Impact of inherent biases built into proteomic techniques: Proximity labeling and affinity capture compared.

The characterization of protein-protein interactions (PPIs) is of high value for understanding protein function. Two strategies are popular for identification of PPIs direct from the cellular environment: affinity capture (pulldown) isolates the protein of interest with an immobilized matrix that specifically captures the target and potential partners, whereas in BioID, genetic fusion of biotin ligase facilitates proximity biotinylation, and labeled proteins are isolated with streptavidin. Whilst both methods provide valuable insights, they can reveal distinct PPIs, but the basis for these differences is less obvious. Here, we compare both methods using four different trypanosome proteins as baits: poly(A)-binding proteins PABP1 and PABP2, mRNA export receptor MEX67, and the nucleoporin NUP158. With BioID, we found that the population of candidate interacting proteins decreases with more confined bait protein localization, but the candidate population is less variable with affinity capture. BioID returned more likely false positives, in particular for proteins with less confined localization, and identified low molecular weight proteins less efficiently. Surprisingly, BioID for MEX67 identified exclusively proteins lining the inner channel of the nuclear pore complex (NPC), consistent with the function of MEX67, whereas the entire NPC was isolated by pulldown. Similarly, for NUP158, BioID returned surprisingly few PPIs within NPC outer rings that were by contrast detected with pulldown but instead returned a larger cohort of nuclear proteins. These rather significant differences highlight a clear issue with reliance on a single method to identify PPIs and suggest that BioID and affinity capture are complementary rather than alternative approaches.

Overexpression of TcNTPDase-1 Gene Increases Infectivity in Mice Infected with Trypanosoma cruzi.

Ecto-nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolases (NTPDases) are enzymes located on the surface of the T. cruzi plasma membrane, which hydrolyze a wide range of tri-/-diphosphate nucleosides. In this work, we used previously developed genetically modified strains of Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi), hemi-knockout (KO +/−) and overexpressing (OE) the TcNTPDase-1 gene to evaluate the parasite infectivity profile in a mouse model of acute infection (n = 6 mice per group). Our results showed significantly higher parasitemia and mortality, and lower weight in animals infected with parasites OE TcNTPDase-1, as compared to the infection with the wild type (WT) parasites. On the other hand, animals infected with (KO +/−) parasites showed no mortality during the 30-day trial and mouse weight was more similar to the non-infected (NI) animals. In addition, they had low parasitemia (45.7 times lower) when compared with parasites overexpressing TcNTPDase-1 from the hemi-knockout (OE KO +/−) group. The hearts of animals infected with the OE KO +/− and OE parasites showed significantly larger regions of cardiac inflammation than those infected with the WT parasites (p < 0.001). Only animals infected with KO +/− did not show individual electrocardiographic changes during the period of experimentation. Together, our results expand the knowledge on the role of NTPDases in T. cruzi infectivity, reenforcing the potential of this enzyme as a chemotherapy target to treat Chagas disease (CD).

Lesion sterilization and tissue repair of primary molar to the eruption of its permanent successor: a case report / Esterilização da lesão e reparação de tecidos de molar decíduo: relato de caso clínico até a erupção do permanente sucessor

The aim of this study is to report a clinical case of lesion sterilization and tissue repair in primary molar, with follow-up until the eruption of the permanent successor. A 6-year-old male patient came to the Pediatric Dentistry Clinic at Faculdade Sao Leopoldo Mandic in Campinas-SP, with his mother, complaining of "caries in several teeth". On clinical examination, it was found that tooth 85 had a severe carious lesion with pulp involvement and fistula. Radiographically, radiolucency was observed in the furcation region. It was then decided to perform lesion sterilization and tissue repair of the tooth with CTZ paste. After 6 months of the procedure, the tooth was clinically and radiographically normal and after 3 years it was observed that tooth 85 was in complete root resorption. After extraction, the permanent successor erupted naturally without clinical or radiographic alterations. It can be concluded that the present clinical case demonstrated success in the use of CTZ paste in the lesion sterilization and tissue repair of primary molars, until the complete eruption of the permanent successor. (AU)

O objetivo desse estudo é relatar o caso clínico de esterilização da lesão e reparação de tecidos em molar decíduo com pasta CTZ, com acompanhamento até a erupção do pré-molar sucessor. Paciente do sexo masculino, 6 anos de idade, apresentou-se à Clínica de Odontopediatria da Faculdade São Leopoldo Mandic em Campinas-SP, acompanhado de sua mãe, queixando-se de "cárie em vários dentes". Ao exame clínico, verificou-se que o dente 85 apresentava lesão de cárie severa com envolvimento pulpar e fístula. Radiograficamente, observou-se radiolucidez na região de furca. Optou-se, então, por realizar a esterilização da lesão e reparação de tecidos do dente com pasta CTZ. Após 6 meses da realização do procedimento, o dente apresentava-se clinica e radiograficamente normal e após 3 anos observou-se que o elemento 85 estava em rizólise completa. Feita a extração, o permanente sucessor erupcionou naturalmente sem alterações clínicas ou radiográficas. Pode-se concluir que o presente caso clínico demonstrou sucesso do emprego da pasta CTZ na esterilização da lesão e reparação de tecidos de molar decíduo, até completa erupção do permanente sucessor. (AU)

Lower peripheral blood Toll-like receptor 3 expression is associated with an unfavorable outcome in severe COVID-19 patients.

The role of innate immunity in COVID-19 is not completely understood. Therefore, this study explored the impact of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection on the expression of Pattern Recognition Receptors (PRRs) in peripheral blood cells and their correlated cytokines. Seventy-nine patients with severe COVID-19 on admission, according to World Health Organization (WHO) classification, were divided into two groups: patients who needed mechanical ventilation and/or deceased (SEVERE, n = 50) and patients who used supplementary oxygen but not mechanical ventilation and survived (MILD, n = 29); a control group (CONTROL, n = 17) was also enrolled. In the peripheral blood, gene expression (mRNA) of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) 3, 4, 7, 8, and 9, retinoic-acid inducible gene I (RIGI), NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3), interferon alpha (IFN-α), interferon beta (IFN-ß), interferon gamma (IFN-γ), interferon lambda (IFN-λ), pro-interleukin(IL)-1ß (pro-IL-1ß), and IL-18 was determined on admission, between 5-9 days, and between 10-15 days. Circulating cytokines in plasma were also measured. When compared to the COVID-19 MILD group, the COVID-19 SEVERE group had lower expression of TLR3 and overexpression of TLR4.

Double-blind, Randomized, Placebo-controlled Trial With N-acetylcysteine for Treatment of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Caused by Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).

BACKGROUND: A local increase in angiotensin 2 after inactivation of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) may induce a redox imbalance in alveolar epithelium cells, causing apoptosis, increased inflammation and, consequently, impaired gas exchange. We hypothesized that N-acetylcysteine (NAC) administration could restore this redox homeostasis and suppress unfavorable evolution in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). METHODS: This was a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, single-center trial conducted at the Emergency Department of Hospital das Clínicas, São Paulo, Brazil, to determine whether NAC in high doses can avoid respiratory failure in patients with COVID-19. We enrolled 135 patients with severe COVID-19 (confirmed or suspected), with an oxyhemoglobin saturation <94% or respiratory rate >24 breaths/minute. Patients were randomized to receive NAC 21 g (~300 mg/kg) for 20 hours or dextrose 5%. The primary endpoint was the need for mechanical ventilation. Secondary endpoints were time of mechanical ventilation, admission to the intensive care unit (ICU), time in ICU, and mortality. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics were similar between the 2 groups, with no significant differences in age, sex, comorbidities, medicines taken, and disease severity. Also, groups were similar in laboratory tests and chest computed tomography scan findings. Sixteen patients (23.9%) in the placebo group received endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation, compared with 14 patients (20.6%) in the NAC group (P = .675). No difference was observed in secondary endpoints. CONCLUSIONS: Administration of NAC in high doses did not affect the evolution of severe COVID-19. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION: Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (REBEC): U1111-1250-356 (http://www.ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-8969zg/).

Can gadoxetic acid-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging be used to avoid liver biopsy in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease?

BACKGROUND: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a major cause of liver disease worldwide. The diagnosis of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), the most severe form of NAFLD, is crucial and has prognostic and therapeutic implications. However, currently this diagnosis is based on liver biopsy and has several limitations. AIM: To evaluate the performance of gadoxetic acid-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (GA-MRI) in differentiating isolated steatosis from NASH in patients with NAFLD. METHODS: In this prospective study, 56 patients with NAFLD (18 with isolated steatosis and 38 with NASH) underwent GA-MRI. The contrast enhancement index (CEI) was calculated as the rate of increase of the liver-to-muscle signal intensity ratio from before and 20 min after intravenous GA administration. Between-group differences in mean CEI were examined using Student's t test. The area under the receiver operator characteristic curve and the diagnostic performance of gadoxetic acid-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean CEI for all subjects was 1.82 ± 0.19. The mean CEI was significantly lower in patients with NASH than in those with isolated steatosis (P = 0.008). Two CEI cut-off points were used: < 1.66 (94% specificity) to characterize NASH and > 2.00 (89% sensitivity) to characterize isolated steatosis. CEI values between 1.66 and 2.00 indicated liver biopsy, and the procedure could be avoided in 40% of patients with NAFLD. CONCLUSION: GA-MRI is an effective noninvasive method that may be useful for the differentiation of NASH from isolated steatosis, and could help to avoid liver biopsy in patients with NAFLD.

Knocking Down TcNTPDase-1 Gene Reduces in vitro Infectivity of Trypanosoma cruzi.

Ecto-Nucleoside Triphosphate Diphosphohydrolases are enzymes that hydrolyze tri- and/or diphosphate nucleosides. Evidences pointed out to their participation in Trypanosoma cruzi virulence, infectivity, and purine acquisition. In this study, recombinant T. cruzi knocking out or overexpressing the TcNTPDase-1 gene were built, and the role of TcNTPDase-1 in the in vitro interaction with VERO cells was investigated. Results show that epimastigote forms of hemi-knockout parasites showed about 50% lower level of TcNTPDase-1 gene expression when compared to the wild type, while the T. cruzi overexpressing this gene reach 20 times higher gene expression. In trypomastigote forms, the same decreasing in TcNTPDase-1 gene expression was observed to the hemi-knockout parasites. The in vitro infection assays showed a reduction to 51.6 and 59.9% at the adhesion and to 25.2 and 26.4% at the endocytic indexes to the parasites knockout to one or other allele (Hygro and Neo hemi-knockouts), respectively. In contrast, the infection assays with T. cruzi overexpressing TcNTPDase-1 from the WT or Neo hemi-knockout parasites showed an opposite result, with the increasing to 287.7 and 271.1% at the adhesion and to 220.4 and 186.7% at the endocytic indexes, respectively. The parasitic load estimated in infected VERO cells by quantitative real time PCR corroborated these findings. Taken together, the partial silencing and overexpression of the TcNTPDase-1 gene generated viable parasites with low and high infectivity rates, respectively, corroborating that the enzyme encoded for this gene plays an important role to the T. cruzi infectivity.

Comparison of the finger-feeding versus cup feeding methods in the transition from gastric to oral feeding in preterm infants / Comparação entre o método sonda-dedo versus copo na transição alimentar do recém-nascido prematuro

Abstract Objectives: To assess the finger-feeding technique when compared with the cup feeding method during the early stage of preterm infant feeding transition regarding milk loss, milk ingestion period, and complications. Methods: Experimental, randomized, prospective study including 53 preterm infants with gestation age < 37 weeks, clinically stable, and with a score of >28 points in the Oral Feeding Readiness Assessment Scale. The preterm babies were randomized to be included in the control group, which underwent the feeding transition using a cup or in the experimental group, which used the finger-feeding technique. The analysis of data was performed using Student's t-test to evaluate differences between mean values of the appointed variables, and Fischer's test for categorical variables; the asymmetric variables were assessed by the Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA test. Results: When compared with the control group, the experimental group showed lower milk loss, longer milk ingestion time, and a lower frequency of complications during feeding. The significance level was set at 5%, with a confidence interval of 90%. Conclusion: The finger-feeding technique was shown to be a better feeding transition method regarding efficacy when compared with cup feeding method, due to lower milk loss and fewer complication episodes.

Resumo Objetivo: Avaliar a técnica sonda-dedo em comparação com o copo no início da transição alimentar do prematuro quanto à perda de leite ofertado, tempo de ingestão e complicações. Métodos: Estudo experimental, randomizado, não cego, prospectivo, com 53 prematuros de idade gestacional < 37 semanas, clinicamente estáveis e com escore > 28 pontos na Avaliação da Prontidão para início da alimentação por via oral. Os prematuros foram randomizados para o Grupo Controle que fez a transição alimentar com o copo e para o Grupo Experimental que usou a técnica sonda-dedo. Na análise dos dados, foram aplicados o teste t de Student para avaliar a diferença de médias e o teste exato de Fisher para as variáveis categóricas, enquanto para as variáveis assimétricas foi aplicado a Anova de Kruskal-Wallis. Resultados: O grupo experimental apresentou em relação ao grupo controle diferença significativa quanto a menor perda de leite, maior tempo de dieta e menor frequência de complicações. O nível de significância foi de 5% e o poder de teste mínimo de 90%. Conclusão: A técnica sonda-dedo mostrou-se um método opcional de transição alimentar superior em sua eficiência quanto a menor perda de leite e menor incidência de complicações.

Knockout of the gamma subunit of the AP-1 adaptor complex in the human parasite Trypanosoma cruzi impairs infectivity and differentiation and prevents the maturation and targeting of the major protease cruzipain.

The AP-1 Adaptor Complex assists clathrin-coated vesicle assembly in the trans-Golgi network (TGN) of eukaryotic cells. However, the role of AP-1 in the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi-the Chagas disease parasite-has not been addressed. Here, we studied the function and localization of AP-1 in different T. cruzi life cycle forms, by generating a gene knockout of the large AP-1 subunit gamma adaptin (TcAP1-γ), and raising a monoclonal antibody against TcAP1-γ. Co-localization with a Golgi marker and with the clathrin light chain showed that TcAP1-γ is located in the Golgi, and it may interact with clathrin in vivo, at the TGN. Epimastigote (insect form) parasites lacking TcAP1-γ (TcγKO) have reduced proliferation and differentiation into infective metacyclic trypomastigotes (compared with wild-type parasites). TcγKO parasites have also displayed significantly reduced infectivity towards mammalian cells. Importantly, TcAP1-γ knockout impaired maturation and transport to lysosome-related organelles (reservosomes) of a key cargo-the major cysteine protease cruzipain, which is important for parasite nutrition, differentiation and infection. In conclusion, the defective processing and transport of cruzipain upon AP-1 ablation may underlie the phenotype of TcγKO parasites.

Comparison of the finger-feeding versus cup feeding methods in the transition from gastric to oral feeding in preterm infants.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the finger-feeding technique when compared with the cup feeding method during the early stage of preterm infant feeding transition regarding milk loss, milk ingestion period, and complications. METHODS: Experimental, randomized, prospective study including 53 preterm infants with gestation age<37 weeks, clinically stable, and with a score of >28 points in the Oral Feeding Readiness Assessment Scale. The preterm babies were randomized to be included in the control group, which underwent the feeding transition using a cup or in the experimental group, which used the finger-feeding technique. The analysis of data was performed using Student's t-test to evaluate differences between mean values of the appointed variables, and Fischer's test for categorical variables; the asymmetric variables were assessed by the Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA test. RESULTS: When compared with the control group, the experimental group showed lower milk loss, longer milk ingestion time, and a lower frequency of complications during feeding. The significance level was set at 5%, with a confidence interval of 90%. CONCLUSION: The finger-feeding technique was shown to be a better feeding transition method regarding efficacy when compared with cup feeding method, due to lower milk loss and fewer complication episodes.

Risk factors associated with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in Espírito Santo, Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the prevalence and factors associated with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in Espírito Santo, Brazil. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study of cases of tuberculosis tested for first-line drugs (isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide, ethambutol, and streptomycin) in Espírito Santo between 2002 and 2012. We have used laboratory data and registration of cases of tuberculosis - from the Sistema Nacional de Agravos de Notificação and Sistema para Tratamentos Especiais de Tuberculose. Individuals have been classified as resistant and non-resistant and compared in relation to the sociodemographic, clinical, and epidemiological variables. Some variables have been included in a logistic regression model to establish the factors associated with resistance. RESULTS: In the study period, 1,669 individuals underwent anti-tuberculosis drug susceptibility testing. Of these individuals, 10.6% showed resistance to any anti-tuberculosis drug. The rate of multidrug resistance observed, that is, to rifampicin and isoniazid, has been 5%. After multiple analysis, we have identified as independent factors associated with resistant tuberculosis: history of previous treatment of tuberculosis [recurrence (OR = 7.72; 95%CI 4.24-14.05) and re-entry after abandonment (OR = 3.91; 95%CI 1.81-8.43)], smoking (OR = 3.93; 95%CI 1.98-7.79), and positive culture for Mycobacterium tuberculosis at the time of notification of the case (OR = 3.22; 95%CI 1.15-8.99). CONCLUSIONS: The partnership between tuberculosis control programs and health teams working in the network of Primary Health Care needs to be strengthened. This would allow the identification and monitoring of individuals with a history of previous treatment of tuberculosis and smoking. Moreover, the expansion of the offer of the culture of tuberculosis and anti-tuberculosis drug susceptibility testing would provide greater diagnostic capacity for the resistant types in Espírito Santo. OBJETIVO: Analisar a prevalência e fatores associados à tuberculose resistente no Espírito Santo. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal dos casos de tuberculose testados para fármacos de primeira linha (isoniazida, rifampicina, pirazinamida, etambutol e estreptomicina) no Espírito Santo entre 2002 e 2012. Foram utilizados dados laboratoriais e de registro de casos de tuberculose - Sistema Nacional de Agravos de Notificação e Sistema para Tratamentos Especiais de Tuberculose. Os indivíduos foram classificados em resistentes e não resistentes, e comparados para variáveis sociodemográficas, clínicas e epidemiológicas. Algumas variáveis foram inclusas em um modelo de regressão logística para estabelecimento de fatores associados à resistência. RESULTADOS: No período do estudo, 1.669 indivíduos tiveram o teste de sensibilidade aos fármacos antituberculose realizado. Destes, 10,6% apresentaram resistência a qualquer droga antituberculose. A taxa de multirresistência observada, isto é, à rifampicina e isoniazida, foi de 5%. Após a análise múltipla, foram identificados como fatores associados independentes para tuberculose resistente: história de tratamento prévio para tuberculose [Recidiva (OR = 7,72; IC95% 4,24-14,05) e reingresso após abandono (OR = 3,91; IC95% 1,81-8,43)], tabagismo (OR = 3,93; IC95% 1,98-7,79) e cultura positiva para Mycobacterium tuberculosis no momento da notificação do caso (OR = 3,22; IC95% 1,15-8,99). CONCLUSÕES: É necessário o fortalecimento da parceria entre os programas de controle de tuberculose e as equipes de saúde que atuam na rede de Atenção Primária à Saúde. Isso possibilitaria identificar e acompanhar indivíduos com história de tratamento prévio para tuberculose e tabagismo. Além disso, a ampliação da oferta de cultura e Teste de Sensibilidade a fármacos antituberculose proporcionaria maior capacidade diagnóstica para as formas resistentes no Espírito Santo.

Risk factors associated with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in Espírito Santo, Brazil / Fatores associados à tuberculose resistente no Espírito Santo, Brasil

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To analyze the prevalence and factors associated with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in Espírito Santo, Brazil. METHODS This is a cross-sectional study of cases of tuberculosis tested for first-line drugs (isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide, ethambutol, and streptomycin) in Espírito Santo between 2002 and 2012. We have used laboratory data and registration of cases of tuberculosis – from the Sistema Nacional de Agravos de Notificação and Sistema para Tratamentos Especiais de Tuberculose. Individuals have been classified as resistant and non-resistant and compared in relation to the sociodemographic, clinical, and epidemiological variables. Some variables have been included in a logistic regression model to establish the factors associated with resistance. RESULTS In the study period, 1,669 individuals underwent anti-tuberculosis drug susceptibility testing. Of these individuals, 10.6% showed resistance to any anti-tuberculosis drug. The rate of multidrug resistance observed, that is, to rifampicin and isoniazid, has been 5%. After multiple analysis, we have identified as independent factors associated with resistant tuberculosis: history of previous treatment of tuberculosis [recurrence (OR = 7.72; 95%CI 4.24–14.05) and re-entry after abandonment (OR = 3.91; 95%CI 1.81–8.43)], smoking (OR = 3.93; 95%CI 1.98–7.79), and positive culture for Mycobacterium tuberculosis at the time of notification of the case (OR = 3.22; 95%CI 1.15–8.99). CONCLUSIONS The partnership between tuberculosis control programs and health teams working in the network of Primary Health Care needs to be strengthened. This would allow the identification and monitoring of individuals with a history of previous treatment of tuberculosis and smoking. Moreover, the expansion of the offer of the culture of tuberculosis and anti-tuberculosis drug susceptibility testing would provide greater diagnostic capacity for the resistant types in Espírito Santo.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Analisar a prevalência e fatores associados à tuberculose resistente no Espírito Santo. MÉTODOS Estudo transversal dos casos de tuberculose testados para fármacos de primeira linha (isoniazida, rifampicina, pirazinamida, etambutol e estreptomicina) no Espírito Santo entre 2002 e 2012. Foram utilizados dados laboratoriais e de registro de casos de tuberculose – Sistema Nacional de Agravos de Notificação e Sistema para Tratamentos Especiais de Tuberculose. Os indivíduos foram classificados em resistentes e não resistentes, e comparados para variáveis sociodemográficas, clínicas e epidemiológicas. Algumas variáveis foram inclusas em um modelo de regressão logística para estabelecimento de fatores associados à resistência. RESULTADOS No período do estudo, 1.669 indivíduos tiveram o teste de sensibilidade aos fármacos antituberculose realizado. Destes, 10,6% apresentaram resistência a qualquer droga antituberculose. A taxa de multirresistência observada, isto é, à rifampicina e isoniazida, foi de 5%. Após a análise múltipla, foram identificados como fatores associados independentes para tuberculose resistente: história de tratamento prévio para tuberculose [Recidiva (OR = 7,72; IC95% 4,24–14,05) e reingresso após abandono (OR = 3,91; IC95% 1,81–8,43)], tabagismo (OR = 3,93; IC95% 1,98–7,79) e cultura positiva para Mycobacterium tuberculosis no momento da notificação do caso (OR = 3,22; IC95% 1,15–8,99). CONCLUSÕES É necessário o fortalecimento da parceria entre os programas de controle de tuberculose e as equipes de saúde que atuam na rede de Atenção Primária à Saúde. Isso possibilitaria identificar e acompanhar indivíduos com história de tratamento prévio para tuberculose e tabagismo. Além disso, a ampliação da oferta de cultura e Teste de Sensibilidade a fármacos antituberculose proporcionaria maior capacidade diagnóstica para as formas resistentes no Espírito Santo.

Efeitos da estimulação da sucção não nutritiva com dedo enluvado na transição alimentar em recém-nascido prematuro de muito baixo peso / Effects of nonnutritive sucking stimulation with gloved finger on feeding transition in very low birth weight premature infants

Objetivos analisar os efeitos da estimulação da sucção não nutritiva com a técnica do dedo enluvado, sobre o início e a transição alimentar da via gástrica para a via oral em prematuros de muito baixo peso. Métodos estudo aleatório, prospectivo, longitudinal, experimental e controlado, que incluiu 40 prematuros internados na UTI Neonatal do Hospital de Clínicas, com idade gestacional £ 32 semanas e peso de nascimento £ 1500g, clinicamente estáveis. Os prematuros foram distribuídos aleatoriamente, por meio de sorteio, em 2 grupos: grupo controle, sem SNN e grupo experimental, com SNN com dedo enluvado, 3 vezes ao dia, 3 dias na semana. Foram avaliados critérios quanto ao escore da avaliação da prontidão para início da alimentação oral, intercorrências durante a sucção nutritiva (SN) e o tempo de transição alimentar. Resultados quando comparado o grupo experimental em relação ao grupo controle observou-se um escore significantemente maior na avaliação da prontidão para início da alimentação via oral, uma menor frequência de sinais de estresse durante a sucção nutritiva e um menor tempo de transição alimentar da via gástrica para via oral. Conclusão a estimulação da sucção não nutritiva com a técnica do dedo enluvado melhorou a prontidão do prematuro para início da alimentação via oral, diminuiu a frequência dos sinais de estresse durante a alimentação via oral e reduziu o tempo de transição alimentar no grupo experimental quando comparado ao grupo controle. .

Purpose to analyze the influence of nonnutritive sucking stimulation with the gloved finger technique on readiness and the transition from gastric to oral feeding in very low birthweigth premature infants. Methods aleatory, prospective, longitudinal, experimental and controlled study in premature infants attended in intense care units in Hospital de Clínicas, with gestational age £ 32 weeks and birth weigths £ 1500g, stable clinical. Newborns were randomly distributed in two groups: the control group, without stimulation NNS and the experimental group with stimulation NNS with gloved finger, three time for day, three days in the week. There were measured criteria such as the score of oral feeding readiness evaluation, stress signs during oral feeding and time of transition from gastric to oral feeding. Results when compared the experimental group with the control group, it was observed a significantly higher score in the preterm infant oral feeding readiness evaluation, lower of signs of stress and a shorter time of transition from gastric to oral feeding. Conclusion the NNS stimulation with the gloved finger technique, improved preterm infant oral feeding readiness, reduced stress signals frequency while oral feeding and influenced the time of feeding transition in the experimental group when compared to the control group. .