Dual-path convolutional neural network using micro-FTIR imaging to predict breast cancer subtypes and biomarkers levels: estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, HER2 and Ki67

Breast cancer molecular subtypes classification plays an import role to sort patients with divergent prognosis. The biomarkers used are Estrogen Receptor (ER), Progesterone Receptor (PR), HER2, and Ki67. Based on these biomarkers expression levels, subtypes are classified as Luminal A (LA), Luminal B (LB), HER2 subtype, and Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC). Immunohistochemistry is used to classify subtypes, although interlaboratory and interobserver variations can affect its accuracy, besides being a time-consuming technique. The Fourier transform infrared micro-spectroscopy may be coupled with deep learning for cancer evaluation, where there is still a lack of studies for subtypes and biomarker levels prediction. This study presents a novel 2D deep learning approach to achieve these predictions. Sixty micro-FTIR images of 320x320 pixels were collected from a human breast biopsies microarray. Data were clustered by K-means, preprocessed and 32x32 patches were generated using a fully automated approach. CaReNet-V2, a novel convolutional neural network, was developed to classify breast cancer (CA) vs adjacent tissue (AT) and molecular subtypes, and to predict biomarkers level. The clustering method enabled to remove non-tissue pixels. Test accuracies for CA vs AT and subtype were above 0.84. The model enabled the prediction of ER, PR, and HER2 levels, where borderline values showed lower performance (minimum accuracy of 0.54). Ki67 percentage regression demonstrated a mean error of 3.6%. Thus, CaReNet-V2 is a potential technique for breast cancer biopsies evaluation, standing out as a screening analysis technique and helping to prioritize patients.Comment: 32 pages, 3 figures, 6 table

One-dimensional convolutional neural network model for breast cancer subtypes classification and biochemical content evaluation using micro-FTIR hyperspectral images

Breast cancer treatment still remains a challenge, where molecular subtypes classification plays a crucial role in selecting appropriate and specific therapy. The four subtypes are Luminal A (LA), Luminal B (LB), HER2 subtype, and Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC). Immunohistochemistry is the gold-standard evaluation, although interobserver variations are reported and molecular signatures identification is time-consuming. Fourier transform infrared micro-spectroscopy with machine learning approaches have been used to evaluate cancer samples, presenting biochemical-related explainability. However, this explainability is harder when using deep learning. This study created a 1D deep learning tool for breast cancer subtype evaluation and biochemical contribution. Sixty hyperspectral images were acquired from a human breast cancer microarray. K-Means clustering was applied to select tissue and paraffin spectra. CaReNet-V1, a novel 1D convolutional neural network, was developed to classify breast cancer (CA) and adjacent tissue (AT), and molecular subtypes. A 1D adaptation of Grad-CAM was applied to assess the biochemical impact to the classifications. CaReNet-V1 effectively classified CA and AT (test accuracy of 0.89), as well as HER2 and TNBC subtypes (0.83 and 0.86), with greater difficulty for LA and LB (0.74 and 0.68). The model enabled the evaluation of the most contributing wavenumbers to the predictions, providing a direct relationship with the biochemical content. Therefore, CaReNet-V1 and hyperspectral images is a potential approach for breast cancer biopsies assessment, providing additional information to the pathology report. Biochemical content impact feature may be used for other studies, such as treatment efficacy evaluation and development new diagnostics and therapeutic methods.Comment: 23 pages, 5 figures, 2 table

Uso de imagens TST do sensor MODIS/AQUA como indicativo da ocorrência de geadas no RS

Although frost occurrence causes severe losses in agriculture, especially in the south of Brazil, the data of minimum air temperature (Tmin) currently available for monitoring and predicting frosts show insufficient spatial distribution. This study aimed to evaluate the MDY11A1 (LST – Land Surface Temperature) product, from the MODIS sensor on board the AQUA satellite as an estimator of frost occurrence in the southeast of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. LST images from the nighttime overpass of the MODIS/AQUA sensor for the months of June, July and August from 2006 to 2012, and data from three conventional weather stations of the National Institute of Meteorology (INMET) were used. Consistency was observed between Tmin data measured in weather stations and LST data obtained from the MODIS sensor. According to the results, LSTs below 3 ºC recorded by the MODIS/AQUA sensor are an indication of a favorable scenario to frost occurrence.Apesar da ocorrência de geadas causar severas perdas à agricultura, em especial no Sul do Brasil, os dados de temperatura mínima do ar atualmente disponíveis para o monitoramento e previsão deste fenômeno apresentam distribuição espacial insuficiente. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o produto MDY11A1 (TST - Temperatura da Superfície Terrestre), do sensor MODIS a bordo do satélite AQUA como estimador da ocorrência de geadas sobre o Sudeste do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul. Utilizaram-se imagens de TST da passagem noturna do sensor MODIS/AQUA dos meses de junho, julho e agosto de 2006 a 2012 e dados de três estações meteorológicas convencionais do INMET. Verificou-se coerência entre os dados de Temperatura mínima do ar medidos em estações meteorológicas e os dados de Temperatura da superfície da terra obtidos do sensor MODIS. Resultados desta pesquisa apontam que as TSTs registradas pelo sensor MODIS/AQUA inferiores a 3 °C são indicativas de situação favorável à ocorrência de geadas

GESTÃO DE PESSOAS E FIDELIZAÇÃO DE FUNCIONÁRIOS: UM ESTUDO COMPARATIVO ENTRE DUAS REDES SUPERMERCADISTAS DA CIDADE DE BOA VISTA-RR

Este estudo teve por finalidade identificar as estratégias voltadas para a fidelização de funcionários no contexto de duas redes de supermercados, cadastrados no SINE (Sistema Nacional de Emprego e Renda), de Boa Vista – RR. Após elucidar a relevância das relações de trabalho, buscou-se conceituar a gestão de pessoas, assim como as políticas e práticas de treinamento e desenvolvimento, avaliação de desempenho, valorização de pessoas, qualidade de vida no trabalho, higiene, segurança e medicina do trabalho e a relação entre motivação e fidelização. Para atingir aos objetivos propostos, realizou-se um estudo descritivo-explicativo, de caráter qualitativo, envolvendo levantamento bibliográfico, estudo de caso e questionário. O estudo concluiu, ao examinar o contexto das empresas, que apesar de desenvolverem estratégias organizacionais voltadas para a gestão de pessoas, suas práticas e ações ainda são informais e limitadas, o que pode refletir na motivação e fidelização dos funcionários

Neurophysiological Repercussions of Anabolic Steroid Abuse: A Road into Neurodegenerative Disorders

Since its discovery, several chemical modifications in the testosterone molecule have been done by pharmaceutical industry in order to improve its pharmacological effects, resulting in the creation of anabolic steroids (AS). Despite the therapeutic benefits, AS abuse has spread among elite and recreational athletes in the search for improvements on physical appearance and physical performance. Illicit use of anabolic AS has been correlated with several adverse effects, such as cardiovascular, endocrine, reproductive, and neurobehavioral dysfunctions. Recently, declines on cognitive and mnemonic performance have been demonstrated clinically and experimentally. Experimental studies have demonstrated that these neurological dysfunctions are correlated to spread neuronal apoptosis throughout important areas of the central nervous system (CNS), such as hippocampus and cortex. Several pathophysiological mechanisms have been linked to the AS-induced neurotoxicity, including redox imbalance and recruitment of pro-apoptotic downstream pathways. Furthermore, exposure to AS has arisen as a potential risk factor to the development of Alzheimer’s disease. Altogether, these evidences imply that AS abuse per se induces neurodegeneration and can aggravate the prognosis of neurodegenerative diseases

Physiological characteristics of endive, lettuce and chicory seeds as a function of spectral quality

Seedling production is a critical step in the establishment of vegetables. This work aimed to evaluate the effect of different spectral qualities on the germination and vigor of endive, lettuce, and chicory seeds. The experiment was carried out in three stages. The first stage, two cultivars of lettuce (‘Crespa Repolhuda’ and ‘Vera’) and six spectral qualities (blue LED, red LED, blue + red LED, white LED, fluorescent and dark) were evaluated; the second stage, two cultivars of chicory (‘Lisa Escarola’ and ‘Palla Rosa’) and the same spectral qualities were evaluated. In the third stage, the spectral quality of the endive cultivar ‘Pão de Açúcar’ was evaluated. The experiments were performed in a completely randomized design, with four replications of 50 seeds each. The evaluated parameters were: germination percentage, first count, germination speed index, seedling length, and fresh and dry mass. Endive, lettuce and chicory seeds germinated both in the presence or not of light so that they can be classified as neutral photos. A spectral LED of red quality fostered the development of the most significant volume of fresh mass on the endive, lettuce, and chicory. All the spectral qualities stimulated root growth. The dark, on the other hand, promoted the most significant length of the aerial part, promoting seedlings etiolation.Seedling production is a critical step in the establishment of vegetables. This work aimed to evaluate the effect of different spectral qualities on the germination and vigor of endive, lettuce, and chicory seeds. The experiment was carried out in three stages. The first stage, two cultivars of lettuce (‘Crespa Repolhuda’ and ‘Vera’) and six spectral qualities (blue LED, red LED, blue + red LED, white LED, fluorescent and dark) were evaluated; the second stage, two cultivars of chicory (‘Lisa Escarola’ and ‘Palla Rosa’) and the same spectral qualities were evaluated. In the third stage, the spectral quality of the endive cultivar ‘Pão de Açúcar’ was evaluated. The experiments were performed in a completely randomized design, with four replications of 50 seeds each. The evaluated parameters were: germination percentage, first count, germination speed index, seedling length, and fresh and dry mass. Endive, lettuce and chicory seeds germinated both in the presence or not of light so that they can be classified as neutral photos. A spectral LED of red quality fostered the development of the most significant volume of fresh mass on the endive, lettuce, and chicory. All the spectral qualities stimulated root growth. The dark, on the other hand, promoted the most significant length of the aerial part, promoting seedlings etiolation

Efeitos combinados da fisioterapia e terapia robótica no equilíbrio e velocidade da marcha em pacientes com lesão medular incompleta

Restaurar a capacidade de andar é um dos objetivos da reabilitação na lesão medular incompleta (LMI). O treino orientado a tarefa abrange os princípios do aprendizado motor, envolvendo mecanismos de neuroplasticidade central e, consequentemente, reorganização cortical. O treinamento da marcha robótica G-EO System (GS) atua como um reforço da prática repetitiva e específica das fases da marcha. Objetivo: Investigar os efeitos combinados da fisioterapia e da terapia robótica na funcionalidade da marcha em relação ao equilíbrio e velocidade da marcha em pacientes com LMI. Métodos: Estudo de coorte retrospectivo com 14 pacientes na fase crônica da doença, que realizaram 20 sessões de GS associado à fisioterapia convencional (FC). Utilizamos o Teste de Caminhada de 10 Metros (TC10) e a Escala de Equilíbrio de Berg (EEB). Valores de p <0,05 foram considerados estatisticamente significativos pelo teste de Wilcoxon ao início da fisioterapia convencional e pré e pós intervenção. Resultados: Observou-se que no TC10, a velocidade inicial média variou de 2,60 m/s ± 1,72 no início da FC a 1,57 m/s ± 0,80 no final das 20 sessões de GS com p = 0,0424. Para a EEB no início da FC, a média foi de 31,85 pontos ± 12,50 e 42,35 ± 14,25 ao final da intervenção, com p = 0,0096. Conclusão: A terapia robótica da marcha associada à FC mostrou-se eficaz na promoção do equilíbrio e da melhora da velocidade da marcha em indivíduos na fase crônica da LMI.Restoring the ability to walk, especially independently, is one of the goals in the rehabilitation of patients with incomplete spinal cord injury (ISCI). The G-EO System (GS) robotic gait training acts as a reinforcer of the repetitive and specific practice of the gait phases. Objective: Investigate the combined effects of physiotherapy and robotic therapy on gait functionality in relation to balance and gait speed in patients with ISCI. Methods: Retrospective cohort study with 14 patients in the chronic phase of the disease, using the GS as a robotic intervention for gait and stairs, consisting of a 20-session protocol associated with conventional physical therapy. We used the 10-meter Walk Test (10WT) and the Berg Balance Scale (BBS). P values <0.05 were considered statistically significant using the Wilcoxon test at the beginning of conventional physical therapy and before and after intervention. Results: At the 10WT, the mean initial velocity ranged from 2.60 m/s ± 1.72 at the beginning of conventional physical therapy to 1.57 m/s ± 0.80 at the end of the 20 GS sessions with p = 0.0424. For BBS at the beginning of conventional physical therapy, the average was 31.85 points ± 12.50, and 42.35 ± 14.25 at the end of the 20 GS sessions, with p = 0.0096. Conclusions: Robotic gait therapy associated with conventional physiotherapy has been shown to be effective in promoting balance and gait speed improvement in individuals in the chronic phase after involvement of incomplete spinal cord injury

Conflitos na relação entre Cirurgiões-dentistas e operadoras de Odontologia suplementar

This article aimed to find, in the national literature, the reasons for the conflictive relationship between health insurance providers and dental surgeons. The study describes the history of insurance companies in the Brazilian market and the professional profile of dental surgeons. Issues related to the autonomy, remuneration and job satisfaction of the health care professional were found. This might encourage critical thought among these professionals regarding work relations in the field of supplementary dental care. The analysis showed that the supplementary health system developed for over thirty years without government interference, culminating in an alarming, disorderly and unregulated growth, influenced by the excess supply of dentists and the reduction in the number of patients who pay for private services. Professionals who contract with health insurance companies in the hopes of expanding their practice must yield to their demands. These companies often limit the provider to less costly treatment, interfere with their treatment plan and use outdated price lists to pay for clinical procedures, leading to a negative perception and dissatisfaction with the insurance companies’ performance. The studied relationship was found to be truly conflictive, affecting the healthcare provider not only at the financial but also personal level. This conflict is related to the growth of the supplementary health system, which affects dental practice at its core, without the due control and supervision measures, necessary to correct asymmetries in corporate relations and avoid precarious working conditions, being taken.Este artigo buscou levantar na literatura nacional os motivos pelos quais a relação entre as operadoras de planos de saúde e os cirurgiões-dentistas é conflituosa, traçando um histórico do mercado brasileiro na área, bem como o perfil do profissional deste segmento,  destacando as implicações observadas quanto à autonomia profissional, remuneração e satisfação com o trabalho, a fim de fomentar uma reflexão crítica na categoria quanto às relações de trabalho no âmbito da assistência odontológica suplementar. A análise realizada evidenciou que o sistema de saúde suplementar se desenvolveu por mais de trinta anos sem interferência governamental, culminando em um crescimento alarmante, desordenado e desregulado, influenciado pelo excesso de oferta de dentistas e redução de pacientes que pagam por serviços privados. Dessa forma, grande parcela dos profissionais que têm se associado a planos de saúde na expectativa de expansão dos seus serviços são submetidos às demandas das operadoras que limitam seu trabalho àquele menos oneroso, interferem no plano de tratamento e utilizam tabelas de preços desatualizadas para o pagamento de procedimentos clínicos, levando a uma percepção negativa e descontentamento em relação ao desempenho das operadoras. Concluiu-se que de fato a relação é conflituosa, atingindo o profissional em diversas esferas, não apenas econômicas como pessoais, e está associada à expansão do sistema suplementar. Sendo assim, a prática odontológica é afetada na sua essência, sem que medidas de controle e supervisão, tão necessárias, sejam implementadas para corrigir assimetrias nas relações corporativas e evitar condições precárias da profissão

Thermal performance of green envelopes in buildings in the Brazilian southeast

The evaluation of the thermal performance of buildings using green roofs, living walls or green walls as envelope protection elements is a very important tool for architects and engineers to minimize heat gain, provide better thermal condition and improve thermal performance. This paper presents three different studies of thermal performance of buildings with green cover: 1) a case study of a green roof, 2) an experimental study of a living wall, and 3) a case study of a green wall; all of which include comparative and concurrent measurements between exposed surfaces and surfaces protected by vegetation. The parameters measured were air temperature, relative humidity, air speed and mean radiant temperature, as well as the inner and outer temperature of the walls. Those analyses led to the conclusion that the use of vegetation as a protection element on roofs and façades acts positively on the heat flows in the envelope, representing an important tool for passive thermal control of high temperatures inside the buildings.A avaliação do desempenho térmico de edificações que utilizam coberturas verdes, paredes vivas ou paredes verdes como elemento de proteção da envoltória é um campo de grande importância para os profissionais de arquitetura e engenharia, por minimizar o ganho de calor, proporcionar melhor condição térmica e aprimorar seu desempenho. Este trabalho apresenta três diferentes estudos de desempenho térmico com revestimentos vegetais: 1) um estudo de caso com cobertura verde, 2) um estudo experimental com parede viva, e 3) um estudo de caso com parede verde, todos com medições comparativas e simultâneas entre superfícies expostas e protegidas pelo verde. Os parâmetros medidos foram temperatura, umidade relativa, velocidade do ar, temperatura radiante média e temperatura das superfícies internas e externas das envoltórias. Tais análises levaram à conclusão de que o uso da vegetação como elemento de proteção em coberturas e fachadas atua positivamente sobre os fluxos de calor na envoltória, representando uma importante ferramenta para o controle térmico passivo de altas temperaturas no interior das edificações.161718