Açaí (Euterpe oleracea) pulp-enriched diet induces anxiolytic-like effects and improves memory retention.

Background: Açaí (Euterpe oleracea) has a rich nutritional composition, showing nutraceutical and protective effects in several organs. In this study, the effects of an açaí-enriched diet on motor performance, anxiety-like behavior, and memory retention were deeply investigated. Methods: Eight-week male Wistar rats were fed with an Euterpe oleracea (EO) pulp-enriched diet, an olive oil-enriched (OO) diet (polyunsaturated fatty acid [PUFA] fat control diet), or a chow diet for 31 days (28 days pre-treatment and 3 days during behavioral tests). Afterward, animals were submitted to a battery of behavioral tests to evaluate spontaneous motor behavior (open-field test), anxiety-like behavior (elevated plus maze and open-field test), and memory retention (step-down). Oxidative stress in the hippocampus was evaluated by a lipid peroxidation assay. Results: EO-enriched diet did not influence the body weight and food intake but increased the glucose plasmatic level after 31 days under this diet. However, a similar fat-enriched diet stimulated a marked weight gain and reduced the food intake, followed by changes in the plasmatic lipid markers. EO-enriched diet preserved the motor spontaneous performance, increased the exploration in the aversive environment (anxiolytic-like effects), and elevated the latency to step-down (improved memory retention). The EO-enriched diet also reduced the level of lipid peroxidation in the hippocampus. These positive effects of EO-enriched diet can greatly support the usage of this diet as a preventive therapy. Conclusion: Taken together, the current study suggests that Euterpe oleracea-enriched diet promotes anxiolytic-like effects and improves memory consolidation, possibly due to the reduced levels of lipid peroxidation in the hippocampus.

Linking land-use and land-cover transitions to their ecological impact in the Amazon.

Human activities pose a major threat to tropical forest biodiversity and ecosystem services. Although the impacts of deforestation are well studied, multiple land-use and land-cover transitions (LULCTs) occur in tropical landscapes, and we do not know how LULCTs differ in their rates or impacts on key ecosystem components. Here, we quantified the impacts of 18 LULCTs on three ecosystem components (biodiversity, carbon, and soil), based on 18 variables collected from 310 sites in the Brazilian Amazon. Across all LULCTs, biodiversity was the most affected ecosystem component, followed by carbon stocks, but the magnitude of change differed widely among LULCTs and individual variables. Forest clearance for pasture was the most prevalent and high-impact transition, but we also identified other LULCTs with high impact but lower prevalence (e.g., forest to agriculture). Our study demonstrates the importance of considering multiple ecosystem components and LULCTs to understand the consequences of human activities in tropical landscapes.

High performance liquid chromatography-based method to analyze activity of GABA transporters in central nervous system.

The GATs are the membrane proteins responsible for the uptake of GABA in the central nervous system. Alterations in GAT activity are implicated in several neurological diseases, including retinopathies. The present study describes an alternative method to determine GAT activity in tissue preparations of the central nervous system, using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with fluorescence detection. The GABA concentration in the medium was determined using the o-phthaldehyde (OPA)-derivation protocol validated by the Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency (ANVISA) and the United States Food and Drug Administration (US-FDA). The GAT activity in the retinal preparations was determined through the evaluation of the GABA uptake, which was measured by assessing the difference between the initial and final concentrations of GABA in the incubation medium. The evaluation of the GAT kinetics returned values of Km = 382.5 ± 32.2 µM and Vmax = 34 nmol/mg of protein. The data also demonstrated that the GABA uptake was predominantly Na+- and temperature-dependent, and was also inhibited by incubation with nipecotic acid, a substrate of GABA transporters. Taken together, these findings confirm that our approach provided a specific measure of GAT activity in retinal tissue. The data presented here thus validate, for the first time, an alternative, simple and sensitive method for the evaluation of GAT activity using high performance chromatography on preparations of the central nervous system.

Validação dos intervalos de referência hematológicos e bioquímicos estabelecidos para cães domiciliados na Amazônia Oriental, Pará, Brasil / Validation of hematological and biochemical reference intervals established for dogs housed in the Eastern Amazon, Pará, Brazil

O objetivo do presente estudo foi validar intervalos de referências (IRs) para hematologia e bioquímica sanguínea de cães domiciliados da Amazônia Oriental e estabelecer novos IRs para os parâmetros não validados. Foram utilizadas amostras de 44 cães adultos clinicamente saudáveis de diferentes raças e sexos. Na validação, foi utilizada a metodologia proposta pelo Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) e na determinação dos IRs dos parâmetros não validados foi utilizada a metodologia estatística proposta pela American Society for Clinical Veterinary Pathology (ASCPV). Os IRs foram determinados por meio do programa Excel com o suplemento Reference Value Advisor (versão 2.1). O software realiza os cálculos de acordo com as recomendações CLSI, conforme sugerido pelas diretrizes da ASCVP. Um total de 25 parâmetros (13 hematológicos e 12 bioquímicos) foram submetidos ao processo de validação. Desse total, seis (24%) parâmetros não foram validados (Hemoglobina, CHGM, eosinófilos, linfócitos, albumina e GGT) e para estes foram estabelecidos novos intervalos. Para a maioria dos parâmetros hematológicos e bioquímicos (76%), os IRs estabelecidos previamente na literatura ainda são válidos para utilização em cães criados na Amazônia Oriental. Para os parâmetros não validados, apenas para eosinófilos e linfócitos recomendamos que outros trabalhos, com um número maior de animais, sejam realizados para confirmar os nossos resultados ou estabelecer novos IRs. Os IRs estabelecidos para hemoglobina, CHGM, albumina e GGT podem ser utilizados em substituição aos intervalos antigos.

The aim of the present study was to validate reference intervals (RIs) for hematology and blood biochemistry of dogs domiciled in the Eastern Amazon and to establish new RIs for parameters not yet validated. Samples from 44 clinically healthy adult dogs of different breeds and sexes were used. The methodology proposed by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) was used for validation, and the statistical methodology proposed by the American Society for Clinical Veterinary Pathology (ASCPV) was used to determine the RIs of the non-validated parameters. The IRs were determined using the Excel program with the Reference Value Advisor add-in (version 2.1). The software performs calculations according to CLSI recommendations as suggested by the ASCVP guidelines. A total of 25 parameters (13 hematological and 12 biochemical) were submitted to the validation process. Of this total, six (24%) parameters were not validated (Hemoglobin, CHGM, eosinophils, lymphocytes, albumin and GGT) and new intervals were established for these. For most hematological and biochemical parameters (76%), the RIs previously established in the literature are still valid for use in dogs raised in the Eastern Amazon. For non-validated parameters, just for eosinophils and lymphocytes, we recommend that other studies, with a larger number of animals, be carried out to confirm our results or establish new IRs. The established IRs for hemoglobin, CHGM, albumin and GGT can be used in place of the old ranges.

Differential Effect of Antioxidants Glutathione and Vitamin C on the Hepatic Injuries Induced by Plasmodium berghei ANKA Infection.

Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by Plasmodium and represents one of the main public health problems in the world. Among alterations associated with the disease, we highlight the hepatic impairment resulting from the generation of oxidative stress. Studies demonstrate that liver injuries caused by Plasmodium infection are associated with unbalance of the antioxidant system in hepatocytes, although little is known about the role of antioxidant molecules such as glutathione and vitamin C in the evolution of the disease and in the liver injury. To evaluate disease complications, murine models emerge as a valuable tool due to their similarities between the infectious species for human and mice. Herein, the aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of antioxidants glutathione and vitamin C on the evolution of murine malaria and in the liver damage caused by Plasmodium berghei ANKA infection. Mice were inoculated with parasitized erythrocytes and treated with glutathione and vitamin C, separately, both at 8 mg/kg during 7 consecutive days. Our data showed that during Plasmodium infection, treatment with glutathione promoted significant decrease in the survival of infected mice, accelerating the disease severity. However, treatment with vitamin C promoted an improvement in the clinical outcomes and prolonged the survival curve of infected animals. We also showed that glutathione promoted increase in the parasitemia rate of Plasmodium-infected animals, although treatment with vitamin C has induced significant decrease in parasitemia rates. Furthermore, histological analysis and enzyme biochemical measurement showed that treatment with glutathione exacerbates liver damage while treatment with vitamin C mitigates the hepatic injury induced by the infection. In summary, the current study provided evidences that antioxidant molecules could differently modulate the outcome of malaria disease; while glutathione aggravated the disease outcome and liver injury, the treatment with vitamin C protects the liver from damage and the evolution of the condition.

Putative Activation of the CB1 Cannabinoid Receptors Prevents Anxiety-Like Behavior, Oxidative Stress, and GABA Decrease in the Brain of Zebrafish Submitted to Acute Restraint Stress.

Anxiety disorder is a well-recognized condition observed in subjects submitted to acute stress. Although the brain mechanisms underlying this disorder remain unclear, the available evidence indicates that oxidative stress and GABAergic dysfunction mediate the generation of stress-induced anxiety. Cannabinoids are known to be efficient modulators of behavior, given that the activation of the cannabinoid receptors type-1 (CB1 receptors) induces anxiolytic-like effects in animal models. In the present study, we aimed to describe the effects of the stimulation of the CB1 receptors on anxiety-like behavior, oxidative stress, and the GABA content of the brains of zebrafish submitted to acute restraint stress (ARS). The animals submitted to the ARS protocol presented evident anxiety-like behavior with increased lipid peroxidation in the brain tissue. The evaluation of the levels of GABA in the zebrafish telencephalon presented decreased levels of GABA in the ARS group in comparison with the control. Treatment with ACEA, a specific CB1 receptor agonist, prevented ARS-induced anxiety-like behavior and oxidative stress in the zebrafish brain. ACEA treatment also prevented a decrease in GABA in the telencephalon of the animals submitted to the ARS protocol. Overall, these preclinical data strongly suggest that the CB1 receptors represent a potential target for the development of the treatment of anxiety disorders elicited by acute stress.

Dietary Vitamin D3 Deficiency Increases Resistance to Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis Infection in Mice.

The leishmaniases are a group of diseases caused by Leishmania parasites, which have different clinical manifestations. Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis is endemic in South America and causes cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), which can evolve into a diffuse form, characterized by an anergic immune response. Since the leishmaniases mainly affect poor populations, it is important to understand the involvement of immunonutrition, how the immune system is modulated by dietary nutrients and the effect this has on Leishmania infection. Vitamin D3 (VitD) is an immunonutrient obtained from diet or endogenously synthesized, which suppresses Th1 and Th17 responses by favoring T helper (Th) 2 and regulatory T cell (Treg) generation. Based on these findings, this study aims to evaluate dietary VitD influence on L. (L.) amazonensis experimental infection in C57BL/6 and BALB/c mice. Thus, C57BL/6 and BALB/c VitD deficient (VDD) mice were generated through dietary VitD restriction 45 days prior to infection. Both strains of VDD mice showed a more controlled lesion development compared to mice on a regular diet (Ctrl). There were no differences in serum levels of anti-Leishmania IgG1 and IgG2a, but there was a decrease in IgE levels in BALB/c VDD mice. Although CD4+ T cell number was not changed, the CD4+ IFN-y+ T cell population was increased in both absolute number and percentage in C57BL/6 and BALB/c VDD mice compared to Ctrl mice. There was also no difference in IL-4 and IL-17 production, however, there was reduction of IL-10 production in VDD mice. Together, our data indicate that VitD contributes to murine cutaneous leishmaniasis susceptibility and that the Th1 cell population may be related to the resistance of VDD mice to L. (L.) amazonensis infection.

Adenosine A1 receptors modulate the Na+-Hypertonicity induced glutamate release in hypothalamic glial cells.

Glutamate release in response to a hypertonic stimulus is a well described phenomenon in the hypothalamus. Evidence suggests that hypothalamic glial cells release glutamate into the extracellular environment in hypertonic conditions. In the current study, we described autocrine regulation of adenosine on glutamate release induced by Na+hypertonicity in hypothalamic glial cell cultures. We showed that glial cells cultured from the cerebral cortex did not release glutamate or adenosine under hypertonic conditions. The findings suggest that the hypothalamus has specialized glial cells, which are responsive to osmotic variations. Stimulation or inhibition of adenosine A1 receptors modulates extracellular glutamate levels in hypothalamic glial cell cultures under hypertonic stimulation. Our results extend previous observations regarding the role of glial cells in the control of hypothalamic physiology. They further demonstrate for the first time that hypothalamic glial cells regulate Na+-hypertonicity-induced glutamate release by activation of adenosine A1 receptors via adenosine release.

Neurochemical dysfunction in motor cortex and hippocampus impairs the behavioral performance of rats chronically exposed to inorganic mercury.

Chronic exposure to mercury chloride (HgCl2) has been shown to promote oxidative stress and cell death in the central nervous system of adult rats displaying motor and cognitive impairments. However, there are no investigations about neurochemical function after this type of exposure in rodents that may be associated with those behavioral changes already reported. Thus, the aim of this study was to analyze glutamatergic and GABAergic dysfunctions in the motor cortex and hippocampus of adult rats, in a model of chronic exposure to HgCl2 in. Twenty rats were exposed to a daily dose of 0.375 mg/kg for 45 days. After this period, they were submitted to motor and cognitive functions tests and euthanized to collect the motor cortex and hippocampus for measurement of mercury (Hg) levels in the parenchyma and neurochemical assays for analysis of glutamatergic and GABAergic functions. It was observed that chronic exposure to HgCl2 promoted increase in total Hg levels in these two brain areas, with changes in glutamatergic transport, but without changes in GABAergic transport. Functionally this model of exposure caused the decrease of the spontaneous motor locomotion and in the process of learning and memory. In this way, our results provide evidences that glutamatergic neurochemical dysfunction can be pointed out as a strong causal factor of motor and cognitive deficits observed in rats exposed to this HgCl2.

Ascorbic acid prevents chloroquine-induced toxicity in inner glial cells.

Ototoxicity is a collateral effect of prolonged treatment with chloroquine which is a widely utilized as an anti-lupus and anti-malarial drug. Glial cells of inner ear are responsible for maintenance of neuronal cells homeostasis in auditory system. In the current study we have evaluated chloroquine-induced toxicity and protective effect of ascorbic acid treatment on Schwann glial cell cultures of inner ear. Glial cells were cultured from organ of Corti of mice cochlear structure. Purity of Schwann glial cell was confirmed by S100 protein staining. Cell viability was evaluated in control and cultures treated with different concentrations of chloroquine. Glutamate uptake and ROS production were measured by HPLC and DCFH-DA probe fluorescence, respectively. Results have shown that chloroquine treatment evoked concentration and time -dependent toxicity (LC50 = 70 µM) as well as significant decrease on glutamate uptake and high production of ROS in glial cell cultures. Co-treatment with ascorbic acid has prevented both chloroquine-induced ROS production and chloroquine toxicity on glial cell cultures. This pre-clinical study is the first one to demonstrate chloroquine-induced ROS production by glial cells of inner ear as well as the protective effect exerted by ascorbic acid on these cells.

Avaliação dos níveis de albuminúria em adultos obesos e sua associação com marcadores de risco cardiovascular / Albuminuria levels in obese adults and their association with cardiovascular risk markers

Introdução: A obesidade é um dos fatores mais importantes para explicar o aumento incidência das Doenças Cardiovasculares (DCV). Dentre os múltiplos fatores de risco para estas doenças, a albuminúria é dos mais importantes. Objetivos: Avaliar os níveis de albuminúria e correlacionar com outros marcadores de risco cardiovascular em pacientes obesos que procuraram tratamento para obesidade. Materiais e métodos:Estudo transversal, retrospectivo, através dos prontuários de 183 pacientes de ambos os sexos, entre 18 e 65 anos, com índice de massa corpórea (IMC) ≥ 30 Kg/m². Todos os pacientes foram submetidos a exame físico e receberam um pedido de rotina laboratorial, incluindo de albuminúria em amostra isolada de urina. Valores até 17 mg/L foram considerados normoalbuminúria, de 17-173 mg/L microalbuminuria e ≥ 174mg/L macroalbuminúria. A análise de correlação de Pearson ou Spearman foi utilizada para correlacionar os níveis de albuminuria com as variáveis antropométricas e laboratoriais. Resultados: Dados de albuminúria estavam disponíveis em 81 prontuários. Destes, 15 pacientes (18,5%) tinham valores acima de 17 mg/L de albuminúria. Nenhuma correlação foi encontrada entre os níveis de albuminúria e os parâmetros antropométricos (IMC, Cintura, Quadril e RCQ), pressão arterial (PA) sistólica ou diastólica ou uso de anti-hipertensivos. Foi encontrada correlação entre os níveis de albuminúria e o high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLc), (r=-0,27; p=0,012), além de uma tendência a significância com os níveis de Proteína C Reativa Ultrassensível (PCR-us; r=0,21; p= 0,081). Conclusão: Apesar da alta frequência de albuminúria em pacientes obesos, não foi encontrada correlação entre este marcador e os parâmetros antropométricos. Foi encontrado uma relação inversa da albuminúria com HDLc e uma tendência a significância com a PCR-us, sugerindo uma associação limitada entre a albuminúria e alguns marcadores específicos de risco cardiovascular.

Introduction: Obesity is one of the most important factors related to the increase in Cardiovascular Diseases (CVD) incidence. Among all risk factors for CVD, albuminuria is one of the most relevant. Objective:To evaluate the levels of albuminuria and to correlate with other cardiovascular risk markers in obese patients who seek treatment for obesity. Material and Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study of 183 patients of both genders, aged 18-65 years, with a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg / m², attended for the first time. All the patients were submitted to a physical exam and received a routine laboratory request, including for the concentration of albumin in the urine. Values below 17 mg/L were considered normoalbuminuria, from 17 to 173 mg/dL microalbuminuria and above 174 macroalbuminuria. Pearson ou Spearman Correlation was used to correlate albuminuria levels with anthropometric and laboratorial variables. Results: Excluding 102 patient charts out of the criteria, the results of 81 patients were considered. Of these, 15 patients (18.5%) had values above 17 mg / L of albuminuria. No correlation was found between albuminuria levels and anthropometric parameters (BMI, Waist, Hip), systolic BP, diastolic BP or antihypertensive use. A significant correlation was found between albuminuria levels and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLc), (r = -0.27, p = 0.012), and a trend toward significance with hs-CRP levels (r = 0, 21, p = 0.081). Conclusion: Despite the high prevalence of albuminuria in obese patients, no correlation was found between anthropometric markers and albuminuria. An inverse relationship was found for albuminuria with HDLc, and a trend toward significance with hs-CRP, suggesting a limited association between albuminuria and some specific markers of cardiovascular risk.

A neuronal disruption in redox homeostasis elicited by ammonia alters the glycine/glutamate (GABA) cycle and contributes to MMA-induced excitability.

Hyperammonemia is a common finding in children with methylmalonic acidemia. However, its contribution to methylmalonate-induced excitotoxicty is poorly understood. The aim of this study was to evaluate the mechanisms by which ammonia influences in the neurotoxicity induced by methylmalonate (MMA) in mice. The effects of ammonium chloride (NH4Cl 3, 6, and 12 mmol/kg; s.c.) on electroencephalographic (EEG) and behavioral convulsions induced by MMA (0.3, 0.66, and 1 µmol/2 µL, i.c.v.) were observed in mice. After, ammonia, TNF-α, IL1ß, IL-6, nitrite/nitrate (NOx) levels, mitochondrial potential (ΔΨ), reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, Methyl-Tetrazolium (MTT) reduction, succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), and Na(+), K(+)-ATPase activity levels were measured in the cerebral cortex. The binding of [(3)H]flunitrazepam, release of glutamate-GABA; glutamate decarboxylase (GAD) and glutamine synthetase (GS) activity and neuronal damage [opening of blood brain barrier (BBB) permeability and cellular death volume] were also measured. EEG recordings showed that an intermediate dose of NH4Cl (6 mmol/kg) increased the duration of convulsive episodes induced by MMA (0.66 µmol/2 µL i.c.v). NH4Cl (6 mmol/kg) administration also induced neuronal ammonia and NOx increase, as well as mitochondrial ROS generation throughout oxidation of 2,7-dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) to DCF-RS, followed by GS and GAD inhibition. The NH4Cl plus MMA administration did not alter cytokine levels, plasma fluorescein extravasation, or neuronal damage. However, it potentiated DCF-RS levels, decreased the ΔΨ potential, reduced MTT, inhibited SDH activity, and increased Na(+), K(+)-ATPase activity. NH4Cl also altered the GABA cycle characterized by GS and GAD activity inhibition, [(3)H]flunitrazepam binding, and GABA release after MMA injection. On the basis of our findings, the changes in ROS and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) levels elicited by ammonia alter the glycine/glutamate (GABA) cycle and contribute to MMA-induced excitability.

A social and ecological assessment of tropical land uses at multiple scales: the Sustainable Amazon Network.

Science has a critical role to play in guiding more sustainable development trajectories. Here, we present the Sustainable Amazon Network (Rede Amazônia Sustentável, RAS): a multidisciplinary research initiative involving more than 30 partner organizations working to assess both social and ecological dimensions of land-use sustainability in eastern Brazilian Amazonia. The research approach adopted by RAS offers three advantages for addressing land-use sustainability problems: (i) the collection of synchronized and co-located ecological and socioeconomic data across broad gradients of past and present human use; (ii) a nested sampling design to aid comparison of ecological and socioeconomic conditions associated with different land uses across local, landscape and regional scales; and (iii) a strong engagement with a wide variety of actors and non-research institutions. Here, we elaborate on these key features, and identify the ways in which RAS can help in highlighting those problems in most urgent need of attention, and in guiding improvements in land-use sustainability in Amazonia and elsewhere in the tropics. We also discuss some of the practical lessons, limitations and realities faced during the development of the RAS initiative so far.

A enfermeira e o cuidado da criança para o desenvolvimento na unidade de terapia intensiva pediátrica / The nurse and the care for the development of the child in the intensive care unit pediatric

Introdução: A criança que requer cuidados intensivos deve ser considerada tanto no aspecto biológico como no seu desenvolvimento, os processos que podem agredi-la devem ser minimizados, ou eliminados, e ela deve ser apoiada sempre que enfrente alguma situação potencialmente estressante, para seu atendimento não se tornar iatrogênico, buscando atender suas necessidades e pautar na perspectiva da integralidade, o que significa um cuidado além da prática biomédica. Objetivo: Descrever e analisar o cuidado da enfermeira à criança hospitalizada na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva Pediátrica (UTIP), com foco no desenvolvimento infantil. Método: Estudo qualitativo, descritivo e exploratório, realizado numa UTIP, de um hospital privado de grande porte, filantrópico, geral, localizado na cidade de São Paulo e aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética e Pesquisa. A coleta de dados em oficinas pedagógicas incluiu oito enfermeiras, cada uma participando de dois encontros. Dados submetidos à análise temática de conteúdo, interpretados de acordo com o referencial das necessidades essenciais da infância. Resultados: A categoria Concepções e práticas da enfermeira no cuidado para o desenvolvimento infantil na UTIP descreve as ações das enfermeiras e aspectos relativos à situação da internação que impactam sobre a criança e, portanto, devem ser considerados em suas atividades de cuidado, visando as necessidades da criança para além do motivo da hospitalização. Contudo, as enfermeiras não nominam essas ações como cuidado de enfermagem e sim como comportamentos naturais, e, deste modo, são realizados de acordo com a visão de cada enfermeira, sem sistematização, ou constância.A categoria Facilidades e dificuldades da enfermeira no cuidado para o desenvolvimento infantil na UTIP descreve os aspectos facilitadores nas práticas institucionalizadas como atenção ao conforto físico, à história e hábitos da criança, o brincar, as informações fornecidas na admissão, os laços entres os familiares, aspectos que fortalecem o cuidado e o processo de hospitalização. Inclui também as dificuldades, decorrentes do modelo hegemônico biomédico, que vão de encontro ao cuidado para a promoção do desenvolvimento, e atividades burocráticas existentes no contexto de trabalho que reduzem o tempo da enfermeira voltado ao cuidado da criança e da família. A categoria Perspectivas da enfermeira sobre o cuidado para o desenvolvimento da criança na UTIP descreve a necessidade de uma filosofia, teoria e instrumentos para orientar o cuidado, comuns a toda a equipe multiprofissional, a partir da mudança de compreensão dos profissionais acerca do cuidado integral à criança, que poderia ser alcançada por meio de reflexão sobre o fazer envolvendo a todos, em atividades como workshops e cursos sobre promoção do desenvolvimento e cuidado integral. Conclusões: Embora as enfermeiras se percebam realizando ações favoráveis ao desenvolvimento da criança reconhecem que garantir o desenvolvimento infantil saudável, na situação de hospitalização na UTIP, é algo a ser alcançado, mediante ações sistematizadas e norteadas por objetivos comuns a toda a equipe de saúde e reconhecidas como cuidado profissional. As oficinas pedagógicas contribuíram para a reflexão, troca de experiência e proposição de ações de melhoria do cuidado à saúde da criança, referidas como estratégias formativas que podem favorecer tais mudanças.

Introduction: Children who require intensive care should be considered both in their biological aspect as in their development; procedures that may hurt them should be minimized or eliminated and they should be supported all the times they face some potentially stressing situations. This provides a non iatrogenic care which attends their needs and support the perspective of integrality, what means a care beyond the biomedical practice. Objective: to describe and analyze the care of the nurse towards child hospitalized in the Intensive Care Unit Pediatric (ICUP), with focus on the child development. Method: qualitative, descriptive and exploratory study, done in the ICUP of a private, large sized, philanthropic and general hospital situated in São Paulo City and approved by the Ethics Research Committee. Data were collected in pedagogical workshops with eight nurses, each one taking part in two meetings, and were submitted to the thematic analyses of contents and interpreted according to the referential of essential needs of the childhood. Results: The category Nurses conceptions and practices to care for the child development in the ICUP describes actions of the nurses and aspects of hospitalization that have impact on the child and so should be considered in their care activities aiming the needs of the child beyond the reason for the hospitalization. However, the nurses do not nominate these actions as nursing care but as natural behaviors and, so, they are performed according to the vision of each nurse, without any systematization or constancy. The category Facilities and difficulties of the nurse to care for the child development in the ICUP describes aspects in the institutionalized practices that strengthen to care for child development as attention to the physical comfort, to know the child story and habits, the playing, the information given in the reception, and relationships between relatives.It also includes the difficulties related to the hegemonic biomedical model that opposes the care for the promotion of development and bureaucratic activities that reduce the nurses time dedicated to child and family care. The category Perspectives of the nurse about the care for the child development in the ICUP describes the need of a philosophy, or theory, and instruments to guide the comprehensive care, common to all the multi professional team. This could be reached through reflection about the work in ICUP involving all the professionals in activities like workshops and courses on promotion of development and integral care. Conclusions: Although the nurses feel doing actions in favor to the development of the child, they realize that to ensure the healthy development of the child, in the situation of hospitalization in the ICUP, is something to be reached, through systematized actions and guided by common objectives to the whole health team and recognized as Professional care. The data collection workshops contributed to the reflection, exchange of experiences and proposals of actions to improve the care for children, and so nurses indicated them as formative strategies which can encourage such changes.

[Rapid evaluation of ant diversity in land use systems in southern Bahia, Brazil]. / Avaliação rápida da diversidade de formigas em sistemas de uso do solo no sul da Bahia.

We aimed to compare the soil ant diversity in different land use systems from Atlantic Forest area, in Southern Bahia state, Brazil. The ants were sampled in 16 sites: two primary forest sites (un-logged forest); three young secondary forests (<8 years old); three intermediate secondary forests (8-20 years old); three old secondary forests (>20 years old); three Eucalyptus grandis plantations (3-7 years old), and two introduced pastures. Each site was sampled in three sampling points 15 m apart, and distant over 50 m from the site edge. In each sampling point we gathered the litter from a 1 m² and extracted the ants with Winkler extractors during 48h. We found 103 ant species from 29 genera and eight subfamilies. The five richest genera were Pheidole (19 species), Solenopsis (8), Apterostigma (10), Hypoponera (7) e Paratrechina (5). The highest ant richness density was found in the primary forest (7.4 species/sample; S = 37; n = 5); followed by the old secondary forest (5.33 species/sample; S = 48; n = 9); young secondary forest (5.25 species/sample; S = 42, n = 8); eucalyptus plantation (4.22 species/sample; S = 38, n = 9), intermediate secondary forest (3.5 species/sample; S = 35, n = 10, and introduced pasture (2.67 species/sample; S = 16, n = 6). The ecosystems with higher structural complexity showed the highest ant richness density by sample. Therefore, in the Atlantic Forest region, the eucalyptus plantation is a better alternative of land use to conserve the ant biodiversity than pastures, and quite similar to native secondary forests in ant community characteristics.

Avaliação rápida da diversidade de formigas em sistemas de uso do solo no sul da Bahia / Rapid evaluation of ant diversity in land use systems in southern Bahia, Brazil

We aimed to compare the soil ant diversity in different land use systems from Atlantic Forest area, in Southern Bahia state, Brazil. The ants were sampled in 16 sites: two primary forest sites (un-logged forest); three young secondary forests (<8 years old); three intermediate secondary forests (8-20 years old); three old secondary forests (>20 years old); three Eucalyptus grandis plantations (3-7 years old), and two introduced pastures. Each site was sampled in three sampling points 15 m apart, and distant over 50 m from the site edge. In each sampling point we gathered the litter from a 1 m² and extracted the ants with Winkler extractors during 48h. We found 103 ant species from 29 genera and eight subfamilies. The five richest genera were Pheidole (19 species), Solenopsis (8), Apterostigma (10), Hypoponera (7) e Paratrechina (5). The highest ant richness density was found in the primary forest (7.4 species/sample; S = 37; n = 5); followed by the old secondary forest (5.33 species/sample; S = 48; n = 9); young secondary forest (5.25 species/sample; S = 42, n = 8); eucalyptus plantation (4.22 species/sample; S = 38, n = 9), intermediate secondary forest (3.5 species/sample; S = 35, n = 10, and introduced pasture (2.67 species/sample; S = 16, n = 6). The ecosystems with higher structural complexity showed the highest ant richness density by sample. Therefore, in the Atlantic Forest region, the eucalyptus plantation is a better alternative of land use to conserve the ant biodiversity than pastures, and quite similar to native secondary forests in ant community characteristics.

Amamentação exclusiva de recém-nascidos prematuros: percepções e experiências de lactantes usuárias de um serviço público especializado / Achieving exclusive breastfeeding of premature babies: the perceptions and experience of women from public health services

OBJETIVO: Investigar percepções e vivências das mães de recém-nascidos prematuros que amamentaram exclusivamente do 4º ao 6º mês de vida. MÉTODOS: Estudo seccional exploratório, fundamentado no método qualitativo. Utilizaram-se entrevistas não-diretivas, individuais, junto a oito mulheres, mães de prematuros atendidas no ambulatório de follow-up da Maternidade Escola Assis Chateaubriand, serviço vinculado ao Sistema Único de Saúde. A análise temática das falas apontou um eixo em torno do qual foram agrupados quatro núcleos de sentido: os sentimentos das mães ao vivenciarem o contato inicial com os recém-nascidos prematuros; o apoio dos profissionais às mães de prematuros; a decisão das mães de prematuros em amamentar exclusivamente e a convivência com o método mãe-canguru. RESULTADOS: A análise revelou que cada mãe vivencia o aleitamento materno exclusivo de maneira singular. A decisão de amamentar o prematuro está relacionada ao reconhecimento da importância do leite materno para a saúde do filho. Contudo, o suporte fornecido pela Instituição, a partir do apoio dos profissionais às mães de prematuros, tal como se observa no serviço analisado, revela-se como elemento decisivo para a prática exclusiva do aleitamento materno. CONCLUSÃO: Amamentar exclusivamente os prematuros ainda é um desafio para algumas mães, mas é possível, desde que haja determinação, suporte apropriado da família, da rede social e, em especial, dos profissionais de saúde.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate perceptions and experiences of mothers of premature babies who breastfed exclusively from the 4th to the 6th month of life. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional exploratory study, based on qualitative methodology. Non-directive interviews were conducted among eight women, mothers of premature babies who received care in the School-Maternity Assis Chateaubriand, a service associated with the Federal University of Ceará in Fortaleza. This study is based on the theoretical premises of phenomenology. After transcription, the material was analyzed and classified into four axis of meaning: the mother's experiences at the initial contact with the premature baby; the support given to the mothers of premature babies by the hospital professionals; the mother's decision to breastfeed exclusively and the kangaroo care experience. RESULTS: The results revealed that each mother had a unique experience of breastfeeding. For these women, the decision to breastfeed the premature baby was strongly related to their acknowledging the importance of this practice for the child's health. However, the support given by the institution and the professionals to the mothers of premature babies, as observed in the analyzed service, is a decisive element for exclusive breastfeeding. CONCLUSION: Exclusive breastfeeding of premature babies is still a challenge for some mothers; however, it is possible as long as there is motivation and support from the family, from the social network, and especially from health professionals.

Efeito da polimerização por LED na microinfiltração marginal das restaurações classe II de resina composta / Effect of LED curing on microleakage of class II composite resin restorations

A proposta do trabalho foi avaliar o grau de microinfiltração marginal do sistema adesivo Single Bond (3M ESPE) por meio de dois diferentes tipos de fotopolimerizadores. Foram utilizados dez pré-molares humanos e confeccionadas cavidades do tipo classe II, sendo uma ocluso-mesial e outra ocluso-distal, com término oclusal em esmalte e término cervical localizado em cemento, em seguida, restauradas com Single Bond (3M ESPE) e resina composta Filtek Z250 (3M ESPE) cor A2. Os dentes foram divididos em dois grupos: Grupo 1 û fotopolimerizado com o aparelho de luz halógena Optilight (Gnatus); Grupo 2 û fotopolimerizado com o aparelho sem fio LED Radii (SDI). Os dentes e os forames apicais foram isolados, deixando exposta à margem de 1,0 mm ao redor da restauração, sendo em seguida termociclados 250 vezes (±5°C e ±55°C). Após, os corpos-de-prova foram mergulhados em solução de fucsina básica a 0,5 porcento por 48 horas para posterior avaliação obedecendo aos escores: grau 0 û ausência de infiltração; grau 1 û infiltração até 1/3 da parede; grau 2 û infiltração entre 1/3 a 2/3 da parede e grau 3 û infiltração mais do que 2/3 da parede. Os escores para dentina foram: G1: 0 = 100 porcento; G2: 0 = 70 porcento; 1 = 10 porcento; 2 = 20 porcento. Para esmalte: G1: 0 = 90 porcento; 1 = 10 porcento; G2: 0 = 50 porcento; 2 = 20 porcento; G3 = 30 porcento. Os resultados foram submetidos à análise estatística de Mann-Whitney (p < 0,05), demonstrando não haver diferença estatisticamente significante entre os grupos. Concluiu-se que a microinfiltração marginal não foi influenciada negativamente quando foi empregada a unidade fotopolimerizadora LED

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the microleakage of the bonding system Single Bond (3M ESPE) when used 2 differents light-curing units. Class II cavities were prepared in 10 human premolars. After, the cavities prepared were treated with the bonding agent Single Bond (3M ESPE) and filled with Filtek Z250 (3M ESPE) composite resin, color A2. The teeth were divided into 2 groups: G1 ­ the restorations were light-cured with a conventional halogen-based light-curing unit (Gnatus); G2 ­ the restorations were cured with a LED cordless light-curing unit Radii (SDI). The specimes were thermo-cycled 250 cycles (± 5 °C and ± 55 °C) prior to immersion in 0.5% basic fuchsin for 48 hours for posterior evaluation. The scores in dentin were: G1: 0 = 100%; G2: 0 = 70%; 1 = 10%; 2 = 20%. In the enamel: G1: 0 = 90%; 1 = 10%; G2: 0 = 50%;­ 2 = 20%; G3 = 30%. The data were subjected to statistical analysis using Mann-Whitney test (p < 0.05) and showed no significant statistical difference between the groups. In conclusion the LED light source no influenced the microleakage