Simulations under Ideal and Nonideal Conditions for Characterization of a Passive Doppler Geographical Location System Using Extension of Data Reception Network

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Value of ultrasonographic contrast in duplex scanning of leg arteries - Comparison with conventional duplex scanning and arteriography

Aim. Duplex scanning has been used in the evaluation of the aorta and proximal arteries of the lower extremities, but has limitations in evaluating the arteries of the leg. The utilization of ultrasonographic contrast (USC) may be helpful in improving the quality of the image in these arteries. The objective of the present study was to verify whether the USC increases the diagnostic accuracy of patency of the leg arteries and if it diminishes the time needed to perform duplex scanning.Methods. Twenty patients with critical ischemia (20 lower extremities) were examined by standard duplex scanning, duplex scanning with contrast and digital subtraction arteriography (DSA). The 3 arteries of the leg were divided into 3 segments, for a total of 9 segments per limb. Each segment was evaluated for patency in order to compare the 3 diagnostic methods. Comparison was made between standard duplex scanning and duplex scanning with contrast in terms of quality of the color-coded Doppler signal and of the spectral curve, and also of the time to perform the exams.Results. Duplex scanning with contrast was similar to arteriography in relation to patency diagnosis (p>0.3) and even superior in some of the segments. Standard duplex scanning was inferior to arteriography and to duplex scanning with contrast (p<0.001). There were improvements of 70% in intensity of the color-coded Doppler signal and 76% in the spectral curve after the utilization of contrast. The time necessary to perform the examinations was 23.7 minutes for standard duplex scanning and 16.9 minutes for duplex scanning with contrast (p<0.001).Conclusion. The use of ultrasonographic contrast increased the accuracy of the diagnosis of patency of leg arteries and diminished the time necessary for the execution of duplex scanning.

A university extension course in leprosy: telemedicine in the Amazon for primary healthcare

There is a high prevalence of leprosy in the Amazon region of Brazil. We have developed a distance education course in leprosy for training staff of the Family Health Teams (FHTs). The course was made available through a web portal. Tele-educational resources were mediated by professors and coordinators, and included the use of theoretical content available through the web, discussion lists, Internet chat, activity diaries, 3-D video animations (Virtual Human on Leprosy), classes in video streaming and case simulation. Sixty-five FHT staff members were enrolled. All of them completed the course and 47 participants received a certificate at the end of the course. At the end of the course, 48 course-evaluation questionnaires were answered. A total of 47 participants (98%) considered the course as excellent. The results demonstrate the feasibility of an interactive, tele-education model as an educational resource for staff in isolated regions. Improvements in diagnostic skills should increase diagnostic suspicion of leprosy and may contribute to early detection.

Evaluation of Different Retention Systems on a Distal Extension Removable Partial Denture Associated With an Osseointegrated Implant

The aim of this study was to evaluate the biomechanical behavior of a mandibular distal extension removable partial denture (DERPD) associated with an implant and different retention system, by bidimensional finite element method. Five hemimandible models with a canine and external hexagon implant at second molar region associated with DERPD were simulated: model A, hemimandible with a canine and a DERPD; model B, hemimandible with a canine and implant with a healing abutment associated to a DERPD; model C, hemimandible with a canine and implant with an ERA attachment associated to a DERPD; model D, hemimandible with a canine and implant with an O'ring attachment associated to a DERPD; and model E, hemimandible with a canine and implant-supported prosthesis associated to a DERPD. Cusp tips were loaded with 50 N of axial or oblique force (45 degrees). Finite element analysis was performed in ANSYS 9.0. model E showed the higher displacement and overload in the supporting tissues; the patterns of stress distribution around the dental apex of models B, C, and D were similar. The association between a DERPD and an osseointegrated implant using the ERA or O'ring systems shows lower stress values. Oblique forces showed higher stress values and displacement. Oblique forces increased the displacement and stress levels in all models; model C displayed the best stress distribution in the supporting structures; healing abutment, ERA, and O'ring systems were viable with RPD, but DERPD association with a single implant-supported prosthesis was nonviable.

Tunnel technique with a surgical maneuver to increase the graft extension: Case report with a 3-year follow-up

Background: This article reports a clinical case with a 3-year follow-up in which a subepithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG) was used with the tunnel technique to treat multiple gingival recessions, and describes a technique used to enlarge the extension of the graft.Methods: A 41 -year-old female patient was referred for evaluation and treatment of maxillary multiple recessions. Following basic therapy, the plaque index was 23%, and the gingival index was 12%. Thus, SCTG with the tunnel technique was proposed to provide root coverage of Miller Class I recession on teeth #8 through #11 and a Miller Class III recession on tooth #12. After the donor area had been prepared, SCTG was removed and split cross-sectionally to lengthen it. The graft was placed through the tunnel and sutured.Results: Two weeks after the surgical procedure, the tissue color was nearly homogeneous with some reddish regions where the connective tissue was left uncovered, and there were no signs of incisions or suture marks. After 3 years of follow-up, the mean coverage of the recessions was 2.2 +/- 0.7 mm (74.2%), which corresponded to the gain of keratinized tissue. In addition, a gain in tissue thickness was observed.Conclusion: In a long-term evaluation, the tunnel technique with the elongated SCTG was used successfully for treatment of multiple gingival recessions with an increase of the soft tissue volume and gain of keratinized tissue.

Reptilia, Squamata, Dipsadidae, Xenodontinae, Taeniophallus brevirostris (Peters, 1863): distribution extension and new state record.

Taeniophallus brevirostris is a dipsadid snake widely distributed in Amazon. Here we report a new Brazilian state record for the species, improving our knowledge of its geographic distribution. 0n 15 May of 2008, one female specimen was collected do Serra do Santo Expediot, Aripuana municipality, state of Mato Grosso, Brazil. This is the first record of this species for the state of Mato Grosso and extends its distribution ca. 300 kilometers from the nearest localities presented in literature.

Efeito de diferentes intervalos de recuperação entre as séries sobre o desempenho muscular no exercício leg-press em idosas não treinadas

OBJETIVO: Verificar a influência de dois diferentes intervalos de recuperação (IR) entre as séries no exercício leg-press sobre o número e sustentabilidade das repetições e no volume total, em idosas não treinadas. MÉTODOS: Onze idosas (66,5 ± 5,0 anos; 59,2 ± 9,1kg; 146,4 ± 34,9cm) foram submetidas a duas sessões experimentais de exercícios com pesos com intensidade de 15 repetições máximas. Cada sessão experimental foi composta por três séries realizadas até a fadiga muscular utilizando IR de um (IR-1) ou três minutos (IR-3). As sessões experimentais foram separadas por, no mínimo, 48 horas. Todas as participantes realizaram ambos os protocolos e um delineamento cross-over balanceado foi utilizado para determinar a ordem das sessões experimentais. RESULTADOS: Para ambos os IR entre as séries, reduções significativas (P < 0,05) no número e na sustentabilidade das repetições foram observadas da primeira para a segunda e terceira séries e da segunda para a terceira séries. Diferenças significativas (P < 0,05) entre os IR foram observadas nas duas séries finais. O volume total da sessão realizada com IR-3 foi estatisticamente superior (20,4%; P < 0,05) quando comparada a sessão IR-1. CONCLUSÃO: O número e a sustentabilidade das repetições e o volume total de treino de idosas não treinadas são influenciados pelo IR empregado entre as séries. Maiores IR devem ser utilizados quando a finalidade for otimizar o volume de treino por meio da sustentabilidade das repetições. Em contrapartida, menores IR devem ser utilizados quando a meta for obter maiores níveis de fadiga muscular.

Desenvolvimento morfo-anatômico do fruto de Dalbergia nigra (Vell.) Fr. All. (Leg. - Papilionoideae)

Detalhes morfológicos e anatômicos dos frutos de Dalbergia nigra (Veil.) Fr. All. foram descritos e ilustrados em vários estágios de desenvolvimento.