Gait speed and functional performance in elderly women with knee osteoarthritis / Velocidade da marcha e desempenho funcional de idosas com osteoartrite de joelho

Abstract Introduction: Knee osteoarthritis is a degenerative and inflammatory disease that causes skeletal muscle dysfunction and induces limitation of functional activities, such as gait. Objective: To assess the relationship between gait speed and functional performance in elderly women with knee osteoarthritis. Methods: 38 elderly women were divided into two groups: knee osteoarthritis group (KOAG) (n = 24, 68 ± 4.42) and control group (CG) (n = 14, 66.35 ± 3.54). Gait speed data was assessed through Qualisys system and functional performance through a checklist of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). Results: Comparing with CG (p < 0.05), KOAG patients had lower gait speed (p = 0.004) and worse functional performance in d4500 (walking short distances), d4501 (walking long distances), d4502 (walking on different surfaces), and d4503 (walking around obstacles) ICF categories. By associating gait speed and functional performance in KOAG, significant differences were found in the d4500 (p = 0.019) and d4501 (p = 0.035) categories, but none for either the d4502 (p = 0.511) or d4503 (p = 0.076) categories. Gait speed was negatively correlated with d4500 (rho = -0.585, p = 0.003), d4501 (rho= -0.552, p = 0.005), and d4502 (rho = -0,548, p = 0,006). Conclusion: Gait speed is related to functional performance in elderly women with knee osteoarthritis for the activities of walking short distances, walking long distances, and walking on different surfaces. However, it seems that gait speed is not related to walking around obstacles.

Resumo Introdução: A osteoartrite de joelho (OJ) é uma doença degenerativa e inflamatória que causa incapacidade musculoesquelética, acarretando limitação de atividades funcionais como a marcha. Objetivo: Avaliar a relação entre velocidade da marcha e desempenho funcional em idosas com OJ. Métodos: Trinta e oito idosas foram divididas em grupo com osteoartrite de joelho (GOAJ) (n = 24, 68 ± 4,42) e grupo controle (GC) (n = 14, 66,35 ± 3,54) e avaliadas quanto à velocidade da marcha, utilizando o sistema Qualisys, e quanto ao desempenho funcional através de um checklist da Classificação Internacional de Funcionalidade, Incapacidade e Saúde (CIF). Resultados: GOAJ apresentou menor velocidade da marcha (p = 0,004) e pior desempenho funcional nas categorias da CIF d4500 (andar distâncias curtas), d4501 (andar distâncias longas), d4502 (andar em superfícies diferentes) e d4503 (andar contornando obstáculos) em comparação ao GC (p < 0,05). Ao associar velocidade da marcha e desempenho funcional do GOAJ, encontrou-se diferenças nas categorias d4500 (p = 0,019) e d4501 (p = 0,035), mas não em relação às categorias d4502 (p = 0,511) e d4503 (p = 0,076). Velocidade da marcha correlacionou-se negativamente com d4500 (rho = - 0,585, p = 0,003), d4501 (rho = -0,552, p = 0,005) e d4502 (rho = -0,548, p = 0,006). Conclusão: Existe relação entre velocidade da marcha e desempenho funcional de idosas com OJ quanto às atividades de andar distâncias curtas e longas e sobre superfícies diferentes; no entanto, a velocidade da marcha parece não interferir na atividade de andar contornando obstáculos.

Hybrid Sling for the Treatment of Concomitant Female Urethral Complex Diverticula and Stress Urinary Incontinence.

This study aims to present an alternative technique with the use of a transobturator hybrid sling (autologous fascia lata with a synthetic sling) in two patients with complex urethral diverticulum (CUD), urinary stress incontinence (SUI) and a large incisional infraumbilical hernia. Staged procedures could be performed, but considering the risk of persistence or worsening SUI, and no standard management strategy of SUI associated with CUD; simultaneous treatment was proposed. It is preferable to use autologous materials in such cases. However, the presence of incisional hernia protruded with its content covering the suprapubic area prohibits the retropubic sling technique due to visceral lesion risk. The diverticulum and SUI were repairs in the same surgery using a hybrid transobturator. The technique used for obtaining the fascia lata followed the literature, and a 6 cm segment was acquired. The patients were re-prepared in a lithotomy fashion, and diverticulectomy was performed. The segment of fascia lata was fixed to the mesh and sling was manipulated so that its middle part (fascia) rested directly below the urethra. After 6 months post-operatively, patients referred significant improvement in urinary symptoms. Patients have not had any storage symptoms, International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire - Short Form = zero, no SUI, and have not had any mesh-related complications. In conclusion, the present study evaluated a new technique for the treatment of CUD with SUI in a particular clinical scenario. Other studies with extended follow-up periods and larger sample sizes should be performed in this subset of patients.

Portable accelerometers for the evaluation of spatio-temporal gait parameters in people with Parkinson's disease: an integrative review.

PURPOSE: The progression of Parkinson's disease causes an increase in motor dysfunctions, which makes it necessary to evaluate and monitor these changes. This integrative review aimed to gather studies - without any language restrictions - on the use, advantages and disadvantages of portable accelerometers for the evaluation of spatio-temporal gait parameters in people with Parkinson's disease published between 2014 and 2019. METHODS: Articles were selected from the PubMed, Web of Science and Science Direct databases by combining descriptors from the Health Sciences Descriptors (DeCS) and Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) - "accelerometry", "accelerometer", "ActiGraph", "gait", "gait analysis", "gait rehabilitation", "walking inertial sensors", "Parkinson disease", "Parkinson" and "Parkinson's disease" - using OR and AND. The adapted Critical Appraisal Skill Program was used to analyze the methodological quality. RESULTS: All the studies used portable wearable and wireless triaxial accelerometers. Among all types of accelerometers discussed, commercial wearable devices not based on smartphones and prototypes of wearable devices based and not based on smartphones can be pointed out. There was no standardization for the protocols of use, but the sensors were more often attached to the lower back (L3/L4/L5 vertebrae). The advantages included lower cost, possibility of use in outdoor environments and less complexity of data reading for non-specialized users. However, they still seem to show reduced precision and accuracy. CONCLUSIONS: Due to the still insufficient number of articles published on the subject, we consider the need for further research, which should detail protocols of evaluation, advantages and disadvantages in stages of disease.

Seminal citrate is superior to PSA for detecting clinically significant prostate cancer.

PURPOSE: To establish whether the citrate concentration in the seminal fluid ([CITRATE]) measured by means of high-resolution nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1HNMRS) is superior to the serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) concentration in detecting of clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa) in men with persistently elevated PSA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The group of patients consisted of 31 consecutively seen men with histological diagnosis of clinically localized csPCa. The control group consisted of 28 men under long-term follow-up (mean of 8.7 ± 3.0 years) for benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH), with persistently elevated PSA (above 4 ng/mL) and several prostate biopsies negative for cancer (mean of 2.7 ± 1.3 biopsies per control). Samples of blood and seminal fluid (by masturbation) for measurement of PSA and citrate concentration, respectively, were collected from patients and controls. Citrate concentration in the seminal fluid ([CITRATE]) was determined by means of 1HNMRS. The capacities of PSA and [CITRATE] to predict csPCa were compared by means of univariate analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. RESULTS: Median [CITRATE] was significantly lower among patients with csPCa compared to controls (3.93 mM/l vs. 15.53 mM/l). There was no significant difference in mean PSA between patients and controls (9.42 ng/mL vs. 8.57 ng/mL). The accuracy of [CITRATE] for detecting csPCa was significantly superior compared to PSA (74.8% vs. 54.8%). CONCLUSION: Measurement of [CITRATE] by means of 1HNMRS is superior to PSA for early detection of csPCa in men with elevated PSA.

Seminal citrate is superior to PSA for detecting clinically significant prostate cancer

ABSTRACT Purpose: To establish whether the citrate concentration in the seminal fluid ([CITRATE]) measured by means of high-resolution nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1HNMRS) is superior to the serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) concentration in detecting of clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa) in men with persistently elevated PSA. Materials and Methods: The group of patients consisted of 31 consecutively seen men with histological diagnosis of clinically localized csPCa. The control group consisted of 28 men under long-term follow-up (mean of 8.7 ± 3.0 years) for benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH), with persistently elevated PSA (above 4 ng/mL) and several prostate biopsies negative for cancer (mean of 2.7 ± 1.3 biopsies per control). Samples of blood and seminal fluid (by masturbation) for measurement of PSA and citrate concentration, respectively, were collected from patients and controls. Citrate concentration in the seminal fluid ([CITRATE]) was determined by means of 1HNMRS. The capacities of PSA and [CITRATE] to predict csPCa were compared by means of univariate analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Results: Median [CITRATE] was significantly lower among patients with csPCa compared to controls (3.93 mM/l vs. 15.53 mM/l). There was no significant difference in mean PSA between patients and controls (9.42 ng/mL vs. 8.57 ng/mL). The accuracy of [CITRATE] for detecting csPCa was significantly superior compared to PSA (74.8% vs. 54.8%). Conclusion: Measurement of [CITRATE] by means of 1HNMRS is superior to PSA for early detection of csPCa in men with elevated PSA.

An instrument calibrated by Item Response Theory to assess knowledge about head and neck cancer

Introduction: Head and neck tumors are in the 9º place among the most frequent cancers in the world, being the incidence of 700,000 new cases per year. To suspect and to diagnose early the cancer implies to know well the subject. The questionnaire is a good instrument for measuring knowledge. Objective: To provide an item bank, calibrated by the Item Response Theory (IRT), to evaluate the "knowledge about head and neck cancer", in any respondent, in order to benefit the studies on this construct, in the area of health education. Methods: To evaluate the "knowledge about head and neck cancer", we started with a scale already calibrated by the IRT, with 24 items for schoolchildren (n = 2,006). A further 29 items of equal difficulty were created (n = 994 schoolchildren). Then, 60 new items, of equal construct and greater difficulty (n = 883 dentistry professionals) were incorporated into this scale. Results: The analysis of 2,847 responses resulted in a bank with 113 items on head and neck cancer calibrated by IRT and arranged on a skill scale. Conclusion: From this collection of items, different questionnaires can be set up according to the skill level of the respondent. The results of the evaluations, in single or distinct moments, can be compared since the items are on the same scale of ability.

Abdominal and pelvic floor electromyographic analysis during abdominal hypopressive gymnastics.

INTRODUCTION: Abdominal hypopressive gymnastics appeared as an alternative to traditional abdominal exercises to promote abdominal muscles strength without overloading the pelvic floor muscles (PFM). To determine the activation level of abdominal muscles and PFM and the posture influence in the level of activation in these muscles during abdominal hypopressive gymnastics, we used surface electromyography in young and healthy multipara women. METHODS: This is an observational study with eutrophic nulliparous women aged between 18 and 35 years, with abdominal skinfold less than or equal to 3 cm and active or irregularly active physical activity. Surface electromyography was used for rectus abdominis, external oblique, transversus abdominal/internal oblique (TrA/IO) and PFM assessment in the supine, quadruped and orthostatic (upright standing) positions during abdominal hypopressive gymnastics using normalized electromyographic (%EMG) data. We also analyzed the difference in activation between each muscle and between muscles and positions. RESULTS: Thirty women were evaluated and the mean age was 25.77 years (SD 3.29). The group formed by the TrA/IO muscles and the PFM showed higher %EMG in all the positions assessed, followed by the external oblique and rectus abdominis muscles. A comparison of %EMG of each muscle between the different positions showed differences only in rectus abdominis between the supine and quadruped (p = 0.001) and supine and orthostatic positions (p = 0.004), and in TrA/IO between the supine and orthostatic (p = 0.023) and orthostatic and quadruped positions (p = 0.019). CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that abdominal hypopressive gymnastics can activate the abdominal muscles and PFM and the position do not have influence on electromyographic activation level of the PFM and external oblique.

Coativação e pico de torque dos músculos extensores e flexores do joelho em indivíduos hemiparéticos crônicos nas posições sentada e supina / Coactivación y pico de torque de los músculos extensores y flexores de rodilla en sujetos hemiparéticos crónicos en las posiciones sentada y supina / Coactivation and peak torque of extensors and flexors knee muscle in chronic hemiparetics in sitting and supine positions

RESUMO Distúrbios na coativação e diminuição de força muscular são frequentemente descritos em indivíduos hemiparéticos. Alterações do comprimento muscular decorrentes da mudança postural podem resultar em diferentes respostas de coativação e força desses indivíduos. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a influência das posições sentada e supina no Índice de Coativação (ICa) e no pico de torque (PT) de indivíduos hemiparéticos crônicos pós-AVE. Participaram do estudo vinte indivíduos com média de 54±12,14 anos; Índice de Massa Corpórea médio de 26,93±3,34 kg/m²; tempo médio de AVE 55,85±49,4 meses; escore do miniexame do estado mental entre 27-30 e Fugl-Meyer do membro inferior entre 15-30. O registro eletromiográfico foi obtido enquanto os voluntários executavam cinco contrações isocinéticas (60º/s) de extensão e flexão do joelho, nas posições sentada e supina. O músculo semitendíneo do membro parético exibiu ICa menor na posição supina em comparação à sentada: 0,36±0,33; 0,44±0,33 (p=0,048). Não houve diferença no ICa do reto femoral entre as posições sentada (0,28±0,25) e supina (0,23±0,21). O PT dos músculos extensores e flexores do membro parético não variou entre as posições (PT extensor: sentado = 56,48±37,62Nm, supino = 52,29±32,37 Nm; PT flexor: sentado = 12±11,1Nm; supino = 10,95±6,4Nm). A posição supina mostrou menor ICa no músculo semitendíneo do membro parético. A mudança de posição não influenciou o ICa do músculo reto femoral nem o PT de ambos os grupos musculares do membro parético. Assim, a posição supina parece ser indicada durante mobilizações e treinamento de força desses músculos em pacientes hemiparéticos crônicos pós-AVE.

RESUMEN Los trastornos en la coactivación y disminución de la fuerza muscular están frecuentemente descriptos en sujetos hemiparéticos. Las alteraciones del tamaño muscular debido al cambio postural a los sujetos les pueden resultar diferentes respuestas de coactivación y de fuerza. En este estudio se pretende evaluar la influencia de las posiciones sentada y supina en el Índice de Coactivación (ICa) y en el pico de torque (PT) de sujetos hemiparéticos crónicos pos-ACV. Veinte personas han participado del estudio con promedio de 54±12,14 años; Índice de Masa Corporal promedio de 26,93±3,34kg/m²; promedio de tiempo del ACV de 55,85±49,4 meses; puntuación del Mini-Examen Cognoscitivo entre 27-30 y Fugl-Meyer del miembro inferior entre 15-30. Se obtuvo el registro electomiográfico mientras los participantes ejercían cinco contracciones isocinéticas (60º/s) de extensión y de flexión de la rodilla, en las posiciones sentada y supina. El músculo semitendinoso del miembro parético presentó ICa menor en la posición supina que en la sentada: 0,36±0,33; 0,44±0,33 (p=0,048). No hubo diferencias en el ICa del recto femoral entre las posiciones sentada (0,28±0,25) y supina (0,23±0,21). El PT de los músculos extensores y flexores del miembro parético no presentó variación entre las posiciones (PT extensor: sentada = 56,48±37,62Nm, supina = 52,29±32,37Nm; PT flexor: sentada = 12±11,1Nm; supina = 10,95±6,4Nm). La posición supina mostró menor ICa en el músculo semitendinoso del miembro parético. El cambio de posición no influyó el ICa del músculo recto femoral tampoco el PT de ambos grupos musculares del miembro parético. De esta manera, la posición supina parece ser la indicada durante movilizaciones y entrenamientos de fuerza de dichos músculos de sujetos hemiparéticos crónicos pos-ACV.

ABSTRACT Disorders in co-activation and decreased muscle strength are often described in hemiparetic subjects. Changes in muscle length resulting from postural change may result in different responses of co-activation and strength of these individuals. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of sitting and supine positions in Co-activation Index (CI) and peak torque (PT) of chronic hemiparetic subjects after stroke. The participants were twenty individuals with mean age of 54±12.14 years; mean body mass index of 26.93±3.34 kg/m²; average stroke time of 55.85±49.4 months; Mini-Mental State Examination score between 27-30; and Fugl-Meyer of lower limb between 15-30. The electromyographic record was obtained while the volunteers performed five isokinetic contractions (60º/s) of knee extension and flexion in the sitting and supine positions. The semitendinosus muscle of paretic limb exhibited lower CI in the supine position compared to sitting: 0.36±0.33; 0.44±0.33 (p=0.048). There was no difference in CI of the rectus femoris between positions: 0.28±0.25 sitting and 0.23±0.21 supine. The PT of extensor and flexor muscles of the paretic limb did not vary between positions (PT extensor: sitting = 56.48±37.62 Nm, supine = 52.29±32.37 Nm; PT flexor: sitting = 12±11.1 Nm, supine = 10.95±6.4 Nm). The supine position showed lower CI in the semitendinosus muscle of paretic limb. The change of position did not influence the CI of rectus femoris muscle neither the PT of both muscle groups of the paretic limb. Thus, the supine position appears to be indicated during movement and strength training of these muscles in chronic hemiparetic patients after stroke.

Endoscopic use of cyanoacrylate glue in the treatment of urethral fistula.

PURPOSE: The aim of this video is to demonstrate an endoscopic and minimally invasive repair of an urethrocutaneous fistula with cyanoacrylate glue. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 56 year-old-man with post-infectious urethral stricture and recurrent perineal abscess formation due to urethral fistulas. RESULTS: The operative time was 60 minutes, no major complications were observed perioperatively and postoperatively. At a follow-up time of 6 months the patient had no evidence of recurrent fistula and abscess formation. CONCLUSIONS: The endoscopic use of cyanoacrylate glue represents a safe and minimally invasive approach that might be offered as a first line option for the treatment of urinary fistulas in selected patients, especially those with narrow and long tracts.

Acute effects of incremental inspiratory loads on compartmental chest wall volume and predominant activity frequency of inspiratory muscle.

AIM: This research aims to analyze the acute effect of incremental inspiratory loads on respiratory pattern and on the predominant activity frequency of inspiratory muscle, taking into account differences in gender responses. Optoelectronic Plethysmography was performed during loads in 39 healthy subjects (20 women), placing 89 markers on the thoracic-abdominal wall to obtain total and regional volumes. Surface electromyography (SEMG) was taken simultaneously on the Sternocleidomastoid and Diaphragm muscles, to calculate the predominant muscle activity frequency through wavelet analysis. Inspiratory loads were performed using Threshold(®)with 2 min of breathing at different levels, ranging from a load of 10 cmH(2)O plus 5 cmH(2)O to 40 cmH(2)O or fatigue. RESULTS: Inspiratory Time increased during loads. Total and compartmental volumes increased with different regions, changing at different loads. These changes in volume occur earlier in women (20 cmH(2)O) than in men (30 cmH(2)O). The predominant activity frequency of Sternocleidmastoid muscle decreased at 30 cmH(2)O, while Diaphragm activity decreased at 40 cmH(2)O. CONCLUSION: The acute effects of incremental inspiratory loads are increases of total and regional volumes and inspiratory time. As for muscle activity, the predominant activity frequency declined in Sternocleidomastoid and Diaphragm muscles, but at different loads. Such respiratory and SEMG patterns and gender differences should be considered when clinical interventions are performed.

Sustained reduction of the dengue vector population resulting from an integrated control strategy applied in two Brazilian cities.

Aedes aegypti has developed evolution-driven adaptations for surviving in the domestic human habitat. Several trap models have been designed considering these strategies and tested for monitoring this efficient vector of Dengue. Here, we report a real-scale evaluation of a system for monitoring and controlling mosquito populations based on egg sampling coupled with geographic information systems technology. The SMCP-Aedes, a system based on open technology and open data standards, was set up from March/2008 to October/2011 as a pilot trial in two sites of Pernambuco -Brazil: Ipojuca (10,000 residents) and Santa Cruz (83,000), in a joint effort of health authorities and staff, and a network of scientists providing scientific support. A widespread infestation by Aedes was found in both sites in 2008-2009, with 96.8%-100% trap positivity. Egg densities were markedly higher in SCC than in Ipojuca. A 90% decrease in egg density was recorded in SCC after two years of sustained control pressure imposed by suppression of >7,500,000 eggs and >3,200 adults, plus larval control by adding fishes to cisterns. In Ipojuca, 1.1 million mosquito eggs were suppressed and a 77% reduction in egg density was achieved. This study aimed at assessing the applicability of a system using GIS and spatial statistic analysis tools for quantitative assessment of mosquito populations. It also provided useful information on the requirements for reducing well-established mosquito populations. Results from two cities led us to conclude that the success in markedly reducing an Aedes population required the appropriate choice of control measures for sustained mass elimination guided by a user-friendly mosquito surveillance system. The system was able to support interventional decisions and to assess the program's success. Additionally, it created a stimulating environment for health staff and residents, which had a positive impact on their commitment to the dengue control program.

Endoscopic use of cyanoacrylate glue in the treatment of urethral fistula

Purpose The aim of this video is to demonstrate an endoscopic and minimally invasive repair of an urethrocutaneous fistula with cyanoacrylate glue. Materials and Methods: A 56 year-old-man with post-infectious urethral stricture and recurrent perineal abscess formation due to urethral fistulas. Results The operative time was 60 minutes, no major complications were observed perioperatively and postoperatively. At a follow-up time of 6 months the patient had no evidence of recurrent fistula and abscess formation. CONCLUSIONS The endoscopic use of cyanoacrylate glue represents a safe and minimally invasive approach that might be offered as a first line option for the treatment of urinary fistulas in selected patients, especially those with narrow and long tracts. .

Use of virtual reality in gait recovery among post stroke patients--a systematic literature review.

PURPOSE: To conduct a systematic literature review focusing on the use of virtual reality (VR) for the improvement of gait in post-stroke patients. METHODS: We performed a search of Randomized-controlled trials published from 1966 to 2011 in the databases: Medline, Lilacs, CINAHL, Cochrane and SciELO. Keywords used in the selection were: Virtual reality in combination with (AND) "Nervous System Diseases", (OR) "Motor Skill Disorders" (OR) "neurologic impairments" (OR) "motor function" (OR) function* (OR) locomotion (OR) ambulation (OR) gait (OR) "motor activity" (OR) Stroke. Selected articles were evaluated using the individual's components of methodological quality assessment and analysis of outcomes of each study was based on the domains of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). RESULTS: A total of 6520 references were found, however, based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria only four studies were considered and analyzed. These articles demonstrated that the use of VR promotes changes in gait parameters, despite the diversity of protocols, participants' characteristics, as well as the number of participants included in each study. CONCLUSIONS: The research studies analyses suggest that VR is a promising method to improve the gait of patients with stroke. Nevertheless, some questions still need to be answered. Some aspects should be investigated to confirm the true benefits and application of VR in this population. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION: Stroke is the second cause of death and the leading cause of disability worldwide. The loss or impairment of ambulation is one of the most devasting sequelae of stroke. Restoration of gait can be considered the main goal of rehabilitation after stroke. Conventional interventions tend to be tedious, providing few opportunities to increase the difficulty level of the proposed tasks and do not encourage adaptive postural reactions. There is evidence to support the use of virtual reality for the promotion of walking in people with sequelae of stroke. Virtual reality is a feature that has been used in clinical practice, however, the details on how to use this instrument must be set according to the therapeutic goals.

Sistema de aquisição e processamento de imagens de ovitrampas para o combate a dengue / System for acquisition and processing of ovitraps images to fight dengue

A dengue é uma doença viral transmitida ao homem pela picada do mosquito Aedes aegypti contaminado. A erradicação do mosquito é extremamente difícil. Assim a implementação e o acompanhamento das medidas de controle da população do inseto são essenciais. O estabelecimento de métodos de monitoração do vetor da doença é uma preocupação de vários países tropicais. No estado de Pernambuco (Brasil), a ocorrência do vetor vem sendo monitorada pelo uso de ovitrampas, armadilhas especiais para a deposição e contagem dos ovos do mosquito. No entanto, comumente esta contagem é realizada manualmente com o auxílio de lupa ou microscópio, método trabalhoso que exige tempo de profissionais treinados e está sujeita a variações. Este trabalho apresenta uma ferramenta capaz de adquirir e armazenar imagens das palhetas das ovitrampas, realizar a contagem semi-automática e automática dos ovos, sem a utilização do microscópio. O sistema desenvolvido é baseado em uma plataforma óptica, uma interface homem-máquina e um software de aquisição de imagem, com a contagem assistida dos ovos do mosquito. Esta contagem semi-automática gerou um ganho de velocidade na contagem de três vezes. As informações obtidas pelo sistema são enviadas pela Internet para um computador servidor WEB, onde são analisadas por técnicas de processamento de imagens. A contagem automática dos ovos baseia-se nos processos de segmentação, filtragem e quantificação. Este método foi aplicado em um conjunto de 100 imagens obtendo um erro global de 2,67%. Dois protótipos do sistema foram instalados e implementados, em duas diferentes cidades do estado de Pernambuco.

Dengue is a viral disease transmitted to humans by the bite of the infected Aedes aegypti mosquito. The Dengue vector eradication is extremely difficult, therefore the implementation and evaluation of public policies are important issues. New methods of monitoring disease vectors are major concern in many tropical countries. In the state of Pernambuco (Brazil), the presence of the vector has been monitored by the use of ovitraps, special traps for the mosquito eggs deposition, and eggs counting methods. One drawback of the monitoring procedure is that the egg counting method has been done manually with a magnifying glass or microscope, a laborious method requiring time of trained personnel and is subject to variations. This work presents a tool capable of acquiring and storing images of the ovitraps palettes and counting eggs, semi-automatically and automatically. The developed system is based on an optical platform, a man-machine interface, and a software for mosquito eggs counting. This semi-automatic count generated a three-fold increase in the counting speed. The obtained information is sent over the Internet to a WEB server computer, where it is analyzed using image processing techniques. The automatic counting procedure is based on segmentation, filtering, and quantification processes. This method was applied to a group of 100 images giving a total error of 2.67%. Two prototypes of the device have been installed and implemented in two different cities in Pernambuco state.

The help-seeking by women with urinary incontinence in Brazil.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Lower tract urinary symptoms are underestimated by women as well as health professionals. The objective of this study was to evaluate the behavior of adult women with urinary incontinence and overactive bladder symptoms in seeking medical treatment. METHODS: Two hundred ninety-two women between 20 and 82 years old were interviewed. Urinary symptoms, epidemiologic, and quality of life (ICQ-SF) were related to the procurement of medical assistance. The Shapiro-Wilk, Mann-Whitney, and chi-square tests were used. RESULTS: The impact of the symptoms on quality of life was greater in younger women. Twenty-two percent of the participants, mainly the younger ones, reported seeking medical services due to several associated symptoms and quality of life impact. CONCLUSION: Younger women, association of several urinary symptoms, symptoms of urinary loss, and longer time since symptom onset were determining factors for seeking medical treatment.