ABSTRACT Introduction: Chronic kidney disease patients have a higher risk of infection and worse clinical outcomes after coronavirus disease. We aimed to assess the prevalence of infection and the humoral response after vaccination in peritoneal dialysis patients. Methods: Three types of vaccines were administered (two doses) with the antibody detection at least six months after. Coronavirus disease 2019 infections, hospital admissions, and deaths were evaluated. Results: From 70 prevalent patients, 45 were included. There was a significant increase in antibody level, with a median of 92 (36, 447) U/mL. Only 4% of patients remained seronegative. History of immunosuppressive therapy was associated with no response (100% vs 60%, p=0.010). There were two infections after the vaccination, without hospital admission. Conclusion: Immunization against coronavirus disease was effective in generating a humoral response in peritoneal dialysis patients. There was also an evident impact of immunosuppressive therapy on vaccine response in peritoneal dialysis patients.

Abstract: The European building stock is responsible for 36% of greenhouse gas emissions and 40% of energy consumption, and its rehabilitation would reduce consumption by 26%. In addition to the economic benefits of this reduction, such as its incidence in reducing energy poverty, energy efficient homes imply co-benefits in terms of comfort and health of their inhabitants; however, households are not aware of this, which, together with other barriers, discourages obtaining efficient housing. This work seeks to know the importance that households give to the benefits and co-benefits associated with energy efficiency; understand if it is homogeneous among these, and identify its correlation with its sociodemographic characteristics. To do this, a survey is carried out on a sample of households in Barcelona. Through a multivariate analysis, the patterns of relevance given to the different advantages and their statistical association with the sociodemographic characteristics of the households are identified. The results suggest that the importance of these benefits is heterogeneous. Older and higher-income people value more co-benefits such as health, comfort and environmental conservation, but younger and lower-income people value savings more.

Resumen: El parque edificado europeo es responsable del 36% de las emisiones de gases de efecto invernadero y del 40% del consumo de energía y su rehabilitación reduciría un 26% del consumo. Además de los beneficios económicos de esta reducción, como su incidencia en reducir la pobreza energética, las viviendas energéticamente eficientes implican co-beneficios en el confort y la salud de sus habitantes; sin embargo, los hogares no son conscientes de ello, lo que, aunado a otras barreras, desincentiva la obtención de viviendas eficientes. Este trabajo persigue conocer la importancia que otorgan los hogares a los beneficios y co-beneficios asociados a la eficiencia energética; entender si es homogénea entre éstos e identificar su correlación con sus características sociodemográficas. Para ello, se realiza una encuesta a una muestra de hogares de Barcelona. Mediante un análisis multivariante, se identifican los patrones de la relevancia otorgada a las distintas ventajas y su asociación estadística con las características sociodemográficas de los hogares. Los resultados sugieren que la importancia de estos beneficios es heterogénea. Las personas mayores y de mayor renta aprecian más co-beneficios como la salud, el confort y la conservación medioambiental, pero las personas más jóvenes y de menor renta valoran más los ahorros.

Abstract In this study, we report for the first time the successful infestation of rabbits with just-molted, unfed adults of Rhipicephalus microplus. Six New Zealand White rabbits were experimentally infested with 20 female and 20 male unfed adult ticks released into plastic chambers fixed on the shaved backs of each host. The attachment and feeding processes were successful. The biological characteristics of the ticks and the occurrence of adverse events in the tick-attachment area were studied. The average engorgement period was 10.7 days, and 33.3% of the engorged females completed the parasitic phase. The average weight of the recovered engorged females was 149.8 mg, with an average egg mass weight of 70.9 mg, a conversion efficiency index of 47.3%, and a hatching percentage of 88.31%. The adverse reactions found in the tick-attachment area were the usual inflammatory responses of the organism to infestation by these ectoparasites; however, it did not prevent the ticks from feeding and completing their life cycle. These data indicate that the infestation of rabbits with just-molted, unfed adult ticks could be a valuable, alternative animal model for rapid and economical evaluation of vaccine candidates and new molecules with acaricidal activity against Rhipicephalus microplus.

Resumo Neste estudo, relata-se, pela primeira vez, o sucesso da infestação de coelhos por carrapatos adultos recém-mudados e não alimentados. Seis coelhos brancos da Nova Zelândia foram infestados artificialmente com 20 carrapatos adultos fêmeas e 20 machos adultos não alimentados no interior de câmaras de plástico fixadas no dorso de cada hospedeiro. Os processos de fixação e alimentação dos carrapatos foram bem sucedidos. Foram estudadas as características biológicas dos carrapatos e a ocorrência de eventos adversos na área de fixação do ectoparasito. O período médio de ingurgitamento foi de 10,7 dias, e 33,3% das fêmeas ingurgitadas completaram a fase parasitária. O peso médio das fêmeas ingurgitadas recuperadas foi de 149,8 mg, com peso médio da massa de ovos de 70,9 mg, índice de produção de ovos de 47,3% e porcentagem de incubação de 88,31%. Uma resposta inflamatória usual do organismo à infestação por esses ectoparasitas foi a única reação adversa encontrada na área de fixação dos carrapatos, o que não impediu que eles se alimentassem e completassem seu ciclo de vida. Esses dados apontam que a infestação de coelhos com carrapatos adultos recém-mudados e não alimentados pode ser um modelo animal alternativo e útil para a avaliação rápida e econômica de candidatos a vacinas e novas moléculas com atividade acaricida contra Rhipicephalus microplus.

ABSTRACT Introduction: The well-being and health of each of the workers are paramount in the Department of Occupational Health at Fundación Hospital Universitario Metropolitano. It is important that the staff enjoy a healthy standard of living in order to satisfactorily fulfil all their obligations and the planned goals of the organization. Objective: To look at the neuropsychological and personality factors associated in a group of individuals who have been injured two or more times (poly-accidented). Methods: A case-control methodological design was developed. The databases of the Department of Labor Safety and Health were taken as the population, with 50 workers injured on two or more occasions (poly-accidents). The abbreviated Reynolds Intelligence Scale (Rist) was applied as data collection techniques to assess the intelligence coefficient of the subjects and Cattell personality questionnaire (16 Pf), to measured 16 primary factors and four secondary factors. The Neuropsychological Battery of Executive Functions and Frontal Lobes (BANFE) was used to evaluate neuropsychological factors. Results: They were processed using the Statistical Package Social Science (Spss) version 21.0 that allowed the hypothesis test to be carried out for the variables studied, Mann Whitney U test was used, with 0.05 alpha criterion and 95% level of confidence. Conclusions: The group of poly-accidented patients showed alterations in the orbito-medial, ventromedial and dorso-lateral areas, which predisposes them to greater possibility of carrying out risky activities and presenting less risk awareness.

RESUMEN Introducción: El bienestar y la salud de cada uno de los trabajadores son primordiales en el Departamento de Salud Ocupacional de la Fundación Hospital Universitario Metropolitano. Es importante que el personal goce de un nivel de vida saludable para cumplir satisfactoriamente con todas sus obligaciones y las metas planeadas de la organización. Objetivo: Analizar los factores neuropsicológicos y de personalidad asociados en un grupo de personas que se han accidentado dos o más veces (poliaccidentados). Métodos: Se desarrolló un diseño metodológico de casos y controles. Se tomó como población las bases de datos del departamento de seguridad y salud en el trabajo, con 50 trabajadores accidentados en dos o más ocasiones (poliaccidentados). Se aplicaron como técnicas de recolección de datos la escala abreviada de inteligencia Reynolds (Rist) para apreciar el coeficiente de inteligencia de los sujetos y el cuestionario de personalidad de Cattell (16 Pf), que midió 16 factores primarios y cuatro secundarios. Se utilizó la Batería Neuropsicológica de Funciones Ejecutivas y Lóbulos Frontales (BANFE) para evaluar los factores neuropsicológicos. Resultados: fue procesados mediante el paquete estadístico Statistical package Social Science (Spss) versión 21.0 que permitió realizar la prueba de hipótesis para las variables estudiadas, se utilizó la prueba U de Mann Whitney, con un criterio alfa de 0,05 y un nivel de confianza del 95 %. Conclusiones: El grupo de poliaccidentados presentó alteraciones en las áreas orbito-medial, ventromedial y dorso-laterales lo que los predispone a una mayor posibilidad de realizar actividades riesgosas y presentar menor consciencia del riesgo.

Abstract Objective: to describe the initial experience in Colombia of locally advanced melanoma treated by isolated limb perfusion and compare the response rate of our melanoma subtypes with the literature. Methods: descriptive, retrospective study of a series of patients selected between 2007 and 2016. Qualitative variables were analyzed with proportions and frequencies, and quantitative variable with central tendency measures and measures of dispersion. Results: 11 patients were treated by isolated limb perfusion. After the treatment, seven patients (63.6%) had partial response, two patients (18.2%) had stable disease and two patients (18.2%) had disease progression. Five patients (45.5%) had mild complications. Conclusions: Isolated limb perfusion is still an important treatment strategy for locally advanced melanoma, with the goal of improving the patient quality of life. The response can change according to the type of melanoma, and could be smaller in patients with acral lentiginous and nodular melanoma, although we cannot make this conclusion with this type of study because it has low power and lack of a comparison group.

Resumen Objetivo: describir la experiencia inicial en Colombia en el manejo del melanoma de extremidad con perfusión aislada y comparar la respuesta de los subtipos histológicos más frecuentes en Colombia con la literatura. Materiales y métodos: estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo de una serie de pacientes con diagnóstico de melanoma con metástasis en tránsito tratados con perfusión aislada de extremidad, seleccionados entre 2007 y 2016. Las variables cualitativas se analizaron con frecuencias absolutas y relativas. Las cuantitativas con medidas de tendencia central y dispersión. Resultados: 11 pacientes fueron tratados con perfusión aislada de extremidad. Hubo respuesta parcial en siete pacientes (63,6%), enfermedad estable en dos pacientes (18,2%) y progresión en dos pacientes (18,2%). Después del tratamiento, cinco pacientes (45,5%) presentaron complicaciones menores. Conclusiones: la perfusión aislada sigue siendo importante para el tratamiento del melanoma localmente avanzado con el fin de mejorar la calidad de vida de los pacientes. La respuesta puede cambiar según el tipo clínico de melanoma, siendo menor, según este estudio, en pacientes con melanoma lentiginoso acral y nodular, aunque por el bajo poder, esto no se puede concluir.

RESUMEN Este artículo presenta el desarrollo de modelos, teórico y experimental, para el estudio del comportamiento rotodinámico de un rotor multietapas. El modelo teórico se obtiene a partir de las ecuaciones de Lagrange y se resuelve empleando el método de la matriz de transferencia. En el análisis se incluyen las características de rigidez y amortiguamiento de los apoyos y de las diferentes etapas del rotor, así como el desbalance másico de estas últimas. Como vía de validación de los resultados teóricos se emplearon los datos provenientes de un modelo físico rotodinámico, especialmente desarrollado para la investigación. Las dos primeras velocidades críticas fueron determinadas con el modelo teórico y difieren en un bajo porcentaje con respecto a los valores medidos experimentalmente. Por otro lado, el nivel de vibración registrado en el modelo físico se eleva 2,5 veces cuando el rotor multietapas se aproxima a cualquiera de las primeras dos velocidades críticas. Adicionalmente, se describe un corrimiento apreciable en la magnitud de las velocidades críticas laterales cuando se aumenta el desbalance másico en varios de los impulsores del rotor.

ABSTRACT This paper presents the development of theoretical and experimental models for the study of rotodynamic behavior of a multistage rotor. The transfer matrix method, which includes the characteristics of stiffness and damping for the supports and the stages respectively as well as the characteristics of unbalance in the stages, is used for the theoretical model. The data from a physical model was employed as a way of validating the theoretical results. The first two critical speeds were determined with the theoretical model and they differ in a low percentage with respect to the values measured experimentally. Moreover, the vibration level recorded in the physical model rises 2.5 times when the multistage rotor approaches the first two critical speeds. In addition to this, significant displacements of the lateral critical speeds are noticeable when an increase in mass imbalance is induced in several of the rotor impellers.

Introduction: The pandemic caused by the new coronavirus brought difficulties to global health and the economy. The race for an effective therapy to control the disease is launched, and an understanding of the pathophysiology is necessary. The BCG (bacillus Calmette–Guérin) vaccine activates and modulates innate immunity, and its protective effect against the new coronavirus should be investigated. Objective: To compare the incidence, mortality, and lethality rates of COVID-19 according to the vaccination program for BCG of the main countries affected by the pandemic. Methods: The second of three phases of a data survey was carried out from official sources on the number of cases and number of deaths by COVID-19 between April 11 and May 11, 2020, and the incidence, mortality and lethality rates were calculated and compared among predefined groups according to their BCG vaccination programs. In the same way, the acceleration rate between the groups in the period under analysis was performed. Results: Similar to the results found in the first phase in April, the countries without an active BCG vaccine program had, on average, 3.96, 9.34, and 2.35 (p < 0.001) higher ratios in the incidence, mortality and lethality rates, respectively. Conclusion: There is a protective connection between the presence of active BCG vaccination programs and the number of cases and deaths per inhabitant in the countries studied, showing a possible cross effect of innate immunity against the new coronavirus.

 Introdução: A pandemia pelo novo Coronavírus trouxe dificuldades para a saúde e economia do mundo. A corrida por uma terapia efetiva para o controle da doença está lançada e o entendimento da fisiopatologia se faz necessário. A vacina BCG (bacillus Calmette-Guérin) ativa e modula a imunidade inata e o seu efeito protetivo contra o novo Coronavírus deverá ser investigado. Objetivo: Comparar os índices de incidência, mortalidade e letalidade do Covid-19 conforme programa de vacinação para BCG dos principais países acometidos pela pandemia. Métodos: Realizado a segunda fase de três de um levantamento de dados a partir de fontes oficiais do número de casos e número de óbitos pela COVID-19 entre os dias 11 de abril e 11 de maio de 2020, sendo calculados os coeficientes de incidência, mortalidade e letalidade e comparado entre grupos pré definidos conforme seus programas de vacinação com BCG. Da mesma forma, foi realizado a taxa de aceleração entre os grupos no período analisado. Resultados: Semelhante aos resultados encontrados na primeira fase de abril, os países sem programa vacinal ativo com BCG apresentaram em média 3.96, 9.34 e 2.35 (p<0,001) maiores razões nos coeficientes de incidência, mortalidade e letalidade respectivamente. Conclusão: Há uma relação protetora entre a presença de programas de vacinação com BCG ativos e o número de casos e mortes por habitante nos países estudados, mostrando um possível efeito cruzado da imunidade inata com o novo Coronavírus.

Introduction: BCG vaccine (bacillus Calmette–Guérin) has been developed against tuberculosis and proven to be used for other purposes by activating and/or training innate immunity. The protective effect against the new coronavirus should be investigated and tested while a specific vaccine is not available. Objective: To compare the acceleration rates of incidence and lethality of COVID-19 according to the vaccination program for BCG of the main countries affected by the pandemic. Methods: Part one of three of the data survey from official sources on the number of cases and number of deaths by COVID-19 between December 31, 2019 and April 11, 2020, being calculated the incidence, mortality and lethality acceleration rates, and compared among predefined groups according to their BCG vaccination programs. Results: Countries without a vaccination program in place or that never had one for BCG had incidence and mortality acceleration rates of 21.36 and 53.21 times higher (p < 0.001), respectively, than the same rates in countries with a universal vaccination program. In addition, patients with an expanded vaccination program had a 43% lower mortality rate (p < 0.001) compared to countries with a vaccination program at birth only. Conclusion: There is a correlation between the coverage of BCG vaccination programs and the acceleration in the number of new cases and deaths in countries, showing a possible protective factor in places with existing BCG vaccination programs.

Introdução: A vacina BCG (BACILO CALME BARRET) foi desenvolvida contra a tuberculose e comprovadamente utilizada para outros fins por atuar ativando e ou treinando a imunidade inata. O efeito protetor contra o novocoronavírus deve ser investigado e testado enquanto não se tem uma vacina específica. Objetivo: Comparar os índices de aceleração de incidência e letalidade da COVID-19 conforme o programa de vacinação para BCG dos principais países acometidos pela pandemia. Métodos: Parte uma de três do levantamento de dados a partir de fontes oficiais do número de casos e número de óbitos pela COVID-19 entre os dias 31 de dezembro de 2019 até dia 11 de abril de 2020, sendo calculados os coeficientes de aceleração incidência, mortalidade e letalidade, e comparados entre grupos pré definidos conforme seus programas de vacinação da BCG. Resultados: Países sem esquema vacinal vigente ou que nunca os possuíaram para BCG apresentaram coeficientes de aceleração de incidência e mortalidade de 21,36 e 53,21 vezes maior (p<0,001), respectivamente, que os mesmos coeficientes em países com esquema vacinal universal. Além disso, pacientes com esquema vacinal ampliado apresentaram um coeficiente de mortalidade 43% menor (p<0,001) comparado com países com esquema vacinal apenas ao nascimento. Conclusão: Há uma relação entre a abrangência dos programas de vacinação de BCG e a aceleração do número de novos casos e de mortes nos países, mostrando um possível fator protetor nos locais com programas vigentes de vacinação da BCG.

Introdução: A hipocalémia (potássio sérico inferior a 3.5 mmol/L) pode ser causada por vários mecanismos. A hipocalémia grave é uma emergência médica pelas importantes repercussões cardíacas que pode ter. Caso clínico: Uma rapariga de oito anos, previamente saudável, com crescimento normal e tensão arterial tendencialmente baixa, foi observada por dor abdominal persistente, anorexia e febre dois dias após recuperar de uma gastroenterite aguda ligeira. A avaliação bioquímica revelou hipocalémia grave (1.8 mmol/L), hipomagnesémia e alcalose metabólica. A rapariga foi admitida na Unidade de Cuidados Intensivos Pediátricos para correção dos distúrbios eletrolíticos, monitorização cardíaca e investigação. O ionograma urinário (urina pontual) revelou excreção inapropriada de potássio. A correção iónica foi alcançada através de suplementação intravenosa e oral associadas a espironolactona. A pesquisa de mutações para Síndrome de Gitelman foi positiva. Discussão/Conclusão: Perante uma discrepância entre o quadro clínico e a gravidade da hipocalémia, deverão ser suspeitadas e pesquisadas 155 causas complexas deste distúrbio eletrolítico.

Abstract The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive has it made mandatory to include an energy performance certificate (EPC) on real estate advertisements so as to promote efficient properties. Previous research has found a positive correlation between residential prices and EPC’s energy ranks; nonetheless, the analysis of the evolution of such impact for the same market is still pending. This paper tries to shed light on this issue by analyzing the evolution of prices of the second largest urban agglomeration in Spain. In doing so, a pooled hedonic model is carried out departing from selling listing prices of apartments and a set of locative control variables. Results suggest that in a short period the energy premium for multifamily houses has positively evolved. As a result, a sharped market differentiation arises between inefficient and energy saving dwellings. Such findings have significant implications for the construction and real estate industry, since higher selling prices may compensate for higher building costs coming from energy efficient technologies.

Resumen La Directiva de la Eficiencia Energética en la Edificación obliga la inclusión de la etiqueta derivada de un certificado de eficiencia energética (CEE) en la publicidad inmobiliaria con el objetivo de promover edificios energéticamente eficientes. En la literatura está bien establecida la correlación positiva entre los precios residenciales y las clases energéticas de los CEE; sin embargo, la evolución de dicha correlación en dicho mercado es un tema pendiente. Este trabajo intenta avanzar en ese sentido a partir del análisis de la evolución de los precios en la segunda aglomeración urbana en España. Para ello, se utiliza un modelo de precios hedónicos con datos provenientes de precios de oferta de apartamentos y de un conjunto de variables locativas de control. Los resultados sugieren que en un periodo corto de tiempo el sobreprecio energético de las viviendas plurifamiliares ha tenido una evolución positiva, emergiendo una diferenciación importante entre las viviendas ineficientes y aquéllas que ahorran energía. Estos hallazgos, tienen implicaciones importantes para el sector inmobiliario y de la construcción en tanto cuanto un mayor precio de venta podría compensar los mayores costes de construcción derivados de la edificación energéticamente eficiente.

ABSTRACT Introduction: The Problem-based learning is a pedagogic strategy based on the student as the primary author of his own learning, this strategy constitutes a new perspective of teaching. At college level Problem-based learning is outlined like one of the most innovative approaches in the current academic education. Objective: The aim of this research was to analyze the strategy of Problem-based learning in the development of transversal, instrumental and systemic competencies in college first semester students, in the healthy area. Methods: The sample was composed by 465 students. All of them developed the topic about values and environment in the frame of biology course employing Problem-based learning. following that they completed an evaluation questionnaire about transversal competencies, which evaluated the development achieved in each of the competences. Results: The results suggest a greater development of the systemics competences with the use of the Problem-based learning strategy. Conclusions: We concluded that this strategy Problem-based learning possibly helps to favor the collaborative work in college students.

RESUMEN Introducción: El aprendizaje basado en problemas es una estrategia pedagógica basada en el estudiante como protagonista de su propio aprendizaje, la cual constituye una nueva perspectiva de la enseñanza. A nivel universitario es una estrategia que se perfila como uno de los enfoques más innovadores en la formación académica actual, cobrando cada vez más espacio en las universidades del mundo. Objetivo: Analizar la estrategia de aprendizaje basado en problemas en el desarrollo de las competencias transversales, instrumentales, sistémicas en estudiantes Universitarios de primer semestre de programas del área de la salud. Métodos: La muestra fue de 465 estudiantes. Todos ellos desarrollaron el tema de valores y medio ambiente en el curso de biología empleando aprendizaje basado en problemas, posterior a lo cual, mediante el cuestionario de evaluación de las competencias transversales se evaluó el desarrollo que lograron en cada una de las competencias. Resultados: Sugirieron un mayor desarrollo de las competencias sistémicas con la implementación de esta estrategia. Conclusiones: Ésta estrategia posiblemente favorece el trabajo colaborativo, en los estudiantes.

This article presents a state of the art of the earthen architectural heritage, in the European territory. Through different missions to distinct regions and countries, and after various interviews with regional specialists and questionnaires made to international experts, the main European Union earthen traditional building cultures were determined. The article introduces the major constructive groups that are part of the earthen heritage in the European territory: the mixed techniques, constituted by half-timber with wattle and daub in its interior; the adobes which are earthen moulded units dried in the sun; the rammed earth made by compression of humid earth, between forms; and the cob composed by overlapping layers of a more plastic earth. The article also aims to expose examples of the four large families of earthen constructive cultures and their variants and intends to reflect on the future of this vulnerable heritage, which is disappearing very fast.

El artículo presenta un estado del arte sobre el patrimonio arquitectónico de tierra en el territorio europeo. Tras las misiones llevadas a cabo en diversas regiones y países que permitieron entrevistar a especialistas regionales y encuestar a expertos internacionales, se determinaron las principales culturas constructivas tradicionales de tierra en la Unión Europea. Este manuscrito presenta los grandes grupos constructivos que constituyen el patrimonio de tierra dentro del territorio europeo: las "técnicas mixtas", constituidas por un entramado con relleno de encestado en su interior; el "adobe", unidades moldeadas de tierra y secadas al sol; la "tapia", hecha por compresión de tierra entre tapiales; y la "pared de mano", compuesta por capas superpuestas de tierra plástica. La investigación pretende exponer las cuatro grandes familias de culturas constructivas de tierra y sus variantes en el continente europeo, así como reflexionar sobre el futuro de este vulnerable patrimonio en vías de desaparición.

Resumo Os sambaquis do litoral do Espírito Santo foram pouco estudados pelas pesquisas arqueológicas realizadas no estado. Apesar de serem conhecidos desde finais do século XIX, foram recorrentemente considerados uma extensão marginal dos desenvolvimentos culturais que aconteciam no Rio de Janeiro. À escassez de informações sobre as características dos sítios, soma-se a ausência de datações 14C bem referenciadas, as quais impedem o entendimento da profundidade temporal e da evolução da ocupação humana pré-colonial no litoral do estado. Este artigo apresenta as metas e os resultados da retomada das pesquisas arqueológicas nos sambaquis do litoral norte do Espírito Santo, em Linhares. Até o momento, foram escavados dois sambaquis cuja idade recua em quase 2000 anos o registro de presença humana na costa do estado. As novas pesquisas seguem um método padronizado para escavação dos sítios, especialmente desenhado para a primeira caracterização dos sambaquis, o qual envolve a construção de um banco de dados digital e a incorporação de sistemas informatizados para gerenciamento das escavações. As pesquisas revelaram evidências da ocupação humana na região anterior ao máximo transgressivo holocênico (sítio Suruaca 20, datado em c. 6800 cal. AP), momento em que manguezais, restingas e florestas de tabuleiros constituíam o ambiente costeiro.

Abstract The shell mounds (sambaquis) on the coast of Espírito Santo have received little attention in archaeological research. Despite being known to scholars since the end of the nineteenth century, shell mounds were recurrently considered marginal to the cultural developments in the neighboring state of Rio de Janeiro. Scarce information on the contents of the sites and the lack of well-referenced 14C dating prevented a complete understanding of the time-depth and evolution of pre-colonial settlement on this fragment of the Brazilian coast. This paper introduces the aims and preliminary results of renewed archaeological research on the shell mounds of the northern coast of Espírito Santo, in the municipality of Linhares. Two shell mounds have been excavated thus far, pushing the record of human presence on the coast back by almost 2000 years. The new research follows a standardized method of excavation specially designed for initial characterization of shell mound deposits; this method involves creating a digital database and incorporating computerized methods for excavation management. Signs of human presence were seen along the northern coast before the Holocene maximum transgression (Suruaca site, dated c. 6800 cal. BP), when mangroves, restingas, and the Atlantic rainforest comprised the coastal environment.