“I don’t Talk to Lunatics”: intersections between law and mental health

This article presents a Foucauldian Discourse Analysis of enunciations regarding one of the judicial processes composing a Master dissertation on Psychology from Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora (MG). The genesis of the research was the fact that a user from a Center of Psychosocial Attention (CAPS) reported his guardian for negligence and bad-treatment to a Promoter of Justice who, later on, refused to receive him, asserting: “I don’t talk to lunatics”. The research, of documentary nature, whose inclusion criterion was being a filed investigation record dealing with a diagnosis of mental disorder, was held with three judicial processes from users of the CAPS above mentioned. Subject positions that are assigned by the legal discourse to people with mental disorders were discussed, as well as the relationship between the diagnosis of mental disorder and another enunciations, and the relation among guardianship, non-imputability and citizenship. It is possible to affirm that legal discourse designates derogatory subject positions to people with mental disorder, supported by medical knowledge/power to enunciate truths about them. Citizenship is denied through processes of interdiction and guardianship. There is a gap between the Civil Code and the Civil Process Code, and the proposals of the Psychiatry Reform, especially regarding the rights of people with mental disorder.Neste artigo apresenta-se a análise do discurso foucauldiana de enunciados de um dos processos judiciais que compuseram uma dissertação de Mestrado em Psicologia da Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora (MG). A gênese da pesquisa foi um episódio ocorrido com um usuário de um Centro de Atenção Psicossocial (CAPS), que denunciou sua curadora por maus-tratos e negligência a uma Promotora de Justiça que, mais tarde, recusou-se a recebê-lo afirmando: “Não converso com demente”. A pesquisa, de natureza documental, cujo critério de inclusão foi haver diagnóstico de transtorno mental, foi realizada com três processos judiciais de usuários daquele CAPS. Problematizaram-se as posições de sujeito designadas aos usuários pelo discurso da justiça; as associações e/ou articulações entre o diagnóstico de transtorno mental e outros enunciados e a relação entre curatela, inimputabilidade e cidadania. Pode-se afirmar que o discurso jurídico designa posições de sujeito depreciativas para portadores de transtorno mental, respaldando-se no saber/poder médicos para enunciar verdades acerca dos mesmos. A cidadania é negada por meio da interdição e curatela. Há uma distância entre os códigos Civil e de Processo Civil e as propostas da Reforma Psiquiátrica, especialmente no tocante aos direitos dos portadores de transtorno mental

A modelagem computacional na educação infantil: teorização e possibilidade de implementação pedagógica

O artigo apresentado configura-se por um ensaio teórico voltado à prática de ensino, o qual tem como objetivo discutir a temática da modelagem computacional, promovendo aproximação com a educação infantil. Nesse sentido, para além da discussão teórica do conceito da modelagem computacional e sua aplicação, de educação infantil e suas nuances pedagógicas, cria-se no delineamento deste texto ensaio, uma seara tridimensional de manipulação e provocação, sustentada pela argumentação discursiva, visando à consumação dos preceitos alinhados, na convergência da modelagem computacional aplicada ao trabalho pedagógico com a pequena infância. Tem-se a aproximação materializada via a exploração do Banco Internacional de Objetos Educacionais, do Ministério da Educação (MEC), a partir do software “Blocs Lógics” de Alonso, o qual traz à tona a exemplificação, partindo da área da matemática na educação infantil e dos conteúdos geométricos, tendo os blocos lógicos como objeto de modelagem didático-pedagógico. Assim, a discussão fomentada leva a concluir que existe pertinência na associação da modelagem computacional ao trabalho pedagógico com crianças da faixa etária de 4 a 6 anos, como fonte importante de criação, construção do conhecimento e letramento matemático

Effects of surface characteristics of polymeric nanocapsules on the pharmacokinetics and efficacy of antimalarial quinine

Introduction: The surface charge of nanoparticles, such as nanospheres (NS) and nanocapsules (NC), has been studied with the purpose of improving the in vivo performance of drugs. The aim of this study was to develop, characterize, and evaluate the in vitro antimalarial efficacy of NCP80 and NSP80 (polysorbate coated) or NCEUD and NSEUD (prepared with Eudragit RS 100) loading quinine (QN). Methods: Formulations were prepared by the nanoprecipitation method, followed by wide physicochemical characterization. Antimalarial activity in Plasmodium berghei-infected mice and populational pharmacokinetics (PopPK) in rats were evaluated. Results: The formulations showed a nanometric range (between 138 ± 3.8 to 201 ± 23.0 nm), zeta potential (mV) of −33.1 ± 0.7 (NCP80), −30.5 ± 1 (UNCP80), −25.5 ± 1 (NSP80), −20 ± 0.3 (UNSP80), 4.61 ± 1 (NCEUD), 14.1 ± 0.9 (UNCEUD), 2.86 ± 0.3 (NSEUD) and 2.84 ± 0.6 (UNSEUD), content close to 100%, and good QN protection against UVA light. There was a twofold increase in the penetration of QN into infected erythrocytes with NC compared to that with NS. There was a significant increase in t1/2 for all NC evaluated compared to that of Free-QN, due to changes in Vdss. PopPK analysis showed that NCP80 acted as a covariate to Q (intercompartmental clearance) and V2 (volume of distribution in the peripheral compartment). For NCEUD, V1 and Q were modified after QN nanoencapsulation. Regarding in vivo efficacy, NCEUD increased the survival of mice unlike Free-QN. Conclusion: Cationic nanocapsules modified the pharmacology of QN, presenting a potential alternative for malaria treatment

Prevalence of Streptococcus agalactiae colonization in pregnant women from the 18th Health Region of Paraná State

Introduction The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of GBS colonization in pregnant women in a public health service. Methods A study of 496 pregnant women at 35-37 gestational weeks was conducted from September 2011 to March 2014 in 21 municipalities of the 18th Health Region of Paraná State. Vaginal and anorectal samples of each woman were plated on sheep blood agar, and in HPTH and Todd-Hewitt enrichment broths. Results Of the 496 pregnant women, 141 (28.4%) were positive for GBS based on the combination of the three culture media with vaginal and anorectal samples. The prevalence was 23.7% for vaginal samples and 21.9% for anorectal ones. Among the variables analyzed in this study, only urinary infection was a significant factor (0.026) associated with GBS colonization in women. Conclusions Based on these results, health units should performs universal screening of pregnant women and hospitals should provide adequate prophylaxis, when indicated

NEU: recurso de aproximação do estudante de medicina com a comunidade

It is part of the training of the medical professional the strengthening of citizenship and the capacitation in health promotion and disease prevention in different sociocultural realities. Thus, the Extension Nucleus of Unifenas - BH (NEU) was planned as a resource that will provide an exchange of knowledge among medical academics, teachers and community. Objective: NEU proposes to bring medical students closer to the Brazilian reality, as well as to work in needy communities through varied projects. Method: In July of 2016, the NEU made its first expedition in Urucânia - MG, with a duration of seven days. For children and teenagers, music workshops were developed, sanitation in the APAE and topics such as violence and sex education were discussed. With the adult population other topics were discussed: violence against women, affective bond, human health and breastfeeding. Coming from the town’s solicitation, a project for drug user rehabilitation center was developed. With the elderly population: hypertension and diabetes workshop, walking groups and asylum visits were conducted. The applied workshops included several target groups: educators, municipal health agents and community leaders. Results: The actions promoted by the NEU were positive for the population of Urucânia, as well as for the members of the group. Thereafter, several reflections were generated that provided a set for an academic and personal formation of the members. In relation to the difficulties, the group faced, in some moments, lack of infrastructure; lack of interest in some institutions and unpredictability of the public. Conclusion: The actions carried out by NEU, in this expedition, contributed not only to the development of the town, but also to strengthen the concept of social responsibility between the academic program and community.Fazem parte da formação do profissional médico o fortalecimento da cidadania e a capacitação para atuar na promoção e prevenção da saúde em diferentes realidades socioculturais. Assim, o Núcleo de Extensão Universitária (NEU) do curso de medicina – UNIFENAS - BH foi planejado como um recurso que proporcionará o intercâmbio de saberes entre acadêmicos de medicina, docentes e a comunidade. Objetivo: o NEU propõe uma maior vinculação entre universitários e membros da comunidade, a fim de aproximá-los da realidade brasileira, bem como atuar em localidades carentes por meio de projetos variados, ressaltando a importância da medicina humanizada. Método: Em julho de 2016, o NEU, durante sete dias, realizou sua primeira expedição em Urucânia – MG. Foram desenvolvidas oficinas de música, higienização e abordados temas, como violência e educação sexual para crianças e adolescentes. Com a população adulta foi debatido sobre violência contra a mulher, vínculo afetivo, saúde do homem e amamentação. Por demanda da cidade, foi incluído um projeto para o centro de reabilitação de usuários de drogas. Para o público idoso a abordagem incluiu oficinas de hipertensão e diabetes, grupo de caminhada e visitas ao asilo. Além do público-alvo já mencionado, as atividades abrangeram educadores, agentes municipais de saúde e lideranças comunitárias. Resultados: As ações promovidas pelo NEU foram positivas para a população de Urucânia, bem como para os membros do grupo, possibilitando reflexões que engrandeceram a formação acadêmica e pessoal dos integrantes. Em relação às dificuldades, o grupo enfrentou, em alguns momentos, falta de estrutura, desinteresse de algumas instituições e a imprevisibilidade do público. Conclusão: Nessa expedição, a verdadeira essência do ser médico se mostrou efetiva, contribuindo para o desenvolvimento do município e para o fortalecimento do conceito de corresponsabilidade social entre acadêmico e comunidade

SARS-CoV-2 introductions and early dynamics of the epidemic in Portugal

Genomic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in Portugal was rapidly implemented by the National Institute of Health in the early stages of the COVID-19 epidemic, in collaboration with more than 50 laboratories distributed nationwide. Methods By applying recent phylodynamic models that allow integration of individual-based travel history, we reconstructed and characterized the spatio-temporal dynamics of SARSCoV-2 introductions and early dissemination in Portugal. Results We detected at least 277 independent SARS-CoV-2 introductions, mostly from European countries (namely the United Kingdom, Spain, France, Italy, and Switzerland), which were consistent with the countries with the highest connectivity with Portugal. Although most introductions were estimated to have occurred during early March 2020, it is likely that SARS-CoV-2 was silently circulating in Portugal throughout February, before the first cases were confirmed. Conclusions Here we conclude that the earlier implementation of measures could have minimized the number of introductions and subsequent virus expansion in Portugal. This study lays the foundation for genomic epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 in Portugal, and highlights the need for systematic and geographically-representative genomic surveillance.We gratefully acknowledge to Sara Hill and Nuno Faria (University of Oxford) and Joshua Quick and Nick Loman (University of Birmingham) for kindly providing us with the initial sets of Artic Network primers for NGS; Rafael Mamede (MRamirez team, IMM, Lisbon) for developing and sharing a bioinformatics script for sequence curation (https://github.com/rfm-targa/BioinfUtils); Philippe Lemey (KU Leuven) for providing guidance on the implementation of the phylodynamic models; Joshua L. Cherry (National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health) for providing guidance with the subsampling strategies; and all authors, originating and submitting laboratories who have contributed genome data on GISAID (https://www.gisaid.org/) on which part of this research is based. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not reflect the view of the National Institutes of Health, the Department of Health and Human Services, or the United States government. This study is co-funded by Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia and Agência de Investigação Clínica e Inovação Biomédica (234_596874175) on behalf of the Research 4 COVID-19 call. Some infrastructural resources used in this study come from the GenomePT project (POCI-01-0145-FEDER-022184), supported by COMPETE 2020 - Operational Programme for Competitiveness and Internationalisation (POCI), Lisboa Portugal Regional Operational Programme (Lisboa2020), Algarve Portugal Regional Operational Programme (CRESC Algarve2020), under the PORTUGAL 2020 Partnership Agreement, through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), and by Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT).info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

TRY plant trait database – enhanced coverage and open access

Plant traits - the morphological, anatomical, physiological, biochemical and phenological characteristics of plants - determine how plants respond to environmental factors, affect other trophic levels, and influence ecosystem properties and their benefits and detriments to people. Plant trait data thus represent the basis for a vast area of research spanning from evolutionary biology, community and functional ecology, to biodiversity conservation, ecosystem and landscape management, restoration, biogeography and earth system modelling. Since its foundation in 2007, the TRY database of plant traits has grown continuously. It now provides unprecedented data coverage under an open access data policy and is the main plant trait database used by the research community worldwide. Increasingly, the TRY database also supports new frontiers of trait‐based plant research, including the identification of data gaps and the subsequent mobilization or measurement of new data. To support this development, in this article we evaluate the extent of the trait data compiled in TRY and analyse emerging patterns of data coverage and representativeness. Best species coverage is achieved for categorical traits - almost complete coverage for ‘plant growth form’. However, most traits relevant for ecology and vegetation modelling are characterized by continuous intraspecific variation and trait–environmental relationships. These traits have to be measured on individual plants in their respective environment. Despite unprecedented data coverage, we observe a humbling lack of completeness and representativeness of these continuous traits in many aspects. We, therefore, conclude that reducing data gaps and biases in the TRY database remains a key challenge and requires a coordinated approach to data mobilization and trait measurements. This can only be achieved in collaboration with other initiatives