The Anatomical Relationships in the Space of Retzius for Penile Implants: An MRI Analysis.

BACKGROUND: The 3-piece inflatable penile prosthesis includes an easy-to-use pump and fluid filled reservoir which is placed in either the space of Retzius (SOR) or in an alternative ectopic location. Reservoir placement in the SOR is a blind procedure despite the SOR being surrounded by many critical structures. To date only a handful of cadaveric studies have described the relevant anatomy. AIM: To use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as an in-vivo model to study relevant retropubic anatomy critical for SOR reservoir placement. METHODS: The study population included men with elevated prostate specific antigen or biopsy proven prostate cancer who (i) underwent pelvic MRI, (ii) without prior pelvic or inguinal surgery, and (iii) without pelvic radiation therapy. All MRIs were completed with a 3-Tesla scanner and endorectal coil. Both T1 and T2 weighted images were captured in both axial and sagittal planes. All images were reviewed by 2 independent reviewers under the supervision of a dedicated body MRI radiologist. Bladder volume was calculated using an ellipsoid formula. OUTCOMES: Relevant measurements included (i) the distance between the external inguinal ring (EIR) at the level of the pubic tubercle to the external iliac vein (EIV), (ii) the distance from the EIR at the pubic tubercle to the bladder (accounting for bladder volume) and (iii) the distance from the midline pubic symphysis to the bladder (accounting for bladder volume). Pearson correlation was used to determine correlated measurements. RESULTS: A total of 24 patients were included. Median participant age was 63 years (interquartile range, 59-66). The mean EIR-EIV distance was 3.0 ± 0.4 cm, the mean EIR-bladder distance was 1.8 ± 1.0 cm and the mean distance from the superior pubic symphysis to bladder was 0.9 ± 0.3 cm. There was a weak correlation between bladder volume and distance between the EIR and bladder (r = -0.30, P = .16). CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: The use of MRI as an in-vivo model is a high-fidelity tool to study real time unaltered anatomy and allows for surgical preparation, diagnosis of anatomic variants and acts as a valuable teaching tool. STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS: This is the first in-vivo model to report relevant retropubic anatomy in penile implant surgery. Our study is limited by sample size and inclusion of participants with no history of prior pelvic intervention. CONCLUSION: We demonstrate the utility of MRI as an in-vivo model, as opposed to cadaveric models, for the understanding of relevant retropubic anatomy for implant surgeons. Punjani N, Monteiro L, Sullivan J F et al. The Anatomical Relationships in the Space of Retzius for Penile Implants: An MRI Analysis. J Sex Med 2021;18:1830-1834.

Erectile function after partial penectomy for penile cancer.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the erectile function in patients who underwent partial penectomy and identify factors associated with penile functional status. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We identified patients who underwent partial penectomy due to penile cancer between 2009 and 2014. Clinical and pathological characteristics included patient age at the time of diagnosis, obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes, smoking, metabolic syndrome, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) status, penile shaft length, tumor size, primary tumor stage (pT), clinical nodal status, and local recurrence. Erectile function was assessed prospectively with the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) at least 3 months after partial penectomy. RESULTS: A total of 81 patients met analysis criteria. At the diagnosis, the median age was 62 years (range from 30 to 88). Median follow-up was 17 months (IQR 7-36). Of total patients, 37 (45%) had T2 or higher disease. Clinically positive nodes were present in 16 (20%) patients and seven (8.6%) developed local recurrence. Fifty patients (62%) had erectile dysfunction (ED) after partial penectomy, 30% had moderate or severe erectile dysfunction scores. Patients with ED versus without ED were similar in baseline characteristics except for age, penile shaft length, and presence of inguinal adenopathy (p <0.05). Multivariate analysis using logistic regression confirmed that older patients, shorter penile shaft length, and clinically positive lymph node were significantly associated with ED. CONCLUSION: Partial penectomy due to penile cancer provides adequate local control of the disease, however, proper counselling is important especially in relation to ED consequences. Preservation of penile length yields to more optimal erectile recovery.

Assessment of yield gaps on global grazed-only permanent pasture using climate binning.

To meet rising demands for agricultural products, existing agricultural lands must either produce more or expand in area. Yield gaps (YGs)-the difference between current and potential yield of agricultural systems-indicate the ability to increase output while holding land area constant. Here, we assess YGs in global grazed-only permanent pasture lands using a climate binning approach. We create a snapshot of circa 2000 empirical yields for meat and milk production from cattle, sheep, and goats by sorting pastures into climate bins defined by total annual precipitation and growing degree-days. We then estimate YGs from intra-bin yield comparisons. We evaluate YG patterns across three FAO definitions of grazed livestock agroecosystems (arid, humid, and temperate), and groups of animal production systems that vary in animal types and animal products. For all subcategories of grazed-only permanent pasture assessed, we find potential to increase productivity several-fold over current levels. However, because productivity of grazed pasture systems is generally low, even large relative increases in yield translated to small absolute gains in global protein production. In our dataset, milk-focused production systems were found to be seven times as productive as meat-focused production systems regardless of animal type, while cattle were four times as productive as sheep and goats regardless of animal output type. Sustainable intensification of pasture is most promising for local development, where large relative increases in production can substantially increase incomes or "spare" large amounts of land for other uses. Our results motivate the need for further studies to target agroecological and economic limitations on productivity to improve YG estimates and identify sustainable pathways toward intensification.

The Role of the Low-Intensity Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy on Penile Rehabilitation After Radical Prostatectomy: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Erectile dysfunction (ED) after radical prostatectomy (RP) still represents a major issue. Considering the benefits recently described regarding the application of low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy (LiESWT) in vasculogenic ED, questions arise about its role in the scenario of penile rehabilitation. AIM: To compare the early introduction of phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor (PDE5i) with a combination therapy enrolling both early PDE5i use and LiESWT in patients submitted to RP. METHODS: This study is a randomized clinical trial, open-label, with 2 parallel arms and an allocation ratio of 1:1. The study was registered in ReBEC (ensaiosclinicos.gov.br) Trial: RBR-85HGCG. Both arms started tadalafil at a dose of 5 mg/day right after the removal of the transurethral catheter, and the experimental group received 2,400 shocks/session-week distributed on 4 different penile regions. The full treatment consisted of 19,200 impulses across 8 weeks. OUTCOMES: The primary clincal end point was ≥4-point difference favoring the experimental group considering the mean International Index of Erectile Function short form (IIEF-5) at last follow-up. Any statistical difference in the IIEF-5 score between the arms was stated as the primary statistical end point. RESULTS: Between September 25, 2017, and December 3, 2018, 92 men were enrolled in the study. At last follow-up, we assessed 77 patients, 41 in the control group and 36 in the intervention group. A difference between groups was detected when accessing the final median IIEF-5 score (12.0 vs 10.0; P = .006). However, the primary clinical endpoint considering a difference ≥4-point between the arms has not been reached. When performing an exploratory analysis comparing the proportion of those individuals with an IIEF-5 score ≥17, no difference between groups was noted (17.1% vs 22.2%; P = .57). CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: So far, the benefits arising from LiESWT for penile rehabilitation after RP have been uncertain. STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS: This is the first trial assessing the role of LiESWT on erectile function after RP. Our study protocol included only one session per week for the experimental group, raising a query if a more intensive application could achieve better results once a statistically significant difference was found between groups. We discontinue the PDE5i use at the last session, which may have interfered in the penile vascular rehabilitation, maybe compromising the results too. CONCLUSION: After therapy with 19,200 impulses therapy across 8 weeks, we found an improvement of the IIEF-5 score, but it was not enough to be considered clinically significant. More studies are warranted before any recommendation on this topic. Baccaglini W, Pazeto CL, Corrêa Barros EA, et al. The Role of the Low-Intensity Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy on Penile Rehabilitation After Radical Prostatectomy: A Randomized Clinical Trial. J Sex Med 2020;17:688-694.

ICUD-SIU International Consultation on Bladder Cancer 2017: management of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer.

PURPOSE: To provide a summary of the Third International Consultation on Bladder Cancer recommendations for the management of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). METHODS: A detailed review of the literature was performed focusing on original articles for the management of NMIBC. An international committee assessed and graded the articles based on the Oxford Centre for Evidence-based Medicine system. The entire spectrum of NMIBC was covered such as prognostic factors of recurrence and progression, risk stratification, staging, management of positive urine cytology with negative white light cystoscopy, indications of bladder and prostatic urethral biopsies, management of Ta low grade (LG) and high risk tumors (Ta high grade [HG], T1, carcinoma in situ [CIS]), impact of BCG strain and host on outcomes, management of complications of intravesical therapy, role of alternative therapies, indications for early cystectomy, surveillance strategies, and new treatments. The working group provides several recommendations on the management of NMIBC. RESULTS: Recommendations were summarized with regard to staging; management of primary and recurrent LG Ta and high risk disease, positive urine cytology with negative white light cystoscopy and prostatic urethral involvement; indications for timely cystectomy; and surveillance strategies. CONCLUSION: NMIBC remains a common and challenging malignancy to manage. Accurate staging, grading, and risk stratification are critical determinants of the management and outcomes of these patients. Current tools for risk stratification are limited but informative, and should be used in clinical practice when determining diagnosis, surveillance, and treatment of NMIBC.

Updates in the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis.

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is an inflammatory and degenerative condition resulting in articular cartilage destruction and functional loss. Its prevalence has grown considerably due to increased life expectancy and obesity, and its diagnosis relies on evaluation, medical examination, and confirmation by supplementary radiographic images. Knee OA is multifactorial and influenced by several local, systemic, and external aspects. In addition, its progress and therapeutic responses highly depend on the characteristics of each subject. The initial recommendation is drug treatment and alternative therapies to improve quality of life. However, if these treatments are unsuccessful, one must consider surgical treatment. Surgical options include arthroscopies, osteotomies, and partial and total arthroplasties, while non-surgical treatments include medications and alternative therapies such as infiltrations, acupuncture, and physical exercise. It is worth highlighting that biomarkers can be a significant strategy for early disease detection, assessment of disease activity, prediction of prognosis, and monitoring a better response to therapy. Nevertheless, this topic must be the focus of further research to confirm its findings.

Successful management of oral ranula: a rare case in an infant.

An oral ranula is a retention cyst that arises from the sublingual gland as a result of ductal obstruction and fluid retention. This report describes the successful management of a rare case of oral ranula in an infant. A 4-month-old male infant was referred for emergency treatment due to a 2-month history of a swelling in the right sublingual region. The examination revealed a lesion of approximately 3.5 cm in diameter, which was jeopardizing the infant's breastfeeding. The lesion's dimensions suggested a ranula. Surgical specimens were sent for histopathological analysis to confirm the diagnosis. Although there are many different ways to treat an oral ranula, the marsupialization method was followed in this case due to the serious consequences of the infant's restricted access to nourishment. The treatment proved to be successful and after 18 months of follow-up, there was no sign of recurrence.

Premature ejaculation prevalence among young men who have sex with men: a cross-sectional study with internet users in the metropolitan region of São Paulo, Brazil.

Background: There are only a few studies about the prevalence and correlates of premature ejaculation (PE) among men who have sex with men (MSM). Aim: (1) To estimate PE prevalence according to 3 assessment methods: self-reported time from penetration to ejaculation (ejaculation latency time [ELT]); Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool (PEDT); and a direct question about the self-perception of ejaculation as being normal, too early (premature), or retarded. (2) To assess the agreement of the 3 assessment methods and identify factors associated with PE according to each method and their combination. Methods: We evaluated data from 226 MSM who participated in a cross-sectional study about sexual behavior among men living in the metropolitan region of São Paulo, Brazil. They responded anonymously to an online survey between May 2019 and March 2020. We calculated the agreement of the 3 assessment methods and their association with other characteristics using logistic regression models. Outcomes: Outcomes included the prevalence of PE according to the assessment methods and the association measures (PE vs sociodemographic characteristics and sexual behavior). Results: The prevalence of PE among MSM was 21.2% (95% CI, 16.1%-27.1%) according to the PEDT, 17.3% (95% CI, 12.6%-22.8%) per self-report, and 6.2% (95% CI, 3.4%-10.2%) by estimated ELT ≤2 minutes. The agreement among the 3 assessments was fair (kappa, 0.31; 95% CI, 0.25-0.37; P < .001). Association with PE varied by assessment method: obesity and shorter time for ejaculation with anal sex vs masturbation were associated with PE according to the PEDT and ELT but not self-evaluation. Perception about ideal time to ejaculate ≤5 minutes increased the chance of PE based on ELT. Higher chances of self-reported PE were associated with trying to hold back ejaculation, and lower chances were associated with higher frequencies of masturbation. Clinical Implications: Combining tools to investigate PE allows the identification of characteristics associated with this condition and may result in improvement in the care of MSM. Strengths and Limitations: This anonymous online survey provided the privacy necessary for participants to respond freely about sensitive questions, with a low risk of social adequacy bias. However, as it was a secondary analysis of a larger study, it could not evaluate comorbidities (eg, erectile dysfunction, prostatitis, depression) and the use of condoms. Conclusion: The prevalence of PE among MSM is high and varies according to the instrument used for the assessment, and the agreement among the 3 assessments was only fair.

Diagnosis by Manual Maneuver of Medial Meniscus Ramp Lesions.

The intra-articular injury most often associated with a chronic anterior cruciate ligament tear involves the posterior horn of the medial meniscus. A specific type of medial meniscal injury, called a ramp lesion, has received greater attention for identification and treatment because of its considerable incidence and diagnostic difficulty. Based on their location, these lesions may be arthroscopically "hidden" during traditional anterior visualization. The purpose of the present Technical Note is to describe the Recife maneuver. This maneuver diagnoses injuries to the posterior horn of the medial meniscus using additional arthroscopic management through a standard portal. The Recife maneuver is performed with the patient in the supine position. A 30° arthroscope is inserted through the anterolateral portal, and the posteromedial compartment is accessed according to the transnotch view (modified Gillquist view). In the proposed maneuver, with the knee in 30° of flexion, a valgus stress with internal rotation is performed, followed by palpation of the popliteal region and digital pressure on the joint interline. This maneuver allows a greater visualization of the posterior compartment, allowing the diagnostic evaluation of the integrity between the meniscus and the capsule, in a safer way, being able to identify ramp tears without the need to create a posteromedial portal. We recommend that the addition of the diagnostic visualization step of the posteromedial compartment as described by the Recife maneuver be performed to assess the meniscal status in routine anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

Premature Ejaculation Among Internet Users Living in the Metropolitan Region of São Paulo, Brazil: A Cross-Sectional Comparison Between the Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool (PEDT) and Patient-Reported Latency Time and Perception.

BACKGROUND: Premature ejaculation (PE) prevalence can vary according to different definitions, assessment methods and populational demographics and culture. AIMS: To investigate the differences between men classified as having "probable PE" (PEDT≥11), "possible PE" (PEDT = 9 or 10) or "no PE" (PEDT≤8) according to the Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool (PEDT) criteria in regard to sociodemographic characteristics, and sexual and relational behavior. To assess the agreement of prevalence of PE according to 3 assessment methods: (i) the ejaculation latency time (ELT) according to the participant's memory; (ii) PEDT and (iii) a direct question about the self-perception of ejaculation as being normal, too early (premature) or retarded. METHODS: In this web-based cross-sectional study, men aged ≥ 18 years living in the metropolitan region of São Paulo, Brazil, responded anonymously to an online survey. We used multinomial regression to estimate the association between PE according PEDT criteria and other features and the kappa coefficient to estimate agreement between the assessment methods. OUTCOMES: Association between PEDT-PE, sociodemographic characteristics and sexual and relational behaviors; agreement between PEDT, ELT and self-perception of PE. RESULTS: Obesity, trying to hold back ejaculation, short or nonexistent foreplay and age <30 years were associated with PEDT ≥11. Men who considered that latency was shorter for oral, anal and vaginal sex than for masturbation were more likely to have probable PE according to PEDT. Possible PE (PEDT scores 9/10) was associated with trying to hold back ejaculation and considering time for ejaculation shorter for vaginal sex. There was fair agreement between assessments (kappa 0.39; CI:0.28 -0.42; P < .001). CONCLUSION: PE prevalence varies according to instruments and cut-offs used, with fair agreement between them. This finding shows that the methods evaluate different aspects of the EP syndrome and they must be combined to allow the discrimination between the different types of PE and treatments. Clinical approaches should consider the sexual behavior and relationship of the patient and their distress. dos Reis M de MF, Barros EAC, Monteiro L, et al. Premature Ejaculation Among Internet Users Living in the Metropolitan Region of São Paulo, Brazil: A Cross-Sectional Comparison Between the Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool (PEDT) and Patient-Reported Latency Time and Perception. Sex Med 2022;10:100463.

Neospongodes atlantica, a potential case of an early biological introduction in the Southwestern Atlantic.

Soft corals (Anthozoa: Octocorallia) are discreet components in the Southwestern Atlantic reef communities. In Brazil, the native octocoral shallow-reef fauna is mostly represented by gorgonians. Consequently, except for the nephtheid Neospongodes atlantica, most of the known soft corals from this region are considered non-indigenous. Hitherto, the monotypic genus Neospongodes, which was proposed in the early 1900s, has been considered to be endemic to the Northeastern Brazilian coast. Herein, based on in situ records, we show that N. atlantica is a substrate generalist that has been probably expanding its distribution by dominating extensive shallow and mesophotic sandy and reef bottoms, generally outcompeting other reef benthic organisms, including Brazilian endemic species. Based on previously unidentified museum specimens, new records, and a broad literature review, we provide the most comprehensive modelling of the potential distribution of this species in the Southwestern Atlantic. Based on molecular inference supported by in-depth morphological analysis, the probable non-indigenous and, therefore, ancient introduction of N. atlantica in Brazilian waters is discussed. Finally, these results support that Neospongodes and the Indo-Pacific Stereonephthya are synonyms, which led us to propose the latter as taxonomically invalid.

Interconnected marine habitats form a single continental-scale reef system in South America.

Large gaps in reef distribution may hinder the dispersal of marine organisms, interrupting processes vital to the maintenance of biodiversity. Here we show the presence and location of extensive reef habitats on the continental shelf between the Amazon Reef System (ARS) and the Eastern Brazilian Reef System (ERS), two reef complexes off eastern South America. Formations located 20-50 m deep include both biogenic and geogenic structures. The presence of diverse reef assemblages suggests the widespread occurrence of rocky substrates below 50 m. These habitats represent an expansion of both the ARS and ERS and the closure of the only remaining large-scale gap (~ 1000 km) among West Atlantic reef environments. This indicates that the SW Atlantic harbors a single, yet heterogeneous, reef system that stretches for about 4000 km, and thus, represents one of the largest semi-continuous tropical marine ecosystems in the world.

Comparison of the Comprehensive Complication Index and Clavien-Dindo systems in predicting perioperative outcomes following radical nephroureterectomy.

BACKGROUND: Complications can occur following radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) in 20-40% of patients. The Comprehensive Complication Index (CCI) is an alternative grading system to the Clavien-Dindo (CD) grading system that aggregates all complications experienced by a patient on a continuous (as opposed to categorical) scale. We investigate whether the cumulative nature of CCI renders it superior to CD in predicting perioperative course after RNU. METHODS: The records of 596 patents who underwent RNU at 7 academic medical centers from 2005 to 2015 were reviewed. Complications occurring within 30 days of RNU were annotated using both the CD and CCI classification systems. Logistic regression was used to determine associations between CD and CCI with perioperative covariates as well as measures of convalescence [hospital length of stay (LOS) and readmission]. RESULTS: A total of 377 men and 219 women with a median age of 71, BMI of 27, and Charlson comorbidity score of 4 were included. Over half underwent a minimally invasive RNU. Median LOS following RNU was 6.0 days (range, 1-37 days) and readmission within 30-days occurred in 45 (8%) patients. Overall, 136 patients (23%) experienced a post-operative complication with 91 having a single complication and 45 with multiple (range, 2-6); 44 (7%) patients had Clavien III or greater complications, and the median CCI for those patients experiencing a complication was 20.9 (range, 8.7-100). Both the upper quartile of CCI (≥75th %) and major CD complications were associated with higher baseline Charlson score, ECOG ≥2, and CKD stage ≥ III (all P<0.05). However, only the upper quartile of CCI was associated with LOS (8.9 vs. 5.4 days, P<0.01) and hospital readmission (OR 3.2, 95% CI: 1.9-5.6, P=0.02) after RNU. CONCLUSIONS: The CD and CCI classification systems both are associated with similar baseline and perioperative characteristics for RNU patients. However, the cumulative nature of the CCI allows for superior prediction of postoperative course after RNU including LOS and readmission.

Erectile function after partial penectomy for penile cancer

ABSTRACT Purpose: To evaluate the erectile function in patients who underwent partial penectomy and identify factors associated with penile functional status. Materials and Methods: We identified patients who underwent partial penectomy due to penile cancer between 2009 and 2014. Clinical and pathological characteristics included patient age at the time of diagnosis, obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes, smoking, metabolic syndrome, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) status, penile shaft length, tumor size, primary tumor stage (pT), clinical nodal status, and local recurrence. Erectile function was assessed prospectively with the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) at least 3 months after partial penectomy. Results: A total of 81 patients met analysis criteria. At the diagnosis, the median age was 62 years (range from 30 to 88). Median follow-up was 17 months (IQR 7-36). Of total patients, 37 (45%) had T2 or higher disease. Clinically positive nodes were present in 16 (20%) patients and seven (8.6%) developed local recurrence. Fifty patients (62%) had erectile dysfunction (ED) after partial penectomy, 30% had moderate or severe erectile dysfunction scores. Patients with ED versus without ED were similar in baseline characteristics except for age, penile shaft length, and presence of inguinal adenopathy (p <0.05). Multivariate analysis using logistic regression confirmed that older patients, shorter penile shaft length, and clinically positive lymph node were significantly associated with ED. Conclusion: Partial penectomy due to penile cancer provides adequate local control of the disease, however, proper counselling is important especially in relation to ED consequences. Preservation of penile length yields to more optimal erectile recovery.

Management of an unerupted tooth and odontoma after trauma in predecessor

The purpose of this case report was to describe the surgical exposure and orthodontic management of an unerupted and ectopic maxillary right central incisor after trauma to the primary predecessor. Case report: An 11-year-old girl was referred to the Pediatric Dentistry Clinic due to eruption failure of the maxillary right central incisor. Radiographs showed the impacted central incisor located below the anterior nasal spine and its apex parallel to the palatal plane and the presence of an odontoma. General surgery was performed to remove the odontoma and two perforations in the crown of the impacted tooth were made to carry out orthodontic traction. Correct alignment was achieved after 18 months and no significant clinical or radiographic alterations were founded. Conclusion: The orthodontic management was performed successfully, and a positive esthetic outcome combined with adequate occlusion demonstrated the satisfactory results of this case.

Objetivo: O objetivo deste relato de caso foi descrever a exposição cirúrgica e o tratamento ortodôntico de um incisivo central superior direito ectópico e não irrompido após trauma do predecessor decíduo. Relato do caso: Uma menina de 11 anos de idade foi encaminhada à Clínica de Odontopediatria devido ao atraso na erupção do incisivo central superior direito. As radiografias mostraram o incisivo central impactado localizado abaixo da espinha nasal anterior e seu ápice paralelo ao plano palatino e a presença de um odontoma. A cirurgia para remoção do odontoma foi realizada sob anestesia geral e duas perfurações na coroa do dente impactado foram realizadas para a tração ortodôntica. O alinhamento correto foi alcançado após 18 meses e não foram encontradas alterações clínicas ou radiográficas significativas. Conclusão: O manejo ortodôntico foi realizado com sucesso, e um resultado estético positivo combinado à oclusão adequada demonstrou os resultados satisfatórios deste caso.

Whole body vibration in operators using agricultural soil preparation equipment / Alteração na vibração de corpo inteiro em operadores pela utilização de equipamentos agrícolas de preparo do solo

ABSTRACT: Agricultural tractors have been reported to exert negative effects on operator health. It is well known that when a farm machine is designed it must consider the human factors, to raise the safety levels and work quality. The aim of the present study was to estimate the degree of vibration transmissibility from the agricultural equipment used for the periodic soil preparation process and determine the exposure of the whole body of the operator to the vibration, incident to the agricultural tractor during the operation. A 4x2 TDA tractor was employed, coupled to the periodic soil preparation equipment. Five sets were used (tractor- disk plough, tractor-moldboard plow, tractor-offset disc harrow, tractor-rotary hoe, and tractor-scarifier) and the tractor without the equipment being coupled, at two tractor speeds of displacement (3.5 km.h-1 and 6.1 km.h-1). An index (IAVEA) was developed to assess whether the amplification or attenuation of the vibrations takes place on each orthogonal axis. The data were processed using the Noise Studio® software 6.95. Statistical evaluation was performed using the ASSISTAT version 7.7 beta program. After normality, the data were submitted to the analysis of variance by the F test; when significance was reported, the means were compared using the Tukey test, at 5% significance. The disk plow was the equipment that showed the greatest intensification of the vibrations in all the parameters estimated. All the sets assessed revealed statistically equal or higher values in terms of the tractor without the attached equipment. The IAVEA% was an index that enabled the quantification of the amplification or attenuation caused by the use of the agricultural equipment.

RESUMO: A utilização de tratores agrícolas tem causado efeitos negativos na saúde do operador. Faz-se necessário que no projeto de uma máquina agrícola sejam levados em consideração fatores humanos, para aumentar a segurança e melhorar a qualidade de trabalho. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar a transmissibilidade da vibração em equipamentos agrícolas de preparo periódico do solo devido a exposição a vibração de corpo inteiro incidente ao operador de trator agrícola durante a operação. O trator utilizado foi um trator 4x2 TDA acoplado a equipamentos de preparo periódico do solo. Foram utilizados cinco conjuntos (trator-arado de disco, trator-arado de aiveca, trator-grade off-set, trator-enxada rotativa, trator-escarificador) e um trator sem equipamento acoplado, em duas velocidades de deslocamento do trator (3,5 km.h-1 e 6,1 km.h-1). Foi desenvolvido um índice (IAVEA) para avaliar se ocorre amplificação ou atenuação das vibrações em cada eixo ortogonal. Os dados foram processados no software Noise Studio® 6.95. Para avaliação estatística foi utilizado o programa ASSISTAT versão 7.7 beta. Comprovada a normalidade, os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância pelo teste F e, quando significativas, as médias foram comparadas pelo teste de Tukey a 5% de significância. O arado de disco foi o equipamento que apresentou maior intensificação das vibrações em todos os parâmetros avaliados. Todos os conjuntos avaliados apresentam valores estatisticamente iguais ou superiores em relação ao trator sem equipamento acoplado. O IAVEA% se mostrou um índice capaz de quantificar a amplificação ou atenuação proporcionada pelo uso de equipamentos agrícolas.

The prevalence of multiple sclerosis in Belo Horizonte, Brazil.

UNLABELLED: Investigations on the prevalence rates of multiple sclerosis (MS) around the world have yielded important clues on the interplay between genetic susceptibility and environmental factors. As Brazil is a huge country laid on many latitudes and inhabited by population with distinct ethnic backgrounds, it might be assumed that the frequency of MS varies in its different regions. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence rate of MS in Belo Horizonte, the capital of the State of Minas Gerais, Southeastern Brazil. METHODS: We used six sources to draw up a provisional list of identified cases of MS. Only patients with diagnosis of clinically definite MS according to Poser Committee criteria were included. RESULTS: The calculated crude MS prevalence was 18.1/100,000 inhabitants. CONCLUSIONS: The MS prevalence in Belo Horizonte is similar to that found in São Paulo and Botucatu, two other cities in southeastern Brazil with similar ethnic background.