Karyotypic characterization of Centromochlus schultzi Rössel 1962 (Auchenipteridae, Centromochlinae) from the Xingu River basin: New inferences on chromosomal evolution in Centromochlus.

Centromochlinae is a widely diverse subfamily with more than 50 species and several taxonomic conflicts due to morphological similarity between Tatia and Centromochlus species. However, cytogenetic studies on this group have been limited to only four species so far. Therefore, here we present the karyotype of Centromochlus schultzi from the Xingu River in Brazil using classic cytogenetic techniques, physical mapping of the 5S and 18S rDNAs, and telomeric sequences (TTAGGG)n. The species had 58 chromosomes, simple NORs and 18S rDNA sites. Heterochromatic regions were detected on the terminal position of most chromosomes, including pericentromeric and centromeric blocks that correspond to interstitial telomeric sites. The 5S rDNA had multiple sites, including a synteny with the 18S rDNA in the pair 24st, which is an ancestral feature for Doradidae, sister group of Auchenipteridae, but appears to be a homoplastic trait in this species. So far, C. schultzi is only the second species within Centromochlus to be karyotyped, but it has already presented characteristics with great potential to assist in future discussions on taxonomic issues in the subfamily Centromochlinae, including the first synteny between rDNAs in Auchenipteridae and also the presence of heterochromatic ITSs that could represent remnants of ancient chromosomal fusions.

Pilocytic astrocytoma in adults: Histopathological, immunohistochemical and molecular study with clinical association.

Pilocytic astrocytoma is the most common primary CNS neoplasm in children and adolescents, rare after the first two decades of life. While some authors report a favorable prognosis in the adult age group with the tumor, others have associated it with higher mortality. The molecular alteration most observed in cases of pilocytic astrocytoma in the pediatric group is the BRAF-KIAA1549 gene fusion, and there are still few studies confirming the presence of this fusion in the adult population. This work investigated genetic alterations involving the 7q34 region in BRAF gene in 21 adult individuals with pilocytic astrocytoma, by FISH. In addition, was identified the immunohistochemical expression of BRAFV600E, correlating these findings with histopathological and clinical ones. BRAF-KIAA1549 fusion appeared in only one case, while in two other cases were found deletions related to the FAM131B-BRAF fusion, suggesting that maybe the latter is more frequently in this population. Through the evaluation of immunoreactivity, 71% of the cases were considered positive and 29% negative. Cases considered positive for BRAFV600E immunoreactivity can potentially be treated through drug therapy with BRAF inhibitors; however, it is always recommended to carry out a molecular study for diagnostic confirmation. This is the first Brazilian study that aimed to investigate possible genetic alterations in the BRAF gene in pilocytic astrocytomas, specifically in adults. Only 1 patient died, but due to operative complications and not the disease itself, suggesting a good evolution of these individuals.

Plasma urea:creatinine ratio as a biomarker of gastrointestinal bleeding in dogs with anaemia.

BACKGROUND: Gastrointestinal bleeding is a cause of anaemia in dogs. A reliable, non-invasive biomarker to differentiate gastrointestinal bleeding from other causes of anaemia would be advantageous to direct clinical decisions in anaemic patients. Plasma urea:creatinine ratio is an accepted biomarker of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in human medicine. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to evaluate plasma urea:creatinine ratio as a biomarker of gastrointestinal bleeding in a population of dogs with anaemia. METHODS: This was a prospective cross-sectional study of dogs with anaemia presenting to referral centres for the investigation of anaemia. Cases were categorised as having overt gastrointestinal bleeding (melena on presentation), occult gastrointestinal bleeding (historical and diagnostic findings consistent with gastrointestinal bleeding without melena at presentation) or anaemia of other cause (confident diagnosis other than gastrointestinal bleeding reached, normal diagnostic imaging of gastrointestinal tract). Urea:creatinine ratio at presentation was calculated by dividing urea (mg/dL) by creatinine (mg/dL). RESULTS: Ninety-five dogs were included. Plasma urea:creatinine ratio was not significantly different between dogs with overt or occult gastrointestinal bleeding or those with anaemia of other cause (median urea:creatinine ratio 25.8, 20.7 and 22.5, respectively). No significant difference in urea:creatinine ratio was found between dogs with upper and lower gastrointestinal bleeding (median urea:creatinine ratio 19.4 and 24.6, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Plasma urea:creatinine ratio was not helpful in differentiating between dogs with anaemia resulting from gastrointestinal bleeding (overt or occult) and those with other causes of anaemia.

Effect of polycaprolactone nanocapsules loaded with essential oils on biofilm formation by Staphylococcus aureus strains isolated from bovine mastitis cases

Abstract Bovine infectious mastitis is largely resistant to antibacterial treatment, mainly due to mechanisms of bacterial resistance in the biofilms formed by Staphylococcus aureus. Melaleuca (MEO) and citronella essential oils (CEO) are promising agents for reducing or eliminating biofilms. Free melaleuca oil presented a medium Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of 0.625% and a Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) of 1.250%, while free citronella oil showed medium MIC and MBC of 0.313%. Thus, free CEO and MEO demonstrate bacteriostatic and bactericidal potential. We generated polymeric nanocapsules containing MEO or CEO and evaluated their efficacy at reducing biofilms formed by S. aureus. Glass and polypropylene spheres were used as test surfaces. To compare the responses of free and encapsulated oils, strains were submitted to 10 different procedures, using free and nanoencapsulated essential oils (EOs) in vitro. We observed no biofilm reduction by MEO, free or nanoencapsulated. However, CEO nanocapsules reduced biofilm formation on glass (p=0.03) and showed a tendency to diminish biofilms on polypropylene (p=0.051). Despite nanoencapsulated CEO reducing biofilms in vitro, the formulation could be improved to modify the CEO component polarity and, including MEO, to obtain more interactions with surfaces and the biofilm matrix

NIBAN1, Exploring its Roles in Cell Survival Under Stress Context.

Cell survival must quickly activate specific mechanisms that enable to detect changes in the cellular microenvironment. The impact of these cell alteration has direct consequences on cellular homeostasis. Cellular stress, as well as its regulation and implication, has been studied in different pathologies. In this sense, the alteration in NIBAN1 expression seems to act in response to different cellular disturbances. Over the years, the knowledge of NIBAN1 functions has improved, demonstrating its important cell roles, favoring the cell survival under stress context. In response to the disturbances, NIBAN1 seems to be involved in the decision-making process between cell survival and death. The increase in NIBAN1 expression has been related to cellular mechanisms that seek to minimize the damage caused to cellular homeostasis. In this review, the main biological insights attributed to the NIBAN1 gene in different cellular contexts and its role as a mediator of cellular stress are discussed.

Serum IGF-I concentrations are low in female bodybuilders in the pre-contest phase.

Bodybuilding involves athletes performing a series of poses/postures on the stage so that they can be classified according to their best esthetic and physical appearance during the competition. In the weeks prior to the target competition, the athletes subject themselves to restrictive diets and different physical training methods, as well as using dietary supplementation and, in some cases, anabolic steroids, to reduce body fat to low levels and maintain or increase muscle mass. On the other hand, it is known that physical training is a potent stimulator for releasing the components of the GH/IGF-I axis that are directly linked to the anabolic process. Based on these assumptions, this study aimed to verify the kinetics of IGF-I and of its binding protein IGFBP-3 in female bodybuilders. Serum IGF-I and IGFBP-3 concentrations were recorded before and after standardized training sessions at two different times: in the initial phase (phase 1) and in the final phase of the pre-contest (phase 2) of a 12-week training season. It was possible to conclude that there was a significant reduction in serum IGF-I values at the end of the pre-contest phase that preceded the athletes' participation in a competition. With relation to the serum IGF-I and IGFBP-3 values measured before and after the standardized training session, it was only possible to verify significant changes in the IGF-I values in the initial phase of the pre-contest. It seems reasonable to suggest that the caloric restriction used by bodybuilders may be related to the decrease in IGF-I values verified at the end of the pre-contest phase.

Performing Multilingual Analysis With Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count 2015 (LIWC2015). An Equivalence Study of Four Languages.

Today, there is a range of computer-aided techniques to convert text into data. However, they convey not only strengths but also vulnerabilities compared to traditional content analysis. One of the challenges that have gained increasing attention is performing automatic language analysis to make sound inferences in a multilingual assessment setting. The current study is the first to test the equivalence of multiple versions of one of the most appealing and widely used lexicon-based tools worldwide, Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count 2015 (LIWC2015). For this purpose, we employed supervised learning in a classification problem and computed Pearson's correlations and intraclass correlation coefficients on a large corpus of parallel texts in English, Dutch, Brazilian Portuguese, and Romanian. Our findings suggested that LIWC2015 is a valuable tool for multilingual analysis, but within-language standardization is needed when the aim is to analyze texts sourced from different languages.

Leishmania Game: tecnologia educativa para prevenção/ensino de leishmaniose visceral / Leishmania Game: educational technology for prevention/teaching visceral leishmaniasis

Introdução: a leishmaniose visceral, mais conhecida como calazar, é uma doença crônica causada por protozoários de Leishmania infantum e é uma doença caracterizada como endêmica no município de Pau dos Ferros, estado do Rio Grande do Norte. Dessa forma, a construção de uma tecnologia educativa pode ser uma ferramenta auxiliadora no processo de ensino e aprendizagem dos alunos. Objetivo: construir e validar conteúdo e aparência de jogo didático no ensino de leishmaniose visceral para alunos do ensino fundamental. Metodologia: trata-se de um estudo metodológico de abordagem quantitativa. O jogo foi confeccionado a partir de um esboço feito à mão pela autora e posteriormente entregue a um profissional responsável pelo design. Para validar o jogo, foi aplicado um protocolo de validação para 10 juízes que validaram o jogo de acordo com as expectativas curriculares e cognitivas dos alunos dos anos finais do ensino fundamental. Os dados coletados foram organizados no Microsoft® Excel® e posteriormente apresentados em gráficos e tabelas para análise final. Resultados: no que diz respeito à média geral da tecnologia educacional, obteve-se média 4,6, que corresponde a 92% de concordância dos juízes. Dessa maneira, comprova-se que todos os itens da tecnologia educacional "Leishmania" foram validados pelos juízes obtendo média superior ao estipulado. Conclusão: todos os itens apresentados no protocolo de validação foram considerados adequados na avaliação dos juízes, o que garante a confiabilidade do instrumento para ser utilizado. Dessa forma, o jogo pode ser utilizado com segurança por professores para avaliar o conhecimento dos alunos acerca da leishmaniose visceral.(AU)

Introduction: visceral leishmaniasis, better known as calazar, is a chronic disease caused by protozoa of Leishmania infantum and is a disease characterized as endemic in the municipality of Pau dos Ferros, state of Rio Grande do Norte. Thus, the construction of an educational technology can be a helping tool in the teaching and learning process of students. Objective: to construct and validate content and appearance of didactic game in the teaching of visceral leishmaniasis for elementary school students. Methodology: this was a methodological study with a quantitative approach. The game was handmade from a sketch by the author and delivered to a professional responsible for the design. To validate the game, an authentication protocol was applied to 10 judges who validated the game according to the curricular and cognitive expectations of students in the final years of elementary school. The collected data were organized in MicrosoftTM ExcelTM and later presented in graphs and tables for final analysis. Results: regarding the overall average of educational technology, obtained a score of 4.6, corresponding to 92% of the judges' agreement. Thus, it is proven that all items of educational technology "Leishmania" were validated by the judges obtaining an average higher than stipulated. Conclusion: all items presented in the validation protocol were considered adequate in the evaluation of the judges, which guarantees the reliability of the instrument to be used. Thus, the game can be safely used by teachers to assess students' knowledge about visceral leishmaniasis.(AU)

Measurement of general critical thinking in undergraduate nursing students: experimental study / Medición del pensamiento crítico general en estudiantes de cursos de graduación de enfermería: estudio experimental / Mensuração do pensamento crítico geral em estudantes de cursos de graduação em enfermagem: estudo experimental

ABSTRACT Objective: to compare the levels of general critical thinking and the skills or cognitive attributes involved, individually measured during the training of undergraduate nursing students, through a teaching intervention using Concept Maps. Method: an experimental, randomized, double-blind study with before and after design, conducted with 77 undergraduate nursing students. The research subjects were randomized to the control (38) and experiment (39) groups and both participated in a course on Advanced Life Support in Cardiology for a period of five weeks, when the intervention was the construction of four concept maps. Data collection took place through a sociodemographic questionnaire and the California Critical Thinking Skills Test (CCTST) before and after the course and after in order to measure critical thinking. Results: sociodemographic data confirmed that the groups had similar characteristics. After the intervention using the concept maps, the mean pre-and post-test general critical thinking averages were classified as moderate and showed no statistically significant difference. The t-test for paired samples showed a significantly increased Evaluation skill score (p-value of 0.022) in the posttest for the experiment group. Conclusion: the use of the teaching strategy with construction of the concept maps performed well in the promotion of General Critical Thinking and its abilities. Teaching strategies based on constructivist theories should be encouraged as they play a significant role in improving student learning and critical thinking.

RESUMEN Objetivo: comparar los niveles de pensamiento crítico general y las habilidades o características cognitivas que lo constituyen, medidos individualmente durante la formación de estudiantes de grado en Enfermería, a través de una intervención docente utilizando Mapas Conceptuales. Método: estudio experimental, aleatorizado, doble-ciego con investigación anterior y posterior, realizado con 77 estudiantes de grado en enfermería. Los sujetos de investigación fueron aleatorizados a los grupos de control (38) y de experimento (39) y ambos participaron en un curso de extensión sobre Soporte vital avanzado en cardiología durante un período de cinco semanas, cuando la intervención consistió en la construcción de cuatro mapas conceptuales. La recopilación de datos se realizó a través de un cuestionario sociodemográfico y la resolución del California Critical Thinking skills (CCTST) antes del comienzo del curso y después de la finalización para medición del pensamiento crítico. Resultados: los datos sociodemográficos confirmaron que los grupos tenían características equivalentes. Luego de la intervención a través de los mapas conceptuales, los promedios de pensamiento crítico general antes y después de la prueba se clasificaron como moderados y no presentaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas. La prueba-t para muestras emparejadas mostró un puntaje de habilidad de evaluación significativamente mayor (valor p de 0.022) en la prueba posterior para el grupo de experimento. Conclusión: el uso de la estrategia de enseñanza con la construcción de los mapas conceptuales tuvo un buen desempeño en la promoción del pensamiento crítico general y sus habilidades. Deben fomentarse las estrategias de enseñanza basadas en teorías constructivistas, ya que desempeñan un papel importante en la mejora del aprendizaje y el pensamiento crítico de los estudiantes

RESUMO Objetivo: comparar os níveis de pensamento crítico geral e as habilidades ou atributos cognitivos que o constituem, mensurados individualmente durante a formação de estudantes de graduação em Enfermagem, mediante uma intervenção de ensino com uso de Mapas Conceituais. Método: estudo experimental, randomizado, duplo-cego com delineamento antes e depois, realizado com 77 estudantes de graduação em enfermagem. Os sujeitos da pesquisa foram randomizados para os grupos controle (38) e experimento (39) e ambos participaram de um curso de extensão sobre Suporte Avançado de Vida em Cardiologia por um período de cinco semanas, quando a intervenção foi a construção de quatro mapas conceituais. A coleta de dados aconteceu por meio de um questionário sociodemográfico e a resolução do California Critical Thinking Skills Test (CCTST) antes do início do curso e após o encerramento, para mensuração do pensamento crítico. Resultados: os dados sociodemográficos confirmaram que os grupos possuíam características similares. Após a intervenção por meio dos mapas conceituais, as médias de pensamento crítico geral no pré e pós-teste foram classificadas como moderadas e não apresentaram diferença estatisticamente significativa. O Teste-t para amostras emparelhadas evidenciou a pontuação da habilidade Avaliação aumentada significativamente (p-valor de 0,022) no pós-teste para o grupo experimento. Conclusão: a utilização da estratégia de ensino com construção dos mapas conceituais apresentou bom desempenho na promoção do Pensamento Crítico Geral e de suas habilidades. Estratégias de ensino baseadas em teorias construtivistas devem ser incentivadas, pois desempenham um papel significativo na melhoria da aprendizagem e do Pensamento Crítico dos estudantes.

Critical thinking in nursing students from two Brazilian regions.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the overall critical thinking and the development of each of the cognitive skills or attributes that compose it in students of the undergraduate program in nursing through the creation of concept maps in two Brazilian teaching institutions. METHOD: Before-and-after experimental study, randomized, performed in two universities of two Brazilian regions, with a sample of 21 subjects at the A school and 56 at the B school. Data were collected through sociodemographic questionnaire and the California Critical Thinking Skills Test. Intervention consisted in the creation of four concept maps. RESULTS: Scores measured for overall critical thinking do not differed between the groups of both schools; however, positive aspects among them were found for skills of evaluation, induction, and inference. CONCLUSION: We perceived validity as a facilitating teaching strategy of the use of concept maps in several aspects.

Critical thinking in nursing students from two Brazilian regions / Pensamiento crítico de estudiantes de Enfermería de dos regiones brasileñas / Pensamento crítico em estudantes de Enfermagem de duas regiões brasileiras

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze the overall critical thinking and the development of each of the cognitive skills or attributes that compose it in students of the undergraduate program in nursing through the creation of concept maps in two Brazilian teaching institutions. Method: Before-and-after experimental study, randomized, performed in two universities of two Brazilian regions, with a sample of 21 subjects at the A school and 56 at the B school. Data were collected through sociodemographic questionnaire and the California Critical Thinking Skills Test. Intervention consisted in the creation of four concept maps. Results: Scores measured for overall critical thinking do not differed between the groups of both schools; however, positive aspects among them were found for skills of evaluation, induction, and inference. Conclusion: We perceived validity as a facilitating teaching strategy of the use of concept maps in several aspects.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Evaluar los niveles de pensamiento crítico general y el desarrollo de cada una de las habilidades o atributos cognitivos que lo componen de los estudiantes del grado en Enfermería, mediante la elaboración de mapas conceptuales en dos instituciones brasileñas de enseñanza. Método: Estudio experimental, aleatorizado, del tipo antes y después, realizado en dos instituciones de enseñanza de dos regiones brasileñas, con una muestra de 21 sujetos en la escuela A y 56 en la B. La recolección de datos se hizo mediante el cuestionario sociodemográfico y el estudio California Critical Thinking Skills Test. La intervención consistió en la elaboración de cuatro mapas conceptuales. Resultados: Las puntuaciones medidas para el pensamiento crítico general no difirieron entre los grupos de ambas escuelas, sin embargo, los aspectos positivos entre ellos fueron encontrados en las habilidades de evaluación, de inducción y de inferencia. Conclusión: Se reveló válido el uso de los mapas conceptuales en diversos aspectos como una estrategia de enseñanza facilitadora.

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar os níveis de pensamento crítico geral e o desenvolvimento de cada uma das habilidades ou atributos cognitivos que o compõem em estudantes do curso de graduação em Enfermagem por meio da construção de mapas conceituais em duas instituições brasileiras de ensino. Método: Estudo experimental, randomizado, tipo antes e depois, realizado em duas instituições de ensino de duas regiões brasileiras, com amostra de 21 sujeitos na escola A e 56 na B. Os dados foram coletados mediante o questionário sóciodemográfico e o California Critical Thinking Skills Test. A intervenção consistiu na construção de quatro mapas conceituais. Resultados: Os escores medidos para o pensamento crítico geral não diferiram entre os grupos de ambas escolas, entretanto, aspectos positivos entre eles foram encontrados para as habilidades de avaliação, indução e inferência. Conclusão: Foi percebida a validade enquanto estratégia de ensino facilitadora do uso dos mapas conceituais em diversos aspectos.

Avaliação da adesão às consultas de crescimento e desenvolvimento infantil / Assessment of adherence to consultations of growth and child development

Objetivo: investigar a adesão das mães às consultas de acompanhamento do crescimento e desenvolvimento (CD) da criança, identificando os fatores associados a essa adesão. Método: trata-se de um estudo quantitativo, descritivo, comparativo, exploratório, realizado em duas unidades básicas de saúde. Compôs-se a amostra por 70 mulheres, sendo elas mães ou cuidadoras de crianças menores de dois anos, para as quais foi aplicado um formulário com questões abertas e fechadas. Apresentaram-se os resultados em forma de tabelas. Resultados: verificou-se que o nível de adesão é maior na UBS Caetano Bezerra do Nascimento (58,3%). Destacou-se, pelas mães, que o agendamento das consultas, o conhecimento sobre a sua importância e a atenção satisfatória dos enfermeiros são fatores influenciadores para que elas mantenham o acompanhamento regular. Conclusão: evidenciaram-se boa adesão e compreensão, por parte das mães, sobre a importância do CD e do atendimento da Enfermagem. Proporciona-se, por este tipo de trabalho, a compreensão dos fatores que impedem ou dificultam a adesão ao CD.(AU)

Objective: to investigate the adherence of the mothers to the follow-up visits to the child's growth and development (GD), identifying the factors associated with this adherence. Method: this is a quantitative, descriptive, comparative, exploratory study carried out in two basic health units. The sample was composed by 70 women, who were mothers or caregivers of children under two years old, for whom a form with open and closed questions was applied. Results were presented in the form of tables. Results: it was verified that the level of adhesion is higher in the Caetano Bezerra do Nascimento BHU (58.3%). It was emphasized by the mothers that the scheduling of consultations, knowledge about their importance and the satisfactory care of nurses are influential factors for them to maintain regular follow-up. Conclusion: good adherence and understanding on the part of mothers about the importance of GD and Nursing care were evidenced. Through this type of work, the understanding of factors that prevent or hinder GD adherence is provided.(AU)

Objetivo: investigar la adhesión de las madres a las consultas de seguimiento del crecimiento y desarrollo (CD) del niño, identificando los factores asociados a esa adhesión. Método: se trata de un estudio cuantitativo, descriptivo, comparativo, exploratorio, realizado en dos unidades básicas de salud. Se compuso la muestra por 70 mujeres, siendo ellas madres o cuidadoras de niños menores de dos años, para las cuales se aplicó un formulario con preguntas abiertas y cerradas. Se presentaron los resultados en forma de tablas. Resultados: se verificó que el nivel de adhesión es mayor en la UBS Caetano Bezerra do Nascimento (58,3%). Se destacó, por las madres, que la programación de las consultas, el conocimiento sobre su importancia y la atención satisfactoria de los enfermeros son factores influyentes para que ellas mantengan el seguimiento regular. Conclusión: se evidenció buena adhesión y comprensión, por parte de las madres, sobre la importancia del CD y de la atención de la Enfermería. Se proporciona, por este tipo de trabajo, la comprensión de los factores que impiden o dificultan la adhesión al CD.(AU)

Soft X-ray Chlorine Photolysis on Chlorobenzene Ice: An Experimental and Theoretical Study.

An experimental and theoretical study of the photoinduced homolysis of the carbon-chlorine bond in an ice matrix of chlorobenzene is presented. A condensed chlorobenzene film has been grown in situ and near edge X-ray fine structure (NEXAFS) spectra were collected after exposing the condensed film to a monochromatic photon beam centered at the 2822 eV resonant excitation of chlorine and at 2850 eV. The photoabsorption to the Cl 1s → σ* and Cl 1s → π* states has been measured and the hypothesis of free radical coupling reactions was investigated via time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) and complete active space self-consistent field (CASSCF) calculations. Also, potential energy pathways to the C-Cl cleavage have been obtained at the CASSCF level to the Cl 1s → σ*, 1s → π*, and 1s → ∞ states. A strong dissociative character was only found for the Cl 1s → σ* resonance.

DNA damage in oral epithelial cells of individuals chronically exposed to indoor radon (222Rn) in a hydrothermal area.

Hydrothermal areas are potentially hazardous to humans as volcanic gases such as radon (222Rn) are continuously released from soil diffuse degassing. Exposure to radon is estimated to be the second leading cause of lung cancer, but little is known about radon health-associated risks in hydrothermal regions. This cross-sectional study was designed to evaluate the DNA damage in the buccal epithelial cells of individuals chronically exposed to indoor radon in a volcanic area (Furnas volcano, Azores, Portugal) with a hydrothermal system. Buccal epithelial cells were collected from 33 individuals inhabiting the hydrothermal area (Ribeira Quente village) and from 49 individuals inhabiting a non-hydrothermal area (Ponta Delgada city). Indoor radon was measured with Ramon 2.2 detectors. Chromosome damage was measured by micronucleus cytome assay, and RAPD-PCR was used as a complementary tool to evaluate DNA damage, using three 10-mer primers (D11, F1 and F12). Indoor radon concentration correlated positively with the frequency of micronucleated cells (r s = 0.325, p = 0.003). Exposure to radon is a risk factor for the occurrence micronucleated cells in the inhabitants of the hydrothermal area (RR = 1.71; 95% CI, 1.2-2.4; p = 0.003). One RAPD-PCR primer (F12) produced differences in the banding pattern, a fact that can indicate its potential for detecting radon-induced specific genomic alterations. The observed association between chronic exposure to indoor radon and the occurrence of chromosome damage in human oral epithelial cells evidences the usefulness of biological surveillance to assess mutations involved in pre-carcinogenesis in hydrothermal areas, reinforcing the need for further studies with human populations living in these areas.

Importância do grupo de pesquisa na formação do estudante de enfermagem / Importance of the research group in the nursing student training / Importancia del grupo de investigación en la formación del estudiante de enfermería

Objetivo: descrever e discutir as experiências e a importância do grupo de pesquisa para a formação do estudante de Enfermagem. Método: estudo do tipo relato de experiência que aborda o papel do grupo para a formação profissional e pesquisa em enfermagem e apresenta as contribuições que esse espaço de construção do conhecimento propicia aos seus membros. Resultados: os membros do grupo são instigados ao pensamento crítico e têm a oportunidade de relacionar o conhecimento adquirido na universidade com as vivências na realidade e na práxis de enfermagem por meio dos projetos de pesquisa, o que desperta a reflexibilidade sobre diversos contextos. Considerações finais: o envolvimento nos Grupos de Pesquisa permite e facilita o avanço da produção do conhecimento, o que distancia cada vez mais a enfermagem do velho paradigma da "técnica pela técnica" e permite a ação de uma prática pensada/reflexiva.

Aim: to describe and discuss the experiences and importance of the research group for the Nursing student training. Method: experimental report study, which addresses the role of the group for professional training and nursing research and presents the contributions that this space of knowledge construction provides to its members. Results: the members of the group are instigated to have a critical thinking and to have the opportunity to relate the knowledge acquired in the university with the experiences in real working contexts and in the nursing praxis through the research projects, which awakens the reflexibility on diverse contexts. Final considerations: involvement in Research Groups allows and facilitates the advancement of knowledge production, which increasingly distances nursing from the old paradigm of "technique through technique" and allows the action of a thoughtful/reflective practice.

Objetivo: describir y discutir las experiencias y la importancia del grupo de investigación para la formación del estudiante de Enfermería. Método: estudio del tipo relato de experiencia que trata sobre el papel del grupo para la formación profesional e investigación en enfermería y presenta las contribuciones que ese espacio de construcción del conocimiento posibilita a sus participantes. Resultados: los integrantes del grupo son instigados al pensamiento crítico y tienen la oportunidad de relacionar el conocimiento adquirido en launiversidad con la realidad y con la praxis de enfermería por medio de los proyectos de investigación, eso estimula la reflexividad sobre diversos contextos. Consideraciones finales: la participación en los Grupos de Investigación proporciona el avance de la producción del conocimiento, lo que diferencia cada vez más la enfermería actual de su viejo paradigma, "técnica por la técnica", y permite la acción de una práctica pensada/reflexiva.

Theory of communicative action: a basis for the development of critical thinking / Teoría de la acción comunicativa: subsidio para el desarrollo del pensamiento crítico / Teoria da ação comunicativa: subsídio para o desenvolvimento do pensamento crítico

ABSTRACT Reflections on some assumptions of the theory of Communicative Action and the development of Critical Thinking in the context of training students in undergraduate nursing courses. The perspective is based on concepts of Jürgen Habermas, as a possibility for the development of critical thinking among the students of these courses. Communication is therefore understood as inherent in the training of nurses in a continuous, dynamic, dialogical process, with interventions that are related to the context of the students and that have meaning for them, in order to contribute to the promotion of Critical Thinking.

RESUMEN Texto reflexivo que objetiva aproximar algunos presupuestos de la teoría de la Acción Comunicativa con el desarrollo del Pensamiento Crítico en el contexto de la formación de estudiantes en los cursos de graduación en Enfermería. Se trata de una reflexión basada en algunos conceptos de Jürgen Habermas, como una posibilidad para el desarrollo del pensamiento crítico en estudiantes de esos cursos. Se entiende, por lo tanto, la comunicación como inherente a la formación de los enfermeros en un proceso continuo, dinámico, dialógico, con intervenciones asociadas al contexto de los estudiantes y que tengan significado para ellos, a fin de contribuir para la promoción del Pensamiento Crítico.

RESUMO Texto reflexivo que objetiva aproximar alguns pressupostos da teoria da Ação Comunicativa com o desenvolvimento do Pensamento Crítico no contexto da formação de estudantes nos cursos de graduação em Enfermagem. Trata-se de uma reflexão com embasamento em alguns conceitos deJürgen Habermas, como uma possibilidade para o desenvolvimento do pensamento crítico nos estudantes desses cursos. Entende-se, portanto, a comunicação como inerente à formação dos enfermeiros em um processo contínuo, dinâmico, dialógico, com intervenções associadas ao contexto dos estudantes e que tenham significado para eles, a fim de contribuir para a promoção do Pensamento Crítico.

Theory of communicative action: a basis for the development of critical thinking.

Reflections on some assumptions of the theory of Communicative Action and the development of Critical Thinking in the context of training students in undergraduate nursing courses. The perspective is based on concepts of Jürgen Habermas, as a possibility for the development of critical thinking among the students of these courses. Communication is therefore understood as inherent in the training of nurses in a continuous, dynamic, dialogical process, with interventions that are related to the context of the students and that have meaning for them, in order to contribute to the promotion of Critical Thinking.

Clinical and epidemiological aspects of cornea transplant patients of a reference hospital.

OBJECTIVE:: clinically characterizing cornea transplant patients and their distribution according to indicated and post-operative conditions of cornea transplantation, as well as estimating the average waiting time. METHOD:: a cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study performed for all cornea transplants performed at a reference service (n=258). Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, version 20.0. RESULTS:: the main indicator for cornea transplant was keratoconus. The mean waiting time for the transplant was approximately 5 months and 3 weeks for elective transplants and 9 days for urgent cases. An association between the type of corneal disorder with gender, age, previous surgery, eye classification, glaucoma and anterior graft failure were found. CONCLUSION:: keratoconus was the main indicator for cornea transplant. Factors such as age, previous corneal graft failure (retransplantation), glaucoma, cases of surgeries prior to cornea transplant (especially cataract surgery) may be related to the onset corneal endothelium disorders. OBJETIVO:: caracterizar clínicamente los pacientes trasplantados y su distribución, con descripción de las condiciones indicadoras y posoperatorias de los trasplantes de córneas, así como estimar el tiempo promedio en la fila de espera. MÉTODO:: estudio epidemiológico, transversal, descriptivo y analítico, realizado con todos los trasplantes de córnea realizados en un servicio de referencia (n=258). Los datos fueron analizados con el software Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, versión 20.0. RESULTADOS:: la principal condición indicadora para el trasplante de córnea fue el queratocono. El tiempo promedio en fila de espera para realización del trasplante fue de aproximadamente 5 meses y tres semanas, para trasplantes electivos y de 9 días para los casos de urgencia. Existió asociación entre el tipo de disturbio de la córnea con: sexo, intervalo etario, cirugía previa, clasificación del ojo, glaucoma y rechazo del injerto anterior. CONCLUSIÓN:: el queratocono fue la principal condición indicadora para el trasplante de córnea. Factores como: edad; rechazo de injerto de córnea anterior (retrasplante); glaucoma; y casos de cirugías previas al trasplante de córnea, destacando la cirugía de catarata, pueden estar relacionados con el aparecimiento de disturbios de la córnea de tipo endotelial. OBJETIVO:: caracterizar clinicamente os pacientes transplantados e sua distribuição com descrição das condições indicadoras e pós-operatórias dos transplantes de córneas, bem como estimar o tempo médio em fila de espera. MÉTODO:: estudo epidemiológico, transversal, descritivo e analítico, realizado com todos os transplantes de córnea realizados em um serviço de referência (n= 258). Os dados foram analisados com uso do software Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, versão 20.0. RESULTADOS:: a principal condição indicadora para o transplante de córnea foi o ceratocone. O tempo médio em fila de espera para realização do transplante foi de aproximadamente 5 meses e três semanas para o transplantes eletivos e 9 dias para os casos de urgência. Existiu associação entre o tipo de distúrbio da córnea com sexo, faixa etária, cirurgia prévia, classificação do olho, glaucoma e falência do enxerto anterior. CONCLUSÃO:: o ceratocone foi a principal condição indicadora para o transplante de córnea. Fatores como idade, falência de enxerto corneano anterior (retransplante), glaucoma, casos de cirurgias prévias ao transplante de córnea, com destaque para a cirurgia de catarata, podem estar relacionados com o aparecimento de distúrbios da córnea do tipo endotelial.

Caracterización clínica y supervivencia de pacientes con múltiple mieloma en un estado del noreste Brasil / Clinical characterization and survival of patients with multiple myeloma in a state of northeast brazilian

Introduction: The annual prevalence of Multiple Myeloma in patients aged between 65 and 74 years old is 31 cases for every 100 000 people and increases to 46 cases per 100 000 people in patients older than 75 years old. Objectives : To clinically characterize patients with multiple myeloma treated at a referral center in the state of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, and to estimate their survival. Methods : Retrospective cohort study. For data collection, secondary sources listed in the cadastral database and complementation with data records was used. The descriptive analysis was performed by using the Epi Info program, version 3.5.2 and the survival analysis used Statistic Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 22. Results : Out of the 39 patients studied, 17 (43.6 percent) were male, and 22 (56.4 percent) were female, with an average age of 66.3 years old. The main medication therapeutic regimen was the combination of Cyclophosphamide, Thalidomide, and Dexamethasone (CTD), as the most medical prescription used in 63.6 percent of cases. Only 38.5 percent had other comorbidities and 46.2 percent of patients developed plasmacytoma. In the International Staging System (ISS), stage III prevailed with 30.8 percent among the evaluated patients. The cumulative probability of global survival rate showed a disease with a survival rate of 50 percent of the sample in about 36 months (three years) after diagnosis is confirmed(AU)

Introducción: la prevalencia anual de mieloma múltiple en pacientes entre 65 y 74 años de edad es de 31 casos por cada 100 000 personas y aumenta a 46 casos por 100 000 personas en pacientes mayores de 75 años. Objetivos: caracterizar clínicamente a los pacientes con mieloma múltiple tratados en un centro de referencia en el estado de Rio Grande do Norte, Brasil, y estimar su supervivencia. Métodos: estudio de cohorte, retrospectivo. Para la recopilación de datos, se utilizaron fuentes secundarias de la base de datos catastral y complementación con registros de datos. El análisis descriptivo se realizó mediante el programa Epi Info, versión 3.5.2 y el análisis de supervivencia del software estadístico SPSS 22. Resultados: de los 39 pacientes estudiados, 17 (43,6 por ciento) eran varones y 22 (56,4 por ciento), mujeres; con una edad promedio de 66,3 años. El principal régimen terapéutico de medicación fue la combinación de ciclofosfamida, talidomida y dexametasona (CTD), como la prescripción médica más utilizada en el 63,6 por ciento de los casos. Solo el 38,5 por ciento tenía otras comorbilidades y el 46,2 por ciento de los pacientes desarrolló plasmocitoma. En el International Staging System (ISS), prevaleció la etapa III (30,8 por ciento de los pacientes evaluados). La probabilidad acumulada de supervivencia global mostró una enfermedad con una tasa de supervivencia del 50 por ciento de la muestra en aproximadamente 36 meses (tres años) después de que se confirmó el diagnóstico(AU)