Showing papers by "Sao Paulo State University published in 2004"

Campanha de prevenção do câncer bucal em Araraquara: uma iniciativa de extensão consolidada em 11 anos de experiência

Abstract: The authors present the Annual Oral Cancer Campaign of Araraquara promoted by the Oral Medicine Service of the Araraquara Dental School – UNESP. This campaign is an extension activity which, since its beginning, in 1993, has been expanding.The campaign provides background for teaching and research as well as benefits to the regional community. In 1999 this activity was conducted, for the first time, in a public fair visited daily for thousands people. This opportunity, which started in 1999, promoted the expansion of benefits and contributed to legitimate the campaign as an authentic extramural extension activity.

Observation and properties of the X(3872) decaying to J/ψπ+π- in pp̄ collisions at √s = 1.96 TeV

Abstract: We report the observation of the X(3872) in the J/psipi(+)pi(-) channel, with J/psi decaying to mu(+)mu(-), in p (p) over bar collisions at roots=1.96 TeV. Using approximately 230 pb(-1) of data collected with the Run II D0 detector, we observe 522+/-100 X(3872) candidates. The mass difference between the X(3872) state and the J/psi is measured to be 774.9+/-3.1(stat)+/-3.0(syst) MeV/c(2). We have investigated the production and decay characteristics of the X(3872) and find them to be similar to those of the psi(2S) state.

Comparative Genomics of Two Leptospira interrogans Serovars Reveals Novel Insights into Physiology and Pathogenesis

Abstract: Leptospira species colonize a significant proportion of rodent populations worldwide and produce life-threatening infections in accidental hosts, including humans. Complete genome sequencing of Leptospira interrogans serovar Copenhageni and comparative analysis with the available Leptospira interrogans serovar Lai genome reveal that despite overall genetic similarity there are significant structural differences, including a large chromosomal inversion and extensive variation in the number and distribution of insertion sequence elements. Genome sequence analysis elucidates many of the novel aspects of leptospiral physiology relating to energy metabolism, oxygen tolerance, two-component signal transduction systems, and mechanisms of pathogenesis. A broad array of transcriptional regulation proteins and two new families of afimbrial adhesins which contribute to host tissue colonization in the early steps of infection were identified. Differences in genes involved in the biosynthesis of lipopolysaccharide O side chains between the Copenhageni and Lai serovars were identified, offering an important starting point for the elucidation of the organism's complex polysaccharide surface antigens. Differences in adhesins and in lipopolysaccharide might be associated with the adaptation of serovars Copenhageni and Lai to different animal hosts. Hundreds of genes encoding surface-exposed lipoproteins and transmembrane outer membrane proteins were identified as candidates for development of vaccines for the prevention of leptospirosis.

Chemical structure, surface properties and biological activities of the biosurfactant produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa LBI from soapstock

Abstract: Pseudomonas aeruginosa LBI isolated from petroleum-contaminated soil produced rhamnolipids (RLLBI) when cultivated on soapstock as the sole carbon source. HPLC–MS analysis of the purified culture supernatant identified 6 RL homologues (%): R2 C10 C10 28.9; R2 C10 C12:1 23.0; R1 C10 C10 23.4; R2 C10 C12 11.3; R2 C10 C12 7.9; R2 C10 C12 5.5. To assess the potential antimicrobial activity of the new rhamnolipid product, RLLBI, its physicochemical properties were studied. RLLBI had a surface tension of 24 mN m−1 and an interfacial tension of 1.31 mN m−1; the cmc was 120 mg l−1. RLLBI produced stable emulsions with hydrocarbons and vegetable oils. This product showed good antimicrobial behaviour against bacteria: MIC for Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus and Proteus vulgaris was 8 mg l−1, for Streptococcus faecalis 4 mg l−1, and for Pseudomonas aeruginosa 32 mg l−1. RLLBI was active against phytopathogenic fungal species, MIC values of 32 mg l−1 being found against Penicillium, Alternaria, Gliocadium virens and Chaetonium globosum. Due to its physicochemical properties and antimicrobial behaviour, RLLBI could be used in bioremediation treatment and in the food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries.

Trabalhando com estratégias de ensino-aprendizado por descoberta na área da saúde: a problematização e a aprendizagem baseada em problemas

Abstract: Considering the changes in teaching in the health field and the demand for new ways of dealing with knowledge in higher learning, the article discusses two innovative methodological approaches: problem-based learning (PBL) and problematization. Describing the two methods' theoretical roots, the article attempts to identify their main foundations. As distinct proposals, both contribute to a review of the teaching and learning process: problematization, focused on knowledge construction in the context of the formation of a critical awareness; PBL, focused on cognitive aspects in the construction of concepts and appropriation of basic mechanisms in science. Both problematization and PBL lead to breaks with the traditional way of teaching and learning, stimulating participatory management by actors in the experience and reorganization of the relationship between theory and practice. The critique of each proposal's possibilities and limits using the analysis of their theoretical and methodological foundations leads us to conclude that pedagogical experiences based on PBL and/or problematization can represent an innovative trend in the context of health education, fostering breaks and more sweeping changes.

Resistance of Santa Ines, Suffolk and Ile de France sheep to naturally acquired gastrointestinal nematode infections.

Abstract: A study was conducted to assess the breed resistance against nematode infections in Santa Ines, Ile de France and Suffolk male lambs over a 9-month period in Sao Paulo state, Brazil. Lambs were born during the winter (year 2000) and were weaned at 2 months of age. The animals were then housed and treated with anthelmintics to eliminate natural infections by gastrointestinal nematodes. In late October 2000, lambs were placed in a paddock, where they stayed until August of the following year. Fecal and blood samples were taken from each animal every 2 weeks. On the same day, a pasture sample was collected to determine the number of infective larvae on the herbage. To prevent deaths, individual treatment with anthelmintics was provided to lambs with fecal egg counts (FEC) higher than 4000 eggs per gram (EPG) or with a packed cell volume (PCV) lower than 21%. In August 2001, all animals were slaughtered and the worms present in samples of the gastrointestinal contents were identified and counted. Most of the Suffolk and Ile de France sheep received three to six anthelmintic treatments over a period of 7 months, while most of the Santa Ines were not treated. Reductions in PCV and plasma protein values associated with high FEC and worm burdens were recorded, particularly, in Suffolk and Ile de France lambs. Haemonchus contortus and Oesophagostomum columbianum burdens and number of nodular lesions caused in the large intestine by O. columbianum larvae were significantly lower in Santa Ines sheep. All three breeds showed similar Trichostrongylus colubriformis worm burdens. The relative resistance of Santa Ines young male sheep was superior to that of Suffolk and Ile de France sheep.

Multistage and coordinated planning of the expansion of transmission systems

Abstract: In this paper, an efficient genetic algorithm (GA) is presented to solve the problem of multistage and coordinated transmission expansion planning. This is a mixed integer nonlinear programming problem, difficult for systems of medium and large size and high complexity. The GA presented has a set of specialized genetic operators and an efficient form of generation of the initial population that finds high quality suboptimal topologies for large size and high complexity systems. In these systems, multistage and coordinated planning present a lower investment than static planning. Tests results are shown in one medium complexity system and one large size high complexity system.

Pseudospin symmetry and the relativistic harmonic oscillator

Abstract: A generalized relativistic harmonic oscillator for spin 1∕2 particles is studied. The Dirac Hamiltonian contains a scalar $S$ and a vector $V$ quadratic potentials in the radial coordinate, as well as a tensor potential $U$ linear in $r$. Setting either or both combinations $\ensuremath{\Sigma}=S+V$ and $\ensuremath{\Delta}=V\ensuremath{-}S$ to zero, analytical solutions for bound states of the corresponding Dirac equations are found. The eigenenergies and wave functions are presented and particular cases are discussed, devoting a special attention to the nonrelativistic limit and the case $\ensuremath{\Sigma}=0$, for which pseudospin symmetry is exact. We also show that the case $U=\ensuremath{\Delta}=0$ is the most natural generalization of the nonrelativistic harmonic oscillator. The radial node structure of the Dirac spinor is studied for several combinations of harmonic-oscillator potentials, and that study allows us to explain why nuclear intruder levels cannot be described in the framework of the relativistic harmonic oscillator in the pseudospin limit.

Drug delivery systems: past, present, and future.

Abstract: Drug delivery systems are essential components of drugs controlled release. In the last decades, several drug delivery technologies have emerged including capsules, liposomes, microparticles, nanoparticles, and polymers. These components must be biocompatible, biodegradable, and display a desired biodistribution providing a long-term availability of the therapeutic at specific target over time.

Vertical marginal discrepancy of ceramic copings with different ceramic materials, finish lines, and luting agents: an in vitro evaluation.

Abstract: Statement of problem Prosthetic restorations that fit poorly may affect periodontal health and occlusion Studies that have evaluated the accuracy of fit of ceramic restorations before and after cementation assessed primarily intracoronal restorations Purpose This in vitro study evaluated the effect of different finish lines, ceramic manufacturing techniques, and luting agents on the vertical discrepancy of ceramic copings Material and methods Two stainless steel molars were prepared for complete crowns with 2 different finish lines (heavy chamfer and rounded shoulder); each molar was duplicated to fabricate 90 copings A total of 180 copings generated 18 groups (n=10 for each finish line–coping material–luting agent combination) Luting agents tested included zinc phosphate, resin-modified glass ionomer (Fuji Plus), and resin composite cements (Panavia F) A metal frame was developed on which to screw the stainless steel model and a ceramic coping; the distance (μm) between 2 predetermined points was measured before and after cementation by a profile projector under a torquing force A 4-way ANOVA with repeated measurements was performed to assess the influence of each factor in the vertical marginal discrepancy: 3 between-coping factors (finish line–coping material–luting agent) and 1 within-coping factor (before and after cementation) (α=05) Results Procera copings presented the lowest mean values ( P Conclusion Considering each factor separately, the ceramic manufacturing technique appeared to be the most important factor tested for the definitive vertical discrepancy of all-ceramic copings, with lower mean values for Procera copings

Body size and flight distance in stingless bees (Hymenoptera: Meliponini): inference of flight range and possible ecological implications

Abstract: We examined the spatial implications of maximum flight distance for several species of stingless bees. Data suggested that maximum flight distance in Meliponini is a function of body size, especially generalized wing size, which can be estimated through principal component analysis. For six species of stingless bees, flight distances and generalized wing sizes were highly correlated (r = 0.938). This indicates that species of Meliponini occupy an effectively larger area as body size increases, which has important implications in the spatial dynamics of local populations restricted to forest fragments. We also used the fitted linear regression model to estimate the maximum flight distance for 12 other species of Meliponini. The results of this research may provide insights for future studies of biological conservation.

Catalysis and temperature dependence on the formation of ZnO nanoparticles and of zinc acetate derivatives prepared by the sol-gel route

Abstract: The chemical and structural nature of powders prepared from the zinc acetate-derived precursor using the sol−gel route is discussed. The influence of the synthesis temperature and of the hydrolytic catalyst on the structural features of the powder is focused on the basis of X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) and extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) measurements and complemented with density and thermoanalysis (TG-DTA) results. EXAFS and XRPD results show that no-washed nanoparticulate powders are composed of a mixture of ZnO (wurtzite), zinc acetate, and zinc hydroxyacetate. The latter has a layered structure typical of hydroxy double salts (HDS). The main component of no-washed powders is always unreacted zinc acetate solid but the relative amount of the zinc-based compounds depends on the nature of the hydrolytic catalyst, hydrolysis ratio, and of synthesis temperature. According to the proportion of the three zinc-based compounds, three families of powders could be distinguished. The amount of...

Diretrizes para Cessação do Tabagismo

Abstract: Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) Hospital Universitario Clementino Fraga Filho

Variabilidade espacial de atributos do solo para adoção do sistema de agricultura de precisão na cultura de cana-de-açúcar

Abstract: O objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar a variabilidade espacial de atributos de Latossolos sob cultivo de cana-de-acucar na regiao de Jaboticabal (SP). Foram feitas amostragens do solo a intervalos regulares de 50 m, em uma area de 90 ha, nas profundidades de 0,00-0,20 e 0,60-0,80 m para determinacao de pH, CTC, V % e teores de materia orgânica, P, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, H + Al e argila. Os dados foram submetidos as analises: estatistica descritiva, geoestatistica e interpolacao por krigagem. Os alcances de dependencia espacial para os atributos quimicos do solo e teores de argila na camada de 0,60-0,80 m de profundidade foram menores, quando comparados aqueles referentes a camada de 0,00-0,20 m. Estes resultados demonstraram maior descontinuidade na distribuicao espacial dos atributos do solo na camada de 0,60-0,80 m de profundidade dos Latossolos, indicando que essa classe de solos nao apresentou homogeneidade de seus atributos como conceituadamente a ela foi atribuida. O manejo no solo alterou a dependencia espacial dos atributos do solo na camada superficial de forma a diminuir a variabilidade espacial dos atributos quimicos do solo em relacao a camada mais profunda. A investigacao da variabilidade espacial de atributos quimicos e do teor de argila da camada superficial e subsuperficial dos solos proporcionou condicoes para a definicao de zonas homogeneas de manejo, o que permite a adocao do sistema de agricultura de precisao.

In vitro evaluation of the effectiveness of irrigants and intracanal medicaments on microorganisms within root canals

Abstract: Aim To evaluate in vitro the effectiveness of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), chlorhexidine (CHX) and five intracanal medicaments on microorganisms within root canals. Methodology Ninety-six human single-rooted extracted teeth were used. After removing the crowns, canal preparation was completed and the external root surfaces were coated with epoxy resin. Following sterilization, the teeth were contaminated with Candida albicans and Enterococcus faecalis, and were incubated at 37 ± 1 °C for 7 days. The teeth were divided according to the irrigant solution or intracanal medicament: group 1, sterile physiologic solution (SPS) and calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) paste; group 2, SPS and camphorated paramonochlorophenol (CPMC); group 3, SPS and tricresol formalin; group 4, SPS and CaOH2 + CPMC paste; group 5, SPS and PMC furacin; group 6, 2.5% NaOCl without intracanal medication; group 7, 2.0% CHX without intracanal medication and group 8, SPS without intracanal medication (control group). Microbiological samples were collected with sterile paper points, and bacterial growth was determined. The data were submitted to the analysis of variance (anova, P = 0.05). Results For C. albicans, groups 3 and 8 were statistically less effective than groups 1, 2, 4 and 5 (Kruskal–Wallis (K–W) = 65.241; gl = 7; P = 0.001). For E. faecalis, groups 6 and 8 were statistically less effective than groups 1–4 and 7 (K–W = 61.048; gl = 7; P = 0.001). Conclusions Ca(OH)2 + CPMC paste was the most effective intracanal medicament for the elimination of the two microorganisms; 2.0% CHX solution was more effective than 2.5% NaOCl against E. faecalis.

Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy characterization of passive film formed on implant Ti-6Al-7Nb alloy in Hank's solution

Abstract: The influence of potential on electrochemical behavior of Ti–6Al–7Nb alloy under simulated physiological conditions was investigated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The experimental results were compared with those obtained by potentiodynamic polarization curves. All measurements were carried out in Hank's aerated solution at 25 °C, at pH 7.8 and at different potentials (corrosion potential, 0 mV(SCE), 1000 mV(SCE), and 2000 mV(SCE)). The EIS spectra exhibited a two-step or a two-time constant system, suggesting the formation of a two-layer oxide film on the metal surface. The high corrosion resistance, displayed by this alloy in electrochemical polarization tests, is due to the dense inner layer, while its osseointegration ability can be ascribed to the presence of the outer porous layer.

Quantum Consistency of the Superstring in AdS_5 x S^5 Background

Abstract: Using arguments based on BRST cohomology, the pure spinor formalism for the superstring in an AdS_5 x S^5 background is proven to be BRST invariant and conformally invariant at the quantum level to all orders in perturbation theory. Cohomology arguments are also used to prove the existence of an infinite set of non-local BRST-invariant charges at the quantum level.

Wine classification by taste sensors made from ultra-thin films and using neural networks

Abstract: This paper reports on a sensor array able to distinguish tastes and used to classify red wines. The array comprises sensing units made from Langmuir–Blodgett (LB) films of conducting polymers and lipids and layer-by-layer (LBL) films from chitosan deposited onto gold interdigitated electrodes. Using impedance spectroscopy as the principle of detection, we show that distinct clusters can be identified in principal component analysis (PCA) plots for six types of red wine. Distinction can be made with regard to vintage, vineyard and brands of the red wine. Furthermore, if the data are treated with artificial neural networks (ANNs), this “artificial tongue” can identify wine samples stored under different conditions. This is illustrated by considering 900 wine samples, obtained with 30 measurements for each of the five bottles of the six wines, which could be recognised with 100% accuracy using the algorithms Standard Backpropagation and Backpropagation momentum in the ANNs.

In vitro penetration of bleaching agents into the pulp chamber.

Abstract: Aim To investigate pulp chamber penetration of bleaching agents in teeth following restorative procedures. Methodology Bovine lateral incisors were sectioned 3 mm apical to the cemento-enamel junction and the coronal pulpal tissue was removed. Teeth were divided into six groups (n = 10): G1, G2 and G3 were not submitted to any restorative procedure, while G4, G5 and G6 were submitted to Class V preparations and restored with composite resin. Acetate buffer was placed in the pulp chamber and treatment agents were applied for 60 min at 37 °C as follows: G1 and G4, immersion into distilled water; G2 and G5, 10% carbamide peroxide (CP) exposure; G3 and G6, 35% CP bleaching. The buffer solution was removed and transferred to a glass tube where leuco crystal violet and horseradish peroxidase were added, producing a blue solution. The optical density of the blue solution was determined spectrophotometrically at 596 nm. A standard curve made with known amounts of hydrogen peroxide was used to convert the optical density values of the coloured samples into microgram equivalents of hydrogen peroxide. Data were submitted to anova and Tukey's test (5%). Results Amounts of hydrogen peroxide found in the pulp chamber of G2 and G5 specimens (0.1833 ± 0.2003 µg) were significantly lower (P = 0.001) when compared to G3 and G6 specimens (0.4604 ± 0.3981 µg). Restored teeth held significantly higher (P = 0.001) hydrogen peroxide concentrations in the pulp chamber than intact teeth. Conclusion Higher concentrations of the bleaching agent produced higher levels of hydrogen peroxide in the pulp chamber, especially in restored teeth.