Comunicação pública e qualidade da informação em tempos de pandemia de covid-19: um estudo sobre os boletins epidemiológicos publicados pela Prefeitura de Frutal, Minas Gerais / Public communication and quality of information in times of covid-19 pandemic: a study on the epidemiological bulletins published by Municipality of Frutal, Minas Gerais / Comunicación pública y calidad de la información en tiempos de pandemia de covid-19: un estudio sobre los informes epidemiológicos publicados por la Municipio de Frutal, Minas Gerais

A pesquisa em que se baseia este artigo apresenta uma discussão de fronteira entre as temáticas comunicação pública e qualidade da informação. Assumiu como objeto de estudo as edições do boletim epidemiológico com dados da transmissão do novo coronavírus, publicadas em um dos canais oficiais digitais da Prefeitura Municipal de Frutal, cidade localizada no Triângulo Mineiro, estado de Minas Gerais. Com os objetivos de analisar não só o conteúdo dos boletins epidemiológicos, para discutir as práticas de comunicação pública empregadas no período estudado, mas também os atributos de qualidade da informação presentes no produto informacional, foi feito um monitoramento das postagens realizadas por ela, no Facebook, de abril de 2020 a abril de 2022.

Perfil de fitocannabinoides en muestras derivadas al Laboratorio de control de calidad de la ENyS / Phytocannabinoid profile in samples sent to the ENyS quality control laboratory

[RESUMEN]. Las plantas de cannabis se clasifican en quimiotipos, según las concentraciones relativas de tetrahidrocannabinol (THC) y cannabidiol (CBD). El quimiotipo I tiene alto contenido de THC (sativa dominante); el quimiotipo II tiene un contenido aproximado 1:1 de THC:CBD (híbrida) y el quimiotipo III con CBD como constituyente predominante (indica dominante). El objetivo fue clasificar las muestras recibidas en el Laboratorio de con trol de calidad de la ENyS según su quimiotipo. El análisis de cannabinoides se realizó mediante cromatografía líquida de ultra alta resolución acoplada a espectrometría de masas y se calculó la razón THC/CBD. Se analizaron 121 muestras de tejido vegetal, que tuvieron un fuerte predominio de quimiotipo I (75%) y 139 muestras de aceite, con 41% de quimiotipo I, 40% de quimiotipo II y 19% de quimiotipo III.

[ABSTRACT]. Cannabis plants are classified into chemotypes, based on the relative concentrations of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). Chemotype I has high THC content (sativa dominant); chemotype II has an approximate 1:1 content of THC:CBD (hybrid) and chemotype III has CBD as the predominant constituent (indica dominant). Our aim was to classify the samples received at the ENyS Quality Control Laboratory according to their chemotype. Cannabinoid analysis was performed using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry and the THC/CBD ratio was calculated. 121 plant tissue samples were analyzed, which had a strong predominance of chemotype I (75%) as well as 139 oil samples, wich rendered 41% chemotype I, 40% chemotype II and 19% chemotype III.

Resultados del ejercicio de calidad de la Sociedad Latinoamericana de Genética Forense, 2023 / Results of the quality exercise of the Latin American Society of Forensic Genetics, 2023

Introducción: La Sociedad Latinoamericana de Genética Forense, desde el año 2003 organiza ejercicios colaborativos de comparación interlaboratorios a fin de apoyar el fortalecimiento de los laboratorios de Genética Forense de Latinoamérica, siendo el ejercicio de calidad de SLAGF el único que incluye muestras óseas. Objetivo: Presentar los resultados del análisis del ejercicio de calidad de SLAGF correspondientes al año 2023. Metodología: Se diseñó un ejercicio práctico con cinco muestras: dos hisopados bucales (M1 y M2), una muestra de sangre en FTA (M3), una muestra mezcla 1:1 de sangre- sangre en FTA (M4) y un resto óseo (M5), Se envió a los laboratorios un ejercicio teórico con cinco casos; dos de los cuales eran opcionales. Al igual que cinco ejercicios teóricos para los peritos independientes participantes. Por primera vez se incluyó un ejercicio de IVD opcional, los ejercicios están disponibles en: http://slagf.org/resultados-control- slagf-2023/x Resultados: Participaron 30 laboratorios y 12 peritos independientes. En el ejercicio práctico, la muestra cadavérica de restos óseos presentó los mayores desafíos, en la parte teórica fue el ejercicio de IVD. Conclusión: Los desafíos que enfrentan los laboratorios de Genética Forense Latinoamericanos, reflejados en el ejercicio de calidad de SLAGF 2023, son similares a los encontrados por otros grupos que realizan ejercicios de control de calidad en Genética Forense...(AU)

Control de la calidad y ensayos de rendimiento de CromoCen® SALM según la norma ISO 11133:2014/Amd. 1: 2018 / Quality control and performance testing of CromoCen® SALM according to ISO 11133: 2014 / Amd.1: 2018

Introducción: En Cuba, se desarrolló un medio de cultivo cromogénico y fluorogénico, para la detección, aislamiento y diferenciación de Salmonella de otras bacterias Gram negativas. El método que emplea el medio fue validado y su uso se adoptó en una norma cubana. El aseguramiento de la calidad y el control del rendimiento de los medios garantizan la confiabilidad de los resultados analíticos. La norma ISO 11133 establece criterios mínimos y métodos para evaluarlos. Objetivo: Evaluar los criterios de control de la calidad y de rendimiento de CromoCen® SALM, establecidos en la ISO 11133:2014/Amd.1:2018, para demostrar su fiabilidad para el análisis microbiológico de los alimentos de consumo humano. Métodos: Se evaluaron los indicadores de calidad físico-químicos de tres lotes y se definió un conjunto de ellos que caracteriza la calidad del medio antes y después de terminado, así como la consistencia entre lotes. Para el ensayo de rendimiento se seleccionaron 10 cepas de diferentes géneros. Se determinó la relación de productividad, el factor de selectividad y la electividad de CromoCen® SALM, según la ISO 11133. Resultados: La evaluación físico-química mostró una consistencia entre lotes en color, homogeneidad, apariencia del polvo y del medio preparado. Los valores de contenido de humedad y pH se encontraron dentro de los valores establecidos para este producto. La relación de productividad de CromoCen® SALM con respecto al agar triptona soya, fue superior al 50 por ciento, mientras que el factor de selectividad resultó de 4. Se demostró que en el medio de cultivo se puede diferenciar un grupo representativo de géneros microbianos de Salmonella. Conclusiones: CromoCen® SALM cumple con los requisitos de calidad establecidos para este tipo de productos, según la ISO 11133 vigente. La correcta formulación de los lotes, así como el cumplimiento de los requisitos de calidad aseguran el funcionamiento adecuado para lo que fue diseñado(AU)

Introduction: In Cuba, a new chromogenic and fluorogenic culture medium was developed for the detection, isolation and differentiation of Salmonella from other Gram negative bacteria. The method and medium were validated and their use was adopted as a Cuban standard. Quality assurance and control of media is essential and mandatory to ensure the reliability of the results of the analysis in which they are used. ISO 11133 establishes minimum criteria and methods to evaluate them. Objective: To evaluate the quality and performance criteria of CromoCen® SALM, as recommended in ISO 11133:2014/Amd.1:2018 to demonstrate its reliability for the microbiological analysis of food for human consumption. Methods: The physical-chemical quality indicators of three batches were evaluated and a group of them was defined to characterize its quality before and after finishing, as well to evaluate the consistency between batches. For the performance test, 12 strains of different genera were selected. The productivity ratio, the selectivity factor and the electivity of CromoCen® SALM were determined. Results: The physico-chemical evaluation showed a consistency between batches in color, homogeneity, appearance of the powder and of the prepared medium. The moisture content and pH values ranged within the established values for this product. The productivity ratio of CromoCen® SALM with respect to tryptone soy agar was greater than 50 percent, while the selectivity factor was 4. It was shown that in the culture medium a representative group of Salmonella microbial genera can be differentiated. Conclusions: CromoCen® SALM meets the quality requirements established for this type of products, according to the current ISO 11133 standard. The correct formulation of the batches, as well as the fulfillment of the quality requirements ensure the proper functionality and match the design purpose(AU)

Gestión de calidad como herramienta en la evaluación del desempeño organizacional en la universidad médica / Quality management as a tool in the evaluation of organizational performance in the medical university

Fundamento: en el contexto de las instituciones de educación superior, el desempeño organizacional cobra relevancia debido al papel fundamental que estas organizaciones tienen en la formación de capital humano. Su vínculo con la calidad subyace en el mejoramiento organizacional, científico e intelectual. Objetivo: fundamentar la aplicación de herramientas derivadas de los sistemas de gestión de calidad en la evaluación del desempeño organizacional desde el componente científico-investigativo. Métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo en la Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Matanzas, en el periodo 2018-2020. Se aplicaron métodos teóricos para la fundamentación de la investigación, y empíricos: revisión documental de informes de trabajo y el análisis de indicadores de desempeño organizacional. Resultados: el diagnóstico reveló no conformidades asociadas a la eficiencia y eficacia de los procesos académicos, el trabajo científico-metodológico, y los mecanismos de análisis, medición y mejora del funcionamiento del componente científico-investigativo. Consecuentemente se puntualizaron como oportunidades de investigación, el diseño de instrumentos para evaluar el desempeño con la integración de herramientas como las auditorías y los costos de calidad. Conclusiones: el estudio reveló la oportunidad y valor científico de abordar la gestión del desempeño científico-investigativo de la universidad médica, basado en herramientas de gestión de la calidad.

Background: in the context of higher education institutions, organizational performance becomes relevant due to the fundamental role that these organizations have in the formation of human capital. Its link with quality underlies organizational, scientific and intellectual improvement. Objective: to base the application of tools derived from quality management systems in the evaluation of organizational performance from the scientific-researcing component. Methods: a descriptive study was carried out at Matanzas University of Medical Sciences, from 2018 to 2020. Theoretical methods were applied for the foundation of the investigation, and empirical ones: documentary review of work reports and the analysis of organizational performance indicators. Results: the diagnosis revealed non-conformities associated with the efficiency and effectiveness of the academic processes, the scientific-methodological work, and the mechanisms for analysis, measurement, and improvement of the functioning of the scientific-researching component. Consequently, the design of instruments to evaluate performance with the integration of tools such as audits and quality costs were pointed out as research opportunities. Conclusions: the study revealed the opportunity and scientific value of addressing the scientific-researching performance management of the medical university, based on quality management tools.

Evaluación de riesgo biológico en el control de calidad de vacunas virales / Biological risk evaluation in the quality control of viral vaccines

Las medidas de bioseguridad son el conjunto de conductas mínimas a ser adoptadas, a fin de reducir o eliminar los riesgos para el personal, la comunidad y el medio ambiente. Los laboratorios veterinarios manipulan materiales biológicos que pueden suponer riesgos biológicos tanto para los animales como para el hombre, por lo que los profesionales de estos laboratorios están expuestos a una variedad de riesgos relacionados con su trabajo que pueden afectar su salud. El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar el riesgo en el control de calidad de las vacunas virales mediante el uso del método BIOGAVAL, una forma cómoda y fiable de evaluar el riesgo de exposición a agentes biológicos. El estudio se realizó en la Unidad Empresarial de Base Control de la Calidad de la Empresa Productora de Vacunas Virales y Bacterianas el cual pertenece a LABIOFAM. La muestra de estudio estuvo conformada por 18 trabajadores, distribuidos en tres áreas. En los resultados obtenidos para valores superiores a 12 del nivel de acción biológica se requiere la adopción de medidas preventivas para reducir la exposición en el caso de Avulavirus, Pestivirus y Coronavirus, mientras que para Alphavirus se requieren acciones correctoras inmediatas ya que representa una situación de riesgo intolerable(AU)

Biosafety measures are the set of minimum behaviors to be adopted, in order to reduce or eliminate risks to personnel, the community and the environment. Veterinary laboratories handle biological materials that can pose biological risks for both animals and humans, so that professionals in these laboratories are exposed to a variety of risks to their health related to their work. The objective of this work was to evaluate the risk in the quality control of viral vaccines through the use of BIOGAVAL method, a convenient and reliable way to assess the risk of exposure to biological agents. The study was carried out in the Base Business Unit Quality Control of the Production Company of Viral and Bacterial Vaccines which belongs to LABIOFAM. The study sample consisted was 18 workers, dispersed in three areas. For values above 12 of the biological action level, preventive measures are required to reduce exposure to Avulavirus, Pestivirus and Coronavirus, while for Alphavirus immediate corrective measures actions are required as it represents an intolerable risk situation(AU)

Compliance in handling of donated raw breast milk to human milk banks regarding microbiological quality / Conformidade no manuseio do leite materno cru doado aos bancos de leite humano em relação à qualidade microbiológica

Abstract Objectives: microbiological quality of raw human milk (HM) from donors at the HMB (Human Milk Bank) of Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Ouro Preto was evaluated. Methods: the microbiological quality of milk from each of 10 donors in triplicate (30 samples) was evaluated by enumeration of Staphylococcus aureus and total aerobic mesophiles (surface plating) and total and thermotolerant coliforms (Most Probable Number - MPN). A questionnaire and a checklist were applied after the end of sample collection to verify the compliance of milk extraction and storage procedures by the donors. Results: inadequacies in the procedures for expression and storage of donated HM were observed. The presence of all microorganisms studied were verified in the milk of all donors, and in some cases exceeded the safety limits. The checklist indicated that some necessary hygienic-sanitary procedures were not carefully performed, making it important to properly guide the donors. Conclusions: this study points to an unfavorable scenario for the safety and quality of donated HM, and it is important to encourage further studies to be conducted so that the Brazilian network of HMB adopts stricter criteria for instructions on procedures and support for HM donors.

Resumo Objetivos: avaliou-se a qualidade microbiológica do leite humano (LH) cru de doadoras do Banco de Leite Humano (BLH) da Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Ouro Preto. Métodos: a qualidade microbiológica do leite de cada uma das 10 doadoras em triplicata (30 amostras) foi avaliada por meio da enumeração de Staphylococcus aureus e mesóflos aeróbios totais (plaqueamento em superfície) e coliformes totais e termotolerantes (Número Mais Provável -NMP). Para verificar a conformidade dos procedimentos de extração e armazenamento do leite pelas doadoras, aplicou-se um questionário e um checklist após o término da coleta das amostras. Resultados: observou-se inadequações nos procedimentos de expressão e armazenamento do LH doado. A presença de todos os microrganismos estudados foram verificados no leite de todas as doadoras e, em alguns casos, excedeu os limites de segurança. O checklist indicou que alguns procedimentos higiênico-sanitários necessários não foram realizados criteriosamente, tornando importante orientar adequadamente as doadoras. Conclusões: este estudo aponta um cenário desfavorável para a segurança e a qualidade do LH doado, sendo importante incentivar mais estudos a serem realizados para que a rede brasileira de BLH adote critérios mais rigorosos de instruções sobre procedimentos e suporte para doadoras de LH.

O perfil de queixas técnicas relacionadas a equipos comercializados no Brasil e o impacto na segurança do paciente / The profile of technical complaints related to infusion sets sold in Brazil and the impact on patient safety / El perfil de las quejas técnicas relacionadas con los equipos vendidos en Brasil y el impacto en la seguridad del paciente

Equipos são dispositivos médicos que, ao apresentarem desvios de qualidade, podem ocasionar agravos a elevado número de pessoas. Este estudo objetivou avaliar o perfil das notificações de queixas técnicas realizadas no Sistema Notivisa, desenvolvido pela Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária, para discussão sobre o seu impacto na segurança do paciente. Por meio de metodologia quantitativa foram avaliados equipos comercializados no período de 2016 a 2017, cinco anos após a instituição da certificação metrológica compulsória. As principais queixas técnicas se referiram a problemas na integridade (82,70%): defeito mecânico, vazamentos, problemas no corta-fluxo, oclusão de fluido e descolamento, problemas na embalagem ou rotulagem (8,54%) e presença de corpo estranho e sujidades (7,97%). Tais falhas podem interferir nos procedimentos diagnósticos e/ou de tratamento, como a administração de medicamentos quimioterápicos, de antibióticos e também a realização de transfusões. Assim, a tecnovigilância é fundamental para a segurança sanitária no mercado a partir da identificação dos riscos e da possibilidade de mitigá-los, promovendo a segurança do paciente.

Infusion sets are medical devices that, when presenting quality deviations, can cause harm to a large number of people. This study aimed to evaluate the profile of technical complaint notifications made on the Notivisa System, developed by Anvisa ­ Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária (National Agency for Health Surveillance), so as to discuss its impact on patient safety. By means of quantitative methodology, devices sold from 2016 to 2017 was evaluated, five years after the establishment of compulsory metrological certification. The main technical complaints referred to integrity problems (82.70%): mechanical defect, leaks, flow shutdown issues, fluid obstruction and detachment, packaging or labeling problems (8.54%) and presence of foreign bodies and dirt (7.97%). Such failures can interfere with diagnostic and/or treatment procedures such as the administration of chemotherapy drugs, antibiotics and also the transfusion process. Thus, the technovigilance is essential for health safety in the market, based on the identification of risks and the possibility of mitigating them, thus promoting the patient safety.

Los equipos son aparatos médicos quepueden resultar en daños a un gran número de personas por si acaso presentan desviaciones de calidad. El objetivo de esta investigación ha sido evaluar el perfil de notificacio-nes de quejas técnicasregistradas en el Sistema Notivisa, desarrollado por Anvisa ­ Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária (Agencia Nacional de Vigilancia Sanitaria) con miras a la discusión de su impacto en la seguridad del paciente. Valiéndose de la metodología cuantitativa se evaluaron los equipos comercializadosdesde 2016 hasta 2017, que coincide con los cinco años tras la institución de la certificación metrológica obligatoria. Las principales quejas técnicas (82,70%) se refirieron a problemas de integridad: defecto me-cánico, fugas, problemas en el corta flujo oclusión y despegue de fluidos, dificultades en el embalaje o en la rotulación (8,54%) además de la presencia de cuerpo extraño y suciedades (7,97%). Dichos desperfectospueden obstaculizar los procedimientos de diagnóstico y/o de tratamiento, como la administración de fármacos quimioterapéuticos, antibióticos y también la realización de trasfusiones. De ahí que la tecnovi-gilancia sea fundamental para la vigilancia sanitaria en el mercado a partir de la identificación de riesgos sumada a la posibilidad de paliarlos, fomentando la seguridad del paciente.

Validation of blood components transport through a pneumatic tube system

ABSTRACT Introduction: Urgent blood component transfusions may be life-saving for patients in hemorrhagic shock. Measures to reduce the time taken to provide these transfusions, such as uncrossmatched transfusion or abbreviated testing, are available. However, transport time is still an additional delay and the use of a pneumatic tube system (PTS) may be an alternative to shorten the transport time of blood components. Objectives: To assess pneumatic tube system transportation of blood components based on a validation protocol. Methods: Pre- and post-transport quality control laboratory parameters, visual appearance, transport time and temperature of the packed red blood cells (RBCs), thawed fresh plasma (TFP), cryoprecipitate (CR), and platelet concentrate (PC) were evaluated. Parameters were compared between transport via pneumatic tube and courier. Results: A total of 23 units of RBCs, 50 units of TFP, 30 units of CR and ten units of PC were evaluated. No statistically significant differences were found between pre- and post-transport laboratory results. There was also no difference in laboratory parameters between transport modalities (PTS versus courier). All blood components transported matched regulatory requirements for quality criteria. The temperature during transport remained stable and the transport time via PTS was significantly shorter than the courier's transport time (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The PTS was considered a fast, safe and reliable means of transportation for blood components, also securing quality prerequisites.

Responsabilização em más condutas científicas: opinião de editores do SciELO / Accountability to scientific misconduct: the SciELO editors' view / Responsabilidad por malas conductas científicas: opinión de los editores de SciELO

Responsabilização (accountability) em comunicação e editoração científica é um importante tema em ética e integridade em pesquisa, e um dos grandes desafios atuais da ciência. Este artigo apresenta um estudo descritivo sobre a responsabilização e os seus atores na comunicação científica (autores, revisores, editores), partindo da questão da responsabilização desses atores e das más condutas científicas vista por editores de revista SciELO do Brasil e de países da América Latina. Apresenta resultados a partir da visão dos editores em que os autores são responsáveis, e, parcialmente, os revisores e os próprios editores

Accountability in scientific communication and publishing is an important topic in ethics and research integrity, and one of the great challenges of science today. This article presents a descriptive study on accountability and its actors in scientific communication (authors, reviewers, editors), starting from the issue of accountability of these actors and from the scientific misconducts viewed by SciELO journals editors in Brazil and Latin America. Based on the editors' view, it stands that the authors are responsible, and the reviewers and the editors are partially responsible

La responsabilidad (accountability) en la comunicación y publicación científica es un tema importante en la ética y la integridad en la investigación, y uno de los grandes desafíos de la ciencia actual. Este artículo presenta un estudio descriptivo sobre la responsabilidad y sus actores en la comunicación científica (autores, revisores, editores), a partir de la cuestión de responsabilidad de estos actores y de las malas conductas científicas vista por los editores de revista SciELO en Brasil y en países de América Latina. Presenta resultados en la visión de los editores de que los autores son responsables, y los revisores y los propios editores son parcialmente responsables.

Principales problemáticas de las publicaciones científicas: un análisis en perspectiva latinoamericana / Central problems in scientific research publications: analysis through a latin american perspective

Resumen Se identifican y analizan las principales problemáticas de las publicaciones científicas, estudiando los diferentes componentes del ecosistema en el que se producen, con énfasis en la realidad latinoamericana. A través del relevamiento y análisis bibliográfico, se identifican como problemáticas la forma de acceso, los criterios de calidad y evaluación utilizados, la visibilidad, la barrera de la lengua y la brecha de género. Al mismo tiempo que se conceptualizan, se establecen vínculos entre dichos componentes lo que agrega complejidad al fenómeno y permite visualizar los modelos de comunicación científica vigentes. Dicha identificación pretende abrir espacios para la proposición de propuestas a futuro, que aporten en el sentido de brindar mayor acceso y reducir las inequidades observadas. Al mismo tiempo, la exposición del tema permite a los investigadores contar con mayores elementos a la hora de pensar y hacer visibles sus publicaciones. Desde la perspectiva latinoamericana se observaron ciertas particularidades en relación al crecimiento del movimiento de acceso abierto, sostenido muchas veces por instituciones y editoriales que pugnan por mejorar las formas de circulación, distribución, visibilidad y acceso, aunque cuenten con recursos limitados. Finalmente, se insiste en la necesidad de defender y potenciar el modelo de información científica basado en acceso abierto, como uno de los objetivos a promover para hacer frente a la privatización y comercialización del conocimiento producido por las comunidades científicas.

Abstract Identification and analysis of the main problems of scientific researches by studying the different components of the ecosystems they are produced, emphasising in Latin America's reality. Through surveying and bibliographical analysis, problems such as access ways, quality and evaluation criteria, visibility, language barriers and gender gap are identified. As they are defined, these concepts are also threaded, adding complexity to the matter and allowing to visualize scientific media current's state. Its purpose is to open the field for future proposals regarding greater access and narrowing the inequality gap. Besides, the topic's exposure provides researchers with a wider group of elements when thinking about their work and how to publish it. From a latin american perspective, there is observance of certain aspects linked to the growth of the open access movement, which is mainly sustained by insitutions and publishers that try to improve ways of distribution, circulation, visibilty and access, despite limited resources. Finally, the importance of defending and boosting the scientific information access model based on open access is strongly outlined, as one of the main policies that will allow to keep corporate interests apart from the knowledge scientific communities produce.

Comparative analysis for quality control of mother tinctures in Brazilian reports

Quality control of ahomeopathic mother tincture begins with the analysis of the raw material. Once the product is obtained, some organoleptic characteristics and Physicochemical properties such as appearance, colour, odour, density, dry residue, alcohol content,and chemicalmarker are evaluated. In Brazil, mother tinctures from different suppliers may have high variability in terms of the specifications described in the homeopathic pharmacopoeia. Objective: The aim of the present study was to compare mother tinctures' quality control from different pharmaceutical suppliers based on Brazilian Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia 3rd edition. Methods: Five mother tinctures were selected according to the high number of requests in the pharmacies, also its monographs are in the Brazilian Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia (FHB) 3rd edition. The report of analysis of the product was provided by three homeopathic pharmacies from the city of Rio de Janeiro. The information in the reports wasevaluated and compared to its monograph. Results and discussion: In this study, it was found that the number of laboratories that provide homeopathic pharmaceutical ingredients is rather low. In addition, in some reports, a number of identification tests werenot described properly when compared to the monograph. Besides that, some information diverges from the pharmacopoeia, for example, absence of dry residue testing, replacement of the part of the plant used to prepare the mother tincture,and results that do not meet pharmacopoeia specifications. As can be seen, the quality and effectiveness of homeopathic medicines prepared from these tinctures may be compromised. Conclusion:In order to guarantee consumer protection and the quality and effectiveness of medicines, governments and regulatory agencies should requirea greater commitment from suppliers in the production of homeopathic inputs.

Qualidade do leite cru refrigerado avaliado por diferentes laboratórios credenciados pelo MAPA / Quality of refrigerated raw milk evaluated by different laboratories accredited by MAPA

O objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar e correlacionar os resultados de qualidade do leite cru refrigerado de dez propriedades rurais de Viçosa (MG) obtidos por métodos de referências do Ministério da Agricultura, Pecuária e Abastecimento e por espectrofotômetros de luz infravermelha em três laboratórios (A, B e C) credenciados pelo mesmo órgão de fiscalização. As amostras de leite foram analisadas quanto à contagem bacteriana, contagem de células somáticas (CCS) e teores de gordura, proteína e extrato seco desengordurado (ESD). Não houve discordância de amostras de leite quanto aos teores de proteína e gordura. Porcentagens diferentes de discordância foram observadas entre os resultados dos laboratórios e método de referência quanto à CCS, contagem bacteriana e teores de ESD. Os teores médios de proteína dos laboratórios A e B e os teores médios de ESD de todos laboratórios não foram estatisticamente iguais (p<0,05) aos teores obtidos pelo método de referência. Os teores de gordura obtidos no laboratório B não tiveram correlação estatística (p>0,05) com os teores obtidos pelo método de referência. Observou-se que as CCS e contagens bacterianas médias de todos os laboratórios foram estatisticamente iguais (p>0,05) e correlacionadas (p<0,05) às contagens médias obtidas pelos métodos de referência. Conclui-se que os teores de proteína em dois laboratórios e ESD em todos os laboratórios não são equivalentes com os métodos de referência do MAPA. É importante que os laboratórios revejam a calibração dos seus equipamentos quanto à quantificação dos teores de sólidos do leite.

The objective of this study was to analyze and to correlate the results of refrigerated raw milk quality in ten farms of Viçosa (MG). The milk was analyzed by the Ministério da Agricultura, Pecuária e Abastecimento standard methods and by infrared spectrophotometers in three laboratories (A, B and C) accredited by the same institution. The milk samples were analyzed for bacterial counts, somatic cell count (SCC) and fat, protein and solids not fat (SNF) tenors. There were no disagreement milk samples as the protein and fat tenors. Different percentages of disagreement were observed between the results of laboratory and standard method as the SCC, bacterial count and SNF tenor. The protein mean tenor of A and B laboratories and the SNF mean tenor of all laboratories were not statistically equal (p<0.05) the tenors obtained by standard method. The fat tenors obtained in B laboratory were not statistically correlated (p>0.05) with tenors obtained by the standard method. It was observed that the means of SCC and bacterial counts of all laboratories were statistically the same (p>0.05) and correlated (p<0.05) to the means counts obtained by standard methods. It is concluded that the protein tenors in two laboratories and SNF in all laboratories are not equivalent with the reference methods of MAPA. It is important that laboratories review the calibration of the equipment on the quantification of milk solids tenors.

Guía práctica para el perfeccionamiento del control interno de calidad en el laboratorio clínico / Practice guide for the improvement of the quality internal control in the clinical laboratory

El control interno de calidad en el laboratorio clínico es una actividad especializada que monitoriza la calidad de los procesos y resultados, a la vez que permite aceptar o rechazar las corridas analíticas de las diferentes determinaciones. A tales efectos, se presentan los elementos de una guía práctica incluida en un software, diseñada con el objetivo de perfeccionar el control interno de la calidad en dichos laboratorios, donde se definen los principios y conceptos claves del tema, los procedimientos y su secuencia, los requisitos de calidad, las reglas de control, los cálculos estadísticos, la interpretación de los resultados, así como algunos de los indicadores novedosos y necesarios para asegurar la calidad.

The internal control of quality in the clinical laboratory is a specialized activity that monitors the quality of the processes and results at the same time that it allows to accept or to reject the analytic runs on the different determinations. To such effects, the elements of a practical guide included in a software are presented, designed with the objective of perfecting the internal control of the quality in these laboratories, where the principles and key concepts of the topic, procedures and their sequence, requirements of quality, control rules, statistical calculations, the interpretation of the results are defined, as well as some of the novel and necessary indicators to assure the quality.

Comparación del Papanicolau con técnica convencional frente a técnica modificada / Comparison of the Pap smear with conventional technique versus modified technique

Introducción: a pesar de que la técnica de papanicolaou es el método más eficaz para la prevención y detección del cáncer cervicouterino, la precisión de esta herramienta sigue siendo controversial; debido a esto, existen esfuerzos médicos y científicos para mejorar la calidad del procedimiento. Objetivo: comparar la calidad en la toma de muestra entre la técnica convencional y la modificada. Material y métodos: estudio observacional descriptivo y comparativo en 150 muestras de citología cervical (75 muestras técnica convencional y 75 en técnica modificada) en mujeres de 25 a 64 años. Se analizaron variables emográficas, características del cérvix y calidad de la muestra. Se realizó estadística descriptiva y medidas de asociación. Estudio con riesgo mayor que el mínimo. Todas las participantes firmaron consentimiento informado. Resultados: la calidad de la muestra fue satisfactoria en el 92% para la técnica convencional frente al 89.3% para la técnica modificada. La causa principal de muestras insatisfactorias fue la celularidad insuficiente, la cual se presentó en el 6.7% de las muestras con técnica convencional frente al 12% de la técnica modificada, sin diferencia significativa entre ambas técnicas p = 0.575 (1.37; 0.45-4.1), hallazgos que rechazan la hipótesis de trabajo. Conclusiones: no hubo diferencia significativa al utilizar ambas pruebas, las muestras con calidad satisfactoria fueron similares entre ambas técnicas.

Background: Despite the fact that the Papanicolaou technique is the most effective method of prevention and detection of cervical cancer, the precision of this tool remains controversial; Because of this, there are medical and scientific efforts to improve the quality of the procedure. Objective: Compare the quality of sampling between the conventional and modified technique. Material and methods: Descriptive and comparative observational study in 150 cervical cytology samples (75 conventional technique samples and 75 in modified technique) in women aged 25 to 64 years. Demographic variables, characteristics of the cervix and quality of the sample were analyzed. Descriptive statistics and association measures were performed. Study with risk greater than the minimum. All participants signed an informed consent. Results: The quality of the sample was satisfactory in 92.0% for the conventional technique vs 89.3% for the modified technique. The main cause of unsatisfactory samples was insufficient cellularity 6.7% in conventional technique vs 12% of the modified technique, with no significant difference between both techniques p = 0.575 (1.37; 0.45-4.1), findings that reject the working hypothesis. Conclusions: There was no significant difference when using both tests, the samples with satisfactory quality were similar between both techniques.

Análisis de los riesgos radiológicos en la medicina nuclear diagnóstica del Instituto de Hematología e Inmunología de Cuba / Analysis of radiological risks in diagnostic nuclear medicine of the Institute of Hematology and Immunology of Cuba

Introducción: Para el inicio de las operaciones en el servicio de medicina nuclear del Instituto de Hematología e Inmunología, se realizó el análisis de los riesgos radiológicos. Objetivos: Determinar la contribución individual de las etapas del proceso y de los elementos de control en el riesgo radiológico. Métodos: Se desarrolló el modelo del proceso a partir del método de la matriz de riesgo. Las medidas que se adicionaron estuvieron dirigidas a eliminar las secuencias accidentales con riesgo de nivel medio y consecuencias altas para los pacientes. Se determinaron los elementos de control más importantes por su participación porcentual e incidencia en el cambio del nivel de riesgo al ser eliminados. Resultados: Las etapas más contribuyentes al riesgo fueron por orden de importancia; la preparación de radiofármacos, la adquisición de las imágenes y la administración. Se destacan las medidas siguientes: carga de trabajo moderada, capacitaciones al oficial de protección radiológica y al que realiza las administraciones, el procedimiento de contrastar los datos de la dosis que será administrada al paciente con lo establecido en la prescripción del estudio, las pruebas de control de calidad de radiofármacos, el análisis de los resultados de la dosimetría realizada periódicamente a los trabajadores y las auditorías externas e internas con equipamiento diferente. Conclusiones: Se incluyeron todas las medidas identificadas en la obtención del riesgo residual y en el análisis de sensibilidad en el Plan de mejora de la seguridad y calidad, como garantía de la seguridad radiológica de las operaciones(AU)

Introduction: For the start of operations in the nuclear medicine service of the Institute of Hematology and Immunology, the analysis of radiological risks carried out. Objectives: To determine the individual contribution of the stages of the process and of the control elements in the radiological risk. Methods: The developed process model was from the risk matrix method. The added measures were at eliminating accidental sequences with medium risk and high consequences for the patients. The most important control elements were by their percentage participation and incidence in the change in the level of risk when they eliminated. Results: The stages most contributing to the risk were, in order of importance, the preparation of the radiopharmaceuticals, the acquisition of the images and the administration. Highlighted measures are the following: a moderate workload, the training for the radiation protection officer and the one who performs the administrations and the procedure of contrasting the data of the dose that will administer to the patient against what is in the study prescription. Besides are the tests quality control of radiopharmaceuticals, the analysis of the results of the dosimetry performed on the workers periodically and the external and internal audits with different equipment. Conclusions: All the measures identified in obtaining the residual risk and in the sensitivity analysis, were included in the Safety and Quality Improvement Plan, as a guarantee of the radiological safety of the operations(AU)

Controle da qualidade laboratorial: implementação de valores de referência próprios determinados no controle interno / Quality control laboratory: implementation of proper reference valeus determinated by internal control

Esse estudo consistiu em analisar a confiabilidade e a eficácia dos métodos do controle interno da qualidade das bioquímicas em um laboratório privado, a partir da criação dos próprios valores de referência, utilizando como ferramentas o gráfico de Levey ­ Jennings e regras de Westgard. Métodos: Foram estabelecidos nesse estudo os próprios valores de referência para cada analito, dispostos os valores de qualidade diários nos gráficos e realizadas as interpretações para validação do teste. Resultados: Através da implementação dos valores próprios de referência e um controle de qualidade mais rígido, foi possível identificar uma melhor estabilidade dos analitos, melhor percepção dos erros aleatórios, sistemáticos e tendenciosos, obtendo informações mais confiáveis e efetivas perante os controles. Conclusão: Os resultados desta análise indicam uma maior estabilidade e uma menor variabilidade dentro dos valores de referência criados, resultando em exames mais precisos e seguros.

Objective: This study consisted of analyzing the reliability and effectiveness of the methods of internal quality control of biochemists in a private laboratory, from the creation os their own reference values, using the Levey-Jennings chart and Westgard rules as tools. Methods: In this study, the reference values for each analyte were created, the daily quality values were displayed on the graphs, and the interpretations were carried out to validate the test. Results: Through the implementation of proper reference values and stricter quality control, it was possible to identify better stability of the analytes, better perception os random, systematic and biased errors, obtaining more reliable and effective information from the controls. Conclusion: The results of this analysis indicate greater stability and less variability within the created reference values, resulting in more accurate examinations.

Los productos de calidad inferior o sub estándar en el Perú en el periodo 2015 ­ 2019. Potenciales consecuencias contra la salud pública / Products of inferior quality or substandard in Peru in the period 2015 - 2019. Potential consequences against public health

En el presente estudio se determinó la cantidad de productos sub estándar según la clasificación descrita en la ley 29459: "Ley de los productos farmacéuticos, dispositivos médicos y productos sanitarios", analizados en el Centro Nacional de Control de Calidad del Instituto Nacional de Salud-Perú (CNCC), durante el periodo 2015-2019

Wooden sticks for plaque streaking and microbiological inoculation might be more cost- effective, but is its large scale use feasible? Quality control methods and proof of concept / Métodos de controle de qualidade e prova de conceito para a utilização de palitos de madeira em microbiologia podem ser mais econômicas, mas seu uso em larga escala é viável? Método de controle de qualidade e prova de conceito

The loop is a material classically used in the laboratory for the purpose of plate streaking and handling biological materials. However, metal loops techniques might be time consuming, considering the amount of time spent to guarantee its cooling process through each inoculation. Furthermore, plastic loops may also represent environmental issues during its production and discard process and can also represent higher costs for the laboratory. Thus, in situations of limited resources, even the simplest materials can be restricted due to logistical and budgetary issues, especially in developing countries. Inspired by demands like these, facing an occasional shortage of supply of laboratory plastic handles, we hereby present a quality control for sterilization methods and cost-effectiveness studies towards the use of wooden sticks in a Latin American country and we discuss the possibility of the large-scale use of this technique.

A alça calibrada é um material usado classicamente em laboratório para fins de inoculação em placas e manuseio de materiais biológicos. No entanto, as técnicas de alças metálicas podem consumir muito tempo, considerando a quantidade de tempo gasto para garantir seu processo de resfriamento a cada inoculação. Além disso, alças de plástico também podem representar questões ambientais durante o processo de produção e descarte e também podem representar custos mais altos para o laboratório. Assim, em situações de recursos limitados, até os materiais mais simples podem ser restringidos devido a questões logísticas e orçamentárias, especialmente nos países em desenvolvimento. Inspirados por demandas como essas, diante de uma escassez ocasional de suprimentos de alças de plástico de laboratório, apresentamos um controle de qualidade para métodos de esterilização e estudos de custo-efetividade para o uso de varas de madeira em um país latino-americano e discutimos a possibilidade de grande uso em escala dessa técnica.