Image quality evaluation of chest for computed radiography

The daily-to-day of medical practice is marked by a constant search for an accurate diagnosis and therapeutic assessment. For this purpose the doctor serves up a wide variety of imaging techniques, however, the methods using ionizing radiation still the most widely used because it is considered cheaper and above all very efficient when used with control and quality. The optimization of the risk-benefit ratio is considered a major breakthrough in relation to conventional radiology, though this is not the reality of computing and digital radiology, where Brazil has not established standards and protocols for this purpose. This work aims to optimize computational chest radiographs (anterior-posterior projection-AP). To achieve this objective were used a homogeneous phantoms that simulate the characteristics of absorption and scattering of radiation close to the chest of a patient standard. Another factor studied was the subjective evaluation of image quality, carried out by visual grading assessment (VGA) by specialists in radiology, using an anthropomorphic phantom to identify the best image for a particular pathology (fracture or pneumonia). Quantifying the corresponding images indicated by the radiologist was performed from the quantification of physical parameters (Detective Quantum Efficiency - DQE, Modulation Transfer Function - MTF and Noise Power Spectrum - NPS) using the software MatLab®. © 2013 Springer-Verlag.

Comparison of different designs of implant-retained overdentures and fixed full-arch implant-supported prosthesis on stress distribution in edentulous mandible - A computed tomography-based three-dimensional finite element analysis

A finite element analysis was used to compare the effect of different designs of implant-retained overdentures and fixed full-arch implant-supported prosthesis on stress distribution in edentulous mandible. Four models of an human mandible were constructed. In the OR (O'ring) group, the mandible was restored with an overdenture retained by four unsplinted implants with O'ring attachment; in the BC (bar-clip) -C and BC groups, the mandibles were restored with overdentures retained by four splinted implants with bar-clip anchor associated or not with two distally placed cantilevers, respectively; in the FD (fixed denture) group, the mandible was restored with a fixed full-arch four-implant-supported prosthesis. Models were supported by the masticatory muscles and temporomandibular joints. A 100-N oblique load was applied on the left first molar. Von Mises (σvM), maximum (σmax) and minimum (σmin) principal stresses (in MPa) analyses were obtained. BC-C group exhibited the highest stress values (σvM=398.8, σmax=580.5 and σmin=-455.2) while FD group showed the lowest one (σvM=128.9, σmax=185.9 and σmin=-172.1). Within overdenture groups, the use of unsplinted implants reduced the stress level in the implant/prosthetic components (59.4% for σvM, 66.2% for σmax and 57.7% for σmin versus BC-C group) and supporting tissues (maximum stress reduction of 72% and 79.5% for σmax, and 15.7% and 85.7% for σmin on the cortical and trabecular bones, respectively). Cortical bone exhibited greater stress concentration than the trabecular bone for all groups. The use of fixed implant dentures and removable dentures retained by unsplinted implants to rehabilitate edentulous mandible reduced the stresses in the periimplant bone tissue, mucosa and implant/prosthetic components. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd.

Alterações de fluxos sanguíneos cerebrais regionais (FSCr) avaliados através de SPECT (Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography) em pacientes com câncer de mama submetidas à quimioterapia adjuvante

Pós-graduação em Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento (Biotecnologia Médica) - FMB

Emprego da tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico na análise de alterações periapicais de origem endodôntica in vivo, e na instrumentação de canais radiculares in vitro

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Influência de diferentes técnicas de instrumentação no travamento e adaptação de cones de guta-percha .O4 analisados por tomografia computadorizada

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Da carstificação em arenitos. Aproximação com o suporte de geotecnologias =: À propos de la karstfication dans les grès. Traitement par les technologies SIG

Pós-graduação em Geografia - IGCE

Genomic selection and assisted reproduction technologies to foster cattle breeding

Genomics has been propagated as a paradigm shifting innovation in livestock during the last decade. The possibility of predicting breeding values using genomic information has revolutionized the dairy cattle industry and is now being implemented in beef cattle. In this paper we discuss how genomics is changing cattle breeding through genomic selection, and how this change is creating new ways to articulate assisted reproduction technologies with animal breeding. We also debate that the scientific community is still starting the long journey to reveal the functional aspects of the cattle genome, and that knowledge in this field is the frontier to a whole new venue for the development of novel applications in the livestock sector.

Ultrasonographic, computed tomographic, and operative findings in dogs infested with giant kidney worms (Dioctophyme renale)

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Impacts of Reproductive Technologies on Beef Production in South America

The majority of beef cow herds in South America are constituted by Bos indicus females, which have particular reproductive features that contribute to reduced reproductive efficiency compared with that of B. taurus cohorts. Hence, several alternatives to enhance reproductive efficiency of B. indicus heifers and cows have been developed to address their inherent reproductive shortcomings. These research-based technologies are being described in detail within this chapter and have already made an impact on South American B. indicus-based production systems. These include the following: (a) hormonal protocols to induce puberty in nulliparous heifers or estrous cyclicity in postpartum cows to maximize their reproductive performance during the subsequent breeding season, (b) hormonal protocols to synchronize estrus and/or ovulation in B. indicus females to exploit their reproductive responses to artificial insemination, and (c) genetic and environmental factors that influence reproductive success in beef herds, including reproductive diseases and excitable temperament of B. indicus females, that have been investigated to support/promote the development of appropriate mitigation technologies.

Influence of cone-beam computed tomography image artifacts on the determination of dental arch measurements

Objective: To compare dental plaster model (DPM) and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in the measurement of the dental arches, and investigate whether CBCT image artifacts compromise the reliability of such measurements.Materials and Methods: Twenty patients were divided into two groups based on the presence or absence of metallic restorations in the posterior teeth. Both dental arches of the patients were scanned with the CBCT unit i-CAT, and DPMs were obtained. Two examiners obtained eight arch measurements on the CBCT images and DPMs and repeated this procedure 15 days later. The arch measurements of each patient group were compared separately by the Wilcoxon rank sum (Mann-Whitney U) test, with a significance level of 5% (alpha = .05). Intraclass correlation measured the level of intraobserver agreement.Results: Patients with healthy teeth showed no significant difference between all DPM and CBCT arch measurements (P > .05). Patients with metallic restoration showed significant difference between DPM and CBCT for the majority of the arch measurements (P > .05). The two examiners showed excellent intraobserver agreement for both measuring methods with intraclass correlation coefficient higher than 0.95.Conclusion: CBCT provided the same accuracy as DPM in the measurement of the dental arches, and was negatively influenced by the presence of image artifacts.

A Construção do Conhecimento na Atualidade: Um Olhar Sobre o Impacto da Tecnologia

In the paper analyzes the process of knowledge construction in the news regarding the emergence of massive information and communication technologies. In this context, through a qualitative approach, first we examine the potential of production, dissemination, access and use information in a technocratic perspective, and secondly, the negative impacts stemming from the computed mediation, mainly linked to the complexity of policies of democratization of access to information and loss of criticality of science. The focus of this review focuses on the current model of information search and knowledge construction through the Web, outlining aspects inherent to the process in general. Similarly, envision different contributions of information science for the systematization of human knowledge, guided through the social actions of professionals working in various fields, with emphasis on the information representation and retrieval. It is hoped that work can contribute to the current thematic reflection on the production, dissemination and use of information as well as on digital inclusion policies.

Can cone-beam computed tomography superimposition help orthodontists better understand relapse in surgical patients?

This case report describes the interdisciplinary treatment of a 19-year-old Brazilian man with a Class I malocclusion, a hyperdivergent profile, an anterior open bite, and signs of temporomandibular joint internal derangement. The treatment plan included evaluation with a temporomandibular joint specialist and a rheumatologist, orthodontic appliances, and maxillomandibular surgical advancement with counterclockwise rotation. Cone-beam computed tomography images were taken before and after surgery at different times and superimposed at the cranial base to assess the changes after orthognathic surgery and to monitor quantitatively the internal derangement of the temporomandibular joints and surgical relapse. Our protocol can improve the orthodontist's understanding of surgical instability, demonstrate the clinical value of cone-beam computed tomography analysis beyond the multiplanar reconstruction, and guide patient management for the best outcome possible.

Comparison of Nonmesonic Hypernuclear Decay Rates Computed in Laboratory and Center-of-Mass Coordinates

In this work we compute the one-nucleon-induced nonmesonic hypernuclear decay rates of He-5(Lambda), C-12(Lambda) and C-13(Lambda) using a formalism based on the independent particle shell model in terms of laboratory coordinates. To ascertain the correctness and precision of the method, these results are compared with those obtained using a formalism in terms of center-of-mass coordinates, which has been previously reported in the literature. The formalism in terms of laboratory coordinates will be useful in the shell-model approach to two-nucleon-induced transitions.

Spontaneous healing responses detected by cone-beam computed tomography of horizontal root fractures: a report of two cases

Horizontal root fractures (HRF) usually affect the anterior teeth as a result of trauma, and generally heal spontaneously, depending on the vitality of the pulp. Diagnosis based on clinical findings, sensitivity tests, and radiographic examination is important to determine the presence of a root fracture and to prevent a root fracture from passing unnoticed. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) has been used successfully for diagnosis and prognosis imaging of root fractures and has proved to be superior to other radiographic methods. This study reports two cases of dental trauma caused by a collision and a sports accident. The patients suffered horizontal root fractures in the maxillary left central incisor and in the mandibular left central incisor. The diagnosis of root fracture was confirmed by cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images, which also demonstrated spontaneous healing of the fracture line. The repair occurred by interposition of connective tissue in the former case and by interposition of bone and connective tissue in the latter case. The final diagnoses of both cases were based on CBCT images, indicating the importance of a CBCT examination to reach a firm diagnosis and to follow the healing process of root fracture cases, avoiding unnecessary radical endodontic treatment.

Challenges and opportunities for knowledge organization at the intersection with information technologies

In this paper we study the intersection of Knowledge Organization with Information Technologies and the challenges and opportunities for Knowledge Organization experts that, in our view, are important to be studied and for them to be aware of. We start by giving some definitions necessary for providing the context for our work. Then we review the history of the Web, beginning with the Internet and continuing with the World Wide Web, the Semantic Web, problems of Artificial Intelligence, Web 2.0, and Linked Data. Finally, we conclude our paper with IT applications for Knowledge Organization in libraries, such as FRBR, BIBFRAME, and several OCLC initiatives, as well as with some of the challenges and opportunities in which Knowledge Organization experts and researchers might play a key role in relation to the Semantic Web.