Novedades del consenso de Lyon 2.0 / What's new in Lyon 2.0?

Diagnosing GERD is difficult, because reflux is a physiological phenomenon, there are various methods and variables and each of them has limitations such as day-to-day variability. The Lyon 2.0 consensus suggests that the ways to establish a conclusive diagnosis of GERD are the presence of an ASD greater than 6.0% or endoscopic esophagitis grades B-C-D of Los Angeles. The absence of significant esophagitis and a TEA of less than 4.0% allow GERD to be ruled out. ASDs between 4.0 and 6.0% are in an intermediate range, which does not allow GERD to be ruled out or diagnosed. In these contexts, the use of the total number of reflux events in a ph-impedanciometry study, the basal nocturnal mucosal impedance or the presence of a hiatal hernia can modify this intermediate probability and would allow therapeutic decisions to be made. Finally, Lyon 2.0 su - ggests that monitoring of more than 72 hours is recommended over monitoring of shorter duration, due to its greater sensitivity.

El diagnóstico de la ERGE es difícil, debido a que el reflujo es un fenómeno fisiológico, existen diversos métodos y variables y cada uno de ellos tiene limitantes como la variabilidad día a día. El consenso de Lyon 2.0 sugiere que las formas de establecer un diagnóstico concluyente de ERGE son la presencia de un TEA mayor de 6,0% o esofagitis endoscópica grados B-C-D de Los Angeles. La ausencia de esofagitis significativa y un TEA menor de 4,0% permiten descartar la ERGE. TEAs entre 4,0 y 6,0% están en un rango intermedio, que no permite des- cartar ni diagnosticar ERGE. En estos contextos, el uso del número total de eventos de reflujo en un estudio de ph-impedanciometria, la impedancia basal mucosa nocturna o la presencia de hernia hiatal pueden modificar esta probabilidad intermedia y permitirían tomar decisiones terapéuticas. Finalmente, Lyon 2.0 sugiere que monito- rizaciones de más de 72 h son recomendables por sobre monitorizaciones de menor duración, debido a su mayor sensibilidad.

Understanding the customer experience in human-computer interaction: a systematic literature review.

Background: In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in customer experience (CX) and its relation to the human-computer interaction (HCI) field. The CX is different depending on the domain in which it is studied, and therefore its dimensions may vary. Methodology: This research presents an extensive review of 122 studies related to CX definitions and dimensions that have been proposed in different domains, including an analysis from an HCI perspective. The guidelines proposed by Kitchenham & Charters (2007) were used, complementing the review with a snowballing approach. Results: We identified 71 CX definitions (where 14 definitions highlight HCI aspects), 81-dimensional proposals (where 24 proposals contain HCI aspects), and 39 application domains (where 18 domains cover topics related to HCI). However, we did not find CX definitions or dimensions directly focused on HCI. Based on the results, a novel CX definition and dimensions-focused on the HCI area-are proposed and activities that the authors should perform when proposing new CX dimensions in domains related to HCI are suggested, i.e., domains that involve the interaction of a user (or customer) with a software product. Conclusions: Implications for future practice focus on facilitating the understanding of the CX concept and its relationship with HCI; recognizing the key CX dimensions for different domains and how they relate to HCI dimensions; and helping in the creation of new CX dimensions by suggesting activities that can be performed. The results show that there are opportunities for HCI/CX researchers and practitioners to propose new dimensions of CX for a domain related to HCI, develop instruments that allow the evaluation of CX from an HCI point of view, and perform reviews on a particular domain relevant to HCI but less studied.

Series en disnea. Parte 1. Definiciones, mecanismos y perspectiva histórica / Series on Dyspnea. Part 1. Definitions, Mechanisms and Historical Perspective

Este artículo es el primero de una serie dedicada a ese extraño fenómeno de la vida atrapado a medio camino entre lo consciente y lo inconsciente: la disnea. El artículo proporciona información sobre las definiciones a lo largo del tiempo y presenta la evolución de las ideas que hicieron a la comprensión de sus mecanismos. La relevancia de cada uno de ellos debe evaluarse en el contexto de cada situación clínica y fisiopatológica específica. La experiencia de la disnea comienza a ser vista como un fenómeno multidimensional que debe estar centrado en lo que percibe el paciente. Considerando la complejidad de la experiencia y su multidimensión, es posible que se desarrollen nuevas opciones terapéuticas en tiempos venideros(AU)

This article is the first in a series dedicated to that strange phenomenon of life caught halfway between the conscious and the unconscious: dyspnea. The article provides information on the definitions over time and presents the evolution of the ideas that led to understanding its mechanisms. The relevance of each of these mechanisms must be evaluated in the context of each specific clinical and pathophysiological situation. The experience of dyspnea begins to be seen as a multidimensional phenomenon that must be centred on what the patient perceives. Considering the complexity of the experience and its multidimensionality, it is possible that new therapeutic options will be developed in the future times(AU)

Postbiotics: The concept and their use in healthy populations.

The term postbiotic was recently defined by an panel of scientists convened by the International Scientific Association of Probiotics and Prebiotics as "a preparation of inanimate microorganisms and/or their components that confers a health benefit on the host." This definition focused on the progenitor microbial cell or cell fragments, not just metabolites, proteins or carbohydrates they might produce. Although such microbe-produced constituents may be functional ingredients of the preparation, they are not required to be present in a postbiotic according to this definition. In this context, terms previously used such as paraprobiotics, ghostbiotics, heat-inactivated probiotics, non-viable probiotics, cell fragments or cell lysates, among others, align with the term postbiotics as conceived by this definition. The applications of postbiotics to infant nutrition and pediatric and adult gastroenterology, mainly, are under development. Some applications for skin health are also underway. As postbiotics are composed of inanimate microorganisms, they cannot colonize the host. However, they can in theory modify the composition or functions of the host microbiota, although evidence for this is scarce. Clinical results are promising, but, overall, there is limited evidence for postbiotics in healthy populations. For example, postbiotics have been studied in fermented infant formulas. The regulation of the term postbiotic is still in its infancy, as no government or international agency around the world has yet incorporated this term in their regulation.

Application of the diagnostic criteria for Common Variable Immunodeficiency in resource-limited settings.

INTRODUCTION: Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is the most prevalent symptomatic humoral deficiency; however, its heterogeneous presentation makes the diagnosis difficult. The present study is aimed to verify the CVID diagnostic criteria as established by the European Society for Immunodeficiencies in 42 CVID patients from our outpatient clinic. METHODS: Information was collected from their medical records and when needed, lymphocyte subpopulations in peripheral blood (PB) were performed by flow cytometry. RESULTS: All the patients fulfilled the clinical working definition for CVID and showed decreased serum IgG and IgA at diagnosis. Over two-thirds of the patients had decreased memory B cell percentages. However, the remaining patients exhibited other quantitative B cell defects in PB. Evaluation of vaccination responses was only found in 13 records and 69% were not responsive. None of the patients were subjected to vaccination studies to both, T-cell dependent and independent antigens. The two required tests to evaluate T cell responses were performed in 84.2% of the patients and reported normal. Without the support of third-party payers, only 34.2% of our patients would have completed the required evaluations. CONCLUSIONS: Further efforts are needed to speed up CVID diagnosis in low-resourced settings, increasing the availability of the required resources and optimizing the healthcare supply chain.

Rio de Janeiro Global Consensus on Landmarks, Definitions, and Classifications in Barrett's Esophagus: World Endoscopy Organization Delphi Study.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Despite the significant advances made in the diagnosis and treatment of Barrett's esophagus (BE), there is still a need for standardized definitions, appropriate recognition of endoscopic landmarks, and consistent use of classification systems. Current controversies in basic definitions of BE and the relative lack of anatomic knowledge are significant barriers to uniform documentation. We aimed to provide consensus-driven recommendations for uniform reporting and global application. METHODS: The World Endoscopy Organization Barrett's Esophagus Committee appointed leaders to develop an evidence-based Delphi study. A working group of 6 members identified and formulated 23 statements, and 30 internationally recognized experts from 18 countries participated in 3 rounds of voting. We defined consensus as agreement by ≥80% of experts for each statement and used the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) tool to assess the quality of evidence and the strength of recommendations. RESULTS: After 3 rounds of voting, experts achieved consensus on 6 endoscopic landmarks (palisade vessels, gastroesophageal junction, squamocolumnar junction, lesion location, extraluminal compressions, and quadrant orientation), 13 definitions (BE, hiatus hernia, squamous islands, columnar islands, Barrett's endoscopic therapy, endoscopic resection, endoscopic ablation, systematic inspection, complete eradication of intestinal metaplasia, complete eradication of dysplasia, residual disease, recurrent disease, and failure of endoscopic therapy), and 4 classification systems (Prague, Los Angeles, Paris, and Barrett's International NBI Group). In round 1, 18 statements (78%) reached consensus, with 12 (67%) receiving strong agreement from more than half of the experts. In round 2, 4 of the remaining statements (80%) reached consensus, with 1 statement receiving strong agreement from 50% of the experts. In the third round, a consensus was reached on the remaining statement. CONCLUSIONS: We developed evidence-based, consensus-driven statements on endoscopic landmarks, definitions, and classifications of BE. These recommendations may facilitate global uniform reporting in BE.

Aplicación de La Teoría de Florence Nightingale en los servicios de salud en Cuba / Application of the Florence Nightingale Theory in health services in Cuba / Aplicação da Teoria Florence Nightingale nos serviços de salude em Cuba

RESUMEN El pensamiento filosófico de Florence Nightingale está vigente aún en nuestros tiempos y, para poder incursionar en ella con éxito, se hace necesario conocer cómo surgió y evolucionó a través de la historia. La originalidad del proyecto de Nightingale le dio una nueva directriz a la ciencia del cuidado del ser humano, además de diferenciar lo que era medicina de enfermería concebía que las propias enfermeras formaran a las estudiantes de enfermería mediante programas específicos de formación, haciendo hincapié tanto en las intervenciones de enfermería hospitalarias como extra hospitalarias, para el mantenimiento y prevención de la salud, tanto del individuo como de las familias. La concepción filosófica de Nigtingale en los servicios de salud cubano y su repercusión en el paciente son fuente de estudio para la formación de nuevos profesionales de enfermería. La universalización y atemporalidad de sus conceptos aun hoy son extensibles a todas las instalaciones hospitalarias de la actualidad.

ABSTRACT The philosophical thought of Florence Nightingale is still valid in our times and, to be able to enter it successfully, it is necessary to know how it emerged and evolved through history. The originality of the Nightingale project gave a new guideline to the science of caring for the human being, in addition to differentiating what nursing medicine was, it conceived that the nurses themselves trained nursing students through specific training programs, emphasizing both hospital and extra-hospital nursing interventions for the maintenance and prevention of health, both for the individual and for the families. The philosophical conception of Nigtingale in the Cuban health services and its repercussion on the patient are a source of study for the training of new nursing professionals. The universalization and timelessness of its concepts even today can be extended to all hospital facilities today.

RESUMO O pensamento filosófico de Florence Nightingale ainda é válido em nossos tempos e, para poder inseri-lo com sucesso, é necessário saber como ele surgiu e evoluiu ao longo da história. A originalidade do projeto Nightingale deu uma nova diretriz à ciência do cuidar do ser humano, além de diferenciar o que era a medicina de enfermagem, concebeu que as próprias enfermeiras formavam os alunos de enfermagem por meio de programas de formação específicos, com ênfase tanto hospitalar quanto extra-hospitalar intervenções de enfermagem para a manutenção e prevenção da saúde, tanto do indivíduo quanto da família. A concepção filosófica de Nigtingale nos serviços de saúde cubanos e sua repercussão no paciente são fonte de estudos para a formação de novos profissionais de enfermagem. A universalização e atemporalidade de seus conceitos ainda hoje podem ser estendidas a todas as instalações hospitalares de hoje.

Revisiting cognitive load theory: second thoughts and unaddressed questions / Revisitando a teoria da carga cognitiva: pensamentos secundários e perguntas não endereçadas

In cognitive load theory (CLT), learning is the development of cognitive schemas in a long-term memory with no known limits and can happen only if our limited working memory can process new information presented and the amount of information that does not contribute to learning is low. According to this theory, learning is optimal when instructional support is decreased going from worked examples via completion problem to autonomous problem solving and learners do not benefit from practicing retrieval with complex content. However, studies on productive failure and retrieval practice have provided clear evidence against these two guidelines. In this article, issues with CLT and research inspired by this theory, which remain largely ignored among cognitive load theorists but have likely contributed to these contradictory findings, are discussed. This article concludes that these issues should make us question the usefulness of CLT in health science education, medical education and other complex domains, and presents recommendations for both educational practice and future research on the matter.

Na teoria da carga cognitiva (CLT), a aprendizagem é o desenvolvimento de esquemas cognitivos em uma memória de longo prazo sem limites conhecidos e pode acontecer apenas se nossa limitada memória de trabalho puder processar novas informações apresentadas e a quantidade de informações que não contribui para a aprendizagem é baixo. De acordo com essa teoria, o aprendizado é ideal quando diminui o suporte instrucional, passando de exemplos trabalhados, via problemas de conclusão, para uma solução autônoma de problemas, e os alunos não se beneficiam praticando a recuperação com conteúdo complexo. No entanto, estudos sobre falhas produtivas e práticas de recuperação forneceram evidências claras contra essas duas diretrizes. Neste artigo, são discutidos problemas com a CLT e com pesquisas inspiradas nessa teoria, que permanecem amplamente ignorados entre os teóricos da carga cognitiva, mas provavelmente contribuíram para essas descobertas contraditórias. Este artigo conclui que essas questões devem nos fazer questionar a utilidade da CLT na educação em ciências da saúde, educação médica e outros domínios complexos e apresenta recomendações para a prática educacional e para pesquisas futuras sobre o assunto.

Computing the Parameter Values for the Emergence of Homochirality in Complex Networks.

The goal of our research is the development of algorithmic tools for the analysis of chemical reaction networks proposed as models of biological homochirality. We focus on two algorithmic problems: detecting whether or not a chemical mechanism admits mirror symmetry-breaking; and, given one of those networks as input, sampling the set of racemic steady states that can produce mirror symmetry-breaking. Algorithmic solutions to those two problems will allow us to compute the parameter values for the emergence of homochirality. We found a mathematical criterion for the occurrence of mirror symmetry-breaking. This criterion allows us to compute semialgebraic definitions of the sets of racemic steady states that produce homochirality. Although those semialgebraic definitions can be processed algorithmically, the algorithmic analysis of them becomes unfeasible in most cases, given the nonlinear character of those definitions. We use Clarke's system of convex coordinates to linearize, as much as possible, those semialgebraic definitions. As a result of this work, we get an efficient algorithm that solves both algorithmic problems for networks containing only one enantiomeric pair and a heuristic algorithm that can be used in the general case, with two or more enantiomeric pairs.

Definitions of Pediatric Functional Abdominal Pain Disorders and Outcome Measures: A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVE: To systematically review definitions of functional abdominal pain orders (FAPDs) and outcome measures used in therapeutic randomized controlled trials in pediatric FAPDs adhering to the Outcome Measures in Rheumatology recommendations. STUDY DESIGN: Cochrane, MEDLINE, Embase, and Cinahl databases were systematically searched from inception to April 2018. English-written therapeutic randomized controlled trials concerning FAPDs in children aged 4-18 years were included. Definitions of FAPDs, interventions, outcome measures, measurement instruments, and outcome assessors of each study were tabulated descriptively. Quality was assessed using the Delphi List. RESULTS: A total of 4771 articles were found, of which 64 articles were included (n = 25, 39% of high methodologic quality). The Rome III (50%), Rome II (17%), Apley (16%), and author-defined (17%) criteria were used to define FAPDs. Fourteen studies (22%) assessed a pharmacologic, 25 (39%) a dietary, and 25 (39%) a psychosocial intervention. Forty-four studies (69%) predefined their primary outcomes. In total, 211 reported predefined outcome measures were grouped into 23 different outcome domains; the majority being patient-reported (n = 27, 61%). Of the 14 studies that evaluated a pharmacologic intervention, 12 (86%) reported on adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: Studies on pediatric FAPDs are of limited methodologic quality and show large heterogeneity and inconsistency in defining FAPDs and outcome measures used. Development of a core outcome set is needed to make comparison between intervention studies possible.

Hígado: nuevas definiciones y propuestas para SILAT-FCAT-IFAA / Liver: new definitions and proposals for SILAT-FCAT-IFAA

Presentamos definiciones y propuestas en relación a la anatomía del hígado basados en los resultados de estudiar 286 hígados humanos de ambos sexos, diferentes razas y edades que van desde fetos hasta octogenarios, mediante disección, inyección acrílica, radiología y reconstrucciones tomográficas tridimensionales. Definimos: 1) Segmento portal, 2) Pedículo portal, pedículo segmentario, 3) Fisuras portales, 4) Porta hepática o hilio hepático inferior, 5) Grupos de las venas hepáticas de retorno, 6) Trayecto de la vena hepática izquierda y 7) Conductos biliares aberrantes. Proponemos: 1) Segmento V único formante de la división medial derecha, 2) Siete ramas portales segmentarias terminales para siete segmentos, 3) Irrigación arterial segmentaria, 4) Formación de los conductos biliares, 5) Cambiar la denominación de fisura portal principal por fisura portal intermedia, 6) Incluir dentro del concepto "Fisura umbilical" a la fisura del ligamento redondo y la fisura del ligamento venoso, 7) Fisuras portales horizontales, 8) Venas que drenan en la Cava inferior, 9) No denominar Porción posterior del hígado (A05.8.01.043) al lóbulo caudado.

We present definitions and proposals in relation to the anatomy of the liver based on our investigation using dissection, acrylic injection, tomographic and radiological studies of 286 human livers of sexes, different races and ages ranging from fetuses to octogenarians. We define: 1) Portal segment, 2) Portal pedicle, segmental pedicle, 3) Portal fissures, 4) Porta Hepatis or Lower hepatic hilum, 5) Groups of hepatic return veins, 6) Left hepatic vein pathway and 7) Aberrant bile duct. We propose: 1) Segment V only formant of the right medial division, 2) Seven terminal segmental portal branches, 3) Segmental arterial irrigation, 4) Formation of bile ducts, 5) Change the denomination of main portal fissure by intermediate portal fissure , 6) Include within the concept "umbilical fissure" the fissure of the round ligament and fissure of the venous ligament, 7) Horizontal portal fissures, 8) Veins that drain in the inferior vena Cava, 9) Do not call the posterior portion of the liver (A05.8.01.043) to the caudate lobe.

Is a Nervous System Necessary for Learning?

In this article, I propose some elements for a conceptual foundation for a negative answer to the titular question, based on a historical conceptual analysis of some definitions of "learning" in the specialized literature. I intend such a foundation to include learning in living organisms as well as inorganic machines. After analyzing several behavioral and nonbehavioral definitions, I argue that although most of the former favor a negative answer, they tend to be restricted to living organisms and thus exclude inorganic machine learning. They also face the yet-unresolved issue of behavioral silence, which makes behavior not defining of learning. Some nonbehavioral neurobiological definitions favor an affirmative, others a negative answer, but still exclude inorganic machines. Nonneurobiological definitions are more suitable, but they commit us to some form of computationalism (Turing machine or connectionist) about learning, which is premature. I thus propose elements for an alternative definition of "learning" without such commitment. The elements are elaborations of the notions of learning as a kind of causal interaction between causal stochastic environmental and internal processes, and minimal learner as a kind of abstract system that shares certain internal structural and functional features with animals, spinal vertebrates, bacteria, plants, and inorganic machines.

Stroke After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement: Incidence, Definitions, Etiologies and Management Options.

Neurologic complications after transcatheter aortic valve replacement are devastating. The etiologies of stroke in this setting are best addressed in an integrated fashion during each phase of the perioperative pathway. The conduct of this triphasic approach will continue to be refined to reduce the stroke risks even further, given the major focus on aspects such as embolic protection devices and valve thrombosis. This neurologic focus in transcatheter aortic valve replacement has transformed the investigational approach to neurologic events in cardiovascular clinical trials, resulting in novel guidelines for the diagnosis and assessment of neurologic injury after cardiovascular interventions.

Clinical Predictors of Critical Lower Respiratory Tract Illness Due to Respiratory Syncytial Virus in Infants and Children: Data to Inform Case Definitions for Efficacy Trials.

We analyzed data from 524 Argentinean infants hospitalized with lower respiratory tract illness (LRTI) due to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) to inform selection of clinical end points for RSV vaccine efficacy trials. Cases of LRTI due to RSV that required a mask, continuous or bilevel positive airway pressure, or mechanical ventilation were classified as critical. Oxygen saturation of ≤90%, tachypnea, and tachycardia were each associated with an increased odds of critical LRTI due to RSV (adjusted odds ratios [ORs], 2.30 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 1.26-4.24; P = .007], 2.22 [95% CI, 1.19-4.16; P = .012], and 2.35 [95% CI, 1.22-4.50; P = .010], respectively). The odds of critical LRTI due to RSV increased substantially (OR, 8.57; 95% CI, 2.19-73.5; P = .001) among individuals with ≥2 indicators. Lower chest wall indrawing was not associated with critical disease.

Psicoprofilaxis Obstétrica: actualización, definiciones y conceptos / Obstetric Psychoprophylaxis: update, definitions and concepts

La Psicoprofilaxis obstétrica (PPO), reconocida como una herramienta de prevención en la atención obstétrica, tiene un impacto positivo en la salud materna y perinatal. En un mundo globalizado, es necesario y conveniente uniformizar criterios, con la finalidad que el personal que integra el programa, pueda trabajar mejor, bajo los mismos conceptos, comprendiendo el mismo significado y objetivos de la PPO, para lograr un trabajo en equipo, con calidad y de esta manera, conseguir el máximo beneficio para las madres, bebés y su entorno. La unificación de definiciones y conceptos, servirá para lograr una gestión ágil y armoniosa en los aspectos técnicos, administrativos y clínicos. El presente artículo tiene como finalidad revisar y actualizar las definiciones y conceptos en PPO, para que sirva de instrumento de apoyo en la gestión y desarrollo de los programas de PPO tanto públicos como privados...

Obstetric Psychoprophylaxis (OPP), recognized as a prevention tool in obstetric care has a positive impact on maternal and perinatal health. In a globalized world, it is necessary and desirable to standardize criteria, in order that staff integrates the program can work better under the same concepts, understanding the very meaning and objectives of the OPP, for a team work with quality and there by achieve the maximum benefit for mothers, babies and their environment. Unifying definitions and concepts, serve to achieve a smooth and harmonious management in the technical, administrative and clinical aspects. This article aims to review and update the definitions and concepts in OPP, to serve as a support tool in the management and development of OPP programs both public and private...

Academic training in social psychology in Brazil and South America / A formação em psicologia social no Brasil e na América do Sul

We analyze the social representations, theories, authors and metatheoretical assumptions more adopted on Social Psychology. 288 Social Psychology (SP) professors in South America participated; 149 were from Brazil. The results show a representation of SP objectified around four themes: the psychological SP (study of the interaction between individuals), the sociological SP (the study of socio-historical context), the SP of subjectivity (subjectivity studies) and SP of subjectification (studying the field of production of subjectivity). Regarding the theories and authors adopted in Brazil we have got a few responses; differently of the South American colleagues. These data indicate that a little clarity about the theoretical matrix of Social Psychology practice en Brazil. We discuss the results in their relation to the formation of SP in Brazil, arguing about the failure of the models that dichotomize the guidelines of Social Psychology in "psychological" vs. "sociological" assumptions.

Analisamos as representações sociais da psicologia social, teorias, autores e orientação metateórica mais adotadas. Participaram 288 professores de psicologia social (PS) da América do Sul; sendo 149 do Brasil. Os resultados evidenciam uma representação da PS objetivada em torno de quatro temas: a PS psicológica (estudo da interação entre indivíduos), a PS sociológica (estudo do contexto sociohistórico), a PS da subjetividade (estuda a subjetividade) e a PS dos processos de subjetivação (estuda o campo de produção das subjetivações). Em relação às teorias e autores mais adotados obtivemos no Brasil poucas respostas, os que respondem mencionaram abordagens. Já os colegas da América do Sul citam mais teorias e autores. Esses dados indicam que praticamos uma psicologia social de pouca clareza quanto à matriz teórica. Discutimos os resultados na sua relação com a formação em PS no Brasil, afirmando a insuficiência dos modelos que dicotomizam as orientações da psicologia social em "psicológica" vs. "sociológica".

Academic training in Social Psychology in Brazil and South America / A formação em Psicologia Social no Brasil e na América do Sul

We analyze the social representations, theories, authors and metatheoretical assumptions more adopted on Social Psychology. 288 Social Psychology (SP) professors in South America participated; 149 were from Brazil. The results show a representation of SP objectified around four themes: the psychological SP (study of the interaction between individuals), the sociological SP (the study of socio-historical context), the SP of subjectivity (subjectivity studies) and SP of subjectification (studying the field of production of subjectivity). Regarding the theories and authors adopted in Brazil we have got a few responses; differently of the South American colleagues. These data indicate that a little clarity about the theoretical matrix of Social Psychology practice en Brazil. We discuss the results in their relation to the formation of SP in Brazil, arguing about the failure of the models that dichotomize the guidelines of Social Psychology in "psychological" vs. "sociological" assumptions.(AU)

Analisamos as representações sociais da psicologia social, teorias, autores e orientação metateórica mais adotadas. Participaram 288 professores de psicologia social (PS) da América do Sul; sendo 149 do Brasil. Os resultados evidenciam uma representação da PS objetivada em torno de quatro temas: a PS psicológica (estudo da interação entre indivíduos), a PS sociológica (estudo do contexto sociohistórico), a PS da subjetividade (estuda a subjetividade) e a PS dos processos de subjetivação (estuda o campo de produção das subjetivações). Em relação às teorias e autores mais adotados obtivemos no Brasil poucas respostas, os que respondem mencionaram abordagens. Já os colegas da América do Sul citam mais teorias e autores. Esses dados indicam que praticamos uma psicologia social de pouca clareza quanto à matriz teórica. Discutimos os resultados na sua relação com a formação em PS no Brasil, afirmando a insuficiência dos modelos que dicotomizam as orientações da psicologia social em "psicológica" vs. "sociológica".(AU)

Viruses, definitions and reality

Viruses are known to be abundant, ubiquitous, and to play a very important role in the health and evolution of life organisms. However, most biologists have considered them as entities separate from the realm of life and acting merely as mechanical artifacts that can exchange genes between different organisms. This article reviews some definitions of life organisms to determine if viruses adjust to them, and additionally, considers new discoveries to challenge the present definition of viruses. Definitions of life organisms have been revised in order to validate how viruses fit into them. Viral factories are discussed since these mini-organelles are a good example of the complexity of viral infection, not as a mechanical usurpation of cell structures, but as a driving force leading to the reorganization and modification of cell structures by viral and cell enzymes. New discoveries such as the Mimivirus, its virophage and viruses that produce filamentous tails when outside of their host cell, have stimulated the scientific community to analyze the current definition of viruses. One way to be free for innovation is to learn from life, without rigid mental structures or tied to the past, in order to understand in an integrated view the new discoveries that will be unfolded in future research. Life processes must be looked from the complexity and trans-disciplinarity perspective that includes and accepts the temporality of the active processes of life organisms, their interdependency and interrelation among them and their environment. New insights must be found to redefine life organisms, especially viruses, which still are defined using the same concepts and knowledge of the fifties. Rev. Biol. Trop. 59 (3): 993-998. Epub 2011 September 01.

Los virus son abundantes, ubicuos, y juegan un papel muy importante en la salud y en la evolución de los organismos vivos. Sin embargo, la mayoría de los biólogos los siguen considerado como entidades separadas de la red de la vida y que actúan como meros artefactos mecánicos a la hora de intercambiar genes entre los diferentes organismos. Este artículo revisa varias definiciones de organismos vivos para determinar si los virus se ajustan a ellas, y adicionalmente, considera los nuevos descubrimientos que retan las definiciones actuales de los virus. La fábricas de virus son discutidas ya que estas mini-organelas son un buen ejemplo de la complejidad de las infecciones virales, no como una usurpación mecánica de las estructuras de la célula, pero como una fuerza vital que lleva a la reorganización y la modificación de las estructuras de las células por enzimas celulares y virales. Los nuevos descubrimientos como los Mimivirus, su virófago y virus que producen colas filamentosas cuando se encuentran fuera de la célula, han estimulado a la comunidad científica a analizar la definición actual de los virus. Para la innovación se debe estar libre de estructuras mentales rígidas o apegadas al pasado, para lograr comprender e integrar los nuevos descubrimientos que traerán las investigaciones futuras. Los procesos de la vida deben verse desde la perspectiva de la complejidad y la trans-disciplinariedad que incluye y acepta la temporalidad de los procesos activos de los organismos vivos y su interdependencia e interrelación entre ellos y su ambiente.

Participación política: concepto y modalidades / Political participation: concept and types

El voto ha sido por mucho tiempo la forma más habitual de participación política, aunque éste es sólo uno más entre los muchos recursos de los que dispone el sujeto para incidir en el mundo político. El repertorio político actual de los individuos hace necesaria una reflexión sobre la extensión y límites de la participación política. Por eso este trabajo propone discutir su concepto y modalidades a través de una revisión bibliográfica que analiza las definiciones que han prevalecido en los últimos 60 años así como de las formas que los distintos autores han identificado. Los estudios muestran la relación positiva entre la participación política convencional y el potencial de protesta o la contingencia de la participación democrática junto con la participación agresiva. La protesta política como estrategia compatible con procedimientos más convencionales habla de una complejidad que hace necesario sortear la dificultad de considerar a la participación política no convencional como un elemento más del abanico de acciones políticas de los sujetos. La revisión realizada permite plantear que aún cuando la distinción convencional - no convencional sigue siendo de gran utilidad, la participación política debe ser vista también como un complejo continuo con una multiplicidad de factores asociados.

Vote has been for long time the type of political participation which has received most consideration, even when it is just one of the different resources individuals have to influence in political world. Current individual political repertoire leads to a reflection on the extension and limits of political participation. This text proposes a discussion about it concepts and types through a bibliographical review which analyses the definitions that have prevailed and forms that authors have identified in the last 60 years. Studies show a positive relationship between conventional political participation and protest potential, and a contingency of democratic and aggressive participation. Political protest as a compatible strategy with more conventional procedures present a complexity which stress the necessity of drawing lots of the difficulty of considering non conventional political participation as a relevant element in persons political repertoire. Current review allows to point out that even when conventional and non conventional distinction is still useful, political participation has to be seen also as a complex continual with a multiplicity of associated factors.