Construction and Evaluation of an Opto-Coupled Potentiostat with a PC/PDA Interface

The design, construction, and characterization of a portable opto-coupled potentiostat are presented. The potentiostat is battery-powered, managed by a microcontroller, which implements cyclic voltammetry (CV) using suitable sensor electrodes. Its opto-coupling permits a wide range of current measurements, varying from mA to nA. Two software interfaces were developed to perform the CV measurement: a virtual instrument for a personal computer (PC) and a C-base interface for personal digital assistant (PDA). The potentiostat has been evaluated by detection of potassium ferrocyanide in KCl medium, both with macro and microelectrodes. There was good agreement between the instrumental results and those from commercial equipment.

SKAN: Skin Scanner - System for Skin Cancer Detection Using Adaptive Techniques

SKAN: Skin Scanner - System for Skin Cancer Detection Using Adaptive Techniques - combines computer engineering concepts with areas like dermatology and oncology. Its objective is to discern images of skin cancer, specifically melanoma, from others that show only common spots or other types of skin diseases, using image recognition. This work makes use of the ABCDE visual rule, which is often used by dermatologists for melanoma identification, to define which characteristics are analyzed by the software. It then applies various algorithms and techniques, including an ellipse-fitting algorithm, to extract and measure these characteristics and decide whether the spot is a melanoma or not. The achieved results are presented with special focus on the adaptive decision-making and its effect on the diagnosis. Finally, other applications of the software and its algorithms are presented.

The AdapLib Library for Execution of Adaptive Devices: Architecture and Use

In this paper it is presented the theoretical background, the architecture (using the ""4+1"" model), and the use of the library for execution of adaptive devices, AdapLib. This library was created seeking to be accurate to the adaptive devices theory, and to allow its easy extension considering the specific details of solutions that employ this kind of device. As an example, it is presented a case study in which the library was used to create a proof of concept to monitor and diagnose problems in an online news portal.

Plasmodium vivax recombinant vaccine candidate AMA-1 plays an important role in adaptive immune response eliciting differentiation of dendritic cells

The Apical Membrane Antigen-1 (AMA-1) is a well-characterized and functionally important merozoite protein and is currently considered a major candidate antigen for a malaria vaccine. Previously, we showed that AMA-1 has an influence on cellular immune responses of malaria-naive subjects, resulting in an alternative activation of monocyte-derived dendritic cells and induction of a pro-inflammatory response by stimulated PBMCs. Although there is evidence, from human and animal malaria model systems that cell-mediated immunity may contribute to both protection and pathogenesis, the knowledge on cellular immune responses in vivax malaria and the factors that may regulate this immunity are poorly understood. In the current work, we describe the maturation of monocyte-derived dendritic cells of P. vivax naturally infected individuals and the effect of P. vivax vaccine candidate Pv-AMA-1 on the immune responses of the same donors. We show that malaria-infected subjects present modulation of DC maturation, demonstrated by a significant decrease in expression of antigen-presenting molecules (CD1a, HLA-ABC and HLA-DR), accessory molecules (CD40, CD80 and CD86) and Fc gamma RI (CD64) receptor (P <= 0.05). Furthermore, Pv-AMA-1 elicits an upregulation of CD1a and HLA-DR molecules on the surface of monocyte-derived dendritic cells (P=0.0356 and P=0.0196, respectively), and it is presented by AMA-1-stimulated DCs. A significant pro-inflammatory response elicited by Pv-AMA-1-pulsed PBMCs is also demonstrated, as determined by significant production of TNF-alpha, IL-12p40 and IFN-gamma (P <= 0.05). Our results suggest that Pv-AMA-1 may partially revert DC down-modulation observed in infected subjects, and exert an important role in the initiation of pro-inflammatory immunity that might contribute substantially to protection. (c) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Rat osseous plate alkaline phosphatase as Langmuir monolayer - An infrared study at the air-water interface

A glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored enzyme (rat osseous plate alkaline phosphatase-OAP) was studied as monolayer (pure and mixed with lipids) at the air-water interface. Surface pressure and surface potential-area isotherms showed that the enzyme forms a stable monolayer and exhibits a liquid-expanded state even at surface pressure as high as 30 mN m(-1). Isotherms for mixed dimyristoylphosphatidic acid (DMPA)-OAP monolayer showed the absence of a liquid-expanded/liquid-condensed phase transition as observed for pure DMPA monolayer. In both cases, pure or mixed monolayer, the enzyme preserves its native conformation under compression at the air-water interface as observed from in situ p-polarized light Fourier transform-infrared reflection-absorption spectroscopic (FT-IRRAS) measurements. Changes in orientation and conformation of the enzyme due to the presence or absence of DMPA, as well as due to the surface compression, are discussed. (C) 2008 Published by Elsevier Inc.

Jacobsen catalyst immobilized on chitosan membrane as interface catalyst in organic/aqueous system for alkene oxidation

The Jacobsen catalyst, Mn(salen), was immobilized in chitosan membrane. The obtained Mn(salen)-Chit was characterized by thermogravimetric analysis (TC), differential thermal analysis (DTA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), degree of N-acetylation by (1)H NMR, and UV-vis spectroscopy. The UV-vis absorption spectrum of the encapsulated catalyst displayed the typical bands of the Jacobsen catalyst, and the FT-IR presented an absorption band characteristic of the imines present in the Jacobsen catalyst. The chitosan membranes were available, in a biphasic system, as a catalytic barrier between two different phases: an organic substrate phase (cyclooctene or styrene) and an aqueous solution of either m-CPBA, t-BuOOH or H(2)O(2), and dismissing the need for phase transfer agents and leading to better product yields compared with the catalyst in homogeneous medium. This new catalyst did not leach from the support and was reused many times, leading to high turnover frequencies. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

In situ apoptosis of adaptive immune cells and the cellular escape of rabies virus in CNS from patients with human rabies transmitted by Desmodus rotundus

The aim of the current study was to investigate the apoptosis of neurons, astrocytes and immune cells from human patients that were infected with rabies virus by vampire bats bite. Apoptotic neurons were identified by their morphology and immune cells were identified using double immunostaining. There were very few apoptotic neurons present in infected tissue samples, but there was an increase of apoptotic infiltrating CD4+ and TCD8+ adaptive immune cells in the rabies infected tissue. No apoptosis was present in NK, macrophage and astrocytes. The dissemination of the human rabies virus within an infected host may be mediated by viral escape of the virus from an infected cell and may involve an anti-apoptotic mechanism, which does not kill the neuron or pro-apoptosis of TCD4+ and TCD8+ lymphocytes and which allows for increased proliferation of the virus within the CNS by attenuation of the adaptive immune response. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A description of adaptive and maladaptive behaviour in children and adolescents with Cri-du-chat syndrome

Background Psychological tests can be useful to record adaptive and maladaptive behaviours of children with intellectual disability. The objective of this study was to describe the adaptive and maladaptive behaviour of children and adolescents with Cri-du-chat syndrome. Methods The sample consisted of 10 children and adolescents with Cri-du-chat syndrome (mean chronological age = 11.3 years, mean mental age = 18 months). The developmental quotient was calculated through the Psychoeducational Profile - Revised. An observational protocol was used to record adaptive and maladaptive behaviours. Results The number of maladaptive behaviours observed was different among participants. However, all of them had high rates of adaptive behaviours, such as rule-following. Conclusions These results, though preliminary, justify that we continue to think about the need for psychoeducational interventions aimed at stimulating the repertoire of adaptive behaviours, in people with Cri-du-chat syndrome.

Increased number and function of natural killer cells in human immunodeficiency virus 1-positive subjects co-infected with herpes simplex virus 2

P>Natural killer (NK) cells bridge the interface between innate and adaptive immunity and are implicated in the control of herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) infection. In subjects infected with human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1), the critical impact of the innate immune response on disease progression has recently come into focus. Higher numbers of NK cells are associated with lower HIV-1 plasma viraemia. Individuals with the compound genotype of killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) 3DS1 and human leucocyte antigen (HLA)-Bw4-80I, or who have alleles of KIR3DL1 that encode proteins highly expressed on the NK cell surface, have a significant delay in disease progression. We studied the effect of HSV-2 co-infection in HIV-1-infected subjects, and show that HSV-2 co-infection results in a pan-lymphocytosis, with elevated absolute numbers of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, and NK cells. The NK cells in HSV-2 co-infected subjects functioned more efficiently, with an increase in degranulation after in vitro stimulation. The number of NK cells expressing the activating receptors NKp30 and NKp46, and expressing KIR3DL1 or KIR3DS1, was inversely correlated with HIV-1 plasma viral load in subjects mono-infected with HIV-1, but not in subjects co-infected with HSV-2. This suggests that HSV-2 infection mediates changes within the NK cell population that may affect immunity in HIV-1 infection.

A Dynamical Modeling to Study the Adaptive Immune System and the Influence of Antibodies in the Immune Memory

Immunological systems have been an abundant inspiration to contemporary computer scientists. Problem solving strategies, stemming from known immune system phenomena, have been successfully applied to chall enging problems of modem computing. Simulation systems and mathematical modeling are also beginning use to answer more complex immunological questions as immune memory process and duration of vaccines, where the regulation mechanisms are not still known sufficiently (Lundegaard, Lund, Kesmir, Brunak, Nielsen, 2007). In this article we studied in machina a approach to simulate the process of antigenic mutation and its implications for the process of memory. Our results have suggested that the durability of the immune memory is affected by the process of antigenic mutation.and by populations of soluble antibodies in the blood. The results also strongly suggest that the decrease of the production of antibodies favors the global maintenance of immune memory.

Cytokine Signatures of Innate and Adaptive Immunity in 17DD Yellow Fever Vaccinated Children and Its Association With the Level of Neutralizing Antibody

Background. The live attenuated yellow fever (YF) vaccines have been available for decades and are considered highly effective and one of the safest vaccines worldwide. Methods. The impact of YF-17DD-antigens recall on cytokine profiles of YF-17DD-vaccinated children were characterized using short-term cultures of whole blood samples and single-cell flow cytometry. This study enrolled seroconverters and nonseroconverters after primovaccination (PV-PRNT(+) and PV-PRNT(-)), seroconverters after revaccination (RV-PRNT(+)), and unvaccinated volunteers (UV-PRNT(-)). Results. The analysis demonstrated in the PV-PRNT(+) group a balanced involvement of pro-inflammatory/regulatory adaptive immunity with a prominent participation of innate immunity pro-inflammatory events (IL-12(+) and TNF-alpha(+) NEU and MON). Using the PV-PRNT(+) cytokine signature as a reference profile, PV-PRNT(+) presented a striking lack of innate immunity proinflammatory response along with an increased adaptive regulatory profile (IL-4(+) CD4(+) T cells and IL-10(+) and IL-5(+) CD8(+) T cells). Conversely, the RV-PRNT(+) shifted the overall cytokine signatures toward an innate immunity pro-inflammatory profile and restored the adaptive regulatory response. Conclusions. The data demonstrated that the overall cytokine signature was associated with the levels of PRNT antibodies with a balanced innate/adaptive immunity with proinflammatory/regulatory profile as the hallmark of PV-PRNT(MEDIUM+), whereas a polarized regulatory response was observed in PV-PRNT(-) and a prominent proinflammatory signature was the characteristic of PV-PRNT(HIGH+).

Characteristics of Filiform, Fungiform and Vallate Papillae and Surface of Interface Epithelium-Connective Tissue of the Maned Sloth Tongue Mucosa (Bradypus torquatus, Iliger, 1811): Light and Scanning Electron Microscopy Study

The study of lingual surfaces and the surface of interface epithelium-connective tissue of the tongue of Bradypus torquatus was performed by employing the light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques. The results revealed that the rostral part of the tongue presents a round apex and covered by filiform and fungiform lingual papillae and a ventral smooth surface. It was observed that the epithelial layer of the dorsal surface possesses the basal, spinosum, granular and cornified epithelial cells. The lamina propria is characterized by a dense connective tissue forming the long, short and round papillae. Numerous typical filiform papillae are located especially in the rostral part intermingled for few fungiform papillae, which were revealed in three-dimensional SEM images. Usually, the fungiform papillae are located in the border of rostral apex of the tongue exhibiting the rounded form. They are covered by keratinized epithelial cells. In the fungiform papillae, several taste pores were observed on the surface. The vallate papillae presented numerous taste buds in the wall of epithelial cells, being that the major number of taste buds is located on the superior half of vallate papilla. The taste pores are surrounded by several laminae of keratinized epithelial cells. The samples treated with NaOH solution and examined by SEM revealed, after removal of the epithelial layer, the dense connective core in original disposition, presenting different sizes and shapes. The specimens stained with Picrosirius and examined by polarized light microscopy revealed the connective tissue, indicating the collagen fibres type I and type III.

Three-dimensional Characteristics of the Interface Epithelium-Connective Tissue Surface of Finger`s Lamina Propria of Cebus apella Monkey: Scanning Electron Microscopy Study

In the present paper were analysed the three-dimensional characteristics of the interface epithelium-connective tissue surface of finger prints of Cebus apella monkey employing the scanning electron microscopic methods. The connective tissue core (CTC) and epithelial papillae were examined verifying the three-dimensional configuration of the tissue projections. The samples were fixed in Bouin solsution for histologic preparations and in modified Karnovsky for examine to observe in scanning electron microscopy. After treatment in the 10% NaOH solution during 3 to 5 days, the surface of finger prints revealed a distribution of CTC of lamina propria in situ showing original three-dimensional SEM images. The linear and circular dispositions CTC, and the furrows were clearly identified. Each pointed papilla presented a large base and longitudinal disposition of thick collagen fiber bundles and in some areas with a complex reticular formations. The longitudinal furrows between the pointed papillae exhibited a dense layer of connective tissue and showed only low CTC or laminar in shape. The presence of numerous foramina of sweat gland were noted in three-dimensional SEM images.

Interface between domestic and wild carnivores in an environmental protection area in the brazilian Amazon: indicators and aplications for conservation

The presence of domestic animals in protected areas has been a growing world concern, including in the Brazilian Amazon. Introduced domestic carnivores can put the conservation of carnivores and other wild mammals at risk in protected areas. These risks can be associated with direct factors, such as the dogs` hunting habit, and indirect factors, such as the domestic carnivores` potential for transmitting infectious agents to wild populations. The objective of this study was to analyze the potential implications of humans and domestic animals staying in fragmented and altered areas such as the Wildlife Protection Areas (WPA) in the Tucuruf Lake Environmental Protection Area (Para, Brazil), created for the full protection of its fauna and flora. This evaluation was made through interviews conducted with riparian inhabitants living in the WPA and surrounding area, involving issues related to the presence of dogs (number of animals per domicile, birth rate, mortality rate, vaccination status, hunting habit) and wild carnivores (occurrence and location) in the study area. The results indicated risks mainly due to the presence of on average three dogs per domicile, as well as the high canine birth rate, their hunting habits, low vaccination rates and evidence of direct and indirect contact with the human, canine and wild carnivore populations. These factors represent risks to the health and conservation of Tucurui EPA wild carnivores since they provide favorable conditions for the transmission of pathogens from domestic fauna to wild fauna, as well as the risks brought about by hunting.

Six-month evaluation of adhesives interface created by a hydrophobic adhesive to acid-etched ethanol-wet bonded dentine with simplified dehydration protocols

Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy of simplified dehydration protocols, in the absence of tubular occlusion, on bond strength and interfacial nanoleakage of a hydrophobic experimental adhesive blend to acid-etched, ethanol-dehydrated dentine immediately and after 6 months. Methods: Molars were randomly assigned to 6 treatment groups (n = 5). Under pulpal pressure simulation, dentine crowns were acid-etched with 35% H(3)PO(4) and rinsed with water. Adper Scotchbond Multi-Purpose was used for the control group. The remaining groups had their dentine surface dehydrated with ethanol solutions: group 1 = 50%, 70%, 80%, 95% and 3 x 100%, 30 s for each application; group 2 the same ethanol sequence with 15 s for each solution; groups 3, 4 and 5 used 100% ethanol only, applied in seven, three or one 30 s step, respectively. After dehydration, a primer (50% BisGMA + TEGDMA, 50% ethanol) was used, followed by the neat comonomer adhesive application. Resin composite build-ups were then prepared using an incremental technique. Specimens were stored for 24 h, sectioned into beams and stressed to failure after 24 h or after 6 months of artificial ageing. Interfacial silver leakage evaluation was performed for both storage periods (n = 5 per subgroup). Results: Group 1 showed higher bond strengths at 24 h or after 6 months of ageing (45.6 +/- 5.9(a)/43.1 +/- 3.2(a) MPa) and lower silver impregnation. Bond strength results were statistically similar to control group (41.2 +/- 3.3(ab)/38.3 +/- 4.0(ab) MPa), group 2 (40.0 +/- 3.1(ab)/38.6 +/- 3.2(ab) MPa), and group 3 at 24 h (35.5 +/- 4.3(ab) MPa). Groups 4 (34.6 +/- 5.7(bc)/25.9 +/- 4.1(c) MPa) and 5 (24.7 +/- 4.9(c)/18.2 +/- 4.2(c) MPa) resulted in lower bond strengths, extensive interfacial nanoleakage and more prominent reductions (up to 25%) in bond strengths after 6 months of ageing. Conclusions: Simplified dehydration protocols using one or three 100% ethanol applications should be avoided for the ethanol-wet bonding technique in the absence of tubular occlusion, as they showed decreased bond strength, more severe nanoleakage and reduced bond stability over time. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.