Diseño y validación de actividades de laboratorio para promover el pensamiento crítico de los alumnos

Ante la necesidad de dinamizar la utilización de actividades de laboratorio, el presente artículo relata un proyecto de formación por investigación, involucrando investigadores y profesores de ciencias de enseñanza básica, en cuyo ámbito fueron desarrolladas y validadas, en contextos reales de aula, actividades de laboratorio dirigidas a promover el pensamiento crítico.Palabras claves: Actividades de laboratorio; pensamiento crítico.Design and validation of laboratory activities to promote students critical thinkingIn the recent frame that concerns the need to enliven the use of laboratory activities, this paper describes a project of formation through research. This project involves science researchers and elementary school teacher’s, and presents laboratory activities able to promote student’s critical thinking, which were developed and validated in a real classroom context.Key words: laboratory activities; critical thinking activities.Produção e validação de actividades de laboratório promotoras do pensamento crítico dos alunosNo quadro emergente da necessidade de dinamizar a utilização das actividades laboratoriais, o presente artigo relata um projecto de formação pela investigação, envolvendo investigadores e professores de ciências do ensino básico, no âmbito do qual foram desenvolvidas e validadas em contextos reais de sala de aula actividades de laboratório promotoras do pensamento crítico.Palavras-chave: Actividades laboratoriais; pensamento crítico

Multi-target optimization of solid phase microextraction to analyse key flavour compounds in wort and beer

Despite the literature comprises numerous studies dealing with the analysis of wort and beer flavour-related compounds by HS-SPME followed by GC-MS quantification, no generalized consensus exists regarding the optimal conditions for the extraction procedure. The complex chemistry nature of these matrices, the number of analytes, as well as the number and interactions among parameters affecting the extraction performance, requires the adoption of optimal experimental design protocols. This aspect is often overlooked and often not properly addressed in practice. Therefore, in the present work, the optimal conditions under which a range of wort and beer analytes can be extracted and quantified were analysed. The optimal extraction conditions were presented at two levels of aggregation: global (untargeted) and key-flavour analysis. Experimental data was generated by Definitive-Screening-Design, followed by model development and optimization. Both approaches were compared and critically analysed. For vicinal-diketones group, a complete validation study for the optimal conditions is presented.publishe

Psychometric evaluation of the French version of the questionnaire attitudes towards morphine use; a cross-sectional study in Valais, Switzerland.

BACKGROUND: In Switzerland, nurses are allowed to prescribe and administer morphine in emergency situations without a doctor. Still, nurses and other health professionals are often reluctant to prescribe and administer morphine for pain management in patients. No valid French-speaking instrument is available in Switzerland to assess the attitudes of nurses and other health professionals towards the prescription and administration of morphine. In this study, we evaluated the psychometric properties of the French version of the questionnaire "Attitudes towards morphine use". METHODS: The instrument was derived from an Italian version. Forward and back translations of the questionnaire were performed. Item analysis and construct validity were assessed between April and December 2010 in a cross sectional study including five Swiss hospitals in a sample of 588 health professionals (533 nurses, mean age 38.3 ± 10.2 years). Thirty subjects participated in test-retest reliability. RESULTS: The time to complete the instrument ranged between 12 and 15 minutes and neither floor nor ceiling effect were found. The initial 24-item instrument showed an intraclass correlation (ICC) of 0.69 (95% CI: 0.64 to 0.73, P < 0.001), and a Cronbach's α of 0.700. Factor analysis led to a six-component solution explaining 52.4% of the total variance. After excluding five items, the shortened version showed an ICC of 0.74 (95% CI, 0.70 to 0.77, P < 0.001) and a Cronbach's α of 0.741. Factor analysis led to a five-component solution explaining 54.3% of the total variance. The five components were named "risk of addiction/dependence"; "operational reasons for not using morphine"; "risk of escalation"; "other (non-dependence) risks" and "external (non-operational) reasons". In test-retest, the shortened instrument showed an ICC of 0.797 (95% CI, 0.630 to 0.911, P < 0.001) and a Cronbach's α of 0.797. CONCLUSIONS: The 19-item shortened instrument assessing attitudes towards the prescription and administration of morphine showed adequate content and construct validity

Prevalence of conventional cardiovascular risk factors in patients with acute coronary syndrome

Background: Primary prevention studies have shown that early detection and aggressive treatment of cardiovascular risk factors (CRF) prevent cardiovascular events. It is not well described the prevalence of CRF in patients, at the moment of admission due to acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Aim: To determine the prevalence of CRF among patients admitted with ACS. Methods: We analysed 4871 patients admitted consecutively in our coronary care unit with a diagnosis of ACS and included in a prospective registry, from January 2002 to October 2013. We studied the prevalence of conventional risk factors (diabetes, hypertension, smoking, dyslipidaemia) and compared findings according to gender and type of ACS: ACS with ST elevation (STEMI), ACS without ST elevation (NSTEMI). Results: Men represented 75% (n=3658) of the total population, were younger than women (61.6±12,9 vs 70.9 ±11.8 years; p<0.001) and had more frequently body mass index ≥ 25 kg/m2 (70.9% vs 62.3%; p<0.001). The most frequent CRF was hypertension (62.4%; n=3038), followed by dyslipidaemia (50.6%, n=2467), smoking (43.2%; n=2106) and diabetes (27.2%; n=1324). In women, the more common CRF were hypertension (75%) and dyslipidaemia (51.2%), whereas in men were smoking (54.4%) and dyslipidaemia (50.5%). We identify, at least, one CRF in 92,4% of all patients and two or three risk factors in 58.1%. Women had more frequently 2 CRF than men (40.1% vs 36.3%; p=0.011), although mean had, more often, 4 CRF (8.9% vs 4.1%; p<0.001). Previous history of cerebrovascular disease was more observed in women (8.6% vs 6.1%; p=0.002), but men had more often history of previous revascularization (9.8% vs 6.8%; p<0.001). On admission men presented more frequently STEMI (50.8% vs 43.5%; p<0,001) and less frequently renal dysfunction (17.2% vs 39.6%; p<0.001) and anaemia (18.8% vs 33.3%; p<0.001). Hypertension was the most prevalent CFR as in patients STEMI (56.6%) as in NSTEMI patients (67.9%), followed by smoking (47.5%) in STEMI patients and by dyslipidaemia (55.7%) in NSTEMI patients. Conclusion: We found at least one CRF in 92.8% of patients and two or three in more than half. Hypertension emerged as the major CRF in both forms of presentation of ACS

Degradation and viscoelastic properties of PLA-PCL, PGA-PCL, PDO and PGA fibres

Aliphatic polyesters, such as polylactic acid (PLA), polyglycolic acid (PGA), polycaprolactone (PCL), polydioxone (PDO) and others, have been commonly used in biodegradable products. Hydrolytic and/or enzymatic chain cleavage of these materials leads to alpha-hydroxyacids, which, in most cases, are ultimately assimilated in human body or in a composting environment. However, each of these has some shortcomings, in terms of mechanical properties and degradation time, which restrict its applications. The combination of these materials, by copolymerization or blending, enables a range of mechanical properties and degradation rates. These are extremely promising approaches which can improve or tune the original properties of the polymers. A composite solution of several materials with different degradation rates also enables tuning the rate of degradation of a device and the mechanical properties. After immersion of an aliphatic polyester device, diffusion occurs very rapidly compared to hydrolysis. Therefore, it is usually considered that hydrolysis of ester bonds starts homogeneously and has traditionally been modelled according to a first order kinetics. In this experimental study, fibres of PLA-PCL, PGA-PCL, PDO and PGA, with two different dimensions, were characterized in terms of their degradation rate under three different environments (water, NaCl and PBS) at constant temperature (37 degrees C). Weights and mechanical properties were measured after six different degradation stages. Stages durations were different depending on materials, according to the predicted degradation times. As other thermoplastics, they are viscoelastic materials. In this experimental study mechanical properties of fibres were compared at different strain rates

Paralisia do plexo braquial – uma manifestação rara de infeção osteo-articular

Introdução: A paralisia do plexo braquial é uma entidade rara após o período neonatal. Resulta habitualmente de mecanismos físicos, mas pode estar relacionada com infeções osteo- articulares. Há poucos casos descritos de associação entre estas infeções e a paralisia secundária a neuropatia. Na maioria dos casos a manifestação mais frequente é a pseudo-paralisia ou fraqueza aparente do membro afetado. Casos Clínicos: Descrevem-se três casos de infeção osteo- articular manifestada por provável paralisia braquial sem os sinais sistémicos típicos de infeção. O tempo decorrido do início da doença ao estabelecimento do diagnóstico diferiu entre os casos, bem como as intervenções terapêuticas e o resultado. Discussão: A infeção osteo-articular pode passar despercebida na infância. Alerta-se para esta manifestação rara de infecção osteo-articular, de forma a evitar o atraso no diagnóstico e as respetivas sequelas

Nutritional and phytochemical composition of Vaccinium padifolium Sm wild berries and radical scavenging activity

Blueberries have a well-deserved reputation as a potential functional food, supported by studies which have identified and quantified various nutrients and bioactive phytochemicals with known benefits for human diet and health. Wild blueberries have attracted particular attention due to the levels and concentrations of those phytonutrients. This study aims to evaluate for the first time the chemical composition of Madeira Island's endemic Vaccinium padifolium Sm wild berry. Results show that this fruit contains high values of total soluble phenolic content (around 4 g GAE kg-1 FW), as well as significant values of total monomeric anthocyanin content (around 3 g eq. cyanidin kg-1 FW) and DPPH scavenging activity (around 86.72%). Additionally, results reveal that this fruit has water content of about 88% as well as low sugar content (17.98 and 29.73 g kg-1 for glucose and fructose, respectively). Results also confirm that this wild blueberry is a good source of dietary fiber, fat and minerals. The high level of terpenoid compounds stands out in the aroma profile analysis.Ana C. Pereira acknowledges Agencia Regional para o Desenvolvimento da Investigação Tecnologia e Inovação (ARDITI) for financial support through her grant, M1420-09-5369-FSE- 000001.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

High-grade atrioventricular block in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction patients: insights of a terciary centre

Background: High-grade atrioventricular block (HABV) is associated with poorer outcomes in the setting of acute coronary syndromes. Limited information is available on the incidence and death associated with HABV in STEMI patients (pts) receiving contemporary treatment. Aim: To evaluate the incidence of HABV and its impact on outcome of STEMI patients, in primary percutaneous coronary intervention era. Methods: We analysed retrospectively 1149 STEMI pts admitted, consecutively, in our coronary care unit, from July of 2009 to June 2014. They were divided in two groups: group 1 – pts without HABV, n=1057, 92%); group 2 – pts with HABV (n=92, 8%). For each group we compared clinical features and adverse events. Primary endpoint was the occurrence of death at 6 months; follow-up was completed in 99,8% of patients. Results: Patients of group 2 were older (62±13 vs 69±15;p1 (18.0 % vs 42.4%;p1 (71.4% vs 37,2%;p<0.001), left ventricular dysfunction (100% vs 34.8%;p<0.001), but less right ventricular dysfunction (7.1% vs 28.4%;p<0.001). Compared with IMI pts, AMI pts had higher risk of in hospital [OR 9.04, 95% CI (2.87-28.50);p<0.001] and 6-month mortality [OR 10.88; 95% CI (3.33 – 35.53);p<0.001]. After adjusting for different baseline characteristics in multivariate analysis, HABV patients had higher risk of overall 6-month mortality compared to those without HABV [OR 2.18, 95% CI (1.25-3.79),p=0.006]. Conclusion: Besides low incidence of HABV, this complication continues to have a high risk of in-hospital and 6-month mortality and occurring with AMI the risk increases significantly

Modified shock index - a strong preditor of outcome among patients presenting ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction

Background: Prompt identification of higher risk patients presenting with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention will allow a more assertive strategy and approach. Aim: To evaluate the modified shock index (MSI) - a ratio of heart rate (HR) to mean blood pressure (MAP), as a predictor of in hospital and 6-month mortality among patients (pts) admitted with STEMI. Methods: We analyzed retrospectively 2389 pts admitted consecutively in our coronary care unit with acute coronary syndrome, from July of 2009 to June 2014 and we selected those who presented with STEMI (n=1140). They were divided in two groups: group 1 – pts with MSI <1.3, n=1076, 94.4%); group 2 – pts with MSI ≥1.3 (n=64, 5.6%). For each group we compared clinical and laboratory features and adverse events. Primary endpoint was the occurrence of death at 6 months; follow-up was completed in 99% of patients. Results: Patients of group 2 were older (62±14 vs 67±14; p=0.003), more frequent women (19% vs 37.5%; p1 (18.0% vs 56.3%; p<0.001), Killip=4 (2.9% vs 28.1%; p<0.001), anaemia (20.9% vs 48.4%; p<0.001) and renal insufficiency (eGFR<60 ml/min) (21.8% vs 42.6%; p<0,001). They also presented more severe coronary disease - left main coronary artery or 3 vessels disease (16.3% vs 31.3%; p=0.005) and higher prevalence of moderate to severe systolic dysfunction (48.3% vs 68.9%; p=0.009). They required more often aminergic support (7.4% vs 50%; p<0.001), intra-aortic balloon pump (2.9% vs 38.3%; p<0.001) and mechanical ventilation (2.6% vs 17.4%; p<0.001). They also had higher prevalence of malignant arrhythmias (6.1% vs 15.6%; p= 0.008) and mechanical complications (1.7 vs 6.3%; p=0.031). Compared with 1st group, the 2nd group had 6.42 times higher in hospital mortality [OR 6.42; 95% CI (4.07 – 12.67)]; p <0.001] and 7.18 times higher 6-month mortality [OR 7.18; 95% CI (3.30 - 12.46)]; p <0.001]. After adjusting for different baseline characteristics in multivariate analysis, MSI ≥1.3 remained as independent predictor of overall 6-month mortality [OR 3.81, 95% CI (1.81-8.03), p<0.001]. Conclusion: Modified shock index ≥1.3 is a stronger predictor of in hospital and 6 month mortality among patients with STEMI