The scientific publication of the Memórias do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz (1909-2020): a history of contribution to the biomedical sciences

BACKGROUND The Memórias do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz (MIOC) is one of the first scientific journals created in Brazil and currently one of the most important biomedical journals in South America. Knowledge of the main themes disseminated over time and its main contributors can contribute towards a better understanding of its trajectory and future. OBJECTIVES Map the journal's scientific publication between 1909 and 2020. METHODS Data from three scientific databases was combined, alongside bibliometrics and network analysis to analyse publication records between 1909 and 2020. FINDINGS Publications increased substantially since the 1980s. The main publishing organisations are Brazilian. Excluding Brazil, the main publishing countries are the USA, Argentina, and Colombia. During the entire investigated period, the main themes refer to Chagas disease, schistosomiasis, and Leishmaniasis. During some periods, publications followed disease outbreaks in Brazil (e.g., dengue fever and yellow fever). MAIN CONCLUSIONS Since its foundation in 1909, the MIOC has focused on infectious and parasitic diseases. The editorial changes implemented from the 1980s onwards led MIOC to a relevant growth concerning annual publications and its transformation into an important communication vehicle for researchers from several Brazilian organisations besides Fiocruz, as well as organisations from other countries, especially within Latin America.

Assessment of the knowledge and perceptions of Brazilian medical residents on transfusion medicine

Abstract Background Medical education has a major social impact because it ultimately influences the quality and safety of the health service offered to the population. Several studies have acknowledged the relationship between medical knowledge on transfusion medicine and the proper use of this therapy. The rational use of blood has become a worldwide concern. In this context, the aim of the present study was to evaluate medical residents' knowledge on transfusion medicine in hospitals located in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and their training during their medical education. Methods One hundred and six residents from eight medical specialties of four hospitals participated. A questionnaire developed by the Biomedical Excellence for Safer Transfusion (BEST) group was applied to evaluate the participants' medical knowledge. Another questionnaire was also applied to evaluate participant profiles regarding frequency of transfusion prescriptions, self-perceived knowledge and relevance of the subject. Results The mean number of correct answers to the questionnaire on knowledge about transfusion practices was 43.5% (range: 15-80%). A relationship between training during medical residency and the obtained result was observed (p-value = 0.0007). Most residents (73%) did not receive training in transfusion medicine during their graduation or residency and 93% would like to receive additional training. Conclusion A clear deficit in the knowledge of transfusion medicine was verified, indicating the need for change in the teaching of this specialty. This result is similar to some developed countries.

Transfusion medicine in medical education: an analysis of curricular grids in Brazil and a review of the current literature

Background Blood transfusions are one of the most performed medical procedures in the world. Thus, as education in transfusion medicine is vital to medical care, it should aim to promote a responsible practice with the rational use of blood by doctors. This study aims to investigate the situation of the teaching of transfusion medicine in medical schools in Brazil. Method The websites of the 249 Brazilian medical schools in operation in June 2015 were visited and the curricula of the medical courses were investigated in respect to the presence or absence of a transfusion medicine discipline. When available, the subject grids were analyzed to verify whether a description of content regarding transfusion medicine was given within other disciplines. Results Of the 249 medical school sites visited, information on the curriculum was obtained from 178. Of the medical schools that published their curriculum, 132 (74.1%) did not have disciplines of transfusion medicine or hematology and only seven (3.9%) had a discipline of transfusion medicine in the curricular grid. Conclusions Education on transfusion medicine is of fundamental importance for safe and efficient transfusion practices. Deficiencies in medical knowledge of this subject have been found worldwide. The results of this study indicate a possible deficiency in teaching the basics of this specialty. Thus, additional prospective studies to assess the knowledge and practice of transfusion medicine in Brazilian medical schools are warranted, which could prompt a discussion on the importance of offering training in transfusion medicine to medical students.

Aprendizagem baseada em problemas: uma proposta para a formação de técnicos em laboratórios de saúde pública / Problem-based learning: a proposal for the training of students as public health laboratory technicians / Aprendizaje basado en problemas: una propuesta para la formación de técnicos en laboratorios de salud pública

No âmbito da formação profissionalizante, as características da aprendizagem baseada em problemas (ABP)propiciam uma maior aproximação dos alunos da prática profissional. Este artigo apresenta uma propostacurricular inovadora para a formação de técnicos em laboratórios de saúde pública, fundamentada na ABP. Alógica da estrutura curricular apoia-se em dois eixos estruturantes: 1) as principais tecnologias utilizadas noslaboratórios de saúde pública, tais como a microscopia, a volumetria, a espectrofotometria, a cromatografiae a eletroforese; e 2) as principais matrizes utilizadas nos laboratórios, tais como a água, os alimentos,a urina, as fezes e o sangue. Com esta proposta, busca-se fomentar discussões acerca da implantação decurrículos e de estratégias de ensino que possam contribuir para melhorar o ensino profissionalizante noBrasil, assim como promover a formação de técnicos capazes de atuarem nos laboratórios que compõem oSistema Nacional de Laboratórios de Saúde Pública (SISLAB)...

In the context of vocational training, the characteristics of the problem-based learning (PBL) provide agreater proximity of the students to professional practice. This article presents an innovative curriculumproposal for the training of technicians in public health laboratories, based on PBL. The logic of thecurriculum structure is based on two axes: 1) The main technologies applied at public health laboratories,such as microscopy, volumetry, spectrophotometry, chromatography and electrophoresis; and 2) The mainmatrices used in laboratories, such as water, food, urine, faeces and blood. With this proposal, we seek tofoster discussions about the curriculum implementation and the teaching strategies that can contribute tothe improvement in vocational education in Brazil, as well as promote the training of technicians capable ofworking in laboratories comprising the Brazilian National Public Health Laboratory (SISLAB)...

En el ambito de la formación profesional, el aprendizaje basado en problemas (ABP) permite una mayoraproximación de los estudiantes a la práctica para habilitarse en una profesión. Este artículo presenta unapropuesta curricular inovadora para la formación de técnicos en laboratórios de salud pública, basada enABP. La lógica de la estructura curricular se sustenta en dos ejes: 1) Las principales tecnologías utilizadas emlos laboratorios de salud pública tales como, microscopia, volumetría, espectrofotometría, cromatografíay electroforesis; y 2) Las principales matrices utilizadas en los laboratorios, como agua, alimentosy fluidos biológicos en general. Con esta propuesta se busca el fomento de discusiones com respecto ala implementación de currículos y de estratégias de enseñanza que puedan contribuir a la enseñanzaprofesional en Brasil al igual que promover la formación de técnicos capaces de actuaren en los laboratóriosque componen el Sistema Nacional de Laboratorios de Salud Pública (SISLAB)...

A transformação curricular e a escolha da especialidade médica / The transformation to the medical curriculum and choosing a medical specialization

A reforma curricular implantada em 2005 no curso de graduação em Medicina do Centro Universitário Serra dos Órgãos (Unifeso) com a utilização das metodologias ativas de ensino-aprendizagem, no caso a aprendizagem baseada em problemas (ABP), e com a passagem pela Unidade Básica de Saúde da Família (UBSF) desde os primeiros períodos pode influenciar a trajetória de formação profissional de seu estudante? Para responder a esta questão - objetivo deste estudo -, procedeu-se a uma pesquisa qualitativa com os discentes matriculados no quinto período do curso, por meio de entrevistas, as quais foram categorizadas e analisadas. Os resultados evidenciaram significativa receptividade ao novo modelo curricular, pelo entendimento de que este é capaz de suscitar novas reflexões dirigidas à futura prática do estudante, e, igualmente, ao conceito de saúde e ao processo de adoecimento. Verificou-se, ainda, que a opção precoce por uma especialidade, expressa pela maior parte dos entrevistados, não foi alterada sob o novo currículo e que a formação do médico como generalista ou médico de família é ainda pouco valorizada.

This paper asks whether the curriculum change implemented in 2005 to the Centro Universitário Serra dos Órgãos (Unifeso) Undergraduate Medical Course may influence the course of its students' vocational training, through its active teaching and learning methodologies, such as problem-based learning (PBL) and the students' passage through the Primary Care Unit (PCU) in the early years of the course. To answer this objective question, qualitative research was carried out on medical students in the fifth semester, by means of interviews which were categorized and later analyzed. The results showed significant receptivity to the new curriculum model, due to the understanding that such a model is able to inspire new reflections on future student practice and also on the concept of health and the process taken by illnesses. The study also showed that the early option to choose a particular specialization - taken up by the majority of respondents - had not changed under the new curriculum and that the training of medical practitioners or family physicians is still poorly regarded.

Uma abordagem sobre o uso de medicamentos nos livros didáticos de biologia como estratégia de promoção de saúde / An approach regarding the use of medication in biology textbooks as a strategy for health promotion

O uso inadequado de medicamentos constitui uma grande ameaça à saúde pública e os medicamentos ocupam a primeira posição dentre os agentes causadores de intoxicação no Brasil, à frente de venenos para roedores e insetos, drogas ilícitas, agrotóxicos, produtos de limpeza e alimentos estragados. Os Parâmetros Curriculares Nacionais do Ensino Médio (PCN+) dão grande ênfase à saúde, uma vez que encontramos o tema Medicamentos mencionado repetidas vezes em seus conteúdos. O objetivo da pesquisa foi estudar as abordagens sobre o uso de medicamentos nos livros didáticos. Foram analisados onze livros didáticos de biologia, sendo seis constituídos de volumes únicos e cinco com três volumes cada, num total de vinte e um volumes. O uso racional de medicamentos deve ser considerado um tópico importante da promoção da saúde que atinge todos os setores da sociedade, devendo ser enfatizado na educação básica. Diante disso, e com base nos presentes resultados, sugerimos que os livros didáticos analisados sejam adequados às novas legislações e que os conteúdos o URM, atendendo assim as recomendações dos PCN+. Para tanto, os livros poderiam tratar de forma concisa os temas: automedicação, adesão ao tratamento medicamentoso, propagandas e reportagens sobre medicamentos entre outros.

The inappropriate use of medication represents a major threat to public health and drugs rank first among the agents causing intoxication in Brazil, ahead of poisons for rodents and insects, illegal drugs, pesticides, cleaning products and spoiled food. The National Curriculum of Secondary Education Parameters (PCN+) give major emphasis to health, since the reference to Drugs is mentioned repeatedly in the text. The scope of this research was to study the approaches to drug use in textbooks. For this purpose, eleven biology textbooks were analyzed, namely six single volumes and five with three volumes each, i.e. a total of twenty-one volumes. The rational use of medication should be considered an important topic for the promotion of health which affects all sectors of society and should be emphasized in basic education. In line with this idea and based on the results obtained, it is suggested that the textbooks analyzed should be adapted to the new legislation and content that addresses Rational Drug Use, thus meeting the recommendations of PCN+. In this context, the books should concisely address the following topics: self-medication, adherence to drug treatment, advertisements and reports on drugs, among others.

Formação médica na estratégia de saúde da família: percepções discentes / Medical training in the family health strategy: student's perceptions

Diante das atuais demandas sociais, tornou-se imprescindível para a educação médica a transição do modelo tradicional de formação reducionista e hospitalocêntrica para uma vertente de educação mais ampla e integralizada. A construção de novas práticas de formação em saúde - com a utilização de cenários externos -, em coparticipação com o SUS, tem assumido um papel fundamental na formação médica. Em 2005, o Centro Universitário Serra dos Órgãos (Unifeso) incorporou em seu currículo a Aprendizagem Baseada em Problemas e a inserção dos graduandos de Medicina em Unidades Básicas de Saúde da Família. Este artigo apresenta a percepção dos discentes de Medicina neste cenário. Para isto, realizou-se uma pesquisa qualitativa, utilizando-se entrevistas e análise temática das respostas, com a criação de categorias. Os resultados demonstram a combinação de impressões positivas - integração entre teoria e prática - e negativas - problemas na organização das atividades e necessidade de identificação de um preceptor local. Propõe-se um planejamento orientado pelas novas diretrizes para o ensino na Atenção Primária à Saúde, contextualizada à condição da integralidade.

Given current social demands, it has become essential for medical education to break from the traditional model of biological reductionist and training based only at hospitals and redefine itself towards a holistic care (integrality). The construction of new training practices in health with the use of new outdoor scenarios, in partnership with (Unified National Health System - SUS), assumed a key role. In 2005 the Centro Universitário Serra dos Órgãos (Unifeso) incorporated into its curriculum the Problem-Based Learning and the insertion of medical undergraduates into Basic Health Units Family. This paper describes the perception of medical students in this scenario. We conducted a qualitative research working from the application of interviews and the utilization of thematic analysis of responses with the creation of categories. The results show the combination of positive impressions - integration between theory and practice - and negative - problems in the organization of activities, as well as the necessity to identify a local preceptor. A plan is proposed, guided by the new Directives, for teaching in the primary health care in the context of the condition of integrality.

Ensino médico, SUS e início da profissão: como se sente quem está se formando? / Medical education, the Unified Health System, and the early profession: what do graduating students feel?

A construção do SUS e o crescimento do nosso país têm suscitado uma discussão maior sobre mudanças no ensino médico. Iniciativas para implementar as Diretrizes Curriculares Nacionais aumentam o cardápio de estratégias de mudanças na preparação do fu turo médico. Para compreender melhor essas modificações, aplicamos questionários in locu a 1.004 alunos do internato de Medicina em 13 cursos médicos de seis Estados brasileiros entre 2004 e 2007, e realizamos entrevistas com alunos, docentes e gestores de Saúde. Neste artigo, destacamos o que pensam os formandos a respeito de sua formação no começo de sua atuação profissional. Aproximadamente 19 por cento dos alunos se sentem aptos ao exercício imediato da medicina; 81 por cento querem buscar formação complementar; 63 por cento desejam ser "especialistas"; só 20 por cento querem trabalhar em medicina geral, como o PSF, e apenas 5 por cento querem trabalhar em pequenos municípios. Há discrepâncias entre o que os alunos querem fazer, como se sentem preparados e o que acabarão por fazer. Este estudo fornece dados que podem ajudar na melhoria da educação médica de acordo com as demandas do SUS e na integração ensino-serviços-comunidade.

The construction and consolidation of the Unified Health System (SUS) in Brazil and the country's economic growth have sparked increasing discussion on changes in medical education. Initiatives to implement the National Curriculum Guidelines have expanded the range of strategies for changes in training for future physicians. In order to better understand these changes, we applied on-site questionnaires to 1,004 medical interns in 13 medical schools in six States of Brazil from 2004 to 2007, and conducted interviews with students, faculty, and health administrators. This article highlights what graduating medical students think of their training at the beginning of their professional careers. Approximately 19 percent of the graduates feel prepared to practice medicine immediately; 81 percent want to seek additional training; 63 percent wish to become "specialists"; and only 20 percent want to work in general practice like the Family Health Program (only 5 percent want to work in small towns). There are discrepancies between what the students want to do, how prepared they feel, and what they actually end up doing. This study provides data that can help improve medical education in Brazil according to the demands of the Unified Health System and integration between teaching, services, and the community.

Iniciação científica na graduação: o que diz o estudante de medicina? / Scientific activities during undergraduate education: what do medical studente have to say?

A educação médica interessa e repercute em todo o mundo e de forma cada vez mais acentuada, em função da globalização. No Brasil, essa discussão, intensificada com o processo de construção do SUS, foi ampliada a partir das Diretrizes Curriculares Nacionais da Medicina, mas pouco se discute sobre ensino médico e pesquisas. No Enade 2007, 39 por cento dos alunos informaram iniciação científica regulamentar em seu curso; 12 por cento declararam existir sem regulamentação e 6,5 por cento informaram a existência de iniciação científica sem integralização curricular; 10,9 por cento disseram que não é oferecida e 31 por cento não souberam opinar. No último Provão, em 2003, 20,9 por cento dos alunos responderam que a participação em iniciação científica contribuiu para sua formação e 30,7 por cento declararam não ter participado desse tipo de programa. Este estudo verificou junto aos estudantes do sexto ano, em seis escolas médicas de quatro estados brasileiros, a existência de iniciação científica em seus cursos, a participação ou não nessas atividades e os possíveis motivos para a não participação ou sua inexistência. Mesmo sendo crescente a participação de alunos de graduação em iniciação científica, ainda são muitas as razões para a não realização ou não participação dos alunos. Oitenta e quatro por cento dos alunos defendem a obrigatoriedade da iniciação científica na graduação médica.

Medical education is an important issue throughout the world, raising even more interest in the era of globalization. In Brazil, the discussions around medical education increased dramatically during the construction of the Unified Health System and got even more intensive after the establishment of the National Curricular Guidelines. However, very little is known about possible relations and mutual influences between medical education and scientific research. In the 2007 edition of the National Examination of Student Performance - ENADE 2007, 30.7 percent of the students from medical schools had not participated in Scientific Initiation activities (a program of research activities for undergraduate students) during their courses, 31 percent had no opinion, 39 percent of them had participated in such activities and 12 percent had done so informally. For 10.9 percent of the students there were no Scientific Initiation activities available and 6.5 percent reported the existence of such activities however on an extra-curricular basis. It is noteworthy that in 2003 only 20.9 percent of the students reported that joining these research activities was important for their medical education while 30.7 percent of them reported not participating in research activities In the present study we investigated the availability of Scientific Initiation activities in the courses of sixth year medical students from six medical schools in four Brazilian States. Special attention was paid to the reasons for enrolling or not in the program. Even with an increased participation of students in the program we identified a great number of reasons why students did not participate although 84 percent of them consider that participation in the program should be mandatory for medical students in general.

Mudanças curriculares no ensino médico brasileiro: um debate crucial no contexto do Promed / Curricular changes in brazilian medical education: a crucial discussion in the context of Promed

A educação médica passa por modificações na doutrina e na prática da formação profissional, conectada à contemporaneidade do mundo globalizado. No contexto do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS), aumenta o interesse de diferentes sujeitos em relação ao ensino médico, devido aos aspectos políticos e comunitários e com repercussões nas mudanças nos serviços de saúde. Iniciativas de incentivo às mudanças curriculares em medicina são adotadas para incrementar melhorias na formação médica. Nesse contexto se insere o Projeto de Incentivo a Mudanças Curriculares para os Cursos de Medicina (Promed). Com o objetivo de analisar a percepção de alunos sobre mudanças curriculares na educação médica, pesquisamos seis cursos médicos, em três estados brasileiros, usando questionários e entrevistas. Alguns pressupostos das Diretrizes Curriculares Nacionais não foram incrementados, mas o desdobramento do Promed possibilitou um programa ampliado de incentivos a mudanças curriculares. Mesmo tendo caráter exploratório, este estudo aponta a necessidade de estudos prospectivos para conhecer os impactos dos incentivos às mudanças curriculares do ensino médico, sintonizando-o, assim, com as necessidades de saúde da população.

Medical Education is undergoing modifications in the doctrine and in the practice of professional education as a consequence of today's globalized world. With respect to the Brazilian Health System, different subjects show increasing interest in medical education and in changes in the healthcare services. There are initiatives for encouraging changes in the medical curriculum for improving medical education. The Program for the Encouragement of Curricular Changes in Medical Courses (Promed) was implemented in this context. In order to analyze the opinion of students about changes in the curriculum of the medical course, we studied six medical schools in three Brazilian states, using questionnaires and interviews. Some of the propositions of the National Curriculum Guidelines have not been met but Promed gave rise to a new extensive program of changes in the medical curriculum. Even having exploratory character, this work clearly indicates the need for prospective studies in order to know the impact of Promed on medical education for adapting it to the healthcare needs of the population.

Procedures to characterize and study P2Z/P2X7 purinoceptor: flow cytometry as a promising practical, reliable tool

The expression of P2Z/P2X7 purinoceptor in different cell types is well established. This receptor is a member of the ionotropic P2X receptor family, which is composed by seven cloned receptor subtypes (P2X1 - P2X7). Interestingly, the P2Z/P2X7 has a unique feature of being linked to a non-selective pore which allows the passage of molecules up to 900 Da depending on the cell type. Early studies of P2Z/P2X7 purinoceptor were exclusively based on classical pharmacological studies but the recent tools of molecular biology have enriched the analysis of the receptor expression. The majority of assays and techniques chosen so far to study the expression of P2Z/P2X7 receptor explore directly or indirectly the effects of the opening of P2Z/P2X7 linked pore. In this review we describe the main techniques used to study the expression and functionality of P2Z/P2X7 receptor. Additionally, the increasing need and importance of a multifunctional analysis of P2Z/P2X7 expression based on flow cytometry technology is discussed, as well as the adoption of a more complete analysis of P2Z/P2X7 expression involving different techniques.

Junçöes comunicantes no sistema imune: uma alternativa para a comunicaçäo intercelular / Gap junctions in the immune system: an alternative for intercellular communication

Interaçöes celulares complexas säo utilizadas pelo sistema imune para reconhecimento do próprio e näo próprio. A comunicaçäo intercelular por meio de junçöes comunicantes é um dos mecanismos mais básicos de interaçäo celular e pouco se tem estudado sobre este tema no sistema imune. No presente artigo fazemos uma breve descriçäo das proteínas juncionais conhecidas e de suas propriedades. Revisamos também a literatura analisando criticamente os resultados que indicam a presença e possíveis funçöes dessas proteínas no sistema imune