The interconnection between law and bioethics in the light of their theoretical, institutional, and regulatory dimensions

O presente artigo objetiva analisar a interconexão entre Direito e bioética tendo como foco as contribuições deste novo saber para os aplicadores do Direito na sua função de harmonização do convívio social. Para tanto, utilizou-se linha de pesquisa que propõe o recurso de dividir a bioética em três perspectivas: teórica, institucional e normativa. A partir de cada um desses enfoques, analisou-se os pontos de contato entre os dois saberes, bem como o modo em que a bioética concorre para o aprimoramento do Direito. Constatou-se que a bioética pode auxiliar o Poder Judiciário e o aplicador do Direito a compatibilizar a racionalidade jurídica com a reflexão ética propiciada por novos paradigmas científicos, contribuindo, assim, para a diminuição das dificuldades surgidas na busca de soluções para questões complexas relativas a conflitos nas áreas das ciências da vida, medicina e tecnologias associadas.This article aims to analyze the interconnection between Law and bioethics, focusing on the contributions of this new knowledge to the enforcers of Law in its function of social harmonization. For this purpose, we used the research line which features splitting bioethics into three perspectives: theoretical Bioethics, institutional and regulatory, and from each of these approaches, we analyzed the points of contact between the two fields of knowledge, and how bioethics contributes to the improvement of the Law. It was found that bioethics, helps the Judiciary Power and the ones who work with Law to deal with the complexity of issues related to life sciences, medicine and associated technologies.Este artículo tiene como objetivo analizar la interconexión entre el derecho y la bioética, centrándose en las contribuciones de este nuevo conocimiento para encargados de hacer cumplir la ley en su tarea de armonización de la vida social. Para este fin, se utilizó una línea de investigación que propone como recurso la división de la bioética en tres dimensiones: la bioética teórica, institucional y normativa. A partir de cada uno de estos enfoques, se analizaron los puntos de contacto entre los dos conocimientos, así como la manera que la bioética que contribuye a la mejor comprensión del Derecho. Se comprobó que la bioética puede ayudar al Poder Judiciario y al aplicador de la ley a conciliar la racionalidad legal con el pensamiento ético fomentado por nuevos paradigmas científicos, contribuyendo de esa forma para las cuestiones complejas relacionadas a conflictos en ámbito de las ciencias de la vida, médica y tecnologías adjuntas

Síndrome de Burnout : relações com comprometimento afetivo entre gestores de organização estatal

Esta pesquisa envolveu dois conceitos centrais e a tentativa de articulá-los teórica e empiricamente: síndrome de burnout e comprometimento organizacional afetivo. Foram aplicados 249 questionários, contendo escalas padronizadas de cinco pontos, tipo Likert, e realizadas 16 entrevistas, apoiadas em roteiros semi-estruturados, entre gestores da Eletronorte. Formulou- se a hipótese de que os respondentes apresentariam comportamentos típicos de burnout e de que haveria uma relação positiva entre esta variável e comprometimento afetivo. Foram realizadas análises inferenciais e identificou- se, entre os respondentes, nível moderado de burnout nos fatores exaustão emocional, despersonalização e baixa realização pessoal, sendo que 27,7% dos pesquisados apresentaram índices altos ou moderados nos três fatores da síndrome, predominando o fator baixa realização pessoal; 61,8% e 36,14% dos respondentes apresentaram níveis elevado e moderado, respectivamente, de comprometimento afetivo. A hipótese foi confirmada quanto à presença de burnout e rejeitada no que se refere à relação positiva entre a síndrome e comprometimento. Os resultados podem ser úteis para a compreensão de fenômenos pouco explorados no campo do comportamento organizacional, em especial entre gestores que atuam em organizações em fase de transformação. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ABSTRACTThis research encompasses two main concepts and aimed to analyse them both theoretical and empirically: burnout syndrome and affective organisational commitment. 249 five-point standardised Likert-scale questionnaires were filled out and 16 interviews, supported by semi-structured schedules were undertaken with Eletronorte managers. The research hypothesis was 159 that these managers would have typical burnout behaviour and a positive relationship between this syndrome and attitudinal commitment would be find. Inferential analyses were done and medium level of burnout syndrome on the emotional exhaustion, depersonalisation and low personal accomplishment were identified. 27,7% of the managers presented medium or high levels on the three syndrome factors, stressing the low personal accomplishment factor; 61,8% and 36,14% of the research participants showed high and medium levels, respectively, of attitudinal commitment. The hypothesis was accepted upon the burnout syndrome, but rejected on the positive relationship between that syndrome and commitment. The results can be useful to understand factors less explored on the organisational behaviour field, especially amongst managers that work on organisations which are on changing process

Monitorização da terapêutica com vancomicina em recém-nascidos de termo com sepse, utilização e importância clínica

Foi realizado um estudo prospectivo para verificar se as doses habituais de vancomicina determinam concentrações séricas adequadas em 25 recém - nascidos de termo com sepse. OBJETIVOS: Avaliou-se a resposta terapêutica da sepse neonatal por Staphylococcus sp., tratada com vancomicina, monitorizando além de sua concentração sérica, o poder bactericida do soro (PBS) e a concentração inibitória mínima (MIC). MÉTODO: Os níveis séricos do antibiótico foram obtidos através do imunoensaio por fluorescência polarizada, o MIC através de micro-difusão em ágar, e o PBS foi obtido por macro-diluição em caldo. RESULTADOS: Concentrações séricas no pico de vancomicina adequadas (20-40 mg/mL) ocorreram em 59,1% dos casos e um recém-nascido apresentou potencial risco de ototoxicidade (>;40 mg/mL). Em 48% dos pacientes ocorreram vales séricos adequados (5-10 mg/mL) e 28% dos pacientes apresentaram potencial risco de nefrotoxicidade (>;10mg/mL). Não houve concordância significante entre a normalidade determinada pelo pico e vale de vancomicina no método (prova de McNemar: p=0,7905). A concentração sérica no pico de vancomicina foi comparada com a evolução clínica dos recém-nascidos com sepse neonatal, não havendo diferença estatisticamente significante entre os picos séricos dos pacientes que apresentaram boa e má evolução (U=51,5; p=0,1947). Também não houve diferença estatisticamente significante entre os vales séricos dos pacientes que apresentaram boa e má evolução clínica ( U= 77,0; p=0,1710). Todos os MICs obtidos demonstraram sensibilidade à vancomicina. Metade dos pacientes que apresentou PBS no vale adequado (1/8), também tiveram concentração sérica de vancomicina adequada e boa evolução clínica. CONCLUSÕES: A recomendação de doses de vancomicina para recém-nascidos de termo deve ser baseada no peso e na idade pós-conceptual apenas para dar início à terapia antimicrobiana na sepse neonatal, não existindo um padrão de doses ideal. Logo, a dose deve ser individualizada. A utilização desses dados laboratoriais com a clínica favorecem a elucidação da provável causa da má evolução do paciente, facilitando o ajuste da droga e a menor chance de efeitos tóxicos ou sub-terapêuticos.A prospective study was conducted to determine if standardized vancomycin doses could produce adequate serum concentrations in 25 term newborn infants with sepsis. Purpose: The therapeutic response of neonatal sepsis by Staphylococcus sp. treated with vancomycin was evaluated through serum concentrations of vancomycin, serum bactericidal titers (SBT), and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). METHOD: Vancomycin serum concentrations were determined by the fluorescence polarization immunoassay technique , SBT by the macro-broth dilution method, and MIC by diffusion test in agar . RESULTS: Thirteen newborn infants (59.1%) had adequate peak vancomycin serum concentrations (20--40 mg/mL) and one had peak concentration with potential ototoxicity risk (>;40 µg/mL). Only 48% had adequate trough concentrations (5--10 mg/mL), and seven (28%) had a potential nephrotoxicity risk (>;10 µg/mL). There was no significant agreement regarding normality for peak and trough vancomycin method (McNemar test : p = 0.7905). Peak serum vancomycin concentrations were compared with the clinical evaluation (good or bad clinical evolution) of the infants, with no significant difference found (U=51.5; p=0.1947). There was also no significant difference between the patients' trough concentrations and good or bad clinical evolution (U = 77.0; p=0.1710). All Staphylococcus isolates were sensitive to vancomycin according to the MIC. Half of the patients with adequate trough SBT (1/8), also had adequate trough vancomycin concentrations and satisfactory clinical evolution. CONCLUSIONS: Recommended vancomycin schedules for term newborn infants with neonatal sepsis should be based on the weight and postconceptual age only to start antimicrobial therapy. There is no ideal pattern of vancomycin dosing; vancomycin dosages must be individualized. SBT interpretation should be made in conjunction with the patient's clinical presentation and vancomycin serum concentrations. Those laboratory and clinical data favor elucidation of the probable cause of patient's bad evolution, which would facilitate drug adjustment and reduce the risk of toxicity or failing to achieve therapeutic doses

Medicinal plants popularly used in the Xingó region – a semi-arid location in Northeastern Brazil

The aim of this study was to identify plant species among the diverse flora of the caatinga ecosystem that are used therapeutically. Research was undertaken in the municipalities of Piranhas and Delmiro Gouveia, in the Xingó region (state of Alagoas, NE Brazil). In order to identify the medicinal plants used in this region, semi-structured questionnaires were applied. The species cited were collected and sent to the Xingó Herbarium for taxonomic analysis. The relative importance (RI) of each species cited was calculated to verify their cultural importance. The therapeutic indications attributed to the species were classified under 16 body systems. A total of 187 medicinal species were cited, from 64 families and 128 genera. The main indications for medicinal plant use were against common colds, bronchitis, cardiovascular problems, kidney problems, inflammations in general, and as tranquilizers. Approximately 16% (30 plant species) were versatile in relation to their use, with an Relative Importance value over 1, having been indicated for up to nine body systems. The body systems that stood out the most were: the respiratory system, the gastrointestinal system, and infectious diseases. Most cited plant parts used for medicinal purposes were flowers, leaves, and inner stem bark

Host cell transcriptional profiling during malaria liver stage infection reveals a coordinated and sequential set of biological events

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p><it>Plasmodium </it>sporozoites migrate to the liver where they traverse several hepatocytes before invading the one inside which they will develop and multiply into thousands of merozoites. Although this constitutes an essential step of malaria infection, the requirements of <it>Plasmodium </it>parasites in liver cells and how they use the host cell for their own survival and development are poorly understood.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>To gain new insights into the molecular host-parasite interactions that take place during malaria liver infection, we have used high-throughput microarray technology to determine the transcriptional profile of <it>P. berghei</it>-infected hepatoma cells. The data analysis shows differential expression patterns for 1064 host genes starting at 6 h and up to 24 h post infection, with the largest proportion correlating specifically with the early stages of the infection process. A considerable proportion of those genes were also found to be modulated in liver cells collected from <it>P. yoelii-</it>infected mice 24 and 40 h after infection, strengthening the data obtained with the <it>in vitro </it>model and highlighting genes and pathways involved in the host response to rodent <it>Plasmodium </it>parasites.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Our data reveal that host cell infection by <it>Plasmodium </it>sporozoites leads to a coordinated and sequential set of biological events, ranging from the initial stage of stress response up to the engagement of host metabolic processes and the maintenance of cell viability throughout infection.</p

Differences between Portuguese and Brazilian Patients with Fibromyalgia Syndrome: Exploring the Associations across Age, Time of Diagnosis, and Fatigue-Related Symptoms

The aim of the study was to explore the differences between Brazilian and Portuguese patients with fibromyalgia (FM) syndrome in their experience of fatigue, and to measure differences in the perception of fatigue as a function of age and duration of the diagnosis. In total, 209 Portuguese women aged between 21 and 75 years (M = 47.44; SD = 10.73) and 429 Brazilian women aged between 18 and 77 years (M = 46.51; SD = 9.24) were recruited to participate in the present study. Participants completed the Multidimensional Daily Diary of Fatigue-Fibromyalgia-17 items (MDF-Fibro-17), a specific tool to measure the level of five components of FM-related fatigue. Results showed greater perception of all the components of fatigue in the Brazilian sample. No significant differences were found related to age and duration of FM diagnosis. The multifaceted nature of FM and cultural differences suggests that individualized treatment programs may be necessary to reduce fatigue-related symptoms in patients with this syndrome.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Meloidogyne incognita PASSE-MURAILLE (MiPM) gene encodes a cell-penetrating protein that interacts with the CSN5 subunit of the COP9 Signalosome.

Na publicação: Erika V. S. Albuquerque and Maria F. Grossi-de-Sá

Innate immunity induced by Plasmodium liver infection inhibits malaria reinfections

© 2015 American Society for Microbiology. The authors have paid a fee to allow immediate free access to this article.Following transmission through a mosquito bite to the mammalian host, Plasmodium parasites first invade and replicate inside hepatocytes before infecting erythrocytes and causing malaria. The mechanisms limiting Plasmodium reinfections in humans living in regions of malaria endemicity have mainly been explored by studying the resistance induced by the blood stage of infection. However, epidemiologic studies have suggested that in high-transmission areas, preerythrocytic stages also activate host resistance to reinfection. This, along with the recent discovery that liver infections trigger a specific and effective type I interferon (IFN) response, prompted us to hypothesize that this pre-erythrocyte-stage-induced resistance is linked to liver innate immunity. Here, we combined experimental approaches and mathematical modeling to recapitulate field studies and understand the molecular basis behind such resistance. We present a newly established mouse reinfection model and demonstrate that rodent malaria liver-stage infection inhibits reinfection. This protection relies on the activation of innate immunity and involves the type I IFN response and the antimicrobial cytokine gamma IFN (IFN-γ). Importantly, mathematical simulations indicate that the predictions based on our experimental murine reinfection model fit available epidemiological data. Overall, our study revealed that liver-stage-induced innate immunity may contribute to the preerythrocytic resistance observed in humans in regions of malaria hyperendemicity.This work was supported by Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia (FCT, Portugal) grants PTDC-SAU-MIC-117060-2010 (to Miguel Prudêncio) and EXCL/IMI-MIC/0056/2012 (to M.M.M.). P.L. was supported by Fondation pour la Recherche Médicale and FCT (fellowship SFRH/BPD/41547/2007). P.M. was supported by FCT (fellowship SFRH/BD/71098/2010). Miguel Prudêncio and M.P.D. are supported by an Australian Research Council Discovery Grant (DP120100064). M.P.D. is an NHMRC Senior Research Fellow.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Care nurses and nursing research: study of a hospital reality

The present study aims at demonstrating the situation of nurses of a particular hospital institution with respect to nursing research, focusing their previous and actual research, the limited and favorable elements to elaborate scientific works and the meaning of research to nursing, according to this study participant's opinion. The data collection were made through questionnaire and semi-structured interview.El presente trabajo busca demostrar la situación de las enfermeras de una determinada institución hospitalaria en relación a la investigación en enfermería, enfocando la atención en la investigación anterior y actual, en los elementos limitantes y propiciadores para la elaboración del trabajo científico y en el significado que tiene la investigación para la enfermería, en la Opinión de las participantes del estudio. En la colecta de datos fueron utilizados como instrumentos: cuestionario y entrevista semiestructurada