Os mapas da população no Estado do Grão-Pará: consolidação de uma população colonial na segunda metade do século XVIII / Population Tables in Grao-Para captaincies: consolidation of a colonial population in the final half of the XVIIIth century / Los mapas de población en el Estado de Grão-Pará: consolidación de una población colonial en la segunda mitad del siglo XVIII

A partir de meados do século XVIII, no contexto das chamadas Reformas Pombalinas, as "Leis de Liberdade dos Índios" incorporaram uma vasta região no norte da América portuguesa à administração civil, transformando mais de 60 aldeamentos missionários em vilas e lugares portugueses de população majoritariamente indígena. Esta pesquisa propõe-se a investigar a evolução demográfica dos índios aldeados e da população livre não aldeada sob esse novo regime. Para uma parte da historiografia, a população das vilas e lugares indígenas, sob o Diretório (1757-1798), era mantida artificialmente pelo constante aporte de novos contingentes de povos nativos, por meio dos descimentos. No entanto, a análise dos mapas de população elaborados a partir de 1773 mostra um crescimento lento, mas consistente de todos os grupos da população das capitanias do Estado do Grão-Pará, mesmo sofrendo os danos das frequentes epidemias e do trabalho compulsório ao qual estava sujeita a maior parte da população indígena.

As of the mid-eighteenth century, in the context of the so-called Pombaline Reforms, Indian Freedom Laws incorporated a large region in northern Portuguese America into civilian administration, transforming more than sixty missionary settlements into Portuguese villages and sites with predominantly indigenous population. This paper seeks to research into the demographic evolution of "aldeado" (subject to compulsory labour) indians and the free non- "aldeado" population under this new regime. For some historians, the population of Indian villages under the Directorio (1757-1798) was artificially maintained by the constant influx of new contingents of native peoples through descimentos. However, the analysis of population tables produced since 1773 shows a slow but consistent growth of all population groups in the captaincies of the State of Grão-Pará, even suffering frequent epidemics and harm from compulsory work to which by the majority of the indigenous population was subject.

Desde mediados del siglo XVIII, en el contexto de las denominadas reformas pombalinas, las Leyes de Libertad de los Indios incorporaran una inmensa región en el norte de la América portuguesa a la administración civil y transformaron más de sesenta reducciones misioneras en municípios portugueses de población predominantemente indígena. Esta investigación se propone investigar la evolución demográfica de los indios «aldeados¼ y de la población libre no «aldeada¼ bajo el nuevo régimen. Para una parte de la historiografía, la población de las villas y lugares indígenas se mantuvo artificialmente, en el marco del Directorio (1757-1798), por el suministro constante de nuevos contingentes de pueblos nativos por medio de los descensos. Sin embargo, el análisis de los mapas de población compilados desde 1773 muestra un crecimiento lento pero consistente de todos los grupos de población de las capitanías del estado de Grão-Pará, a pesar de las epidemias frecuentes y de los daños provocados por el trabajo obligatorio que sujetaba a la mayoría de la población indígena.

Floating Aquatic Macrophytes Decrease the Methane Concentration in the Water Column of a Tropical Coastal Lagoon: Implications for Methane Oxidation and Emission

ABSTRACT In wetlands, the knowledge accumulated on the role of aquatic plants in the methane cycle focused on emergent macrophytes, to the detriment of other typologies. Herein, we evaluated whether the free-floating macrophyte Salvinia auriculata Aubl. and the floating-leaved macrophyte Eichhornia azurea (Sw.) Kunth. decrease the water column methane concentrations compared to a plant-free surface. We prepared microcosms by inserting an individual of S. auriculata or of E. azurea into chambers filled with lagoon water previously bubbled with CH4. Another set of chambers was incubated only with the prepared water, representing the plant-free surface. Half of the chambers were kept in the dark and half in sunlight to simulate a diel cycle. We observed greater loss of CH4, higher O2 uptake and lower CO2 outflow in the plants treatments. The decrease in methane concentrations in the E. azurea treatments was 93.5% in the light and 77.2% in the dark. In the S. auriculata treatments, the decreases were 74.2% and 67.4% in the light and in the dark, respectively. In plant-free surface the decrease was 58.7% in the light and 36.3% in the dark. These results indicate a role of floating aquatic macrophytes in the methane cycle in the water column. Moreover, our results suggest a diel variation of methane oxidation and methane emission, according to the differences observed in O2 uptake and CO2 outflow between dark and light conditions. Thus, future predictions of global methane budget should include the role played by floating aquatic macrophytes.

Dental bleaching with and without LED/Laser association: a split-mouth controlled study

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare dental color changes after a one-session tooth bleaching procedure using 35% hydrogen peroxide with and without hybrid light (LED/diode laser) activation. Material and Methods: 20 volunteers were included in a split-mouth controlled clinical trial. A 35% hydrogen peroxide gel was applied directly on the buccal surface and adjacent areas of all upper anterior teeth. The six teeth were divided into two groups: the upper right incisors and canine were submitted to the tooth bleaching with the gel and the hybrid light (LED/diode laser) while the left incisors and canine were submitted to tooth bleaching with only the gel. Dental color was measured with a visual color scale and a spectrophotometer at five different moments: initial appointment, immediately after prophylaxis, and 14, 30 and 180 days after bleaching. Results: The comparison between the results of both treatments (with and without LED/laser) did not show any statistically significant differences (p > 0.05; Wilcoxon test) neither for objective (spectrophotometer) nor for subjective evaluations (visual color scale). Conclusion: The results of the present study showed that there are no differences in dental color changes between dental bleaching with gel and LED/Laser activation and dental bleaching with only gel.

Comunicação intercoronária: uma anomalia coronária rara / Intercoronary communication: a rare coronary abnormality

Comunicação intercoronária ou arcada coronária é uma anomalia congênita rara. Relatamos o caso de um paciente com comunicação intercoronária, com quadro de dor torácica e eletrocardiograma com padrão de repolarização ventricular precoce, mas sem aterosclerose significativa à cineangiocoronariografia. No entanto, foi visualizada comunicação intercoronária com fluxo unidirecional entre a coronária direita e a artéria circunflexa, que foi avaliada pela ecocardiografia sob estresse físico, sem detecção de isquemia. Embora a comunicação intercoronária geralmente não esteja relacionada à isquemia, há relatos na literatura de que o fluxo unidirecional pode causar isquemia miocárdica por meio do roubo coronariano.

Intercoronary communication or coronary arcade is a rare congenital abnormality. The authors report the case of a patient with intercoronary communication, chest pain, and electrocardiogram showing an early ventricular repolarization pattern, but no significant atherosclerosis at the coronary angiography. Nevertheless, an intercoronary communication with unidirectional flow between the right coronary artery and the left circumflex artery was visualized, and later assessed by physical stress echocardiography, which did not detect ischemia. Although intercoronary communication is usually unrelated to ischemia, there are reports in the literature that unidirectional flow can cause myocardial ischemia through coronary steal

A complete molecular biology assay for hepatitis C virus detection, quantification and genotyping

Introduction Molecular biology procedures to detect, genotype and quantify hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA in clinical samples have been extensively described. Routine commercial methods for each specific purpose (detection, quantification and genotyping) are also available, all of which are typically based on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the HCV 5′ untranslated region (5′UTR). This study was performed to develop and validate a complete serial laboratory assay that combines real-time nested reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) techniques for the complete molecular analysis of HCV (detection, genotyping and viral load) in clinical samples. Methods Published HCV sequences were compared to select specific primers, probe and restriction enzyme sites. An original real-time nested RT-PCR-RFLP assay was then developed and validated to detect, genotype and quantify HCV in plasma samples. Results The real-time nested RT-PCR data were linear and reproducible for HCV analysis in clinical samples. High correlations (> 0.97) were observed between samples with different viral loads and the corresponding read cycle (Ct - Cycle threshold), and this part of the assay had a wide dynamic range of analysis. Additionally, HCV genotypes 1, 2 and 3 were successfully distinguished using the RFLP method. Conclusions A complete serial molecular assay was developed and validated for HCV detection, quantification and genotyping. .

Oseltamivir-resistant influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus in southern Brazil

The neuraminidase (NA) genes of A(H1N1)pdm09 influenza virus isolates from 306 infected patients were analysed. The circulation of oseltamivir-resistant viruses in Brazil has not been reported previously. Clinical samples were collected in the state of Rio Grande do Sul (RS) from 2009-2011 and two NA inhibitor-resistant mutants were identified, one in 2009 (H275Y) and the other in 2011 (S247N). This study revealed a low prevalence of resistant viruses (0.8%) with no spread of the resistant mutants throughout RS.

A Multiplex real-time PCR for detection of Mycoplasma gallisepticum and Mycoplasma synoviae in clinical samples from Brazilian commercial poultry flocks

Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MS) and Mycoplasma synoviae (MS) are important avian pathogens and cause economic losses to the poultry industry. Molecular biology techniques are currently used for a rapid detection of these pathogens and the adoption of control measures of the diseases. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a technique for simultaneous detection of MG and MS by multiplex real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The complete assay (Multiplex MGMS) was designed with primers and probes specific for each pathogen and developed to be carried out in a single tube reaction. Vaccines, MG and MS isolates and DNA from other Mycoplasma species were used for the development and validation of the method. Further, 78 pooled clinical samples from different poultry flocks in Brazil were obtained and used to determine the sensitivity and specificity of the technique in comparison to 2 real time PCR assays specific for MG (MG PCR) and MS (MS PCR). The results demonstrated an agreement of 100% (23 positive and 44 negative samples) between Multiplex MGMS and MG PCR in the analysis of 67 samples from MG positive and negative poultry flocks, and an agreement of 96.9% between Multiplex MGMS and MS PCR in the analysis of 64 samples from MS positive and negative poultry flocks. Considering the single amplification tests as the gold standard, the Multiplex MGMS showed 100% of specificity and sensitivity in the MG analysis and 94.7% sensitivity and 100% specificity in the MS analysis. This new assay could be used for rapid analysis of MG and MS in the poultry industry laboratories.

Human papillomavirus detection and typing using a nested-PCR-RFLP assay

BACKGROUND: It is clinically important to detect and type human papillomavirus (HPV) in a sensitive and specific manner. OBJECTIVES: Development of a nested-polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (nested-PCR-RFLP) assay to detect and type HPV based on the analysis of L1 gene. METHODS: Analysis of published DNA sequence of mucosal HPV types to select sequences of new primers. Design of an original nested-PCR assay using the new primers pair selected and classical MY09/11 primers. HPV detection and typing in cervical samples using the nested-PCR-RFLP assay. RESULTS: The nested-PCR-RFLP assay detected and typed HPV in cervical samples. Of the total of 128 clinical samples submitted to simple PCR and nested-PCR for detection of HPV, 37 (28.9 percent) were positive for the virus by both methods and 25 samples were positive only by nested-PCR (67.5 percent increase in detection rate compared with single PCR). All HPV positive samples were effectively typed by RFLP assay. CONCLUSION: The method of nested-PCR proved to be an effective diagnostic tool for HPV detection and typing.

Hepatitis C in hemodialysis: the contribution of injection drug use

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is the most common cause of acute or chronic hepatitis in patients on hemodialysis (HD). The purpose of this study was to describe the prevalence of positive HCV RNA and investigate injection drug use as an emerging risk factor in patients with chronic renal disease on HD. METHODS: This was a multicenter cross-sectional study with 325 patients with chronic renal disease on HD in the period between August 1, 2005 to August 30, 2006, receiving care at four institutions in the city of Porto Alegre, Southern Brazil. Epidemiological data were collected by means of a structured questionnaire. The following laboratory tests were performed: alanine aminotransferase (ALT), anti-hepatitis C virus antibodies (anti-HCV), and qualitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR). RESULTS: Of 325 patients, 68 had positive HCV RNA results. The comparison between patients with positive and negative PCR results revealed significant differences in duration of HD (mean = 71 versus 52.4 months; p = 0.02); previous blood transfusion (92 percent versus 72 percent; p < 0.01); injection drug use (13 percent versus 0.7 percent; p < 0.01); anti-HCV positivity at start of HD therapy (60 percent versus 4 percent; p < 0.01); and mean ALT value (39 versus 26.5; p < 0.01). Logistic regression analysis showed a positive HCV RNA independently associated to being on HD for more than five years [OR: 2.1 (95 percent CI 1.2 -3.8)]; previous blood transfusion [OR: 3.7 (95 percent CI 1.4 - 9.5)]; and injection drug use [OR: 22.6 (95 percent CI 4.2 - 119.6)]. CONCLUSION: Injection drug use was an independent risk factor for HCV infection among chronic renal disease patients on HD.

Factors associated with the employment situation and driving license of patients with epilepsy / Fatores associados a situação laboral e licença para dirigir em pacientes com epilepsia

INTRODUCTION: It is estimated that approximately 50 percent of patients with epilepsy have difficulty finding employment. OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the employment situation and driving license of patients with symptomatic or probably symptomatic focal epilepsy and correlate it with clinical and socio-demographic aspects. METHODS: Ninety-two patients were classified into 3 groups: "employed", "unemployed" and "retired/on leave". The relationship between employment and socio-demographic aspects and those of epilepsy was studied, and also whether the patients were holders of national driving licenses. RESULTS: Thirty-one (33.7 percent) of the patients were employed, 19 (20.7 percent) unemployed and 33 (35.9 percent) retired/on leave. Patients with formal education of less than 9 years predominated (p<0.05) in the "retired/on leave" group and non-white patients were more frequently unemployed. Of 58 patients who lost their jobs, 27 (46.6 percent) reported that epilepsy was the main reason (p<0.05). There was a significant relationship between the occurrence of ES at work and unemployment and "leave/retirement" (p<0.05). There was no relationship between clinical aspects and the employment situation. Nineteen (33.9 percent) of the 56 surveyed reported being holders of driving licenses. DISCUSSION: There was a high index of unemployment and retired/on leave individuals. There was a relationship between unemployment and the occurrence of ES at work and with a low scholastic level. CONCLUSION: The low scholastic level/professional qualifications and the stigma aggravated the employment perspectives of these individuals, contributing to their social exclusion.

INTRODUÇÃO: Estima-se que aproximadamente 50 por cento dos pacientes com epilepsia têm problemas para encontrar emprego. OBJETIVO: O objetivo desta pesquisa foi avaliar a situação laboral e a licença para dirigir de 92 pacientes com epilepsia focal sintomática ou provavelmente sintomática e, correlaciona-la a aspectos clínicos e sociodemográficos. RESULTADOS: 31 (33,7 por cento) pacientes estavam empregados, 19 (20,7 por cento) desempregados, 33 (35,9 por cento) afastados/aposentados. Os pacientes com maior escolaridade formal, da cor branca, e do gênero masculino estavam mais empregados (ANOVA; p<0,05). 30 (46,1 por cento) pacientes referiram que a epilepsia motivou a demissão. Houve relação significativa entre ocorrência de CE no trabalho com desemprego e afastamento/aposentadoria (χ2; p=0,03). Não houve relação entre aspectos clínicos da epilepsia e situação ocupacional. DISCUSSÃO: Foram observados índices elevados de desemprego e afastamentos/aposentadoria. Houve relação entre desemprego e ocorrência de CE no trabalho, e baixa escolaridade e qualificação profissional. CONCLUSÃO: A baixa escolaridade/qualificação profissional e o estigma agravaram a perspectiva de empregabilidade dos indivíduos, contribuindo para a exclusão social.

Epilepsia e depressão: aspectos sociodemográficos e clínicos associados / Sociodemographic and clinical factors associated with depression in epilepsy

Objetivo Avaliar, em pacientes adultos com epilepsia focal, a ocorrência de depressão e sua relação com variáveis sociodemográficas e clínicas. Métodos Foram estudados 87 pacientes adultos (idade média de 44,2 anos) com diagnóstico de epilepsia focal sintomática ou provavelmente sintomática, acompanhados no ambulatório de neurologia clínica do Hospital e Maternidade Celso Pierro da Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Campinas. Foram realizados anamnese, exame clínico-neurológico e aplicação da Escala de Depressão de Hamilton. Foi estudada a relação dos aspectos sociodemográficos e clínicos com a ocorrência de depressão. Foram utilizados testes estatísticos, com nível de significância p<0,05. Resultados Cinquenta e três pacientes apresentaram depressão conforme a Escala de Depressão de Hamilton (leve em 42, moderada em 8, e grave em 3 casos). Foi observada maior ocorrência de depressão entre as mulheres e em pacientes com epilepsia do lobo temporal com esclerose hipocampal (análise de regressão p<0,05). Não foram observadas relações estatisticamente significativas entre as outras variáveis clínicas e a ocorrência de depressão. Conclusão A depressão é frequente em pacientes com epilepsia e pode ser um fator de impacto, na qualidade de vida, por vezes mais importante do que a frequência das crises. O presente estudo sugere a existência de fatores sociodemográficos e biológicos associados à depressão. O conhecimento adequado desses fatores pode ter importância nas estratégias de diagnóstico e de atenção ao portador de epilepsia.

Objective This study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of depression and its relationships with sociodemographic and clinical factors in adult patients with focal epilepsy. Methods A total of 87 adult patients (age = 44.2 standard deviation=14.8 years) were assessed using medical history, neurological evaluation and Hamilton depression scale. They had symptomatic or probably symptomatic focal epilepsy. The relationships between depression in the Hamilton depression scale and sociodemographic and clinical aspects were studied. Statistical tests were done with the significance level set at p<0.05. Results Fifty-three patients had depression in the Hamilton depression scale (mild in 42 cases, moderate in 8, and severe in 3 cases). Depression was more prevalent in women and in temporal lobe epilepsy patients with hippocampus sclerosis (regression analysis, p<0.05). There were no significant statistical relationships among the other clinical variables and the presence of depression. Conclusion Depression is common among patients with focal epilepsy and may impact quality of life more than the frequency of seizures. The present study suggests the existence of sociodemographic and biological factors associated with depression. Good knowledge of these factors can be important for the diagnostic and care strategies provided to epilepsy patients.

Prevalence of hepatitis C virus in alcoholic patients: role of parenteral risk factors / Prevalência do vírus da hepatite C em alcoolistas: a atuação dos fatores de risco parenterais

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is elevated in alcoholic patients, but the risk factors are unclear. The role of parenteral risk factors are indeterminated in this population. AIMS: To determine the prevalence of hepatitis C virus infection in alcoholic patients admitted to a detoxification unit and to evaluate the presence of underlying parenteral risk factors. METHODS: A total of 114 consecutive unselected alcoholic patients admitted to a single chemical dependency unit during 14 month were included. Epidemiological data and history of parenteral risk factors for hepatitis C virus infection were obtained with a standardized questionnaire. Blood was collected for determination of aminotransferases and anti-hepatitis C virus antibodies (ELISA-3). Positive samples were confirmed by polymerase chain reaction and tested for genotype. RESULTS: Among the 114 alcoholics, 17 (15 percent) were anti-hepatitis C virus positive. Of these, 12 (71 percent) had detectable serum HCV-RNA by PCR. Genotype 1 was found in six cases and genotype 3 in five (one patient was undetermined). Forty-nine (43 percent) patients had elevated serum ALT and/or AST at baseline. The comparison between the 17 positive and the 97 negative patients showed significant differences in mean serum ALT levels (42 ± 41 IU/L vs. 22 ± 20 IU/L), rate of elevated ALT (65 percent vs. 34 percent), and presence of parenteral risk factors (94 percent vs. 10 percent). Comparison between alcoholic patients with and without elevated aminotransferases showed significant difference only in the rate of positive anti-hepatitis C virus antibodies (24 percent vs. 7 percent). Furthermore, among the 17 anti-hepatitis C virus positive patients, the rate of detectable HCV-RNA was significantly higher in the 12 with elevated aminotransferases versus the 5 with normal aminotransferases (92 percent vs. 20 percent). CONCLUSIONS: There was a high prevalence of anti-hepatitis C virus antibodies in alcoholics and the majority was confirmed by the presence of detectable HCV-RNA. Intravenous drug use was the main risk factor for hepatitis C virus infection in this population.

RACIONAL: A prevalência da infecção pelo vírus da hepatite C (VHC) é elevada em pacientes alcoolistas, porém os fatores de risco não estão bem estabelecidos. O papel dos fatores de risco parenterais permanece ainda indefinido nessa população. OBJETIVOS: Determinar a prevalência da infecção pelo VHC em alcoolistas internados em uma unidade de desintoxicação, e avaliar a presença de fatores de risco parenteral subjacentes. PACIENTES E MÉTODOS: Foram estudados 114 alcoolistas, não selecionados, consecutivamente admitidos em uma unidade de dependência química durante 14 meses. Através de questionário estruturado, obtiveram-se os dados epidemiológicos e história de fatores de risco parenteral para infecção pelo VHC. Foi coletado sangue para determinação de aminotransferases e anticorpos anti-VHC (ELISA-3). As amostras positivas foram confirmadas pela PCR e determinado o genótipo. RESULTADOS: Entre os 114 alcoolistas, 17 (15 por cento) eram anti-VHC positivos. Doze (71 por cento) tinham RNA do VHC detectável por PCR no soro. O genótipo 1 foi encontrado em seis casos e o genótipo 3 em cinco (em um paciente foi indeterminado). Quarenta e quatro (43 por cento) pacientes tinham ALT e/ou AST elevadas. A comparação entre os 17 pacientes positivos e os 97 negativos mostrou diferenças significativas na média do nível da ALT (42 ± 41 UI/L vs. 22 ± 20 UI/L), na taxa de ALT elevada (65 por cento vs. 34 por cento), e na presença de fatores de risco parenteral (94 por cento vs. 10 por cento). A comparação entre alcoolistas com e sem aminotransferases elevadas mostrou diferença significativa apenas na taxa de anti-VHC positivo (24 por cento vs. 7 por cento). Entretanto, entre os 17 pacientes anti-VHC positivos, a taxa de RNA do VHC detectável no soro foi significativamente maior entre os 12 com aminotransferases elevadas do que entre os 5 com aminotransferases normais (92 por cento vs. 20 por cento). CONCLUSÃO: A prevalência de anti-VHC foi elevada em alcoolistas, sendo a maioria confirmada pela presença do RNA do VHC no soro. O uso de drogas injetáveis foi o principal fator de risco para infecção pelo VHC nesta população.

Terazosin and propranolol as blockers to the deleterious effect of nicotine in a random skin flap, in the rat

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of Terazosin and Propranolol on the prevention of necrosis induced by nicotine, in a random skin flap.METHODS: This study utilized 32 adult male Wistar-EPM rats divided, at random, into four groups of eight animals each. All the 32 animals received nicotine (2 mg/kg/day) subcutaneously, for one week before and one week after flap elevation. CG (Control) group received distilled water (0.2 ml/day) by gavage and saline (0.5 ml) intraperitoneally, for seven days in the postoperative period. TG (Terazosin) group received terazosin hydrochloride (3 mg/day) by gavage and saline, intraperitoneally, for seven days in the postoperative period. PG (Propranolol) group received propranolol (1.5 mg/day) intraperitoneally and distilled water, by gavage, following the stablished pattern. TPG (Terazosin + Propranolol) group received both drugs. On the seventh postoperative day, the distal necrotic area of the flaps was determined via the paper template method. Blood and skin samples were collected in order to allow determination of Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. RESULTS: The control group had a mean value of 39.5 percent of necrosis; the Terazosin group 25.1 percent; the Propranolol group 34.5 percent and the Terazosin + Propranolol group 26.2 percent of necrosis. MDA levels in the serum and in the skin samples behave similarly, with an exception regarding Propranolol group in this case. CONCLUSION: Terazosin is effective in the prevention of necrosis in this animal model and Propranolol is not effective in this case.

Methane concentration in water column and in pore water of a coastal lagoon (Cabiúnas lagoon, Macaé, RJ, Brazil)

O objetivo dessa pesquisa foi determinar a concentração de metano na coluna d'água e na água intersticial do sedimento nas regiões limnética e litorânea de uma lagoa costeira (Lagoa Cabiúnas, Macaé, RJ). Na região litorânea as amostras foram coletadas em três estandes de macrófitas (Typha domingensis, Eleocharis interstincta e Potamogeton stenostachys). A concentração de metano na água intersticial na região litorânea foi maior do que aquela encontrada na região limnética em cada fração do sedimento. A maior concentração de metano na fração superficial do sedimento (0-2 cm) foi observada no estande de P. stenostachys (3.7 mM). Este resultado foi o único significativamente diferente (p<0.05) da região limnética. A concentração de metano na água intersticial aumentou com a profundidade nos estandes de macrófitas. A concentração de metano na coluna d'água não variou significativamente entre os pontos de coleta (p>0.05). Os resultados sugerem que há uma considerável influência das macrófitas aquáticas estudadas na concentração de metano na água intersticial do sedimento.

As folhas de Palma Christi - Ricinus communis L. Euphorbiaceae Jussieu. Revisão de conhecimentos / The leaves of Palma Christi - Ricinus communis L. Euphorbiaceae Jussieu - A review

Revisão de conhecimentos acerca das folhas de Ricinus communis L. foi elaborada considerando-se a freqüencia com que esse material vem sendo utilizado como medicinal em diversos países. Aspectos botânicos, etnofarmacológicos, farmacológicos e químicos foram enfocados visando facilitar o entendimento dos referidos usos.

Caracterizaçäo antigênica e fenotípica de cepas de Pasteurella multocida isoladas de pulmöes de suínos com pneumonia e/ou pleurite / Antigenic and phenotypic characterization of Pasteurella multocida strains isolated from the lungs of pigs with pneumonia and/or pleuritic lesions

Foi analisada a variabilidade antigênica e fenotípica de 22 cepas de Pasteurella multocida isoladas de pulmöes de suínos com pneumonia e/ou pleurite. Os testes fenotípicos foram realizados pela determinaçäo de características bioquímicas e sensibilidade a agentes antimicrobianos. Todos os isolados fermentaram manitol e sorbitol, mas nenhum arabinose; 14 foram capazes de metabolizar xilose, quatro trealose, dois dulcitol e um maltose. A análise destas características permitiu agrupar os isolados em 5 padröes bioquímicos distintos. Quanto à sensibilidade a nove agentes antimicrobianos, verificou-se grande variaçäo, com apenas 50 por cento dos isolados sensíveis a pelo menos sete dos nove antibióticos testados. Nenhum princípio ativo foi capaz de inibir todos os isolados. A melhor eficiência foi observada com a amoxicilina (30 mg); 72,7 por cento dos isolados se mostraram sensíveis. A menor eficiência foi demonstrada pela espectinomicina (100 mg) com 45,5 por cento. A caracterizaçäo antigênica consistiu na sorotipagem capsular e determinaçäo de variabilidade do gene de proteína de membrana externa (ompH) pela reaçäo em cadeia da polimerase (PCR) e digestäo com cinco enzimas de restriçäo. Das 22 cepas, 21 foram compatíveis com sorotipo capsular A e uma com D. A caracterizaçäo do gene ompH agrupou os isolados em sete padröes distintos que apresentaram boa correlaçäo com os testes bioquímicos

Isolation of Arcobacter spp from poultry carcasses, in Brazil

Foram isoladas 48 amostras de Arcobacter spp de 37 carcaças de frangos colhidas em frigorífico, prontas para consumo, entre 80 carcaças examinadas. Foram feitas tentativas de cultivo a partir de pele e de músculo, sendo obtidas 25 cultivos positivos de músculo e 23 de pele. As bactérias foram classificadas pelas características fenotípicas e pelo teste de PCR e PCR múltiplo, obtendo-se 41 amostras classificadas como Arcobacter butzleri e 07 com classificaçäo a nível de gênero Arcobacter sp. Estes säo os primeiros relatos sobre a ocorrência das bactérias em carcaças de animais no Brasil.

Incidência de micotoxinas em fitoterápicos: revisão / Mycotoxins incidence in herbs and crude drug plants: a review

Os autores, após análise crítica de diversos artigos constantes na literatura especializada chama a atenção para a importância de micotoxinas em produtos agrícolas diversos. Trazem tabela na qual estabelece relação entre o tipo de toxina, o microrganismo que a produz e os malefícios que essas substâncias ocasionam. Chamam a atenção de modo especial para a presença de micotoxinas em produtos fitoterápicos normalmente consumidos pela população brasileira em razão dos dados encontrados na literatura internacional.