ABSTRACT The historic flight of cosmonaut Yuri Alekeseyevich Gagarin, in 1961, established the need for research regarding the physiological adaptations of the human body when exposed to the space environment. Since then, several morpho-functional transformations – varying between normal and pathological – have been identified within the organisms of astronauts subjected to the extremely disparate environments of the cosmos, consequently, comprehension and preparation of these transformations becomes essential, considering the possibilities (1) of returning to the Moon and (2) of initiating the trip to Mars. Accordingly, the purpose of this article – conceived as a narrative literature review – is to present the main aspects of the physiological modifications within the human body due to the extraterrestrial environment, with emphasis on cardiovascular, renal, hydroelectrolytic, hematological, immunological, respiratory, neurological, psychological, sensory, gastrointestinal, endocrine, musculoskeletal, integumentary, and genetic adaptations.

Resumen Los accidentes causados por escorpiones representan un problema mayor de salud pública tanto en términos de daños individuales como en la esfera de la salud pública. Los eventos mórbidos pueden ocurrir con diferentes manifestaciones y condiciones clínicas que deben ser diferenciadas para un manejo adecuado. Ade más del daño potencial que ocasionan a los humanos, el veneno del escorpión ha sido estudiado con el fin de analizar su potencia aplicación para le tratamiento de algunas enfermedades. Este articulo presenta una actualización sobre los aspectos clínicos, terapéuticos y profilácticos del escorpionismo.

Abstract Accidents caused by scorpions represent a major health problem on planet, both in individual terms and in the public health sphere. Morbid events can occur in different manifestations, and different clinical conditions must be differentiated for adequate treatment. In addition to the potential injury to human hosts, scorpion venom has been investigated for the therapy of several illnesses. Based on these aspects, the present article aims to present the clinical, diagnostic, therapeutic and prophylactic aspects of scorpionism.

This study assessed the effects of volume concentration (0.3%, 0.6%, 1.2%, and 12% v/v) and type of polymer flocculant (acrylamide, chitosan, and purified and non-purified acrylamide grafted chitosan) on the flocculation mechanism of kaolinite-rich mining tailings samples. We measured the flocculated samples’ transmittance using UV-VIS spectrometry to check for particles in the supernatant medium in order to verify the flocculation efficiency. It was observed that flocculation directly depends on the pH of the medium, the isoelectric point of the kaolinite, and the polymer chains’ molecular mass. The concentration of H+ and OH- ions is responsible for producing charges of different electrical nature on the particles present in the suspension, thereby affecting the flocculation process. In the acrylamide samples, the aggregation of particles occurs by electrostatic interaction; and in the other samples by bridging, suggesting that the chains’ molecular mass interferes in the coagulation and flocculation mechanisms. Moreover, the results of absorbance measurements and flocs’ apparent density highlight that the grafting of acrylamide on the chitosan chain may improve the kaolin waste flocculation. For flocculant concentrations of up to 1.2% (v/v), the absorbances were mostly below 1.0, indicating removal of suspended materials.

Resumo A bioética da proteção é uma ética teórico-prática proposta a partir do reconhecimento das limitações do principialismo para a abordagem de conflitos do campo da saúde pública, área à qual – originalmente – foram orientados os esforços da nascente corrente bioética. Com a crescente globalização e a desigualdade social, há seres e populações cujos direitos básicos estão ameaçados e, em resposta a tal contexto, a bioética da proteção visa oferecer-lhes amparo, até que sejam capazes de buscar sua qualidade de vida de modo autônomo (sempre que possível). Com base nessas preliminares considerações, este artigo busca elucidar os aspectos históricos, os elementos conceituais e o alcance atual da bioética da proteção, esboçando possíveis articulações com outras correntes bioéticas, como a ética do cuidado e a (bio)ética para todos os seres, como forma de subsidiar a reflexão sobre os conflitos éticos atuais na esfera da saúde, lato sensu , e da saúde pública, stricto sensu .

Abstract The bioethics of protection is a theoretical-practical ethics proposed from the recognition of the insufficiencies of principialism for the approach of conflicts in the field of public health, an area to which originally the efforts of the nascent bioethical current were oriented. The basic rights of certain beings and populations are threatened by the expansion of globalization and social inequality and, in response to this context, the bioethics of protection aims to support them until they can autonomously seek quality of life (whenever possible). Based on these preliminary considerations, this article, this paper seeks to elucidate historical aspects, conceptual elements and the current scope of the bioethics of protection, outlining possible relations with other bioethical currents, such as care ethics and (bio)ethics for all beings, as a way to support reflection on current ethical conflicts in the sphere of health, lato sensu , and public health, stricto sensu .

Resumen La bioética de protección constituye una ética teórico-práctica propuesta a partir del reconocimiento de que el principialismo no basta para abordar los conflictos en el campo de la salud pública, área en que originalmente se centró los esfuerzos de la reciente corriente bioética. Con la creciente globalización y las desigualdades sociales, existen seres y poblaciones que tienen amenazados sus derechos básicos, por lo que la bioética de protección pretende ofrecerles amparo hasta que puedan ser capaces de buscar su calidad de vida de manera autónoma (siempre que posible). Con base en estas consideraciones preliminares, este artículo pretende aclarar los aspectos históricos, los elementos conceptuales y el alcance actual de la bioética de protección, realizando posibles articulaciones con otras corrientes bioéticas, como la ética del cuidado y la (bio)ética para todos los seres, con el fin de fomentar la reflexión sobre los actuales conflictos éticos en el ámbito de la salud, lato sensu , y la salud pública, estricto sensu .

A visão indeterminista inspirada pela Escola de Copenhague – proposta, em 1927, pelo físico dinamarquês Niels Bohr e que articula o princípio da incerteza de Werner Heisenberg e a equação de onda de Erwin Schrödinger – tornou-se a interpretação hegemônica da Mecânica Quântica (MQ). Albert Einstein adotou uma visão bastante crítica em relação a este modo de descrever os processos atinentes à intimidade da matéria, considerando a MQ uma teoria incompleta. Louis De Broglie, já em 1927, propõe uma concepção alternativa – interpretação da onda piloto –, na qual se considera a MQ uma teoria determinística. Vinte e cinco anos depois, David Bohm desenvolve, na mesma lógica, a Teoria do Potencial Quântico, não-relativística, cujas ideias de destaque incluem as variáveis ocultas e a não localidade. Com base nessas breves considerações, o presente artigo tem por objetivo (1) apresentar os aspectos essenciais da Interpretação de Copenhague da MQ, (2) criticar tal perspectiva do ponto de vista do paradoxo EPR (Einstein, Podolsky e Rosen) e do “Gato de Schrödinger” e (3) analisar a abordagem matemática e as consequências filosóficas da MQ de David Bohm (MQ-B).

The indeterministic view advocated by the Copenhagen School – proposed in 1927 by danish physicist Niels Bohr and which articulates Werner Heisenberg’s principle of uncertainty and Erwin Schrödinger’s wave equation – has become the hegemonic interpretation of quantum mechanics (MQ). Albert Einstein adopted a very critical view of this way of conceiving the processes related to the intimacy of matter, considering MQ an incomplete theory. Louis De Broglie, in 1927, proposes an alternative conception – interpretation of the pilot wave – in which MQ is considered a deterministic theory. Twenty-five years later, David Bohm develops, in the same logic, the Quantum Potential Theory, non-relativistic, whose prominent ideas include the hidden variables and the non-locality. Based on these brief considerations, this article aims to (1) present the essential aspects of the Copenhagen Interpretation of the MQ, (2) to criticize this perspective from the point of view of the EPR paradox (Einstein, Podolsky and Rosen) and the “Schrödinger’s cat” and (3) to analyze the mathematical approach and the philosophical consequences of David Bohm’s QM (MQ-B).

Resumo Os conflitos bioéticos no cotidiano do cuidado à criança e ao adolescente na atenção primária à saúde, embora bastante complexos, têm sido pouco abordados, diferentemente do que ocorre no nível de atenção terciária. O amparo a essa população especialmente vulnerável envolve conflitos que demandam do profissional de saúde, além de competência técnica, uma série de conhecimentos legais e atributos éticos indispensáveis. É importante, portanto, reconhecer e analisar as questões (bio)éticas envolvidas, a fim de possibilitar uma tomada de decisão que contemple o melhor interesse da criança. O objetivo do artigo é delimitar, com base em revisão de literatura, os principais conflitos éticos relacionados ao cuidado da criança na atenção primária.

Abstract Although quite complex, bioethical conflicts in the daily routine of child and adolescent health care in primary health care have been little addressed, unlike what occurs at the tertiary care level. Providing support to this especially vulnerable population involves conflicts that require from the health professional, in addition to technical competence, a series of essential legal knowledge and ethical attributes. Therefore, it is important to recognize and analyze the pertinent (bio)ethical issues in order to enable decision-making that is in the best interests of the child. From a literature review, this article aims to delimit the main ethical conflicts related to child health care in primary health care.

Resumen Los conflictos bioéticos en el cuidado diario de niños y adolescentes en la atención primaria de salud, aunque bastante complejos, han sido mal abordados, a diferencia de lo que ocurre en el nivel de atención terciaria. El apoyo a esta población particularmente vulnerable implica conflictos que requieren del profesional de la salud, además de competencia técnica, una serie de conocimientos jurídicos y atributos éticos esenciales. Por lo tanto, es importante reconocer y analizar las cuestiones (bio)éticas involucradas, a fin de permitir la toma de decisiones en el mejor interés del niño. El objetivo del artículo es delimitar, a partir de una revisión de la literatura, los principales conflictos éticos relacionados con el cuidado infantil en la atención primaria.

Resumo Este texto é um comentário ao livro Natural, racional, social: razão médica e racionalidade científica moderna, de Madel T. Luz. Sua crítica à racionalidade e à metodologia científica baseia-se no reconhecimento de um quê ideológico nessas dimensões, delineado principalmente a partir da Revolução Industrial. As reflexões da autora buscam respostas para explicar a marginalização de outros modos de lidar com a realidade (com destaque para o vitalismo, cuja presença é marcante na homeopatia), que foram e ainda são atacados pelo modelo hegemônico instituído pela ciência moderna. Ressalta-se que a estética desempenha um papel importante na produção e disseminação do conhecimento, como base capaz de ampliar a visão para diferentes perspectivas de racionalidade e de elaboração ética.

Abstract This article is a commentary on the book Natural, racional, social: razão médica e racionalidade científica moderna by Madel T. Luz. Her criticism of rationality and scientific methodology is based on recognizing an ideological aspect in these dimensions, outlined mainly from the Industrial Era. Her reflections seek answers to explain the marginalization of other ways of dealing with reality that were and remain under attack by the hegemonical model of modern science (with special attention to vitalism, a striking aspect of homeopathy). Aesthetics are crucial in the production and dissemination of knowledge as the basis to broaden the vision toward different perspectives of rationality and ethical elaboration.

Resumen Este texto es un comentario al libro Natural, racional, social: razón médica y racionalidad científica moderna, de Madel T. Luz. Su crítica a la racionalidad y a la metodología científica se basa en el reconocimiento de un aspecto ideológico en estas dimensiones, delineado principalmente a partir de la Revolución Industrial. Las reflexiones de la autora buscan respuestas para explicar la marginalización de otros modos de hacer frente a la realidad (con destaque para el vitalismo, cuya presencia es destacada en la homeopatía), que fueron y aún son atacados por el modelo hegemónico instituido por la ciencia moderna. Se resalta que la estética desempeña un papel importante en la producción y difusión del conocimiento, como base capaz de ampliar la visión a diferentes perspectivas de racionalidad y elaboración ética.

Resumo A escassez de recursos para ações de cuidado – questão extremamente relevante nos sistemas de saúde de acesso universal – tem motivado diversas situações em que é necessário estabelecer critérios de priorização, mormente no âmbito da regulação. Partindo de perspectiva bioética, este artigo visa discutir o processo decisório de médicos reguladores em situação envolvendo escassez de recurso – no caso, leitos de centro de tratamento intensivo. Trata-se de estudo teórico-reflexivo, empreendido a partir da análise ética de situação-problema fictícia envolvendo a escolha de paciente para tratamento intensivo em contexto de limitado número de vagas. O caso fictício apresentado foi apreciado a partir dos referenciais das correntes bioéticas principialista e utilitarista. A reflexão ressaltou que as decisões dessa natureza devem ser baseadas na profunda articulação entre critérios técnicos e éticos. Foi possível concluir que, na situação-problema analisada, a seleção aleatória seria a mais viável e mais justa do ponto de vista bioético.

Abstract Scarcity of resources in healthcare – an extremely relevant issue in universal healthcare systems – has motivated the emergence of several situations where one needs to establish prioritization criteria, especially within the scope of regulation. Based on a bioethical perspective, this article discuss the decision-making process of coordinating physicians in a situation involving scarcity of resources – in this case, intensive care unit beds. This is a reflective theoretical study, based on the ethical analysis of a hypothetical problem-situation involving the choice of patient for admission in this unit, in a context of a limited vacancies. The situation presented was assessed based on the principlist and utilitarian bioethical perspectives. The reflection emphasized that decisions of this nature must be based on a deep articulation between technical and ethical criteria. After the analysis, we concluded that random selection would be the most feasible and fairest from a bioethical point of view.

Resumen La escasez de recursos para las acciones de atención –tema de extrema relevancia en los sistemas de salud con acceso universal– ha motivado varias situaciones en las que es necesario establecer criterios de priorización, especialmente en el ámbito de la regulación médica de las urgencias. Desde una perspectiva bioética, este artículo tiene como objetivo discutir el proceso de toma de decisiones de los médicos reguladores en situaciones de escasez de recursos (en este caso, camas de unidades de cuidados intensivos). Se trata de un estudio teórico-reflexivo, realizado a partir del análisis ético de una situación-problema ficticia que implica la elección de un paciente para tratamiento intensivo en el contexto de un número limitado de vacantes. Se apreció el caso ficticio a partir de los referenciales de las corrientes bioética principialista y utilitarista. La reflexión destacó que las decisiones de esta naturaleza deben basarse en la articulación profunda entre criterios técnicos y éticos. Se pudo concluir que, en la situación-problema analizada, la selección aleatoria sería la más viable y justa desde el punto de vista bioético.

Abstract A few companies around the world are now developing and selling sex robots. Questions such as "how will relationships with robots' impact human relations in the future" emerge when technologies are used to meet the social and emotional needs of individuals. Considering that technology and design have embedded values and biases, this article surveys the use of sex robots from a bioethical perspective. Relationships with robots and computational systems, like Artificial Intelligence, are a possibility for many people around the world. We present questions raised by the voices in favor of robot sex, and against it. Beyond a binary polarization, the bioethical perspective recalls the Foucaultian concepts of biopolitics and biopower to situate the problems with the mechanization of intimate relationships. We argue that sex robots offer the opportunity to review old patterns regarding gender, inequality, and health.

Resumen Empresas de todo el mundo están desarrollando y vendiendo robots sexuales. Preguntas sobre "¿Cómo afectarán las relaciones con los robots a las relaciones humanas en el futuro?" surgen cuando las tecnologías se utilizan para satisfacer las necesidades sociales y emocionales de las personas. Este artículo analiza el uso de robots sexuales desde una perspectiva bioética, considerando que las tecnologías y los diseños tienen valores intrínsecos que hay que tener en cuenta. Las relaciones con robots y sistemas informáticos, como la inteligencia artificial, son una posibilidad para muchas personas en todo el mundo. Presentamos preguntas planteadas por voces a favor y en contra del sexo con robots. Además de la polarización binaria, la perspectiva bioética recuerda los conceptos de biopolítica y biopoder de Foucault para situar problemas como la mecanización de las relaciones íntimas. Sostenemos que el debate sobre los robots sexuales ofrece la oportunidad de revisar viejos patrones en relación con el género, desigualdad y la salud.

Resum Empreses de tot el món estan desenvolupant i venent robots sexuals. Preguntes sobre "Com afectaran les relacions amb els robots a les relacions humanes en el futur?" sorgeixen quan les tecnologies s'utilitzen per a satisfer les necessitats socials i emocionals de les persones. Aquest article analitza l'ús de robots sexuals des d'una perspectiva bioètica, considerant que les tecnologies i els dissenys tenen valors intrínsecs que cal tenir en compte. Les relacions amb robots i sistemes informàtics, com la intel·ligència artificial, són una possibilitat per a moltes persones a tot el món. Presentem preguntes plantejades per veus a favor i en contra del sexe amb robots. A més de la polarització binària, la perspectiva bioètica recorda els conceptes de biopolítica i biopoder de Foucault per a situar problemes com la mecanització de les relacions íntimes. Sostenim que el debat sobre els robots sexuals ofereix l'oportunitat de revisar vells patrons en relació amb el gènere, desigualtat i la salut.

Abstract: This paper aims to evaluate the implications of Eucalyptus woodchip utilization as an alternative solid fuel for thermal power plants, highlighting its energy properties, power generation expenses and unit variable costs. Woodchip samples were collected from different sources and a proximate analysis was carried out in order to determine their moisture content, basic and bulk densities, ash content and higher heating value. Then, with these properties, empirical indices of a 10-megawatt thermal power plant were used to simulate the potential woodchip consumption, the forest area needed and the unit variable cost (US$·MWh−1) for each sample. The results indicate that woodchip samples with lower moisture content and improved higher heating value presented: reduced woodchip consumption for the same power generation, decreased generation expenses, reduced unit variable costs and smaller Eucalyptus plantations area needed to supply the woodchip consumption. Greater energy density may result in lower transportation and storage expenses, however, does not indicate better generation performance, since it is influenced by biomass field conditions. All samples obtained satisfactory levels of ash content, which may result in lower emissions of pollutants and superior operational efficiency. Finally, all samples presented unit variable costs below the limit established by the government for participation in the regulated energy market, which might be an economic attraction for this kind of project. Therefore, Eucalyptus woodchip moisture content, higher heating value and energy density are key issues in sustainable thermal power generation and should be managed by Eucalyptus power plants in order to reach better generation performance and reduced expenses.

ABSTRACT Many infants are nurtured with milk supplied by human banks, whose bacteriological and physical-chemical profiles are a major issue. We investigated the bacteriological and physical-chemical characteristics, as well as genotypic and phenotypic and profiles of Staphylococcus species isolated from 240 samples of breast milk from a bank in a teaching hospital. Dornic acidity of milk revealed that 95.4% (229/240) had acceptable limits (< 8.0 oD). Caloric intake showed a wide variation in cream content (4%), fat (4%) and energy values (559.81 Kcal/L). Staphylococcus (105/186 or 56.5%) and Enterobacter (25/186 or 13.4%) were the most prevalent genera, although other microorganisms were identified, including Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (125/157 or 79.6%), vancomycin (115/157 or 73.2%), and cephalexin (112/157 or 71.3%) were the most effective antimicrobials. High resistance rates of isolates were found to penicillin G (141/157 or 89.8%), ampicillin (135/157 or 86%), and oxacillin (118/157 or 75.2%). Multidrug resistance to ≥ 3 antimicrobials occurred in 66.2% (123/186) of the isolates. Residues of microbial multiplication inhibitory substances were found in 85% (204/240) of samples. Among the coagulase-positive-CPS and negative-CoNS staphylococci, the mecA gene was detected in 53.3% (8/15) and 75% (30/40), respectively. Genes sea, seb and sec were detected in 20% (3/15) of CPS, while tsst-1 was detected in 13.34% (2/15). In addition, 13.3% (2/15) of S. aureus were toxin-producers. Genes sea, seb and sec were detected in 90% (36/40), 5% (2/40) and 15% (6/40) CoNS, respectively. Enterotoxin production was identified in 5% (2/40) of CoNS. The identification of multidrug-resistant bacteria, staphylococci species toxin-producers harboring methicillin-resistance genes, and residues of microbial multiplication inhibitory substances reinforce the need for a continuous vigilance of milk quality offered to infant consumption by human banks.

Resumo Neste artigo pretende-se analisar problemas bioéticos relativos às populações em situação de rua a partir dos conceitos de homo sacer, de Giorgio Agamben, e de hospitalidade incondicional, de Jacques Derrida. Como elementos-chave destacam-se a invisibilidade dessas populações e o reconhecimento de que profissionais e instituições de saúde devem operar em lógica de cultura hospitaleira, que considere o cuidado às pessoas em situação de rua como significativa ação ética.

Abstract This article aims to analyze bioethical issues related to homeless persons based on the concepts of homo sacer, by Giorgio Agamben, and unconditional hospitality, by Jacques Derrida. We considered the following key elements: the invisibility of these people and the recognition that health professionals and institutions must operate within the logic of a hospitable culture, considering care for this population as a significant ethical action.

Resumen En este artículo, se pretende analizar los problemas bioéticos relativos a las personas sin hogar con base en los conceptos de homo sacer, de Giorgio Agamben, y hospitalidad incondicional, de Jacques Derrida. Como elementos clave se destacan la invisibilidad de dichas poblaciones y el reconocimiento de que los profesionales e instituciones de salud deben operar en una lógica de la cultura hospitalaria, que tenga en cuenta el cuidado a las personas sin hogar como significativa acción ética.

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Trypanosoma rangeli is a protozoan that infects several domestic and wild mammals and shows significant distribution in Latin American countries. T. rangeli infection is similar to Chagas disease, both in diagnostic and prophylactic terms. Thus, the objective of this work was to review the diagnostic aspects and use of T. rangeli as an immunogen for Trypanosoma cruzi infection. METHODS: For this elaboration, Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were adopted with descriptors derived from the Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) platform in the PubMed/MEDLINE and SciELO databases. The inclusion criteria were defined as original articles on "Trypanosoma rangeli" and diagnostic aspects of T. rangeli infection in humans and/or research on the possible vaccines developed using T. rangeli strains for T. cruzi infection. RESULTS: After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 18 articles were procured, of which 4 addressed research on the possible vaccines developed using T. rangeli for T. cruzi infection in vertebrates and the remaining 14 predominantly dealt with the diagnostic aspects of T. rangeli infection in humans. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we formulated a compilation of the essential literature on this subject, emphasizing the need for more accurate and accessible techniques for the differential diagnosis of infections caused by both protozoa, and underscored several prospects in the search for a vaccine for Chagas disease.