A New Approach to Reducing Search Space and Increasing Efficiency in Simulation Optimization Problems via the Fuzzy-DEA-BCC

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Methods to evaluate and strategies to improve the biocompatibility of dental materials and operative techniques

Objective. The general aim of this article is to describe the state-of-the-art of biocompatibility testing for dental materials, and present new strategies for improving operative dentistry techniques and the biocompatibility of dental materials as they relate to their interaction with the dentin-pulp complex.Methods. The literature was reviewed focusing on articles related to biocompatibilty testing, the dentin-pulp complex and new strategies and materials for operative dentistry. For this purpose, the PubMed database as well as 118 articles published in English from 1939 to 2014 were searched. Data concerning types of biological tests and standardization of in vitro and in vivo protocols employed to evaluate the cytotoxicity and biocompatibility of dental materials were also searched from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), International Standards Organization (ISO) and American National Standards Institute (ANSI).Results. While there is an ongoing search for feasible strategies in the molecular approach to direct the repair or regeneration of structures that form the oral tissues, it is necessary for professionals to master the clinical therapies available at present. In turn, these techniques must be applied based on knowledge of the morphological and physiological characteristics of the tissues involved, as well as the physical, mechanical and biologic properties of the biomaterials recommended for each specific situation. Thus, particularly within modern esthetic restorative dentistry, the use of minimally invasive operative techniques associated with the use of dental materials with excellent properties and scientifically proved by means of clinical and laboratory studies must be a routine for dentists. This professional and responsible attitude will certainly result in greater possibility of achieving clinical success, benefiting patients and dentists themselves.Signcance. This article provides a general and critical view of the relations that permeate the interaction between dental materials and the dentin-pulp complex, and establish real possibilities and strategies that favor biocompatibility of the present and new products used in Dentistry, which will certainly benefit clinicians and their patients. (C) 2014 Academy of Dental Materials. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Algoritmo tabu search especializado para o problema de planejamento da expansao de sistemas de transmissão

Pós-graduação em Engenharia Elétrica - FEIS

Methods for evaluation of masticatory efficiency in conventional complete denture wearers: a systematized review

The objective of this study was to present a systematized review of different methods used to evaluate the masticatory efficiency in conventional complete denture wearers. A survey was conducted in the databases PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane, seeking scientific articles according to the previously selected terms: "Masticatory performance", "Masticatory efficiency" and "Chewing ability complete denture". Moreover, complementary studies have been carried out with library manual search/databases, which included studies related to different ways to assess masticatory efficiency, specifically as it related to conventional complete denture wearers. Forty three papers were selected to be used in the present review. Despite the wide variety of methodologies in the literature, the sieves method is currently considered the gold standard method to evaluation of conventional complete denture wearers masticatory efficiency, since it is the simplest, does not depend on specific devices (beyond the set of sieves), allows for a rational assessment, and it has been widely reproduced in various types of oral rehabilitation. More, the almond, as natural test food, and the optocal (made from the molding material Optosil), as artificial test food, are the most constantly employed test foods to evaluate masticatory efficiency.

Cellulite: poor correlation between instrumental methods and photograph evaluation for severity classification

SynopsisBackgroundCellulite refers to skin relief alterations in womens thighs and buttocks, causing dissatisfaction and search for treatment. Its physiopathology is complex and not completely understood. Many therapeutic options have been reported with no scientific evidence about benefits. The majority of the studies are not controlled nor randomized; most efficacy endpoints are subjective, like not well-standardized photographs and investigator opinion. Objective measures could improve severity assessment. Our purpose was to correlate non-invasive instrumental measures and standardized clinical evaluation.MethodsTwenty six women presenting cellulite on buttocks, aged from 25 to 41, were evaluated by: body mass index; standardized photography analysis (10-point severity and 5-point photonumeric scales) by five dermatologists; cutometry and high-frequency ultrasonography (dermal density and dermis/hypodermis interface length). Quality of life impact was assessed. Correlations between clinical and instrumental parameters were performed.ResultsGood agreement among dermatologists and main investigator perceptions was detected. Positive correlations: body mass index and clinical scores; ultrasonographic measures. Negative correlation: cutometry and clinical scores. Quality of life score was correlated to dermal collagen density.ConclusionCellulite caused impact in quality of life. Poor correlation between objective measures and clinical evaluation was detected. Cellulite severity assessment is a challenge, and objective parameters should be optimized for clinical trials.

Search for vector-like T quarks decaying to top quarks and Higgs bosons in the all-hadronic channel using jet substructure

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

A critical review of the properties of fusidic acid and the analytical methods for its determination

Fusidic acid, an antibiotic produced from the Fusidium coccineum fungus, belongs to the class of steroids, but has no corticosteroid effects. It is indicated for the treatment of infections caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains. The aim of this study was to search for the properties of fusidic acid published so far in the literature, as well as the methods developed for its determination in biological samples and pharmaceutical formulations. From the findings, we can conclude that fusidic acid has been used for decades and is indicated for the treatment of serious infections caused by Gram-positive microorganisms to this day. Furthermore, it is a hypoallergenic agent, has low toxicity, shows low resistance, and has no cross-resistance with other clinically used antibiotics. The analytical method of high-performance liquid chromatography has been widely used, since it can reduce the cost and time of analysis, making it more viable for routine quality control in the pharmaceutical industry.