Editorial to the Special Issue "Vision Sensors: Image Processing Technologies and Applications".

Computer vision and optical technologies have become attractive alternatives for metrology, chemical analysis, and non-destructive structural health monitoring and the evaluation of aerospace, civil, and mechanical engineering structures [...].

Evaluating the Electromagnetic Shielding of Continuous Carbon Fiber Parts Produced by Additive Manufacturing.

Electronic devices are sensitive to electromagnetic (EM) emissions, and require electromagnetic shielding protection to ensure good operation, and prevent noise, malfunctioning, or even burning. To ensure protection, it is important to develop suitable material and design solutions for electronic enclosures. Most common enclosures are made with metal alloys using traditional manufacturing methods. However, using thermoplastic composites combined with additive manufacturing (AM) technologies emerges as an alternative that enables the fabrication of complex parts that are lightweight, consolidated, and oxidation- and corrosion-resistant. In this research, an AM technique based on material extrusion was used to print 2 mm-thick specimens with a multi-material made of micro-carbon fiber (CF)-filled polyamide that was reinforced at specific layers using continuous carbon fibers stacked with a 90° rotation to each other. The specimens' electromagnetic shielding effectiveness (EMSE) was evaluated in the frequency band of 0.03-3 GHz using the coaxial transmission line method. Depending on the number of CF layers, the EM shielding obtained can be up to 70 dB, with a specific shielding up to 60 dB.cm3/g, predominantly by the absorption mechanism, being 22 times higher than without the CF layers. These findings promote this innovative approach to lightweight customizable solutions for EM shielding applications.

Maternal Knowledge of Oral Health During Pregnancy and Childbirth.

OBJECTIVE: This cohort study was to investigate maternal knowledge of the oral health of woman and children during pregnancy and after childbirth, and the associated factors. METHODS: Groups of women participating in a public prenatal dental care programme in Brazil were assessed, in two different stages. In the first stage, pregnant women were assessed for their own oral health. In the second stage, after childbirth, women were assessed for the oral health of their child. The examiner assigned a maternal knowledge score to the questionnaires, considering the ideal alternatives within the context of oral health promotion as correct answers. Statistical analysis included the Kruskal-Wallis and multiple linear regression tests, considering a level of significance of P < 0.05. RESULTS: Ninety-eight women were included in the study, with a mean age 26.27 years (SD 6.51). In the regression analysis, the maternal knowledge score was associated with the presence of myths about oral health (P < 0.01), the children first dental appointment in the first year of life (P = 0.07), the presence of a non-nutritious sucking habit (P < 0.01), considering dental treatment to be important during pregnancy (P < 0.01), and having been instructed on oral health during pregnancy (P < 0.01) and after the children birth (P = 0.02). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that the women showed a regular score of knowledge about their oral health and that of their children, as they still believed in some myths about oral health and the risks of dental treatment during pregnancy. Women who received guidance on oral health in pregnancy and after birth showed higher knowledge of their oral health and that of their children, demonstrating the importance of carrying out health promotion actions during pregnancy and the first years of the child's life.

Bacterial response to Ti-35Nb-7Zr-5Ta alloy incorporated with calcium, phosphate and magnesium.

High implant survival rates have been achieved in recent decades due to continual modifications in implant design and surface topography, however there is still an ongoing quest to control peri-implant bone loss. The objective of this work was to develop Ti-35Nb-7Zr-5Ta (TNZT) alloys, perform physicochemical and morphological characterization of their surface modified by electrolytic oxidative plasma technique with ions related to osseointegration and lastly evaluate bacterial colonization in vitro. Three groups were evaluated: C group (polished TNZT), CaP group (sodium ß glycerophosphate + calcium acetate) and Mg group (magnesium acetate). Before and after anodizing the surfaces, physicochemical and morphological analyses were performed: scanning electron microscopy with field emission gun (FEG-SEM), energy dispersion spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (DRX), wettability (goniometer) and roughness (rugometer). Controlled and treated specimens were contaminated with unstimulated saliva collected from 10 healthy volunteers. Then, biofilm samples were collected and up to 35 microbial species, including commensal and pathogenic microorganisms, were identified and quantified by the Checkerboard DNA-DNA Hybridization method. The CaP group modified the surface morphology in the form of pores, while the Mg group modified it in the form of flakes. The contact angle was significantly smaller in the CaP group. The average roughness was higher in the CaP and Mg groups. A smaller total amount of bacteria was identified in the Mg group and relevant differences were found in the microbial profile associated with different surface treatments. Therefore, considering the microbiological profile and for the prevention of peri-implantitis, the Mg group presented more satisfactory and encouraging results for the manufacture of dental implants.

Oral Health and related inequalities among visual impairment people in a Brazil municipality / Saúde bucal e desigualdades relacionadas entre pessoas com deficiência visual em um município brasileiro

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the oral health and related factors among people with visual impairment in a municipality in southeastern Brazil. Methods: A cross-sectional and descriptive household study was carried out on a representative sample of people with visual impairments in a medium-sized city in Brazil. A clinical-dental examination was performed (evaluating tooth loss, caries, periodontal health, dental plaque use and need of prosthesis) and a semistructured questionnaire was applied, investigating the socioeconomic conditions (sex, age, marital status, skin color and income) and the use of dental services (reason, time since, and type of service used [private/public] in last dental visit). Descriptive and bivariate analysis were performed to asses the factors related to oral health. Results: The mean age of participants was 65 years (±15.05), with the majority women (70.9%). 53.1% of the interviewees were edentulous, but 58.2% had a good perception of oral health. The blind ones use less public services (p=0.038) and with a lower frequency (p=0.014) than subjects with low vision. Those with less schooling had higher tooth loss and lower periodontal problems (p <0.05). There was a reduction of dental plaque six months after the educational action (30.7%; p=0.01), especially among the low vision participants (p=0.01). Conclusion: Severe tooth loss and unsatisfactory hygiene contrast with self-perception of oral health. Visual acuity and schooling were related to access and oral health. Actions for promotion and equity are necessary to overcome the inequalities encountered.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a saúde bucal e fatores relacionados entre deficientes visuais em município do sudeste brasileiro. Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo domiciliar, transversal e descritivo em uma amostra representativa de pessoas com deficiência visual em uma cidade de médio porte do Brasil. Realizou-se o exame clínico bucal (avaliando perda dentária, cárie, saúde periodontal, placa dentária, uso e necessidade de prótese) e aplicou-se um questionário semiestruturado, investigando as condições socioeconômicas (sexo, idade, estado civil, cor da pele e renda) e o uso de serviços odontológicos (motivo, tempo decorrido e tipo de serviço utilizado [privado/público] na última consulta odontológica). Foram realizadas análises descritivas e bivariadas para avaliar os fatores associados à saúde bucal. Resultados: A idade média dos participantes foi de 65 anos (±15,05), com maioria de mulheres (70,9%). 53,1% dos entrevistados eram edêntulos, porém, 58,2% apresentaram percepção de saúde bucal boa. Os cegos usam menos os serviços públicos (p=0,038) e em menor frequência (p=0,014) que os sujeitos com baixa visão. Os menos escolarizados apresentam maiores perdas dentárias e menores problemas periodontais (p<0,05). Houve redução de placa dentária seis meses após ação educativa (30,7%; p=0,01), sobretudo entre os sujeitos com baixa visão (p=0,01). Conclusão: Elevada perda dentária e higienização insatisfatória contrastaram com autopercepção dos agravos bucais. Acuidade visual e escolaridade relacionaram-se ao acesso e saúde bucal. Ações de promoção e equidade são necessários para superar desigualdades encontradas.

Fatores associados à autoavaliação de saúde bucal por adultos em hemodiálise / Factors associated with self-rated oral health in adults with hemodialysis

Resumo Introdução Pacientes com insuficiência renal crônica podem apresentar prejuízos em sua saúde bucal em decorrência da própria doença, do tratamento e das alterações de estilo de vida associadas. Objetivo Avaliar os fatores associados à autoavaliação de saúde bucal ruim entre adultos com insuficiência renal crônica submetidos à hemodiálise. Método Estudo transversal com 243 adultos submetidos à hemodiálise em um hospital do sul de Minas Gerais nos anos de 2013 e 2014. O desfecho foi avaliado pelo autorrelato da condição bucal dicotomizada em boa (ótima/boa) e ruim (regular/ruim/péssima). As variáveis independentes incluíram condições sociodemográficas, saúde geral, saúde bucal e uso de serviços odontológicos, a partir de informações coletadas por meio de questionário. A associação entre o desfecho e as variáveis independentes foi testada por meio de modelos logísticos múltiplos com inclusão hierarquizada de variáveis. Resultados A prevalência de autoavaliação de saúde bucal ruim foi de 35,4%. Os mais jovens (p = 0,015), os que se submetem à hemodiálise há menos tempo (p = 0,016), têm halitose (p <0,001), necessitam de tratamento odontológico (p <0,001) e tiveram a última consulta odontológica por motivo diferente de dor (p = 0,027) expressaram maiores chances de autoavaliação de saúde bucal ruim, independentemente de condições sociodemográficas e de saúde. Conclusão Condições sociodemográficas, tempo em hemodiálise, agravos à saúde bucal e uso de serviços odontológicos influenciaram a autoavaliação da saúde bucal dos adultos submetidos à hemodiálise.

Abstract Background Patients with chronic renal failure may have their oral health impaired as a result of the disease itself, its treatment, and its associated lifestyle alterations. Objective To assess the factors associated with poor self-rated oral health among adults with chronic renal failure treated by hemodialysis. Method This is a cross-sectional study with 243 adults undergoing hemodialysis in a hospital in Minas Gerais, Brazil in 2013-2014. The outcome was assessed by the self-report of oral health categorized into good (excellent/good) and bad (fair/bad / very bad). The independent variables included sociodemographic conditions, general health, oral health, and the use of dental services were collected through a structured questionnaire. The association between the outcome and the independent variables was tested using multiple logistic models with hierarchical inclusion of variables. Results The prevalence of poor self-rated oral health was 35.4%. The youngest (p = 0.015), those who have undergone hemodialysis in the shortest time (p = 0.016), have halitosis (p <0.001), need dental treatment (p <0.001), and had their last dental appointment not for pain (p = 0.027) expressed higher odds of poor self-rated oral health, independently of sociodemographic and health conditions. Conclusion Sociodemographic conditions, time on hemodialysis, oral impairments, and use of dental services affected the oral health self-assessment among adults undergoing hemodialysis.

Using Conventional Cameras as Sensors for Estimating Confidence Intervals for the Speed of Vessels from Single Images.

In this paper, we describe an image-based approach for estimating the speed of a moving vessel using the wakes that remain on the surface of water after the vessel has passed. The proposed method calculates the speed of the vessel using only one RGB image. In this study, we used the vanishing line of the mean water plane, the camera height concerning the level of the tide, and the intrinsic parameters of the camera to perform geometric rectification on the surface plane of the water. We detected the location of troughs on one of the wake arms and computed the distance between them in the rectified image to estimate the speed of the vessel as a so-called inverse ship wake problem. We used a radar that was designed to monitor ships to validate the proposed method. We used statistical studies to determine the reliability and error propagation of the estimated values throughout the calculation process. The experiments showed that the proposed method produced precise and accurate results that agreed with the actual radar data when using a simple capture device, such as a conventional camera.

Systemic and local effects of doxycycline and low-intensity laser treatment on periodontitis in rats.

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the systemic and local effects of doxycycline (DOX) and low-intensity laser (LIL) treatment as adjuvants to scaling and root planing (SRP) in the treatment of experimental periodontitis in rats. METHODS: The sample consisted of 180 male rats (Rattus norvegicus albinus, Wistar), of which 30 did not receive induction of periodontal disease (negative control [NC] group) and 150 received induction of periodontal disease in the lower first molar. After 7 days, the ligature was removed, and the animals were divided into the following groups: NT (no treatment), SRP (SRP), DOX (SRP and DOX irrigation), LIL (SRP and laser irradiation), and DOX+LIL (SRP, DOX, and LIL). The animals were euthanized at 7, 15, and 30 days; thereafter, biochemical, radiographic, histological, and immunohistochemical analyses were performed. RESULTS: In the intragroup analysis, lower concentrations of α-1-glycoprotein acid (α-1-Ga) and complement 3 (C3) were observed in the DOX+LIL group than in all other groups at all time points, as well as lower levels of complement 4 (C4) at 15 and 30 days (P<0.001). Less bone loss was observed in the DOX, LIL, and DOX+LIL groups than in the NC and SRP groups at all time points (P<0.001). There was a smaller number of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)-positive cells in the DOX+LIL group than in the other groups at all time points (P<0.001). Positive correlations were observed between the systemic levels of α-1-Ga, C3, and C4 and the number of TRAP-positive cells. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of DOX with LIL as SRP adjuvants was effective both systemically and locally for the treatment of experimental periodontitis in rats.

Maternal methionine supplementation in mice affects long-term body weight and locomotor activity of adult female offspring.

Methionine is a precursor of s-adenosylmethionine, the main donor of methyl radicals for methylation of DNA and other compounds. Previous studies have shown that reduced availability of methyl radicals during pregnancy/lactation decreased offspring perigonadal white adipose tissue (PWAT) and body weight. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the effects of methionine supplementation during early development, a time of great ontogenic plasticity, by assessing the biometric, biochemical and behavioural parameters of the offspring of adult Swiss female mice supplemented with 1 % methionine in water 1 month before pregnancy, during pregnancy or pregnancy/lactation. After birth, the offspring were distributed into three groups: control (CT), methionine supplementation during pregnancy (SP) and methionine supplementation during pregnancy and lactation (SPL), and were followed until postnatal day (PND) 300. No changes were observed in offspring birth weight in both sexes. At PND 5, 28 and 90, no differences in body weight were found in females; however, at PND 300, SP and SPL females showed an increase in body weight when compared with the control group. This increase in body weight was accompanied by a total and relative increase in PWAT, and a decrease in locomotor activity in these groups. No differences in the body and organ weights were found in male offspring. In conclusion, the increased availability of methyl radicals during pregnancy and lactation impacted long-term body composition and locomotor activity in female offspring.

A percepção dos professores do curso de Educação Física sobre os impactos da criação do curso no câmpus da UFT em Miracema do Tocantins / The perception of Physical Education teachers on the impacts of the course creation at the UFT campus, in Miracema do Tocantins / La percepción de los profesores del curso de Educación Física sobre los impactos de la creación del curso en la UFT campus en Miracema do Tocantins

RESUMO O objetivo desta pesquisa foi analisar a percepção dos professores com formação em Educação Física da Universidade Federal do Tocantins (UFT) acerca do impacto e importância desse curso para a população de Miracema do Tocantins. A amostra da pesquisa foi composta por seis docentes do curso de Licenciatura em Educação Física da UFT. Utilizamos a técnica elaborada por Moreira, Simões & Porto (2005), designada: "Análise de Conteúdo: Técnica de Elaboração e Análise de Unidades de Significado". Percebemos que, apesar de muito positiva a implantação do curso de Educação Física na referida cidade, ainda existem lacunas que precisam ser preenchidas para que o processo de consolidação do curso contribua também para o processo de desenvolvimento integral do município e regiões circunvizinhas.

ABSTRACT This study aims to to analyze the perception of teachers with physical education training at the Federal University of Tocantins - UFT on the impact and importance of the course for the city population. The research sample consisted of six teachers of the Physical Education Degree course (UFT). We used the Content Analysis: Technique of Elaboration and Analysis of Meaning Units, elaborated by Moreira; Simões & Porto (2005). We found that although the implementation of the Physical Education course in Miracema do Tocantins was very positive, some gaps should be filled for the consolidation process of the course to contribute to the process of integral development of the municipality and surrounding regions.

RESUMEN El objetivo de esta investigación fue analizar la percepción de los profesores con formación en educación física de la Universidad Federal de Tocantins-UFT, sobre el impacto y la importancia de este curso para la ciudad. La muestra de la investigación estuvo conformada por 6 docentes del curso de Educación Física (UFT). Utilizamos la técnica desarrollada por Moreira; Simões & Porto (2005), denominado: Análisis de Contenido: Técnica de Elaboración y Análisis de Unidades de Significado. Constatamos que, aunque la implementación del curso de Educación Física en Miracema do Tocantins es muy positiva, aún existen vacíos que deben ser llenados para que el proceso de consolidación del curso también contribuya al proceso de desarrollo integral del municipio y regiones circundantes

Tuberculous pyomyositis: a casereport / Piomiosite Tuberculosa: Relato de Caso

ABSTRACT Female patient, 29 years old, with systemic lupus erythematosus in current use of prednisone and azathioprine, presents with bulging in the forearms, lumbar region and left thigh for 15 days. Ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging showed the presence of serous collections in these locations. The material was punctured and the samples were sent to the laboratory. The microbiological examination revealed the presence of acid-resistant bacilli and blood culture in a specific medium was positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Molecular and immunochromatographic tests were positive for M. tuberculosis, and the diagnosis of Tuberculous Piomyositis was closed.

RESUMO Paciente do sexo feminino, 29 anos de idade, com diagnóstico de lúpus eritematoso sistêmico em uso atual de prednisona e azatioprina, se apresenta com abaulamentos em antebraços, região lombar e coxa esquerda há 15 dias. A ultrassonografia e a ressonância magnética evidenciaram presença de coleções nesses locais cuja punção do material revelou presença de bacilos álcool ácido resistentes e a hemocultura, em meio específico, foi positiva para Mycobacterium tuberculosis. O teste molecular e imunocromatográfico também foram positivos para M. tuberculosis, com diagnóstico final de Piomiosite Tuberculosa.

An Augmented Reality Periscope for Submarines with Extended Visual Classification.

Submarines are considered extremely strategic for any naval army due to their stealth capability. Periscopes are crucial sensors for these vessels, and emerging to the surface or periscope depth is required to identify visual contacts through this device. This maneuver has many procedures and usually has to be fast and agile to avoid exposure. This paper presents and implements a novel architecture for real submarine periscopes developed for future Brazilian naval fleet operations. Our system consists of a probe that is connected to the craft and carries a 360 camera. We project and take the images inside the vessel using traditional VR/XR devices. We also propose and implement an efficient computer vision-based MR technique to estimate and display detected vessels effectively and precisely. The vessel detection model is trained using synthetic images. So, we built and made available a dataset composed of 99,000 images. Finally, we also estimate distances of the classified elements, showing all the information in an AR-based interface. Although the probe is wired-connected, it allows for the vessel to stand in deep positions, reducing its exposure and introducing a new way for submarine maneuvers and operations. We validate our proposal through a user experience experiment using 19 experts in periscope operations.

Nandrolone decanoate and resistance exercise affect body composition and energy metabolism.

Our aim was to evaluate the independent and associated effects of nandrolone decanoate (DECA) and resistance exercise (REx) on central and peripheral hormones and neuropeptides related to energy balance in male rats. The experimental protocol was performed for eight weeks and comprised four groups: control (C) - exposed to vehicle 3x/wk; trained (T) - REx 5x/wk and vehicle 3x/wk; decanoate (D) - exposed to DECA (5 mg/kg) 3x/wk, and REx with DECA (TD) - submitted to REx 5x/wk and DECA (5 mg/kg) 3x/wk. Cross-sectional area analysis of the gastrocnemius muscle was higher in the T and TD groups compared to the C group. Biometrical analyses showed a decrease in body weight only in the TD compared to the C group, however, a reduction in total fat mass was observed in both the T and TD when compared to the C group. In respect of hypothalamic mRNA expression, there was an increase in prepro-orexin in the T compared to the C group. In mesenteric fat there was a decrease in leptin expression in the T and TD compared to the C group. Plasma evaluations showed reduced leptin concentrations in D, T and TD compared to C, and an increase in orexin-A in the D group compared to the C and T groups. Our data showed that REx was related to central and peripheral changes in energy metabolism, while DECA changed only peripheral components. REx associated with DECA promoted peripheral changes in energy metabolism and decreased body and fat weights.

Influence of Doxycycline and InGaAlP Diode Laser at 660 nm Wavelength in the Treatment of Periodontitis Induced in Rats: In Vivo Study.

This study evaluated the influence of Doxycycline (DOX) and Low-Intensity Laser (LIL) (InGaAlP diode laser) as scaling and root planing (SRP) adjuvants in the treatment of periodontitis induced in rats. The rats received periodontal disease induction, and after 7 days, the ligature was removed, and the animals were divided into groups/treatments: NT-receive no treatment; SRP-submitted only to SRP; DOX-submitted to SRP and DOX irrigation; LIL-submitted to SRP and LIL irradiation; and DOX + LIL-submitted to SRP treatments, DOX irrigation and LIL irradiation. The animals were sacrificed at 7, 15 and 30 days, and then, the analyses were performed. A lower concentration of Alpha-glycoprotein acid and Complement 3 was observed in the DOX + LIL group compared to all the other groups in all the periods, and for Complement 4 at 15 and 30 days (P < 0.01). A lower bone loss (BL) was observed in the DOX + LIL group compared to all the other groups in all the periods (P < 0.01). It can be concluded that LIL was effective in the reduction of proteins, and its association with DOX was effective in the reduction of proteins and BL, in the treatment of periodontal induction in rats.

Evaluations of hydroxyapatite and bioactive glass in the repair of critical size bone defects in rat calvaria.

To overcome the morbidity of autogenous graft removal and limitations of allogeneic and xenogeneic grafts, a great interest exists in the development of biomaterials of synthetic origin. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the biological behavior of a novel bioactive glass (60% SiO2- 36% CaO-4% P2O5) as bone substitute in critical calvaria defects of rats, in comparison to hydroxyapatite. METHODS: Sixty male Wistar rats were divided in three groups, according to the treatment: Control Group (C) - blood clot; Hydroxyapatite (HA) - particulate hydroxyapatite (≤0,5 mm); and Bioactive Glass (BG) - particulate bioactive glass (0.04-1 mm). RESULTS: From the intergroup analysis, it was observed that Group C presented a greater newly formed bone area (NBA) when compared to Groups HA and BG. In addition, Group HA showed higher NBA when compared to Group BG at 30 and 60 days (P < 0.05). Immunohistochemistry revealed that groups HA and BG presented high and moderate osteocalcin immunolabeling respectively. Group HA displayed a greater number of TRAP-positive cells compared to Groups C and BG at 30 and 60 days (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: From these results, we can conclude that the resorption rate of hydroxyapatite is higher than the novel bioactive glass, which maintained significant higher volume until the last experimental period. Both of the tested biomaterials acted as osteoconductors during bone repair, and their physical characteristics importantly influenced this process.

Patients with asthma have reduced functional capacity and sedentary behavior / Pacientes com asma apresentam redução da capacidade funcional e comportamento sedentário

Abstract Objective The modified shuttle test is a field test that avoids the ceiling effect, and there are no reports of a multidimensional assessment concerning physical activity in asthmatic patients. Thus, the aim was to evaluate functional capacity by MST, additionally to perform a multidimensional assessment as physical activity in daily life, muscle strength, and cytokine levels in children and adolescents with asthma, and to correlate these variables. Method This cross-sectional study included volunteers aged between 6 and 18 years who were divided into two groups: asthma group (n = 43) that received regular treatment and control group (n = 24). Functional capacity was evaluated by distance walked during the MST; physical activity in daily life was evaluated using an accelerometer by the number of steps. Quadriceps femoris strength was evaluated by load cell. Results Distance walked was lower for the asthma group (790 m [222 m]) when compared with the control group (950 m [240 m]; p = 0.007); however, the number of steps was similar between the two groups (asthma group: 7743 [3075]; control group: 7181 [3040]; p = 0.41), and both groups were classified as sedentary behavior. There was no difference in muscle strength. Tumor necrosis factor-α differed, but interleukin levels were similar between groups. Quadriceps strength was correlated to distance walked (r = 0.62; p < 0.001) and tumor necrosis factor-α to the number of steps taken (r = −0.54, p = 0.005). Conclusion Children and adolescents undergoing regular asthma treatment showed reduced functional capacity and sedentary behavior. The lower the quadriceps strength, the shorter the distance walked; the higher the tumor necrosis factor-α levels, the lower their daily physical activity levels.

Resumo Objetivo O Teste Shuttle Modificado é um teste clínico de campo que evita o efeito-teto e não existem relatos de avaliação multidimensional com relação à atividade física em pacientes com asma. Assim, o objetivo era avaliar a capacidade funcional, a atividade física na vida cotidiana, a força muscular e os níveis de citocina em crianças e adolescentes com asma, a fim de correlacionar essas variáveis. Método Este estudo transversal incluiu voluntários entre seis e 18 anos, os quais foram divididos em dois grupos: o grupo com asma (n = 43), que recebeu tratamento regular, e o grupo de controle (n = 24). A capacidade funcional foi avaliada pela distância percorrida durante o Teste Shuttle Modificado, ao passo que a atividade física na vida cotidiana foi avaliada utilizando um acelerômetro pelo número de passos. A força muscular do quadríceps femoral foi avaliada por uma célula de carga. Resultados A distância percorrida foi menor no grupo com asma (790 m [222 m]) em comparação com o grupo de controle (950 m [240 m]; p = 0,007), contudo o número de passos foi semelhante nos dois grupos (grupo com asma: 7.743 [3.075]; grupo de controle: 7.181 [3.040]; p = 0,41) e ambos os grupos foram classificados como sedentários. Não houve diferença na avaliação da força muscular. O fator de necrose tumoral-α apresentou divergências, porém os níveis de interleucina foram semelhantes entre os grupos. A força muscular do quadríceps foi correlacionada com a distância percorrida (r: 0,62; p < 0,001) e o fator de necrose tumoral-α, ao número de passos dados (r = −0,54, p = 0,005). Conclusão Crianças e adolescentes que recebem tratamento regular de asma apresentaram redução da capacidade funcional e comportamento sedentário. Quanto menor a força muscular do quadríceps, menor a distância percorrida; quanto maiores os níveis de fator de necrose tumoral-α, menores seus níveis diários de atividade física.

Patients with asthma have reduced functional capacity and sedentary behavior.

OBJECTIVE: The modified shuttle test is a field test that avoids the ceiling effect, and there are no reports of a multidimensional assessment concerning physical activity in asthmatic patients. Thus, the aim was to evaluate functional capacity by MST, additionally to perform a multidimensional assessment as physical activity in daily life, muscle strength, and cytokine levels in children and adolescents with asthma, and to correlate these variables. METHOD: This cross-sectional study included volunteers aged between 6 and 18 years who were divided into two groups: asthma group (n=43) that received regular treatment and control group (n=24). Functional capacity was evaluated by distance walked during the MST; physical activity in daily life was evaluated using an accelerometer by the number of steps. Quadriceps femoris strength was evaluated by load cell. RESULTS: Distance walked was lower for the asthma group (790m [222m]) when compared with the control group (950m [240m]; p=0.007); however, the number of steps was similar between the two groups (asthma group: 7743 [3075]; control group: 7181 [3040]; p=0.41), and both groups were classified as sedentary behavior. There was no difference in muscle strength. Tumor necrosis factor-α differed, but interleukin levels were similar between groups. Quadriceps strength was correlated to distance walked (r=0.62; p<0.001) and tumor necrosis factor-α to the number of steps taken (r=-0.54, p=0.005). CONCLUSION: Children and adolescents undergoing regular asthma treatment showed reduced functional capacity and sedentary behavior. The lower the quadriceps strength, the shorter the distance walked; the higher the tumor necrosis factor-α levels, the lower their daily physical activity levels.

New Methods for Morphological Erythrocytes Classification.

Specialists may gauge the severity of sickle cell disease crisis by quantifying the number of abnormal-looking and sickle-shaped erythrocytes in blood smears. State-of-the-art integral geometry-based descriptors for automatic classification of erythrocytes as normal cells, sickle cells or cells with other deformations have achieved excellent results. Unfortunately, they are computationally expensive, requiring powerful desktop computers and a great deal of memory to run. We propose two new integral geometry-based descriptors for the shape of erythrocytes. Like state-of-the-art techniques, the overall sensitivity of our solutions is above 94%. Nevertheless, our descriptors are designed to avoid a great amount of computation in comparison to similar solutions and to present a lower memory footprint. Our descriptors offer a high specificity of normal cells and a high sensitivity of deformed cells, making them a good alternative in clinical applications.

Dental self-perception and clinical dental description of participants in the Open University programme for elderly people / Autopercepção e características clínico-odontológicas dos participantes da Universidade aberta a terceira idade

ABSTRACT Objective: This study verified both the self-perception and oral characteristics of a group of elderly participants of the Open University for the Elderly (UNATI). Methods: The sample consisted of a cross-sectional epidemiological study with elderly subjects (50 years of age or older), who attended the UNATI-UNIFAL/MG program. Data collection was carried out using a semi-structured questionnaire consisting of open- and closed-ended questions regarding oral health, its interference with self-esteem and nutrition, among other features. In addition, an application form based on the proposals by the Oral Health Survey 2010, was used. Univariate and multivariate descriptive analyses were performed. Results: The study sample consisted of 106 subjects (mean age of 62.4 years), of whom 59.4% had attended a dental appointment in the last year for routine and/or aesthetic examinations (38.7%). The clinical conditions showed that only 19.8% of the subjects were completely edentulous, an average DMFT of 26.1, and 37.7% used some kind of complete upper dentures, complete lower dentures, or both. Regarding self-perception of oral conditions, 34.9% considered it a regular perception, however in the applied statistics the presence of pain demonstrated a worse perception which was not correlated with teeth loss, presence of dentures and/or restored teeth. Conclusion: The self-perception of oral conditions is regular and the clinical and odontological characteristics evaluated revealed partial edentulous subjects with high DMFT. By evaluating the odontological aspects, it was observed that the majority of the subjects did not have difficulties to look for a dentist, they attended dental appointments in the last year and the preventive treatment had been the most required.

RESUMO Objetivo: Este estudo verificou a autopercepção, as características bucais e os aspectos odontológicos dos participantes da Universidade Aberta a Terceira Idade (UNATI). Métodos: Refere-se a um estudo epidemiológico transversal com indivíduos a partir de 50 anos de idade que frequentam o programa UNATI-UNIFAL/MG. O instrumento de coleta de dados consistiu em um questionário semiestruturado, composto por perguntas referentes à saúde bucal, interferência da mesma na autoestima e alimentação, entre outros. Além disso, foi utilizada uma ficha clínica baseada nas propostas do Levantamento em Saúde Bucal 2010. Foram realizadas análises descritivas, uni e multivariadas. Resultados: A amostra foi composta por 106 indivíduos, com idade média de 62,4 anos, dentre os quais 59,4% visitaram o cirurgião-dentista no último ano para exames de rotina e/ou estética (38,7%). As condições clínicas evidenciaram que apenas 19,8% dos indivíduos eram desdentados totais, o CPOD médio de 26,1 e 37,7% usava algum tipo de prótese total superior, inferior ou ambas. Quanto a autopercepção das condições bucais, 34,9% se refere regular, contudo, na estatística aplicada a presença de dor determinou uma pior percepção e não esteve correlacionada com a perda de dentes, presença de próteses e/ou dentes restaurados. Conclusão: A autopercepção das condições bucais é regular e as características clínico-odontológicas avaliadas revelaram indivíduos desdentados parciais com elevado CPOD. Ao avaliar os aspectos odontológicos a maioria não apresentou dificuldades ao procurar o cirurgião-dentista, visitaram esse profissional no último ano e o tratamento mais procurado por eles foi o preventivo.

Tooth injuries: Knowledge of parents of public school students from the city of Alfenas, Minas Gerais, Brazil.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The prognosis of traumatized teeth can be optimized if appropriate procedures are following at the time of the accident. The aim of this study was to evaluate the level of knowledge of students' parents from a group of Brazilian schools regarding fracture and tooth avulsion in permanent teeth. METHODS: Parents of 802 students were interviewed using a pre-tested questionnaire designed to explore how they would manage their child's dental avulsion or fracture. RESULTS: Among the parents, 8.6% reported their child had already suffered tooth injuries. Concerning dental fracture, 49.5% considered the possibility of bonding the tooth fragment and, for dental avulsion, 65.5% considered tooth replantation. Approximately 33.5% of parents would take the child to the dental office in case of fracture or dental avulsion, and of those, 66.2% would do so immediately. Further, 69.5% (for fracture) and 70.4% (for avulsion) would do so regardless of symptoms; only 24.2% and 21.3%, respectively, would seek care only if there was pain. In case of avulsion, 22.3% of those interviewed would store the tooth in liquid, such as saline solution (17.8%), water (16.4%) and fresh milk (12.2%). CONCLUSION: Parents had partial and insufficient knowledge as to the proper approach to be adopted in cases of fracture and dental avulsion. Previous experience of dental trauma was not related to more appropriate behavior regarding these injuries.