Fluid therapy and pulmonary complications in abdominal surgeries: randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: There is no consensus on the most effective strategy for Postoperative Pulmonary Complication (PPC) reduction. This study hypothesized that a Goal-Directed Fluid Therapy (GDFT) protocol of infusion of predetermined boluses reduces the occurrence of PPC in patients undergoing elective open abdominal surgeries when compared with Standard of Care (SOC) strategy. METHODS: Randomized, prospective, controlled study, conducted from May 2012 to December 2014, with ASA I, II or III patients undergoing open abdominal surgeries, lasting at least 120 min, under general anesthesia, randomized into the SOC and the GDFT group. In the SOC, fluid administration was according to the anesthesiologist's discretion. In the GDFT, the intervention protocol, based on bolus infusion according to blood pressure and delta pulse pressure, was applied. Patients were postoperatively evaluated by an anesthesiologist blinded to the group allocation regarding PPC incidence, mortality, and Length of Hospital Stay (LOHS). RESULTS: Forty-two patients in the SOC group and 43 in the GDFT group. Nineteen patients (45%) in the SOC and 6 in the GDFT (14%) had at least one PPC (p = 0.003). There was no difference in mortality or LOHS between the groups. Among the patients with PPC, four died (25%), compared to two deaths in patients without PPC (3%) (p = 0.001). The LOHS had a median of 14.5 days in the group with PPC and 9 days in the group without PPC (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: The GDFT protocol resulted in a lower rate of PPC; however, the LOHS and mortality did not reduce.

Optimizing foliar N-fertilization in sugarcane depends on plant genotype and nitrogen concentration.

Foliar N-fertilization (FNf) has emerged as a promising approach to synchronize plant nitrogen (N) demands and application timing, reducing the N losses to the environment associated with traditional soil-based fertilization methods. However, limited information exists regarding the effectiveness of FNf in sugarcane. This study aimed to optimize FNf in sugarcane by evaluating N-fertilizer recovery by the plant (NRP) and assessing potential toxicity effects. Four sugarcane genotypes were subjected to FNf using 15 N-urea at five nitrogen concentrations. NRP was assessed at five time points for roots, stalk, old leaves, 15 N-urea-fertilized leaves (15 NL), and unexpanded leaves (UEL). Leaf scorching, indicating FNf toxicity, was analyzed using morpho-anatomical and histochemical techniques. The results showed that FNf promoted high NRP, with an average recovery of 62.3%. Surprisingly, the redistribution of 15 N-urea did not follow the nitrogen uptake rate by sugarcane leaves, with an average of 41.3% of the total-NRP. The stalk emerged as the primary sink for 15 N-urea, followed by the UEL. Genotypes differed in the leaf scorching intensity, which increased with higher concentration of 15 N-urea. Genotypes also differed in the 15 N-urea uptake rate, down-regulated by the N content in the 15 NL. These findings emphasize that by carefully choosing the appropriate genotype and nitrogen concentration, FNf can significantly enhance N-fertilizer uptake, resulting in potential environmental and economic benefits.

Abordaje diagnóstico y terapéutico de la mastalgia. Un reto cotidiano en la consulta ginecológica.

La mastalgia es uno de los principales motivos de consulta diaria para el ginecólogo. Se estima que alrededor del 70% de las mujeres experimentará mastalgia en algún momento de su vida, además que es un síntoma que puede presentarse de manera reincidente. Es un cuadro que suele representar gran angustia en la paciente dada la posible asociación con algún proceso maligno, lo cual se ha demostrado que tan solo ocurre hasta en el 3% de los casos, por lo que se debe tranquilizarla durante la consulta de primer contacto. Se trata de un síntoma con múltiples etiologías, que en la mayoría de los casos se deben a patologías benignas de la glándula mamaria. La evaluación por estudios de imagen debe apegarse a las recomendaciones emitidas por las diferentes guías internacionales y no solicitar estudios innecesarios que lleven a un sobrediagnóstico y sobretratamiento. El abordaje en el tratamiento puede representar un gran reto para el ginecólogo, ya que existen diversas opciones que abarcan desde terapéuticas no farmacológicas, como son modificaciones en el estilo de vida y múltiples terapéuticas farmacológicas, sin embargo, existen pocos ensayos clínicos aleatorizados que permitan demostrar la superioridad de uno. En objetivo del presente es revisar las diversas recomendaciones en el abordaje diagnóstico y tratamiento que sustentan el manejo clínico de la mastalgia.

Determining Medication Errors in an Adult Intensive Care Unit.

INTRODUCTION: Research addressing the costs of Medication errors (MEs) is still scarce despite issues related to patient safety having significant economic and health impacts, making it imperative to analyze the costs and adverse events related to MEs for a better patient, professional, and institutional safety. AIM: To identify the number of medication errors and verify whether this number was associated with increased hospitalization costs for patients in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU). METHOD: This retrospective cross-sectional cohort study evaluated secondary data from patients' electronic medical records to compile variables, create a model, and survey hospitalization costs. The statistical analysis included calculating medication error rates, descriptive analysis, and simple and multivariate regression. RESULTS: The omission error rate showed the highest number of errors per drug dose (59.8%) and total errors observed in the sample (55.31%), followed by the time error rate (26.97%; 24.95%). The omission error had the highest average when analyzing the entire hospitalization (170.40) and day of hospitalization (13.79). Hospitalization costs were significantly and positively correlated with scheduling errors, with an increase of BRL 121.92 (about USD $25.00) (95% CI 43.09; 200.74), and to prescription errors, with an increase of BRL 63.51 (about USD $3.00) (95% CI 29.93; 97.09). CONCLUSION: We observed an association between two types of medication errors and increased hospitalization costs in an adult ICU (scheduling and prescription errors).

Influence of the third molar presence on the thickness and height of the buccal cortical bone of the mandibular first and second molars.

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the influence of the presence of the third molars on the thickness and height of the buccal cortical bone of the first and second mandibular molars. Material and Methods: The retrospective cross-sectional observational sample consisted of 102 CBCTs of patients (mean age of 29 years), divided into two groups: G1: 51 patients (26 female; 25 male, mean age of 26 years) presenting the mandibular third molars and G2: 51 patients (26 female; 25 male, mean age of 32 years) with the absence of the mandibular third molars. The total and the cortical depth were evaluated at 4 and 6mm from the cementoenamel junction (CEJ). The total thickness of the buccal bone was evaluated in two horizontal reference lines located apically 6 mm and 11 mm from the CEJ. Statistical comparisons were performed with Mann Whitney and Wilcoxon tests. Results: In the comparison of buccal bone thickness and height between the groups, there was a statistical difference in tooth 36. In tooth 37 there was a statistical difference in the mesial root. For tooth 47, there was a statistical difference for the total thickness at 6mm, 11mm and 4mm. Concerning age, there was a tendency to decrease the values of these variables with increasing age. Conclusions: The mean values for buccal bone thickness, total and cortical depth of the mandibular molars were higher for patients with mandibular third molars because the buccal bone thickness of the mandibular molars increased in the posterior and apical direction. Key words:Molar tooth, jaw, bone, orthodontic anchorage procedures, cone-beam computed tomography.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Oral Health Workforce: A Multicenter Study from the Southern Region of Brazil.

The aim of this study was two-fold: (1) to describe the surveillance and biosafety measures adopted by dentists, dental hygienists, and dental assistants who worked in the Southern Region of Brazil and (2) to evaluate access to information in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. This was a multicenter and cross-sectional design, using a self-applied and validated online questionnaire. The availability of health-care-related supplies and the adoption of biosafety measures recommended by the Technical Note of the National Health Surveillance Agency No. 04/2020 were analyzed. A total of 2560 Brazilian workers participated (75.8% dentists, 15.7% dental assistants and 8.5% dental hygienists), 52.7% from the public and 37.7% from the private sector. Approximately 70% of the individuals reported being away from work during the pandemic. The surveillance measures adopted with higher mean scores were the investigation of respiratory infection symptoms when scheduling appointments and the adoption of distancing in the waiting room. Of the biosafety measures to avoid aerosols, the procedures with lower compliance were those related to the use of intraoral radiographs and rubber dams. Moreover, the correct use of personal protective equipment at work seems to be related to self-perceived stress and anxiety. Worryingly, high access to information through non-governmental documents was observed. Permanent health education policies should reinforce safe practices and encourage workers to implement biosafety and surveillance measures in health services.

Oral hygiene prior to cardiac surgery to prevent infections: Randomized clinical trial.

CONTEXT: It is not clear if an oral hygiene protocol to control biofilm applied before cardiac surgery can reduce infection rates. OBJECTIVE: We aim to verify the effectiveness of an oral hygiene protocol in reducing postoperative infections when compared to usual practices, in patients admitted to a cardiology unit, prior to cardiac surgery. DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Randomized, blind, controlled clinical trial, with 107 participants who expected to undergo cardiac surgery, randomized into two groups: Experimental Group (EG) standardized oral hygiene protocol (54) and Control Group (CG), usual practices performed in patients admitted (53). INTERVENTION: a standardized oral hygiene protocol, 1 day before surgery: professional prophylaxis with a portable ultrasound device, tooth brushing and flossing plus a 0.12% chlorhexidine gluconate solution (0.12% CHX) mouth rinsing. When applicable, removable prostheses cleaning. PRIMARY OUTCOME: the presence of infection. RESULTS: The occurrence of postoperative infection was higher in CG = 7 (13.2%) than in EG = 5 (9.3%); but no statistical difference was found between protocols (p = 0.518). The length of stayed from surgery to discharge presented a statistical difference (p = 0.047; RR = 4.9; CI = 1.01-24.33); the percentage of postoperative infection was almost five times higher in those participants who stayed 11 or more days. CONCLUSION: The standardized oral hygiene protocol with mechanical and chemical cleaning, 1 day before cardiac surgery, was not more effective than the usual practices performed regarding the reduction of postoperative infections. Other interventions regarding oral hygiene procedures before cardiac surgery must be studied to contribute to the reduction of adverse post-surgical events. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: Site Ensaclinicos.gov.br number U1111-1214-2862. DESCRIPTORS: Healthcare Associated Infections, Cardiovascular Diseases, Periodontal Diseases, Dental Biofilm, Cardiovascular Surgery.

Methylene Blue to Neonatal Septic Shock treatment in neonate pigs.

OBJECTIVE: The authors design an animal model of neonatal sepsis to analyze the treatment of neonatal septic shock with Methylene Blue (MB) in a swine model. METHODS: The study design included twenty male newborn pigs divided into four groups: 1) The control group; 2) The sepsis group (induced with lipopolysaccharide); 3) The MB group, and 4) The MB-treated sepsis group. Septic shock was defined as Blood Pressure (BP) dropping 20% below the baseline value. Continuous Blood Pressure (BP), Nitric Oxide (NO) levels, cyclic Guanosine Monophosphate (cGMP), malondialdehyde acid, base excess, lactate, arterial blood gases, hematocrit, and echocardiography were analyzed. RESULTS: The BP of the sepsis group treated with MB showed a slight improvement in the first hour after treatment; however, a significant difference was not observed compared to the untreated sepsis group. Besides hemodynamic stability, the current study did not show symptomatic pulmonary hypertension, suggesting that MB was safe in neonates and children. An improvement in Base Excel (BE) levels after MB administration in septic animals may indicate a possible improvement in microcirculation. CONCLUSION: The MB improved biomarkers related to septic shock prognosis, although an improvement in the blood levels could not be detected. MB might be a beneficial drug for hemodynamic instability in infants.

A disponibilidade de cirurgiões-dentistas na rede de atenção de Florianópolis, SC: examinando a Lei dos Cuidados Inversos / The availability of dentists in the healthcare network of Florianópolis, SC: examining the Inverse Care Law

Objetivo: O presente estudo analisou a Lei dos Cuidados Inversos na distribuição de cirurgiões-dentistas e de suas cargas horárias pelos territórios da Estratégia de Saúde da Família (ESF) de Florianópolis, sul do Brasil. Materiais e métodos: Trata-se de um estudo ecológico, que analisou a cobertura odontológica e as necessida-des em saúde bucal da população nos territórios dos 49 centros de saúde do município. Enquanto informações relativas aos cirurgiões-dentistas foram obtidas da Se-cretaria Municipal de Saúde e do Cadastro Nacional de Estabelecimentos de Saúde, as necessidades de saúde da população foram indiretamente estimadas pelo nível de privação socioeconômica dos territórios adstritos da ESF no município. A relação entre as variáveis foi examinada por meio de mapas sinópticos e pelo coeficiente de cor-relação de Spearman, considerando-se significativos os resultados com valores de probabilidade menores do que 5%. Resultados: Nenhum dos dois indicadores de cober-tura odontológica apresentou relação estatisticamente significativa com o nível de privação socioeconômica dos territórios adstritos da ESF, não estando vinculados às necessidades de saúde da população. Discussão: Tais achados podem ser atribuídos ao maior poder político/simbólico de segmentos abastados da população, bem como à preferência dos profissionais por atuar em lo-cais menos afetados pela privação. Conclusão: Gestores e outros profissionais devem estar atentos à equidade no Sistema Único de Saúde, uma vez que esta pode não estar sendo contemplada na organização das redes de atenção à saúde.

Aim: This study analyzed the Inverse Care Law in the distribution of dentists and their workload across the Family Health Strategy (FHS) territories of Florianópo-lis, southern Brazil. Materials and methods: This is an ecological study, which analyzed the population coverage by dental professionals and the population's oral health needs across the territories of the 49 healthcare centers in the municipality. While dentist-related information was obtained from the Municipal Health Department and the National Registry of Health Establishments, the population's oral health needs were indirectly estimated by the level of socioeconomic deprivation pertaining to each FHS territory. The relationship between studied variables was examined with synoptic maps and the Spearman's correlation coefficient, taking as statistically significant those results with p-values smaller than 5%. Results: Neither the distribution of dentists across the FHS territories nor their workload had a statistically significant relationship with socioeconomic depriva-tion, measured at the level of FHS territories; coverage of dental care was not related to the health needs of the population. Discussion: Such findings may be attribu-ted to the greater political/symbolic power of wealthy segments of the population, as well as the preference of professionals to be placed in less deprived territories. Conclusion: Health care planners and other professionals must pay attention to the principle of equity, as outlined by the Brazilian Unified Health System, since it may not be informing the organization of healthcare networks.

Stability of transversal correction with hybrid maxillary expansion appliance in bone and tegumental piriformis opening in relation to bone age and maturation of the midpalatal suture.

Background: To evaluate the stability of the transverse correction with a hybrid maxillary expansion appliance in the bone and tegumental piriformis opening in relation to bone age and maturation of the midpalatal suture (MPS). Material and Methods: 15 patients with a mean initial age of 14.9 years (SD=1.50), 7 (46.7%) were female and 8 (53.3%) were male, treated with a hybrid maxillary expander. Cone beam computed tomographic (CBCT) images were collected in three phases: T1 (orthodontic records), T2 (21.33 days (SD=10.68) after the end of expansion screw activation) and T3 after 9.13 months (DP=2.41) after the expansion screw was activated. In CBCT, measurements were performed in the nasal cavity considering the tegumental piriform opening (sagittal-axial sections) and bone (sagittal-axial-coronal sections) and the stage of MPS maturation (sagittal-axial sections). Repeated measures ANOVA was used for continuous variables and Friedman's ANOVA for the ordinal variable followed by Bonferroni's tests for p<0.001, in relation to time. Results: There were significant differences between T1 and T2 (p=0.041), between T2 and T3 (p<0.001) and between T1 and T3 (p=0.041). Regarding bone age by cervical vertebrae maturation, 20% were in stage CS3, 40% in stage CS4, 26.7% in stage CS5 and 13.3% in stage CS6. There was a significant increase in tegumental piriformis opening between T1 (M=32.19, SD=3.79) and T2 (M=34.82, SD=2.81) (p=0.008), followed by a significant decrease in T3 (M=34.64, SD=2.73) (p=0.021), as well as in the opening of the bone piriform, between T1 (M=21.30, SD=2.47) and T2 (M=25.35, SD=2.21) (p<0.001), followed by a significant decrease in T3 (M=24.89, SD =2.30) (p=0.018). Conclusions: The hybrid maxillary expansion appliance was effective in opening the midpalatal suture of all patients in the present study, without influence of the initial stage of MPS maturation and bone age. There was a relapse of the increase in the bone and tegumental piriform openings. Key words:Maxillary expansion, orthodontic anchorage procedures, nose.

Prevalence of Dengue, Chikungunya and Zika Viruses in Blood Donors in the State of Pará, Northern Brazil: 2018-2020.

Arboviruses have been reported over the years as constant threats to blood transfusion recipients, given the high occurrence of asymptomatic cases and the fact that the presence of viremia precedes the onset of symptoms, making it possible that infected blood from donors act as a source of dissemination. This work aims to identify the prevalence of dengue virus (DENV), Zika virus (ZIKV) and Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infection in blood donors during epidemic and non-epidemic periods; classify the donor as symptomatic or asymptomatic; and verify the need to include DENV, CHIKV and ZIKV in the nucleic acid test (NAT) platform in northern Brazil. We investigated 36,133 thousand donations in two years of collection in Northern Brazil. One donor was positive for DENV and one for CHIKV (0.002% prevalence). As the prevalence for arboviruses was low in this study, it would not justify the individual screening of samples from donors in a blood bank. Thus, DENV- and CHIKV-positive samples were simulated in different amounts of sample pools, and both were safely detected by molecular biology even in a pool of 14 samples, which would meet the need to include these three viruses in the routine of blood centers in endemic countries such as Brazil.

Usefulness of ventilatory inefficiency in predicting prognosis across the heart failure spectrum.

AIMS: The minute ventilation-carbon dioxide production relationship (VE/VCO2 slope) is widely used for prognostication in heart failure (HF) with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). This study explored the prognostic value of VE/VCO2 slope across the spectrum of HF defined by ranges of LVEF. METHODS AND RESULTS: In this single-centre retrospective observational study of 1347 patients with HF referred for cardiopulmonary exercise testing, patients with HF were categorized into HF with reduced (HFrEF, LVEF < 40%, n = 598), mid-range (HFmrEF, 40% ≤ LVEF < 50%, n = 164), and preserved (HFpEF, LVEF ≥ 50%, n = 585) LVEF. Four ventilatory efficiency categories (VC) were defined: VC-I, VE/VCO2 slope ≤ 29; VC-II, 29 < VE/VCO2 slope < 36; VC-III, 36 ≤ VE/VCO2 slope < 45; and VC-IV, VE/VCO2 slope ≥ 45. The associations of these VE/VCO2 slope categories with a composite outcome of all-cause mortality or HF hospitalization were evaluated for each category of LVEF. Over a median follow-up of 2.0 (interquartile range: 1.9, 2.0) years, 201 patients experienced the composite outcome. Compared with patients in VC-I, those in VC-II, III, and IV demonstrated three-fold, five-fold, and eight-fold increased risk for the composite outcome. This incremental risk was observed across HFrEF, HFmrEF, and HFpEF cohorts. CONCLUSIONS: Higher VE/VCO2 slope is associated with incremental risk of 2 year all-cause mortality and HF hospitalization across the spectrum of HF defined by LVEF. A multilevel categorical approach to the interpretation of VE/VCO2 slope may offer more refined risk stratification than the current binary approach employed in clinical practice.

Dental plaque control strategies for the elderly population: A scoping review.

OBJECTIVE: To review the scientific literature and identify dental plaque control strategies focussed on elderly people that improve plaque indices. DESIGN: Scoping review (Joanna Briggs protocol). DATA SOURCES: Individual search strategies developed for six databases. The selection of the manuscripts in two phases: title and abstract review, and complete review. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: Studies on interventions for plaque control in elderly people (60y+). Epidemiological studies and those focussed on caregivers, health professionals and periodontal maintenance therapies were excluded. RESULTS: The initial search yielded 2803 studies, 26 were included. The results were classified into: exclusively chemical (10), educational (9), exclusively mechanical (6), and combined mechanical and chemical (1). The studies reported different types of interventions: sugarless chewing gum, chlorhexidine (CHX) in different preparations and concentrations, mouthwash based on essential oils, stannous/sodium fluoride dentifrice and lactoferrin/lactoperoxidase tablets. Additionally, conventional and alternative toothbrushes and professional brushing were tested. Educational interventions included oral hygiene guidance, verbal information, and demonstrations of dental and denture cleaning procedures, and lifestyle changes. Many studies have reported strategies that improve dental plaque indices but without statistical significance when compared to control groups. Promising results were found with the use of CHX, sugarless chewing gum, professional brushing and educational strategies with demonstration, but the results were not long-lasting. CONCLUSION: The literature reports that mechanical, chemical and educational strategies have some efficacy in dental plaque control in the elderly population. The results should be viewed with caution, considering the type of intervention (isolated or combined) and the maintenance of the results obtained.

Methylene Blue to Neonatal Septic Shock treatment in neonate pigs,

Abstract Objective The authors design an animal model of neonatal sepsis to analyze the treatment of neonatal septic shock with Methylene Blue (MB) in a swine model. Methods The study design included twenty male newborn pigs divided into four groups: 1) The control group; 2) The sepsis group (induced with lipopolysaccharide); 3) The MB group, and 4) The MB-treated sepsis group. Septic shock was defined as Blood Pressure (BP) dropping 20% below the baseline value. Continuous Blood Pressure (BP), Nitric Oxide (NO) levels, cyclic Guanosine Monophosphate (cGMP), malondialdehyde acid, base excess, lactate, arterial blood gases, hematocrit, and echocardiography were analyzed. Results The BP of the sepsis group treated with MB showed a slight improvement in the first hour after treatment; however, a significant difference was not observed compared to the untreated sepsis group. Besides hemodynamic stability, the current study did not show symptomatic pulmonary hypertension, suggesting that MB was safe in neonates and children. An improvement in Base Excel (BE) levels after MB administration in septic animals may indicate a possible improvement in microcirculation. Conclusion The MB improved biomarkers related to septic shock prognosis, although an improvement in the blood levels could not be detected. MB might be a beneficial drug for hemodynamic instability in infants.

Lead-DBS: an additional tool for stereotactic surgery.

OBJECTIVE: Use Lead-DBS software to analyze stereotactical surgical outcome of an operated population and demonstrate that small target deviations do not compromise the stimulation of desired structures, even with small amperages. METHODS: Image exams of patients submitted to deep brain stimulation for movement disorders treatment were processed in Lead-DBS software. Electrode stereotactic coordinates were subtracted from the planned target and those deviations, compared among different anatomical targets and sides operated firstly and secondly. We also quantified the frequency of relation between the activated tissue volume and the planned target through computer simulations. RESULTS: None of the 16 electrodes were exactly implanted at the planned coordinates. A stimulation of 3 mA reached 62.5% of the times the planned coordinates, rising to 68.75% with a 3,5 mA. No statistical significance was demonstrated in any comparison of laterality and anatomical sites. CONCLUSIONS: The simulation of small amperage fields could reach the intended target even when electrode placement is suboptimal. Furthermore, such a goal can be achieved without overlapping the volume of activated tissue with undesired structures. Software Lead-DBS proved to be a valuable complementary asset for surgical stereotactical result assessment.

Epidemiological and molecular profile of blood donors infected with HTLV-1/2 in the state of Pará, northern Brazil.

BACKGROUND: The Human T-lymphotropic virus (HTLV) is a retrovirus of the genus Deltaretrovirus, which belongs to the family Retroviridae. The most important types are HTLV-1 and HTLV-2. It is estimated that between five and 10 million individuals are infected with HTLV-1, worldwide. Studies in the state of Pará indicate that it has the third highest prevalence of HTLV infections of any Brazilian state. The present study describes the epidemiological, serological, and molecular profile of blood donors from the state of Pará that were classified as unfit due to infection by HTLV-1 and 2. METHODS: The present study is based on a descriptive, retrospective, and cross-sectional review of the epidemiological, serological, and molecular data on blood donations, between January 2015 and December 2019. The data were obtained from the blood bank system and were digitalized to form a database in the Statistical Package for Social Sciences program, version 20. Descriptive statistics were used to determine the absolute and relative frequencies of the qualitative variables. For the quantitative variables, the mean, standard deviation, and minimum and maximum values were calculated. A p < 0.05 significance level was adopted for all analyses. RESULTS: A total of 632 samples were analyzed, of which 496 (78%) had no detectable proviral DNA and 136 (22%) had detectable HTLV. The HTLV-1 was detected in most (78%; 106/136) of these samples, while only 30 (22%) were detected for HTLV-2. The HTLV proviral DNA was detected primarily in females (69.1%), with a mean age of 40 years, with the highest frequencies of detection being recorded in single individuals (66.2%), first-time donors (74.3%), and individuals that had graduated high school (44.1%). The molecular confirmation of HTLV showed that three-quarters (78%) of the serologically reactive individuals were negative for either types 1 or 2, so the epidemiological profile of these individuals was significantly different from their detectable profile. CONCLUSIONS: The HTLV is neglected in Brazil; there is thus a clear need for further research in the area of regional hemotherapy and hematology services, in order to contribute to the definition of regional infection profiles, that will be fundamental to the development of effective prophylactic practices for the prevention of the infection and the dissemination of knowledge on the dangers of HTLV in the community.

Teledentistry System in Dental Health Public Services: A Mixed-Methods Intervention Study.

INTRODUCTION: Health information and communication technologies, such as Teledentistry, can help expand access to dental health public services making it more effective. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the factors that affect the implementation of a Teledentistry system in dental health public services. METHODS: The study follows the Implementation Research methodological framework. A mixed-method approach was applied using a triangulation design-sequential model to collect, analyze, and interpret qualitative and quantitative data about the implementation of a Teledentistry system. A compulsory teleconsultation from the general dentist was planned to access periodontics specialized care. The study was developed in a South Brazilian capital city and the platform of the Santa Catarina Telehealth Center was used. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected sequentially to achieve a better understanding of implementation research issues. RESULTS: In seven months, 68 teleconsulting was performed by 22% of the general dentists, prior to the referrals on periodontics. Only one reported not needing to refer the patient to the periodontist as a result of the teleconsulting guidance. Teledentistry system implementation and usage were influenced by the managers' political and administrative awareness to deploy and maintain the intervention. Lack of sufficient resource investment, lack of system integration, and internet failures were relevant limiting factors. The teleconsultant guidelines contributed to general dentistry's better decision-making regarding treatment, urgency of case management, and prioritization of referrals to the periodontists CONCLUSION: Identifying the factors that influence the implementation and finding solutions to overcome them, can prevent future failures and improve usage of the system.

Colletotrichum spp. from Soybean Cause Disease on Lupin and Can Induce Plant Growth-Promoting Effects.

Protein crop plants such as soybean and lupin are attracting increasing attention because of their potential use as forage, green manure, or for the production of oil and protein for human consumption. Whereas soybean production only recently gained more importance in Germany and within the whole EU in frame of protein strategies, lupin production is already well-established in Germany. The cultivation of lupins is impeded by the hemibiotrophic ascomycete Colletotrichum lupini, the causal agent of anthracnose disease. Worldwide, soybean is also a host for a variety of Colletotrichum species, but so far, this seems to not be the case in Germany. Cross-virulence between lupin- and soybean-infecting isolates is a potential threat, especially considering the overlap of possible soybean and lupin growing areas in Germany. To address this question, we systematically investigated the interaction of different Colletotrichum species isolated from soybean in Brazil on German soybean and lupin plant cultivars. Conversely, we tested the interaction of a German field isolate of C. lupini with soybean. Under controlled conditions, Colletotrichum species from soybean and lupin were able to cross-infect the other host plant with varying degrees of virulence, thus underpinning the potential risk of increased anthracnose diseases in the future. Interestingly, we observed a pronounced plant growth-promoting effect for some host-pathogen combinations, which might open the route to the use of beneficial biological agents in lupin and soybean production.

Lead-DBS: an additional tool for stereotactic surgery

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Use Lead-DBS software to analyze stereotactical surgical outcome of an operated population and demonstrate that small target deviations do not compromise the stimulation of desired structures, even with small amperages. METHODS: Image exams of patients submitted to deep brain stimulation for movement disorders treatment were processed in Lead-DBS software. Electrode stereotactic coordinates were subtracted from the planned target and those deviations, compared among different anatomical targets and sides operated firstly and secondly. We also quantified the frequency of relation between the activated tissue volume and the planned target through computer simulations. RESULTS: None of the 16 electrodes were exactly implanted at the planned coordinates. A stimulation of 3 mA reached 62.5% of the times the planned coordinates, rising to 68.75% with a 3,5 mA. No statistical significance was demonstrated in any comparison of laterality and anatomical sites. CONCLUSIONS: The simulation of small amperage fields could reach the intended target even when electrode placement is suboptimal. Furthermore, such a goal can be achieved without overlapping the volume of activated tissue with undesired structures. Software Lead-DBS proved to be a valuable complementary asset for surgical stereotactical result assessment.