Nursing work in assisted human reproduction: between technology and humanization.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the social representations of nurses who work with assisted human reproduction about the operation with reproductive biotechnologies. METHODS: Qualitative approach, supported by the Theory of Social Representations, with sixteen participants. Individual, semi-structured interviews, analyzed through the Alceste software. RESULTS: Pragmatic elements related to nurses' performance from a professional, institutional, and public policy perspective in reproductive biotechnologies emerged, demonstrating the practical dimension of these representations. The characteristics of the professional to act in this area were addressed, showing the lack of information and search for scientificity; precarious perception of the organizational structure of health services; and attributions of nursing care arising from the health care practice in assisted human reproduction. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: Social representation is anchored in the link between technology/medicalization and humanization/reception regarding reproductive biotechnologies. Working in assisted human reproduction involves a new and challenging nursing care, requiring specific and ethical knowledge.

Visión de la innovación en un centro cubano de la biotecnología aplicada a la salud / Vision of innovation in a Cuban center of biotechnology applied to health

Introducción: La evaluación de los factores claves de éxito de la innovación en la industria biotecnológica aplicada a la salud constituye un problema de investigación. Objetivo: Evaluar la innovación en un centro cubano de la biotecnología aplicada a la salud. Métodos: Se aplicó en dos momentos la encuesta de innovación en el Centro de Inmunología Molecular. Los resultados se procesaron con el diagrama de caja, la estadística básica y el análisis de la correlación. Se analizaron artículos científicos que muestran los resultados de la innovación en el centro. Resultados: La encuesta se aplicó en el 2015 y 2018 a 33 miembros del consejo de dirección y a especialistas, identificándose como estrategias genéricas las de innovación, calidad y liderazgo y como objetivos de innovación los de calidad y el mercado. Las fuentes de innovación más importantes se refieren a las actividades de investigación y desarrollo, la producción, la alta dirección y los centros de investigaciones. Los factores que limitan están relacionados con el período largo de rentabilidad de la innovación, el financiamiento y la adquisición de los insumos. Conclusiones: La evaluación de la innovación en el centro de biotecnología corroboró la significación que tiene para la empresa la estrategia de innovación como factor clave, que lo ubica en una posición de excelencia en la industria biofarmacéutica cubana e internacional(AU)

Introduction: The assessment of the key success factors of innovation in the biotechnology industry applied to health constitutes a research problem. Objective: To assess innovation process in a Cuban center of biotechnology applied to health. Methods: It was applied in two moments the survey of innovation in the Molecular Immunology Center. The results were processed by the box plot, basic statistics and analysis of the correlation. Scientific articles that show the results of innovation in the Center were analyzed. Results: The survey was applied in 2015 and 2018 to 33 members of the board of directors and to specialists, and being identified innovation, quality and leadership as generic strategies, and quality and the market as objectives of innovation. The most important sources of innovation referred to the research and development activities, production, top management and research centers. The limiting factors are related to the long term return of innovation, financing, and the acquisition of supplies. Conclusions: The assessment of innovation in the Biotechnology Center corroborated the significance of the innovation strategy for the company as a key factor, which places it in a position of excellence in the Cuban and international biopharmaceutical industry(AU)

Nursing work in assisted human reproduction: between technology and humanization / El trabajo del enfermero en reproducción humana asistida: entre la tecnología y la humanización / Trabalho do enfermeiro em reprodução humana assistida: entre tecnologia e humanização

ABSTRACT Objectives: To analyze the social representations of nurses who work with assisted human reproduction about the operation with reproductive biotechnologies. Methods: Qualitative approach, supported by the Theory of Social Representations, with sixteen participants. Individual, semi-structured interviews, analyzed through the Alceste software. Results: Pragmatic elements related to nurses' performance from a professional, institutional, and public policy perspective in reproductive biotechnologies emerged, demonstrating the practical dimension of these representations. The characteristics of the professional to act in this area were addressed, showing the lack of information and search for scientificity; precarious perception of the organizational structure of health services; and attributions of nursing care arising from the health care practice in assisted human reproduction. Final considerations: Social representation is anchored in the link between technology/medicalization and humanization/reception regarding reproductive biotechnologies. Working in assisted human reproduction involves a new and challenging nursing care, requiring specific and ethical knowledge.

RESUMEN Objetivos: Analizar las representaciones sociales del enfermero que trabaja con reproducción humana asistida acerca del trabajo con biotecnologías reproductivas. Métodos: Estudio de tipo cualitativo basándose en la Teoría de las Representaciones Sociales, realizado con 16 participantes. Las entrevistas individuales, semiestructuradas, se analizaron por medio del software Alceste. Resultados: Se desvelaron los elementos pragmáticos relacionados al desempeño del enfermero desde la perspectiva profesional, institucional y de conformación de las políticas públicas en biotecnologías reproductivas, demostrando la dimensión práctica de esas representaciones. Se abordaron las características del profesional para actuar en este campo, demostrando carencia de información y búsqueda del valor científico; la percepción precaria de la estructura organizativa de los servicios de salud; y las funciones del cuidado del enfermero provenientes de la práctica asistencial en reproducción humana asistida. Consideraciones finales: La representación social se fundamenta en el enlace entre la tecnología/medicalización y la humanización/acogida con relación a las biotecnologías reproductivas. El trabajo en reproducción humana asistida implica un nuevo y desafiante cuidado de la enfermería y le exige un conocimiento específico y de la ética.

RESUMO Objetivos: Analisar as representações sociais do enfermeiro que trabalha com reprodução humana assistida acerca da atuação com biotecnologias reprodutivas. Métodos: Abordagem qualitativa sustentada pela Teoria das Representações Sociais com dezesseis participantes. Entrevista individual, semiestruturada, analisada pelo software Alceste. Resultados: Emergiram elementos pragmáticos relacionados à atuação do enfermeiro na perspectiva profissional, institucional e de conformação das políticas públicas em biotecnologias reprodutivas, demonstrando a dimensão prática dessas representações. Abordaram-se as características do profissional para atuar nesta área, demonstrando carência de informação e busca pela cientificidade; percepção precária da estrutura organizacional dos serviços de saúde; e atribuições do cuidado do enfermeiro que advêm da prática assistencial em reprodução humana assistida. Considerações finais: A representação social ancora-se no elo entre a tecnologia/medicalização e a humanização/acolhimento em relação às biotecnologias reprodutivas. O trabalho em reprodução humana assistida envolve um novo e desafiador cuidado de enfermagem e exige conhecimento específico e ético.

Personalised Nutrition Technologies and Innovations: A Cross-National Survey of Registered Dietitians.

BACKGROUND: Commercial technology-enabled personalised nutrition is undergoing rapid growth, yet its uptake in dietetics practice remains low. This survey sought the opinions of dietetics practitioners on personalised nutrition and related technologies to understand the facilitators and barriers to its application in practice. METHOD: A cross-section of registered dietitians were recruited in the USA, UK, Australia, Canada, Israel, Mexico, Portugal, Spain, and South Africa. The questionnaire sought their views on the risks of genetics technology, the ethics of genetic testing, the usefulness of new personalised nutrition technologies, entrepreneurism, and the perceived importance of new technologies to dietetics. Validated scales were included to assess personality (Big Five) and self-efficacy (NGSEI). The survey was available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. Regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with the integration of nutrigenetic testing into practice, and to identify factors associated with the perceived importance of bio-information, and mobile technology to dietetics practice. RESULTS: A total of 323 responses (response rate 19.7%) were analysed. Dietetics practitioners who had integrated personalised nutrition technology into practice perceived technologies to be less risky (p = 0.02), biotechnology to be more important (p < 0.01), and professional skills to be less important (p = 0.04) than those who had not. They were also more likely to see themselves as entrepreneurs (p < 0.01) and to perceive lower risks to be associated with technology (p < 0.01). Practitioners of nutrigenetics were lower on neuroticism (p < 0.01) and higher on self-efficacy (p < 0.01), extraversion (p < 0.01), and agreeableness (p < 0.01). A higher perceived importance of biotechnology to dietetics practice was associated with higher perceived usefulness of omics tests (p < 0.01). Perceived importance of information technology was associated with the perceived importance of biotechnology (p < 0.01). Mobile technology was perceived as important by dietitians with the highest level of education (p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: For dietitians to practice technology-enabled personalised nutrition, training will be required to enhance self-efficacy, address the risks perceived to be associated with new technologies, and instil an entrepreneurial mindset.

Uso de digitalizador e impressora doméstica em 3 dimensões em rinoplastia / Domestic three-dimensional scanner and printer in patients undergoing rhinoplasty

Os princípios para uma rinoplastia bem-sucedida incluem consulta e planejamento pré-operatório e uma análise clínica abrangente que defina as metas da cirurgia. Mais recentemente, a digitalização e a impressão doméstica em 3 dimensões tornaram-se disponíveis. O objetivo deste estudo é descrever um método de digitalização em 3 dimensões e de impressão doméstica da anatomia real do paciente para ser usada como ajuda intraoperatória. Nós apresentamos uma forma de uso desta tecnologia no transoperatório, auxiliando o cirurgião a comparar os resultados obtidos após suas manobras, verificar a sua adesão ao plano cirúrgico previamente estabelecido e melhorar a sua tomada de decisão durante a cirurgia. Em conclusão, a aplicação da impressão doméstica em 3 dimensões demonstra um efeito positivo sobre o tratamento de alterações estéticas do nariz.

The principles for a successful rhinoplasty include preoperative consultation and planning, as well as a comprehensive clinical analysis and defining rhinoplasty goals. Three-dimensional domestic scanning and printing have recently become available. We sought to objectively describe this method as an intraoperative aid in patients' anatomy. This method can be used trans-operatively to help surgeons compare the results of his or her technique, check adherence to the surgical plan, and improve his or her surgical decision-making. We found that the application of 3-dimensional printing had a positive effect on the treatment of patients with aesthetic nose disorders.

Método manométrico alternativo de calibración de transductores de presión para la monitorización hemodinámica invasiva / Alternative manometric method of calibration of pressure transducers for invasive hemodynamic monitoring

Introducción: La calibración de los transductores tiene gran importancia para la medición precisa de las presiones, durante la monitorización hemodinámica invasiva de los pacientes que requieren observación estrecha en las unidades de atención al grave y en el quirófano. Objetivo: Desarrollar y validar un método de calibración para transductores de presión, sencillo, eficaz y de bajo costo. Métodos: Se desarrolló un método manométrico alternativo, basado en la ley de Pascal, para la calibración de los transductores de presión durante la monitorización hemodinámica invasiva que se realiza en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos de Cirugía Cardiovascular del Hospital Clínico-Quirúrgico Hermanos Ameijeiras. Este método fue validado mediante la comparación con el estándar recomendado en un total de 215 pacientes que requirieron monitorización hemodinámica invasiva entre los meses de enero y junio del 2015. Resultados: Con el método manométrico alternativo creado se obtiene el mismo resultado que con el método hidráulico recomendado por la literatura. Conclusiones: El método alternativo creado es preciso, eficaz y costo-efectivo(AU)

Introduction: Transducer calibration is very important for the accurate measurement of pressures during invasive hemodynamic monitoring of patients requiring close observation in the primary care units and in the operating room. Objective: To develop and validate a method of calibration of pressure transducers, which is simple, efficient and low-cost. Methods: An alternative manometric method, based on Pascal's law, was developed for the calibration of pressure transducers during invasive hemodynamic monitoring performed at the intensive care unit of the cardiovascular surgery department at Hermanos Ameijeiras Clinical-Surgical Hospital. This method was validated by its comparison with the recommended standard in a total of 215 patients who required invasive hemodynamic monitoring between January and June 2015. Results: With the alternative manometric method created, the same result was obtained as with the hydraulic method recommended by the literature. Conclusions: The alternative method created is accurate, efficient and cost-effective(AU)

An in-house real-time polymerase chain reaction: standardisation and comparison with the Cobas Amplicor HBV monitor and Cobas AmpliPrep/Cobas TaqMan HBV tests for the quantification of hepatitis B virus DNA.

This study aimed to standardise an in-house real-time polymerase chain reaction (rtPCR) to allow quantification of hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA in serum or plasma samples, and to compare this method with two commercial assays, the Cobas Amplicor HBV monitor and the Cobas AmpliPrep/Cobas TaqMan HBV test. Samples from 397 patients from the state of São Paulo were analysed by all three methods. Fifty-two samples were from patients who were human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis C virus positive, but HBV negative. Genotypes were characterised, and the viral load was measure in each sample. The in-house rtPCR showed an excellent success rate compared with commercial tests; inter-assay and intra-assay coefficients correlated with commercial tests (r = 0.96 and r = 0.913, p < 0.001) and the in-house test showed no genotype-dependent differences in detection and quantification rates. The in-house assay tested in this study could be used for screening and quantifying HBV DNA in order to monitor patients during therapy.

An in-house real-time polymerase chain reaction: standardisation and comparison with the Cobas Amplicor HBV monitor and Cobas AmpliPrep/Cobas TaqMan HBV tests for the quantification of hepatitis B virus DNA

This study aimed to standardise an in-house real-time polymerase chain reaction (rtPCR) to allow quantification of hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA in serum or plasma samples, and to compare this method with two commercial assays, the Cobas Amplicor HBV monitor and the Cobas AmpliPrep/Cobas TaqMan HBV test. Samples from 397 patients from the state of São Paulo were analysed by all three methods. Fifty-two samples were from patients who were human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis C virus positive, but HBV negative. Genotypes were characterised, and the viral load was measure in each sample. The in-house rtPCR showed an excellent success rate compared with commercial tests; inter-assay and intra-assay coefficients correlated with commercial tests (r = 0.96 and r = 0.913, p < 0.001) and the in-house test showed no genotype-dependent differences in detection and quantification rates. The in-house assay tested in this study could be used for screening and quantifying HBV DNA in order to monitor patients during therapy.

Evaluation of a recombinant rhoptry protein 2 enzyme-linked immunoassay for the diagnosis of toxoplasmosis acquired during pregnancy.

The aim of this study was to evaluate an enzyme-linked immunoassay with recombinant rhoptry protein 2 (ELISA-rROP2) for its ability to detect Toxoplasma gondii ROP2-specific IgG in samples from pregnant women. The study included 236 samples that were divided into groups according to serological screening profiles for toxoplasmosis: unexposed (n = 65), probable acute infection (n = 48), possible acute infection (n = 58) and exposed to the parasite (n = 65). When an indirect immunofluorescence assay forT. gondii-specific IgG was considered as a reference test, the ELISA-rROP2 had a sensitivity of 61.8%, specificity of 62.8%, predictive positive value of 76.6% and predictive negative value of 45.4% (p = 0.0002). The ELISA-rROP2 reacted with 62.5% of the samples from pregnant women with probable acute infection and 40% of the samples from pregnant women with previous exposure (p = 0.0180). Seropositivity was observed in 50/57 (87.7%) pregnant women with possible infection. The results underscored that T. gondii rROP2 is recognised by specific IgG antibodies in both the acute and chronic phases of toxoplasmosis acquired during pregnancy. However, the sensitivity of the ELISA-rROP2 was higher in the pregnant women with probable and possible acute infections and IgM reactivity.

Evaluation of a recombinant rhoptry protein 2 enzyme-linked immunoassay for the diagnosis of toxoplasmosis acquired during pregnancy

The aim of this study was to evaluate an enzyme-linked immunoassay with recombinant rhoptry protein 2 (ELISA-rROP2) for its ability to detectToxoplasma gondii ROP2-specific IgG in samples from pregnant women. The study included 236 samples that were divided into groups according to serological screening profiles for toxoplasmosis: unexposed (n = 65), probable acute infection (n = 48), possible acute infection (n = 58) and exposed to the parasite (n = 65). When an indirect immunofluorescence assay forT. gondii-specific IgG was considered as a reference test, the ELISA-rROP2 had a sensitivity of 61.8%, specificity of 62.8%, predictive positive value of 76.6% and predictive negative value of 45.4% (p = 0.0002). The ELISA-rROP2 reacted with 62.5% of the samples from pregnant women with probable acute infection and 40% of the samples from pregnant women with previous exposure (p = 0.0180). Seropositivity was observed in 50/57 (87.7%) pregnant women with possible infection. The results underscored that T. gondii rROP2 is recognised by specific IgG antibodies in both the acute and chronic phases of toxoplasmosis acquired during pregnancy. However, the sensitivity of the ELISA-rROP2 was higher in the pregnant women with probable and possible acute infections and IgM reactivity.

Scientific production and technological production: transforming a scientific paper into patent applications.

Brazil has been presenting in the last years a scientific production well-recognized in the international scenario, in several areas of knowledge, according to the impact of their publications in important events and especially in indexed journals of wide circulation. On the other hand, the country does not seem to be in the same direction regarding to the technological production and wealth creation from the established scientific development, and particularly from the applied research. The present paper covers such issue and discloses the main similarities and differences between a scientific paper and a patent application, in order to contribute to a better understanding of both types of documents and help the researchers to chose and select the results with technological potential, decide what is appropriated for industrial protection, as well as foster new business opportunities for each technology which has been created.

Formulación y elaboración de pastelillos tipo brownies con más fibra y menos calorías que los convencionales

Se prepararon distintas formulaciones para pastelillos de chocolate (brownies) sustituyendo 15, 20 y 25% de la harina de trigo con inulina. Se evaluaron las características del batido de cada una de las formulaciones y se sometieron al proceso de horneado a 175 oC por 45 min. Después del horneado, los brownies se dejaron enfriar por 1 h y posteriormente se empacaron en charolas de poliestireno cristal y se les evaluó textura a los 1, 3, 7 y 15 días de almacenamiento a temperatura ambiente (25 oC) y 65% de humedad relativa. En base a las evaluaciones del batido y a las propiedades texturales de los brownies durante el almacenamiento, se seleccionó la formulación con 20% inulina como la mejor. Se analizó composición proximal y cuantificó fibra dietética total, soluble e insoluble, tanto al brownie control y al de 20% de inulina, como a un brownie comercial. El brownie con 20% de inulina presentó menor firmeza, gomosidad y masticabilidad que el control, mayor contenido de proteína y menor contenido de grasa (6,3 vs 26,3%) y aporte calórico (331,4 vs 467,9 kcal/100 g) con respecto al brownie comercial. El brownie con 20% de inulina mostró el doble de fibra dietética total y 22 veces más fibra soluble que el brownie control. La aceptabilidad del brownie con 20% inulina fue similar a la del brownie control. La incorporación de inulina en la elaboración de brownies permitió reducir el aporte calórico y aumentar el contenido de fibra soluble, sin afectar adversamente la textura de los pastelillos.

Formulation and elaboration of lowenergy and high fiber-containing brownies. Different formulations for chocolate pastries making (brownies) were prepared by substituting 15, 20, and 25% of the wheat flour by inulin. The batter characteristics of each formulation were evaluated and the batters were baked at 175 oC for 15 min. After baking, the brownies were allowed to cool, put into crystal polystyrene trays, and their texture after 1, 3, 7, and 15 days of storage at room temperature (25 oC) and 65% of relative humidity, was evaluated. Based on the evaluations of batter characteristics and brownies textural properties during storage, the formulation containing 20% of inulin was the best. Proximate analysis was determined, and total, soluble and insoluble dietary fiber were quantified for brownies control and 20% inulin ones, as well as commercial brownies. The brownies containing 20% inulin showed lower firmness, gumminess, and masticability than the control and higher protein and lower fat content (6,3 vs 26,3%) and caloric value (331,4 vs 467.9 kcal/100 g) in comparison to the commercial brownies. The brownie with 20% inulin had twice the total dietary fiber and 22 times more soluble fiber than the brownie control. The acceptability of the brownie with 20% inulin was similar to that of the control. The incorporation of inulin in the production of brownies allowed to reduce the caloric value and to increase the soluble fiber content without adverse effects in texture of the pastries.

[Formulation and elaboration of low-energy and high fiber-containing brownies]. / Formulación y elaboración de pastelillos tipo brownies con más fibra y menos calorías que los convencionales.

Different formulations for chocolate pastries making (brownies) were prepared by substituting 15, 20, and 25% of the wheat flour by inulin. The batter characteristics of each formulation were evaluated and the batters were baked at 175 degrees C for 15 min. After baking, the brownies were allowed to cool, put into crystal polystyrene trays, and their texture after 1, 3, 7, and 15 days of storage at room temperature (25 degrees C) and 65% of relative humidity, was evaluated. Based on the evaluations of batter characteristics and brownies textural properties during storage, the formulation containing 20% of inulin was the best. Proximate analysis was determined, and total, soluble and insoluble dietary fiber were quantified for brownies control and 20% inulin ones, as well as commercial brownies. The brownies containing 20% inulin showed lower firmness, gumminess, and masticability than the control and higher protein and lower fat content (6,3 vs 26,3%) and caloric value (331,4 vs 467.9 kcal/100 g) in comparison to the commercial brownies. The brownie with 20% inulin had twice the total dietary fiber and 22 times more soluble fiber than the brownie control. The acceptability of the brownie with 20% inulin was similar to that of the control. The incorporation of inulin in the production of brownies allowed to reduce the caloric value and to increase the soluble fiber content without adverse effects in texture of the pastries.