Publicações

2024

FAGUNDES-JUNIOR, L. A.; CARVALHO, K. B.; FERREIRA, R. S.; BRANDÃO, A. S. Machine Learning for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Navigation: An Overview.
SN Computer Science, v. 5, p. 256, 2024.

FAGUNDES-JUNIOR, L. A.; CALDEIRA, A. G.; QUEMELLI, M. B.; MARTINS, F. N.; BRANDÃO, A. S. Analytical Formalism for Data Representation and Object Detection with 2D LiDAR: Application in Mobile Robotics.
SENSORS, v. 24, p. 2284, 2024.

GOMES, A. P.; SILVA, J. R.; WILL, R. B.; BRAGA, L. M.; VICARI, M. V.; GOMES, V.; MOTTA, O. J. R. Biosafety and respiratory transmission of infectious disease.
Revista Saúde Dinâmica, v. 6, p. e062401, 2024.

CAMPOS, T. S.; GOMES, A. P. Unidades especializadas em Doença Renal Crônica do Rio de Janeiro – um retrato dos serviços formadores de nefrologistas.
REVISTA DE GESTÃO E SECRETARIADO, v. 15, p. e3692, 2024.

BRAGA, L. M.; SIMAN, A. G.; DUTRA, H. S.; SIQUEIRA-BATISTA, R.; FERREIRA, M. M.; GOMES, A. P. Aplicabilidad de una lista de comprobación para poner y quitar los equipos de protección individual.
REVISTA ENFERMAGEM ATUAL IN DERME, v. 98, p. e024322, 2024.

SIQUEIRA-BATISTA, R.; GOMES, A. P.; DA SILVA, C. H.; NOVELLI, M. M.; COLOMBARI, J. P. C.; AGUIAR, D. B.; FRIEDRICH, M.; MOREIRA, T. R.; FEIO, R. N.; SICILIANO, S. The education of fishing workers about accidents caused by marine animals: a study in the Lagos region of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
International Journal of Scientific Management and Tourism, v. 10, p. e985, 2024.

ALMEIDA, V.; NAS, E. Desafios da IA responsável na pesquisa científica.
REVISTA USP, v. 141, p. 1-189, 2024.
A2, ISSN 0103-9989, fonte Qualis/CAPES (2017-2020)

BROGIN, J. A. F.; FABER, J.; GARCIA, S. Z. R.; CAVALHEIRO, E. A. ; BUENO, D. Epileptic seizure suppression: A computational approach for identification and control using real data.
PLoS One, v. 19, p. e0298762, 2024.

MENEZES-OLIVEIRA, E.; MATUTI, G. S.; OLIVEIRA, C. B.; FREITAS, S. F.; KAWAMURA, C. M.; LOPES, J. A. F.; FABER, J.; ARIDA, R. M. Improvement of gait and balance function in chronic post-stroke patients induced by Lower Extremity – Constraint Induced Movement Therapy: a randomized controlled clinical trial.
BRAIN INJURY, v. 1, p. 1, 2024.

FERREIRA, R.; CANESCHE, M.; JAMIESON, P.; NETO, O. P. V.; NACIF, J. A. M. Examples and tutorials on using Google Colab and Gradio to create online interactive student-learning modules.
COMPUTER APPLICATIONS IN ENGINEERING EDUCATION, v. 1, p. e22729, 2024.

FERREIRA, R.; SABINO, C.; CANESCHE, M.; NETO, O. P. V.; NACIF, J. A. M. AIoT tool integration for enriching teaching resources and monitoring student engagement.
Internet Of Things, v. 26, p. 101045, 2024.

CAVALCANTE, A. A. B.; FREIRE, P. M. S.; GOLDSCHMIDT, R. R.; JUSTEL, C. M. Early detection of fake news on virtual social networks: A time-aware approach based on crowd signals.
EXPERT SYSTEMS WITH APPLICATIONS, v. 1, p. 123350, 2024.

HORTA NETO, A. J.; DOS SANTOS, A. F. P.; GOLDSCHMIDT, R. R. Evaluating the stealth of reinforcement learning-based cyber attacks against unknown scenarios using knowledge transfer techniques.
Journal Of Computer Security, v. 1, p. 1-19, 2024.

RODRIGUES, L. S.; SANTOS, M.; GOMES, C. F. S.; CHOREN, R.; GOLDSCHMIDT, R.; BARBARÁ, S. Transformers para previsão de desempenho acadêmico no ensino Fundamental e Médio. Revista Brasileira de Informática na Educação (RBIE), v. 32, p. 213-241, 2024.

2023

MACHADO, G. R.; SILVA, E.; GOLDSCHMIDT, R. R. Adversarial machine learning in image classification: a survey toward the defender’s perspective.
ACM COMPUTING SURVEYS , v. 55, p. 1-38, 2023.

Resumo

Deep Learning algorithms have achieved state-of-the-art performance for Image Classification. For this reason, they have been used even in security-critical applications, such as biometric recognition systems and self-driving cars. However, recent works have shown those algorithms, which can even surpass human capabilities, are vulnerable to adversarial examples. In Computer Vision, adversarial examples are images containing subtle perturbations generated by malicious optimization algorithms to fool classifiers. As an attempt to mitigate these vulnerabilities, numerous countermeasures have been proposed recently in the literature. However, devising an efficient defense mechanism has proven to be a difficult task, since many approaches demonstrated to be ineffective against adaptive attackers. Thus, this article aims to provide all readerships with a review of the latest research progress on Adversarial Machine Learning in Image Classification, nevertheless, with a defender’s perspective. This article introduces novel taxonomies for categorizing adversarial attacks and defenses, as well as discuss possible reasons regarding the existence of adversarial examples. In addition, relevant guidance is also provided to assist researchers when devising and evaluating defenses. Finally, based on the reviewed literature, this article suggests some promising paths for future research.

2022

ANDREON, F. M.; NASCIMENTO, E. C. C.; ANTONIO, V. E.; SILVA, E.; WILL, R. B.; MENDES, I. R.; VICARI, M. V.; GOMIDES, L. F. ‘Androides sonham com ovelhas elétricas’? Leituras Neurobioéticas de Westworld – 1ª Temporada.
Revista de Neurociencias (EPM), v. 30, p. 1, 2022.

Resumo

Introdução. O debate dirigido às questões relativas (1) à criação de robôs androides (2) dotados de inteligência artificial (IA) e que (3) poderão estabelecer relação com seres humanos tem alcançado grande relevância no campo bioético, técnico-científico e cinematográfico. Este é precisamente o universo descrito na série Westworld, as quais abrem caminho para reflexões acerca de uma neuro(bio)ética, termo que abrange conceitos da neurociência, da biotecnociência e da filosofia moral. Objetivo. apresentar e discutir questões sobre a neuro(bio)ética relacionadas à consciência aplicada aos entes artificiais e aos seres-humanos, utilizando como subsídio a primeira temporada da série Westworld. Resultados. No decorrer dos episódios, a série estimula o debate sobre até que ponto se pode estender ou limitar as fronteiras entre arte e a ciência. Também almeja-se discutir e apresentar a imbricada integração do sistema nervoso humano na construção dos processos consciência, assim como as interseções entre a consciência e a tecnologia, através da IA e da robótica. Conclusões. As atuais perspectivas de evolução da robótica e da IA demandam robusta reflexão ética, a qual tem como pano de fundo a questão kantiana “O que é o homem?”. Diante disso, é de grande proficuidade entender o que se deseja da tecnologia e os porquês de tal desejo.

2021

NAS, E.; SILVA, E. ; SIQUEIRA-BATISTA, R. In love with machines: The bioethical debate about sexual automation.
Revista de Bioética y Derecho, v. 53, p. 181-202, 2021.

Resumo

A few companies around the world are now developing and selling sex robots. Questions such as “how will relationships with robots’ impact human relations in the future”emerge when technologies are used to meet the social and emotional needs of individuals. Considering that technology and design have embedded values and biases, this article surveys the use of sex robots from a bioethical perspective. Relationships with robots and computational systems, like Artificial Intelligence, are a possibility for many people around the world. We present questions raised by the voices in favor of robot sex, and against it. Beyond a binary polarization, the bioethical perspective recalls the Foucaultian concepts of biopolitics and biopower to situate the problems with the mechanization of intimate relationships. We argue that sex robots offer the opportunity to review old patterns regarding gender, inequality, and health.

Keywords: Sexuality; bioethics; biopolitics; robotics; artificial intelligence.

CHAVES, L. O.; DOMINGOS, A. L. G.; FERNANDES, D. L.; CERQUEIRA, F. R. ; SIQUEIRA-BATISTA, R.; BRESSAN, J. Applicability of machine learning techniques in food intake assessment: A systematic review.
Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, v. 61, p. 1-18, 2021.

Resumo

The evaluation of food intake is important in scientific research and clinical practice to understand the relationship between diet and health conditions of an individual or a population. Large volumes of data are generated daily in the health sector. In this sense, Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools have been increasingly used, for example, the application of Machine Learning (ML) algorithms to extract useful information, find patterns, and predict diseases. This systematic review aimed to identify studies that used ML algorithms to assess food intake in different populations. A literature search was conducted using five electronic databases, and 36 studies met all criteria and were included. According to the results, there has been a growing interest in the use of ML algorithms in the area of nutrition in recent years. Also, supervised learning algorithms were the most used, and the most widely used method of nutritional assessment was the food frequency questionnaire. We observed a trend in using the data analysis programs, such as R and WEKA. The use of ML in nutrition is recent and challenging. Therefore, it is encouraged that more studies are carried out relating these themes for the development of food reeducation programs and public policies.

Keywords: Food intake; diet; artificial intelligence; machine learning; supervised and unsupervised algorithms; computational tools.

CABRAL, K.F.D.; CERQUEIRA, F.R.; SIQUEIRA-BATISTA, R.; FERREIRA, M.A.M.; FREITAS, B.R. The use of Artificial Neural Networks in the diagnosis of manageable factors on Brazilian Primary Health Care.
Research, Society and Development, v. 10, p. e31010111740, 2021.

Resumo

The social determinants of health are relevant in the main strategies of Primary Health Care. However, it is known the difficulties of the health sector to overcome the factors that negatively interfere with the health of the population. Thus, it was aimed to create a computer model to present in detail the factors that somehow are related to the Primary Health Care, enabling public health managers to make decisions efficiently. Using artificial neural networks, it was possible to create a classifier model that could show which variables are related to the efficiency in Primary Care and which lead to inefficiency. Moreover, it was used the NICeSim simulator as a tool to evaluate the behavior of each variable identified as relevant to the efficiency in Primary Care of cities. The results demonstrate that the created model was superior to previously proposed models. Furthermore, our model has been demonstrated to be very effective in identifying variables that affect Primary Health. The created model shows that factors, such as illiteracy and welfare programs, considerably affect the efficiency of health care, reinforcing the argument that the focus of the public policies should be dealt in an intersectoral way, improving the factors that positively influence the population health.

GOMIDES, L.F.; LAZZARONI, J.H.D.G.; CUPERTINO, M.C.; ROCHA FILHO, I.B.M.; NOGUEIRA, R.S.; DIAS JUNIOR, S.V.; CARVALHO, V.M.M.; BARRETO, L.B.; SIQUEIRA-BATISTA, R. Meditation, memory and learning: neurobiological studies.
Revista de Neurociências, v. 29, p. 1-37, 2021.

Resumo

Introdução. O papel da meditação sobre distintos aspectos da neurobiologia humana tem recebido maior atenção da comunidade científica, nos últimos anos. Objetivo. O presente artigo tem por objetivo investigar os impactos da prática meditativa sobre a memória e sobre o processo ensino-aprendizagem. Métodos. Procedeu-se revisão da literatura com estratégia de busca definida no PubMed e no Scielo, utilizando os descritores da plataforma MeSH e operadores booleanos, com os seguintes termos: “Meditation” AND “Memory” e “Meditation” AND “learning”, em inglês e português. Foram incluídos estudos dirigidos ao papel da meditação nos processos de ensino-aprendizagem e nos aspectos neurobiólogos da memória. Resultados e discussão. As informações obtidas foram organizadas em três seções: (1) conceitos básicos para o estudo da memória; (2) mecanismos neurais da memória e da aprendizagem e (3) a prática da meditação, incluindo os efeitos sobre a memória e o processo de ensino-aprendizagem. Conclusão. Os efeitos benéficos da prática meditativa sobre a construção dos processos ensino-aprendizagem, com destaque para o aprimoramento do equilíbrio emocional, da redução do estresse e da ansiedade, foram descritos, além do incremento da capacidade de concentração, fatores que favorecem a consolidação da memória de longo prazo e, assim, auxiliam na construção do aprendizado.

Palavras-chave: Meditação, memória, aprendizado.

2020

BROGIN, J.A.F.; FABER, J.; BUENO, D. Enhanced use practices in SSVEP-based BCIs using an analytical approach of canonical correlation analysis.
Biomedical Signal Processing and Control, v. 55, p. 101644, 2020.

Resumo

The search for a better understanding of the brain’s anatomy and its functions on human actions has been a harsh yet very useful task, especially for brain–computer interface (BCI) engineering applications and medical diagnosis using signals from patients. Analyses involving electroencephalogram (EEG) signals processing have proven to be of great significance for developing this field of study. A widely used approach for this purpose is a BCI based on steady-state visual-evoked potentials (SSVEP), which, in general, are signals characterized by the brain’s evoked response to visual stimuli modulated at a certain frequency. This work aims thus to propose a generalization of the correlation coefficient, which entails canonical correlation analysis (CCA), and verify its behavior under varying parameters to establish better use practices in BCI applications, comprising physiological, technical and operational factors. Also, it aims to analyze and compare signals from an SSVEP-based BCI to the results obtained from this generalization. The results show that new parameters can be introduced to better select the stimulus frequency and choose a specific BCI application; also, the analytical equation presents a good match with results obtained from real signals; at last, the final CCA equation can be written as a more general rule based on the sampling rate ratio, thus ensuring a higher flexibility and reliability for this technique.

Palavras-chave: Brain–computer interface, Steady-state visual-evoked potentials, Canonical correlation analysis.

BROGIN, J.A.F.; FABER, J.; BUENO, D. An Efficient Approach to Define the Input Stimuli to Suppress Epileptic Seizures Described by the Epileptor Model.
International Journal of Neural Systems, v. 1, p. 1, 2020.

Resumo

Epilepsy affects about 70 million people in the world. Every year, approximately 2.4 million people are diagnosed with epilepsy, two-thirds of them will not know the etiology of their disease, and 1% of these individuals will decease as a consequence of it. Due to the inherent complexity of predicting and explaining it, the mathematical model Epileptor was recently developed to reproduce seizure-like events, also providing insights to improve the understanding of the neural dynamics in the interictal and ictal periods, although the physics behind each parameter and variable of the model is not fully established in the literature. This paper introduces an approach to design a feedback-based controller for suppressing epileptic seizures described by Epileptor. Our work establishes how the nonlinear dynamics of this disorder can be written in terms of a combination of linear sub-models employing an exact solution. Additionally, we show how a feedback control gain can be computed to suppress seizures, as well as how specific shapes applied as input stimuli for this purpose can be obtained. The practical application of the approach is discussed and the results show that the proposed technique is promising for developing controllers in this field.

Palavras-chave: Epileptic seizure suppression, epileptor model, fuzzy Takagi–Sugeno modeling, linear matrix inequalities.

HASHIGUCHI, D.; CAMPOS, H.; WUO, R.; FABER, J.; GOMES, S.; COPPI, A.A.; ARIDA, R.M.; MONTEIRO, B. Resistance exercise decreases amyloid load and modulates inflammatory responses in the APP/PS1 mouse model for Alzheimer’s disease.
Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, v. 73, n. 4, p. 1525-1539, 2020.

Resumo

Neuroinflammation has been shown to play a crucial role in the development of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and also has an association with amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques, a hallmark of this disease. Physical exercise has emerged as an alternative treatment for pathological impairment in AD. In light of this evidence, together with the fact that the hippocampus is one of the first structures to be affected in AD, we analyzed hippocampal changes in Aβ load, inflammatory responses, and locomotor activity in transgenic APP/PS1 mouse model for AD submitted to a resistance exercise (RE) program. One month after the start of the RE program, the locomotor hyperactivity related to AD behavior was reduced and microglia recruitment was increased, which in turn may have contributed to the decrease in the volume of Aβ plaques. In addition, the RE program restored the levels of IL-1α, IL-4, and IL-6 cytokines to control levels. Our study indicates that RE has beneficial effects on the locomotor behavior, amyloid burden, and inflammation of AD pathology and can therefore be used as a therapy to improve the clinical symptoms and neurophysiological alterations in AD. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to use a resistance exercise program in transgenic AD model.

Palavras-chave: Alzheimer’s disease, amyloid-β , inflammation, resistance physical exercise

KOHLER, M.; VELLASCO, M.; SILVA, E.; FIGUEIREDO, K. SimProxy Decision Support System: A Neural Network Proxy Applied to Reservoir and Surface Integrated Optimization.
IEEE Systems Journal, v. 14, p. 5111-5120, 2020.

Resumo

The development of an oil reservoir consists in drilling wells that maximize revenue. The quest for this configuration is often based on optimization processes that use the net present value as the evaluation function. Determining quantity, location, type, and trajectory of wells in a reservoir is a complex optimization problem, which has a high computational cost due to the continuous use of simulators. Many researchers have proposed the replacement of the reservoir simulator by a proxy, to reduce the computational cost, with promising results. However, in order to analyze all relevant variables and obtain a better solution, a comprehensive proxy model must also consider the conditions of the surface behavior, incorporating the complete integrated system. None of the previous works has developed a model based on the integrated simulation behavior. This article presents the proposal of a new proxy model based on neural networks, called SimProxy, which integrates reservoir and surface behavior, to reduce the computational cost of a decision support system. The proposed model was evaluated in a real oil reservoir. The results indicate that SimProxy can efficiently replace the use of commercial simulators in an optimization process, providing good accuracy with a substantial decrease in computational cost.

MACHADO, G.R.; MOTTA, O.J.R.; SILVA, E.; BRAGA, L.M.; NASCIMENTO, L.; VIDAL, S.V.; GOLDSCHMIDT, R.R.; SIQUEIRA-BATISTA, R. Artificial intelligence for support of the bioethical decision-making of nurses related to end of life issues.
International Journal of Development Research, v. 10, 6p, 2020.

Resumo

Health professionals, especially nurses, are often compelled to make decisions in face of bioethical issues commonly related to intensive care environments. Due to their complexities and particularities, these issues end up generating great physical and emotional strain on the professional. Therefore, this study raised the hypothesis that artificial intelligence techniques could assist nurses in making bioethical decisions. For this, a group of four specialists in the field of nursing prepared and answered a questionnaire based on a hypothetical ICU scenario. The data collected from the responses were then used in the training and evaluation of five machine learning (ML) algorithms. The results culminated from a comparative study between the algorithms point to the veracity of the hypothesis raised in this research, by showing that it is possible to adopt ML algorithms to support bioethical decision making.

MILANEZ, M.I.O.; SILVA, A.M.; PERRY, J.C.; FABER, J.; NISHI, E.E.; BERGAMASCHI, C.T.; CAMPOS, R.R. Pattern of sympathetic vasomotor activity induced by GABAergic inhibition in the brain and spinal cord.
Pharmacological Reports, v. 72, p. 67–79, 2020.

Resumo

Knowledge of the central areas involved in the control of sympathetic vasomotor activity has advanced in the last few decades. γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the mammal nervous system, and a microinjection of bicuculline, an antagonist of GABA type A (GABA-A) receptors, into the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN) alters the pattern of sympathetic activity to the renal, splanchnic and lumbar territories. However, studies are needed to clarify the role of GABAergic inputs in other central areas involved in the sympathetic vasomotor activity. The present work studied the cardiovascular effects evoked by GABAergic antagonism in the PVN, RVLM and spinal cord.

Palavras-chave: Renal sympathetic activity, Splanchnic sympathetic activity, Paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus, Rostral ventrolateral medulla, Spinal cord, Bicuculline

MOTTA, O.J.R.; GOMES, A.P.; ALBUQUERQUE, G.L.C.; BARRETO, L.B.; GONÇALVES, T.; FABER, J.; MONTENEGRO, S.S.P.; BRAGA, L.M.; SIQUEIRA-BATISTA, R. Neuro Covid-19: Neural changes in SARS-COV-2 infection.
Archives of Neurology and Neuro Disorders, v. 3, n. 2, p. 07-14, 2020.

Resumo

The actual COVID-19 pandemic – disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus – has already caused thousands of death in the year 2020. Among the various disorders that may occur throughout the disease’s course, there are also disorders of the central nervous system. In order to investigate the potential effects of neural involvement in the novel coronavirus infection, Neuro-COVID-19, the present literature revision was carried out with a defined search strategy. Four descriptors were used: (i) “Brain”, (ii) “Central Nervous System”, (iii) “COVID-19”, (iv) “SARS-CoV-2”, which were combined to search for articles in the PubMed and ResearchGate databases. Of the 987 citations obtained, nine articles were selected. The contents extracted from these texts were organized into three categories, addressing (1) indirect, (2) direct and (3) post-infectious neurological complications. Awareness and management of neurological complications related to SARS CoV-2 infection are necessary in order to improve prognosis, especially in critically ill patients.

Palavras-chave: Brain, Central Nervous System, COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2.

MOTTA, O.J.R.; MACHADO, G.R.; GOMES, A.P.; NAS, E.; SILVA, E.; GOLDSCHMIDT, R.R.; SIQUEIRA-BATISTA, R. COVID-19 Pandemic: How Artificial Intelligence can help us.
Brazilian Applied Science Review, v. 4, p. 2904-2915, 2020.

Resumo

A atual pandemia de COVID-19 – Doença do Coronavírus-19, causada pelo patógeno SARS-CoV-2, já matou milhares de pessoas no ano de 2020. Fizemos uma revisão da literatura para entender o uso potencial de IA como resposta à COVID-19. A estratégia de busca utilizou cinco descritores: (i) “Artificial Intelligence”, (ii) “Deep Learning”, (iii) “Machine Learning”, (iv) “COVID-19” e (v) “SARS-CoV-2”, que foram combinados para pesquisar artigos nas bases de dados PubMed e ResearchGate. A pesquisa bibliográfica foi complementada com textos de conhecimento prévio dos autores. Os assuntos abordados na bibliografia escolhida foram organizados em duas categorias principais de estudo: (i) IA para diagnóstico; e (ii) IA para controle de disseminação. As considerações finais apontam as principais complicações para o uso adequado da IA e as possibilidades de sua aplicação para subsidiar a tomada de decisão dos profissionais de saúde e nos níveis gerenciais da saúde pública.

Palavras-chave: Inteligência Artificial, COVID-19, Aprendizado de máquina.

MOTTA, O.J.R.; SILVA, E.; SIQUEIRA-BATISTA, R. Artificial intelligence & COVID-19: (bio)ethical aspects of end of life.
Revista da Associacao Médica Brasileira, v. 66, p. 5-6, 2020.

MOTTA, O.J.R.; SILVA, E.; SIQUEIRA-BATISTA, R. Ethical education and artificial intelligence.
International Journal of Development Research, v. 10, p. 43111-43112, 2020.

Resumo

It is considered that any teaching-learning activity must be ethically conducted, and for that, efforts are necessary to create an environment conducive to the assimilation of the concepts, theories and methods considered indispensable for good coexistence in a democratic, secular and plural society. This perspective is extremely important, as current research aimed at machine learning tries to build intelligent systems, without prejudice, preventing them, for example, from behaving in a racist, sexist or speciesist manner. The discussion of these questions is the aim of this essay.

PINHEIRO, D.J.L.L.; Freitas, L.; SOUZA, I.N.O.; BROGIN, J.A.F.; BUENO, D.; ASSUNCAO-MIRANDA, I.; POIAN, A.; FERREIRA, S.; FIGUEIREDO, C.P.; CLARKE, J.; CAVALHEIRO, E.A.; FABER, J. Modulation in phase and frequency of neural oscillations during epileptiform activity induced by neonatal Zika virus infection in mice.
Scientific Reports, v. 10, p. 6763, 2020.

Resumo

Modulation of brain activity is one of the main mechanisms capable of demonstrating the synchronization dynamics of neural oscillations. In epilepsy, modulation is a key concept since seizures essentially result from neural hypersynchronization and hyperexcitability. In this study, we have introduced a time-dependent index based on the Kullback-Leibler divergence to quantify the effects of phase and frequency modulations of neural oscillations in neonatal mice exhibiting epileptiform activity induced by Zika virus (ZIKV) infection. Through this index, we demonstrate that fast oscillations (gamma and beta 2) are the more susceptible modulated rhythms in terms of phase, during seizures, whereas slow waves (delta and theta) mainly undergo changes in frequency. The index also allowed detection of specific patterns associated with the interdependent modulation of phase and frequency in neural activity. Furthermore, by comparing ZIKV modulations with the general computational model Epileptors, we verify different signatures related to the brain rhythms modulation in phase and frequency. These findings instigate new studies on the effects of ZIKV infection on neuronal networks from electrophysiological activities, and how different mechanisms can trigger epilepsy.

2019

BAYAO, T. S.; CUPERTINO, M. C.; GOMES, A. P.; SIQUEIRA-BATISTA, R. Fexinidazole and Human African Trypanosomiasis: good news for this important neglected tropical disease.
Revista da Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical

Resumo

Human African trypanosomiasis (HAT), or sleeping sickness, is an endemic disease in 36 sub-Saharan African countries, typically occurring in underdeveloped areas, where health systems face significant difficulties of diverse natures. The disease is caused by the protozoa of the species Trypanosoma brucei gambiense (98% of cases) and Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense, transmitted via the bite of the tse-tsé fly (genus Glossina).

LIMA, B.H.F.; MARQUES, P.E.; GOMIDES, L.F.; MATTOS, M.S.; KRAEMER, L.; QUEIROZ-JUNIOR, C.M.; LENNON, M.; HIRSCH, E.; RUSSO, R.C.; MENEZES, G.B.; HESSEL, E.M.; AMOUR, A.; TEIXEIRA, M.M. Converging TLR9 and PI3Kgamma signaling induces sterile inflammation and organ damage.
Scientific Reports

Resumo

Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) and Phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase gamma (PI3Kγ) are very important effectors of the immune response, however, the importance of such crosstalk for disease development is still a matter of discussion. Here we show that PI3Kγ is required for immune responses in which TLR9 is a relevant trigger. We demonstrate the requirement of PI3Kγ for TLR9-induced inflammation in a model of CpG-induced pleurisy. Such requirement was further observed in inflammatory models where DNA sensing via TLR9 contributes to disease, such as silicosis and drug-induced liver injury. Using adoptive transfer, we demonstrate that PI3Kγ is important not only in leukocytes but also in parenchymal cells for the progression of inflammation. We demonstrate this crosstalk between TLR9 and PI3Kγ in vitro using human PBMCs. The inhibition of PI3Kγ in CpG-stimulated PBMCs resulted in reduction of both cytokine production and phosphorylated Akt. Therefore, drugs that target PI3Kγ have the potential to treat diseases mediated by excessive TLR9 signalling.

OLIVEIRA, L.F.; PINHEIRO, D.J.L.L.; RODRIGUES, L.D.; REYES-GARCIA, S.Z.; NISHI, E.E.; ORMANJI, M.S.; FABER, J.; CAVALHEIRO, E.A. Behavioral, electrophysiological and neuropathological characteristics of the occurrence of hypertension in pregnant rats.
Scientific Reports

Resumo

Pre-eclampsia (PE) affects approximately 2 to 8% of pregnant women, causing blood pressure above 140 × 90 mmHg and proteinuria, normally after the 20th gestation week. If unsuccessfully treated, PE can lead to self-limited seizures (Eclampsia) that could eventually result in death of the mother and her fetus. The present study reports an experimental model of preeclampsia hypertension in pregnant (HP) and non-pregnant (H) Wistar rats by partially clamping one of their renal arteries. Pregnant (P) and non-pregnant (C) controls were provided. Differently from controls (C and P), H and HP animals presented a steady rise in BP two weeks after renal artery clamping. Injection of pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) induced behavioral and electroencephalographic seizures in all groups, which were increased in number, duration, amplitude and power accompanied by decreased latency in HP animals (p < 0.05). Consistent results were obtained in in vitro experimentation. Immunohistochemistry of hippocampus tissue in HP animals showed decreased density of neurons nuclei in CA1, CA3 and Hilus and increased density of astrocytes in CA1, CA3 and gyrus (p < 0.05). The present findings show that the clamping of one renal arteries to 0.15 mm and PTZ administration were able to induce signs similar to human PE in pregnant Wistar rats.

RODRIGUES, L.D.; OLIVEIRA, L.F.; SHINODA, L.; SCORZA, C.A. ; FABER, J.; FERRAZ, H.B.; BRITTO, L.R.G.; SCORZA, F.A. Cardiovascular alterations in rats with Parkinsonism induced by 6-OHDA and treated with Domperidone.
Scientific Reports

Resumo

After Alzheimer, Parkinson disease (PD) is the most frequently occurring progressive, degenerative neurological disease. It affects both sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems in a variable fashion. Cardiovascular symptoms are present in almost all stages of PD and narrower heart rate variability is the earliest sign. Administration of Levodopa to PD patients has proven to provide some degree of neurological protection. This drug, however, causes side effects including nausea and vomiting, lessened by the administration of domperidone. Autopsies in PD patients led some researchers to suggest the involvement of the ventricular arrhythmia induced by domperidone. The aim of the present study was to determine the impact of the adjusted human maximal dose of domperidone, on cardiological features of Wistar rats. domperidone was administered to both 6-hydroxydopamine Parkinsonism models and regular Wistar rats. Quantitative analysis of ranges of heart beat variation showed significant abnormal distribution in both groups receiving domperidone as compared with respective sham counterparts. However, qualitative analysis of Poincaré plots showed that 6-hydroxydopamine Parkinsonism models receiving domperidone had the narrowest full range of heart beat and the worst distribution heart beat ranges as compared with all study groups corroborating with previous suggestion that domperidone administration to PD patients is likely to play a role in sudden unexpected death in this group of patients.

SIQUEIRA-BATISTA, R.; SILVA, E. Notas sobre os fundamentos da Inteligência Artificial.
Revista de Ciência, Tecnologia e Inovação

Resumo

A área de Inteligência Artificial (IA) representa uma das principais fronteiras do conhecimento, na atualidade, por sua aplicabilidade em diferentes setores da vida humana. O correto entendimento de seus conceitos, e o consequente bom uso de suas técnicas, dependem do adequado estudo da Matemática, uma vez que o nascimento daquele campo se articula, profundamente, com desenvolvimentos dessa disciplina no século XX. Na área da IA, merecem destaque as Redes Neurais Artificiais (RNA) e as Máquinas de Vetor de Suporte (MVS), cuja característica marcante é a versatilidade, o que permite que sejam empregadas na construção de modelos de solução para problemas de interesse de uma ampla variedade de campos da atividade humana. Embora promissoras, a obtenção de modelos bem-sucedidos depende diretamente da correta parametrização dos algoritmos por trás dessas técnicas, o que, por sua vez, torna necessária uma boa compreensão dos seus fundamentos matemáticos. Desta feita, o objetivo do presente texto é indicar o ferramental matemático que deve ser compreendido para que se possa tirar o melhor proveito das RNA e das MVS.

Palavras-chave: Inteligência Artificial; Matemática; Redes Neurais Artificiais; Máquinas de Vetor de Suporte.

2018

BAYAO, T. S.; CUPERTINO, M. C.; GOMES, A. P.; SIQUEIRA-BATISTA, R. Yellow fever vaccination and neurological complications.
Revista da Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical

Resumo

Yellow fever, as other arboviruses, has reemerged as an important public health problem in Brazil1,2. Until April 19, 2018, the Brazilian Ministry of Health had confirmed more than 1,150 cases of this disease in the country, in which 340 of these cases evolved to death. For infection prevention and control, a yellow fever vaccine (YFV) has been shown as being highly effective.

CARVALHO NASCIMENTO, E.C.; SIQUEIRA-BATISTA, R. The Brain and the Robot: Bioethical Implications in Transhumanism.
Ciência e Cognição: Revista interdisciplinar de Estudos da Cognição

Resumo

This paper is a critical review of the book “The brain and the robot: artificial intelligence, biotechnology and the new ethics” by João de Fernandes Teixeira.

Palavras-chave: Brain; artificial intelligence; bioethics

CARVALHO NASCIMENTO, E.C.; DA SILVA, E.; SIQUEIRA-BATISTA, R. The “Use” of Sex Robots: A Bioethical Issue.
Asian Bioethics Review 2018.

Resumo

The manufacture of humanoid robots with embedded artificial intelligence and for sexual purposes has generated some debates within bioethics, in which diverse competing views have been presented. Themes such as sexuality and its deviations, the objectification of women, the relational problems of contemporary life, loneliness, and even the reproductive future of the species constitute the arguments which have emerged in relation to this subject. Based on these themes, this article presents the current state of the use of female sex robots, the bioethical problems that arise, and how bioethics could serve as a medium for both thinking about and resolving some of these challenges.

Palavras-chave: Robots; artificial intelligence; objectification; gender; sexuality; sex robots

2017

SIQUEIRA-BATISTA, R.; GOMES, A. P.; GAZINEO, J. L. D; MIGUEL, P. S. B; SANTANA, L. A.; OLIVEIRA, L.; GELLER, M. Meningococcal disease, a clinical and epidemiological review.
Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine 2017; 10, (11):1019-1029.

Resumo

Meningococcal disease is the acute infection caused by Neisseria meningitidis, which has humans as the only natural host. The disease is widespread around the globe and is known for its epidemical potential and high rates of lethality and morbidity. The highest number of cases of the disease is registered in the semi-arid regions of sub-Saharan Africa. In Brazil, it is endemic with occasional outbreaks, epidemics and sporadic cases occurring throughout the year, especially in the winter. The major epidemics of the disease occurred in Brazil in the 70’s caused by serogroups A and C. Serogroups B, C and Y represent the majority of cases in Europe, the Americas and Australia. However, there has been a growing increase in serogroup W in some areas. The pathogen transmission happens for respiratory route (droplets) and clinically can lead to meningitis and sepsis (meningococcemia). The treatment is made with antimicrobial and supportive care. For successful prevention, we have some measures like vaccination, chemoprophylaxis and droplets’ precautions. In this review, we have described and clarify clinical features of the disease caused by N. meningitidis regarding its relevance for healthcare professionals.

Palavras-chave: Limbic system; emotions; neurosciences; neurobiology

ESPERIDIÃO ANTONIO, V.; MAJESKI-COLOMBO, M.; TOLEDO-MONTEVERDE, D.; MORAES-MARTINS, G.; FERNANDES, J. J.; ASSIS, M. B.; MONTENEGRO, S.; SIQUEIRA-BATISTA, R. Neurobiology of emotions: an update.
International Review of Psychiatry. 2017;29(3):293-307, 2017.

Resumo

The ‘nature’ of emotions is one of the archaic themes of Western thought, thematized in different cultural manifestations – such as art, science, philosophy, myths and religion –, since Ancient times. In the last decades, the advances in neurosciences have permitted the construction of hypotheses that explain emotions, especially through the studies involving the limbic system. To present an updated discussion about the neurobiology of processes relating to emotions – focusing (1) on the main neural structures that relate to emotions, (2) the paths and circuits of greater relevance, (3) the implicated neurotransmitters, (4) the connections that possess neurovegetative control and (5) the discussion about the main emotions – is the objective of this present article.

Palavras-chave: Limbic system; emotions; neurosciences; neurobiology

FERNANDES, D. L L.; SIQUEIRA-BATISTA, R.; GOMES, A. P.; SOUZA, C. R.; COSTA, I. T.; CARDOSO, F.; ASSIS, J. V.; CAETANO, G. H. L.; CERQUEIRA, F. R. Investigation of the visual attention role in clinical bioethics decision-making using machine learning algorithms.
Procedia Computer Science. 2017;108(Supplement C):1165-74, 2017.

Resumo

This study proposes the use of a computational approach based on machine learning (ML) algorithms to build predictive models using eye tracking data. Our intention is to provide results that may support the study of medical investigation in the decision-making process in clinical bioethics, particularly in this work, in cases of euthanasia. The data used in the approach were collected from 75 students of the nursing undergraduate course using an eye tracker. The available data were processed through feature selection methods, and were later used to create models capable of predicting the euthanasia decision through ML algorithms. Statistical experiments showed that the predictive model resultant from the multilayer perceptron (MLP) algorithm led to the best performance compared with the other tested algorithms, presenting an accuracy of 90.7% and a mean area under the ROC curve of 0.90. Interesting knowledge (patterns and rules) for the studied bioethical decision-making was extracted using simulations with MLP models and inspecting the obtained decision-tree rules. The good performance shown by the obtained MLP predictive model demonstrates that the proposed investigation approach may be used to test scientific hypotheses related to visual attention and decision-making.

Palavras-chave: Visual attention; Decision-making in bioethics; Mobile eye tracking; Machine learning in medicine

2016

CARVALHO NASCIMENTO, E.C.; LOPES, J. Design de Interfaces para Experiências Lúdicas com Novas Tecnologias: O Caso do Software-livre Reactivision em Interações Sonoras, p. 4960-4970 . In: Anais do 12º Congresso Brasileiro de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento em Design [= Blucher Design Proceedings, v. 9, n. 2]. São Paulo: Blucher, 2016.

Resumo

Projetar experiências lúdicas ultrapassam as fronteiras entre Arte e Design. O Design de Interface com novas tecnologias deve ser pensado do mesmo modo que o Design de Produto, pois, em seu aspecto filosófico, a interação-humano-computador deve ser entendida como uma interação humano-humano. Desse modo, trabalhos artísticos que envolvem Design de Interação podem nos inspirar a olhar estas relações por outros ângulos. Este artigo mostra algumas experiências com o software Reactivision, desenvolvido na Universidade Pompeu Fabra para o instrumento eletrônico Reactable.

Palavras-chave: Design de Interface; Design de Experiência; Design Sonoro.

MOTTA, L. C. S.; OLIVEIRA, L. N.; SILVA, E.; SIQUEIRA-BATISTA, R. Decision-making in clinical (bio)ethics: contemporary approaches. Revista Bioética
(Online), v. 24, p. 304-314, 2016.

Resumo

Taking decisions in the face of moral problems in clinical practice has become a very important aspect for all professionals involved in health care. This study considers this context of uncertainty, in which there are discussions regarding the real benefits and access to new technologies in health, and assumes that any resolution in clinical (bio)ethics results from the principle that respect for the human being is indispensable for correct actions. This article aims to 1) identify in literature some of the aspects that cause anguish in health care professionals and/or researchers in clinical practice, and 2) briefly present the reflections or correlated approaches used in the decision-making process in clinical (bio)ethics of identified cases. This study’s process refers to a review of scientific literature with a defined search strategy.

Palavras-chave: Bioethics; Clinical ethics; Decision-making.

SIQUEIRA-BATISTA, R.; SOUZA, C. R.; MAIA, P. M.; SIQUEIRA, S. L. Robotic surgery: bioethical aspects. ABCD. Arquivos Brasileiros de Cirurgia Digestiva,
v. 29, p. 287-290, 2016.

Resumo

Introduction: The use of robots in surgery has been increasingly common today, allowing the emergence of numerous bioethical issues in this area. Objective: To present review of the ethical aspects of robot use in surgery. Method: Search in Pubmed, SciELO and Lilacs crossing the headings “bioethics”, “surgery”, “ethics”, “laparoscopy” and “robotic”. Results: Of the citations obtained, were selected 17 articles, which were used for the preparation of the article. It contains brief presentation on robotics, its inclusion in health and bioethical aspects, and the use of robots in surgery. Conclusion: Robotic surgery is a reality today in many hospitals, which makes essential bioethical reflection on the relationship between health professionals, automata and patients.

Palavras-chave: Bioethics; Surgery; Ethics; Robotics

2015

HELAYËL-NETO, J. A.; SIQUEIRA-BATISTA, R.; ALVES FERREIRA, R.; DE JESUS, V. L. B. Neuroscience, space and time. Vértices, v. 17, p. 237-253, 2015.

Resumo

The aim of the present article is to propose possible intersections between contemporary physics and neurosciences, in matters related to space-time. Such scope is of great significance both in “normal” and pathologic situations. In the latter, states like hypermnesia (enhanced capacity to evoke memories, with distortion of information stored in neural circuits) are described, which can be thought of – in a parallel with physics – as space-time scenarios with more than one time-type direction. Dimensions of such category – called AtaiyahWard space-time – have been considered in connection with systems of interest in the study of fundamental interactions, and, in macroscopic scale, in association with the issue of gravitational collapse. One has sought to understand physical phenomena in the presence of extra time to then use these studies to propose an attempt to modelling hypermnesia, through the concept that, in certain situations, neuronal system behaves as if immerse in a scenario with two time-type directions.

Palavras-chave: Neuroscience; Space; Time; Physics.

SIQUEIRA-BATISTA, R.; CARDOSO, F.; GOMES, A. P.; FONSECA, J. O.; BERNINI, A. F.; BARROS, L. V.; SOUZA, C. R.; ESPERIDIÃO
ANTONIO, V.; COSTA, I. T. Decision-making in (Bio)ethics: a preliminary study using Mobile Eye Tracking. Revista Brasileira
de Educação Médica (Online), v. 39, p. 496-501, 2015.

Resumo

Decision-making is a key dimension in the training of health professionals, as mentioned in the current National Curriculum Guidelines for Medicine Undergraduate Course. Decision-making in the health context involves various aspects, including (bio)ethical elements. Hence, researches to investigate decision-making in (bio)ethics may elucidate steps not completely clarified yet, allowing a more effective building of skills in (bio)ethics, both in undergraduate and postgraduate courses. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to explore the possibilities of using mobile eye tracking while watching feature films, to investigate the role of visual attention in (bio)ethical decision-making.

Palavras-chave: Bioethics; Education; Decision-making; Medical Education

VILELA, LUCIANO REZENDE ; GOMIDES, LINDISLEY FERREIRA ; DAVID, BRUNA ARAÚJO ; ANTUNES, MAÍSA MOTA ; DINIZ, ARIANE BARROS ; MOREIRA, FABRÍCIO DE ARAÚJO ; MENEZES, GUSTAVO BATISTA . Cannabidiol Rescues Acute Hepatic Toxicity and Seizure Induced by Cocaine. 2015;2015:12.

Resumo

Cocaine is a commonly abused illicit drug that causes significant morbidity and mortality. The most severe and common complications are seizures, ischemic strokes, myocardial infarction, and acute liver injury. Here, we demonstrated that acute cocaine intoxication promoted seizure along with acute liver damage in mice, with intense inflammatory infiltrate. Considering the protective role of the endocannabinoid system against cell toxicity, we hypothesized that treatment with an anandamide hydrolysis inhibitor, URB597, or with a phytocannabinoid, cannabidiol (CBD), protects against cocaine toxicity. URB597 (1.0 mg/kg) abolished cocaine-induced seizure, yet it did not protect against acute liver injury. Using confocal liver intravital microscopy, we observed that CBD (30 mg/kg) reduced acute liver inflammation and damage induced by cocaine and prevented associated seizure. Additionally, we showed that previous liver damage induced by another hepatotoxic drug (acetaminophen) increased seizure and lethality induced by cocaine intoxication, linking hepatotoxicity to seizure dynamics. These findings suggest that activation of cannabinoid system may have protective actions on both liver and brain induced by cocaine, minimizing inflammatory injury promoted by cocaine, supporting its further clinical application in the treatment of cocaine abuse.

2014

GOMIDES, L. F.; MARQUES, PE.; Faleiros, B.E ; PEREIRA, R. V.; Lage, T.R ; RESENDE, G. H.; Guidine, PA ; FOUREAUX, G.; Amaral
SS ; RIBEIRO, F. M.; FERREIRA, A. J.; RUSSO, R. C.; Teixeira, M.M ; DUTRA, M. F.; TEIXEIRA, A. L.; MENEZES, G. B.
Murine model to study brain, behavior and immunity during hepatic encephalopathy. World Journal of Hepatology, v.
6, p. 243-250, 2014.

Resumo

AIM: To propose an alternative model of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) in mice, resembling the human features of the disease. METHODS: Mice received two consecutive intraperitoneal injections of thioacetamide (TAA) at low dosage (300 mg/kg). Liver injury was assessed by serum transaminase levels (ALT) and liver histology (hematoxylin and eosin). Neutrophil infiltration was estimated by confocal liver intravital microscopy. Coagulopathy was evaluated using prolonged prothrombin and partial thromboplastin time. Hemodynamic parameters were measured through tail cuff. Ammonia levels were quantified in serum and brain samples. Electroencephalography (EEG) and psychomotor activity score were performed to show brain function. Brain edema was evaluated using magnetic resonance imaging. RESULTS: Mice submitted to the TAA regime developed massive liver injury, as shown by elevation of serum ALT levels and a high degree of liver necrosis. An intense hepatic neutrophil accumulation occurred in response to TAA-induced liver injury. This led to mice mortality and weight loss, which was associated with severe coagulopathy. Furthermore, TAA-treated mice presented with increased serum and cerebral levels of ammonia, in parallel with alterations in EEG spectrum and discrete brain edema, as shown by magnetic resonance imaging. In agreement with this, neuropsychomotor abnormalities ensued 36 h after TAA, fulfilling several HE features observed in humans. In this context of liver injury and neurological dysfunction, we observed lung inflammation and alterations in blood pressure and heart rate that were indicative of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. CONCLUSION: In summary, we describe a new murine model of hepatic encephalopathy comprising multiple features of the disease in humans, which may provide new insights for treatment.Palavras-chave: Hepatic encephalopathy; Liver injury; Thioacetamide; Neurological dysfunction; Neuropsychomotor abnormalities; Intracranial hypertension; Cerebral herniation

SIQUEIRA-BATISTA, R.; VITORINO, R. R.; GOMES, A. P.; OLIVEIRA, A. P.; FERREIRA, R. S.; ESPERIDIÃO ANTONIO, V.; SANTANA, L.
A.; CERQUEIRA, F. R. Artificial neural networks and medical education.
Revista Brasileira de Educação Médica (Online), v. 38, p. 548-556, 2014.

Resumo

As transformações da prática médica nos últimos anos – sobretudo com a incorporação de novas tecnologias da informação – apontam a necessidade de ampliar as discussões sobre o processo ensino-aprendizagem na educação médica. A utilização de novas tecnologias computacionais no ensino médico tem demonstrado inúmeras vantagens no processo de aquisição de habilidades para a identificação e a resolução de problemas, o que estimula a criatividade, o senso crítico, a curiosidade e o espírito científico. Nesse contexto, ganham destaque as Redes Neurais Artificiais (RNA) – sistemas computacionais cuja estrutura matemática é inspirada no funcionamento do cérebro humano –, as quais têm sido úteis no processo ensino-aprendizagem e na avaliação de estudantes de Medicina. Com base nessas ponderações, o escopo da presente comunicação é revisar aspectos da aplicação das RNA na educação médica.Palavras-chave: Medical Education; Artificial Neural Networks; Medicine.

CERQUEIRA, F. R.; FERREIRA, T. G.; OLIVEIRA, A. P.; AUGUSTO, D. A.; KREMPSER, E.; BARBOSA, H. C.; FRANCESCHINI, S. C. C.; FREITAS, B. A. C.; GOMES, A. P.; SIQUEIRA-BATISTA, R. NICeSim: An open-source simulator based on machine learning techniques to support medical research on prenatal and perinatal care decision making.
Artificial Intelligence in Medicine. 2014;62(3):193-201.

Resumo

Objective: This paper describes NICeSim, an open-source simulator that uses machine learning (ML) techniques to aid health professionals to better understand the treatment and prognosis of premature newborns. Methods: The application was developed and tested using data collected in a Brazilian hospital. The available data were used to feed an ML pipeline that was designed to create a simulator capable of predicting the outcome (death probability) for newborns admitted to neonatal intensive care units. However, unlike previous scoring systems, our computational tool is not intended to be used at the patients bedside, although it is possible. Our primary goal is to deliver a computational system to aid medical research in understanding the correlation of key variables with the studied outcome so that new standards can be established for future clinical decisions. In the implemented simulation environment, the values of key attributes can be changed using a user-friendly interface, where the impact of each change on the outcome is immediately reported, allowing a quantitative analysis, in addition to a qualitative investigation, and delivering a totally interactive computational tool that facilitates hypothesis construction and testing. Results: Our statistical experiments showed that the resulting model for death prediction could achieve an accuracy of 86.7% and an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.84 for the positive class. Using this model, three physicians and a neonatal nutritionist performed simulations with key variables correlated with chance of death. The results indicated important tendencies for the effect of each variable and the combination of variables on prognosis. We could also observe values of gestational age and birth weight for which a low Apgar score and the occurrence of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) could be less or more severe. For instance, we have noticed that for a newborn with 2000 g or more the occurrence of RDS is far less problematic than for neonates weighing less. Conclusions The significant accuracy demonstrated by our predictive model shows that NICeSim might be used for hypothesis testing to minimize in vivo experiments. We observed that the model delivers predictions that are in very good agreement with the literature, demonstrating that NICeSim might be an important tool for supporting decision making in medical practice. Other very important characteristics of NICeSim are its flexibility and dynamism. NICeSim is flexible because it allows the inclusion and deletion of variables according to the requirements of a particular study. It is also dynamic because it trains a just-in-time model. Therefore, the system is improved as data from new patients become available. Finally, NICeSim can be extended in a cooperative manner because it is an open-source system.Palavras-chave: Machine learning in medicine; Artificial neural networks; Support vector machine; Clinical decision making; Prenatal care; Perinatal care

SIQUEIRA-BATISTA, R.; GOMES, A. P.; MAIA, P. M.; COSTA, I. T.; OLIVEIRA, A. P.; CERQUEIRA, F. R. Modelos de tomada de decisão em bioética clínica: apontamentos para a abordagem computacional.
Revista Bioética (Impresso), v. 22, p. 456-461, 2014.

Resumo

A bioética tem se tornado, nas últimas décadas, um tema de importância central para a prática clínica, por fornecer ferramentas teóricas para a tomada de decisão do profissional de saúde. A questão que se propõe diz respeito a como saber se a decisão é a mais apropriada, já que uma decisão na esfera clínica – quer se esteja atuando na atenção primária, secundária ou terciária – deve, necessariamente, ser acertada tanto do ponto de vista técnico, quanto do ponto de vista ético. A literatura tem apresentado diferentes modelos para a tomada de decisão no campo de análise da bioética clínica. Com base nessas ponderações, objetiva-se, no presente ensaio, apresentar apontamentos sobre (i) a tomada de decisão na área de bioética clínica e (ii) as possibilidades de abordagem computacional das decisões bioéticas.Palavras-chave: Bioética. Computação; Informática médica; Tomada de decisões; Técnicas de apoio para a decisão; Tomada de decisões gerenciais

2013

SIQUEIRA-BATISTA, R.; SCHRAMM, F. R. Bioética e neurociências: os desígnios da Moîra.
Tempo Brasileiro, v. 195, p. 5-26, 2013.

Resumo

Apresentar apontamentos para ajudar a pensar duas questões atinentes à relações entre neurociências e bioética — (1) à luz das neurociências contemporâneas, no bojo dos debates entre livre arbítrio e determinismo, é possível considerar a autonomia como expressão da vontade livre? (2) Ou, de outro modo, a autonomia seria uma simplória ficção inscrita na determinação neurobiológica? — transitando pela (i) delimitação teórica do conceito de autonomia, (ii) a centralidade da autonomia na ética kantiana e (iii) a determinação neurobiológica da autonomia / tomada de decisão — é o objetivo do presente artigo.Palavras-chave: Autonomia; Bioética; Ética; Neurociências

DUARTE MENDES, P.; MACIEL, M. S.; TEIXEIRA-BRANDÃO, M. V.; ROZENTAL FERNANDES, P. C.; ESPERIDIÃO ANTONIO, V.; KODAIRA, S.
K.; SIQUEIRA-BATISTA, R. Distúrbios da consciência humana – Parte 3 de 3: Intermezzo entre Coma e Vigília.
Revista Neurociências (Online), v. 21, p. 102-107, 2013.

Resumo

O estudo dos distúrbios da consciência tem como pressuposto a compreensão de como o sistema nervoso mantém o estado de vigília e a vida de relação. Além do estado de coma, outras situações igualmente graves podem ocorrer. Deste feito, o objetivo do presente artigo – parte 3 de 3 – é apresentar os principais achados no exame físico, bem como suas conexões funcionais e as bases neurobiológicas do estado vegetativo, do estado minimamente consciente e da síndrome do cativeiro. Cada um desses distúrbios possui características próprias que os distinguem, passando pela completa ausência de consciência ao exame clínico – estado vegetativo – ao perfeito estado de consciência encontrado na síndrome do cativeiro.Palavras-chave: Estado Vegetativo Persistente; Síndrome do Cativeiro; Diagnóstico

2012

DUARTE MENDES, P.; MACIEL, M. S.; TEIXEIRA-BRANDÃO, M. V.; ROZENTAL FERNANDES, P. C.; ESPERIDIÃO ANTONIO, V.; KODAIRA, S.
K.; SIQUEIRA-BATISTA, R. Distúrbios da consciência humana – Parte 2 de 3: a abordagem dos enfermos em coma.
Revista Neurociências (Online), v. 20, p. 576-583, 2012.

Resumo

O presente artigo – parte 2 de 3 – apresenta uma revisão sobre a abordagem diagnóstica do enfermo em estado de coma, destacando a investigação semiológica. Geralmente, a avaliação do indivíduo cujo nível de consciência encontra-se comprometido é uma tarefa complexa, tendo em vista as dificuldades para se analisar diretamente a consciência. Portanto, sua apreciação exige a observação atenta de um conjunto de sinais clínicos fundamentados em uma cuidadosa e sistemática avaliação neurológica a partir dos seguintes itens: (1) nível de consciência, (2) diâmetro e reflexo pupilar, (3) movimentação extrínseca do globo ocular, (4) padrão respiratório e (5) resposta motora esquelética aos diferentes estímulos. A adequada articulação entre estes itens, aliada aos dados coletados da anamnese – quando isto é possível –, permitirá a proposição de hipóteses diagnósticas, as quais guiarão a solicitação de exames complementares e a adoção de medidas terapêuticas.Palavras-chave: Transtornos da Consciência; Diagnóstico; Exame Físico

DUARTE MENDES, P.; MACIEL, M. S.; TEIXEIRA-BRANDÃO, M. V.; ROZENTAL FERNANDES, P. C.; ESPERIDIÃO ANTONIO, V.; KODAIRA, S.
K.; SIQUEIRA-BATISTA, R. Distúrbios da consciência humana – Parte 1 de 3: Bases Neurobiológicas. Revista
Neurociências (Online), v. 20, p. 437-443, 2012.

Resumo

A consciência é o perfeito estado do conhecimento de si próprio e do ambiente, bem como a responsividade específica a variados estímulos internos e externos. O presente artigo tem por objetivo apresentar os aspectos morfofuncionais, fisiopatológicos e as bases neurobiológicas das mais prevalentes condições mórbidas que envolvam alterações do nível de consciência. Para tal, foi realizada uma revisão da literatura apoiada em artigos obtidos através das bases LILACS (Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde), SciELO (Scientific Electronic Library Online) e PubMed (U. S. National Library of Medicine), além de livros-texto de neurologia e de neurociências. Neste primeiro artigo enfoca-se (1) a formação reticular – importante estrutura nervosa relacionada à consciência –, a qual é constituída por um conjunto de fibras nervosas originadas posteriormente ao tronco encefálico, que formam feixes ascendentes capazes de atingir o diencéfalo e ativar o telencéfalo. Distúrbios nestas áreas, de origem traumática ou não, podem levar ao comprometimento das funções tálamo-corticais e, consequentemente, a alterações do nível de consciência.Palavras-chave: Transtornos da Consciência; Neurobiologia; Neurociências

2010

SIQUEIRA-BATISTA, R.; MARIA DA SILVA, L.; MEDEIROS-SOUZA, R. R.; PIRES-DO-PRADO, H. J.; APRIGIO-DA-SILVA, C.; RÔÇAS, G.;
OLIVEIRA, A.L.; HELAYËL-NETO, J. A. Nanociência e nanotecnologia como temáticas para discussão de ciência, tecnologia, sociedade e ambiente.
Ciência e Educação (UNESP. Impresso), v. 16, p. 479-490, 2010.

Resumo

A educação científica e tecnológica tem sido intensamente discutida hodiernamente, tendo em vista o compromisso último das diferentes instituições de ensino: formar cidadãos capazes de entender o mundo no qual estão inseridos. Com efeito, a apreciação de temas da atualidade se constitui em abordagem bastante salutar para motivar as discussões sobre tais temáticas em sala de aula. Neste domínio se inserem a nanociência e a nanotecnologia, saberes que podem ser abordados de forma interdisciplinar, envolvendo as ciências exatas e da natureza de forma articulada às ciências humanas e sociais. A proposição de eixos temáticos para o emprego da nanociência e da nanotecnologia como mote para o ensino de ciências, construídos a partir da revisão da literatura sob um enfoque ciência-tecnologia-sociedade-ambiente (CTSA) é o escopo do presente artigo.Palavras-chave: Ciência, Tecnologia, Sociedade e ambiente (CTSA); Educação; Nanociência; Nanotecnologia

2008

ESPERIDIÃO ANTONIO, V.; MAJESKI-COLOMBO, M.; TOLEDO-MONTEVERDE, D.; MORAES-MARTINS, G.; FERNANDES, J. J.; ASSIS, M. B.; SIQUEIRA-BATISTA,
R. Neurobiologia das emoções.
Revista de Psiquiatria Clínica, v. 35, p. 55-65, 2008.

Resumo

Contexto: A “natureza” das emoções é um dos temas arcaicos do pensamento ocidental, sendo tematizada em diferentes manifestações da cultura como a arte, a religião, a filosofia e a ciência, desde tempos imemoriais. Nos últimos anos, o avanço das neurociências possibilitou a construção de hipóteses para a explicação das emoções, especialmente a partir dos estudos envolvendo o sistema límbico. Objetivos: Apresentar uma discussão atualizada acerca da neurobiologia dos processos relativos às emoções, demarcando suas conexões com o controle neurovegetativo. Métodos: Revisão da literatura e reflexão crítica dos textos obtidos. Resultados: Apresentação das principais estruturas neurais relativas às emoções, suas vias e circuitos de maior relevância, os neurotransmissores implicados, seguindo-se uma discussão sobre as principais emoções. Conclusões: Espera-se que o presente manuscrito possa contribuir à difusão de idéias sobre o sistema das emoções, as quais poderão motivar futuros estudos capazes de elucidar pontos ainda em aberto.Palavras-chave: Sistema límbico; emoções; neurociências; neurobiologia

2007

SIQUEIRA-BATISTA, R.; GOMES, A. P.; ODDÓ, D.; VIANA, L. E. O.; PINTO, R. C. T.; BRAGA, B. D.; RÔÇAS, G.; GELLER, M.; ESPERIDIÃO
ANTONIO, V. Neuroinfecção por Naegleria fowleri: aspectos clínico-terapêuticos, epidemiológicos e ecológicos.
Revista de Neurociências, v. 15, p. 310-316, 2007.

Resumo

As amebas de vida livre são seres vivos que se distribuem amplamente no planeta e, em determinadas circunstâncias, podem provocar infecções em animais, dentre os quais o Homo sapiens sapiens. Neste âmbito, vem merecendo destaque a espécie Naegleria fowleri, capaz de desencadear quadros extremamente graves, habitualmente de difícil abordagem diagnóstica e terapêutica, o que culmina, no mais das vezes, em alta letalidade. Com base nessas premissas, revisar os principais aspectos da infecção humana por N. fowleri é escopo do presente artigo.Palavras-chave: Naegleria fowleri; Infecções Protozoárias do Sistema Nervoso Central; Enceflite de St. Louis; Patologia; Ecologia