A novel N95 respirator with chitosan nanoparticles: mechanical, antiviral, microbiological and cytotoxicity evaluations.

BACKGROUND: It is known that some sectors of hospitals have high bacteria and virus loads that can remain as aerosols in the air and represent a significant health threat for patients and mainly professionals that work in the place daily. Therefore, the need for a respirator able to improve the filtration barrier of N95 masks and even inactivating airborne virus and bacteria becomes apparent. Such a fact motivated the creation of a new N95 respirator which employs chitosan nanoparticles on its intermediate layer (SN95 + CNP). RESULTS: The average chitosan nanoparticle size obtained was 165.20 ± 35.00 nm, with a polydispersity index of 0.36 ± 0.03 and a zeta potential of 47.50 ± 1.70 mV. Mechanical tests demonstrate that the SN95 + CNP respirator is more resistant and meets the safety requisites of aerosol penetration, resistance to breath and flammability, presenting higher potential to filtrate microbial and viral particles when compared to conventional SN95 respirators. Furthermore, biological in vitro tests on bacteria, fungi and mammalian cell lines (HaCat, Vero E6 and CCL-81) corroborate the hypothesis that our SN95 + CNP respirator presents strong antimicrobial activity and is safe for human use. There was a reduction of 96.83% of the alphacoronavirus virus and 99% of H1N1 virus and MHV-3 betacoronavirus after 120 min of contact compared to the conventional respirator (SN95), demonstrating that SN95 + CNP have a relevant potential as personal protection equipment. CONCLUSIONS: Due to chitosan nanotechnology, our novel N95 respirator presents improved mechanical, antimicrobial and antiviral characteristics.

Effects of vaccine registration on disease prophylaxis: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: The impact of the pandemic caused by the coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), causing the disease COVID-19, has brought losses to the world in terms of deaths, economic and health problems. The expected return of the public to activities adapted to the new health situation led to discussions about the use of vaccination and its effects. However, the demand for proof of vaccination showed how inconsistent, unregistered, and uncontrolled this health process is with current technologies. Despite the proven effectiveness of vaccines in reducing infection rates, mortality, and morbidity, there are still doubts about their use in preventing certain infections and injuries, as well as the use of digital medical records for identification at public events and disease prevention. Therefore, this review aims to analyze the use of digital immunization cards in disease prevention in general. METHODS: A systematic review of Science, PubMed/MEDLINE, LILACS /BSV, CINALH, and IEEE and Xplore was performed using PRISMA guidelines. The authors summarized the studies conducted over the last decade on the impacts of prophylaxis by control through immunization cards. Studies were selected using the following terms: Vaccination; Mobile Applications; Health Smarts Cards; Immunization Programs; Vaccination Coverage. For data analysis, we used Mendeley, Excel, RStudio, and Bibliometrix software among others. RESULTS: A total of 1828 publications were found. After applying eligibility criteria (Articles published in Portuguese, Spanish or English in the last 10 years). Studies that only dealt with paper or physical records were excluded, as well as studies that were not linked to their country's health Department, as a possibility of bias exists with these types of information). After removing duplicates and applying filters 1 and 2, we included 18 studies in this review. This resulted in 18 papers that met our priori inclusion criteria; it was found that the most relevant sources were from the databases of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). CONCLUSIONS: Considering the selected studies, we found that scientific evidence and epidemiological surveillance are essential tools to characterize the efficiency and effectiveness of immunization passport protection intervention and to ethically justify them. Technological development of digital vaccine passports can assist in vaccination programs and positively impact disease prophylaxis.

Feridas de diabéticos tratados com LED e látex e o risco de glicemia instável / Diabetic wounds treated with LED and latex and the risk of unstable glycemia / Heridas diabéticas tratadas con LED y látex y el riesgo de glucemia inestable

Objetivo: caracterizar o Risco de Glicemia Instável de pacientes com feridas de membros inferiores em uso látex associado ao LED. Método: Estudo de coorte prospectivo com amostra n=15. Divididos em três grupos Grupo 1 curativo com látex e LED; Grupo 2 carvão ativado; e Grupo 3 realizavam autocurativo com látex e LED e identificação do Risco de glicemia instável. Análise de dados realizada pelo software SPSS®. Resultados: Os participantes 60% homens, idade 59,93±10,88 anos, fatores de Risco de glicemia instável: atividade física diária menor que o recomendado; conhecimento insuficiente do controle da doença, em todos os grupos; condição de saúde comprome-tida grupos I e III; controle insuficiente do diabetes grupo I; falta de adesão ao plano de controle do diabetes início ao fim, exceto pelo grupo II. Ocorreu redução das feridas em todos os grupos e melhor cicatrização no grupo III. Conclusão: A feridas maiores estavam no grupo I e ocorreu redução das feridas todos os grupos. Os principais fatores de risco de glicemia instável atividade física diária menor que o recomendado no início e final, condição de saúde comprometida grupos I e III, conhecimento insuficiente do controle da doença em todos os grupos

Objective: to characterize the risk of unstable blood glucose in patients with lower limb wounds using latex associated with LED. Method: Prospective cohort study with sample n=15. Divided into three groups Group 1 dressing with latex and LED; Group 2 activated charcoal; and Group 3 performed self-healing with latex and LED and identified the risk of unstable blood glucose. Data analysis performed by SPSS® software. Results: Participants 60% men, age 59.93±10.88 years, risk factors for unstable blood glucose: daily physical activity less than recommended; insufficient knowledge of disease control, in all groups; compromised health condition groups I and III; insuffi-cient control of group I diabetes; lack of adherence to the diabetes control plan from beginning to end, except for group II. There was a reduction of wounds in all groups and better healing in group III. Conclusion: The major wounds were in group I and there was a reduction of wounds in all groups. The main risk factors for unstable glycemia daily physical activity less than rec-ommended at the beginning and at the end, compromised health condition groups I and III, insufficient knowledge of disease control in all groups.

Objetivo: caracterizar el riesgo de inestabilidad glucémica en pacientes con heridas en miembros inferiores utilizando látex asociado a LED. Método: Estudio de cohorte pros-pectivo con muestra n=15. Dividido en tres grupos Grupo 1 aderezo con látex y LED; carbón activado del grupo 2; y el Grupo 3 realizó autocuración con látex y LED e identi-ficó el riesgo de glucosa en sangre inestable. Análisis de datos realizado por el software SPSS®. Resultados: Participantes 60% hombres, edad 59,93±10,88 años, factores de riesgo para glucemia inestable: actividad física diaria inferior a la recomendada; conoci-miento insuficiente del control de enfermedades, en todos los grupos; condiciones de salud comprometidas grupos I y III; control insuficiente de la diabetes del grupo I; falta de adherencia al plan de control de la diabetes de principio a fin, excepto en el grupo II. Hubo reducción de heridas en todos los grupos y mejor cicatrización en el grupo III. Conclusión: Las heridas mayores estaban en el grupo I y hubo reducción de heridas en todos los grupos. Los principales factores de riesgo para la glucemia inestable activi-dad física diaria inferior a la recomendada al principio y al final, condiciones de salud comprometidas grupos I y III, y conocimiento insuficiente del control de la enfermedad en todos los grupos.

Parametric evaluation of impedance curve in radiofrequency ablation: A quantitative description of the asymmetry and dynamic variation of impedance in bovine ex vivo model.

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a treatment for liver tumors with advantages over the traditional treatment of surgical resection. This procedure has the shortest recovery time in early stage tumors. The objective of this study is to parameterize the impedance curve of the RFA procedure in an ex vivo model by defining seven parameters (t1/2, tminimum, tend, Zinitial, Z1/2, Zminimum and Zend). Based on these parameters, three performance indices are defined: one to identify the magnitude of impedance curve asymmetry (δ), one Drop ratio (DR) describing the percentage of impedance decrease until the minimum impedance point is reached, and Ascent Ratio (AR) describing the magnitude of increase in impedance from the minimum impedance point to its maximum point. Fifty ablations were performed in a bovine ex vivo model to measure and evaluate the proposed parameters and performance index. The results show that the groups had an average δ of 29.02%, DR of 22.41%, and AR of 545.33% for RFA without the use of saline or deionized solutions. The saline solution and deionized water-cooled groups indicated the correlation of performance indices δ, DR, and AR with the obtained final ablation volume. Therefore, by controlling these parameters and indices, lower recurrence is achieved.

Pesquisa translacional na era pós-genômica: avanços na área da transcriptômica / Translational research in the post-genomic era: advances in the field of transcriptomics

RESUMO A pesquisa translacional envolve a interface entre a pesquisa básica e a clínica médica com o intuito de gerar produtos ou processos inovadores para introduzi-los nos protocolos clínicos e nos sistemas de saúde. O objetivo desse ensaio foi apresentar uma visão geral dos avanços da transcriptômica, subsidiados pela disponibilidade e utilização das novas tecnologias da informação e biologia molecular. Na busca pelo diagnóstico preciso e menos invasivo, testes transcriptômicos utilizam assinaturas de expressão gênica visando detectar doenças neurodegenerativas (Parkinson e Alzheimer), autoimunes (lúpus eritematoso sistêmico, granulomatose de Wegener), insuficiência cardíaca, autismo e câncer (de mama, colorretal, hepático e de pulmão). No sistema de saúde inglês as diretrizes clínicas incorporam oito testes transcriptômicos, todos com foco no câncer. No Brasil testes genômicos com base nas sequências de DNA são regulamentados para diagnosticar anomalias congênitas, tanto no Sistema Único de Saúde, como na saúde suplementar, mas os testes moleculares não avançaram no âmbito da transcriptômica diagnóstica. O sistema de saúde brasileiro deveria ir além dos testes de análise genômica e iniciar o processo de regulamentação das tecnologias transcriptômicas de diagnóstico. No futuro, testes diagnósticos avaliando múltiplos perfis de expressão gênica podem se transformar em exames de rotina numa forma de triagem molecular.

ABSTRACT Translational research involves the interface between basic research and medical practice in order to generate innovative products or processes to introduce them into clinical protocols and health systems. The objective of this essay was to present an overview of transcriptomic advances, subsidized by the availability and use of new information technologies and molecular biology. In the search for accurate and less invasive diagnosis, transcriptomic tests use gene expression signatures to detect neurodegenerative diseases (Parkinson and Alzheimer), autoimmune (systemic lupus erythematosus, Wegener's granulomatosis), heart failure, autism and cancer (breast, colorectal, hepatic and lung). In the English health system the clinical guidelines incorporate eight transcriptomic tests, all with a focus on cancer. In Brazil genomic tests based on DNA sequences are regulated to diagnose congenital anomalies both in the Unified Health System and in supplementary health, but the molecular tests have not advanced in the scope of the diagnostic transcriptomics. The Brazilian health system should go beyond the tests of genomic analysis and begin the process of regulation of transcriptomic diagnostic technologies. In the future, diagnostic tests evaluating multiple gene expression profiles may become routine exams in a form of molecular screening.

Pesquisa translacional no Brasil: temas de pesquisa e sua aderência à Agenda do SUS / Translational research in Brazil: research topics and their adherence to the SUS Agenda

RESUMO O estudo objetivou prospectar grupos e temas de pesquisa translacional no Brasil, que detenham potencial de transformar pesquisa em soluções para saúde no âmbito nacional, e avaliar se existe convergência com a Agenda de Prioridades de Pesquisa do Ministério da Saúde, a Agenda. Estudo exploratório, descritivo, realizado a partir de busca em bases de dados públicos de acesso livre. Foram localizados 64 programas/grupos, sendo 8 programas de pós-graduação, 12 programas de pesquisa e 44 grupos na área de pesquisa translacional em saúde cadastrados no Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq). A maioria dos programas de pós-graduação e todos os programas de pesquisa são vinculados a Instituições Públicas da região Sudeste. A análise temática não incluiu os 20 programas de pesquisa/pós-graduação existentes. Os 44 grupos de pesquisa foram categorizados de acordo com os 14 eixos temáticos e com as 172 linhas de pesquisa da Agenda por 4 pesquisadores independentes e cegados. Os resultados mostraram a inexistência de aderência entre os temas de pesquisa desses grupos e a Agenda de prioridades do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS). Em cenário de aumento de demanda de necessidades em saúde, a pesquisa translacional permitiria reduzir o distanciamento da pesquisa desenvolvida no Brasil com as necessidades do SUS.

ABSTRACT This study aims to prospect groups and themes of translational research in Brazil that have the potential of transforming research into solutions for health nationally. It also aims to evaluate whether or not there is convergence with the 2018 Agenda of Research Priorities of the Ministry of Health, the Agenda. This is an exploratory, descriptive study, based on a search in public databases of free access. Sixty-four programs/groups were located: eight postgraduate programs, 12 research programs, and 44 groups linked to translational health research. Most of the postgraduate programs and all research programs are linked to Public Institutions in the Southeast region. The thematic analysis did not include the 20 ongoing research/graduate programs. The 44 research groups were categorized according to the 14 thematic axes and the 172 lines of research of the Agenda lead by four independent and blinded researchers. The results showed the inexistence of adherence between the themes these groups investigate and the SUS (Unified Health System) priority Agenda. In a scenario of increasing demand for health needs, translational research could reduce distancing between the research developed in Brazil and the necessities of the SUS.

Desenvolvimento de tecnologia dura para tratamento do pé diabético: um estudo de caso na perspectiva da saúde coletiva / Development of hard technology for the treatment of diabetic foot: a case study from the perspective of public health

RESUMO Este é um estudo de caso que objetivou analisar, na perspectiva da saúde coletiva, o processo de desenvolvimento do equipamento médico para o tratamento do pé diabético realizado pela parceria entre o Ministério da Saúde (MS) e a Universidade de Brasília (UnB) no período de dezembro de 2016 a janeiro de 2019. A análise observou o comportamento do grupo de pesquisa responsável pela produção da tecnologia dura mediante as dificuldades em transformar a pesquisa em um produto com viés mercadológico capaz de ser assimilado na cobertura do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS), concomitantemente à participação da saúde coletiva na superação de alguns entraves. Utilizou-se como estudo de caso a parceria entre o MS e a UnB apoiado no modelo de investigação qualitativa com ênfase em processos metodológicos de tipologia mista, mas com prioridade aos métodos de observação participante cuja unidade de análise está vinculada à saúde coletiva. Os resultados observados evidenciaram que a contribuição da saúde coletiva na produção da tecnologia dura minimizou lacunas para a provável transformação da ideia em produto assimilável pelo SUS. A participação da saúde coletiva diminuiu os espaços entre as áreas do conhecimento envolvidas, aproximando a universidade da iniciativa privada e dos órgãos reguladores.

ABSTRACT This is a case study that is aimed at analyzing, from the perspective of public health, the process of development of medical equipment for the treatment of diabetic foot performed by the partnership between the Ministry of Health (MS) and the University of Brasilia (UnB) from December 2016 to January 2019. The analysis observed the behavior of the research group responsible for the production of hard technology in the face of the difficulties in transforming the research into a product with market potential that can be assimilated into the coverage of the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS), concomitantly with the participation of public health in overcoming some barriers. The partnership between MS and UnB was used as a case study, supported in the qualitative research model with emphasis on methodological processes of mixed typology, but prioritizing participatory observation methods whose unit of analysis is linked to public health. The results showed that the contribution of public health on the production of hard technology minimized gaps for the probable transformation of the idea into a product assimilated by SUS. The participation of public health narrowed the gaps between the areas of knowledge involved, bringing the university closer to a private initiative and regulating institutions.

Risk Factors and Diagnosis of Diabetic Foot Ulceration in Users of the Brazilian Public Health System.

BACKGROUND: An individual with diabetes mellitus (DM) has an approximately 25% risk of developing ulcerations and/or destruction of the feet's soft tissues. These wounds represent approximately 20% of all causes of hospitalizations due to DM. OBJECTIVE: To identify the factors for the development of diabetic foot ulceration (DFU) among individuals treated by the Brazilian public health system. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted on individuals with diabetes mellitus, aged above 18 years, of both sexes, and during July-October 2018 within a public healthcare unit in Brazil. All participants were assessed based on their socioeconomic, behavioral, and clinical characteristics, along with vascular and neurological evaluations. All participants were also classified according to the classification of risk of developing DFU, in accordance with the International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot (IWGDF). Statistical analyses were conducted using the chi-squared test, chi-squared test for trend, and Fisher's exact test, with a significance level of 5% (p < 0.05). RESULTS: The study consisted of 85 individuals. The DFU condition was prevalent in 10.6% of the participants. Adopting the classification proposed by IWGDF, observed risks for stratification categories 0, 1, 2, and 3 were 28.2%, 29.4%, 23.5%, and 8.2%, respectively. A statistically significant (p < 0.05) association was observed between the development of DFU and the following variables: time since the diagnosis of diabetes and the appearance of the nails, humidity, and deformations on the feet. CONCLUSION: The present study found an elevated predominance of DM patients in the Brazilian public health system (SUS) featuring cutaneous alterations that may lead to ulcers; these individuals had elevated risks of developing DFU. Furthermore, it was revealed that the feet of patients were not physically examined during treatment.

Evidence in Practice of Tissue Healing with Latex Biomembrane: Integrative Review.

Wound healing is a perfectly coordinated cascade of cellular, molecular, and biochemical events which interact in tissue reconstitution. Chronic diseases such as pressure ulcers (PU) and diabetes mellitus (DM) are considered risk factors for wound healing. Patients with such diseases often have higher sepsis, infection, and complication rates, since they have revascularization inhibition and low growth factor expression. Thus, latex biomembrane (LBM), a biocompatible material, derived from the latex of the rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis) appears to create tendencies as an angiogenic-inducing tissue healing agent and as biomaterial, resulting from its structural qualities and its low cost when compared to conventional treatments. Therefore, this work aims at summarizing the results, experiments, and scientific findings that certify or recommend the use of LBM as a new technique to be applied effectively in the treatment of wounds. An integrative review was held in the BIREME, LILACS, Burns, MEDLINE, PubMed, and SciELO databases, from 2000 to 2016, using the following descriptors: "healing," "diabetes mellitus," "wounds," and "latex membrane." As a result, 600 experiments (out of 612) presented satisfactory results; however, 33% of the cases received explicit recommendations, 11% required more studies on the subjects, and 1% was denied. On the other hand, half of the studies did not expressly endorse its use, despite presenting satisfactory results. The LBM was characterized as a good therapeutic alternative in cases of wounds, including chronic diseases, such as diabetes mellitus and PU, due to its relevant potential for wound healing stimulation, acceleration of cell tissue mending and revascularization, or the reestablishment of angiogenic functions (creation of new blood vessels). The LBM was also confirmed to be safe as a biocompatible material whose structural qualities (elasticity, adaptability, impermeability, and possibility of suture), devoid of toxicity, allowed interaction between tissues and presented no hypersensitivity inducer and no antimicrobial effect.

Roll-Off Displacement in Ex Vivo Experiments of RF Ablation With Refrigerated Saline Solution and Refrigerated Deionized Water.

OBJECTIVE: The recurrence rate in the treatment of liver tumors using radio frequency ablation (RFA) is often related to incomplete tissue necrosis and consequently the limitation in the ablation volume. This paper proposes an ablation protocol combined with the infusion of saline solution and deionized water aiming at achieving a time displacement in the roll-off occurrence and consequently increasing the volume of ablation. METHODS: An infusion of saline solution and deionized water at 5 and 23  °C was performed to evaluate the influence of these liquids on the RFA procedure in ex vivo bovine liver pieces. The obtained results were used to propose a mathematical model of the roll-off phenomenon by means of the system identification techniques. RESULTS: The RFA combined with the infusion of saline solution 0.9% at 5  °C presented optimal results, with a time delay of the roll-off occurrence in 27.8% compared to pure RFA ( p = 0.002) and an increase in the necrotic volume of 51.2% ( p = 0.0002). Two Box-Jenkins models were obtained to describe the roll-off phenomenon: 1) pure RFA; and 2) RFA combined with the saline solution 0.9% at 5  °C. CONCLUSION: The RFA therapy combined with the saline solution 0.9% at 5  °C increases the time range to the roll-off occurrence, leading to higher necrosis volumes in ex vivo bovine liver samples. The development of a mathematical model to describe the roll-off behavior demonstrated that the transient response is improved by the infusion of the saline solution 0.9% at 5  °C.

Development of radiofrequency ablation device for surgical hepatocellular carcinoma treatment in agreement with Brazilian standards

Abstract Introduction Many studies have been carried out on the main causes of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) to identify suitable diagnosis methods and treatments to combat the disease. However, high equipment costs and the lack of hepatic-ablation technologies manufactured in Brazil encourage the design and implementation of a solution based on normative principles. Methods The analysis and description of equipment features were the first steps in defining the design requirements and constraints. Equipment functionalities were evaluated with three assays set by NBR-IEC 60601-2-2. Results The assays of output control adjustment accuracy, output control adjustment monotonicity, and signal quality evaluation using the crest factor (CF) for the equipment showed thresholds superior to the aforementioned standard. Conclusion State-of-the-art studies have contributed the equipment construction. The construction process was validated by assays to ensure the equipment functionality with raw materials at acceptable costs. The test results showed the superiority of the equipment in relation to the assays proposed by the standard NBR-IEC 60601-2-2. However, to convert the prototype into a commercial product, other analyses are necessary.

Parâmetros e efeitos do laser não ablativo no tratamento de melasma facial / Parameters and effects of non-ablative laser in facial melasma

O uso do laser não ablativo no tratamento do melasma tem sido abordado em diversos estudos, porém, não há consenso na literatura quanto aos parâmetros e feitos de intervenções baseadas neste recurso. O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar e descrever parâmetros e efeitos do laser não ablativo no tratamento de hiperpigmentação de pele (melasma). Trata-se de uma revisão sistemática da literatura baseada no Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). A busca eletrônica compreendeu as seguintes bases de dados: PubMed, Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), Science Direct e SciELO. Foram identificados inicialmente 641 documentos nas bases de dados eletrônicas, enquanto na busca manual 26 artigos foram encontrados, após leitura e análise 7 artigos foram selecionados. Foram analisados 7 artigos correspondentes as bases de dados PubMed e Science Direct, todos na língua inglesa e publicados a partir do ano de 2010. Apenas um estudo utilizou uma amostra maior que 30 indivíduos, os demais utilizaram em média 16 participantes, com predomínio do sexo feminino e classificação segundo Fitzpatrick entre III-V. O comprimento de onda variou entre 1064 nm a 1550 nm e a energia máxima não ultrapassou 4 J/cm². De acordo com as variáveis avaliadas, os protocolos testados demonstraram que o laser não ablativo foi ineficaz no tratamento de melasma facial, sobretudo após a interrupção da terapia. (AU)

The use of non-ablative laser in the treatment of melasma has been used in several studies, however, there is no consensus in the literature regarding the parameters and interventions based on this resource. The objective of this study was to identify and describe parameters and effects of nonablative laser in the treatment of skin hyperpigmentation (melasma). This is a systematic review of the literature based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyzes (PRISMA). The study included the following databases: PubMed, Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), Science Direct and SciELO. We initially identified 641 documents in the electronic databases, while in the manual search 26 articles were found, and after reading and analyzing 7 articles were selected. We analyzed these 7 articles corresponding to the PubMed and Science Direct databases, all in the English language and published after the year 2010. Only one study used a sample > 30 individuals, the others used on average 16 participants, with a predominance of female gender and Fitzpatrick classification according to III-V. The wavelength ranged from 1064 nm to 1550 nm and the maximum energy did not exceed 4 J/cm². According to the variables evaluated, the protocols tested demonstrated that the non-ablative laser was ineffective in the treatment of facial melasma, especially after the end of the therapy. (AU)

Análise do deslocamento do bolo alimentar: comparação entre o esôfago saudável e modelo de megaesôfago chagásico / Analysis of the movement of food bolus: a comparison between a healthy esophagus and a chagasic megaesophagus

RESUMO Objetivo: estudar a dinâmica do comportamento do esôfago humano quando afetado por doença de Chagas e propor um controlador orgânico para auxiliar no aperistaltismo do órgão. Métodos: um modelo de massa, mola e amortecedor foi proposto para modelar o deslocamento do bolo alimentar no esôfago durante a ação peristáltica. Foram utilizados parâmetros da literatura para simular o megaesôfago chagásico e o saudável. Resultados: foram analisadas as curvas de velocidade e deslocamento de ambos os modelos e identificou-se as diferenças dinâmicas entre o órgão saudável e um doente. O deslocamento de alimentos em um tipo de Chagas megaesófago II (3 centímetros de dilatação) é apenas 11,84% do deslocamento num esófago saudável. Conclusão: a doença de chagas gera uma velocidade próxima de zero e um alto amortecimento na curva de descida do alimento que devido ao peristaltismo o deslocamento que não pode retornar ao seu estado inicial, o que comprova a retenção do bolo alimentar. Com o sistema de controle orgânico proposto obteve-se uma aproximação das curvas a um comportamento dinâmico próximo do modelo do órgão saudável, minimizando a retenção do alimento.

ABSTRACT Objective: to study the dynamics of the human esophagus behavior when affected by Chagas disease. Methods: a mass-spring-damper model was proposed to model the food through the esophagus during peristaltic action. After that, parameters were recalculated to simulate a chagasic megaesophagus. Results: the velocity and displacement curves from both models were analyzed and the dynamic differences between the healthy organ and the ill one, identified. According to the results obtained, the food displacement in a chagasic megaesophagus type II (3 centimeters dilated) is just 11.84% of the displacement in a healthy esophagus. Conclusion: Chagas disease generates a velocity close to zero and a high dampering in the downwards curve of the bolus whose displacement cannot return to its initial state, due to aperistalses, which proves the food bolus retention. With the introduction of the proposed organic control system, an approximation of the curves that remained with dynamic behavior close to the model of the healthy organ was obtained, minimizing the retention of the food.

A system for treatment of diabetic foot ulcers using led irradiation and natural latex

Abstract Introduction: We developed and tested a new system for inducing the healing of diabetic foot ulcers. The system relies on the regenerative properties of its two components: an insole with a sheet of natural latex and a device that contains a matrix of light emitting diodes with wavelength of 635 nm. Methods The electronic and latex based devices were developed, and a four weeks test was performed in one control group (CG) of five ulcers and one experimental group (EG) of eight ulcers. The CG was treated with a standard approach, based on a silver-releasing foam dressing, and the EG was treated with the system under test. For each ulcer, an index for quantifying the percentage ulcer recovery, named CRU(%), has been calculated; a CRU(%) = 0% means no healing, and a CRU(%) = 100% means total healing. Results There were statistically significant increases of CRU(%) of 51.8% (p = 0.022), for the CG, and of 78.4% (p < 0.001), for the EG. The increase in the EG was higher than the increase in the CG, and the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001). The results showed that the proposed method had, for these particular sets of ulcers, faster healing rates, than for the standard method. Conclusion The results hint that the proposed method seems promising as a future treatment method. However, the technique must undergo further testing before it can be considered for extensive clinical applications.

Control system for continuous positive airway pressure

INTRODUCTION: Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is a mode of non-invasive mechanical ventilation commonly used in neonatology. The incorporation of new therapeutic and technological advances may impact the survival of very low birth weight preterm infants. However, one of the difficulties faced is the high cost of this device and its numerous add-on functions, such as Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI), flow limitation, among others. Thus, in this study, we aim to address the design and construction of a CPAP device prototype to be used in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). METHODS: In order to design the experimental CPAP device with sensory instrumentation for providing data to a micro-controlled system, electro-pneumatic circuits and signal conditioning boards of sensors have been fitted to achieve optimized CPAP function with low energy consumption. While running this setup, a metrological study was carried out to evaluate the sensors' performance. The methodology employed for the study was the IDOV (Identify, Design, Optimize, and Validate) method, a variant of six sigma, to minimize the failure rates. It is expected that it works under valve activation to maintain positive pressure in the airways of the patient (neonate). RESULTS: The whole system performs satisfactorily (low noise level) for each assessed module. Additionally, it is emphasized that software development for application control has resulted in a significant improvement of hardware functions. CONCLUSION: In this work, a system that performs the CPAP function was obtained; the research has shown that, by adopting a specific purpose, it may create a better understanding of Assistive Technology.

Bond Graph modeling of the human esophagus and analysis considering the interference in the fullness of an individual by reducing mechanical esophageal flow

INTRODUCTION: This paper shows a proposal for the mathematical modeling of the human esophagus using Bond Graph formalism and the interference in the satiation of an individual by way of an Esophageal Flow Controller (EFC). Therefore, it was evaluated that there is a significant change in fall time that affects the process of human satiety when the diameter of the esophagus is reduced. METHODS: As a first study, the analysis did not consider all hypothetical influences; only the most important variables were considered. RESULTS: As a result, the order of the final equation was x ∈ ℜ10. Furthermore, the designed model can be classified as linear, established and time invariant. CONCLUSION: The simulation results allow us to conclude that using the EFC in order to reduce the esophageal diameter in the upper esophageal sphincter area of 3cm by 1 cm implies that the system response will be slower; and consequently this reduction will interfere with satiety.

Prótese para controle de fluxo esofagiano como nova técnica para o tratamento da obesidade / Prosthesis for flow control in the esophagus as a new technique for the treatment of obesity

O presente artigo apresenta uma invenção desenvolvida para auxílio à redução e ao controle da obesidade, embasado no controle do fluxo de alimentos no esôfago. Neste novo método proposto, um dispositivo colocado no esôfago diminui seu raio efetivo, reduzindo, por consequência, a velocidade e o fluxo com que o alimento pode ser consumido. A base do método é um dispositivo denominado módulo de látex, com formato aproximadamente cilíndrico, que é aplicado no esôfago. Este módulo contém um lúmen central, com diâmetro consideravelmente menor que o diâmetro do esôfago, que limita a passagem de alimento pelo órgão. Na concepção do método e do módulo, buscou-se realizar o controle de fluxo alimentar através do esôfago, sem causar agressões ao tecido, e sem comprometer a digestão e absorção dos alimentos. Desenvolvido a partir do látex natural, extraído da seringueira Hevea brasiliensis, tal módulo foi avaliado quanto a características construtivas e mecânicas, aplicabilidade, facilidade de remoção, eficácia na redução de fluxo, peso e danos ao esôfago. O módulo foi posicionado no esôfago por meio de vídeo-endoscopia em um cão piloto e manteve-se no local por sete dias, nos quais foi acompanhado por meio de radiografias sucessivas até a sua retirada, momento em que foi avaliada a integridade da mucosa esofágica. Os resultados apresentados demonstram que o método proposto é uma nova possibilidade de controle e redução da obesidade em pessoas e animais.

This work introduces a device to aid in the treatment of obesity by controlling the flow of substances in the esophagus. In the method proposed, a device placed in the esophagus reduces its effective radius, thus reducing the flow and speed in which the food can be consumed. The basis of the method is a nearly cylindrical latex module, which is applied in the esophagus. The module’s central lumen diameter is considerably smaller than the diameter of the esophagus. This limits the rate of food passage through the esophagus. The device was designed in such a way that it could control the food flow through the esophagus without causing aggression to its internal tissue and without compromising the digestion and absorption of food. The device was built using natural latex from the rubber tree Hevea brasiliensis, and was evaluated according to its construction, mechanical properties, applicability, effectiveness in reducing food flow, weight, and damage to the esophagus. The module was placed in the esophagus by means of video-endoscopy and remained in place for seven days, where in it was accompanied by successive radiographies until its with drawal by video-endoscopy, when we were able to examine the integrity of the esophagus wall. The results presented in this paper show that the proposed method is a new possibility for the treatment of obesity in humans and animals.