Objective: Report the university research and extension product denominated ‘Boletim COVID-PA’ which presented projections about the pandemic in the State of Pará, Brazil, with practical, mathematically rigorous and computationally efficient approaches. Methods: The artificial intelligence technique known as Artificial Neural Networks was used to generate thirteen bulletins with short-term projections based on historical data from the State Department of Public Health system. Results: After eight months of projections, the technique generated reliable results with an average accuracy of 97% (147 days observed) for confirmed cases, 96% (161 observed days) for deaths and 86% (72 days observed) for occupancy of intensive care unit beds. Conclusion: These bulletins have become a useful tool for decision making by public managers, assisting in reallocating hospital resources and optimizing COVID-19 control strategies for the various regions of the State of Pará.

Objetivo: Relatar o produto de pesquisa e extensão universitária denominado Boletim COVID-PA, que apresentou projeções sobre o comportamento da pandemia no estado do Pará, Brasil. Métodos: Utilizou-se da técnica de inteligência artificial conhecida como ‘redes neurais artificiais’, para gerar 13 boletins com projeções de curto prazo baseadas nos dados históricos do sistema da Secretaria de Estado de Saúde Pública. Resultados: Após oito meses de projeções, a técnica gerou resultados confiáveis, com precisão média de 97% (147 dias observados) para casos confirmados, 96% (161 dias observados) para óbitos e 86% (72 dias observados) para ocupação de leitos de unidade de terapia intensiva. Conclusão: Esses boletins tornaram-se um instrumento útil para a tomada de decisão de gestores públicos, auxiliando na realocação de recursos hospitalares e otimização das estratégias de controle da COVID-19 nas diversas regiões do estado do Pará.

Resumo Objetivo: Relatar o produto de pesquisa e extensão universitária denominado Boletim COVID-PA, que apresentou projeções sobre o comportamento da pandemia no estado do Pará, Brasil. Métodos: Utilizou-se da técnica de inteligência artificial conhecida como ‘redes neurais artificiais’, para geração de 13 boletins com projeções de curto prazo baseadas nos dados históricos do sistema da Secretaria de Estado de Saúde Pública. Resultados: Após oito meses de projeções, a técnica gerou resultados confiáveis, com precisão média de 97% (147 dias observados) para casos confirmados, 96% (161 dias observados) para óbitos e 86% (72 dias observados) para ocupação de leitos de unidade de terapia intensiva. Conclusão: Esses boletins tornaram-se um instrumento útil para a tomada de decisão de gestores públicos, auxiliando na realocação de recursos hospitalares e otimização das estratégias de controle da COVID-19 nas diversas regiões do estado do Pará.

Abstract Objective: To report the university extension research result entitled ‘The COVID-PA Bulletin’, which presented forecasts on the behavior of the pandemic in the state of Pará, Brazil. Methods: The artificial intelligence technique also known as 'artificial neural networks' was used to generate 13 bulletins with short-term forecasts based on historical data from the State Department of Public Health information system. Results: After eight months of predictions, the technique generated reliable results, with an average accuracy of 97% (observed for147 days) for confirmed cases, 96% (observed for 161 days) for deaths and 86% (observed for 72 days) for Intensive Care Unit bed occupancy. Conclusion: These bulletins have become a useful decision-making tool for public managers, assisting in the reallocation of hospital resources and optimization of COVID-19 control strategies in various regions of the state of Pará.

Resumen Objetivo: Reporte el resultado de la investigación y extensión universitaria denominada ‘Boletim COVID-PA’ que presentó proyecciones sobre el comportamiento de la pandemia en el estado de Pará, con un enfoque práctico y computacionalmente eficiente. Métodos: Fue utilizada una técnica de inteligencia artificial denominadas Redes Neurales para generar trece boletines con proyecciones basado en datos históricos del sistema de la Secretaría de Salud Pública. Resultados: Después de ocho meses de previsiones, la técnica genero resultados confiables con una precisión promedio de 97% (147 días observados) para casos confirmados, 96% (161 días observados) para los fallecimientos y 86% (72 días observados) para la ocupación de camas en las unidades de cuidados intensivos. Conclusión: Estos boletines se convirtieron en una herramienta para la toma de decisiones, auxiliando en la redistribución de recursos en los hospitales en el estado de Pará.

Resumo Objetivo: Relatar o produto de pesquisa e extensão universitária denominado Boletim COVID-PA, que apresentou projeções sobre o comportamento da pandemia no estado do Pará, Brasil. Métodos: Utilizou-se da técnica de inteligência artificial conhecida como ‘redes neurais artificiais’, para geração de 13 boletins com projeções de curto prazo baseadas nos dados históricos do sistema da Secretaria de Estado de Saúde Pública. Resultados: Após oito meses de projeções, a técnica gerou resultados confiáveis, com precisão média de 97% (147 dias observados) para casos confirmados, 96% (161 dias observados) para óbitos e 86% (72 dias observados) para ocupação de leitos de unidade de terapia intensiva. Conclusão: Esses boletins tornaram-se um instrumento útil para a tomada de decisão de gestores públicos, auxiliando na realocação de recursos hospitalares e otimização das estratégias de controle da COVID-19 nas diversas regiões do estado do Pará.

Abstract Objective: To report the university extension research result entitled ‘The COVID-PA Bulletin’, which presented forecasts on the behavior of the pandemic in the state of Pará, Brazil. Methods: The artificial intelligence technique also known as 'artificial neural networks' was used to generate 13 bulletins with short-term forecasts based on historical data from the State Department of Public Health information system. Results: After eight months of predictions, the technique generated reliable results, with an average accuracy of 97% (observed for147 days) for confirmed cases, 96% (observed for 161 days) for deaths and 86% (observed for 72 days) for Intensive Care Unit bed occupancy. Conclusion: These bulletins have become a useful decision-making tool for public managers, assisting in the reallocation of hospital resources and optimization of COVID-19 control strategies in various regions of the state of Pará.

Resumen Objetivo: Reporte el resultado de la investigación y extensión universitaria denominada ‘Boletim COVID-PA’ que presentó proyecciones sobre el comportamiento de la pandemia en el estado de Pará, con un enfoque práctico y computacionalmente eficiente. Métodos: Fue utilizada una técnica de inteligencia artificial denominadas Redes Neurales para generar trece boletines con proyecciones basado en datos históricos del sistema de la Secretaría de Salud Pública. Resultados: Después de ocho meses de previsiones, la técnica genero resultados confiables con una precisión promedio de 97% (147 días observados) para casos confirmados, 96% (161 días observados) para los fallecimientos y 86% (72 días observados) para la ocupación de camas en las unidades de cuidados intensivos. Conclusión: Estos boletines se convirtieron en una herramienta para la toma de decisiones, auxiliando en la redistribución de recursos en los hospitales en el estado de Pará.

Abstract Background: Rheumatoid arthritis is a risk factor for early mortality due to cardiovascular disease. Interleukin-33 appears to protect against the development of atherosclerosis. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between serum levels of interleukin-33 and its soluble receptor with the presence of subclinical carotid atherosclerosis in rheumatoid arthritis patients. Methods: Rheumatoid arthritis patients without atherosclerotic disease were subjected to clinical and laboratory assessments, including carotid ultrasound. Interleukin-33 and its soluble receptor serum levels were measured by ELISA. Results: 102 patients were included. The prevalence of carotid plaques was 23.5% and the median intima-media thickness was 0.7 mm. The median interleukin-33 and its soluble receptor concentration was 69.1 and 469.8 pg/ml. No association was found between serum interleukin-33 or its soluble receptor and intima-media thickness or plaque occurrence. Each 0.1 mm increase of intima-media thickness raised the odds of plaque occurrence by 5.3-fold, and each additional year of rheumatoid arthritis duration increased the odds of plaque occurrence by 6%. Each additional year in patients age and each one-point increase in the Framingham Risk Score were associated with a 0.004 mm and 0.012 mm increase in intima-media thickness. Methotrexate use was associated with a 0.07 mm reduction in intima-media thickness. Conclusions: Interleukin-33 and its soluble receptor were not associated with subclinical atherosclerosis. Traditional risk factors for atherosclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis duration were associated with intima-media thickness and plaque occurrence; methotrexate use was associated with a lower intima-media thickness.

OBJECTIVE: Recent evidence suggests that non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is associated with diet. Our aim was to investigate the dietary patterns of a Brazilian population with this condition and compare them with the recommended diet. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 96 non-alcoholic fatty liver disease patients before any dietetic counseling. All patients underwent abdominal ultrasound, biochemical tests, dietary evaluations, and anthropometric evaluations. Their food intake was assessed by a semi-quantitative food-frequency questionnaire and 24-hour food recall. RESULTS: The median patient age was 53 years, and 77% of the individuals were women. Most (67.7%) participants were obese, and a large waist circumference was observed in 80.2% subjects. Almost 70% of the participants had metabolic syndrome, and 62.3% presented evidence of either insulin resistance or overt diabetes. Most patients (51.5, 58.5, and 61.7%, respectively) exceeded the recommendations for energy intake, as well as total and saturated fat. All patients consumed less than the amount of recommended monounsaturated fatty acids, and 52.1 and 76.6% of them consumed less polyunsaturated fatty acids and fiber, respectively, than recommended. In most patients, the calcium, sodium, potassium, pyridoxine, and vitamin C intake did not meet the recommendations, and in 10.5-15.5% of individuals, the tolerable upper limit intake for sodium was exceeded. The patients presented a significantly high intake of meats, fats, sugars, legumes (beans), and vegetables and a low consumption of cereals, fruits, and dairy products compared with the recommendations. CONCLUSIONS: Although patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease exhibited high energy and lipid consumption, most of them had inadequate intake of some micronutrients. The possible role of nutrient-deficient intake in the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease warrants investigation.

Amostras policristalinas de MgGa2O4 dopadas com Cr3+ são investigadas por espectroscopia de luminescência e luminescência de excitação sob as temperaturas 4,2 K, 77 K e ambiente. Nos espectros observamos bandas de fotoluminescência nas regiões do vermelho e do infravermelho próximo, associadas às transições eletrônicas ²E(²G)-> 4A2(4F) e 4T2(4F)-> 4A2(4F) dos íons trivalentes de cromo em sítios de coordenação octaédrica. Os espectros de fotoluminescência do MgGa2O4 contendo 1% de Cr3+ apresentam picos estreitos de intensidade na região de maior energia e várias estruturas sobre uma larga e intensa banda na região de menor energia. Os picos são atribuídos à transição proibida por spin ²E(²G) -> 4A2(4F) e as bandas largas são associadas à transição 4T2(4F)-> 4A2(4F) do Cr3+ em sítios octaédricos. Nos espectros de emissão também surgem linhas estreitas na região de alta energia atribuídas à presença do composto beta-Ga2O3:Cr3+. Os espectros de excitação exibem duas bandas largas. A de menor energia é identificada com a transição 4A2 (4F) -> 4T2(4F), enquanto a banda de maior energia é associada com a transição 4A2(4F)-> 4T1(4F). A partir das posições em energia das bandas de excitação, podemos calcular os parâmetros de campo cristalino, Dq = 1780 cm-1 e de Racah B = 630 cm-1 e C = 2820 cm-1. Os resultados mostram que o material apresenta sítios de campo cristalino alto e intermediário para os íons Cr3+.

Polycrystalline MgGa2O4 samples doped with Cr3+ are investigated by luminescence and excitation spectroscopy at 4.2 K, 77 K and room temperature. In the spectra we observe photoluminescence bands in red and near infrared spectral regions, associate to the ²E(²G)-> 4A2(4F) and 4T2(4F)-> 4A2(4F) electronic transitions of trivalent chromium ions in octahedral sites. The luminescence spectra of the MgGa2O4 with 1% of Cr3+ present narrow peaks in the higher energy region and some structures on a wide band in the lower energy region. The peaks are attributed to the spin forbidden ²E(²G)-> 4A2(4F) electronic transition and the broad bands are associates to the spin allowed 4T2(4F)->4A2(4F) electronic transition of Cr3+ in octahedral sites. In the emission spectra narrow lines appear at high energy region and are attributed to the presence of the beta-Ga2O3:Cr3+ compound. The excitation spectra show two broad bands. The lower energy band is identified with the 4A2(4F)-> 4T2(4F) while the higher energy band is associated to 4A2(4F)->4T1(4F) electronic transition. From the excitation bands energy positions we calculate the crystal field Dq = 1780 cm-1 and Racah B = 630 cm-1 and C = 2820 cm-1 parameters. The results show that the material presents both high and intermediate crystal-fields for these ions.

São apresentados resultados de fotoluminescência do MgGa2O4:Ni2+ nas temperaturas ambiente e de nitrogênio líquido. As bandas observadas são atribuídas às transições proibidas por spin, ¹T2 (¹D) -> ³T2 (³F) e ¹T2 (¹D) -> ³T1 (³F), no visível e no infravermelho próximo, respectivamente. Espectros de absorção obtidos a partir de medidas de reflectância difusa exibem bandas associadas às transições ³A2 (³F) -> ³T1 (³F) e ³A2 (³F) -> ³T2 (³F) e uma fraca estrutura identificada com a transição ³A2 (³F) -> ¹E (¹D). Todas as transições observadas são identificadas com níveis de energia do Ni2+ em sítios octaédricos do galato de magnésio. A partir dos diagramas de energia de Tanabe-Sugano para configuração d8 foram calculados os parâmetros de campo cristalino, Dq e de repulsão intereletrônica, B e C. Apresentamos também, para efeito de comparação, resultados anteriores dos íons Cr3+ (configuração eletrônica d³), Fe3+ (d5) e Co2+ (d7) nesta rede hospedeira para amostras preparadas com o mesmo método cerâmico.

The photoluminescence of MgGa sO4:Ni2+ are presented in this article. The observed bands are attributed to the ¹T2 (¹D) <FONT FACE=Symbol>®</FONT> ³T2 (³F) and ¹T2 (¹D) <FONT FACE=Symbol>®</FONT> ³T1 (³F) spin-forbidden transitions and located in the visible and infrared regions, respectively. Absorption spectra obtained from diffuse reflectance measurements show bands associated with ³A2 (³F) <FONT FACE=Symbol>®</FONT> ³T1 (³F) and ³A2 (³F) <FONT FACE=Symbol>®</FONT> ³T2 (³F) transitions and a weak structure assigned to ³A2 (³F) <FONT FACE=Symbol>®</FONT> ¹E (¹D) transition. All the observed transitions are identified with energy levels of Ni2+ in octahedral sites of magnesium gallate. From the Tanabe-Sugano energy diagrams for a d8 configuration, the crystal field Dq and interelectronic repulsion B and C parameters were calculated. We also present, for comparison, previous results of Cr3+ (d³ electronic configuration), Fe3+ (d5) and Co2+ (d7) ions in this host lattice for samples prepared with the same ceramic method.

OBJECTIVE: Detect of cardiac alterations in children with AIDS and compare their evolution with the administration of only one anti-retroviral and the recent cases who received drugs in combination. METHODS: We prospectively studied 47 children in 3 groups: group 1, 20 cases treated only with zidovudine; group 2, 10 patients treated initially with zidovudine and later with a combination of drugs and in group 3, 17 patients, who receiced two or three since the beginning. In all patients it was done chest X-ray, EKG and echocardiography every 6 months and after death complete pathological study. RESULTS: Among the 45 patients cases 26 (57%) were index cases. Malnutrition, diarrhea tachycardia, signs of congestive heart failure, pericardial effusion, abnormal ventricular repolarization and arrhythmias were more frequent in group 1. Echocardiographic abnormalities were present in 10 (50%) children of group 1. They were less frequent in the others two groups. In regard to the outcome in group 1, two patients had worsening of sings of cardiomyopaty and 4 died. Cardiac dysfunction in all cases of group 2 and 3 improved with the medication. CONCLUSION:- The children who received combination and their cardiac alterations had more favorable outcome than those who received only one drug.

Com o objetivo de avaliar a influência da mistura de sulfato de amônio com uréia sobre a volatilização de nitrogênio amoniacal (N-NH3), realizou-se um experimento em laboratório climatizado do Departamento de Solos e Nutrição de Plantas (ESALQ/USP). Em um delineamento inteiramente casualizado, foram utilizados cinco tratamentos com cinco repetições. Cada tratamento foi obtido pela mistura de uréia (330 mg) com sulfato de amônio (0, 75, 150, 225 e 300 mg). As misturas de fertilizantes foram aplicadas na superfície do solo (Latossolo Vermelho distrófico, textura média/arenosa) contido em recipientes plásticos de 400 cm³. O N-NH3, volatilizado aos 3, 8, 15 e 23 dias da incubação, foi coletado em recipiente com ácido sulfúrico e indicador alaranjado de metila. Variáveis que influenciam a qualidade da mistura de fertilizantes, como higroscopicidade, granulometria e ângulo de repouso, também foram avaliadas. A volatilização do N-NH3 depende do pH do solo. A mistura de uréia (330 mg) com sulfato de amônio (300 mg) reduziu significativamente as perdas de N-NH3 sem afetar a qualidade da mistura em relação aos atributos físico-químicos avaliados, apresentando eficiência técnica e agronômica para o fim proposto.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of addition of ammonium sulfate in mixture with urea on the volatilization of NH3-N. An experiment was carried out under controlled laboratory conditions at the Soil and Plant Nutrition Department (ESALQ/USP). The experimental design was completely randomized with five replications and five treatments. Each treatment was obtained by the mixture of urea (330 mg) with ammonium sulfate at different rates (0, 75, 150, 225 and 300 mg). The fertilizer mixtures were applied on the surface of soil (Latossolo Vermelho distrófico, medium/sandy texture) in plastic pots (400 cm³). Volatilized NH3-N was collected on the 3rd, 8th, 15th and 23rd day after incubation in a flask containing sulfuric acid and methyl orange indicator. Variables that influence the quality of the fertilizer mixture, as hygroscopicity, granulometry, and rest angle were also evaluated. NH3-N volatilization depends on the soil pH. The mixture of urea (330 mg) with ammonium sulfate (300 mg) reduced the losses of NH3-N significantly without affecting the mixture quality, in relation to the evaluated physical and chemical attributes. This mixture presented technical and agronomic efficiency for the proposed objective.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a gravidade das complicações cardíacas na asfixia neonatal, sua evolução e correlacioná-las com o grau e duração do processo hipóxico. MÉTODOS: Foram estudados 90 bebês nos últimos 7 anos com grau de Apgar <6 no 5°min de vida. Pelo protocolo, após o exame físico e os cuidados intensivos, eram submetidos a dosagem do pH arterial, CPK-MB, DHL, glicemia, além da realização de radiografia de tórax, eletrocardiograma (ECG), ecocardiograma, seriados e repetidos a cada semana. Aqueles que faleceram eram levados à necropsia. RESULTADOS: Dos 90, 73 (81%) eram prematuros, 30 (41%) eram apropriados para a idade gestacional (AIG) e 43 (59%) eram pequenos(PIG). Em 21 (23%) casos havia pH arterial <7,2. Os quadros clínicos mais observados foram: pneumonia em 28 (31%), anemia 24 (26%) e icterícia moderada 12 (5%), entre outros. Ao exame físico observaram-se: sopro sistólico em 46 (50%), ictus propulsivo 18 (20%) e ICC em 8 (9%). No ECG, os sinais mais freqüentes foram alterações de repolarização (ST e T) em 44 (49%). No ecocardiograma, observou-se persistência do canal arterial (PCA) em 20 (22%), regurgitação tricúspide em 6 (7%), hipertensão pulmonar em 6 (8%), hipocontratilidade de VE e dilatação de VD em 4 (5%). Dos 23 óbitos, 14 foram estudados e as alterações mais freqüentes foram necrose de fibras em 8 (68%) casos e em 4 (29%) congestão, vacuolização e perda de estriação. CONCLUSÃO: A maioria teve evolução favorável mesmo naqueles que tiveram acidemia importante. Muitas alterações de ECG e ecocardiograma se normalizaram. Daqueles que evoluíram para o óbito, as lesões mais graves ocorreram nos que sofreram, por mais tempo, processo anóxico.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the severity of cardiac complications of neonatal asphyxia in relation to the length and degree of hipoxia. METHODS: Ninety babies with an Apgar score <6 were examined in the intensive care unit at our institution during seven years. Arterial blood for measuring pH, glucose, LDH and MB fraction of CK, together with serial electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiogram and chest X rays was obtained. The fatal cases were studied with macro and microscopic examination. RESULTS: From a total of 90 cases, 73 were premature: 30 (41%) appropriate for gestation age (AGA) and 43 (59%) small for gestation age (SGA). Twenty one (23%) cases had arterial pH <7.2. The most common clinical conditions were: pneumonia 28 (31%), anemia 24 (26%) and jaundice 12 (13%). The main cardiological findings were: systolic murmur in 46 (50%), signs of heart hypertrophy in 18 (20%) and heart failure in 8 (9%). On ECG the main findings were ST and T abnormalities. The echocardiogram showed a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in 20 (22%), tricuspid regurgitation in 6 (7%), pulmonary hypertension in 6 (7%), dyskinesia and ventricular dilatation in 4 (5%). Necropsy was performed in 23 cases and macro and microscopy obtained in 14; the most frequent findings were: myocite necrosis in 8 (54%), congestion, vacuolization and loss of striae in 4 (29%). CONCLUSION: In the majority of cases, patients had a benign course, even those presenting with severe acidemia. Many abnormal EKGs and echocardiograms became normal after a few weeks. Among those who had a fatal outcome, the severity of histological lesions was observed in babies who had suffered asphyxia for more prolonged periods.

Temporal variation of some physical and chemical observations was performed during four days with six hour of intervals at two fixed stations at the Enseada do Flamengo, Ubatuba, São Paulo. The salinity (34.3‰ - 35.1‰) and temperature values (about 26ºC) are typical of local coastal waters. The dissolved oxygen shows super saturation content with some exceptions. The nitrogen (nitrite and nitrate) forms have very low values, with a maximum of 1.0 µg-at/l (nitrate). Other nutrients, like phosphates (0.15 - 0.80 µg-at/l) and silicates (5.0-21.5 µg-at/l) and the relationship N:P (1:3)3 show the poor terrigenous contribution and small bioproductivity. The pH and alcalinity was normal for sea water.