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Abstract Introduction International guidelines recommend routine screening for syphilis (aetiological agent: Treponema pallidum subspecies pallidum) amongst key populations and vulnerable populations using tests detecting treponemal and non-treponemal antibodies. Whilst treponemal tests have high sensitivities and specificities, they differ regarding subjective or objective interpretation, throughput and workload. Chemiluminescence immunoassays (CLIAs) are cost- and time-effective automated methods for detecting treponemal antibodies. The Treponema pallidum particle agglutination assay (TPPA) has been considered the “gold standard” treponemal assay, however, this includes a highly manual procedure, low throughput and subjective interpretation. The present multi-country study evaluated the ADVIA Centaur® Syphilis CLIA (Siemens Healthcare) assay compared to the reference SERODIA-TP·PA® (Fujirebio Diagnostics) for the serodiagnosis of syphilis amongst men who have sex with men (MSM). Method 1,485 MSM were enrolled in Brighton (UK), Malta, and Verona (Italy) as part of a larger WHO multi-country and multi-site ProSPeRo study. Ethical approval was obtained. Serum was tested with the ADVIA Centaur® Syphilis CLIA assay and SERODIA-TP·PA®, in accordance with the manufacturers’ instructions, for a first round of validation. A second round of validation was carried out for discrepant results that were additionally tested with both Western Blot (Westernblot EUROIMMUN®) and an Immunoblot (INNO-LIA, Fujirebio Diagnostics). Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value (PPV and NPV), likelihood ratios (positive/negative), and the Diagnostic Odds Ratio (DOR)/pre-post-test probability (Fagan's nomogram) were calculated. Results Out of 1,485 eligible samples analysed in the first phase, the SERODIA-TP·PA® identified 360 positive and 1,125 negative cases. The ADVIA Centaur® Syphilis CLIA assay (Siemens) identified 366 positives, missclassifying one TPPA-positive sample. In the second phase, the ADVIA Centaur® Syphilis CLIA resulted in 1 false negative and 4 false positive results. Considering the syphilis study prevalence of 24% (95% CI: 22–26.7), The sensitivity of the ADVIA Centaur® Syphilis CLIA assay was 99.7% (95% CI: 98.5–100), and the specificity was 99.4% (95% CI: 98.7–99.7). The ROC area values were 0.996 (95% CI: 0.992–0.999), and both the PPV and NPV values were above 98% (PPV 98.1%, 95% CI: 96.1–99.2; NPV 99.9%, 95% CI: 99.5–100). Conclusions The ADVIA Centaur® Syphilis CLIA assay showed similar performance compared to the SERODIA-TP·PA®. Considering the study is based on QUADAS principles and with a homogeneous population, results are also likely to be generalisable to MSM population but potentially not applicable to lower prevalence populations routinely screened for syphilis. The automated CLIA treponemal assay confirmed to be accurate and appropriate for routine initial syphilis screening, i.e. when the reverse testing algorithm is applied.

Abstract Introduction Globally, the incidence of HIV and syphilis can be reduced by the use of validated point of care tests (POCTs). As part of the WHO PRoSPeRo Network, we aimed to evaluate the performance, acceptability, and operational characteristics of two dual HIV/syphilis POCTs (Bioline HIV/Syphilis Duo (Abbott) and DPP® HIV-Syphilis assay (Chembio) for the screening of HIV and syphilis amongst men who have sex with men (MSM). Method and analyses A cross sectional study of 2,577 MSM in Italy, Malta, Peru, and the United Kingdom (UK) presenting to seven clinic sites, were enrolled. Finger prick blood was collected to perform POCTs and results compared with standard laboratory investigations on venepuncture blood. Acceptability and operational characteristics were assessed using questionnaires. Diagnostic meta-analysis was used to combine data from the evaluation sites. Results Based on laboratory tests, 23.46% (n = 598/2549) of participants were confirmed HIV positive, and 35.88% of participants (n = 901/2511) were positive on treponemal reference testing. Of all participants showing evidence of antibodies to Treponema pallidum, 50.56% (n = 455/900) were Rapid Plasma Reagin (RPR) test reactive. Of HIV positive individuals, 60.62% (n = 354/584) had evidence of antibodies to T. pallidum, and of these 60.45% (n = 214/354) exhibited reactive RPR tests indicating probable (co)infection. For Bioline POCT, pooled sensitivities and specificities for HIV were 98.95% and 99.89% respectively, and for syphilis were 73.79% and 99.57%. For Chembio pooled sensitivities and specificities for HIV were 98.66% and 99.55%, and for syphilis were 78.60% and 99.48%. Both tests can detect greater than 90% of probable active syphilis cases, as defined by reactive RPR and treponemal test results. These dual POCTs were preferred by 74.77% (n = 1,926) of participants, due to their convenience, and the operational characteristics made them acceptable to health care providers (HCPs). Conclusions Both the Bioline and the Chembio dual POCT for syphilis and HIV had acceptable performance, acceptability and operational characteristics amongst MSM in the PRoSPeRo network. These dual POCTs could serve as a strategic, more cost effective, patient and healthcare provider (HCP) friendly alternative to conventional testing; in clinical and other field settings, especially those in resource-limited settings.

Abstract Background Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) infections have increased globally. Asymptomatic infections represent a significant risk of long-term complications. Men who have sex with men (MSM) are disproportionally affected, underscoring the need to offer screening programmes to this population. CT/NG Point of Care Testing (POCT) constitutes a strategic tool to improve the continuum of STI care, however extensive real-life evaluations amongst at risk populations are lacking. The aim of this study is to estimate the GeneXpert CT/NG assay performance and usability for CT and NG at genital and extragenital sites for screening amongst MSM. Methods This study was a multi-site sexual health clinic-based evaluation (Italy, Malta and Peru) with consecutive enrolment. A first void urine sample (divided in two aliquots), two oropharyngeal and two anorectal swabs were collected for each study participant. One specimen set (one for each anatomical site) was tested with the dual index test (Cepheid) at the clinics by the healthcare staff, the other set with FDA/CE approved Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests (NAATs) at the laboratory. Clinical sites and reference laboratories participated in an internal and external quality control programme. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratios, positive and negative predictive values for each anatomical site were estimated using a meta-analytic approach. Results One thousand seven hundred two MSM were recruited across all clinical sites for a total of 5049 biological specimens. NG and CT were respectively detected in 274 and 287 of samples. Overall, the NG POCT sensitivity and specificity was 91.43% and 99.75% in urine (LR + 372.80, LR- 0.09), 89.68% and 99.55% in rectal specimens (LR + 197.30, LR- 0.10) and 75.87% and 98.77% at the pharynx respectively (LR + 61.94, LR- 0.24). The CT component of the POCT sensitivity was 84.82% and specificity 99.63% in urine (LR + 228.68, LR- 0.15), 78.07% and 99.19% respectively on rectal site (LR + 96.23, LR-0.22), 67.79% and 99.88% respectively at pharyngeal site (LR + 554.89, LR- 0.32). 95.95% of MSM reported to be willing to wait for POCT results and no provider reported difficulties in terms of performance or interpretation of the results of the Xpert CT/NG. Conclusion Rapid turnaround time, ease of use and high acceptability make the Xpert CT/NG testing system a strategic tool for increasing testing frequency, reaching those not yet tested and offering the possibility of immediate treatment if needed. The assay showed good negative likelihood ratios and confirms its use to rule out CT/NG infections. Sensitivity varied across sites and pathogens. Periodic staff training at the testing sites should be mandatory.

Abstract Background Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as syphilis and HIV remain to be a significant public health issue worldwide. Dual rapid point-of-care tests (POCTs) have shown promise for detecting antibodies to HIV and syphilis but have not been fully evaluated in the field. Our study supported the WHO ProSPeRo study on Sexually Transmitted Infection Point-of-Care Testing (STI POCT) by providing external quality assessment (EQA) for HIV and syphilis testing in reference laboratories and their associated clinical sites in seven countries. Methods HIV/syphilis serum liquid and dried tube specimen (DTS) panels were prepared by CDC. Liquid panels were distributed to the reference laboratories for three rounds of testing using commercially and locally available laboratory-based serological tests. DTS panels were sent to the clinical testing sites for 8 rounds of POC testing using the Abbott SD BIOLINE HIV/Syphilis Duo test (hereafter referred to as SD BIOLINE) and the Chembio Dual Path Platform (DPP) HIV-Syphilis assay. EQA panels were tested at CDC using the Rapid Plasma Reagin (RPR) test and the Treponema pallidum Particle Agglutination assay (TP-PA) for syphilis antibodies. Genetic Systems HIV-1/HIV-2 Plus O EIA, Geenius HIV Supplemental Assay and the Oraquick Advance HIV test were used to detect HIV antibodies in the EQA panels. Results from the reference laboratories and POCT sites were compared to those obtained at the CDC and a percentage agreement was calculated. Results Qualitative RPR and TP-PA performed at the reference laboratories demonstrated 95.4–100% agreement with CDC results while quantitative RPR and TP-PA tests demonstrated 87.7% and 89.2% agreement, respectively. A 93.8% concordance rate was observed for qualitative HIV testing in laboratories. EQA testing at clinical sites using dual tests showed 98.7% and 99.1% agreement for detection of HIV antibodies and eight out of 10 sites had > 95.8% agreement for syphilis testing. However, two clinical sites showed only 65.0–66.7% agreement for SD BIOLINE and 84.0–86.7% for DPP, respectively, for syphilis testing. Conclusions Overall, laboratories demonstrated high EQA performance in this study. Both HIV/syphilis POCTs gave expected results in the clinic-based evaluations using DTS. However, testing errors were identified in a few testing sites suggesting the necessity for continuous training and monitoring the quality of POC testing.

Abstract Background Sexually transmitted infections caused by Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) and Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) remain significant global health problems. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recently conducted a multi-faceted, multi-country validation study (ProSPeRo), which included an evaluation of the Xpert CT/NG and Xpert TV assays on the GeneXpert system (Cepheid, Sunnyvale, Ca., USA) in clinic-based settings across eight countries. To support the study, a training and quality management system was implemented and evaluated. Methods A comprehensive training program for the study was developed. Quality control (QC) and external quality assessment (EQA) samples were provided by an accredited quality assurance provider. QC testing was conducted at 14 point-of-care testing (POCT) clinics, while EQA samples were tested by the POCT sites and a reference laboratory supporting each clinic. Results For QC testing, concordance with the expected results for CT and NG was > 99% and rates of unsuccessful tests were 94%) for all analytes, but this cohort (which used GeneXpert systems) exhibited a high rate of unsuccessful TV tests. All but one of these unsuccessful tests was subcategorised as ‘invalid’. Conclusions The high level of concordance for QC and EQA testing confirm that the trained operators at the POC clinical sites were competent to conduct POC testing and that the training and quality systems implemented for the ProSPeRo study were effective. The quality materials used were satisfactory for CT and NG but exhibited poor performance for TV testing on the GeneXpert system. The WHO should continue to work with industry and EQA providers to provide improved materials that are reliable, stable and cost effective for quality management, as it seeks to rollout molecular-based STI POCT in non-laboratory-based settings. Trial registration Ethics approval to conduct the ProSPeRo study was granted by the WHO Ethics Review Committee.

Mucocele is a common benign pathology of the minor salivary glands, caused by trauma that leads to rupture or obstruction of the glandular ducts. It is commonly found in children due to oral habits, such as biting and sucking on lips and cheeks. The main treatment consists of complete surgical excision of the lesion and associated gland, which can be traumatic and invasive for children. Therefore, conversational and short-term techniques have been developed to reduce patient discomfort. The objective of this study was to present a simplified technique for treating mucocele in infants, called Ligature, in order to reflect on the choice of the operative technique that allows for better trans and postoperative conditions. A four month-old male infant was referred to the Department of Oral Medicine and Children's Dentistry at the State University of Londrina for diagnosis and treatment of a nodular lesion on the inner mucosa of the lower lip. According to the clinical characteristics, a diagnosis of mucocele was reached, with the Ligature Technique as the treatment of choice. Local disinfection was performed followed by topical anesthesia and the base of the lesion was tied with suture. Monitoring until complete remission was carried out via telemonitoring between appointments due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Ligature Technique is an excellent treatment option for pedicled mucoceles considering the importance of appropriate selection of dental techniques, in order to achieve the treatment goal in a less traumatic manner, and meet the specific needs of each patient.

Introduction In 2016, WHO estimated there were roughly 374 million new infections among adults of the following four curable sexually transmitted infections (STIs): chlamydia (caused by Chlamydia trachomatis (CT)), gonorrhoea (Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG)), syphilis (Treponema pallidum) and trichomoniasis (Trichomonas vaginalis (TV)). Accurate point-of-care tests (POCTs) for screening of genital and extragenital CT, NG and TV infections are of great value and have been developed during recent decade. Several tests are commercially available and have shown encouraging performance compared with ‘gold-standard’ reference tests in laboratory-based studies. However, there is limited data on their clinical performance, including at the POC. Key populations, such as men who have sex with men (MSM), are at higher risk of these STIs at genital and extragenital sites and these STIs are often asymptomatic, especially in extragenital sites and in women. We will conduct a clinical-based evaluation to assess the performance characteristics and acceptability to end-users of molecular-based diagnostic technology for POC/near patient use of the Xpert CT/NG (Cepheid, Sunnyvale, California, USA) test for screening of genital, anorectal and pharyngeal CT and NG infections in MSM and the Xpert CT/NG and Xpert TV (Cepheid, Sunnyvale, California, USA) for screening of genital CT, NG and TV among women at risk for these STIs compared with gold-standard reference nucleic acid amplification tests. This master protocol outlines the overall research approach that will be used in seven countries.Method and analyses Consecutive MSM and women at risk presenting at the clinical sites in high, and low- and middle-income countries will be enrolled. The POCTs to be evaluated are Xpert CT/NG and Xpert TV. All procedures will be carried out by trained healthcare staff and tests performed in strict accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values for each POCT will be calculated. The study is ongoing with recruitment expected to be completed in all countries by mid-2022 to late-2022.Ethics and dissemination Prior to enrolment, this core protocol was independently peer-reviewed and approved by the research project review panel (RP2) of the WHO Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research and by the WHO Ethics Review Committee (ERC). The core protocol has been slightly adapted accordingly to individual countries and adaptations approved by both RP2 and ERC, as well as all relevant institutional review boards at each participating site. Results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals and presented at relevant national/international conferences.

Intrusive dislocation is the most frequent type of traumatic injury in the primary dentition, characterized by displacement of the tooth into the alveolus. Intrusions require a thorough physical examination, radiographs of diagnostic value, and follow-up of the case, since the prognosis is unfavorable, mainly due to the probability of damage to the permanent tooth germ. This work aims to report a clinical case of intrusive dislocation in the primary dentition, from diagnosis to follow-up. This is a male patient, 3 years old, who attended the Emergency of the Children’s Specialty Clinic – State University of Londrina (UEL) due to dento-alveolar trauma in the antero-superior region that occurred three days ago. On clinical examination, tooth 61 had grade II intrusion (one-third of the crown visible), and tooth 62 had grade I intrusion, with more than one-third of the crown visible. Radiographically, a buccal inclination was observed, with no fracture of the bone plate. Thus, we opted for conservative treatment, waiting for the spontaneous re-eruption of the teeth involved. Furthermore, parents were informed about the possible consequences of this type of trauma and the need for clinical and radiographic follow-up consultations. After eight months of follow-up, the teeth erupted satisfactorily. It is extremely important to establish a protocol for observation and control of the traumatized tooth, observing signs and symptoms of the tissues involved in the trauma to reduce sequelae in both dentitions.

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Here, the authors record acoustic communication in 53 species commonly considered non-vocal and reconstruct acoustic communication as originating 407 million years ago.

ABSTRACT In view of the increase in the infested areas and the difficulty in controlling Chamaesyce hirta (L.) Millsp (garden spurge) there is growing interest in identifying herbicides that can be applied in pre and post-emergence, helping to reduce infestation and to provide species control. The objective of this work was to evaluate efficient alternatives of herbicides applied in pre and post emergence aiming at the control of Chamaesyce hirta. Three experiments were carried out in a greenhouse in a completely randomized design with four replications. The first with the application of herbicides in pre-emergence, the second with the application of herbicides in post-emergence when the plants of C. hirta had two to four true leaves fully expanded, and the third experiment, also with the post-emergence application at the flowering and branching stage of the plants. For herbicides applied in pre-emergence, at 28 days after application (DAA), all herbicides evaluated were considered effective for the control of Chamaesyce hirta, showing results above 90%. Several herbicides were efficient in controlling the species with two to four leaves, however, in the flowering stage, there is greater difficulty in control, showing the importance of the plant stage at the time of application.

Abstract This work evaluates microstructural changes and residual stresses on surface samples of AISI 201LN and 304L subjected to shot peening. The residual stresses were measured by X‑ray diffraction and magnetic Barkhausen noise (MBN) in different shot-peened conditions. The results showed that the 201LN steel presented more martensite than the 304L steel in the initial condition, but with lower δ‑ferrite contents. These ferromagnetic phases were present in a low amount with high tensile residual stresses due to brush cleaning and light cold‑rolling in the final stage of the fabrication process. The shot peening process promoted compressive residual stresses mainly in the δ‑ferrite. However, some “fresh” martensite exhibited tensile residual stress represented by higher and thinner peaks, which together with the low-intensity amplitude in the neighborhood, represented all formed martensite. Thus, small microstructural changes provoked high residual stresses behavior, which can be detected in ferromagnetic phases by MBN.

ABSTRACT: Knowledge on weed biology and ecology is fundamental to provide suitable control practices in weed management systems. The objective of this research was to understand the effect of light and temperature on germination of Chamaesyce hirta, as well as to evaluate the effect of depth of seed placement in the soil in the emergence of the plant. Two experiments were conducted. In the first one, in the laboratory, the seeds were placed to germinate in plastic boxes and kept in a B.O.D. germination chamber, under constant temperatures of 20, 25, 30 and 35 ºC, either in the dark or under continuous light. Daily germination assessments were performed. The percentage of germinated seeds in the 10-day period and the germination speed index (GSI) were calculated. In the second trial, carried out in greenhouse conditions, 100 seeds were planted, under six levels of seeding depth (0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 cm) and three soil cover conditions: no straw, under black oats (Avena strigosa) straw and under corn (Zea mays) straw. Daily plant emergence was counted along 30 days and total emergence and GSI were calculated. Germination of C. hirta seeds occurs both in the presence and absence of light. For the highest temperature, both increased germination and GSI were reported in the presence of light. The highest levels of emergence were obtained with the absence of plant cover and under corn straw at 0 cm depth. The presence of black oat straw on the soil reduced the emergence of C. hirta.

A influência do clima sobre a agricultura tem sido constantemente discutida no cenário acadêmico. Neste âmbito, os resultados apresentados pelo relatório do Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change(IPCC) demonstram que o setor mais afetado é a agricultura. O Brasil tem um papel importante neste contexto, enquanto grande produtor agrícola mundial. Este artigo tem como objetivo verificar os efeitos, sem levar em consideração a produção dos grãos de cada cultura e sim a temperatura mínima sobre as culturas demilho e soja, nos municípios de Campo Grande, Chapadão do Sul, Dourados, Maracaju e São Gabriel do Oeste no estado de Mato Grosso do Sul no período de 2008 a 2014, onde a probabilidade mais recorrente de temperatura são de 5ºC a 14ºC. Observou-se que existe grande variabilidade de temperatura em Campo Grande de 14,70% para três geadas. Chapadão do Sul, a predominância é de 17,25% de ocorrer quatro geadas. Em Dourados pode-se verificar que existe a predominância de duas geadas é 27,07%. Maracaju podem ocorrer à existência de oito geadas é de 13,93%. E em São Gabriel do Oeste, verificou-se que existe uma probabilidade de 13,81% de ocorrer até oito geadas. A temperatura mínima do ar é registrada em abrigo meteorológico, enquanto a temperatura mínima de relva éregistrada próximo à superfície do solo. Foi utilizado a Distribuição de Poisson para mensurar se ocorreram mudanças de temperaturas adversas nos períodos de outubro a março, entre 2008 a 2014 impondo risco a estas culturas.

This work studies the application of a Non-Destructive Inspection Technique (NDIT), based on the Magnetic Barkhausen Noise (MBN), for the detection of non-homogeneous regions in carbon steel plates. It presents the advances in the development of a variant of a new non-destructive magnetic test technique, called Continuous Scanning Magnetic Barkhausen Noise (CSMBN). The non-homogeneous or damaged regions were produced by plastic deformations in rolled and annealed sheets of SAE 1060 and 1070 steels. MBN is generated by abrupt changes in the magnetization of materials when subjected to alteration. The sensitivity of the MBN signals in the detection of plastic deformations was analyzed varying parameters such as excitation magnetic field frequency and the speed of movement of the probe. The behavior of the root mean square of magnetic Barkhausen Noise signal (RMSMBN) parameter was correlated with the position of the nonhomogeneous regions detected in the samples. An evaluation of the technique applied to the measurement was made, comparing the results obtained with the Static Magnetic Barkhausen Noise (SMBN) technique, which is a method already established in the literature. The results showed that in all cases studied it was possible to detect the position of the damage, due to variation of the magnetic field. These changes are affected by the presence and distribution of elastic stresses (compression and traction), plastic deformation and microstructure modification. The results of CSMBN were similar to the SBMN with the advantage of being a continuous and more productive procedure. This new technique increases the spectrum of NDIT solutions for problems not contemplated by existing techniques.

Abstract Duplex stainless steels have a structure normally composed of austenite and ferrite in approximately equal proportions. In order to attain control of its fabrication processes and performance, it is important to understand its microstructural evolution, due to the formation of intermetallic phases such as sigma (σ) and chi (χ), which may cause a severe deterioration of mechanical properties. In the present study, the evolution of sigma phase during heat treatments at temperatures in which intermetallic phases can be formed (800ºC-900°C) was studied using magnetic analyses on a SAF2205 (DIN 1.4462/UNS S31803) steel. A significant reduction of the intensity of Magnetic Barkhausen Noise (MBN) was observed with the increase of heat treatment time, indicating a decrease in the quantity of ferromagnetic phases. For 24-hour-long treatments, the Barkhausen Noise signal is almost completely enclosed by the background noise, indicating the existence of a very small volume fraction of ferrite. If proper calibration samples are to be produced, this technique may be a viable method for non-destructive evaluation of field components working under thermal conditions that may cause the formation of intermetallic phases.

ABSTRACT E. indica is one of the most problematic weeds in the world because it is present in almost every continent, and there are reports of multiple resistance to herbicides by some biotypes. The objective of this paper was to analyze the growth, the development and the production of this plant's seeds, in order to generate information about its biology that can be useful for management. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse from May to September 2015. Sixteen samples were taken during the development cycle of the plant: 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, 38, 45, 52, 59, 66, 73, 80, 87, 94, 101 and 108 days after emergence (DAE). The response variables were based on a leaf area and dry matter of each one of the parts of the plant and the number of seeds produced per plant. At 12 DAE, 80% of the seedlings of E. indica had emerged, and each plant produced more than 120 thousand seeds, closing their cycle at 120 DAE. Between 38 and 43 DAE, the plant had fast emission of new tillers, exponential accumulation of the total dry matter and substantial increase of the absolute growth rate. Due to the data observed here, we concluded that the management of E. indica must be done preferably before 38 DAE due to the exponential growth after this period, preventing the plant from producing seeds and spreading to other places.

A pesquisa de vazamentos não visíveis por métodos acústicos em sistemas de abastecimento de água é dependente do treinamento, da experiência e da capacidade auditiva dos técnicos. Contudo, os sinais acústicos emitidos pelos vazamentos e transmitidos à superfície dos pavimentos possuem características espectrais que podem ser utilizadas para identificação de vazamentos de água. O desenvolvimento de um sistema baseado no reconhecimento de padrões dos sinais acústicos, que opere de forma independente ou colaborativa ao técnico, pode aumentar a eficiência do diagnóstico, além de reduzir custos com mão de obra e manutenção. Este trabalho apresenta uma Plataforma Digital de Pesquisa de Vazamentos (PDPV) desenvolvida para gravar sinais acústicos de vazamentos, visando à criação de um banco de dados de sinais com informações úteis à identificação de vazamentos de água. A potencialidade dessa plataforma é apresentada na forma de estudos de situações com que os técnicos de pesquisa de vazamento se deparam constantemente.

RESUMO Objetivo: avaliar a incidência, características epidemiológicas, diagnóstico e evolução dos pacientes que retornaram às unidades de pronto atendimento (UPA) do Hospital Albert Einstein em São Paulo/SP com sinais e sintomas sugestivos de complicações até 30 dias após realização de colonoscopia. Métodos: estudo retrospectivo uni-institucional de pacientes submetidos à colonoscopia em 2014 e que retornaram, em até 30 dias após o procedimento, a uma UPA. Resultados: foram realizadas colonoscopias em 8968 pacientes, dos quais 95 (1,06%) tiveram queixa relacionada à possível complicação. A maioria dos procedimentos foi realizada eletivamente. Complicações menores (dor abdominal inespecífica/distensão) foram frequentes (0,49%) e a maioria dos pacientes recebeu alta após consulta na UPA. Complicações graves foram menos frequentes: perfuração (0,033%), hemorragia digestiva baixa (0,044%) e obstrução intestinal (0,044%). A procura à UPA em menos de 24 horas após o procedimento associou-se a maior índice de colonoscopias normais (P=0,006), mais diagnóstico de febre (P=0,0003) e síndrome dispéptica (P=0,043) e menos diagnóstico de colite/ileíte (P=0,015). A presença de febre em pacientes atendidos na UPA associou-se ao diagnóstico de pólipos na colonoscopia (P=0,030). Conclusão: os dados do presente estudo corroboram as evidências de segurança do exame de colonoscopia e apontam para redução nos índices de complicações mais graves deste exame.

Introduction: Oral rehabilitation is a multidisciplinary process that involves the integration of various knowledge and clinical and surgical procedures to treat oral problems. Digital tools have been developed to optimize clinical time and increase accuracy, such as image overlay, known as Virtual Patient, allowing for a non-invasive treatment plan. Clinical Case Report: A 35-year-old male patient, dissatisfied with the aesthetics of his smile and presenting generalized incisal and occlusal wear, was diagnosed with loss of Vertical Dimension of Occlusion. Initial examinations were performed, including cone beam computed tomography, intraoral scanning, and standardized photographs. The DORA device was 3D printed and consists of three pieces: an upper plate, a screw, and a lower plate, which were individually produced. Using a dynamic virtual model of the patient, the reconstruction of dental guides and the detection of eccentric interferences generated by the prosthetic design were diagnosed using a semi-adjustable articulator. The final result was patient satisfaction in terms of aesthetics and function. Conclusion: Collaboration between the clinician, planning center, and laboratory within the digital workflow ensured agility and precision in the completion of a completely individualized and functional treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

O solo é um dos recursos essenciais pela influência que exerce sobre os ambientes e sociedades. No entanto, a promoção de um conjunto de ações que incentivem a importância da conservação do solo ainda se faz necessária. Objetivou-se, com esse trabalho, incentivar o estudo e a preservação do solo e do ambiente em escolas de Ensino Fundamental no Município de Dourados-MS. As atividades iniciaram-se em 2008 e dadas as suas características despertaram o interesse da comunidade, estendendo a oferta de palestras, visitas ao campo para observar o solo e a paisagem e atividades lúdicas e de pintura. Ao final do projeto verificou-se uma ampliação no conhecimento e conscientização das crianças acerca dos solos e meio ambiente, fortemente motivados pela inserção das atividades lúdicas. Além disso, pelo intercâmbio Universidade-Comunidade, o projeto contribuiu para a formação dos palestrantes envolvidos.

A couve chinesa é uma hortaliça amplamente utilizada na alimentação humana. Tendo em vista a escassez de informações referentes à fertirrigação na produção de mudas de olerícolas, o objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar os efeitos de diferentes níveis de fertirrigação nas características morfofisiológicas de mudas de couve chinesa (Brassica pekinensis L.), utilizando o fertilizante 20-5-10 (NPK). O experimento foi conduzido em viveiro telado, na Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados (UFGD), em bandejas de isopor de 128 células. Foram realizadas duas fertirrigações, aos 5 e aos 12 dias após a emergência. Avaliou-se, aos 32 dias após a semeadura, o número de folhas, o comprimento da parte aérea e da raiz, as massas fresca e seca da parte aérea e da raiz, a área foliar e o teor de clorofila. O delineamento experimental adotado foi o de blocos ao acaso, utilizando-se seis doses do fertilizante (0,0; 1,0; 2,0; 4,0; 8,0 e 16,0 g L-1), com quatro repetições. Os resultados indicaram que a dose de 9,8 g L-1 do fertilizante proporcionou maiores valores de comprimento e massa seca da parte aérea e menor comprimento das raízes, enquanto o número de folhas não sofreu interferência das doses utilizadas. Sendo assim, doses do fertilizante de até 10 g L-1 na água de irrigação são recomendadas para a produção de mudas de couve chinesa.

To determine the prevalence of Entamoeba histolytica/E. dispar (Eh/Ed) in chronic hemodialysis (HD) patients, we collected 330 samples of feces from 110 patients, and nine indivi-duals were found to be positive for Eh/Ed. We compared the infected patients with a group of 14 uninfected HD patients. Both groups were analyzed for their signs, symptoms and socio-economic characteristics using questionnaires. Blood tests were also performed in both the groups. Although both groups did not differ statistically with respect to their signs, symptoms and socio-economic conditions, there was a trend toward a greater number of individuals with diarrhea in the Eh/Ed infected group. In conclusion, we suggest that a parasitological examination of the patient′s stool to detect the Eh/Ed complex should be included with the routine tests so that those patients with a positive fecal test could be initiated on appropriate anti-Eh/Ed therapy.

O principal pólo regional da Bacia do Rio Dourados é o município de Dourados, com cerca de 165.000 habitantes, representando 47,8% do total da população inserida na bacia e que se caracteriza como região de grande potencial para o desenvolvimento agrícola; entretanto eventos de curtas estiagens, conhecidos como ““veranicos”” e secas prolongadas, têm inibido a expressão desse potencial. Portanto, o estudo da precipitação torna-se relevante no planejamento de atividades agrícolas, permitindo previsões com melhores aproximações e decisões mais confiáveis. Com base neste enfoque objetivou-se, estudar a distribuição da precipitação pluvial na região de Dourados, MS. Os resultados obtidos permitiram as seguintes conclusões: o regime de precipitação apresenta oscilação unimodal, com período chuvoso compreendido entre os meses de outubro a março; todos os meses da estação chuvosa apresentam drásticas reduções da precipitação média; e a ocorrência de períodos secos de sete dias na estação chuvosa é maior na segunda quinzena de cada mês.

BACKGROUND: There is a debate over results obtained from type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) obese patients and non-DM2 patients, in reference to metabolic control and ponderal loss, after bariatric surgery. AIM: To evaluate weight loss and metabolic profile of obese patients with DM2 versus non-DM2 subjects, one and three years after bariatric surgery. METHODS: Data from 38 non-DM2 patients and 44 DM2 patients submitted to Roux-en-Y gastric-bypass were analysed retrospectively. For the pre-operatory, first and third year of post-operatory, were compared: weight, body mass index (BMI), fasting glucose (FG), high density lipoprotein (HDL) and triglycerides (TG). RESULTS: Preoperatively, both groups were statistically equivalent in regards to weight, BMI (P = 0.90) and HDL (P = 0.73). This was not the case when TG (P = 0.043) and FG (PRACIONAL: Tem havido debate sobre os resultados obtidos da cirurgia bariátrica nos obesos diabéticos versus não diabéticos, no quesito controle metabólico e perda ponderal. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a perda ponderal e perfil metabólico dos obesos diabéticos e não diabéticos após um e três anos da cirurgia bariátrica. MÉTODO: Análise retrospectiva dos prontuários de 44 diabéticos tipo 2 (DM2) e 38 não-DM2 submetidos à gastroplastia com derivação em Y-de-Roux. Dados como peso, índice de massa corpórea (IMC), glicemia de jejum (GJ), lipoproteína de alta densidade (HDL) e triglicérides (TG) foram vistos no pré-operatório, primeiro (PO1) e terceiro ano (PO3) após a operação. RESULTADOS: No pré-operatório, ambos os grupos foram estatisticamente equivalentes em peso, IMC (P=0,90) e HDL (P=0.73). Não se verificou o mesmo quando TG (P=0.043) e GJ (P < 0.01) foram analisados. No PO1, ambos DM2 e não-DM2 mostraram redução no peso, IMC e TG, assim como GJ no grupo DM2 (P < 0.05). HDL aumentou (P < 0.05) no PO1 em ambos os grupos. No período seguinte, entre PO1 e PO3, somente TG continuou a cair nos não-DM2 diabéticos (P=0,039), enquanto as outras variáveis não mudaram. No grupo DM2, a média da A1c no PO3 foi 6,2% +- 0,75 (P=0,027). Compararam-se os dados do pós-operatório de ambos os grupos. A variação de HDL e TG entre os grupos não foi diferente no PO1 e entre PO1 e PO3. Peso no PO1 e PO3, assim como IMC no PO1 e PO3, não foram estatisticamente diferentes. CONCLUSÃO: No PO1, perda de peso e melhora metabólica foi vista em ambos os grupos. Este dado foi sustentado no PO3, sem reganho de peso ou alteração lipídica significativa. A A1c encontrada no pós-operatório mostrou bom controle do diabetes pela operação. Houve tendência à menor perda ponderal no grupo DM2 (P=0,053).

The problem of event detection in general noisy signals arises in many applications; usually, either a functional form of the event is available, or a previous annotated sample with instances of the event that can be used to train a classification algorithm. There are situations, however, where neither functional forms nor annotated samples are available; then, it is necessary to apply other strategies to separate and characterize events. In this work, we analyze 15-min samples of an acoustic signal, and are interested in separating sections, or segments, of the signal which are likely to contain significant events. For that, we apply a sequential algorithm with the only assumption that an event alters the energy of the signal. The algorithm is entirely based on Bayesian methods.

As industrial activities continue to grow on the Brazilian coast, underwater sound measurements are becoming of great scientific importance as they are essential to evaluate the impact of these activities on local ecosystems. In this context, the use of commercial underwater recorders is not always the most feasible alternative, due to their high cost and lack of flexibility. Design and construction of more affordable alternatives from scratch can become complex because it requires profound knowledge in areas such as electronics and low-level programming. With the aim of providing a solution; a well succeeded model of a highly flexible, low-cost alternative to commercial recorders was built based on a Raspberry Pi single board computer. A properly working prototype was assembled and it demonstrated adequate performance levels in all tested situations. The prototype was equipped with a power management module which was thoroughly evaluated. It is estimated that it will allow for great battery savings on long-term scheduled recordings. The underwater recording device was successfully deployed at selected locations along the Brazilian coast, where it adequately recorded animal and manmade acoustic events, among others. Although power consumption may not be as efficient as that of commercial and/or micro-processed solutions, the advantage offered by the proposed device is its high customizability, lower development time and inherently, its cost.

In the last years new technologies and methodologies have been developed for increasing the reliability of fault diagnosis in mechanical equipment, mainly in rotating machinery. Global vibration indexes as RMS, Kurtosis, etc., are widespread known in industry and in addition, are recommended by international norms. Despite that, these parameters do not allow reaching reliable equipment condition diagnosis. They are attractive for their apparent simplicity of interpretation. This work presents a discussion about the diagnosis possibilities based on these traditional parameters. The database used comprises rolling bearings vibration signals taking into account different fault conditions, several shaft speeds and loading. The obtained results show that these global vibration parameters are limited regarding correct fault diagnosis, especially in initial faults condition. As an alternative method a new technique is proposed. This technique seeks to obtain a global parameter that makes better characterization of fault condition. This methodology, named Residual Energy, uses integration of the difference between the power spectrum density of the fault condition and the normal one. The results obtained with this technique are compared with the traditional RMS and Kurtosis.

The correlation between dietary trans fatty acids and neoplasia was examined in the present study. Walker 256 tumor-bearing and control rats were fed a trans monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA)-rich diet for 8 weeks and the incorporation of trans fatty acids by tumor tissue was examined. Also, the effect of tumor growth on trans fatty acid composition of plasma and liver, and the content of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) was determined. Walker 256 tumor cells presented both trans and cis MUFAs given in the diet. The equivalent diet proportions were 0.66 for trans and 1.14 for cis. Taking into consideration the proportion of trans MUFAs in plasma (11.47%), the tumor incorporated these fatty acids in a more efficient manner (18.27%) than the liver (9.34%). Therefore, the dietary trans fatty acids present in the diet are actively incorporated by the tumor. Tumor growth itself caused marked changes in the proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids in the plasma and liver but provoked only slight modifications in both trans and cis MUFAs. Tumor growth also reduced the unsaturation index in both plasma and liver, from 97.79 to 86.83 and from 77.51 to 69.64, respectively. This effect was partially related to an increase in the occurrence of the lipid oxidation/peroxidation process of TBARS content which was increased in both plasma (from 0.428 to 0.505) and liver (from 9.425 to 127.792) due to tumor growth.

Passive acoustic monitoring is increasingly being used for studying marine mammals, leading to the accumulation of large acoustic datasets. Analyzing these datasets becomes impractical without automated detection and classification software. Detectors and classifiers based on deep neural networks have shown great potential, but their performance is often limited by the availability of sufficient quantities of annotated training samples, and their application restricted to the specific acoustic environment(s) from which their training data were collected. We address these limitations by employing transfer learning, a deep learning concept whereby knowledge from a source domain is transferred to a target domain. Specifically, we considered two different underwater acoustic environments as the source and target domains. The objective was to use a deep neural network that had been trained in one environment with abundant annotated training samples, and optimize its performance in the other environment where the annotated training samples were limited. Training and testing were conducted using three acoustic datasets containing North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis) upcalls. Experiments show that adapting a trained model to the new environment led to a substantial improvement in recall from 70% to 85%, while maintaining a low false-positive rate of less than 5 per hour. The methodology is implemented as an open-source Python tool to facilitate the creation of more tailored deep learning-based acoustic detectors and classifiers for North Atlantic right whale vocalizations and other stereotyped marine mammal calls. • Deep Neural Networks were used to detect North Atlantic right whale upcalls. • Transfer Learning can adapt trained models to new acoustic environments. • We achieved 85% recall with less than 5 false positives per hour of recording. • Three passive acoustic datasets from different locations were used. • An open-source Python tool is presented to support development of new detectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]