidad brasileña de las Estructuras de Plazos de Tasas de Interés (ETTJ) fijadas por Susep con el fin de evaluar los pasivos actuariales y determinar el requerimiento de capital adicional basado en el riesgo de mercado. Para analizar la adherencia de las curvas a los datos observados, se calcularon los errores de estimación, sus estadísticas descriptivas y la media de los errores cuadrados medios. Para analizar la volatilidad de las tasas estimadas, se definieron los términos de interés y se determinó la desviación estándar para cada término durante el período de análisis. Los resultados encontrados indican que las curvas fijas tienen, en general, una adherencia satisfactoria a los puntos observados en el mercado. Sin embargo, existe evidencia de que las tasas a largo plazo estimadas por las curvas construidas por Susep tienen mayor volatilidad que las tasas a largo plazo observadas, lo cual se configura como un tema práctico relevante. Finalmente, las curvas prefijadas y cupones de IPCA de Susep se compararon con las de Anbima y estas últimas demostraran ser más efectivas, justificando la decisión de Susep de extinguir la generación algunas de sus curvas. analiza ETTJ (ETTJ mercado estimación medios análisis general embargo observadas relevante Finalmente efectivas

This paper analyzes, from the perspective of the desirable properties of interest rate curves, the adequacy of the Term Structures of Interest Rates established by Susep for the purpose of actuarial liabilities evaluation and measurement of the additional capital requirement based on market risk. In order to analyze the fit of the curves in relation to the observed data, estimation errors, their descriptive statistics and the mean of the mean squared errors were calculated. To analyze estimated rates volatility, maturities of interest were defined and the standard deviation was calculated for each one over the period of analysis. The results indicate that, in general, the established curves present satisfactory fit to the points observed in the market. However, there is evidence that the long-term rates estimated by Susep’s curves present higher volatility than those for observed long-term rates, which shall be a relevant issue for practical matters. Lastly, Susep’s prefixed and IPCA coupon curves were compared to Anbima’s and the latter seem to be more effective, which justifies Susep’s decision on abort generating some of its curves. analyzes risk data analysis general However longterm long term Suseps s matters Lastly Anbimas Anbima effective

Resumo Este trabalho analisa, sob a ótica das propriedades desejáveis das curvas de juros, a adequação à realidade brasileira das Estruturas a Termo das Taxas de Juros fixadas pela Susep para fins de avaliação dos passivos atuariais e de determinação do requerimento de capital adicional baseado no risco de mercado. Com o intuito de analisar a aderência das curvas aos dados observados, foram calculados os erros de estimação, suas estatísticas descritivas e a média dos erros quadráticos médios. Para analisar a volatilidade das taxas estimadas, definiram-se prazos de interesse e apurou-se, para cada prazo, o desvio-padrão ao longo do período de análise. Os resultados encontrados indicam que as curvas fixadas apresentam, em geral, aderência satisfatória aos pontos observados no mercado. Não obstante, há evidências de que as taxas de longo prazo estimadas pelas curvas construídas pela Susep possuem volatilidade mais elevada do que a verificada para as taxas de longo prazo observadas, o que se configura uma questão relevante de ordem prática. Por fim, as curvas prefixada e cupom de IPCA da Susep foram comparadas às da Anbima e estas últimas se mostraram mais eficazes, justificando a decisão da Susep de parar de gerar algumas de suas curvas. analisa juros mercado estimação médios definiramse definiram apurouse, apurouse apurou se, apurou-se desviopadrão desvio padrão análise apresentam geral obstante observadas prática fim eficazes

Resumo Este estudo investiga alguns ensaios bíblicos de Johann Gottfried von Herder com o fim de pormenorizar o surgimento do conceito de “espírito” (Geist) em sua filosofia e de salientar como essa concepção simultaneamente se insere e redefine a tradição judaico-cristã sobre o tema. Para tanto, são analisados os textos Lieder der Liebe, Vom Geist der Ebräischen Poesie e Von der Gabe der Sprachen am ersten christlichen Pfingstfest a partir dos quais o espírito é pensado, ao longo de três décadas (entre 1778 a 1794), respectivamente como: poesia popular, vitalidade social, organicidade e cultura. É possível afirmar que os ensaios bíblicos de Herder ultrapassam a teologia, investigando, de maneira laica, as especificidades das religiões, das línguas, das tradições ou das culturas, cujas nuances podem esclarecer ou questionar dicotomias relevantes, tais como: natureza-cultura, cultura-civilização ou até mesmo humanidade-animalidade.

Abstract This article investigates some biblical essays of Johann Gottfried von Herder in order to demonstrate the emergence of the concept of “spirit” (Geist) in his philosophy and stresses how this conception simultaneously fits in and redefines the Judeo-Christian tradition on the subject. The article analyses the texts Lieder der Liebe, Vom Geist der Ebräischen Poesie and Von der Gabe der Sprachen am ersten christliche Pfingstfest, as starting points in which “spirit” is thought over three decades (from 1778 to 1794) respectively as: popular poetry, social vitality, organicity and culture. In that respect Herder's biblical essays overpass theology, investigating, in a secular way, the specificities of religions, languages, traditions or cultures, whose nuances may discern and question relevant dichotomies, such as: nature-culture, culture-civilization, or even humanity-animality.

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is the most prevalent cause of chronic liver disease worldwide. Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis is associated with increased mortality rates due to the liver and cardiovascular diseases. The gold standard for discriminating nonalcoholic fatty liver disease activity and staging is the anatomopathological examination, which is an invasive method. In this regard, noninvasive methods, such as scintigraphy, have been under investigation. This study investigated the role of scintigraphy in the diagnosis of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis in obese patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease undergoing bariatric surgery. METHODS: Patients undergoing bariatric surgery and liver biopsy were prospectively included. 99mTc-phytate scintigraphy was performed to assess liver/spleen, spleen/heart, and liver/heart uptake ratios, while 99mTc-isonitrile scintigraphy assessed liver/heart ratio. To evaluate the presence of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, the results of 99mTc-phytate scintigraphy and 99mTc-isonitrile scintigraphy were compared with the anatomopathological examination. RESULTS: Sixty-one patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease were allocated into two groups, namely, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (n=49) and non-nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (n=12). The results of scintigraphic images obtained after the infusion of radiopharmaceutical 99mTc-phytate in liver/spleen, spleen/heart, liver/heart ratios and 99mTc-isonitrile liver/heart ratio presented no difference between groups with and without nonalcoholic steatohepatitis with an accuracy of 47.5, 37.7, 50.8, and 52.5%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Scintigraphy was not proven to be a useful method to differentiate patients with and without nonalcoholic steatohepatitis.

RESUMO: Objetivos: O objetivo do presente estudo foi descrever o impacto da pandemia de covid-19 na Atenção Primária à Saúde (APS) Brasileira. Métodos: Estudo ecológico retrospectivo realizado com dados de municípios brasileiros, obtidos nos sistemas de informação do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS). Os desfechos do estudo foram as consultas médicas, procedimentos de pré-natal e tratamento de diabetes. A exposição foi a ocorrência da pandemia de covid-19, a partir do primeiro caso notificado no Brasil. Regressões binomiais negativas de efeitos mistos multinível foram utilizadas para analisar a associação entre o número de procedimentos por 10.000 habitantes e a pandemia de covid-19. Resultados: Dados de 5.564 municípios brasileiros foram incluídos no presente estudo. Em relação à consulta médica, a maior redução devido à pandemia em curso ocorreu em maio (IRR = 0,27, IC95% 0,24 - 0,30). Para os procedimentos de pré-natal, a redução foi de 65% (IRR = 0,35, IC95% 0.32 - 0.38), também em maio. Ainda assim, os procedimentos de tratamento do diabetes tiveram maiores reduções em abril (IRR = 0,24, IC95% 0,11 - 0,53) e maio (IRR = 0,19, IC95% 0,09 - 0,43) de 2020. De fevereiro a dezembro de 2020, a pandemia de covid-19 impactou significantemente o total de procedimentos avaliados. Conclusão: Os achados mostraram uma redução de procedimentos de pré-natal, diabetes e consultas médicas realizadas na Atenção Primária à Saúde (APS) do Brasil, após o início da pandemia de covid-19.

ABSTRACT: Objectives: The purpose of this study was to describe the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Primary Health Care in Brazil. Methodology: This retrospective ecological study was carried out using Brazilian municipality data obtained from the information systems of the National Public Health System. The outcomes were medical appointments, prenatal procedures and diabetes care. The exposure variable was the occurrence of the COVID-19 pandemic, based on the first case reported in Brazil. Multilevel mixed-effects negative binomial regression was used to analyze the association between the number of procedures per 10,000 inhabitants and COVID-19. Results: Data from 5,564 Brazilian municipalities were included in the present study. Regarding medical appointments, the largest reduction occasioned by the pandemic occurred in May (IRR = 0.27, 95%CI 0.24 – 0.30). Prenatal procedures were reduced by 65% (IRR = 0.35, 95%CI 0.32 – 0.38), also in May. In addition, diabetes care saw the biggest reductions in April 2020 (IRR = 0.24, 95%CI 0.11 – 0.53) and May 2020 (IRR = 0.19, 95%CI 0.09 – 0.43). From February to December 2020, the pandemic had a significant effect on the total number of procedures evaluated. Conclusion: The findings showed a reduction in prenatal procedures, diabetes and medical consultations performed in Brazil's Primary Health Care, following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

RESUMO: Objetivos: O objetivo do presente estudo foi descrever o impacto da pandemia de covid-19 na Atenção Primária à Saúde (APS) Brasileira. Métodos: Estudo ecológico retrospectivo realizado com dados de municípios brasileiros, obtidos nos sistemas de informação do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS). Os desfechos do estudo foram as consultas médicas, procedimentos de pré-natal e tratamento de diabetes. A exposição foi a ocorrência da pandemia de covid-19, a partir do primeiro caso notificado no Brasil. Regressões binomiais negativas de efeitos mistos multinível foram utilizadas para analisar a associação entre o número de procedimentos por 10.000 habitantes e a pandemia de covid-19. Resultados: Dados de 5.564 municípios brasileiros foram incluídos no presente estudo. Em relação à consulta médica, a maior redução devido à pandemia em curso ocorreu em maio (IRR = 0,27, IC95% 0,24 - 0,30). Para os procedimentos de pré-natal, a redução foi de 65% (IRR = 0,35, IC95% 0.32 - 0.38), também em maio. Ainda assim, os procedimentos de tratamento do diabetes tiveram maiores reduções em abril (IRR = 0,24, IC95% 0,11 - 0,53) e maio (IRR = 0,19, IC95% 0,09 - 0,43) de 2020. De fevereiro a dezembro de 2020, a pandemia de covid-19 impactou significantemente o total de procedimentos avaliados. Conclusão: Os achados mostraram uma redução de procedimentos de pré-natal, diabetes e consultas médicas realizadas na Atenção Primária à Saúde (APS) do Brasil, após o início da pandemia de covid-19.

ABSTRACT: Objectives: The purpose of this study was to describe the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Primary Health Care in Brazil. Methodology: This retrospective ecological study was carried out using Brazilian municipality data obtained from the information systems of the National Public Health System. The outcomes were medical appointments, prenatal procedures and diabetes care. The exposure variable was the occurrence of the COVID-19 pandemic, based on the first case reported in Brazil. Multilevel mixed-effects negative binomial regression was used to analyze the association between the number of procedures per 10,000 inhabitants and COVID-19. Results: Data from 5,564 Brazilian municipalities were included in the present study. Regarding medical appointments, the largest reduction occasioned by the pandemic occurred in May (IRR = 0.27, 95%CI 0.24 – 0.30). Prenatal procedures were reduced by 65% (IRR = 0.35, 95%CI 0.32 – 0.38), also in May. In addition, diabetes care saw the biggest reductions in April 2020 (IRR = 0.24, 95%CI 0.11 – 0.53) and May 2020 (IRR = 0.19, 95%CI 0.09 – 0.43). From February to December 2020, the pandemic had a significant effect on the total number of procedures evaluated. Conclusion: The findings showed a reduction in prenatal procedures, diabetes and medical consultations performed in Brazil's Primary Health Care, following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Resumo Objetivo: Avaliar o impacto de uma intervenção nutricional no estado nutricional, no consumo de alimentos ultraprocessados e na qualidade de vida de adolescentes com excesso de peso. Métodos: Estudo experimental, realizado com escolares com excesso de peso, que foram divididos em dois grupos, intervenção e controle. A intervenção nutricional durou seis meses, com abordagem educativa e motivacional. Foram avaliados, antes e após o período, estado nutricional (circunferência da cintura e índice de massa corporal), qualidade de vida e consumo de alimentos ultraprocessados. Resultados: Participaram 62 adolescentes com sobrepeso ou obesidade, 37 do grupo intervenção e 25 do grupo controle, 13,2 ± 1,5 anos no grupo intervenção e 13,0 ± 1,8 anos no grupo controle, ambos com maior participação do sexo feminino. No índice de massa corporal houve mudanças [grupo intervenção (variação de −0,81 ± 2,28); grupo controle (variação de −0,64 ± 1,28)] e circunferência da cintura para os grupos intervenção (variação de −3,31 ± 5,47). No consumo de alimentos ultraprocessados pré e pós, houve redução significativa no grupo intervenção do consumo de refrigerante [variação de −0,07 (−0,27 a 0,00)], macarrão instantâneo [variação de −0,03 (−0,07 a 0,00)] e bolacha recheada [variação de −0,06 (−0,26 a 0,00)]. A qualidade de vida aumentou no grupo intervenção e reduziu no grupo controle, sem relevância estatística intra (p = 0,162) ou entre grupos pré (p = 0,426) e pós (0,249), reduziu a pontuação do domínio emocional, com variação significativa no grupo intervenção (pré e pós) (Δ−19,0 ± 40,6). Conclusão: Obteve-se uma diminuição do índice de massa corporal e circunferência da cintura (obesidade central mais relacionada com resistência insulínica), diminuição de alimentos ultraprocessados (refrigerante, biscoito recheado e macarrão instantâneo), tendência de melhoria da qualidade de vida (contudo, diminuição dos domínios da qualidade de vida emocional e escolar).

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the impact of a nutritional intervention on nutritional status, ultra-processed food consumption, and quality of life of adolescents with excess weight. Methods: Experimental study with adolescent students with excess weight, divided into two groups, an intervention group and a control group. The nutritional intervention lasted six months, with an educational and motivational approach. Nutritional status (waist circumference and body mass index), quality of life, and ultra-processed food consumption were evaluated before and after the period. Results: Sixty-two adolescents with overweight or obesity participated in the study, 37 in the intervention group and 25 in the control group, aged 13.2 ± 1.5 years in intervention group, and 13.0 ± 1.8 years in control group, both of which had a higher female participation. There were changes in the body mass index (intervention group Δ: −0.81 ± 2.28, control group Δ: −0.64 ± 1.28) and in the waist circumference for intervention group (Δ:−3.31 ± 5.47). For the pre- and post-ultra-processed food consumption, there was a significant reduction in the consumption of soft drinks in the intervention group (Δ: −0.07 [−0.27 to 0.00]), instant noodles (Δ: −0.03 [−0.07 to 0.00]), and sandwich cookies (Δ: −0.06 [−0.26 to 0.00]). The quality of life increased in the intervention group and decreased in the control group, with no intra- (p = 0.162) or intergroup statistical relevance in the pre- (p = 0.426) and post- (0.249) intervention period, with a reduction in the emotional domain score, with a significant variation in the intervention group (pre and post; Δ: −19.0 ± 40.6). Conclusion: There was a decrease in body mass index and waist circumference (central obesity being more often related to insulin resistance), reduction of ultra-processed food consumption (soft drinks, sandwich cookies, and instant noodles), and a tendency toward quality of life improvement (however, there was a decrease in the domains of emotional and school quality of life).

ABSTRACT Objective: The aim of the present study was to examine the influence of body composition and insulin resistance on the magnitude of postprandial lipemia in patients with Turner's syndrome receiving oral versus transdermal estrogen replacement. Subjects and methods: Twenty-five patients with Turner's syndrome receiving oral or transdermal estrogen replacement were evaluated for body mass index, waist-to-hip and waist-to-height ratios, fasting glycemia, insulin, body composition (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry), and postprandial lipid metabolism. For statistical analysis, we used parametric tests to compare numeric variables between the two subgroups. Results: We observed no difference in postprandial triglyceride levels between patients receiving oral versus transdermal hormone replacement therapy. The postprandial triglycerides increment correlated positively with the percentage of total fat mass (p=0.02) and android fat mass (p=0.02) in the transdermal group. In the oral estrogen group, a positive correlation was observed between the increment in postprandial triglycerides and waist-to-hip (p=0.15) and waist-to-height (p=0.009) ratios. No association was observed between the estrogen replacement route and insulin resistance evaluated by the homeostatic model assessment–insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index (p=0.19 and p=0.65 for the oral and transdermal groups, respectively). Conclusion: We concluded that body composition and anthropometric characteristics possibly affect the extent of postprandial lipemia independently from the route of estrogen replacement.

Resumo O Ministério da Saúde, por intermédio da Secretaria de Atenção Primária à Saúde e em parceria com a Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde construiu e implementou estratégias da Atenção Primária à Saúde (APS) no âmbito do apoio aos gestores locais e em articulação com o Conselho Nacional de Secretários Estaduais (CONASS) e Municipais de Saúde (CONASEMS) para o combate ao COVID-19. Essas ações têm a APS como a grande responsável por diversas áreas e recursos físicos, humanos e financeiros, assim como permite impulsionar o avanço nacional para o uso de tecnologias de informação e comunicação e novas parcerias para realização de pesquisas.

Abstract The Ministry of Health, through the Primary Health Care Secretariat and in partnership with the Secretariat of Health Surveillance, built and implemented Primary Health Care (PHC) strategies within the scope of support to local managers and in partnership with the National Health Secretaries Council (CONASS) and the National Municipal Health Secretariats Council (CONASEMS) to combat COVID-19. These actions have PHC as the main responsible for several areas and physical, human, and financial resources, as well as allow boosting national progress towards the use of information and communication technologies and new partnerships for conducting research.

Abstract: The aim of this study was to describe and evaluate access to oral health services among adolescents enrolled in public schools of Campina Grande, Paraíba, Brazil, a large-size municipality in the Northeast of Brazil. An observational, descriptive, analytical, quantitative, and cross-sectional study was carried out through a school survey, in which four validated questionnaires were applied to 438 adolescents aged 12 to 19 years. Data were processed using the SPSS statistical software version 20.0, with bivariate analysis and multivariate analysis through Poisson regression. About 90.9% of adolescents reported having visited the dentist at least once; however, when considering the last 6 months, this percentage fell to 48.4%. Adolescents used private services (50.2%) or the public service (49.8%). About 70.6% of interviewees reported dental treatment (61.1%) as the main reason for seeking the service. Through multivariate analysis, it was observed that the demand for the service was higher among female adolescents (60.5%, p <0.001); the other variables did not present statistically significant differences. In conclusion, the access to oral healthcare services reported by adolescents was good, but there is still a considerable part of this population with no access. Variables that presented significant associated with dental services were gender and toothache history, but only gender remained significant in the multivariate model.

Resumo O Ministério da Saúde, por intermédio da Secretaria de Atenção Primária à Saúde e em parceria com a Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde construiu e implementou estratégias da Atenção Primária à Saúde (APS) no âmbito do apoio aos gestores locais e em articulação com o Conselho Nacional de Secretários Estaduais (CONASS) e Municipais de Saúde (CONASEMS) para o combate ao COVID-19. Essas ações têm a APS como a grande responsável por diversas áreas e recursos físicos, humanos e financeiros, assim como permite impulsionar o avanço nacional para o uso de tecnologias de informação e comunicação e novas parcerias para realização de pesquisas.

Abstract The Ministry of Health, through the Primary Health Care Secretariat and in partnership with the Secretariat of Health Surveillance, built and implemented Primary Health Care (PHC) strategies within the scope of support to local managers and in partnership with the National Health Secretaries Council (CONASS) and the National Municipal Health Secretariats Council (CONASEMS) to combat COVID-19. These actions have PHC as the main responsible for several areas and physical, human, and financial resources, as well as allow boosting national progress towards the use of information and communication technologies and new partnerships for conducting research.

BACKGROUND: South Africa started to lead the cross-culturally validation and use of the Primary Care Assessment Tool (PCAT) in Africa, when Professor Bresick filled a gap, as this continent was until then the only one that had never used it in evaluation of primary health care facilities until 2015 AIM: The authors aim to demonstrate that after the consolidation of Bresick's team to an African version of PCAT, it had been adapted to household survey in Brazil METHODS: In this letter, authors reflect on how Brazil had adapted PCAT to a national random household survey with Brazilian National Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) - the Brazilian Census Bureau RESULTS: In the the beginning of 2019, Brazilian Ministry of Health brought back the PCAT as the official national primary health care assessment tool. Brazilian National Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) included a new module (set of questions) in its National Health Survey (PNS-2019) and collected more than 100 000 households interviews in about 40% of the country's municipalities. This module had 25 questions of the Brazilian validated version of the adult reduced PCAT CONCLUSION: We believe that IBGE innovation with the Ministry of Health can encourage South Africa to establish a similar partnership with its National Institute of Statistics (Statistics South Africa) for the country to establish a baseline for future planning of primary health care, for decision-making based on scientific evidence