Abstract This meta-analysis aimed to investigate the effects of propolis on the severity of coronavirus disease symptoms by reducing periodontal disease. PubMed, EMBASE, SciELO, Web of Science, and SCOPUS databases were systematically searched. Studies have been conducted analyzing propolis’s effects on COVID-19 and periodontitis. The study was conducted according to the PRISMA statement and registered in PROSPERO. Risk of Bias (RoB) assessment and meta-analysis of clinical studies were performed (Review Manager 5, Cochrane). The certainty of the evidence was assessed using GradePro (GDT). Studies have shown propolis flavonoids inhibit viral replication in several DNA and RNA viruses, including coronaviruses. Propolis components have an aminopeptidase inhibitor activity that can inhibit the main proteases of SARS viruses and seem to inhibit protein spikes, which are sites of most mutations in SARS-CoV strains. The meta-analysis showed favorable results with the use of propolis on probing depth (95%CI: 0.92; p < 0.001), clinical attachment level (95%CI: 1.48; p < 0.001), gingival index (95%CI: 0.14; p = 0.03), plaque index (95%CI: 0.11; p = 0.23), and blending on probing (95%CI: 0.39; p < 0.001). The antibacterial activity of propolis could be mediated through its direct action on microorganisms or the stimulation of the immune system, activating natural defenses. Thus, propolis inhibits the replication of SARS-CoV-2 as well as its bacterial activity. Treatment with propolis improves general health and facilitates the activation of the immune system against coronavirus.

Abstract Plastics are naturally hydrophobic, so the selective flotation of plastic mixtures is impossible without changing their surface properties. The objective of this research is flotation separation of PET from PS, PMMA and PVC combined with sodium hydroxide pretreatment. NaOH pretreatment had a strong effect on PET’s floatability, medium effect on PMMA and PVC and limited effect on PS. The reduction of PET floatability is ascribed to a sharp decline of contact angle. The optimal pretreatment conditions were: 10% NaOH concentration, 70 °C (PET/PMMA and PET/PVC) to 80 °C (PET/PS) and plastic treatment times in the alkaline solution of 20 min (PET/PMMA and PET/PVC) to 30 min (PET/PS). Flotation separations were achieved efficiently and the best results were obtained for the PET/PS mixture, with a floated PS grade of 98% and a sunk PET grade of 100%. PET and PS was separated effectively, implying that sodium hydroxide treatment possesses superior applicability.

Abstract Froth flotation is the most common process in mineral processing. For the separation of plastic mixtures by flotation, the use of appropriate wetting agents is mandatory. The floatability of six post-consumer plastics was studied at different concentrations of the wetting agents, saponin and sodium lignosulfonate. Also, the influence of size and shape of the particles were analyzed. Contact angle and floatability of the six plastics decreased with increasing wetting agents concentration. The order of floatability is similar to the order of the contact angles values. However, the influence of the wetting agents in the plastics floatability is more pronounced than in the contact angle. Floatability decreased with the increase of particle density, particle size and spherical shape. For fine particles floatability is fundamentally conditioned by the contact angle, while for coarse particles floatability is fundamentally conditioned by the particles weight.

RESUMO Introdução: Diversos problemas bucais podem ser percebidos nos indivíduos que foram submetidos à cirurgia bariátrica, frente às mudanças metabólicas e comportamentais referentes à alimentação e higienização. O desgaste dentário parece sofrer impacto após a cirurgia bariátrica, uma vez que pode ocorrer o aumento do refluxo gastresofágico após a operação. Objetivo: Analisar o impacto da cirurgia bariátrica no refluxo gastresofágico e no desgaste dentário por meio de uma revisão sistemática da literatura. Método: As seguintes bases de dados foram acessadas por dois examinadores independentes e calibrados: PubMed, Medline, Lilacs, Scielo e Cochrane usando os descritores: “bariatric surgery” AND “dental erosion” OR “bariatric surgery” AND “dental erosion” AND “gastroesophageal reflux disease”. Após a exclusão dos estudos duplicados, 12 estudos foram avaliados inicialmente pelo título e resumo. Foram excluídos os sem relevância para a presente pesquisa, os de revisão da literatura e os relatos de caso. Sendo assim, foram incluídos neste estudo quatro artigos. Todos os artigos avaliados indicaram uma alta associação entre refluxo gastresofágico e desgaste dentário em pacientes submetidos à cirurgia bariátrica. A associação destes desfechos foi mais evidente após seis meses do procedimento cirúrgico. Conclusão: Pacientes submetidos à cirurgia bariátrica mostram maior prevalência de refluxo gastresofágico e desgaste dentário.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Several oral problems may be perceived in individuals who were submitted to bariatric surgery, due to metabolic and behavioral changes relative to diet and oral hygiene. Tooth wear appears to suffer impact after bariatric surgery, because there may be an increase in gastroesophageal reflux. Objective: To systematically review the literature regarding the impact of bariatric surgery on gastroesophageal reflux and tooth wear. Method: The following databases were accessed by two independent, calibrated examiners: PubMed, Medline, Lilacs, Scielo and Cochrane using the following descriptors: “bariatric surgery” AND “dental erosion” OR “bariatric surgery” AND “dental erosion” AND “gastroesophageal reflux disease”. After excluding duplicate studies, 12 studies were initially evaluated by the title and abstract. The excluded studies were those without relevance to the present research, literature review studies and case reports. Thus, four articles were included in this study. All the articles evaluated indicated high association between gastroesophageal reflux and tooth wear in patients submitted to bariatric surgery. Association of these outcomes was more evident six months after the surgical procedure. Conclusion: Patients submitted to bariatric surgery showed higher prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux and tooth wear.

▪ ABSTRACT Introduction: Lacaziosis is a rare disease that mainly affects workers in tropical areas, with approximately 500 cases reported worldwide. Lacaziosis is a parasitic disease caused by the saprophytic fungus Lacazia loboi; there is no specific treatment for this disease. Surgery is the most effective treatment for the deformities caused by the disease. However, it is a temporary treatment, since disease recurrence is frequently observed. Lacazia loboi affects two species of dolphin, Tursiops truncates and Sotalia guianensis. The available literature discusses the surgical treatment in a superficial way, because there are no specific studies describing the surgical treatment for this disease. Methods: Here, we describe our 8 years of experience with lacaziosis at the Hospital de Base de Porto Velho - Rondônia; a total of 22 patients underwent surgical treatment and were followed-up. Results: The majority of the patients (91%) had already submitted to at least one surgical treatment together with antifungal treatment. The patients presented with lesions with disease progression ranging from 5 months to 6 years prior to surgical treatment. Only two patients were treatment-naive. Conclusion: Our patients were followed-up; however, only 11 of the 22 patients returned for follow-up. Recurrences were observed in 9 of the 11 patients, with a latency period of 5 months.

▪ RESUMO Introdução: Lacaziose é uma doença rara que afeta principalmente trabalhadores de áreas tropicais, sendo descritos aproximadamente 500 casos no mundo. A lacaziose é um doença parasitária causada pelo fungo saprófita Lacazia loboi, para o qual não existe um tratamento específico. A cirurgia é o tratamento mais eficiente para as deformidades causadas pela doença. Entretanto, é um tratamento temporário, uma vez que as recidivas são frequentes. Lacazia loboi acomete duas espécies de golfinhos, o Tursiops truncates e o Sotalia guianensis. A literatura aborda o tratamento cirúrgico de maneira superficial, pois não existem trabalhos específicos descrevendo o tratamento cirúrgico para essa doença. Métodos: Descrevemos aqui nossos 8 anos de experiência no Hospital de Base de Porto Velho-Rondônia com 22 casos submetidos a tratamento cirúrgico e acompanhados. Resultados: A maioria dos pacientes (91%) já se submeteram a pelo menos um tratamento cirúrgico associado ao tratamento antifúngico. Os pacientes apresentavam lesões com tempo de evolução entre 5 meses e 6 anos previamente ao tratamento cirúrgico. Apenas dois casos eram virgens de tratamento. Conclusão: Nossos pacientes foram acompanhados, mas apenas 11 dos 22 pacientes retornaram para acompanhamento. Recorrências foram observadas em 9 dos 11 pacientes, com um período de latência de 5 meses.

RESUMO Objetivo Verificar diferenças na prática de aferição do volume residual gástrico entre enfermeiros clínicos e identificar a fundamentação teórica que subsidia a prática. Método Estudo transversal realizado por meio do envio de questionário online aos e-mails dos enfermeiros cadastrados no Conselho Regional de Enfermagem do Estado de São Paulo. Resultados Participam do estudo 598 profissionais de enfermagem, dos quais 484 prestavam assistência apenas a adultos e 114 exclusivamente à crianças. O teste do volume residual gástrico é realizado por 83,4% dos profissionais da enfermagem, sendo que, em sua maioria, a suspensão e a liberação da terapia nutricional enteral são realizadas pelo médico. A suspensão da terapia nutricional enteral entre adultos ocorre, predominantemente, quando o volume residual gástrico é igual a 200 ml e, entre crianças, se valores menores do que 100 ml. A conduta após a suspensão da dieta envolve a devolução do conteúdo gástrico aspirado e a manutenção do cateter fechado até o próximo horário, em 48,3% dos atendimentos entre adultos e 68,4% entre crianças. Dos participantes da pesquisa, 42,9% desconhecem a fundamentação teórica que subsidia a prática do teste. Conclusão Evidenciou-se a necessidade de capacitação dos enfermeiros e de novas investigações sobre a prática de aferição do volume residual gástrico.

ABSTRACT Objective To analyze the differences in nurses’ clinical practice for assessing residual gastric volume and identifying the theoretical framework which supports their practice. Method A cross-sectional study carried out by sending an online questionnaire by e-mail to nurses registered at the Regional Nursing Council of the State of São Paulo. Results This study included 598 nursing professionals, with 484 only providing care to adults and 114 exclusively to children. The gastric residual volume test is performed by 83.4% of nursing professionals; in most cases the suspension and prescription of enteral nutritional therapy are performed by the physician. Suspension of enteral nutritional therapy among adults predominantly occurs when the gastric residual volume is equal to 200 ml, and in children when values are less than 100 ml. Procedure after diet suspension involves the return of aspirated gastric contents and maintaining the catheter closed until the next hour in 48.3% of the procedures among adults, and 68.4% among children. 42.9% of the participants in this study were not aware of the theoretical basis that supports the test performance. Conclusion We can highlight the need for nurses’ training and further studies focused on the practice for assessing gastric residual volume.

RESUMEN Objetivo Verificar diferencias en la práctica de verificación del volumen gástrico residual entre enfermeros clínicos e identificar la fundamentación teórica que subsidia la práctica. Método Estudio transversal realizado mediante el envío de cuestionario en línea a los emails de los enfermeros registrados en el Consejo Regional de Enfermería del Estado de São Paulo. Resultados Participaron en el estudio 598 profesionales enfermeros, de los que 484 prestaban asistencia solo a adultos y 114 exclusivamente a niños. La prueba del volumen gástrico residual la lleva a cabo el 83,4% de los profesionales enfermeros, siendo que, en su mayoría, la suspensión y la liberación de la terapia de nutrición enteral la realiza el médico. La suspensión de la terapia de nutrición enteral entre adultos ocurre, predominantemente, cuando el volumen gástrico residual es igual a 200 ml y, entre niños, si los valores son menores que 100 ml. La conducta después de la suspensión de la dieta involucra la devolución del contenido gástrico aspirado y el mantenimiento del catéter cerrado hasta el próximo horario, en el 48,3% de las atenciones entre adultos y el 68,4% entre niños. De los participantes de la investigación, el 42,9% desconocen la fundamentación teórica que subsidia la práctica de la prueba. Conclusión Se evidenció la necesidad de capacitación de los enfermeros y de nuevas investigaciones acerca de la práctica de verificación del volumen gástrico residual.

ABSTRACT Objective To analyze the differences in nurses’ clinical practice for assessing residual gastric volume and identifying the theoretical framework which supports their practice. Method A cross-sectional study carried out by sending an online questionnaire by e-mail to nurses registered at the Regional Nursing Council of the State of São Paulo. Results This study included 598 nursing professionals, with 484 only providing care to adults and 114 exclusively to children. The gastric residual volume test is performed by 83.4% of nursing professionals; in most cases the suspension and prescription of enteral nutritional therapy are performed by the physician. Suspension of enteral nutritional therapy among adults predominantly occurs when the gastric residual volume is equal to 200 ml, and in children when values are less than 100 ml. Procedure after diet suspension involves the return of aspirated gastric contents and maintaining the catheter closed until the next hour in 48.3% of the procedures among adults, and 68.4% among children. 42.9% of the participants in this study were not aware of the theoretical basis that supports the test performance. Conclusion We can highlight the need for nurses’ training and further studies focused on the practice for assessing gastric residual volume.

RESUMEN Objetivo Verificar diferencias en la práctica de verificación del volumen gástrico residual entre enfermeros clínicos e identificar la fundamentación teórica que subsidia la práctica. Método Estudio transversal realizado mediante el envío de cuestionario en línea a los emails de los enfermeros registrados en el Consejo Regional de Enfermería del Estado de São Paulo. Resultados Participaron en el estudio 598 profesionales enfermeros, de los que 484 prestaban asistencia solo a adultos y 114 exclusivamente a niños. La prueba del volumen gástrico residual la lleva a cabo el 83,4% de los profesionales enfermeros, siendo que, en su mayoría, la suspensión y la liberación de la terapia de nutrición enteral la realiza el médico. La suspensión de la terapia de nutrición enteral entre adultos ocurre, predominantemente, cuando el volumen gástrico residual es igual a 200 ml y, entre niños, si los valores son menores que 100 ml. La conducta después de la suspensión de la dieta involucra la devolución del contenido gástrico aspirado y el mantenimiento del catéter cerrado hasta el próximo horario, en el 48,3% de las atenciones entre adultos y el 68,4% entre niños. De los participantes de la investigación, el 42,9% desconocen la fundamentación teórica que subsidia la práctica de la prueba. Conclusión Se evidenció la necesidad de capacitación de los enfermeros y de nuevas investigaciones acerca de la práctica de verificación del volumen gástrico residual.

RESUMO Objetivo Verificar diferenças na prática de aferição do volume residual gástrico entre enfermeiros clínicos e identificar a fundamentação teórica que subsidia a prática. Método Estudo transversal realizado por meio do envio de questionário online aos e-mails dos enfermeiros cadastrados no Conselho Regional de Enfermagem do Estado de São Paulo. Resultados Participam do estudo 598 profissionais de enfermagem, dos quais 484 prestavam assistência apenas a adultos e 114 exclusivamente à crianças. O teste do volume residual gástrico é realizado por 83,4% dos profissionais da enfermagem, sendo que, em sua maioria, a suspensão e a liberação da terapia nutricional enteral são realizadas pelo médico. A suspensão da terapia nutricional enteral entre adultos ocorre, predominantemente, quando o volume residual gástrico é igual a 200 ml e, entre crianças, se valores menores do que 100 ml. A conduta após a suspensão da dieta envolve a devolução do conteúdo gástrico aspirado e a manutenção do cateter fechado até o próximo horário, em 48,3% dos atendimentos entre adultos e 68,4% entre crianças. Dos participantes da pesquisa, 42,9% desconhecem a fundamentação teórica que subsidia a prática do teste. Conclusão Evidenciou-se a necessidade de capacitação dos enfermeiros e de novas investigações sobre a prática de aferição do volume residual gástrico.

Abstract Brazil is a non-endemic country for hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection with seroprevalence from 1% to 4% in blood donors and the general population. However, data on seroprevalence of HEV in the country are still limited. This study evaluated the prevalence of past or present HEV infection in a group of blood donors representative of the general population of the city of Sao Paulo, Southeastern Brazil. Serum samples from 500 blood donors were tested from July to September 2014 by serological and molecular methods. Anti-HEV IgG antibodies were detected in 49 (9.8%) subjects and categorized age groups revealed an age-dependent increase of HEV seroprevalence. Among the anti-HEV IgG positive subjects, only 1 had anti-HEV IgM while none tested positive for HEV-RNA. The present data demonstrate a higher seroprevalence of anti-HEV IgG than previously reported in the region.

Abstract Hepatitis E virus is responsible for acute and chronic liver infections worldwide. Swine hepatitis E virus has been isolated in Brazil, and a probable zoonotic transmission has been described, although data are still scarce. The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of hepatitis E virus infection in pigs from a small-scale farm in the rural area of Paraná State, South Brazil. Fecal samples were collected from 170 pigs and screened for hepatitis E virus RNA using a duplex real-time RT-PCR targeting a highly conserved 70 nt long sequence within overlapping parts of ORF2 and ORF3 as well as a 113 nt sequence of ORF2. Positive samples with high viral loads were subjected to direct sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. hepatitis E virus RNA was detected in 34 (20.0%) of the 170 pigs following positive results in at least one set of screening real-time RT-PCR primers and probes. The swine hepatitis E virus strains clustered with the genotype hepatitis E virus-3b reference sequences in the phylogenetic analysis and showed close similarity to human hepatitis E virus isolates previously reported in Brazil.

Abstract Background Hepatitis E virus (HEV) can cause chronic infection with rapid progression to liver cirrhosis in immunocompromised patients. HEV seroprevalence in patients with Schistosoma mansoni in Brazil is unknown. We evaluated the prevalence of past or present HEV infection in schistosomiasis patients in Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil. A total of 80 patients with Schistosoma mansoni were consecutively enrolled in a cross-sectional study. Serum samples were tested for the presence of anti-HEV IgG antibodies by enzyme immunoassay (Wantai anti-HEV IgG, Beijing, China) and for the presence of HEV RNA using real time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction with primers targeting the HEV ORF2 and ORF3. Clinical and laboratory tests as well as abdominal ultrasound were performed at the same day of blood collection. Results Anti-HEV IgG was positive in 18.8% (15/80) of patients with SM. None of the samples tested positive for anti-HEV IgM or HEV-RNA. Patients with anti-HEV IgG positive presented higher levels of alanine aminotranferase (p = 0.048) and gama-glutamil transferase (p = 0.022) when compared to patients without anti-HEV IgG antibodies. Conclusion This study demonstrates that the seroprevalence of HEV is high in patients with Schistosoma mansoni in Northeastern of Brazil. Past HEV infection is associated with higher frequency of liver enzymes abnormalities. HEV infection and its role on the severity of liver disease should be further investigated among patients with Schistosoma mansoni.

RESUMOA infecção congênita pelo citomegalovírus (CMV) é a principal causa de deficiências congênitas infecciosas. Sua transmissão pode ocorrer em infecções primárias (cuja taxa de transmissão é consideravelmente mais alta) e não primárias. O diagnóstico da infecção congênita é complexo e existe controvérsia sobre a avaliação sorológica durante a gravidez. Este artigo tem como objetivo revisar a literatura acerca da infecção por CMV, seu diagnóstico e sua epidemiologia.

ABSTRACTCongenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is the leading cause of infectious congenital defects and disabilities. Its transmission can occur in primary and non-primary infections; however the transmission rate is considerably higher in primary infections. The diagnosis of congenital infection is complex, and there is a discussion concerning serological evaluation during pregnancy. This article aims to review the literature concerning CMV infection, its diagnosis and epidemiology.

INTRODUCTION:Data on hepatitis E virus (HEV) in Brazil are limited. We analyzed 15 years of HEV surveillance data in a major clinical laboratory in São Paulo, Brazil.METHODS:The seroprevalence of HEV of 2,271 patients subjected to anti-HEV tests from 1998 to 2013 were analyzed.RESULTS:HEV seroprevalence was 2.1%, and the anti-HEV IgM positivity rate was 4.9%. Six hepatitis E patients were identified.CONCLUSIONS:HEV seroprevalence and detection rates appear to have increased in recent years. Hepatitis E should be investigated further and included in the differential diagnosis of hepatitis in Brazil.

Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) may cause severe complications after haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Monitoring this virus and providing precise, rapid and early diagnosis of related clinical diseases, constitute essential measures to improve outcomes. A prospective survey on the incidence and clinical features of HHV-6 infections after HSCT has not yet been conducted in Brazilian patients and the impact of this infection on HSCT outcome remains unclear. A rapid test based on real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) has been optimised to screen and quantify clinical samples for HHV-6. The detection step was based on reaction with TaqMan® hydrolysis probes. A set of previously described primers and probes have been tested to evaluate efficiency, sensitivity and reproducibility. The target efficiency range was 91.4% with linearity ranging from 10-106 copies/reaction and a limit of detection of five copies/reaction or 250 copies/mL of plasma. The qPCR assay developed in the present study was simple, rapid and sensitive, allowing the detection of a wide range of HHV-6 loads. In conclusion, this test may be useful as a practical tool to help elucidate the clinical relevance of HHV-6 infection and reactivation in different scenarios and to determine the need for surveillance.

The increasing information about family in nursing literature expresses the progress in this area of knowledge. The research contribution on family nursing has included the illness experience, and both the context of care and interventions. The increase of family research in nursing studies demands consideration regarding the research quality, in view of the complexity of the studies that deal with family. Researching family represents more than defining a unique group of study. The aim of this study was to discuss theoretical and methodological aspects which should be taken into account by the researchers in their work with families. The reflections and challenges when studying family and illness have been described in this work and represent our 10-year experience investigating families and illnesses in our research group.

El creciente cuerpo de información sobre familia presente en la literatura de enfermería significa progreso en este campo del conocimiento. Las contribuciones de la investigación de enfermería sobre familia incluyen la experiencia de la enfermedad, el contexto del cuidado y las intervenciones. La expansión de la investigación sobre familia en enfermería hace necesaria la reflexión sobre la calidad de la investigación, teniendo en cuenta la complejidad inherente a los estudios de familia. Investigar familias representa algo más que definir un grupo peculiar de estudio. El objetivo de este trabajo es discutir aspectos teóricos y metodológicos que deben considerarse cuando el investigador planea estudiar la familia. Las reflexiones y los desafíos de la investigación sobre familia presentados, son el resultado de un proceso de investigación sobre familias y enfermedades que vivenciamos en nuestro grupo de investigación durante más de una década.

O crescente corpo de informações sobre família presente na literatura de enfermagem significa progresso neste campo de conhecimento. As contribuições da pesquisa de enfermagem sobre família incluem a experiência da doença, o contexto de cuidado e intervenções. A ampliação da pesquisa sobre família em enfermagem torna imperativa a reflexão acerca da qualidade da pesquisa considerando a complexidade inerente aos estudos de família. Pesquisar famílias representa mais do que definir um grupo peculiar de estudo. O objetivo deste artigo é discutir aspectos teóricos e metodológicos que devem ser considerados quando o pesquisador planeja pesquisar a família. As reflexões e os desafios da pesquisa sobre família apresentados são frutos de um processo de investigação sobre famílias e doenças que vivenciamos em nosso grupo de pesquisa ao longo de mais de uma década.

O crescente corpo de informações sobre família presente na literatura de enfermagem significa progresso neste campo de conhecimento. As contribuições da pesquisa de enfermagem sobre família incluem a experiência da doença, o contexto de cuidado e intervenções. A ampliação da pesquisa sobre família em enfermagem torna imperativa a reflexão acerca da qualidade da pesquisa considerando a complexidade inerente aos estudos de família. Pesquisar famílias representa mais do que definir um grupo peculiar de estudo. O objetivo deste artigo é discutir aspectos teóricos e metodológicos que devem ser considerados quando o pesquisador planeja pesquisar a família. As reflexões e os desafios da pesquisa sobre família apresentados são frutos de um processo de investigação sobre famílias e doenças que vivenciamos em nosso grupo de pesquisa ao longo de mais de uma década.

The increasing information about family in nursing literature expresses the progress in this area of knowledge. The research contribution on family nursing has included the illness experience, and both the context of care and interventions. The increase of family research in nursing studies demands consideration regarding the research quality, in view of the complexity of the studies that deal with family. Researching family represents more than defining a unique group of study. The aim of this study was to discuss theoretical and methodological aspects which should be taken into account by the researchers in their work with families. The reflections and challenges when studying family and illness have been described in this work and represent our 10-year experience investigating families and illnesses in our research group.

El creciente cuerpo de información sobre familia presente en la literatura de enfermería significa progreso en este campo del conocimiento. Las contribuciones de la investigación de enfermería sobre familia incluyen la experiencia de la enfermedad, el contexto del cuidado y las intervenciones. La expansión de la investigación sobre familia en enfermería hace necesaria la reflexión sobre la calidad de la investigación, teniendo en cuenta la complejidad inherente a los estudios de familia. Investigar familias representa algo más que definir un grupo peculiar de estudio. El objetivo de este trabajo es discutir aspectos teóricos y metodológicos que deben considerarse cuando el investigador planea estudiar la familia. Las reflexiones y los desafíos de la investigación sobre familia presentados, son el resultado de un proceso de investigación sobre familias y enfermedades que vivenciamos en nuestro grupo de investigación durante más de una década.