Desarrollo de una escala de intención de uso del comercio móvil y su validación mediante análisis compuesto confirmatorio / Development of a scale of intention to use mobile commerce and its validation through confirmatory composite analysis

Resumen: La intención de comportamiento se ha estudiado desde la teoría de la acción razonada para predecir el comportamiento de los individuos. El objetivo de esta investigación fue desarrollar y validar una escala para medir la intención de uso del comercio móvil, a partir de las variables de la teoría unificada de aceptación y uso de tecnología como impulsores, y las variables riesgo percibido y tradición como inhibidores. El instrumento fue aplicado en línea a 211 consumidores del estado de Baja California, México. Se utilizó el análisis compuesto confirmatorio para verificar la fiabilidad del instrumento, así como la validez convergente, discriminante, nomológica y predictiva. Se obtuvo un instrumento válido y confiable para medir la influencia de las variables expectativa de rendimiento, influencia social, motivación hedónica, riesgo percibido, condiciones facilitadoras y tradición en la intención de uso del comercio móvil. La escala desarrollada satisface los criterios exigibles a un modelo de medición reflectivo.

Abstract: Behavioral intention has been studied from the theory of reasoned action to predict the behavior of individuals. The objective of this research was to develop and validate a scale to measure the intention to use m-commerce, based on the variables of unified theory of acceptance and use of technology as drivers, and the variables of perceived risk and tradition as inhibitors. The instrument was applied on-line to 211 consumers in the state of Baja California, Mexico. Confirmatory composite analysis was used to verify the reliability of the instrument, as well as convergent, discriminant, nomological and predictive validity. A valid and reliable instrument was obtained to measure the influence of the following variables: performance expectancy, social influence, hedonic motivation, perceived risk, facilitating conditions and tradition on the intention to use m-commerce. The developed scale meets the criteria required for a reflective measurement model.

Changes in EEG Activity and Cognition Related to Physical Activity in Older Adults: A Systematic Review.

Aging is generally associated with a decline in important cognitive functions that can be observed in EEG. Physical activity in older adults should be considered one of the main strategies to promote health and prevent disease in the elderly. The present study aimed to systematically review studies of EEG activity and cognitive function changes associated with physical activity in older adults. Records from PubMed, Scopus, and EBSCO databases were searched and, following the PRISMA guidelines, nine studies were included in the present systematic review. A risk of bias assessment was performed using the National Institute of Health Quality Assessment Tool for Case-control Studies instrument. The studies analyzed used two main strategies to determine the effects of physical activity on cognition and EEG: (1) multiscale entropy and power frequencies; and (2) event-related potentials. In terms of EEG activity, it can be concluded that exercise-induced neuroplasticity underlies improvements in cognitive function in healthy older adults.

Tele neuropsychological exploratory assessment of indicators of mild cognitive impairment and autonomy level in Mexican population over 60 years old.

Due to the cognitive decline associated with aging, it is necessary to determine the variables involved in this process to implement preventive actions to avoid or help slow the progression of cognitive decline to dementia in older adults. This is a priority in the current pandemic situation, due to the consequences of periods of confinement due to COVID-19. To address these challenges, this study was conducted through Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), by adapting an in-person assessment protocol into an online Tele neuropsychological consultation. The correlation between autonomy and cognitive performance variables is analyzed in 47 Mexican subjects over 60 years of age. The results of the statistical analyses suggest a moderate correlation between the level of autonomy and cognitive performance (with MOCA and Clock Drawing Test), significant correlation values are outlined in some of the variables reviewed, and interesting data were found in the correlation of cognitive reserve with cognitive decline and the educational level from the participants. Finally, future analysis is proposed of the sensitivity of screening tests (CDT) to find indicators of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) in this population that is not detected in classical tests (MOCA). Developing ICT-based screening protocols for the elderly may be a key tool in these coronavirus times or under any given circumstances.

Hypothalamic A11 Nuclei Regulate the Circadian Rhythm of Spinal Mechanonociception through Dopamine Receptors and Clock Gene Expression.

Several types of sensory perception have circadian rhythms. The spinal cord can be considered a center for controlling circadian rhythms by changing clock gene expression. However, to date, it is not known if mechanonociception itself has a circadian rhythm. The hypothalamic A11 area represents the primary source of dopamine (DA) in the spinal cord and has been found to be involved in clock gene expression and circadian rhythmicity. Here, we investigate if the paw withdrawal threshold (PWT) has a circadian rhythm, as well as the role of the dopaminergic A11 nucleus, DA, and DA receptors (DR) in the PWT circadian rhythm and if they modify clock gene expression in the lumbar spinal cord. Naïve rats showed a circadian rhythm of the PWT of almost 24 h, beginning during the night-day interphase and peaking at 14.63 h. Similarly, DA and DOPAC's spinal contents increased at dusk and reached their maximum contents at noon. The injection of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) into the A11 nucleus completely abolished the circadian rhythm of the PWT, reduced DA tissue content in the lumbar spinal cord, and induced tactile allodynia. Likewise, the repeated intrathecal administration of D1-like and D2-like DA receptor antagonists blunted the circadian rhythm of PWT. 6-OHDA reduced the expression of Clock and Per1 and increased Per2 gene expression during the day. In contrast, 6-OHDA diminished Clock, Bmal, Per1, Per2, Per3, Cry1, and Cry2 at night. The repeated intrathecal administration of the D1-like antagonist (SCH-23390) reduced clock genes throughout the day (Clock and Per2) and throughout the night (Clock, Per2 and Cry1), whereas it increased Bmal and Per1 throughout the day. In contrast, the intrathecal injection of the D2 receptor antagonists (L-741,626) increased the clock genes Bmal, Per2, and Per3 and decreased Per1 throughout the day. This study provides evidence that the circadian rhythm of the PWT results from the descending dopaminergic modulation of spinal clock genes induced by the differential activation of spinal DR.

γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) from satellite glial cells tonically depresses the excitability of primary afferent fibers.

Primary afferent fibers express extrasynaptic GABAA and GABAB receptors in the axons and soma. However, whether these receptors are tonically activated by ambient GABA and the source of the neurotransmitter is presently unknown. Here, we show that GABA release from dorsal root ganglia (DRG) does not depend on extracellular calcium, but depends upon calcium released from intracellular stores, and is mediated by Best1 channels. Using a preparation consisting of the spinal nerve in continuity with the DRG and the dorsal root, we found that endogenous GABA tonically activates GABA receptors, depressing the excitability of the primary afferents. In addition, using HPLC we found that GABA is released in the DRG, and by immunofluorescence microscopy we show the presence of GABA, the Best1 channel, and some enzymes of the putrescine pathway of GABA biosynthesis, in glutamine synthase- and GFAP-positive satellite glial cells. Last, we found that the blockade of the Best1 channel activity reduced the excitability of primary afferents and prevented the activation of the GABA receptors. These results suggest that satellite glial cells may be the source of endogenous GABA released in the DRG via Best1 channels, which tonically activates extrasynaptic GABA receptors.

Alliin, an Allium sativum Nutraceutical, ReducesMetaflammation Markers in DIO Mice.

Obesity generates a chronic low-grade inflammatory state which promotes oxidativestress and triggers comorbidities. Alliin is the main organosulfur compound in garlic and has beenshown to induce a decrease in the expression of proinflammatory cytokines; its systemic effect onmetabolic parameters and adipose tissue is not yet known, however. After nine weeks of HFD andwith obesity established in C57BL/6 mice, we observed that a daily treatment with alliin for 3.5weeks (15 mg/kg) did not affect body weight, but significantly improved insulin sensitivity andglucose tolerance, both evaluated through a blood glucose monitoring system. Once alliin treatmentwas completed, serum, adipose tissue, and organs of interest related to metabolism were removedfor further analysis. We observed that alliin significantly decreased the size of adipocytes fromepididymal adipose tissue, evaluated via microscopy. A decrease in gene expression and serumprotein levels of the adipocytokines leptin and resistin, as well as decreased serum IL-6concentration, were detected by qRT-PCR and ELISA, respectively. It did not, however, affectmRNA expression of antioxidant enzymes in the liver. Taken altogether, these results indicate thattreatment with alliin reduces metaflammation markers in DIO mice and improves some metabolicparameters without affecting others.

Cdk5 phosphorylates CaV1.3 channels and regulates GABAA-mediated miniature inhibitory post-synaptic currents in striato-nigral terminals.

Neurotransmission is one of the most important processes in neuronal communication and depends largely on Ca2+ entering synaptic terminals through voltage-gated Ca2+ (CaV) channels. Although the contribution of L-type CaV channels in neurotransmission has not been unambiguously established, increasing evidence suggests a role for these proteins in noradrenaline, dopamine, and GABA release. Here we report the regulation of L-type channels by Cdk5, and its possible effect on GABA release in the substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNpr). Using patch-clamp electrophysiology, we show that Cdk5 inhibition by Olomoucine significantly increases current density through CaV1.3 (L-type) channels heterologously expressed in HEK293 cells. Likewise, in vitro phosphorylation showed that Cdk5 phosphorylates residue S1947 in the C-terminal region of the pore-forming subunit of CaV1.3 channels. Consistent with this, the mutation of serine into alanine (S1947A) prevented the regulation of Cdk5 on CaV1.3 channel activity. Our data also revealed that the inhibition of Cdk5 increased the frequency of high K+-evoked miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents in rat SNpr neurons, acting on L-type channels. These results unveil a novel regulatory mechanism of GABA release in the SNpr that involves a direct action of Cdk5 on L-type channels.

Prevalence of arterial hypertension in Colombia. Systematic review and meta-analysis / Prevalencia de hipertensión arterial en Colombia. Revisión sistemática y metaanálisis

Abstract Objective: to determine the prevalence of arterial hypertension in individuals ≥18 years old and its behavior according to sex and age in Colombia. Data source: the search was carried out in the PubMed, Lilacs, Ovid, Google Scholar and Scielo databases, and was not restricted by study year. Search strategy: (Hypertension) AND (Colombia) or (Hipertensión Arterial) AND (Colombia) or (Cardiovascular Risk Factors) AND (Colombia). Study selection: descriptive population and cross-sectional studies which determined the prevalence of hypertension in the population ≥18 years old were included. With multiple reviewers, 23 studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Data extraction: the quality of the information was verified according to the STROBE declaration and by evaluating the risk of bias in each study. Data synthesis: prevalence was determined along with confidence intervals and heterogeneity. The prevalence of hypertension (52,570 individuals) is 24% [95% CI 19-29%; p<0.001]. It is slightly more prevalent in males (29%) [95% CI 23-37%; p<0.001], increases proportionally with age and is less prevalent in urban areas (21%) [95% CI 14-29%; p<0.001]. The tendency changes according to sex-age; it is more prevalent in males at early ages and in females beginning at middle age. Conclusion: There is a tendency towards increased prevalence of hypertension in Colombia. There are no major differences between the sexes. Prevalence varies in relation to age, age-sex and geographical area of residence. This is explained by the changing physiological behavior and the socioeconomic level of the population sample included. (Acta Med Colomb 2019; 44. DOI:https://doi.org/10.36104/amc.2019.1293).

Resumen Objetivo: determinar la prevalencia de hipertensión arterial en personas ≥18 años de edad y su comportamiento según género y edad en Colombia. Fuente de los datos: la búsqueda fue realizada en bases de datos PubMed, Lilacs, Ovid, Google Académico y Scielo. No restricción por año de realización de los estudios. Estrategia de búsqueda: (Hypertension) AND (Colombia) o (Hipertensión Arterial) AND (Colombia) o (Cardiovascular Risk Factors) AND (Colombia). Selección de los estudios: se incluyeron estudios descriptivos, de corte poblacional y transversal que determinen la prevalencia de hipertensión en población ≥18 años de edad. Con revisores múltiples, 23 estudios cumplieron los criterios de inclusión. Extracción de los datos: la calidad de la información verificada según la declaración STROBE y evaluando el riesgo de sesgo en cada estudio. Síntesis de los datos: se determina la prevalencia con intervalos de confianza y heterogeneidad. La prevalencia de hipertensión (52 570 individuos) es 24% [IC 95% 19-29%; p<0.001]. Ligeramente más prevalente en hombres 29% [IC 95% 23-37%; p<0.001], aumenta proporcionalmente con la edad y menos prevalente en área urbana 21% [IC 95% 14-29%; p<0.001]. La tendencia cambia en relación a género-edad, prevalece más en hombres a edad temprana y en mujeres a partir de la adultez media. Conclusión: Existe una tendencia al aumento de la prevalencia de hipertensión en Colombia. No hay mayores diferencias entre géneros. Existe variabilidad de prevalencia en relación con la edad, edad-género y área geográfica de residencia; esto explicado por el comportamiento fisiológico cambiante y el nivel socioeconómico de la muestra poblacional incluida. (Acta Med Colomb 2019; 44. DOI:https://doi.org/10.36104/amc.2019.1293).

Severity of Dyskinesia and D3R Signaling Changes Induced by L-DOPA Treatment of Hemiparkinsonian Rats Are Features Inherent to the Treated Subjects.

Extensive damage to nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons leads to Parkinson's disease (PD). To date, the most effective treatment has been administration of levodopa (L-DOPA) to increase dopaminergic tone. This treatment leads to responses that vary widely among patients, from predominantly beneficial effects to the induction of disabling, abnormal movements (L-DOPA induced dyskinesia (LID)). Similarly, experimental studies have shown animals with widely different degrees of LID severity. In this study, unilateral injections of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) in the medial forebrain bundle (MFB) produced more than 90% depletion of dopamine in both the striatum and the substantia nigra reticulata (SNr) of rats. Population analysis showed that dopamine depletion levels were clustered in a single population. In contrast, analysis of abnormal involuntary movements (AIMs) induced by L-DOPA treatment of 6-OHDA-lesioned animals yielded two populations: one with mild LID, and the other with severe LID, which are also related to different therapeutic responses. We examined whether the severity of LID correlated with changes in dopamine 3 receptor (D3R) signaling because of the following: (a) D3R expression and the induction of LID are strongly correlated; and (b) dopaminergic denervation induces a qualitative change in D3R signaling in the SNr. We found that the effects of D3R activation on cAMP accumulation and depolarization-induced [3H]-gamma-aminobutyric acid ([3H]-GABA) release were switched. L-DOPA treatment normalized the denervation-induced changes in animals with mild LID. The D3R activation caused depression of both dopamine 1 receptor (D1R)-induced increases in cAMP production and depolarization-induced [3H]-GABA release, which were reversed to their pre-denervation state. In animals with severe LID, none of the denervation-induced changes were reversed. The finding that in the absence of identifiable differences in 6-OHDA and L-DOPA treatment, two populations of animals with different D3R signaling and LIDs severity implies that mechanisms intrinsic to the treated subject determine the segregation.

Blockade of Intranigral and Systemic D3 Receptors Stimulates Motor Activity in the Rat Promoting a Reciprocal Interaction among Glutamate, Dopamine, and GABA.

In vivo activation of dopamine D3 receptors (D3Rs) depresses motor activity. D3Rs are widely expressed in subthalamic, striatal, and dendritic dopaminergic inputs into the substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNr). In vitro studies showed that nigral D3Rs modulate their neurotransmitter release; thus, it could be that these changes in neurotransmitter levels modify the discharge of nigro-thalamic neurons and, therefore, motor behavior. To determine how the in vitro responses correspond to the in vivo responses, we examined the effect of intra-nigral and systemic blockade of D3Rs in the interstitial content of glutamate, dopamine, and GABA within the SNr using microdialysis coupled to motor activity determinations in freely moving rats. Intranigral unilateral blockade of D3R with GR 103,691 increased glutamate, dopamine, and GABA. Increments correlated with increased ambulatory distance, non-ambulatory activity, and induced contralateral turning. Concomitant blockade of D3R with D1R by perfusion of SCH 23390 reduced the increase of glutamate; prevented the increment of GABA, but not of dopamine; and abolished behavioral effects. Glutamate stimulates dopamine release by NMDA receptors, while blockade with kynurenic acid prevented the increase in dopamine and, in turn, of GABA and glutamate. Finally, systemic administration of D3R selective antagonist U 99194A increased glutamate, dopamine, and GABA in SNr and stimulated motor activity. Blockade of intra-nigral D1R with SCH 23390 prior to systemic U 99194A diminished increases in neurotransmitter levels and locomotor activity. These data highlight the pivotal role of presynaptic nigral D3 and D1R in the control of motor activity and help to explain part of the effects of the in vivo administration of D3R agents.

Systems Biology Reveals NR2F6 and TGFB1 as Key Regulators of Feed Efficiency in Beef Cattle.

Systems biology approaches are used as strategy to uncover tissue-specific perturbations and regulatory genes related to complex phenotypes. We applied this approach to study feed efficiency (FE) in beef cattle, an important trait both economically and environmentally. Poly-A selected RNA of five tissues (adrenal gland, hypothalamus, liver, skeletal muscle and pituitary) of eighteen young bulls, selected for high and low FE, were sequenced (Illumina HiSeq 2500, 100 bp, pared-end). From the 17,354 expressed genes considering all tissues, 1,335 were prioritized by five selection categories (differentially expressed, harboring SNPs associated with FE, tissue-specific, secreted in plasma and key regulators) and used for network construction. NR2F6 and TGFB1 were identified and validated by motif discovery as key regulators of hepatic inflammatory response and muscle tissue development, respectively, two biological processes demonstrated to be associated with FE. Moreover, we indicated potential biomarkers of FE, which are related to hormonal control of metabolism and sexual maturity. By using robust methodologies and validation strategies, we confirmed the main biological processes related to FE in Bos indicus and indicated candidate genes as regulators or biomarkers of superior animals.

[Prevalence of dementia in the elderly in Latin America: A systematic review]. / Prevalencia de demencia en adultos mayores de América Latina: revisión sistemática.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Dementia is a growing public health problem. It involves the impairment of several cognitive functions, generating mental and physical disability, and therefore greater functional dependence. There is limited epidemiological information which reveals an approximate prevalence in older adults from Latin America. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of dementia in the older adult population of Latin America, and its distribution according to geographic area and gender. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic review was carried out in databases: PubMed, Ovid, Lilacs, Cochrane, Scielo and Google Scholar, in order to identify studies that estimate the prevalence of dementia in urban and / or rural population over 65 years of age. RESULTS: On February 2018, the literature search yielded 357 publications. The overall prevalence of dementia in the older adult population of Latin America was found to be 11%, prevailing more in female gender and urban people. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of dementia in Latin America is higher than registered previously, and even than in other continents.

Phytochemicals That Influence Gut Microbiota as Prophylactics and for the Treatment of Obesity and Inflammatory Diseases.

Gut microbiota (GM) plays several crucial roles in host physiology and influences several relevant functions. In more than one respect, it can be said that you "feed your microbiota and are fed by it." GM diversity is affected by diet and influences metabolic and immune functions of the host's physiology. Consequently, an imbalance of GM, or dysbiosis, may be the cause or at least may lead to the progression of various pathologies such as infectious diseases, gastrointestinal cancers, inflammatory bowel disease, and even obesity and diabetes. Therefore, GM is an appropriate target for nutritional interventions to improve health. For this reason, phytochemicals that can influence GM have recently been studied as adjuvants for the treatment of obesity and inflammatory diseases. Phytochemicals include prebiotics and probiotics, as well as several chemical compounds such as polyphenols and derivatives, carotenoids, and thiosulfates. The largest group of these comprises polyphenols, which can be subclassified into four main groups: flavonoids (including eight subgroups), phenolic acids (such as curcumin), stilbenoids (such as resveratrol), and lignans. Consequently, in this review, we will present, organize, and discuss the most recent evidence indicating a relationship between the effects of different phytochemicals on GM that affect obesity and/or inflammation, focusing on the effect of approximately 40 different phytochemical compounds that have been chemically identified and that constitute some natural reservoir, such as potential prophylactics, as candidates for the treatment of obesity and inflammatory diseases.

Estratégias que contribuem para a visibilidade do trabalho do enfermeiro na central de material e esterilização / Estrategias que contribuyen para la visibilidad del trabajo del enfermero en el centro de equipos y materiales / Strategies that contribute to nurses' work exposure in the material and sterilization central

RESUMO Objetivo: identificar estratégias para promover o reconhecimento e a visibilidade do fazer do enfermeiro na Central de Material e Esterilização. Método: pesquisa qualitativa, descritiva, realizada com enfermeiros de um hospital do sul do Brasil, de outubro a novembro de 2014, totalizando 17 participantes, através de entrevista semiestruturada e análise textual discursiva. Resultados: dentre as estratégias, destacaram-se a troca de vivência entre os enfermeiros da Central de Material e Esterilização e os enfermeiros de outras unidades; seleção dos trabalhadores, a partir de critérios necessários para a atuação no local e Serviço de Educação Permanente, com temáticas voltadas ao setor. Estas estratégias suscitaram mudanças no modo de perceber uma área da enfermagem, ainda pouco visível, apesar de tão essencial para as atividades realizadas no hospital. A visibilidade do trabalho realizado na Central de Material e Esterilização ainda se apresenta distorcida, pois, apesar de o trabalho desenvolvido no setor ser considerado importante pelos profissionais externos, muitos não conheciam a diversidade de atividades realizadas nem possuíam o conhecimento específico exigido. Conclusão: a pesquisa evidenciou a necessidade de engajamento dos próprios enfermeiros da Central de Material e Esterilização para se fazerem perceber e modificarem a imagem do setor e a maneira como a administração das instituições de saúde vem lidando com os avanços do processamento dos artigos médico-cirúrgicos.

RESUMEN Objetivo: identificar las estrategias para promover el reconocimiento y la visibilidad del hacer del enfermero en el Centro de Equipos y Materiales. Método: investigación cualitativa, descriptiva, realizada con enfermeros de un hospital del sur de Brasil, de octubre a noviembre de 2014, totalizando 17 participantes, a través de entrevista semi-estructurada y análisis textual discursiva. Resultados: dentro de las estrategias se destacaron el intercambio de vivencia entre los enfermeros del Centro de equipos y materiales y los enfermeros de otras unidades; selección de los trabajadores, a partir de criterios necesarios para la actuación en el local y Servicio de Educación Permanente, con temáticas vinculadas para el sector. Estas estrategias suscitaron cambios en el modo de percibir un área de la enfermería, aún poco visible, a pesar de tan esencial para las actividades realizadas en el hospital. La visibilidad del trabajo realizado en el Centro de equipos y materiales aún se presenta alterada, pues, a pesar del trabajo desarrollado en el sector a ser considerado importante por los profesionales externos, muchos no conocían la diversidad de actividades realizadas ni poseían el conocimiento específico exigido. Conclusión: la investigación evidenció la necesidad del compromiso de los mismos enfermeros del Centro de materiales y equipos para hacerse percibir y modificar la imagen del sector y la manera como la administración de las instituciones de salud vienen lidiando con los avances del proceso de los artículos médico-quirúrgicos.

ABSTRACT Objective: to identify strategies to promote the recognition and visibility of the nursing work performed in the Central Supply and Sterilization. Method: qualitative, descriptive research with nurses from a hospital in Southern Brazil, from October to November 2014, totaling 17 participants, data collection was performed through semi structured interviews and discursive textual analysis. Results: among the strategies, the exchange of experiences between the nurses of the Central Supply and Sterilization department and the nurses of other units were highlighted; Selection of workers was based on the criteria required for the on-site performance and Permanent Education Service, with topics focused on the sector. These strategies have led to changes in the way of perceiving a nursing area, which is still not very visible, although it is essential for the activities performed at the hospital. The visibility of the work performed in the Central Supply and Sterilization department is still distorted, as although the work developed in the sector is considered important by external professionals, many were not aware of the diversity of activities performed or had the specific knowledge required. Conclusion: the research evidenced the need for the nurses of the Central Supply and Sterilization department to engage, perceive and modify the image of the sector and the way in which the administration of health institutions has been dealing with the advances in the processing of medical and surgical articles.

Comissão Intra-Hospitalar de Doação de Órgãos e Tecidos para Transplante: questões éticas / Intra-Hospital Committee for Donation of Organs and Tissues for Transplant: ethical issues / Comisión Intrahospitalaria de Donación de Órganos y Tejidos para Trasplante: cuestiones éticas

Este estudo teve como objetivo evidenciar os aspectos éticos envolvidos na doação, captação e transplante de órgãos e tecidos pelas vivências dos trabalhadores de uma Comissão Intra-Hospitalar de Doação de Órgãos e Tecidos para Transplante. Pesquisa qualitativa do tipo exploratória, desenvolvida com onze trabalhadores da saúde. A coleta de dados foi realizada em um hospital universitário de Pelotas, RS, Brasil, de janeiro a março de 2010, por meio de entrevistas. A análise dos dados conduziu às seguintes categorias: a compreensão do diagnóstico de morte encefálica como questão ética; e aspectos éticos vivenciados pelos trabalhadores na relação estabelecida com a família. Concluiu-se que tais situações instigam o trabalhador a questionar-se sobre suas atitudes, valores e a refletir sobre o seu fazer como membro de uma equipe da saúde e protetor de vidas.

The objective of this study was to demonstrate ethical aspects involved in the donation, collection and transplantation oforgans and tissues through the experiences of workers in an intra-hospital committee for donation of organs and tissuesfor transplant. Exploratory qualitative research developed with eleven health workers. Data collection was performed at auniversity hospital in Pelotas, RS, Brazil, in the period of January-March 2010, through interviews. Data analysis resultedin the following categories: understanding of brain death diagnosis as an ethical issue; and, ethical issues experienced byworkers in the relationship established with the family. It was concluded that such situations instigate workers to reflect ontheir attitudes, values, and their role as a health team member and protector of lives.

El objetivo del estudio fue evidenciar los aspectos éticos involucrados en la donación, búsqueda y trasplante de órganos ytejidos a través de las experiencias de los trabajadores de una Comisión Intrahospitalaria de Donación de Órganos y Tejidospara Trasplante. Investigación cualitativa, del tipo exploratoria, desarrollada con once trabajadores de la salud. La recogidade datos fue en hospital universitario de Pelotas, RS, Brasil, de enero a marzo de 2010, por medio de entrevistas. El análisisde los datos condujera a las siguientes categorías: comprensión del diagnóstico de muerte cerebral como cuestión ética; yaspectos éticos experimentados por los trabajadores en relación establecida con la familia. En conclusión, tales situacionesinstigan al trabajador a preguntarse acerca de las actitudes, valores y a reflexionar sobre lo que hace como miembro deun equipo de salud y protector de vidas.

[Investigating language acquisition disorders based on the complaints]. / Investigando os distúrbios de aquisição de linguagem a partir das queixas.

PURPOSE: To investigate complaints commonly reported by parents of children with language disorders. In addition, we have analyzed the conditions of verbal production and comprehension of these children. METHODS: The sample comprised 55 children of both genders with ages between 2 and 12 years old. The complaints reported by their families at the beginning of therapeutic intervention were analyzed and subdivided, considering deficits on verbal production, verbal comprehension and both (mixed comprehension and production deficits). Subsequently, we analyzed the performance of these children in verbal comprehension and production tests, in phonological, semantic, grammatical and pragmatic levels. RESULTS: By analyzing the performance of children whose families complained about verbal production (82.6%), it was found that 55.2% of them also presented verbal comprehension deficits. Verbal production deficits occurred at phonological (97.3%), semantic (76.3%), grammatical (78.9%) and pragmatic (5.2%) levels. CONCLUSION: Although complaints regarding verbal production deficits are more common, verbal comprehension deficits are also evident in children with language disorders. These findings evidence the importance of careful evaluation based on the complaints presented by the families.

Investigando os distúrbios de aquisição de linguagem a partir das queixas / Investigating language acquisition disorders based on the complaints

OBJETIVO: Investigar as queixas comumente relatadas por pais de crianças com Distúrbio de Linguagem. Além disso, buscou-se analisar as condições de recepção e expressão verbais destas crianças. MÉTODOS: A amostra foi constituída por 55 crianças, na faixa etária entre 2 e 12 anos, de ambos os gêneros. As queixas relatadas pela família no inicio da intervenção terapêutica foram analisadas e subdivididas, considerando-se prejuízo de produção verbal, compreensão verbal e misto (compreensão e produção). Posteriormente, foram analisados os desempenhos das crianças em provas de compreensão verbal e produção nos níveis fonológico, semântico, gramatical e pragmático. RESULTADOS: Ao analisarmos o desempenho de crianças cujos familiares apresentavam queixa quanto à produção verbal (82,6 por cento), observamos que 55,2 por cento delas também apresentavam desvios na compreensão verbal. O comprometimento da produção verbal ocorreu em nível fonológico (97,3 por cento), semântico (76,3 por cento), gramatical (78,9 por cento) e pragmático (5,2 por cento). CONCLUSÃO: Embora a queixa sobre prejuízos na produção verbal seja mais mencionada pelos familiares, os prejuízos na compreensão verbal também são evidenciados em crianças com Distúrbio de Linguagem. Esses achados confirmam a importância da realização de uma avaliação cuidadosa a partir da investigação da queixa relatada pelas famílias.

PURPOSE: To investigate complaints commonly reported by parents of children with language disorders. In addition, we have analyzed the conditions of verbal production and comprehension of these children. METHODS: The sample comprised 55 children of both genders with ages between 2 and 12 years old. The complaints reported by their families at the beginning of therapeutic intervention were analyzed and subdivided, considering deficits on verbal production, verbal comprehension and both (mixed comprehension and production deficits). Subsequently, we analyzed the performance of these children in verbal comprehension and production tests, in phonological, semantic, grammatical and pragmatic levels. RESULTS: By analyzing the performance of children whose families complained about verbal production (82.6 percent), it was found that 55.2 percent of them also presented verbal comprehension deficits. Verbal production deficits occurred at phonological (97.3 percent), semantic (76.3 percent), grammatical (78.9 percent) and pragmatic (5.2 percent) levels. CONCLUSION: Although complaints regarding verbal production deficits are more common, verbal comprehension deficits are also evident in children with language disorders. These findings evidence the importance of careful evaluation based on the complaints presented by the families.

Atomic partition of the optical rotatory power of methylhydroperoxide.

We applied a methodology capable of resolving the optical rotatory power into atomic contributions. The individual atomic contributions to the optical rotatory power and molecular chirality of the methylhydroperoxide are obtained via a canonical transformation of the Hamiltonian by which the electric dipolar moment operator is transformed to the acceleration gauge formalism and the magnetic dipolar moment operator to the torque formalism. The gross atomic isotropic contributions have been evaluated for the carbon, the nonequivalent oxygen, and the nonequivalent hydrogen atoms of methylhydroperoxide, employing a very large Gaussian basis set which is close to the Hartree-Fock limit.

Theoretical study of HCN and HNC neutral and charged clusters.

A theoretical study of linear and cyclic clusters of (HCN)n and (HNC)n (up to n = 10) has been carried out by means of DFT and MP2 ab initio methods. The transition states linking the cyclic clusters show high energetic barriers that prevent the spontaneous transformation of the high-energy clusters, (HNC)n, into the low-energy ones, (HCN)n. The effect of the protonation/deprotonation of the linear clusters has also been explored. The results show that (HNC)n clusters with n values larger than six are thermodynamically more stable as charged systems than as neutral ones. The geometrical results have been analyzed using a Steiner-Limbach plot. The electron density and its Laplacian at the bond critical points correlate with the corresponding bond distances by means of two exponential functions, one for the open shell and another for the closed shell cases.

Interaction energies and NMR indirect nuclear spin-spin coupling constants in linear HCN and HNC complexes.

The cooperativity effects on both the electronic energy and NMR indirect nuclear spin-spin coupling constants J of the linear complexes (HCN)n and (HNC)n (n = 1-6) are discussed. The geometries of the complexes were optimized at the MP2 level by using the cc-pVTZ basis sets. The spin-spin coupling constants were calculated at the level of the second-order polarization propagator approximation with use of the local dense basis set scheme based on the cc-pVTZ-J basis sets. We find strong correlations in the patterns of different properties such as interaction energy, hydrogen bond distances, and spin-spin coupling constants for both series of compounds. The intramolecular spin-spin couplings are with two exceptions dominated by the Fermi contact (FC) mechanism, while the FC term is the only nonvanishing contribution for the intermolecular couplings. The latter do not follow the Dirac vector model and are important only between nearest neighbors.