Tolerogenic Dendritic Cells Reduce Airway Inflammation in a Model of Dust Mite Triggered Allergic Inflammation

Luciana S. Aragão-França,Viviane C. J. Rocha,Andre Cronemberger-Andrade,F. H. B. Costa,José Fernandes Vasconcelos,Daniel Abensur Athanazio,Daniela Nascimento Silva,E. S. Santos,Cássio Santana Meira,C. 대한천식알레르기학회 2018 Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Research Vol.10 No.4

Purpose: The use of tolerogenic dendritic cells (TolDCs) to control exacerbated immune responses may be a prophylactic and therapeutic option for application in autoimmune and allergic conditions. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effects of TolDC administration in a mouse model of allergic airway inflammation caused by mite extract. Methods: Mouse bone marrow-derived TolDCs were induced by incubation with granulocyte- macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and dexamethasone, and then characterized by flow cytometry and cytokine production by enzyme- linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). For the in vivo model of Blomia tropicalis-induced allergy, mice transplanted with antigen-pulsed TolDCs were sensitized intraperitoneally with B. tropicalis mite extract (BtE) adsorbed to aluminium hydroxide. After challenge by nasal administration of BtE, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), lungs, spleen and serum were collected for analysis. Results: Induction of TolDCs was efficiently achieved as shown by low expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) II, programmed death-ligand (PD-L) 2 and pro-inflammatory cytokine production, and up-regulation of interleukin (IL)-10, upon LPS stimulation in vitro. Transplantation of 1 or 2 doses of BtE-pulsed TolDCs reduced the number of inflammatory cells in BALF and lungs as well as mucus deposition. Moreover, compared to saline-injected controls, TolDC-treated mice showed lower serum levels of anti-BtE immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies as well as reduced Gata3 and IL-4 gene expression in the lungs and decreased IFN-γ levels in the supernatant of splenocyte cultures Transplantation of TolDCs increased the percentage of the regulatory T cells in the spleen and the lungs. Conclusions: Preventive treatment with TolDCs protects against dust mite-induced allergy in a mouse model, reinforcing the use of tolerogenic dendritic cells for the management of allergic conditions.

On the Security Aspects of Internet of Things: A Systematic Literature Review

Evandro L. C. Macedo,Egberto A. R. de Oliveira,Fabio H. Silva,Rui R. Mello Jr,Felipe M. G. França,Flavia C. Delicato,José F. de Rezende,Luís F. M. de Moraes 한국통신학회 2019 Journal of communications and networks Vol.21 No.5

Internet of Things (IoT) has gained increasing visibilityamong emerging technologies and undoubtedly changing our dailylife. Its adoption is strengthened by the growth of connected devices(things) as shown in recent statistics. However, as the numberof connected things grows, responsibility related to security aspectsalso needs to increase. For instance, cyberattacks might happenif simple authentication mechanisms are not implemented on IoTapplications, or if access control mechanisms are weakly defined. Considering the relevance of the subject, we performed a systematicliterature review (SLR) to identify and synthesize security issuesin IoT discussed in scientific papers published within a periodof 8 years. Our literature review focused on four main security aspects,namely authentication, access control, data protection, andtrust. We believe that a study considering these topics has the potentialto reveal important opportunities and trends related to IoTsecurity. In particular, we aim to identify open issues and technologicaltrends that might guide future studies in this field, thusproviding useful material both to researchers and to managers anddevelopers of IoT systems. In this paper, we describe the protocoladopted to perform the SLR and present the state-of-the-art on thefield by describing the main techniques reported in the retrievedstudies. To the best of our knowledge, ours is the first study tocompile information on a comprehensive set of security aspects inIoT. Moreover, we discuss the placement, in terms of architecturaltiers, for deploying security techniques, in an attempt to provideguidelines to help design decisions of security solution developers. We summarize our results showing security trends and researchgaps that can be explored in future studies.

Application of Bonelike® as synthetic bone graft in orthopaedic and oral surgery in veterinary clinical cases.

José Miguel Campos,Ana Catarina Sousa,Pedro Olivério Pinto,Jorge Ribeiro,Miguel Lacueva França,Ana Rita Caseiro,Mariana Vieira Branquinho,Sílvia Santos Pedrosa,Carla Mendonça,Ana Brandão,José Domingos 한국생체재료학회 2019 생체재료학회지 Vol.23 No.1

Autologous bone remains the gold standard grafting substrate for bone fusions used for small gaps and critical defects. However, significant morbidity is associated with the harvesting of autologous bone grafts and, for that reason, alternative bone graft substitutes have been developed. In the present case series, a glass-reinforced hydroxyapatite synthetic bone substitute, with osteoinductive and osteoconductive proprieties, was applied. This synthetic bone substitute comprises the incorporation of P2O5-CaO glass-based system within a hydroxyapatite matrix, moulded into spherical pellets with 250-500 μm of diameter. A total of 14 veterinary clinical cases of appendicular bone defects and maxillary / mandibular bone defects are described. In all clinical cases, the synthetic bone substitute was used to fill bone defects, enhancing bone regeneration and complementing the recommended surgical techniques. Results demonstrated that it is an appropriate synthetic bone graft available to be used in veterinary patients. It functioned as a space filler in association with standard orthopaedic and odontological procedures of stabilization, promoting a faster bone fusion without any local or systemic adverse reactions. This procedure improves the animals’ quality of life, decreasing pain and post-operative recovery period, as well as increasing bone stability improving positive clinical outcomes.

Effect of Zusanli (ST.36) Electroacupuncture at Two Frequencies on the Bioavailability of 99mTc-Sodium Pertechnetate and on Labeling of Blood Constituents in Rats

Vasco Senna-Fernandes,Daisy L França,Kelly CM Santos,Rafael S Sousa,Dilson Silva,Célia M Cortez,Mario Bernardo-Filho,Marco AM Guimarães 사단법인약침학회 2009 Journal of Acupuncture & Meridian Studies Vol.2 No.2

Objectives: A study was performed on the effects of stimulation at Zusanlipoint (ST.36) by electroacupuncture (EA) at two frequencies on the bioavailability of 99mTc-sodium pertechnetate (Na99mTcO4) in rats. Methods: Forty Wistar rats were divided into four groups: untreated control, treated by manual acupuncture at ST.36 bilaterally, treated by EA at 2 Hz at ST.36 bilaterally, and the same site at 100 Hz bilaterally. Na99mTcO4 (7.4 MBq) was administrated via the ocular-plexus and, 20 minutes before sacrifice, blood was withdrawn for radiolabeling assay (BRL). In the bioavailability analysis, organs and tissues were isolated, their radioactivity determined, and the percentage of injected dose per gram of organ or tissue (%ID/g) and the %ID were calculated for each organ or tissue (%ID/ot). For BRL, the plasma and blood cells isolated, and the fractions also precipitated with 5% trichloroacetic acid to separate the soluble and insoluble fractions; these were assessed as percentage of injected dose (%ID) in blood (%ID/b). Results: The results showed significant differences in the %ID/g in some organs and tissues in comparison with controls; lung (p = 0.0013), spleen (p = 0.0085), pancreas (p = 0.0167), liver (p = 0.0003), stomach (p < 0.0001), small-intestine (p = 0.0181), large-intestine (p = 0.04099), urinary-bladder (p = 0.0271), thyroid (p < 0.0001), muscle (p = 0.0187); %ID/ot in spleen (p = 0.0349); and %ID/b in blood sample (p = 0.0235). In the blood labeling analyses, EA in either frequency significantly increased insoluble fraction/blood cells (p < 0.0001). Objectives: A study was performed on the effects of stimulation at Zusanlipoint (ST.36) by electroacupuncture (EA) at two frequencies on the bioavailability of 99mTc-sodium pertechnetate (Na99mTcO4) in rats. Methods: Forty Wistar rats were divided into four groups: untreated control, treated by manual acupuncture at ST.36 bilaterally, treated by EA at 2 Hz at ST.36 bilaterally, and the same site at 100 Hz bilaterally. Na99mTcO4 (7.4 MBq) was administrated via the ocular-plexus and, 20 minutes before sacrifice, blood was withdrawn for radiolabeling assay (BRL). In the bioavailability analysis, organs and tissues were isolated, their radioactivity determined, and the percentage of injected dose per gram of organ or tissue (%ID/g) and the %ID were calculated for each organ or tissue (%ID/ot). For BRL, the plasma and blood cells isolated, and the fractions also precipitated with 5% trichloroacetic acid to separate the soluble and insoluble fractions; these were assessed as percentage of injected dose (%ID) in blood (%ID/b). Results: The results showed significant differences in the %ID/g in some organs and tissues in comparison with controls; lung (p = 0.0013), spleen (p = 0.0085), pancreas (p = 0.0167), liver (p = 0.0003), stomach (p < 0.0001), small-intestine (p = 0.0181), large-intestine (p = 0.04099), urinary-bladder (p = 0.0271), thyroid (p < 0.0001), muscle (p = 0.0187); %ID/ot in spleen (p = 0.0349); and %ID/b in blood sample (p = 0.0235). In the blood labeling analyses, EA in either frequency significantly increased insoluble fraction/blood cells (p < 0.0001).

Solitary peripheral osteomas of the jaws

Talita Ribeiro Tenório de França,Luiz Alcino Monteiro Gueiros,Jurema Freire Lisboa de Castro,Ivson Catunda,Jair Carneiro Leão,Danyel Elias da Cruz Perez 대한구강악안면방사선학회 2012 Imaging Science in Dentistry Vol.42 No.2

Osteoma is a benign osteogenic tumor composed of cancellous or compact bone, classified as peripheral, central, or extraskeletal. Peripheral osteomas are uncommon. Excluding the maxillary sinuses, the maxilla is a rare site for osteomas. The purpose of this report was to describe clinicopathological and radiological features of two peripheral osteomas occurring in the jaws, one located in the mandible and another in the edentulous maxillary alveolar ridge. The tumors were asymptomatic and were fully excised without any complications or recurrence. The lesions were submitted to histopathological analysis and diagnosed as peripheral osteoma, compact type.

Protein can be taken up by damaged wheat roots and transported to the stem

Jay Rasmussen,Brandon H. Gilroyed,Tim Reuter,Ana Badea,François Eudes,Robert Graf,André Laroche,Nat NV Kav,Tim A. McAllister 한국식물학회 2015 Journal of Plant Biology Vol.58 No.1

Proteins of animal origin can represent a portion of the overall nitrogen (N) pool in the soil environment and there is a possibility that plants may utilize animal proteins as a N source. Using wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) we investigated if the model protein, ovalbumin was taken up into the roots and transported within the plant. In roots, ovalbumin was associated with the epidermis when no root damage was evident, but with minor root damage, it was present in intercellular spaces throughout the cortex and at the endodermis. Ovalbumin was only found in the stem when minor damage to the root system was evident. Suspension cultures of wheat protoplasts revealed that ovalbumin was not assimilated into individual plant cells. Our results suggest that ovalbumin uptake and subsequent movement in wheat is possible only after root damage has occurred. Apoplastic movement may enable animal protein to enter plant tissues above the soil level where they could be consumed by grazers.

Assessment of Bone Mineral Density of Patients with Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 3

Aline Maria Santos Farias,Simone Appenzeller,Marcondes C França Jr.,Alberto RM Martinez,Elba E Etchebehere,Thiago F Souza,Allan O Santos 대한파킨슨병및이상운동질환학회 2019 Journal Of Movement Disorders Vol.12 No.1

Objective To evaluate whether less pulsatile levodopa therapy (LPT) can reduce the development of levodopa-induced dyskinesia (LID). Methods This is a retrospective cohort study of patients with Parkinson’s disease at the movement disorders clinic of Medstar Washington Hospital Center. The study was not blinded or randomized. Patients were seen between August 2002 and August 2018. During these years, we treated patients with less pulsatile (6 doses daily) levodopa treatment to reduce LID. Occurrence of LID was recorded. Results Ninety-five patients with Parkinson’s disease taking levodopa were divided into two groups: 1) patients who were initially managed on LPT or who switched from traditional therapy (TT) (n = 61) (mean disease duration: 7.7 ± 4.8 years, mean levodopa duration: 5.6 ± 4.5 years and mean observation time: 4.3 ± 3.4 years), and 2) patients on TT throughout the observation period or until they developed dyskinesia (n = 34) (mean disease duration: 8.3 ± 3.8 years, mean levodopa duration: 6.2 ± 4.2 years and mean observation time: 4.1 ± 3.4 years). Three of the 61 LPT patients developed dyskinesia during the observation period. One of the patients developed dyskinesia after being switched to pulsatile doses by another doctor. In the other two, dyskinesia was minimal. In contrast to this 4.9% cumulative incidence, dyskinesia occurred in 50% (17/34) of TT patients, an incidence similar to that in published data (p < 0.001). Conclusion Less pulsatile levodopa with 6 daily doses was associated with a low incidence of LID. Further study of this method of treatment is warranted.

Maxillary sinus volumetric changes in jet aircraft pilots: A multislice computed tomography pilot study

Silva Yeda da,Munhoz Luciana,Filho José Rodrigues Parga,Damasceno Andreza Gomes,da Rosa Cesar Felipe França,Zukovski Eduardo Bilaqui,Teng Erik Zhu,de Castro Cláudio Campi 대한영상치의학회 2023 Imaging Science in Dentistry Vol.53 No.1

Purpose: This study evaluated maxillary sinus volume changes in military jet aircraft pilot candidates before and after the training program, in comparison with a control group, considering the effects of pressurization, altitude, and total flight hours, through multislice computed tomography. Materials and Methods: Fifteen fighter pilots were evaluated before initiating the training program and after the final approval. The control group consisted of 41 young adults who had not flown during their military career. The volumes of each maxillary sinus were measured individually before and at the end of the training program. Results: When comparing the initial and final volumes in the pilots, a statistically significant increase was observed both in the left and right maxillary sinuses. When evaluating the average total volume of the maxillary sinuses (i.e., the average volume of the right and left maxillary sinuses together), a significant increase in the volume of the maxillary sinuses was observed in the pilot group when compared to the control group. Conclusion: The maxillary sinus volumes in aircraft pilot candidates increased after the 8-month training program. This may be explained by changes in the gravitational force, the expansion of gas, and positive pressure from oxygen masks. This unprecedented investigation among pilots might lead to other investigations considering paranasal sinus alterations in this singular population.

An overview of the gut side of the SARS-CoV-2 infection

( Bruna Barbosa Da Luz ),( Natalia Mulinari Turin De Oliveira ),( Isabella Wzorek França Dos Santos ),( Luana Zampieron Paza ),( Lara Luisa Valerio De Mello Braga ),( Fernanda Da Silva Platner ),( Mar 대한장연구학회 2021 Intestinal Research Vol.19 No.4

In late 2019, an outbreak of pneumonia caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) initiated in Wuhan, Hubei province, China. The major clinical symptoms described for coronavirus disease (COVID-19) include respira-tory distress and pneumonia in severe cases, and some patients may experience gastrointestinal impairments. In accordance, viral RNA or live infectious virus have been detected in feces of patients with COVID-19. Binding of SARS-CoV-2 to the angio-tensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is a vital pathway for the virus entry into human cells, including those of the respiratory mucosa, esophageal epithelium as well as the absorptive enterocytes from ileum and colon. The interaction between SARS- CoV-2 and ACE2 receptor may decrease the receptor expression and disrupt the function of B0AT1 transporter influencing the diarrhea observed in COVID-19 patients. In this context, a fecal-oral transmission route has been considered and points out a role for the digestive tract in disease transmission and severity. Here, in order to further understand the impact of COVID-19 in human physiology, the cellular and molecular mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 infection and disease severity are discussed in the context of gastrointestinal disturbances. (Intest Res 2021;19:379-385)

Cottonseed biodiesel oxidative stability in mixture with natural antioxidants

João Paulo Almeida Freitas,Fernanda Rocha Morais França,Maria Susana Silva,Richard James Toms,Gabriel Francisco da Silva 한국화학공학회 2019 Korean Journal of Chemical Engineering Vol.36 No.8

We evaluated the antioxidant power of the natural extracts catechin, curcumin and quercetin on the oxidative stability of methylic cottonseed oil biodiesel by applying the simplex-centroid augmented mixture experimental design, in addition to verifying the existence and the type of synergy among the extracts. The oxidative stability was measured using Rancimat method (EN 14112) for biodiesel added with 1,000, 2,000 and 3,000 ppm of additives, and compared with the commercial synthetic antioxidant butyl hydroxyanisole at the same concentrations. All additives had a positive effect on biodiesel oxidative stability; in addition, catechin and quercetin proved to be more efficient than the synthetic antioxidant, whereas curcumin showed similar results. The results also revealed that the interactions among the extracts varied not only with the proportion in which they were added to the biodiesel, but also with the total concentration, so that the increase in concentration reduced the magnitude of the synergistic effect.