Distribution and size of the mojarra Diapterus rhombeus (Cuvier) (Actinopterygii, Gerreidae) in a Southeastern Brazilian bay

Diapterus rhombeus é uma das espécies de peixes mais abundantes na Baia de Sepetiba, ambiente costeiro de 520 km² de área semifechada no sudoeste do Brasil. O tamanho e distribuição dos indivíduos desta espécie foram descritos com o objetivo de determinar o uso das áreas de criação numa dimensão espacial e temporal (sazonal). Um programa de amostragem de arrasto de fundo foi conduzido mensalmente entre outubro 1998 a setembro 1999, em três zonas da baía (externa, central, interna), definidas através de gradientes de profundidade e salinidade. Diferenças altamente significativas foram encontradas para CPUEs (número e biomassa) entre estações do ano e zonas. O comprimento variou de 50 a 230 mm CT. Três grupos de tamanhos foram definidos de acordo com uma escala de maturação gonadal (n = 1435): 1 - imaturo (< 80 mm Comprimento Total - CT); 2- indivíduos em primeira maturação (L50) (80-90 mm CT); e 3 - adultos (L100) (&gt; 100 mm CT). Imaturos e indivíduos L50 foram abundantes (número e biomassa) durante o outono na zona interna, enquanto adultos (L100) predominaram durante o verão na zona externa. Evidências de movimento de indivíduos jovens (50-90 mm CT) da zona interna para zona externa foram detectadas conforme os animais foram atingindo maiores tamanhos (180 mm CT), no segundo ano de vida. A condição (k) aumentou em indivíduos maiores na zona externa durante a primavera, quando estes se tornam aptos a iniciar o processo reprodutivo. Duas coortes foram detectadas de acordo com a progressão modal: a primeira (menores tamanhos) mostrando crescimento mais rápido do que a segunda, evidenciando uma taxa menor de crescimento a medida que atingem maiores tamanhos. Diferentes classes de comprimento ocupando diferentes zonas da baía sugerem que grupos de idades otimizam sua coexistência compartilhando os recursos disponíveis e evitando competição intra-especifica.Diapterus rhombeus is one of the most abundant fish species in the Sepetiba bay, which is a 520 km² semi-closed coastal area in Southeastern Brazil. The size and distribution of this species have been described in order to assess the use of the area as a rearing ground in both spatial and temporal (seasonal) dimensions. A fish sampling program was conducted monthly by using an otter trawl between October 1998 and September 1999, in three bay zones (outer, middle and inner), defined according to depth and salinity gradient. Highly significant differences were found for CPUEs (number and biomass) among seasons and zones. Size ranged from 50 to 230 mm TL, and three size-groups were defined according to a maturation scale (n = 1435): 1 - immature (< 80 mm Total Length - TL); 2- individuals at the first maturation (L50) (80-90 mm TL), and 3 - adults (L100) (&gt; 100 mm TL). Immature and L50 individuals were more abundant (number and biomass) during Autumn in the inner zone, while adults (L100) predominated during Summer in the outer zone. Evidences of movements of young-of-the-year (50-90 mm TL) individuals from the inner to the outer zone were detected as they reach larger sizes (180 mm TL) in the second year of life. Condition (k) was higher in larger sized individuals in the outer zone during Spring, when they are apt to start the reproductive process. Two cohorts were detected according to modal progression: the first (smaller size) showing faster growth than the second, evidencing a slower growth rate as they reach larger size. Distinct size classes occupying different bay zones suggest that the age-groups optimize their coexistence by partitioning the available resources, avoiding intra-specific competition

COST-EFFECTIVENESS ANALYSIS OF TRASTUZUMAB EMTANSINE IN THE TREATMENT OF METASTATIC BREAST CANCER

Objective: To investigate the cost-effectiveness of second-line pharmacological treatments for metastatic breast cancer (MBC) by comparing trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1) versus a combination of lapatinib and capecitabine (LAP+CAP) from the perspective of the Brazilian health system, the Unified Health System (Sistema Único de Saúde–SUS).Methods: The results of each treatment were simulated based on a three-state Markov decision model applied to a hypothetical cohort of 1,000 women, aged 50 y old or older, with MBC and HER2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2) overexpression. The data on the effectiveness of treatments were taken from reports in the literature. The period considered for simulation was three years subdivided into monthly cycles of transition between health states. A discount rate of 5% per year was applied to costs and outcomes. Possible uncertainty was assessed by means of a sensitivity analysis.Results: Chemotherapy for women with refractory MBC using T-DM1 monotherapy was ruled out by extended dominance. Treatment with LAP+CAP proved to be the most efficient strategy because the cost in relation to the overall survival (BRL 72,035.43/quality-adjusted life year–QALY) was the lowest and fell within the acceptability threshold, BRL 86,628.00.Conclusion: T-DM1 demonstrated pharmacological superiority over other agents used for the treatment of MBC in clinical studies. However, the price set for T-DM1 in Brazil is the determinant variable that contraindicates its inclusion in the SUS, in agreement with other international assessments

PADRÕES DE FLORAÇÃO E FRUTIFICAÇÃO EM Laguncularia racemosa (L.) GAERTN. f.: UMA AVALIAÇÃO METODOLÓGICA

O presente estudo tem o objetivo descrever, através de censo visual, a distribuição espacial da comunidade de acanturídeos em uma poça de maré de Serrambi (PE). Foram amostradas a abundância e a distribuição das três espécies de cirurgiões mais comuns no Brasil: Acanthurus bahianus, A. chirurgus e A. coeruleus. Os resultados sugerem que A. bahianus foi a espécie mais abundante na poça, e a presença de muitos indivíduos jovens indica provavelmente que o período de abril a junho é uma época de recrutamento desta espécie. Comparando a distribuição espacial das três espécies, verificou-se que A. coeruleus ocupa mais freqüentemente a parte mais funda da poça, enquanto A. bahianus permanece mais entocado, e A. chirurgus distribui-se mais em áreas intermediárias em poças de maré.   ABSTRACT   Spatial distribuition of Acanthuridae species in a tide pool, Serrambi, Pernambuco.   The present study has the objective to describe the special distribution of acanturids in a tide pool of Serrambi (PE), through sub-aquatic visual censes. It was sampled the abundance and distribution of the three species of more common surgeons in Brazil: Acanthurus bahianus, Acanthurus chirurgus and Acanthurus coeruleus. The results suggest that A. bahianus was the most abundant species in the pool, and the presence of many young individuals probably indicate that the period of April to June is a time of recruitment of this species. Comparing the space distribution of these three species, it was verified that A. coeruleus more frequently swim near subtract, while A. bahianus stays into reef holes and A. chirurgus occupied more regions in the tide pool.   Keywords: Acanthuridae, spacial distribution, visual cense, tide pool

Recrutas da Alegria: promoção da saúde no Hospital Universitário da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande

Anais do 35º Seminário de Extensão Universitária da Região Sul - Área temática: SaúdeO Recrutas da Alegria foi idealizado a partir do olhar dos acadêmicos da área da saúde no ambiente hospitalar, com a intenção de melhorar esse ambiente e desenvolver uma prática mais humanizada. Inúmeras vezes o tecnicismo e o biologicismo dos cursos da saúde tornam seus profissionais muito centrados nos aspectos fisiopatológicos, ficando em segundo plano o atendimento centrado no paciente. Nos últimos anos o palhaço tem gradualmente participado dos espaços hospitalares, com o intuito de promover um espaço de “terapia da alegria”. O programa Recrutas da Alegria desenvolve-se baseado em uma metodologia interdisciplinar, integrando diversas áreas do conhecimento, com a participação dos cursos de medicina, enfermagem, psicologia e fisioterapia estabelecendo ações de ação- reflexão-ação, utilizando-se da figura do clown como promotor destas práticas. O Recrutas da Alegria possibilita aos acadêmicos, através do lúdico, uma melhor percepção da realidade dos pacientes, resultando na conscientização da importância de um olhar mais integral com relação aos pacientes na prática de sua futura profissã

Application of the physical habitat simulation for fish species to assess environmental flows in an Atlantic Forest Stream in South-eastern Brazil

The physical habitat simulation sub-routine of the Instream Flow Incremental Methodology (IFIM) uses hydraulic modeling and suitability indices of target fish species to predict how differences in-stream flows affect the microhabitat occupation by fish species. This habitat modelling approach was adopted to assess the ecological effects of running flows on three neotropical fish species of different orders (Bryconamericus ornaticeps, Ancistrus multispinis and Geophagus brasiliensis).The study encompassed two reaches of an Atlantic Forest stream in Southeastern Brazil where topographic and hydraulic (depth, velocity and type of substrate) characteristics were measured to implement one-dimensional hydraulic simulation. Sub aquatic observation of fish was performed to collect data on microhabitat use and these data were used to develop habitat suitability curves that were used in the habitat simulation to obtain the habitat suitability index (HSI) and weighted usable area (WUA) versus flow curves. Upon these curves minimum and optimum environmental flows for the target fish species were proposed. Bryconamericus ornaticeps and A. multispinis selected microhabitats around 0.6 m depth, whereas G. brasiliensis showed a wider suitable range (0.35-0.9 m). All the three species were mainly observed in microhabitat with low flow velocity (0.1 m/s). Bryconamericus ornaticeps selected more frequently coarse substrate (e.g. boulders) but it appeared also over sandy substrate, whereas A. multispinis and G. brasiliensis selected preferably boulders. The range of 0.65-0.85 m3/s was found as the optimum to meet the needs of the three fish species. Our results agree with the necessary objective information to perform grounded management actions in the frame of a management program aiming at ecosystem conservation. Thereby it can be considered a successful pilot study in environmental flow assessment in an Atlantic Forest stream of Brazil.The authors wish to thank Fundacao de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado so Rio de Janeiro-FAPERJ / CAPES - Federal Supporting Research of the Brazilian Government for providing scholarships for the first author. We thank the director of CTUR R. C. Albieri for the loan of surveying equipment to carry out the field work.Da Costa, MR.; Mattos, TM.; Fernandes, VH.; Martinez-Capel, F.; Muñoz Mas, R.; Araujo, FG. (2015). Application of the physical habitat simulation for fish species to assess environmental flows in an Atlantic Forest Stream in South-eastern Brazil. Neotropical Ichthyology. 13(4):685-698. doi:10.1590/1982-0224-20140170S685698134Acreman, M. C., & Dunbar, M. J. (2004). Defining environmental river flow requirements – a review. Hydrology and Earth System Sciences, 8(5), 861-876. doi:10.5194/hess-8-861-2004Ahmadi-Nedushan, B., St-Hilaire, A., Bérubé, M., Robichaud, É., Thiémonge, N., & Bobée, B. (2006). A review of statistical methods for the evaluation of aquatic habitat suitability for instream flow assessment. River Research and Applications, 22(5), 503-523. doi:10.1002/rra.918Angermeier, P. L., & Schlosser, I. J. (1989). Species-Area Relationship for Stream Fishes. Ecology, 70(5), 1450-1462. doi:10.2307/1938204Arthington, A. H., & Pusey, B. J. (2003). Flow restoration and protection in Australian rivers. River Research and Applications, 19(5-6), 377-395. doi:10.1002/rra.745Assis, H. C. da S. de, Nicareta, L., Salvo, L. M., Klemz, C., Truppel, J. H., & Calegari, R. (2009). Biochemical biomarkers of exposure to deltamethrin in freshwater fish, Ancistrus multispinis. Brazilian Archives of Biology and Technology, 52(6), 1401-1407. doi:10.1590/s1516-89132009000600012Barletta, M., Jaureguizar, A. J., Baigun, C., Fontoura, N. F., Agostinho, A. A., Almeida-Val, V. M. F., … Corrêa, M. F. M. (2010). Fish and aquatic habitat conservation in South America: a continental overview with emphasis on neotropical systems. Journal of Fish Biology, 76(9), 2118-2176. doi:10.1111/j.1095-8649.2010.02684.xBLANCK, A., TEDESCO, P. A., & LAMOUROUX, N. (2007). Relationships between life-history strategies of European freshwater fish species and their habitat preferences. Freshwater Biology, 52(5), 843-859. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2427.2007.01736.xBowen, B. W., Bass, A. L., Rocha, L. A., Grant, W. S., & Robertson, D. R. (2001). PHYLOGEOGRAPHY OF THE TRUMPETFISHES (AULOSTOMUS): RING SPECIES COMPLEX ON A GLOBAL SCALE. Evolution, 55(5), 1029. doi:10.1554/0014-3820(2001)055[1029:pottar]2.0.co;2BUNN, S. E., & ARTHINGTON, A. H. (2002). Basic Principles and Ecological Consequences of Altered Flow Regimes for Aquatic Biodiversity. Environmental Management, 30(4), 492-507. doi:10.1007/s00267-002-2737-0Castro, M. A. de, Santos, H. de A., Sampaio, F. A. C., & Pompeu, P. S. (2010). Swimming performance of the small characin Bryconamericus stramineus (Characiformes: Characidae). Zoologia (Curitiba), 27(6), 939-944. doi:10.1590/s1984-46702010000600015Copp, G. H., & Jurajda, P. (1993). Do small riverine fish move inshore at night? Journal of Fish Biology, 43(sa), 229-241. doi:10.1111/j.1095-8649.1993.tb01190.xCosta, R. M. S., Martínez-Capel, F., Muñoz-Mas, R., Alcaraz-Hernández, J. D., & Garófano-Gómez, V. (2011). HABITAT SUITABILITY MODELLING AT MESOHABITAT SCALE AND EFFECTS OF DAM OPERATION ON THE ENDANGERED JúCAR NASE, PARACHONDROSTOMA ARRIGONIS (RIVER CABRIEL, SPAIN). River Research and Applications, 28(6), 740-752. doi:10.1002/rra.1598Costa, M. R. da, Mattos, T. M., Borges, J. L., & Araújo, F. G. (2013). Habitat preferences of common native fishes in a tropical river in Southeastern Brazil. Neotropical Ichthyology, 11(4), 871-880. doi:10.1590/s1679-62252013000400015Da Costa, M. R., Moreti, T., Uehara, W., dos Santos, H. K., & Araújo, F. G. (2015). Length-weight relationships for 15 fish species from Atlantic rain forest streams, southeastern Brazil. Journal of Applied Ichthyology, 31(4), 809-810. doi:10.1111/jai.12788Crook, D. A., & Robertson, A. I. (1999). Relationships between riverine fish and woody debris: implications for lowland rivers. Marine and Freshwater Research. doi:10.1071/mf99072Ferreira, K. M. (2007). Biology and ecomorphology of stream fishes from the rio Mogi-Guaçu basin, Southeastern Brazil. Neotropical Ichthyology, 5(3), 311-326. doi:10.1590/s1679-62252007000300012De Jalón, D. G. (2003). The Spanish Experience in Determining Minimum Flow Regimes in Regulated Streams. Canadian Water Resources Journal, 28(2), 185-198. doi:10.4296/cwrj2802185Geerinckx, T., Verhaegen, Y., & Adriaens, D. (2008). Ontogenetic allometries and shape changes in the suckermouth armoured catfish Ancistrus cf. triradiatus Eigenmann (Loricariidae, Siluriformes), related to suckermouth attachment and yolk-sac size. Journal of Fish Biology, 72(4), 803-814. doi:10.1111/j.1095-8649.2007.01755.xGore, J. A., & Nestler, J. M. (1988). Instream flow studies in perspective. Regulated Rivers: Research & Management, 2(2), 93-101. doi:10.1002/rrr.3450020204Grossman, G. D., & de Sostoa, A. (1994). Microhabitat use by fish in the lower Rio Matarrana, Spain, 1984-1987. Ecology of Freshwater Fish, 3(3), 123-136. doi:10.1111/j.1600-0633.1994.tb00114.xHeggenes, J., Brabrand, Åg., & Saltveit, S. (1990). Comparison of Three Methods for Studies of Stream Habitat Use by Young Brown Trout and Atlantic Salmon. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society, 119(1), 101-111. doi:10.1577/1548-8659(1990)1192.3.co;2King, J., & Brown, C. (2006). Environmental Flows: Striking the Balance between Development and Resource Protection. Ecology and Society, 11(2). doi:10.5751/es-01682-110226Lambert, T. R., & Hanson, D. F. (1989). Development of habitat suitability criteria for trout in small streams. Regulated Rivers: Research & Management, 3(1), 291-303. doi:10.1002/rrr.3450030128LAMOUROUX, N., & CAPRA, H. (2002). Simple predictions of instream habitat model outputs for target fish populations. Freshwater Biology, 47(8), 1543-1556. doi:10.1046/j.1365-2427.2002.00879.xLamouroux, N., Capra, H., Pouilly, M., & Souchon, Y. (1999). Fish habitat preferences in large streams of southern France. Freshwater Biology, 42(4), 673-687. doi:10.1046/j.1365-2427.1999.00521.xLeal, C. G., Junqueira, N. T., & Pompeu, P. S. (2010). Morphology and habitat use by fishes of the Rio das Velhas basin in southeastern Brazil. Environmental Biology of Fishes, 90(2), 143-157. doi:10.1007/s10641-010-9726-6Lee, P.-Y., & Suen, J.-P. (2011). Niche partitioning of fish assemblages in a mountain stream with frequent natural disturbances - an examination of microhabitat in riffle areas. Ecology of Freshwater Fish, 21(2), 255-265. doi:10.1111/j.1600-0633.2011.00544.xLytle, D. A., & Poff, N. L. (2004). Adaptation to natural flow regimes. Trends in Ecology & Evolution, 19(2), 94-100. doi:10.1016/j.tree.2003.10.002MARTÍNEZ-CAPEL, F., GARCÍA DE JALÓN, D., WERENITZKY, D., BAEZA, D., & RODILLA-ALAMÁ, M. (2009). Microhabitat use by three endemic Iberian cyprinids in Mediterranean rivers (Tagus River Basin, Spain). Fisheries Management and Ecology, 16(1), 52-60. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2400.2008.00645.xMouton, A. M., Schneider, M., Peter, A., Holzer, G., Müller, R., Goethals, P. L. M., & De Pauw, N. (2008). Optimisation of a fuzzy physical habitat model for spawning European grayling (Thymallus thymallus L.) in the Aare river (Thun, Switzerland). Ecological Modelling, 215(1-3), 122-132. doi:10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2008.02.028Mouton, A. M., Alcaraz-Hernández, J. D., De Baets, B., Goethals, P. L. M., & Martínez-Capel, F. (2011). Data-driven fuzzy habitat suitability models for brown trout in Spanish Mediterranean rivers. Environmental Modelling & Software, 26(5), 615-622. doi:10.1016/j.envsoft.2010.12.001Muñoz-Mas, R., Martínez-Capel, F., Garófano-Gómez, V., & Mouton, A. M. (2014). Application of Probabilistic Neural Networks to microhabitat suitability modelling for adult brown trout (Salmo trutta L.) in Iberian rivers. Environmental Modelling & Software, 59, 30-43. doi:10.1016/j.envsoft.2014.05.003Muñoz-Mas, R., Martínez-Capel, F., Schneider, M., & Mouton, A. M. (2012). Assessment of brown trout habitat suitability in the Jucar River Basin (SPAIN): Comparison of data-driven approaches with fuzzy-logic models and univariate suitability curves. Science of The Total Environment, 440, 123-131. doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2012.07.074Naiman, R. J., Latterell, J. J., Pettit, N. E., & Olden, J. D. (2008). Flow variability and the biophysical vitality of river systems. Comptes Rendus Geoscience, 340(9-10), 629-643. doi:10.1016/j.crte.2008.01.002Paredes-Arquiola, J., Martinez-Capel, F., Solera, A., & Aguilella, V. (2011). IMPLEMENTING ENVIRONMENTAL FLOWS IN COMPLEX WATER RESOURCES SYSTEMS - CASE STUDY: THE DUERO RIVER BASIN, SPAIN. River Research and Applications, 29(4), 451-468. doi:10.1002/rra.1617Paredes-Arquiola, J., Solera, A., Martinez-Capel, F., Momblanch, A., & Andreu, J. (2014). Integrating water management, habitat modelling and water quality at the basin scale and environmental flow assessment: case study of the Tormes River, Spain. Hydrological Sciences Journal, 59(3-4), 878-889. doi:10.1080/02626667.2013.821573POFF, N. L., RICHTER, B. D., ARTHINGTON, A. H., BUNN, S. E., NAIMAN, R. J., KENDY, E., … WARNER, A. (2010). The ecological limits of hydrologic alteration (ELOHA): a new framework for developing regional environmental flow standards. Freshwater Biology, 55(1), 147-170. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2427.2009.02204.xPoff, N. L., Allan, J. D., Bain, M. B., Karr, J. R., Prestegaard, K. L., Richter, B. D., … Stromberg, J. C. (1997). The Natural Flow Regime. BioScience, 47(11), 769-784. doi:10.2307/1313099Power, M. E. (1984). Depth Distributions of Armored Catfish: Predator-Induced Resource Avoidance? Ecology, 65(2), 523-528. doi:10.2307/1941414RABENI, C. F., & JACOBSON, R. B. (1993). The importance of fluvial hydraulics to fish-habitat restoration in low-gradient alluvial streams. Freshwater Biology, 29(2), 211-220. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2427.1993.tb00758.xRichter, B. D., Warner, A. T., Meyer, J. L., & Lutz, K. (2006). A collaborative and adaptive process for developing environmental flow recommendations. River Research and Applications, 22(3), 297-318. doi:10.1002/rra.892Rincon, P. A., Correas, A. M., Morcillo, F., Risueno, P., & Lobon-Cervia, J. (2002). Interaction between the introduced eastern mosquitofish and two autochthonous Spanish toothcarps. Journal of Fish Biology, 61(6), 1560-1585. doi:10.1111/j.1095-8649.2002.tb02498.xCosta Sampaio, F., Santos Pompeu, P., de Andrade e Santos, H., & Lopes Ferreira, R. (2012). Swimming performance of epigeal and hypogeal species of Characidae, with an emphasis on the troglobiotic Stygichthys typhlops Brittan & Böhlke, 1965. International Journal of Speleology, 41(1), 9-16. doi:10.5038/1827-806x.41.1.2Schneider, K. N., & Winemiller, K. O. (2008). Structural complexity of woody debris patches influences fish and macroinvertebrate species richness in a temperate floodplain-river system. Hydrobiologia, 610(1), 235-244. doi:10.1007/s10750-008-9438-5Schwartz, J. S., & Herricks, E. E. (2008). Fish use of ecohydraulic-based mesohabitat units in a low-gradient Illinois stream: implications for stream restoration. Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems, 18(6), 852-866. doi:10.1002/aqc.905Strakosh, T. R., Neumann, R. M., & Jacobson, R. A. (2003). Development and assessment of habitat suitability criteria for adult brown trout in southern New England rivers. Ecology of Freshwater Fish, 12(4), 265-274. doi:10.1046/j.1600-0633.2003.00022.xTeresa, F. B., & Casatti, L. (2013). Development of habitat suitability criteria for Neotropical stream fishes and an assessment of their transferability to streams with different conservation status. Neotropical Ichthyology, 11(2), 395-402. doi:10.1590/s1679-62252013005000009Tharme, R. E. (2003). 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Neurofibromatosis type 1 with infraorbital nerve involvement: a case report

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a rare autosomal dominant disease with multiple clinical manifestations. Its most significant presentation is cutaneous or subcutaneous neurofibromas (myelin sheath tumors), which may be associated with other systemic manifestations such as caféau- lait spots and eye involvement. Neurofibromas can affect several peripheral nerves, including the facial nerves. This report presents a case of a 1-year-old patient with NF1 with right infraorbital nerve neurofibroma in which the proposed access for surgical treatment allowed adequate visualization of the tumor with good aesthetic results, preservation of the soft tissues, and normal facial growth

Principais obstáculos que dificultam a inovação em instituições públicas da área farmacêutica no Brasil

Innovation in pharmaceutical industry means to discover something new with therapeutic properties. It is a fundamental demand of organizations to achieve success in the market, as it represents a competitive advantage. In general, many factors stand in the way of innovating companies, universities and research institutes. When we talk about the public sector, there are many challenges. This article aims at presenting some of the main obstacles faced by the Brazilian public pharmaceutical institutions negatively contributing to innovation: difficulties related to infrastructure; funding and purchasing processes; discrepancies between the pharmaceutical industry institutional goals and the Ministry of Health’s demands; the need to introduce quality requirements in early stages of research; and the focus on technology transfer processes as the only source for innovation. Challenges are many, but with mood and motivation, both by the involved professionals and by the Brazilian government - which must show willingness to seek strategies to modify the current scenario -, it will be possible to reach an innovation culture in Brazil.Inovação na indústria farmacêutica visa descobrir algo novo com propriedades terapêuticas. É uma exigência fundamental das organizações para alcançar o sucesso no mercado, representando, assim, uma vantagem competitiva. Em geral, muitos fatores desencadeiam as dificuldades de empresas inovadoras, universidades e institutos de pesquisa. Quando falamos sobre o setor público, há muitos desafios. Este artigo tem como objetivo apresentar alguns dos principais obstáculos enfrentados pelas instituições farmacêuticas públicas brasileiras que contribuem negativamente para a inovação, como dificuldades relacionadas à infraestrutura, verbas e processos de compra; discrepâncias relacionadas à ausência de alinhamento entre os objetivos institucionais e as demandas do Ministério da Saúde; à necessidade de introdução de requisitos de Qualidade nas etapas iniciais das pesquisas e ao foco nos processos de transferência de tecnologia, como única fonte de inovação. Os desafios são muitos, mas com vontade e motivação, tanto por parte dos profissionais envolvidos, quanto por parte do governo brasileiro, que deve se mostrar disposto a buscar estratégias para modificar o cenário atual, será possível a conquista da cultura da inovação no Brasil

METHODS AIMED AT REDUCING THE RESIDUAL RISK OF PATHOGEN TRANSMISSION DURING PLATELET TRANSFUSION: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Objective: In the Brazilian public health system, sterile filtration is often used to prevent infections associated with platelet transfusion. The literature addressing this issue indicates that pathogen inactivation could be incorporated as an alternative to the development of individual tests and blood donor selection. The objective was to assess whether the use of platelets submitted to pathogen inactivation by photochemical methods could decrease the incidence of post-transfusion infections by viruses, bacteria or other pathogens compared to the use of platelet concentrate or platelets extracted by apheresis without photochemical treatment.Methods: A literature review from 1998 to 2015 was conducted. The scientific literature was surveyed using six electronic databases, two Internet search tools and a manual search of references, using specific search strategies for each database. The selected studies were assessed for quality according to a specific methodology. Data analysis was performed by observations made from the efficacy of the methods.Results: From a detailed analysis of 426 articles retrieved, 10 articles were selected for this review. Among the selected studies, seven studies were clinical trials, and three studies were systematic reviews in combination with meta-analysis. The outcomes analyzed included the reduction of the residual risk in pathogen transmission, mortality, occurrence of hemorrhagic events, corrected count increment (CCI) after 1 h, CCI after 24 h, and transfusion reactions.Conclusion: Differences were found in the quality of the included studies. Systematic reviews conducted on this topic, in alliance with political, social and administrative factors, will aid decision makers regarding its incorporation into the Brazilian Health System.Keywords: Blood Platelets, Platelet Transfusion, Platelet Transfusion/methods*, Riboflavin, Ultraviolet Rays, Photosensitizing Agents, Platelet Transfusion/adverse effect

Automatic Network Fingerprinting through Single-Node Motifs

Complex networks have been characterised by their specific connectivity patterns (network motifs), but their building blocks can also be identified and described by node-motifs---a combination of local network features. One technique to identify single node-motifs has been presented by Costa et al. (L. D. F. Costa, F. A. Rodrigues, C. C. Hilgetag, and M. Kaiser, Europhys. Lett., 87, 1, 2009). Here, we first suggest improvements to the method including how its parameters can be determined automatically. Such automatic routines make high-throughput studies of many networks feasible. Second, the new routines are validated in different network-series. Third, we provide an example of how the method can be used to analyse network time-series. In conclusion, we provide a robust method for systematically discovering and classifying characteristic nodes of a network. In contrast to classical motif analysis, our approach can identify individual components (here: nodes) that are specific to a network. Such special nodes, as hubs before, might be found to play critical roles in real-world networks.Comment: 16 pages (4 figures) plus supporting information 8 pages (5 figures