Microwave and ultrasound extraction of antioxidant phenolic compounds from Lantana camara Linn. leaves: Optimization, comparative study, and FT-Orbitrap MS analysis.

INTRODUCTION: The species Lantana camara is used in folk medicine. The biological activities of this medicinal plant are attributable to the presence of various derivatives of triterpenoids and phenolic compounds present in its preparations, indicating excellent economic potential. OBJECTIVE: In this study, the operational conditions of ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) were optimized using Box-Behnken design to improve the total phenolic content (TPC) recovered in hydroethanolic extracts of L. camara leaves. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The TPC, total flavonoid content (TFC), and antioxidant activities of the hydroalcoholic extracts of L. camara, prepared by UAE and MAE under the optimized extraction conditions, were compared with those of the extracts obtained by conventional extraction methods. RESULTS: Under the optimal conditions, the extracts obtained by UAE (35% ethanol, 25 min, and a solvent-to-solid ratio of 60:1 mL/g) and by MAE (53% ethanol, 15 min, and 300 W) provided high yields of 32.50% and 38.61% and TPC values of 102.89 and 109.83 mg GAE/g DW, respectively. The MAE extract showed the best results with respect to TPC, TFC, and antioxidant activities, followed by extracts obtained by UAE, Soxhlet extraction, decoction, maceration, and infusion, in that order. CONCLUSION: The results obtained indicate that L. camara may be used as an important source of antioxidant phenolic compounds to obtain products with high biological and economic potential, especially when the extraction process is performed under appropriate conditions using MAE and/or UAE, employing environmentally friendly solvents such as water and ethanol.

3-D Virtual Reconstruction of a Large Amniocele With Protrusion of Legs and Umbilical Cord Following Asymptomatic Uterine Rupture.

BACKGROUND: Complete uterine rupture is a rare and severe intrapartum complication with high rates of maternal and fetal mortality. Asymptomatic uterine rupture is a very rare condition with one unique previous case described in the literature. Three-dimensional virtual models allow an immersive virtual reality of maternal-fetal structures with better understanding by the parents and the medical team. CASE: We demonstrate a case of asymptomatic rupture uterine with a large amniocele and protruded legs and umbilical cord at 28 weeks of gestation by using a 3-D virtual model from ultrasound scan data. CONCLUSION: 3-D virtual models may be applied to the assessment of obstetric complications, thereby allowing a novel 3-D spatial view of maternal-fetal structures.

Changing Trends in the Clinical Presentation and Management of Complete Hydatidiform Mole Among Brazilian Women.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate potential changes in the clinical, diagnostic, and therapeutic parameters of complete hydatidiform mole in the last 25 years in Brazil. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted involving the analysis of 2163 medical records of patients diagnosed with complete hydatidiform mole who received treatment at the Rio de Janeiro Reference Center for Gestational Trophoblastic Disease between January 1988 and December 2012. For the statistical analysis of the natural history of the patients with complete molar pregnancies, time series were evaluated using the Cox-Stuart test and adjusted by linear regression models. RESULTS: A downward linear temporal trend was observed for gestational age of complete hydatidiform mole at diagnosis, which is also reflected in the reduced occurrence of vaginal bleeding, hyperemesis and pre-eclampsia. We also observed an increase in the use of uterine vacuum aspiration to treat molar pregnancy. Although the duration of postmolar follow-up was found to decline, this was not accompanied by any alteration in the time to remission of the disease or its progression to gestational trophoblastic neoplasia. CONCLUSIONS: Early diagnosis of complete hydatidiform mole has altered the natural history of molar pregnancy, especially with a reduction in classical clinical symptoms. However, early diagnosis has not resulted in a reduction in the development of gestational trophoblastic neoplasia, a dilemma that still challenges professionals working with gestational trophoblastic disease.

Mola hidatiforme parcial recorrente evoluindo para neoplasia trofoblástica gestacional / Recurrent partial hydatidiform mole evolving to gestational trophoblastic neoplasia

Mola hidatiforme parcial recorrente é evento em que há repetição da mola hidatiforme parcial. Há cerca de 100 casos relatados na literatura e dúvida se essa entidade pode evolver para neoplasia trofoblástica gestacional pós-molar. Apresenta-se relato de caso de paciente com recorrência de mola hidatiforme parcial em que houve aumento de embriopatia, bem como transformação maligna da mola parcial recorrente. Empregou-se quimioterapia com Methotrexate para induzir cura. Não obstante seja ocorrência rara, a importância deste relato encontra-se na evidência de neoplasia trofoblástica gestacional em recorrência de mola hidatiforme parcial, determinando vigilância hormonal rigorosa para detectar a malignização desses blastomas.

Recurrent partial hydatidiform mole is an event of repetitive partial hydatidiform mole. It has been reported around 100 cases in the literature and it is still unclear if this entity can evolve to postmolar gestational trophoblastic neoplasia. In this report, it is presented a case of recurrent partial hydatidiform mole with an increase in embriologic alterations, as well as malignization of recurrent partial hydatidiform mole. Chemotherapy with Methotrexate regimen was used to induce remission. Although rare, the importance of this report relies on the evidence of gestational trophoblastic neoplasia in recurrent partial hydatidiform mole, demanding straight hormonal surveillance to detect malignization of these tumors.

Chemical composition, antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory and redox properties in vitro of the essential oil from Remirea maritima Aubl. (Cyperaceae).

BACKGROUND: The present study was carried out to evaluate antioxidant, antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of essential oil from R. maritima (RMO) in experimental protocols. METHODS: The essential oil from the roots and rhizomes of RMO were obtained by hydrodistillation using a Clevenger apparatus, and analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Here, we evaluated free radical scavenging activities and antioxidant potential of RMO using in vitro assays for scavenging activity against hydroxyl radicals, hydrogen peroxide, superoxide radicals, and nitric oxide. The total reactive antioxidant potential (TRAP) and total antioxidant reactivity (TAR) indexes and in vitro lipoperoxidation were also evaluated. The ability of RMO to prevent lipid peroxidation was measured by quantifying thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS). NO radical generated at physiological pH was found to be inhibited by RMO, that showed scavenging effect upon SNP-induced NO production at all concentrations. Antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties were evaluated by acetic acid writhing reflex, Formalin-induced nociception and Carrageenan-induced edema test. RESULTS: The majors compounds identified was remirol (43.2%), cyperene (13.8%), iso-evodionol (5.8%), cyperotundone (5.7%), caryophyllene oxide (4.9%), and rotundene (4.6%). At the TRAP assay, RMO concentration of 1 mg.mL(-1) showed anti-oxidant effects and at concentration of 1 and 10 ng.mL(-1) RMO showed pro-oxidant effect. RMO at 1 mg.mL(-1) also showed significant anti-oxidant capacity in TAR measurement. Concentrations of RMO from 1 ng.mL(-1) to 100 µg.mL(-1) enhanced the AAPH-induced lipoperoxidation. RMO reduced deoxyribose oxidative damage, induced by the Fenton reaction induction system, at concentrations from 1 ng.mL(-1) to 100 µg.mL(-1). We observed that RMO caused a significant increase in rate of adrenaline auto-oxidation. On the other hand RMO did not present any scavenging effect in H2O2 formation in vitro. The results of this study revealed that RMO has both peripheral and central analgesic properties. The RMO, all doses, orally (p.o.) administered significantly inhibited (p < 0.05, p < 0.01 and p < 0.001) the acetic acid-induced writhings and two phases of formalin-induced nociception in mice. CONCLUSION: The RMO demonstrated antioxidant and analgesic profile which may be related to the composition of the oil.

Complicações clínicas da gravidez molar / Clinical complications of hydatidiform mole

A gravidez molar, espectro benigno da doença trofoblástica gestacional, representa uma complicação obstétrica da primeira metade da gestação. De maneira geral, cursa com sintomatologia exuberante: hemorragia, útero aumento para a idade gestacional, cistose ovariana e pré-eclâmpsia precoce; chegando mesmo a graves situações clínicas de hipertireoidismo e insuficiência respiratória.Todavia, devido ao diagnóstico precoce da mola hidatiforme, ainda no primeiro trimestre, mercê da ultrassonografia, houve uma importante redução na ocorrência desses sintomas; contribuindo para que a condução desses casos excepcionais ficasse confinada aos Centros de Referência. É objetivo desse artigo apresentar ao obstetra brasileiro uma revisão das complicações clínicas da gravidez molar, atualizando-o no diagnóstico precoce e tratamento dessas condições clínicas que podem ser potencialmente ameaçadoras à vida da gestante e de seu concepto.(AU)

The molar pregnancy, in the benign gestational trophoblastic disease spectrum, represents an obstetric complication of first half of gestation. In general, runs with exuberant symptoms: bleeding, uterus increase for gestational age, ovarian cistose and early preeclampsia; even serious clinical situations of hyperthyroidism and respiratory failure. However, due to the early diagnosis of hydatidiform mole, still in the first trimester, through ultrasound, there was a significant reduction in the occurrence of these symptoms; contributing so that the conduct of these exceptional cases could be confined to the centers of reference. The purpose of this article is to present to the Brazilian obstetrician a review of clinical complications of molar pregnancy, updating it in the early diagnosis and treatment of clinical conditions that can be potentially threatening to the life of the pregnant woman and her fetus.(AU)

A systematic review for anti-inflammatory property of clusiaceae family: a preclinical approach.

Background. Clusiaceae family (sensu lato) is extensively used in ethnomedicine for treating a number of disease conditions which include cancer, inflammation, and infection. The aim of this review is to report the pharmacological potential of plants of Clusiaceae family with the anti-inflammatory activity in animal experiments. Methods. A systematic review about experiments investigating anti-inflammatory activity of Clusiaceae family was carried out by searching bibliographic databases such as Medline, Scopus and Embase. In this update, the search terms were "anti-inflammatory agents," "Clusiaceae," and "animals, laboratory." Results. A total of 255 publications with plants this family were identified. From the initial 255 studies, a total of 21 studies were selected for the final analysis. Studies with genera Allanblackia, Clusia, Garcinia or Rheedia, and Hypericum showed significant anti-inflammatory activity. The findings include a decrease of total leukocytes, a number of neutrophils, total protein concentration, granuloma formation, and paw or ear edema formation. Other interesting findings included decreased of the MPO activity, and inflammatory mediators such as NF- κ B and iNOS expression, PGE2 and Il-1 ß levels and a decrease in chronic inflammation. Conclusion. The data reported suggests the anti-inflammatory effect potential of Clusiaceae family in animal experiments.

Bioassay-guided evaluation of Dioscorea villosa - an acute and subchronic toxicity, antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory approach.

BACKGROUND: Dioscorea villosa (DV) has been used in Brazil as an alternative medicine to attenuate menopause symptoms, as well as for the treatment of joint pain and rheumatoid arthritis. In spite of the popular use of DV for the treatment of various disorders, there are limited scientific data regarding safety aspects of this herb. In this regard, we carried out to evaluated both antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities in experimental models and assess the toxic effects of the acute (single dose) and subchronic (30 days) oral administration of dry extract of Dioscorea villosa in rodents. METHODS: The LC analyses were performed to assess the presence of the diosgenin in samples of DV. The antinociceptive study of DV was performed using models of acetic acid-induced writhing and formalin-induced pain in mice. The anti-inflammatory study was accomplished by leukocyte migration to the peritoneal cavity. A dry extract of DV was tested at doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg (per os or p.o.). The toxicological properties of the dry extract were evaluated by toxicity assays of acute (5 g/kg, single dose) and subchronic (1 g/kg/day, 30 days) treatment. Haematological, biochemical, and histopathological parameters were studied. The results are expressed as mean ± S.D., and statistical analysis of the data were performed with the Student's t-test or one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey's test. In all cases differences were considered significant if p < 0.05. RESULTS: HPLC-DAD analysis of the extract from DV revealed the presence of diosgenin as the major compound. Doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg significantly reduced the amount of acetic acid-induced writhing in relation to the vehicle (p < 0.0001). In the first phase, using the formalin-induced neurogenic pain test, only the 400 mg/kg dose of DV showed significant inhibition of neurogenic pain (p < 0.001). In the second phase, 200 and 400 mg/kg of DV showed significant inhibition of inflammatory pain (p < 0.0001). Significant inhibition of leukocyte migration was observed with doses of 100 (p < 0.001), 200 (p < 0.01) and 400 mg/kg (p < 0.01). Haematological, biochemical and histopathological data obtained in both acute and subchronic toxicological assays revealed only unremarkable changes, which are unlikely to indicate DV toxicity with oral administration. CONCLUSION: We found that DV possesses antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties in rodent models. In addition, no acute or subchronic toxicity was evident when the herbal extract was administered orally. These results supporting the folkloric usage of the plant to treat various inflammatory diseases.

Promoção do bem-estar ao acompanhante no ambiente hospitalar: intervenção de enfermagem grupal / Promotion of the well-being to the companion in the hospital environment: nursing intervention group

Objetivo: caracterizar os acompanhantes de clientes hospitalizados; identificar o bem-estar do cuidador prée pós-grupo de acompanhantes utilizando a Classificação dos Resultados de Enfermagem (NOC); analisar oslimites e as possibilidades de integração dos acompanhantes ao ambiente hospitalar. Método: estudo deabordagem quanti-qualitativa, do tipo quase-experimental, utilizando-se da técnica grupo focal com 140acompanhantes de pacientes internados nas unidades clínicas e cirúrgicas de um hospital geral, emNiterói/RJ/Brasil, após aprovação do projeto pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa, sob protocolo0102.0.258.000-08. Para a análise dos dados foi empregada a Técnica Análise de conteúdo e descritivasimples. Resultados: estabeleceu-se o perfil do acompanhante; os fatores implicados na formação do papelde acompanhante; a atuação do acompanhante no processo de cuidar; reflexos e nexos da relaçãoacompanhante-cuidador; e o significado do ser acompanhante. Conclusão: houve melhora no bem-estar apósa intervenção grupal, e a inclusão do acompanhante na prática requer adequação do cenário hospitalar.

Cytotoxic effect of leaf essential oil of Lippia gracilis Schauer (Verbenaceae).

Medicinal plants are one of the most important sources of drugs used in the pharmaceutical industry. Among traditional medicinal plants, Lippia gracilis Schauer (Verbenaceae) had been used for several medicinal purposes in Brazilian northeastern. In this study, leaf essential oil (EO) of L. gracilis was prepared using hydrodistillation. Followed by GC-MS analysis, its composition was characterized by the presence of thymol (55.50%), as major constituent. The effects of EO on cell proliferation and apoptosis induction were investigated in HepG2 cells. Furthermore, mice bearing Sarcoma 180 tumor cells were used to confirm its in vivo effectiveness. EO and its constituents (thymol, p-cymene, γ-terpinene and myrcene) displayed cytotoxicity to different tumor cell lines. EO treatment caused G1 arrest in HepG2 cells accompanied by the induction of DNA fragmentation without affecting cell membrane integrity. Cell morphology consistent with apoptosis and a remarkable activation of caspase-3 were also observed, suggesting induction of caspase-dependent apoptotic cell death. In vivo antitumor study showed tumor growth inhibition rates of 38.5-41.9%. In conclusion, the tested essential oil of L. gracilis leaves, which has thymol as its major constituent, possesses significant in vitro and in vivo antitumor activity. These data suggest that leaf essential oil of L. gracilis is a potential medicinal resource.

Antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of aporphinoids and other alkaloids from the bark of Annona salzmannii A. DC. (Annonaceae).

The antioxidant capacity by oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC)-FL method and antimicrobial activity using the broth microdilution method of aporphinoids (liriodenine 1, anonaine 2 and asimilobine 3) and other alkaloids (reticuline 4 and cleistopholine 5) isolated from the bark of Annona salzmannii A. DC. (Annonaceae) were evaluated. For antioxidant activity, the most active alkaloid was asimilobine with ORAC value of 2.09 relative trolox equivalents. For antimicrobial activity, some alkaloids showed significant minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values in the range of 25-100 µg mL(-1). The most active compounds were the aporphinoids liriodenine, anonaine and asimilobine, some of them more active than the positive control.

Evaluation of the cytotoxic activity of some Brazilian medicinal plants.

Plants are promising sources of new bioactive compounds. The aim of this study was to investigate the cytotoxic potential of nine plants found in Brazil. The species studied were: Annona pickelii Diels (Annonaceae), Annona salzmannii A. DC. (Annonaceae), Guatteria blepharophylla Mart. (Annonaceae), Guatteria hispida (R. E. Fr.) Erkens & Maas (Annonaceae), Hancornia speciosa Gomes (Apocynaceae), Jatropha curcas L. (Euphorbiaceae), Kielmeyera rugosa Choisy (Clusiaceae), Lippia gracilis Schauer (Verbenaceae), and Hyptis calida Mart. Ex Benth (Lamiaceae). Different types of extractions from several parts of plants resulted in 43 extracts. Their cytotoxicity was tested against HCT-8 (colon carcinoma), MDA-MB-435 (melanoma), SF-295 (glioblastoma), and HL-60 (promielocitic leukemia) human tumor cell lines, using the thiazolyl blue test (MTT) assay. The active extracts were those obtained from G. blepharophylla, G. hispida, J. curcas, K. rugosa, and L. gracilis. In addition, seven compounds isolated from the active extracts were tested; among them, ß-pinene found in G. hispida and one coumarin isolated from K. rugora showed weak cytotoxic activity. In summary, this manuscript contributes to the understanding of the potentialities of Brazilian plants as sources of new anticancer drugs.

Essential oil from the leaves of Annona vepretorum: chemical composition and bioactivity.

The essential oil from the leaves of Annona vepretorun was obtained by hydrodistillation using a Clevenger-type apparatus and analyzed by GC-MS and GC-FID. Eighteen compounds representing 98.1% of the crude essential oil were identified. The major compounds identified were bicyclogermacrene (43.7%), spathulenol (11.4%), alpha-felandrene (10.0%), alpha-pinene (7.1%), (E)-beta-ocimene (6.8%), germacrene D (5.8%), and p-cymene (4.2%). The trypanocidal activity against Trypanosoma cruzi epimastigote forms, as well as, the antimicrobial and antioxidant proprieties was investigated. The essential oil showed a potent trypanocidal activity with IC50 value of 31.9 +/-1.3 microg x mL(-1). For antimicrobial activity, the best result was observed against Candida tropicalis with a MIC value of 100 microg x mL(-1). For antioxidant capacity the essential oil showed weak activity.

Phytochemical characterization and antinociceptive effect of Lippia gracilis Schauer.

Lippia gracilis Schauer is an aromatic plant widely found in Northeastern Brazil. The leaf infusions or decoctions and alcoholic macerate are used for some inflammatory diseases and headache. This paper reports the isolation of naringenin by semi-preparative liquid chromatography from the methanolic extract of L. gracilis (ELg) and the evaluation of the analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of this extract by measuring nociception through acetic acid, formalin, and hot-plate tests in carrageenan-induced inflammation in mice. Following oral administration, ELg (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg) significantly reduced the number of writhes in the writhing test and the time of paw licks in both phases of the formalin test when compared to the control group animals. Mice treated with ELg did not exhibit any behavioral alteration during the hot plate and rota-rod tests, suggesting non-participation of the supraspinal components in the modulation of pain by ELg and no motor abnormality. The oral administration of 400 mg/kg of ELg produced an anti-inflammatory effect on peritonitis induced by carrageenan. These effects can be associated with a decrease of inflammatory mediator synthesis by compounds of ELg, such as naringenin, which has anti-inflammatory action as already described.

[Inflammatory bowel disease: Crohn's disease and pregnancy: case report]. / Doença inflamatória intestinal - Doença de Crohn e gravidez: relato de caso.

The Crohn's disease, a form of inflammatory bowel disease, is frequent in women of childbearing age. Its management requires greater attention during pregnancy. We report a case of refractory Crohn's disease in a pregnant patient that evolued to ileocolectomy at puerperium. The literature regarding pregnant patients with Crohn's disease was reviewed, including counseling of patients and investigation of active disease, and the existing data was summarized on the safety of medications used to treat Crohn's disease in pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Chemical composition and antioxidant, antimicrobial, and larvicidal activities of the essential oils of Annona salzmannii and A. pickelii (Annonaceae).

The essential oils from the leaves of Annona salzmannii and A. pickelii (Annonaceae) growing in Sergipe, northeastern region of Brazil, were obtained by hydrodistillation using a Clevenger-type apparatus, and analyzed by GC/MS and GC/FID. Thirty-four compounds were identified in the essential oil of A. salzmannii and twenty-seven in that of A. pickelii; sesquiterpenes predominated in both essential oils. Bicyclogermacrene (20.3%), (E)-caryophyllene (19.9%), delta-cadinene (15.3%), alpha-copaene (10.0%), and allo-aromadendrene (5.7%) were the main components of A. salzmannii, and bicyclogermacrene (45.4%), (E)-caryophyllene (14.6%), and alpha-copaene (10.6%) of A. pickelii. The essential oils showed significant antioxidant capacity in the ORAC(FL) and DPPH assays. The antimicrobial activity of these essential oils was also evaluated against bacteria and fungi, as well as the larvicidal activity against Aedes aegypti larvae.

Doença inflamatória intestinal - Doença de Crohn e gravidez: relato de caso / Inflammatory bowel disease - Crohn's disease and pregnancy: case report

A Doença de Crohn, uma forma de doença inflamatória intestinal, é frequente em mulheres em idade reprodutiva. Seu acompanhamento requer maior atenção durante a gravidez. Apresentamos caso de doença de Crohn refratária em paciente grávida que evoluiu com ileocolectomia no puerpério. Foi revista a literatura sobre doença de Crohn na gravidez, incluindo aconselhamento das pacientes e investigação de doença ativa, além de sintetizados os dados existentes sobre a segurança dos medicamentos usados para tratá-la durante a gravidez e amamentação.

The Crohn's disease, a form of inflammatory bowel disease, is frequent in women of childbearing age. Its management requires greater attention during pregnancy. We report a case of refractory Crohn's disease in a pregnant patient that evolued to ileocolectomy at puerperium. The literature regarding pregnant patients with Crohn's disease was reviewed, including counseling of patients and investigation of active disease, and the existing data was summarized on the safety of medications used to treat Crohn's disease in pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Validação de escala de estratégias de aprendizagem no trabalho entre prefeitos(as) e secretários(as) municipais / Validation of a scale for learning strategies at work among mayors and municipals secretaries

No mundo do trabalho, espera-se cada vez mais que os indivíduos sejam capazes de aprender a aprender e tomem a iniciativa de seu próprio aprendizado. Nesse contexto, cresce em importância a compreensão dos fatores individuais relacionados à aprendizagem. O presente relato descreve a adaptação e validação de um instrumento de medida de um desses fatores: as estratégias de aprendizagem no trabalho, entendidas como esforços empreendidos pelo indivíduo para realizar a aprendizagem. Partindo de uma escala já validada para o contexto de uma organização do setor bancário, utilizou-se uma amostra composta por 90 prefeitos(as) e 365 secretários(as) municipais, em virtude da intensa demanda por aprendizado que as condições de trabalho dessas pessoas ensejam. Os resultados da análise fatorial indicaram uma estrutura de cinco fatores (reflexão extrínseca e intrínseca, busca de ajuda em material escrito, busca de ajuda interpessoal, aplicação prática e reprodução) consistente com os resultados obtidos com outras amostras.(AU)

At the workplace, individuals are increasingly expected to be able to learn how to learn and to take the initiative of their own learning process. In this context, understanding of individual factors related to learning gains in importance. This report describes the adaptation and validation of an instrument for the measurement of one of these factors, denominated learning strategies at work, understood as the efforts undertaken by the individual to carry out his or her own learning process in working contexts. Based on a scale already validated in a banking sector organization, the adapted measure was applied to a sample of 90 Mayors and 365 Municipal Secretaries, due to the huge learning demand imposed to them by their working conditions. Results of factor analysis indicated a five factor structure (extrinsic and intrinsic reflection, search for help in written material, search for interpersonal help, practical application and reproduction) that is consistent with the results obtained with other samples.(AU)

Aprendizagem relacionada ao trabalho / Work related learning

Entre todos os espaços da atividade humana, provavelmente aquele em que a demanda por mais e melhores resultados de aprendizagem se faz mais clara é o ambiente de trabalho. Vários autores apontam que essa importância tende a continuar crescendo em função das mudanças em curso na própria organização do trabalho. Daí o interesse igualmente crescente por estudos que ajudem a melhor compreender o fenômeno da aprendizagem nas organizações de trabalho. Esta revisão pretende apresentar um panorama dessa área promissora, marcada por origens epistemológicas bastante diversas, tendo como foco estudos que se caracterizam por uma abordagem descritiva de processos individuais de aprendizagem no contexto organizacional. São discutidas as principais tipologias de aprendizagem presentes na literatura. A partir disso, e tendo como base um modelo tridimensional de aprendizagem no trabalho, é sugerida uma tipologia de aprendizagem baseada em quem tem a iniciativa deliberada de indução da oportunidade de aprendizagem: a organização, o indivíduo ou nenhum dos dois. Essa tipologia pretende oferecer uma base para o direcionamento dos esforços organizacionais e individuais de aprendizagem. Finalmente, são descritos alguns achados da pesquisa e feitas sugestões sobre o que ainda precisa ser feito(AU)

Among all the arenas of human activity, the workplace is probably the one where more and better results from learning are most intensively pursued. Several authors point out that this demand will continue to grow as a result of the ongoing changes in work organization. For this reason, there is also a growing interest in studies about learning in work organizations. This review intends to present an overview of this promising area, which is marked by diverse epistemological origins, focusing on studies characterized by a descriptive approach to individual processes of learning in the organizational context. The main learning typologies present in the literature are discussed, and, considering a three-dimensional model of learning at work, a new typology is suggested, based on who is inducing the learning opportunity: the organization, the individual, or neither. The objective of the proposed typology is to offer a starting point for the coordination of organizational and individual learning efforts. Finally, some research findings are described and suggestions are made for future developments(AU)

Validação de escala de estratégias de aprendizagem no trabalho entre prefeitos(as) e secretários(as) municipais / Validation of a scale for learning strategies at work among mayors and municipals secretaries

No mundo do trabalho, espera-se cada vez mais que os indivíduos sejam capazes de aprender a aprender e tomem a iniciativa de seu próprio aprendizado. Nesse contexto, cresce em importância a compreensão dos fatores individuais relacionados à aprendizagem. O presente relato descreve a adaptação e validação de um instrumento de medida de um desses fatores: as estratégias de aprendizagem no trabalho, entendidas como esforços empreendidos pelo indivíduo para realizar a aprendizagem. Partindo de uma escala já validada para o contexto de uma organização do setor bancário, utilizou-se uma amostra composta por 90 prefeitos(as) e 365 secretários(as) municipais, em virtude da intensa demanda por aprendizado que as condições de trabalho dessas pessoas ensejam. Os resultados da análise fatorial indicaram uma estrutura de cinco fatores (reflexão extrínseca e intrínseca, busca de ajuda em material escrito, busca de ajuda interpessoal, aplicação prática e reprodução) consistente com os resultados obtidos com outras amostras.

At the workplace, individuals are increasingly expected to be able to learn how to learn and to take the initiative of their own learning process. In this context, understanding of individual factors related to learning gains in importance. This report describes the adaptation and validation of an instrument for the measurement of one of these factors, denominated learning strategies at work, understood as the efforts undertaken by the individual to carry out his or her own learning process in working contexts. Based on a scale already validated in a banking sector organization, the adapted measure was applied to a sample of 90 Mayors and 365 Municipal Secretaries, due to the huge learning demand imposed to them by their working conditions. Results of factor analysis indicated a five factor structure (extrinsic and intrinsic reflection, search for help in written material, search for interpersonal help, practical application and reproduction) that is consistent with the results obtained with other samples.