Showing papers by "Universidade de Pernambuco published in 2000"

The use of socioeconomic factors in mapping tuberculosis risk areas in a city of northeastern Brazil.

Abstract: In Brazil the challenge of meeting the needs of those living in deprived areas has generated discussions on replacing the existing approach to epidemiological surveillance with an integrated public health surveillance system. This new approach would supplant the traditional focus on high-risk individuals with a method for identifying high-risk populations and the areas where these persons live. Given the magnitude of the problem that tuberculosis (TB) poses for Brazil, we chose that disease as an example of how such a new, integrated public health surveillance system could be constructed. We integrated data from several sources with geographic information to create an indicator of tuberculosis risk for Olinda, a city in the Brazilian state of Pernambuco. In order to stratify the urban space in Olinda and to check for an association between the resulting TB risk gradient and the mean incidence of the disease between 1991 and 1996, we applied two different methods: 1) a "social deprivation index" and 2) principal component analysis followed by cluster analysis. Our results showed an association between social deprivation and the occurrence of TB. The results also highlighted priority groups and areas requiring intervention. We recommend follow-up that would include treating acid-fast bacilli smear-positive pulmonary TB cases, tracing of these persons' contacts, and monitoring of multidrug-resistant cases, all in coordination with local health services.

Biomodulatory effects of lllt on bone regeneration

Abstract: Tissue healing is a complex process that involves local and systemic responses. The use of Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) for wound healing has been shown to be effective in modulating both local and systemic response. Usually the healing process of bone is slower than that of soft tissues. The effects of LLLT on bone are still controversial as previous reports show different results. This paper reports recent observations on the effect of LLLT on bone healing. The amount of newly formed bone after 830nm laser irradiation of surgical wounds created in the femur of rats was evaluated morphometricaly. Forty Wistar rats were divided into four groups: group A (12 sessions, 4.8J/cm2 per session, 28 days); group C (three sessions, 4.8J/cm2 per session, seven days). Groups B and D acted as non-irradiated controls. Forty eight hours after the surgery, the defects of the laser groups were irradiated transcutaneously with a CW 40mW 830nm diode laser, (f∼1mm) with a total dose of 4.8J/cm2. Irradiation was performed three times a week. Computerized morphometry showed a statistically significant difference between the areas of mineralized bone in groups C and D (p=0.017). There was no significant difference between groups A and B (28 days) (p=0.383). In a second investigation, we determined the effects of LLLT on bone healing after the insertion of implants. It is known that dental implants need four and six months period for fixation on the maxillae and on the mandible before receiving loading. Ten male and female dogs were divided into two groups of five animals that received the implant. Two animals of each group acted as controls. The animals were sacrificed 45 and 60 days after surgery. The animals were irradiated three times a week for two weeks in a contact mode with a CW 40mW 830nm diode laser, (f ∼1mm) with a total dose per session of 4.8J/cm2 and a dose per point of 1.2J/cm2. The results of the SEM study showed better bone healing after irradiation with the 830nm diode laser. These findings suggest that, under the experimental conditions of the investigation, the use of LLLT at 830nm significantly improves bone healing at early stages. It is concluded that LLLT may increase bone repair at early stages of healing.

Melanotic Neuroectodermal Tumor of Infancy: Clinicopathologic Study of a Case, with Emphasis on the Chemotherapeutic Effects

Abstract: A case of melanotic neuroectodermal tumor of infancy (MNTI) in a 6-months-old white female child is presented. The tumor was located in the left half of the superior maxillary bone and affected the maxillary sinus, inducing large facial asymmetry. The histologic aspects of the tumor were typical for the entity: two cell populations, one pigmented melanocyte-like cell, the other small neuroblastic-like cell. After adjuvant chemotherapeutic treatment with a strong reduction of the tumor, the melanocytelike cell predominated, allowing a better result of the surgery and probably a better prognosis.

Protocol sequences for collision channel without feedback

Abstract: A novel construction technique of protocol sequences for the users of a collision channel without feedback is introduced. This construction is a generalisation of the Massey-Mathys construction, with the practical advantage that the resulting cycle length N is typically much shorter, being at most equal to that obtained by the Massey-Mathys construction. The sender of each successfully transmitted packet is identified by a generalised version of the decimation decoding technique.

Identification of risk factors for death from tetanus in Pernambuco, Brazil: a case-control study

Abstract: A case-control study was conducted to identify risk factors for death from tetanus in the State of Pernambuco, Brazil. Information was obtained from medical records of 152 cases and 152 controls, admitted to the tetanus unit in the State University Hospital, in Recife, from 1990 to 1995. Variables were grouped in three different sets. Crude and adjusted odds ratios, p-values and 95% confidence intervals were estimated. Variables selected in the multivariate analysis in each set were controlled for the effect of those selected in the others. All factors related to the disease progression - incubation period, time elapsed between the occurrence of the first tetanus symptom and admission, and period of onset - showed a statistically significant association with death from tetanus. Similarly, signs and/or symptoms occurring on admission or in the following 24 hours (second set): reflex spasms, neck stiffness, respiratory signs/symptoms and respiratory failure requiring artificial ventilation (third set) were associated with death from tetanus even when adjusted for the effect of the others.

An exploratory study of reading procedural pictorial sequences

Abstract: This paper presents the results of an exploratory study into the influence of picture content and verbal language reading directions on reading procedural pictorial sequences. A sequence of four pictures representing the procedure 'throw away after use' was tested in four graphic configurations (one-line horizontal, one-line vertical, two-line horizontal and rhomboid), which were designed to be read in specific directions. The same configurations were also presented with the pictures removed to explore the effect of content on reading sequences. The results confirmed that verbal language reading directions are generally used to follow pictorial sequences. However, when the graphic configurations used to represent sequences are unfamiliar and the starting point of the sequence is not clear in the configuration, pictorial content influences the reading direction.

Tratamento medicamentoso dos tumores hipofisários. Parte I: prolactinomas e adenomas secretores de GH

Abstract: The recent development of new drugs, particularly the somatostatin analogues (SRIFa), represents a great advance in the therapy of pituitary tumours. SRIFas are very effective in normalizing GH and IGF-1 levels in acromegaly and may be an effective alternative to transsphenoidal surgery. However, their usefulness as primary therapy for acromegaly is limited due to the small effect on tumour size. According to early data from clinical trials, pegvisomant, a GH receptor antagonist, seems to be a promising therapeutic tool in the management of acromegalic patients. This drug induces significant clinical improvement and normalization of IGF-1 levels in nearly all patients. However, it does not induce tumor shrinkage. Dopamine agonists (DA) are the preferred therapy for both symptomatic microprolactinomas and macroprolactinomas; their use result in normalization of prolactin levels and tumor shrinkage in most treated patients. They also may be useful in acromegaly, mainly in patients whose adenoma co-secrete prolactin and those with mild elevation of GH and IGF-1 levels. Due to its greater effectiveness and better tolerability, cabergoline represents the DA of choice for the management of prolactinomas and acromegaly.

Spontaneous software: a Web-based, object computing paradigm

Abstract: The author introduces the concept of spontaneous software, a Web based object computing paradigm for supporting on-demand, dynamic distribution and integration of distributed reusable software artifacts on user environments during execution time. The model is supported by a framework, Software Operating System (SOS), which provides execution and distribution models combining the power of both hypertext based Web technologies and mobile code paradigms. Like the Web, which moves distributed resources to clients, SOS allows software systems to locate, retrieve, install and execute remotely available software artifacts on user desktops. In such a scenario, cataloging, publishing, retrieving and executing distributed components is easily and efficiently achieved by adherent platforms, which allow users to acquire software licenses and have them automatically installed and running. Hardware devices, if designed over a compliant platform, could have drivers automatically installed and running after connection. Therefore, spontaneous software is a true way for manufacturers to provide genuine plug-and-play software and hardware.

Cartografia do retardo estatural em escolares do Estado da Paraíba, Brasil

Abstract: OBJETIVO: Parte de um projeto promovido pelas Nacoes Unidas (FAO) e pelo Ministerio da Educacao do Brasil (Fundacao de Assistencia ao Escolar) para estudar a condicao nutricional de alunos de educandarios publicos, visa a avaliar, com um enfoque cartografico, a magnitude e a distribuicao espacial do deficit estatural de alunos de escolas publicas do Estado da Paraiba. METODOS: Fez-se levantamento de carater censitario da estatura de 50.144 escolares com idade de 6 a 9 anos, matriculados na primeira serie do primeiro grau de todos municipios do Estado da Paraiba, considerando-se como deficit estatural os valores classificados abaixo de -2 "scores" z do padrao do National Center of Health Statistics. RESULTADOS: Em todo o Estado, 14,5% dos escolares foram considerados casos de nanismo, com uma distribuicao heterogenea para as quatro mesorregioes fisiograficas estudadas: 18,7% no Sertao, 13,8% no Agreste, 11,9% na Borborema e 10,9% na Zona da Mata. Nas escolas da area rural, 17,8% dos alunos apresentavam deficit estatural, enquanto no meio urbano a prevalencia de nanismo foi de 11,8%. CONCLUSOES: Os dados encontrados sao indicativos de um processo de interiorizacao da desnutricao, contrastando substancialmente com as descricoes historicas sobre a cartografia do problema na regiao.

Tratamento medicamentoso dos tumores hipofisários. parte II: adenomas secretores de ACTH, TSH e adenomas clinicamente não-funcionantes

Abstract: This article reviews the potencial role of medical treatment for both ACTH and TSH secreting pituitary adenomas, as well as for clinically non-functionning pituitary adenomas (CNFPA). Metyrapone, mitotane and ketoconazole (preferable for causing less side-effects) are the most effective drugs for the control of hypercortisolism but none of them surpasses the efficacy of transsphenoidal surgery (TSA). Drug therapy in Cushing's disease is therefore better indicated for patients waiting for the full effect of radiotherapy or, as an alternative to radiotherapy, for cases of TSA failure as well as patients that refuse or have clinical limitations to surgery. Other potential indications for medical treatment in Cushing's disease include elderly patients with microadenomas or small macroadenomas, as well as cases associated to an empty sella. Concerning TSH-secreting adenomas, somatostatin analogues (SRIFa) lead to normalization of thyroid hormones in up to 95% of treated patients. Therefore they may represent an useful tool for long-term treatment of such rare tumors in case of surgery failure or as primary therapy for selected cases. Occasionaly, dopamine agonists (DA), especially cabergoline, may also be efficacious in normalizing hormone levels. In contrast, DA and SRIFa rarely induce significant tumor shrinkage in patients with CNFPA. Thus, these drugs should be considered particularly for patients who are poor candidates for surgery or in whom surgery and radiotherapy have failed to control the disease.

Analysis of the disease risk locus DXS1047 polymorphism in Brazilian Alzheimer patients.

Abstract: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a disorder characterized by a progressive deterioration in memory and other cognitive functions. Four genes associated with early onset AD have been identified but familial AD is rare. The majority of late onset AD (LOAD) is caused by a complex inheritance with several genes interacting with environmental factors. The epsilon4 allele of the apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene has been reported worldwide as a risk factor associated with LOAD. The short variant of a polymorphism in the transcriptional region of the serotonin transporter gene (5-HTTLPR) was analyzed in several psychiatric conditions and found to be more frequently associated with European and Brazilian LOAD patients. Recently, allelic associations with LOAD were reported for five other loci, the most significant for one X-linked 202-bp allele, at the DXS1047 locus. We have analyzed this locus in Brazilian LOAD patients and observed that the 202-bp allele was not significantly more frequent among patients. In contrast, two other alleles (200 bp and 208 bp) were less frequent among AD male patients than in controls, confirming the importance of replicating association studies in different populations.

Designing user interface for Web interactive systems

Abstract: The user interface design aims at enabling work and other activities to be performed more effectively, efficiently and with more enjoyment and satisfaction. The user interface of multiuser Web applications is a medium where all objects being shared on it can be viewed independently from the geographical location and its users can interact with each other in real time. Designing such an interface for users working collaboratively requires dealing with a number of issues. Herein, our concerns lies on the control component of human-computer interaction design and corresponding user interface (UI) software that implements it. Our interactive systems development process based on the MPX Mapping from PAN (Protagonist Action Notation) into Xchart (eXtended Statechart) is used to improve the product quality. Then, we illustrate this methodological approach through a case study of a Web interactive system.

Organization of health practices and vulnerability to childhood diarrhea

Abstract: Objectives: this study aimed at characterizing the organization of health practices concerning reduction of vulnerability to childhood diarrhea in an outpatient setting. Methods: a longitudinal study with two interrelated cross-sections was carried out in 14 health services (11 health centers and three hospitals) located in six municipalities in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil. These sites participated in the diarrhea control program coordinated by the State Department of Health. Data were collected through observation, interviews with professionals and service users, and review of clinical histories. Results: overall, we observed that a high proportion of patients were sent home without receiving care, and that there was a long wait before patients were seen by health professionals; in addition, patients did not receive information on home oral rehydration therapy, and little advice was given on signs and symptoms of aggravating diarrhea episodes; several drugs were prescribed to children with diarrhea; and very often, the child s hydration status and the medical conduct adopted were not recorded in the child s card. In only three services was the training concerning diarrhea control systematic, with nurses in charge of several activities and working together with health agents. On the second phase of the study, one of the changes identified was a slight increase in the number of times weight was measured and recorded on the child s card. However, during the intervention period, 69.6% of the health care team members noticed an improvement the care provided to the child. Conclusions: our results reveal the weakness of the services to develop training and curative actions that target diarrhea control. The observed practices contribute to increase childhood vulnerability, and show the need to reorganize disease control actions in this group.

[Gerontologic nursing: reflexion on the work process].

Abstract: This article had the objective to reflect about Gerontology Nursing subsided on the work process approach, according to Marx. It is a bibliographical study in which Gerontology Nursing concepts, theoretical arguments, objectives and work process are verified. The results point out that it has as purpose to promote health, prevent diseases, give specific care, recovery and rehabilitation of the elderly, maintaining their functional capacity; as object the older human being and the aging process in itself; as instrumental the specific knowledge about the object, the instruments and the conducts directed to the elder; as product the elder taking care of him/herself and, under that impossibility, being suitable cared by his/her family in an humanistic way, keeping his/her dignity until death. From the reflections done, we applied the learned concepts about the Gerontology Nursing work process, trying to awaken to the importance of including Gerontology subjects while forming Nursing professionals.

Estudo da presença da toxina microcistina na água de reservatório de Mundaú (Garanhuns-PE) pelas metodologias ELISA e CLAE

Abstract: Cyanobacteria are responsible for the production of cyanotoxins, and once accumulated, it might cause serious harm to the human and animals health. Microcystins are the most common type of cyanotoxins and they cause liver tumor. The Mundau reservoir, located in the municipality of Garanhuns-PE, was the selected site for presenting historical blooms of microcystins-producing cyanobacteria. This study analyzed the occurrence of microcystins in raw water samples from the Mundau reservoir by using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) and High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) methodologies. During the consecutive fifteen months, water samples were collected in duplicate at the intake point of this water source, and they were analyzed by both ELISA and HPLC techniques. The presence of microcystins was detected in 100 % of analyzed samples, confirming the relevance of performing the microcystins monitoring in public water supplies. And as well as the Mundau river, various water sources of Pernambuco show cyanobacterial blooms, which might be toxic. The techniques used in this study were implemented in the Central Laboratory of Public Health of Pernambuco (LACEN-PE), and they showed to be a relevant tools as a complementary methodology to the cyanobacteria counting assay for providing preventive subsidies to the health surveillance.

On the computation of weight enumerators for convolutional codes

Abstract: Performance bounds for maximum likelihood decoding of convolutional codes over memoryless channels are commonly measured using the first few terms of the series expansion of the transfer function T(x,y). In this paper we present an efficient algebraic method to obtain this truncated series without first computing the complete T(x,y).