Fluxo de potência ótimo reativo via método da função lagrangiana barreira modificada

Este artigo apresenta uma nova abordagem para a resolução do problema de Fluxo de Potência Ótimo Reativo. Nesta abordagem, as restrições de desigualdade são tratadas pela associação dos métodos de Barreira Modificada e Primal-Dual Barreira Logarítmica (PDBL). As restrições de desigualdade são transformadas em igualdades introduzindo variáveis de folga positivas e são relaxadas através do parâmetro de barreira. Uma função Lagrangiana é associada ao problema modificado. As condições necessárias de primeira ordem são aplicadas à função Lagrangiana, gerando um sistema de equações não-lineares, o qual é linearizado pelo método de Newton. A relaxação das variáveis de folga resulta na expansão da região factível do problema original, permitindo que os limites das restrições de desigualdade sejam atingidos. Testes numéricos utilizando os sistemas CESP-440kV e SUL-SUDESTE BRASILEIRO e um teste comparativo com o método PDBL indicam que a nova abordagem é eficiente na resolução do problema Fluxo de Potência Ótimo Reativo.This work presents a new approach for the resolution of Optimal Reactive Power Flow problem. In this approach, the inequality constraints are treated by the Modified Barrier and Primal-Dual Logarithmic Barrier (PDLB) methods. The inequality constraints are transformed into equalities by introducing positive slack variables and are perturbed by the barrier parameter. A Lagrangian function is associated to the modified problem. The first-order necessary conditions are applied to the Lagrangian function generating a nonlinear system, which is solved by Newton's method. The perturbation of the slack variables results in an expansion of the feasible set of the original problem, allowing the limits of the inequality constraints to be reached. Numeric tests using the CESP and the SOUTH-SOUTHEAST BRAZILIAN systems and a comparative test with PDLB method indicate that the new approach is efficient in the resolution of Optimal Reactive Power Flow problem

O TRANSTORNO DO ESPECTRO AUTISTA (TEA) E A INCLUSÃO ESCOLAR: OS SENTIDOS DOS PROFESSORES DO ENSINO FUNDAMENTAL

A pesquisa tem o objetivo de compreender o sentido do TEA pelos professores no processo de inclusão numa escola pública do município de Bragança, nordeste do estado do Pará. O conceito de sentido foi definido a partir da perspectiva histórico-cultural, no qual se agregam as ideias culturalmente constituídas e os afetos de uma pessoa, implicando a relação entre o cognitivo e o afetivo. Metodologicamente a pesquisa se estruturou por meio da abordagem qualitativa, do tipo interpretativo descritivo, teve como lócus uma Escola Pública de Ensino Fundamental, no nordeste do Pará, município de Bragança. A amostragem foi constituída por quatro professoras dessa escola, a partir do critério que ministrassem aulas em turmas com discentes identificados com TEA. O procedimento de levantamento ocorreu por meio de entrevista e questionário. Os resultados foram discutidos por meio de categorias temáticas: os sentidos da criança com TEA; a inclusão escolar; a criança com TEA e a prática pedagógica; a formação docente e as práticas inclusivas na escola pública. Sobre o TEA os depoimentos foram direcionados principalmente para o déficit de aprendizagem e dificuldades de interação social. Na questão da educação inclusiva os relatos se direcionaram para a ideia de aceitação das diferenças e envolvimento de todos, porém, na concretude das atividades cotidianas do fazer pedagógico na escola, apontaram as dificuldades e desafios para uma prática inclusiva: falta de apoio, de recursos e de formação. Portanto, é preciso ter políticas inclusivas eficazes, com condições de trabalhos pedagógicos, assim como, formações em serviço

The frequency of pharmacological pain relief in university neonatal intensive care units

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the use of drugs to relieve the pain of invasive procedures newborn infants cared for at a university hospital NICU. METHODS: A prospective cohort study of all newborn infants hospitalized in four NICU during October 2001. The following data were collected: demographic data of the hospitalized newborn infants; clinical morbidity; number of potentially painful procedures and frequency of analgesic administration. Factors associated with the use of analgesia in this cohort of patients were studied by multiple linear regression using SPSS 8.0. RESULTS: Ninety-one newborn infants were admitted to the NICU during the study period (1,025 patient-days). Only 25% of the 1,025 patient-days received systemic analgesia. No specific drugs were administered to relieve acute pain during any of the following painful events: arterial punctures, venous, capillary and lumbar punctures or intubations. For chest tube insertion, 100% of newborn infants received specific analgesia. For the insertion of central catheters 8% of the newborn infants received painkillers. Only nine of the 17 newborn infants that underwent surgical procedures received any analgesic dosage during the postoperative period. For 93% of patients under analgesia the drug of choice was fentanyl. The presence of mechanical ventilation increased the chance of newborn infants receiving painkillers by 6.9 times and the presence of chest tube increased this chance by five times. CONCLUSION: It is necessary to train health professionals in order to bridge the gap between scientific knowledge regarding newborn infant pain and clinical practice.OBJETIVO: Verificar a freqüência com que são empregados analgésicos para o alívio da dor desencadeada por procedimentos invasivos em recém-nascidos internados em UTI universitárias e verificar o perfil de uso de medicamentos para o alívio da dor. MÉTODOS: Coorte prospectiva, avaliada entre 1° e 31 de outubro de 2001, de todos os recém-nascidos internados em quatro UTI. Dados coletados: características gerais das unidades; dados demográficos dos recém-nascidos; morbidade clínica e freqüência do emprego de analgésicos. Realizaram-se a análise estatística descritiva e a regressão linear múltipla por meio do SPSS 8.0, para analisar os fatores associados ao uso de analgésicos nesta coorte. RESULTADOS: No período, foram internados 91 recém-nascidos (1.025 pacientes-dia). Apenas 25% dos 1.025 pacientes-dia receberam alguma dose de analgésico por via sistêmica. Não foi administrada nenhuma medicação específica para o alívio da dor aguda durante os seguintes eventos dolorosos: intubações traqueais, punções arteriais, venosas, capilares e lombares. Na inserção de dreno de tórax, 100% dos recém-nascidos receberam analgesia específica e, para a passagem de cateteres centrais, apenas 8%. De 17 recém-nascidos submetidos a procedimentos cirúrgicos, somente nove receberam analgésicos no pós-operatório. O medicamento mais utilizado foi o fentanil (93%). A presença de ventilação mecânica elevou em 6,9 vezes, e a de dreno de tórax em cinco vezes a chance do recém-nascido receber alguma dose de analgésico. CONCLUSÃO: Há necessidade de melhorar a formação dos profissionais de saúde para diminuir a distância entre os conhecimentos científicos existentes a respeito da dor no recém-nascido e a prática clínica.Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) Escola Paulista de Medicina Disciplina Pediatria NeonatalUniversidade Estadual de Campinas Faculdade de Ciências Médicas Departamento de PediatriaUNICAMP Centro de Atenção Integral à Saúde da MulherUniversidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho Faculdade de Medicina Departamento de PediatriaSanta Casa de São Paulo Faculdade de Ciências Médicas Departamento de PediatriaUNIFESP, EPM, Disciplina Pediatria NeonatalSciEL

Factors associated with the prescription of vaginal pessaries for pelvic organ prolapse

OBJECTIVE: To identify the factors associated with the prescription of vaginal pessaries (VPs) as a conservative treatment for pelvic organ prolapse (POP). METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed during two annual urogynecology and general obstetrics and gynecology meetings in 2017 (Sa˜o Paulo, SP, Brazil). A 19-item deidentified questionnaire regarding experiences and practices in prescribing VPs for POP patients was distributed among gynecologists. Our primary outcome was the frequency of prescribing VPs as a conservative treatment for POP. The reasons for prescribing or not prescribing VPs were also investigated. Univariate and multivariate analyses with crude and adjusted odds ratios (ORs) were performed for variables associated with the prescription of pessaries. RESULTS: Three hundred forty completed surveys were analyzed. Half of the respondents (53.53%) were between 30-49 years old; most of them were female (73.53%), were from the Southeast Region (64.12%), were trained in obstetrics and gynecology (80.24%) or urogynecology (61.18%) and worked in private offices (63.42%). More than one-third (36.48%) attended four or more POP cases/week, and 97.65% (n=332) had heard or knew about VPs for POP; however, only 47.06% (n=160) prescribed or offered this treatment to patients. According to the multivariate analysis, physicians aged 18-35 years (OR=1.97[1.00-3.91]; p=0.04), those who participated in a previous urogynecology fellowship (OR=2.34[1.34-4.09]; po0.01), those with relatively high volumes of POP cases (4 or +) (OR=2.23[1.21-4.47]; p=0.01) and those with PhD degrees (OR=2.75[1.01-7.54]; p=0.05) prescribed more pessaries. CONCLUSIONS: Most gynecologists did not prescribe VPs. Younger physician age, participation in a previous urogynecology fellowship, a PhD degree, and a relatively high volume of POP cases were associated with increased VP prescription rates

Phylogeny of Lantana, Lippia, and related genera (Lantaneae: Verbenaceae)

Premise: Lantana and Lippia (Verbenaceae) are two large Linnean genera whose classification has been based on associated fruit traits: fleshy vs. dry fruits and one vs. two seed-bearing units. We reconstruct evolutionary relationships and the evolution of the two fruit traits to test the validity of these traits for classification. Methods: Previous studies of plastid DNA sequences provided limited resolution for this group. Consequently, seven nuclear loci, including ITS, ETS, and five PPR loci, were sequenced for 88 accessions of the Lantana/Lippia clade and three outgroups. Results: Neither Lantana nor Lippia is monophyletic. Burroughsia, Nashia, Phyla, and several Aloysia species are included within the clade comprising Lantana and Lippia. We provide a hypothesis for fruit evolution and biogeographic history in the group and their relevance for classification. Conclusions: Fleshy fruits evolved multiple times in the Lantana/Lippia clade and thus are not suitable taxonomic characters. Several sections of Lantana and Lippia and the small genera are monophyletic, but Lippia section Zappania is broadly paraphyletic, making circumscription of genera difficult. Lippia sect. Rhodolippia is a polyphyletic group characterized by convergence in showy bracts. Species of Lantana sect. Sarcolippia, previously transferred to Lippia, are not monophyletic. The clade originated and diversified in South America, with at least four expansions into both Central America and the Caribbean and two to Africa. The types species of Lantana and Lippia occur in small sister clades, rendering any taxonomy that retains either genus similar to its current circumscription impossible.Fil: Lu Irving, Patricia. University of Washington; Estados UnidosFil: Bedoya, Ana M.. University of Washington; Estados UnidosFil: Salimena, Fátima R. G.. Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora; BrasilFil: dos Santos Silva, Tânia R.. Universidade Estadual de Feira de Santana; BrasilFil: Viccini, Lyderson F.. Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora; BrasilFil: Bitencourt, Cássia. Universidade Estadual de Feira de Santana; BrasilFil: Thode, Verônica. Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul; BrasilFil: Cardoso, Pedro H.. Universidade Federal Do Rio de Janeiro. Museu Nacional; BrasilFil: O'Leary, Nataly Cristina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Instituto de Botánica Darwinion. Academia Nacional de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales. Instituto de Botánica Darwinion; ArgentinaFil: Olmstead, Richard. University of Washington; Estados Unido

Inheritance of DNA Transferred from American Trypanosomes to Human Hosts

Interspecies DNA transfer is a major biological process leading to the accumulation of mutations inherited by sexual reproduction among eukaryotes. Lateral DNA transfer events and their inheritance has been challenging to document. In this study we modified a thermal asymmetric interlaced PCR by using additional targeted primers, along with Southern blots, fluorescence techniques, and bioinformatics, to identify lateral DNA transfer events from parasite to host. Instances of naturally occurring human infections by Trypanosoma cruzi are documented, where mitochondrial minicircles integrated mainly into retrotransposable LINE-1 of various chromosomes. The founders of five families show minicircle integrations that were transferred vertically to their progeny. Microhomology end-joining of 6 to 22 AC-rich nucleotide repeats in the minicircles and host DNA mediates foreign DNA integration. Heterogeneous minicircle sequences were distributed randomly among families, with diversity increasing due to subsequent rearrangement of inserted fragments. Mosaic recombination and hitchhiking on retrotransposition events to different loci were more prevalent in germ line as compared to somatic cells. Potential new genes, pseudogenes, and knockouts were identified. A pathway of minicircle integration and maintenance in the host genome is suggested. Thus, infection by T. cruzi has the unexpected consequence of increasing human genetic diversity, and Chagas disease may be a fortuitous share of negative selection. This demonstration of contemporary transfer of eukaryotic DNA to the human genome and its subsequent inheritance by descendants introduces a significant change in the scientific concept of evolutionary biology and medicine

Anatomical aspects and phytochemical potential of Caryocar villosum (Aubl.) Pers. (pequiá)/ Aspectos anatômicos e potencial fitoquímico de Caryocar villosum (Aubl.) Pers. (pequiá)

The knowledge of anatomical and phytochemical structures of many species has drawn the attention of researchers in several areas, because these species are characterized by the production of chemical compounds, mainly fixed and essential oils, which are of great industrial interest. The “pequiá” tree is a majestic tree from primary forest and represents huge economic potential. This work aimed to study the anatomical aspects, extraction and characterization of the fixed oil present in the fruit and the seed of Caryocar villosum. There were used fifty fruits of pequiá collected from the municipality of Tartarugalzinho (Amapá). The identification of species was made by comparison with exsiccates available in the Amapá Herbarium – HAMAB. For anatomical and phytochemical analyses, conventional methodology was used. The result in the macerate of the mesocarp corresponds to a yellow mass impregnated by lipids; in the endocarp there were registered trichomes which secret these lipids, forming an arc in all its extension. In the solvent-based phytochemical analyses of the mass of pericarp, mesocarp and fixed oil seed, favorable and satisfactory oil yields were obtained. The analyses of the acidity, saponification, ester and peroxide indexes are parameters that are related to the quality of the oil, therefore, the values obtained meet the Anvisa/2015 Resolution. It is thus concluded that the fixed oil obtained from the mesocarp/seed of C. villosum is indicated for alimentary purposes, with potential to reduce total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, as well as in cosmetic industry. Therefore, anatomical analyses help phytochemical studies (CNPq/IEPA)

Towards the clinical implementation of intensity-modulated proton therapy for thoracic indications with moderate motion:Robust optimised plan evaluation by means of patient and machine specific information

PURPOSE: Compared to volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT), clinical benefits are anticipated when treating thoracic tumours with intensity-modulated proton therapy (IMPT). However, the current concern of plan robustness as a result of motion hampers its wide clinical implementation. To define an optimal protocol to treat lung and oesophageal cancers, we present a comprehensive evaluation of IMPT planning strategies, based on patient 4DCTs and machine log files. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For ten lung and ten oesophageal cancer patients, a planning 4DCT and weekly repeated 4DCTs were collected. For these twenty patients, the CTV volume and motion were assessed based on the 4DCTs. In addition to clinical VMAT plans, layered rescanned 3D and 4D robust optimised IMPT plans (IMPT_3D and IMPT_4D respectively) were generated, and approved clinically, for all patients. The IMPT plans were then delivered in dry runs at our proton facility to obtain log files, and subsequently evaluated through our 4D robustness evaluation method (4DREM). With this method, for each evaluated plan, fourteen 4D accumulated scenario doses were obtained, representing 14 possible fractionated treatment courses. RESULTS: From VMAT to IMPT_3D, nominal Dmean(lungs-GTV) decreased 2.75 ± 0.56 GyRBE and 3.76 ± 0.92 GyRBE over all lung and oesophageal cancer patients, respectively. A more pronounced reduction was verified for Dmean(heart): 5.38 ± 7.36 GyRBE (lung cases) and 9.51 ± 2.25 GyRBE (oesophagus cases). Target coverage robustness of IMPT_3D was sufficient for 18/20 patients. Averaged dose in critical structures over all 4DREM scenarios changed only slightly for both IMPT_3D and IMPT_4D. Relative to IMPT_3D, no gain in IMPT_4D was observed. CONCLUSION: The dosimetric superiority of IMPT over VMAT has been established. For most thoracic tumours, our IMPT_3D planning protocol showed to be robust and clinically suitable. Nevertheless, accurate patient positioning and adapting to anatomical variations over the course of treatment remain compulsory

A systematic review assessing non-pharmacological conservative treatment studies for people with non-inflammatory multi-joint pain: clinical outcomes and research design considerations

To systematically review the evidence to determine the clinical outcomes and the important methodological quality features of interventional studies on adults with non-inflammatory multi-joint pain (MJP). Systematic search of published and unpublished literature using the databases: AMED, CINAHL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, psycINFO, SPORTDiscus, PEDro, OpenGrey, the EU Clinical Trials Register, World Health Organization International Clinical Trial Registry Platform, ClinicalTrials.gov and the ISRCTN registry (search: inception to 19th October 2017). All papers reporting the clinical outcomes of non-pharmacological interventions for people with non-inflammatory MJP were included. Studies were critically appraised using the Downs and Black Critical Appraisal and the TIDieR reporting checklists. Data were analysed using a Best Evidence Synthesis approach. From 3824 citations, four papers satisfied the eligibility criteria. Three studies reported outcomes from multidisciplinary rehabilitation programmes and one study reported the findings of a spa therapy intervention. All interventions significantly improved pain, function and quality of life in the short-term. There was limited reporting of measures for absenteeism, presenteeism and psychosocial outcomes. The evidence was ‘weak’, and due to a lack of controlled trials, there is limited evidence to ascertain treatment effectiveness. Design consideration for future trials surround improved reporting of participant characteristics, interventions and the standardisation of core outcome measures. There is insufficient high-quality trial data to determine the effectiveness of treatments for non-inflammatory MJP. Given the significant health burden which this condition presents on both individuals and wider society, developing and testing interventions and accurately reporting these, should be a research priority