Enraizamento de manjericão em diferentes substratos e doses de cinzas / Stem rooting of basil in different substrates and doses of ash

O trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a influência de doses de cinzas em diferentes substratos no enraizamento de estacas de manjericão (Ocimum basilicum). O experimento foi conduzido em área do Núcleo de Capacitação e Pesquisa da Universidade Federal Rural da Amazônia, em Belém. Foi utilizado o delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial 2 x 5, constituído pelas combinações entre os fatores substratos (casca de arroz carbonizada e casca de castanha triturada) e acréscimo de cinzas (5 mL e 10 mL de cinza de casca de arroz, 5 mL e 10 mL de cinza de casca de castanha e sem cinza) com 4 repetições. Cada unidade experimental foi constituída por 10 estacas, num total de 400 estacas. Foram avaliadas as características percentual de enraizamento de estacas, número e comprimento de raízes. Não houve interações significativas entre os fatores avaliados (substrato e cinzas). Entre as características avaliadas o substrato casca de arroz carbonizada apresentou diferenças apenas no comprimento da raiz e no número de raízes, enquanto as dosagens de cinzas apresentaram diferenças apenas no percentual de enraizamento. O trabalho permitiu concluir que as dosagens de cinzas apresentaram efeito positivo sobre o enraizamento das estacas de manjericão, assim como o substrato a base de casca de arroz carbonizada propiciou melhores condições para o desenvolvimento das raízes. Assim, a casca de arroz é uma alternativa totalmente viável, pois além de apresentar características apropriadas para o enraizamento também possui baixo custo de aquisição, estando ao alcance de muitos produtores.

The study aimed to evaluate the influence of ash doses on different substrates on the stem rooting of basil (Ocimum basilicum). The experiment was conducted in the area of core training and research at the Universidade Federal Rural da Amazônia, in Belém, used a completely randomized design, factorial scheme 2 x 5 consisting of the combinations of the factors substrate (carbonized rice husk and bark brown ground) and increase ash (5 mL and 10 mL of rice husk ash 5 mL and 10 mL of husk ash and brown bark no gray) with four repetitions. Each experimental unit consisted of 10 cuttings, a total of 400 cuttings. Was evaluated the characteristics percentage of rooting, number and length of roots. There was no significant interaction between the factors evaluated (substrate and ash). Among the characteristics evaluated the carbonized rice showed only differences in root length and root number, while the levels of ash showed only differences in rooting percentage. The study revealed that the dosages of ash had a positive effect on rooting of cuttings of basil, as well as the substrate prepared with rice hulls provided the best conditions for root development. Thus, the rice husk is an alternative, as well as presenting features suitable for rooting also has a low cost of acquisition, being within reach of many producers.

Familial cerebral cavernous haemangioma diagnosed in an infant with a rapidly growing cerebral lesion.

Cavernous haemangiomas of the central nervous system are vascular malformations best imaged by MRI. They may present at any age, but to our knowledge only 39 cases in the first year of life have previously been reported. A familial form has been described and some of the underlying genetic mutations have recently been discovered. We present the clinical features and serial MRI findings of an 8-week-old boy who presented with subacute intracranial haemorrhage followed by rapid growth of a surgically proven cavernous haemangioma, mimicking a tumour. He also developed new lesions. A strong family history of neurological disease was elucidated. A familial form of cavernous haemangioma was confirmed by identification of a KRIT 1 gene mutation and cavernous haemangiomas in the patient and other family members. We stress the importance of considering cavernous haemangiomas in the context of intracerebral haemorrhage and in the differential diagnosis of rapidly growing lesions in this age group. The family history is also important in screening for familial disease.

Relationship between sputum inflammatory markers, lung function, and lung pathology on high-resolution computed tomography in children with cystic fibrosis.

High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) is a sensitive technique for early visualisation and location of cystic fibrosis (CF) bronchopathology, and has been shown to detect acute reversible and chronic changes. It would be expected to correlate with markers of the underlying pathological processes, such as sputum cytokines and cytology, as well as with pulmonary function tests (PFTs). Our aim was to study the relationship between PFTs, sputum cytology, and sputum cytokine interleukin-8 (IL-8) and HRCT in CF patients. Prospective standardized collection of sputum samples was performed at the time of routine annual high-resolution CT scans. Forced expired volume in 1 sec (FEV(1)) and forced vital capacity (FVC) were recorded. Sputum processing was selective, with dispersal by the three-enzyme technique. IL-8 measurements were by kit assay. HRCT scans were scored by a pediatric radiologist, blinded to clinical condition, using a modified Bhalla score.Forty-three CT scans were performed on 34 children with CF between March 1998 and April 2000. Mean age was 12.3 years (range, 6-21 years), FEV(1) (% predicted) was 67% (range, 23-120%), and mean modified Bhalla score was 11.2 (range, 0-22). Sputum IL-8 concentration (mean, 86; range, 4-150 ng/mL) and total cell count (mean, 31.9 x 10(6)/mL; range, 21.8-42.0 x 10(6)/mL) were high. FEV(1) and FVC correlated with modified Bhalla score (r = -0.66, P < 0.0001 for both), and most individual components of the score, especially mosaic perfusion (r = -0.64, r = -0.61 respectively, P < 0.0001) and extent of bronchiectasis (r = -0.61, P < 0.0001 for both). The combination of these two predicted 58% of the variability in FEV(1) on analysis of variance (P < 0.0001). Sputum total cell count correlated weakly with modified Bhalla score (r = 0.38, P < 0.05) and with FEV(1) and FVC (r = -0.36, P < 0.05; and r = -0.46, P < 0.01). Differential cell counts, cell viability, and IL-8 did not correlate with modified Bhalla scores, or with reversible components such as mucus plugging, centrilobular nodules, or peribronchial thickening. In conclusion, pathological changes on HRCT correlated with lung function but not with sputum markers of inflammation.

The phenomenon of "one-trial tolerance" to the anxiolytic effect of chlordiazepoxide in the elevated plus-maze is abolished by the introduction of a motivational conflict situation.

A single exposure to the elevated plus-maze test of anxiety reduces or abolishes the anxiolytic efficacy of benzodiazepines. The present study was designed to examine whether this phenomenon of "one-trial tolerance" resulted from a motivational deficit on trial 2. We hypothesized that whereas there is a motivational conflict on trial 1 in relation to the open arms (exploration drive X natural fear of open spaces), there is no "reason" for an animal to explore it on trial 2. A motivational conflict was introduced on trial 2 by rendering the enclosed arms of the apparatus aversive on trial 1. Thus, every time rats entered the enclosed arms, an aversive situation (light and hot air blow) was produced until they left the arm. On trial 2, rats did not receive this aversive stimulation. Chlordiazepoxide significantly enhanced the percent open arm time as well as the percent open arm entries on trial 2 in rats that had been submitted to the aversive stimulation in the enclosed arms on trial 1, but was not effective in rats which had been exposed to the apparatus in the absence of the aversive stimulation on trial 1. In addition, there was no difference in the percent open arm time and entries on trial 2 between saline-treated rats submitted to the aversive or non-aversive condition on trial 1. The aversive condition on trial 1 did not modify the number of total arm entries on trial 2, either. The results suggest that the anxiolytic effect of chlordiazepoxide in the elevated plus-maze depends on the presence of a motivational conflict situation.

ILAE-defined epilepsy syndromes in children: correlation with quantitative MRI.

PURPOSE: The role of quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in evaluation of childhood epilepsy remains poorly defined, with minimal published data. Previous work from our center questioned the specificity of hippocampal asymmetry (HA) in an outpatient group whose epilepsy was defined by using clinical and interictal data only. By using childhood volunteer controls and defining epilepsy syndromes using video-EEG monitoring, we readdressed the utility of HA in differentiating mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) from other partial and generalized epileptic syndromes in children. METHODS: Seventy children were enrolled; entry criteria were age younger than 18 years with predominant seizure type recorded on video-EEG telemetry with volumetric MRI in all cases. Thirty healthy child volunteers had volumetric MRI. Epilepsy syndrome classification was according to ILAE. RESULTS: Control data revealed symmetric hippocampi, mean smaller/larger ratio of 0.96 (0.95-0.97, 95% CI) with no gender or right/left predominance. Overall 23% of patients had significant HA. Mean hippocampal ratio for MTLE was 0.78 (95% CI, 0.70-0.86), significantly lower than controls and from all other epilepsy syndromes. HA was highly specific (85%) to the syndrome of MTLE. Other potential epileptogenic lesions were found in 27 (39%) patients, lowest yield in frontal and mesial temporal syndromes. Dual pathology was present in 10% of patients. There was no significant association between HA and risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we found that HA in children with a well-defined epilepsy syndrome is highly sensitive and specific for MTLE. Whether this will correlate with surgical outcome, as in adults, is the subject of ongoing study.

Radiologic placement of long-term subcutaneous venous access ports in children.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to review the results of radiologically placed subcutaneous venous access ports in a pediatric population requiring long-term venous access. CONCLUSION: Sixteen of 20 patients had no significant problems with their ports. In the pediatric population, radiologically placed subcutaneous venous access ports offer a high success rate, a low complication rate, and significant cost savings over surgically placed ports.

Peripherally inserted central catheters: experience in 523 children.

PURPOSE: To evaluate prospectively the use of peripherally inserted central catheters in a large pediatric population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: During a 3-year period, data were collected prospectively on 523 consecutive attempts to place peripherally inserted central catheters in children. Patients underwent radiologically guided placement because attempts were unsuccessful on the inpatient units or a patient request was made. Fluoroscopy with use of contrast material and venography were used to place catheters and document the position of the catheter tip. Follow-up data were collected until treatment cessation or catheter removal. RESULTS: Among 523 attempts, 486 (92.9%) catheters were successfully placed. In the 37 (7.1%) unsuccessful cases, more than half of these children were younger than 24 months of age or weighed less than 5 kg. Ages of patients in whom 523 placement attempts were made ranged from 3 weeks to 18 years (mean, 6.9 years). Catheters were in place from 1 to 390 days (mean, 20 days). Frequency of infection was 1.9% (nine cases); incidence of infection was 0.93 per 1,000 catheter-placement days. There were two cases (0.4%) of central venous thrombosis. Most patients were discharged within 2 days of catheter placement. CONCLUSION: Fluoroscopically guided placement of peripherally inserted central catheters is a safe and effective method for establishing intermediate- and long-term central venous access in the pediatric population.

Duplication of pituitary gland.

We present a case of duplication of the pituitary gland with associated clefts of the hard palate and body of the sphenoid and a midline palatine dermoid. This is an extremely rare malformation with only six previous case reports in the literature. Imaging findings are discussed and literature reviewed for possible morphogenesis, including its association with partial twinning and midline cleft face syndrome.

Deep pelvic abscesses in children: transrectal drainage under radiologic guidance.

PURPOSE: To compare the effectiveness of radiologically guided transrectal drainage (TRD) of deep pelvic abscesses (DPAs) in children with that of percutaneous and surgical techniques. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Treatment results in 57 children with DPAs were retrospectively evaluated. The following procedures were performed: TRD alone (n = 21), TRD and percutaneous drainage (PD) of multiple abscesses (n = 5), PD alone (n = 19), and open surgical drainage (SD) (n = 8). Four patients were treated medically. Most abscesses were due to either perforated appendix or recent appendectomy. Patients believed to have a perforated appendix underwent interval appendectomy 4-6 weeks after TRD or PD. RESULTS: All patients recovered fully. TRD was tolerated better than PD or SD. Patients were usually ambulatory within 24 hours of the TRD procedure and required minimal analgesia. The average hospital stay was 4.2 days with TRD, 8 days with TRD and PD, 6 days with PD, and 10.5 days with SD. CONCLUSION: Radiologically guided TRD is effective in the treatment of DPAs.

Intussusception: ability of fluoroscopic images obtained during air enemas to depict lead points and other abnormalities.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the ability of fluoroscopic images obtained during air enemas to depict or exclude lead points of intussusceptions and other abnormalities that require surgical treatment in the absence of intussusception. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The clinical, radiologic, surgical, and pathologic findings were reviewed in 14 patients with lead points or other lesions. RESULTS: Fluoroscopic images failed to depict a lead point in 10 patients. The air enema easily reduced intussusceptions with benign lead points in seven patients. Fluoroscopic images depicted pathologic lead points in two patients and were normal in two patients with intussusception. Fluoroscopic images failed to depict an abnormality that required surgery in the absence of intussusception in two patients. CONCLUSION: Successful reduction of an intussusception does not always rule out a lead point. Other imaging studies, the patient's condition, and laparotomy may also be necessary to diagnose and treat lead points and other lesions.

Posttraumatic arterial priapism in children: management with embolization.

PURPOSE: To evaluate selective embolization for management of posttraumatic priapism in preadolescent boys and color Doppler sonography for diagnosis of the causative lesion and for planning embolization. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five preadolescent boys with posttraumatic priapism underwent selective angiography and embolization. Color Doppler sonography was performed in the last three patients. RESULTS: Selective angiography showed an intracavernosal arteriovenous fistula in two patients, pseudoaneurysm of the cavernosal artery in two patients, and asymmetric cavernosal arterial flow in the other patient. After successful embolization, detumescence was achieved in all patients. Color Doppler sonography enabled localization and characterization of the lesion causing the priapism in the three patients. CONCLUSION: Angiography with selective embolization is a safe and effective method to correct posttraumatic priapism in children. Color Doppler sonography is a valuable preangiographic study, as it allows for characterization and localization of the causative lesion and obviates diagnostic cavernosal aspiration.

Renal biopsy in children: comparison of two techniques.

Two hundred and thirty-five children who underwent percutaneous renal biopsy under real-time ultrasound guidance at The Hospital for Sick Children, between 1 January 1991 and 31 March 1993, were studied to compare the incidence of complications after biopsies with the Trucut needle (TN) and the Bard Biopty gun (BG). Of the 190 cases for which full clinical details were available and in which a single instrument was used for renal biopsy, 157 were biopsied with the BG and 33 with the TN. There was no significant difference between the two groups in variables such as age, weight, sex, number of needle passes and number of tissue cores obtained. The proportion of native and allograft biopsies in each group was similar. More children in the TN group underwent biopsy under general anaesthesia. Adequate diagnostic tissue samples were obtained in 189 of 190 cases. There were more complications in the TN group than in the BG group (P < 0.001). When allograft and native kidney biopsies were analysed separately, this difference in complications remained highly significant for the native kidney group (P < 0.005), though not for the allograft group. When the effect of needle size alone was investigated, there was no significant difference in the incidence of complications when TN biopsies were compared with 14-gauge BG biopsies or when 14- and 18-gauge BG biopsies were compared with each other.

Comparison of sedation regimens for pediatric outpatient CT.

The purpose of this study was to compare the concurrent use of chloral hydrate (CH), intramuscular Nembutal (IMN) and intravenous Nembutal (IVN) for sedation. Data was collected on all pediatric outpatients requiring sedation for CT over a 2.5-year period. During this period, 2178 outpatients required sedation of whom, 1324 (60.8%) received IMN, 710 (32.6%) IVN and 110 (5%) CH. The overall success rate was 97% and was similar in all three groups. IVN however, produced better-quality sedation than IMN or CH. The IVN group received a significantly lower dose of Nembutal than the IMN group (p = 0.001). Patients receiving IVN had a significantly lower induction time (p = 0.0001) and total examination time (p = 0.001) than IMN or CH. There was an increased occurrence of desaturation in patients sedated with IVN, especially in those with airway obstruction. IVN sedation permits faster, more efficient and better-quality sedation for outpatient CT scanning than IMN or CH in patients requiring intravenous contrast but may not be appropriate for departments that perform relatively few sedations or lack proper resuscitation facilities.

Comparison of DMSA scintigraphy with intravenous urography for the detection of renal scarring and its correlation with vesicoureteric reflux.

A series of 208 patients was prospectively assessed for reflux nephropathy by intravenous urography (IVU) and 99mTc-dimercaptosuccinate (DMSA) scintigraphy. All patients were studied at least 3 months after their most recent urinary tract infection and micturating cystourethrography (MCU) was performed prior to the scintigraphic studies. DMSA scintigraphy detected significantly more cortical abnormalities than did IVU. There was also a correlation between cortical abnormalities in the DMSA studies and the degree of reflux on MCU. The validity of DMSA as a cortical imaging agent is evaluated and the histological evidence for its efficacy derived from the animal model is reviewed, lending weight to its establishment as the "gold standard" for renal cortical scarring.