A Neurogenetic Algorithm Based on Rational Agents

Lately, a lot of research has been conducted on the automatic design of artificial neural networks (ADANNs) using evolutionary algorithms, in the so-called neuro-evolutive algorithms (NEAs). Many of the presented proposals are not biologically inspired and are not able to generate modular, hierarchical and recurrent neural structures, such as those often found in living beings capable of solving intricate survival problems. Bearing in mind the idea that a nervous system's design and organization is a constructive process carried out by genetic information encoded in DNA, this paper proposes a biologically inspired NEA that evolves ANNs using these ideas as computational design techniques. In order to do this, we propose a Lindenmayer System with memory that implements the principles of organization, modularity, repetition (multiple use of the same sub-structure), hierarchy (recursive composition of sub-structures), minimizing the scalability problem of other methods. In our method, the basic neural codification is integrated to a genetic algorithm (GA) that implements the constructive approach found in the evolutionary process, making it closest to biological processes. Thus, the proposed method is a decision-making (DM) process, the fitness function of the NEA rewards economical artificial neural networks (ANNs) that are easily implemented. In other words, the penalty approach implemented through the fitness function automatically rewards the economical ANNs with stronger generalization and extrapolation capacities. Our method was initially tested on a simple, but non-trivial, XOR problem. We also submit our method to two other problems of increasing complexity: time series prediction that represents consumer price index and prediction of the effect of a new drug on breast cancer. In most cases, our NEA outperformed the other methods, delivering the most accurate classification. These superior results are attributed to the improved effectiveness and efficiency of NEA in the decision-making process. The result is an optimized neural network architecture for solving classification problems

The interference of age and gender on smile characterization analyzed on six parameters: a clinical-photographic pilot study

Background and Objective: This study aimed to evaluate six smile-esthetic parameters (deviation of the upper dental midline from the facial midline, upper lip curvature, smile line, smile arch, smile width, and shape of the maxillary central incisors), correlating them with age and gender. Materials and methods: Caucasian individuals (N = 114) were grouped by gender (male and female) and age (group I-18 to 30 years old; group II-31 to 50 years old; and group III-over 50 years old). Using a digital camera, extra and intraoral pictures were taken to analyze the variables above-mentioned. The data were statistically evaluated, considering a significance level of p < 0.05. Results: Most participants found deviations of the upper dental midline, straight upper lip curvature, and the medium smile line coincided with the facial midline. The parallel smile arch exposing 9 to 11 upper teeth, the absence of exposure of lower teeth when smiling, and oval upper incisors were prevalent parameters. Regarding gender, significant results were found for the curvature of the upper lip (p = 0.049), the smile arch (p = 0.001), and the shape of the upper central incisors (p = 0.004). For age, the association with the curvature of the upper lip (p = 0.032), the smile line (p = 0.001), the smile arch (p = 0.007), the width of the smile exposing lower teeth (p = 0.002), and the shape of the upper central incisors (0.012) were significant. Conclusions: Within this study's limitations, gender and age affect the anterior teeth shape and upper lip curves; gender and age did not influence the coincidence between dental and facial midlines.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Bisphosphonates and their influence on the implant failure: a systematic review

Objective: The goal of this systematic review was to study the relationship between the use of bisphosphonates (oral or intravenous) and its effect on implant osseointegration. Methods: The focused question was “In patients medicated with bisphosphonates and who underwent surgery to place dental implants, what is the influence of that medication (of different generations) on the failure of dental implants (O)?” Following specific eligibility criteria, four databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, DOAJ) were electronically screened to search the articles. Specific MeSH terms were used in combinations with Boolean Operators “AND” and “OR” for the research. In addition, a manual search was done. The data extracted were the (i) author, (ii) year of publication, (iii) country, (iv) research question, (v) study design, (vi) patient information, (vii) the number of patients included, (viii) patient/implant status, (ix) the number of implants evaluated, (x) type of implant, (xi) risk factors, and (xii) findings obtained. Moreover, the following were also registered: the (i) type, generation, duration, and route for BP administrated; (ii) the presence of any systemic condition and drug treatment; (iii) follow-up (months); and (iv) implant failure rate (%). The quality assessment of the included studies was carried out using the Modified Newcastle–Ottawa scale. Results: A total of 491 articles were found (183 in PubMed/MEDLINE, 171 in Scopus, 65 in Web of Science, and 72 articles in DOAJ), and 17 articles were considered for full-text reading. After the exclusion of 3 articles, 14 were included in this systematic review (11 case reports, 2 retrospective, and 1 prospective study). The reasons for the bisphosphonates intaking included osteoporosis, multiple myeloma, breast cancer, knee cancer, and osteogenesis imperfecta. The oral administration involved Alendronato (eight studies), Risedronate (three studies), and Ibandronate (three studies); whereas the intravenous administrations were Zoledronate (seven studies), Clodronato (one study), and Pamidronato (three studies). The duration of use of bisphosphonates at the time of implant placement was diverse; it ranged from no interruption of bisphosphonate intaking up to its discontinuation for 2, 3, or 6 months before surgery, with respective use being resumed 1, 3, or 8 months after surgery. Antibiotic treatment (amoxicillin + clavulanic acid) was performed before the intervention in two cases and after the intervention in three cases. Finally, the percent of implant failure rate when intaking BPs had an average of 49.96%. Conclusions: Within the limitation of this systematic review, it was possible to conclude that a high mean failure rate of implant osseointegration (49.96%) was found, regardless of the generation of bisphosphonates used. Moreover, the failure rate was lower in patients using second generation bisphosphonates (Alendronate and Pamidronate) and was higher with the IV administration compared to the oral administration of bisphosphonates.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Clinic-epidemiological analysis of an Otorhinolaryngology Emergency Unit Care in a Tertiary Hospital

AbstractEmergencies are common in our Otorhinolaringology specialty. However, the clinical and epidemiological features are not very well known.ObjectivesTo evaluate the clinical and epidemiological profiles of otorhinolaryngological disorders in an emergency unit of a tertiary hospital, and to determine the appropriateness of the level of health care for a tertiary hospital.Materials and methodsAn analytical study using data records of an otorhinolaryngological emergency unit at a tertiary hospital in the Federal District for a year, full time, and no screening. The age, sex, arrival time and clinical diagnosis were evaluated. The entities were separated into cases of pharingolaryngoesthomatology, otology, rhinology, and head and neck surgery. These were evaluated according to the urgency level, the required care, and the arrival time.Results26,584 data records were selected, of which 2,001 were excluded. The group comprised 54.48% women, and 45.51% men. Otological complaints (62.27%) prevailed. 61.26% of cases were considered emergencies. Only 9.7% of those required medium or high complex resources for resolution.ConclusionThe study showed that 61.26% of the otorhinolaryngological cases are emergencies, and only 9.7% required medium or high complexity resources

Tolerância do capim marandu ao excesso de ferro e manganês

In soaked soils there is an increase in the availability of iron and manganese. Thus, it becomes important to investigate the tolerance levels of plants to excess of these nutrients. The objective was to evaluate the tolerance of Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu cultivated in nutrient solution with different levels of iron and manganese. The experimental design was completely randomized with seven treatments and four replications. The treatments consisted of a nutrient solution and consisted of: 1- adequate concentration of Fe (8.22 mM) and Mn (2.05 mM); 2– Fe, four times the adequate concentration; 3– Fe, eight times the adequate concentration; 4– Mn, four times the adequate concentration; 5– Mn, eight times the adequate concentration; 6– Fe and Mn, four times the appropriate concentration, and; 7– Fe and Mn, eight times the appropriate concentration. The variables evaluated were visual diagnosis (symptomatology), shoot height, root volume, Fe and Mn content in shoots and dry mass production. Grass plants were not tolerant to excess Fe and Mn. The excess of nutrients promoted less development of the root system, with a reduction in volume and dry mass, and the treatment with the highest dose of nutrients resulted in the lowest values. Grass plants were sensitive to the increase in nutrient concentrations, showing reductions in total dry mass production of 55% for treatment with the application of the highest concentration of nutrients in relation to the adequate dose of Fe and Mn.Em solos encharcados há aumento na disponibilidade de ferro e de manganês. Dessa forma, torna-se importante investigar os níveis de tolerância das plantas ao excesso desses nutrientes. We aimed to evaluate Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu tolerance when grown in nutrient solution with different levels of iron and manganese. The experimental design was completely randomized with seven treatments and four repetitions. Os tratamentos foram constituídos por solução nutritiva e consistiram em: 1- concentração adequada de Fe (8,22 mM) e de Mn (2,05 mM); 2– Fe, quatro vezes a concentração adequada; 3– Fe, oito vezes a concentração adequada; 4– Mn, quatro vezes a concentração adequada; 5– Mn, oito vezes a concentração adequada; 6– Fe e Mn, quatro vezes a concentração adequada, e; 7– Fe e Mn, oito vezes a concentração adequada. As variáveis avaliadas foram a diagnose visual (sintomatologia), altura de parte aérea, volume de raízes, teor de Fe e Mn na parte aérea e produção de massa seca. As plantas de capim não foram tolerantes ao excesso de Fe e Mn. O excesso dos nutrientes promoveu menor desenvolvimento do sistema radicular, com redução no volume e massa seca, sendo que o tratamento com a maior dose dos nutrientes foi o que resultou nos menores valores. As plantas de capim foram sensíveis ao aumento das concentrações dos nutrientes, apresentando reduções na produção de massa seca total de 55% para tratamento com aplicação da maior concentração dos nutrientes em relação à dose adequada de Fe e Mn

Impact of COVID-19 on Portuguese dental students: a cohort study

Introduction: The goal of this study was to assess the impact of COVID-19 on Portuguese dental students on their depression, anxiety, temporomandibular dysfunction, academic degree, and oral behaviors. Methods: The target of this population study was to enroll third-, fourth-, and fifth-year students of the Integrated Master’s degree in Dental Medicine at the Universidade Católica Portuguesa—Faculty of Dental Medicine (Viseu, Portugal) in the academic year 2021–2022. Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) symptoms, oral behaviors, anxiety, and depression were assessed using validated questionnaires. The variables under study were (a) age, gender, marital status, academic level, academic degree, medication, and any existing pathologies; (b) questions related to taste changes or thoughts that would indicate (or not) worsening psychological conditions (anxiety and depression). After data collection (Google Forms®), data were transferred to an Excel file and entered into SPSS® software. A chi-square test allowed the independence between ordinal or nominal variables. The Spearman correlation test was used to analyze the relationship between variables in the study (significant if p ≤ 0.05). Results: 98.2% of the students answered the questionnaire. TMD had a prevalence of 35%, and anxiety and depression a prevalence of 29% and 24%, respectively. The results showed that the female gender was the most affected by psychological and temporomandibular disorders. Statistically significant correlations were identified between variables, such as gender and anxiety, TDM, and depression (respectively, p = 0.0001, p = 0.014, and p = 0.026); between TDM and anxiety and depression (respectively, p = 0.001 and p < 0.001); and between performing oral behaviors and TMD, anxiety, and depression (respectively, p = 0.0001, p = 0.0001, and p = 0.006). The variables, such as age and academic degree, did not establish a statistically significant relationship with TMD, oral behaviors, and the two psychological conditions. Conclusions: It was possible to conclude that there was a moderate prevalence of TMD, anxiety, and depression in the period studied. Moreover, a statistically significant relationship was found between TMD, anxiety, and depression with gender and frequency of OBs; however, no significant association was found for TMD, anxiety, and depression with the age of students and with the academic degree.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Mixed-Thickness Tunnel Access (MiTT) through a linear vertical mucosal incision for a minimally invasive approach for root coverage procedures in anterior and posterior sites: technical description and case series with 1-year follow-up

Purpose: The goal of this article was to introduce a new root coverage (RC) technique, the mixed-thickness tunnel access (MiTT) technique, which approaches a full-split design and intends to augment soft tissues coronal to the gingival margin. It was shown step-by-step, and the results were presented in a case series. Methods: Healthy individuals (non-diabetics) and non-smokers with gingival recession (GR) type 1 or 2 (RT1 or RT2) were included. After evaluation, prophylaxis was performed 14 days before the surgical procedure. During the surgical appointment, one or two vertical incision(s) on the mucosa (around 1–2 mm apical to the MGJ), lateral to the papilla base, was/were performed after anesthesia. Initially, there was a partial incision to detach the mucosa of the muscles (split design). It was permitted (but not mandatory) to perform intrasulcular incisions. Through the vertical incision, internally, subperiosteal access from the MGJ toward the gingival margin (coronally) was performed to create a full-thickness tunnel. Then, communication from the vertical incision with the gingival sulcus and the papilla base occurred, keeping the papilla tip intact. A connective tissue graft was harvested and inserted through the linear incision or intrasulcularly. There were interrupted sutures. An adjunctive material may be applied (e.g., Endogain). The root coverage was measured using a periodontal probe and considered fully covered when the gingival margin was 1 mm coronal to the cementum–enamel junction (CEJ). Results: Nine healthy individuals (seven females and two males) aged 19 and 43 were enrolled. They were treated following the MiTT steps. Four cases had a single GR; two patients had two teeth involved; and three others had three or four GR. There were seven cases of RT1 and two RT2. All RT1 cases achieved 100% RC, while the mean RC obtained for RT2 was around 80%. Conclusion: The MiTT technique can be considered a more straightforward approach for minimally invasive surgical techniques, which is a feasible option to treat RC with a high success rate, predictability, and esthetic preservation. Therefore, there is a technical sensitivity to performing the full-split design procedure.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Produção de biodiesel a partir da transeterificação de óleos residuais

Os bicombustíveis apresentam-se como uma das alternativas renováveis para substituição dos combustíveis derivados do petróleo. Considerando que o modelo atual de combustíveis apresenta sinais de esgotamento e efeitos prejudiciais ao meio ambiente, o presente trabalho tem como objetivo apresentar o biodiesel como alternativa energética, utilizando como matéria-prima os resíduos de óleos vegetais, que foram coletados seletivamente no município de Palotina com a colaboração de estabelecimentos comerciais. Com o intuito de observar as alterações das suas propriedades químicas e físicas do óleo utilizado e do biodiesel produzido, foram analisados 6 amostras mensais avaliando-se viscosidade, pH e índice de acidez. Os resultados obtidos na análise da viscosidade não puderam ser comparados à normatização da ANP devido a viscosidade medida ser a cinemática, sendo preciso ser dinâmica. O pH manteve-se entre 6,0 e 7,0 e o índice de acidez do biodiesel esteve entre 0,1 a 0,5 g de NaOH, onde se comparou com as especificações nacionais do biodiesel obtendo como resultado uma avaliação dentro dos padrões normativos no emprego de óleos residuais para produção de biodiesel

Ultrasound protocol in odontogenic infections:a new proposal

Point-of-care-ultrasound can be applied to preview a difficult airway, detect the presence of fluid collection, and soft-tissue edema, and guide the drainage location, although is rarely used. The purpose of this study is to validate a protocol for the assessment of these clinical features on patients with severe odontogenic infections. This was a single-group prospective cohort study (n=20) including patients with the diagnosis of deep-neck propagation of odontogenic infection. A transcervical linear high-frequency probe transducer (13-6 MHz) was used to scan the structures of the upper airway and the infectious collections. The drainage was guided by ultrasound and the patients were daily evaluated, according to the protocol. The data were extracted and the airway volume, midline deviation, and other important data such as length of hospital stay, dysphagia, voice alteration, raised floor of the mouth, dyspnea, and neck swelling were registered. The ultrasound examination was correlated with multiple clinical findings, such as dyslalia (p=0,069), dysphagia (p=0,028), dyspnea (p=0,001), among others. This protocol has an advantage as it can be used at bedside evaluation, allowing the assessment of severe and unsTable patients, and predicting the increase of the hospitalization time (p=0,019). This protocol is reliable for the assessment of the upper airway, even in an emergency, predicting not only the severity of the clinical features but aids in the determination of the length of the hospitalization time