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The Internet of Things (IoT) envisions billions of everyday objects sharing information. As new devices, applications and communication protocols are proposed for the IoT context, their evaluation, comparison, tuning and optimization become crucial and raise the need for a proper benchmark. While edge computing aims to provide network efficiency by distributed computing, this article moves towards sensor nodes in order to explore efficiency in the local processing performed by IoT devices. We present IoTST, a benchmark based on per-processor synchronized stack traces with the isolation and precise determination of the introduced overhead. It produces comparable detailed results and assists in determining the configuration that has the best processing operating point so that energy efficiency can also be considered. On benchmarking applications which involve network communication, the results can be influenced by the constant changes that occur in the state of the network. In order to circumvent such problems, different considerations or assumptions were used in the generalization experiments and the comparison to similar studies. To present IoTST usage on a real problem, we implemented it on a commercial off the-shelf (COTS) device and benchmarked a communication protocol, producing comparable results that are unaffected by the current network state. We evaluated different Transport-Layer Security (TLS) 1.3 handshake cipher suites at different frequencies and with various numbers of cores. Among other results, we could determine that the selection of a specific suite (Curve25519 and RSA) can improve the computation latency by up to four times over the worst suite candidate (P-256 and ECDSA), while both providing the same security level (128 bits).
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According to the World Health Organization, about 15% of the world's population has some form of disability. Assistive Technology, in this context, contributes directly to the overcoming of difficulties encountered by people with disabilities in their daily lives, allowing them to receive education and become part of the labor market and society in a worthy manner. Assistive Technology has made great advances in its integration with Artificial Intelligence of Things (AIoT) devices. AIoT processes and analyzes the large amount of data generated by Internet of Things (IoT) devices and applies Artificial Intelligence models, specifically, machine learning, to discover patterns for generating insights and assisting in decision making. Based on a systematic literature review, this article aims to identify the machine-learning models used across different research on Artificial Intelligence of Things applied to Assistive Technology. The survey of the topics approached in this article also highlights the context of such research, their application, the IoT devices used, and gaps and opportunities for further development. The survey results show that 50% of the analyzed research address visual impairment, and, for this reason, most of the topics cover issues related to computational vision. Portable devices, wearables, and smartphones constitute the majority of IoT devices. Deep neural networks represent 81% of the machine-learning models applied in the reviewed research.
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Pessoas com Deficiência , Internet das Coisas , Tecnologia Assistiva , Humanos , Inteligência Artificial , Aprendizado de Máquina , TecnologiaRESUMO
POEMS syndrome is a rare condition of paraneoplasic origin characterized by the presence of a sensorimotor polyneuropathy associated with the presence of a proliferative disorder of plasmatic monoclonal cells and overproduction of vascular endothelial growth factor. The acronym "POEMS" represents multisystem findings including polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal plasma cell disorder and skin changes; nevertheless, clinical presentation is heterogeneous. We describe a clinical case, the diagnostic and therapeutic approach in a patient with sensorimotor polyneuropathy in whom POEMS syndrome was diagnosed; to understand this pathology, its clinical and paraclinical manifestations in order to make a diagnosis or to avoid a delayed one and to provide an adequate treatment.
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Síndrome POEMS , Polineuropatias , Fator A de Crescimento do Endotélio Vascular , Humanos , Síndrome POEMS/complicações , Síndrome POEMS/diagnóstico , Síndrome POEMS/patologia , Polineuropatias/complicações , Fator A de Crescimento do Endotélio Vascular/biossínteseRESUMO
The oxidative stress response represents a sum of antioxidative mechanisms that are essential for determining the adaptation and abundance of microorganisms in the environment. Leptospirillum ferriphilum and Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans are chemolithotrophic bacteria that obtain their energy from the oxidation of ferrous ion. Both microorganisms are important for bioleaching of sulfidic ores and both are tolerant to high levels of heavy metals and other factors that can induce oxidative stress. In this work, we compared the tolerance and response of L. ferriphilum and At. ferrooxidans to Fe3+, H2O2, K2CrO4, and UV-C radiation. We evaluated growth, generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), oxidative damage to lipid membranes and DNA, and the activity of antioxidative proteins in cells exposed to these stressors. L. ferriphilum had higher cell density, lower ROS content and less lipid and DNA damage than At. ferrooxidans. Consistent with this, the activity levels of thioredoxin and superoxide dismutase in L. ferriphilum were upregulated and higher than in At. ferrooxidans. This indicated that L. ferriphilum has a higher capacity to respond to oxidative stress and to manage redox homeostasis. This capacity could largely contribute to the high abundance of this species in natural and anthropogenic sites.
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Acidithiobacillus/efeitos da radiação , Bactérias/efeitos da radiação , Ferro/metabolismo , Estresse Oxidativo , Acidithiobacillus/efeitos dos fármacos , Acidithiobacillus/crescimento & desenvolvimento , Acidithiobacillus/metabolismo , Bactérias/efeitos dos fármacos , Bactérias/crescimento & desenvolvimento , Bactérias/metabolismo , Cromatos/farmacologia , Peróxido de Hidrogênio/metabolismo , Peróxido de Hidrogênio/farmacologia , Ferro/farmacologia , Oxirredução , Compostos de Potássio/farmacologiaRESUMO
Abstract The planning of a new thermal power plant is linked to the various decision elements and evaluation criteria. Factors such as the plant's geographic positioning, primary energy supply points, paths, and means of delivery of this primary energy should be analyzed. Similar studies are imposed when studying the change of a thermoelectric plant's primary energy source occurs. In Brazil, several plants are currently investigating the exchange of their primary fuel from oil to gas due to the decrees issued by ANEEL. This paper presents software, which uses virtual reality to assist in the various stages of the planning process and in the analyses that must be performed. This software was developed for the Hidrotermica Group and had as the primary target the Borborema Thermoelectric Power Plant.
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Thyroid hormones (THs) - 3,3',5-triiodo-L-thyronine (T3) and L-thyroxine (T4) - are important regulators of the metabolism and physiology of most normal tissues. Cytochrome P450 family 3A members are drug metabolizing enzymes involved in the activation and detoxification of several drugs. CYP3A4 is the major enzyme involved in the metabolism of chemotherapeutic drugs. In this work, we demonstrate that THs induce a significant increase in CYP3A4 mRNA levels, protein expression and metabolic activity through the membrane receptor integrin αvß3 and the activation of signalling pathways through Stat1 and NF-κB. We reasoned that TH-induced CYP3A4 modulation may act as an important regulator in the metabolism of doxorubicin (Doxo). Experiments in vitro demonstrated that in CYP3A4-knocked down cells, no TH-mediated chemosensitivity to Doxo was observed. We also found that THs modulate these functions by activating the membrane receptor integrin αvß3. In addition, we showed that the thyroid status can modulate CYP450 mRNA levels in tumor and liver tissues, and the tumor volume in response to chemotherapy in vivo. In fact, Doxo treatment in hypothyroid mice was associated with lower tumors, displaying lower levels of CYP enzymes, than euthyroid mice. However, higher mRNA levels of CYP enzymes were found in livers from Doxo treated hypothyroid mice respect to control. These results present a new mechanism by which TH could modulate chemotherapy response. These findings highlight the importance of evaluating thyroid status in patients during application of T-cell lymphoma therapeutic regimens.
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Introdução: A morte súbita cardíaca é um evento de grande importância e repercussão na saúde pública e se configura como a manifestação mais letal de uma doença cardíaca. Este estudo teve como objetivo traçar as características da morte súbita cardíaca na região metropolitana de Goiânia (GO).Método: O presente estudo analisou 2.681 relatórios completos de necropsia, dos quais 314 foram selecionados como morte súbita cardíaca.Foram coletados dados como sexo das vítimas, faixa etária, local e horário do óbito, presença de tabagismo, além das comorbidades hipertensão arterial sistêmica, diabetes melito, dislipidemia e histórico de doença de Chagas. Resultados: Dos 314 casos de morte súbita cardíaca, os mais acometidos foram homens, entre a sexta e a sétima décadas de vida. O local em que houve mais casos foi o domicílio, ocorrendo a maioria no período matutino. A hipertensão foi a comorbidade mais prevalente, com alta proporção (58,9%). Mais de 10% dos pacientes apresentavam histórico de doença de Chagas. Conclusão: Percebe-se a importância de um maior entendimento da morte súbita cardíaca dentro da realidade da região metropolitana estudada. Entender o perfil epidemiológico local é um passo fundamental para que estratégias preventivas sejam implementadas pelas lideranças políticas
Background: Sudden cardiac death is an important event which has an impact on public health and is the most lethal manifestation of heart disease. This study is aimed at describing the characteristics of sudden cardiac death in the metropolitan area of Goiania (GO). Methods: This study examined 2,681 necropsy reports of which 314 were selected as sudden cardiac death. Data such as gender, age, location and time of death, presence of smoking, comorbidities such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia and Chagas disease history were collected. Results: Among 314 cases of sudden cardiac death, the most affected patients were males, between 60 and 70 years of age. The most common location for the event was the patient's own house, and most of them occurred in the morning. Hypertension was the most prevalent comorbidity, with a high incidence (58.9%). More than 10% of the patients had a history of Chagas disease. Conclusion: A better understanding of sudden cardiac death in the metropolitan area should be further studied. Understanding the local epidemiological profile is a crucial step towards the development of preventive strategies that must be implemented by political leaders
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Humanos , Masculino , Feminino , Morte Súbita Cardíaca/epidemiologia , Epidemiologia , Fatores de Risco , Fatores Etários , Cardiomiopatias/mortalidade , Doença de Chagas , Diabetes Mellitus , Dislipidemias , Hipertensão , Mortalidade , Estudos Observacionais como Assunto , Fatores Sexuais , TabagismoRESUMO
Introducción: La obesidad es reconocida como un importante problema de salud pública en todo el mundo, la prevalencia de sobrepeso y obesidad está aumentando a un ritmo alarmante tanto en países desarrollados como en vía de desarrollo, tanto así, que la obesidad ha sido considerada como la epidemia del siglo XXI. El exceso de peso corporal es un factor de riesgo importante en la aparición de enfermedades crónicas y determinados tipos de cáncer, tales como el cáncer de colon, mama en mujeres menopáusicas, endometrio, riñón y cáncer de esófago. Métodos: En junio del 2015, se realizó una búsqueda sistemática de la literatura científica en las principales bases de datos biomédicas: PUBMED, EMBASE, MEDLINE, LILACS, IMBIOMED, COCHRANE, entre el año 1980 y 2015. Utilizando las siguientes palabras clave: cáncer, obesidad, neoplasia, sobrepeso, epidemiologia, asociación y revisión. Resultados: se encontró que existe una asociación estadísticamente significativa entre la obesidad y diversos tipos de cáncer, tales como el cáncer de colon, de mama en mujeres posmenopáusico, de endometrio, de riñón, y de esófago. La obesidad y el sobrepeso pueden tener efectos notables sobre varios sistemas fisiológicos que pueden posteriormente aumentar el riesgo de cáncer. Conclusión: Existe una asociación entre la obesidad y la aparición de diversostipos de cáncer, la comprensión de los mecanismos causales de esta asociaciónes importante para la implementación de medidas de salud pública y cambiosen el estilo de vida, que busquen prevenir la aparición del cáncer y la obesidad.
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Humanos , Neoplasias , Obesidade , SobrepesoRESUMO
Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), mixed monomolecular layers and fluorescence spectroscopy techniques were applied to investigate the effect of thyroid hormones (THs) on the biophysical properties of model membranes. We found that both 3,3',5-triiodo-L-thyronine (T3) and 3,5,3',5'-tetraiodo-L-thyronine (T4) induce a broadening of the calorimetric main phase transition profile and reduce the transition enthalpy in liquid-crystalline state of dipalmitoylphosphatylcholine (DPPC) multilamellar vesicles. Tm changes from 41 °C to 40 °C compared to pure DPPC. When the experiments were done by adding THs to preformed multilamellar vesicles a second broader component in the DSC scan also appears at 20 min of incubation and becomes gradually more prominent with time, indicating a progressive alteration of lipid phase induced by THs. Analysis of surface pressure-molecular area isotherms in mixed monolayers of THs with either DPPC or 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoylphosphatidylcholine (POPC) at air-water interface indicated a reduction in molecular area for THs/lipid mixtures at all surface pressures. A substantial decrease in surface potential in mixed lipid/THs monolayers at all surface pressures were observed for both phospholipids without affecting the mixed monolayer integrity. The data of mixed lipid/THs behavior support the establishment of lateral miscibility. Alterations of bidimensional liquid expandedâliquid condensed phase transition observed for DPPC/THs mixed monolayers are compatible with the changes observed in DSC. The transverse movement of THs and the decrease of dipole potential were also observed in single unilamellar vesicles by using appropriate fluorescent probes.
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Bicamadas Lipídicas/metabolismo , Fluidez de Membrana , Fosfolipídeos/metabolismo , Tiroxina/metabolismo , Tri-Iodotironina/metabolismo , Bicamadas Lipídicas/química , Fosfolipídeos/químicaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Microcin J25 (MccJ25) is a plasmid-encoded antibiotic peptide produced by Escherichia coli (E. coli). MccJ25 enters into the sensitive E. coli strains by the outer membrane receptor FhuA and the inner membrane proteins TonB, ExbB, ExbD and SbmA. The resistance of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium) to MccJ25 is attributed to the inability of its FhuA protein to incorporate the antibiotic into the cell. RESULTS: In this work we demonstrate that S. Typhimurium becomes notably susceptible to MccJ25 when replicating within macrophages. In order to determine the possible cause of this phenomenon, we studied the sensitivity of S. Typhimurium to MccJ25 at conditions resembling those of the internal macrophage environment, such as low pH, low magnesium and iron deprivation. We observed that the strain was only sensitive to the antibiotic at low pH, leading us to attribute the bacterial sensitization to this condition. A MccJ25-resistant E. coli strain in which fhuA is deleted was also inhibited by the antibiotic at low pH. Then, we could assume that the MccJ25 sensitivity change observed in both E. coli fhuA and S. Typhimurium is mediated by a MccJ25 uptake independent of the FhuA receptor. Moreover, low pH incubation also sensitized S. Typhimurium to the hydrophobic antibiotic novobiocin, which does not affect enteric bacteria viability because it is unable to penetrate the bacterial outer membrane. This observation supports our hypothesis about low pH producing a modification in the bacterial membrane permeability that allows an unspecific MccJ25 uptake. On the other hand, MccJ25 inhibited S. Typhimurium when cells were preincubated in acidic pH medium and then treated at neutral pH with the antibiotic. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that acidic condition does not alter MccJ25 hydrophobicity but irreversibly modifies bacterial membrane permeability. This would allow an unspecific antibiotic uptake into the cell.From our data it is possible to infer that intracellular pathogenic strains, which are in vitro resistant to MccJ25, could become susceptible ones in vivo. Therefore, the MccJ25 action spectrum would be broader than what in vitro experiments indicate.