Mário Fabrício Fleury Rosa

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

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

Development of remote monitoring system for biomedical equipment

Introduction: Videolaparoscopy is an effective technique to access the body cavities. This technique maintains a minimal invasive impact in relation to other surgical procedures. However, in order to accomplish this technique it is necessary to have trained health professionals and an appropriate, robust set of equipment. The objective of this article is to present and describe a remote monitoring system which was developed to monitor and assistance precision biomedical equipment, such as the ones used for videolaparoscopy. This monitoring system, VERA, implements a collaborative methodology between health professionals and equipment maintenance professionals. The system was designed using the 3C model to provide the collaborative characteristics. Moreover, the development and implementation used web technologies. Throughout this process, modeling of the VERA system included conceptual and technical methods such as wireframes, site map and user interaction modeling. The VERA system allowed a collaborative work environment for the technical assistance team (for maintenance purposes) and the health professional responsible for the videolaparoscopy. The steps developed so far reveal that the system developed through the 3C model contributes to the creation of a collaborative environment in the remote monitoring of videolaparoscopic medical equipment. This, in turn, allows the technical assistance team to carry out diagnostic and maintenance with celerity, making it possible to ensure precise and efficient procedures in the Brazilian Unified Health System.

ÚLCERAS POR PRESSÃO: PROPOSTA DE UM COLCHÃO INTELIGENTE DERIVADO DO LÁTEX NATURAL (HEVEA BRASILIENSIS)

Pressure ulcers are defined as skin lesions basically originated from prolonged tissue ischemia. Its incidence and prevalence are high and involve the patient, family and health institutions. From this situation comes the need to adopt preventive measures that beyond reducing costs, make more beds available at hospitals. This article describes the development of a smart mattress derived from natural latex and detailing the development of the first prototype, which is equipped with an electronic system to control the temperature and pressure, as well as inflate and deflate the air inside it. According to the pressure tests performed in the laboratory, the mattress attenuated the pressure applied on the calcaneus indicating that the prototype dissipates pressure. This effect on the possibility of distributing and controlling the pressure on the skin involves the reduction of body weight on the mattress and consequently in the prevention and/or treatment of such pathology. The main results suggest an improvement with regard to the concept of preventing pressure ulcers, either at home or in a hospital. Transfer of technology and/or licensing of this new technology with a view to product marketing depend almost exclusively on the involvement of an innovative company. Keywords: Biotechnology, biomaterial, latex, smart-mattress, pressure ulcer.

Políticas Nucleares dos Estados Unidos da América (1946-1956): cooperação ou monopólio?

This article aims to collate some United States of America actions directed to the implementation of its policies represented by nuclear Law Mc-Mahon with the events that surrounded the discussions and decisions on the international atomic sector represented by Atomic Energy Commission of UN