Refletindo sobre desafios à inserção didática da história e filosofia da ciência em oficina de formação docente

O presente artigo apresenta uma pesquisa empírica realizada em oficina de formação docente. A intervenção realizada buscou a sensibilização quanto à utilização didática de episódios históricos para a abordagem da temática Natureza da Ciência. Entre outros aspectos, foram abordados desafios previstos na inserção didática da História da Ciência e discutidos exemplares de intervenções didáticas. Finalizadas discussões iniciais, os grupos de participantes se engajaram em tentativa de elaborar propostas didáticas a partir de um texto de subsídio sobre a História do Vácuo. A listagem de desafios previstos serviu como referência para a cunhagem de critérios que nortearam a avaliação dessas propostas. A análise qualitativa buscou identificar a possível materialização de desafios, se os participantes tentaram ou não enfrentá-los, dentre outros aspectos. Os resultados podem colaborar para iniciativas de formação docente. Adicionalmente, contribuem com avanços no que diz respeito a referenciais para avaliar a formação de professores visando o uso de abordagens histórico-filosóficas na escola básica

Pluralidade e Sustentabilidade

Pluralidade e Sustentabilidad

Antibacterial and anti-biofilm potential of Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour.) Spreng essential oil and Carvacrol against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli

Introduction: S. aureus and E. coli are pathogen that can cause persistent infections due to antibiotic resistance mechanisms and to its ability to adhere and form biofilm.The search for new agents from natural resources to counter microbial biofilm is an urgent priority in healthcare. Objetive: Chemical composition and antibacterial and anti-biofilm activity of Plectranthus amboinicus essential oil (PAEO) and of carvacrol were investigated against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Methodology: PAEO chemical analysis was performed by gas chromatography coupled to a mass spectrometer. Antimicrobial activity was assessed by disc diffusion method and broth microdilution method to determine minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs). Antibiofilm activities were investigated using 96-well plates with crystal violet assay. Results: Carvacrol (85.25%) was the major component in the PAEO. According to disc diffusion test the ability of PAEO and carvacrol for inhibition of bacteria in planktonic form was confirmed. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of PAEO for S. aureus and E. coli were 0.31 and 1.25%, respectively, with bactericidal effect. Carvacrol demonstrated a significant antibacterial property (MIC = 0.31%), exhibiting bacteriostatic effect against S. aureus and bactericidal effect against E. coli. Carvacrol significantly inhibited the formation of E. coli biofilm (58.9%). Moreover, carvacrol inactivated a mature biofilm. Conclusion: The data obtained are promising, making it possible to develop new therapeutic alternatives. These results denote the potentiality of carvacrol as a source for the treatment of diseases caused by E. coli and S. aureus.Introduction: Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli are pathogens that cause chronic infections due to antibiotic resistance mechanisms and their ability to adhere to surfaces and to form biofilms. The search for new agents from natural resources to counter microbial biofilms is an urgent priority in healthcare. Objetive: chemical composition, antibacterial and anti-biofilm activity of Plectranthus amboinicus essential oil (PAEO) and carvacrol were investigated against E. coli and S. aureus. Methodology: PAEO was chemically analyzed using gas chromatography coupled to a mass spectrometer. Antimicrobial activity was assessed by the disc diffusion method and broth microdilution method to determine minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs). Antibiofilm activity was investigated using 96-well plates with a crystal violet assay. Results: carvacrol (85.25%) was the major component of PAEO. The disc diffusion test confirmed the ability of PAEO and carvacrol in inhibiting bacteria in their planktonic form. The MICs of PAEO against S. aureus and E. coli were 0.31 and 1.25%, respectively, with bactericidal effect. Carvacrol demonstrated a significant antibacterial property (MIC = 0.31%), exhibiting bacteriostatic effects against S. aureus and bactericidal effects against E. coli. Carvacrol considerably inhibited E. coli biofilm formations (58.9%). Moreover, carvacrol inactivated the mature biofilms. Conclusion: the data obtained are promising, and facilitates the development of new therapeutic alternatives. These results indicate the potential of carvacrol in treating diseases caused by E. coli and S. aureus

Psychopathological characteristics in patients with arginine vasopressin deficiency (central diabetes insipidus) and primary polydipsia compared to healthy controls

Objective: Distinguishing arginine vasopressin deficiency (AVP-D; central diabetes insipidus) from primary polydipsia (PP), commonly referred to as psychogenic polydipsia, is challenging. Psychopathologic findings, commonly used for PP diagnosis in clinical practice, are rarely evaluated in AVP-D patients, and no comparative data between the two conditions currently exist. Design: Data from two studies involving 82 participants [39 AVP-D, 28 PP, and 15 healthy controls (HC)]. Methods: Psychological evaluations were conducted using standardized questionnaires measuring anxiety [State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI)], alexithymia [Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20)], depressive symptoms (Beck’s Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), and overall mental health [Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36)]. Higher STAI, TAS-20, and BDI-II scores suggest elevated anxiety, alexithymia, and depression, while higher SF-36 scores signify better overall mental health. Results: Compared to HC, patients with AVP-D and PP showed higher levels of anxiety (HC 28 points [24–31] vs AVP-D 36 points [31–45]; vs PP 38 points [33–46], P &lt; .01), alexithymia (HC 30 points [29–37] vs AVP-D 43 points [35–54]; vs PP 46 points [37–55], P &lt; .01), and depression (HC 1 point [0–2] vs AVP-D 7 points [4–14]; vs PP 7 points [3–13], P &lt; .01). Levels of anxiety, alexithymia, and depression showed no difference between both patient groups (P = .58, P = .90, P = .50, respectively). Compared to HC, patients with AVP-D and PP reported similarly reduced self-reported overall mental health scores (HC 84 [68–88] vs AVP-D 60 [52–80], P = .05; vs PP 60 [47–74], P &lt; .01).Conclusion: This study reveals heightened anxiety, alexithymia, depression, and diminished overall mental health in patients with AVP-D and PP. The results emphasize the need for careful interpretation of psychopathological characteristics to differentiate between AVP-D and PP.</p

Psychopathological characteristics in patients with arginine vasopressin deficiency (central diabetes insipidus) and primary polydipsia compared to healthy controls

Objective: Distinguishing arginine vasopressin deficiency (AVP-D; central diabetes insipidus) from primary polydipsia (PP), commonly referred to as psychogenic polydipsia, is challenging. Psychopathologic findings, commonly used for PP diagnosis in clinical practice, are rarely evaluated in AVP-D patients, and no comparative data between the two conditions currently exist. Design: Data from two studies involving 82 participants [39 AVP-D, 28 PP, and 15 healthy controls (HC)]. Methods: Psychological evaluations were conducted using standardized questionnaires measuring anxiety [State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI)], alexithymia [Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20)], depressive symptoms (Beck’s Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), and overall mental health [Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36)]. Higher STAI, TAS-20, and BDI-II scores suggest elevated anxiety, alexithymia, and depression, while higher SF-36 scores signify better overall mental health. Results: Compared to HC, patients with AVP-D and PP showed higher levels of anxiety (HC 28 points [24–31] vs AVP-D 36 points [31–45]; vs PP 38 points [33–46], P &lt; .01), alexithymia (HC 30 points [29–37] vs AVP-D 43 points [35–54]; vs PP 46 points [37–55], P &lt; .01), and depression (HC 1 point [0–2] vs AVP-D 7 points [4–14]; vs PP 7 points [3–13], P &lt; .01). Levels of anxiety, alexithymia, and depression showed no difference between both patient groups (P = .58, P = .90, P = .50, respectively). Compared to HC, patients with AVP-D and PP reported similarly reduced self-reported overall mental health scores (HC 84 [68–88] vs AVP-D 60 [52–80], P = .05; vs PP 60 [47–74], P &lt; .01).Conclusion: This study reveals heightened anxiety, alexithymia, depression, and diminished overall mental health in patients with AVP-D and PP. The results emphasize the need for careful interpretation of psychopathological characteristics to differentiate between AVP-D and PP.</p

PLANTAS MEDICINAIS UTILIZADAS PARA TRATAMENTO DA SINUSITE NO BRASIL: uma revisão de literatura

Sinusitis is one of the chronic respiratory diseases that represent one of the biggest health problems worldwide, characterized by inflammation in the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses. A large part of the population with this condition resorts to natural treatments, mainly the use of medicinal plants, to treat and cure diseases. The objective of this work was to carry out a survey of medicinal plants used in different locations in Brazil for the treatment of sinusitis, through an integrative literature review. Data collection was performed by searching for scientific articles, theses or dissertations in virtual databases: SciELO, Google Scholar and Virtual Health Library. A total of 998 studies were found and a final sample of 40 articles was selected. The regions identified in these were: Northeast (19), North (8), Southeast (5), Midwest (5) and South (3). 86 plants were identified, 32 of which are native to Brazil and 17 are present in RENISUS, being, in total, distributed in 35 families. Among the most used parts and forms of use, leaves (51.25%) and teas (19.57%) were the most mentioned, respectively. Among the species found, the 5 most cited were Luffa operculata Cogn., Eucalyptus globulus Labill., Amburana cearenses (Allemão) A.C.Sm., Mentha arvensis L. and Rosmarinus officinalis L. The research carried out demonstrates that the vast majority of plants popularly used for sinusitis they do not have scientific evidence in the literature and only L. operculata Cogn. presents published studies with positive effects and only in tests carried out in vitro.La sinusitis es una de las enfermedades respiratorias crónicas que representan uno de los mayores problemas de salud a nivel mundial, caracterizada por la inflamación en la cavidad nasal y los senos paranasales. Una gran parte de la población con esta condición recurre a tratamientos naturales, principalmente el uso de plantas medicinales, para tratar y curar enfermedades. El objetivo de este trabajo fue realizar un estudio de las plantas medicinales utilizadas en diferentes lugares de Brasil para el tratamiento de la sinusitis, a través de una revisión integradora de la literatura. La recolección de datos se realizó mediante la búsqueda de artículos científicos, tesis o disertaciones en bases de datos virtuales: SciELO, Google Scholar y Biblioteca Virtual en Salud.  Se encontraron un total de 998 estudios y se seleccionó una muestra final de 40 artículos. Las regiones identificadas en estos fueron: Noreste (19), Norte (8), Sureste (5), Medio Oeste (5) y Sur (3). Se identificaron 86 plantas, 32 de las cuales son nativas de Brasil y 17 están presentes en RENISUS, siendo, en total, distribuidas en 35 familias. Entre las partes y formas de uso más utilizadas, las hojas (51,25%) y los tés (19,57%) fueron los más mencionados, respectivamente. Entre las especies encontradas, las 5 más citadas fueron Luffa operculata Cogn., Eucalyptus globulus Labill., Amburana cearenses (Allemão) A.C.Sm., Mentha arvensis L. y Rosmarinus officinalis L.  La investigación realizada demuestra que la gran mayoría de las plantas utilizadas popularmente para la sinusitis no tienen evidencia científica en la literatura y solo L. operculata Cogn. presenta estudios publicados con efectos positivos y solo en pruebas realizadas in vitro.A sinusite é uma das doenças respiratórias crônicas, que representam um dos maiores problemas de saúde mundialmente, caracterizada por uma inflamação na cavidade nasal e nos seios paranasais. Grande parte da população portadora de tal afecção recorre a tratamentos naturais, principalmente ao uso de plantas medicinais, para tratamento e cura de doenças. O objetivo deste trabalho foi realizar um levantamento das plantas medicinais utilizadas nas diferentes localidades do Brasil para o tratamento da sinusite, por meio de uma revisão de literatura integrativa. A coleta de dados foi realizada através da busca por artigos científicos, teses ou dissertações nas bases de dados virtuais: SciELO, Google Acadêmico e Biblioteca Virtual de Saúde. Foram encontrados 998 estudos e selecionou-se uma amostra final de 40 artigos. As regiões identificadas nestes foram: Nordeste (19), Norte (8), Sudeste (5), Centro-oeste (5) e Sul (3). Foram identificadas 86 plantas, das quais 32 são nativas do Brasil e 17 estão presentes na RENISUS estando, no total, distribuídas em 35 famílias. Dentre as partes e formas de uso mais utilizadas, as folhas (51,25%) e os chás (19,57%) foram os mais citados, respectivamente. Dentre as espécies encontradas, as 5 mais citadas foram a Luffa operculata Cogn., Eucalyptus globulus Labill., Amburana cearenses (Allemão) A.C.Sm., Mentha arvensis L. e Rosmarinus officinalis L. A pesquisa realizada demonstra que a grande maioria das plantas utilizadas popularmente para a sinusite não possuem evidências científicas na literatura e somente a L. operculata Cogn. apresenta estudos publicados com efeitos positivos e apenas em testes feitos in vitro

Avaliação da performance de diferentes plásticos usados para selar arranjos de cDNA em náilon

cDNA arrays are a powerful tool for discovering gene expression patterns. Nylon arrays have the advantage that they can be re-used several times. A key issue in high throughput gene expression analysis is sensitivity. In the case of nylon arrays, signal detection can be affected by the plastic bags used to keep membranes humid. In this study, we evaluated the effect of five types of plastics on the radioactive transmittance, number of genes with a signal above the background, and data variability. A polyethylene plastic bag 69 &#956;m thick had a strong shielding effect that blocked 68.7% of the radioactive signal. The shielding effect on transmittance decreased the number of detected genes and increased the data variability. Other plastics which were thinner gave better results. Although plastics made from polyvinylidene chloride, polyvinyl chloride (both 13 &#956;m thick) and polyethylene (29 and 7 &#956;m thick) showed different levels of transmittance, they all gave similarly good performances. Polyvinylidene chloride and polyethylene 29 mm thick were the plastics of choice because of their easy handling. For other types of plastics, it is advisable to run a simple check on their performance in order to obtain the maximum information from nylon cDNA arrays.Os arranjos de cDNA são uma poderosa ferramenta para o estudo de padrões de expressão gênica. Os arranjos em membranas de náilon apresentam ainda a vantagem de poderem ser reutilizados diversas vezes. Porém, um ponto bastante delicado em estudos de expressão gênica em larga escala é a sensibilidade. No caso de arranjos em membranas de náilon, a detecção dos sinais pode ser afetada pelo envoltório plástico utilizado para manter as membranas úmidas. Nesse estudo, nós avaliamos os efeitos de cinco tipos de plásticos na transmissão radioativa detectada, no número de genes com sinal acima da emissão de fundo e na variabilidade dos dados. O plástico produzido com polietileno com 69 &#956;m de espessura apresentou uma forte interferência na emissão radioativa, bloqueando 68.7% do sinal detectado. Este bloqueio na transmitância diminuiu o numero de genes detectados e aumentou a variabilidade dos dados. Outros plásticos mais finos tiveram resultados melhores. Apesar de plásticos feitos de cloreto de polivinilideno e cloreto de polivinila (ambos com 13 &#956;m de espessura) e polietileno (29 e 7 &#956;m de espessura) terem diferentes níveis de transmitância, todos apresentaram performances semelhantes nos testes realizados. Cloreto de polivinilideno e polietileno com 29 &#956;m de espessura foram os plásticos escolhidos devido à facilidade de manuseio. Para outros tipos de plásticos, é recomendável realizar um teste de suas performances antes de utilizá-los para envolver membranas de náilon, de forma a obter o máximo de informação dos experimentos com arranjos de cDNA.18831887Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES