New records of the occurrence of Megaleporinus macrocephalus (Garavello & Britski, 1988 (Characiformes, Anostomidae) from the basins of the Itapecuru and Mearim rivers in Maranhão, Northeastern Brazil / Novos registros da ocorrência de Megaleporinus macrocephalus (Garavello & Britski, 1988) (Characiformes, Anostomidae) nas bacias dos rios Itapecuru e Mearim no Maranhão, Nordeste, Brasil

The "piaussu", Megaleporinus macrocephalus is an anostomatid fish species native to the basin of the Paraguay River, in the Pantanal biome of western Brazil. However, this species has now been recorded in a number of other drainages, including those of the upper Paraná, Uruguay, Jacuí, Doce, Mucuri, and Paraíba do Sulrivers. This study presents two new records of the occurrence of M. macrocephalus, in the basins of the Itapecuru and Mearim rivers in the state of Maranhão, in the Brazilian Northeast. The piaussu is a large-bodied fish of commercial interest that is widely raised on fish farms, and its occurrence in the Itapecuru and Mearim rivers is likely the result of individuals escaping from fish tanks when they overflow during the rainy season. Morphological analyses and sequences of the Cytochrome Oxidase Subunit I (COI) gene confirmed the taxonomic identification of the specimens as M. macrocephalus. The COI sequences were 99.66% similar to those of M. macrocephalus deposited in the BOLDSystems database. These records extend the known distribution of M. macrocephalus to the basins of the Itapecuru and Mearim rivers in the Brazilian Northeast, highlighting a new case of introduction of exotic fish species into Brazilian river basins.

Megaleporinus macrocephalus é uma espécie de peixe anostomatídeo nativa da bacia do rio Paraguai, no bioma Pantanal do oeste do Brasil. No entanto, essa espécie já foi registrada em várias outras drenagens, incluindo as dos rios Alto Paraná, Uruguai, Jacuí, Doce, Mucuri e Paraíba do Sul. Este estudo apresenta dois novos registros da ocorrência de M. macrocephalus, nas bacias dos rios Itapecuru e Mearim, no estado do Maranhão, no nordeste brasileiro. O piaussu é um peixe de grande porte, de interesse comercial, amplamente criado em pisciculturas, e sua ocorrência nos rios Itapecuru e Mearim é provavelmente o resultado de indivíduos que escapam dos tanques quando transbordam durante a estação chuvosa. Análises morfológicas e sequências do gene da subunidade I do citocromo oxidase (COI) confirmaram a identificação taxonômica dos espécimes como M. macrocephalus. As sequências de COI foram 99,66% semelhantes às de M. macrocephalus depositadas no banco de dados BOLDSystems. Esses registros estendem a conhecida distribuição de M. macrocephalus às bacias dos rios Itapecuru e Mearim, no nordeste brasileiro, destacando um novo caso de introdução de espécies exóticas de peixes nas bacias hidrográficas brasileiras.

New records of the occurrence of Megaleporinus macrocephalus () (Characiformes, Anostomidae) from the basins of the Itapecuru and Mearim rivers in Maranhão, Northeastern Brazil

Abstract The piaussu, Megaleporinus macrocephalus is an anostomatid fish species native to the basin of the Paraguay River, in the Pantanal biome of western Brazil. However, this species has now been recorded in a number of other drainages, including those of the upper Paraná, Uruguay, Jacuí, Doce, Mucuri, and Paraíba do Sulrivers. This study presents two new records of the occurrence of M. macrocephalus, in the basins of the Itapecuru and Mearim rivers in the state of Maranhão, in the Brazilian Northeast. The piaussu is a large-bodied fish of commercial interest that is widely raised on fish farms, and its occurrence in the Itapecuru and Mearim rivers is likely the result of individuals escaping from fish tanks when they overflow during the rainy season. Morphological analyses and sequences of the Cytochrome Oxidase Subunit I (COI) gene confirmed the taxonomic identification of the specimens as M. macrocephalus. The COI sequences were 99.66% similar to those of M. macrocephalus deposited in the BOLDSystems database. These records extend the known distribution of M. macrocephalus to the basins of the Itapecuru and Mearim rivers in the Brazilian Northeast, highlighting a new case of introduction of exotic fish species into Brazilian river basins.

Resumo Megaleporinus macrocephalus é uma espécie de peixe anostomatídeo nativa da bacia do rio Paraguai, no bioma Pantanal do oeste do Brasil. No entanto, essa espécie já foi registrada em várias outras drenagens, incluindo as dos rios Alto Paraná, Uruguai, Jacuí, Doce, Mucuri e Paraíba do Sul. Este estudo apresenta dois novos registros da ocorrência de M. macrocephalus, nas bacias dos rios Itapecuru e Mearim, no estado do Maranhão, no nordeste brasileiro. O piaussu é um peixe de grande porte, de interesse comercial, amplamente criado em pisciculturas, e sua ocorrência nos rios Itapecuru e Mearim é provavelmente o resultado de indivíduos que escapam dos tanques quando transbordam durante a estação chuvosa. Análises morfológicas e sequências do gene da subunidade I do citocromo oxidase (COI) confirmaram a identificação taxonômica dos espécimes como M. macrocephalus. As sequências de COI foram 99,66% semelhantes às de M. macrocephalus depositadas no banco de dados BOLDSystems. Esses registros estendem a conhecida distribuição de M. macrocephalus às bacias dos rios Itapecuru e Mearim, no nordeste brasileiro, destacando um novo caso de introdução de espécies exóticas de peixes nas bacias hidrográficas brasileiras.

New records of the occurrence of Megaleporinus macrocephalus (Garavello & Britski, 1988) (Characiformes, Anostomidae) from the basins of the Itapecuru and Mearim rivers in Maranhão, Northeastern Brazil / Novos registros da ocorrência de Megaleporinus macrocephalus (Garavello & Britski, 1988) (Characiformes, Anostomidae) nas bacias dos rios Itapecuru e Mearim no Maranhão, Nordeste, Brasil

The "piaussu", Megaleporinus macrocephalus is an anostomatid fish species native to the basin of the Paraguay River, in the Pantanal biome of western Brazil. However, this species has now been recorded in a number of other drainages, including those of the upper Paraná, Uruguay, Jacuí, Doce, Mucuri, and Paraíba do Sulrivers. This study presents two new records of the occurrence of M. macrocephalus, in the basins of the Itapecuru and Mearim rivers in the state of Maranhão, in the Brazilian Northeast. The piaussu is a large-bodied fish of commercial interest that is widely raised on fish farms, and its occurrence in the Itapecuru and Mearim rivers is likely the result of individuals escaping from fish tanks when they overflow during the rainy season. Morphological analyses and sequences of the Cytochrome Oxidase Subunit I (COI) gene confirmed the taxonomic identification of the specimens as M. macrocephalus. The COI sequences were 99.66% similar to those of M. macrocephalus deposited in the BOLDSystems database. These records extend the known distribution of M. macrocephalus to the basins of the Itapecuru and Mearim rivers in the Brazilian Northeast, highlighting a new case of introduction of exotic fish species into Brazilian river basins.

Megaleporinus macrocephalus é uma espécie de peixe anostomatídeo nativa da bacia do rio Paraguai, no bioma Pantanal do oeste do Brasil. No entanto, essa espécie já foi registrada em várias outras drenagens, incluindo as dos rios Alto Paraná, Uruguai, Jacuí, Doce, Mucuri e Paraíba do Sul. Este estudo apresenta dois novos registros da ocorrência de M. macrocephalus, nas bacias dos rios Itapecuru e Mearim, no estado do Maranhão, no nordeste brasileiro. O piaussu é um peixe de grande porte, de interesse comercial, amplamente criado em pisciculturas, e sua ocorrência nos rios Itapecuru e Mearim é provavelmente o resultado de indivíduos que escapam dos tanques quando transbordam durante a estação chuvosa. Análises morfológicas e sequências do gene da subunidade I do citocromo oxidase (COI) confirmaram a identificação taxonômica dos espécimes como M. macrocephalus. As sequências de COI foram 99,66% semelhantes às de M. macrocephalus depositadas no banco de dados BOLDSystems. Esses registros estendem a conhecida distribuição de M. macrocephalus às bacias dos rios Itapecuru e Mearim, no nordeste brasileiro, destacando um novo caso de introdução de espécies exóticas de peixes nas bacias hidrográficas brasileiras.

Demographics and clinical features of elderly patients undergoing regular dialysis in Brazil

An increasing number of elderly people in renal support is expected in the coming years. The objective of this study was to report the clinical and socio-demographic data of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) adult patients undergoing regular dialysis treatment comparing elderly (≥65 years old) and non-elderly subjects using data from the Brazilian Dialysis Registry database. The regional distribution of the sample was Southeast (48.8%), South (33.7), Northeast (13.1%), Midwest (5.1%), and North (0.1%). A total of 18,030 patients were included in the analysis with elderly patients accounting for 29.5% of the sample. The elderly patients were predominantly male, white, retired, and literate. Elderly ESRD patients had a slightly higher frequency of undernourishment and a lower frequency of obesity than the non-elderly adults. A higher frequency of elderly patients were from the South and Southeast regions. The dialysis treatment of patients from both groups was predominantly funded by the public system, but the percent of non-public funding was higher for the elderly group. The most used initial access in the elderly was the central venous catheter and hemodialysis was the main modality at the beginning of treatment (93.2%), as well as during maintenance therapy (91.8%). Advanced age was associated with greater use of central venous catheter in the first dialysis session. The survival of the elderly on dialysis was lower than that of the non-elderly early in the course of dialysis and this difference increased over time. This is yet the largest national epidemiological study of elderly people on chronic dialysis.

Efeito de dois sistemas de resfriamento sobre os hormônios tireoidianos e as variáveis termofisiológicas de matrizes suínas em lactação / Effect of two cooling systems on thyroid hormones and thermophysiological variables of lactating sows

Avaliaram-se os efeitos do sistema de resfriamento evaporativo com pressão negativa (SRE) e aspersão de água sobre o telhado (AAT), as variáveis termofisiológicas, os hormônios tireoidianos e a relação neutrófilo:linfócito (N:L) em porcas. Utilizaram-se 61 fêmeas em lactação, que foram divididas nos dois ambientes térmicos, sendo 30 em SRE e 31 em AAT, no verão. A temperatura e a umidade do ar, a frequência respiratória (FR), as temperaturas de superfície (TS) e retal (TR), a concentração de tiroxina e de tri-iodotironina, o número de neutrófilos e linfócitos e a relação N:L foram determinados. A temperatura ambiente pela manhã foi menor em SRE que em AAT (22,1ºC vs. 23,5ºC) e pela tarde (24,8ºC vs. 28,0ºC). Em ambos os períodos, a FR, a TS e a TR foram menores em SRE (de manhã 49 resp.min-1, 31,1ºC e 38,5ºC, respectivamente, e à tarde 55 resp.min-1, 30,3ºC e 38,8ºC, respectivamente) que em AAT (de manhã 54 resp.min-1, 32,8ºC e 38,6ºC, respectivamente; e à tarde 65 resp.min-1, 31,4ºC e 39,1ºC, respectivamente). Animais sob galpão AAT apresentaram menores concentrações de T4 que animais sob SRE (37,84 vs. 42,22nmol.L-1). Em ambiente tropical, no verão, porcas lactantes de ambos os sistemas mantêm a homeotermia.(AU)

The effects of the evaporative cooling system with negative pressure (ECS) and water spray on the roof (WSR) on physiological variables, thyroid hormones and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (N:L) in lactating sows were evaluated. Sixty-one lactating females were divided in the two thermal environments, being 30 in SRE and 31 in the AAT shed in the summer. The air temperature and humidity, respiratory frequency (RF), surface temperatures (ST) and rectal (RT), serum thyroxine and triiodothyronine concentration, number of neutrophils and lymphocytes and the N/L ratio were determined. In the afternoon, the matrices in ECS (Tar: 25.0°C and THI: 74.7) and WSR (Tar: 27.6°C and THI: 77.3) were exposed to heat stress. In the morning, RF, ST and RT were lower in ECS (49 breaths.min -1 , 31.1°C and 38.5°C, respectively) than WSR (54 breaths.min -1 , 32.8°C and 38.6°C) and also in the afternoon ECS (55 breaths.min -1 , 30.3°C and 38.8°C, respectively) and WSR (65 breaths.min -1 , 31.4°C and 39.1°C, respectively). Animals under WSR shed presented lower concentrations of T4 than animals under ECS (37.84 vs 42.22nmol.L -1 ). In a tropical environment, in the summer, lactating sows of both systems maintain homeothermia.(AU)

Desempenho e termorregulação de porcas lactantes alojadas em diferentes localizações no interior de um galpão com sistema de resfriamento evaporativo em ambiente tropical / Performance and thermoregulation of lactating sows housed in different locations inside a shed with an evaporative cooling system in a tropical environment

The effects of housing lactating sows at different locations in a shed with evaporative cooling system (ECS) on their thermoregulation and reproductive and productive performance of the sow and the litter in summer were determined. 34 females were used in the three lines of cages at these locations: near the pad cooling; in the middle of the shed and near the exhaust fans. The air temperature and the temperature and humidity index (THI) were lower near the pad cooling (22.38ºC, 71.84) than the middle (24.56ºC, 74.82) and near the exhaust fans (25.00°C, 75.62). Respiratory rate, rectal and surface temperatures were lower in sows near the pad cooling (43.67 breaths.min -1 , 38.40°C; 29.51°C) than in the center (52.04 breaths.min -1 ; 38.48ºC; 32.02ºC) and near the exhaust fans (56.38 breaths.min-1, 38.93ºC; 32.52ºC). The backfat thickness, the weaning-estrus interval and daily average consumption of the sows, number of weaning piglets, corporal mass and daily average gain of the piglets were not influenced by the location of housing in the shed. Lactating sows housed in the middle and near the exhaust fans in the ECS presented increased thermoregulation physiological variables, however, this did not impair the performance.(AU)

Dados de estação meteorológica oficial subestimam o estresse por calor em bovinos leiteiros criados em ambiente tropical / Official meteorological station data underestimate the heat stress on dairy cattle in a tropical environment

Determinaram-se os valores de temperatura do ar, umidade relativa e índice de temperatura e umidade (ITU) de uma propriedade rural de produção de leite a pasto e da estação meteorológica oficial mais próxima, confrontando-os. Na fazenda, as leituras dos dados foram registradas por uma estação meteorológica automática, a cada cinco minutos, de fevereiro de 2015 a setembro de 2016. Depois, calcularam-se a média por hora e o ITU horário. Selecionaram-se os valores diários mínimo, médio e máximo. O mesmo foi feito com os dados da estação meteorológica oficial, que foram horários. As temperaturas mínima e média na estação meteorológica foram maiores que na fazenda durante todo o período experimental e em 16 meses, respectivamente. A temperatura máxima da propriedade rural foi maior que a da estação em seis meses. Já a umidade relativa mínima, a média e a máxima da estação meteorológica foram inferiores às da fazenda. O ITU mínimo foi maior na estação oficial e o ITU máximo superior na fazenda em todos os meses. Por fim, o número de dias com um ITU máximo igual ou superior ao ITU crítico foi maior na fazenda. Assim, dados da estação meteorológica oficial subestimam o estresse por calor.(AU)

The values of air temperature, relative humidity and Temperature Humidity Index (THI) of one pasture-based milk production farm and from the nearest official weather station were confronted. At the farm, data readings were recorded by an automatic weather station, every five minutes, from February 2015 to September 2016. Then, the hourly average and hourly THI were calculated. The minimum, average, and maximum daily values were selected. The same was done with data from the official hourly weather station data. The minimum and mean temperature in the meteorological station were higher than on the farm throughout the experimental period and in 16 months, respectively. The maximum temperature of the rural property was greater than that of the station in six months. Meanwhile, the minimum, average, and maximum relative humidity of the meteorological station were lower than those of the farm. The minimum THI was higher at the official station and the maximum THI was higher at the farm in every month. Finally, the number of days with a maximum THI equal to or greater than the critical THI was greater on the farm. Thus, official weather station data underestimate the heat stress.(AU)

Bioactivity And Dereplication Of Phenolic Compounds In Medicinal Plants

Three medicinal plants with recognized anti-inflammatory potential, identified as “erva de São João“ (Ageratum conyzoides), “Tanchagem“ (Plantago major) and “ Bardana“ (Arctium lappa L.) were obtained from a medicinal herbs company located in Teófilo Otoni city (Minas Gerais State, Brazil). The dry plant material obtained in packages was submitted to the chemical procedures to prepare the crude extracts by maceration according to the Brazilian pharmacopoeia legislation. After extraction, the samples were subjected to 1H NMR, TLC and Capillary Electrophoresis analysis by co-injection of authentic patterns of phenolic acids and flavonoids to identify the major compounds and classes of secondary metabolites present in each material and then their chemical and biological potential was assessed by DPPH free radical inhibition assay and antimicrobial against E. coli. The results obtained allow us to conclude that the phytopreparation was effective in the extraction of compounds with antioxidant potential and the three species presented a high concentration of flavonoids and other phenolics that is compatible with the chemosystematic data. The screening obtained by 1H NMR spectroscopy, TLC and Capillary Electrophoresis with ultraviolet detection analysis provided us a qualitative profile of the phytochemicals present in each material. None of the extracts were active against Escherichia coli by antibacterial disk diffusion assay at concentration of 1 mg/ml.

Efeito de diferentes tempos de exposição ao calor e de linhagens sobre o rendimento de carcaça e a composição química de peito de frangos de corte / Effect of different timing of exposure to heat and strains on the carcass yield and breast chemical composition of broiler

Investigaram-se os efeitos de diferentes tempos de exposição ao calor sobre o rendimento de carcaça, cortes e vísceras comestíveis e a composição química da carne de peito de frangos de corte de duas linhagens. Foram alojados 560 pintos de corte da linhagem Cobb 500 Slow® e 560 da Hubbard Flex® em 32 boxes. A partir do 14º dia, eles foram divididos nos ambientes térmicos: controle, uma hora, duas horas ou três horas diárias de estresse por calor. O rendimento de carcaça, peito sem osso, coxa e sobrecoxa com osso, asas, pés, fígado, moela e coração foi avaliado em seis aves de cada linhagem em cada ambiente térmico. Amostras foram obtidas para analisar matéria seca, extrato etéreo, proteína bruta e matéria mineral. O estresse cíclico por calor por até três horas diárias não influenciou o rendimento de carcaça, de peito sem osso, de coxa e sobrecoxa, de asa, de coração, de moela, de fígado e a composição química do peito. A linhagem Cobb 500 Slow® apresentou maior rendimento de peito. A Hubbard Flex® apresentou peito com maior percentual de matéria mineral e proteína. A linhagem Cobb é mais indicada à produção de peito, e a linhagem Hubbard à produção de frango inteiro.(AU)

The effects of different exposure periods under heat on the carcass yield, cuts and edible organs and breast chemical composition of broilers from two strains were investigated. Five hundred and sixty Cobb 500 Slow® and 560 Hubbard Flex® broiler chicks were housed in 32 pens and from the 14th day on, they were divided in thermal environments: control, 1 hour, 2 hours or 3 hours a day under heat stress. Carcass yield, boneless breast, thigh and drumstick with bone, wings, feet, liver, gizzard and heart were evaluated in six birds of each strain in each thermal environment. Samples were obtained to assess dry matter, ether extract, crude protein and mineral matter. The cyclic heat stress for up to three hours a day did not influence 33 the carcass yield, boneless breast, thigh and drumstick, wing, heart, gizzard, liver, and the breast chemical composition. Cobb 500 Slow® strain had higher breast yield. Hubbard Flex® had breast with higher percentage of mineral matter and protein. Cobb strain is best designed to breast production, and Hubbard is best for whole chicken production.(AU)

Comparison of three PET methods to assess peritoneal membrane transport

The peritoneal equilibration test (PET) is the most widespread method for assessing water and solute transport across the peritoneal membrane. This study compared three methods: traditional PET (t-PET), mini-PET, and modified PET (mod-PET). Non-diabetic adults (n=21) who had been on peritoneal dialysis (PD) for at least three months underwent t-PET (glucose 2.5%-4 h), mini-PET (glucose 3.86%-1 h), and mod-PET (glucose 3.86%-4 h) to determine dialysate-to-plasma concentration ratio (D/P) for creatinine and dialysate-to-baseline dialysate concentration ratio (D/D0) for glucose. Agreement between methods regarding D/P creatinine and D/D0 glucose was assessed using analysis of variance (ANOVA), Pearson's correlation coefficient, and Bland-Altman analysis. D/P creatinine differed between t-PET and mini-PET (P<0.001) and between mod-PET and mini-PET (P<0.01) but not between t-PET and mod-PET (P=0.746). The correlation of D/P creatinine with t-PET vs mod-PET was significant (r=0.387, P=0.009) but not that of t-PET vs mini-PET (r=0.088, P=0.241). Estimated bias was −0.029 (P=0.201) between t-PET and mod-PET, and 0.206 (P<0.001) between t-PET and mini-PET. D/D0 glucose differed between t-PET and mod-PET (P=0.003) and between mod-PET and mini-PET (P=0.002) but not between t-PET and mini-PET (P=0.885). The correlations of D/D0 glucose in t-PET vs mod-PET (r=−0.017, P=0.421) or t-PET vs mini-PET (r=0.152, P=0.609) were not significant. Estimated bias was 0.122 (P=0.026) between t-PET and mod-PET, and 0.122 (P=0.026) between t-PET and mini-PET. The significant correlation of D/P creatinine between t-PET and mod-PET suggested that the latter is a good alternative to t-PET. There was no such correlation between t-PET and mini-PET.

Elevated levels of plasma osteoprotegerin are associated with all-cause mortality risk and atherosclerosis in patients with stages 3 to 5 chronic kidney disease

Osteoprotegerin (OPG) regulates bone mass by inhibiting osteoclast differentiation and activation, and plays a role in vascular calcification. We evaluated the relationship between osteoprotegerin levels and inflammatory markers, atherosclerosis, and mortality in patients with stages 3-5 chronic kidney disease. A total of 145 subjects (median age 61 years, 61% men; 36 patients on hemodialysis, 55 patients on peritoneal dialysis, and 54 patients with stages 3-5 chronic kidney disease) were studied. Clinical characteristics, markers of mineral metabolism (including fibroblast growth factor-23 [FGF-23]) and inflammation (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein [hsCRP] and interleukin-6 [IL-6]), and the intima-media thickness (IMT) in the common carotid arteries were measured at baseline. Cardiac function was assessed by color tissue Doppler echocardiography. After 36 months follow-up, the survival rate by Kaplan-Meier analysis was significantly different according to OPG levels (χ 2=14.33; P=0.002). Increased OPG levels were positively associated with IL-6 (r=0.38, P<0.001), FGF-23 (r=0.26, P<0.001) and hsCRP (r=0.0.24, P=0.003). In addition, OPG was positively associated with troponin I (r=0.54, P<0.001) and IMT (r=0.39, P<0.0001). Finally, in Cox analysis, only OPG (HR=1.07, 95%CI=1.02-1.13) and hsCRP (HR=1.02, 95%CI=1.01-1.04) were independently associated with increased risk of death. These results suggested that elevated levels of serum OPG might be associated with atherosclerosis and all-cause mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease.

Avaliação morfológica de plantas jovens de Copaifera langsdorffii Desf. desenvolvidas em diferentes temperaturas / Morphlogical evaluation of Copaifera langsdorffii Desf. saplings grown in different temperatures

O principal objetivo da pesquisa foi a avaliação de aspectos da anatomia foliar, da morfologia dos órgãos vegetativos, bem como a produção de biomassa em plantas jovens de Copaifera langsdorffii desenvolvidas sob diferentes temperaturas. Foram coletadas sementes e colocadas para germinar em câmara BOD a 30ºC. Após trinta dias as plântulas, com o primeiro par de folhas completamente expandidas, foram transplantadas para copos contendo plantimax®, e aclimatizadas durante quinze dias em casa de vegetação, quando foram transferidas para BODs com temperaturas T1-15ºC, T2-25ºC, T3-35ºC, e a testemunha (T) que permaneceu em casa de vegetação (29ºC). O experimento foi conduzido por um período de 120 dias. Foram observadas diferenças significativas no tamanho e frequência dos estômatos, nas dimensões das cavidades secretoras de óleo, na espessura do mesofilo, nos aspectos morfológicos externos, e na produção de biomassa. A produção de mudas sob temperatura de 25ºC foi apropriada, sendo a condição onde as plantas tornaram-se mais vigorosas, com morfologia mais uniforme nos órgãos vegetativos e houve maior produção de biomassa seca.

The main purpose of this study was to evaluate aspects of leaf anatomy, morphology of vegetative organs and biomass production in Copaifera langsdorffii saplings developed under heat shock treatment. Seeds were collected and germinated in BOD chamber at 30 ºC. After thirty days, the seedlings with the first pair of fully expanded leaves were transplanted into cups containing Plantimax®, acclimatized for two weeks in a greenhouse and transferred to growth chamber with the temperatures T1-15 ºC, T2-25 ºC, T3- 35 ºC, and the control (T) remained in a greenhouse (29 ºC). The experiment was conducted over a period of 120 days. Significant differences were observed in size and frequency of stomata, size of the oil secretory cavities, thickness of the mesophyll in the external morphology and biomass production. The production of seedlings at 25 ºC is suitable, a condition in which the plants become more vigorous with a more uniform morphology in the vegetative organs and higher production of biomass.

Estudo de biocompatibilidade in vivo e in vitro do extrato hidroalcoólico de Cissus sicyoides L. - Vitaceae em ratos / Study of in vivo and in vitro biocompatibility of Cissus sicyoides L. - Vitaceae hydroalcoholic extracts in rats

Biocompatibilidade é a capacidade de um material exercer funções específicas quando aplicado em contato com tecidos vivos de determinado hospedeiro, sem, contudo, causar danos ou prejuízo ao mesmo. Este trabalho objetivou determinar a biocompatibilidade in vivo e in vitro do extrato hidroalcoólico do Cissus sicyoides L - Vitaceae. Foram utilizados 30 ratos (Rattus novergicus albinus wistar), com idade entre 45 e 90 dias e pesando entre 170 e 260 g. Os animais foram divididos em 3 grupos (A1, A2 e A3) de 6 animais cada para o teste in vivo, os quais foram sacrificados com 2, 4 e 6 dias, respectivamente. Para o teste in vitro, foram utilizados 12 animais para obtenção do índice de aderência e da capacidade fagocítica dos macrófagos de ratos do grupo controle e do grupo experimental. Nos resultados encontrados no teste in vivo, conclui-se que o extrato apresentou-se biocompatível, visto que não provocou alterações significativas no tecido. Já no teste in vitro, o mesmo não se apresentou biocompatível, pois o extrato puro apresentou índice de aderência baixo (7,1) e taxa de fagocitose elevada (35,7), indicando diferença significante quando comparado ao controle. Porém, quando diluído, o extrato se mostrou inócuo, devido ao aumento dos valores do índice de aderência nas concentrações de 1/10 (61,4) e 1/100 (74,3) nos ensaios, as quais não apresentaram diferença significante quando comparadas ao controle. Após a análise dos dados, concluiu-se que a solução diluída do extrato hidroalcoólico do Cissus sicyoides L. não causa danos ou prejuízos. Entretanto, como nem todos os efeitos farmacológicos foram testados no presente trabalho, não se pode inferir automaticamente que ele é biocompatível em todos os casos.

Biocompatibility is the ability of a material to perform specifictasks when applied to living tissues without causing damage or injuries to it. Thus, this study aimed at determining the in vivo and in vitro biocompatibility of Cissus sicyoides L. - Vitaceae hydroalcoholic extracts. A total of 30 rats (Rattus norvegicus Albinus Wistar), with ages ranging from 45 to 90 days and weighing between 170 and 260g were used. The animals were divided into 3 groups (A1, A2 and A3) with 6 animals each, for the in vivo test, which were sacrificed after 2, 4 and 6 days, respectively. For in vitro test, 12 animals were used to obtain the index of adherence and phagocytic ability of macrophages of rats from the control and the experimental groups. In results found for the in vivo test, it was concluded that the extract was biocompatible, whereas no significant changes were observed in the tissue. As to the in vitro test, the extract was not biocompatible, since the pure extract showed a low rate of adherence (7.1) and a high rate of phagocytosis (35.7), indicating a significant difference when compared to the control group. However, when diluted, the extract was shown to be harmless, due to an increase in the values of the adherence index at the following concentrations : 1/10 (61.4) and 1/100 (74.3) in the tests, which showed no significant differences when compared to the control group. After analyzing the data, it was concluded that since the infusion of the plant is a kind of dilution, its use does not cause any harm to the body. A new study is necessary at the moment to possibily demonstrate its effects on the long term.

Caracterização físico-química e análises por espectrofotometria e cromatografia de Peperomia pellucida L. (H. B. K. ) / Physical chemical characterization and spectrophotometric analysis and chromatography (TLC) of the Peperomia pellucida L. (H. B. K. )

O objetivo deste trabalho foi realizar a caracterização físico-química do pó e da tintura, e análise por espectrofotometria e cromatografia do extrato seco de Peperomia pellucida L. (H. B. K.). As metodologias seguiram a Farmacopéia Brasileira IV ed., com exceção da prospecção química, da espectrofotometria, da obtenção do perfil cromatográfico do extrato seco, e determinação do resíduo seco. A prospecção química revelou a presença de saponinas espumídicas; açúcares redutores; proteínas e aminoácidos; fenóis; taninos; flavonóides; esteróides e triterpenóides. Na análise por CCD, o melhor perfil da fração flavonoídica foi obtido com MeOH/CHOOH (90:10). Foi confirmada, através de CLAE, a presença de 3',4',7-tri-O-metoxiflavona no extrato seco deste material vegetal. Os resultados obtidos contribuem para a determinação de especificações de uma futura monografia em Farmacopéias da Peperomia pellucida L. (H.B.K.).

The aim of this study was the physical chemical characterization of the powder and the tincture, and the chromatographic and spectrophotometric analysis of the Peperomiapellucida L. (H. B. K.) dry extract. The methodology followed the Farmacopeia Brasileira IV ed., except for the chemical prospection, the chromatographic profile obtained and the spectrophotometry of the dry extract, and determination of dried residues. The chemical prospection revealed the presence of foaming saponins; reducing sugars; proteins and amino acids; phenols; tannins; flavonoids; steroids and triterpenoids; depsideos and depsidones. The best profile from TLC for flavonoidic fraction was obtained with methanol/formic acid (90:10 v/v). HPLC confirmed the presence of 3 ',4',7-tri-methoxyflavone in the dry extract of the plant material. The results obtained in this work should contribute for the determination of specifications for a future monograph on Peperomia pellucida L. (H.B.K.).

Produção de mudas de carobinha (Jacaranda decurrens Cham. ) em sistema de imersão temporária com biorreatores do tipo R.I.T.A. / "Carobinha" seedling production in a temporary immersion system with R.I.T.A. bioreactors

O objetivo deste trabalho foi averiguar a melhor densidade de explantes e o melhor tipo de sistema de cultivo visando desenvolver um protocolo de micropropagação de baixo custo para a Carobinha. Foram realizados experimentos de multiplicação in vitro com quatro tipos de frascos: R.I.T.A. (50 explantes/frasco), erlenmayer, (50 explantes/frasco), potes tipo maionese (6 explantes/frasco) e cubetas (1 explante/frasco). O co-cultivo de explantes, tanto em meio sólido quanto em meio líquido (R.I.T.A.), promoveu maiores taxas de explantes com brotação e de sobrevivência. O sistema de imersão temporária proporcionou melhores índices de desenvolvimento, brotação, sobrevivência e altura dos explantes. Concluímos que biorreatores podem ser utilizados eficientemente para a micropropagação de carobinha.

The aim of this study was to identify the best explant density and the best cultivation system with the goal of developing a micropropagation protocol of low cost for "carobinha" (Jacaranda decurrens CHAM.). Experiments of in vitro multiplication were carried out using four flask types: R.I.T.A. (50 explants/flask), Erlenmeyer (50 explants/flask), mayonnaise pots (6 explants/flask) and cuvettes (1 explant/flask). The co-cultivation of explants, in both solid and liquid medium (R.I.T.A.), led explants to show higher sprouting and survival rates. The temporary immersion system provided better rates of development, sprouting, survival and height of explants. We concluded that bioreactors may be efficiently used for the micropropagation of "carobinha".

Effect of TNF-α production inhibitors on the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines by peripheral blood mononuclear cells from HTLV-1-infected individuals

Human T lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) is the causal agent of myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP), a disease mediated by the immune response. HTLV-1 induces a spontaneous proliferation and production of pro-inflammatory cytokines by T cells, and increasing interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels are potentially involved in tissue damage in diseases related to HTLV-1. This exaggerated immune response is also due to an inability of the natural regulatory mechanisms to down-modulate the immune response in this group of patients. TNF-α inhibitors reduce inflammation and have been shown to improve chronic inflammatory diseases in clinical trials. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of pentoxifylline, forskolin, rolipram, and thalidomide to decrease in vitro production of TNF-α and IFN-γ in cells of HTLV-1-infected subjects. Participants of the study included 19 patients with HAM/TSP (mean age, 53 ± 11; male:female ratio, 1:1) and 18 HTLV-1 carriers (mean age, 47 ± 11; male:female ratio, 1:2.6). Cytokines were determined by ELISA in supernatants of mononuclear cell cultures. Pentoxifylline inhibited TNF-α and IFN-γ synthesis with the minimum dose used (50 µM). The results with forskolin were similar to those observed with pentoxifylline. The doses of rolipram used were 0.01-1 µM and the best inhibition of TNF-α production was achieved with 1 µM and for IFN-γ production it was 0.01 µM. The minimum dose of thalidomide used (1 µM) inhibited TNF-α production but thalidomide did not inhibit IFN-γ production even when the maximum dose (50 µM) was used. All drugs had an in vitro inhibitory effect on TNF-α production and, with the exception of thalidomide, all of them also decreased IFN-γ production.

Anti-Leishmania titers and positive skin tests in patients cured of kala-azar

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL), also known as kala-azar, is an important public health problem. If not treated, virtually all clinically symptomatic patients die within months. The diagnosis is based on the Montenegro skin test (MST) and anti-Leishmania titers. Nevertheless, the time required for cured individuals living in a leishmaniasis-endemic area to present a positive skin test and negative anti-Leishmania serology is known. To determine the cellular and humoral immune response profile in relation to different times post-VL cure, a cross-sectional study was conducted on subjects from a kala-azar endemic area in Paço do Lumiar, MA, Brazil, on the basis of 1995-2005 notifications reported by the National Health Foundation/Regional Coordination of Maranhão. We visited cured individuals with a history of VL within the last 10 years. Seventy-four subjects (30 females) ranging in age from 1 to 44 years were included, all of them symptom free at the time of the study. A cellular immune response was observed in 73 (98.6 percent) subjects, whereas no significant antibody titers were detected by indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) in the sera of 69 (93.2 percent) cases. Ten years post-cure, 39 (52 percent) subjects had a positive MST and negative IIF reaction, while in one subject the skin and anti-Leishmania serology tests were negative. Two other subjects were positive in both tests 1 year after cure. These data suggest that a cellular immune response may still be present in subjects cured of VL regardless of post-cure time, and that the parasite persists in the host after clinical cure of the disease. This would explain the persistence of significant Leishmania sp antibody titers in some subjects after treatment.

Intravenous regional block is similar to sympathetic ganglion block for pain management in patients with complex regional pain syndrome type I

Sympathetic ganglion block (SGB) or intravenous regional block (IVRB) has been recommended for pain management in patients with complex regional pain syndrome type I (CRPS-I). Forty-five patients were initially selected but only 43 were accepted for the study. The present study evaluated the efficacy of IVRB produced by combining 70 mg lidocaine with 30 µg clonidine (14 patients, 1 male/13 females, age range: 27-50 years) versus SGB produced by the injection of 70 mg lidocaine alone (14 patients, 1 male/13 females, age range: 27-54 years) or combined with 30 µg clonidine (15 patients, 1 male/14 females, age range: 25-50 years) into the stellate ganglion for pain management in patients with upper extremity CRPS-I. Each procedure was repeated five times at 7-day intervals, and pain intensity and duration were measured using a visual analog scale immediately before each procedure. A progressive and significant reduction in pain scores and a significant increase in the duration of analgesia were observed in all groups following the first three blocks, but no further improvement was obtained following the last two blocks. Drowsiness, the most frequent side effect, and dry mouth occurred only in patients submitted to SGB with lidocaine combined with clonidine. The three methods were similar regarding changes in pain intensity and duration of analgesia. However, IVRB seems to be preferable to SGB due to its easier execution and lower risk of undesirable effects.

Avaliação da coagulação plasmática e plaquetometria em cães não infectados e infectados experimentalmente com Ehrlichia spp / Plasmatic coagulation and platelet count in dogs uninfected and experimentally infected with Ehrlichia spp

Avaliou-se a ocorrência de distúrbios na coagulação plasmática e na plaquetometria de cães infectados por Ehrlichia spp., durante 15 semanas após o contágio. Doze cães, entre machos e fêmeas, nascidos em estação experimental e com idades entre um e dois anos, foram usados no experimento. Nove cães foram infectados experimentalmente com sangue de cão naturalmente portador de Ehrlichia spp. e três foram mantidos como controle. As alterações na coagulação plasmática não diferiram entre cães infectados e não infectados. A plaquetometria oscilou durante as 15 semanas entre 61x10³/μL e 830x10³/μL, e o menor valor médio foi de 113x10³/μL na sexta semana após a infecção. Concluiu-se que a coagulação plasmática não apresentou alterações significativas nas 15 semanas após infecção e que a contagem plaquetária oscilou entre valores normais, elevados e reduzidos durante esse período.

The effect of Ehrlichia spp. in plasma coagulation and platelet count in dogs during 15 weeks after contamination was evaluated. Twelve male and female dogs one-to-two-year-old were born in the experimental station and were used for the experiment. Nine dogs were infected with blood of dogs naturally bearing Ehrlichia spp., and three were kept as controls. The variation of plasma coagulation did not significantly differ between infected and uninfected dogs. The platelet count oscillated during the period from 61x10³/μL to 830x10³/μL, and the lowest mean value was 113 x 10³/μL at the sixth week after contamination in infected dogs. In conclusion, the plasma coagulation did not significantly change and the platelet count oscillated between normal, increased, and reduced values during the first 15 weeks after Ehrlichia spp. contamination in dogs.

Raising awareness of chronic kidney disease in a Brazilian urban population

The incidence and prevalence of chronic kidney disease have been increasing in recent years in developing countries. The aim of this study was to report the results of a general chronic kidney disease awareness program applied to an urban population in a large Brazilian city. From January 2002 to January 2005 a total of 8883 individuals in the city of Curitiba (PR, Brazil) were screened for hypertension, body mass index, hematuria, and proteinuria. A family history and previous medical diagnosis of hypertension and diabetes mellitus (DM) were also recorded. Of the 8883 individuals assessed, 56% were women, subject median age was 47 years (range: 17-93 years) and more than 90% were Caucasian. Thirty percent had signs of hematuria, 6% had proteinuria, and 3% had hematuria and proteinuria. The median of mean arterial pressure values was 93 mmHg (range: 71- 135 mmHg) and 16% of the population screened had a history of hypertension. A significant positive family history of both hypertension or DM was present in 42% (P < 0.0001; chi-square = 83.18) and 7% (P < 0.0001; chi-square = 161.31) of thehypertensive group, respectively. Finally, the prevalence of hypertension and DM was significantly higher in older individuals with proteinuria. In the present study, a higher prevalence of hematuria and proteinuria was found in older individuals with hypertension and diabetes compared to the general population. These data confirm the need for public awareness of renal disease in high-risk individuals.