Computed tomography and scintigraphy exams for diagnosis and treatment planning of the condylar osteochondroma: a case report

PURPOSE: To report an uncommon case of osteochondroma affecting the mandibular condyle of a young patient and to illustrate the important contributions of different imaging resources to the diagnosis and treatment planning of this lesion. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 24-year-old female patient with the chief complaint of an increasing facial asymmetry and pain in the left pre-auricular region, revealing a reduced mouth opening, mandibular deviation and posterior cross-bite over a period of 18 months. Panoramic radiography revealed an enlargement of the left condyle, whereas computed tomography (CT) sections and three-dimensional CT showed a well-defined bone growth arising from condylar neck. The scintigraphy exam showed an abnormal osteogenic activity in the left temporomandibular joint. The condyle was surgically removed and after 18 months follow-up the panoramic radiography and CT scans showed no signs of recurrence. CONCLUSION: Although osteochondroma is a benign bone tumor that rarely arises in cranial and maxillofacial region, it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of slow-growing masses of the temporomandibular area and the use of different imaging exams significantly contribute to the correct diagnosis and treatment planning of this pathological condition.

Planning and operation of large-scale water distribution systems with preemptive priorities

This paper describes the development of an optimization model for the management and operation of a large-scale, multireservoir water supply distribution system with preemptive priorities. The model considers multiobjectives and hedging rules. During periods of drought, when water supply is insufficient to meet the planned demand, appropriate rationing factors are applied to reduce water supply. In this paper, a water distribution system is formulated as a network and solved by the GAMS modeling system for mathematical programming and optimization. A user-friendly interface is developed to facilitate the manipulation of data and to generate graphs and tables for decision makers. The optimization model and its interface form a decision support system (DSS), which can be used to configure a water distribution system to facilitate capacity expansion and reliability studies. Several examples are presented to demonstrate the utility and versatility of the developed DSS under different supply and demand scenarios, including applications to one of the largest water supply systems in the world, the Sao Paulo Metropolitan Area Water Supply Distribution System in Brazil.

Caracter��sticas sociodemogr��ficas da mortalidade por c��ncer de boca em Bauru, SP, no per��odo de 1991 a 2001: uso de geoprocessamento

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar as taxas de mortalidade por c��ncer de boca no per��odo de 1991-2001, no munic��pio de Bauru-SP. A fonte de informa����o utilizada para o reconhecimento e sele����o da popula����o-alvo foram Certid��es de ��bito dos Cart��rios do munic��pio de Bauru com dados relativos ao per��odo 1991-2001. Foram coletadas informa����es referentes a sexo, idade, localiza����o da les��o e endere��o. A coleta dos endere��os visou �� identifica����o no mapa do munic��pio de Bauru da localiza����o geogr��fica do domic��lio. Utilizando ferramentas do geoprocessamento, foi feita a inser����o no mapa dos casos identificados. Foram registrados 67 casos de morte por c��ncer de boca na cidade de Bauru entre 1991 e 2001, com maiores taxas no sexo masculino e sexta d��cada de vida. A an��lise da distribui����o espacial mostra que a maioria dos casos encontra-se pr��xima �� linha f��rrea que corta o munic��pio e foi respons��vel, em grande parte, pela ocupa����o territorial pela popula����o, sendo esta tamb��m uma ��rea que abrange os bairros mais antigos do munic��pio. O c��ncer de boca constitui importante causa de ��bito no munic��pio, requerendo um planejamento de a����es georreferenciadas pelo sistema local de sa��de.

Forma����o de profissionais de sa��de no Brasil: uma an��lise no per��odo de 1991 a 2008

Estudo conduzido com o objetivo de contribuir para o planejamento e implementa����o de pol��ticas de qualifica����o profissional no campo da sa��de. Foram analisados 14 cursos de gradua����o da ��rea da sa��de: biomedicina, ci��ncias biol��gicas, educa����o f��sica, enfermagem, farm��cia, fisioterapia, fonoaudiologia, medicina, medicina veterin��ria, nutri����o, odontologia, psicologia, servi��o social e terapia ocupacional, no per��odo de 1991 a 2008. Dados sobre n��mero de ingressantes, taxa de ocupa����o de vagas, distribui����o de concluintes por habitante, g��nero e renda familiar foram coletados a partir dos bancos do Minist��rio da Educa����o. Para o curso de medicina, a rela����o foi de 40 candidatos por vaga nas institui����es p��blicas contra 10 nas privadas. A maioria dos ingressantes era composta por mulheres. A regi��o Sudeste concentrou 57% dos concluintes, corroborando o desequil��brio de distribui����o regional das oportunidades de forma����o de profissionais de sa��de e indicando a necessidade de pol��ticas de incentivo �� redu����o dessas desigualdades.

Spatial pattern detection modeling of thrips (Thrips tabaci) on onion fields

Onion (Allium cepa) is one of the most cultivated and consumed vegetables in Brazil and its importance is due to the large laborforce involved. One of the main pests that affect this crop is the Onion Thrips (Thrips tabaci), but the spatial distribution of this insect, although important, has not been considered in crop management recommendations, experimental planning or sampling procedures. Our purpose here is to consider statistical tools to detect and model spatial patterns of the occurrence of the onion thrips. In order to characterize the spatial distribution pattern of the Onion Thrips a survey was carried out to record the number of insects in each development phase on onion plant leaves, on different dates and sample locations, in four rural properties with neighboring farms under different infestation levels and planting methods. The Mantel randomization test proved to be a useful tool to test for spatial correlation which, when detected, was described by a mixed spatial Poisson model with a geostatistical random component and parameters allowing for a characterization of the spatial pattern, as well as the production of prediction maps of susceptibility to levels of infestation throughout the area.

Weekend/weekday differences in concentrations of ozone, nox, and non-methane hydrocarbon in the metropolitan area of S��o Paulo

Ozone and inhalable particulate matter are the major air pollutants in the Metropolitan Area of S��o Paulo, Brazil, a region that has more than 19 million inhabitants and approximately 7 million registered vehicles. Proximity of roadways, adjacent land use, and local circulation are just some of the factors that can affect the results of monitoring of pollutant concentrations. The so-called weekend effect (higher ozone concentrations on weekends than on weekdays) might be related to the fact that concentrations of ozone precursors, such as nitrogen oxides (NOx) and Non Methane-Hydrocarbon (NMHC), are relatively lower on weekends. This phenomenon has been reported in some areas of the United States since the 1970s. The differences between the concentrations of ozone in period of weekend and weekday, were obtained from analysis of data hourly average of CETESB for 2004, studied the precursors to the formation of troposphere ozone, the meteorological variables and traffic profile for RMSP. Because of the proximity to sources of emissions from the station Pinheiros showed higher concentrations of NO and NO�� and greater variations to the periods weekend and weekday. With fewer vehicles circulating during the weekend, and consequently less emission of pollutants, it has cleaner air and less concentration of NO and NO��, there is the ideal setting to the formation of troposphere ozone, despite the lower concentration of NO��. The proximity with the source emissions, aided by the increased availability of solar radiation and the presence of ozone precursors, were factors conditions for the occurrence of weekend effect.

Allometric models for estimating the phytomass of a secondary Atlantic Forest area of southeastern Brazil

The purpose of this study was to develop and validate equations to estimate the aboveground phytomass of a 30 years old plot of Atlantic Forest. In two plots of 100 m��, a total of 82 trees were cut down at ground level. For each tree, height and diameter were measured. Leaves and woody material were separated in order to determine their fresh weights in field conditions. Samples of each fraction were oven dried at 80 ��C to constant weight to determine their dry weight. Tree data were divided into two random samples. One sample was used for the development of the regression equations, and the other for validation. The models were developed using single linear regression analysis, where the dependent variable was the dry mass, and the independent variables were height (h), diameter (d) and d��h. The validation was carried out using Pearson correlation coefficient, paired t-Student test and standard error of estimation. The best equations to estimate aboveground phytomass were: lnDW = -3.068+2.522lnd (r�� = 0.91; s y/x = 0.67) and lnDW = -3.676+0.951ln d��h (r�� = 0.94; s y/x = 0.56).

Modelos preditores da fitomassa a��rea da Floresta Baixa de Restinga

Este estudo teve como objetivo desenvolver modelos preditores de fitomassa epig��a da vegeta����o arb��rea da Floresta Baixa de Restinga. Foram selecionadas 102 ��rvores de 29 esp��cies ocorrentes na ��rea de estudo e 102 indiv��duos de jeriv�� (Syagrus romanzoffiana (Cham.) Glassman), distribu��dos proporcionalmente entre as classes de di��metro da vegeta����o arb��rea. As ��rvores foram cortadas, ao n��vel do solo e foram medidos a altura total e o di��metro �� altura do peito (DAP) de cada ��rvore. As folhas foram separadas do lenho e a massa fresca da por����o lenhosa e foliar medidas separadamente. Amostras de cada fra����o foram secas a 70 ��C, at�� peso constante, para determina����o da massa seca das ��rvores. Os modelos foram desenvolvidos atrav��s de an��lise de regress��o linear, sendo a vari��vel dependente a massa seca (MS) das ��rvores e as vari��veis independentes a altura (h), o di��metro a altura do peito (d) e as rela����es d�� h e d�� h multiplicada pela densidade da madeira (ρ d�� h). Os modelos desenvolvidos indicam que o di��metro explica grande parte da variabilidade da fitomassa das ��rvores da restinga e a altura �� a vari��vel explanat��ria da equa����o espec��fica para o jeriv��. Os modelos selecionados foram: ln MS (kg) = -1,352 + 2,009 ln d (R�� = 0,96; s yx = 0,34) para a comunidade vegetal sem jeriv��, ln MS (kg) = -2,052 + 0,801 ln d�� h (R�� = 0,94; s yx = 0,38) para a comunidade incluindo o jeriv��, e ln MS (kg) = -0,884 + 2,40 ln h (R�� = 0,92; s yx = 0,49) para o jeriv��.

A cave population of Isbrueckerichthys alipionis (Gosline, 1947) in the Upper Ribeira karst area, southeastern Brazil (Siluriformes: Loricariidae)

A cave population of the armored catfish Isbrueckerichthys alipionis is reported from the Santana Cave, in the rio Betari watershed, Upper Ribeira karst area, Iporanga, S��o Paulo State, southeastern Brazil. The cave population was compared to an epigean population of I. alipionis and no significant differences where found in morphology or degree of pigmentation. As the cave population is known for at least 30 years and is apparently isolated from epigean streams, it is classified as troglophilic. The discovery of this troglophilic species in the Santana Cave is an additional strong argument for the conservation of that cave.

Ituglanis mambai, a new subterranean catfish from a karst area of Central Brazil, rio Tocantins basin (Siluriformes: Trichomycteridae)

Ituglanis mambai, new species, is described from a cave in the Mamba�� karst area, State of Goi��s, Central Brazil. The new species distinguishes from epigean and cave congeners by the combination of the following characteristics: posterior supraoccipital fontanel absent; pectoral-fin rays usually i,7; six pleural ribs; total vertebrae 37-38 behind Weberian apparatus; shorter predorsal length (65.1-70.8% SL); shorter caudal peduncle length (8.4-11.9% SL); shorter dorsal-fin base length (7.7-11.3% SL); wider interobital width (29.2-36.5% HL); larger mouth width (43.4-64.0% HL); intermediate between epigean and other cave Ituglanis species as regards to both eyes (diameter varying from 0.5 to1.0 mm in adults, 7.8-10.1 % HL) and pigmentation, composed by irregular light brown spots along the body. The latter indicate the troglobitic status for I. mambai. In addition, this species has the maxillae with a discrete medial-posterior projection; fronto-lacrimal one half-length of the maxillae and pointed backwards; posterior process of palatine half its length, with a tenuous medial concavity; 14 dorsal and 12 ventral procurrent rays. In the natural habitat, I. mambai displayed cryptobiotic habits, trying to hide in the graveled bottom or under boulders when disturbed, apparently showing a negative response to light. It was observed a preference to slow-moving waters. Recent flood marks were observed in the stream conduit in March/April 2007 (end of the rainy season) when less individuals were observed on 300 m of the subterranean stream compared to September 2004 (end of the dry season).

Epigean and subterranean ichthyofauna in Cordisburgo karst area, eastern Brazil

After an ichthyofaunistic survey conducted in May 2007 on surface (epigean) water bodies of Cordisburgo karst area, State of Minas Gerais, 13 species were recorded, mostly characiforms; in addition three non-troglomorphic (normally eyed and pigmented) and one troglomorphic catfish (siluriforms) species were recorded in two caves surveyed at different occasions, totaling 17 fish species for the area. All the nominal species herein reported for Cordisburgo area have been previously reported for the Rio das Velhas basin. None of the species observed in caves were found in epigean habitats and vice-versa. The four cave species are distributed throughout subterranean stream reaches, with individuals at different size/age classes. This, associated to the lack of conspicuous morphological differences in relation to epigean congeners, indicate that Trichomycterus brasiliensis, Gymnotus cf. carapo and Pimelodella cf. vittata are troglophiles (species encompassing individuals able to live and complete their life cycle either in the surface or in the subterranean environment) in the Morena Cave; the latter forms a large population and may be at the beginning of a differentiation process due to isolation in the subterranean habitat, as indicated by a slight reduction in eye size. Topographic isolation may be the cause for the incipient, but unmistakable troglomorphism of the Rhamdiopsis population found in the Salitre Cave, allowing for its classification as troglobite (exclusively subterranean species). The Cordisburgo area is subject to significant anthropic pressure, mainly represented by deforestation for agriculture, cattle raising and timbering. Tourism is an additional important threat for cave communities, calling for urgent protection measures.

Natural history and population data of fishes in caves of the Serra do Ramalho karst area, Middle S��o Francisco basin, northeastern Brazil

During the exploration and mapping of new caves in Serra do Ramalho karst area, southern Bahia state, cavers from the Grupo Bambu�� de Pesquisas Espeleol��gicas - GBPE (Belo Horizonte) noticed the presence of troglomorphic catfishes (species with reduced eyes and/or melanic pigmentation), which we intensively investigated with regards to their ecology and behavior since 2005. Non-troglomorphic fishes regularly found in the studied caves were included in this investigation. We present here data on the natural history of two troglobitic (exclusively subterranean troglomorphic species) fishes - Rhamdia enfurnada Bichuette & Trajano, 2005 (Heptapteridae; Gruna do Enfurnado) and Trichomycterus undescribed species (Trichomycteridae; Lapa dos Peixes and Gruna da ��gua Clara), and non-troglomorphic Hoplias cf. malabaricus, probably a troglophile (able to form populations both in epigean and subterranean habitats) in the Gruna do Enfurnado, and Pimelodella sp., a species with a sink population in the Lapa dos Peixes.

Surface and subterranean ichthyofauna in the Serra do Ramalho karst area, northeastern Brazil, with updated lists of Brazilian troglobitic and troglophilic fishes

After an ichthyofaunistic survey in several epigean (surface) water bodies of the Serra do Ramalho, southern Bahia, conducted in May 2007, 44 species were recorded; in addition, three non-troglomorphic (normally eyed and pigmented) and two troglomorphic species were recorded only in caves, totaling 49 species of fishes for the area, which represents a little more than one fourth of the total registered in the literature for the entire Rio S��o Francisco basin. In these caves, which have been studied since 2005, eight non-troglomorphic species were sampled and their presence in both epigean and subterranean habitats, associated to the lack of morphological differences, indicate that they may be either troglophiles (species encompassing individuals able to live and complete their life cycle either in the surface or in the subterranean environment), trogloxenes (individuals regularly found in subterranean habitats, but which must return periodically to the surface in order to complete their life cycle) or even accidental in caves. In addition, two troglomorphic species (with reduced eyes and melanic pigmentation when compared to close epigean relatives), belonging respectively to the genera Rhamdia and Trichomycterus, were recorded exclusively in caves, thus classified as troglobites. Interestingly, no epigean representative of the genus Trichomycterus was collected. The new data are integrated into updated lists of Brazilian troglobitic and troglophilic fishes, based on published data and new records recently confirmed.

Benthic macrofauna structure in the northeast area of Todos os Santos Bay, Bahia State, Brazil: patterns of spatial and seasonal distribution

Structure of intertidal and subtidal benthic macrofauna in the northeastern region of Todos os Santos Bay (TSB), northeast Brazil, was investigated during a period of two years. Relationships with environmental parameters were studied through uni-and multivariate statistical analyses, and the main distributional patterns shown to be especially related to sediment type and content of organic fractions (Carbon, Nitrogen, Phosphorus), on both temporal and spatial scales. Polychaete annelids accounted for more than 70% of the total fauna and showed low densities, species richness and diversity, except for the area situated on the reef banks. These banks constitute a peculiar environment in relation to the rest of the region by having coarse sediments poor in organic matter and rich in biodetritic carbonates besides an abundant and diverse fauna. The intertidal region and the shallower area nearer to the oil refinery RLAM, with sediments composed mainly of fine sand, seem to constitute an unstable system with few highly dominant species, such as Armandia polyophthalma and Laeonereis acuta. In the other regions of TSB, where muddy bottoms predominated, densities and diversity were low, especially in the stations near the refinery. Here the lowest values of the biological indicators occurred together with the highest organic compound content. In addition, the nearest sites (stations 4 and 7) were sometimes azoic. The adjacent Caboto, considered as a control area at first, presented low density but intermediate values of species diversity, which indicates a less disturbed environment in relation to the pelitic infralittoral in front of the refinery. The results of the ordination analyses evidenced five homogeneous groups of stations (intertidal; reef banks; pelitic infralittoral; mixed sediments; Caboto) with different specific patterns, a fact which seems to be mainly related to granulometry and chemical sediment characteristics.

Ichthyofauna in an estuary of the Mataripe area, Todos os Santos Bay, Bahia, Brazil

The community structure and dynamics as well as some biological parameters of selected species of the ichthyofauna of the Mataripe estuarine region affected by the Landulfo Alves Oil Refinery (RLAM) were analyzed. Twenty stations were sampled with a gillnet in five different periods: August and December 2003, March and July/August 2004 and January 2005. Thirty-five actinopterygian species and one elasmobranch species were recorded, Oligoplites saurus, Diapterus rhombeus, Lutjanus synagris and Scomberomorus brasiliensis among them, on all the campaigns. A total of 1368 specimens, weighing 36.10 kg, were caught. The ichthyofauna total biomass was greater, in weight, on the eastern side of the study region, especially at the stations close to the shoals/reefs and the rocky bottom. A similar pattern was also observed for the diversity values. In general, low evenness and diversity were observed in the area studied, possibly as a result of the fishing gear used. D. rhombeus juveniles dominated in all but one of the samplings (July 2004), in which latter Cyclichthys spinosus was dominant. Carangids and species associated with consolidated bottoms were observed, although in small numbers, throughout the study period. In spite of the limitations imposed by the gear used for sampling, the estuarine area influenced by the RLAM was seen to play a role as a growth area for the great majority of species, especially the mojarra (D. rhombeus), but it offers no fishing potential due to the prevalence of young and small individuals. Evidence of imminent spawning was recorded for Pomadasys corvinaeformis in August 2003, and recent spawning in March 2004 for Oligoplites saurus. Further, mature individuals occurred in insufficient numbers to permit population level evaluation.