Phase-Resolved Optical Coherence Elastography: An Insight into Tissue Displacement Estimation.

Robust methods to compute tissue displacements in optical coherence elastography (OCE) data are paramount, as they play a significant role in the accuracy of tissue elastic properties estimation. In this study, the accuracy of different phase estimators was evaluated on simulated OCE data, where the displacements can be accurately set, and on real data. Displacement (∆d) estimates were computed from (i) the original interferogram data (Δφori) and two phase-invariant mathematical manipulations of the interferogram: (ii) its first-order derivative (Δφd) and (iii) its integral (Δφint). We observed a dependence of the phase difference estimation accuracy on the initial depth location of the scatterer and the magnitude of the tissue displacement. However, by combining the three phase-difference estimates (Δdav), the error in phase difference estimation could be minimized. By using Δdav, the median root-mean-square error associated with displacement prediction in simulated OCE data was reduced by 85% and 70% in data with and without noise, respectively, in relation to the traditional estimate. Furthermore, a modest improvement in the minimum detectable displacement in real OCE data was also observed, particularly in data with low signal-to-noise ratios. The feasibility of using Δdav to estimate agarose phantoms' Young's modulus is illustrated.

Conhecimento de acadêmicos de Odontologia sobre o uso de anestésicos locais / Conocimiento de los estudiantes de odontología sobre el uso de anestésicoslocales / Dentistry students' knowledge about the use of local anesthetics

O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o conhecimento de estudantes de graduação do curso de Odontologia em relação à indicação e uso dos anestésicos locais nos procedimentos clínicos e cirúrgicos. Trata-se de um estudo prospectivo, observacional tendo como instrumento de coleta um questionário composto de perguntas abertas e fechadas sobre a temática. Após assinatura do termo de consentimento livre e esclarecido, 59 acadêmicos que obedeciam aos critérios de inclusão e exclusão participaram do estudo respondendo ao questionário. A amostra apresentou média de idade de 22,75 anos, 17 (29,31%) eram do sexo masculino e 41 (70,68%) do feminino, sendo que um participante não declarou o sexo. A média de tempo cursando Odontologia foi de 4 anos, sendo que 19 alunos (31%) cursavam o 6º período, 22 (37,9%) o 8º período e 18 (31%) o 10º período do curso. Situações relacionadas à toxicidade do anestésico foram corretamente identificadas por 20 participantes (57,2% dos 35 que responderam à pergunta), 56 (94,9%) realizaram anamnese direcionada e 55 (93,2%) fizeram a escolha do sal anestésico de acordo com a condição sistêmica do paciente. Porém, quando questionados sobre a dose anestésica máxima em determinada situação clínica, apenas 6 (10,2%) responderam corretamente. Considerando a disponibilidade de anestésicos para uma exodontia simples em paciente hipertenso ou diabético controlado, gestante, lactante e criança, pouco mais que a metade dos alunos (62,7% a 52,5%) souberam indicar corretamente solução anestésica,considerando a lidocaína com vasoconstritor o anestésico de escolha. Foram observadas diferenças estatisticamente significativas quando comparado o gênero dos acadêmicos em relação ao uso de anestésico tópico (p=0,018) e uso de anestesia local para o procedimento de raspagem periodontal subgengival (p = 0,008), sendo as duas indicações mais comuns na parcela feminina da amostra. Conclui-se que a maioria dos acadêmicos possui conhecimentos necessários para escolha do sal anestésico e sucesso quanto ao emprego da técnica, entretanto não realizaram de forma correta o cálculo da dose máxima recomendada diante de uma situação clínica hipotética, necessitando, neste e em outros parâmetros, de revisão de conceitos, procedimentos e condutas clínicas (AU).

El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar el conocimiento de estudiantes de graduación en odontologíasobre la indicación y uso de anestésicos locales en procedimientos clínicos y quirúrgicos. Se trata de un estudio observacional prospectivo que utiliza como instrumento de recogida de datos un cuestionario compuesto por preguntas abiertas y cerradas sobreel tema. Después de firmar el formulario de consentimiento libre e informado, 59 estudiantes que cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión y exclusión participaron en el estudio respondiendo el cuestionario. La muestra tenía una edad media de 22,75 años, 17 (29,31%) eran del sexo masculino y 41 (70,68%) del sexo femenino, y un participante no declaró el sexo. El tiempo promedio de estudio de Odontología fue de 4 años, con 19 alumnos (31%) cursando el 6° período, 22 (37,9%) el 8° período y 18 (31%) el 10° período de la carrera. Las situaciones relacionadas con la toxicidad del anestésico fueron identificadas correctamente por 20 participantes (57,2% de los 35 que respondieron la pregunta), 56 (94,9%) realizaron anamnesis dirigida y 55 (93,2%) eligieron la sal del anestésico según el estado sistémico del paciente. Sin embargo, cuando se les preguntó sobre la dosis máxima de anestésico en una situación clínica dada, solo 6 (10,2%) respondieron correctamente. Considerando la disponibilidad de anestésicos para una extracción dental simple en pacientes hipertensos o diabéticos controlados, gestantes, lactantes y niños, poco más de la mitad de los estudiantes (62,7% a 52,5%) sabían indicar correctamente la solución anestésica, considerando la lidocaína con vasoconstrictor el anestésico de elección. Se observaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas al comparar el sexo de los estudiantes en relación con el uso de anestésico tópico (p=0,018) y uso de anestesia local para el procedimiento de raspado periodontal subgingival (p=0,008), las dos indicaciones más comunes en la porción femenina de la muestra. Se concluye que la mayoría de los académicos tienen los conocimientos necesarios para elegir la sal anestésica y lograr el uso de la técnica, sin embargo, no calcularon correctamente la dosis máxima recomendada en una situación clínica hipotética, requiriendo, en este y otros parámetros, revisar conceptos, procedimientos y enfoques clínicos (AU).

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the knowledge of undergraduate dental students regarding the indication and use of local anesthetics in clinical and surgical procedures. This is a prospective, observational study, using a questionnaire with open and closed questions about the subject as a collection tool. After signing the ICF, 59 students who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria participated in the study by answering the questionnaire. The students included in the study had a mean age of 22.75 years, 29.31% (n=17) were male and 70.68% (n=41) were female, and one student did not declare. The average number of years in college was 4 years, with 19 students (31%) in 6th period, 22 (37.9%) in 8th period and 18 (31%) in 10th period. Fifty-seven percent identified situations related to anesthetic toxicity, 94.9% performed directed anamnesis, and 93.2% chose the anesthetic salt according to the general condition of the patient. However, when questioned about the maximum anesthetic dose in a given clinical situation, only 10.2% answered correctly. For anesthetic application procedures, 89.8% considered that controlling the volume of anesthetic solution injected was an important factor, and 72.9% informed that prior aspiration was done before starting the injection of the anesthetic. Regarding the success of the technique, 78% reported success. Considering the availabilityof anesthetics, the indication for patients with some systemic condition, 62.7% knew how to correctly indicate the anesthetic solution. Statistically significant differences were observed when comparing the gender of the students regarding the use of topical anesthetic (p = 0.018) and the use of local anesthesia for subgingival periodontal scaling (p = 0.008), both indications being more common in female students. It was concluded that most of the students had the necessary knowledge to choose the anesthetic salt and were successful in using the technique, however, they did not correctly calculate the maximum dose recommended for a clinical situation presented as an assumption, requiring, in this and other parameters, a review of concepts, procedures, and clinical conducts (AU).

Two-Photon Imaging for Non-Invasive Corneal Examination.

Two-photon imaging (TPI) microscopy, namely, two-photon excited fluorescence (TPEF), fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM), and second-harmonic generation (SHG) modalities, has emerged in the past years as a powerful tool for the examination of biological tissues. These modalities rely on different contrast mechanisms and are often used simultaneously to provide complementary information on morphology, metabolism, and structural properties of the imaged tissue. The cornea, being a transparent tissue, rich in collagen and with several cellular layers, is well-suited to be imaged by TPI microscopy. In this review, we discuss the physical principles behind TPI as well as its instrumentation. We also provide an overview of the current advances in TPI instrumentation and image analysis. We describe how TPI can be leveraged to retrieve unique information on the cornea and to complement the information provided by current clinical devices. The present state of corneal TPI is outlined. Finally, we discuss the obstacles that must be overcome and offer perspectives and outlooks to make clinical TPI of the human cornea a reality.

AI in Breast Cancer Imaging: A Survey of Different Applications.

Breast cancer was the most diagnosed cancer in 2020. Several thousand women continue to die from this disease. A better and earlier diagnosis may be of great importance to improving prognosis, and that is where Artificial Intelligence (AI) could play a major role. This paper surveys different applications of AI in Breast Imaging. First, traditional Machine Learning and Deep Learning methods that can detect the presence of a lesion and classify it into benign/malignant-which could be important to diminish reading time and improve accuracy-are analyzed. Following that, researches in the field of breast cancer risk prediction using mammograms-which may be able to allow screening programs customization both on periodicity and modality-are reviewed. The subsequent section analyzes different applications of augmentation techniques that allow to surpass the lack of labeled data. Finally, still concerning the absence of big datasets with labeled data, the last section studies Self-Supervised learning, where AI models are able to learn a representation of the input by themselves. This review gives a general view of what AI can give in the field of Breast Imaging, discussing not only its potential but also the challenges that still have to be overcome.

Climate Change and Its Lexicon: An Analytical and Critical View.

Climate change is an overwhelming issue today, but sociology has yet to fully engage with its hermeneutical and political aspects. The article tackles this limitation and thus the lexicon of climate change, proposing an integrated framework that brings its principal concepts and notions together. In particular, it singles out hazard, risk and threat, vulnerability and resilience, adaptation, mitigation and precaution, Anthropocene and Capitalocene, nature and society. Although some authors have stressed the political aspects underlying these concepts and notions, and the IPCC itself has incipiently recognised this issue, the parameters of the debate remain conspicuously narrow. The article therefore proposes to engage it in direct and strong political terms, countering the partly successful operation of depoliticisation that such concepts and notions undergo. While the article concentrates on discursive aspects, it eventually points to the role of agents and power within the UN system concerning the articulation of this lexicon.

Can we use rapid lifetime determination for fast, fluorescence lifetime based, metabolic imaging? Precision and accuracy of double-exponential decay measurements with low total counts.

Fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) can assess cell's metabolism through the fluorescence of the co-enzymes NADH and FAD, which exhibit a double-exponential decay, with components related to free and protein-bound conditions. In vivo real time clinical imaging applications demand fast acquisition. As photodamage limits excitation power, this is best achieved using wide-field techniques, like time-gated FLIM, and algorithms that require few images to calculate the decay parameters. The rapid lifetime determination (RLD) algorithm requires only four images to analyze a double-exponential decay. Using computational simulations, we evaluated the accuracy and precision of RLD when measuring endogenous fluorescence lifetimes and metabolic free to protein-bound ratios, for total counts per pixel (TC) lower than 104. The simulations were based on a time-gated FLIM instrument, accounting for its instrument response function, gain and noise. While the optimal acquisition setting depends on the values being measured, the accuracy of the free to protein-bound ratio α2/α1 is stable for low gains and gate separations larger than 1000 ps, while its precision is almost constant for gate separations between 1500 and 2500 ps. For the gate separations and free to protein-bound ratios considered, the accuracy error can be as high as 30% and the precision error can reach 60%. Precision errors lower than 10% cannot be obtained. The best performance occurs for low camera gains and gate separations near 1800 ps. When considering the narrow physiological ranges for the free to protein-bound ratio, the precision errors can be confined to an interval between 10% and 20%. RLD is a valid option when for real time FLIM. The simulations and methodology presented here can be applied to any time-gated FLIM instrument and are useful to obtain the accuracy and precision limits for RLD in the demanding conditions of TC lower than 104.

Accurate Rapid Lifetime Determination on Time-Gated FLIM Microscopy with Optical Sectioning.

Time-gated fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) is a powerful technique to assess the biochemistry of cells and tissues. When applied to living thick samples, it is hampered by the lack of optical sectioning and the need of acquiring many images for an accurate measurement of fluorescence lifetimes. Here, we report on the use of processing techniques to overcome these limitations, minimizing the acquisition time, while providing optical sectioning. We evaluated the application of the HiLo and the rapid lifetime determination (RLD) techniques for accurate measurement of fluorescence lifetimes with optical sectioning. HiLo provides optical sectioning by combining the high-frequency content from a standard image, obtained with uniform illumination, with the low-frequency content of a second image, acquired using structured illumination. Our results show that HiLo produces optical sectioning on thick samples without degrading the accuracy of the measured lifetimes. We also show that instrument response function (IRF) deconvolution can be applied with the RLD technique on HiLo images, improving greatly the accuracy of the measured lifetimes. These results open the possibility of using the RLD technique with pulsed diode laser sources to determine accurately fluorescence lifetimes in the subnanosecond range on thick multilayer samples, providing that offline processing is allowed.

Environmental factors can influence dengue reported cases / Fatores climáticos podem influenciar nos casos de notificação de dengue

Summary Introduction: Global climate changes directly affect the natural environment and contribute to an increase in the transmission of diseases by vectors. Among these diseases, dengue is at the top of the list. The aim of our study was to understand the consequences of temporal variability of air temperature in the occurrence of dengue in an area comprising seven municipalities of the Greater São Paulo. Method: Characterization of a temporal trend of the disease in the region between 2010 and 2013 was performed through analysis of the notified number of dengue cases over this period. Our analysis was complemented with meteorological (temperature) and pollutant concentration data (PM10). Results: We observed that the months of January, February, March, April and May (from 2010 to 2013) were the ones with the highest number of notified cases. We also found that there is a statistical association of moisture and PM10 with the reported cases of dengue. Conclusion: Although the temperature does not statistically display an association with recorded cases of dengue, we were able to verify that temperature peaks coincide with dengue outbreak peaks. Future studies on environmental pollution and its influence on the development of Aedes aegypti mosquito during all stages of its life cycle, and the definition of strategies for better monitoring, including campaigns and surveillance, would be compelling.

Resumo Objetivo: As alterações globais que têm ocorrido interferem no ambiente natural, influenciando diretamente no crescimento da transmissão de doenças ocasionadas por vetores, das quais se destaca a dengue. O objetivo deste estudo foi compreender as consequências da variabilidade temporal das condições climáticas em relação à ocorrência de dengue na população da região metropolitana de São Paulo, constituída por sete municípios. Método: A caracterização da tendência temporal da dengue foi realizada por meio da análise dos números de casos de dengue notificados nos anos de 2010 a 2013, de dados meteorológicos (umidade e temperatura) e dados de concentração de poluentes (PM10). Resultados: Observou-se que os meses de janeiro a abril (de 2010 a 2013) foram os que apresentaram maior número de casos notificados de dengue, com associação estatística entre a umidade e PM10 com os casos de dengue notificados. Conclusão: Embora a temperatura não assuma, estatisticamente, uma associação com os casos de dengue registrados, foi possível verificar que os picos de temperatura coincidem com os picos epidêmicos de dengue. Seriam interessantes futuros estudos referentes à poluição ambiental e a sua influência no desenvolvimento do mosquito Aedes aegypti em todas as suas fases do ciclo de vida e definição de estratégias para melhor monitoração, campanhas e vigilância.

The republic in crisis and future possibilities. / Crise da república e possibilidades de futuro.

This text gives a brief reconstruction of the process of impeachment of Brazil's President Dilma Rousseff, which was a 'coup' effected through parliament, and situates it at the end of three periods of politics in the Brazilian republic: the first, broader, and democratizing; the second, the age of the PT (Workers' Party) as the force with the hegemony on the left; and the third, shorter, the cycle of its governments. Together, these phases constitute a crisis of the republic, although not a rupture of the country's institutional structure, nor a 'State of Exception'. The paper puts forward three main issues: the developmentalist project implemented by the governments of the PT, in alliance with Brazil's construction companies; the role of the judiciary, and in particular of 'Operation Carwash'; and the conflict-beset relationship between the new evangelical churches and the LGBT social movements. The essay concludes with an assessment of the defeat and isolation of the left at this moment, and also suggests that democracy, in particular, could be the kernel of a renewed project of the left.

Crise da república e possibilidades de futuro / The republic in crisis and future possibilities

Resumo Este texto reconstrói brevemente o processo de impeachment da presidenta Dilma Rousseff, que consistiu em um golpe parlamentar, situando-o no fim de três ciclos políticos da república brasileira - o primeiro, mais amplo, democratizante; o segundo, do PT como força hegemônica na esquerda; e, finalmente, o terceiro, mais curto, o ciclo de seus governos. Em seu conjunto isso constitui uma crise da república, embora não uma ruptura institucional ou um "estado de exceção". O artigo avança então para analisar três questões principais: o projeto desenvolvimentista implementado pelos governos do PT em aliança com as construtoras; o papel do judiciário e em particular da operação Lava-Jato; e a relação conflituosa entre as novas igrejas evangélicas e os movimentos sociais LGBT. O artigo conclui com uma avaliação da derrota e do isolamento da esquerda neste momento, assim como sugere a democracia em particular como o cerne de um projeto renovado da esquerda.

Abstract This text gives a brief reconstruction of the process of impeachment of Brazil's President Dilma Rousseff, which was a 'coup' effected through parliament, and situates it at the end of three periods of politics in the Brazilian republic: the first, broader, and democratizing; the second, the age of the PT (Workers' Party) as the force with the hegemony on the left; and the third, shorter, the cycle of its governments. Together, these phases constitute a crisis of the republic, although not a rupture of the country's institutional structure, nor a 'State of Exception'. The paper puts forward three main issues: the developmentalist project implemented by the governments of the PT, in alliance with Brazil's construction companies; the role of the judiciary, and in particular of 'Operation Carwash'; and the conflict-beset relationship between the new evangelical churches and the LGBT social movements. The essay concludes with an assessment of the defeat and isolation of the left at this moment, and also suggests that democracy, in particular, could be the kernel of a renewed project of the left.

New Mathematical Model for the Surface Area of the Left Ventricle by the Truncated Prolate Spheroid.

The main aim of this study was the formula application of the superficial area of a truncated prolate spheroid (TPS) in Cartesian coordinates in obtaining a cardiac parameter that is not so much discussed in literature, related to the left ventricle (LV) surface area of the human heart, by age and sex. First we obtain a formula for the area of a TPS. Then a simple mathematical model of association of the axes measures of a TPS with the axes of the LV is built. Finally real values of the average dimensions of the humans LV are used to measure surface areas approximations of this heart chamber. As a result, the average superficial area of LV for normal patients is obtained and it is observed that the percentage differences of areas between men and women and their consecutive age groups are constant. A strong linear correlation between the obtained areas and the ventricular volumes normalized by the body areas was observed. The obtained results indicate that the superficial area of the LV, besides enabling a greater knowledge of the geometrical characteristics of the human LV, may be used as one of the normality cardiac verification criteria and be useful for medical and biological applications.

Socio-Environmental and Hematological Profile of Landfill Residents (São Jorge Landfill-Sao Paulo, Brazil).

We are experiencing an unprecedented urbanization process that, alongside physical, social and economic developments, has been having a significant impact on a population's health. Due to the increase in pollution, violence and poverty, our modern cities no longer ensure a good quality of life so they become unhealthy environments. This study aims to assess the effect of social, environmental and economic factors on the hematologic profile of residents of Santo André's landfill. In particular, we will assess the effect of social, economic, and environmental factors on current and potential disease markers obtained from hematological tests. The research method is the observational type, from a retrospective cohort, and by convenience sampling in Santo André in the Greater ABC (municipalities of Santo André, São Bernardo do Campo and São Caetano do Sul, southeast part of the Greater São Paulo Metropolitan Area, Brazil). The study determined a socio-environmental profile and the hematologic diseases screening related to a close location to the landfill. The disease manifests itself within a broad spectrum of symptoms that causes changes in blood count parameters. The objective of this work is to show that there is an association between social, environmental and economic factors and a variety of serious disease outcomes that may be detected from blood screening. A causal study of the effect of living near the landfill on these disease outcomes would be a very expensive and time-consuming study. This work we believe is sufficient for public health officials to consider policy and attempt remediation of the effects of living near a landfill.

Environmental factors can influence dengue reported cases.

INTRODUCTION: Global climate changes directly affect the natural environment and contribute to an increase in the transmission of diseases by vectors. Among these diseases, dengue is at the top of the list. The aim of our study was to understand the consequences of temporal variability of air temperature in the occurrence of dengue in an area comprising seven municipalities of the Greater São Paulo. METHOD: Characterization of a temporal trend of the disease in the region between 2010 and 2013 was performed through analysis of the notified number of dengue cases over this period. Our analysis was complemented with meteorological (temperature) and pollutant concentration data (PM10). RESULTS: We observed that the months of January, February, March, April and May (from 2010 to 2013) were the ones with the highest number of notified cases. We also found that there is a statistical association of moisture and PM10 with the reported cases of dengue. CONCLUSION: Although the temperature does not statistically display an association with recorded cases of dengue, we were able to verify that temperature peaks coincide with dengue outbreak peaks. Future studies on environmental pollution and its influence on the development of Aedes aegypti mosquito during all stages of its life cycle, and the definition of strategies for better monitoring, including campaigns and surveillance, would be compelling.

Partial Left Ventriculectomy: Have Well-Succeeded Cases and Innovations in the Procedure Been Observed in the Last 12 Years?

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE: In 1996, the Brazilian cardiovascular surgeon, Dr. Randas Batista, introduced a surgical technique called partial left ventriculectomy, where he admitted the possibility of reducing the diameter of the left ventricle through the sectioning of one section of its wall. After the publication of this study, thousands of case reports and procedure analysis have been published, and due to several disappointing results, many doctors and institutions failed to execute it. As the main objective of this study, stands out the search for success cases of ventriculectomy in the last 12 years and if during this period it was achieved some significant development in this procedure that allows obtaining lower mortality rate postoperatively. METHODS: Systematic review of indexed scientific literature over the past 12 years and the term "Partial Left Ventriculectomy". RESULTS: There has been a considerable number of reported successful cases and highly significant findings in regard to determining the most suitable region for the section, proper selection of the patients indicated to the procedure, including the influence of the coronary artery anatomy in the nomination procedure and the need for preservation of ventricular geometry to ensure better quality of ventricular contractions after the sectioning. CONCLUSION: This surgical procedure has been successfully performed, mainly in Japan, improvements in its efficiency were found and the need for a mathematical modeling of the slice to be severed is a prominent factor in many studies.

Partial Left Ventriculectomy: Have Well-Succeeded Cases and Innovations in the Procedure Been Observed in the Last 12 Years?

OBJECTIVE: In 1996, the Brazilian cardiovascular surgeon, Dr. Randas Batista, introduced a surgical technique called partial left ventriculectomy, where he admitted the possibility of reducing the diameter of the left ventricle through the sectioning of one section of its wall. After the publication of this study, thousands of case reports and procedure analysis have been published, and due to several disappointing results, many doctors and institutions failed to execute it. As the main objective of this study, stands out the search for success cases of ventriculectomy in the last 12 years and if during this period it was achieved some significant development in this procedure that allows obtaining lower mortality rate postoperatively. METHODS: Systematic review of indexed scientific literature over the past 12 years and the term "Partial Left Ventriculectomy". RESULTS: There has been a considerable number of reported successful cases and highly significant findings in regard to determining the most suitable region for the section, proper selection of the patients indicated to the procedure, including the influence of the coronary artery anatomy in the nomination procedure and the need for preservation of ventricular geometry to ensure better quality of ventricular contractions after the sectioning. CONCLUSION: This surgical procedure has been successfully performed, mainly in Japan, improvements in its efficiency were found and the need for a mathematical modeling of the slice to be severed is a prominent factor in many studies.

The profile of scabies patients in Zagreb.

BACKGROUND: Scabies is a mandatory notifiable disease according to Croatian law. Due to an increased reports of scabies within a couple of years in Zagreb, we decided to present epidemiological characteristics of patients diagnosed with scabies in Zagreb. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A retrospective survey was carried out in county Public Health Institute "Dr. Andrija Stampar" in Zagreb and analysis was performed for the period of 2010-2013 upon individual notifications on scabies cases. The patients are presented by sociodemographic data, diagnosis and treatment. RESULTS: In a 4 year period there were 246 scabies cases recorded in Zagreb. Cases have been registered in all quarters of the City. The highest incidence (50/100 000) was recorded in every child age group following by incidence of over 30/100 000 in elderly institutionalized in nursing homes. In almost two thirds of patients management of scabies has not been conducted in accordance to current guidelines. 10% of scabies cases were found in medical health personnel predominantly in those working in nursing homes and psychiatric wards. A small amount of cases 19 (8%) were infected outside Croatia; the majority of these cases 15 (78%) are registered within last two years. CONCLUSION: High percentage of scabies cases registered in nursing homes and psychiatric wards suggests that there is a need of raising awareness on scabies epidemiology and management by public health officers. Due to a higher incidence of scabies in children age, the obligation of medical practitioners is also to emphasize the importance of following treatment guidelines. In order to control scabies cases as well to prevent outbreaks within hospital wards or nursing homes there is an obligation of implementation of strict guidelines regarding treatment of scabies and a public health service referral.

Alterações em mucosa bucal de pacientes portadores de Diabetes Mellitus / Oral mucosa alterations in Diabetes Mellitus patients

O objetivo deste estudo é verificar a presença de alterações, patológicas ou não, na mucosa bucal de pacientes portadores de diabetes mellitus, através de exame clínico intrabucal. Trata-se de um estudo epidemiológico de corte transversal em pacientes portadores de diabetes mellitus, atendidos no Ambulatório Araújo Lima, avaliados através de exame semiológico de rotina de tecidos moles da cavidade bucal. Após assinatura do TCLE os pacientes responderam um questionário semiestruturado com perguntas referentes ao desenvolvimento e evolução da diabetes. Após, os pacientes foram submetidos a exame intrabucal onde as observações foram anotadas em fichas específicas pertencentes ao prontuário padrão da Faculdade de Odontologia. Os dados coletados foram analisados por meio de estatística descritiva, e as variáveis do estudo, submetidas ao teste do Qui-quadrado para verificação de correlação (p≤0,005). Os pacientes examinados foram, em sua maioria, do gênero feminino (51,9%) e portadores do tipo 2 da doença (88,5%) e os achados da pesquisa consistiram em alterações patológicas e do desenvolvimento, e esta última em maior prevalência como Grânulos de Fordyce (63,5%), Pigmentação Melânica (36,5%) e Língua Fissurada (32,7%). Diabetes mellitus pode influenciar de maneira significativa os tecidos bucais, induzindo o surgimento de lesões patológicas, porém, no presente estudo, os pacientes apresentaram alta prevalência de alterações com aspecto clínico dentro do padrão de normalidade distribuídos através da mucosa jugal, língua e gengiva

The aim of this study is to verify the presence of alterations, pathological or not, in the oral mucosa in patients with diabetes mellitus through intra-oral clinical examination. This was an epidemiological cross-sectional study in patients with diabetes mellitus treated at the Araujo Lima Service, evaluated through examination of tissues routine moles of the oral cavity. After signing the informed consent, the patients completed a semistructured questionnaire on the development and progression of diabetes. Afterwards, the patients underwent intra-oral examination where the observations were noted in specific records belonging to Dentistry. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the study variables were submitted to the chi-square test for correlation check (p≤0,005). The examined patients were mostly female (51.9%) with type 2 diabetes (88.5%) and research findings consisted of pathological changes and development, and the latter in higher prevalence as granules Fordyce (63.5%), melanin pigmentation (36.5%) and tongue Fissured (32.7%). Diabetes mellitus can significantly influence the oral tissues, inducing the emergence of pathological lesions; however, in this study, patients had a high prevalence of alterations with clinical aspect within the normal range distributed through the buccal mucosa, tongue and gums

Desfechos de acidentes de trabalho com exposição a agente biológico / Outcomes of accidents at work with exposure to biological agents

INTRODUÇÃO: No processo de trabalho existem vários riscos que os trabalhadores estão submetidos sendo que alguns riscos ocupacionais se apresentam de forma invisível. As exposições ocupacionais a material biológico entre os trabalhadores de saúde, envolvendo objetos perfurocortantes são elevadas. A Biossegurança é parte integrante da Segurança e da Higiene do Trabalho. O risco de contaminação por material biológico é inerente a qualquer categoria exposta a ele, porém, varia de acordo com as atividades desenvolvidas pelos trabalhadores. OBJETIVO: caracterizar os desfechos de acidentes de trabalho com exposição a agente biológico entre trabalhadores na Região do ABC Paulista. MÉTODO: trata-se de estudo descritivo por amostra de conveniência em três municípios do Grande ABC, a saber: Santo André, São Bernardo do Campo e São Caetano do Sul. As fontes de dados foram as 47 fichas de notificação de acidentes com material biológico, ocorridos na região do grande ABC, no ano 2012. Os dados foram processados e tabulados no programa de estatística SPSS 19. Utilizou-se das fichas de notificação e obteve-se o perfil dos trabalhadores acidentados e caraterísticas do acidente, de acordo com as variáveis sexo, idade, município de residência, profissão, ocupação, tipo de exposição, material envolvido, circunstância do acidente e agente causador, uso de equipamento de proteção individual (EPI), bem como o preenchimento da comunicação de acidente de trabalho (CAT). RESULTADOS: A ocorrência de acidentes com materiais perfurocortantes foi relacionada à manipulação frequente desses objetos e ao comportamento dos profissionais que utilizam práticas que oferecem riscos de acidentes com agulhas, tais como o descarte inadequado de objetos perfurocortantes. CONCLUSÃO: o principal causa de acidentes foi com material perfurocortante, sendo que o sexo feminino foi predominante (70,2%) e a equipe de enfermagem foi a que teve maior incidência (63,8%).

INTRODUCTION: In the labour process there are several occupational hazard risks that present themselves invisibly to workers. Occupational exposure to biological material via sharps is high among health workers. Biosafety is an integral part of safety and occupational hygiene. The risk of contamination by biological material is inherent in anything exposed to it, but it varies according to the activities undertaken by workers. OBJECTIVE: To characterise the outcomes of accidents at work involving the exposure of workers to biological agents, in the ABC Paulista region. METHODS: This was a descriptive study using a convenience sample from three municipalities in the Grande ABC region: Santo André, São Bernardo do Campo and São Caetano do Sul. The data was sourced from 47 records of reported accidents with biological material in the Greater ABC region in the year 2012. The data was processed and tabulated in the statistical program SPSS 19. We used notification records and obtained the profiles of the injured workers and characteristics of the accident, according to gender, age, county of residence, profession, occupation, type of exposure, material involved, the situation of the agent causing the accident, use of personal protective equipment (PPE) equipment, and communication about the work accident (CAT). RESULTS: The incidence of accidents with sharps was related to the frequent handling of these objects and the behaviour of professionals who use practices that pose the risk of needlestick injuries, such as the improper disposal of sharps CONCLUSION: The main cause of biological accidents was sharps. Females (70.2 %) and nursing staff (63.8 %) were more likely to be involved in accidents.