The malaria system microApp: A new, mobile device-based tool for malaria diagnosis

Background: Malaria is a public health problem that affects remote areas worldwide. Climate change has contributed to the problem by allowing for the survival of Anopheles in previously uninhabited areas. As such, several groups have made developing news systems for the automated diagnosis of malaria a priority. Objective: The objective of this study was to develop a new, automated, mobile device-based diagnostic system for malaria. The system uses Giemsa-stained peripheral blood samples combined with light microscopy to identify the Plasmodium falciparum species in the ring stage of development. Methods: The system uses image processing and artificial intelligence techniques as well as a known face detection algorithm to identify Plasmodium parasites. The algorithm is based on integral image and haar-like features concepts, and makes use of weak classifiers with adaptive boosting learning. The search scope of the learning algorithm is reduced in the preprocessing step by removing the background around blood cells. Results: As a proof of concept experiment, the tool was used on 555 malaria-positive and 777 malaria-negative previously-made slides. The accuracy of the system was, on average, 91%, meaning that for every 100 parasite-infected samples, 91 were identified correctly. Conclusions: Accessibility barriers of low-resource countries can be addressed with low-cost diagnostic tools. Our system, developed for mobile devices (mobile phones and tablets), addresses this by enabling access to health centers in remote communities, and importantly, not depending on extensive malaria expertise or expensive diagnostic detection equipment.Peer ReviewedPostprint (published version

Analysis and prediction of COVID-19 for EU-EFTA-UK and other countries

The present report aims to provide a comprehensive picture of the pandemic situation of COVID-19 in the EU countries, and to be able to foresee the situation in the next coming days. We employ an empirical model, verified with the evolution of the number of confirmed cases in previous countries where the epidemic is close to conclude, including all provinces of China. The model does not pretend to interpret the causes of the evolution of the cases but to permit the evaluation of the quality of control measures made in each state and a short-term prediction of trends. Note, however, that the effects of the measures’ control that start on a given day are not observed until approximately 7-10 days later. The model and predictions are based on two parameters that are daily fitted to available data: a: the velocity at which spreading specific rate slows down; the higher the value, the better the control. K: the final number of expected cumulated cases, which cannot be evaluated at the initial stages because growth is still exponential. We show an individual report with 8 graphs and a table with the short-term predictions for different countries and regions. We are adjusting the model to countries and regions with at least 4 days with more than 100 confirmed cases and a current load over 200 cases. The predicted period of a country depends on the number of datapoints over this 100 cases threshold, and is of 5 days for those that have reported more than 100 cumulated cases for 10 consecutive days or more. For short-term predictions, we assign higher weight to last 3 points in the fittings, so that changes are rapidly captured by the model. The whole methodology employed in the inform is explained in the last pages of this document. In addition to the individual reports, the reader will find an initial dashboard with a brief analysis of the situation in EU-EFTA-UK countries, some summary figures and tables as well as long-term predictions for some of them, when possible. These long-term predictions are evaluated without different weights to datapoints. We also discuss a specific issue every day.These reports are funded by the European Commission (DG CONNECT, LC-01485746) PJC and MC received funding from “la Caixa” Foundation (ID 100010434), under agreement LCF/PR/GN17/50300003; CP, DL, SA, MC, received funding from Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades and FEDER, with the project PGC2018-095456-B-I00Postprint (published version

Analysis and prediction of COVID-19 for EU-EFTA-UK and other countries

The present report aims to provide a comprehensive picture of the pandemic situation of COVID-19 in the EU countries, and to be able to foresee the situation in the next coming days. We employ an empirical model, verified with the evolution of the number of confirmed cases in previous countries where the epidemic is close to conclude, including all provinces of China. The model does not pretend to interpret the causes of the evolution of the cases but to permit the evaluation of the quality of control measures made in each state and a short-term prediction of trends. Note, however, that the effects of the measures’ control that start on a given day are not observed until approximately 7-10 days later. The model and predictions are based on two parameters that are daily fitted to available data: a: the velocity at which spreading specific rate slows down; the higher the value, the better the control. K: the final number of expected cumulated cases, which cannot be evaluated at the initial stages because growth is still exponential. We show an individual report with 8 graphs and a table with the short-term predictions for different countries and regions. We are adjusting the model to countries and regions with at least 4 days with more than 100 confirmed cases and a current load over 200 cases. The predicted period of a country depends on the number of datapoints over this 100 cases threshold, and is of 5 days for those that have reported more than 100 cumulated cases for 10 consecutive days or more. For short-term predictions, we assign higher weight to last 3 points in the fittings, so that changes are rapidly captured by the model. The whole methodology employed in the inform is explained in the last pages of this document. In addition to the individual reports, the reader will find an initial dashboard with a brief analysis of the situation in EU-EFTA-UK countries, some summary figures and tables as well as long-term predictions for some of them, when possible. These long-term predictions are evaluated without different weights to datapoints. We also discuss a specific issue every day.These reports are funded by the European Commission (DG CONNECT, LC-01485746) PJC and MC received funding from “la Caixa” Foundation (ID 100010434), under agreement LCF/PR/GN17/50300003; CP, DL, SA, MC, received funding from Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades and FEDER, with the project PGC2018-095456-B-I00Postprint (published version

Range of Motion of military personnel submitted to 12 weeks of stretching at different intensities

Objetivou-se investigar os efeitos de 12 semanas de treinamento da flexibilidade com diferentes intensidades na amplitude de movimento (ADM), para a flexão e extensão horizontal de ombro (FHO e EHO) e flexão da coluna lombar (FCL), em militares. Foram avaliados 90 alunos (17,02 ± 1,24 anos) e divididos aleatoriamente em três grupos, com 30 participantes cada: alongamento (GA), facilitação neuromuscular proprioceptiva (GFNP) e controle (GC). A amplitude articular foi verificada mediante a goniometria através do Protocolo LABIFIE e, para tal, utilizou o goniômetro de aço 360º “Lafayette Goniometer Set” – EUA, como instrumento de mensuração. Utilizou-se a Escala de Esforço Percebido na Flexibilidade – PERFLEX (0 – 110) para controlar a intensidade durante o GA (31- 60) por um período de 5 segundos, e GFNP (61 e 80) por 8 segundos de insistência para cada fase. Foram realizadas 3 séries com intervalo de cinco segundos entre as mesmas. A análise comparativa dos níveis de amplitude articular definida pela Análise de Variância (Anova one way) em combinação ao teste Post Hoc de Turkey, apontou diferenças apenas no GFNP: FHO (∆%=4,6; p=0,001); EHO (%∆=8,6; p=0,002); FCL, (∆%=56,1; p=0,001). Concluiu-se que o treinamento através da FNP alcançou maiores índices de desenvolvimento da ADM, quando comparado ao alongamento.The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a 12-week flexibility training at different intensities on range of motion (ROM), horizontal shoulder flexion and extension (HSF and HSE) and lumber spine flexion (LSF) in military personnel. The sample consisted of 90 students (17.02 ± 1.24 years) randomly allocated into three groups of 30 participants each: stretching (SG) proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNFG) and control (CG). Joint range was measured by goniometry using the LABIFIE protocol and the Lafayette Goniometer Set (360º)– USA as measuring instrument. The scale of perceived exertion in flexibility – PERFLEX (0 – 110) was applied to control intensity in the SG (31- 60) for 5 seconds and the PNFG (61 and 80) for 8 seconds for each phase. Three series, five seconds apart, were conducted. Comparative analysis of joint range levels determined by analysis of variance (one-way ANOVA) and Tukey’s post-hoc test revealed differences only in PNFG: HSF (∆%=4.6; p=0.001); HSE (%∆=8.6; p=0.002); LSF (∆%=56.1; p=0.001). It was concluded that PNF training achieved higher ROM when compared to stretching.Facultad de Humanidades y Ciencias de la Educació

Importância da Atuação da Equipe Multiprofissional na Humanização da Assistência na UTI

OBJECTIVE: To elucidate the role of the multidisciplinary health team in the humanization of care in Intensive Care Units. METHOD: The present study consists of a review of the integrative literature, using the PICO strategy, where "p" population: Multiprofessional health team, "I" interest: Evaluation of the performance of the multiprofessional team in relation to humanization in the Intensive Care Unit o "C" and "O" Context: Performance of the multiprofessional team in the humanization of the ICU. The filter used for the searches was with the descriptors; (Patient Care Team) AND (Humanization of care) AND (Intensive Care Unit). RESULTS: The final sample consisted of 6 studies that resulted in two topics for discussion: training and professional performance in care with a focus on the disease and feelings experienced in the ICU. CONCLUSION: It was possible to conclude that there is a need for further studies focused on the theme and that mention strategies for its implementation.  OBJETIVO: Elucidar a atuação da equipe multiprofissional de saúde na Humanização da assistência em Unidades de Terapia Intensiva. MÉTODO: O presente trabalho consiste em uma revisão de literatura integrativa, utilizada a estratégia PICO, sendo “p” população: Equipe multiprofissional de saúde,“I” interesse: Avaliação da atuação da equipe multiprofissional em relação a humanização em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva o “C” e “O” Contexto: Atuação da equipe multiprofissional na humanização da UTI. O filtro utilizado para as buscas foi com os descritores; (Equipe de assistência ao paciente) AND (Humanização da assistência) AND (Unidade de terapia intensiva). RESULTADOS: A amostra final foi constituída por 6 estudos que resultaram em dois tópicos para discussão: formação e atuação profissional no cuidado como foco na doença e sentimentos vivenciados na UTI.  CONCLUSÃO: Foi possível concluir que necessitam mais estudos voltados para temática e que mencionem estratégias para sua implementação

Validação de Simulações Computacionais de Campo Eletromagnético Através de Medições Laboratoriais

Este artigo apresenta a validação de um programa de cálculo de campos eletromagnéticos, o Copacabana v1.0, através de medições laboratoriais. O cálculo foi feito utilizando-se o Método de Elementos Finitos no Domínio do Tempo (FD-TD). A medição foi realizada Laboratório de Absorção e Dosimetria (LAD) do Centro de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento em Telecomunicações (CPqD) usando o sistema DASY4. O modelo do dipolo de meia onda no ar foi validado comparando o campo irradiado pelo dipolo com medições e com soluções analíticas em um modelo plano tridimensional, conforme normas internacionais [1]. Conclúi-se que o programa Copacabana v1.0 foi validado para o cálculo de campos eletromagnéticos com erro máximo de 15%

Amplitude de movimento de militares submetidos a 12 semanas de alongamento com diferentes intensidades

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a 12-week flexibility training at different intensities on range of motion (ROM), horizontal shoulder flexion and extension (HSF and HSE) and lumber spine flexion (LSF) in military personnel. The sample consisted of 90 students (17.02 ± 1.24 years) randomly allocated into three groups of 30 participants each: stretching (SG) proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNFG) and control (CG). Joint range was measured by goniometry using the LABIFIE protocol and the Lafayette Goniometer Set (360 º)– USA as measuring instrument. The scale of perceived exertion in flexibility – PERFLEX (0 – 110) was applied to control intensity in the SG (31- 60) for 5 seconds and the PNFG (61 and 80) for 8 seconds for each phase. Three series, five seconds apart, were conducted. Comparative analysis of joint range levels determined by analysis of variance (one-way ANOVA) and Tukey’s post-hoc test revealed differences only in PNFG: HSF (∆%=4.6; p=0.001); HSE (%∆=8.6; p=0.002); LSF (∆%=56.1; p=0.001). It was concluded that PNF training achieved higher ROM when compared to stretching.Objetivou-se investigar os efeitos de 12 semanas de treinamento da flexibilidade com diferentes intensidades na amplitude de movimento (ADM), para a flexão e extensão horizontal de ombro (FHO e EHO) e flexão da coluna lombar (FCL), em militares. Foram avaliados 90 alunos (17,02 ± 1,24 anos) e divididos aleatoriamente em três grupos, com 30 participantes cada: alongamento (GA), facilitação neuromuscular proprioceptiva (GFNP) e controle (GC). A amplitude articular foi verificada mediante a goniometria através do Protocolo LABIFIE e, para tal, utilizou o goniômetro de aço 360 º “Lafayette Goniometer Set” – EUA, como instrumento de mensuração. Utilizou-se a Escala de Esforço Percebido na Flexibilidade – PERFLEX (0 – 110) para controlar a intensidade durante o GA (31- 60) por um perí­odo de 5 segundos, e GFNP (61 e 80) por 8 segundos de insistência para cada fase. Foram realizadas 3 séries com intervalo de cinco segundos entre as mesmas. A análise comparativa dos ní­veis de amplitude articular definida pela Análise de Variãncia (Anova one way) em combinação ao teste Post Hoc de Turkey, apontou diferenças apenas no GFNP: FHO (∆%=4,6; p=0,001); EHO (%∆=8,6; p=0,002); FCL, (∆%=56,1; p=0,001). Concluiu-se que o treinamento através da FNP alcançou maiores í­ndices de desenvolvimento da ADM, quando comparado ao alongamento

Evaluation of Toxic, Cytotoxic, Mutagenic, and Antimutagenic Activities of Natural and Technical Cashew Nut Shell Liquids Using the Allium cepa and Artemia salina Bioassays

The cashew nut releases a substance that is known as cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL). There are both natural (iCNSL) and technical (tCNSL) cashew nut shell liquids. This study used an Artemia salina bioassay to evaluate the toxic effects of iCNSL and tCNSL cashew nut shell liquids. It also evaluated the toxicity, cytotoxicity, and mutagenicity of CNSL and its effects on the damage induced by copper sulfate (CuSO4·5H2O) on the meristems’ root of Allium cepa. Effects of the damage induced by CuSO4·5H2O were evaluated before (pre-), during (co-), and after (post-) treatments. The iCNSL contained 94.5% anacardic acid, and the tCNSL contained 91.3% cardanol. The liquids were toxic to A. salina. Toxicity, cytotoxicity, and mutagenicity were observed with iCNSL compared with the negative control. Similarly, iCNSL failed to inhibit the toxicity and cytotoxicity of CuSO4·5H2O. The tCNSL was not toxic, cytotoxic, or mutagenic in any of the concentrations. However, the lowest iCNSL concentrations and all of the tCNSL concentrations had preventive, antimutagenic, and reparative effects on micronuclei and on chromosomal aberrations in the A. cepa. Therefore, protective, modulating, and reparative effects may be observed in the A. cepa, depending on the concentration and type of CNSL used

Analysis and prediction of COVID-19 for EU-EFTA-UK and other countries

The present report aims to provide a comprehensive picture of the pandemic situation of COVID-19 in the EU countries, and to be able to foresee the situation in the next coming days. We employ an empirical model, verified with the evolution of the number of confirmed cases in previous countries where the epidemic is close to conclude, including all provinces of China. The model does not pretend to interpret the causes of the evolution of the cases but to permit the evaluation of the quality of control measures made in each state and a short-term prediction of trends. Note, however, that the effects of the measures’ control that start on a given day are not observed until approximately 7-10 days later. The model and predictions are based on two parameters that are daily fitted to available data: a: the velocity at which spreading specific rate slows down; the higher the value, the better the control. K: the final number of expected cumulated cases, which cannot be evaluated at the initial stages because growth is still exponential. We show an individual report with 8 graphs and a table with the short-term predictions for different countries and regions. We are adjusting the model to countries and regions with at least 4 days with more than 100 confirmed cases and a current load over 200 cases. The predicted period of a country depends on the number of datapoints over this 100 cases threshold, and is of 5 days for those that have reported more than 100 cumulated cases for 10 consecutive days or more. For short-term predictions, we assign higher weight to last 3 points in the fittings, so that changes are rapidly captured by the model. The whole methodology employed in the inform is explained in the last pages of this document. In addition to the individual reports, the reader will find an initial dashboard with a brief analysis of the situation in EU-EFTA-UK countries, some summary figures and tables as well as long-term predictions for some of them, when possible. These long-term predictions are evaluated without different weights to datapoints. We also discuss a specific issue every day.PJC and MC received funding from “la Caixa” Foundation (ID 100010434), under agreement LCF/PR/GN17/50300003; CP, DL, SA, MC, received funding from Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades and FEDER, with the project PGC2018-095456-B-I0

The Effect of Schinus terebinthifolius

Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi (Anacardiaceae), popularly known as red aroeira, is used in traditional medicine to treat inflammatory, gastric, and respiratory disorders. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antihistaminic activity of S. terebinthifolius (St) bark extract by using in vivo and in vitro experimental models. The effects of St were investigated on contractions induced by histamine, carbachol, and potassium chloride in isolated guinea pig ileum. St was also studied in response to hind paw edema induced by histamine in rats. Experiments revealed that although St (250, 500, and 1,000 µg/mL) reduced the histamine-induced contractions by 9.1±1.8, 50.2±2.0, and 68.9±2.0%, respectively, it did not inhibit contractions induced by carbachol or KCl. The association of St (250 and 500 µg/mL) with hydroxyzine, an H1-antihistamine (0.125 and 0.250 µM), increased the inhibitory effect to 67.0±3.2 and 85.1±2.1%, respectively. Moreover, St (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg) decreased paw edema from its peak by 33.9, 48.4, and 54.8%, respectively, whereas hydroxyzine (70 mg/kg) inhibited the peak edema by 56.5%. Altogether, the results suggest that the bark extract of S. terebinthifolius has an antihistaminic effect (H1)