Morphological characterization of hemocytes from Biomphalaria glabrata and Biomphalaria straminea.

Biomphalaria glabrata and Biomphalaria straminea have been identified as intermediate hosts for Schistosoma mansoni. Several studies have found two cell types in the hemolymph of B. glabrata (hyalinocytes and granulocytes). However, there are no studies describing the hemocytes of B. straminea. With the aim of further describing the hemocyte subsets in B. glabrata and B. straminea, we conducted a detailed study using optical microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Based on the morphological characteristics of the cells, we identified the same types of hemocytes in two species of molluscs, namely: blast-like cells, granulocytes, type I hyalinocytes, type II hyalinocytes and type III hyalinocytes. Blast-like cells had a spherical profile with a central nucleus filling almost the whole cell. Granulocytes were characterized by presenting variable numbers of granules. Type I hyalinocytes were the most abundant cell type and displayed various cytoplasmic projections. Type II and type III hyalinocytes had never previously been reported. They were few in number and were characterized by having an eccentric nucleus. From these results, it is concluded that there are five types of cells in the hemolymph of B. glabrata and B. straminea. Further studies are now needed to identify the role of these hemocytes in the immune response of these snails.

Plantas medicinais em quintais urbanos de Rio Branco, Acre / Medicinal plants in urban backyards in Rio Branco, Acre

Este trabalho teve como objetivo realizar levantamento das espécies vegetais de uso medicinal cultivadas em quintais urbanos da cidade de Rio Branco. Foram realizadas entrevistas presenciais com aplicação de questionário especifico registrando as espécies vegetais de uso medicinal e dados sócio-econômicos dos moradores em 132 quintais urbanos de Rio Branco entre 2009 e 2010. Os bairros selecionados para o estudo foram: Aeroporto Velho, Placas, e Novo Horizonte, todos situados na periferia do município. Foram detectadas 83 espécies vegetais de uso medicinal pertencente a 50 famílias botânicas com destaque para Lamiaceae (12,0%) e Asteraceae (6,0%), sendo 66,2% exóticas, e 28,9% e 16,8%, associadas ao uso alimentar e ornamental, respectivamente. A decocção das folhas visando à obtenção do chá foi o principal modo de preparo das plantas. A análise de regressão logística entre a riqueza de espécies e diversos fatores socioeconômicos dos entrevistados mostrou que a probabilidade de ocorrência de espécies é três vezes maior em quintais manejados por moradores com idade superior a 50 anos de idade. A análise de correlação não paramétrica de fatores quantitativos mostrou que a variável tempo de moradia está mais correlacionada com a riqueza de plantas medicinais do que a variável idade. O cultivo das plantas medicinais em quintais urbanos de Rio Branco auxilia no combate a doenças e promove a conservação ex situ da agrobiodiversidade agroflorestal, bem estar aos moradores pela melhoria da paisagem, ambiência microclimática e espaço de lazer.

This study aimed to survey the medicinal plant species grown in urban backyards in the city of Rio Branco. Personal interviews were conducted by applying a specific questionnaire recording the plant species of medicinal use and the socioeconomic data of residents in 132 urban backyards in Rio Branco between 2009 and 2010. The districts selected for the study were "Aeroporto Velho", "Placas" and "Novo Horizonte", all situated on the outskirts of the city. We detected 83 medicinal plant species belonging to 50 botanical families, especially Lamiaceae (12.0%) and Asteraceae (6.0%), of which 66.2% are exotic, and 28.9% and 16.8% are associated with food and ornamental use, respectively. Decoction of the leaves in order to obtain tea was the main mode of preparation of these plants. Logistic regression analysis between species richness and various socioeconomic factors of the interviewees showed that the probability of occurrence of species is threefold higher in backyards managed by residents older than 50 years. Nonparametric correlation analysis of quantitative factors showed that the variable time of residence is more correlated to the richness of medicinal plants than to the variable age. Cultivation of medicinal plants in urban backyards in Rio Branco helps prevent diseases and promote ex situ conservation of agroforest agrobiodiversity, welfare to the residents by improving the landscape, microclimate ambiance and entertainment space.

Mycetoma by Nocardia asteroides: a 9 year follow-up.

An extensive and severe actinomycetoma by Nocardia asteroides, a rare etiologic agent of this infection in Brazil, observed during a 9 year follow-up is reported. Unsuitable social and financial conditions led to amputation as the only possible solution for this case, no signs of infection relapse having been observed in three years after his surgery.

Conidiobolus coronatus infection treated with ketoconazole.

We describe a case of subcutaneous zygomycosis caused by Conidiobolus coronatus of six years' duration. Following treatment failure using potassium iodide, the patient responded with ketoconazole therapy. She remained well three years following therapy. Brazilian cases of subcutaneous infections caused by C coronatus and Basidiobolus ranarum are reviewed.

Metastatic malignant mixed tumor of the skin. Ultrastructural and immunocytochemical characterization, histogenetic considerations and comparison with benign mixed tumors of skin and salivary glands.

Malignant mixed tumors of the skin (chondroid syringoma) are exceedingly rare. Few reports can be found in the literature and there are only two published cases in which electron microscopy has been performed. The precise histogenesis of this neoplasm is still disputed and the nature and mechanism of secretion of the intercellular substance is unknown as yet. Some authors believe that in mixed tumors of salivary glands this material could be produced by myoepithelial cells. A case is reported in which ultrastructural and immunocytochemical studies were performed in an effort to elucidate the histogenesis of malignant mixed tumors of skin and their relationship to other benign mixed tumors of the skin and salivary glands. The new information that has been obtained is interpreted in light of the findings provided by all published reports of malignant mixed tumors of the skin.

Micose fungoide. Ensaio terapeutico com a cinarizina. / Mycosis fungoides.Clinical trial with cinnarizine

Tres pacientes portadores de micose fungoide em estagio pre-tumoral foram tratados com cinarizina. Os aspectos estiopatogenicos da doenca e as caracteristicas farmacologicas da droga sao revisados. Todos os casos foram diagnosticados clinica e histologicamente. O tratamento produzido remissao persistente dos sinais clinicos e histologicos. A droga foi bem tolerada e apresentou evidencias de utilidade no tratamento dos estagios iniciais da enfermidade. Mesmo levando-se em consideracao o curto periodo de observacao, a uniformidade da resposta terapeutica e a duracao das remissoes sao consideradas animadoras