Cataract prevalence in Central-West region of São Paulo State, Brazil

OBJETIVO: A catarata é a principal causa tratável de cegueira e deficiência visual em países subdesenvolvidos. Este estudo foi realizado para avaliar se a catarata continua sendo uma importante causa de cegueira no centro-oeste do Estado de São Paulo. MÉTODOS: Um estudo transversal, de caráter observacional, realizado em cinco cidades da região centro-oeste do Estado de São Paulo, para as quais o centro de referência é a cidade de Botucatu. A amostra estabelecida para este estudo, de forma aleatória, seria composta por 5.555 indivíduos, sendo que foram examinados 4.229 indivíduos (8.458 olhos), ou seja, 78% da amostra pretendida. Os indivíduos foram submetidos a um exame oftalmológico completo que consistia em avaliação da acuidade visual (com e sem correção), tonometria, biomicroscopia, fundoscopia e exame refracional. O diagnóstico de catarata foi dado aos indivíduos que apresentassem opacidade de cristalino na biomicroscopia, de acordo com o Sistema de Classificação de Opacidade do Cristalino II (LOCS II). Olhos apresentando deficiência visual ou cegueira, com a melhor correção e causados por catarata, foram considerados após excluir outras patologias que pudessem causar baixa da acuidade visual (AV). Olhos com deficiência visual foram considerados quando 0,05 < AV < 0,3 e olhos cegos quando AV < 0,05. Indivíduos com deficiência visual foram considerados quando 0,05 < AV < 0,3 e indivíduos cegos quando AV < 0,3, no melhor olho com a melhor correção. Foi considerado o número de olhos com catarata, o número de olhos com deficiência visual e cegueira e o número de indivíduos com deficiência visual e cegueira. RESULTADOS: A prevalência de catarata na população estudada foi de 4,94% (209 indivíduos), afetando principalmente indivíduos com mais de 50 anos (92,34%) e do sexo feminino (61,11%). A catarata foi a causa de deficiência visual para 0,96% e a causa de cegueira para 0,52% de toda a população estudada. CONCLUSÃO: Nossos resultados mostraram que a prevalência de catarata na população estudada é semelhante aos índices de países desenvolvidos.

Inclusão social do deficiente visual: experiência e resultados de Assis

OBJETIVOS: Traçar o perfil do usuário da Sala de Recursos para Deficiente Visual na cidade de Assis - SP, avaliar a porcentagem de deficientes visuais empregados e comparar o emprego com idade, gênero, tipo de deficiência e doença causadora da deficiência, entre dois períodos: de 1984 a 1996 e de 1997 a 2009. MÉTODOS: Foi realizado estudo retrospectivo dos prontuários médicos e da ficha escolar dos portadores de deficiência visual que frequentaram a Sala de Recursos para Deficiente Visual, no período de 1984 a 2009 na cidade de Assis - SP, divididos em dois períodos de 1984 a 1996 (G1) e de 1997 a 2009 (G2). Analisaram-se dados demográficos, a doença que provocou a baixa visão, o tipo de deficiência visual (cegueira ou baixa visão), escolaridade, recursos ópticos, frequência à Sala de Recursos para Deficiente Visual e taxa de emprego. Foi feita associação da taxa de emprego com: idade, gênero, raça/cor, tipo de deficiência e doença nos dois diferentes períodos. RESULTADOS: Foram encontrados 149 deficientes visuais sendo: 61,07% homens, 38,9% mulheres, 82,5% brancos e 17,4% não brancos e a mediana da idade foi de 18 anos. Dos 149 deficientes visuais, 63,75% eram portadores de baixa visão e 36,24% portadores de cegueira. As principais doenças que levaram à deficiência visual dos 149 pacientes foram em ordem decrescente: retinocoroidite por toxoplasmose (17,40%), atrofia óptica congênita (12,10%), alta hipermetropia (8,72%), retinose pigmentar e alta miopia (6,71% cada uma) e glaucoma congênito e catarata congênita (6,04% cada uma). A frequência à Sala de Recursos para Deficiente Visual foi boa em mais de 50% dos pacientes. Estavam trabalhando regularmente 44,7% e 12,3% dos maiores de 14 anos respectivamente nos períodos de 1984 - 1996 e de 1997 - 2009. Não houve diferença entre os dois períodos quanto às características demográficas, tipo de deficiência e doenças, havendo correlação da taxa de emprego apenas com a idade (pacientes com média de idade maior apresentavam maior porcentagem de emprego). CONCLUSÕES: Os deficientes visuais eram na maioria homens, brancos, portadores de baixa visão e portadores de toxoplasmose ocular. Quase metade (44,7%) dos pacientes com mais de 14 anos encontrava-se trabalhando regularmente até 1996 sugerindo que esforços conjuntos de oftalmologistas e educadores auxilia na inclusão social destes pacientes. A taxa de emprego caiu no período de 1997 a 2009 e a de aposentados aumentou.

Physical disability, recent illnesses and health self-assessment in a population-based study in São Paulo, Brazil

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Evaluation of toothbrush bristles' deterioration used by preschool children

The toothbrush is an effective instrument for oral diseases prevention. The flexibility and status of bristles, as well as the size of the handle are fundamental for an effective toothbrushing. Thus, the assessment of physical characteristics of toothbrushes is important. This study evaluated the deterioration and wear of bristles of toothbrushes used by preschool children. For the sample selection, five elementary schools were assorted from a city of the São Paulo State northwest region, one from each city area. All toothbrushes used by preschool children who aged between 5 and 6 years old and who attended the assorted schools were visually analysed by two calibrated examiners, according to the criteria proposed by Rawls HR, Mkwayi-Tulloch NJ, Casella R, Cosgrove R (J Dent Res 1989; 12: 1781): 0 - it is impossible to state if the toothbrush was used or not; 1 - the bristles seem to be separated within some tufts; 2 - most tufts are separated, many cover other tufts and present a large number of curved and inclined bristles; 3 - most tufts are covered by others and bristles are folded and tipped. In total, 333 toothbrushes were evaluated. The data obtained revealed that 57.96% of the toothbrushes presented adequate condition for utilization (scores 0 and 1), whereas 42.04% presented inadequate bristles for their function (scores 2 and 3). It was concluded that a great number of toothbrushes presented deterioration of the bristles. Thus, there is the need to guide and promote awareness among teachers, parents and children as well as the need to replace toothbrushes.

In vitro comparison of laser fluorescence performance with visual examination for detection of occlusal caries in permanent and primary molars

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Peel bond strength of resilient liner modified by the addition of antimicrobial agents to denture base acrylic resin

In order to prolong the clinical longevity of resilient denture relining materials and reduce plaque accumulation, incorporation of antimicrobial agents into these materials has been proposed. However, this addition may affect their properties. Objective: This study evaluated the effect of the addition of antimicrobial agents into one soft liner (Soft Confort, Dencril) on its peel bond strength to one denture base (QC 20, Dentsply). Material and Methods: Acrylic specimens (n=9) were made (75x10x3 mm) and stored in distilled water at 37 degrees C for 48 h. The drug powder concentrations (nystatin 500,000U - G2; nystatin 1,000,000U - G3; miconazole 125 mg - G4; miconazole 250 mg - G5; ketoconazole 100 mg - G6; ketoconazole 200 mg - G7; chlorhexidine diacetate 5% - G8; and 10% chlorhexidine diacetate - G9) were blended with the soft liner powder before the addition of the soft liner liquid. A group (G1) without any drug incorporation was used as control. Specimens (n=9) (75x10x6 mm) were plasticized according to the manufacturers' instructions and stored in distilled water at 37 degrees C for 24 h. Relined specimens were then submitted to a 180-degree peel test at a crosshead speed of 10 mm/min. Data (MPa) were analyzed by analysis of variance (alpha=0.05) and the failure modes were visually classified. Results: No significant difference was found among experimental groups (p=0.148). Cohesive failure located within the resilient material was predominantly observed in all tested groups. Conclusions: Peel bond strength between the denture base and the modified soft liner was not affected by the addition of antimicrobial agents.

Effects of laser-weld joint opening size on fatigue strength of Ti-6Al-4V structures with several diameters

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

Fatigue performance of joints executed in pure titanium structures with several diameters

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

Fatigue strength: effect of welding type and joint design executed in Ti-6Al-4V structures

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

Persistence of endodontic methacrylate-based cement residues on dentin adhesive surface treated with different chemical removal protocols

The aim of this study was to evaluate the persistence of methacrylate-based cement residues on the dentin, after dentin surface cleaning with ethanol or acetone, with or without previous application of a dentin adhesive. Forty bovine crown fragments were obtained and the dentin surface was washed with 1.0 mL of 2.5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), followed by 0.1 mL of 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid application for 3 min, and final irrigation with 2.5% NaOCl. The specimens were air dried and resin-based cement was rubbed onto the dentine surface with a microbrush applicator. In 20 specimens, previously to cement, a dentin adhesive was applied in all surfaces. After 15 min, the surface was scrubbed with a cotton pellet and moistened with ethanol or acetone, compounding the following groups: G199.5% ethanol and G2acetone, without previous use of dentin adhesive; G399.5% ethanol and G4acetone, with previous use of dentin adhesive. The dentin surface was scrubbed until the cement residues could not be visually detected. Sections were then processed for scanning electron microscopy and evaluated at 500x magnification and scores were attributed to each image according to the area covered by residual sealer, and data were subjected to KruskalWallis at 5% significance. The lower residue presence was observed in G3 (P = 0.005). All surface presented cement residues when acetone was used as cleaning solution (P = 0.0005). The cleaning solutions were unable to completely remove the cement residues from both surfaces. The ethanol used after previous application of the dentin adhesive promoted the lower presence of residues.

Persistence of resinous cement residues in dentin treated with different chemical removal protocols

The aim of this study was to evaluate the persistence of resin cement residues after dentin surface cleaning with different alcohol-based solutions or an essential oil (eucalyptol). Forty bovine teeth were sectioned in order to expose pulp chamber dentin to be washed with 1.0 mL of 2.5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), followed by 0.1 mL of 17% EDTA application for 3 min, and final irrigation with 2.5% NaOCl. The specimens were air dried and resin-based cement was rubbed onto the dentine surface with a microbrush applicator. After 15 min, the surface was scrubbed with a cotton pellet and moistened with different dentin cleaning solutions, compounding the following groups: G195% ethanol, G270% ethanol, G370% isopropyl alcohol, or G4eucalyptol. The dentin was scrubbed until the cement residues could not be visually detected. Sections were then processed for SEM and evaluated at x 500 magnification. Scores were attributed to each image according to the area covered by residual sealer, and data were subjected to KruskalWallis at 5% significance. Eucalyptol promoted the most adequate dentin cleaning, although no statistical difference was detected amongst the groups (P > 0.05), except between the eucalyptol and 70% ethanol groups (P < 0.05). All the evaluated dentin cleaning solutions were unable to completely remove the cement residues from the dentin surface. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2012. (C) 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

In Vitro Study of Fracture Load and Fracture Pattern of Ceramic Crowns: A Finite Element and Fractography Analysis

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Mandioca minimamente processada submetida a radiação gama

Fresh cut cassava is an alternative to prolong roots commercialization period, adding value to the raw material and assisting the consumer's needs that seeks for products of easy preparation. The aim of this work was to evaluate the quality of fresh cut cassava subjected to gamma radiation. For processing cassava roots (IAC - 567-70) were used, after preparation were packed in expanded polystyrene (EPS) trays, covered by low density polyethylene (LDPE) plastic film, being subjected to gamma radiation in the doses 0 (control), 0.5; 1.0; 1.5; 2.0 KGy. Another treatment was also carried out in which roots were vacuum packed in nylon + polyethylene. Packed roots of all treatments were stored under refrigeration (5 +/- 1 degrees C) and evaluations were made after 0, 3, 6, 9 and 12 days. Evaluated analyses were: titrable acidity, pH, firmness, coloration, polyphenoloxidase activity, cooking time and roots hydration percentage. Evaluations just proceeded until the nine storage day, because after this period the roots already presented visually detectable physiologic and microbiological alterations. For titrable acidity, the vacuum packed roots had the lowest values, followed by the control packed in trays. For the other treatments, values of acidity increased and influenced the pH values. For the other appraised parameters there was no significant difference among treatments, but alterations were observed with the storage. The firmness decreased with the storage. Brightness values and yellow color component decreased with the storage and the b * (green) color values increased. Polyphenoloxidase activity was maximum in the day of elaboration of the product and it decreased with the storage. Cooking time and roots hydration percentage decreased with the roots storage.

Ventilatory frequency indicates visual recognition of an allopatric predator in naive Nile tilapia

Perceiving a possible predator may promote physiological changes to support prey 'fight or flight'. In this case, an increase in ventilatory frequency (VF) may be expected, because this is a way to improve oxygen uptake for escape tasks. Therefore, changes in VF may be used as a behavioral tool to evaluate visual recognition of a predator threat. Thus, we tested the effects of predator visual exposure on VF in the fish Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus. For this, we measured tilapia VF before and after the presentation of three stimuli: an aquarium with a harmless fish or a predator or water (control). Nile tilapia VF increased significantly in the group visually exposed to a predator compared with the other two, which were similar to each other. Hence, we conclude that Nile tilapia may recognize an allopatric predator; consequently VF is an effective tool to indicate visual recognition of predator threat in fish. (C) 2002 Elsevier B.V. B.V. All rights reserved.

Disturbance chemical cues determine changes in spatial occupation by the convict cichlid Archocentrus nigrofasciatus

I studied the effect of disturbance chemical cues on fish that make trade-offs between foraging in an open area and remaining in a safe refuge. I used convict cichlids Archocentrus nigrofasciatus that were either visually exposed to a predator (n = 8) or exposed to water conditioned by chemical cues from disturbed conspecifics (n = 8). Fish visually exposed to a predator decreased their ingestion rate and spent more time in the refuge than in the foraging area, while fish receiving water from frightened conspecifics did not alter their ingestion rate or time spent in the refuge and foraging site, but increased their spatial occupation (i.e., motion). These results suggest that convict cichlids recognized the predator by visual cues. Moreover, disturbance cues are a form of threatening public information that may increase fish spatial occupation due to increased exploring behaviour; but is not sufficiently alarming to alter feeding or increase refuge use. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.