Translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the Arizona Sexual Scale (ASEX) into Portuguese / Tradução e adaptação transcultural da Arizona Sexual Scale (ASEX) para a língua portuguesa

Abstract Introduction Sexual dysfunction is common in individuals with psychiatric disorders and under psychotropic medication such as antidepressants and antipsychotics. Several scales have been developed to assess sexual function in these patients. The Arizona Sexual Scale (ASEX) is a five-item rating scale that quantifies sex drive, arousal, vaginal lubrication/penile erection, ability to reach orgasm, and satisfaction from orgasm. We describe the translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the ASEX into the Portuguese language, with the goal of contributing to the assessment of sexual function in Portuguese-speaking psychiatric patients under treatment with psychotropic drugs. Methods The translation and cross-cultural adaptation process thoroughly followed the steps recommended by the Task Force of the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR), namely: preparation, forward translation, reconciliation, back-translation, back-translation review, harmonization, cognitive debriefing, review of cognitive debriefing, finalization, proofreading, and final version. Results The process was successfully completed and no major differences were found between the translation, reconciliation and back-translation phases, with only small adjustments being made. Conclusion The translation of the ASEX was completed successfully, following international reference guidelines. The use of these guidelines is a guarantee of a Portuguese version that is qualitatively and semantically equivalent to the original scale. This availability of this new scale version will enable studies evaluating the sexual function of Portuguese-speaking psychiatric patients. Future studies may assess the validity of the scale for Portuguese-speaking populations.

Resumo Introdução A disfunção sexual é comum em indivíduos com doenças psiquiátricas e sob o uso de medicações como antidepressivos e antipsicóticos. Várias escalas foram desenvolvidas para avaliar a função sexual desses doentes. A Arizona Sexual Scale (ASEX) é uma escala de cinco itens de avaliação que quantifica desejo sexual, excitação, lubrificação vaginal/ereção peniana, capacidade para atingir o orgasmo e satisfação com o orgasmo. Este artigo descreve o processo de tradução e adaptação transcultural da escala ASEX para a língua portuguesa, com o objetivo de contribuir para a avaliação da função sexual dos doentes medicados com fármacos psicotrópicos nos vários países onde se utiliza essa língua. Métodos A tradução e a adaptação transcultural seguiram de forma detalhada os passos recomendados pelo grupo de trabalho da International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR), nomeadamente: preparação, tradução inicial, reconciliação, retroversão, revisão da retroversão, harmonização, teste cognitivo, revisão do teste cognitivo, finalização, leitura final e versão final. Resultados O processo foi completado com sucesso, e não foram observadas diferenças grandes entre as fases de tradução, reconciliação e retroversão, tendo sido feitos apenas pequenos ajustes. Conclusão A tradução da escala ASEX foi bem-sucedida, seguindo orientações internacionais de referência. A aplicação dessas orientações é a garantia de uma versão em língua portuguesa que é qualitativa e semanticamente equivalente à versão original da escala. A existência desta nova versão da escala permitirá estudos que avaliem a função sexual dos doentes em países nos quais se fale a língua portuguesa. Estudos futuros poderão atestar a validade da escala para essas populações.

Correlation between maximum voluntary contraction and endurance measured by digital palpation and manometry: An observational study / Correlação entre contração voluntária máxima e endurance avaliados por palpação digital e manometria: um estudo observacional

Summary Introduction: Digital palpation and manometry are methods that can provide information regarding maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) and endurance of the pelvic floor muscles (PFM), and a strong correlation between these variables can be expected. Objective: To investigate the correlation between MVC and endurance, measured by digital palpation and manometry. Method: Forty-two women, with mean age of 58.1 years (±10.2), and predominant symptoms of stress urinary incontinence (SUI), were included. Examination was firstly conducted by digital palpation and subsequently using a Peritron manometer. MVC was measured using a 0-5 score, based on the Oxford Grading Scale. Endurance was assessed based on the PERFECT scheme. Results: We found a significant positive correlation between the MVC measured by digital palpation and the peak manometric pressure (r=0.579, p<0.001), and between the measurements of the endurance by Peritron manometer and the PERFECT assessment scheme (r=0.559, P<0.001). Conclusion: Our results revealed a positive and significant correlation between the capacity and maintenance of PFM contraction using digital and manometer evaluations in women with predominant symptoms of SUI.

Resumo Introdução: a palpação digital e a manometria são métodos capazes de fornecer informações sobre contração voluntária máxima (CVM) e endurance da musculatura do assoalho pélvico (MAP), e pode-se esperar uma forte correlação entre essas variáveis. Objetivo: investigar a correlação entre CVM e endurance, avaliados por palpação digital e manometria. Método: incluíram-se 42 mulheres, com idade média de 58,1 anos (±10,2) e sintomas predominantes de incontinência urinária de esforço (IUE). Realizou-se primeiramente o exame digital, seguido pela manometria (Peritron®). Mensuraram-se a CVM de acordo com a escala de Oxford (0-5 pontos) e o endurance pelo esquema PERFECT. Resultados: encontrou-se correlação positiva entre CVM mensurada por palpação digital e pressão manométrica de pico (r=0,579; p<0,001), e entre as medições do endurance avaliado pelo Peritron e o esquema PERFECT (r=0,559; p<0,001). Conclusão: os resultados revelaram correlação positiva e significativa entre a capacidade e a manutenção de contração dos MAP por meio das avaliações digital e manométrica em mulheres com IUE.

Creation of a Neovagina by Laparoscopic Modified Vecchietti Technique: Anatomic and Functional Results / Criação de neovagina pela técnica de Vecchietti laparoscópica modificada: resultados anatómicos e funcionais

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the anatomic and functional results of a laparoscopic modified Vecchietti technique for the creation of a neovagina in patients with congenital vaginal aplasia. Methods Retrospective study of nine patients with congenital vaginal aplasia submitted to the laparoscopic Vecchietti procedure, in our department, between 2006 and 2013. The anatomical results were evaluated by assessing the length, width and epithelialization of the neovagina at the postoperative visits. The functional outcome was evaluated using the Rosen Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire and comparing the patients' results to those of a control group of 20 healthy women. The statistical analysis was performed using SPSS Statistics version 19.0 (IBM, Armonk, NY, USA), Student t-test, Mann-Whitney U test and Fisher exact test. Results The condition underlying the vaginal aplasia was Mayer-Rokitansky-KüsterHauser syndrome in eight cases, and androgen insensitivity syndrome in one case. The average preoperative vaginal length was 2.9 cm. At surgery, the mean age of the patients was 22.2 years. The surgery was performed successfully in all patients and no intra or postoperative complications were recorded. At the first postoperative visit (6 to 8 weeks after surgery), the mean vaginal length was 8.1 cm. In all cases, the neovagina was epithelialized and had an appropriate width. The mean FSFI total and single domain scores did not differ significantly from those of the control group: 27.5 vs. 30.6 ( total); 4.0 vs. 4.2 (desire); 4.4 vs. 5.2 (arousal); 5.2 vs. 5.3 (lubrication); 4.2 vs. 5.0 ( orgasm); 5.3 vs. 5.5 (satisfaction) and 4.4 vs. 5.4 ( comfort ). Conclusions This modified laparoscopic Vecchietti technique is a simple, safe and effective procedure, which allows patients with congenital vaginal aplasia to have a satisfactory sexual activity, comparable to that of normal controls.

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar os resultados anatômicos e funcionais da técnica laparoscópica modificada de Vecchietti para a criação de uma neovagina em pacientes com aplasia vaginal congênita. Métodos Estudo retrospectivo de nove pacientes com aplasia vaginal congênita submetidas à técnica laparoscópica modificada de Vecchietti, no nosso departamento, entre 2006 e 2013. Os resultados anatômicos foram aferidos através da avaliação do comprimento, largura e reepitelização da neovagina nas consultas pós-operatórias. Os resultados funcionais foram avaliados com recurso à versão em português do questionário Female Sexual Function Index de Rosen, comparando os resultados das pacientes aos de um grupo de controle de 20 mulheres saudáveis. A análise estatística foi realizada utilizando o programa SPSS Statistics versão 19.0), o teste t de Student, teste U de Mann-Whitney e teste exato de Fisher. Resultados A etiologia subjacente à aplasia vaginal foi a síndrome de Mayer-Roki-tansky-Küster-Hauser em oito casos, e a síndrome de insensibilidade aos andrógenos em um caso. O comprimento vaginal médio pré-operatório era de 2,9 cm. À data da cirurgia, a média de idade das pacientes era de 22,2 anos. A cirurgia foi realizada com sucesso em todos os casos, sem registo de complicações intra ou pós-operatórias. Na primeira avaliação pós-operatória (6 a 8 semanas após a cirurgia), o comprimento vaginal médio foi de 8,1 cm. Em todos os casos, a neovagina estava reepitelizada e com amplitude adequada. As pontuações médias, total e de cada domínio, obtidas no questionário de avaliação da função sexual não diferiram significativamente das do grupo controle: 27,5 vs 30,6 (total); 4.0 vs 4.2 (desejo); 4,4 vs 5,2 (excitação); 5,2 vs 5 , 3 (lubrificação); 4,2 vs 5,0 (orgasmo); 5,3 vs 5,5 (satisfação) e 4,4 vs 5,4 ( conforto ). Conclusões A técnica laparoscópica modificada de Vecchietti é um procedimento simples, seguro e eficaz, permitindo às pacientes com aplasia vaginal congênita uma atividade sexual satisfatória, comparável à dos controles normais.

Effect of Muscle Strength Training on Urinary Incontinence and Physical Function: A Randomized Controlled Trial in Long-term Care Facilities

PURPOSE: This study was done to determine whether muscle strength training programs have an impact on improving symptoms of urinary incontinence (UI) and physical function among elderly women with UI who reside in long-term care facilities. METHODS: A randomized controlled trial was conducted. Participants had to be over 65 years, score over 15 score on the mini-mental state examination, and be able to walk alone or with an assistant. Seventy residents were randomly allocated to either the training group (n=35) or control group (n=35). The program consisted of 50 minutes, twice a week for 8 weeks, and included Kegel's exercise, Thera-band training and indoor walking. Main outcomes were UI symptoms, peak vaginal pressure and physical functions measured with timed up and go test (TUG), one leg standing test (OLST), activities of daily living (ADL) and grip strength. Changes in outcome measurements were calculated from baseline to 4 weeks and to 8 weeks using repeated measures ANOVA. RESULTS: There were significant differences in peak vaginal pressure (p<.001), TUG (p<.001), OLST (p=.012) and grip strength (p<.001) in the interaction between groups and time. CONCLUSION: Future studies are suggested to confirm the effect of muscle strength training in long-term care facilities where elderly women with UI reside.

Effects of Electric Stimulation and Biofeedback for Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercise in Women with Vaginal Rejuvenation Women

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of pelvic floor muscle exercise using electric stimulation and biofeedback on maximum pressure of vaginal contraction, vaginal contraction duration and sexual function in women who have had vaginal rejuvenation. METHODS: The research design was a non-equivalent control group non-synchronized design study. Participants in this study were women who had vaginal rejuvenation at C obstetrics and gynecology hospital. The 15 participants in the experimental group were given pelvic floor muscle exercise using electric stimulation and biofeedback and the 15 participants in the control group received self pelvic floor muscle exercise. RESULTS: For maximum pressure of vaginal contraction, the experimental group showed a statistically significant increase compared to than the control group (t=5.96, p<.001). For vaginal contraction duration, the experimental group also showed a statistically significant increase compared to the control group (t=3.23, p=.003). For women's sexual function, the experimental group showed a significant increase when compared to the control group in total sexual function scores (t=3.41, p=.002). CONCLUSION: The results indicate that pelvic floor muscle exercise with electric stimulation and biofeedback after vaginal rejuvenation is effective in strengthening vaginal contraction pressure, vaginal contraction and that it also positively functions to increase women's sexual function.

Comparative Study of Misoprostol Versus Dinoprostone for Induction of Labour.

Induction of labour means initiation of uterine contractions (after the period of viability) by any method (medical, surgical or combined) for the purpose of vaginal delivery. It is helpful when the risks of continuation of pregnancy either to the mother or the fetus is more. Some unfavourable conditions like IUGR, PROM, Post –term pregnancy, IUD, Chorioamnionitis, Maternal medical problems like PIH, Diabetes Mellitus, Renal diseases, COPD, Cardiac diseases may call for induction of labour. Various Pharmacological methods have been introduced for both pre-induction cervical ripening and induction of labour are as follows- 1) Prostaglandins 2) Oxytocin 3) Steroid receptor antagonist-Mifepristone 4) Relaxin This study was conducted on nulliparous females in the age group of 20-30yrs, with gestational age more than 34 wks in the Dept. Of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Index Medical College Hospital and Research Centre Khudel, Indore over a period of 1 year with a sample size of 100 and they were randomized into Group A-receiving 50mcg of misoprost tablet vaginally and Group B -receiving endocervical cerviprime gel. Hence the purpose of this study is to emphasize that misoprostol is a better alternative than dinoprostone for induction of labour at rural hospital setup by comparing their- 1) Success Rate 2) Induction –delivery interval 3) Number of doses required, their cost effectiveness 4) Maternal complications 5) Fetal complications Among these prostaglandins especially prostaglandin E1,because of their short induction delivery interval, easy availability, low price, easy storage at room temperature, low maternal and fetal complication appear to be especially useful.

Comparison between measurements obtained with three different perineometers

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the results obtained in the evaluation of intra-vaginal pressure using three different brands of perineometers in nulliparous volunteers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty nulliparous women with no anatomical alterations and/or dysfunction of the pelvic floor were enrolled in our study. All the women had the ability to voluntarily contract their PFM (Pelvic Floor Muscles), as assessed by digital palpation. The intra-vaginal pressure was assessed using three different brands of perineometer (Neurodyn EvolutionTM, SensuPowerTM and PeritronTM). Each volunteer was evaluated on three alternate days by a single examiner using a single brand of perineometer on each day. In the assessment, the volunteers were required to pull (contract) their PFM in and up as strongly as possible 3 times and to sustain the contraction for 5 seconds, with an interval of 30 seconds between each pull. For the statistical analysis, a concordance correlation coefficient was used to compare the values that were obtained with each brand of perineometer. RESULTS: A moderate concordance (0.51) was found between the results from the PeritronTM and NeurodynTM perineometers, a fair concordance (0.21) between the PeritronTM and SensuPowerTM brands and a poor concordance (0.19) between the NeurodynTM and SensuPowerTM brands. CONCLUSION: The concordance of the measurements of the intra-vaginal pressure ranged from poor to moderate, suggesting that perineometers of different brands generate different results.

O uso de sabonetes íntimos femininos / The use of liquid soap for female intimate care

A utilização rotineira de sabonetes líquidos íntimos femininos é questionada por ginecologistas, mas ovacionada por boa parte das mulheres que passam a maior parte do dia fora de casa, em atividades profissionais e sociais intensas. A preocupação médica se justifica pela possibilidade de irritações e alergias loco-regionais uma vez que, quanto mais se altera o habitat da flora bacteriana fisiológica vulvar e vaginal, maiores serão os riscos de infecções e inflamações. Porém, os parcos artigos existentes não sugerem alterações do pH ou da flora vaginal com o uso destes produtos. Este artigo tem como objetivo rever as características químicas dos sabonetes higiênicos íntimos relacionando-os com a microbiota vulvo-vaginal, para que os ginecologistas possam avaliar os riscos e benefícios destes, uma vez que este é um assunto cada vez mais questionado nos consultórios ginecológicos.

The everyday use of intimate liquid soap is questioned by gynecologists, and well seen by many women that have an intense professional activity, running around all day. Medical worry for this everyday use is justified by local irritation and aggression that these substances may bring. This article reviews the chemical characteristics of the intimal vaginal "everyday use" soaps, relating these facts to the vulvo-vaginal microbiota. Thus, it gives to the gynecologist risks and benefits of this polemic issue, helping them to judge what is better for each patient.

Vulvovaginites: Aspectos Dietéticos e Bioquímicos / Biochemical and Nutritional Aspects of Vulvovaginitis

A vulvovaginite, expressäo de diversas patologias que acometem o trato genital inferior feminino, é conhecida desde Hipócrates e Soranus como importante manifestaçäo de distúrbios potencialmente graves para a saúde genital e sistêmica das mulheres. Vários trabalhos já enfocaram com muita ênfase, os aspectos microbiológicos destas doenças, porém pouca coisa tem sido feita em funçäo dos fatores coadjuvantes que poderiam favorecer ou dificultar a instalaçäo das mesmas. Neste artigo säo enfocados os aspéctos bioquímicos e nutricionais do conteúdo vaginal fisiológico, dando uma descriçäo dos achados mais frequentes, bem como as possíveis interaçöes com a microflora. Os mecanismos de proteçäo ou de facilitaçäo do corrimento vaginal säo apontados, estressando a importância dos aminoácidos e imunoglobinas, secretadas principalmente a nível local. O conhecimento de tais aspectos, pode servir como chave importante para o ginecologista estabelecer uma correlaçäo entre os achados clínicos e laboratoriais e conseqüentemente elucidar a açäo fisiopatogênica em determinados casos, base fundamental para o perfeito diagnóstico e tratamento

Clomipramine modifies fluctuations of forced swimming immobility in different phase of the rat estrous cycle

Many symptoms that define the premenstrual syndrome (PMS) are present in depressive states. The fact that there are not adequate animal models to study the OMS may explain the lack of knowledge about its etiology. An alternative might be the use of animal models which are useful to study depression, such as the forced swimming test. Eighteen female rats were subjected to the forced swimming test once a week for six consecutive weeks. An increase of immobility was observed during diestrus as compared to estrus. On the other hand, some premestrual symptoms have been suggested to be caused by the influence of gonadal hormones on the activity of cental serotonergic systems. Thus, the effects of clomipramine were further studied. The drug reduced rat immobility during diestrus, so that the differences between the two estrous cycle phases disappeared. We conclude that the use of the forced swimming test might be a helpful model in the study of OMS

Colposacropexia en el tratamiento del prolapso de la cúpula vaginal / Colposacropexy in the vaginal vault prolapse treatment

Evaluar los resultados de la Colposacropexia transabdominal en el prolapso de la cúpula vaginal. Ventisiete pacientes con prolapso de la cúpula vaginal, tratados quirúrgicamente por colposacropexia, entre Julio de 1992 a Agosto de 1996.Se analizan los resultados del procedimiento quirúrgico,las complicaciones intra y postoperatorias y la funcionalidad vaginal. El tiempo de seguimiento para las colposacropexias fue de 14,9 meses (3-52 meses). La tasa de curación fue de 92,6 por ciento. Las principales complicaciones intraoperatorias fueron dos lesiones de intestino delgado, no relacionadas directamente con el procedimiento operatorio y de las postoperatorias, dos ileos paralíticos.No hubo mortalidad. De las 12 pacientes con actividad sexual, ella es normal en el 90,9 por ciento. La colposacropexia es una operación de técnica simple, con baja morbilidad intra y postoperatoria, que asegura una alta tasa de curación del prolapso de la cúpula vaginal y constituye la intervención de elección en esta unidad de ginecología

Agenesia vaginal en el hospital Arzobispo Loayza Lima-Perú / Vaginal agenesis in hospital Arzobispo Loayza Lima-Peru

Se estudia 12 pacientes con agenesia vaginal, atendidos entre Abril de 1970 a Marzo de 1988, con el propósito de presentar su incidencia, manejo y complicaciones. Se encontró un caso por cada 3,311 hospitalizaciones. La agenesia vaginal como hallazgo único la tuvieron 4 mujeres, en las otras 8 hubo además útero rudimentario (3 casos), agenesia uterina (2 casos), feminización testicular (1 caso), ptosis renal bilateral (1 caso) y bifidez ureteral (1 caso). Las técnicas de vaginasplastia fueron las de Wharton (5 casos) y de Mc Indoe (3 casos). No existió complicaciones en 3 pacientes, mientras que las 5 restantes presentaron estenosis vaginal, infección vaginal (1 caso), hemorragia (1 caso), infección urinaria (1 caso) e incisión del fondo de saco de Douglas (1 caso). Se reoperó 4 mujeres con estrechez vaginal, con resultado final satisfactorio

Fisiología y ecología de la vagina / Physiology and ecology of the vagina

La vagina representa un ecosistema complejo de epitelios, enzimas, secreciones y microflora interrelacionados entre sí, con una respuesta inmune apropriada, en un permanente dinamismo y aparentemente dividida en varios sistemas ecologicos. Toda esta gran complejidad cambiante plantea, hoy por hoy, interrogantes en cuanto a la relación entre colonización, agente patógeno u oportunista, o bien meros cambios en la ecología vaginal, sin que exista muchas veces relación entre el gérmen aislado y la patología que se está investigando. Por otra parte, el hecho que la mayoría de los gérmenes sean capaces de transmitirse sexualmente constituye un problema mórbido importante, junto a secuelas, no menos graves en el grupo familiar. Por lo antes expuestos es necesario estandarizar la metodología de las futuras investigaciones del problema más común, que aqueja a la mujer, aún no resuelto

Effect of hippocampal lesion on estrus cycle and estrus activity in rats.

Dorsal hippocampal lesions in adult female rats leads to alteration in the estrus cycle with preponderance of estrus phase. The activity of the animals after the lesion increases, but it remains coupled with post lesion estrus cycle.