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Summary: Background: Paediatric acute bronchiolitis normally occurs from October to April in the temperate northern hemisphere, peaking in January. Nonpharmacological measures to control the spread of COVID-19 resulted in a decrease in the number of cases of bronchiolitis during the 2020–21 season. The discontinuation of these measures created an uncertain scenario. Aim: To describe the epidemiological evolution of acute bronchiolitis seasons and the changes in the demographics of the affected population before, during, and after the implementation of nonpharmacological interventions for COVID-19 in Spain. Methods: This was a multicentre and descriptive study. A total of 6,334 infants aged up to 12 months who were diagnosed with acute bronchiolitis were recruited from sixteen Spanish hospitals. We collected data from participants from September 1st, 2021, through August 31st, 2023, as part of the ECEALHBA research project. The study periods were before (P1), during (P2), and after (P3) the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings: In P2 and after the discontinuation of nonpharmacological interventions, an unexpected increase in the number of acute bronchiolitis cases was observed from June–August 2021, resulting in an out-of-season peak. A subsequent peak was observed in November 2021, earlier than expected for the 2021-22 season. In the 2022-23 season, admissions followed a historical trend, with a greater number of cases than in the two previous seasons. Statistically significant differences in the length of stay (p

Objective: Canine distemper virus (CDV) is a highly infectious virus that represents a threat for domestic dogs and several wild species. Despite recognized in several African countries, current knowledge of its molecular epidemiology is scarce and poorly updated. Design: Twenty-two hemagglutinin sequences, obtained from symptomatic Namibian dogs from 2020 to 2023, were analysed through phylogenetic and phylodynamic analysis to characterize the local CDV epidemiology and contextualize it in the international scenario. Results: Two unrelated clades were identified, including strains sampled in different Namibian towns, in the absence of a strong geographical clustering. The ancestors of the two clades were estimated to have originated from South America, likely Brazil, and South Africa, approximately in 2000 and 2006, respectively. While the introduction from South Africa was predictable, the introduction from Brazil was unexpected. The mediation of other African countries, particularly Angola, appears to be the most likely importation pathway. Conclusions: The occurrence of multiple introduction events, likely originating from cross-border illegal animal trade between African countries, and the absence of any geographical clustering within Namibian regions, suggest a need for further investigation into its spreading pattern, as well as improved biosecurity measures to limit foreign viral introduction into the country.

The present study investigated the seropositivity rate of Hepatitis E virus (HEV) in domestic and working animals in Namibia, which included dogs, cats, horses, and donkeys. HEV poses a growing threat as a significant cause of human hepatitis globally and has several genotypes of varying zoonotic potential. As epidemiological data on the seroprevalence of HEV in Namibia is scarce, a serosurvey was conducted on archived serum samples of 374 dogs, 238 cats, 98 horses, and 60 donkeys collected between 2018 and 2022 from different regions, to assess the potential of these animals as sources of HEV infection. The findings revealed that 10.43% (n = 39/374) canine and 5.88% (n = 14/238) feline samples tested positive for HEV antibodies, whereas no seropositivity was detected in horses and donkeys. The study further examined the risk factors associated with HEV seropositivity, including animal sex, age, and geographical region, and noted a higher prevalence in dogs living in areas with intensive pig farming. Although there is no direct evidence indicating that these animals served as major reservoirs for HEV transmission to humans, the study underscores the importance of preventive measures to minimize contact exposure with pets considering the potential zoonotic risk, especially for susceptible risk groups. Further research is needed to explore the zoonotic potential of domestic animals and the epidemiological links between animal and human HEV transmissions in Namibia.

Introduction There are few studies about how people with intellectual disability (ID) perceive their own quality of life (QoL), with research being focus, mainly, in the opinion of caregivers and/or family. Thinking about QoL, the World Health Organization developed an instrument that measures QoL, the WHOQOL. In Brazil, this instrument was adapted, validated and translated for people with ID and their caregivers. Objectives The aim of this study was to increase knowledge and understanding of how people with ID perceive their own QoL. Methods This study was approved by the Ethics and Research Committee. Sample of 51 individuals aged between 19 and 54 years (G1), with medical diagnosis of ID, who did not present physical/mental disabilities and/or mental disorders and 31 caregivers (G2). G1 answered the WHOQOL-DIS-ID questionnaire and G2 answered the WHOQOL-DISID Proxy questionnaire. The results were statistically analyzed considering p-value ≤ 0.05. Results The individuals with ID presented higher score on the psychological and lower score in the discrimination domain. The caregivers presented higher scores on the physical and lower scores in the autonomy domain. Regard the comparison between self-perception and the perception of caregivers, on Table 1, it was possible to observe significant differences in Psychological, Social, Environmental and all domains for the Disabilities Module. Table 1. Correlation between Domains Domain Mean G1 Mean G2 SD G1 SD G2 Median G1 Median G2 P value Physical Capacity 72,3 68,8 17,1 19,1 78,5 71,4 0,32 Psychological 80,1 67,7 17,5 17,9 83,3 66,6

The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed individuals to various risks, including job loss, income reduction, deteriorating well-being, and severe health complications and death. In Brazil and the U.S., as well as in other countries, the initial response to the pandemic was marked by governmental underestimation, leading to inadequate public health measures to curb the spread of the virus. Although progressively mitigated, this approach played a crucial role in the impacts on local populations. Therefore, the principal aim of this paper is to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 and, indirectly, of the policies adopted by the U.S. and the Brazilian governments to prevent pandemic diffusion on income distribution. Utilizing available microdata and employing novel econometric methods (RIF-regression for inequality measures) this study shows that growth in COVID-19 prevalence significantly exacerbates economic disparities. Furthermore, the impact of COVID-19 on inequality has increased over time, suggesting that this negative impact has been intensifying. In the U.S., results indicate that working from home, the inability to work, and barriers to job-seeking significantly increase inequalities. Although further data are necessary to validate the hypothesis, this preliminary evidence suggests that the pandemic has significantly contributed to increased inequality in these two countries already characterized by increasing polarization and significant social disparities.

IntroductionThe swine sector in Africa plays an important role in local economies, contributing to poverty alleviation and community subsistence. In addition, intensive farming is progressively becoming more important in the region. Therefore, any disease affecting swine populations can have detrimental effects on local communities. Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) is among the most important infectious diseases affecting swine worldwide, but information on its epidemiology in Africa is extremely limited.Material and methodsIn the present study, 147 healthy butchered pigs, originating from 15 Namibian intensive and rural farms were tested by RT-PCR and the ORF7 genes of positive samples were sequenced for further genetic characterization and phylogenetic analysis. Additionally, 55 warthogs were also evaluated using the same approach.ResultsOverall, 7 out of 147 pigs (4.76%) tested positive, all originating from 3 rural farms (with a within-herd detection frequency higher than 14%) characterized by strong epidemiological links. All industrial pig and warthog samples were negative. Sequence analysis revealed that all strains belonged to the Betaarterivirus suid1 species, previously known as PRRSV type I, and were likely imported from Europe at least 6 years ago, evolving independently thereafter. When and how the first introduction occurred could not be determined due to the absence of other African sequences for comparison.DiscussionThe present work provides the first detection and characterization of PRRSV molecular epidemiology in Namibia. Based on the present findings, the presence of the PPRSV appears marginal and limited to backyard farms. While biosecurity measures applied in industrial farms appear to be effective in preventing viral introduction, PRRSV circulation in rural settings still represents a potential threat, and considering the socio-economical implication of livestock diseases decreasing animal performances in rural areas, active monitoring should be encouraged to promptly act against emerging menaces and guarantee the welfare of local pig populations.

It is common to see cases in which, when performing tasks in close vision in front of a digital screen, the posture or position of the head is not adequate, especially in young people; it is essential to have a correct posture of the head to avoid visual, muscular, or joint problems. Most of the current systems to control head inclination require an external part attached to the subject’s head. The aim of this study is the validation of a procedure that, through a detection algorithm and eye tracking, can control the correct position of the head in real time when subjects are in front of a digital device. The system only needs a digital device with a CCD receiver and downloadable software through which we can detect the inclination of the head, indicating if a bad posture is adopted due to a visual problem or simply inadequate visual–postural habits, alerting us to the postural anomaly to correct it.The system was evaluated in subjects with disparate interpupillary distances, at different working distances in front of the digital device, and at each distance, different tilt angles were evaluated. The system evaluated favorably in different lighting environments, correctly detecting the subjects’ pupils. The results showed that for most of the variables, particularly good absolute and relative reliability values were found when measuring head tilt with lower accuracy than most of the existing systems. The evaluated results have been positive, making it a considerably inexpensive and easily affordable system for all users. It is the first application capable of measuring the head tilt of the subject at their working or reading distance in real time by tracking their eyes.

RESUMO O Transtorno do Espectro Autista (TEA) é classificado pelo Manual de Diagnóstico e Estatístico de Transtornos Mentais (DSM-5) como um Transtorno do Neurodesenvolvimento, sendo caracterizado, principalmente, por alterações na comunicação social e pela presença de um repertório restrito de atividades e interesses. Na literatura, há muitos estudos sobre autismo, fala e linguagem, mas poucos correlacionando fala e autismo. Este estudo teve como finalidade realizar um estudo de caso que abordou autismo, fala e PROMPT (Pontos para a Reestruturação de Objetivos Fonéticos e Oro-Musculares) e mensurou a melhora da fala no participante com autismo, utilizando o método. Foram definidas palavras-alvo para toda a intervenção, conforme o Sistema de Observação e Análise (SOA) e Hierarquia Motora de Fala (HMF), que fazem parte da avaliação de PROMPT. Após a avaliação, o participante foi atendido por 16 sessões, uma vez semanalmente. Após análise dos dados, observou-se melhora em todos os aspectos que foram delineados de acordo com a avaliação no pré-tratamento, como controle fonatório, controle mandibular, controle lábio-facial e controle lingual, como também no movimento sequenciado, apesar deste não ser o objetivo traçado na avaliação. Também foi possível mensurar melhora no número de vocábulos adequados, número de fonemas adequados, porcentagens de consoantes corretas – revisado (PCC-R) e inteligibilidade.

ABSTRACTIn January 2022, significant mortality was observed among Cape cormorants (Phalacrocorax capensis) on the west coast of Namibia. Samples collected were shown to be positive for H5N1 avian influenza by multiplex RT-qPCR. Full genome analysis and phylogenetic analysis identified the viruses as belonging to clade 2.3.4.4b and that it clustered with similar viruses identified in Lesotho and Botswana in 2021. This is the first genomic characterization of H5N1 viruses in Namibia and has important implications for poultry disease management and wildlife conservation in the region.

Introduction:There is a wide range of seawater products for nasal lavages. Their efficacy and superiority over conventional saline solutions are not well established. Objectives: The aim of this study was to analyse the best-selling seawater products, as well as reviewing the most recent literature regarding nasal lavages. Methods:A comparative study of composition, administration mode, age indicated for its use, price and bibliography provided on the web of the seawater products usually available in pharmacies was performed. Analysis of the bibliography provided and review of the scientic evidence regarding nasal lavages with saline solutions or seawater. Results: 44 products from 11 manufacturers were analysed. The concentration of sodium chloride varies from 0.9% to 2.5%. The most frequent mode of application is spray. The addition of plants, salts and other components is common. Only two brands provide bibliographic references on their website. According to the literature reviewed, both saline solutions and seawater seem especially useful in the treatment of upper respiratory tract infections and allergic rhinitis.Conclusions:There is no solid scientic evidence regarding the benets of nasal lavages. With the current evidence it is not possible to recommend seawater over conventional saline or to establish the optimal concentration of the solution or the most convenient mode of administration. The addition of elements to seawater solutions is not justied enough.

ABSTRACT Purpose: to characterize the population with autism spectrum disorder and the Psychosocial Care Network. Methods: a study conducted with patients presented with autism spectrum disorder up to 18 years old treated at the health network in Taboão da Serra, Brazil. Participants’ data were collected from medical records of the Psychosocial Care Network for Children of that city, authorized by the Municipal Department of Health, and quantitatively analyzed. Results: altogether, there were 237 patients with autism spectrum disorder in the said health network by April 2019. Of these, 188 were treated at the Psychosocial Care Network for Children, 110 of them with weekly therapy. There was a predominance of males (73.63%), age range from 3 to 10 years, with a higher percentage of 5-year old (17.27%) patients, and a mean treatment time of 32 months. The youngest age was 2 years old. Half the sample (50%) had weekly therapy and received homeopathic medication; 24 users (21.81%) were referred by speech-language-hearing therapists and 19 (17.27%), by the school they attended. Final Considerations: although the Psychosocial Care Network for Children is the reference in the region, it is known that this facility alone cannot meet all needs of individuals with autism spectrum disorder. A service network coordinated according to patient’s individual needs and the region's reality would ensure their expected rights, decrease public spending, and enable these users to occupy not only one but many places in society.

Introduction Autism can be described as a mental disorder that displays social interactions and communication impairments as well as a restricted range of activities or interests. Since autism is different for each individual, possible treatments are challenging and should consider individual characteristics at all times. Interactions with peers, family, and teachers are challenging for those with autism as they usually lack behaviors such as eye contact, playing, and talking with other people. It is common to observe sensorial issues as hypersensitivity in these individuals. Patients may have visual, auditive, or even tactile dysfunctions. Dir/Floortime is a comprehensive model that gives theoretical support and methodological approach to lead to development focusing on the development of individual capacities for sensorial organization, motor planning, language, and many abilities that provide a development trail that will help individuals to achieve essential milestones to infants and adolescents. The DIR/Floortime is based on the development as a lifespan event, individual differences, and relationships established with peers and any other people in the child´s context. Objectives The aim of this study was to demonstrate that the DIR/Floortime is a comprehensive method of study and intervention since it matches all necessary characteristics to produce development. Methods It was performed a theoretic approach of both DIR/Floortime and Biological Theory of Human Development in search of basis in a contextualist theory to explain a practical method of intervention. Results Psychological theories about human development are important tools for understanding the way individuals interact with their context and produce changes in biopsychosocial characteristics. The Bioecological theory of Human Development is a contextualist theory that considers the interactions established between individuals through a model called PPCT, with their characteristics with people, objects, and symbols through interactions known as proximal processes, considered to be meaningful interactions, occurring frequently, through a long time. Conclusions The TBDH through the PPCT model can show that the DIR/Floortime presented itself as an efficient method for the treatment of autism since it considers the personal characteristics of the patients, especially their sensory and motor characteristics (Personal Characteristics such as Resource, Demand, and Force). This method has in significant interaction the most efficient way to produce development (equivalent to proximal Proximal Processes), takes into account the contexts where the developing individual attends, especially home, school and therapy, and has time as an essential factor for development to occur. Disclosure of Interest None Declared

Introduction Adolescence presents itself as a phase of life marked by rapid changes produced by different social contexts and in many cases, it can be configured in a stressful situation. The development of a psychosocial support network is of fundamental importance for adolescents to cope with the pressures of life in challenging situations. Many students, especially living in poor communities, face school problems especially because the curriculum fails to provide relevant knowledge to students in a way it can be meaningful and easier to be taught by teachers and learned by students. When students fail at school usually, they tend to blame themselves and as a result they may develop anxiety, social isolation and even depression. Objectives Through the Bioecological Theory of Human Development, we sought to understand the psychosocial support networks of adolescents, whether or not experiencing school problems, considering this to be a challenging event. Methods In this research it was used the Five Fields Map, an instrument that evaluated the psychosocial support network for adolescents. The students with and without school problems filled the map in the beginning of the year and then at the end of the same year while facing a school problem as repeating the whole year because of insufficient grades. Results The number of relationships between students facing and not facing school problems was not different, however, failing students had fewer relationships in the school-church Mesosystem, fewer relationships in the second and third levels in the first and second moments of data collection, and more relationships in level 5 in the second moment. School Home Church Public spaces Rel. Factor Rel. Factor Rel. Factor Rel. Factor Control Beginning 56 5,2 36 4,97 33 6,3 26 6,77 Control End 42 5,26 33 4,94 38 6,6 20 6,7 Total 98 5,23 69 4,97 71 6,45 46 6,74 School problem Beginning 57 5,52 39 5,36 10 6,3 15 5,26 School Problem End 45 5,4 31 5,67 10 6,3 10 5,6 Total 102 5,47 70 5,51 20 6,3 25 5,53 TOTAL 200 5,3 139 5,23 91 6,37 71 6,06 Conclusions Both group of students showed great strength of proximity in their psychosocial support networks, indicating that it provided sufficient support so that the outcome of the failure experience was positive. Disclosure of Interest None Declared

Introduction Adolescence can be seen as a fundamental stage of life for the construction of the subject, resulting from childhood experiences and decisive for adulthood. It is common stressors to appear during adolescence, due to the lack of necessary resources to deal with a stressful problem or event. In this way, the evaluation of a stressful situation by the adolescent is important, because from it he will develop coping strategies that will help him to deal with the problem. Stressful life experiences, whether important events or even common annoyances, threaten the adolescent’s well-being, in addition to being linked to mental health and behavior problems, both internalizing ones, such as isolation, somatic complaints and anxiety/depression, as well as externalizing factors such as breaking rules and aggressive behavior. Romantic relationships are related to a major source of stress in the lives of these young people when conflicts, jealousy, aggression and infidelity occur, and have a great impact on the mental health of the individuals involved. Breakups, for example, have been linked to the onset of clinical depression in adolescents. There are three categories of concern for adolescents: (a) related to achievements, such as success in school or opportunity for success in the future; (b) relationships with colleagues or family members; and (c) social problems such as the environment, poverty and unemployment. Objectives To identify and describe stressful life events in adolescents from public schools in a poor community in Brazil. Methods The study included 64 adolescents, boys (51.56%) and girls (48.43%), aged between 12 and 16 years old (average 13.76%). The Adolescent Perceived Events Scale (APES) was used, which consists of 90 items that correspond to events that may occur in the adolescent’s daily life. Results The most significant stressors for the adolescents in this study were those dealing with the death of close people, such as a friend (100%), a family member (96.29%) and a relative (94.73%). Also appearing as major stressors were “plans that did not work” (91.89%), use of alcohol or drugs by family members (87.5%), loss of a job by parents (75%), imprisonment of a family member (75%), fights with boyfriend or girlfriend (86.66%), breakup (75%) and concern about their own appearance (76.52%). Conclusions Events referring to interpersonal relationships were considered the greatest stressors, with percentages above 80%. The present study contributed to the understanding of adolescents’ perceptions of their life events. In this way, we can understand the relationship between stressors and the coping strategies. Furthermore, it allows the proposition of preventive intervention strategies in the school context. Disclosure of Interest None Declared

Introduction Between January and May 2022, more than 78,248 complaints were registered in Brazil, involving children and adolescents in situations of abuse. (Ministry of Women, Family and Human Rights, 2022). Childhood maltreatment includes all forms of physical, emotional, sexual abuse or neglect. Literature has shown that individuals who are victims of abuse have more difficulties with social skills than their peers. Objectives Quantitatively evaluate the social skills of adolescent victims of abuse. Methods Six adolescents between 12 and 17 years old participated in the study. The assessment of social communication skills was performed using the Social Skills Rating Scale (SSRS) protocol. At the time of data analysis, the following variables were taken into account: gender of the participants and type of abuse suffered, as stated in their medical records. Results Male participants showed a better overall performance in social skills than female participants. However, this second group scored higher on assertiveness and empathy skills. Regarding the type of abuse, in both genders, victims of sexual abuse and neglect showed better results than those who suffered only neglect. The results are described in more detail in images 1 and 2. Table 1. Female group results Overall score SSRS Empathy Self-control Responsability Assertiveness Expected scores 25 – 32 7 – 9,81 6 -10 7- 10 3 – 5 Average of the results obtained (n = 3) 19,66 5,66 5,66 5,66 2,66 Average of the results obtained from neglect victims (n = 2) 17 4 5 4,5 3,5 Average of the results obtained from sexual abuse and neglect victims (n = 1) 25 9 7 8 1 Table 2. Male group results Overall score SSRS Empathy Self-control Responsability Assertiveness Expected scores 23 – 31 6 – 9 6 - 9 7 – 9 2 - 5 Average of the results obtained (n = 3) 23,66 4,66 7,66 8,66 1,33 Average of the results obtained from neglect victims (n = 1 ) 25 3 10 8 2 Average of the results obtained from sexual abuse and neglect victims (n = 2) 23 5,5 8 7,5 2 Conclusions Adolescents who are victims of abuse have considerable difficulties with social skills, which can impact the performance of their basic day-to-day activities. More studies about the impacts of mistreatments on the development of social skills are needed. Disclosure of Interest None Declared

Introduction Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have a qualitative deficit in social interaction, engagement, and behavior. The DIR/Floortime model is one of the ways of intervention and is based on the child’s Functional Development, Individual differences, and Relationships. It aims to build the foundation for the social, emotional, and intellectual skills of children, instead of having the focus only on isolated behaviors. The model was developed by Stanley Greenspan and Serena Wieder in the United States and is the result of many years of observations and studies on child development since the 1950s. In the 1980s, they unified knowledge from several related studies on child development and mental health and recognized the importance of relationships and affection for learning. One of the considerations of the DIR/Floortime model on children with autism is the individual profile, that is, their individual differences (the I of the DIR). Each child has a unique way of perceiving the world (sight, sounds, touch) and responding to it. They may have difficulties in processing or responding to sensory information. Their individual differences need to be well known so that we can draw up a therapeutic plan to obtain the best developmental evolution. Objectives Recognize and analyze the individual differences of each child, so that the appropriate therapeutic plan can be traced for the development of their potential. Methods Participated in the study 63 children with ASD, 12 girls (19%) and 51 boys (81%). Global Development Assessment questionnaires were used, based on the FEDC and the FEAS scale of the DIR/Floortime. Results All 63 children presented sensory alterations such as proprioceptive, visual, and vestibular search or hyper-reactivity, directly impacting abilities such as visuospatial processing and motor planning. In addition, 85% of children have low body tone. Regarding the sensory need for visual search, presented by 86% of the children, as well as the vestibular (90%), a recommended therapeutic strategy is mapping the place, with fewer objects. The therapist needs to be in a fixed position and maintain a pleasant, lower tone of voice. The routine framework for motor and action planning, anticipating, and giving the necessary waiting time for the child to get organized. Motor circuits can also help to work with the tone, as well as with praxis. Conclusions The DIR/Floortime model aims to make the child develop the ability to interact meaningfully and connect with the outside world. The individual differences of the child need to be known so that this work can take place effectively and so that the therapist can better organize the therapy, providing the best development for the child. Disclosure of Interest None Declared

BackgroundThe TprK protein of the syphilis agent, Treponema pallidum subsp. pallidum (T. pallidum), undergoes antigenic variation in seven discrete variable (V) regions via non-reciprocal segmental gene conversion. These recombination events transfer information from a repertoire of 53 silent chromosomal donor cassettes (DCs) into the single tprK expression site to continually generate TprK variants. Several lines of research developed over the last two decades support the theory that this mechanism is central to T. pallidum's ability for immune avoidance and persistence in the host. Structural and modeling data, for example, identify TprK as an integral outer membrane porin with the V regions exposed on the pathogen's surface. Furthermore, infection-induced antibodies preferentially target the V regions rather than the predicted β-barrel scaffolding, and sequence variation abrogates the binding of antibodies elicited by antigenically different V regions. Here, we engineered a T. pallidum strain to impair its ability to vary TprK and assessed its virulence in the rabbit model of syphilis.Principal findingsA suicide vector was transformed into the wild-type (WT) SS14 T. pallidum isolate to eliminate 96% of its tprK DCs. The resulting SS14-DCKO strain exhibited an in vitro growth rate identical to the untransformed strain, supporting that the elimination of the DCs did not affect strain viability in absence of immune pressure. In rabbits injected intradermally with the SS14-DCKO strain, generation of new TprK sequences was impaired, and the animals developed attenuated lesions with a significantly reduced treponemal burden compared to control animals. During infection, clearance of V region variants originally in the inoculum mirrored the generation of antibodies to these variants, although no new variants were generated in the SS14-DCKO strain to overcome immune pressure. Naïve rabbits that received lymph node extracts from animals infected with the SS14-DCKO strain remained uninfected.ConclusionThese data further support the critical role of TprK in T. pallidum virulence and persistence during infection.

Nowadays, fog is still a natural phenomenon that hinders our ability to detect targets, particularly in the field of driving where accidents are increasing. In the literature we find different studies determining the range of visibility, improving the quality of an image, determining the characteristics of fog, etc. In this work we propose the possibility of using a structured lighting system, on which we project the light towards the target, limiting the field lighting. We have developed a scattering light propagation model to simulate and subsequently study the veil luminance, generated by backscattering, to predict the decrease in visibility. This simulation considers the type of fog, the relative orientation of various elements (observer, light source and targets).We have built a fog chamber to validate the experimental params of the described system.The results obtained from both the simulation and the experimental measurements demonstrate that it is possible to obtain a high contrast enhancement for viewing a target when illuminated as described.Clearly, this kind of lighting technology will improve the road safety in foggy night environments. The results of this work can also be extrapolated to any situation in which the visibility of an observer is compromised by the environment, such as heavy rain, smoke from fires, among others.

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The known host range of circoviruses is continuously expanding because of more intensive diagnostic activities and advanced sequencing tools. Recently, a new circovirus (penguin circovirus (PenCV)) was identified in the guano and cloacal samples collected from Adélie penguins (Pygoscelis adeliae) and chinstrap penguins (Pygoscelis antarcticus) in Antarctica. Although the virus was detected in several asymptomatic subjects, a potential association with feather disease was speculated. To investigate the occurrence and implications of PenCV in other penguin species located outside of Antarctica, a broad survey was undertaken in African penguins (Spheniscus demersus) on two islands off the southern Namibian coast. For this purpose, specific molecular biology assays were developed and validated. None of the 151 blood samples tested positive for PenCV. Several reasons could explain the lack of PenCV positive samples. African penguins and Pygoscelis species are separated by approximately 6000 km, so there is almost no opportunity for transmission. Similarly, host susceptibility to PenCV might be penguin genus-specific. Overall, the present study found no evidence of PenCV in African penguin colonies in Namibia. Further dedicated studies are required to assess the relevance of PenCV among different penguin species.

Purpose: We aimed to evaluate the results of Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT) in patients who did not complete the program. Methods: We divided 90 patients who failed to complete the TRT program were into 3 groups: 36 patients who only completed the first phase of the TRT program (Missing group; M), 34 patients who attended counselling for less than 6 months (Noncompliant group; NC) and 20 patients who attended counselling for more than 6 months but did not complete the TRT program (Compliant group; C). The Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), tinnitus Visual Analogue Scales (VAS) and a questionnaire regarding the reasons for dropout were obtained through a telephone survey. Results: Telephonic THI and VAS scores were significantly lower than the initial scores in the M and C groups but not in the NC group. Patients who were unsure about the effectiveness of TRT were prevalent in the NC group, and the poorest long-term THI results were registered in those patients. Conclusions: A fundamental cause of very poor TRT results was when patients were unsure about TRT. On the other hand, a single counselling session could be effective in reducing tinnitus annoyance in patients who accepted the TRT approach and trusted its efficacy.

Introduction An infectious disease such as COVID-19 can have a great impact on mental health due to the fear of contracting it as well as the social isolation itself due to the containment measures. Such events are considered stressors, as they can be perceived as threatening or challenging, and can have cumulative effects that are harmful to mental health. Along with this scenario, anxiety can occur in association with stress, and it is defined as extreme concern and somatic symptoms that generate tension, hindering the proper functioning and development of basic life functions. In people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their families, such events can occur more intensely, as changing routine and adapting to different activities are usually challenging. The study examined stress, anxiety and coping strategies during the pandemic. Objectives To analyze stressful events, anxiety and coping strategies in caregivers of children and adolescents with ASD and typical development. Methods Forty caregivers of children and adolescents with ASD and 40 of typically developing participated in the study. The assessment instruments used were: 1. RSQ COVID-19; 2. Semi-structured interview; 3. State–Trait Anxiety Inventory for Adults. For statistical analysis, analysis of variance (ANOVA) or chi-square were used. Results Caregivers of children and adolescents with ASD showed greater stress and anxiety, in addition to using less adaptive coping strategies. Conclusions There is a great need to welcome families of children and adolescents with ASD, helping to develop coping or coping strategies. Disclosure No significant relationships.

ABSTRACT Purpose: to analyze the use of digital resources by Brazilian phonoaudiologists before and during the period of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: cross-sectional study carried out with a representative sample of Brazilian phonoaudiologists, with at least one year of practical experience. An online questionnaire consisting of 28 questions divided into eight sections was prepared. Data were analyzed and are reported as absolute and relative frequency regarding the variables: respondent’s age, highest degree and years of experience; weekly working hours; region of the country; type of service and area of expertise; use of digital means before and during the pandemic and willingness to use the same kind of resource after the pandemic. Results: telehealth technologies were used by 90% of phonoaudiologists in Brazil since before the COVID-19 pandemic. A change in the profile of technologies used was observed: after the pandemic, videoconferences gained more use in contact with patients compared to the pre-pandemic period even though contact via mobile phone and instant messaging applications are the most used, both before and during the pandemic. Conclusion: the study's findings demonstrate that 90% of phonoaudiologists who answered the questionnaire in Brazil used and still make use of telehealth technologies to contact patients.