Hypothyroidism: Causes, Effects and Treatments

Hypothyroidism: Causes, Effects and Treatments Hypothyroidism is a condition characterized by abnormally low amount of the thyroid hormone synthesis. This may be due to a thyroid problem or any other reason. Thyroid hormone affects growth, development, and many cellular processes. Inadequate thyroid hormone has many consequences for the body (1, 2, 3). Thyroid gland and thyroid hormone synthesis Thyroid gland has two lobes connected by an isthmus. It attaches to the thyroid cartilage and trachea. Therefore it moves with swallowing. Thyroid gland consists of follicles lined by a cuboidal epithelial cell layer. These follicles filled with colloids.Parafollicular cells situated in between follicular cells which secrete calcitonine (4, 9). Thyroid gland synthesizes mainly two hormones. They are L-thyroxin/tetraiodothyronine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3).T3 is the active form that acts at the cellular level and T4 is the prohormone.Iodide enters the thyroid follicles primarily through a transporter. Thyroid hormone synthesis occurs in the follicular space through a series of reactions, many of which are peroxides-mediated. Thyroid hormones stored in the colloid in the follicular space that is released from Thymoglobulin by a hydrolysis reaction which occur inside the thyroid cell (4, 5, 8). E.g. Thyroglobulin (Tgb), monoiodotyrosine (MIT), diiodotyrosine (DIT),  Triiodothyronine (T3), tetraiodothyronine (T4) (5). If there is hereditary defect of enzyme in above process, Thyroid hormone synthesis could not occur. So its leads to congenital goiter and often results in hypothyroidism (6). Regulation of the synthesis of thyroid hormones Thyroid hormone synthesis is regulated by another gland located in the brain called pituitary. In turn the pituitary gland in part regulated by the thyroid hormone via feedback mechanism and other gland called hypothalamus. The hypothalamus secretes thyrotropin hormone (TRH), which give a signal to the pituitary gland to release thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). TSH in turn sends a signal to the thyroid gland to release thyroid hormone. If some defect occurs in one of these levels, a lack of production of thyroid hormones can cause a deficiency of thyroid hormone (hypothyroidism) (4, 5, 8). Hypothalamus TRH down arrow Pituitary- TSH down arrow Thyroid- T4 and T3 The rate of thyroid hormone synthesis is regulated by the pituitary gland. If there is an insufficient amount of thyroid hormone circulating in the body to normal functioning, the release of TSH from the pituitary increased in order to stimulate more thyroid hormone. However, when there is a large amount of thyroid hormones in circulation, TSH level decreases and pituitary attempts to reduce the production of thyroid hormone. In people with hypothyroidism have low levels of circulating thyroid hormones (4, 8). Physiological effects of thyroid hormones Cardiovascular system increased cardiac output and heart rate. Skeletal system increased bone turnover and resorption. Respiratory maintains normal hypoxic and Hypercapnic drive in respiratory centre. Gastrointestinal increases gut motility. Blood increases red blood cell 2, 3-BPG facilitating Oxygen release to tissues. Neuromuscular increases speed of muscle contraction and relaxation and muscle protein turnover. Metabolism of carbohydrates increases hepatic Gluconeogenesis/glycolysis and intestinal glucose Absorption. Metabolism of lipids increased lipolysis and Cholesterol synthesis and degradation. Sympathetic nervous tissue increases catecholamine Sensitivity and ÃŽÂ ²-adrenergic receptor numbers in heart, skeletal muscle, adipose cells and lymphocytes (1, 2, 4, 7, 8). Reduces cardiac ÃŽÂ ±-adrenergic receptors. If there is a defect in the synthesis or regulation pathways or thyroid lead to many disorders. They are mainly divided in two parts. They are hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. Hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid, is the overproduction of thyroid hormones T3 and T4, and most often caused by the development of Graves disease which is an autoimmune disease in which antibodies are produced which stimulate the thyroid gland produces excessive amounts of thyroid hormones. This disease can lead to the development of toxic goiter due to the growth of the thyroid gland in response to the absence of negative feedback mechanisms. This is manifested by symptoms such as thyroid goiter, protruding eyes (exopthalmos), palpitations, excessive sweating, diarrhea, weight loss, muscle weakness and unusual sensitivity to heat. Appetite is increased (2, 4, 7). Classification of Hypothyroidism Hypothyroidism is often classified by association with the indicated organ dysfunction (4). Type Origin Primary Thyroid gland The most common forms are Hashimotos thyroiditis which is an autoimmune disease and can be occur in radioiodine therapy for hyperthyroidism (4, 7, 6). Secondary Pituitary gland Occurs if the pituitary gland does not release enough thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) to stimulate the thyroid gland to produce enough thyroid hormones. Although not every case of secondary hypothyroidism has a clear-cut case, it is usually caused by damage to the pituitary gland, as by a tumor, radiation, or surgery. Secondary hypothyroidism accounts for less than 5% or 10% of hypothyroidism cases (4, 7, 6). Tertiary Hypothalamus Results when the hypothalamus fails to produce sufficient Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH). TRH prompts the pituitary gland to produce thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). Hence may also be termed hypothalamic-pitu(4,7,6) Autoimmune Atrophic (autoimmune) hypothyroidism. The most common cause of hypothyroidism and the associated with antithyroid auto antibodies leads to lymphoid infiltration Cancer and eventually atrophy and fibrosis. It has been six Times more common in women and the incidence increases with age. This can be associated with other autoimmune Diseases such as pernicious anemia, vitiligo and other endocrine disorders. In some cases, intermittent Hypothyroidism occurs when recovering from illness, antibodies which block the TSH receptor can sometimes be involved in the etiology(5, 7, 10). Hashimotos thyroiditis. This form of autoimmune thyroiditis, again, more common in women and the most common in the late. The average age is atrophic changes with regeneration, leading to the formation of goiter. This may be usually firm and Rubber but can vary from soft to hard. TPO antibodies very high amount (>1000 IU / L). Patients can be euthyroid or hypothyroid, but they can pass through the initial phase of the toxic Hashi toxicity, Levothyroxine therapy. The goiter may reduce the even if the patient does not Hypothyroid (7, 8, 10). Postpartum thyroiditis. Typically, this is a temporary phenomenon Observed after pregnancy. It can cause hyperthyroidism, Hypothyroidism or the two sequences. It is believed to cause changes in the immune system necesnecessary.In case of pregnancy, and histologically lymphocytic thyroiditis. The process is usually self-limiting, but when Conventional antibodies are there is a strong chance this procedure of permanent hypothyroidism. Postpartum Thyroiditis may be misdiagnosed as postnatal depression. Thyroid function test is done to detect this situation (4, 7). Defects in hormone synthesis Iodine deficiency. Dietary iodine deficiency still exists in some areas as endemic goiter where goiter, occasionally massive is common. Patients may be euthyroid or hypothyroidism depending on the severity of iodine deficiency. The mechanism is considered borderline hypothyroidism leading to TSH stimulation and thyroid enlargement against iodine deficiency continues (4;7). Iodine deficiency is this still a problem in the Netherlands, the Western Pacific and South. East Asia for example, the mountainous regions of the Himalayas and Africa. Some countries affected by iodine deficiency, for example, China and Kazakhstan take measures providing iodine  in salt, but others, such as Russia, have not yet done so. Of The 500 million with iodine deficiency in India about 2 million suffering from cretinism.Dyshormonogenesis is a rare disease is due to genetics. Defects in the synthesis of thyroid hormones, patients Develop hypothyroidism with goiter. One particular family Form is associated with sensorineural hearing loss due to the removal Mutation of chromosome 7, resulting in a defect Transporter Pendrin (Pendred syndrome author) (4, 5). Hypothyroidism causes many symptoms. The term myxedema refers to the accumulation of mucopolysaccharides.In the subcutaneous tissue. The classical pictures are Slow in working, dry hair, thick-skinned, deep voice, Weight gain, cold intolerance, bradycardia, and constipation. These features make the diagnosis easy. Milder symptoms, however, more common and difficult to distinguish from other causes Nonspecific tiredness. Many of the cases on the biochemical detection (4, 6, 7) Screening Particular difficulties in diagnosis may occur in certain circumstances: Children with hypothyroidism may not classical Properties, but often have a slow growth rate, poor School performance and sometimes arrests of pubertal Development. Young women with hypothyroidism may not show obvious signs. Hypothyroidism is excluded in all Patients with oligomenorrhea / amenorrhea, Menorrhagia, infertility and hyperprolactinemia. the elderly show many clinical features that are difficult Distinct from normal aging (7, 10, 11). Investigation of primary hypothyroidism The Serum TSH is the examination of choice, a high TSH level Confirmed primary hypothyroidism. A low free T4 level confirms the hypothyroidism is (and is also essential for TSH to close a deficiency and clinical hypothyroidism is strongly suspected  and TSH is normal or low).Thyroid and other organ-specific antibodies are present (7,10). Other exceptions are the following: Anemia, usually normochromic and normocytic In type but can macrocytic (sometimes this is by Associated pernicious anemia) or microcytic (in women, By menorrhagia) increased serum aspartate transferase levels, from Muscle and / or liver increased serum creatine kinase levels, with associated myopathy Hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia Hyponatremia due to an increase in ADH and reduced Free water clearance (7, 10). Treatment Replacement therapy with levothyroxine (thyroxin, that is to say, T4) is Data for life. The starting dose will depend upon the severity of the failure and the age and condition of the patient, especially their cardiac function: 100ÃŽÂ ¼g per day during the Young and fit, 50ÃŽÂ ¼g (up to 100ÃŽÂ ¼g after 2-4 weeks) for the small, old or weak. Patients with ischemic heart disease Illness an even lower initial dose, especially if the Hypothyroidism is a severe and prolonged. Most doctors Would then start with daily 25ÃŽÂ ¼g and performing serial ECG, increasing the dose at 3 to 4-week intervals as angina Not occur or worsen and the ECG is not Deteriorate(8,10,11). Monitoring The goal is to recover well within T4 and TSH The normal range. The adequacy of the replacement is reviewed Clinical and thyroid function tests after at least 6 weeks at a constant dose. If serum TSH remains high, the dose of T4 Should is increased in increments of 25-50 g à ¯Ã†â€™Ã‚ ¬ the tests Repeated 6-8 week intervals until TSH returns to normal. Complete suppression of TSH should be avoided atrial fibrillation and the risk of osteoporosis. The usual The Maintenance dose is 100 to 150 g à ¯Ã†â€™Ã‚ ¬ administered as a single daily Dose. An annual thyroid function test is recommended this is usually done in the first line, often assisted and in response to the district thyroid registers (5, 8, 11). Clinical improvement T4 cannot start 2 weeks or more and complete resolution of symptoms 6 months. The need for lifelong therapy should be emphasized and the possibility of other autoimmune endocrine disease development, Especially Addisons disease or pernicious anemia, Should be considered. During pregnancy, an increase of T4 Dosage of about 25-50ÃŽÂ ¼g is often necessary to maintain normal TSH and the need for replacement during optimal. Pregnancy is highlighted by the finding of the reduction of Cognitive function in children of mothers with elevated TSH during pregnancy. A few patients with primary hypothyroidism complain incomplete symptomatic response to T4 replacement. Combination T4 and T3 replacement is advocated in this Context, but randomized clinical trials show no consistent Benefit from the quality of life symptoms (4, 8). Borderline hypothyroidism or Compensated euthyroidism Patients are often seen with a low-normal serum T4 levels and slightly elevated TSH values. Sometimes this follows surgery or radioactive iodine therapy when it can be reasonably seen as compensatory. Treatment with levothyroxine is normally recommended where the TSH is consistently above 10 mu / L, or if possible symptoms, high titers of thyroid Antibodies or lipid abnormalities are present (4, 8, 10). When the TSH is only marginally increased, the tests must be repeated three to six Months later. Conversion to overt hypothyroidism is more common in men or TPO antibodies are present in Practice, vague symptoms in patients with marginal Elevated TSH (less than 10 mu / L) rarely responds to treatment, However, a therapeutic trial of substitution may be required to confirm that the symptoms are not related to the thyroid gland(4,8,10). It is also is considered to be the best time (TSH level normalization, the ideal case, the former) Pregnancy, in order to avoid the side effects of the fetus.Myxedema coma severe hypothyroidism, especially in the elderly, may be with confusion and even coma. Myxedema coma is very rare. Low temperature is often there, the patient may have severe heart failure, hypoventilation, hypoglycemia, and hyponatriemia.The best treatment Controversial, there is no data, most doctors recommend T3 oral or intravenous injection, a dose of à ¯Ã†â€™Ã‚ ¬2, and 5-5 grams every 8 hours then, such as the above-mentioned increase. High-dose intravenous cannot be used (4, 7, 8). Other measures, although there is no proof of Include: Oxygen (by ventilation if necessary) monitoring of cardiac output and pressure Gradual warming Hydrocortisone 100 mg intravenously 8-hour Glucose infusion to avoid hypoglycemia. Myxedema madness Depression is common in hypothyroidism but rarely with severe hypothyroidism in the elderly can the patient be said demented or psychotic, sometimes with prominent delusions. This may occur shortly after starting T4 replacement (6, 5). Screening for hypothyroidism the incidence of congenital hypothyroidism is Approximately 1 in 3500 births. Untreated, severe Hypothyroidism produces permanent neurological and Intellectual damage (cretinism). Routine screening of the newborn with a bloodstain, like Guthrie test, a high TSH level as an indicator of primary detecting Hypothyroidism is efficient and cost effective; cretinism is prevented if T4 is started within the first few months of life. screening of elderly patients for thyroid dysfunction a low pick-up rate and is controversial and not currently recommended. However, patients who have undergone Thyroid surgery or radioactive iodine should receive Regular thyroid function tests, should be as those who Lithium or amiodarone therapy (6, 5). Signs and symptoms early hypothyroidism is often asymptomatic, can have very mild symptoms. Subclinical hypothyroidism normal levels of thyroid hormones, thyroxin (T4) and triiodo thyroxin (T3), moderate to high thyroid-stimulating hormone, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) conditions. TSH and low free T4 at a higher level; the symptoms are more obvious in clinical hypothyroidism (4, 6, 5). Hypothyroidism may be associated with the following symptoms: Early cold intolerance, increased sensitivity to cold Constipation weight gain, water retention bradycardia (low heart rate less than 65 times per minute) Fatigue decreased sweating Muscle cramps and joint pain dry, itchy skin thin, brittle nails Quick thoughts Depression muscle tension difference (hypotonia) female infertility and problems in the menstrual cycle Hyperprolactinemia and galactorrhea elevated serum cholesterol(10,11) Late goiter slow speech and a hoarse, breaking voice deepening of the voice can also be noticed. Reinke edema. Dry puffy skin, especially in the face Thinning of the outer third of the eyebrows (sign of Hertoghe) Menstrual cycle abnormalities Low basal body temperature thyroid related depression(10,11) Uncommon Impaired memory Impaired cognitive function (brain fog) and inattentiveness. A slow heart rate with ECG changes including low voltage signals. Diminished cardiac output and decreased contractility slow reflexes Yellowing of the skin due to impaired conversion of beta-carotene to vitamin A (carotoderma) Difficulty swallowing(dysphagia) Shortness of breath with a shallow and slow respiratory pattern(dyphnea) myxedema madness (a rare presentation) Decreased libido due to impairment of testicular testosterone synthesis Gynecomastia(enlarge breast tissue) Loss of hearing(10,11) Diagnosis thyroid function test the only validation test diagnosis of primary hypothyroidism is thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxin (T4) level. However, these levels can be varying without thyroid disease (10, 11). High TSH levels, the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone levels (primarily thyroxin (T4) and a small amount of iodine Thyroid three original leucine (T3)). However, measuring just TSH can diagnose secondary and tertiary thyroid function loss, resulting in the following recommended a blood test, if the TSH is normal hypothyroidism remains skeptical(10,11). Free triiodothyronine (ft3) Free thyroxin (ft4) Total T3 Total T4 Additionally, the following measurements may be needed: Free T3 from 24-hour urine catch Antithyroid antibodies for evidence of autoimmune diseases that may be damaging the thyroid gland Serum cholesterol which may be elevated in hypothyroidism Prolactin as a widely available test of pituitary function Testing for anemia, including ferritin Basal body temperature(4,8,10) Exams and Tests A physical examination may reveal a smaller than normal thyroid gland, although sometimes the gland is normal size or even enlarged (goiter). The examination may also reveal: Brittle nails Coarse facial features Pale or dry skin, which may be cool to the touch Swelling of the arms and legs Thin and brittle hair A chest x-ray may show an enlarged heart (12, 13). Laboratory tests to determine thyroid function include: TSH test T4 test(10,12,13) Lab tests may also reveal: Anemia on a complete blood count (CBC) Increased cholesterol levels Increased liver enzymes Increased prolactin Low sodium(8,13) Treatment The treatment of hypothyroidism is levorotatory forms of thyroxin (thyroid hormone) (L-T4) and triiodo thyroxin liothyronine (L-T3). Thyroxin is a name, and in the USA, the most common form of thyroxin tablets. Thyroxin is a doctor of the most common drugs, wherein a synthetic thyroid hormone predetermined. This medicine can improve symptoms of thyroid deficiency such as speech delay, lack of energy, weight gain, hair loss, dry skin, cold feeling. This will also help in the treatment of goiter. It can also be used to treat certain types of thyroid cancer, surgery and other medicines. Both synthetic and animal thyroid tablets available, and may be required in patients with the additional thyroid hormone (8, 10). Daily doses of thyroid hormone, doctors can monitor blood pressure, in order to help ensure that the correct dose. Thyroxin is the best 30-60 minutes before breakfast, because some foods can reduce absorption. Calcium can interfere with absorption levothryoxine. Compared with water, the coffee can be reduced about 30% of the absorption of thyroxin. Some patients may be anti-thyroxin, in fact, they do not have good absorption sheet to solve the problem by spraying. There are several different treatment options for thyroid replacement therapy (8, 10, 12, 13). T4 only such treatment methods include supplementary levothyroxin separately, a synthetic form. This is the current standard treatment of mainstream medicine. A combination of T4 and T3 in This treatment method involves the combination simultaneously manage two synthetic L-T4 and L-T3 (8, 10, 11). Dried thyroid extract Dried thyroid extract is an animal thyroid extract; the most common is from porcine sources. It is also a combination therapy, containing a natural form of L-T4 and L-T3. Dealing with controversial T4 T3 generation has been investigating the potential benefits, but has proved to be no conclusive combination therapy benefit. Laboratory Medicine Practice Guidelines in 2002, the clinical biochemical state of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences during pregnancy: L-T4 dose should be increased (usually 50 micrograms / day) maintained at 0.5 ~ 2.0 mIU / L and serum serum TSH FT4 within the normal reference interval the upper third.Doctors tend to assume that if your TSH is in the normal range, sometimes defined as high as 5.5 MIU / L has no effect on fertility. But there is an approximately 1.0 MIU / L, TSH level in healthy pregnant women (8, 12, 13) Subclinical hypothyroidism there are a series of biochemical and point thyroxin treatment, the typical treatment of hypothyroidism symptoms views. Reference range has been debated. As of 2003, the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (ACEE) that within the normal range of 0.3-3.0 MIU /L. There is always an excess risk of hyperthyroidism. Some studies suggest that subclinical hypothyroidism does not require treatment. In 2007, the Cochrane Collaboration, a meta-analysis found that, in addition to the no benefit of thyroid hormone replacement lipids and left ventricular function in 2002 meta-analysis checks whether subclinical hypothyroidism may increase the risk of heart disease increase, some of the parameters previously thought, a slight increase, and recommended to be updated for the current recommendations for further research  with the end point of coronary heart disease (11, 12, 13). Replacement therapy The connection has been a slow release combination of T3 and T4, supporters will be able to thyroid dysfunction symptoms and functional quality of life. This is still a matter of debate, refused by the traditional medical community (3, 8, 10). Remember, the important thing when are taking thyroid hormone are: Do not stop taking the drugs, and when you feel better. Continue the medication completely guidance of a doctor. If change the brand of thyroid drugs, let doctor know. levels may need to be checked. Some dietary changes can change your body absorb thyroid drugs. Contact your doctor, if you eat a lot of soy products, or in the high-fiber diet. Thyroid medicine best on an empty stomach, and if any other drugs before one hour. Do not take the thyroid hormone supplement fiber, calcium, iron, multivitamins, aluminum hydroxide, sulfuric acid agent, cholesterol, or in combination with a bile acid drugs(4,13). Start taking replacement therapy, the doctor tells, if there are symptoms of increased thyroid activity (hyperthyroidism), such as Palpitations Rapid weight loss Restlessness or shakiness Sweating Myxedema coma is a medical emergency; the thyroid hormone the body becomes very low. Intravenous replacement thyroid hormone and steroids. Some patients may need support therapy (oxygen, breathing assistance, fluid replacement) and intensive care (8, 10, 11). Outlook (prognosis) in most cases, thyroid levels to normal, and appropriate treatment. However, thyroid hormone replacement for the rest of life.Myxedema coma can result in death (12, 13). Possible complications Hypothyroidism, myxedema coma, the most severe form is rare. This can be caused by infection, illness, exposure to cold, or certain medications in untreated hypothyroidism (12, 13). The symptoms and signs of myxedema coma include: room temperature Reduce breathing low blood pressure Hypoglycemia unresponsive Other complications include: Heart disease Increased risk of infection Infertility Abortion(8,12,13) Untreated hypothyroidism are at increased risk: gave birth to birth defects heart disease, the higher the level of LDL (bad cholesterol) heart failure Too much thyroid hormone treatment are at risk of angina or a heart attack, as well as the risk of osteoporosis(the bone thinning)(11,12,13). Network Management System: Light Weight SNMP Implementation Network Management System: Light Weight SNMP Implementation Chapter 6 Implementation Initially the Java (JDK 1.6) and Netbeans IDE 5.4 should be installed in a system. Then the SNMP4J API should be added to the Netbeans library. The Mysql-JDBC sever should be added to the library for using the database purpose. Then the SNMP is tested in the same system for working condition, afterwards the destination devices are enabled with SNMP agent and are tested. The system should have the requirements as follows. 6.1 About NetBeans: NetBeans IDE is a developer tool for application development technologies. The IDE includes a multi-language editor, Profiler, Debugger and also tools for developer requirement. The IDE provides templates to create Java EE, Java SE, and Java ME applications. A variety of technologies and frameworks are supported. The language-aware editor detects errors while you type and suggest user with documentation popups and smart code completion with the speed and simplicity. To identify and solve problems in your applications, such as deadlocks and memory leaks, the IDE provides a feature rich debugger and profiler.When user is testing applications, it provides tools for Testing, as well as code analyzers and, in particular, integration with the popular open source Error detecting tool. NetBeans is an integrated development environment (IDE) for developing primarily with Java, but also with other languages, in particular PHP,C/C++, and HTML5. It is also an application platform framework for Java desktop applications and others. The NetBeans IDE is written in Java and can run on Windows, OS X, Linux, Solaris and other platforms supporting a compatible JVM. The NetBeans Platform allows applications to be developed from a set of modular software components called modules NetBeans began in 1996 as Xelfi (word play on Delphi), a Java IDE student project under the guidance of the Faculty of Mathematics and Physics at Charles University in Prague. In 1997 Roman StanĆºk formed a company around the project and produced commercial versions of the NetBeans IDE until it was bought by Sun Microsystems in 1999. Sun opensourced the NetBeans IDE in June of the following year. Since then, the NetBeans community has continued to grow. In 2010, Sun (and thus NetBeans) was ac quired by Oracle. 6.1.1 NetBeans Platform: The NetBeans Platform is a reusable framework for simplifying the development of Java Swing desktop applications. The NetBeans IDE bundle for Java SE contains what is needed to start developing NetBeans plugins and NetBeans Platform based applications; no additional SDK is required. Applications can install modules dynamically. Any application can include the Update Center module to allow users of the application to download signed upgrades and new features directly into the running application. Reinstalling an upgrade or a new release does not force users to download the entire application again. The platform offers reusable services common to desktop applications, allowing developers to focus on the logic specific to their application. Among the features of the platform are: User interface management (e.g. menus and toolbars). User settings management. Storage management (saving and loading any kind of data). Window management. Wizard framework (supports step-by-step dialogs). NetBeans Visual Library. Integrated development tools. NetBeans IDE is a free, open-source, cross-platform IDE with built-in-support for Java Programming Language. 6.1.2 NetBeans IDE: NetBeans IDE is an open-source integrated development environment. NetBeans IDE supports development of all Java application types (Java SE(including JavaFX), Java ME, web, EJB and mobile applications) out of the box. Modularity: All the functions of the IDE are provided by modules. Each module provides a well defined function, such as support for the Java language, editing, or support for the CVS versioning system, and SVN. NetBeans contains all the modules needed for Java development in a single download, allowing the user to start working immediately. Modules also allow NetBeans to be extended. New features, such as support for other programming languages, can be added by installing additional modules. For instance, Sun Studio, Sun Java Studio Enterprise, and Sun Java Studio Creator from Sun Microsystems are all based on the NetBeans IDE. 6.2 Platform selection: Java is an object oriented application programming language developed by Sun Microsystems in the early 1990s.Java application is typically compiled to byte code, although compilation to native machine code is also possible. At runtime, byte code is usually either interpreted or compiled to native code for execution, although direct hardware execution of byte code by a java processor is also possible. The version of java used to run the application is JDK1.6.This is because the APIs used in this application specifies this requirement. 6.2.1 Reasons for Using Java Java was chosen as the programming language because of its versatility. It is an object oriented programming language with the following important features. a) Platform Independent-The concept of Write-once-run-anywhere (known as the platform independent) is one of the important key feature of java language that makes java as the most powerful language. The programs written on one platform can run on any platform provided the platform must have the JVM. b) Simple There are various features that make the java as a simple language. Programs are easy to write and debug because java does not use the pointers explicitly. Java provides the bug free system due to the strong memory management. It also has the automatic memory allocation and de-allocation system. c) Robust Java has the strong memory allocation and automatic garbage collection mechanism. It provides the powerful exception handling and type checking mechanism as compare to other programming languages. Compiler checks the program whether there are any errors and interpreter checks any run time error and makes the system secure from crash. All of the above features make the java language robust. d) Distributed The widely used protocols like HTTP and FTP are developed in java. Internet programmers can call functions on these protocols and can get access the files from any remote machine on the internet rather than writing codes on their local system. e) Portable The feature Write-once-run-anywhere makes the java language portable provided that the system must have interpreter for the JVM. Java also has the standard data size irrespective of operating system or the processor. These features make the java as a portable language. f) Dynamic While executing the java program the user can get the required files dynamically from a local drive or from a computer thousands of miles away from the user just by connecting with the Internet. g) Secure Java does not use memory pointers explicitly. All the programs in java are run under an area known as the sand box. Security manager determines the accessibility options of a class like reading and writing a file to the local disk. Java uses the public key encryption system to allow the java applications to transmit over the internet in the secure encrypted form. The byte code verifier checks the classes after loading. h) Performance Java uses native code usage, and lightweight process called threads. In the beginning interpretation of byte code resulted in the slow performance but the advance version of JVM uses the adaptive and just in time compilation technique that improves the performance. i) Multithreaded Java is also a multithreaded programming language. Multithreading means a single program having different threads executing independently at the same time. Multithreading programming is a very interesting concept in Java. In multithreaded programs not even a single thread disturbs the execution of other thread. j) Architecture Neutral The Java compiler generates byte code instructions, to be easily interpreted on any machine and to be easily translated into native machine code on the fly. The compiler generates an architecture-neutral object file format to enable a Java application to execute anywhere on the network and then the compiled code is executed on many processors, given the presence of the Java runtime system. 6.3 About SNMP: Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) is an application–layer protocolusedfor exchanging management information between network devices.SNMP is one of the widely accepted protocols to manage and monitor network elements. Most of the professional–grade network elements come with bundled SNMP agent. In the following figure the SNMP manager, SNMP agents and MIBs (Management information base) are the major parts of architecture. Here the manager will send the get-next request for particular OID (object identifier) to the agent. The SNMP agent will retrieve the information from the MIB for a particular OID and will send the response to the manager. If any warning message occurs in the agent side, agent will send the trap notifications to manager. 6.4 Use of API: The SNMP4J API should be added correctly to the tool which the user is using in the project. It may be eclipse or Netbeans. Basically the APIs which needed in our project are JFreechart, Mysql and the SNMP4J. JFreechart APIs are added into the tool by their jar files, it should contain the JCommon and JFreechart JAR files and the documentation. These should be added into the library here. Mysql JDBC Connector JAR files should be added into the library for using the database. 6.5 Modules of project: A) The following code snippet explains how the set of all the IP address and MAC address are retrieved for the given input switch. That is the all the devices connected to the particular switch is retrieved and stored. for (i = 0; i Node nodSwi = nodesSwi.item(i); if (nodSwi.getNodeType() == Node.ELEMENT_NODE) { Element element = (Element) nodSwi; String MacAddress = xjava.getValue(MacAddr, element); String MacAddressEnd = xjava.getValue(MacAddrEnd, element); out.println( ); out.println( SL no ); out.println( IP Address ); out.println( MAC Binding ); stroid_result = MacAddress; do { stroid_result = ip.CreateOID(ipAddress, stroid_result, port); temp = stroid_result.substring(stroid_result.indexOf(.) + 20, stroid_result.length()); ipA = temp.substring(temp.indexOf(.) + 1, temp.indexOf(=)); MacAddr = temp.substring(temp.indexOf(=) + 2, temp.length()); stroid_result = stroid_result.substring(0, stroid_result.indexOf(=) 1); if (!stroid_result.contains(MacAddressEnd)) { out.println( + ++i + ); out.println( + ipA + ); out.println( + MacAddr + ); } } while (!stroid_result.contains(MacAddressEnd)); out.println( ); out.println( ); out.println( ); } } B) The following code is typed and tested in the JSP file. Here the connectivity discovery module is explained and the connection between the ports and the devices are identified. stroid_result = MacAddress; do { stroid_result = ip.CreateOID(ipAddress, stroid_result, port); temp = stroid_result.substring(stroid_result.indexOf(.) + 20, stroid_result.length()); ipA = temp.substring(temp.indexOf(.) + 1, temp.indexOf(=)); MacAddr = temp.substring(temp.indexOf(=) + 2, temp.length()); stroid_result = stroid_result.substring(0, stroid_result.indexOf(=) 1); if (stroid_result.contains(MacAddress)) {//Port Index objip_MacResult[index] = new ClsOid_Input_Rslt(); objip_MacResult[index].Str_Macaddress = MacAddr; objip_MacResult[index].Str_Ip = ipA; m++; index++; } } while (!stroid_result.contains(MacAddrEnd)); /*TO GET MAC ADDRESS AND PORT COUNT*/ do { stroid_result = ip.CreateOID(ipAddress, stroid_result, port); temp = stroid_result.substring(stroid_result.indexOf(=) + 2, stroid_result.length()); stroid_result = stroid_result.substring(0, stroid_result.indexOf(=) 1); if (stroid_result.contains(Mac)) {//Port Index count++; } } while (!stroid_result.contains(MacEnd)); ClsOid_Input_Rslt[] objMac_PortResult; objMac_PortResult = new ClsOid_Input_Rslt[count]; /*TO GET MAC ADDRESS AND PORT */ do { stroid_result = ip.CreateOID(ipAddress, stroid_result, port); temp = stroid_result.substring(stroid_result.indexOf(=) + 2, stroid_result.length()); stroid_result = stroid_result.substring(0, stroid_result.indexOf(=) 1); if (stroid_result.contains(Mac)) { objMac_PortResult[index] = new ClsOid_Input_Rslt(); objMac_PortResult[index].Str_Mac = temp; m++; index++; } if (stroid_result.contains(PortNum)) { if (index > n) { index = (n 1); } objMac_PortResult[index].Str_PortNum = temp; n++; index++; } } while (!stroid_result.contains(MacEnd)); HashMap map = new HashMap(); /* TO GET IPADDRESS, MACADDRESS AND PORTS */ out.println( ); out.println( IP ADDRESS PORT NUMBER ); for (int Macportcount = 0; Macportcount { String Macaddress = new String(); String MacPort = new String(); MacPort = objMac_PortResult[Macportcount].Str_Mac; for (int IpMaccount = 0; IpMaccount Macaddress = objip_MacResult[IpMaccount].Str_Macaddress; if (MacPort.equals(Macaddress)) { if (!map.containsKey(objMac_PortResult[Macportcount].Str_PortNum)) { map.put(objMac_PortResult[Macportcount].Str_PortNum, objip_MacResult[IpMaccount].Str_Ip); } else { map.remove(objMac_PortResult[Macportcount].Str_PortNum); map.put(objMac_PortResult[Macportcount].Str_PortNum, uplink); } } } } Set> set = map.entrySet(); for (Map.Entry me : set) { out.println( + me.getValue() + ); out.println( + me.getKey() + ); } out.println( ); out.println( ); out.println( ); } C) The following code is to explain about the device type discovery of the network. The device type and the switch type are identified using this code. stroid_result = Service; stroid_result = ip.CreateOID(ipAdd[ipCount], stroid_result, port); temp = stroid_result.substring(stroid_result.indexOf(=) + 2, stroid_result.length()); stroid_result = stroid_result.substring(0, stroid_result.indexOf(=) 1); if (temp.contains(7) || temp.contains(6)) { out.println(Switch Type :L3 ); } else { out.println(Switch Type :L2 ); } /*code for Type of Switch ENDS*/ /* the device type discovery code starts from here*/ stroid_result = name; stroid_result = ip.CreateOID(ipAddress, stroid_result, port); if (stroid_result.indexOf(=) > 0) { out.println( ); stroid_result = print; stroid_result = ip.CreateOID(ipAddress, stroid_result, port); stroid_result = stroid_result.substring(0, stroid_result.indexOf(=) 1); if (stroid_result.contains(print)) { out.println( ); out.println(); } else { stroid_result = Numberofuser; stroid_result = ip.CreateOID(ipAddress, stroid_result, port); stroid_result = stroid_result.substring(0, stroid_result.indexOf(=) 1); if (stroid_result.contains(Numberofuser)) { out.println( ); out.println(); } else { out.println( ); out.println(); stroid_result = name; stroid_result = ip.CreateOID(ipAddress, stroid_result, port); temp = stroid_result.substring(stroid_result.indexOf(=) + 2, stroid_result.length()); out.println( + temp + ); out.println( ); out.println( ); } } 6.6 Execution part: Here JDK 1.6 with Netbeans 6.9.1 tool is used, SNMP API(SNMP4J) [11], and Jfreechart for graphical representation. The system is developed and tested on Red Hat Linux 5.4 operating system with 2.80-GHz, Intel Pentium 4 CPU with 512 MB RAM. The approach is tested in the subnet of a network or can say that department of an organisation. In this subnet found number of devices connected to the switches, their details and also the connection between them. These are tested multiple times and physically verified. The problem we faced is that some devices are having multiple Mac Addresses so it is difficult for the system to find the connectivity of the device to port. Except this everything is working well enough. The major thing done is when the device is not supporting for SNMP then tried to get the details of that system by ICMP echo requests. The time taken to discover the devices connected to switch are compared with the previous research. And it is very less compared to other research. In very short time nearly 8-9 seconds we can discover all the devices connected to the switch in the network.