Isolation and Characterization of an Antioxidant Aryl Polyene Pigment from Antarctic Bacterium Lysobacter sp. A03.

Lysobacter is known as a bacterial genus with biotechnological potential, producing an array of enzymes, antimicrobial metabolites, and bioactive antioxidant compounds, including aryl polyene (APE) pigments that have been described as protecting substances against photooxidative damage and lipid peroxidation. In this study, the pigment extracted from keratinolytic Lysobacter sp. A03 isolated from Antarctic environment was characterized. The results of KOH test, UV-vis spectroscopy, CIELAB color system, 1H-NMR, and FTIR-ATR spectroscopy suggest the pigment is a yellow xanthomonadin-like pigment. The in vitro antioxidant activity of the pigment was confirmed by the scavenging of ABTS and DPPH radicals. In silico analysis of the genome through antiSMASH software was also performed and the secondary metabolite gene clusters for APE and resorcinol synthesis were identified, suggesting that proteins responsible for the pigment biosynthesis are encoded in Lysobacter A03 genome.

Are There Differences in Fracture Patterns in Mandibular Ramus Sagittal Osteotomies Between Hunsuck/Epker, Wolford, and Posnick Modifications?

PURPOSE: Despite decades of study, the best technique for mandibular ramus sagittal osteotomy has not been definitively determined. The purpose of the present study was to compare fracture patterns, inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) visualization, and torque required for mandibular sagittal splitting using the Hunsuck/Epker, Wolford, and Posnick techniques. METHODS: This was a laboratory (ex vivo), randomized, a single-blind study performed to evaluate sagittal split osteotomies in porcine mandibles using a specifically designed test system. The study's predictor variable was the osteotomy technique, which was divided into 3 groups: Group Hunsuck/Epker (GHE), group Wolford (GW), and group Posnick (GP). The outcome variables were lingual fracture pattern, torque in newtons (N) required to separate the mandible, and IAN visualization. The covariates were mandibular radiodensity and time between dejection and the experiment. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov normality statistics and analysis of variance with Tukey post test statistics were performed. P value <.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The sample was composed of 120 equally divided porcine hemimandibles in each group. The torque forces were significantly lower (P < .001) when using the Posnick technique (2.07 ± 0.22 N) than when using the Hunsuck/Epker technique (4.45 ± 0.32 N) and Wolford (3.00 ± 0.21 N). GW (93.3%) and GHE (56.7%) showed a higher prevalence of lingual fracture in the posterior region of the mandibular canal (P < .001), while the GP (90%) had a higher frequency of lingual fracture pattern on the mylohyoid sulcus (P < .001). In more than 90% (P < .001) of the mandibles in GW and GHE, the IAN visualization was higher than 50%. In the GP, 90% (P < .001) of patients had IAN visualization of less than 50%. CONCLUSIONS: The Posnick technique required less torque to perform the sagittal osteotomy in a pig mandible and had good predictability (90%) for the less preferred lingual fracture pattern and minimal visualization of the nerve. The Wolford technique provided the best predictability (93%) for the preferred lingual fracture pattern and the best nerve visualization. Caution must be exercised when extrapolating the results from animal models to human applications.

Genomic characterization and production of antimicrobial lipopeptides by Bacillus velezensis P45 growing on feather by-products.

AIMS: To investigate the potential of novel Bacillus velezensis P45 as an eco-friendly alternative for bioprocessing poultry by-products into valuable antimicrobial products. METHODS AND RESULTS: The complete genome of B. velezensis P45 was sequenced using the Illumina MiSeq platform, showing 4455 protein and 98 RNA coding sequences according to the annotation on the RAST server. Moreover, the genome contains eight gene clusters for the production of antimicrobial secondary metabolites and 25 putative protease-related genes, which can be related to feather-degrading activity. Then, in vitro tests were performed to determine the production of antimicrobial compounds using feather, feather meal and brain-heart infusion (BHI) cultures. Antimicrobial activity was observed in feather meal and BHI media, reaching 800 and 3200 AU ml-1 against Listeria monocytogenes respectively. Mass spectrometry analysis indicates the production of antimicrobial lipopeptides surfactin, fengycin and iturin. CONCLUSIONS: The biotechnological potential of B. velezensis P45 was deciphered through genome analysis and in vitro studies. This strain produced antimicrobial lipopeptides growing on feather meal, a low-cost substrate. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF STUDY: The production of antimicrobial peptides by this keratinolytic strain may represent a sustainable alternative for recycling by-products from poultry industry. Furthermore, whole B. velezensis P45 genome sequence was obtained and deposited.

Elaboração e validação de instrumento para avaliação do conhecimento de enfermeiros oncológicos sobre cateter totalmente implantado / Development and validation of an instrument to assess the knowledge of oncology nurses about a fully implanted catheter

RESUMO Objetivo elaborar e validar um instrumento para avaliação do conhecimento de enfermeiros oncológicos sobre o cateter venoso central totalmente implantado. Métodos trata-se de pesquisa metodológica. O instrumento foi construído com base em uma revisão integrativa e contemplou 25 questões (10 a respeito dos aspectos gerais do dispositivo e punção; 10 sobre heparinização e complicações; e 5 sobre o curativo). Após a construção, o instrumento foi avaliado por cinco especialistas, em rodada única, em quatro itens, sobre adequação das questões aos objetivos do instrumento, à valoração das questões, ao conteúdo e à clareza de cada questão. A adequação foi confirmada pelo Índice de Concordância mínimo de 80%. Resultados todos os itens das questões sobre heparinização e complicações foram considerados adequados, e duas questões sobre aspectos gerais e punção e uma questão sobre curativo obtiveram Índice de Concordância de 60%. Foram realizadas alterações conforme sugestões dos especialistas. Conclusão o instrumento, em sua maior parte, apresentou questões claras, relevantes e que atendem à finalidade. Contribuições para a prática espera-se contribuir com instituições e com um cuidado seguro dos enfermeiros que assistem pacientes oncológicos portadores do cateter totalmente implantado.

ABSTRACT Objective to develop and validate an instrument to assess the knowledge of oncology nurses about the fully implanted central venous catheter. Methods this is a methodological study. The instrument was built based on an integrative review and included 25 questions (10 about general aspects of the device and puncture; 10 about heparinization and complications; and 5 about the dressing). After construction, the instrument was evaluated by five experts, in a single round, in four items, on the adequacy of the questions to the objectives of the instrument, the valuation of the questions, the content and the clarity of each question. Adequacy was confirmed by the minimum Concordance Index of 80%. Results all items in the questions about heparinization and complications were considered adequate, and two questions about general aspects and puncture and one question about dressing had an agreement rate of 60%. Changes were made as suggested by experts. Conclusion the instrument, for the most part, presented clear, relevant questions that serve the purpose. Contributions to practice it is expected to contribute with institutions and with a safe care of nurses who assist cancer patients with fully implanted catheters.

Administração de fluidos por via subcutânea em pacientes oncológicos / Subcutaneous fluid administration in oncological patients / Administración de líquidos subcutáneos en pacientes oncológicos

Objetivo: Descrever as evidências disponíveis na literatura acerca dos conhecimentos e das práticas da administração de fluidos por via subcutânea em pacientes oncológicos. Metodologia: Revisão integrativa de literatura, utilizando os descritores enfermagem, hipodermóclise, terapia subcutânea e câncer; nos idiomas inglês, português e espanhol, sem data limite de publicação. Dos 160 artigos encontrados, 11 compuseram a amostra. Resultados: Destes artigos, 54% (n=6) estavam publicados na língua inglesa, 63% (n=7) foram publicados nos últimos cinco anos. Dentre eles 81% (n=9) são classificados com nível de evidência seis por constituírem estudos observacionais ou relatos de experiências, enquanto dois estudos são revisões de literatura. Quanto ao assunto principal dos estudos, a maioria das pesquisas aponta a utilização da via subcutânea em pacientes em cuidados paliativos domiciliares. Conclusão: Nesta pesquisa foi possível conhecer a hipodermóclise, suas indicações, finalidades, vantagens e desvantagens, concluindos, a partir dos estudos analisados, ser essa via de administração de fluidos e/ou fármacos uma possibilidade de uso em pacientes oncológicos, tendo como ênfase nos pacientes em cuidados paliativos.(AU)

Objective: To describe the evidence available in the literature about the knowledge and practices of subcutaneous fluid administration in cancer patients. Methodology: Integrative literature review, using the keywords nursing, hypodermoclysis, subcutaneous therapy, and cancer; in English, Portuguese and Spanish, with no publication deadline. Of the 160 articles found, 11 comprised the sample. Results: Of these articles, 54% (n = 6) were published in the English language, 63% (n = 7) were published in the last five years. Among them, 81% (n = 9) are classified with the level of evidence six because they are observational studies or reports of experiences, while two studies are literature reviews. As for the main subject of the studies, most research points to the use of the subcutaneous route in patients under palliative care at home. Conclusion: In this research, it was possible to know hypodermoclysis, its indications, purposes, advantages, and disadvantages, concluding, from the studies analyzed, that this route of administration of fluids and/or drugs is a possibility of use in cancer patients, with an emphasis on palliative care patients.(AU)

Objetivo: Describir la evidencia disponible en la literatura sobre el conocimiento y las prácticas de la administración de fluidos subcutáneos en pacientes con cáncer. Metodología: Revisión integrativa de la literatura, utilizando las palabras clave enfermería, hipodermoclisis, terapia subcutánea y cáncer; en inglés, portugués y español, sin fecha límite de publicación. De los 160 artículos encontrados, 11 componen la muestra. Resultados: De estos artículos, 54% (n = 6) fueron publicados en idioma inglés, 63% (n = 7) fueron publicados en los últimos cinco años. Entre ellos, el 81% (n = 9) se clasifican con nivel de evidencia seis porque constituyen estudios observacionales o relatos de experiencias, mientras que dos estudios son revisiones de literatura. En cuanto al tema principal de los estudios, la mayoría de las investigaciones apuntan al uso de la vía subcutánea en pacientes en cuidados paliativos domiciliarios. Conclusión: En esta investigación se pudo conocer la hipodermoclisis, sus indicaciones, propósitos, ventajas y desventajas, concluyendo, a partir de los estudios analizados, que esta vía de administración de líquidos y / o fármacos es una posibilidad de uso en pacientes oncológicos, con un énfasis en los pacientes de cuidados paliativos.(AU)

Diversity of cyclic antimicrobial lipopeptides from Bacillus P34 revealed by functional annotation and comparative genome analysis.

Cyclic lipopeptides (CLPs) from Bacillus strains have demonstrated a wide range of bioactivities making them interesting candidates for different applications in the pharmaceutical, food and biotechnological industries. Genome sequencing, together with phylogenetic analysis of the Bacillus sp. P34, isolated from a freshwater fish gut, showed that the bacterial strain belongs to the Bacillus velezensis group. In silico investigation of metabolic gene clusters of nonribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPS) revealed the genetic elements associated with the synthesis of surfactin, fengycin and iturin family component bacillomycin. Further, an assay was conducted to investigate the production of CLPs in the presence of heat inactivated bacterial cultures or fungal spores. Maximum fengycin concentration was observed at 24 h (2300-2700 mg/mL), while maximum iturin amounts were detected at 48 h (250 mg/mL) in the presence of heat-inactivated spores of Aspergillus niger. Heat-inactivated cells of Listeria monocytogenes caused a reduction of both fengycin and iturin amounts. The production of fengycins A and B and the iturin family component bacillomycin L was confirmed by mass spectrometry analyses. This study reinforces the potential of B. velezensis P34 as a valuable strain for biotechnological production of CLPs recognized as important antimicrobial substances.

Functional genome annotation depicts probiotic properties of Bacillus velezensis FTC01.

An in silico genome analysis of the probiotic Bacillus strain FTC01 was performed. The draft genome comprises 3.9 Mb, with a G + C content of 46.6% and a total of 3941 coding sequences. The species of strain FTC01 was defined as B. velezensis during GenBank genome annotation, following the current nomenclature. Eight gene clusters involved in the synthesis of non-ribosomal lipopeptides, polyketides and bacilysin were found, as well as part of the gene cluster involved in the synthesis of cyclic lipopeptide locillomycin. The production of lipopeptides surfactin and iturin by strain FTC01 was confirmed. In addition, a gene encoding a peptidylprolyl isomerase, involved in bacterial adhesion to the host tissue, beyond twelve genes responsible for acid tolerance and several hydrolase genes were found. These characteristics may help in host colonization and maintenance and may account for the probiotic properties observed for strain FTC01.

PNAISH: uma análise de sua dimensão educativa na perspectiva de gênero / PNAISH: an analysis of its educative dimension from the gender perspective

Resumo O artigo desdobra-se de pesquisa documental inscrita nos campos dos estudos de gênero e culturais e discute alguns dos modos pelos quais o gênero atravessa as proposições da Política Nacional de Atenção Integral da Saúde do Homem (PNAISH). Para isso, toma como referência um contexto discursivo em que termos como integralidade e equidade são reiteradamente apresentados e acionados, na direção de instituir propostas educativas e de cuidado voltadas à saúde e à educação de homens adultos. Argumentamos que, ao mesmo tempo em que essa amplitude coloca sob suspeita determinadas formas de viver a masculinidade, ela não desloca a centralidade dos processos curativos e parece contribuir para impregnar a política com uma visão utilitária, individualizando e culpabilizando os homens por seu distanciamento dos serviços de saúde.

Abstract This study stemmed from a documental research in the fields of Gender Studies and Cultural Studies, and discusses some of the ways that gender is regarded in the propositions of the PNAISH. To do so, it considers a discursive context in which words such as integrality and equality are repeatedly presented and used to launch educative and care proposals intended for adult men's health and education. We argue that, at the same time that such amplitude puts certain ways of experiencing masculinity under suspicion, it does not deviates the focus on the healing processes and seems to contribute to impregnate the policy with a utilitarian view, thus individualizing men and blaming them for their detachment from health care services.

Neonatal screening for four lysosomal storage diseases with a digital microfluidics platform: Initial results in Brazil.

We describe the initial results of a neonatal screening program for four lysosomal storage diseases (MPS I, Pompe, Gaucher and Fabry) using the digital microfluidics methodology. The method successfully identified patients previously diagnosed with these diseases and was used to test dried blood spot samples obtained from 10,527 newborns aged 2 to 14 days. The digital microfluidic technology shows potential for a simple, rapid and high-throughput screening for these four diseases in a standard neonatal screening laboratory.

Investigation of newborns with abnormal results in a newborn screening program for four lysosomal storage diseases in Brazil.

Lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs) are genetic disorders, clinically heterogeneous, mainly caused by defects in genes encoding lysosomal enzymes that degrade macromolecules. Several LSDs already have specific therapies that may improve clinical outcomes, especially if introduced early in life. With this aim, screening methods have been established and newborn screening (NBS) for some LSDs has been developed. Such programs should include additional procedures for the confirmation (or not) of the cases that had an abnormal result in the initial screening. We present here the methods and results of the additional investigation performed in four babies with positive initial screening results in a program of NBS for LSDs performed by a private laboratory in over 10,000 newborns in Brazil. The suspicion in these cases was of Mucopolysaccharidosis I - MPS I (in two babies), Pompe disease and Gaucher disease (one baby each). One case of pseudodeficiency for MPS I, 1 carrier for MPS I, 1 case of pseudodeficiency for Pompe disease and 1 carrier for Gaucher disease were identified. This report illustrates the challenges that may be encountered by NBS programs for LSDs, and the need of a comprehensive protocol for the rapid and precise investigation of the babies who have an abnormal screening result.

A new cold-adapted serine peptidase from Antarctic Lysobacter sp. A03: Insights about enzyme activity at low temperatures.

Currently, there is a great interest for customized biocatalysts that can supply the ongoing demand of industrial processes, but also deal with the growing concern about the environment. In this scenario, cold-adapted enzymes have features that make them very attractive for industrial and biotechnological purposes. Here, we describe A03Pep1, a new cold-adapted serine peptidase isolated from Lysobacter sp. A03 by screening a genomic library. The enzyme is synthesized as a large inactive prepropeptidase that, after intramolecular processing, gives rise to the active form, of 35kDa. The heterologous expression of A03Pep1 was carried out in E. coli cells harboring the vector pGEX-4T-2-a0301. Its activity was optimal at pH 9.0 and 40°C, in the presence of 25mM Ca2+, which may contribute to the thermal stability of the enzyme. The 3D structure modelling predicted a less deep and more open binding pocket in A03Pep1 than that observed in the crystal structure of its mesophilic homologous AprV2, presumably as a way to enhance the probability of substrate binding at low temperatures. These results provide possible approaches in developing new biotechnologically relevant peptidases active at low to moderate temperatures.

Bacillus spp. Isolated from Puba as a Source of Biosurfactants and Antimicrobial Lipopeptides.

Several products of industrial interest are produced by Bacillus, including enzymes, antibiotics, amino acids, insecticides, biosurfactants and bacteriocins. This study aimed to investigate the potential of two bacterial isolates (P5 and C3) from puba, a regional fermentation product from cassava, to produce multiple substances with antimicrobial and surface active properties. Phylogenetic analyses showed close relation of isolates P5 and C3 with Bacillus amyloliquefaciens and Bacillus thuringiensis, respectively. Notably, Bacillus sp. P5 showed antimicrobial activity against pathogens such as Listeria monocytogenes and Bacillus cereus, in addition to antifungal activity. The presence of genes encoding pre-subtilosin (sboA), malonyl CoA transacylase (ituD), and the putative transcriptional terminator of surfactin (sfp) were detected in Bacillus sp. P5, suggesting the production of the bacteriocin subtilosin A and the lipopeptides iturin A and surfactin by this strain. For Bacillus sp. C3 the presence of sboA and spas (subtilin) genes was observed by the first time in members of B. cereus cluster. Bacillus sp. P5 showed emulsifying capability on mineral oil, soybean biodiesel and toluene, while Bacillus sp. C3 showed emulsifying capability only on mineral oil. The reduction of the surface tension in culture medium was also observed for strain P5, confirming the production of surface-active compounds by this bacterium. Monoprotonated molecular species and adducts of sodium and potassium ions of surfactin, iturin, and fengycin were detected in the P5 culture medium. Comparative MS/MS spectra of the peak m/z 1030 (C14 surfactin A or C15 surfactin B [M+Na]+) and peak m/z 1079 (C15 iturin [M+Na]+) showed the same fragmentation profile of standards, confirming the molecular identification. In conclusion, Bacillus sp. P5 showed the best potential for the production of antifungal, antibacterial, and biosurfactant substances.

Whole-Genome Shotgun Sequence of the Keratinolytic Bacterium Lysobacter sp. A03, Isolated from the Antarctic Environment.

Lysobacter sp. strain A03 is a protease-producing bacterium isolated from decomposing-penguin feathers collected in the Antarctic environment. This strain has the ability to degrade keratin at low temperatures. The A03 genome sequence provides the possibility of finding new genes with biotechnological potential to better understand its cold-adaptation mechanism and survival in cold environments.

Production of selenium-enriched biomass by Enterococcus durans.

Selenium (Se) is an essential micronutrient for several organisms, and there is an increased interest about adequate sources for dietary selenium supplementation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the selenium bioaccumulation capacity of an Enterococcus strain. The isolate LAB18s was identified as Enterococcus durans by the VITEK® 2 system and analysis of both 16S rDNA gene sequence (JX503528) and the 16S-23S rDNA intergenic spacer (ITS). After 24-h incubation, E. durans LAB18s bioaccumulated elevated Se(IV) concentrations, reaching 2.60 and 176.97 mg/g in media containing initial amounts of 15 and 240 mg/l sodium selenite, respectively. The isolate grew optimally and had high selenium bioaccumulation at initial pH of 7.0 and 30 °C. Time course studies showed that E. durans LAB18s displayed the highest bioaccumulation of Se(IV) after 6 h of incubation. Analyses from scanning electron microscopy (SEM) demonstrated the presence of filaments connecting the cells of E. durans LAB18s cultivated in the presence of sodium selenite. It was demonstrated that a considerable amount of Se(IV) was absorbed by E. durans LAB18s. Therefore, this strain may represent an alternative source of organic dietary selenium.

Pigment production by filamentous fungi on agro-industrial byproducts: an eco-friendly alternative.

The search for new sources of natural pigments has increased, mainly because of the toxic effects caused by synthetic dyes used in food, pharmaceutical, textile, and cosmetic industries. Fungi provide a readily available alternative source of natural pigments. In this context, the fungi Penicillium chrysogenum IFL1 and IFL2, Fusarium graminearum IFL3, Monascus purpureus NRRL 1992, and Penicillium vasconiae IFL4 were selected as pigments producers. The fungal identification was performed using ITS and part of the ß-tubulin gene sequencing. Almost all fungi were able to grow and produce water-soluble pigments on agro-industrial residues, with the exception of P. vasconiae that produced pigments only on potato dextrose broth. The production of yellow pigments was predominant and the two strains of P. chrysogenum were the largest producers. In addition, the production of pigments and mycotoxins were evaluated in potato dextrose agar using TOF-MS and TOF-MS/MS. Metabolites as roquefortine C, chrysogine were found in both extracts of P. chrysogenum, as well fusarenone X, diacetoxyscirpenol, and neosolaniol in F. graminearum extract. In the M. purpureus extract, the pigments monascorubrin, rubropunctatin, and the mycotoxin citrinin were found. The crude filtrates have potential to be used in the textile industry; nevertheless, additional pigment purification is required for food and pharmaceutical applications.

Production of Proteolytic Enzymes by a Keratin-Degrading Aspergillus niger.

A fungal isolate with capability to grow in keratinous substrate as only source of carbon and nitrogen was identified as Aspergillus niger using the sequencing of the ITS region of the rDNA. This strain produced a slightly acid keratinase and an acid protease during cultivation in feather meal. The peak of keratinolytic activity occurred in 48 h and the maximum proteolytic activity in 96 h. These enzymes were partly characterized as serine protease and aspartic protease, respectively. The effects of feather meal concentration and initial pH on enzyme production were evaluated using a central composite design combined with response surface methodology. The optimal conditions were determined as pH 5.0 for protease and 7.8 for keratinase and 20 g/L of feather meal, showing that both models were predictive. Production of keratinases by A. niger is a less-exploited field that might represent a novel and promising biotechnological application for this microorganism.

Parto normal x parto cesáreo: escolha ou necessidade? / Natural childbirth x cesarean sections: choice or necessity? / El parto natural x cesáreas: elección o necesidad?

Objetivo: analisar aspectos relacionados à preferência pela via de parto entre as gestantes do município de Arcoverde. Metodologia: estudo transversal e descritivo abordando comparativamente 71 gestantes usuárias das Unidades Básicas de Saúde (UBS) no período de novembro a dezembro de 2009. Escolheu-se a amostra por conveniência para seu tamanho com intervalo de confiança de 95% utilizando o teste qui-quadrado. Os dados foram coletados no através de entrevista com a população em estudo na UBS, com formulário que estabeleceu relação com as variáveis. O projeto foi apreciado e aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética da Autarquia Educacional de Belo Jardim ­ AEB, sob o protocolo nº 41_2009. Resultados: das gestantes estudadas, 63% preferiam o parto vaginal e a maioria relatou ser devido à recuperação mais rápida; 37% relataram a preferência pelo parto cirúrgico devido à oportunidade de laqueadura. Conclusão: Pode-se constatar que, mesmo prevalecendo a escolha pelo parto normal, a taxa de preferência por cesariana ainda foi alta tendo em vista o percentual da OMS. Observou-se também que no pré-natal a maioria das gestantes não obtinha informação e orientação acerca da importância do parto normal.(AU)

Objective: to analyze aspects related to the preferred route of delivery among pregnant women in the city of Arcoverde. Methodology: this is a cross sectional and descriptive study compared with 71 pregnant women by addressing the basic health units (BHU) in the period from November to December, 2009. The sample was chosen for the convenience for its size, with a confidence interval of 95% and using the chi-square. Data were collected through interviews with the studied population at UBS, with a form that established relationship with the variables. The project was appraised and approved by the Ethics Committee of the Educational Authority of Belo Jardim ­ AEB, under the Protocol 41_2009. Results: from the pregnant women studied, 63% preferred vaginal delivery; the majority reported it was due to the faster recovery; 37% reported a preference for surgical delivery due to the chance of tubal ligation. Conclusion: It can be seen that, even with the prevailing choice for vaginal delivery, the rate of preference for cesarean delivery was still high when compared to the percentage given by the World Health Organization . We also observed that, during prenatal sessions, most pregnant women did not obtain information and guidance about the importance of normal birth.(AU)

Objetivo: analizar los aspectos relacionados con la ruta preferida de parto entre las mujeres embarazadas en la ciudad de Arcoverde. Metodología: estudio transversal y descriptivo, fueron comparados 71 mujeres embarazadas abordando las unidades básicas de salud (UBS) en el período de noviembre a diciembre de 2009. Fue elegido para el tamaño de muestra de conveniencia con un intervalo de confianza del 95%, utilizando la prueba chi-cuadrado. Los datos fueron colectados a través de entrevistas con la población de estudio de UBS, con la forma que establece la relación con las variables. El proyecto fue evaluado y aprobado por el Comité de Ética de la Autoridad para la Educación de Belo Jardim ­ AEB, en el marco del Protocolo 41_2009. Resultados: de las gestantes estudiadas, el 63% prefiere el parto vaginal, la mayoría informó que, debido a una recuperación más rápida, el 37% informó de una preferencia por el parto quirúrgico, debido a la posibilidad de la ligadura de trompas. Conclusión: se puede observar que incluso la elección predominante para el parto vaginal, la tasa de preferencia por el parto por cesárea sigue siendo elevada teniendo en cuenta el porcentaje de la OMS. También se observó que las mujeres embarazadas en el prenatal no obtuvieron la información y orientación acerca de la importancia del parto normal.(AU)