Adriano Gomes

The use of the successive projections algorithm (SPA) for elimination of uninformative variables in interval selection, and unfold partial least squares regression (U-PLS) modeling of excitation-emission matrices (EEM), when under the inner filter effect (IFE) is reported for first time. Post-calibration residual bilinearization (RBL) was employed against events of unknown components in the test samples. The inner filter effect can originate changes in both the shape and intensity of analyte spectra, leading to trilinearity losses in both modes, and thus invalidating most multiway calibration methods. The algorithm presented in this paper was named iSPA-U-PLS/RBL. Both simulated and experimental data sets were used to compare the prediction capability during: (1) simulated EEM; and (2) quantitation of phenylephrine (PHE) in the presence of paracetamol (PAR) (or acetaminophen) in water samples. Test sets containing unexpected components were built in both systems [a single interferen...

Resumo - Este estudo objetivou estimar e analisar as funções de produção média e de fronteira e caracterizar a estrutura da tecnologia de produção agrícola. Com base nos dados do Censo Agropecuário de 1995/96, referente à mesorregião do Triângulo Minei- ro e Alto Paranaíba do Estado de Minas Gerais, utilizou-se a programação de metas (goal programming) para calcular os parâmetros

A produção do leite é considerada estratégica na economia nacional, sendo grande geradora de divisas e de empregos. Nesse setor, as mudanças ocorridas com a interrupção da intervenção governamental, a partir dos anos de 1990, foram determinantes para o atual cenário, além disso, o aumento da concorrência doméstica aliada ao processo de globalização dos mercados passou a exigir das organizações

Trauma injuries of the posterior urethra resulting from pelvic fracture in children tend to be complete ruptures, with upper dislocation of the prostate. This paper aims to show our experience in using an anterior sagittal transanorectal approach (ASTRA) in the treatment of such injuries. The medical records of 11 patients with pelvic fracture urethral distraction defects who had undergone anastomotic urethroplasty through ASTRA between 1997 and 2009 were reviewed. Ages ranged from 1 year and 6 months to 23 years (mean age 11 years). Of the 11 patients, 8 had previously undergone failed urethroplasties. In 10 patients it was possible to perform tension free urethroplasty. One patient required inferior pubectomy and separation of the corpora cavernosa. Patients' follow-up time varied from 10 months to 10 years and 9 months (mean 41 months). One patient had a urethral fistula and evolved with a urethral diverticulum successfully managed by diverticulectomy. One patient presented a urethral stenosis managed by urethral dilatation. Of the 11 patients, 9 presented functional urethral flow and are continent. Two patients had no urethral flow. One is undergoing bladder catheterization through the Mitrofanoff principle and the other one through the urethra. No patient presented fecal incontinence or rectourethral fistula. This access, which is increasingly being used to approach posterior urethral diseases, has proved to be safe and effective in the treatment of pelvic fracture urethral distraction defects.

Two consecutive cases of ectopic opening of the vas deferens into Müllerian duct cysts are presented, with descriptions of the presentation, physical examination, radiographic and ultrasonographic images, surgical findings and treatment undertaken. In both cases, ablation of the cyst and ligature of the vas deferens was the technique employed. Both patients are currently well, with normal urinary flow and no urinary tract infections, 3 years after surgery. Ectopic opening of the vas deferens into Müllerian duct cysts is a rare entity but should always be considered when a child presents with purulent urinary discharge and abdominal tumor. Surgery is the only treatment recommended.

Urethral duplications are rare lower urinary tract anomalies, with multiple anatomical variants described. This paper aims to separate this complex anomaly into different diseases, each with distinct clinical forms according to the disturbance during embryogenesis, yet noting a few similarities that may be helpful in their management. The classification system of urethral duplication is also discussed. Twelve urethral duplication cases over a 14-year period were reviewed. Clinical presentation, the imaging studies used to ascertain anatomical details, type of urethral duplication and surgical correction used in the treatment of patients are presented. Nine patients had urethral duplication in the sagittal plane and three patients in the coronal plane. Of the patients with sagittal urethral duplication, 3 had pre pubic sinus, 3 had epispadiac urethral duplication, 1 had a dorsal urethral duplication deviated from the midline and 2 had hypospadiac urethral duplication. All the patients with coronal urethral duplication had associated bladder duplication. The surgical correction of the patients with sagittal urethral duplication included excision of the pre pubic sinus, excision of the duplicated urethra, and urethroplasty. Excision of the hemibladders' septum and closure of one bladder neck was the treatment for patients with coronal urethral duplication and bladder duplication. Urethral duplication is a complex anomaly and the different manifestations probably have different embryological origins. Each group, sagittal or coronal, has a few similarities that may be helpful in their management, although every diagnosed case presents a unique anatomy and surgical treatment must be individualized.