A Community-Driven Validation Service for Standard Medical Imaging Objects

Digital medical imaging laboratories contain many distinct types of equipment provided by different manufacturers. Interoperability is a critical issue and the DICOM protocol is a de facto standard in those environments. However, manufacturers' implementation of the standard may have non-conformities at several levels, which will hinder systems' integration. Moreover, medical staff may be responsible for data inconsistencies when entering data. Those situations severely affect the quality of healthcare services since they can disrupt system operations. The existence of software able to confirm data quality and compliance with the DICOM standard is important for programmers, IT staff and healthcare technicians. Although there are a few solutions that try to accomplish this goal, they are unable to deal with certain situations that require user input. Furthermore, these cases usually require the setup of a working environment, which makes the sharing of validation information more difficult. This article proposes and describes the development of a Web DICOM validation service for the community. This solution requires no configuration by the user, promotes validation results share-ability in the community and preserves patient data privacy since files are de-identified on the client side.Comment: Computer Standards & Interfaces, 201

Métodos computacionais para otimização de desempenho em redes de imagem médica

Over the last few years, the medical imaging has consolidated its position as a major mean of clinical diagnosis. The amount of data generated by the medical imaging practice is increasing tremendously. As a result, repositories are turning into rich databanks of semi-structured data related to patients, ailments, equipment and other stakeholders involved in the medical imaging panorama. The exploration of these repositories for secondary uses of data promises to elevate the quality standards and efficiency of the medical practice. However, supporting these advanced usage scenarios in traditional institutional systems raises many technical challenges that are yet to be overcome. Moreover, the reported poor performance of standard protocols opened doors to the general usage of proprietary solutions, compromising the interoperability necessary for supporting these advanced scenarios. This thesis has researched, developed, and now proposes a series of computer methods and architectures intended to maximize the performance of multi-institutional medical imaging environments. The methods are intended to improve the performance of standard protocols for medical imaging content discovery and retrieval. The main goal is to use them to increase the acceptance of vendor-neutral solutions through the improvement of their performance. Moreover, it intends to promote the adoption of such standard technologies in advanced scenarios that are still a mirage nowadays, such as clinical research or data analytics directly on top of live institutional repositories. Finally, these achievements will facilitate the cooperation between healthcare institutions and researchers, resulting in an increment of healthcare quality and institutional efficiency.As diversas modalidades de imagem médica têm vindo a consolidar a sua posição dominante como meio complementar de diagnóstico. O número de procedimentos realizados e o volume de dados gerados aumentou significativamente nos últimos anos, colocando pressão nas redes e sistemas que permitem o arquivo e distribuição destes estudos. Os repositórios de estudos imagiológicos são fontes de dados ricas contendo dados semiestruturados relacionados com pacientes, patologias, procedimentos e equipamentos. A exploração destes repositórios para fins de investigação e inteligência empresarial, tem potencial para melhorar os padrões de qualidade e eficiência da prática clínica. No entanto, estes cenários avançados são difíceis de acomodar na realidade atual dos sistemas e redes institucionais. O pobre desempenho de alguns protocolos standard usados em ambiente de produção, conduziu ao uso de soluções proprietárias nestes nichos aplicacionais, limitando a interoperabilidade de sistemas e a integração de fontes de dados. Este doutoramento investigou, desenvolveu e propõe um conjunto de métodos computacionais cujo objetivo é maximizar o desempenho das atuais redes de imagem médica em serviços de pesquisa e recuperação de conteúdos, promovendo a sua utilização em ambientes de elevados requisitos aplicacionais. As propostas foram instanciadas sobre uma plataforma de código aberto e espera-se que ajudem a promover o seu uso generalizado como solução vendor-neutral. As metodologias foram ainda instanciadas e validadas em cenários de uso avançado. Finalmente, é expectável que o trabalho desenvolvido possa facilitar a investigação em ambiente hospitalar de produção, promovendo, desta forma, um aumento da qualidade e eficiência dos serviços.Programa Doutoral em Engenharia Informátic

Small molecule fisetin modulates alpha-Synuclein aggregation

Funding Information: iNOVA4Health Research Unit (LISBOA-01-0145-FEDER-007344), which is co-funded by Funda??o para a Ci?ncia e Tecnologia (FCT)/Minist?rio da Ci?ncia e do Ensino Superior, through national funds, and by FEDER under the PT2020 Partnership Agreement, is acknowledged. Authors would like to acknowledge FCT for financial support of RR (SFRH/BD/116597/2016). JP, RR, GG, and CNS acknowledges funding via BacHBerry (Project No. FP7-613793; www.bachberry.eu). RM is funded by FCT Scientific Employment Stimulus Contract CEEC/04567/CBIOS/2020. TFO was supported by the DFG Center for Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain (CNMPB) and is currently supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, German Research Foundation) under Germany?s Excellence Strategy?EXC 2067/1-390729940. It is also acknowledged the European Research Council (ERC) under the European Union?s Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme under Grant Agreement No. 804229. Publisher Copyright: © 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.Phenolic compounds are thought to be important to prevent neurodegenerative diseases (ND). Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder known for its typical motor features, the deposition of α-synuclein (αsyn)-positive inclusions in the brain, and for concomitant cellular pathologies that include oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. Neuroprotective activity of fisetin, a dietary flavonoid, was evaluated against main hallmarks of PD in relevant cellular models. At physiologically relevant concentrations, fisetin protected SH-SY5Y cells against oxidative stress overtaken by tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP) and against methyl-4-phenylpyridinuim (MPP+)-induced toxicity in dopaminergic neurons, the differentiated Lund human Mesencephalic (LUHMES) cells. In this cellular model, fisetin promotes the increase of the levels of dopamine transporter. Remarkably, fisetin reduced the percentage of cells containing αsyn inclusions as well as their size and subcellular localization in a yeast model of αsyn aggregation. Overall, our data show that fisetin exerts modulatory activities toward common cellular pathologies present in PD; remarkably, it modulates αsyn aggregation, supporting the idea that diets rich in this compound may prove beneficial.publishersversionpublishe

PRODUTIVIDADE DO MINIJARDIM E QUALIDADE DE MINIESTACAS DE UM CLONE HÍBRIDO DE Eucalyptus grandis x Eucalyptus urophylla (I-224) EM FUNÇÃO DE DOSES DE NITROGÊNIO

http://dx.doi.org/10.5902/1980509818411For being part of innumerable compounds and being directly related with the photosynthetic capacity of plants, Nitrogen (N) can significantly influence the production and rooting of cuttings. On the basis of this context, the work aimed to evaluate the effect of increasing doses of N in the productivity, capacity and speed of rooting mini-cuttings produced from mini-stumps of hybrid clones of Eucalyptus grandis x E. urophylla (I-224), beyond the quality of the formed changes. The present work was carried through in nursery seedlings of Eucalyptus, in a mini-garden of sand stream bed of FAEF, in Garça, São Paulo state. The used experimental delineation was complete randomized design with 4 replications, being the treatments consisted of 5 different doses of Nitrogen in nutritional solution (0; 80; 160; 240 and 320 mg L-1). The variables analyzed were: number of cuttings produced, the productivity index, rooting of cuttings produced and determination of the dry mass of seedlings. The dose of nitrogen applied in the mini-garden influenced the production of stakes, with a quadratic, reaching maximum production (13,1 stakes strain-1 month-1) with the estimated dose of 129 mg L-1.The percentage of rooting presented increasing linear behavior. The dose that provided the biggest index of productivity of the mini-garden was of 194 mg L-1. The dose of nitrogen applied in the mini-garden influenced the rooting significantly, I accumulate and it of dry substance of the formed changes.http://dx.doi.org/10.5902/1980509818411Por fazer parte de inúmeros compostos e estar diretamente relacionado com a capacidade fotossintética das plantas, o nitrogênio (N) pode influenciar significativamente na produção e enraizamento de estacas. Com base nesse contexto, o trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar o efeito de doses crescentes de N na produtividade, capacidade e velocidade de enraizamento das miniestacas produzidas de minicepas do clone híbrido de Eucalyptus grandis x Eucalyptus urophylla (I-224), além da qualidade das mudas formadas. O presente trabalho foi realizado no viveiro de mudas clonais de Eucalyptus, em minijardim de leito de areia da FAEF – Garça – SP. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o inteiramente casualizado com 4 repetições, sendo os tratamentos constituídos por 5 doses de nitrogênio diferentes na solução nutritiva (0; 80; 160; 240 e 320 mgL-1). As variáveis analisadas foram: número de estacas produzidas, índice de produtividade, enraizamento das estacas produzidas e determinação da massa seca das mudas. A dose de nitrogênio aplicada no minijardim influenciou na produção de estacas, apresentando comportamento quadrático, atingindo a produção máxima (13,1 estacas cepa-1 mês-1) com a dose estimada de 129 mg L-1. O percentual de enraizamento apresentou comportamento linear crescente. A dose que proporcionou o maior índice de produtividade do minijardim foi de 194 mg L-1. A dose de nitrogênio aplicada no minijardim influenciou significativamente na velocidade de enraizamento, e o acúmulo de matéria seca das mudas formadas

Farming for nature in the Montado: the application of ecosystem services in a results-based model

The Montado is a silvopastoral system with a tree cover of predominantly Quercus suber but also Quercus rotundifolia, where cattle or sheep graze the understory. It occupies more than one million hectares in southern Portugal, and a similar landscape, the Dehesa, covers ca. three million hectares in Spain. These silvopastoral systems can simultaneously benefit the environment and socio-economic activities by providing a bundle of ecosystem services (ESs). However, an ongoing trend of decline in tree density and the covered area is threat-ening such provision. Policies are needed to motivate farmers to secure the ESs that they provide. One possible format is the development of a results-based model (RBM) for agri-environment schemes (AES), implemented under the Common Agricultural Policy. In an RBM, farmers are paid when they deliver specific environmental results (ERs) (e.g. healthy and functional soils), that are linked with the provision of different (and often mul-tiple) ESs. This study defines possible ERs for the Montado and details how these results are linked to the pro-vision of ESs. It then considers management actions that can allow the achievement of these ERs and the costs of these actions. Our methodological approach is based on a transdisciplinary dialogue involving researchers, practitioners (i.e farmers), public authorities and policy makers. The results of the process include the identi-fication of four main ERs: a healthy soil ecosystem, a biodiverse native-Mediterranean pasture, an oak tree layer where regeneration exists (i.e. trees of different ages), and preserved or enhanced landscape elements, for example riparian galleries with vegetation. These ERs increase the supply of provisioning services (e.g. cork production), of regulating services, (e.g. carbon sequestration), and cultural services (e.g. aesthetic inspiration). RBMs allow farmers to use any management practice they choose as the focus is on the results. Nonetheless, to estimate costs we identified 12 potential strategic management practices (and their cost) along with the technical support that farmers would need. We conclude that an RBM could be an affordable solution for public policies in the Montado system, given the limited government budget for supporting AES.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

PRODUCTIVITY AND QUALITY OF MINIGARDEN MINICUTTINGS A HYBRID CLONES Eucalyptus grandis x Eucalyptus urophylla (I-224) DUE TO NITROGEN DOSES

Por fazer parte de in\ufameros compostos e estar diretamente relacionado com a capacidade fotossint\ue9tica das plantas, o nitrog\ueanio (N) pode influenciar significativamente na produ\ue7\ue3o e enraizamento de estacas. Com base nesse contexto, o trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar o efeito de doses crescentes de N na produtividade, capacidade e velocidade de enraizamento das miniestacas produzidas de minicepas do clone h\uedbrido de Eucalyptus grandis x Eucalyptus urophylla (I-224), al\ue9m da qualidade das mudas formadas. O presente trabalho foi realizado no viveiro de mudas clonais de Eucalyptus , em minijardim de leito de areia da FAEF \u2013 Gar\ue7a \u2013 SP. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o inteiramente casualizado com 4 repeti\ue7\uf5es, sendo os tratamentos constitu\ueddos por 5 doses de nitrog\ueanio diferentes na solu\ue7\ue3o nutritiva (0; 80; 160; 240 e 320 mgL-1). As vari\ue1veis analisadas foram: n\ufamero de estacas produzidas, \uedndice de produtividade, enraizamento das estacas produzidas e determina\ue7\ue3o da massa seca das mudas. A dose de nitrog\ueanio aplicada no minijardim influenciou a produ\ue7\ue3o de estacas, apresentando comportamento quadr\ue1tico, atingindo a produ\ue7\ue3o m\ue1xima (13,1 estacas cepa-1 m\ueas-1) com a dose estimada de 129 mg L-1. O percentual de enraizamento apresentou comportamento linear crescente. A dose que proporcionou o maior \uedndice de produtividade do minijardim foi de 194 mg L-1. A dose de nitrog\ueanio aplicada no minijardim influenciou significativamente na velocidade de enraizamento, e o ac\ufamulo de mat\ue9ria seca das mudas formadas.For being part of innumerable compounds and being directly related with the photosynthetic capacity of plants, Nitrogen (N) can significantly influence the production and rooting of cuttings. On the basis of this context, the work aimed to evaluate the effect of increasing doses of N in the productivity, capacity and speed of rooting mini-cuttings produced from mini-stumps of hybrid clones of Eucalyptus grandis x E. urophylla (I-224), beyond the quality of the formed changes. The present work was carried through in nursery seedlings of Eucalyptus , in a mini-garden of sand stream bed of FAEF, in Gar\ue7a, S\ue3o Paulo state. The used experimental delineation was complete randomized design with 4 replications, being the treatments consisted of 5 different doses of Nitrogen in nutritional solution (0; 80; 160; 240 and 320 mg L-1). The variables analyzed were: number of cuttings produced, the productivity index, rooting of cuttings produced and determination of the dry mass of seedlings. The dose of nitrogen applied in the minigarden influenced the production of stakes, with a quadratic, reaching maximum production (13,1 stakes strain-1 month-1) with the estimated dose of 129 mg L-1.The percentage of rooting presented increasing linear behavior. The dose that provided the biggest index of productivity of the mini-garden was of 194 mg L-1. The dose of nitrogen applied in the mini-garden influenced the rooting significantly and the dry mass of formed seedlings

Farming for nature in the Montado: the application of ecosystem services in a results-based model

The Montado is a silvopastoral system with a tree cover of predominantly Quercus suber but also Quercus rotundifolia, where cattle or sheep graze the understory. It occupies more than one million hectares in southern Portugal, and a similar landscape, the Dehesa, covers ca. three million hectares in Spain. These silvopastoral systems can simultaneously benefit the environment and socio-economic activities by providing a bundle of ecosystem services (ESs). However, an ongoing trend of decline in tree density and the covered area is threat ening such provision. Policies are needed to motivate farmers to secure the ESs that they provide. One possible format is the development of a results-based model (RBM) for agri-environment schemes (AES), implemented under the Common Agricultural Policy. In an RBM, farmers are paid when they deliver specific environmental results (ERs) (e.g. healthy and functional soils), that are linked with the provision of different (and often mul tiple) ESs. This study defines possible ERs for the Montado and details how these results are linked to the pro vision of ESs. It then considers management actions that can allow the achievement of these ERs and the costs of these actions. Our methodological approach is based on a transdisciplinary dialogue involving researchers, practitioners (i.e farmers), public authorities and policy makers. The results of the process include the identi fication of four main ERs: a healthy soil ecosystem, a biodiverse native-Mediterranean pasture, an oak tree layer where regeneration exists (i.e. trees of different ages), and preserved or enhanced landscape elements, for example riparian galleries with vegetation. These ERs increase the supply of provisioning services (e.g. cork production), of regulating services, (e.g. carbon sequestration), and cultural services (e.g. aesthetic inspiration). RBMs allow farmers to use any management practice they choose as the focus is on the results. Nonetheless, to estimate costs we identified 12 potential strategic management practices (and their cost) along with the technical support that farmers would need. We conclude that an RBM could be an affordable solution for public policies in the Montado system, given the limited government budget for supporting AES

Incipient parallel evolution of SARS-CoV-2 Deltacron variant in South Brazil

With the coexistence of multiple lineages and increased international travel, recombination and gene flow are likely to become increasingly important in the adaptive evolution of SARS-CoV-2. These processes could result in genetic introgression and the incipient parallel evolution of multiple recombinant lineages. However, identifying recombinant lineages is challenging, and the true extent of recombinant evolution in SARS-CoV-2 may be underestimated. This study describes the first SARS-CoV-2 Deltacron recombinant case identified in Brazil. We demonstrate that the recombination breakpoint is at the beginning of the Spike gene. The 5′ genome portion (circa 22 kb) resembles the AY.101 (Delta), and the 3′ genome portion (circa 8 kb nucleotides) is most similar to the BA.1.1 (Omicron). Furthermore, evolutionary genomic analyses indicate that the new strain emerged after a single recombination event between lineages of diverse geographical locations in December 2021 in South Brazil. This Deltacron, AYBA-RS, is one of the dozens of recombinants described in 2022. The submission of only four sequences in the GISAID database suggests that this lineage had a minor epidemiological impact. However, the recent emergence of this and other Deltacron recombinant lineages (XD, XF, and XS) suggests that gene flow and recombination may play an increasingly important role in the COVID-19 pandemic. We explain the evolutionary and population genetic theory that supports this assertion, concluding that this stresses the need for continued genomic surveillance. This monitoring is vital for countries where multiple variants are present, as well as for countries that receive significant inbound international travel

Aspectos de desempenho e disponibilidade em ambientes PACS distribuídos

Mestrado em Engenharia de Computadores e TelemáticaA imagem médica é hoje um meio complementar de diagnóstico fundamental nas instituições de saúde. Historicamente, estes meios têm custos muito significativos para as instituições, quer em aquisição de equipamentos, quer na manutenção da infraestrutura. Numa ótica da redução de custos operacionais e melhoria dos processos, as instituições médicas tem explorado os avanços na área das Tecnologias da Informação, com o objetivo de melhorar a aquisição, arquivo, distribuição e visualização dos estudos. Estes sistemas, denominados como PACS, começaram por se impor no interior das instituições. No entanto, a tendência atual é para interligar essas redes, criando ambientes de trabalho geograficamente distribuídos. O bom desempenho destas redes é fundamental para suportar a prática clínica, nomeadamente, no que diz respeito à latência associada às comunicações. Assim, é vital desenvolver tecnologias para melhorar o desempenho, segurança e robustez destas redes. Esta dissertação propõe e avalia um conjunto de soluções tecnológicas que objetivam melhorar a utilização de PACS em ambientes distribuídos.Nowadays, medical imaging is used as a primary method of diagnosis in healthcare institutions. Typically, those environments have huge costs related to acquisition equipment and infrastructure maintenance. In order to reduce costs and improve workflows, healthcare institutions have been exploring new information technologies to support the acquisition, storage, distribution and visualization of medical imaging studies. Those systems, denominated as PACS, are very used inside the institutions’ networks. However, the actual tendency in PACS is to interconnect multiple institutional systems, thus creating geographically distributed medical imaging networks. The performance of these architectures must not delay or deteriorate the medical processes. As a result, the development of new technologies is fundamental to improve the performance, safety and reliability of these architectures. This thesis proposes and assesses a set of technological approaches that aim to improve PACS deployment and utilization in distributed environments

Caracterização molecular de pacientes com atrofia muscular espinhal : resultados preliminares

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