ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE This study aims to propose a comprehensive alternative to the Bland-Altman plot method, addressing its limitations and providing a statistical framework for evaluating the equivalences of measurement techniques. This involves introducing an innovative three-step approach for assessing accuracy, precision, and agreement between techniques, which enhances objectivity in equivalence assessment. Additionally, the development of an R package that is easy to use enables researchers to efficiently analyze and interpret technique equivalences. METHODS Inferential statistics support for equivalence between measurement techniques was proposed in three nested tests. These were based on structural regressions with the goal to assess the equivalence of structural means (accuracy), the equivalence of structural variances (precision), and concordance with the structural bisector line (agreement in measurements obtained from the same subject), using analytical methods and robust approach by bootstrapping. To promote better understanding, graphical outputs following Bland and Altman’s principles were also implemented. RESULTS The performance of this method was shown and confronted by five data sets from previously published articles that used Bland and Altman’s method. One case demonstrated strict equivalence, three cases showed partial equivalence, and one showed poor equivalence. The developed R package containing open codes and data are available for free and with installation instructions at Harvard Dataverse at https://doi.org/10.7910/DVN/AGJPZH. CONCLUSION Although easy to communicate, the widely cited and applied Bland and Altman plot method is often misinterpreted, since it lacks suitable inferential statistical support. Common alternatives, such as Pearson’s correlation or ordinal least-square linear regression, also fail to locate the weakness of each measurement technique. It may be possible to test whether two techniques have full equivalence by preserving graphical communication, in accordance with Bland and Altman’s principles, but also adding robust and suitable inferential statistics. Decomposing equivalence into three features (accuracy, precision, and agreement) helps to locate the sources of the problem when fixing a new technique.

Abstract Life and death are viewed differently in different cultures, religions, and societies; therefore standardizing their meanings in multicultural societies is challenging and complex. Given this reality, this research investigated how death has been understood throughout history and its associated values. An analytic-narrative literature review was conducted, selecting 69 publications to be read in full. Society and medicine have assumed a dualistic perspective in which death of the brain function is viewed as irreversibility of the existence of a psychological self. Faced with the possibility of procuring organs and tissues from a body kept alive and operated on, life support should always aim to benefit, but without causing harm to others. For these advances to be possible, legislation must be clear and up-to-date.

Resumen La vida y la muerte se entienden de distintos modos en diferentes culturas, religiones y sociedades, por lo que estandarizar la comprensión del significado de estos términos en las sociedades multiculturales se vuelve desafiante y complejo. Ante esta realidad, esta investigación pretende conocer cómo se abordó la muerte en la historia y qué valores se asociaron a ella. Para ello, se realizó una revisión de la literatura analítico-narrativa, con una selección de 69 publicaciones para su lectura completa. La sociedad y la medicina tienen una visión dualista que considera la muerte de la función cerebral como una irreversibilidad de la existencia de un yo psicológico. Frente a la posibilidad de recolectar órganos y tejidos de un cuerpo mantenido vivo y operado, el soporte vital siempre debe estar dirigido al beneficio, sin causar daños a terceros. Para que estos avances sean posibles, la legislación debe ser clara y estar actualizada.

Resumo Vida e morte são compreendidas de maneiras distintas em diferentes culturas, religiões e sociedades, portanto padronizar o entendimento dos significados desses termos em sociedades multiculturais torna-se desafiador e complexo. Diante dessa realidade, esta pesquisa busca descobrir como a morte foi compreendida na história e quais valores eram associados a ela. Para isso, realizou-se revisão da literatura analítico-narrativa, com seleção de 69 publicações para leitura na íntegra. A sociedade e a medicina adquiriram uma visão dualista que considera a morte da função cerebral como irreversibilidade de existência de um eu psicológico. Diante da possibilidade de coletar órgãos e tecidos a partir de um corpo mantido vivo e operado, o suporte de vida deve sempre visar o benefício, mas sem causar danos a terceiros. Para que esses avanços sejam possíveis, a legislação deve ser clara e atualizada.

Abstract Competencies have been defined as the set of knowledge, skills and attitudes that a professional should acquire to perform a certain work activity. This study aimed to assess competencies in palliative care among students enrolled in a Brazilian medical course. All enrolled students were invited to participate and answer the Palliative Competence Tool. The data obtained were calculated in scores between zero and 100 and compared between the ten competencies and academic cycles. The results showed four patterns, the most frequent being a reduction in scores among students in the basic and intermediate cycles, with partial recovery in the internship. Only ethical competence and decision-making increased in the internship. It was concluded that the acquisition of palliative care competencies in undergraduate medical education remains fragile. New teaching strategies could be adopted to improve their acquisition in the future.

Resumen Las competencias son un conjunto de conocimientos, habilidades y actitudes que debe adquirir el profesional para desempeñar una actividad laboral. Este estudio pretende evaluar las competencias en cuidados paliativos entre los estudiantes de medicina matriculados en el grado de medicina en Brasil. Todos los inscritos recibieron invitación a participar y completaron la Palliative Competence Tool. Los datos obtenidos se calcularon en puntuaciones entre 0 y 100 y se compararon entre las diez competencias y los ciclos académicos. Los resultados mostraron cuatro patrones; el más frecuente fue la reducción de la puntuación entre los estudiantes de ciclos básico e intermedio, con recuperación parcial en las prácticas. Solo la competencia ética y la toma de decisiones presentaron una alta puntuación en las prácticas. Sigue siendo débil la adquisición de competencias en cuidados paliativos en medicina. La adopción de nuevas estrategias de enseñanza puede mejorar la adquisición de las competencias en el futuro.

Resumo Competências foram definidas como o conjunto de conhecimentos, habilidades e atitudes que um profissional deverá adquirir para exercer determinada atividade de trabalho. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar as competências em cuidados paliativos entre os estudantes matriculados em um curso de medicina brasileiro. Todos os estudantes matriculados foram convidados para participar e preencheram a ferramenta Palliative Competence Tool. Os dados obtidos foram calculados em escores entre zero e 100 e comparados entre as dez competências e os ciclos acadêmicos. Os resultados mostraram quatro padrões, sendo o mais frequente a redução dos escores entre estudantes dos ciclos básico e intermediário, com recuperação parcial no estágio. Apenas a competência ética e tomada de decisão mostrou elevação no estágio. Concluiu-se que a aquisição de competências em cuidados paliativos na graduação médica ainda é frágil. Novas estratégias de ensino poderão ser adotadas com intenção de aprimorar a aquisição de competências no futuro.

Resumo O termo de consentimento livre e esclarecido tem a função de informar o participante de pesquisas clínicas sobre a natureza da pesquisa e seus direitos, formalizando sua decisão de participar. Estudos indicam que esse documento é redigido de modo complexo, comprometendo a autonomia do participante. Para este trabalho, foram redigidos dois termos de consentimento da mesma pesquisa hipotética, com estilos de redação diferentes. Ambos os termos foram analisados pela ferramenta Coh-Metrix Port, que avalia métricas linguísticas e acessibilidade textual. A análise indicou que os textos são complexos e exigem alta escolaridade para serem entendidos. Esses achados reforçam a percepção de que, no Brasil, os termos de consentimento podem ter sua real função comprometida e apontam a importância de modificar sua forma de elaboração. direitos participar complexo trabalho hipotética diferentes CohMetrix Coh Metrix Port textual entendidos Brasil elaboração

Resumen El formulario de consentimiento informado tiene la finalidad de mostrar la naturaleza de la investigación y sus derechos al participante de la investigación clínica para formalizar su decisión de participar en el estudio. Los estudios indican que la redacción de este documento es compleja, lo que compromete la autonomía del participante. Para este estudio se redactaron dos formularios de consentimiento de una misma investigación hipotética, con diferentes estilos de escritura. Para el análisis de ambos formularios se utilizó la herramienta Coh-Metrix Port, que evalúa las métricas lingüísticas y la accesibilidad textual. Los resultados apuntaron a que los textos son complejos, lo que requiere un alto nivel de educación para su comprensión. Estos hallazgos coinciden que, en Brasil, los formularios de consentimiento pueden tener su finalidad comprometida y señalan la necesidad de modificar su forma de elaboración. compleja hipotética escritura CohMetrix Coh Metrix Port textual complejos comprensión Brasil elaboración

Abstract The informed consent form informs clinical research patients about the nature of the research and their rights, formalizing their decision to participate; however, studies show that this document is written in a complex manner, compromising patient autonomy. Two consent forms from the same hypothetical research were developed with different writing styles and analyzed by the Coh-Metrix Port tool, which evaluates linguistic metrics and textual accessibility. Results showed that both texts were complex and required high schooling level to be understood. These findings reinforce the perception that consent forms may have their real function compromised and point to the importance of changing its elaboration. rights participate however manner autonomy CohMetrix Coh Metrix tool accessibility understood elaboration

Resumo Ao longo da história, a ética médica assumiu diferentes perspectivas. Na atualidade, parece haver indiscutível supremacia do entendimento de que a ética normativa é aquela que melhor atende às necessidades da relação de profissionais da medicina com seus pacientes. Nesse contexto, esta pesquisa buscou investigar como a ética das virtudes pode contribuir para que a deontologia médica possa ser eficaz e virtuosa com vistas ao bem do paciente. Para buscar essa compreensão, realizou-se pesquisa bibliográfica de caráter teórico-conceitual narrativa e crítica. A hipótese levantada é de que, embora a deontologia seja o guia mais aceito e praticado na relação do profissional com o paciente, se não for acompanhada de uma ética das virtudes para orientar a ação médica, não há garantias de que o mero cumprimento da regra seja virtuoso no que tange ao bem do paciente.

Abstract Throughout history, medical ethics has taken on different perspectives. Nowadays, the indisputable understanding seems to be that of the supremacy of normative ethics as the one that best meets the needs of the relationship between medical professionals and their patients. Given this context, this investigation sought to understand how the ethics of virtues can contribute so that medical deontology can be effective and virtuous targeting the well-being of patients. To seek this understanding, a bibliographic search of narrative and critical theoretical-conceptual character was carried out. The hypothesis is that although deontology is the most accepted and practiced guide in the professional-patient relationship, if it is not accompanied by an ethics of virtue to guide medical action, there is no guarantee that the mere fulfillment of the rule is virtuous with regard to the patient's well-being.

Resumen La ética médica adoptó diferentes perspectivas a lo largo de la historia. Parece existir actualmente una indiscutible supremacía de que la ética normativa es la que mejor responde a las necesidades de los profesionales médicos y sus pacientes. Por tanto, esta investigación buscó evaluar las posibles contribuciones de la ética de las virtudes para que la deontología médica pueda ser eficaz y virtuosa con vistas al bien del paciente. Para comprenderla, se realizó una investigación bibliográfica teórica-conceptual narrativa y crítica. Se partió de la hipótesis de que cuando la deontología, a pesar de ser la guía más aceptada y practicada en la relación del profesional con el paciente, no va acompañada de una ética de las virtudes destinada a guiar la conducta médica, no está garantizado que el mero cumplimiento de las reglas la haga virtuosa con respecto al bien del paciente.

Resumo A definição moderna da morte encefálica aponta que esta determina a morte de um indivíduo, o qual deixa para trás um corpo que, apesar de funcional, não é mais parte dele, podendo, então, ser submetido a cessação de suporte ou coleta de órgãos e tecidos. Este artigo busca verificar se estudantes de medicina recebem formação técnica e ética adequada para lidar com o diagnóstico de morte encefálica. Para isso, realizou-se estudo transversal, por meio de aplicação de questionário, via internet, a estudantes de medicina. Dos 82 estudantes que completaram a pesquisa, 87% identificaram corretamente o diagnóstico de morte encefálica, contudo até 46% não souberam definir a conduta correta diante do diagnóstico. A discussão bioética acerca da morte, focando temas como terminalidade, finitude e cuidados, seria uma alternativa viável para a resolução dessa aparente falha da formação médica.

Abstract The modern definition of brain death points this as what determines the death of the individual, who leaves behind a body that, although functional, is no longer a part of him, and can, thus, be subjected to termination of life support and organ and tissue harvesting. This article seeks to verify if medicine students receive adequate technical and ethical training to deal with the brain death diagnosis. To this end, a cross-sectional study was carried out, by applying a questionary, via internet, to medicine students. Of the 82 students that filled the research, 87% correctly identified the brain death diagnosis, but up to 46% could not define the right conduct in the face of the diagnosis. The bioethical discussion about death, focusing themes such as terminality, ending, and care, would be a viable alternative to solve this apparent flaw of medical training.

Resumen La definición moderna de muerte encefálica es la que determina la muerte de un individuo, que deja un cuerpo, todavía funcional, que ya no es suyo, pudiendo ser sometido a cese de soporte o recolección de órganos y tejidos. Este artículo pretende conocer si los estudiantes de medicina reciben una adecuada formación técnica y ética para afrontar el diagnóstico de muerte encefálica. Para ello, se realizó un estudio transversal, mediante la aplicación de un cuestionario en línea a estudiantes de medicina. De los 82 estudiantes que completaron la encuesta, el 87% identificó correctamente el diagnóstico de muerte encefálica, sin embargo hasta un 46% no supo definir la conducta correcta frente al diagnóstico. La discusión bioética sobre la muerte, con foco en temas como el final de la vida, la finitud y el cuidado, sería una alternativa viable para solucionar este posible fracaso de la formación médica.

Abstract Objective: Postoperative cognitive dysfunction may result from worsening in a condition of previous impairment. It causes greater difficulty in recovery, longer hospital stays, and consequent delay in returning to work activities. Digital games have a potential neuromodulatory and rehabilitation effect. In this study, a digital game was used as a neuropsychological test to assess postoperative cognitive dysfunction, with preoperative patient performance as control. Methods: It was a non-controlled study, with patients selected among candidates for elective non-cardiac surgery, evaluated in the preand postoperative periods. The digital game used has six phases developed to evaluate selective attention, alternating attention, visuoperception, inhibitory control, short-term memory, and long-term memory. The digital game takes about 25 minutes. Scores are the sum of correct answers in each cognitive domain. Statistical analysis compared these cognitive functions preand post-surgery using a generalized linear mixed model (ANCOVA). Results: Sixty patients were evaluated, 40% male and 60% female, with a mean age of 52.7 ± 13.5 years. Except for visuoperception, a reduction in post-surgery scores was found in all phases of the digital game. Conclusion: The digital game was able to detect decline in several cognitive functions postoperatively. As its completion is faster than in conventional tests on paper, this digital game may be a potentially recommended tool for assessing patients, especially the elderly and in the early postoperative period.

Abstract Objective: Cognitive dysfunction may occur postoperatively. Fast and efficient assessment of Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction (POCD) can minimize loss of quality of life, and therefore, a study comparing a digital game with standard neuropsychological tests to assess executive, mnemonic, and attention functions to evaluate POCD seems to be relevant both for research and clinical practice. Methods: A battery of standardized tests and a digital game (MentalPlus®) were administered to 60 patients at the Central Institute of Hospital das Clínicas in São Paulo (36 women and 24 men), with ages between 29 and 82 years, preand post-surgery performed under anesthesia. Correlation and linear regression model were used to compare the scores obtained from the standardized tests to the scores of the six executive and cognitive functions evaluated by the game (shortand long-term memory, selective and alternating attention, inhibitory control, and visual perception). Results: After correlation analysis, a statistically significant result was found mainly for the correlation between the scores from the phase of the digital game assessing the visuoperception function and the scores from the A and B cards of the Stroop Test (p < 0.001, r = 0.99 and r = 0.64, respectively), and the scores from TMTA (p = 0.0046, r = 0.51). We also found a moderate correlation between the phase of the game assessing short-memory function and VVLT (p < 0.001, r = 0.41). No statistically significant correlations were found for the other functions assessed. Conclusion: The digital game provided scores in agreement with standardized tests for evaluating visual perception and possibly short-term memory cognitive functions. Further studies are necessary to verify the correlation of other phases of the digital game with standardized tests assessing cognitive functions.

ABSTRACT Canga ecosystems develop over superficial iron crusts with shallow and nutrient-poor soils. Under these conditions, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) play an important role in helping plants to overcome abiotic and biotic stresses. Canga can suffer periodic burning and yet it is unknown what the impacts of fire are to AMF communities. We aimed to compare AMF in Canga areas affected by burning (BC) with those with no previous history of burning (NC). We compared AMF species composition, spore numbers, species richness, and mycorrhizal inoculum potential. The total number of spores, AMF species richness and mycorrhizal colonization measured in the infectivity bioassay were not significantly different between areas. A total of 23 species in 10 genera were recovered, with most species belonging to Gigasporaceae and Acaulosporaceae. BC and NC shared 52 % of AMF species. Gigaspora albida, Gigaspora gigantea, and Dentiscutata heterogama sporulated exclusively in trap cultures. We concluded that AMF spore communities were not affected by burning in Canga soils as measured by spore abundance, species richness and infectivity. Our data contribute to the inventory of soil biodiversity associated with Canga, a high biodiverse and threatened Brazilian ecosystem.

Abstract Biotransformations are chemical reactions carried out by microorganisms on organic substrates. Biotransformations can be regio-, chemo-, stereo- and enantio-selective. Bioreductions are of great interest to the food and pharmaceutical industries as they help to reduce costs and impacts on the environment. In this work, the following biotransformations of chalcones were performed: (2E)-1-(4-hydroxy-phenyl)-3-(2-methoxy-phenyl)-prop-2-en-1-one (1), (2E)-1-(4-hydroxy-phenyl)-3-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-prop-2-en-1-one (2), and (2E)-1-(4-hydroxy-phenyl)-3-phenyl-prop-2-en-1-one (3) by the fungus Scedosporium aspiospermum, leading to formation through chemo-selective reduction of dihydrochalcones 1-(4-hydroxy-phenyl)-3-(2-methoxy-phenyl)-propan-1-one (4), 1-(4-hydroxy-phenyl)-3-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-propan-1-one (5), and 1-(4-hydroxy-phenyl)-3-phenyl-propan-1-one (6). Compounds 1-6 had their antimicrobial activities tested and were observed better activity to the biotransformation products compared with substrates. This is the first report of chemo-selective bioreduction by fungi of the genus Scedosporium in biotransformation reactions.

Resumen Las biotransformaciones son reacciones químicas llevadas a cabo por microorganismos sobre sustratos orgánicos. Las biotransformaciones pueden ser regio-, quimio-, estereo- y enantio-selectivas. Las biorreducciones son de gran interés para la industria alimentaria y farmacéutica, ya que ayudan a reducir costes e impactos sobre el medio ambiente. En este trabajo se realizaron las siguientes biotransformaciones de las chalconas: (2E)-1-(4-hidroxi-fenil)-3-(2-metoxi-fenil)-prop-2-en-1-ona (1), ( 2E)-1-(4-hidroxi-fenil)-3-(4-metoxi-fenil)-prop-2-en-1-ona (2) y (2E)-1-(4-hidroxi-fenil)-3-fenil-prop-2-en-1-ona ( 3 ) por el hongo Scedosporium aspiospermum, que conduce a la formación mediante reducción quimio-selectiva de dihidrocalconas 1-(4-hidroxi-fenil)-3-(2-metoxi-fenil)-propan-1-ona (4), 1-(4-hidroxi-fenil)-3-(4-metoxi-fenil)-propan-1-ona (5) y 1-(4-hidroxi-fenil)-3-fenil-propan-1-ona (6). Se ensayaron las actividades antimicrobianas de los compuestos 1-6 y se observó una mejor actividad para los productos de biotransformación en comparación con los sustratos. Este es el primer informe de biorreducción quimio-selectiva por hongos del género Scedosporium en reacciones de biotransformación.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A presença de neoplasias, doenças crônicas e doenças bucais pode exigir tratamento cirúrgico para sua resolução, embora possa ocasionar dor crônica. A dor orofacial pós-operatória crônica permanece mesmo após a cicatrização tecidual e suas causas não estão claramente descritas. A etiologia neuropática, embora seja a mais relatada, representa 30% dos casos; os outros 70% não estão elucidados e ainda são discutidos quais os principais fatores de risco envolvidos no desenvolvimento desta condição de dor crônica. O objetivo deste estudo foi relatar três casos clínicos de indivíduos com diferentes etiologias de dor orofacial pós-operatória crônica. RELATO DOS CASOS: Caso 1: Paciente do sexo feminino, 39 anos, com histórico de exérese de osteoblastoma em corpo mandibular, apresentou dor pós-operatória em choque, contínua, com alodínia intra e extraoral na área abordada. Diagnóstico: dor neuropática trigeminal pós-traumática. Caso 2: Paciente do sexo feminino, 30 anos, com diagnóstico de epilepsia refratária e neurocisticercose, queixou-se de dor orofacial e cefaleia bitemporal com piora após craniotomia para tratamento das doenças relatadas. Diagnóstico: cefaleia e dor orofacial pós-craniotomia. Caso 3: Paciente do sexo feminino, 49 anos, com telangiectasia hemorrágica hereditária, queixou-se de pulsar em rebordo alveolar após exodontia de três dentes, realizada em momentos distintos. Diagnóstico: percepção de dor orofacial secundária à doença vascular sistêmica. CONCLUSÃO: Diferentes procedimentos cirúrgicos, intra e extraorais, levaram ao desenvolvimento da dor orofacial pós-operatória crônica nos casos relatados, de etiologia não apenas neuropática. Estudos prospectivos multidisciplinares serão necessários para esclarecer as causas desse quadro doloroso.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The presence of neoplasms, chronic and oral diseases may require surgical treatment for its resolution, although it may consequently cause chronic pain. Chronic postoperative orofacial pain remains even after tissue healing and its causes are not defined. Although neuropathic etiology is the most reported, it represents 30% of cases; the other 70% are still unclear and the main risk factors involved in the development of this chronic pain condition remains on discussion. The aim of the study was to report three clinical cases of different postoperative orofacial pain etiologies. CASE REPORTS: Case 1: Female patient, 39-year-old, history of osteoblastoma exeresis in the mandibular body, presenting continuous postoperative shock pain, with intra and extraoral allodynia in the area. Diagnosis: post-traumatic trigeminal neuropathic pain. Case 2: Female patient, 30-year-old, diagnosed with refractory epilepsy and neurocysticercosis, complained of orofacial pain and bitemporal headache worse after craniotomy that treated the reported diseases. Diagnosis: post-craniotomy headache and orofacial pain. Case 3: Female patient, 49-year-old, with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia, complained of pulsing in the alveolar ridge after extraction of three teeth, performed at different times. Diagnosis: Perception of orofacial pain secondary to systemic vascular disease. CONCLUSION: Different surgical procedures, intra and extraoral, led to the development of orofacial postoperative pain in the reported cases, whose etiology is not only neuropathic. Prospective multidisciplinary studies are necessary in order to clarify the causes of orofacial postoperative pain.

RESUMO A anatomia dentària pode variar significativamente entre diferentes populagoes, de diferentes países. As variagoes anatómicas dentais sao de grande interesse para o profissionai da odontologia, principalmente para os endodontistas, pois podem influenciar no resultado do tratamento endodóntico. Descrever as variagoes anatómicas do canal radicular dos primeiros pré-molares inferiores em uma populagao da Colómbia, usando a micro tomografia computadorizada. Cinquenta primeiros pré-molares inferiores foram digitalizados em um SkyScan 1174 e as imagens tomográficas foram reconstruidas e a anatomia foi avaliada por meio de modelos tridimensionais. Os parámetros utilizados foram: classificagao de Vertucci, área e volume, perímetro, circularidade e diámetros maior e menor a 1, 2 e 3 mm do forame apical. De acordo com a classificagao de Vertucci, os dentes foram classificados em: tipos I (40%), V (24%), VII (4%) e III (4%), sendo 28% nao classificáveis. Canais em forma de C foram encontrados em 1,8% da amostra. As avaliaçoes médias em 1, 2, 3 mm do forame foram as seguintes, respectivamente: perímetro 1,07 ± 0,57, 1,27 ± 0,78 e 1,57 ± 0,84 mm; circularidade 0,59 ± 0,19, 0,57 ± 0,20 e 0,56 ± 0,22; diámetro maior 0,41 ± 0,23, 0,48 ± 0,33 e 0,60 ± 0,37 mm; diámetro menor 0,24 ± 0,10, 0,26 ± 0,11 e 0,21 ± 0,13 mm. A média da área total e do volume foram 61,27 ± 16,47 mm2 e 12,47 ± 4,95 mm3, respectivamente. Houve uma grande variaçâo anatómica nos primeiros pré-molares inferiores de colombianos, reforçando a necessidade de conhecimento anatómico adequado para estabelecer estratégias mais eficazes para o tratamento endodóntico.

ABSTRACT Dental anatomy can vary significantly between different populations from different countries. Dental anatomical variations are of great interest to the dental professional, especially to endodontists, since they can influence the outcome of endodontic treatment. The purpose of the present study was to describe the anatomical variations of the root canal in mandibular first premolars in a populationfrom Colombia, using micro-computed tomography. Fifty mandibular first premolars were scanned on a SkyScan 1174 and the microcomputed tomographic images were reconstructed. Anatomy was assessed using three-dimensional models. The parameters used were: Vertucci’s classification, area and volume, perimeter, circularity, and major and minor diameter at 1, 2 and 3 mm from the apical foramen. According to the Vertucci’s classification, teeth were classified as: types I (40%), V (24%), VII (4%) and III (4%), with 28% not classifiable. C-shaped canals were found in 1.8% of the sample. Mean evaluations at 1, 2, 3 mm of the foramen were as follows, respectively: perimeter 1.07 ± 0.57, 1.27 ± 0.78 and 1.57 ± 0.84 mm; circularity 0.59 ± 0.19, 0.57 ± 0.20 and 0.56 ± 0.22; maximum diameter 0.41 ± 0.23, 0.48 ± 0.33 and 0.60 ± 0.37 mm; minimum diameter 0.24 ± 0.10, 0.26 ± 0.11 and 0.21 ± 0.13 mm. Mean total area and volume were 61.27 ± 16.47 mm2 and 12.47 ± 4.95 mm3, respectively. There was wide anatomical variation in mandibular first premolars from Colombian individuals, reinforcing the need for proper anatomical knowledge to establish more effective strategies for endodontic treatment.

Resumo: Introdução: Os cuidados paliativos fazem parte da atividade profissional do médico generalista e devem ser ensinados durante a graduação. A European Association for Palliative Care descreveu as dez competências centrais em cuidados paliativos, e é necessário avaliar a aquisição delas durante a graduação dos profissionais de saúde. Não existiam instrumentos para avaliar a aquisição das competências. Objetivo: Este estudo teve como objetivos desenvolver e validar um instrumento denominado PalliComp para avaliar a aquisição de competências em cuidados paliativos entre estudantes de Medicina. Método: Trata-se de estudo transversal de validação de instrumento de pesquisa, em que os autores desenvolveram 30 afirmativas baseadas nas competências e as submeteram à avaliação de médicos especialistas e docentes brasileiros por meio de etapas da metodologia Delphi, com critérios previamente estabelecidos (qualidade da redação, adequação do conteúdo à competência e qualidade geral do item). Os especialistas atribuíram notas e puderam apontar correções para cada item. A aprovação ocorreria quando as notas médias ultrapassassem 70%. Após a aprovação, aplicou-se o instrumento em uma amostra de estudantes de Medicina matriculados no oitavo semestre. Com vistas à validação, os dados foram avaliados por meio dos testes esfericidade de Bartlett, Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) e coeficiente de alfa de Cronbach. Resultado: Dos 33 médicos especialistas e docentes localizados no país, 24 aceitaram participar da avaliação do conteúdo. A aprovação ocorreu na quarta rodada da metodologia Delphi. Das 30 afirmativas inicialmente desenvolvidas, restaram 24 na versão final do instrumento. Dos 80 estudantes matriculados, 71 responderam ao PalliComp. O estudo estatístico mostrou que se tratava de uma matriz de identidade com correlação adequada (teste de Bartlett p < 0,001), padrões de correlação relativamente compactos e pouco dispersos (KMO = 0,63), e consistência interna (coeficiente alfa de Cronbach = 0,73). Conclusão: Foi possível desenvolver e validar o instrumento PalliComp para avaliar a aquisição de competências em cuidados paliativos entre os estudantes de Medicina.

Abstract: Introduction: Palliative Care is part of the general practitioner’s professional activity and should be taught during undergraduate training. The European Association for Palliative Care has described the ten core competencies in Palliative Care and despite the need to assess the student’s acquisition of these competencies during undergraduate training, no instruments existed to make such an assessment. Objective: To develop and validate an instrument called PalliComp to assess the acquisition of competencies in Palliative Care among medical students. Method: The authors devised 30 statements based on competencies and submitted them for evaluation by Brazilian specialist doctors and teachers using the Delphi method, with previously established criteria (quality of the writing, adequacy of the content to the competency and general quality of the item). The experts assigned scores and identified corrections for each item. The items were approved the average score exceeded 70%. After approval, the instrument was applied to a sample of fourth year medical students. For validation, the sample data were evaluated using Bartlett’s sphericity, Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) tests and Cronbach’s alpha coefficient. Results: Of the 33 specialist doctors and professors located in the country, 24 agreed to participate in the content evaluation. Approval was achieved in the fourth round of the Delphi method. Of the 30 statements initially developed, 24 remained in the final version of the instrument. Of the 80 students enrolled, 71 responded to PalliComp. The statistical study showed that it was an identity matrix with adequate correlation (Bartlett’s test p <0.001), relatively compact and poorly dispersed correlation patterns (KMO = 0.63) and internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha coefficient = 0.73). Conclusion: The PalliComp instrument was successfully developed and validated to assess the acquisition of competencies in Palliative Care among medical students.

ABSTRACT High rates of agricultural gypsum, above the recommended levels, have been used on a regular basis to deepen plant roots and to alleviate recurrent water stress in Cerrado areas. However, very little is known about the consequences of this practice to arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate whether or not applying high rates of agricultural gypsum affects the mycorrhizal fungi community, glomalin content and coffee yield. The study rates were: 0; 3.5; 7.0; 14 and 56 t·ha-1 of agricultural gypsum applied in the planting row of the coffee plantation on top of the previous recommended gypsum application. Samples were collected for analysis at the depths of 0-20, 20-40 and 40-60 cm at the end of dry and rainy seasons of the year. In the coffee plantation, 16 AMF species were identified. Gigaspora sp. and Glomus macrocarpum were dominant in all situations. The rate of 7 t·ha-1 favored greater diversity of AMF species and the rate of 56 t·ha-1 reduced AMF diversity and mycorrhizal colonization in deeper layers. In the rainy season, there was a linear decrease of easily extractable glomalin-related soil protein (EE-GRSP) levels as the agricultural gypsum rate was increased. Coffee yield was reduced with the highest gypsum rate (56 t·ha-1), even though the coffee plantation had higher phosphorus contents in beans and leaves. This may have resulted from a number of reasons, including a negative effect on the AMF community.

Resumo Este artigo busca identificar contribuições da bioética para enfrentar conflitos relacionados à tomada de decisão em tempos de pandemia. Trata-se de texto elaborado a partir de reflexões pessoais dos autores em diálogo com a literatura de diferentes perspectivas da bioética. Com fundamento em relatos históricos, argumenta-se que, durante epidemias, a sociedade passa a atuar em modo de excepcionalidade, o que exige argumentação mais apurada para se posicionar ante os conflitos que surgem. Analisam-se então diferentes vertentes teóricas – principialismo, personalismo, utilitarismo e bioética social –, recolhendo de cada uma elementos que podem nortear a tomada de decisão. Com base nessas contribuições, propõem-se parâmetros para a atuação dos profissionais da saúde, reconhecendo igual valor em cada vida humana, com o propósito de salvar o maior número de pessoas possível. Por fim, aponta-se para a responsabilidade de agentes políticos.

Abstract This article aims to identify the contribution of bioethics to resolve decision-making conflicts in healthcare in times of pandemic. The research was based on the authors’ personal reflections in a dialogue with the literature and different bioethical perspectives. Historical accounts show that when a society is experiencing an epidemic it starts to function in a mode of social exceptionality, reinforcing the need for a more appropriate form of reasoning before the ethical conflicts that may arise from this situation. Some approaches to bioethics – principlism, personalism, utilitarianism and social bioethics – are briefly examined in order to obtain the elements for guiding the decision-making process. Finally, we suggest some parameters for health professionals, recognizing the value of all human lives, to save as many lives as possible.

Resumen Este artículo tiene como objetivo identificar la contribución de la bioética para hacer frente a los conflictos relacionados con la toma de decisiones en tiempos de pandemia. Se trata de un texto elaborado con base en las reflexiones personales de los autores en diálogo con la literatura de diferentes perspectivas de la bioética. Con base en los relatos históricos, se argumenta que, durante epidemias, la sociedad pasa a actuar en modo de excepcionalidad, lo que requiere una argumentación más precisa para posicionarse ante los conflictos que surgen. Se analizan entonces diferentes vertientes teóricas –el principialismo, el personalismo, el utilitarismo y la bioética social–, recogiendo de cada una los elementos que pueden orientar la toma de decisiones. Con base en dichas contribuciones, se proponen parámetros para la actuación de los profesionales de la salud, reconociendo el mismo valor en cada vida humana, con el propósito de salvar al mayor número posible de personas. Por fin, se apunta hacia la responsabilidad de los agentes políticos.