Biochemical and toxicological effects of organic (herbicide Primextra® Gold TZ) and inorganic (copper) compounds on zooplankton and phytoplankton species

In Europe, mainly in the Mediterranean region, an intensive usage of pesticides was recorded during the past 30 years. According to information from agricultural cooperatives of the Mondego valley (Figueira da Foz, Portugal), Primextra® Gold TZ is the most used herbicide in corn crop fields and one of the 20 best-selling herbicides in Portugal. Copper is mainly used in pesticide formulations. This study aims to determine the ecotoxicological and biochemical (namely fatty acid profiles) effects of the herbicide Primextra® Gold TZ and the metal copper on marine plankton. The organisms used in this study are three planktonic species: the marine diatom Thalassiosira weissflogii, the estuarine copepod Acartia tonsa and nauplii of the marine brine shrimp Artemia franciscana. Fatty acids (FAs) are one of the most important molecules transferred across the plant-animal interface in aquatic food webs and can be used as good indicators of stress. The conducted lab incubations show that T. weissflogii is the most sensitive species to the herbicide followed by A. tonsa (EC50 =0;0.0078 mg/L and EC50 =0;0.925 mg/L, respectively), whereas the copepod was the most sensitive species to the metal followed by T. weissflogii (EC50 =0.234 mg/L and EC50 =0.383 mg/L, respectively). A. franciscana was the most tolerant organism both to the herbicide and to the metal (EC50 =20.35 mg/L and EC50 = 18.93 mg/L, respectively). Changes in the FA profiles of primary producer and primary consumers were observed, with the increase of saturated FA and decrease of unsaturated FA contents, especially of highly unsaturated FAs that can be obtained mainly from food and therefore are referred to as ‘essential FA’. The study suggests that discharges of Primextra® Gold TZ or other pesticides mainly composed by copper may be a threat to plankton populations causing changes in the FA contents and thus in their nutritive value, with severe repercussions for higher trophic levels and thus the entire food web

Liderança, administração e gestão nos cuidados de saúde: um protocolo de revisão de escopo no âmbito do ensino da enfermagem

Introduction: Strategic leadership in nursing, represents one of the global goals at the current time. Although integrated into university programs, the teaching of administration and management, did not seem to promote the expected results. This finding may be a consequence of the teaching methods, competencies targeted, or students' perceptions of the usefulness and interest of the subject. A new theoretical framework is needed, with the identification of underpinning skills, key contents and teaching methodologies adapted to the current reality. Objectives: Map the models and conceptions of teaching-learning nursing administration and management. Methods: This review will follow the JBI methodology, and will include all types of studies, published in English, French, Spanish, and Portuguese, on the last decade, without any geographical limitations. The databases included MEDLINE, CINAHL, Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection by EBSCO, Scopus (Elsevier), Canadian Science Publishing, grey literature (Google Scholar) and Repositório Científico de Acesso Aberto de Portugal (RCAAP). Data will be analysed and extracted by two independent researchers and will be presented in a specific table. Results: Previous bibliographic research allowed the identification of some concepts, theories and pedagogical strategies implemented in the teaching-learning process of the subject. Conclusion: The results will contribute to help instructors to improve their educational approach, adapting the theory of the subject through the use and development of teaching-learning strategies that can support and empower upcoming nurses, face to future challenges in healthcare.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Transitory activation of AMPK at reperfusion protects the ischaemic-reperfused rat myocardium against infarction

PURPOSE: AMPK plays a crucial role in the regulation of the energy metabolism of the heart. During ischaemia, AMPK activation is a known adaptative prosurvival mechanism that helps to maintain the energy levels of the myocardium. However, it still remains unclear if activation of AMPK during reperfusion is beneficial for the heart. Two known AMPK activators (metformin and AICAR) were used to verify the hypothesis that a transitory activation of AMPK at reperfusion may exert cardioprotection, as reflected in a reduction in myocardial infarct size. METHODS: Perfused rat hearts were subjected to 35 min ischaemia and 120 min reperfusion. Metformin (50 microM) or AICAR (0.5 mM) were added for 15 min at the onset of reperfusion alone or with Compound C (CC, 10 microM), an AMPK inhibitor. Infarct size and alpha-AMPK phosphorylation were measured. RESULTS: Metformin significantly reduced infarct size from 47.8 +/- 1.7% in control to 31.4 +/- 2.9%, an effect abolished by CC when the drugs were given concomitantly. Similarly, AICAR also induced a significant reduction in infarct size to 32.3 +/- 4.8%, an effect also abrogated by CC. However, metformin's protection was not abolished if CC was administered later in reperfusion. In addition, alpha-AMPK phosphorylation was significantly increased in the metformin treated group during the initial 30 min of reperfusion. CONCLUSIONS: Our data demonstrated that, in our ex vivo model of myocardial ischaemia-reperfusion injury, AMPK activation in early reperfusion is associated with a reduction in infarct size

Comparison of protocols for genomic DNA extraction from ‘velame pimenta’ (Croton linearifolius), a native species to the Caatinga, Brazil

The Caatinga biome occupies some 12% of the Brazilian territory, which is present in at least nine states. The species that constitute its biodiversity have the potential to be used as natural resources, among them are approximately 700 species of the genus Croton. As an example of this potential, the Croton linearifolius specie is used by local communities as a natural insecticide. Associated with the economic potential of the Caatinga species, one must stress the risk of extinction or genetic erosion due to the growing deforestation of natural areas of this biome. These factors make it relevant in genetic studies in order to guide conservation strategies. Considering the lack of molecular studies involving C. linearifolius, we compared the efficiency of six protocols for genomic DNA extraction previously described in literature. The DNA extraction buffers [based on the use of Cetyl trimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), mannitol and sorbitol] were different in their efficiency to obtaining the genomic DNA of C. linearifloius. In general, protocols using CTAB buffer were more efficient. The use of liquid nitrogen in the maceration process was also evaluated and its use was considered a no necessary factor in obtaining DNA in adequate quantity and quality for PCR platform procedures.Keywords: DNA Isolation, molecular markers, native species of CaatingaAfrican Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 12(30), pp. 4761-476

Oestradiol and prostaglandin F2 alpha regulate sexual displays in females of a sex-role reversed fish

The mechanisms regulating sexual behaviours in female vertebrates are still poorly understood, mainly because in most species sexual displays in females are more subtle and less frequent than displays in males. In a sex-role reversed population of a teleost fish, the peacock blenny Salaria pavo, an external fertilizer, females are the courting sex and their sexual displays are conspicuous and unambiguous. We took advantage of this to investigate the role of ovarian-synthesized hormones in the induction of sexual displays in females. In particular, the effects of the sex steroids oestradiol (E2) and testosterone (T) and of the prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha) were tested. Females were ovariectomized and their sexual behaviour tested 7 days (sex steroids and PGF2 alpha) and 14 days (sex steroids) after ovariectomy by presenting females to an established nesting male. Ovariectomy reduced the expression of sexual behaviours, although a significant proportion of females still courted the male 14 days after the ovary removal. Administration of PGF2 alpha to ovariectomized females recovered the frequency of approaches to the male's nest and of courtship displays towards the nesting male. However, E2 also had a positive effect on sexual behaviour, particularly on the frequency of approaches to the male's nest. T administration failed to recover sexual behaviours in ovariectomized females. These results suggest that the increase in E2 levels postulated to occur during the breeding season facilitates female mate-searching and assessment behaviours, whereas PGF2 alpha acts as a short-latency endogenous signal informing the brain that oocytes are mature and ready to be spawned. In the light of these results, the classical view for female fishes, that sex steroids maintain sexual behaviour in internal fertilizers and that prostaglandins activate spawning behaviours in external fertilizers, needs to be reviewed.Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) [POCTI/BSE/38395/2001, PTDC/MAR/69749/2006, 331/2001]; Macao Science and Technology Development Fund (FDCT) [012/2012/A1]; FCT [SFRH/BPD/30367/2006

Evaluation of the online management course from the perspective of former students

Objective To evaluate the online course from the perspective of e-learners as well as the relation between variables. Method A quantitative, descriptive and exploratory study. Results After three years, the satisfaction rates in the three listed categories presented an average rate higher than 75%. The coefficients indicated a high consistency of the questionnaire. Considering the overall rates in the three years period, the Instructor Performance category presented the highest rate. Strong associations between Self-Assessment and Instructor Performance, Self-Evaluation and Program of the Course and Instructor performance and Program of the course were identified. There was no association between the three categories mentioned with any other variables existing in the study. Conclusion E-learners expressed satisfaction with the course that means favored the interaction and the promotion of collective knowledge in nursing management. Also aspects need to be improved, especially the training of the instructor to mediate discussions and encourage student involvement throughout the course.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Qualidade e a enfermagem de reabilitação em unidades de internamento

A avaliação da qualidade tem vindo a ser uma preocupação crescente dos serviços de saúde, que ao longo dos últimos anos vem transferindo alguns instrumentos, métodos e modelos de avaliação da qualidade utilizados na indústria para a área da saúde. A enfermagem de reabilitação também necessita de instrumentos que avaliem a qualidade dos cuidados prestados, nomeadamente em unidades de internamento. Com este estudo, pretendeu-se efetuar um percurso para identificar fatores que contribuam para a qualidade dos cuidados de enfermagem de reabilita ção em unidades de internamento concebendo um caminho para a criação de um instrumento de avaliação da prá tica de cuidados. O estudo é de natureza qualitativa realizada em serviços de medicina de um contexto hospitalar, através de entrevistas semi-estruturadas. Os resultados que emergem das narrativas dos participantes permitiram criar uma proposta de instrumento para avaliação da qualidade dos cuidados de enfermagem de reabilitação.Assessment the quality has been a growing concern of health services, which over the past years has been transferring some models and methods for evaluating the quality of the health industry. Nursing rehabilitation needs to integrate to assess the quality of nursing care rehabilitation in inpatient units. With this study, we sought to make a journey to identify factors that contribute to the quality of nursing care rehabilitation inpatient units in designing a path for creating an assessment tool for the practice of nursing rehabilitation. The study is qualitative medical services performed in a hospital setting, through semi-structured interviews. The results that emerge from the narratives of the participants have created a draft instrument for assessing the quality of nursing care rehabilitationinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

A Importância das Famílias nos Cuidados de Enfermagem: Atitudes dos Enfermeiros em Meio hospitalar

Enquadramento: A atitude dos enfermeiros para com as famílias é determinante para a qualidade dos cuidados de enfermagem, facilitando os processos de transição saúde/doença vivenciadas pela família no hospital. Objetivos: O objetivo deste estudo consiste em identificar a atitude dos enfermeiros de diferentes contextos de cuidados hospitalares sobre a importância de incluir a família nos cuidados de Enfermagem. Metodologia: É um estudo de natureza quantitativa, exploratório e descritivo, integrando 160 enfermeiros de diversos contextos de um hospital, através de uma amostra por conveniência. Este estudo recorre à utilização de um questionário, integrando uma avaliação sociodemográfica e a aplicação da escala A importância das famílias nos cuidados de Enfermagem – IFCE-AE. Resultados: Os resultados obtidos da aplicação da escala IFCE-AE revelam scores médios elevados. Contudo, os resultados não evidenciam correlações significativas que justifiquem a influência das variáveis exploradas. Conclusão: Os enfermeiros possuem um grau de concordância elevado sobre a importância das famílias nos cuidados de enfermagem, no que se refere aos diferentes contextos de cuidados.Theoretical framework: Nurses’ attitudes towards families are essential to the quality of nursing care, facilitating the health/ disease transition processes experienced by the family in the hospital. Objectives: The aim of this study is to identify the attitudes of nurses in different hospital settings about the importance of including the family in nursing care. Methodology: A quantitative, exploratory and descriptive study was conducted with a convenience sample of 160 nurses from different units in a hospital. This study used a questionnaire, which included a sociodemographic evaluation and the scale Families’ Importance in Nursing Care - Nurses Attitudes (FINC-NA). Results: The results obtained by applying the FINC-NA scale revealed high mean scores. However, the results showed no significant correlations to justify the influence of the analysed variables. Conclusion: Nurses show a high level of agreement about the importance of families in nursing care within the various contexts of care.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Validation of the rat model of prostate cancer: correlating seminal vesicle lesions with dorsolateral prostate lesions

Background/aim: Lesions in the seminal vesicle are described in the most used protocols for prostate cancer (PCa) induction. This study aimed to characterize the lesions of seminal vesicles associated with a protocol of PCa induction in rats to contribute to better characterization of this model. Materials and methods: Forty-five male Wistar Unilever rats were randomly divided into two control groups: CONT1 (n=10) and CONT2 (n=10); and two PCa-induced groups: IND1 (n=10) and IND2 (n=15), sacrificed at 35 and 61 weeks, respectively. Animals from the induced groups were exposed to a multistep protocol for PCa induction. Animals, seminal vesicles and dorsolateral prostate were weighed. Seminal vesicles and dorsolateral prostate were submitted to histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis. Results: Animals in which PCa was induced had a lower mean body weight when compared with the control animals (p<0.05). The relative mean seminal vesicle weight was higher in groups with PCa when compared with control groups (p<0.05). Although the differences were not statistically significant, animals from the IND2 group developed more lesions than animals from the IND1 and CONT2 groups. It is worth noting that the animals from group IND2 developed papillary adenomas and carcinomas in situ, which were not observed in any other group. Similar to observations in seminal vesicles, animals from group IND2 developed more dorsolateral prostate lesions than animals from the IND1 group (p<0.05). Conclusion: We observed that the longer the exposure to testosterone was, the greater was the incidence of preneoplastic and neoplastic lesions in both the seminal vesicle and the prostate, suggesting that testosterone exposure affects the spectrum of developed lesions