Abstract: Among dental implant design alterations, surface modifications have been by far the most investigated topic. Regarding implant surface research, the lack of hierarchical approaches relating in vitro, in vivo, clinical trials, and ex vivo analyses has hindered biomaterials scientists with clear informed rationale guidelines for implant surface design. This manuscript provides a critical hierarchical overview of the in vitro, laboratory in vivo, clinical, and ex vivo methodologies used to investigate the performance of novel biomaterials aiming to allow dental professionals to better evaluate the past, present, and future dental implant surface research. This manuscript also contains an overview of the commercially available surface texture and chemistry modifications including novel nanotechnology-based fabrication processes. Over the last decade, surface texturing has been the most utilized parameter for increasing the host-to-implant response. Recently, dental implant surfaces utilizing reduced length scale physico/chemical features (atomic and nanometric) have shown the potential to synergistically use both texture and the inclusion of bioactive ceramic components on the surface. Although surface modifications have been shown to enhance osseointegration at early implantation times, information concerning its long-term benefit to peri-implant tissues is lacking due to the reduced number of controlled clinical trials. Given the various implants/surfaces under study, the clinician should ask, founded on the basic hierarchical approach described for the in vitro, laboratory in vivo data, as well as the results of clinical studies to effectiveness before use of any dental implant.

Abstract: The selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are considered the first-line pharmacological treatment for PTSD. However, even when treated with this class of drugs, response rates rarely exceed 60% and less than 20-30% of the patients achieve full remission. The aim of this study was to address this limitation by systematically reviewing the options left for the treatment of PTSD when patients do not respond satisfactorily to or tolerate SSRIs. A systematic review covering all original articles, letters and brief reports published in any language until October 2008 was conducted through searches in the ISI/Web of Science, PubMed and PILOTS databases. The search terms included the pharmacological class of each agent or its generic name plus "PTSD" or "stress disorder" in the title, in the abstract or as a keyword. Sixty-three articles were selected, covering the following categories: antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, adrenergic-inhibiting agents, opioid antagonists, benzodiazepines and other agents. None of the identified agents reached the level A of scientific evidence, 5 reached level B, 7 level C and 13 level D. The non-antidepressant agent with the strongest scientific evidence supporting its use in PTSD is risperidone, which can be envisaged as an effective add-on therapy when patients did not fully benefit from previous treatment with SSRIs. Prazosin, an adrenergic-inhibiting agent, is a promising alternative for cases of PTSD where nightmares and insomnia are prominent symptoms. So far, there is no consistent empirical support for using benzodiazepines in the prevention or in the treatment of PTSD, although these drugs could alleviate some associated non-specific symptoms, such as insomnia or anxiety. Further controlled clinical trials and meta-analysis are needed to guide clinicians in their search of effective pharmacological alternatives to antidepressants in PTSD.

Abstract: A new technique to analyze fusion data is developed. From experimental cross sections and results of coupled-channel calculations a dimensionless function is constructed. In collisions of strongly bound nuclei this quantity is very close to a universal function of a variable related to the collision energy, whereas for weakly bound projectiles the effects of breakup coupling are measured by the deviations with respect to this universal function. This technique is applied to collisions of stable and unstable weakly bound isotopes.

Abstract: The potential of charcoal and of partially combusted organic waste to mimic the soil organic matter of the Terras Pretas de Indios (Amazonian Dark Earths) from the Amazon Region is discussed. These materials serve as soil conditioners and as sequesterers of carbon in recalcitrant and in reactive forms. Studies carried out by Brazilian and by international groups have contributed to the emergence of an awareness of the compositions and of the uses of these materials. In this contribution we report on chemical studies that are leading to the development of a scientific and technological awareness, and of innovations that will have value in finding novel uses in applications to soil of chars from organic wastes such as those from the biofuel industry, and from metallurgical and various coal plant residues.

Abstract: This article addresses climate-tipping points in the Amazon Basin resulting from deforestation. It applies a regional climate model to assess whether the system of protected areas in Brazil is able to avoid such tipping points, with massive conversion to semiarid vegetation, particularly along the south and southeastern margins of the basin. The regional climate model produces spatially distributed annual rainfall under a variety of external forcing conditions, assuming that all land outside protected areas is deforested. It translates these results into dry season impacts on resident ecosystems and shows that Amazonian dry ecosystems in the southern and southeastern basin do not desiccate appreciably and that extensive areas experience an increase in precipitation. Nor do the moist forests dry out to an excessive amount. Evidently, Brazilian environmental policy has created a sustainable core of protected areas in the Amazon that buffers against potential climate-tipping points and protects the drier ecosystems of the basin. Thus, all efforts should be made to manage them effectively.

Abstract: The aim of this study was to estimate the 1-year prevalence of migraine and the degree of the association of migraine with some sociodemographic characteristics of a representative sample of the adult population of Brazil. This was a cross-sectional, population-based study. Telephone interviews were conducted on 3848 people, aged 18-79 years, randomly selected from the 27 States of Brazil. The estimated 1-year gender- and age-adjusted prevalence of migraine was 15.2%. Migraine was 2.2 times more prevalent in women, 1.5 times more in subjects with > 11 years of education, 1.59 times more in subjects with income of < 5 Brazilian Minimum Wages per month, and 1.43 times more in those who do not do any physical exercise. The overall prevalence of migraine in Brazil is 15.2%. Migraine is significantly more prevalent in women, subjects with higher education, with lower income, and those who do not exercise regularly, independently of their body mass index.

Abstract: This paper evaluates interactions between firms and universities in Minas Gerais, one of the Brazilian states. The heterogeneity in Minas Gerais replicates the heterogeneity that exists in Brazil as a whole. This paper adapts the pioneering Yale and Carnegie Mellon surveys (USA) to an immature national system of innovation. We found that, in immature systems of innovation, beyond their traditional functions, universities perform a dual role in their interactions with firms: they substitute for and complement the research and development done by the firms themselves. In addition, contrary to conventional wisdom, even in the so-called low-tech and medium-tech sectors, universities matter. Copyright , Beech Tree Publishing.

Abstract: . Climate and ocean ecosystem variability has been well recognized during the twentieth century but it is unclear if modern ocean biogeochemistry is susceptible to the large, abrupt shifts that characterized the Late Quaternary. Time series from marine sediments off Peru show an abrupt centennial-scale biogeochemical regime shift in the early nineteenth century, of much greater magnitude and duration than present day multi-decadal variability. A rapid expansion of the subsurface nutrient-rich, oxygen-depleted waters resulted in the present-day higher biological productivity, including pelagic fish. The shift was likely driven by a northward migration of the Intertropical Convergence Zone and the South Pacific Subtropical High to their present day locations, coupled with a strengthening of Walker circulation, towards the end of the Little Ice Age. These findings reveal the potential for large reorganizations in tropical Pacific climate with immediate effects on ocean biogeochemical cycling and ecosystem structure.

Abstract: Background: The presence of the periodontal ligament (PDL) makes it possible to absorb and distribute loads produced during masticatory function and other tooth contacts into the alveolar process via the alveolar bone proper. However, several factors affect the integrity of periodontal structures causing the destruction of the connective matrix and cells, the loss of fibrous attachment, and the resorption of alveolar bone.Methods: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the stress distribution by finite element analysis in a PDL in three-dimensional models of the upper central incisor under three different load conditions: 100 N occlusal loading at 45° (model 1: masticatory load); 500 N at the incisal edge at 45° (model 2: parafunctional habit); and 800 N at the buccal surface at 90° (model 3: trauma case). The models were built from computed tomography scans.Results: The stress distribution was quite different among the models. The most significant values (harmful) of tensile and compressive stresses w...

Abstract: There are a number of scenarios where connectivity is intermittent, and a given destination may not be reachable at the moment a message is sent. Networks with these characteristics are known as Delay and Disruption Tolerant Networks (DTN). The NECTAR protocol proposed in this article is based on the contacts history in order to create a Neighborhood Index and then determine the most appropriated route for DTNs. Simulations performed with real data retrieved from mobile and wireless environments at Dartmouth College in scenarios where the occurrence of highly-partitioned networks is frequent, and with the presence of resource constrained nodes show that NECTAR is able to deliver more messages than Epidemic and PROPHET protocols with lower consumption of network resources.

Abstract: The aim of this paper is to use DEA models to evaluate sustainability in agriculture. Several variables are taken into account and the resulting efficiency is measured by comparison. The performance of family farms is analysed here (variables: farmed area, work force, and production). As agricultural sustainability depends on the maintenance of systems of production for long periods of time, the models were run for the years of 1986 and 2002. Tiered DEA models were used to group farmers in sustainability categories. Non-parametric regression models were used to identify the factors affecting the efficiency measurements. All the results indicate that the majority of the farmers increased their efficiency along the time. These improvements may support the existence of sustainability.

Abstract: Recent studies have been conducted in Brazil using molecular techniques for the detection of hemotrophic mycoplasmas in several mammals In domestic cats, Mycoplasma haemofelis, "Candidatus M haemominutum", and "Candidatus M turicensis" infections have been identified These species have also been found in free-ranging and captive neotropical felid species Two canine hemoplasmas, Mycoplasma haemocanis and "Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum", have been identified in dogs In commercial swine populations, Mycoplasma suis was found to be highly prevalent, especially in sows Moreover, novel mycoplasma species have been identified in Brazilian commercial pigs and domestic dogs A hemoplasma infection in a human patient infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) was also recently documented In conclusion, hemoplasma species are common and important infectious agents in Brazil Further studies should be conducted to better understand their impact on pets, production animals, and wildlife fauna, as well as their role as zoonotic agents, particularly in immunocompromised patients

Abstract: O presente estudo analisa a producao do cuidado pelo agente comunitario de saude (ACS) na Saude da Familia, tendo como marcadores seu processo de trabalho, as tecnologias de cuidado e a caracterizacao da reestruturacao produtiva. Teve como estrategia de pesquisa o estudo de caso e como fonte de coleta de dados a entrevista semi-estruturada e o grupo focal. Foram utilizados instrumentos do metodo cartografico. Os resultados apontam para utilizacao extensiva de tecnologias leves e leve-duras na producao do cuidado, sustentada por um trabalho que teve como principal insumo o conhecimento adquirido pelo ACS na relacao que estabelece com a familia. Apesar de realizar um cuidado centrado no trabalho vivo em ato, governando ele mesmo suas acoes e guiado por sua subjetividade, seu trabalho e subsumido pela logica do modelo hegemonico, configurando uma permanente disputa em relacao ao seu processo de trabalho. No que pese sua pratica cuidadora e seu manejo acolhedor, nao consegue contaminar a equipe que se encontra aprisionada pelo trabalho morto, instituido e organizado, dificultando o processo de reestruturacao produtiva.

Abstract: Objective To assess the potential role of multiple bronchoalveolar lavages (BALs) in the treatment of children with lipoid pneumonia (LP) Materials and Methods This prospective study included 10 children (7 female, 3 male) with LP secondary to mineral oil aspiration The age ranged from 3 months to 7 years and 1–60 days history of mineral oil intake, with a 6 months clinic follow-up High-resolution computer tomography (CT) was performed 1–7 days prior to treatment and 2–20 days after the last therapeutic BAL, and reviewed by two experienced chest radiologists Oxygen saturation was measured with digital oximetry Therapeutic BAL was performed weekly until BAL fluid was nearly transparent and the cell count returned to normal range values Results In all children, the initial CT scans showed multifocal bilateral consolidation involving mainly the dorsal and central regions The areas of consolidation had foci of decreased attenuation in eight patients Following a total of 4–10 therapeutic BALs, the CT scans returned to normal in 3 patients, improved considerably in 5, and showed only slight improvement in 2 Oxygen saturation increased from 888 ± 34% at presentation to 962 ± 08% after treatment (P < 00001) Multiple lavages reduced (P < 0003) numbers of lipid-laden macrophages and restored BAL cellularity to normal range values Conclusion Multiple therapeutic BAL of children with LP results in significant improvement of CT findings, oxygen saturation, restoration of BAL fluid cellularity and clinical recover without any evidence of respiratory distress at the end of treatment and 6 months after the last BAL Pediatr Pulmonol 2009; 44:309–315 © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc

Abstract: This article discusses the emergence of humanization in the contemporary historical and cultural context, at a time when post-modern society is reviewing values and attitudes. The author analyzes the concept of humanization in depth and presents its main approaches: humanization as a movement against institutional violence in the health field, as a principle for humanist and ethical conduct, as a public policy for health care and management in the Unified National Health System (SUS), as a methodology to support participatory management, and as a health care technology. From this perspective, humanization is the process - based on respect and valuation of the individual - that aims to transform institutional culture through the collective development of ethical commitments and methods for action in health care and services management. The essence is the alliance between technical and technological competence and ethical and relational competence. The article briefly discusses the difficulties in achieving humanization in daily institutional life and medical education.

Abstract: The cytotoxicities of five nor-²-lapachone-based 1,2,3-triazoles and the precursor azidonaphthoquinone were assayed against six neoplasic cancer cell lines: SF-295 (central nervous system), HCT-8 (colon), MDAMB-435 (melanoma), HL-60 (leukaemia), PC-3 (prostate) and B-16 (murine melanoma). IC50 values ranging from 0.43 to 9.48 µM were obtained. 3-(4-(1-hydroxycyclohexyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-1yl)-2,2-dimethylnaphtho[1,2-b]furan-4,5-dione proved highly cytotoxic to MDAMB-435, with IC50 even lower than the one from doxorubicin (positive control). In an attempt to correlate physicochemical parameters (reduction potentials and calculated log P) with cytotoxic activity, electrochemical studies were conducted in acetate buffer, pH 4.5, using a vitreous carbon electrode and calculated log P values were obtained. Despite the absence of a structural conjugative interaction between the two systems (quinone and triazole), the heterocyclic group was found to influence the voltammetric behaviour, as indicated by anodic shifts in the reduction potentials. No correlation was found between EpIc and cytotoxicity. In contrast, a comparison of EpIc with previously reported trypanocidal activities reconfirmed the trend for higher activity coupled with better quinone electrophilicity (> EpIc).A leading term in the correlation of cytoxicity, despite the absence of a linear correlation, was the calculated log P: the lower the lipophilicity, the lower the cytoxicity (> IC50).

Abstract: A formacao medica atual encontra-se estruturada a partir de um modelo tecnocientifico. No entanto, na contemporaneidade surgem propostas orientadas por um projeto etico-humanista que tensionam esse modelo com vistas a sua transformacao. Neste ensaio, considera-se o Sistema Unico de Saude (SUS) como superficie de emergencia de novas demandas que alavancam as transformacoes requeridas na educacao medica brasileira. A proposta estabelecida pelas Diretrizes Curriculares do Ensino Medico de 2001 sugere a insercao precoce do aluno em cenarios diversificados de ensino-aprendizagem e enfatiza o papel desempenhado pela atencao basica nesse processo. Entende-se que a instituicao de novos cenarios de pratica, a valorizacao das dimensoes psicossocial e antropologica do adoecer e a incorporacao de tecnologias relacionais na formacao medica possibilitam uma reorientacao do olhar sobre os aspectos subjetivos do adoecimento, permitindo uma compreensao ampliada do processo saude-doenca. Considerando que inovacoes no processo de trabalho possibilitam mudancas na pratica clinica e na producao da atencao a saude, questiona-se a possibilidade de emergencia de um novo estilo de pensamento medico.

Abstract: Thermogravimetry has been widely used for the characterization of several biomasses but the most useful information given by this technique has been normally concerned to the relative amounts of humidity, hemi-cellulose, cellulose and lignin present in the biomass. TG-FTIR has been used to yield qualitative data about the pyrolysis products, in an exploratory way, by some authors. In the present paper, this technique was employed to reach comparative data about the products of pyrolysis of biomasses that are potentially available at economic bases for the production of biofuels. Agricultural residues such as coconut shell, sugarcane bagasse, corn stalks and peanut shell were chosen to be investigated. For all samples, the thermogravimetric curves showed a mass loss between 35 and 400 °C changed up to 73%, while that the loss between 400 and 800 °C changed up to 26%. TG-FTIR indicated tendencies in the rate of the formation of important species during the pyrolysis process of the four biomasses studied. The interpretation of the spectra allowed the proposition of characteristic absorbance ratios and the comparison of these values allowed inferences about the relative abundances of components formed in the pyrolysis of the biomasses. As an example of the possible inferences reached, among the species formed in the pyrolysis condensate, called bio-oil, the formation of carboxylic acids has to be specially considered due to their corrosivity. Thus, the data produced indicated that a bio-oil derived from peanut shell should be a little less acidic while the one derived from sugarcane bagasse should be showed more acidic among the biomasses studied.