Showing papers by "Universidade de Pernambuco published in 2012"
TL;DR: The main contribution of this paper is the proposal of new modulation techniques for three-phase transformerless neutral point clamped inverters to eliminate leakage currents in photovoltaic systems without requiring any modification on the multilevel inverter or any additional hardware.
Abstract: The main contribution of this paper is the proposal of new modulation techniques for three-phase transformerless neutral point clamped inverters to eliminate leakage currents in photovoltaic systems without requiring any modification on the multilevel inverter or any additional hardware. The modulation techniques are capable of reducing the leakage currents in photovoltaic systems by applying three medium vectors or using only two medium vectors and one specific zero vector to compose the reference vector. In addition, to increase the system utilization, the three-phase neutral point clamped inverter can be designed to also provide functions of active filter using the p-q theory. The proposed system provides maximum power point tracking and compensation of current harmonics and reactive power. To validate the simulation models, an experimental three-phase inverter is used to evaluate leakage currents and the dc link voltage control.
231 citations
TL;DR: A significant number of patients may suffer from PDPH in the absence of any symptoms apart from the headache itself, indicating that a further analyses of existing studies should be made to determine if a criteria change may need consideration.
Abstract: Objective: This is an analytic, interventional, cross sectional study to evaluate the risk factors of post-dural (post-lumbar) puncture headache (PDPH) and the validity of the diagnostic criteria for PDPH from the ICHD II. Methods: Six-hundred-and-forty patients (332 non-pregnant women and 308 men) aged 8–65 years underwent spinal anesthesia with Quincke 25G or 27G needles in elective surgery.Results: Forty-eight (7.5%) of the patients developed PDPH. The binary logistic regression analysis identified as risk factors: gender [11.1% female vs. 3.6% male, OR 2.25 (1.07–4.73); p = 0.03], age [11.0% 31–50 years of age vs. 4.2% others, OR 2.21 (1.12–4.36); p = 0.02], previous history of PDPH [26.4% positive vs. 6.2% negative, OR 4.30 (1.99–9.31); p < 0.01] and bevel orientation [16.1% perpendicular vs. 5.7% parallel, OR 2.16 (1.07–4.35); p = 0.03]. The period of latency between lumbar puncture and headache onset range from 6 to 72 hours and the duration from 3 to 15 days. In 34/48 (71%) patients with PDPH, at ...
140 citations
TL;DR: Tooth loss causes disorder in the individual's quality of life, mainly when it affects their well-being and appearance.
Abstract: doi: 10.1111/j.1741-2358.2011.00535.x Impact of tooth loss on the quality of life of elderly people
Introduction: There is scientific evidence that shows health contributes to the quality of life. These measurements have not been well guided towards the free response of oral health in people’s lives.
Objective: This study aimed to investigate the impact of tooth loss on the quality of life of elderly people.
Material and methods: Qualitative investigation with descriptive features – which used a random sample out of the total edentulous elderly people, who lived in an institution in Fortaleza, Brazil – was carried out. From 250 residents screened, 72 completely edentulous elderly, with ages from 60 to 79 years were selected. A semi-structured questionnaire was used with closed and opened questions in which the last one was used for the free flow of the interviewee’s responses. The content was analysed and codified according to Bardin.
Results: In total, 84.7% had attended the dentist to have exodontia. Of them, 81.9% reported difficulties after losing their teeth. Physical dimensions, characterised by the difficulties in eating and social dimensions, because of interference in communication with other people were obtained.
Conclusion: Tooth loss causes disorder in the individual’s quality of life, mainly when it affects their well-being and appearance.
122 citations
TL;DR: Many aspects of the space-vector discrete Fourier transform and generalized delayed signal cancellation (GDSC) such as response time for different possible implementations, frequency adaptation schemes, stability of recursive implementation, and rounding error effects are discussed.
Abstract: In this paper, two methods for determining the fundamental frequency and harmonic positive- and negative-sequence components of three-phase signals are investigated. Many aspects of the space-vector discrete Fourier transform and generalized delayed signal cancellation (GDSC) such as response time for different possible implementations, frequency adaptation schemes, stability of recursive implementation, and rounding error effects are discussed. A new design procedure for GDSC transformations is presented. New indices for characterizing three-phase unbalanced and distorted signals are proposed. Simulations and experiments are included in order to verify the performances and illustrate the theoretical conclusions.
107 citations
TL;DR: The automatic detector is a useful tool in studies aiming to create a better understanding of the fast oscillations visible on the scalp, but results should be reviewed by an expert to remove false positives.
98 citations
TL;DR: Photodynamic therapy was found to be effective in reducing S. mutans and L. acidophilus on planktonic cultures, proving the absence of dark toxicity of the drug.
Abstract: Background data: The presence of Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus acidophilus in dental structure is an indicator of a cariogenic biofilm. Photodynamic therapy is a technique that involves the activation of photosensitizers by light in the presence of oxygen, resulting in the production of reactive radicals capable of inducing cell death. Reduction of bacteria levels can provide additional means of preventing dental caries. Objective: The present study evaluated the susceptibility of planktonic cultures of S. mutans (ATCC 25175) and L. acidophilus (ATCC-IAL-523) from the Adolfo Lutz Institute (IAL) to photodynamic therapy after sensitization with curcumin and exposure to blue light at 450 nm. Methods: Bacterial suspensions of S. mutans and L. acidophilus isolated (as single species) and combined (multspecies) were prepared and then evaluated. Four different groups were analyzed: L-D- (control group), L-D+ (drug group), L+D- (light group), and L+D+ (photodynamic therapy group). Two different...
95 citations
TL;DR: The data confirms a high prevalence of urolithiasis in normocalcemic primary hyperparathyroidism, but with the preservation of cortical bone, and supports the hypothesis that this disease is not an idle condition and needs treatment.
Abstract: Introduction. Normocalcemic primary hyperparathyroidism (NPHPT) is considered a variant of the more frequent form of the disease characterized by normal serum calcium levels with high PTH. The higher prevalence of renal stones in patients with HPTP and the well established association with bone disorders show the importance of studies on how to manage asymptomatic patients. Objective. To compare the clinical and laboratory data between the normocalcemic and mild hypercalcemic forms of PHPT. Methods. We retrospectively evaluated 70 patients with PHPT, 33 normocalcemic and 37 mild hypercalcemic. Results. The frequency of nephrolithiasis was 18.2% in normocalcemic patients and 18.9% in the hypercalcemic ones (P = 0.937). Fifteen percent of normocalcemic patients had a previous history of fractures compared to 10.8% of hypercalcemic patients, although there was no statistically significant difference (P = 0.726). Conclusion. Our data confirms a high prevalence of urolithiasis in normocalcemic primary hyperparathyroidism, but with the preservation of cortical bone. This finding supports the hypothesis that this disease is not an idle condition and needs treatment.
91 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigated the antioxidant capacity of powdered genipap (Genipa americana L), umbu ( Spondia tuberosa A), siriguela ( SpONDia purpurea L) and siriguana (Spondia purpura L) extracts.
87 citations
TL;DR: The SDF technique showed better results than IRT for the arrest of cavities in deciduous teeth, indicating that its use for underprivileged communities may justify a paradigm shift in paediatric dentistry.
86 citations
TL;DR: Photodynamic therapy was found to be effective in the reduction of salivary microorganisms and proves the absence of dark toxicity of the drug, showing that overall disinfection of the mouth can be done with a simple procedure involving photodynamic action.
Abstract: Background data: Photodynamic therapy is a technique that involves the activation of photosensitizers by light in the presence of tissue oxygen, resulting in the production of reactive radicals capable of inducing cell death. Objective: The present study assessed the overall susceptibility of pathogens of salivary flora to photodynamic therapy after sensitization with curcumin and exposure to blue light at 450 nm. Methods: A randomized trial was executed with 13 adult volunteers. Three different groups were analyzed: L-D- (no light, no drug; control group), L-D+ (treated only with the drug; curcumin group) and L+D+ (treated with drug and light; photodynamic therapy group). Non-stimulated saliva samples were collected for bacterial counts at baseline and after the experimental phase, and adverse events experienced were recorded. Serial dilutions were performed, and the resulting samples were cultured on blood agar plates in microaerophilic conditions. The number of colony-forming units was then de...
77 citations
28 May 2012
TL;DR: The aim of this research is to provide guidance and correction to performed movements based on the therapeutic definition of them through the use of the Kinect sensor as interaction support tool for rehabilitation systems.
Abstract: The use of Virtual and Augmented Reality systems for motor rehabilitation is increasing mainly due to the new interaction tools which enable interaction through body movements. To improve these systems it is important to provide movement guidance and correction according to the therapeutic description of it. The use of natural interaction can help due the understanding of user's intentions, e.g. analyzing their body movements allows the application to provide information and encouragement to them in real time, improving the interaction and the treatment process as a whole. Thus, the aim of this research is to provide guidance and correction to performed movements based on the therapeutic definition of them. This is applied on motor rehabilitation through the use of the Kinect sensor as interaction support tool for rehabilitation systems. The Kinect sensor gives three-dimensional information about the user body, recognizing skeleton and joint positions, however, it does not provide detection of body specific movements. This way, the correct description of therapeutic movement (upper limbs, for instance) was implemented in a prototype. A scoring mechanism was also developed in order to measure the patient performance, as well as to encourage him/her to improve it by displaying a positive feedback whenever he does a correct movement.
TL;DR: It is possible to conclude that visual languages can be very useful for making architecture students understand general programming concepts, but scripting languages are fundamental for implementing generative design systems.
Abstract: This paper compares the use of scripting languages and visual programming languages for teaching computational design concepts to novice and advanced architecture students. Both systems are described and discussed in terms of the representation methods they use. With novice students better results were obtained with the visual programming language. However, the generative strategies used were restricted to parametric variation and the use of randomness. Scripting, on the other hand, was used by advanced students to implement rule-based generative systems. It is possible to conclude that visual languages can be very useful for making architecture students understand general programming concepts, but scripting languages are fundamental for implementing generative design systems. The paper also discusses the importance of the ability to shift between different representation methods, from more concrete to more abstract, as part of the architectural education.
TL;DR: This revision of literature was motivated by the comment in the practical clinic of a great number of laryngeal sequels in patients submitted to the orotracheal intubation.
Abstract: INTRODUCAO: As lesoes causadas pela intubacao orotraqueal sao comuns no nosso meio e amplamente relatadas pela literatura. Geralmente sao causadas por acidentes na colocacao do tubo ou consequencia de sua permanencia nas vias aereas do paciente. Ha diversos tipos de lesoes laringeas, causadas por multiplos mecanismos. OBJETIVO: Verificar, na literatura, as principais causas de complicacoes laringeas pos-intubacao orotraqueal e seus mecanismos de lesao. REVISAO DE LITERATURA: As bases de dados pesquisadas foram LILACS, BIREME e SCIELO. Foram utilizados artigos, livros e teses, delimitando-se o periodo entre 1953 a 2009. As palavras-chaves utilizadas para a busca dos artigos foram: complicacoes, lesoes, laringe, intubacao, entubacao, endotraqueal, orotraqueal, granulomas, estenose. Foram selecionadas 59 referencias. Os criterios de inclusao utilizados para a escolha dos artigos foram os que mostraram os diversos tipos de lesoes ocasionadas pela intubacao orotraqueal e suas fisiopatologias. CONSIDERACOES FINAIS: Esta revisao de literatura foi motivada pela observacao na pratica clinica de um grande numero de sequelas laringeas em pacientes submetidos a intubacao orotraqueal. Diante disto e importante o conhecimento, pelos profissionais da area de saude, dos tipos de complicacoes e de suas causas, com o intuito de evita-las, adotando medidas de prevencao dessas lesoes.
TL;DR: This analysis is based on Markov reward models, and suggests that host failure rate is the most important parameter when the measure of interest is the system mean time to failure.
Abstract: Server virtualization is a technology used in many enterprise systems to reduce operation and acquisition costs, and increase the availability of their critical services. Virtualized systems may be even more complex than traditional nonvirtualized systems; thus, the quantitative assessment of system availability is even more difficult. In this paper, we propose a sensitivity analysis approach to find the parameters that deserve more attention for improving the availability of systems. Our analysis is based on Markov reward models, and suggests that host failure rate is the most important parameter when the measure of interest is the system mean time to failure. For capacity oriented availability, the failure rate of applications was found to be another major concern. The results of both analyses were cross-validated by varying each parameter in isolation, and checking the corresponding change in the measure of interest. A cost-based optimization method helps to highlight the parameter that should have higher priority in system enhancement.
TL;DR: In general form, microbial activity, as measured by enzyme activities, is higher in native forest and regenerated lands than in cropland.
TL;DR: The use of microorganisms aims at improving nutrient availability for plants as discussed by the authors, but the ability of these bacteria to contribute to increased crop yields is only partly a result of BNF.
Abstract: Soils around the world are degraded due to inappropriate management practices. There is thus the necessity to find more conservationist agricultural systems. Agroforestry system is an alternative system that helps prevent land degradation while allowing continuing use of land to produce crops and livestock on a sustainable basis. Agroforestry system is a form of sustainable land use that combines trees and shrubs with crops and livestock in ways that increase and diversify farm and forest production while also conserving natural resources. This system enhances organic carbon accumulation in soils by the inclusion of cover crops and permanent vegetation, which is expected to increase the soil microbial biomass. The use of microorganisms aims at improving nutrient availability for plants. Currently, there is an emerging demand to decrease the dependence on chemical fertilizers and achieve sustainable agriculture and agroforestry. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria, and the association of rhizobia with leguminous plants are mutualistic symbioses of high economic importance for increasing agricultural production. The biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) process is an economically attractive and ecologically sound method to reduce external nitrogen input and improve the quality and quantity of internal resources. BNF by associative diazotrophic bacteria is a spontaneous process where soil nitrogen is limited and adequate carbon sources are available. However, the ability of these bacteria to contribute to increased crop yields is only partly a result of BNF. The successful use of legumes is dependent upon appropriate attention to the formation of effective symbioses with root nodule bacteria. An essential component for increasing the use of legumes is the integration of plant breeding and cultivar development, with appropriate research leading to the selection of elite strains of root nodule bacteria. An expansion of the utility of inoculants is also necessary to develop a broad conceptual framework and methodology that is supported by scientific arguments; it is destined to impact assessment of the use of new biological products in agriculture.
27 Nov 2012
TL;DR: A new approach to select relevant event sequences among the event sequences generated by a black-box model that scales to large applications and, at the same time, leads to an informed selection of event sequences is proposed.
Abstract: GUI testing is an active research area. The open challenge is the judicious generation of event sequences (an event sequence encodes a user interaction). A major advance in this direction is the use of a black-box model to systematically generate event sequences that are executable on the GUI. The black-box model can be, e.g., an Event Flow Graph (EFG) or an Event Sequence Graph (ESG). In this paper we propose a new approach to select relevant event sequences among the event sequences generated by a black-box model. We express the relevance of an event sequence by a precisely defined dependency between a fixed number of events in the event sequence. Departing from a pure black-box approach we apply a static analysis to the byte code of the application. This allows us to infer a dependency graph, which we call Event Dependency Graph (EDG). We use the EDG together with a black-box model to construct a set of relevant event sequences among the executable ones. We have implemented our approach in a new tool. We evaluate the approach on four open source GUI applications. With the specific choice of a lightweight static analysis, the approach scales to large applications and, at the same time, leads to an informed selection of event sequences. Using our approach we are able to find previously undetected bugs.
TL;DR: It is concluded that there are five types of cells in the hemolymph of B. glabrata and B. straminea, namely: blast-like cells, granulocytes, type I hyalinocyte, type II hyalinocytes and type III Hyalinocytes.
TL;DR: Evidence is found that argues against any superiority in terms of hard outcomes between blood or crystalloid cardioplegia for myocardial protection during cardiac surgery.
Abstract: Objective:To compare the efficacy of blood versus crystalloid cardioplegia for myocardial protection in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.Methods:MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL/CCTR, SciELO, LILACS, Go...
TL;DR: RPE can be effectively used to prescribe and monitor resistance exercise intensity during an entire multiple-set exercise session in young men with previous experience in resistance training, and is higher at 70% of 1 repetition maximum (1RM) than that at 50% of1RM.
Abstract: The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of intensity on rating of perceived exertion (RPE) during a multiple-set resistance exercise session. Fourteen men (22.9 ± 3.8 years) with previous experience in resistance training (22.9 ± 3.8 years) performed 2 experimental sessions in random order: resistance exercise at 50% of 1 repetition maximum (1RM) (E50%) and resistance exercise at 70% of 1RM (E70%). In both sessions, 5 exercises (bench press, bent-over row, frontal raises, arm curl, and overhead triceps extension) were performed in 3 sets of 12, 9, and 6 repetitions, respectively. Active muscle RPEs were measured after each repetition using the OMNI-Resistance Exercise Scale (OMNI-RES). In the 3 sets of 5 exercises, the RPE was higher at E70% than that at E50%. The differences in RPE between intensities were observed in both the first and the sixth repetitions for each exercise. In the E70% session, the RPE increased between sets in all exercises, whereas it did not change in the E50% session. In conclusion, the RPE was higher at 70% of 1RM than that at 50% of 1RM. Moreover, in a multiple-set prescription, the RPE did not change between sets with 50% of 1RM, whereas the RPE increased between sets with 70% of 1RM. These findings suggest that RPE can be effectively used to prescribe and monitor resistance exercise intensity during an entire multiple-set exercise session in young men with previous experience in resistance training.
25 Oct 2012
TL;DR: Bisphosphonates seem to have an inhibitory effect on the atherosclerotic process; however, larger placebo-controlled studies are needed to better clarify this issue.
Abstract: Background: Osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease are interconnected entities with pathophysiological similarities. Bisphosphonates are therapeutic options available for resorptive bone diseases; however, experimental evidence has demonstrated a role for bisphosphonates in the inhibition of atherogenesis.
Methods: A systematic review of the vascular effects of bisphosphonates on atherosclerosis was performed. Vascular effects were evaluated by the thickening of the intima-media of carotid arteries and calcification of the coronary and aorta arteries. Electronic databases PubMed,The Cochrane Library, and Embase from January 1980 to May 2011 were searched.
Results: Of 169 potentially relevant articles, 9 clinical trials were selected. Two articles showed the benefit of the use of etidronate (-0.038 mm, P < 0.005) and alendronate (-0.025 mm, P < 0.05) on carotid artery intima-media thickening (CIMT) after one year. One article found no changes associated with the use of alendronate. The use of risedronate was associated with a reduction of plaque score on the carotid arteries (decrease of 1% at 1 year, P = 0.015). Of those studies that evaluated the effect on coronary artery calcification (CAC), the results are conflicting: one study showed no changes with use of etidronate and in another, etidronate resulted in inhibition of the process of CAC after 1 year of follow-up (-372 mm3 in CAC score, P < 0.01). Three studies showed positive effects of etidronate on the aortic calcificaton (AC) score, showing no effect with use of ibandronate, and another showed a inhibition in the progression of the abdominal AC score with use of risendronate (P = 0.043).
Conclusion: Bisphosphonates seem to have an inhibitory effect on the atherosclerotic process; however, larger placebo-controlled studies are needed to better clarify this issue.
17 Apr 2012
TL;DR: A new method to solve complex mathematical constraints such as constraints that include floating-point variables and transcendental functions is presented, which combines two existing methods: meta-heuristic search and interval solving.
Abstract: A challenging problem in symbolic execution is to solve complex mathematical constraints such as constraints that include floating-point variables and transcendental functions. The inability to solve such constraints limit the application scope of symbolic execution. In this paper, we present a new method to solve such complex math constraints. Our method combines two existing: meta-heuristic search and interval solving. Conceptually, the combination explores the synergy of the individual methods to improve constraint solving. We implemented the new method in the CORAL constraint-solving infrastructure, and evaluated its effectiveness on a set of publicly-available software from the aerospace domain. Results indicate that the new method can solve significantly more complex mathematical constraints than previous techniques.
TL;DR: It is proved that if the control law is asymmetric then transient errors, measured in terms of displacement between the leader and the trailing car, grow at an exponential rate in N, the length of the platoon, which contrasts sharply with the symmetric (bidirectional) case.
Abstract: This paper analyzes the transient dynamics of one dimensional flocks, platoons, i.e., a finite collection of identical vehicles moving on the line, with a single leader with independent motion. We show for a class of platoon control laws that if the information flow is asymmetric then a motion change of the leader will cause system transients with amplitudes that grow at an exponential rate as the length of the platoon increases. With suitable choice of the control parameters the system is asymptotically stable and in steady state all vehicles move at the same velocity as the leader and at the required separation. When the leader changes velocity, over very long time scales the vehicles in the platoon tend to the steady state dictated by the leader's new velocity. The transient dynamics in the intermediary regime can however appear quite unstable, where the trailing vehicle can undergo oscillatory motion with amplitudes that grow exponentially large with the number of cars N in the platoon, or may be irresponsive over an exponentially long time to the change in the motion of the leader. In this paper we prove that if the control law is asymmetric then such transient errors, measured in terms of displacement between the leader and the trailing car, grow at an exponential rate in N, the length of the platoon. This contrasts sharply with the symmetric (bidirectional) case when such transient errors grow only linearly in the length of the platoon, the theoretical minimum for decentralized linear time-invariant platoon control systems with a constant vehicle spacing policy. These results suggest that symmetry of the information flow is an important design parameter for safe control laws for platoons.
TL;DR: A statistically significant association was found between dental caries prevalence and family income and the educational level of parents and guardians and the caries indices.
Abstract: The aim of the present study was to investigate caries prevalence and socioeconomic factors in children with sickle cell anemia. This study was conducted in 160 children with sickle cell anemia aged 3 to 12 years attending the Center for Hematology in Recife, Brazil. Data collection included interviews with guardians concerning social factors and oral examinations to determine the caries prevalence. Statistical analyses were performed using the Kruskal-Wallis and Pearson's chi-square tests at a 5% significance level. The caries prevalence was 55.0%. The dmft index was 2.12, and the DMFT index was 1.50. Income significantly influenced dmft; the mean dmft was 4.57 in children whose family income was less than the Brazilian minimum wage (BMW), whereas in children with a family income three times the BMW or higher, the mean dmft was 2.27. No statistically positive association was found between the educational level of parents and guardians and the caries indices. A statistically significant association was found between dental caries prevalence and family income.
TL;DR: A need to train healthcare professionals to identify acanthosis nigricans in childhood permits the safe and timely treatment of cardiometabolic disorders through careful monitoring and appropriate treatment.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Studies have suggested an association between the presence of acanthosis nigricans (AN) and the development of diabetes. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between AN and insulin resistance (IR) in overweight children and adolescents receiving care at the Center for Childhood Obesity, Campina Grande, PB. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted between April 2009 and April 2010 including 194 individuals of 2 to 18 years of age receiving care within the Brazilian national health network. The presence of acanthosis nigricans was verified and anthropometric measurements were taken. The following tests were performed: insulin, triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol, glucose and homeostasis model of assessment - insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Statistical analyses were performed using the SPSS software program, version 17.0. RESULTS: There was a greater prevalence of females (66%), brown-skinned individuals (63.4%), adolescents (61.3%) and severely obese individuals (66.5%). Acanthosis nigricans was identified in 58.2% and IR in 42.7% of the participants. Acanthosis nigricans was associated with being non-white (p = 0.003), with being an adolescent (p = 0.003) and with IR (p = 0.001). Non-white individuals, adolescents and those with insulin resistance were 5.4, 2.47 and 2.66 times more likely to have acanthosis nigricans, respectively. CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicate a need to train healthcare professionals to identify acanthosis nigricans, since this condition is associated with IR. Identifying acanthosis nigricans in childhood permits the safe and timely treatment of cardiometabolic disorders through careful monitoring and appropriate treatment.
TL;DR: A descriptive analysis of triatomine occurrence and natural Trypanosoma infection rates in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil, between 2006 and 2007 is presented in this article.
Abstract: The present study shows a descriptive analysis of triatomine occurrence and
its natural Trypanosoma infection rates in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil, between 2006 and
2007. Methods: Entomological data for the species, such as specimens captured in both intra
and peridomiciles and natural infection index, were obtained via domiciliary capture in 147
municipalities from 11 Regional Managements of Health. The database was obtained from
a sample of insects (100% infected and 20% non-infected) sent to the Central Laboratory of
Pernambuco. Results: A total of 18,029 triatomines were analyzed from 138 municipalities of
the state. Triatoma pseudomaculata (35%), Triatoma brasiliensis (34%), and Panstrongylus lutzi
(25%) were the most captured species. These species also showed a widespread geographical
distribution in the state. Panstrongylus megistus, Triatoma petrocchiae, Triatoma melanocephala,
Triatoma sordida, Rhodnius nasutus, Rhodnius neglectus, and Triatoma infestans showed more
limited geographical distribution and lower relative abundance. The parasitological research
showed that 8.8% of the triatomines were naturally infected with flagellates morphologically
similar to Trypanosoma cruzi and 91.3% of them were captured inside houses in 113
municipalities. P. lutzi showed the highest rates of natural infection. Conclusions: After the
control of T. infestans, synanthropic species, such as T. brasiliensis, T. pseudomaculata, and
P. lutzi, maintain the risk of T. cruzi transmission to humans in the state of Pernambuco. These
species are widely distributed, and infected specimens have been found inside houses. Thus, an
enhanced surveillance and vector control of Chagas disease is recommended in Pernambuco.
TL;DR: The present paper is a narrative review about the ACL epidemiology in Pernambuco, northeastern Brazil and the need for more effective diagnosis, treatment, control and prevention strategies for the affected populations is highlighted.
Abstract: American cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL) is a complex disease with clinical and epidemiological features that may vary from region to region. In fact, at least seven different Leishmania species, including Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis, Leishmania (Viannia) guyanensis, Leishmania (Viannia) lainsoni, Leishmania (Viannia) naiffi, Leishmania (Viannia) shawi, Leishmania (Viannia) lindenbergi, and Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis, have been implicated in the etiology of ACL in Brazil, and numerous phlebotomine sandfly species of the genus Lutzomyia have been regarded as putative or proven vectors. Because ACL is a focal disease, understanding the disease dynamics at the local level is essential for the implementation of more effective control measures. The present paper is a narrative review about the ACL epidemiology in Pernambuco, northeastern Brazil. Furthermore, the need for more effective diagnosis, treatment, control and prevention strategies for the affected populations is highlighted. This paper will provide researchers with a critical appraisal of ACL in Pernambuco. Hopefully, it will also be helpful for public health authorities to improve current control strategies against ACL at the state and country levels.
TL;DR: The pit and fissure sealant utilised in this study was shown to be effective in arresting carious lesions at 36 months.
TL;DR: With a vaccine price of R$16.89 (US$7.23) per dose, vaccination against hepatitis A was a cost-saving strategy in the low and intermediate endemicity regions and in Brazil as a whole from both health system and society perspective.
Proceedings Article•
18 Nov 2012TL;DR: This work presents the most popular application domains where DSLs have been applied, identifies different tools for handling DSLs, including language workbenches, and enumerates several techniques, methods and/or processes for dealing with DSLs.
Abstract: Domain-Specific Languages (DSLs) offer substantial gains in expressiveness and ease of use compared with general purpose languages. This way, DSLs have gained significant attention in industry and academy, as can be seen by the increased number of related publications in key conferences and journals. This paper aims to provide a broad view of the DSL research field by performing a Systematic Mapping Study. Adopting a detailed search strategy, 4450 studies were initially identified, and, after filtering, 1440 primary studies were selected and categorized using a particular classification scheme. So, this work presents the most popular application domains where DSLs have been applied, identifies different tools for handling DSLs, including language workbenches, and enumerates several techniques, methods and/or processes for dealing with DSLs.