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Objetivos: Verificar o perfil dos pacientes idosos por meio das variáveis como sexo, cor, escolaridade e idade, notificados com AIDS na região sul do Brasil e na cidade de Chapecó, no período de 1980 a 2009, que adquiriram AIDS por via sexual. Metodologia: Trata-se de estudo observacional, descritivo e transversal cujos dados foram obtidos pelo Datasus e dispostos em planilhas do programa Excel, onde foi feito um cruzamento com tais dados. Resultados: Durante o período entre 1980 e 2009 observou-se aumento dos diagnósticos de AIDS em idosos na região estudada, sendo que aqueles que apresentaram maior prevalência de contágio são homens, heterossexuais, brancos, da faixa etária entre 60 e 69 anos e de escolaridade entre 1 e 3 anos (baixa escolaridade). Esse mesmo comportamento se repete na cidade de Chapecó, entretanto somente foi observado idoso contaminado por AIDS a partir de 1995, e durante o período entre 2005 e 2009 a categoria de escolaridade com maior prevalência foi de 4 a 7 anos, seguida de 8 a 11 anos. Ainda nesse período houve maior prevalência de idosos com idade entre 70 e 79 anos. Conclusão: A transmissão sexual do vírus da imunodeficiência humana (HIV) na população idosa da região sul do Brasil e em Chapecó teve aumento no número de diagnósticos no período estudado, principalmente em indivíduos masculinos, heterossexuais, de cor branca, entre 60 e 69 anos e de baixa escolaridade.

Abstract The food enzyme carboxypeptidase C (EC 3.4.16.5) is produced with the genetically modified Aspergillus niger strain PEG by DSM Food Specialties B.V. The genetic modifications do not give rise to safety concerns. The food enzyme is free from viable cells of the production organism and its DNA. It is intended to be used in nine food manufacturing processes. Dietary exposure to the food enzyme‐total organic solids (TOS) was estimated to be up to 2.053 mg TOS/kg body weight (bw) per day in European populations. The toxicity studies were carried out with a xylanase obtained from A. niger strain XEA. The Panel considered this food enzyme as a suitable substitute for the carboxypeptidase to be used in the toxicological studies, because both strains were derived from the same recipient strain, the location of the inserts was comparable, no partial inserts were present and the production methods were essentially the same. Genotoxicity tests did not raise a safety concern. The systemic toxicity was assessed by means of a repeated dose 90‐day oral toxicity study in rats. The Panel identified a no observed adverse effect level of 1850 mg TOS/kg bw per day, the highest dose tested, which when compared with the estimated dietary exposure, resulted in a margin of exposure of at least 901. A homology search for the amino acid sequence of the food enzyme to known allergens was made and one match with a wheat allergen was found. The Panel considered that the risk of allergic reactions by dietary exposure cannot be excluded, especially in wheat‐allergic individuals, but the likelihood is low. Based on the data provided, the Panel concluded that this food enzyme does not give rise to safety concerns under the intended conditions of use.

Abstract The food enzyme endonuclease (Aspergillus nuclease S1; EC 3.1.30.1) is produced with the non‐genetically modified Penicillium citrinum strain NP 11–15 by Shin Nihon Chemical Co., Ltd. The food enzyme is free from viable cells of the production organism. It is intended to be used in the processing of yeast and yeast products. Dietary exposure to the food enzyme–total organic solids (TOS) was estimated to be up to 0.006 mg TOS/kg body weight (bw) per day in European populations. Genotoxicity tests did not indicate a safety concern. The systemic toxicity was assessed by means of a repeated dose 90‐day oral toxicity study in rats. The Panel identified a no observed adverse effect level of 1010 mg TOS/kg bw per day, the highest dose tested, which when compared with the estimated dietary exposure, resulted in a margin of exposure of at least 168,333. A search for homology of the amino acid sequence of the food enzyme to known allergens was made and no match was found. The Panel considered that the risk of allergic reactions by dietary exposure cannot be excluded, especially for individuals allergic to Penicillium. However, the likelihood of such reactions will not exceed the likelihood of allergic reactions to Penicillium. Based on the data provided, the Panel concluded that this food enzyme does not give rise to safety concerns under the intended conditions of use.

Este artigo convida a pensar a perspectiva pós-estruturalista nas pesquisas educacionais, em específico no campo da educação de surdos, no cenário da educação inclusiva. Para tanto, procurou movimentar, a partir de um estudo de mestrado, o conceito de trajetividade de Virilio (1993) como um operador teórico-metodológico alinhado a uma perspectiva pós-estruturalista, enquanto potência na composição de uma escrita-vida-pesquisa que se ocupa de pensar os modos de produção de uma docência e educação outra com surdos na escola comum. Mobiliza-se a potência deste conceito, reconhecendo a produção de uma docência trajetiva na educação e na pesquisa como modos outros de docência e educação de surdos, como possibilidade de tensionamento das relações de saber-poder-verdade. A trajetividade, enquanto caminho teórico-metodológico, acolhe a escrita ensaística como (de)formação de um eu que vai constituindo-se trajetivo com outros-juntos e com suas relações na educação, produzindo sua existência-docência pela andarilhagem da escrita-vida-pesquisa que compõe. A professora-pesquisadora-trajetiva operou novas relações consigo, com o outro e com os processos de escolarização na escola comum à medida que se colocou em trajetividade com as experiências-marcas de sua docência. Elegeram-se alguns recortes da trajetividade no processo investigativo de mestrado para anunciar a possibilidade de experimentar modos investigativos outros, que possam transgredir caminhos de pesquisa fixos, hegemônicos e estruturalizantes. Dessa forma, o artigo anuncia a trajetividade como um movimento que se faz ao caminhar no entre de uma vida-pesquisa, compondo um devir-pesquisa pelo exercício da escrita ensaística. Diante disso, propõe-se o convite-desejo de acolher a trajetividade como possibilidade de uma moviment(ação) subjetiva de pensamento e de relações nos contextos educacionais. Também, apresenta-se a trajetividade como possibilidade de fratura e transgressão aos processos investigativos dominantes de se fazer pesquisa pelo movimento ético e estético de vida que ela assume.

RESUMO Apresentamos, aqui, uma discussão a partir dos textos que compõem o Dossiê intitulado: DESAFIOS GLOBAIS E LOCAIS DA EDUCAÇÃO ESPECIAL NA PERSPECTIVA DA EDUCAÇÃO INCLUSIVA: POTENCIALIDADE DE UMA CARTOGRAFIA EM CONSTRUÇÃO. O objetivo é construir uma cartografia internacional e nacional de como, na área da Educação Especial, a Educação Inclusiva tem sido recontextualizada nas políticas e nas práticas de diferentes estados brasileiros e diferentes países. Conseguimos unir, nesse material, uma entrevista internacional, cinco artigos internacionais e quatro textos nacionais, tecendo um panorama de arranjos locais muito distintos e que nos brindam com miríades complexas sobre a inclusão educacional. Do ponto de vista temático, o Dossiê discute temas emergentes, centrando-se em políticas e práticas de Educação Inclusiva no campo da Educação Especial, a saber: formação de professores, escolarização de pessoas com deficiências e políticas de Educação Inclusiva na Educação Especial contemporânea.

RESUMO Neste artigo, apresentamos um retrato sobre as políticas de Educação Inclusiva na Educação Especial. Analisamos a produção científica, políticas educacionais e a realidade educacional atual, considerando os 16 anos da Política Nacional de Educação Especial na Perspectiva da Educação Inclusiva. Em termos metodológicos, analisamos documentos federais e o Censo Escolar produzidos pelo Instituto Nacional de Estudos e Pesquisas Educacionais Anísio Teixeira (Inep), assim como a produção científica da Revista Brasileira de Educação Especial (RBEE). Os achados foram cotejados com dados qualitativos produzidos em redes de ensino que integram o Fórum Permanente de Educação Especial na Perspectiva da Educação Inclusiva da Baixada e Sul Fluminense, Rio de Janeiro. Os resultados indicam um conjunto de desafios na garantia da Educação Inclusiva no âmbito da Educação Especial: percalços no oferecimento dos apoios educacionais, fragilidades de políticas/programas intersetoriais, iniquidade educacional e problemas teóricos e práticos da concepção de Educação Inclusiva na Educação Especial.

Apesar de a evolução biológica significar e integrar a Biologia, são identificadas lacunas e dificuldades conceituais relacionados a essa temática. Assim, o objetivo desta pesquisa foi verificar concepções equivocadas de licenciandos em Ciências Biológicas sobre processos evolutivos por meio de situações ilustradas em cartoons. Os dados foram coletados por meio de questionários online com todas as turmas de professores em formação inicial em Ciências Biológicas de uma Instituição de Ensino Superior do Noroeste do Rio Grande do Sul durante uma aula inaugural do curso em 2022. O questionário tinha 14 questões e as perguntas foram apresentadas em forma de cartoons, os quais abordavam determinadas situações e personagens que opinavam sobre as mesmas, sendo que os acadêmicos escolhiam a fala mais adequada para a situação. Foram selecionadas as duas questões com maior divergência para serem analisadas neste estudo. Treze licenciandos responderam ao questionário, sendo que apenas quatro acertaram a primeira questão, que tratava de eventos aleatórios da evolução, e três, a segunda, que abordava a adaptação. Embora este trabalho apresente limitações, identificam-se dificuldades na compreensão de conceitos evolutivos, o que pode dificultar o processo de ensino e aprendizagem de evolução biológica em sala de aula, e expor lacunas na formação.

Background Cerebrovascular events remain one of the most devastating complications of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Data from real‐world contemporary cohorts on longitudinal trends and outcomes remain limited. The aim of this study was to assess incidence, temporal trends, predictors, and outcomes of cerebrovascular events following transfemoral TAVI. Methods and Results The CENTER2 (Cerebrovascular Events in Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation With Balloon‐Expandable Valves Versus Self‐Expandable Valves 2) study includes patients undergoing TAVI between 2007 and 2022. The database contains pooled patient‐level data from 10 clinical studies. A total of 24 305 patients underwent transfemoral TAVI (mean age 81.5±6.7 years, 56% women, median Society of Thoracic Surgeon Predicted Risk of Mortality 4.9% [3.1%–8.5%]). Of these patients, 2.2% (n=534) experienced stroke in the first 30 days after TAVI, and 40 (0.4%) had a transient ischemic attack. Stroke rates remained stable during the treatment period (2007–2010: 2.1%, 2011–2014: 2.5%, 2015–2018: 2.1%, 2019–2022: 2.1%; Ptrend=0.28). Moreover, 30‐day cerebrovascular event rates were similar across Society of Thoracic Surgeon Predicted Risk of Mortality risk categories: 2.1% in low‐risk, 2.6% in intermediate‐risk, and 2.5% in high‐risk patients (P=0.21). Mortality was higher in patients with 30‐day stroke than without at 30 days (20.3% versus 4.7%; odds ratio, 5.1 [95% CI, 4.1–6.5]; P

En muchas áreas marinas protegidas de Brasil, el turismo ocurre sin planificación, como en la Reserva de Fauna Costera de Tibau do Sul (REFAUTS). En REFAUTS, los turistas utilizan el área de dos pequeñas bahías para realizar diferentes actividades y compartir espacio con delfines. Por lo tanto, el objetivo de este estudio fue caracterizar el flujo turístico en REFAUTS e identificar cuáles áreas son las más frecuentadas por los turistas. Se midió el flujo turístico en REFAUTS por medio de una encuesta realizada entre las 9:00 a. m. y las 4:00 p. m., y se identificaron las zonas más utilizadas por los turistas. REFAUTS recibe a más de 1.400 visitantes por día, la mayoría entre las 11:00 a. m. y las 3:00 p. m., lo que corresponde al tiempo activo del delfín en las bahías. En una misma zona se practican diferentes actividades, como surf, kayak, stand-up paddle, baño y avistamiento de delfines; esta superposición puede generar conflictos socioambientales y efectos negativos sobre los delfines. Se recomienda un plan de zonificación para determinar cuáles áreas deben ser utilizadas por los turistas y establecer áreas exclusivas para delfines.

O objetivo do artigo é refletir sobre possíveis abordagens antirracistas para o ensino de História da África na educação básica através da obra Tudo de bom vai acontecer de Sefi Atta. Está dividido em três tópicos. No primeiro, problematiza-se o campo da História da África a partir da perspectiva dos estudos pós-coloniais e decoloniais. Depois, busca-se pensar sobre a trajetória e os principais questionamentos elencados pela Educação para as Relações Étnico-Raciais, conectando-os ao ensino de História da África. Por fim, no terceiro tópico, elencam-se as categorias África, mulheres e colonialismo para serem analisadas com Sefi Atta por meio de trechos de Tudo de bom vai acontecer. Ao sugerir o trabalho com Sefi Atta nas escolas a partir de um posicionamento antirracista, considera-se que o ensino de História da África possibilita ações comprometidas com a transformação e a justiça social.

BackgroundOne strategy to prevent adverse effects resulting from chemotherapy treatment is to perform physical exercises during treatment. However, there is still no consensus on the best type and intensity of exercise, nor when it should be started. Most studies have been carried out in patients with breast cancer, usually a few weeks after starting chemotherapy, on an outpatient basis 2 to 3 times a week. The main differences in our study are that we carried out physical training in hospitalized patients undergoing a cycle of chemotherapy for cancer treatment and that this training was carried out 5 times a week and was not restricted to a specific type of cancer. ObjectiveWe aimed to evaluate the effects of aerobic training on symptoms related to chemotherapy (nausea, vomiting, asthenia, and sensation of weakness), fatigue, mobility, clinical complications, and length of hospital stay of patients during the drug treatment cycle. We also evaluated patient satisfaction with the proposed intervention, the adverse effects of aerobics training, and the cost-effectiveness of this intervention. MethodsThis is a controlled and randomized trial with blinded evaluation that will include 94 hospitalized patients with cancer for 1 or more cycles of chemotherapy. The intervention group will perform aerobic training during a cycle of chemotherapy. The control group will receive a booklet with guidelines for staying active during the hospitalization period. The groups will be compared using a linear mixed model for fatigue, mobility, and chemotherapy-related symptoms before and after the intervention. The length of hospital stay will also be compared between groups using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. The incidence of complications will be compared using the χ2 test. Cost-effectiveness and cost-utility analyses will be performed for the impact of exercise and quality-adjusted life years with the EQ-5D-3L-21 quality of life trials. The implementation variables (acceptability, suitability, and feasibility) will be evaluated by frequencies. ResultsThe clinical trial registration was approved in March 2023. Recruitment and data collection for the trial are ongoing, and the results of this study are likely to be published in late 2025. ConclusionsChemotherapy has side effects that negatively impact the quality of life of patients with cancer. Aerobic exercise can reduce these side effects in a simple and inexpensive way. The field of work of physical therapists could be expanded to oncology if the intervention works. Trial RegistrationRegistro Brasileiro de Ensaios Clínicos RBR-6b4zwx3; https://tinyurl.com/39c4c7wz International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)DERR1-10.2196/60828

Este estudo teve como objetivo conhecer a percepção da mãe sobre o envolvimento do pai na vida do(a) filho(a) que apresenta o diagnóstico de Transtorno do Espectro Autista (TEA). Participaram da pesquisa 27 mães de crianças com TEA. Realizou-se entrevista semiestruturada, que foi gravada e transcrita na íntegra. Após a leitura, o material obtido foi submetido à análise de conteúdo, com base no conceito de envolvimento paterno. As categorias finais foram delineadas, considerando os três aspectos que compõem o conceito: acessibilidade, responsabilidade e interação. Os resultados revelaram que a percepção das mães sobre o envolvimento paterno varia de caso a caso. Algumas referiram não haver envolvimento do pai; a maioria sinalizou envolvimento parcial e poucas, um envolvimento total, o qual abarcaria as três instâncias estudadas. Percebeu-se que ao relatar um bom envolvimento dos pais, as mães também mencionaram harmonia e diálogo no relacionamento do casal. Por isso, é possível supor que o envolvimento parental do pai está relacionado com a presença de preditores de satisfação conjugal e a boa aceitação do pai quanto ao diagnóstico de TEA. Assim, na ausência de envolvimento ou quando ele ocorre parcialmente, a mãe tende a assumir ainda mais o atendimento às necessidades do(a) filho(a), podendo haver a sobrecarga de responsabilidades e, por isso, mais riscos de desenvolver um transtorno psíquico.

Abstract The food enzyme β‐glucosidase (β‐D‐glucoside glucohydrolase; EC 3.2.1.21) is produced with the non‐genetically modified Penicillium guanacastense strain AE‐GLY by Amano Enzyme Inc. The food enzyme is intended to be used in four food manufacturing processes. Dietary exposure to the food enzyme‐total organic solids (TOS) was estimated to be up to 4.054 mg TOS/kg body weight (bw) per day in European populations. Genotoxicity tests did not raise a safety concern. The systemic toxicity was assessed by means of a repeated dose 90‐day oral toxicity study in rats. The Panel identified a no observed adverse effect level of 943 mg TOS/kg bw per day, the highest dose tested, which when compared with the estimated dietary exposure, resulted in a margin of exposure of at least 233. A search for the similarity of the amino acid sequence of the food enzyme to known allergens was made and no match was found. The Panel considered that the risk of allergic reactions by dietary exposure cannot be excluded, but the likelihood is low. Based on the data provided, the Panel concluded that this food enzyme does not give rise to safety concerns under the intended conditions of use.

Abstract The food enzyme 3‐phytase (myo‐inositol‐hexakisphosphate 3‐phosphohydrolase EC 3.1.3.8) is produced with the non‐genetically modified Aspergillus niger strain PHY93‐08 by Shin Nihon Chemical Co., Ltd. The food enzyme is free from viable cells of the production organism. It is intended to be used in nine food manufacturing processes. Since residual amounts of food enzyme–total organic solids (TOS) are removed in two of the food manufacturing processes, dietary exposure was calculated only for the remaining seven processes. It was estimated to be up to 0.763 mg TOS/kg body weight (bw) per day in European populations. Genotoxicity tests did not raise safety concerns. The systemic toxicity was assessed by means of a repeated dose 90‐day oral toxicity study in rats. The Panel identified a no observed adverse effect level of 2560 mg TOS/kg bw per day, the highest dose tested, which when compared with the estimated dietary exposure, resulted in a margin of exposure of at least 3355. A search for the similarity of the amino acid sequence of the food enzyme to known allergens was made and no matches were found. The Panel considered that the risk of allergic reactions upon dietary exposure cannot be excluded, but the likelihood is low. Based on the data provided, the Panel concluded that this food enzyme does not give rise to safety concerns under the intended conditions of use.

Abstract The food enzyme lysophospholipase (2‐lysophosphatidylcholine acylhydrolase, EC 3.1.1.5) is produced with the genetically modified Trichoderma reesei strain DP‐Nyc81 by Genencor International B.V. The genetic modifications do not give rise to safety concerns. The food enzyme is free from viable cells of the production organism and its DNA. It is intended to be used in the processing of cereals and other grains for the production of glucose syrups and other starch hydrolysates. Since residual amounts of food enzyme–total organic solids are removed during these food manufacturing processes, dietary exposure was not calculated and toxicological studies were considered unnecessary. A search for the identity of the amino acid sequence of the food enzyme to known allergens was made and no match was found. The Panel considered that the risk of allergic reactions upon dietary exposure cannot be excluded, but the likelihood is low. Based on the data provided, the Panel concluded that this food enzyme does not give rise to safety concerns, under the intended conditions of use.

ABSTRACT Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a self-assessment questionnaire for hirsutism using the latest cutoff values recommended by the Endocrine Society (ES) for Latin-American women and by the European Society for Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE). Subject and methods Female premenopausal outpatients (n = 188) completed a self-assessment questionnaire, scoring hair presence across the nine areas evaluated by the modified Ferriman-Gallwey (mFG) scale. The results were compared with clinician-assessed scores rated independently by two trained physicians. Scores in the Hirsuta questionnaire, derived from self-assessment of five areas of the mFG scale, were also evaluated. Results The ethnic composition of the sample was as follows: 23.1% white, 25.8% black, 48.9% mixed, and 2.1% other backgrounds (Indigenous, Asian). The participants had age and BMI of (mean ± standard deviation) 33.7 ± 9.9 years and 29.8 ± 7.21 kg/m2, respectively. The most common areas of excessive hair growth were the chin, upper and lower abdomen, and thighs. Relative to clinician-assessed mFG scores, self-assessed mFG scores had an accuracy of 80% using ES criteria for hirsutism diagnosis, with a sensitivity of 95.45%, specificity of 56.25%, positive predictive value of 30.10%, and negative predictive value of 98.40%. Self-assessed mFG had lower accuracy (71%) for diagnosing hirsutism when the ESHRE criteria were applied. Conclusions Self-assessed mFG had low specificity, limiting its application. The results of this study do not support the use of the self-assessed mFG or Hirsuta scores for diagnosing hirsutism in a clinical setting, although both scoring systems may be useful for screening hirsutism in epidemiological studies.

O presente artigo objetiva analisar os fundamentos políticos-filosóficos globais que, por meio das organizações multilaterais, influenciam na concepção e elaboração da Política Nacional de Educação Especial Orientada para a Inclusão Escolar em Angola. A pesquisa foi realizada com base em uma abordagem qualitativa, a partir do método da Abordagem do Ciclo de Políticas (ACP) e da Teoria de Atuação Política (TAP) de Ball, Maguire e Braun (2016). Para a sua realização, foram analisados diferentes documentos e ações internacionais da Organização das Nações Unidas (ONU), que servem de principais suportes de embasamento do ordenamento jurídico de toda a política angolana voltada à inclusão escolar da pessoa com deficiência. Os resultados evidenciam que, apesar dos importantes contributos das agências especializadas da ONU no desenvolvimento da Educação Especial e Inclusiva, a desconsideração dos saberes e das necessidades locais geraram incompatibilidades entre as políticas adotadas, a partir de uma agenda global face ao contexto local da prática.

This survey explores the transformative role of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) in enhancing the trustworthiness, reliability, and security of autonomous systems such as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), self-driving cars, and robotic arms. As edge robots become increasingly integrated into daily life and critical infrastructure, the complexity and connectivity of these systems introduce formidable challenges in ensuring security, resilience, and safety. GenAI advances from mere data interpretation to autonomously generating new data, proving critical in complex, context-aware environments like edge robotics. Our survey delves into the impact of GenAI technologies—including Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs), Variational Autoencoders (VAEs), Transformer-based models, and Large Language Models (LLMs)—on cybersecurity, decision-making, and the development of resilient architectures. We categorize existing research to highlight how these technologies address operational challenges and innovate predictive maintenance, anomaly detection, and adaptive threat response. Our comprehensive analysis distinguishes this work from existing reviews by mapping out the applications, challenges, and technological advancements of GenAI and their impact on creating secure frameworks for autonomous systems. We discuss significant challenges and future directions for integrating these technologies within security frameworks to address the evolving landscape of cyber-physical threats, underscoring the potential of GenAI to make autonomous systems more adaptive, secure, and efficient.

The early detection of neurodevelopmental disorders in newborns is of utmost importance in clinical practice. Recently, to predict the neurodevelopment scores in preterms, Artificial Intelligence (AI) methods have been proposed mainly based on Electroencephalographic (EEG) or heart rate variability (HRV) analysis. In this work, HRV measures of preterm newborns with and without Sepsis are computed and used as input features of AI regression models. The study assesses the reliability of such features in predicting BAYLEY-III scores obtained during the clinical follow-up at 6- and 12-months. Forty-eight preterms (gestational age $27.8{\pm }1.8$ weeks) were involved, 27 of which were diagnosed with Sepsis. HRV analysis was performed on ECG signals recorded at the corrected term age. BAYLEY-III score prediction was implemented, considering HRV features as input predictors of ensemble regression models. Models were validated using the Leave-One-Subject-Out (LOSO) framework. Encouraging results were achieved, with a Mean Absolute Error (MAE) < 5 points for the Sepsis group in the BAYLEY-III cognitive and language scales at 6- and 12-months. Preliminary results suggested that the autonomic nervous system development may be linked to central nervous system maturation. HRV features, and AI regression models could predict alterations that affect the correct neurodevelopment of newborns.

The advanced control technique Model predictive control (MPC) is gaining popularity in power electronics for converters with distributed energy resources. It combines closed-loop control and minimizes errors and control effort. As a model-based control technique, MPC's performance can degrade due to plant disturbances, such as parametric errors or large perturbations in grid voltage or load current. Our research used an MPC with modulation on a converter connected to the grid with an inductive filter for integrating renewable energy sources. The margin of robust stability (RS), derived from the singular Value Decomposition (SVD), provides a theoretical investigation of the robustness of the MPC controller tuning in dependency on the cost function weight factors and the time horizons. In the experiments conducted on a 2 kW workbench, it was confirmed that the proposed controller is stable and robust in nominal and under severe parametric uncertainty conditions, addressing the power quality criteria defined in IEEE Std. 519-2014. The experimental results show that the proposed MPC controller tuning outperforms the classical PI current controller in nominal conditions and is more robust to uncertainty in the passive filter of the grid-connected converter.

Full-dynamics model predictive control (MPC) has recently been applied to quadrupedal locomotion in semi-unstructured environments. These advances have been fueled by the availability of efficient trajectory optimization (TO) algorithms and inexpensive computational power. The main advantages of full-dynamics MPC are (i) enabling complex locomotion manoeuvres, (ii) considering actuation limits, and (iii) improving robot stability. However, to make the TO problem sufficiently simple to be solved at run time, reference swing foot trajectories are usually tracked in the MPC formulation. These trajectories are often computed independently of the motion of the joints, limiting the approach generality and capability. To address this limitation, we present a full-dynamics MPC formulation that does not require reference swing-foot trajectories, featuring a novel cost function targeting swing foot motion and considering environmental information. Removing the need for reference swing foot trajectories, our approach can also automatically adjust footstep locations, as long as the contact surfaces are predefined. We have validated our MPC formulation through simulations and experiments on the ANYmal B robot. Our approach has similar computational efficiency to state-of-the-art formulations, while displaying superior push-recovery capabilities on various terrains.

Our study was designed to develop a customisable, wearable, and comfortable medical device – the text so-called “MyPAD” that monitors the fullness of the bladder, triggering an alarm indicating the need to void, in order to prevent badwetting – i.e., treating Nocturnal Enuresis (NE) at the text pre-void stage using miniaturised mechatronics with Artificial Intelligence (AI). The developed features include: multiple bespoke ultrasound (US) probes for sensing, a bespoke electronic device housing custom US electronics for signal processing, a bedside alarm box for processing the echoed pulses and generating alarms, and a phantom to mimic the human body. The validation of the system is conducted on the text tissue-mimicking phantom and volunteers using Bidirectional Long Short-Term Memory Recurrent Neural Networks (Bi-LSTM-RNN) and Reinforcement Learning (RL). A Se value of 99% and a Sp value of 99.5% with an overall accuracy rate of 99.3% are observed. The obtained results demonstrate successful empirical evidence for the viability of the device, both in monitoring bladder expansion to determine voiding need and in reinforcing the continuous learning and customisation of the device for bladder control through consecutive uses. Clinical impact: MyPAD will treat the NE better and efficiently against other techniques currently used (e.g., post-void alarms) and will i) replace those techniques quickly considering sufferers’ condition while being treated by other approaches, and ii) enable children to gain control of incontinence over time and consistently have dry nights. Category: Early/Pre-Clinical Research

Abstract Objective To evaluate the continuation rates of the 52-mg levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) during the first 5 years of use, reasons for its discontinuation, bleeding patterns, and new contraceptive choice after the 5th year, in adolescents and young women. Methods The present study was a 5-year prospective cohort conducted in a Family Planning Service of a tertiary hospital in Brazil. We selected 100 healthy women between 15 and 24 years old who used 52-mg LNG-IUS for contraception. The clinical follow-up of these women took place from June 2017 to December 2022. The study evaluated the continuation rates of the method, reasons for its discontinuation, bleeding patterns, and new contraceptive choice after the 5th year. Continuous data were reported as mean ± standard deviation (SD) and range (minimum-maximum). Categorical variables were described as percentages. Results The continuation rates of LNG-IUS were 89.1% (82/92), 82.9% (72/87), 75.3% (64/85), 70.5% (60/85), and 64.2% (54/84) in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th years of use, respectively. The main reason for discontinuation was acne (11/30). Amenorrhea rates were 50, 54.1, 39, 35.7, and 51.8% at 12, 24, 36, 48, and 60 months, respectively. All patients who completed the study and needed contraception after the 5th year opted for long-acting contraceptive methods (LARC). Conclusion The LNG-IUS showed high continuation rates in adolescents and young women in the first 5 years of use. Most patients who completed the study chose a LARC method after the 5th year.

Laboratory-scale experiments were conducted on Carboniferous Limestone gravels from the Mendip Hills area, England; sandstones from the Pirambóia and Botucatu formations, Paraná sedimentary basin, Brazil; samples of schist and quartzite from Caldas Novas Hydrothermal Complex, Brazil; and the minerals tantalite, cassiterite, and columbite from mining areas at Rio Grande do Norte State, Brazil, with the purpose of evaluating the release of 222Rn to the water phase. The specific surface area of the samples corresponded to 1.69–81.36 cm2g−1, which provided values of 0.001–1.68 dpm/g and 3.18 × 10−6 to 0.59 for the radon released and radon emanation coefficient, respectively. These results allowed us to calculate the radon flux with respect to the radon leakage, which corresponded to values of 0.00016–0.00158 Bq/m2/d for the denser materials and 0.018–0.43 Bq/m2/d for limestones and sandstones. They also permitted us to find an inverse, significant relationship between the radon generated by the minerals/rocks and the radon flux into the water phase, which was tested for sediments in coastal and inland Brazilian areas, demonstrating utility for evaluating the diffusive radon flux from the sediments, which is an important parameter to monitor submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) by means of radon as a natural tracer.

Studies have demonstrated the susceptibility of companion animals to natural infection with SARS-CoV-2. Using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and sequencing analyses, this study investigated SARS-CoV-2 RNA excretion in pets in households with infected owners. Oropharyngeal and rectal swabs were collected from dogs and cats in Parana, Southern Brazil, between October 2020 and April 2021. Viral RNA was detected in 25% of cats and 0.98% of dog oropharyngeal swabs; however, systemic, respiratory, and gastrointestinal signs were absent. Complete viral genomes belonged to the Gamma lineage. Phylogenetic analyses indicated that pet samples were probably derived from human-positive cases in Parana. Viral excretion in the oropharynx was more frequent in cats than in dogs. Mutations in the S protein characteristic of Gamma strains were present in all sequenced SARS-CoV-2 strains. The receptor-binding domain of these Brazilian strains did not show any additional mutations not reported in the Gamma strains. Mutations in NSP6, NSP12, and N proteins previously mapped to strains that infect deer or minks were detected. This study highlights the importance of actively monitoring the SARS-CoV-2 strains that infect pets with continued viral exposure. Monitoring genetic changes is crucial because new variants adapted to animals may pose human health risks.

Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) represents a cornerstone of antiplatelet therapy for the treatment of atherosclerotic coronary artery disease (CAD). ASA is in fact indicated in case of an acute coronary syndrome or after a percutaneous coronary intervention with stent implantation. Aspirin hypersensitivity is frequently reported by patients, and this challenging situation requires a careful evaluation of the true nature of the presumed sensitivity and of its mechanisms, as well as to differentiate it from a more frequent (and more easily manageable) aspirin intolerance. Two main strategies are available to allow ASA administration for patients with CAD and suspected ASA hypersensitivity: a low-dose ASA challenge, aimed at assessing the tolerability of ASA at the antiplatelet dose of 100 mg, and desensitization, a therapeutic procedure which aims to induce tolerance to ASA. For those patients who cannot undergo ASA challenge and desensitization due to previous serious adverse reactions, or for those in whom desensitization was unsuccessful, a number of further alternative strategies are available, even if these have not been validated and approved by guidelines. The aim of this state-of-the-art review is therefore to summarize the established evidence regarding pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of aspirin hypersensitivity and to provide a practical guide for cardiologists (and clinicians) who have to face the not uncommon situation of a patient with concomitant coronary artery disease and aspirin hypersensitivity.

Papillomaviruses (PVs) are oncogenic and infect the skin and mucosa of various host species. Considering the recent advances in research on PVs using rolling circle amplification (RCA) followed by high-throughput sequencing (HTS), in this study, we aimed to investigate the bovine papillomavirus (BPV) types associated with proliferative lesions in the upper alimentary tract of an affected bull and characterize the viral strains through complete genome sequencing using this strategy. We analyzed the PV strains associated with two hyperplastic esophageal lesions through PCR using degenerate primer pairs and RCA, followed by HTS. HTS of the libraries generated using RCA products provided the whole genome sequence of BPV4 present in squamous papilloma, whereas the complete genome sequence of BPV2 and subgenomic fragments of BPV4 were identified in carcinoma in situ (CIS). For the first time, we have sequenced BPV2 identified from the CIS of the bovine upper alimentary canal. Additionally, RCA followed by HTS allowed characterization of the mixed infection by BPV2 and BPV4 in this lesion. These data reveal that BPV4 is not the only BPV type present in CIS of the esophageal mucous membrane; moreover, a mixed infection caused by BPV2 and BPV4 at the tested anatomical site was demonstrated.