Resumo A Flora do Espírito Santo possui três espécies da Tribo Helieae (Gentianaceae), circunscritas nos gêneros Prepusa, com duas espécies, e Senaea, com apenas uma espécie. Essas espécies pouco conhecidas são aqui descritas e ilustradas, e tiveram discutidos seus caracteres diagnósticos e suas semelhanças com outras espécies. Além disso, este artigo fornece uma chave de identificação para as espécies e mapas de distribuição geográfica de todas as espécies de Prepusa e Senaea da Flora do Espírito Santo, bem como comentários adicionais sobre seus status de conservação.

Abstract The Flora of Espírito Santo presents three species of Helieae (Gentianaceae), circumscribed in the genera Prepusa, with two species, and Senaea with only one species. These poorly known species are described and illustrated here, and had their diagnostic characters and their similarities with other species discussed. In addition, this paper provides an emended key for species and geographic distribution maps of all species of Prepusa and Senaea from Flora of Espírito Santo, with additional comments on their conservation status.

ABSTRACT Objective: Determine the antimicrobial properties of the incorporation of copper and zinc oxide nanoparticles into a total rinse and etch adhesive against Streptococcus mutans in patients with composite resin restorations made with loaded adhesive. Methods: A randomized clinical study was conducted of 25 patients of both sexes from the orthodontics graduate course taught at the Dental School of the University of Chile, in whom the presence of Streptococcus mutans was confirmed in saliva. Occlusal composite resin restorations were performed in upper premolars with exodontia indicated as part of the orthodontic treatment, using loaded adhesive (composition 5 / 0.2% ZnO and Cu, respectively) and control (without nanoparticles in its composition), according to the randomization list. Microbiological samples were taken at three moments applying the tray technique (before, 1 week after and 4 weeks after the restorations). Streptococcus mutans were obtained, isolated and identified from the samples taken. Data analysis was based on the Mann-Whitney test. Results: Mean Streptococcus mutans CFU count in the experimental group was higher after the composite resin restorations were made. Results of PCR molecular identification show the presence of Streptococcus mutans in 20 of 25 samples. Conclusions: No differences were found in the Streptococcus mutans count before and after application of the adhesive over the composite resin restorations.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Determinar las propiedades antimicrobianas de la incorporación de nanopartículas de óxido de zinc y cobre en un adhesivo de grabado y lavado total sobre Streptococcus mutans en pacientes con restauraciones de resina compuesta confeccionadas con adhesivo cargado. Métodos: Este estudio clínico randomizado, participaron 25 pacientes, de ambos sexos, pertenecientes al posgrado de Ortodoncia de la Facultad de Odontología de la Universidad de Chile, en los cuales se confirmó presencia de Streptococcus mutans en saliva. Se confeccionaron restauraciones de resina compuesta oclusales, en premolares superiores con indicación de exodoncia por el tratamiento de ortodoncia, con adhesivo cargado (cuya composición es 5 / 0.2 % ZnO y Cu respectivamente) y control (sin presencia de nanopartículas en su composición), según el listado de aleatorización. Se tomaron muestras microbiológicas en tres tiempos con la Técnica de la cubeta (antes, 1 semana y 4 semanas posterior a la confección de las restauraciones). Se obtuvieron, aislaron e identificaron colonias de Streptococcus mutans a partir de las muestras obtenidas. Los datos fueron analizados por el test de Mann Whittney. Resultados: El promedio del recuento de UFC (unidades formadoras de colonias) de Streptococcus mutans en el grupo experimental fue mayor posterior a la confección de las restauraciones de resina compuesta.Los resultados de la identificación molecular por PCR demuestran la presencia de Streptococcus mutans en 20 de 25 muestras. Conclusiones: No existen diferencias en el recuento de Streptococcus mutans antes y después de la aplicación del adhesivo sobre las restauraciones de resina compuesta.

ABSTRACT Objective: To determine the antimicrobial properties of the incorporation of zinc and copper oxide nanoparticles in an etching and total wash adhesive on Streptococcus mutans in patients with composite resin restorations made with loaded adhesive. Methods: Experimental and randomized trial, the sample were 25 patients, of both sexes, belonging to the FOUCH Orthodontic postgraduate program, in whom the presence of Streptococcus mutans in saliva was confirmed. Occlusal composite resin restorations were made in upper premolars with indication of extraction by orthodontic treatment, with loaded adhesive (whose composition is 5 / 0.2% ZnO and Cu respectively) and control (without the presence of nanoparticles in their composition), according to the scrambling listing. Microbiological samples were taken in three stages with the cuvette technique (before, 1 week and 4 weeks after the restoration was made). Colonies of Streptococcus mutans were obtained, isolated and identified from the samples obtained. The statistical analysis used the SPSS v.21 software, the data was analyzed by Mann Whitney test Results: The average CFU count of Streptococcus mutans in the experimental group (adhesive modified with zinc oxide and copper nanoparticles) was higher after the fabrication of composite resin restorations. The results of molecular identification by PCR demonstrate the presence of Streptococcus mutans in 20 of 25 samples. Conclusions: There are no differences in the count of Streptococcus mutans before and after the application of the adhesive on the composite resin restorations.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Determinar las propiedades antimicrobianas de la incorporación de nanopartículas de óxido de zinc y cobre en un adhesivo de grabado y lavado total sobre Streptococcus mutans en pacientes con restauraciones de resina compuesta confeccionadas con adhesivo cargado. Métodos: Estudio experimental, randomizado, la muestra estuvo conformada por 25 pacientes, de ambos sexos, pertenecientes al posgrado de Ortodoncia de la Facultad de Odontología de la Universidad de Chile, en los cuales se confirmó presencia de Streptococcus mutans en saliva. Se confeccionaron restauraciones de resina compuesta oclusales, en premolares superiores con indicación de exodoncia por el tratamiento de ortodoncia, con adhesivo cargado (cuya composición fue 5/0,2 % ZnO y Cu, respectivamente) y control (sin presencia de nanopartículas en su composición), según el listado de aleatorización. Se tomaron muestras microbiológicas en tres tiempos con la técnica de la cubeta (antes, 1 semana y 4 semanas posterior a la confección de las restauraciones). Se obtuvieron, aislaron e identificaron colonias de Streptococcus mutans a partir de las muestras obtenidas. Se usó el test de Mann-Whitney mediante el paquete estadístico SPSS v.21 Resultados: El promedio del recuento de UFC de Streptococcus mutans en el grupo experimental fue mayor posterior a la confección de las restauraciones de resina compuesta. Los resultados de la identificación molecular por PCR demuestran la presencia de Streptococcus mutans en 20 de 25 muestras. Conclusiones: No existen diferencias en el recuento de Streptococcus mutans antes y después de la aplicación del adhesivo sobre las restauraciones de resina compuesta.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Posts and core are frequently used in endodontically treated teeth with excessive loss of coronal tooth structure. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of self-adhesive cements under different pre-treatments of dentin in the resistance to extrusion of fiberglass posts. Methods: An experimental in vitro study was conducted. The randomly selected sample was 56 extracted bovine incisors with mature apices and without root curvature. Before the cementing procedure, pretreatment of dentin was performed with 11.5 % polyacrylic acid, 17 % EDTA or sodium hypochlorite. The type of failure between the post/cement/dentin was evaluated by stereomicroscope. Two hundred and sixteen bovine dentin discs were used. The disks were approximately 1 mm thick, and were obtained from 72 bovine roots restored with intraradicular retentions. Data were analyzed for better comprehension in an SPSS database for Windows version 15. Results: The highest values were found in groups G3, G4 and G5, and there was no bond strength significant difference in group G2. Conclusions: The pre-treatment had no effect on dentin bond strength, and the self-adhesive cement RelyX U100 appears to be a viable option in the cementation of fiber posts.

RESUMEN Introducción: Los postes y el núcleo se utilizan con frecuencia en los dientes tratados endodónticamente con una pérdida excesiva de la estructura dental coronal. Objetivo: Evaluar la efectividad de los cementos autoadhesivos bajo diferentes pretratamientos de dentina en la resistencia a la extrusión de postes de fibra de vidrio. Métodos: Se realizó una investigación experimental in vitro en 56 dientes de ganado seleccionados al azar con cierre apical maduro y sin curvaturas radiculares. Antes del procedimiento de cementación, se llevó a cabo el pretratamiento de la dentina con 11,5 % de ácido poliacrílico, 17 % de EDTA o hipoclorito de sodio. El estereomicroscopio evaluó el tipo de falla entre el poste / cemento / dentina. Se usaron 216 discos de dentina bovina. Los discos tenían aproximadamente 1 mm de espesor y se obtuvieron de 72 raíces bovinas restauradas con retenciones intrarradiculares. Los datos se analizaron para una mejor comprensión en una base de datos de SPSS para Windows versión 15. Resultados: Los valores más elevados fueron encontrados en los grupos G3, G4 y G5 y no fue significativa la prueba de resistencia en el grupo G2. Conclusiones: El pretratamiento no tuvo efecto sobre la fuerza de unión dentinaria, y el cemento autoadhesivo RelyX U100 parece ser una opción viable en la cementación postes de fibra.

ABSTRACT Introduction: The clinical longevity of tooth restoration -whether directly or indirectly using composites- greatly depends on the quality and stability of the marginal adaptation. Even today, dental restoration failure is a major complication in everyday dental practice. Objective: To evaluate the effect of restoration techniques on the microtensile bond strength and marginal integrity of class II cavities. Methods: An experimental in vitro investigation was made. Preparations (5 × 4 × 2 mm) below the cement-enamel junction were performed in 45 human maxillary premolars (n= 15) that were the sample of the study selected to random. The G1 group incrementally received Spectrum TPH3 Dentsply De trey in three horizontal incremental layers. The G2 group received a bulk restoration technique (one 4-mm increment of Surefill SDR flow plus one 1-mm horizontal capping layer of Spectrum TPH3 Dentsply De trey using a metal matrix band. For the G3 group, impressions were made from each cavity preparation, and Spectrum was used to complete an indirect composite restoration. After storage (24 h/37 °C), the proximal surfaces of each tooth were polished with Sof-Lex disks. For microtensile bond strength testing, all premolars were sectioned into resin-dentine beams (0.8 mm2) and were tested under tension (0.5 mm/min). Results: Microtensile bond strength testing and marginal integrity values were not statistically significantly affected by the type of restoration technique used (p> 0.05). Conclusions: The Surefill SDR flow that used a capping layer made of conventional composite can be an alternative to reduce procedure durations as well as additional steps in the restorative technique.

RESUMEN Introducción: La longevidad clínica de una restauración dental -utilizando compuestos bien directa o indirectamente- depende en gran medida de la calidad y la estabilidad de la adaptación marginal. Incluso hoy en día las restauraciones dentales fallidas constituyen una importante complicación en la práctica dental cotidiana. Objetivo: Evaluar el efecto de las técnicas de restauración en la fuerza de unión microtensil y la integridad marginal de las cavidades clase II. Métodos: Se llevó a cabo una investigación experimental in vitro. Se realizaron preparaciones (5 × 4 × 2 mm) por debajo de la unión cemento-esmalte en 45 premolares maxilares humanos (n= 15), los que constituyeron la muestra aleatoria del estudio. El Grupo G1 recibió incrementalmente Spectrum TPH3 Dentsply (De Trey) en tres capas horizontales incrementales. El Grupo G2 recibió una técnica de restauración masiva (un incremento de 4-mm de flujo de SureFil SDR más una capa de tapado horizontal de 1-mm de Spectrum TPH3 Dentsply (De Trey) utilizando una banda matriz metálica. En el Grupo G3 se realizaron impresiones de la preparación de cada cavidad, y se usó Spectrum para completar una restauración indirecta con compuesto. Después del almacenamiento (24 h / 37 °C), se pulieron las superficies proximales de cada diente con discos Sof-Lex. Para evaluar la fuerza de unión microtensil, todos los premolares fueron seccionados en haces de resina-dentina (0,8 mm2) y fueron examinados bajo tensión (0,5 mm/min). Resultados: Las pruebas de fuerza de unión microtensil y los valores de integridad marginal no fueron afectados significativamente desde el punto de vista estadístico por el tipo de técnica de restauración utilizado (p> 0,05). Conclusiones: El flujo de SureFil SDR que emplea una capa de tapado hecha de compuesto convencional puede ser una alternativa para reducir la duración del procedimiento, así como los pasos adicionales de la técnica de restauración.

Abstract Objective To prepare nanocomposite cements based on the incorporation of bioactive glass nanoparticles (nBGs) into BiodentineTM (BD, Septodent, Saint-Maur-des-Fosses Cedex, France) and to assess their bioactive properties. Material and Methods nBGs were synthesised by the sol-gel method. BD nanocomposites (nBG/BD) were prepared with 1 and 2% nBGs by weight; unmodified BD and GC Fuji IX (GIC, GC Corporation, Tokyo, Japan) were used as references. The in vitro ability of the materials to induce apatite formation was assessed in SBF by X-ray diffraction (XRD), attenuated total reflectance with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis. BD and nBG/BD were also applied to dentine discs for seven days; the morphology and elemental composition of the dentine-cement interface were analysed using SEM-EDX. Results One and two percent nBG/BD composites accelerated apatite formation on the disc surface after short-term immersion in SBF. Apatite was detected on the nBG/BD nanocomposites after three days, compared with seven days for unmodified BD. No apatite formation was detected on the GIC surface. nBG/BD formed a wider interfacial area with dentine than BD, showing blockage of dentine tubules and Si incorporation, suggesting intratubular precipitation. Conclusions The incorporation of nBGs into BD improves its in vitro bioactivity, accelerating the formation of a crystalline apatite layer on its surface after immersion in SBF. Compared with unmodified BD, nBG/BD showed a wider interfacial area with greater Si incorporation and intratubular precipitation of deposits when immersed in SBF.

Resumo Ultimamente, o foco da Odontologia deslocou-se para uma "odontologia estética", em que os pacientes se preocupam em conseguir uma aparência melhor para seus dentes. O branqueamento vital é uma técnica com resultados imediatos que melhora aparência e auto-estima do paciente. O objetivo deste estudo foi detectar características de personalidade definidas pelo Índice Millon de Estilos de Personalidade de pessoas que buscaram branqueamento dental e correlacioná-las com a satisfação com o tratamento. Foram incluídos 40 participantes que preencheram o formulário do Índice Millon de Estilos de Personalidade antes do tratamento. A expectative sobre o branqueamento dental foi quantificada com valores de 1 a 5. Os pacientes foram tratados com agente branqueador de acordo com as instruções do fabricante. Uma semana depois o tratamento, a satisfação do paciente foi quantificada com valores de 1 a 5. Foram determinados as características predominantes. Os valores da expectativa e da satisfação foram correlacionados com cada escala de personalidade apresentada através do teste de Spearman Rho. Dez escalas prevaleceram sobre a sua contrapartida. A mediana das expectativas foi 2 e das satisfações foi 4. O valor de uma característica apenas (extraversão) apresentou correlação estatisticamente significante com a satisfação do paciente. Os pacientes que buscam o branqueamento dental parecem ter características comuns de personalidade. Quase todos queriam conseguir uma mudança moderada na cor dos dentes e o resultado do tratamento foi geralmente satisfatório.

Abstract In the last years the focus in dentistry has shifted to an "esthetic dentistry" approach, where patients are concerned about reaching a better look of their teeth. Vital tooth bleaching is a technique with immediate results, which improves the appearance and patient's self-esteem. The aim of this study was to recognize personality characteristics determined by the Millon Index of Personality Styles of participants looking for tooth bleaching and to correlate them to satisfaction with the treatment. Forty participants were included and filled out the Millon Index of Personality Styles form before treatment. Expectation about tooth bleaching was quantified from 1 to 5. Patients were treated with bleaching agent according to manufacturer's directions. One week after treatment, the patient's satisfaction was quantified from 1 to 5. Prevailing personality characteristics were determined. Expectations and satisfaction values of all patients were correlated with each of the presented personality scales by Spearman Rho test. Ten scales prevailed over their counterpart. Median of patient's expectation was 2 and satisfaction 4. Only the score of a single characteristic (extraversing) showed statistically significant correlation with patient satisfaction. Patients looking for tooth bleaching treatment seem to have common personality characteristics. Almost all of them wanted to achieve a moderate change in teeth color and the result of the treatment was usually satisfactory

RESUMEN. Introducción: el objetivo de esta revisión es analizar los resultados de las diferentes alternativas que presenta la literatura para incrementar la longevidad de las restauraciones con base a resinas compuestas. Métodos: fueron revisadas las bibliografías en la base de datos EBSCO (Elton B Stephens Company), en idioma inglés bajo los siguientes acrónimos " composite repair bond strengh"; "restorations sealing"; composite restorations longevity; "restorations refurbishment"; "composite bond estrategy"; "dental adhesive collagen cross linking"; "proanthocyanidin dentin bond strength";" multiple layer dentin bond strength"; and "dentin adhesive evaporation bond strength". Se examinan los resultados clínicos y de laboratorio de reparación, sellado y remodelado de restauraciones defectuosas, además de las mejoras en la impregnación de las superficies adhesivas, la resistencia de los polímeros adhesivos y los avances en el aumento de la resistencia a la degradación hidrolítica del colágeno. Resultados: la reparación, sellado y remodelado de restauraciones defectuosas permite la preservación de estructura dentaria sana, reducción del potencial daño a la pulpa dental y reducción del dolor operatorio, la mayoría de las veces efectuado sin uso de anestésicos. Nuevas técnicas para el manejo de la adhesión proporcionan incremento en la longevidad de los procedimientos adhesivos. Conclusiones: la reparación, remodelado y sellado de resinas compuestas defectuosas, incrementa la longevidad de las restauraciones y de los dientes restaurados con la aplicación de técnicas de odontología mínimamente invasiva. Adicionalmente otras metodologías, tales como mejoras en la impregnación de las superficies adhesivas, aumento de la resistencia de los polímeros adhesivos e incremento de la resistencia a la degradación hidrolítica del colágeno constituyen promisorios avances que modifican el manejo de las técnicas adhesivas, que permitirá ofrecer tratamientos restauradores de mayor longevidad a la población.

ABSTRACT. Introduction: the goal of this literature review is to analyze the findings included in the literature concerning different alternatives to increase longevity of resin-based composite restorations and their adhesive bond. Methods: bibliographies in the EBSCO database (Elton B Stephens Company) were reviewed using the following key words: "composite repair bond strength"; "restorations sealing"; composite restorations longevity"; "restorations refurbishment"; "composite bond strategy"; "dental adhesive collagen cross linking"; "proanthocyanidin dentin bond strength"; "multiple layer dentin bond strength", and "dentin adhesive evaporation bond strength". Clinical and laboratory results were analyzed in terms of repairing, sealing, and refurbishing defective restorations, in addition to improvements in impregnation of adhesive surfaces, resistance of adhesive polymers, and the progress recently made concerning resistance to hydrolytic collagen degradation. Results: repairing, sealing, or refurbishing defective restorations allow keeping tooth structure healthy, reducing potential damage to dental pulp, as well as operatory pain, often caused without anesthetics. New bonding management techniques provide adhesive procedures with increased longevity. Conclusions: repairing, refurbishing, or sealing defective composite resins increase the longevity of restorations and restored teeth by using minimally invasive dental techniques. Other methods, such as improving impregnation of adhesive surfaces, increasing adhesive polymers strength, and hydrolytic degradation of collagen are promising advances that modify the management of bonding techniques, providing patients with restorative treatments of increased longevity.

: We describe the diet of dragonfin tetra, Pseudoeorynopoma doriai, in the El Portugués stream (58° 26' 30" S - 35° 04' 24" W) belonging to the high Samborombón river basin, Buenos Aires province. To achieve this aim, samples were taken monthly from May 2004 until April 2005. The methods used for the analysis of stomach contents were, frequency, volumetric percentage, numerical percentage and index of relative importance (IRI). The results obtained indicate a diet with no significant differences throughout the year, consisting mainly of aquatic insects, allochthonous insects and spiders. The analysis shows that while there were no significant differences in diet at differents range length of this species, individuals less than 42 mm standard length, consumed a greater number of insects of terrestrial origin. The results allow to characterize Pseudoeorynopoma doriai as a generalist insectivorous species for this stream of Pampasia.

Se describe la dieta de la mojarra de velo, Pseudoeorynopoma doriai, en el arroyo El Portugués (58° 26' 30" S - 35° 04' 24" W), perteneciente a la alta cuenca del río Samborombón, provincia de Buenos Aires. Para tal fin, se realizaron muestreos mensuales desde mayo de 2004 hasta abril de 2005. Para el análisis de los contenidos estomacales se utilizaron métodos de frecuencia, porcentaje volumétrico, porcentaje numérico e índice de importancia relativa (IRI). Los resultados obtenidos indican una dieta sin diferencias significativas a lo largo del año, constituida básicamente por insectos acuáticos, insectos alóctonos y arañas. El análisis demuestra que si bien no se encontraron grandes diferencias en la dieta de esta especie según la talla, los individuos menores de 42 mm de longitud estándar consumieron una mayor cantidad de insectos de origen terrestre. Los resultados permiten caracterizar a Pseudoeorynopoma doriai como una especie insectívora generalista para este arroyo de la Pampasia.

Abstract Presentamos un enfoque basado en modelos que usa dos dimensiones para propagar restricciones de seguridad a lo largo de ciclo de vida y los niveles arquitecturales. Aplicamos patrones de seguridad para efectuar esta propagacion. Creemos que esta propagacion doble puede ser muy efectiva para seguridad y confiabilidad. Este enfoque puede tambien facilitar el analisis de seguridad del sistema y puede usarse para verificar el cumplimiento de regulaciones. Hemos desarrollado una metodologia para aplicar estas ideas y la estamos extendiendo para hacerla mas poderosa; en particular para aumentar su nivel de seguridad y para agregar tambien aspectos de confiabilidad. Las extensiones incluyen dos nuevos metamodelos para requerimientos de seguridad y un procedimiento de validacion.

Abstract We present a model-based approach using two dimensions to propagate security restrictions: along the lifecycle and along the architectural levels. We apply security patterns to perform this propagation. We believe that this double propagation can be very effective for security and reliability. This approach can also facilitate the security analysis of the system and can be used to verify compliance with regulations. We have developed a methodology to apply these ideas and we are extending it to make it more powerful, in particular to increase its level of security and to add to it also reliability concerns. The extensions include two new metamodels for security requirements and a validation approach.

A distrofia muscular de Duchenne (DMD) em humanos é uma alteração neuromuscular hereditária, de caráter recessivo, ligada ao cromossomo X e causada pela ausência ou disfunção da distrofina. Clinicamente, caracteriza-se por severa alteração na musculatura esquelética, resultando em morte precoce do indivíduo acometido. Em cães da raça Golden Retriever, a mutação que leva à distrofia muscular ocorre espontaneamente e a extensa homologia entre a patogênese da DMD e da distrofia muscular do Golden Retriever permite qualificar o cão como principal substituto de humanos nos testes clínicos de novas terapias. O miocárdio deficiente em distrofina é mais vulnerável à sobrecarga de pressão e os pacientes com DMD podem desenvolver cardiomiopatia dilatada e hipertensão arterial; à ecocardiografia, verificam-se anormalidades na função diastólica, além de insuficiência sistólica em alguns pacientes mais velhos. No presente estudo, 41 cães da raça Golden Retriever, clinicamente sadios, foram submetidos ao exame ecocardiográfico com a finalidade de se obterem os citados parâmetros na referida raça, o que futuramente poderá servir de referência na identificação de cães portadores ou afetados pela distrofia muscular.

The Duchenne's muscular dystrophy (DMD) in humans is a recessive X-linked neuromuscular disease, caused either by the absence or dysfunction of the dystrophin. Clinically it is characterized by severe alteration in the skeletal musculature, resulting in precocious death of the affected patient. In Golden Retriever dogs, the mutation that determines the muscular dystrophy occurs spontaneously and the extensive homology among the pathogenesis of DMD and of Golden Retriever muscular dystrophy allows to qualify the dog as the main substitute of humans in the clinical tests of new therapies. The deficient myocardium in dystrophin is more vulnerable to the pressure overload, and the patients with DMD can develop dilated cardiomyopathy as well as arterial hypertension; in echocardiography, diastolic function abnormalities are verified and systolic inadequacy can be observed in some old patients. In the present study, 41 healthy Golden Retriever dogs were evaluated by echocardiographic exam with the purpose to obtain parameters for the standardization of these cardiovascular characteristics in the refered breed, what hereafter can be used as reference in the identification of bearer or affected dogs by muscular dystrophy.

Funding R&D projects is perhaps the most important task faced by large public organizations, in charge of promoting science and technology in different countries. However, most popular ways to solve this decision problem are based on too simple decision models and weak heuristics. In this paper a new methodology is presented to assist top level managers of those organizations during the project evaluation phase until the final decision. This methodology covers the following central points: a)a measure of the global impact and probability of success as main attributes to access the quality of a R&D project; b) a way to represent the knowledge, preferences and beliefs from the top level managers, and an approach to take into account that information in the evaluation process ; c) a way to update the beliefs of the top level managers by taking into account the experience of the whole organization; d) a numerical model of the quality of a project portfolio that can be used for improving final portfolios; e) an evolutionary algorithm to explore the set of portfolios searching for the very good solutions. We also discuss the functional structure of a software application which implements the proposed methods. In some examples of real size our proposal clearly outperforms traditional methods.

La selección de buenos proyectos es quizás el problema crucial que enfrentan las grandes organizaciones públicas encargadas de promover la ciencia y la tecnología. Sin embargo, a pesar de los avances tecnológicos para el procesamiento de información, la selección de proyectos de I&D en las convocatorias que se llevan a cabo en muchos países se sigue basando en modelos de evaluación y decisión demasiado simples, pobres desde el punto de vista del estado del arte de la ciencia de la administración y de la modelación matemático-computacional. En este trabajo se presenta un nuevo procedimiento cuyo núcleo se compone de a) medición de impacto y probabilidad de éxito como atributos esenciales de calidad de un proyecto de I&D; b) una forma de representar el conocimiento, preferencias y creencias de la alta dirección de la organización, y un método para reflejar esta información en el proceso de evaluación; c) un modo de actualizar las creencias de esa alta dirección utilizando la experiencia de la propia organización; d) un modelo numérico de la calidad de la cartera de proyectos, susceptible de ser optimizado, y e) un algoritmo evolutivo para explorar el conjunto de carteras en busca de las mejores soluciones. Se discute también la estructura funcional de un sistema que implementa el conjunto de métodos propuestos. En ejemplos de tamaño real la propuesta logra soluciones mucho mejores que las tradicionales.

An enzyme immunoassay (EIA) in solid phase'in which a whole soluble Trichinella spiralis antigen and a single serum dilution were used was standardized and its capacity for detecting total anti-trichinella antibodies for diagnostic and seroepidemiological purpose was evaluated. Dose response curves showed that a working dilution of 1:100 permitted an adequate differentiation between trichinosis patients with low circulating antibodies concentration and non infected individuals; the response was linear between OD values of 0.15 and 0.64. A group of 720 sera from trichinosis free general population showed an arithmetic mean of OD values of 0.07 and a standard deviation of 0.03. OD values were < (X) + 3S in 98,1% of those sera; between > X k+ 3S and < X k + 4S in 1,25% and between > X k + 4S and < X k + 5S in the remaining 0.14%. An OD value = X k + 5S was used as a diagnostic criterion to study sera from four human trichinosis outbreaks; 80 sera from trichinosis patients with different immunofluorescence assay (IFA) titers, and 20 sera from hydatid patients. The proposed EIA differentiates sera from infected and non infected populations both efficiently and reliably. It also showed a good correlation with the IFA results. All sera from hydatid patients showed OD values < X k + 4S.

Se estandarizó un enzimoinmunoensayo (EIE) en fase sólida en el que se empleó un antígeno soluble total de T. spiralis y una dilución única de suero, y se evaluó la capacidad del sistema para detectar anticuerpos totales antitriquina con fines diagnósticos y seroepidemiológicos. Las curvas dosis respuesta mostraron que trabajando con una dilución de suero de 1:100 se obtenía una buena diferenciación entre sueros de indivíduos no infectados y pacientes de triquinosis con baja concentración de anticuerpos circulantes y la respuesta fue lineal entre valores de 0.15 y 0.64 unidades de densidad óptica (DO). El estúdio de 720 sueros de población general no infectada revelo una X k = 0.07 y una S = 0.03 unidades de DO. El 98,61% de esta población presentó valores de DO < X k + 3S; el 1,25% valores de DO entre > X k + 3S y < X k + 4S; y el 0.14% restante valores entre > X k + 4S y < X k + 5S. Se empleó un valor de DO = X k + 5S como nivel diagnóstico para estudiar 4 brotes de triquinosis humana, 80 sueros de pacientes de triquinosis con diferentes títulos en inmunofluorescencia indirecta (IFI) y 20 sueros de pacientes de hidatidosis. El EIE propuesto permitió diferenciar en forma confiable y eficiente población infectada de no infectada y tuvo una buena correlación con la IFI. Todos los sueros de pacientes hidatídicos presentaron valores de DO < X k + 4S.