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Showing papers by "Universidade Estadual de Londrina published in 2018"


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The study of the mechanisms triggered by Azospirillum in plants can help in the search for more-sustainable agricultural practices and possibly reveal the use of PGPB as a major strategy to mitigate the effects of biotic and abiotic stresses on agricultural productivity.
Abstract: The genus Azospirillum comprises plant-growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB), which have been broadly studied. The benefits to plants by inoculation with Azospirillum have been primarily attributed to its capacity to fix atmospheric nitrogen, but also to its capacity to synthesize phytohormones, in particular indole-3-acetic acid. Recently, an increasing number of studies has attributed an important role of Azospirillum in conferring to plants tolerance of abiotic and biotic stresses, which may be mediated by phytohormones acting as signaling molecules. Tolerance of biotic stresses is controlled by mechanisms of induced systemic resistance, mediated by increased levels of phytohormones in the jasmonic acid/ethylene pathway, independent of salicylic acid (SA), whereas in the systemic acquired resistance—a mechanism previously studied with phytopathogens—it is controlled by intermediate levels of SA. Both mechanisms are related to the NPR1 protein, acting as a co-activator in the induction of defense genes. Azospirillum can also promote plant growth by mechanisms of tolerance of abiotic stresses, named as induced systemic tolerance, mediated by antioxidants, osmotic adjustment, production of phytohormones, and defense strategies such as the expression of pathogenesis-related genes. The study of the mechanisms triggered by Azospirillum in plants can help in the search for more-sustainable agricultural practices and possibly reveal the use of PGPB as a major strategy to mitigate the effects of biotic and abiotic stresses on agricultural productivity.

257 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
17 May 2018-Cell
TL;DR: It is concluded that targeting the peripheral nervous system and blocking neuro-immune communication is a promising strategy to treat highly invasive bacterial infections.

236 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
Luis Eduardo Paim Rohde, Marcelo Westerlund Montera, Edimar Alcides Bocchi1, Nadine Oliveira Clausell, Denilson Campos de Albuquerque2, Salvador Rassi3, Alexandre Siciliano Colafranceschi, Aguinaldo Figueiredo de Freitas Junior3, Almir Sergio Ferraz, Andreia Biolo4, Antonio Carlos Pereira Barretto1, Antonio Luiz Pinho Ribeiro5, Carisi Anne Polanczyk, Danielle Menosi Gualandro1, Dirceu R. Almeida6, Eneida Rejane Rabelo da Silva4, Estêvão Lanna Figueiredo, Evandro Tinoco Mesquita7, Fabiana G. Marcondes-Braga1, Fátima das Dores Cruz1, Felix José Alvarez Ramires1, Fernando Antibas Atik, Fernando Bacal1, Germano Emilio Conceição Souza1, Gustavo Luiz Gouvêa de Almeida Junior, Gustavo Calado de Aguiar Ribeiro8, Humberto Villacorta Junior7, Jefferson Luis Vieira, João David de Souza Neto, João Manoel Rossi Neto, José Albuquerque de Figueiredo Neto9, Lidia Ana Zytynsky Moura10, Livia Adams Goldraich, Luís Beck-da-Silva4, Luiz Cláudio Danzmann11, Luiz Cláudio Danzmann12, Manoel Fernandes Canesin13, Marcelo Imbroinise Bittencourt2, Marcelo Iorio Garcia14, Marcely Gimenes Bonatto, Marcus Vinicius Simões1, Maria da Consolação Vieira Moreira5, Miguel Morita Fernandes da Silva, Mucio Tavares de Olivera Junior1, Odilson Marcos Silvestre15, Pedro V. Schwartzmann1, Reinaldo B. Bestetti1, Ricardo Mourilhe Rocha2, Ricardo Simoes, Sabrina Bernardez Pereira, Sandrigo Mangini1, Silvia Marinho Martins Alves, Silvia Moreira Ayub Ferreira1, Victor Sarli Issa1, Vitor Salvatore Barzilai, Wolney de Andrade Martins7 
TL;DR: Parte 1: Diretriz Brasileira de Insuficiencia Cardiaca Cronica Cronica e Aguda.
Abstract: Parte 1: Diretriz Brasileira de Insuficiencia Cardiaca Cronica […] Diretriz Brasileira de Insuficiencia Cardiaca Cronica e Aguda

207 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: It is proposed an expert system with the capability to monitor the networks traffic with IP flows while expected behaviors are generated in a regular time interval basis, issuing alarms when a possible problem is present, and achieves higher performance compared to several other approaches.
Abstract: Multiple attributes from IP flows are combined to detect anomalous events.GA metaheuristic used for Digital Signature of Network Segment using Flow Analysis.Unsupervised training technique applied efficiently for network traffic profiling.Fuzzy Logic improved accuracy and false positives compared to state of art. Due to the sheer number of applications that uses computer networks, in which some are crucial to users and enterprises, network management is essential. Therefore, integrity and availability of computer networks become priorities, making it a fundamental resource to be managed. In this work, a scheme combining Genetic Algorithm and a Fuzzy Logic for network anomaly detection is discussed. The Genetic Algorithm is used to generate a Digital Signature of Network Segment using Flow Analysis, where information extracted from network flows data is used to predict the networks traffic behavior for a given time interval. Furthermore, a Fuzzy Logic scheme is applied to decide whether an instance represents an anomaly or not, differing from some approaches present in the literature. Indeed, it is proposed an expert system with the capability to monitor the networks traffic with IP flows while expected behaviors are generated in a regular time interval basis, issuing alarms when a possible problem is present. The proposed anomaly detection system exposes network problems autonomously. The results acquired from applying the proposed approach in a real network traffic flows achieve an accuracy of 96.53% and false positive rate of 0.56%. Moreover, our method succeeds in achieving higher performance compared to several other approaches.

179 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: This review focuses on the history of taxonomy, biochemical aspects and methods of isolation, identification and quantification of AAB, mainly related to those with important biotechnological applications.
Abstract: The group of Gram-negative bacteria capable of oxidising ethanol to acetic acid is called acetic acid bacteria (AAB). They are widespread in nature and play an important role in the production of food and beverages, such as vinegar and kombucha. The ability to oxidise ethanol to acetic acid also allows the unwanted growth of AAB in other fermented beverages, such as wine, cider, beer and functional and soft beverages, causing an undesirable sour taste. These bacteria are also used in the production of other metabolic products, for example, gluconic acid, l-sorbose and bacterial cellulose, with potential applications in the food and biomedical industries. The classification of AAB into distinct genera has undergone several modifications over the last years, based on morphological, physiological and genetic characteristics. Therefore, this review focuses on the history of taxonomy, biochemical aspects and methods of isolation, identification and quantification of AAB, mainly related to those with important biotechnological applications.

152 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Papaya grading is performed manually which may lead to misclassifications, resulting in fruit boxes with different maturity stages, but can mature into an industrial application with the right integration framework.

120 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The present review elucidates the roles of M1 and M2 polarization in leishmaniasis and highlights the role of the salivary components of the vector and the action of the parasite in the macrophage plasticity.
Abstract: Leishmaniasis is a vector-borne neglected tropical disease that affects more than 700,000 people annually. Leishmania parasites cause the disease, and different species trigger a distinct immune response and clinical manifestations. Macrophages are the final host cells for the proliferation of Leishmania parasites, and these cells are the key to a controlled or exacerbated response that culminates in clinical manifestations. M1 and M2 are the two main macrophage phenotypes. M1 is a pro-inflammatory subtype with microbicidal properties, and M2, or alternatively activated, is an anti-inflammatory/regulatory subtype that is related to inflammation resolution and tissue repair. The present review elucidates the roles of M1 and M2 polarization in leishmaniasis and highlights the role of the salivary components of the vector and the action of the parasite in the macrophage plasticity.

117 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The results highlight the importance of investigating different target tissues after IMI Exposure and show the sublethal effects of IMI in some of them; they also warn to the possible consequences that fish living in freshwater ecosystems can suffer due to IMI exposure.

117 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Anti‐inflammatory effects of RT were significant only for CRP with a tendency for a decrease in IL‐6 as well, and exploratory analyses suggested the reduction in inflammatory markers could be dependent on increases in muscle mass and higher volume of RT protocols.

93 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The data associated with oxidative stress as a plausible mechanism for mycotoxin-induced toxicity is summarised and a variety of natural compounds due to their antioxidant capacities have been evaluated.
Abstract: Mycotoxins are the most common contaminants of food and feed worldwide and are considered an important risk factor for human and animal health. Oxidative stress occurs in cells when the concentration of reactive oxygen species exceeds the cell’s antioxidant capacity. Oxidative stress causes DNA damage, enhances lipid peroxidation, protein damage and cell death. This review addresses the toxicity of the major mycotoxins, especially aflatoxin B1, deoxynivalenol, nivalenol, T-2 toxin, fumonisin B1, ochratoxin, patulin and zearalenone, in relation to oxidative stress. It summarises the data associated with oxidative stress as a plausible mechanism for mycotoxin-induced toxicity. Given the contamination caused by mycotoxins worldwide, the protective effects of a variety of natural compounds due to their antioxidant capacities have been evaluated. We review data on the ability of vitamins, flavonoids, crocin, curcumin, green tea, lycopene, phytic acid, L-carnitine, melatonin, minerals and mixtures of anti-oxida...

91 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The potential role of chronic physical activity and exercise in restoring the M1 and M2 macrophage balance and consequently, the satellite cell niche to improve skeletal muscle regeneration after injury is discussed.
Abstract: Chronic inflammation impairs skeletal muscle regeneration. Although many cells are involved in chronic inflammation, macrophages seem to play an important role in impaired muscle regeneration since these cells are associated with skeletal muscle stem cell (namely, satellite cells) activation and fibro-adipogenic progenitor cell (FAP) survival. Specifically, an imbalance of M1 and M2 macrophages seems to lead to impaired satellite cell activation, and these are the main cells that function during skeletal muscle regeneration, after muscle damage. Additionally, this imbalance leads to the accumulation of FAPs in skeletal muscle, with aberrant production of pro-fibrotic factors (e.g., extracellular matrix components), impairing the niche for proper satellite cell activation and differentiation. Treatments aiming to block the inflammatory pro-fibrotic response are partially effective due to their side effects. Therefore, strategies reverting chronic inflammation into a pro-regenerative pattern are required. In this review, we first describe skeletal muscle resident macrophage ontogeny and homeostasis, and explain how macrophages are replenished after muscle injury. We next discuss the potential role of chronic physical activity and exercise in restoring the M1 and M2 macrophage balance and consequently, the satellite cell niche to improve skeletal muscle regeneration after injury.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, reduced graphene oxide (rGO) using graphite (GR) as a starting material was synthesized using modified Hummer's method followed by thermal reduction, and the obtained materials were electrochemically evaluated using ferri/ferrocyanide redox probe.
Abstract: The main purpose of this study is to synthesize reduced graphene oxide (rGO) using graphite (GR) as a starting material. This paper explains didactic step-by-step of the synthesis, the role of each reagent, showing pictures of the entire process and including a well-explained characterization study. The rGO was prepared using modified Hummer’s method, followed by thermal reduction. The materials were characterized from the starting material (GR), through the intermediate material (GO) and finally the material of interest (rGO). Various techniques and procedures were used to characterize the materials such as X-ray diffraction, infrared and Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, electrochemical characterization and dispersion analysis. Morphological and structural characterization of the obtained materials suggests that the synthesis and reduction to obtain rGO were effective. The obtained materials were electrochemically evaluated using ferri/ferrocyanide redox probe. The association of chemical oxidation of GR with KMnO4 in the presence of H2SO4 with further thermal reduction makes possible to produce rGO in large scale and with quality as noticed by outstanding electrochemical behavior toward the redox couple [Fe(CN)6]3−/[Fe(CN)6]4− probe.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Fecal microbiota transplantation in parvovirus‐infected puppies was associated with faster resolution of diarrhea and shorter hospitalization time among survivors.
Abstract: BACKGROUND Diarrhea associated with parvovirus infection is common in dogs. Supportive care is the mainstay of treatment, but recovery may be prolonged and mortality rate can be high. Modification of the intestinal bacterial microbiota has been promising in human and veterinary medicine as an adjunctive treatment of various enteric diseases. OBJECTIVES To investigate the safety and efficacy of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) on the clinical recovery of puppies with acute hemorrhagic diarrhea syndrome. ANIMALS Sixty-six puppies with parvovirus infection were evaluated at 2 veterinary hospitals. METHODS Randomized clinical trial. Puppies were randomly distributed into 2 groups: standard treatment (STD) and standard treatment + FMT (STD + FMT). The STD puppies (n = 33) received only treatment with IV fluids and antimicrobials and the STD + FMT puppies (n = 33) received FMT in addition to standard treatment. For FMT, 10 g of feces from a healthy dog diluted in 10 mL of saline were administered rectally 6-12 hours post-admission. RESULTS Among survivors, treatment with FMT was associated with faster resolution of diarrhea (P < .001) and shorter hospitalization time (P = .001; median, 3 days in STD + FMT; median, 6 days in STD) compared to standard treatment. Mortality in STD was 36.4% (12/33) as compared to 21.2% (7/33) in puppies treated with FMT, but there was no statistical difference between groups (P = .174). Polymerase chain reaction indicated that all animals carried canine parvovirus, strain CPV-2b. CONCLUSIONS Fecal microbiota transplantation in parvovirus-infected puppies was associated with faster resolution of diarrhea.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Despite the low counts, a considerable portion of the psychrotrophic microbiota presented spoilage potential, which reaffirms the need for rigor in the control of contamination and the importance of rapid processing as factors that maintain the quality of milk and dairy products.

Journal ArticleDOI
09 Apr 2018
TL;DR: The major gaps and obstacles in this area, such as the large-scale production of these systems and the need for investigations of the toxicity to non-target organisms are discussed.
Abstract: Polymeric nanoparticles have been developed as carrier systems for agrochemicals aimed at pest control and increased crop yields. This minireview summarizes the recent progress and challenges in the design and application of polymeric nanoparticles loaded with herbicides, fungicides, insecticides and plant growth regulators. The many advantages of these nanoagrochemicals are discussed including: (1) the availability, biocompatibility and biodegradability of many polymers, (2) the decreased impact on non-target organisms, (3) the protection of the active compounds against degradation, (4) their increased solubility, (5) modified release, and (6) an improved efficacy of the active ingredients. We also discuss the major gaps and obstacles in this area, such as the large-scale production of these systems and the need for investigations of the toxicity to non-target organisms.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, a review of the most potent antiurease organic substances is presented, focusing on systematic screening studies on the inhibitory activity of rationally designed series of compounds with the corresponding SAR considerations.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: It is demonstrated that AgNp-bio had a direct effect against L. amazonensis forms and acted on immunomodulatory ability of infected macrophages, reducing the infection without inducing the synthesis of inflammatory mediators, which continuous stimulation can generate and aggravate leishmaniotic lesions.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: This study analyzed the effects of a 12‐week resistance training program without dietary interventions on metabolic syndrome (MetS) components and inflammatory biomarkers in older women.
Abstract: Background There is controversial information regarding the effects of resistance training (RT) on the reduction of risk factors and metabolic syndrome (MetS)-related phenotypes, particularly, in older women. This study analyzed the effects of a 12-week RT program without dietary interventions on MetS components and inflammatory biomarkers in older women. Methods Fifty-three older women (70.4 ± 5.7 years; 26.7 ± 4.0 kg/m2) were randomly assigned to a training group (TG, n = 26) that performed 12 weeks of RT program or a control group (CG, n = 27) that did not perform any type of physical exercise (same period). Body composition (DXA), muscular strength (1RM tests), blood pressure (BP), and blood sample measurements were performed pre- and post-intervention. Results The RT intervention reduced significantly (P < 0.05) glucose (TG = -20.4% vs. CG = -0.3%), waist circumference (TG = -1.5% vs. CG = +2.0%), and Systolic BP (TG = -6.2% vs. CG = +0.9%), besides complete normalization of MetS (18% at baseline) in TG. Moreover, TG showed a decreasing in the concentrations of CRP (TG = -28.6% vs. CG = +34.5%), and TNF-α (TG = -21.6% vs. CG = +13.3%), in addition to positive improvements in the MetS Z-score (TG = -21.6% vs. CG = +13.3%). Conclusion Our results suggest that 12-wk RT seems to be effective for reducing MetS components and inflammatory biomarkers in older women, regardless of dietary intervention. RT-induced adaptations on body composition and inflammatory biomarkers appear to be related to healthy adaptations in risk factors for MetS.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The potential therapeutic applicability of the dietary flavonoid quercetin to reduce pain and inflammatory damages associated with prosthesis wear process-induced arthritis is demonstrated.
Abstract: Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a common component of orthopedic prosthesis. However, prosthesis wear releases TiO2, which induces inflammation and osteolysis in peri-prosthetic tissues. Quercetin is a flavonoid widely present in human diet, which presents biological activities such as antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Therefore, the effect of intraperitoneal treatment with quercetin in TiO2-induced arthritis model was evaluated. In the first set of experiments, mice received injection of TiO2 (0.1-3 mg/knee joint) and articular mechanical hyperalgesia, edema and histopathology analysis were performed in a 30 days protocol. The dose of 3 mg of TiO2 showed the most harmful effect, and was chosen to the following experiments. Subsequently, mice received 3 mg of TiO2 followed by post-treatment with quercetin during 30 days. Quercetin (10-100 mg/kg) inhibited in a dose-dependent manner TiO2-induced knee joint mechanical hyperalgesia, edema and leukocyte recruitment and did not induce damage in major organs such as liver, kidney and stomach. The dose of 30 mg/kg was chosen for the subsequent analysis, and reduced histopathological changes such as leukocyte infiltration, vascular proliferation and synovial hyperplasia (pannus formation) on day 30 after TiO2 challenge. The protective analgesic and anti-inflammatory mechanisms of quercetin included the inhibition of TiO2-induced neutrophil and macrophage recruitment, proteoglycan degradation, oxidative stress, cytokine production (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-10), COX-2 mRNA expression, and bone resorption as well as activation of Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway. These results demonstrate the potential therapeutic applicability of the dietary flavonoid quercetin to reduce pain and inflammatory damages associated with prosthesis wear process-induced arthritis.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Quercetin exerted anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antioxidant effects in experimental arthritis, suggesting quercet in is a possible candidate for arthritis treatment.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Treatment with two applications at 7 days after véraison and 21 DAV of S-ABA 400 mg/L resulted in a higher accumulation of total anthocyanins in the skin of berries and increased the gene expression of CHI, F3H, DFR, and UFGT and of the VvMYBA1 and Vv MYBA2 transcription factors in the seedless grape cultivar.
Abstract: Hybrid (Vitis vinifera ×Vitis labrusca) table grape cultivars grown in the subtropics often fail to accumulate sufficient anthocyanins to achieve good uniform berry color. Growers of V. vinifera table grapes in temperate regions generally use ethephon and, more recently, (S)-cis-abscisic acid (S-ABA) to overcome this problem. The objective of this study was to determine if S-ABA applications at different timings and concentrations have an effect on anthocyanin regulatory and biosynthetic genes, pigment accumulation, and berry color of the Selection 21 cultivar, a new V. vinifera ×V. labrusca hybrid seedless grape that presents lack of red color when grown in subtropical areas. Applications of S-ABA 400 mg/L resulted in a higher accumulation of total anthocyanins and of the individual anthocyaninsanthocyanins: delphinidin-3-glucoside, cyanidin-3-glucoside, peonidin-3-glucoside, and malvidin-3-glucoside in the berry skin and improved the color attributes of the berries. Treatment with two applications at 7 days after veraison (DAV) and 21 DAV of S-ABA 400 mg/L resulted in a higher accumulation of total anthocyanins in the skin of berries and increased the gene expression of CHI, F3H, DFR, and UFGT and of the VvMYBA1 and VvMYBA2 transcription factors in the seedless grape cultivar.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The results suggest that the utilization of atrazine-containing PCL nanocapsules potentiated the post-emergence control of A. viridis and B. pilosa by the herbicide, and this nanoformulation emerges as an efficient alternative for weed control.
Abstract: Poly(ɛ-caprolactone) (PCL) nanocapsules have been previously developed as a carrier system for atrazine. However, the efficacy of this nanoformulation against weeds commonly found in crop cultures has not been tested yet. Here, we evaluated the post-emergence herbicidal activity of PCL nanocapsules containing atrazine against Amaranthus viridis (slender amaranth) and Bidens pilosa (hairy beggarticks), in comparison with a commercial formulation of atrazine. For both species, treatment with atrazine-loaded nanocapsules (at 2000 g ha-1) led to a greater decrease in the photosystem II activity (above 50% inhibition relative to the control) than the commercial atrazine formulation at the same concentration (around 40% inhibition). The growth of A. viridis plants was equally reduced by nanoatrazine and commercial formulation (above 64% for root and 75% for shoot). In the case of B. pilosa, atrazine-loaded nanocapsules decreased more effectively the root and shoot growth than the commercial formulation, leading to a loss of plant biomass. Moreover, for both species, the use of ten-fold diluted atrazine-loaded PCL nanocapsules (200 g ha-1) resulted in the same inhibitory effect in root and shoot growth as the commercial formulation at the standard atrazine dose. These results suggest that the utilization of atrazine-containing PCL nanocapsules potentiated the post-emergence control of A. viridis and B. pilosa by the herbicide. Thus, this nanoformulation emerges as an efficient alternative for weed control.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the best conditions for the extraction of phenolic compounds with antioxidant activity (AA) of the Baccharis dracunculifolia DC (Bd) plant using response surface methodology (RSM) were investigated.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The excretion of T. gondii oocysts was higher in experimentally re-infected cats throughout the years, especially when a heterologous strain was used, and protection against oocyst re-excretion occurred in 90%, 25%, and 33.4% of cats after 12, 24, and 36 months from the initial infection, respectively.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The findings show that PhA is a simple and relevant explanatory variable which is related inflammatory and stress oxidative markers in physically independent older women, regardless of age, number of diseases, and body composition.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The potentialities in health improvement from food phenolics in animal models and in human is well substantiated, however, considering the emerging market of plant food by-products as potential sources of phenolic bioactives, more research in humans is deemed necessary.
Abstract: Plant foods, their products and processing by-products are well recognized as important sources of phenolic compounds. Recent studies in this field have demonstrated that food processing by-products are often richer sources of bioactive compounds as compared with their original feedstock. However, their final application as a source of nutraceuticals and bioactives requires addressing certain hurdles and challenges. This review discusses recent knowledge advances in the use of plant food processing by-products as sources of phenolic compounds with special attention to the role of genetics on the distribution and biosynthesis of plant phenolics, as well as their profiling and screening, potential health benefits, and safety issues. The potentialities in health improvement from food phenolics in animal models and in humans is well substantiated, however, considering the emerging market of plant food by-products as potential sources of phenolic bioactives, more research in humans is deemed necessary.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Overall, the macrophyte P. pectinatus can be considered a suitable plant for monitoring environments contaminated by copper, based on results of copper accumulation in the plant, decrease in pigment concentration and presence of chlorosis and necrosis.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: It is suggested that the antidepressant lofepramine, and in particular its active metabolite desipramine), may be beneficial not only for depressive symptomatology but also for the neurological symptoms of MS.
Abstract: Patients with a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) or major depressive disorder (MDD) share a wide array of biological abnormalities which are increasingly considered to play a contributory role in the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of both illnesses. Shared abnormalities include peripheral inflammation, neuroinflammation, chronic oxidative and nitrosative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, gut dysbiosis, increased intestinal barrier permeability with bacterial translocation into the systemic circulation, neuroendocrine abnormalities and microglial pathology. Patients with MS and MDD also display a wide range of neuroimaging abnormalities and patients with MS who display symptoms of depression present with different neuroimaging profiles compared with MS patients who are depression-free. The precise details of such pathology are markedly different however. The recruitment of activated encephalitogenic Th17 T cells and subsequent bidirectional interaction leading to classically activated microglia is now considered to lie at the core of MS-specific pathology. The presence of activated microglia is common to both illnesses although the pattern of such action throughout the brain appears to be different. Upregulation of miRNAs also appears to be involved in microglial neurotoxicity and indeed T cell pathology in MS but does not appear to play a major role in MDD. It is suggested that the antidepressant lofepramine, and in particular its active metabolite desipramine, may be beneficial not only for depressive symptomatology but also for the neurological symptoms of MS. One clinical trial has been carried out thus far with, in particular, promising MRI findings.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: This paper presents an SDN-based ecosystem that monitors network traffic and proactively detects anomalies which may impair proper network functioning and demonstrates that the approach can efficiently contribute to the network’s resilience.
Abstract: Along with the rapid growth of computer networks comes the need for automating management functions to prevent errors in decision-making and reduce the cost of ordinary operations. Software-defined networking (SDN) is an emergent paradigm that aims to support next-generation networks through its flexible and powerful management mechanisms. Although SDN provides greater control over traffic flow, its security and availability remain a challenge. The major contribution of this paper is to present an SDN-based ecosystem that monitors network traffic and proactively detects anomalies which may impair proper network functioning. When an anomalous event is recognized, the proposal conducts a more active analysis to inspect irregularities at the network traffic flow level. Detecting such problems quickly is essential to take appropriate countermeasures. In this manner, the potential for centralized network monitoring based on SDN with OpenFlow is addressed in order to evaluate mitigation policies against threats. Experimental results demonstrate the proposed ecosystem succeeds in achieving higher detection rates compared to other approaches. In addition, the performance analysis shows that our approach can efficiently contribute to the network’s resilience.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The Von Hippel–Lindau syndrome is defined addressing its clinical aspects and classification, the importance of genetic counseling and to propose a protocol for clinical follow-up are proposed.
Abstract: The Von Hippel–Lindau (VHL) disease is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by the predisposition for multiple tumors caused by germline mutations in the tumor suppressor gene VHL. This disease is associated with a high morbidity and mortality and presents a variable expression, with different phenotypes from family to family, affecting different organs during the lifetime. The main manifestations of VHL are hemangioblastomas of the central nervous system and retina, renal carcinomas and cysts, bilateral pheochromocytomas, cystic and solid tumors of the pancreas, cystadenomas of the epididymis, and endolymphatic sac tumors. The discovery of any of the syndrome components should raise suspicion of this disease and other stigmas must then be investigated. Due to the complexities associated with management of the various VHL manifestation, the diagnosis and the follow-up of this syndrome is a challenge in the clinical practice and a multidisciplinary approach is needed. The particular relevance to endocrinologists is the detection of pheochromocytomas in 35% and islet cell tumors in 17% of VHL patients, which can be associated with hypertension, hypoglycemia, cardiac arrhythmias, and carcinoid syndrome. The purpose of this review is to define the Von Hippel–Lindau syndrome addressing its clinical aspects and classification, the importance of genetic counseling and to propose a protocol for clinical follow-up.