Health: bioecological analysis of subjective well-being in teaching

Reflect on the concepts that go through the history of people with disabilities, in the context of their rights, as the processes involving their education is an emerging theme. The objective of this work was to understand the conceptions about health of university professors based on the Bioecological Theory of Human development. This is an exploratory case study research with a mixed approach carried out with professors from a public university in the State of Rio Grande do Sul. The method of data collection was the interview and the self-administered questionnaire. 73 professors and 6 interview participants from different fields of knowledge, selected at random participated answering to the questionnaire. It was observed that the systems that constitute the organizational basis of the participants' lives were similar and that their life stories, their culture, the media and the relationships they establish at work are factors that influence their conceptions about health and about the relationship established with people with disabilities in Higher Education. The participants' conception of health, however, still runs through the biomedical model, but has been undergoing a progressive change. It is concluded that the conceptions about health are linked to life history, when then one starts to subjectivity. Combined with the contextual issues of a particular place, the concept of health has been progressively detaching itself from the concept of disease.

La enfermedad y sus causas en el siglo XIX chileno: La mirada del doctor Guillermo Blest / Disease and its causes in 19th century Chile: Dr. Guillermo Blest's view

Resumen Este artículo analiza el pensamiento médico del doctor Guillermo Blest, expuesto tanto en los informes médicos que envió a las autoridades de gobierno como en un escrito que publicó en 1828 titulado "Ensayo sobre las causas más comunes y activas de las enfermedades que se padecen en Santiago de Chile con indicaciones de los mejores medios para evitar su destructora influencia". En ellos, Blest presenta los principios de irritabilidad (Broussais) y excitabilidad (Brown) como elementos centrales para explicar las causas de las enfermedades. Asimismo, se observa la pervivencia de la teoría miasmática que coexiste con dichos principios explicativos, lo que le permite a Blest configurar un cuadro explicativo de la enfermedad.

Abstract This article aims to analyze the medical thought of Doctor Guillermo Blest, exposed both in the medical reports that he sent to the government authorities and in a document that he published in 1828 entitled "Assay on the most common and active causes of the diseases that are suffered in Santiago de Chile with indications of the best means to avoid its destructive influence". In them, Blest presents the principles of irritability (Broussais) and excitability (Brown) as central elements to explain the causes of diseases. Likewise, the miasmatic theory coexists with these explanatory principles, allowing Blest to configure an explanatory panorama of the disease.

Early life exposure and its association with diseases in adulthood: review of longitudinal studies / Exposiciones tempranas en la vida y su asociación con enfermedades en la edad adulta: revisión de estudios longitudinales

Abstract Background: We describe the evidence of the effects of early life exposures on health and aging during adulthood. Methods: A narrative review of cohorts and systematic reviews of studies initiated early in life and followed up to adulthood was conducted. Results: Most studies were carried out in developed countries. The long-term effects of birth weight and, to a lesser extent, height at birth on chronic-degenerative diseases, functionality, bone, renal and respiratory pathology, and mortality have been consistent. Breastfeeding is associated with metabolic and cardiovascular diseases and functionality. Adiposity, bone pathophysiology, functionality in old age, and high blood pressure are associated with socioeconomic status at birth. Conclusions: Several exposures from intrauterine life to adolescence that exert discrete but significant effects on adult health have been consistently described. It is necessary to carry out these studies in developing countries.

Resumen Introducción: En este artículo se describe la evidencia acerca de los efectos de las exposiciones tempranas sobre la salud y el envejecimiento en la edad adulta. Métodos: Revisión narrativa de cohortes y revisiones sistemáticas de estudios iniciados en la vida temprana y seguidos hasta la edad adulta. Resultados: La mayoría de los estudios se realizaron en países desarrollados. Los efectos a largo plazo del peso al nacer, y en menor medida de la talla al nacer, en las enfermedades crónico-degenerativas, la funcionalidad, la fisiopatología ósea, renal y respiratoria, y la mortalidad, han sido consistentes. La lactancia materna se ha asociado con enfermedades metabólicas y cardiovasculares, y con la funcionalidad. La adiposidad, la fisiopatología ósea, la funcionalidad en la vejez y la hipertensión arterial están asociadas con el nivel socioeconómico al nacer. Conclusiones: Diferentes exposiciones desde la vida intrauterina hasta la adolescencia ejercen efectos discretos, pero significativos, sobre la salud de los adultos. Se requiere realizar estos estudios en las poblaciones que viven en países en desarrollo.

Air pollution: Health effects / contaminación del aire: efectos en la salud

Abstract Background: Air contamination happens when unsafe or inordinate amounts of substances including gases, particles, and organic atoms are brought into Earth's climate. Objective: This review article defines air pollution, describes the types of pollutants, enumerates the various causative factors, enumerates the ways it impacts human health and suggests preventive measures to reduce the impact of air pollution on human health. Methods: Literature was studied extensively and effects of air pollution on human health have been described. Results and Conclusion: Air pollution has tremendous effects on human health in the form of respiratory diseases and aggravations in the form of asthma and lung cancer, cardiovascular dysfunctions, and malignant growth. An affiliation has been found to exist between male infertility and air pollution and a relationship has been established between air contamination and higher danger of immune dysfunction, neuroinflammation, neurobehavioral hyperactivity, crime, age-unseemly behaviours, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. Traffic-related air pollutants have been found to affect skin aging and cause pigmented spots on the face. An association exists between air pollution and irritation of the eyes, dry eye syndrome, risk for retinopathy and adverse ocular outcomes. Chronic exposure to air pollutants during pregnancy has been associated with adverse effects on the developing foetus in the form of low birth weight and still birth. Air contamination has been seen as a significant supporter of the expanded predominance of allergic diseases in children.

Pollution in the Americas: a leading cause of disease burden and an opportunity for cancer prevention / Contaminación en las Américas: causa principal de carga de la enfermedad y una oportunidad para prevención del cáncer

Abstract: Objective: Environmental and occupational agents are causes of cancer and disease worldwide while their control and the reduction of the associated disease burden remains complex. Materials and methods: This paper summarizes the current status of the burden of environmental and occupational causes of disease in the Americas based on presentations from a panel on environment, occupation and other environmental risk factors for cancer in the Americas, delivered in Panama, at the international conference Promoting Health Equity and Transnational Collaborations for the Prevention and Control of Cancer in the Americas. Results: Three case studies are presented to illustrate the impact of specific environmental and occupational agents and the challenge of control. Conclusions: There are still fully avoidable exposures to carcinogens, as well documented in the case of asbestos in Brazil. Thus, there are abundant targets for intervention to reduce cancer in the Americas.

Resumen: Objetivo: Los agentes ambientales y ocupacionales son causas de cáncer y enfermedades en todo el mundo, mientras que su control y reducción de la carga de enfermedad asociada siguen siendo puntos complejos. Material y métodos: Este documento resume el estado actual de la carga de las causas ambientales y ocupacionales de las enfermedades en las Américas a partir de las presentaciones de un panel sobre medio ambiente, ocupación y otros factores de riesgo ambientales para el cáncer en las Américas, realizado en Panamá, en la conferencia internacional Promoviendo la Equidad en Salud y las Colaboraciones Transnacionales para la Prevención y el Control del Cáncer en las Américas. Resultados: Se presentan tres estudios de caso para ilustrar el impacto de agentes ambientales y ocupacionales específicos y el desafío del control. Conclusiones: Todavía hay exposiciones totalmente evitables a los carcinógenos, como está bien documentado en el caso del asbesto en Brasil. Hay abundantes puntos estratégicos de intervención para reducir el cáncer en las Américas.

Doenças associadas à deficiência do sistema complemento / Diseases associated with the deficiency of the complement system

Introdução: O sistema complemento é composto por diversas proteínas plasmáticas e é um importante mecanismo de defesa da imunidade inata e adquirida, que exerce funções homeostáticas e fisiológicas, como a remoção de células apoptóticas e complexos imunes. A deficiência neste mecanismo pode ser hereditária ou adquirida, e leva ao aumento da susceptibilidade a doenças infecciosas e não infecciosas, raras e fatais. Objetivo: Descrever as principais causas e consequências da deficiência do sistema complemento e relacioná-las com múltiplas patologias. Material e Métodos: Trata-se de uma revisão bibliográfica narrativa, tendo como base de dados, artigos publicados no Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), National Library of Medicine (PubMed), Medical Literature Analysis and retrieval System Online (MEDLINE), nos últimos 5 anos. Resultados: A associação do complemento e doenças foram observadas em situações de deficiência do sistema complemento, anormalidades na regulação e nas inflamações. Mutações genéticas ou aumento do consumo do complemento levam à ativação imprópria ou excessiva do complemento, podendo conduzir a consequências lesivas e ao desenvolvimento de diversas doenças, como, lúpus eritematoso sistêmico, síndrome urêmica hemolítica atípica, glomerulopatia C3, hemoglobinúria paroxística noturna, glomerulonefrite pós-infecciosas, artrite reumatoide, dentre outras. Conclusão: É evidente a participação do sistema complemento na patogênese e patogenia de diversas doenças. O investimento em pesquisas, que visem ampliar o entendimento do papel do mecanismo do sistema complemento, pode contribuir para o desenvolvimento de intervenções terapêuticas paliativas e ou de cura de diversas doenças, com a consequente melhoria da qualidade de vida dos indivíduos acometidos.

Introduction: The complement system is composed of several plasma proteins and is an important defense mechanism of innate and acquired immunity, which exerts homeostatic and physiological functions, such as the removal of apoptotic cells and immune complexes. Deficiency in this mechanism may be hereditary or acquired, and leads to increased susceptibility to infectious and non-infectious, rare and fatal diseases. Objective: To describe the main causes and consequences of the deficiency of the complement system and to relate them to multiple pathologies. Material and Methods: This is a bibliographical narrative review, based on data published in SciELO (Scientific Electronic Library Online), PubMed (National Library of Medicine), MEDLINE (Medical Literature Analysis and retrieval System Online), last five years. Results:The associations of complement and diseases were observed in situations of deficiency of the complement system, abnormalities in regulation and inflammation. Genetic mutations lead to inappropriate or excessive activation of the complement, as well as increased the consumption of the complement. This can lead to harmful consequences and the development of several diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome, C3 glomerulopathy, nocturnal paroxysmal hemoglobinuria, postpartum glomerulonephritis, infectious diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, among others. Conclusion: The participation of the complement system in the pathogenesis and pathogenesis of several diseases is evident. Investing in research, aimed at broadening the understanding of the role of the complement system mechanism, may contribute to the development of palliative therapeutic interventions and or cure of various diseases, with the consequent improvement in the quality of life of affected individuals.

Revisión Bibliográfica: El Microbioma Humano / Bibliographic Review: The Human Microbiome

El microbioma humano se entiende como el enorme conjunto de microorganismo que habitan de manera simbiótica en los distintos órganos de un individuo sano. Existe evidencia suficiente como para afirmar que la colonización de dichos microorganismo sucede inmediatamente después del nacimiento, e incluso algunos autores sostienen que podría suceder dentro del útero. La cantidad de publicaciones científicas que abordan el tema del microbioma han aumentado exponencialmente en los últimos 5 años dejando claro su papel preponderante en la respuesta inmune y en el equilibro salud enfermedad; afirmando que cambios en su ecosistema en términos de cantidad y calidad se asocia con el inicio o la perpetuación de diversas enfermedades.

The human microbiome is understood as the huge group of microorganisms that inhabit symbiotically in a healthy human. There is enough evidence to affirm that the colonization of microorganism happens immediately after birth, in fact some authors claim that it could happen inside the uterus. The number of scientific publications that address the issue ofthemicrobiome have increased exponentially in the last 5 years,making clearthe predominantrole in the immune response and in the health balance; affirming that changes in the ecosystem in terms of quantity and quality, are associated with the initiation or perpetuation of various diseases.

Abordaje integral del proceso salud enfermedad atención / Comprehensive approach to the health disease care process

El presente artículo tiene por propósito analizar desde la perspectiva de la medicina familiar la necesidad de repensar nuestra práctica y reelaborar los tradicionales modelos de abordaje del proceso salud enfermedad atención, en función de las limitaciones evidenciadas por el modelo biomédico.

The purpose of this article is analyzed from the perspective of family medicine practice need to rethink and rework our traditional models of health care approach to the disease, according to the process limitations evidenced by the biomedical model.

Health workers cohort study: methods and study design / Cohorte de trabajadores de la salud: métodos y diseño del estudio

Abstract: Objective: To examine different health outcomes that are associated with specific lifestyle and genetic factors. Materials and methods: From March 2004 to April 2006, a sample of employees from three different health and academic institutions, as well as their family members, were enrolled in the study after providing informed consent. At baseline and follow-up (2010-2013), participants completed a self-administered questionnaire, a physical examination, and provided blood samples. Results: A total of 10 729 participants aged 6 to 94 years were recruited at baseline. Of these, 70% were females, and 50% were from the Mexican Social Security Institute. Nearly 42% of the adults in the sample were overweight, while 20% were obese. Conclusion: Our study can offer new insights into disease mechanisms and prevention through the analysis of risk factor information in a large sample of Mexicans.

Resumen: Objetivo: Examinar diferentes desenlaces en salud y su asociación con factores genéticos y del estilo de vida. Material y métodos: De marzo de 2004 a abril de 2006, una muestra de empleados de tres diferentes instituciones de salud y académicas, así como miembros de sus familias, fueron enrolados en el estudio, previa firma de consentimiento informado. Durante la medición basal y el seguimiento (2010-2013) los participantes completaron un cuestionario autoaplicado, exámenes físicos y proporcionaron muestras sanguíneas. Resultados: Fueron incluidos participantes (10 729) de entre 6 y 94 años en la medición basal. De estos, 70% fueron mujeres y 50% del Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social. Aproximadamente 42% de los adultos tuvieron sobrepeso y 20% obesidad. Conclusión: Este estudio puede ofrecer conocimientos sobre los mecanismos de la enfermedad a través del análisis de factores de riesgo en una muestra de mexicanos.

Metabolismo de la Vitamina D: rol en la génesis de enfermedades / Vitamin D metabolism: role in the genesis of diseases

La vitamina D clásicamente ha sido relacionada con el metabolismo óseo, sin embargo ejerce diversas funciones en varios tejidos del organismo que poseen el receptor para vitamina D (VCR) yson susceptibles a su efecto. La disminución de vitamina D también se ha asociado a patologías "no clásicas"como hipertensión, síndrome metabólico, resistencia a insulina, diabetes, desarrollo de algunos canceres,alteraciones pulmonares, autoinmunidad e infertilidad, entre otras. También se ha asociado la deficiencia materna de vitamina D en la génesis de patologías postnatales. Además, muchas de estas patologías se producirían por alteraciones moleculares, principalmente relacionadas con su metabolismo y con polimorfismos del receptor VCR. La vitamina D se considerara una hormona, puede ser sintetizada en la piel a partir 7-dehidrocolesterol mediante radiación ultravioleta B. Su metabolismo es complejo e implica la interacción de diversos factores en su incorporación y formación final de calcitriol, su forma activa. Para ejercer su efecto requiere de la activación del receptor VDR en la célula blanco, el cual a su vez activa secuencias de genes específicos con funciones diversas, a través de secuencias promotoras del ADN denominadas elementos de respuesta de vitamina D (VDRE). Muchos tejidos presentan el receptor VDR y enzimas necesarias para su metabolismo, por lo cual el espectro de acción de la vitamina D es muy amplio, así como la variedad de patologías que produce. Esta revisión de vitamina D, está centrada principalmente en los aspectos moleculares de su metabolismo y su rol en la génesis de enfermedades "no clásicas", producto de su disminución o alteración de su metabolismo.

Vitamin D has traditionally been associated with bone metabolism, however it exerts different functions in various tissues of the body that possess the vitamin D (VCR) receptor and they are susceptible to its effect. Decreased vitamin D has also been associated with "nonclassical" diseases such as hypertension, metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, diabetes, development of some cancers, lung disorders,autoimmunity and infertility, among others. Maternal vitamin D deficiency has been associated in the genesis of postnatal diseases. Further, many of these pathologies are produced by molecular alterations, mainly related to metabolism and receptor polymorphisms VCR. Vitamin D is considered a hormone, can be synthesized in the skin from 7-dehydrocholesterol by ultraviolet radiation B. The metabolism is complex and involves the interaction of several factors in its incorporation and final formation of calcitriol, the active form. To produce its effect requires activation of VDR receptor on the target cell, which activates specific gene sequences with different functions, through DNA promoter sequences in identified vitamin D response elements (VDRE).Many tissues have the VDR receptor and enzymes necessary for metabolism, so the spectrum of vitamin Daction is very broad in the variety of pathologies produced. This review of vitamin D focuses primarily on the molecular aspects of its metabolism and its role in the genesis of "nonclassical", diseases, product of its reduction or alteration of metabolic diseases.

Impacto del cambio climático en la salud / The impact of climate change on health

El Cambio Climático (CC) está afectando la salud humana y los sistemas naturales. En los últimos 50 años, las actividades del hombre, particularmente la quema de combustibles fósiles, han liberado importante cantidad de gases de efecto invernadero (GEI) los que atrapan el calor adicional en la atmósfera calentando el planeta. La temperatura y el nivel del mar aumentan, los glaciares se derriten y los patrones de las precipitaciones están cambiando. Los eventos climáticos extremos son más intensos y frecuentes. Es importante conocer el impacto del CC en la salud y en los ecosistemas porque es posible manejar sus efectos a través de medidas de adaptación y mitigación (AU)

Climate change (CC) is affecting human health and natural systems. Over the past 50 years, activities of mankind, mainly the burning of fossil fuels, has released important amounts of greenhouse gases (GHG) that trap additional heat in the atmosphere heating the planet. The sea temperature and level rise, glaciers melt, and patterns of precipitations have changed. Extreme climatic events have become more intense and frequent. It is important to recognize the impact of CC on health and ecosystems as it is possible late its effects through measures of adaptation and mitigation (AU)

Mudança de fotoperíodo: proposta de modelo experimental / Change of photoperiod: proposal for an experimental model

Introduction: There are some physiological and behavioral variations related to seasonality, and light is the major synchronizer of these variations according to the seasonal functions in temperate latitudes. Thus, the objective of this study was to validate a methodology for photoperiod modification in Wistar rats byevaluating its interference in the biological rhythm. Methods: Three male adult Wistar rats (60 days) were exposed to 3 photoperiods of 17 days each, with different light/dark cycles (LD): LDPP/SDPP Animal, exposed to initial LD 16:30/07:30 (LDPP, long-day photoperiod) and final LD 07:30/16:30 (SDPP, short-day photoperiod); SDPP/LDPP Animal, exposed to initial LD 07:30/16:30 and final LD 16:30/07:30; and final LD 16:30/07:30; and CT Animal, under constant LD 12:00/12:00. LDPP/SDPP and SDPP/LDPP animals underwent an intermediate photoperiod between initial and final LD, in which light exposure was increased or reduced by 30 min each day until the photoperiods were inverted. All animals remained isolated during the study and had their core temperatures continuously measured by sensors implanted in the peritoneal cavity and their locomotive activity assessed by sensors attached to their cages. The data obtained were used to construct histograms. Results: LDPP/SDPP and SDPP/LDPP animals had a longer period of activity in the SDPP than in the LDPP. The temperature of the CT animal followed a rhythmic pattern. The rat strain used was sensitive to changes in photoperiod. Conclusions: The model proposed and validated in this study can be used in experiments that aim to assess the consequences of changes in light exposure.

Introdução: Existem variações fisiológicas e comportamentais relacionadas à sazonalidade, e a luz é o principal sincronizador destas variações de acordo com as funções sazonais em latitudes de climas temperados. Sendo assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi validar uma metodologia de modificação de fotoperíodo com ratos Wistar avaliando sua interferência no ritmo biológico. Métodos: Três ratos Wistar machos adultos (60 dias) foram expostos a 3 fotoperíodos de 17 dias cada, com diferentes ciclos claro/escuro (light/dark, LD): Animal CL/CC, exposto a LD inicial 16:30/07:30 (CL, claro longo) e LD final 07:30/16:30 (CC, claro curto); Animal CC/CL, exposto a LD inicial 07:30/16:30 e LD final 16:30/07:30; e Animal CT, sob LD constante 12:00/12:00. Os animais CL/CC e CC/CL passaram por um fotoperíodo intermediário entre o LD inicial e final, no qual a exposição à luz foi aumentada ou diminuída em 30 min a cada dia até que os fotoperíodos se invertessem. Todos os animais permaneceram isolados durante o estudo e tiveram suas temperaturas corporais continuamente aferidas por sensores implantados na cavidade peritoneal e suas atividades locomotoras medidas por sensores acoplados às suas caixas. Os dados obtidos foram utilizados para construção de histogramas. Resultados: Os animais CL/CC e CC/CL apresentaram maior período de atividade em CC do que em CL. A temperatura do animal CT seguiu um padrão rítmico. A linhagem utilizada apresentou sensibilidade à mudança de fotoperíodo. Conclusão: O modelo proposto e validado neste estudo pode ser usado em experimentos que tenham como objetivo avaliar as consequências das mudanças de exposição à luz.

Implications of calpains in health and diseases.

The number of mammalian calpain protease family members has grown as many as 15 till recent count. Although initially described as a cytosolic protease, calpains have now been found in almost all subcellular locations i.e., from mitochondria to endoplasmic reticulum and from caveolae to Golgi bodies. Importantly, some calpains do not possess the 28 kDa regulatory subunit and have only the 80 kDa catalytic subunit. In some instances, the 80 kDa subunit by itself confers the calpain proteolytic activity. Calpains have been shown to be involved in a number of physiological processes such as cell cycle progression, remodeling of cytoskeletal-cell membrane attachments, signal transduction, gene expression and apoptosis. Recent studies have linked calpain deficiencies or it’s over production with a variety of diseases, such as muscular dystrophies, gastropathy, diabetes, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, atherosclerosis and pulmonary hypertension. Herein, we present a brief overview on some implications of calpains on human health and some diseases.

The challenge of health & environment: Profiling risks & strategic priorities for now & the future.

A substantial burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases in the developing countries is attributable to environmental risk factors. WHO estimates that the environmental factors are responsible for an estimated 24 per cent of the global burden of disease in terms of healthy life years lost and 23 per cent of all deaths; children being the worst sufferers. Given that the environment is linked with most of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), without proper attention to the environmental risk factors and their management, it will be difficult to achieve many MDGs by 2015. The impact of environmental degradation on health may continue well into the future and the situation in fact, is likely to get worse. In order to address this challenge, two facts are worth noting. First, that much of the environmental disease burden is attributable to a few critical risk factors which include unsafe water and sanitation, exposure to indoor smoke from cooking fuel, outdoor air pollution, exposure to chemicals such as arsenic, and climate change. Second, that environment and health aspects must become, as a matter of urgency, a national priority, both in terms of policy and resources allocation. To meet the challenge of health and environment now and in the future, the following strategic approaches must be considered which include conducting environmental and health impact assessments; strengthening national environmental health policy and infrastructure; fostering inter-sectoral co-ordination and partnerships; mobilizing public participation; and enhancing the leadership role of health in advocacy, stewardship and capacity building.

Imagens da cura: ayhuasca, imaginação, saúde e doença ena Barquinha / Images of healing: ayhuasca, imagination, health and disease ena Barquinha

Em situação de doença ou sofrimento, muitas pessoas buscam uma religião. Não é diferente nas religiões ayahuasqueiras, cujos rituais são conhecidos por utilizar uma bebida à base de Ayahuasca, uma substância psicoativa. O Santo Daime é a mais conhecida dessas religiões, mas existem outras, como a União do Vegetal e a Barquinha – esta última restrita ao Acre. Pessoas em tratamento de saúde com Ayahuasca vivenciam e relatam mirações após o consumo da bebida, cuja eficácia – seja simbólica, seja física – tem sido bastante discutida. Entender o papel dessas mirações, mas ultrapassando o tradicional debate sobre a ação da substância: esta é a proposta do livro. O autor estudou um centro ligado ao sistema religioso da Barquinha. O diferencial dessa pesquisa é que ela compreende as mirações a partir do diálogo entre múltiplos saberes, como antropologia, psicologia, filosofia da mente, estudos da consciência, química, neurofisiologia e espiritualidade.

Imagens da cura: ayhuasca, imaginação, saúde e doença ena Barquinha

Em situação de doença ou sofrimento, muitas pessoas buscam uma religião. Não é diferente nas religiões ayahuasqueiras, cujos rituais são conhecidos por utilizar uma bebida à base de Ayahuasca, uma substância psicoativa. O Santo Daime é a mais conhecida dessas religiões, mas existem outras, como a União do Vegetal e a Barquinha – esta última restrita ao Acre. Pessoas em tratamento de saúde com Ayahuasca vivenciam e relatam mirações após o consumo da bebida, cuja eficácia – seja simbólica, seja física – tem sido bastante discutida. Entender o papel dessas mirações, mas ultrapassando o tradicional debate sobre a ação da substância: esta é a proposta do livro. O autor estudou um centro ligado ao sistema religioso da Barquinha. O diferencial dessa pesquisa é que ela compreende as mirações a partir do diálogo entre múltiplos saberes, como antropologia, psicologia, filosofia da mente, estudos da consciência, química, neurofisiologia e espiritualidade