Highlights, challenges, and perspectives in basic and applied chemical ecology of triatomines.

Triatomines are vectors of Chagas disease. Due to failures in their control, there is an urgent need for more efficient and environmentally friendly monitoring and control tools. These hematophagous insects rely heavily on chemical information from the environment to detect hosts and cues/signals from conspecifics. Chemical ecology includes the elucidation of the functional role of chemicals mediating interactions between organisms. Studies on the chemical ecology of triatomines are leading to novel methods for their monitor and control. Thus, laboratory tests to develop chemical attractants and repellents are promissory and have led to the design of, for example, efficient baited traps. However, the monitoring and control tools proposed until now have not been as effective in the field.

Shelter selection in the kissing bugs Triatoma infestans and Rhodnius prolixus: Intra- and inter-specific interactions and quality evaluation.

Triatomines display most of their activities during the night. Before sunrise, they search, select and occupy adequate shelters to stay during the photophase, avoiding exposure to diurnal predators. In this work, we first explored the interactions between individuals of the same or different species in the shelter selection process of Triatoma infestans (Klug 1834) and Rhodnius prolixus (Stål 1859). When two groups of insects (either of different nutritional status, nymphal instar or species) were released together over an experimental arena containing two identical shelters, all nymphs were distributed randomly, suggesting the absence of intra- and inters-pecific interactions. Secondly, we analysed their preferences for particular features of shelters by releasing one group of insects (either T. infestans or R. prolixus) over an arena containing two different refuges. Nymphs exhibited preferences for darker shelters with a vertical orientation of its substrate and elevated from the ground, highlighting the importance of such features in a shelter selection context. We conclude that these species disregard the presence of other individuals but evaluate certain characteristics of the shelters to choose them. This information may contribute to understanding the colonization/recolonization dynamic processes of these Chagas disease vectors.

The Effects of a Male Audience on Male and Female Mating Behaviour in the Blood-Sucking Bug Rhodnius prolixus.

Social context is a key factor affecting sexual behaviour and cannot be neglected in gregarious species, such as triatomine blood-sucking bugs. Here we study the influence of the social context on the sexual reproductive behaviour of males and females of Rhodnius prolixus Stål. Specifically, we identify and compare the frequencies and sequence of sexual behaviours exhibited by a focal pair in presence or absence of a male audience. We expect that in presence of a male audience females increase their selectiveness level since the risk of losing infertile eggs decreases in presence of more candidates and females can benefit from copulating with a better quality male. Besides, in presence of potential rivals, we expect changes in the sexual behaviour of focal males, associated to a reduction in the risk of sperm competition. As expected, in presence of a male audience, females significantly increased the exhibition of rejection behaviour. Moreover, focal males exhibited shorter latencies to mount the female, longer duration of copula, and differences in their stereotyped behaviour exhibited during copula. We discuss the influence of the social context on the reproductive behaviour of females and males of R. prolixus.

Adaptation of the Spanish version of the Self-Efficacy Consumption of Fruit and Vegetables Scale

The objective of this study was to analyse the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the Self-Efficacy Consumption of Fruit and Vegetables Scale among the Spanish population. The sample was made up of 506 subjects who were selected through a convenience sample. The original version was translated from English to Spanish and later was translated back into English, by different translators. Upon translating, not only did the translators keep in mind the grammatical and linguistic aspects of the text, but also the cultural aspects. In order to validate the content of the Scales, the adapted and agreed-upon version of the scale was evaluated by a panel of experts, in order to obtain the final version. Data collection took place between March and September 2017.The internal consistency was tested using Chronbach's alpha. For the analysis of the structural validity, a factor analysis was carried out on the Self-Efficacy Consumption of Fruit and Vegetables Scale-Spanish version. Kaiser-Meyer Olkin and Bartlett's test of sphericity (0.90) confirmed that the analysis was suitable. A two-factor structure was confirmed, as in the original scale. The value of Chronbach's α for the total questionnaire was 0.877, which shows a good internal consistency. In the analysis of the reliability test-retest, a correlation value of 0.79 (p<0.05) was found, demonstrating its temporal stability. The Self-Efficacy Consumption of Fruit and Vegetables questionnaire is a reliable tool to measure self-efficacy in the consumption of fruits and vegetables in the Spanish context(AU)

El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar las propiedades psicométricas de la versión española del cuestionario Self-Efficacy Consumption of Fruit and Vegetables Scale en la población española. La muestra estuvo constituida por 506 sujetos, seleccionados a través de un muestreo por conveniencia. La versión original fue traducida del inglés al español y después fue retro-traducida al inglés, por diferentes traductores. En las traducciones se consideró no solo los aspectos gramaticales y lingüísticos, sino también los culturales. Para la validación del contenido, la versión adaptada y consensuada de la escala fue evaluada por el panel de expertos, obteniéndose la versión definitiva. La recogida de datos tuvo lugar de marzo a septiembre de 2017. La consistencia interna de la escala fue valorada a través del alfa de Cronbach. Para el análisis de la validez estructural se realizó un análisis factorial del Self-Efficacy Consumption of Fruit and Vegetables Scale-Spanish versión. El test de Kaiser-Meyer Olkin (0.90) y el test de esfericidad de Bartlett confirmó que el análisis era apropiado. Se confirmó una estructura de dos factores, igual que en la escala original. El valor de α de Cronbach para el cuestionario total fue de 0.877, lo que demuestra una buena consistencia interna. En el análisis de la fiabilidad test-retest, se obtuvo un nivel de correlación de 0.79 (p<0.05), demostrando su estabilidad temporal. La Self-Efficacy Consumption of Fruit and Vegetables es una herramienta fiable para medir la autoeficacia en el consumo de frutas y verduras en el contexto español(AU)

Socio-linguistic analysis of the Charter of Citizens' Rights and Obligations in Health Services / Análise sociolinguística da Carta dos Direitos e Deveres dos Cidadãos nos Serviços de Saúde / Análisis socio-lingüístico de la Carta de Derechos y Obligaciones de los Ciudadanos en los Servicios de Salud

The aim of this study is to carry out a socio-linguistic analysis of the dissemination of the Charter of Citizens' Rights and Obligations in Public Health Services. We designed a qualitative investigation using observation and content analysis. A deductive analysis technique was followed, based on the "SPEAKING" model categories. The data analysis suggests a clear framework of rights and obligations has been established, but is not very familiar to patients and relatives. We can conclude that despite the widespread dissemination and publicity of the Citizens' Charter of Rights and Obligations, we still need the involvement of professionals. Nurses can develop a fundamental role in this process.

O objetivo deste estudo foi desenvolver uma análise sociolinguística da difusão da Carta dos Direitos e Deveres dos Cidadãos nos Serviços de Saúde Pública. Desenhamos uma investigação qualitativa seguida de uma estratégia analítico-dedutiva, com base nas categorias do modelo "SPEAKING". A análise dos dados sugere que um quadro claro de direitos e obrigações tenha sido estabelecida, mas não é muito familiar para pacientes e familiares. Concluímos que, apesar da ampla difusão e publicidade da Carta dos Direitos e Deveres dos Cidadãos, ainda precisamos do envolvimento dos profissionais. Os enfermeiros podem desenvolver um papel fundamental neste processo.

El objetivo de este estudio es desarrollar un análisis socio-lingüístico de la difusión de la Carta de derechos y Obligaciones de los Ciudadanos en los Servicios Públicos de Salud. Diseñamos una investigación cualitativa mediante análisis de contenido y observación. Se sigue una estrategia analítica deductiva con base en las categorías del modelo "SPEAKING". El análisis de los datos sugiere el establecimiento de un claro marco de derechos y obligaciones, pero que no se ejerce habitualmente por los pacientes y familiares. Concluimos que, pese a la amplia difusión de la Carta de Derechos y Obligaciones de los ciudadanos, sigue siendo necesaria la implicación de los profesionales. Las enfermeras pueden desempeñar un papel fundamental en este proceso.

The main component of an alarm pheromone of kissing bugs plays multiple roles in the cognitive modulation of the escape response.

Innate responses in animals can be modulated by experience. Disturbed adults of the triatomine bug Triatoma infestans release an alarm pheromone (AP) that elicits an escape response in conspecific larvae. The main component of this AP, the isobutyric acid (IsoAc), alone has already shown to generate an escape response in this species. However, not much is known about the modulation of this behavior by non-associative and associative cognitive processes. We present here evidences of the cognitive capacities of T. infestans larvae in an escape context under different conditioning paradigms, including IsoAc in different roles. We show that: (1) the duration of a pre-exposure to IsoAc plays a main role in determining the type of non-associative learning expressed: short time pre-exposures elicit a sensitization while a longer pre-exposure time triggers a switch from repellence to attractiveness; (2) a simple pre-exposure event is enough to modulate the escape response of larvae to the AP and to its main component: IsoAc; (3) IsoAc and the AP are perceived as different chemical entities; (4) an association between IsoAc and an aversive stimulus can be created under a classical conditioning paradigm; (5) an association between IsoAc and a self-action can be generated under an operant conditioning. These results evince that IsoAc can attain multiple and different cognitive roles in the modulation of the escape response of triatomines and show how cognitive processes can modulate a key behavior for surviving, as it is the escaping response in presence of a potential danger in insects.

Dislodgement effect of natural semiochemicals released by disturbed triatomines: a possible alternative monitoring tool.

The quick detection of domestic and peridomestic triatomines in their environments becomes difficult without the use of dislodgement substances that flush them out from their shelters. At present, tetramethrin 0.2% is being widely used in control programs. Although it is an efficient dislodging agent, its toxicity might affect the health of captured triatomines, of other insects and, to a lesser extent, of other animals, including humans. Here, we tested if semiochemicals released by disturbed adults of Triatoma infestans and/or Rhodnius prolixus can make larvae of the same species exit from their refuges. In a walking olfactometer we found that: 1) larvae of T. infestans were repelled by the odors released by disturbed adults of their own species and of R. prolixus, 2) larvae of R. prolixus did not change their behavior in the presence of odors released by adults of both species, and 3) activity levels were not modulated by these odors in any of both species. Besides, in pseudo-natural conditions we found an increased flushing-out activity of larvae of T. infestans when their shelters were sprayed with isobutyric acid or 3-pentanol, and of larvae of R. prolixus when sprayed with 3-methyl-1-butanol. We succeeded in this work to dislodge larvae of triatomines from artificial shelters using natural volatile compounds, allowing the capture of live bugs for further investigations (e.g., xenodiagnosis or genetic studies) and favoring ecological aspects (e.g., minimizing environmental insecticide-contamination and non-targeted mortality).

Desarrollo y validación de un instrumento para la evaluación inicial de enfermeira / Desenvolvimento e validação de um instrumento para a avaliação inicial de enfermagem / Development and validation of an instrument for initial nursing assessment

Este estudio, desarrollado de abril a julio de 2008, objetiva desarrollar y validar un instrumento para orientar la evaluación de enfermería en parámetros asistenciales y docentes en Santa Cruz, Bolivia. Participaron doce enfermeras bolivianas y se utilizaron el análisis de documentos y técnicas de consenso para definir las categorías y criterios a ser incluidas en el instrumento. Estas categorías son: la evaluación física y los 11 Patrones Funcionales de Salud de Gordon. El instrumento se caracteriza por ser breve, de sencilla comprensión y por centrarse en el enfermero. No incluye elementos de evaluación física avanzada, pero sí criterios de estilos de vida y autonomía del paciente. El desarrollo de estos instrumentos contribuye a la calidad de los registros, favorece el juicio clínico y la aplicación del proceso a la enfermería, refuerza el papel del enfermero, favoreciendo la sistematización de su práctica.

Este estudo, realizado entre abril e julho de 2008, teve como objetivo desenvolver e validar um instrumento para orientar a avaliação de enfermagem em parâmetros assistenciais e docentes, em Santa Cruz, na Bolívia. Participaram do estudo doze enfermeiras bolivianas, e utilizaram-se a análise de documentos e técnicas de consenso para definir as categorias e critérios a incluir no instrumento. As categorias definidas foram a avaliação física e os onze Padrões Funcionais da Saúde de Gordon. O instrumento caracteriza-se por ser breve, de fácil compreensão e por centrar-se no enfermeiro. Não foram incluídos elementos de avaliação física avançada, mas sim critérios de estilos de vida e autonomia do paciente. O desenvolvimento do instrumento contribuiu para a qualidade dos registros, favorecendo o juízo clínico e a aplicação do processo à enfermagem, reforçando o papel do enfermeiro e contribuindo para a sistematização da sua prática.

The objective of this study, conducted in Bolivia from April toJuly of 2008, is the design and validation of an initial nursing assessment instrument to be used in clinical and educational environments in Santa Cruz (Bolivia). Twelve Bolivian nurses participated; both document analysis as well as consensus techniques were used to determine the categories and criteria to be assessed. Categories included in the nursing assessment instrument are a physical assessment and the eleven Gordon's Functional Health Patterns. The nursing assessment instrument stands out as being concise, easy to complete and utilizing a nursing approach. It does not include items for advanced nursing assessment. However, it incorporates items regarding lifestyle and the patient's autonomy. The nursing assessment instrument contributes to improving the quality of clinical records, supports the nursing diagnosis and implementation of the nursing process, promotes the nurse's role and helps to standardize practice.

[Nursing process: what does it mean to nurses from Santa Cruz (Bolivia)?]. / Proceso de enfermería: ¿qué significa para las enfermeras de Santa Cruz (Bolivia)?

Bolivian nurses have not yet incorporated the scientific method and taxonomies into nursing care. This qualitative study aims at understanding the meaning that faculty and nursing professionals from the Department of Santa Cruz de la Sierra (Bolivia) attribute to the nursing process. Data collection was performed through interviews and participant observation. The analysis was performed using the theoretical and methodological framework of Symbolic Interactionism and Grounded Theory, utilizing ATLAS.ti.6.0. The following topics emerged from the data: difficulties in implementing the nursing process due to a lack of preparation and training in leadership, dominance by physicians, lack of records, and poor support from the institution. Advantages were that it combines criteria and language and facilitates the autonomous role of nursing. In conclusion, nurses should establish their professional expectations regarding the implementation of the nursing process and care plans, which is a cultural change that involves faculty, management and clinical nurses.

Proceso de enfermería: ¿qué significa para las enfermeras de Santa Cruz (Bolivia)? / Processo de enfermagem: o que isso significa para as enfermeiras de santa cruz (Bolívia)? / Nursing process: what does it mean to nurses from santa cruz (Bolivia)?

Las enfermeras bolivianas no han incorporado definitivamente el método científico y las taxonomías a los cuidados. Este estudio cualitativo pretende comprender el significado atribuido al proceso de enfermería por docentes y profesionales del Departamento de Santa Cruz de la Sierra (Bolivia). Recolección de datos mediante entrevistas semiestructuradas y observación participante. Análisis bajo el marco teórico y metodológico del Interaccionismo Simbólico y la Teoría Fundamentada, usando el software ATLAS.ti.6.0. De los datos emergieron los siguientes temas: dificultades de implantación del proceso de enfermería; déficit de formación e iniciativa profesional; posición de dominio del médico; carencia de registros; escaso apoyo institucional. Ventajas de implementación: unificar criterios, lenguaje y facilitar el rol propio de enfermería. Se concluye en que las enfermeras depositan sus expectativas profesionales y de mejora de los cuidados en la implementación del Proceso de Enfermería y los Planes de Cuidados, un giro cultural que involucra a docentes, auxiliares y gestores.

As enfermeiras bolivianas ainda não incorporaram o método científico e as taxonomias para o cuidado. Este estudo qualitativo busca compreender o significado atribuído ao processo de enfermagem para professores e profissionais do Departamento de Santa Cruz de la Sierra (Bolívia). Para isso, realizou-se coleta de dados por meio de entrevistas semiestruturadas e observação participante. A Análise foi realizada à luz da abordagem teórico-metodológica -do Interacionismo Simbólico e a Grounded Theory, utilizando o software ATLAS.ti 6,0. Dos dados, emergiram os seguintes temas: dificuldades de implementação do processo de enfermagem pela falta de formação e treinamento de liderança, domínio médico, falta de registros e apoio institucional fraco e vantagens por unificar critérios e linguagem e facilitar o papel autônomo da enfermagem. Conclui-se que as enfermeiras devem estabelecer as suas expectativas profissionais na aplicação do processo de enfermagem e plano de cuidados, uma mudança cultural que envolve professores, gestores e clínicos.

Bolivian nurses have not yet incorporated the scientific method and taxonomies into nursing care. This qualitative study aims at understanding the meaning that faculty and nursing professionals from the Department of Santa Cruz de la Sierra (Bolivia) attribute to the nursing process. Data collection was performed through interviews and participant observation. The analysis was performed using the theoretical and methodological framework of Symbolic Interactionism and Grounded Theory, utilizing ATLAS.ti.6.0. The following topics emerged from the data: difficulties in implementing the nursing process due to a lack of preparation and training in leadership, dominance by physicians, lack of records, and poor support from the institution. Advantages were that it combines criteria and language and facilitates the autonomous role of nursing. In conclusion, nurses should establish their professional expectations regarding the implementation of the nursing process and care plans, which is a cultural change that involves faculty, management and clinical nurses.

[Development and validation of an instrument for initial nursing assessment]. / Desarrollo y validación de un instrumento para la evaluación inicial de enfermeira.

The objective of this study, conducted in Bolivia from April to July of 2008, is the design and validation of an initial nursing assessment instrument to be used in clinical and educational environments in Santa Cruz (Bolivia). Twelve Bolivian nurses participated; both document analysis as well as consensus techniques were used to determine the categories and criteria to be assessed. Categories included in the nursing assessment instrument are a physical assessment and the eleven Gordon's Functional Health Patterns. The nursing assessment instrument stands out as being concise, easy to complete and utilizing a nursing approach. It does not include items for advanced nursing assessment. However, it incorporates items regarding lifestyle and the patient's autonomy. The nursing assessment instrument contributes to improving the quality of clinical records, supports the nursing diagnosis and implementation of the nursing process, promotes the nurse's role and helps to standardize practice.

The clinical seminar as a learning methodology: an evaluation of nursing students' views

OBJECTIVE: To explore students' assessments of the clinical seminar as a complementary teaching method to the clinical practicum experience. METHODS: This was a qualitative study based on the hermeneutic phenomenology of Gadamer. Twenty-three open-ended interviews were conducted from among the 132 first-year students who attended an initial clinical practicum. We performed a qualitative analysis of the data using ATLAS.ti software. RESULTS: The students agreed that the clinical seminar gave them the opportunity to learn about procedures, nursing care and interpersonal relationships. They also found it very helpful when they encountered challenging stressful situations as they performed their practice, and believed it allowed them to make a connection between the theory in the classroom and the clinical practice. CONCLUSIONS: These seminars can contribute to reducing levels of stress during clinical practice. They can also help students obtain significant learning from their fellows and reduce the theory-practice gap.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a importância que os alunos atribuem ao seminário clínico como método de ensino complementar às práticas clínicas em estágio. MÉTODO: Estudo qualitativo baseado na fenomenologia hermenêutica de Gadamer. Foram realizadas 23 entrevistas abertas entre um universo de 132 alunos do primeiro ano da licenciatura de enfermagem, que assistiram a um seminário clínico, durante o seu primeiro ensino clínico/estágio. Foi realizada uma análise qualitativa dos dados através do software ATLAS.ti. RESULTADOS: Os entrevistados coincidiram na opinião de que o seminário lhes deu oportunidades de aprendizagem sobre procedimentos, cuidados de enfermagem e relações interpessoais. Referiram também que o mesmo foi útil para lidar com situações estressantes e relacionar os conteúdos teóricos com a prática. CONCLUSÕES: Este tipo de seminários pode contribuir para a redução dos níveis de estresse durante a prática clínica, para a aquisição e partilha de aprendizagens significativas em grupo e para colmatar lacunas teórico-práticas.

OBJETIVO: Evaluar la importancia atribuida por los alumnos al seminario clínico como método de enseñanza complementaria a las prácticas clínicas. MÉTODO: Estudio cualitativo basado en la fenomenología hermenéutica de Gadamer. Se realizaron 23 entrevistas abiertas entre un universo de 132 alumnos del primer año del pregrado en enfermería, que asistieron a un seminario clínico, durante su primera enseñanza clínica/práctica. Se llevó a cabo un análisis cualitativo de los datos a través del software ATLAS.ti. RESULTADOS: Los entrevistados coincidieron en la opinión de que el seminario les dio oportunidades de aprendizaje sobre procedimientos, cuidados de enfermería y relaciones interpersonlaes. Refirieron también que el mismo fue útil para lidiar con situaciones estresantes y relacionar los contenidos teóricos con la práctica. Conclusiones: Este tipo de seminarios puede contribuir en la reducción de los niveles de estrés durante la práctica clínica, para adquirir y compartir aprendizajes significativos en grupo y para corregir lagunas teórico-prácticas.

Factor de impacto de revistas: ¿amenaza u oportunidad? / The Journal Impact Factor: A Threat or Opportunity? / Fator de impacto de revistas: ameaça ou oportunidade?

Este artículo contiene un resumen de las críticas a la utilización del factor de impacto (FI) como indicador de calidad de las publicaciones y de producción de investigadores. Tales críticas alcanzan a los autores que intentan publicar en revistas con FI, argumentando que así renuncian a la propia identidad, primando su currículum sobre la utilidad de su investigación. En oposición a esas críticas se afirma que unos criterios de evaluación exigentes sirven de estímulo para la internacionalización del sistema científico. Existe consenso en la comunidad académica sobre las imperfecciones del FI y su aceptación como recurso válido y necesario para la evaluación científica, como también en que el debate identitario contribuye poco a resolver la invisibilidad internacional de la investigación de enfermería en español. Se esbozan propuestas que apuestan por aprovechar las fortalezas para incrementar y visibilizar dicha investigación, desarrollar estrategias para incluir y mantener a las revistas en español en el Journal Citation Reports (JCR), fomentar la formación y cooperación interdisciplinar, promover la publicación de investigaciones desarrolladas en los programas de posgrado, y reclamar la apuesta editorial por la indexación de sus revistas en el JCR. Se concluye que, aunque difícil, es posible aumentar la visibilidad de la producción científica de enfermería en español.

This paper contains a summary of criticism on use of the impact factor (IF) as an indicator of the quality of work published by researchers. The criticism is directed to authors who are trying to publish in journals with IF. The claim is they are renouncing their own identity and prioritizing their curriculum over the usefulness of their research. The authors challenge this criticism by arguing that stringent assessment criteria stimulate the internationalisation of science, that there is a consensus in the scientific community about the imperfections of FI and its acceptance as a valid and necessary tool for scientific evaluation, and that the debate over identity does little to resolve the international invisibility of nursing research written up in Spanish. Proposals are outlined on how to benefit from the strengths of this system to increase the visibility of nursing research, to develop strategies for including journals written in Spanish in the Journal Citation Reports (JCR), to encourage professional training and interdisciplinary cooperation, to promote the publication of research conducted in postgraduate programs, and to claim an editorial commitment for indexing their journals in the JCR. It can be concluded that, although difficult, it would be possible to increase the visibility of nursing scientific research in Spanish.

Este artigo contém um resumo das críticas ao uso do Fator de Impacto (FI) como um indicador da qualidade de publicações e produção dos pesquisadores. As críticas são direcionadas para os autores que publicam em revistas com FI, argumentando que renunciar à sua própria identidade, priorizando seus currículos sobre a utilidade de suas pesquisas. Confrontado com as críticas, argumenta-se que os critérios rigorosos de avaliação constituem um estímulo à internacionalização da ciência, há consenso na comunidade científica nas imperfeições do FI e na sua aceitação como recurso válido e necessário para a avaliação científica de modo que o debate de identidade faz pouco para resolver a invisibilidade internacional da pesquisa em enfermagem em espanhol. A proposta é o aproveitamento de fortalezas para incrementar e visibilizar dita pesquisa, assim como desenvolver estratégias para incluir e manter as revistas em espanhol no Journal Citation Reports (JCR), fomentar a formação e cooperação interdisciplinar, promover a publicação de pesquisas desenvolvidas nos programas de pós-graduação, e reivindicar a proposta editorial pela indexação de suas revistas no JCR. Conclusão: É possível aumentar a visibilidade da produção científica de enfermagem em espanhol.

[Analysis of conditions for introducing nursing procedures in Santa Cruz (Bolivia)]. / Análisis de las condiciones para la implantación del proceso enfermero en Santa Cruz (Bolivia).

OBJECTIVE: To find out the expectations, constraints and training needs of nurses in four Health Care Centers in Santa Cruz in Bolivia, and to develop a pilot project to introduce nursing procedures and standardized care plans. METHOD: A multicenter, observational, cross-sectional, descriptive study and non-probability study using a closed questionnaire, with responses grouped according to six categories of analysis of problems for the introduction of nursing procedures, previously identified by in-depth interview with nursing staff managers and lecturers of the University. Data analysis was used the statistical program SPSS 15.0. RESULTS: Ninety-five (97.9%) of the nurses surveyed considered it necessary to reinforce theoretical, practical and specific taxonomy management concepts prior to the introduction of nursing procedures. A negative element for the introduction into practice highlights the poor use of training resources. The willingness of nurses to use procedures, 91 (93.8%), increasing the quality and continuity of care between hospital and community, 85 (87.6%) and strengthening the social and scientific visibility of the profession, 87 (89, 7%), are key elements for change. CONCLUSIONS: Nurses surveyed support the introduction of nursing procedures in Hospitals and Health Centers. The strengths and weaknesses identified in this study, along with the support of University of Almería (Spain) and the Autonomous University Gabriel René Moreno of Santa Cruz de la Sierra (Bolivia), will be key to enhance a profession whose activity is very important for the development of programs and public health in the country.

Flight initiation by male Rhodnius prolixus is promoted by female odors.

Several triatomine bug species utilize chemical cues for sexual communication. We tested whether female or male Rhodnius prolixus, a vector of Chagas disease, produce volatile chemicals that elicit flight responses from conspecifics, and then isolated the source of the chemical. Males confronted with an airstream containing female odors showed a significantly greater take-off frequency compared to a blank airstream or an airstream with male odors. In contrast, females exhibited similar take-off frequencies to male or female odor as to a clean airstream. Occlusion of female metasternal glands with paraffin wax resulted in a significant decrease in male take-off frequency compared to that of intact females. Additionally, excised female metasternal glands elicited a similar take-off frequency from males as did intact females, both significantly greater than the take-off frequency to clean air. These results show that R. prolixus females release a pheromone from their metasternal glands that causes upwind flight in conspecific males.

Mapa de cuidados para pacientes sometidos a procedimientos en servicios de medicina nuclear / Care map for patients under nuclear medicine procedures

Objetivo: desarrollar un instrumento que facilite la sistematización, registro y continuidad del cuidado en servicios de medicina nuclear. Metodología: investigación desarrollada durante 2004 en el servicio de Medicina Nuclear en un Hospital de Almería, España. A partir de la revisión bibliográfica y de la práctica clínica, se realizó búsqueda de problemas de enfermería y de colaboración y se procedió a la estandarización y codificación del lenguaje según taxonomías NANDA, NOC y NIC. Luego de la valoración inicial, focalizada por necesidades básicas, se formularon diagnósticos de enfermería y de complicaciones; y las intervenciones asociadas a los diagnósticos y a problemas de colaboración. Finalmente se realizó seguimiento, evaluación e informe de continuidad de cuidados. Resultados: los diagnósticos de enfermería prevalentes fueron: conocimientos deficientes, temor, interrupción de la lactancia materna y riesgo de lesión. Los resultados esperados, expresados según taxonomía NOC, fueron: Conocimientos del procedimiento, Autocontrol del miedo Lactancia materna: Destete y Control del riesgo; y las Intervenciones de enfermería: Enseñanza del procedimiento, Disminución de la ansiedad, Supresión de la lactancia, Manejo ambiental de seguridad e Intervenciones asociadas a problemas de colaboración. Conclusión: el mapa de cuidados facilita el trabajo, utiliza el proceso de enfermería y ayuda a registrar las intervenciones practicadas en pacientes sometidos a procedimientos en servicios de medicina nuclear.

Objective: the development of a tool that provides the systematic, registration and care continuity in the nuclear medicine services. Methodology: this research was developed during 2004 as a result of the creation of the Nuclear Medicine Service in the Torrecárdenas Hospital, in Almeria, Spain. A nursing problem review was undertaken from the data that captured in the bibliography review and clinical practice. It was carried through consent techniques, a language standarization and its codification following the NANDA, NOC and NIC taxonomies. Starting from an initial valuation for focus basic needs, it described nursing diagnoses, complications and the associated interventions to the nursing diagnose and the collaboration problems. Finally, the evaluation and the care continuity report were established. Results: tables with data for the initial evaluation were compiled of the main nursing diagnoses (Deficient knowledge, Fear, Breast-feeding Interruption, and Injury Risk) related to the hoped results, expressed according to NOC taxonomy (Knowledge: Procedure, Fear Self-control; Breast-feeding: Weaning and Risk Control) and the nursing intervention (teaching: procedure, nervous tension decrease, breast-feeding suppression, environmental management: security, etc.); as well as the intervention associated to the collaboration problems. Conclusion: this care map provides the work using a nursing process. It also helps to register in a easy way the interventions made to patients with nuclear medicine procedure.

Chemical communication in Chagas disease vectors. Source, identity, and potential function of volatiles released by the metasternal and Brindley's glands of Triatoma infestans adults.

Compounds from the metasternal and Brindley's glands of the blood-sucking bug, Triatoma infestans, were identified by solid phase microextraction (SPME) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Volatile compounds released by adult bugs during copulation or after mechanical disturbance were also characterized. Six compounds were identified and found consistently in all samples from metasternal glands. The most abundant were 3-pentanone, 2-methylbutanol, 3-pentanol, and an unidentified compound. The metasternal gland blends did not differ qualitatively between sexes. Compounds found in Brindley's glands were short chain acids, alcohols, esters, and a ketone with no qualitative differences between sexes. Isobutyric acid was the main component of this blend, and two new confirmed compounds were described as products of these glands: 2-butanone and 2-methylbutyric acid. 3-Pentanone was collected from the headspace over 33% of the copulating pairs of T. infestans. Volatiles found in the headspace of disturbed T. infestans adults included short-chain fatty acids, alcohols, esters, and ketones, with no qualitative differences between sexes. Both types of glands apparently discharge their contents after disturbance. However, most of the volatiles released by bugs after disturbance came from Brindley's glands. The locomotor activity of fourth instars increased significantly after stimulation with the odors emitted by disturbed adults, as compared with larvae stimulated by the odor of undisturbed adults or by clean air. We also studied the directional behavioral response of fifth instars to the disturbance scent in a locomotion compensator. Larvae exposed to volatiles released by disturbed adults walked away from the direction of the odor. The results suggest that this blend or part of it functions as an alarm pheromone for T. infestans. We suggest that the metasternal glands of this species are involved both in the sexual and the alarm contexts, and that the Brindley's glands probably have both alarm and defensive roles.

The sexual behaviour of Panstrongylus megistus (Hemiptera: Reduviidae): an experimental study.

The factors affecting the sexual behaviour of Panstrongylus megistus were studied under laboratory conditions. A general description of mating behaviour is presented for this species. The effect of the time elapsed after the first imaginal feeding on the mating frequency, the motivation of males to mate and the rejection behaviour by females, were analyzed. We also determined the number of copulas accepted by females of this species. Finally, the possible existence of a sexual chemical signal promoting male aggregation around mating couples was evaluated. Results showed that mating frequency increased with the time elapsed since the first adult meal. Despite the number of male copulatory attempts did not change as a function of time, the rejection behaviour of females became gradually less frequent. Females rejected mating by means of body flattening on the substrate, abdominal movements, evasion or stridulation. After a single copula, females did not usually accept to mate again. Neither male nor female aggregation around mating couples was observed, suggesting the absence of a sexual assembling pheromone in P. megistus.

The sexual behaviour of Panstrongylus megistus (Hemiptera: Reduviidae): an experimental study

The factors affecting the sexual behaviour of Panstrongylus megistus were studied under laboratory conditions. A general description of mating behaviour is presented for this species. The effect of the time elapsed after the first imaginal feeding on the mating frequency, the motivation of males to mate and the rejection behaviour by females, were analyzed. We also determined the number of copulas accepted by females of this species. Finally, the possible existence of a sexual chemical signal promoting male aggregation around mating couples was evaluated. Results showed that mating frequency increased with the time elapsed since the first adult meal. Despite the number of male copulatory attempts did not change as a function of time, the rejection behaviour of females became gradually less frequent. Females rejected mating by means of body flattening on the substrate, abdominal movements, evasion or stridulation. After a single copula, females did not usually accept to mate again. Neither male nor female aggregation around mating couples was observed, suggesting the absence of a sexual assembling pheromone in P. megistus.