Rafael Magdanelo Leandro

A dependability evaluation tool for the Internet of Things

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a promising networking paradigm which immerses objects (cell phones, goods, watches, sensing motes, TVs, etc.) in a worldwide connection. Despite its high degree of applicability, the IoT faces some challenges. One of the most challenging problems is its dependability (reliability and availability), since a device failure might put people in danger or result in financial loss. The lack of a design tool for assessing the dependability of IoT applications at the early planning and design phases prevents system designers from optimizing their decisions so as to minimize the effects of such faults on the network devices. In this paper, we propose a dependability evaluation tool for IoT applications, when hardware faults and permanent link faults are considered.

Progesterone Decreases in vitro Indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase Expression in Dendritic and CD4+ Cells from Maternal-Fetal Interface of Rats

ABSTRACT Problem: Several mechanisms contribute to the tolerogenic state observed during pregnancy, such as the activity of the enzyme indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase (IDO). This initializes the catabolism of tryptophan, inducing T cells to apoptosis due to its deprivation and by the action of its catabolites in the placental microenvironment. Progesterone plays an important part on immunological tolerance mechanisms during pregnancy; however, there is no evidence it is related to IDO activity. Thus, this study aimed to investigate progesterone influence on the maternal-fetal interface of pregnant Wistar rats, by identifying IDO positive cells by immunophenotyping and flow cytometry under exogenous progesterone supplementation. Method of study: Placenta and embryo cells were cultured and separated into groups that received interferon γ or progesterone, supplemented or not with mifepristone. After 2 and 24 h, these were labeled with an anti-IDO and a series of antibodies specific to leucocytes and progesterone receptor and processed through flow cytometry analysis. Results: Progesterone induced a significant decrease in the expression of IDO in dendritic cells and CD4+ lymphocytes. Conclusion: The blocking of progesterone receptor on these cells by mifepristone restored IDO expression levels and may constitute evidence of the participation of this hormone through a direct route in these cells.

Combination therapy of canine osteosarcoma with canine bone marrow stem cells, bone morphogenetic protein and carboplatin in an in vivo model

Osteosarcoma (OSA) is the most common malignant bone cancer in children and dogs. The therapeutic protocols adopted for dogs and humans are very similar, involving surgical options such as amputation. Besides surgical options, radiotherapy and chemotherapy also are adopted. However, hematologic, gastrointestinal and renal toxicity may occur because of chemotherapy treatments. Recent study clearly showed that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) combined with recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein (rhBMP-2) may be associated with decreases of the tumorigenic potential of canine OSA. The aim of this study was to analyse the efficacy of chemotherapy with carboplatin and rhBMP-2 with MSCs in a canine OSA in vivo model. Canine OSA cells were implanted in mice Balb-c/nude with MSCs, rhBMP-2 and carboplatin. Flow cytometry and PCR for markers involved in tumour suppression pathways were analysed. Results showed that the combination of MSCs and rhBMP-2 reduced tumour mass and infiltration of neoplastic cells in tissues more efficiently than carboplatin alone. Thus it was demonstrated that the use of rhBMP-2 and MSCs, in combination with conventional antineoplastic, may be an efficient treatment strategy.

Carcinoma Pulmonar Adenoescamoso em Cão - Relato de Caso

The proposal presented by the present study was to evaluate the falls risk in elderly hospitalized in the Cardiology Infirmary at the Regional Hospital of Mato Grosso do Sul. Application of an evaluation questionnaire and the tests Romberg, Timed up and go and the muscle forced Medical Research Council - MRC test were used, with which we respectively analyzed static balance, dynamic balance and muscle strength. The study results allowed us to conclude that there is a significant fall risk in elderly hospitalized, and the necessity to conduct a physical assessment of the elderly, even in a hostile environment, namely hospitalization. Muscle strength was a highlighted aspect, being characterized in this study as the main predisposing factor for falling in hospitalized elderly. We consider this way, the motor assessment of fundamental importance in order to guide preventive measures such as guidance on the proper care in an attempt to prevent the falls risk.

Imunofenotipagem dos linfócitos positivos para indoleamina 2,3 dioxigenase (IDO) em cultura de células de placenta bovina

Pregnancy is a physiological state that requires immune adaptation in order to be successfully carried on. During this period, mother and fetus establish an immune tolerance status at the maternal fetal interface. Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) plays an important role in maternal-fetal tolerance by metabolizing tryptophan, impairs by several pathways, mainly T CD8 cells proliferation. Several cell types are present in the maternal fetal interface and several of them can express IDO. Leucocytes with Th1 produce a cytokine known as interferon γ that stimulates the expression of IDO in several cell types. Lymphocytes are divided into sub-populations according to their function and phenotype: T lymphocytes, B lymphocytes and natural killer cells (NK). Hormones also involved in this process where progesterone exerts decisive role on maternal immune response that may change gestational outcome and estrogen is essential for fetal maternal tolerance and maintenance of pregnancy. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to identify lymphocytes in the bovine placental cell culture that are sensitive to progesterone, estrogen and interferon γ, IDO expression in various gestational stages using flow cytometry. According to the results in the gestational period from 67.5 to 77.5 days with the addition of interferon γ expression IDO was slightly increased in TCD3 lymphocytes, CD4, and differently from the other T cells CD8 displayed an higher expression of the enzyme (4.48±2.12 to 8.65±4.91). In the period from 92.5 to 172. 5 days the CD4 lymphocytes, CD8 and TCD25 showed a significant decrease of IDO expression (p<0.05). At the final stages between 195 and 222, 5 days TCD3 lymphocytes, CD4 and BCD25 increased expression when subjected to interferon γ supplementation; however, CD8 T cells and NK cells showed no significant changes. Based on the results presented we can conclude that all cell types were able to express IDO by supplementation with interferon γ, and that T CD8 lymphocyte showed an highly significant increase of IDO expression, whereas estrogen increased the expression of IDO only in B lymphocytes (CD25), and progesterone decreased enzyme expression in T lymphocytes (CD3 and CD4) and in NK cells. These results suggest a regulatory mechanism of the immunological system by steroidal hormones during gestation, particularly by modulating IDO expression.

Thorns and dermal denticles of skates Atlantoraja cyclophora and A. castelnaui: Microscopic features and functional implications

Some batoid species are covered with dermal denticles (or placoid scales) that occasionally develop into thorns. In sexually mature males, sharp teeth and alar thorns found on the apex of the lateral disc are used to hold the female during copulation. This study set out to analyze microscopic features of modified dermal denticles and thorns and to investigate sexual dimorphism in Atlantoraja cyclophora and A. castelnaui species. Skin samples collected from areas covered with thorns were fixed in 10% formaldehyde, processed and analyzed using scanning electron microscopy. Alar thorn morphology varied within species, while caudal thorn, rostral and caudal dermal denticle morphology varied within and between species. These structures play an important role in the protection and reproduction of the species studied and constitute important taxonomic information, given they are often the only elements preserved in archaeological sites and fossil records.