Additional description of a new species of Tunga (Siphonaptera) from Ecuador.

A new species of chigoe flea belonging to the genus Tunga Jarocki, 1838 (Siphonaptera, Pulicidae, Tunginae), Tunga trimamillata, was recently described by Pampiglione et al. (2002). A better description and more details of the epidemiology of the flea are now presented. It is a species found in goats, pigs and cattle in Santa Isabel in Andean Ecuador. This new species differs from its most similar congener, Tunga penetrans (L., 1758), by several features, the most important of which are a) the presence on the anterior extremity of the gravid female of three rounded humps surrounding the head and thorax (which, however, are not visible if viewed in profile), b) slightly larger dimensions and c) the length of the first segment of the maxillary palpi which is longer than each of the other three.

[On a new species of sand flea from Ecuador and tungiasis, a problem of Public Health in many developing countries]. / Su di una nuova specie di pulce penetrante dell'Ecuador esulla tungiasi, problema di Sanità Pubblica in molti paesi in via di sviluppo.

The authors recently described a new species of sand flea (genus Tunga) occurred in goat, sheep, cow, pig and man, in the Andean village of S.ta Isabel (Ecuador) and named Tunga trimamillata. Its most important morphological characteristics are: slightly larger dimensions than T. penetrans, both in male and female; presence on the anterior extremity of gravid female of three rounded humps surrounding head and thorax; length of the first segment of maxillary palpi which is longer than each of the other three. The importance of this parasite is due to the fact that it can cause the same damages as T. penetrans both in humans and domestic animals, with conseguent walking difficulties and local or generalized infections. For breeders, economic losses can be remarkable. Tungiasis is a serious problem of Public Health in many countries of Latin America and Subsaharian Africa, and it can be considered in these localities as an indicator of underdevelopment and poor hygiene conditions.

[Living with an ostomy: a preliminary study]. / Vivendo com um ostoma: um estudo preliminar.

This study reveals some aspects of ostomy patients life experience. The data were obtained by using the participant observation technique during the monthly meeting session of the Ostomy Patients Association from July 1989 to August 1991. The findings showed that the ostomized patients were concerned with: 1) the ostomy pouch (how to get it); 2) other persons opinion about ostomized patients; 3) their sexuality, and stoma care. The patients perceived themselves as physically disable and inferior persons. Some of them perceived themselves as having a normal life. Other patients also had to cope with the stigma of cancer.

[Is nursing a science or a profession?]. / Enfermagem ciência ou profissão?

Traditionally, human knowledge has been considered in the context of disciplines which can be divided in two groups: Academics and professionals. The aim of academic disciplines is the knowledge and their theories are descriptive in nature. For this reason they are named science. In contrast, professional disciplines are move comprehensive, directed toward practical aims and there is a need to and to work. Nursing as a professional discipline has been influenced by four school of thought named; service, administration, academic and practice. Currently the nursing practice is developed based on three different theoretic and philosophic branches.

[The quality of life of individuals with chronic cardiovascular diseases and diabetes mellitus]. / Qualidade de vida dos indivíduos com doenças cardiovasculares crônicas e diabetes mellitus.

The purpose of this study was to verify the chronically ill patient's quality of life. The study conceptual framework was deryged from the quality of life conceptualization according to Wenger et al. (1984). In this framework the main components of quality of life were viewed as a functional capacity, perception and symptoms. The study sample consisted of 94 chronically ill patients. Of these, 35 were in and outpatients with cardiovascular diseases (GROUP I), 29 patients were on a special rehabilitation program for cardiovascular patients (GROUP II), and 30 were diabetic patients (GROUP III). The McMaster Health Index questionnaire developed by Chambers (1984) was used for data collection. The findings revealed that patients of the GROUP II showed better quality of life than the patients of GROUP I and GROUP III in relation to the physical function, health perception, and life satisfaction.

[Changes in life style confronted by patients with chronic health conditions]. / Mudanças no estilo de vida enfrentadas por pacientes em condições crônicas de saúde.

The purpose of this study was to identify the life style changes in patient with chronic illness. The sample consisted of 45 patients with chronic diseases. The findings showed that the patients had to face changes in their life Style such as: First, new tasks including compliance with terapeutic regimens seeking information about their diseases and managing their disconforts. Second, --losses referring to their social relationship, finances, locomotion and work capacity, and leisure activities losses. Third, treats --including treat to their personal self, their life and hope.