SUMMARY: The study reported the influence of the high and acute dose of Letrozole on the testis morphology in paca (Cuniculus paca), an aromatase inhibitor that reduces the endogenous estrogen, the essential hormone for spermatogenesis. Morphological changes were observed in seminiferous epithelium with germ cells with apoptotic characteristics and presence of vacuoles and nuclei in pycnose.

RESUMEN: El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar la influencia de una dosis alta de Letrozol en la morfología de los testículos de la paca (Cuniculus paca), un inhibidor de la aromatasa que reduce el estrógeno endógeno, la hormona esencial para la espermatogénesis. Se observaron cambios morfológicos en el epitelio seminífero con células germinales con características apoptóticas y la presencia de vacuolas y núcleos en picnosis.

Kinetic models of solid thermal decomposition are traditionally used for individual fit of isothermal experimental data. However, this methodology presents unacceptable errors in some regions of the data. To solve this problem, a neural network was adopted in this work. The implemented algorithm uses the rate constants as predetermined weights between the input and intermediate layer and kinetic models as activation functions of neurons in the hidden layer. The contribution of each model in the overall fit of experimental data is calculated as the weights between the intermediate and output layer. In this way, the phenomenon is better described as a sum of kinetic processes. Two rigid polyurethane foam samples: loaded with Al2O3 and no inorganic filler were used in this work. The R3 and D2 models described the thermal decomposition kinetic process for all temperatures for both foams with smaller residual error. However, the network, combining the kinetic models, presented residual errors on average 102 times lower compared to these individual models. The determined activation energy is 12.44 kJ mol-1 higher for the loaded foam. This result corroborates the use of this material as flame retardant, even with the presence of a small amount of charge in its structure.

ABSTRACT We analyzed the differences, by Student’s t-test and ANOVA, between nurses and physicians from Portugal, Poland, Spain, and United Kingdom regarding their relationship with their work and organization. In total, 1,401 professionals answered the HSA-QHPR questionnaire. There are different levels of connection between physicians and nurses. The United Kingdom has the lowest levels of connection with the work while Portugal has the highest levels of relationship with the organization. The results provide guidelines for the development of policies and differential strategies aimed at improving the quality of healthcare service.

RESUMEN Se analizan las diferencias, mediante t de Student y ANOVA, entre personal de enfermería y médicos de Portugal, Polonia, España y Reino Unido en cuanto a su relación con el trabajo y con la organización. En total, 1.401 profesionales contestaron el cuestionario HSA-QHPR. Existen niveles diferentes de vínculo entre médicos y personal de enfermería. En Reino Unido se obtienen los niveles más bajos de vínculo con el trabajo, y en Portugal los niveles más altos de relación con la organización. Los resultados proporcionan guías para la elaboración de políticas y estrategias diferenciales orientadas a la mejora de la calidad del servicio asistencial.

ABSTRACT We analyzed the differences, by Student’s t-test and ANOVA, between nurses and physicians from Portugal, Poland, Spain, and United Kingdom regarding their relationship with their work and organization. In total, 1,401 professionals answered the HSA-QHPR questionnaire. There are different levels of connection between physicians and nurses. The United Kingdom has the lowest levels of connection with the work while Portugal has the highest levels of relationship with the organization. The results provide guidelines for the development of policies and differential strategies aimed at improving the quality of healthcare service.

RESUMEN Se analizan las diferencias, mediante t de Student y ANOVA, entre personal de enfermería y médicos de Portugal, Polonia, España y Reino Unido en cuanto a su relación con el trabajo y con la organización. En total, 1.401 profesionales contestaron el cuestionario HSA-QHPR. Existen niveles diferentes de vínculo entre médicos y personal de enfermería. En Reino Unido se obtienen los niveles más bajos de vínculo con el trabajo, y en Portugal los niveles más altos de relación con la organización. Los resultados proporcionan guías para la elaboración de políticas y estrategias diferenciales orientadas a la mejora de la calidad del servicio asistencial.

The purpose of this study is the adaptation and validation of the "Survey Work-Home Interaction - NijmeGen" (SWING) developed by Geurts and colleagues to Spanish speaking countries (SWING-SSC). In order to analyze the questionnaire's psychometnc properties, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was carried out with a sample of 203 employees from various Spanish-speaking countries. Criterion related validity was tested by examining correlations between the SWING-SSC, and the theoretically relevant variables: health, role conflict, role clarity and supervisor support. Finally, reliability was tested analyzing the internal consistency of the scales. The analyses carried out indicate that SWING-SSC has good psychometric properties. In addition, the present results support the relation of the construct with health, role conflict, role clarity, and supervisor support. This study offers evidence for a sound work-life balance measure that contributes to encourage adequate conditions in the workplace, to reduce the conflict between the two spheres of professional and personal life, and to enhance positive relationships.

El propósito de este estudio es adaptar y validar la "Survey Work-Home Interaction - NijmeGen" (SWING), desarrollada por Geurts y colaboradores, a países de habla hispana (SWING-SSC). Con el fin de analizar las propiedades psicométricas del cuestionario, se llevó a cabo un análisis factorial confirmatorio (AFC) con una muestra de 203 empleados de diferentes países de habla hispana. La validez de criterio se puso a prueba mediante el examen de las correlaciones entre el SWING-SSC y otras variables teóricas relevantes: salud, conflicto de rol, claridad de rol y apoyo del supervisor. Finalmente, se puso a prueba la fiabilidad analizando la consistencia interna de las escalas. Los análisis realizados indican que el SWING-SSC tiene buenas propiedades psicométricas. Además, los resultados apoyan la relación del constructo con la salud, el conflicto de rol, la claridad de rol, y el apoyo del supervisor. Este estudio ofrece evidencia de una medida del equilibrio entre trabajo y vida que contribuye al fomento de las condiciones adecuadas en el lugar de trabajo, para reducir el conflicto entre las dos esferas de la vida profesional y personal, y para fomentar las relaciones positivas.

La necesidad de las empresas de evaluar el liderazgo transformacional en un contexto amplio y combinado con rendimiento de calidad, requiere instrumentos cortos y, al mismo tiempo, basados en evidencia científica. El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar la validez (convergente, de constructo y de criterio) de la escala corta del Liderazgo Transformacional, usada por la Auditoria del Sistema Humano (short HSA-TFL). La comparación con el Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ-5X) aportó valores de alta validez convergente. El análisis factorial exploratorio con empleados del sector sanitario en España (N = 625) del HSA-TFL, sugiere una estructura unifactorial, que fue confirmada mediante análisis factorial confirmatorio, realizado con otras tres muestras de empleados del sector hospitalario de varios países europeos (N = 776). Asimismo, los resultados muestran, en los cuatro países, una relación positiva del HSA-TFL con el rendimiento subjetivo (validez de criterio). En conclusión, la versión breve del HSA-TFL es válida para el análisis del liderazgo transformacional.

This study aimed to clarify the validity of the short scale of Transformational Leadership used by the Human System Audit (short HSA-TFL). The need of today's enterprises for combined assessment of transformational leadership and quality-related performance in wider contexts requires short instruments based on scientific research. Convergent, construct and criterion validity of the short HSA-TFL were analyzed. Comparison of the short HSA-TFL with the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ-5X) showed high convergent validity. Exploratory factor analysis with hospital workers in Spain (N = 625) showed the single factor structure of the Spanish version of the HSA-TFL. Confirmatory factor analysis using three further samples of hospital workers (N = 776) from different european countries confirmed a single factor. As regards criterion validity, the results indicated that the short HSA-TFL is positively related in all four countries to subjective performance. In sum, the results provide empirical evidence for the validity of the short HSA-TFL scale.

The main purpose of this study was to demonstrate the validity of the Identification-Commitment-Inventory (HSA-ICI) in two European samples (from Spain and Portugal). The ICI was proposed by Quijano and collaborators as part of the Human System Audit (HSA), a conceptual model and set of tools designed for evaluation and intervention in Human Resources Systems (HRS). The underlying factor structure of the instrument was tested with samples of Spanish (n = 625) and Portuguese (n = 520) employees - in combination and separately - working in the health care sector. Confirmatory factor analysis with a test of invariance across groups was conducted. The results show that the theoretical model fits the observed data of the general sample (χ2 = 2643.12, P = .046; RMSEA = .028; RMR = .041; GFI = .983; AGFI =. 977; CFI = .994), replicating the results of a previous study. When the samples were analysed separately, the measurement structure presented a better fit in the Spanish sample than in the Portuguese sample. The overall difference was not large - due to being influenced at the item level by some contextual aspects - but was just sufficient to obtain statistical significance (χ²Tucker-Lewis = 48.23; df = 1; P < .001). This work provides evidence supporting the use of the HSA-ICI. The implications of these results for future research are discussed.

El objetivo principal de este estudio es validar el Cuestionario de Identificación y Compromiso (HSA-ICI) en dos muestras europeas (de España y Portugal). El ICI ha sido desarrollado por Quijano y colaboradores en el marco de la Auditoría del Sistema Humano (ASH). El ASH es un modelo conceptual que incluye un conjunto de herramientas diseñadas para la evaluación e intervención en los Sistemas de Recursos Humanos (HRS). La estructura factorial subyacente del instrumento ha sido puesta a prueba, tanto a nivel general como por separado, en una muestra de empleados del sector sanitario (españoles, n = 625; portugueses, n = 520). Se ha llevado a cabo un análisis factorial confirmatorio con pruebas de invariancia en ambos grupos. Los resultados muestran, al igual que estudios anteriores, que el modelo teórico se ajusta a los datos de la muestra global (χ2 = 2643.12, p = 0.046, RMSEA = 0.028, RMR = 0.041, GFI = 0.983, AGFI = 0.977; CFI = 0.994). Cuando se analizan ambas muestras por separado, la estructura de medición presenta un mejor ajuste en la muestra española que en la muestra portuguesa. Si bien la diferencia en el ajuste no es alta, resulta suficiente para obtener evidencia estadísticamente significativa (χ²Tucker-Lewis = 48,23; gl = 1, p <.001). Las diferencias halladas entre los ítems pueden ser explicadas por la influencia del contexto. Este trabajo ofrece herramientas para la administración del HSA-ICI. Para finalizar, se analizan las implicaciones derivadas de los resultados obtenidos en futuras investigaciones.

INTRODUÇÃO: A trombose venosa profunda (TVP) e o seu desfecho imediato mais grave, o tromboembolismo pulmonar (TEP), são complicações de incidência elevada em pacientes hospitalizados e principalmente naqueles submetidos à cirurgia. OBJETIVO: Apresentar o protocolo de profilaxia de Tromboembolismo (TEV) da Clínica Ivo Pitanguy, mostrando a incidência de TEV no Serviço antes e após a introdução deste protocolo, assim como a incidência de hematomas, no período de cinco anos. MÉTODO: Estudo de revisão dos prontuários dos pacientes operados no período de julho de 2004 a maio de 2009. Comparou-se a incidência de eventos trombóticos antes e após a introdução do protocolo, assim como a incidência de hematomas. RESULTADOS: Foram analisados 1700 prontuários. Desde a introdução do protocolo, não ocorreu nenhum caso de tromboembolismo venoso, em 711 pacientes operados. A incidência de hematomas com necessidade de revisão cirúrgica foi reduzida, provavelmente pelo controle pressórico mais rigoroso após a introdução do protocolo. CONCLUSÃO: O protocolo tem se mostrado de utilização simples e efetiva. Houve redução da incidência de TEV e hematomas a partir de sua introdução.

BACKGROUND: The deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and its most dangerous outcome, the pulmonary embolism (PE), are complications of high incidence in hospitalized patients and in those submitted to surgery. OBJECTIVE: This study presents the guideline to prevention of thromboembolism at Ivo Pitanguy Clinic and its incidence before and after the introduction of this protocol, in a period of five years. We also relate the incidence of hematoma before and after the beginning of the protocol. METHODS: The study consists of the revision of the medical records of all patients operated between July 2004 and May 2009. We compared the incidence of thromboembolic events before and after the beginning of the protocol as well as the incidence of hematomas that were submitted to revision at the surgery room. RESULTS: Analyzing 1700 medical records, since the introduction of the guideline of prevention of VTE, there is no case of VTE in 711 operated patients. The incidence of reoperated hematomas at the surgery room was reduced, maybe because there was a more rigorous control of the blood pression after the introduction of the guideline. CONCLUSION: The guideline has shown itself practical and simple use. There were reduction in cases of VTE and hematomas after its introduction.

As sementes de mamona têm germinação lenta e irregular, resultando, muitas vezes, em estande desuniforme no campo, o que pode ser atribuído à provável dificuldade de absorção de água pelas sementes. O trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito de tratamentos pré-germinativos no desempenho de sementes de mamona. Foram utilizados cinco lotes de sementes de mamona, cultivar AL-Guarany, que foram submetidos aos seguintes tratamentos: testemunha (sementes intactas), escarificação com lixa, remoção da carúncula, remoção do tegumento, imersão em água por 12 e 24 horas, remoção da carúncula + imersão em água por 12 e 24 horas, escarificação com lixa + imersão em água por 12 e 24 horas, germinação a 10ºC/7 dias e a 25ºC/5 dias, germinação a 10ºC/7 dias e a 30ºC/5 dias e envelhecimento acelerado a 41ºC/48h e 100% UR. Após cada tratamento, com exceção dos tratamentos de germinação a 10ºC, as sementes foram submetidas ao teste de germinação, a 25ºC, avaliando-se a porcentagem de plântulas normais aos sete e 14 dias após a semeadura. Em geral, todos os tratamentos pré-germinativos contribuíram para aumentar a porcentagem de germinação das sementes de mamona em relação à testemunha. Os tratamentos mais eficientes para acelerar a germinação das sementes foram a escarificação com lixa e a remoção da carúncula ou de todo o tegumento. No entanto, considerando a praticidade de aplicação, a escarificação com lixa pode ser recomendada para acelerar e aumentar a germinação das sementes de mamona.

Castor bean seeds have slow and irregular germination that frequently results in irregular seedling emergence in the field. This fact has been attributed to their probable impermeability to water. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of pre-germination treatments on seed performance. Five seed lots, AL-Guarany cultivar, were submitted to the following treatments: control (untreated seeds), scarification with sandpaper, caruncle removal, tegument removal, immersion in water for 12 and 24h, caruncle removal + immersion in water for 12 and 24h, scarification with sandpaper + immersion in water for 12 and 24h, germination at 10ºC/7 days and at 25ºC/5 days, germination at 10ºC/7 days and at 30ºC/5 days, accelerated aging at 41ºC/48h and 100% RH. After each treatment, with exception of the germination at 10ºC, the seeds were submitted to the germination test, at 25ºC. Counts were performed at 7 and 14 days after sowing. In general, all the pre-germination treatments contributed to increasing the germination percentage of castor bean seeds in relation to the control. The most efficient treatments to speed up germination were scarification with sandpaper and caruncle or tegument removal. However, considering the practical application, scarification can be recommended to increase the percentage and speed of seed germination.

O presente artigo é uma atualização sobre a ocorrência e diagnóstico das riquetsioses existentes no Brasil e Portugal, com o objetivo de incentivar e incrementar a vigilância epidemiológica dessas doenças nos dois países. Realizou-se levantamento bibliográfico e foram apresentados dados não publicados de laboratórios e serviços de epidemiologia. Os resultados descreveram a ocorrência das riquetsioses no Brasil e Portugal, inclusive aquelas recém-descritas, advindas de riquétsias de potencial patogênico ainda incerto. Os métodos diagnósticos atualmente empregados foram discutidos. Como em outros países, as riquetsioses parecem assumir crescente importância em saúde pública. Relegadas a um plano secundário por muitas décadas, o interesse por essas infecções tem aumentado nos dois países, mas ainda carece de investigação para esclarecer seu real significado em saúde pública.

The present study is an update review on the occurrence and diagnosis of rickettsial diseases in Brazil and Portugal, aiming at promoting their epidemiological surveillance in both countries. A literature review was carried out and unpublished data of laboratories and surveillance systems were presented. The results described the occurrence of rickettsial diseases and infections in Brazil and Portugal, including other new and still poorly understood rickettsial infections. Current diagnostic methods were discussed. As in many other countries, rickettsial diseases and infections seem to be an emerging public health problem. Treated as a minor problem for many decades, the interest in these infections has increased in both countries but further studies are needed to establish their role as a public health problem.

O presente artigo é uma atualização sobre a ocorrência e diagnóstico das riquetsioses existentes no Brasil e Portugal, com o objetivo de incentivar e incrementar a vigilância epidemiológica dessas doenças nos dois países. Realizou-se levantamento bibliográfico e foram apresentados dados não publicados de laboratórios e serviços de epidemiologia. Os resultados descreveram a ocorrência das riquetsioses no Brasil e Portugal, inclusive aquelas recém-descritas, advindas de riquétsias de potencial patogênico ainda incerto. Os métodos diagnósticos atualmente empregados foram discutidos. Como em outros países, as riquetsioses parecem assumir crescente importância em saúde pública. Relegadas a um plano secundário por muitas décadas, o interesse por essas infecções tem aumentado nos dois países, mas ainda carece de investigação para esclarecer seu real significado em saúde pública.

The present study is an update review on the occurrence and diagnosis of rickettsial diseases in Brazil and Portugal, aiming at promoting their epidemiological surveillance in both countries. A literature review was carried out and unpublished data of laboratories and surveillance systems were presented. The results described the occurrence of rickettsial diseases and infections in Brazil and Portugal, including other new and still poorly understood rickettsial infections. Current diagnostic methods were discussed. As in many other countries, rickettsial diseases and infections seem to be an emerging public health problem. Treated as a minor problem for many decades, the interest in these infections has increased in both countries but further studies are needed to establish their role as a public health problem.