Hospitalized Women Have Anxiety and Worse Mental Health Scores than Men.

This study aimed to assess the levels of anxiety, depression, and quality of life in hospitalized men and women using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Beck's Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and Short Form-36 Health Survey Questionnaire (SF-36). 60 patients of both sexes were recruited from at the outpatient department of the Hospital Universitário de Vassouras (HUV). The HADS-Anxiety (HADS-A) and BAI questionnaires were used to assess anxiety; the HADS-Depression (HADS-D) questionnaire to assess levels of depression, and the SF-36 to assess the quality of life. The results indicated that hospitalized women had higher levels of anxiety when compared to men. No difference was observed in the levels of depression between men and women. Regarding quality of life, women showed more deterioration in general and mental health compared to men. Thus, the findings suggest that hospitalized women have higher levels of anxiety when compared to men and that this increase can lead to worse general and mental health. Professionals should be aware of possible psychological changes in hospitalized women as they can affect the overall quality of life.

Low-power infrared laser modulates mRNA levels from genes of base excision repair and genomic stabilization in heart tissue from an experimental model of acute lung injury.

The aim of this study was to evaluate photobiomodulation effects on mRNA relative levels from genes of base excision repair and genomic stabilization in heart tissue from an experimental model of acute lung injury by sepsis. For experimental procedure, animals were randomly assigned to six main groups: (1) control group was animals treated with intraperitoneal saline solution; (2) LASER-10 was animals treated with intraperitoneal saline solution and exposed to an infrared laser at 10 J cm-2; (3) LASER-20 was animals treated with intraperitoneal saline solution and exposed to an infrared laser at 20 J cm-2; (4) acute lung injury (ALI) was animals treated with intraperitoneal LPS (10 mg kg-1); (5) ALI-LASER10 was animals treated with intraperitoneal LPS (10 mg kg-1) and, after 4 h, exposed to an infrared laser at 10 J cm-2 and (6) ALI-LASER20 was animals treated with intraperitoneal LPS (10 mg kg-1) and, after 4 h, exposed to an infrared laser at 20 J cm-2. Irradiation was performed only once and animal euthanasias for analysis of mRNA relative levels by RT-qPCR. Our results showed that there was a reduction of mRNA relative levels from ATM gene and an increase of mRNA relative levels from P53 gene in the heart of animals with ALI when compared to the control group. In addition, there was an increase of mRNA relative levels from OGG1 and APE1 gene in hearts from animals with ALI when compared to the control group. After irradiation, an increase of mRNA relative levels from ATM and OGG1 gene was observed at 20 J cm-2. In conclusion, low-power laser modulates the mRNA relative levels from genes of base excision repair and genomic stabilization in the experimental model of acute lung injury evaluated.

Low-power infrared laser modulates telomere length in heart tissue from an experimental model of acute lung injury.

Acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome can occur as a result of sepsis. Cardiac dysfunction is a serious component of multi-organ failure caused by severe sepsis. Telomere shortening is related to several heart diseases. Telomeres are associated with the shelterin protein complex, which contributes to the maintenance of telomere length. Low-power infrared lasers modulate mRNA levels of shelterin complex genes. This study aimed to evaluate effects of a low-power infrared laser on mRNA relative levels of genes involved in telomere stabilization and telomere length in heart tissue of an experimental model of acute lung injury caused by sepsis. Animals were divided into six groups, treated with intraperitoneal saline solution, saline solution and exposed to a low-power infrared laser at 10 J cm-2 and 20 J cm-2, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and LPS and, after 4 h, exposed to a low-power infrared laser at 10 J cm-2 and 20 J cm-2. The laser exposure was performed only once. Analysis of mRNA relative levels and telomere length by RT-qPCR was performed. Telomere shortening and reduction in mRNA relative levels of TRF1 mRNA in heart tissues of LPS-induced ALI animals were observed. In addition, laser exposure increased the telomere length at 10 J cm-2 and modulated the TRF1 mRNA relative levels of at 20 J cm-2 in healthy animals. Although the telomeres were shortened and mRNA levels of TRF1 gene were increased in nontreated controls, the low-power infrared laser irradiation increased the telomere length at 10 J cm-2 in cardiac tissue of animals affected by LPS-induced acute lung injury, which suggests that telomere maintenance is a part of the photobiomodulation effect induced by infrared radiation.

Effect of low power lasers on prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells under different stress condition: a review of the literature.

Radiations emitted by low power radiation sources have been applied for therapeutic proposals due to their capacity of inactivating bacteria and cancer cells in photodynamic therapy and stimulating tissue cells in photobiomodulation. Exposure to these radiations could increase cell proliferation in bacterial cultures under stressful conditions. Cells in infected or not infected tissue injuries are also under stressful conditions and photobiomodulation-induced regenerative effect on tissue injuries could be related to effects on stressed cells. The understanding of the effects on cells under stressful conditions could render therapies based on photobiomodulation more efficient as well as expand them. Thus, the objective of this review was to update the studies reporting photobiomodulation on prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells under stress conditions. Exposure to radiations emitted by low power radiation sources could induce adaptive responses enabling cells to survive in stressful conditions, such as those experienced by bacteria in their host and by eukaryotic cells in injured tissues. Adaptive responses could be the basis for clinical photobiomodulation applications, either considering their contraindication for treatment of infected injuries or indication for treatment of injuries, inflammatory process resolution, or tissue regeneration.

A caracterização da gestão da rede de atenção à saúde bucal no estado do Rio de Janeiro pelo perfil regional / The characterization of the management of the oral health care network in the state of Rio de Janeiro by the regional profile

Resumo A Rede de Atenção à Saúde Bucal (RASB) é constituída por três elementos: a população, a estrutura e o modelo de atenção à saúde. As ações dessa rede são distribuídas pelos pontos de atenção primário, secundário e terciário. O objetivo do texto consiste em conhecer o seu estágio de desenvolvimento na região serrana do estado do Rio de Janeiro e as maiores fragilidades. Constitui um estudo de casos, exploratório e transversal, com amostra intencional e aplicação de questionário estruturado. A interpretação dos dados foi realizada por meio da média dos pontos e pela análise de correlação de Pearson, que demonstrou o predomínio da RASB incipiente (∑ = 137 pontos) e a correlação forte das variáveis: adoção de protocolos clínicos X capacidade resolutiva da atenção secundária, manutenção dos equipamentos odontológicos X existência de laboratórios de apoio, existência de ações educativas X frequência de sua utilização, frequência de sua utilização X ações reabilitadoras para o câncer bucal, as ações reabilitadoras para o câncer bucal X existência de um plano de cuidado (r≥0,90). Concluiu-se que a RASB encontra-se em estágio incipiente e as fragilidades envolvem dificuldades na adscrição, nos encaminhamentos, na emissão de laudos radiológicos, na adoção de prontuário eletrônico e na apropriação dos instrumentos de gestão.

Abstract The Oral Health Care Network (OHCN) consists of three elements: the population, the structure and the model of health care, and its actions distributed by the primary, secondary and tertiary care points. The objective is to know its stage of development in the highland region of the state of Rio de Janeiro and the biggest weaknesses. Exploratory and crosssectional case study with intentional sample and application of structured questionnaire. Data interpretation was performed by means of the points average and Pearson's correlation analysis, which demonstrated the predominance of incipient OHCN (∑ = 137 points) and the strong correlation of the variables: adoption of clinical protocols vs. secondary care resolution capacity. , maintenance of dental equipment X existence of support laboratories, existence of educational actions X frequency of its use, between frequency of its use X rehabilitation actions for oral cancer, among the rehabilitation actions for oral cancer X existence of a care plan (r≥0.90). It was concluded that the RASB is in an incipient stage and the weaknesses involve difficulties in the subscription, referrals, issuing radiological reports, the adoption of electronic medical records and the appropriation of management instruments.

Photobiomodulation by dual-wavelength low-power laser effects on infected pressure ulcers.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of photobiomodulation (PBM) by dual-wavelength low-power lasers on the healing and bacterial bioburden of pressure ulcer (PU) models. Twenty-five male Swiss mice were divided into five equal groups. Ischemia reperfusion cycles were employed to cause PU formation by the external application of magnetic plates. Immediately after wounding, a suspension of Pantoea agglomerans was applied at the base of all the wounds of the infected groups, using a calibrated pipette. PBM (simultaneous emission at 660 and 808 nm, 142.8 J/cm2, in continuous wave emission mode) was applied to the PUs for 14 sessions. The animals were euthanized 14 days after PU induction, and their tissues were analyzed for wound contraction and reepithelialization, epidermis thickness, bacterial survival, and IL-1ß and IL-10 mRNA level evaluations. The PU areas appeared larger in the mice from the infected groups than in those in the laser group 4 days after PU induction and presented incomplete reepithelialization 14 days after PU induction. However, the PBM accelerated the wound healing in the infected + laser group compared with the infected group 11 and 14 days following the PU induction. The infected and irradiated PUs exhibited a thinner neo-epidermis than those in the infected group, and the bacterial survival decreased in the laser group; the relative expression IL-1ß mRNA levels demonstrated an increasing tendency while the relative expression IL-10 mRNA levels demonstrated a decreasing tendency in the infected + laser and laser groups. These results suggest that PBM improves healing by killing or inhibiting bacteria in PUs as well as by accelerating the wound healing, resulting in tissue repair.

Correction to: Photobiomodulation by dual-wavelength low-power laser effects on infected pressure ulcers.

The author name Maria Maria Côrtes Thomé Lima was incorrectly captured in the original article. The correct author name should be Andrezza Maria Côrtes Thomé Lima. The original article has been corrected.

Ultrassonografia diafragmática como ferramenta de avaliação no desmame da ventilação mecânica / Diaphragmatic ultrasound as assessment tool for mechanical ventilation weaning

A ultrassonografia é uma ferramenta diagnóstica muito utilizada na unidade de terapia intensiva devido ao baixo custo, por não ser um procedimento invasivo, de rápido aprendizado e oferecendo toda a gama de informações sobre diferentes órgãos e tecidos. Nos últimos anos, tem sido publicado um número crescente de artigos sobre a avaliação do diafragma. A ultrassonografia pode ser uma ferramenta útil para avaliar a disfunção diafragmática em pacientes críticos, porém, apesar de existir padronização da técnica e das variáveis analisadas, ainda não existe consenso sobre a utilização das medidas que podem ser influenciadas pelo posicionamento do transdutor, tipo de ventilação (espontânea ou mecânica controlada) e posição do paciente. Sendo assim, esta revisão reuniu os trabalhos mais atuais a fim de elucidarmos as formas de avaliação morfofuncional por ultrassonografia do diafragma pela comunidade científica e fornecer conhecimentos acerca dessa ferramenta. As variáveis ultrassonográficas mais utilizadas pelos autores encontradas nesta revisão foram: 1) a espessura diafragmática (ED); 2) a fração de espessamento diafragmática (FED); 3) a excursão diafragmática (ExD). A utilização do ultrassom na avaliação da disfunção e atrofia diafragmática em pacientes ventilados mecanicamente parece estar bem estabelecida na literatura, porém, o uso dessas três variáveis na predição de sucesso de desmame e extubação apresentam resultados inconclusivos. (AU)

Ultrasonography is an increasingly popular diagnostic tool in the intensive care unit because of its easy applicability, low cost, non-invasiveness, fast learning and delivering full range of information on different organs and tissues. In the recent years, an exponentially increasing number of articles has been published on diaphragm evaluation. Ultrasonography can be a useful tool to evaluate diaphragmatic dysfunction in critically ill patients. However, although the technique and variables analyzed are not standardized, there is still no consensus on the use of measures that can be influenced because the analysis may vary depending on the position of the transducer, the type of ventilation (spontaneous or mechanically controlled) and the position of the patient. Thus, this review brought together current works in order to elucidate the forms of morphologic and functional evaluation by diaphragm muscle ultrasonography in order to provide knowledge about this tool. The ultrasound variables most used by the authors were: 1) The diaphragmatic thickness; 2) The diaphragmatic thickening fraction; 3) The diaphragmatic excursion. The ultrasound tool in the evaluation of diaphragmatic dysfunction and atrophy in mechanically ventilated patients seems to be well established in the literature, but the use of these three variables in predicting successful weaning and extubation presents inconclusive results. (AU)

Análise do tempo de reação simples e do paradigma oddball em estudantes antes e após participação em atividades acadêmicas: uma análise da neurociência aplicada a educação / Analysis of simple reaction time and the oddball paradigm in students before and after participation in academic activities: an analysis of neuroscience applied to education

Introdução: O tempo de reação é uma medida que indica o tempo que uma pessoa leva para iniciar um movimento. Há situações em que o tempo de reação encontra-se alterado, comprometendo o processamento da informação, com diminuição na detecção, transmissão e processamento dos estí­mulos. Objetivo: Investigar o tempo de reação visual em acadêmicos antes e após atividades avaliativas, nas diversas disciplinas. Metodologia: 50 acadêmicos foram analisados antes e após atividades avaliativas por meio do tempo de reação simples e paradigma oddball. Resultados: Com relação ao tempo de reação simples, o tempo de reação visual antes das atividades avaliativas foi menor que após, em contradição com o paradigma oddball. Verificou-se que a média geral do tempo de reação simples para prova prática foi maior comparado às demais, já no paradigma oddball verificou-se que a média geral para apresentação de seminário foi maior, comparado às demais. Conclusão: Diferenças significativas no tempo de reação simples e tempo de reação segundo paradigma oddball foram encontrados entre acadêmicos antes e após atividades avaliativas. Porém no tempo de reação simples foram encontrados valores menores antes das atividades, quando comparados com após, e o contrário foi encontrado no paradigma oddball. (AU)

Introduction: Reaction time is a measure of how long a person takes to start a movement. There are situations in which the reaction time is altered, compromising the information processing, with a decrease in the detection, transmission and processing of the stimuli. Objective: To investigate the time of visual reaction in academics before and after evaluative activities in different disciplines. Methodology: 50 academics were analyzed before and after evaluative activities through simple reaction time and oddball paradigm. Results: Relative to the time of simple reaction, the visual reaction time before the evaluative activities was smaller than after, in contradiction with the oddball paradigm. It was verified that the general mean of the simple reaction time for practical test was higher compared to the others, already in the oddball paradigm it was verified that the general average for seminar presentation was higher, compared to the others. Conclusion: Significant differences in the time of simple reaction and reaction time according to the oddball paradigm were found among academics before and after evaluative activities. However, in the simple reaction time smaller values were found before the activities, when compared with after, and the opposite was found in the oddball paradigm. (AU)

Movement automatization: motor interactions and electroencephalogram application / Automatização do movimento: interações motoras e aplicação do eletroencefalograma

The specificities of the motor system lead people to present skills to perform some movements in an automatic way after learning. Acquiring the automaticity of the movements is usually associated with reducing the demands of attention control. Thus, automatization represents a reduction in interference that undermines performance in dual task conditions. It was carried out a search on the databases of Pubmed, Scopus, SciELO e Lilacs, to understand the physiology of automaticity and analyze the use of electroencephalogram as a means of research in automatization. In this context, the study aims to verify the employment of the electroencephalogram as a resource in the analysis of the motor skills involved in the movement automatization.

As especificidades do sistema motor levam às pessoas há apresentarem habilidades para realizar alguns movimentos de maneira automática depois de aprendidos. Adquirir a automaticidade dos movimentos geralmente está associadaà redução das demandas de controle da atenção. Assim, a automatização representa uma redução da interferência que prejudica o desempenho em condições de tarefa dupla. Para este estudo foi realizado uma revisão integrativa de estudos indexados nas bases de dados Pubmed, Scopus, SciELO e Lilacs, para compreender a fisiologia da automaticidade e analisar a utilização do eletroencefalograma (EEG) como meio de investigação na automatização. Neste contexto, o estudo tem por objetivo verificar o emprego do eletroencefalograma como recurso na análise das habilidades motoras envolvidas na automatização do movimento.

Allgrove syndrome and motor neuron disease.

Allgrove or triple A syndrome (AS or AAA) is a rare autosomal recessive syndrome with variable phenotype due to mutations in AAAS gene which encodes a protein called ALADIN. Generally, it's characterized by of adrenal insufficiency in consequence of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) resistance, besides of achalasia, and alacrimia. Neurologic features are varied and have been the subject of several case reports and reviews. A few cases of Allgrove syndrome with motor neuron disease have been already described. A 25-year-old white man, at the age of four, presented slowly progressive distal amyotrophy and weakness, autonomic dysfunction, dysphagia and lack of tears. He suffered later of orthostatic hypotension and erectile dysfunction. He presented distal amytrophy in four limbs, tongue myofasiculations, alacrimia, hoarseness and dysphagia due to achalasia. The ENMG showed generalized denervation with normal conduction velocities. Genetic testing revealed 2 known pathogenic variants in the AAAS gene (c.938T>C and c.1144_1147delTCTG). Our case presented a distal spinal amyotrophy with slow evolution and symptoms and signs of AS with a mutation in AAAS gen. Some cases of motor neuron disease, as ours, may be due to AAS. Early diagnosis is extremely important for symptomatic treatment.

Prevalence of neurological complications associated with Zika virus in a brazilian metropolis.

The aim of this paper is to study the prevalence of Zika Virus (ZIKV) and the index of its neurological complications. This is a quantitative, cross-sectional epidemiological study. Data were collected through the compulsory notification of suspected ZIKV and its neurological alterations cases. 113 suspected ZIKV cases were reported, most of them in the summer, with a higher prevalence of females and in the fourth decade of life. Among the neurological changes, 15 Guillain-Barré Syndrome cases were reported, with one registered death. As neurological manifestations, most of them started 30 days after a ZIKV infection. No case has been confirmed laboratory. It is necessary to combat the vector, mainly in the summer, to reduce ZIKV infection and its neurological complications, besides instruction to the health professionals about these complications and serological tests requests for an accurate diagnosis.

Photobiomodulation effects on mRNA levels from genomic and chromosome stabilization genes in injured muscle.

Muscle injuries are the most prevalent type of injury in sports. A great number of athletes have relapsed in muscle injuries not being treated properly. Photobiomodulation therapy is an inexpensive and safe technique with many benefits in muscle injury treatment. However, little has been explored about the infrared laser effects on DNA and telomeres in muscle injuries. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate photobiomodulation effects on mRNA relative levels from genes related to telomere and genomic stabilization in injured muscle. Wistar male rats were randomly divided into six groups: control, laser 25 mW, laser 75 mW, injury, injury laser 25 mW, and injury laser 75 mW. Photobiomodulation was performed with 904 nm, 3 J/cm2 at 25 or 75 mW. Cryoinjury was induced by two applications of a metal probe cooled in liquid nitrogen directly on the tibialis anterior muscle. After euthanasia, skeletal muscle samples were withdrawn and total RNA extracted for evaluation of mRNA levels from genomic (ATM and p53) and chromosome stabilization (TRF1 and TRF2) genes by real-time quantitative polymerization chain reaction. Data show that photobiomodulation reduces the mRNA levels from ATM and p53, as well reduces mRNA levels from TRF1 and TRF2 at 25 and 75 mW in injured skeletal muscle. In conclusion, photobiomodulation alters mRNA relative levels from genes related to genomic and telomere stabilization in injured skeletal muscle.

Genomic stability and telomere regulation in skeletal muscle tissue.

Muscle injuries are common, especially in sports and cumulative trauma disorder, and their repair is influenced by free radical formation, which causes damages in lipids, proteins and DNA. Oxidative DNA damages are repaired by base excision repair and nucleotide excision repair, ensuring telomeric and genomic stability. There are few studies on this topic in skeletal muscle cells. This review focuses on base excision repair and nucleotide excision repair, telomere regulation and how telomeric stabilization influences healthy muscle, injured muscle, exercise, and its relationship with aging. In skeletal muscle, genomic stabilization and telomere regulation seem to play an important role in tissue health, influencing muscle injury repair. Thus, therapies targeting mechanisms of DNA repair and telomeric regulation could be new approaches for improving repair and prevention of skeletal muscle injuries in young and old people.

Low laser therapy (photobiomodulation) on bacteria of pressure ulcers: in vitro studies / Laser de baixa potência (fotobiomodulação) sobre bacterias de úlceras de pressão: estudos in vitro

Os efeitos biológicos promovidos pelo laser de baixa potência resultam em cicatrização mais rápida das feridas. No entanto, as feridas são sistemas muito complexos, tanto do ponto de vista microbiano quanto do hospedeiro. Como a infecção é uma causa comum de cicatrização retardada, é importante entender o efeito da terapia com laser de baixa intensidade no crescimento bacteriano. Esta mini-revisão resume as evidências atuais sobre os efeitos do laser de baixa intensidade em estudos de bactérias in vitro. (AU)

The biological effects promoted by low power laser result in faster wound healing. However, wounds are very complex systems from both host and microbial point of view. Since infection is a common cause of delayed wound healing, it is important to understand the effect of low-level laser therapy in bacterial growth. This mini-review summaries the current evidence about effects of low level laser on bacteria vitro studies. (AU)

Heat delays skin wound healing in mice.

In vivo studies have shown that the combination of infrared radiation (IR) and visible light (VIS) is responsible for the activation of metaloproteinases, causing matrix degradation and damage to healthy skin. However, the role of heat originating from the VIS spectrum on wound healing remains poorly understood. Our objective was to investigate the macroscopic, microscopic and biochemical effects of heat induced by visible light on cutaneous wound healing in mice. Male mice were anesthetized, subjected to a cutaneous excisional wound and divided into two groups ( n = 10/group) exposed to 23℃ or 43℃ in a thermal chamber for 30 min every other day, for 13 days. On day 14, the animals were sacrificed, and their lesions were processed for histochemistry, immunohistochemistry and protein expression analysis. The wound area was 42% greater 11 days ( p < 0.01) and 29% greater 14 days ( p < 0.001) after wounding in the 43℃ group than in the 23℃ group. The 43℃ group presented a lower (17%) percentage of reepithelialized wounds ( p < 0.001) 14 days after wounding. The length of the epidermal gap was greater in the 43℃ group ( p < 0.01). The volume density of myofibroblasts and the number of F4/80-positive macrophages was greater in the 43℃ group ( p < 0.05). The 43℃ group showed increased protein expression of type III collagen ( p < 0.001), decreased protein expression of type I collagen ( p < 0.05), increased MMP-1 expression ( p < 0.05), and decreased MMP-2 activity ( p < 0.001). The protein expression of fibrillin-1 ( p < 0.001), MMP-12 ( p < 0.05), TGF-ß 1/2/3 ( p < 0.01) and ERK activation ( p < 0.05) was increased in the 43℃ group. Our results suggest that heat delays the stages of wound healing in mice.

Possible stressors in a neonatal intensive care unit at a university hospital. / Possíveis fatores estressantes na unidade de terapia intensiva neonatal em hospital universitário.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate possible stressors to which newborns are exposed in the neonatal intensive care unit. METHODS: The levels of continuous noise were checked by a decibel meter positioned near the ear of the newborn, brightness was observed by a light meter positioned in the incubator in front of the newborn's eyes, and temperature was checked through the incubator display. The evaluations were performed in three periods of the day, with ten measurements taken at one-minute intervals during each shift for the subsequent statistical analysis. RESULTS: All shifts showed noise above acceptable levels. Morning (p < 0.001), afternoon (p < 0.05) and night (p < 0.001) showed a significant increase compared to the control. The brightness significantly exceeded the normal range (p < 0.01) in the morning. We observed that only one of the incubators was within the normal temperature limits. CONCLUSION: The noise, brightness and temperature intensities were not in accordance with regulatory standards and thus might be possible stressors to newborns.

Possíveis fatores estressantes na unidade de terapia intensiva neonatal em hospital universitário / Possible stressors in a neonatal intensive care unit at a university hospital

RESUMO Objetivo: Verificar possíveis fatores estressantes aos quais os recém-nascidos estão expostos na unidade de terapia intensiva neonatal. Métodos: Os níveis de ruídos contínuos foram verificados por meio do decibelímetro posicionado próximo ao ouvido do recém-nascido; a luminosidade foi verificada pelo luxímetro posicionado dentro das incubadoras diante dos olhos do recém-nascido; e a verificação da temperatura se deu por meio da visualização do display das incubadoras. As avaliações foram realizadas em três períodos do dia, tendo sido realizadas dez medições com intervalo de 1 minuto em cada turno para posteriores análises estatísticas. Resultados: Todos os turnos apresentaram ruídos acima dos níveis aceitáveis. Manhã (p < 0,001), tarde (p < 0,05) e noite (p < 0,001) apresentaram aumento significativo comparado ao controle. A luminosidade excedeu os padrões de normalidade significativamente (p < 0,01) no período da manhã. Quanto à temperatura, observamos que apenas uma das incubadoras encontrava-se dentro dos padrões de normalidade. Conclusão: A intensidade dos ruídos, da luminosidade e da temperatura não estavam de acordo com as normas regulatórias, podendo ser assim um possível fator estressante para o recém-nascido.

ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate possible stressors to which newborns are exposed in the neonatal intensive care unit. Methods: The levels of continuous noise were checked by a decibel meter positioned near the ear of the newborn, brightness was observed by a light meter positioned in the incubator in front of the newborn's eyes, and temperature was checked through the incubator display. The evaluations were performed in three periods of the day, with ten measurements taken at one-minute intervals during each shift for the subsequent statistical analysis. Results: All shifts showed noise above acceptable levels. Morning (p < 0.001), afternoon (p < 0.05) and night (p < 0.001) showed a significant increase compared to the control. The brightness significantly exceeded the normal range (p < 0.01) in the morning. We observed that only one of the incubators was within the normal temperature limits. Conclusion: The noise, brightness and temperature intensities were not in accordance with regulatory standards and thus might be possible stressors to newborns.