RESUMEN

The ability of communities to react to risks and disturbances is for their balance, development, and sustainability. The concept of resilience provides a way to think about policies and actions for future changes in socioeconomic and ecological-environmental systems. This paper analyzes, in the context of mining, the perception of the resilience of Canaã dos Carajás population in Pará State, Brazilian Amazon. The methodology involved face-to-face interviews based on a structured questionnaire conducted on a sample of 140 residents stratified from 11 social actors in the Canaã community. This approach allowed the evaluation of resilience perception using 26 interview statements derived from six resilience theories. Our multivariate analysis found that the level of residents' perception of resilience was reasonable (with an average score of 3.04 ± 0.22 using a Likert scale, with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.788). The interviewees pointed out one positive and five negative factors that influenced the level of resilience in Canaã. According to residents' perceptions, the resilience of Canaã dos Carajás was moderate but could have been improved with more economic diversification, more infrastructure, and less inequality in access to services and participation in decision-making. The considered most relevant themes were problems caused by mining in the municipality, quality of life issues, difficulties dealing with change after the arrival of mining, and economic problems. This study contributes to the literature because it used theories as a conceptual orientation for the development of a resilience scale to measure resilience at the community level in the context of large-scale mining.

Asunto(s)

Minería , Calidad de Vida , Brasil , Ecosistema , Percepción

RESUMEN

Qual metodologia de ensino produz umaaprendizagem mais eficiente: a metodologia ondea aprendizagem é completamente dirigida ou a metodologia onde a aprendizagem é minimamentedirigida, tal como ocorre com o ensino construtivista? Iniciamos este artigo apresentando três argumentoscontrários à aprendizagem minimamente dirigida. Demonstra-se, em seguida, que apesar desses trêsargumentos contrários a todo tipo de ensino no qual a aprendizagem seja minimamente dirigida, este tipo de ensino passa a ser, à medida que oestudante vai aumentando o seu nível de expertise, uma metodologia mais eficiente do que o ensino completamente dirigido. Este efeito é conhecido como Efeito Reverso da Expertise. Como este efeitoexplica o comprovado sucesso do uso da transição da “metodologia dos exemplos resolvidos” paraa “metodologia da resolução de problemas”, propomos, também em razão deste efeito, que será igualmente benéfico, para a aprendizagem, autilização de uma transição entre duas metodologias mais amplas: a transição gradual da aprendizagem completamente orientada para a aprendizagem minimamente orientada. A utilização desta transição gradual de metodologias, aqui proposta,possibilitará ao construtivismo realizar plenamente o seu potencial metodológico

Asunto(s)

Memoria a Corto Plazo , Aprendizaje

RESUMEN

Qual metodologia de ensino produz umaaprendizagem mais eficiente: a metodologia ondea aprendizagem é completamente dirigida ou a metodologia onde a aprendizagem é minimamentedirigida, tal como ocorre com o ensino construtivista? Iniciamos este artigo apresentando três argumentoscontrários à aprendizagem minimamente dirigida. Demonstra-se, em seguida, que apesar desses trêsargumentos contrários a todo tipo de ensino no qual a aprendizagem seja minimamente dirigida, este tipo de ensino passa a ser, à medida que oestudante vai aumentando o seu nível de expertise, uma metodologia mais eficiente do que o ensino completamente dirigido. Este efeito é conhecido como Efeito Reverso da Expertise. Como este efeitoexplica o comprovado sucesso do uso da transição da “metodologia dos exemplos resolvidos” paraa “metodologia da resolução de problemas”, propomos, também em razão deste efeito, que será igualmente benéfico, para a aprendizagem, autilização de uma transição entre duas metodologias mais amplas: a transição gradual da aprendizagem completamente orientada para a aprendizagem minimamente orientada. A utilização desta transição gradual de metodologias, aqui proposta,possibilitará ao construtivismo realizar plenamente o seu potencial metodológico

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Which teaching methodology produces a more efficient learning: the teaching methodology in which learning is completely guided or the methodology in which learning is minimally guided, as occurs in constructivism? We begin this article by presenting three arguments against minimally guided learning. It is shown then that in spite of these three arguments against all kinds of teaching in which learning is minimally guided, this type of teaching becomes, as the student increases his level of expertise, a more efficient methodology than the completely guided teaching. This effect is known as the Expertise Reversal Effect. As this effect explains the proven successful use of the transition from the “worked out examples methodology” to the “problem solving methodology”, we propose, also due to this effect, that it will be equally beneficial for learning, to use a transition between two broader methodologies: the gradual transition from completely guided learning to minimally guided learning. The use of this gradual transition of methodologies proposed here will enable constructivism to fully realize its methodological potential.

Asunto(s)

Aprendizaje , Memoria a Corto Plazo

RESUMEN

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the predictive/protective role of negative affect/positive affect in late pregnancy on the outcome of postpartum depression. METHODS: A total of 491 pregnant women participated in the study. The participants were asked to fill out a series of questionnaires, which included the Profile of Mood States, the Beck Depression Inventory-II, psychosocial variables and socio-demographic characteristics and were asked to participate in a psychiatric interview. After delivery, 272 mothers participated again in the study and filled out a similar series of questionnaires. RESULTS: Negative affect was associated with more intense depressive symptomatology, more self-perceived stress, lower self-reported social support, lower quality of life and perception of having a more difficult infant. By contrast, positive affect was negatively associated with these variables. Negative affect in late pregnancy increased the likelihood of experiencing postpartum depression (DSM-IV/OR = 2.1, 95%CI = 1.3-3.4, p = .003; ICD-10/OR = 2.1, 95%CI = 1.5-3.0, p < .001), while positive affect increased the odds of not having this condition (DSM-IV/OR = 2.0, 95%CI = 1.5-2.7, p = .042). CONCLUSION: In pregnancy, negative affect was a predictor of postpartum depression, whereas positive affect showed a protective role. Future studies are required to explore whether psychotherapeutic strategies focusing on decreasing negative affect and enhancing positive affect in the last trimester of pregnancy can reduce the risk of postpartum depression.

Asunto(s)

Afecto , Depresión Posparto/psicología , Adulto , Depresión Posparto/epidemiología , Métodos Epidemiológicos , Femenino , Humanos , Portugal/epidemiología , Embarazo , Tercer Trimestre del Embarazo/psicología , Escalas de Valoración Psiquiátrica , Calidad de Vida , Factores de Riesgo , Apoyo Social , Factores Socioeconómicos , Adulto Joven

RESUMEN

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the predictive/protective role of negative affect/positive affect in late pregnancy on the outcome of postpartum depression. METHODS: A total of 491 pregnant women participated in the study. The participants were asked to fill out a series of questionnaires, which included the Profile of Mood States, the Beck Depression Inventory-II, psychosocial variables and socio-demographic characteristics and were asked to participate in a psychiatric interview. After delivery, 272 mothers participated again in the study and filled out a similar series of questionnaires. RESULTS: Negative affect was associated with more intense depressive symptomatology, more self-perceived stress, lower self-reported social support, lower quality of life and perception of having a more difficult infant. By contrast, positive affect was negatively associated with these variables. Negative affect in late pregnancy increased the likelihood of experiencing postpartum depression (DSM-IV/OR = 2.1, 95%CI = 1.3-3.4, p = .003; ICD-10/OR = 2.1, 95%CI = 1.5-3.0, p < .001), while positive affect increased the odds of not having this condition (DSM-IV/OR = 2.0, 95%CI = 1.5-2.7, p = .042). CONCLUSION: In pregnancy, negative affect was a predictor of postpartum depression, whereas positive affect showed a protective role. Future studies are required to explore whether psychotherapeutic strategies focusing on decreasing negative affect and enhancing positive affect in the last trimester of pregnancy can reduce the risk of postpartum depression.

Asunto(s)

Adulto , Femenino , Humanos , Embarazo , Adulto Joven , Afecto , Depresión Posparto/psicología , Depresión Posparto/epidemiología , Métodos Epidemiológicos , Portugal/epidemiología , Tercer Trimestre del Embarazo/psicología , Escalas de Valoración Psiquiátrica , Calidad de Vida , Factores de Riesgo , Apoyo Social , Factores Socioeconómicos

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: The Frost Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale is one of the most world widely used measures of perfectionism. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the psychometric properties of the Portuguese version of the Frost Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale. METHODS: Two hundred and seventeen (178 females) students from two Portuguese Universities filled in the scale, and a subgroup (n = 166) completed a retest with a four weeks interval. RESULTS: The scale reliability was good (Cronbach alpha = .857). Corrected item-total correlations ranged from .019 to .548. The scale test-retest reliability suggested a good temporal stability with a test-retest correlation of .765. A principal component analysis with Varimax rotation was performed and based on the Scree plot, two robust factorial structures were found (four and six factors). The principal component analyses, using Monte Carlo PCA for parallel analyses confirmed the six factor solution. The concurrent validity with Hewitt and Flett MPS was high, as well as the discriminant validity of positive and negative affect (Profile of Mood Stats-POMS). DISCUSSION: The two factorial structures (of four and six dimensions) of the Portuguese version of Frost Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale replicate the results from different authors, with different samples and cultures. This suggests this scale is a robust instrument to assess perfectionism, in several clinical and research settings as well as in transcultural studies.

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CONTEXTO: A Escala Multidimensional de Perfeccionismo de Frost (FMPS) é uma das escalas mais usadas em todo o mundo para avaliar o perfeccionismo. OBJETIVO: Analisar as características psicométricas da versão portuguesa da FMPS. MÉTODOS: A amostra foi constituída por 217 estudantes do ensino superior (178 mulheres). Um subgrupo (n = 166) completou o reteste após quatro semanas. RESULTADOS: A consistência interna da escala mostrou ser elevada (alfa de Cronbach = ,857). As correlações item-total corrigido variaram entre ,019 e ,548. Os resultados também sugeriram uma boa estabilidade temporal da escala, sendo a correlação teste-reteste de ,765. Foi realizada a análise das componentes principais com rotação Varimax e com base no Scree plot foram extraídas duas soluções fatoriais robustas (quatro e seis fatores). A análise paralela (Monte Carlo PCA) confirmou a solução de seis fatores. A validade concorrente com a escala MPS de Hewitt e Flett foi elevada, assim como a sua capacidade discriminante dos afetos positivos e negativos (Perfil de Estados de Humor - POMS). CONCLUSÃO: As duas estruturas fatoriais (quatro e seis fatores) encontradas na versão portuguesa da Escala Multidimensional de Perfeccionismo de Frost replicam os resultados obtidos por diferentes autores, em diferentes amostras e culturas. Esse fato sugere que essa escala é um instrumento robusto para a avaliação do perfeccionismo em vários contextos, clínicos e de investigação, bem como em estudos transculturais.

Asunto(s)

Personalidad , Escalas de Valoración Psiquiátrica

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: The Eating Attitudes Test (EAT) is the most widely used instrument for evaluating eating disorders in adults and adolescents in a variety of cultures and samples.OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyse the psychometric properties of the Portuguese version of the Children's Eating Attitudes Test (ChEAT).METHOD: Nine hundred and fifty-six Portuguese secondary students (565 girls and 391 boys) answered the ChEAT. The test-retest reliability was obtained with data from 206 participants from the total sample who re-answered the questionnaire after 4-6 weeks. Psychometric analyses were carried out for the total sample and separately for girls and boys.RESULTS: Internal consistency and test-retest reliability were satisfactory. Principal components factorial analysis yielded four factors in the total sample, accounting for 42.35% of the total variance. Factor structure was similar in the total sample and in both genders. Factors were labelled: F1 "Fear of Getting Fat", F2 "Restrictive and Purgative Behaviours", F3 "Food Preoccupation" and F4 "Social Pressure to Eat". The concurrent validity, explored using the Contour Drawing Figure Rating Scale (CDRS) was high.DISCUSSION: The Portuguese version of the ChEAT is a valid and useful instrument for the evaluation of abnormal eating attitudes and behaviours among Portuguese adolescents.

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CONTEXTO: O Teste de Atitudes Alimentares é o instrumento mais utilizado para avaliar distúrbios alimentares em adultos e adolescentes em uma variedade de culturas e amostras.OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar as propriedades psicométricas da versão portuguesa da Escala de Atitudes Alimentares para Crianças (ChEAT).MÉ;TODO: Novecentos e cinquenta e seis alunos do ensino secundário (565 moças e 391 moços) responderam ao ChEAT. O cálculo da fidelidade teste-reteste foi feito por meio das respostas de 206 participantes da amostra total que voltaram a responder ao questionário após quatro a seis semanas. As análises psicométricas foram realizadas para o total da amostra e para ambos os sexos separadamente.RESULTADOS: A consistência interna e a fidelidade teste-reteste foram satisfatórias. A análise fatorial em componentes na amostra total resultou em quatro fatores que explicam 42,35% da variância total. A composição dos fatores foi semelhante na amostra total e em ambos os sexos. Os fatores denominaram-se: F1 "Medo de Engordar"; F2 "Comportamentos Restritivos e Purgativos"; F3 "Preocupação com a Comida" e F4 "Pressão Social para Comer". A validade concorrente foi explorada com a Escala de Silhuetas Corporais (CDFRS) e foi elevada.CONCLUSÃO: A versão portuguesa do ChEAT é um instrumento útil e válido para a avaliação de atitudes e comportamentos alimentares em adolescentes portugueses.

Asunto(s)

Humanos , Masculino , Femenino , Adolescente , Actitud/etnología , Conducta Alimentaria/psicología , Estudios de Validación como Asunto , Conducta Alimentaria/psicología , Imagen Corporal , Portugal , Psicometría , Pruebas Psicológicas

RESUMEN

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the degree of absolute change, relative stability and state dependence of trait perfectionism in sleep disturbances in a sample of university students. METHOD: Participants completed the Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale and two items concerning sleep difficulties. The mean age at T0 (baseline) was 19.59 years (SD = 1.61, range = 17-25) and 62.5% of the sample were female. RESULTS: Absolute changes in self-oriented and socially-prescribed perfectionism were found. Relative stability was found for all perfectionism dimensions. Prior and concurrent sleep disturbances explained a significant amount of variance in perfectionism. Controlling for the effects of sleep measures, prior self-oriented perfectionism and other-oriented perfectionism were the only significant predictors of subsequent self-oriented perfectionism and other-oriented perfectionism, at T1 and T2. Difficulties falling asleep at T1 and socially-prescribed perfectionism at T0 were significant predictors of socially-prescribed perfectionism at T1. CONCLUSION: Despite significant changes in perfectionism mean scores over the follow-up, the correlation analyses demonstrated that participants remained quite stable in regard to their relative levels of perfectionism. As concurrent difficulties initiating sleep also predicted concurrent socially-prescribed perfectionism, this seems to be one dimension of perfectionism with trait-state characteristics.

Asunto(s)

Trastornos de la Personalidad/psicología , Personalidad/fisiología , Trastornos del Sueño-Vigilia/psicología , Adolescente , Adulto , Femenino , Estudios de Seguimiento , Humanos , Masculino , Inventario de Personalidad , Autoimagen , Adulto Joven

RESUMEN

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the degree of absolute change, relative stability and state dependence of trait perfectionism in sleep disturbances in a sample of university students. METHOD: Participants completed the Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale and two items concerning sleep difficulties. The mean age at T0 (baseline) was 19.59 years (SD = 1.61, range = 17-25) and 62.5 percent of the sample were female. RESULTS: Absolute changes in self-oriented and socially-prescribed perfectionism were found. Relative stability was found for all perfectionism dimensions. Prior and concurrent sleep disturbances explained a significant amount of variance in perfectionism. Controlling for the effects of sleep measures, prior self-oriented perfectionism and other-oriented perfectionism were the only significant predictors of subsequent self-oriented perfectionism and other-oriented perfectionism, at T1 and T2. Difficulties falling asleep at T1 and socially-prescribed perfectionism at T0 were significant predictors of socially-prescribed perfectionism at T1. CONCLUSION: Despite significant changes in perfectionism mean scores over the follow-up, the correlation analyses demonstrated that participants remained quite stable in regard to their relative levels of perfectionism. As concurrent difficulties initiating sleep also predicted concurrent socially-prescribed perfectionism, this seems to be one dimension of perfectionism with trait-state characteristics.

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OBJETIVOS: Avaliar o grau de mudança absoluta, de estabilidade relativa e dependência do estado do perfeccionismo nas perturbações de sono numa amostra de estudantes universitários. MÉTODO: Os sujeitos completaram a Escala Multidimensional do Perfeccionismo e dois itens sobre dificuldades em dormir. Os dados foram recolhidos em três momentos de avaliação, separados por um intervalo de um ano acadêmico. A idade média dos sujeitos no T0 era de 19,59 anos (DP = 1,61, variação = 17-25); 62,5 por cento eram mulheres. RESULTADOS: Foram encontradas ao longo do follow-up mudanças absolutas para o perfeccionismo auto-orientado e para o perfeccionismo socialmente prescrito. Foi encontrada estabilidade relativa para todas as dimensões do perfeccionismo. As dificuldades de sono prévias e concorrentes explicaram significativamente a variância do perfeccionismo. Controlando o efeito das dificuldades em dormir, o perfeccionismo auto-orientado e o perfeccionismo orientado para o outro prévios foram os únicos preditores significativos de perfeccionismo auto-orientado e perfeccionismo orientado para o outro (T1 e T2). As dificuldades em iniciar o sono no T1 e o perfeccionismo socialmente prescrito prévio (T0) revelaram-se preditores significativos de perfeccionismo socialmente prescrito no T1. CONCLUSÃO: Apesar das mudanças significativas nas pontuações médias de perfeccionismo ao longo do follow-up, as análises de correlação demonstraram que os participantes permaneceram relativamente estáveis nos seus níveis de perfeccionismo. Uma vez que as dificuldades em iniciar o sono concorrentes se revelaram um preditor significativo de perfeccionismo socialmente prescrito, esta é a dimensão do perfeccionismo que possui características traço-estado.

Asunto(s)

Adolescente , Adulto , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Adulto Joven , Trastornos de la Personalidad/psicología , Personalidad/fisiología , Trastornos del Sueño-Vigilia/psicología , Estudios de Seguimiento , Inventario de Personalidad , Autoimagen

RESUMEN

OBJECTIVE: The main aims of this article are twofold. First, to assess perfectionism dimensions in obsessive-compulsive disorder and eating disorders in comparison with psychiatric control (depression/anxiety) and non-clinical control groups. Second, to examine if perfectionism is specifically related to these different clinical conditions. METHOD: Thirty-nine outpatients with obsessive-compulsive disorder, 24 outpatients with eating disorders, 65 outpatients with a diagnosis of depression and/or anxiety, and 70 non-clinical participants completed the Portuguese version of the Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale. RESULTS: Compared to non-clinical subjects, individuals of all clinical samples had significantly higher scores on Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale total score, Self-Oriented and Socially-Prescribed Perfectionism. There were no significantly differences in Self-Oriented Perfectionism and Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale total score in all the three clinical samples. Subjects from the eating disorders sample had significantly higher scores of Socially-Prescribed Perfectionism in comparison to obsessive-compulsive disorder and psychiatric control samples. CONCLUSION: Perfectionism showed to be related with this broad range of psychopathologies. However, the differences between eating disorders versus obsessive-compulsive disorder and psychiatric control on Socially-Prescribed Perfectionism warrant further investigation in order to clarify the specificity of this perfectionism dimension in eating disorders.

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OBJETIVO: Este estudo tem dois objetivos principais. Primeiro, avaliar as dimensões do perfeccionismo no transtorno obsessivo-compulsivo e nos transtornos alimentares em comparação com duas amostras controle: psiquiátrica (depressão/ansiedade) e não clínica. Segundo, avaliar se o perfeccionismo é um traço de personalidade especificamente relacionado com estas diferentes condições clínicas. MÉTODO: 39 pacientes com transtorno obsessivo-compulsivo, 24 com transtornos alimentares, 65 com um diagnóstico de depressão e/ou ansiedade (todos estes pacientes encontravam-se em regime de ambulatório) e 70 controles não clínicos completaram a versão portuguesa da Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale. RESULTADOS: Comparativamente à amostra não clínica, todas as amostras clínicas apresentaram níveis significativamente mais elevados na Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale total, no Perfeccionismo Auto-Orientado e no Perfeccionismo-Socialmente-Prescrito. Não houve diferenças estatisticamente significativas no Perfeccionismo-Auto-Orientado e na Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale total nas três amostras clínicas. No entanto, a amostra com transtornos alimentares apresentou níveis significativamente mais elevados de Perfeccionismo-Socialmente-Prescrito, comparativamente à transtornos alimentares e à amostra psiquiátrica (depressão/ansiedade). CONCLUSÃO: O perfeccionismo revelou estar associado a uma grande variedade de condições psicopatológicas. Contudo, as diferenças encontradas entre a amostra de transtornos alimentares, de transtorno obsessivo-compulsivo e a psiquiátrica no Perfeccionismo-Socialmente-Prescrito necessitam de investigação subsequente no sentido de clarificar a especificidade desta dimensão com os transtornos alimentares.

Asunto(s)

Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Ansiedad/psicología , Depresión/psicología , Trastornos de Alimentación y de la Ingestión de Alimentos/psicología , Trastorno Obsesivo Compulsivo/psicología , Estudios de Casos y Controles , Encuestas y Cuestionarios

RESUMEN

OBJECTIVE: The main aims of this article are twofold. First, to assess perfectionism dimensions in obsessive-compulsive disorder and eating disorders in comparison with psychiatric control (depression/anxiety) and non-clinical control groups. Second, to examine if perfectionism is specifically related to these different clinical conditions. METHOD: Thirty-nine outpatients with obsessive-compulsive disorder, 24 outpatients with eating disorders, 65 outpatients with a diagnosis of depression and/or anxiety, and 70 non-clinical participants completed the Portuguese version of the Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale. RESULTS: Compared to non-clinical subjects, individuals of all clinical samples had significantly higher scores on Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale total score, Self-Oriented and Socially-Prescribed Perfectionism. There were no significantly differences in Self-Oriented Perfectionism and Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale total score in all the three clinical samples. Subjects from the eating disorders sample had significantly higher scores of Socially-Prescribed Perfectionism in comparison to obsessive-compulsive disorder and psychiatric control samples. CONCLUSION: Perfectionism showed to be related with this broad range of psychopathologies. However, the differences between eating disorders versus obsessive-compulsive disorder and psychiatric control on Socially-Prescribed Perfectionism warrant further investigation in order to clarify the specificity of this perfectionism dimension in eating disorders.

Asunto(s)

Ansiedad/psicología , Depresión/psicología , Trastornos de Alimentación y de la Ingestión de Alimentos/psicología , Trastorno Obsesivo Compulsivo/psicología , Estudios de Casos y Controles , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Encuestas y Cuestionarios

RESUMEN

The neurogranin (NRGN) gene produces a postsynaptic brain-specific protein that regulates calmodulin-Ca(2+) availability in neurons. Acting downstream of the NMDA receptor and upstream of calcineurin and other proteins implicated in schizophrenia, NRGN is a good candidate for association studies in schizophrenia. NRGN expression is regulated during development and is modulated by thyroid hormones and retinoids, molecules essential for the proper development of the central nervous system. Given the genetic complexity of schizophrenia and the potential genetic heterogeneity in different populations, we studied a possible association of NRGN with schizophrenia in 73 Azorean proband-parent triads and in two independent case-control samples from the Portuguese-mainland (244 schizophrenic and 210 controls) and Brazil (69 schizophrenic and 85 mentally healthy individuals). Genotype distribution showed association of the rs7113041 SNP with schizophrenia in males of Portuguese origin, which was confirmed by the analysis of the proband-parent triads. This evidence, implicating NRGN in schizophrenia, introduces another player into the glutamatergic hypothesis of schizophrenia.

Asunto(s)

Neurogranina/genética , Esquizofrenia/genética , Edad de Inicio , Azores , Brasil , Estudios de Casos y Controles , Exones/genética , Frecuencia de los Genes/genética , Pool de Genes , Tamización de Portadores Genéticos , Marcadores Genéticos/genética , Genética de Población , Genotipo , Humanos , Intrones/genética , Desequilibrio de Ligamiento , Masculino , Nucleótidos/genética , Reacción en Cadena de la Polimerasa , Polimorfismo de Longitud del Fragmento de Restricción/genética , Polimorfismo de Nucleótido Simple/genética , Portugal

RESUMEN

Several observations point to the involvement of disturbed lipid biology in schizophrenia. Reduced response to niacin flushing test, which involves vasodilatation induced by prostaglandin D2 (PGD2), is among the evidences, together with decreased CSF levels of lipocalin-type prostaglandin D2 synthase (PTGDS), the enzyme responsible for the synthesis of PGD2 in the brain. Since PTGDS is also a carrier for lipophilic molecules such as retinoids and thyroid hormones, altered PTGDS levels might influence both PGD2-mediated signaling, and vitamin A and thyroid hormone availability. To test whether genetic variants of PTGDS are involved in the etiology of schizophrenia, we searched for variants in the coding and regulatory regions of the gene. We identified four previously described polymorphisms. Using two case-control samples from Portugal and Brazil, none of the polymorphisms tested was associated with the disease. In addition, no transmission distortion was observed in an independent parents-offspring sample from the Azorean Islands. Our data do not support the involvement of the PTGDS gene in the etiology of schizophrenia.

Asunto(s)

Oxidorreductasas Intramoleculares/genética , Prostaglandina D2/metabolismo , Esquizofrenia/genética , Alelos , Brasil , Estudios de Casos y Controles , Familia , Femenino , Predisposición Genética a la Enfermedad , Genotipo , Haplotipos , Humanos , Lipocalinas , Masculino , Polimorfismo de Nucleótido Simple , Portugal , Esquizofrenia/enzimología

RESUMEN

It has been proposed that schizophrenia results from an environmental insult in genetically predisposed individuals. Environmental factors capable of modulating transcriptional activity and their carriers could link the genetic and environmental components of schizophrenia. Among these is transthyretin (TTR), a major carrier of thyroid hormones and retinol-binding protein (RBP). Retinoids and thyroid hormones regulate the expression of several genes, both during development and in the adult brain. Decreased TTR levels have been reported in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with depression and Alzheimer's disease, and the absence of TTR influences behavior in mice. DNA variants capable of altering TTR ability to carry its ligands, either due to reduced transcription of the gene or to structural modifications of the protein, may influence development of the central nervous system and behavior. In the present study we searched for variants in the regulatory and coding regions of the TTR gene, and measured circulating levels of TTR and RBP. We found a novel single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), ss46566417, 18 bp upstream of exon 4. Neither this SNP nor the previously described rs1800458 were found associated with schizophrenia. In addition, serum TTR and RBP levels did not differ between mentally healthy and schizophrenic individuals. In conclusion, our data does not support an involvement of the TTR gene in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia.

Asunto(s)

Variación Genética/genética , Prealbúmina/genética , Prealbúmina/metabolismo , Esquizofrenia/sangre , Esquizofrenia/genética , Adulto , Brasil , Estudios de Casos y Controles , Exones/genética , Femenino , Regulación de la Expresión Génica/fisiología , Predisposición Genética a la Enfermedad/genética , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Polimorfismo de Nucleótido Simple/genética , Portugal , Valores de Referencia , Proteínas de Unión al Retinol/genética , Proteínas de Unión al Retinol/metabolismo , Factores de Riesgo , Medio Social , Estadística como Asunto

RESUMEN

O artigo contempla parte dos resultados de uma pesquisa-ação desenvolvida junto aos agentes de saúde dos bairros São Marcos e Santa Mônica, em Campinas-SP. Trata-se de pesquisa longitudinal, com duração de um ano e meio, envolvendo três fases: presencial, semipresencial e a distância. Aqui tratamos apenas das atividades ocorridas na fase presencial, nas quais os agentes começaram a aprender a utilizar o computador, e do TelEduc. Para tanto, optamos por uma observação qualitativa, já que o objetivo principal foi aferir os estágios de desenvolvimento de Piaget com a capacidade dos agentes em dominar as entidades tangíveis e intangíveis da informática (compreendem-se as entidades tangíveis como os elementos de hardware; e as entidades intangíveis, como os de software). Essa relação foi possível quando eles, de maneira presencial, começaram a interagir com os elementos básicos do computador e com o TelEduc. Após superarem a anomia e terem dominado as ferramentas que favoreceram posturas heterônomas, os agentes manipularam recursos que permitiram o começo de uma relação de cooperação.

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This article analyzes part of the results of a social research program developed along with neighborhood health agents of São Marcos and Santa Mônica in Campinas, state of São Paulo. It was a longitudinal study carried out over a period of a year and a half carried out throughout three phases: face-to-face, intermediary stage and pure distance work. In this article we solely discuss the activities during the face-to-face phase, whereby agents learnt how to use the computer and the TelEduc system. We opted to apply qualitative observation given that the main objective of this research was to identify Piaget's developmental stages within the context of the agents' capacity to understand tangible and intangible aspects of the technological universe. This relationship was possible when the subjects began to interact with basic elements of the computer and with TelEduc. After overcoming a state of anomia and understanding the tools that allowed a heteronomous attitude, agents used resources allowing them to enter a relationship of cooperation.

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Este artículo contempla parte de los resultados de una investigación-acción desarrollada juntamente con los agentes de salud de los barrios Sao Marcos y Santa Mônica, Campinas/ Sao Paulo. Fue una investigación longitudinal, con duración de un año y medio, que constó de tres fases: Presencial, semipresencial y a distancia. En este artículo tratamos solamente de las actividades ocurridas en la fase presencial, en la cual los agentes comenzaron a aprender a utilizar el ordenador y TelEduc. Optamos por una observación cualitativa, ya que el objetivo principal fue asociar las tres fases de desarrollo piagetianas -anomia, heteronomia y cooperación - con la capacidad de los agentes de dominar las propiedades tangibles e intangibles de la informática. Esta asociación fue posible cuando ellos empezaron a interactuar con los elementos básicos del ordenador y del TelEduc. Después de superar la anomia y de dominar las herramientas qué favorecieran actitudes heterónomas, los agentes manipularon recursos que permitieron el comienzo de una relación de cooperación.

Asunto(s)

Humanos , Masculino , Femenino , Instrucción por Computador , Conducta Cooperativa , Educación a Distancia/métodos , Alfabetización Digital , Capacitación de Usuario de Computador , Planificación Social/tendencias

RESUMEN

An investigation was made on the adsorption and kinetics of photodegradation of potassium hydrogenphthalate in an aqueous suspension of TiO(2). Two models, Langmuir and Freundlich, were used to describe the adsorption process and the model proposed by Langmuir-Hinshelwood (L-H) was employed to describe the kinetics of the photodecomposition reactions of hydrogenphthalate. The results of the adsorptions were fitted to the models proposed by Langmuir and Freundlich. Adsorption was found to be a function of the temperature, with adsorption capacity increasing from 2.4 to 4.5 mg/g when the temperature rose from 20 to 30 degrees C. The kinetic model indicates that the rate constant, k, of the first order reaction, is high in the 10.0 to 100 mg/l interval, which is coherent with the low value of the adsorption constant, K. The results fitted to the L-H model led to an equation that, within the range of concentrations studied here, theoretically allows one to evaluate the photodegradation rate.

Asunto(s)

Ácidos Ftálicos/química , Ácidos Ftálicos/efectos de la radiación , Titanio/química , Adsorción , Catálisis , Cinética , Modelos Químicos , Fotoquímica

RESUMEN

The present study investigates the association of mutations in the nuclear receptor NR4A2 in schizophrenic patients. The human Nur-related receptor 1, NR4A2, is an orphan nuclear receptor that can be constitutively active as a transcription factor and for which no natural ligand has yet been identified. Alone or with retinoid X receptor, RXR, NR4A2 influences the expression of several genes important for human brain development and regulation. In the absence of Nurr1 (the mouse homologue to human NR4A2), ventral mesencephalic dopaminergic mouse neurons evidence severe developmental failure, a condition that is lethal soon after birth. Nurr1 involvement in the dopaminergic system makes it a good candidate for study in neuropsychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and Parkinson disease. Evidence by others support this hypothesis (1) mapping of the NR4A2 gene to chromosome 2q22-23, a region with suggestive linkage to schizophrenia and (2) identification of mutations in patients with schizophrenia (c.366-369delTAC, c.308A > G, c.-469delG), manic depression (c.289A > G), and familial Parkinson's disease (c.-291delT, c.-245T > G). To further extend these observations, we searched for all these mutations in 176 Caucasian Portuguese and 82 Caucasian Brazilian subjects with lifetime diagnosis of schizophrenia. The study failed to identify any of the described mutations in patients or controls. Nevertheless, these negative results do not exclude altered expression of nuclear receptors in schizophrenia or the presence of other mutations.

Asunto(s)

Proteínas de Unión al ADN/genética , Esquizofrenia/genética , Factores de Transcripción/genética , Adolescente , Adulto , Anciano , Brasil/epidemiología , Estudios de Casos y Controles , Análisis Mutacional de ADN , Femenino , Predisposición Genética a la Enfermedad , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Epidemiología Molecular , Mutación , Miembro 2 del Grupo A de la Subfamilia 4 de Receptores Nucleares , Portugal/epidemiología , Esquizofrenia/epidemiología

RESUMEN

A idéia de uma pedagogia baseada em projetos não é nova. Ela foi proposta por John Dewey no início do século passado. Atualmente, o desenvolvimento de projetos voltou a ocupar a pauta das mudanças a serem implementadas na sala de aula. A realização de projetos está sendo viabilizada pelas tecnologias da informação e comunicação (TIC) que estão permitindo o desenvolvimento de projetos centrados no aluno, a elaboração de projetos sofisticados e complexos, embora a construção de conhecimento, certamente o aspecto mais desejável, não tenha sido ainda compreendida e explorada. Este artigo discute o papel das TIC no desenvolvimento de projetos e as ações que os professores devem realizar para explorar os diferentes conceitos que os aprendizes usam, auxiliando-os na construção de novos conhecimentos(AU)

Asunto(s)

Humanos , Educación a Distancia/tendencias , Universidades , Tecnología

Asunto(s)

Educación , Educación a Distancia , Internet