Cinnamaldehyde modulates host immunoinflammatory responses in rat ligature-induced periodontitis and peripheral blood mononuclear cell models.

Cinnamaldehyde is a natural product with anti-inflammatory and immune-modulatory properties, known to regulate host responses to bacterial stimuli. This study aimed to investigate the effects of cinnamaldehyde on ligature-induced periodontitis in rats, and its impact on the modulation of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Male Wistar rats were assigned into three groups:i) control: no ligature + vehicle; ii) ligature: ligature + vehicle; and iii) ligature + cinnamaldehyde (50 mg/kg); all treatments by daily oral gavage. After 14 days of induced periodontitis, the hemimandibles were collected for bone loss evaluation. The gingival levels of IL-1ß, MMP-9 and iNOS mRNA were evaluated. Nitric oxide (NO) was measured in both rat saliva and plasma. PBMC were stimulated with Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa) in the presence or absence of cinnamaldehyde (5, 20 e 40 µM), and cytokine production was quantified in cell supernatant. Proliferating lymphocytes were taken for flow cytometer reading, while culture supernatants were used for IFN-γ and IL-10 assessment. The ligature group had both increased alveolar bone loss and gingival expression of IL-1ß, MMP-9 and iNOS compared to the control group. All parameters were attenuated by cinnamaldehyde treatment. Lower salivary but not plasma NO was detected in the cinnamaldehyde compared to the ligature group. Aa-stimulated PBMCs treated with cinnamaldehyde produced less IL-1ß; the compound also attenuated lymphocyte proliferation in a dose-dependent manner, as well as cell IL-10 production. Cinnamaldehyde treatment reduced periodontal bone loss, and downregulated key inflammatory mediators and human PBMC responses, pointing to novel potential therapeutic effects of this compound.

Design of Arbitrary Magnetic Patterns on Magnetic Polymer Composite Objects: A Finite Element Modelling Tool.

Magnetic sensor systems integrate a sensing element and magnetic field generators to determine their relative position or to measure movement. Typically, the magnetic fields are produced by permanent magnets, which have high intensity but are hard to machine into custom shapes. However, novel solutions using magnetic polymer composites (MPCs) have emerged as field generators due to their low cost, weight and patterning freedom. Here, we present a finite element model developed in COMSOL Multiphysics that allows the design of complex magnetization patterns on these polymer composites, taking into account the geometries of the parts and the magnetic properties of the materials employed. The model, together with the characterization protocol of the materials, has proved to be capable of predicting the magnetization of polymer composites at different temperatures. In addition, the model incorporates the properties of the magnets used during the magnetization process, such as the size, shape and magnetization, as well as the properties of the surrounding elements. This new model facilitates the design of new polymeric parts with complex shapes and magnetization patterns that can be employed as field generators in magnetic sensing systems.

Oxidative and nitrosative stresses in cerebral malaria: can we target them to avoid a bad prognosis?

There is currently a global effort to reduce malaria morbidity and mortality. However, malaria still results in the deaths of thousands of people every year. Malaria is caused by Plasmodium spp., parasites transmitted through the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito. Treatment timing plays a decisive role in reducing mortality and sequelae associated with the severe forms of the disease such as cerebral malaria (CM). The available antimalarial therapy is considered effective but parasite resistance to these drugs has been observed in some countries. Antimalarial drugs act by increasing parasite lysis, especially through targeting oxidative stress pathways. Here we discuss the roles of reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen intermediates in CM as a result of host-parasite interactions. We also present evidence of the potential contribution of oxidative and nitrosative stress-based antimalarial drugs to disease treatment and control.

TRPV1 Contributes to Cerebral Malaria Severity and Mortality by Regulating Brain Inflammation.

Transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) is a Ca+2-permeable channel expressed on neuronal and nonneuronal cells, known as an oxidative stress sensor. It plays a protective role in bacterial infection, and recent findings indicate that this receptor modulates monocyte populations in mice with malaria; however, its role in cerebral malaria progression and outcome is unclear. By using TRPV1 wild-type (WT) and knockout (KO) mice, the importance of TRPV1 to this cerebral syndrome was investigated. Infection with Plasmodium berghei ANKA decreased TRPV1 expression in the brain. Mice lacking TRPV1 were protected against Plasmodium-induced mortality and morbidity, a response that was associated with less cerebral swelling, modulation of the brain expression of endothelial tight-junction markers (junctional adhesion molecule A and claudin-5), increased oxidative stress (via inhibition of catalase activity and increased levels of H2O2, nitrotyrosine, and carbonyl residues), and diminished production of cytokines. Plasmodium load was not significantly affected by TRPV1 ablation. Repeated subcutaneous administration of the selective TRPV1 antagonist SB366791 after malaria induction increased TRPV1 expression in the brain tissue and enhanced mouse survival. These data indicate that TRPV1 channels contribute to the development and outcome of cerebral malaria.

Topical Application of Cinnamaldehyde Promotes Faster Healing of Skin Wounds Infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Wound healing can be delayed following colonization and infection with the common bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa. While multiple therapies are used for their treatment, these are ineffective, expensive, and labour-intensive. Thus, there is an enormous unmet need for the treatment of infected wounds. Cinnamaldehyde, the major component of cinnamon oil, is well known for its antimicrobial properties. Herein, we investigated the effects of sub-inhibitory concentrations of cinnamaldehyde in the virulence of P. aeruginosa. We also assessed its healing potential in P. aeruginosa-infected mouse skin wounds and the mechanisms involved in this response. Sub-inhibitory concentrations of cinnamaldehyde reduced P. aeruginosa metabolic rate and its ability to form biofilm and to cause haemolysis. Daily topical application of cinnamaldehyde on P. aeruginosa-infected skin wounds reduced tissue bacterial load and promoted faster healing. Lower interleukin-17 (IL-17), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and nitric oxide levels were detected in cinnamaldehyde-treated wound samples. Blockage of transient receptor potential ankyrin 1, the pharmacological target of cinnamaldehyde, abrogated its healing activity and partially reversed the inhibitory actions of this compound on VEGF and IL-17 generation. We suggest that topical application of sub-inhibitory concentrations of cinnamaldehyde may represent an interesting approach to improve the healing of P. aeruginosa-infected skin wounds.

Hydrogen peroxide-based products alter inflammatory and tissue damage-related proteins in the gingival crevicular fluid of healthy volunteers: a randomized trial.

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-based products are effective in tooth whitening; however, their safety is controversial as they may harm patient tissues/cells. These effects are suggested to be concentration-dependent; nonetheless, to date, there are no reports on H2O2-mediated oxidative damage in the gingival tissue, and neither whether this can be detected in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) samples. We hypothesize that H2O2 whitening products may cause collateral oxidative tissue damage following in office application. Therefore, H2O2 and nitric oxide (NO) levels were investigated in GCF samples obtained from patients undergoing dental bleaching with H2O2 at different concentrations, in a randomized, double-blind, split-mouth clinical trial. A proteomic analysis of these samples was also performed. H2O2-based whitening products promoted inflammation which was detected in GCF samples and lasted for longer following 35% H2O2 bleaching. This included time-dependent changes in NO levels and in the abundance of proteins associated with NO synthesis, oxidative stress, neutrophil regulation, nucleic acid damage, cell survival and/or tissue regeneration. Overall, H2O2-based products used in office promote inflammation irrespective of their concentration. As the inflammation caused by 35% H2O2 is longer, patients may benefit better from using lower concentrations of this bleaching product, as they may result in less tissue damage.

Chromoblastomycosis: clinical experience and review of literature.

BACKGROUND: Chromoblastomycosis is a tropical chronic infectious dermatosis characterized by the moriform bodies. To review all cases of chromoblastomycosis attended in the reference service of dermatology. METHODS: Series of cases of chromoblastomycosis attended in a dermatology reference service. Through an integrated system search of assistance, based on CID-10 B43, we reviewed epidemiological and comorbidities data, clinical presentations, treatments, and outcomes of each clinical case. RESULTS: From 2011 to 2017, we had five new cases of chromoblastomycosis. The average age was 65.6 years. All of them were men. One patient was HIV-positive, and another patient was immunosuppressed by the use of mycophenolate mofetil and prednisone due to renal transplant. Two patients had no history of evident trauma. The time between onset of symptoms and diagnosis ranged from 7 to 600 months. Fonsecaea pedrosoi was the isolated fungi. All cases were formally confirmed. Itraconazole with or without other therapies was effective in all cases. CONCLUSIONS: We report five never reported cases of chromoblastomycosis, and we review the clinical experience in diagnosis and treatment of chromoblastomycosis, an infrequent and neglected subcutaneous mycosis.

Transient Receptor Potential Canonical Channels 4 and 5 Mediate Escherichia coli-Derived Thioredoxin Effects in Lipopolysaccharide-Injected Mice.

Thioredoxin plays an essential role in bacterial antioxidant machinery and virulence; however, its regulatory actions in the host are less well understood. Reduced human Trx activates transient receptor potential canonical 5 (TRPC5) in inflammation, but there is no evidence of whether these receptors mediate bacterial thioredoxin effects in the host. Importantly, TRPC5 can form functional complexes with other subunits such as TRPC4. Herein, E. coli-derived thioredoxin induced mortality in lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) injected mice, accompanied by reduction of leukocyte accumulation, regulation of cytokine release into the peritoneum, and impairment of peritoneal macrophage-mediated phagocytosis. Dual TRPC4/TRPC5 blockade by ML204 increased mortality and hypothermia in thioredoxin-treated LPS mice but preserved macrophage's ability to phagocytose. TRPC5 deletion did not alter body temperature but promoted additional accumulation of peritoneal leukocytes and inflammatory mediator release in thioredoxin-administered LPS mice. Thioredoxin diminished macrophage-mediated phagocytosis in wild-type but not TRPC5 knockout animals. TRPC5 ablation did not affect LPS-induced responses. However, ML204 caused mortality associated with exacerbated hypothermia and decreased peritoneal leukocyte numbers and cytokines in LPS-injected mice. These results suggest that bacterial thioredoxin effects under LPS stimuli are mediated by TRPC4 and TRPC5, shedding light on the additional mechanisms of bacterial virulence and on the pathophysiological roles of these receptors.

Treatment with either leflunomide or adalimumab reduces anaemia in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disease of the joints, which causes joint pain and disability. Anaemia is a frequent extra-articular manifestation in rheumatoid arthritis, affecting 30-70% of the patients; presenting a negative impact on patient´s quality of life. Some of the drugs used in rheumatoid arthritis treatment improve anaemia; but little is known on the beneficial effects of the anti-rheumatic leflunomide or the anti-TNFα adalimumab, in this parameter. We investigated the incidence of anaemia in rheumatoid arthritis patients treated or not with leflunomide or adalimumab. We also assessed whether anaemia correlates with disease activity. Anaemia was present in patients who had just been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and had never taken disease modifying agents or biologicals (non-specific therapy group), but not in those taking either leflunomide or adalimumab. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate was increased in patients with non-specific therapy in comparison with those taking either leflunomide or adalimumab. Anaemia correlated with increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate. We suggest that leflunomide and adalimumab may be useful in treating anaemia in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Transient Receptor Potential Ankyrin 1 Channel Expression on Peripheral Blood Leukocytes from Rheumatoid Arthritic Patients and Correlation with Pain and Disability.

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) suffer from pain and joint disability. The transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) channel expressed on sensory neurones and non-neuronal cells mediates pain transduction and inflammation and it has been implicated in RA. However, there is little information on the contribution of TRPA1 for human disease. Here, we investigated the expression of TRPA1 on peripheral blood leukocytes and the circulating levels of its endogenous activators 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in RA patients treated or not with the anti-rheumatic leflunomide (LFN) or the anti-TNFα adalimumab (ADA). We also assessed whether TRPA1 expression correlates with joint pain and disability, in addition to the immune changes in RA. TRPA1 expression on peripheral blood leukocytes correlated with pain severity and disability. TRPA1 levels on these cells were associated with the numbers of polymorphonuclear and the activation of CD14+ cells. No correlations were found between the lymphocyte population and TRPA1 expression, pain or disability. Patients recently diagnosed with RA expressed increased levels of TRPA1 on their leukocytes whilst treatment with either LFN or ADA down-regulated this receptor probably by reducing the numbers of polymorphonuclears and the activation of CD14+ cells. We suggest that the activation levels of CD14+ cells, the numbers of PMNs in the peripheral blood and the expression of TRPA1 on peripheral blood leukocytes correlate with RA progression, affecting joint pain sensitivity and loss of function.

Cinnamaldehyde modulates LPS-induced systemic inflammatory response syndrome through TRPA1-dependent and independent mechanisms.

Cinnamaldehyde is a natural essential oil suggested to possess anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties; and to activate transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) channels expressed on neuronal and non-neuronal cells. Here, we investigated the immunomodulatory effects of cinnamaldehyde in an in vivo model of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) induced by lipopolysaccharide. Swiss mice received a single oral treatment with cinnamaldehyde 1 h before LPS injection. To investigate whether cinnamaldehyde effects are dependent on TRPA1 activation, animals were treated subcutaneously with the selective TRPA1 antagonist HC-030031 5 min prior to cinnamaldehyde administration. Vehicle-treated mice were used as controls. Cinnamaldehyde ameliorated SIRS severity in LPS-injected animals. Diminished numbers of circulating mononuclear cells and increased numbers of peritoneal mononuclear and polymorphonuclear cell numbers were also observed. Cinnamaldehyde augmented the number of peritoneal Ly6C(high) and Ly6C(low) monocyte/macrophage cells in LPS-injected mice. Reduced levels of nitric oxide, plasma TNFα and plasma and peritoneal IL-10 were also detected. Additionally, IL-1ß levels were increased in the same animals. TRPA1 antagonism by HC-030031 reversed the changes in the number of circulating and peritoneal leukocytes in cinnamaldehyde-treated animals, whilst increasing the levels of peritoneal IL-10 and reducing peritoneal IL-1ß. Overall, cinnamaldehyde modulates SIRS through TRPA1-dependent and independent mechanisms.

Retalho da artéria interóssea posterior na cobertura das lesões graves do antebraço, punho e mão / Posterior interbone artery flap for covering serious forearm, wrist and hand injuries

OBJETIVO: Avaliar os resultados obtidos com a cobertura cutânea pelo retalho da artéria interóssea posterior nas lesões graves do terço distal do antebraço, punho e mão analisando o grau de eficácia de tal procedimento. MÉTODOS: Avaliação de 35 pacientes com lesões graves do terço distal do membro superior. Foram avaliados: tipo de trauma, sítio da lesão, tamanho do retalho, necessidade de cobertura cutânea, resultado clínico e complicações. RESULTADOS: A principal causa do trauma foi o acidente motociclístico. As áreas mais lesionadas foram: a região dorsal da mão, volar do punho e primeira comissura. Em todos os pacientes o tamanho do retalho foi suficiente para cobrir a exposição de tecidos nobres da lesão. A área doadora não apresentou complicações, sendo fechada primariamente em 23 casos. Resultados foram bons em 31 casos. Em 22 pacientes não houve nenhuma complicação e em quatro tivemos perda total do retalho. CONCLUSÃO: O retalho da artéria interóssea posterior apresenta bons resultados na cobertura das lesões graves do terço distal do membro superior, promovendo cobertura estável, confiável, não sacrificando as artérias principais para irrigação da mão, permitindo que procedimentos de reconstrução possam ser realizados. Portanto, é opção válida em tais circunstâncias.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the results achieved with posterior interbone artery flap covering serious injuries of the distal third of the forearm, wrist and hand, evaluating the degree of effectiveness of this procedure. METHODS: 35 patients with serious injuries of the distal third of upper limbs were studied. We assessed the kind of trauma, injury site, flap size, skin coverage need, clinical outcome and complications. RESULTS: The most frequent mechanism of trauma was motorcycle accident. The most commonly affected regions were: dorsal hand, wrist volar regions and the first commissure. In all patients, the flap size was enough to cover key tissues exposed by the injury. The donor area did not show complications, being primarily closed in 23 cases. The outcomes were good for 31 cases. In 22 patients, no complication was found, and the flap was completely lost in four. CONCLUSION: Posterior interbone artery flap provides good outcomes in covering serious injuries of the distal third of upper limbs, leading to a stable and reliable coverage, not compromising key irrigating arteries of the hand, enabling the performance of reconstruction procedures. Therefore, this is a useful alternative in such cases.

[Keys to families and genera of gerromorpha and nepomorpha (Insecta: Heteroptera) in the central Amazonia, Brazil]. / Chaves de identificação para famílias e gêneros de gerromorpha e nepomorpha (Insecta: Heteroptera) na Amazônia central.

Few studies have been done in Brazil on aquatic and semi-aquatic Gerromorpha and Nepomorpha (Heteroptera), Minas Gerais being the state where these insects have been studied the most. The present study presents keys for identification of Gerromorpha and Nepomorpha adults, thus providing a tool for ecological studies on aquatic insects in Central Amazonia. The specimens used to elaborate the taxonomic keys were collected in Presidente Figueiredo county in streams and artificial lakes and in Manaus county in streams, white-water floodplain (várzea) lakes and Rio Negro black-water flooded forest (igapó). Specimens from the invertebrate collection of the Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazonia (INPA) were also examined and included in the keys. Thirty one genera from 13 families of the infra-orders mentioned.

Chaves de identificação para famílias e gêneros de gerromorpha e nepomorpha (Insecta: Heteroptera) na Amazônia central / Keys to families and genera of gerromorpha and nepomorpha (Insecta: Heteroptera) in the central Amazonia, Brazil

São poucos os estudos sobre Gerromorpha e Nepomorpha aquáticos e semi-aquáticos (Heteroptera) realizados no Brasil, sendo Minas Gerais o estado onde esses insetos foram mais estudados. Este trabalho tem como objetivo apresentar chaves de identificação de adultos de Gerromorpha e Nepomorpha como ferramenta para estudos ecológicos sobre esses grupos de insetos aquáticos na Amazônia Central. Os exemplares utilizados para elaboração das chaves taxonômicas foram coletados nos municípios de Presidente Figueiredo (riachos e lagos artificiais) e Manaus (riachos, lagos de várzea e igapó). Espécimes pertencentes ao acervo da Coleção de Invertebrados do Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia (INPA) também foram examinados e incluídos nas chaves de identificação. As chaves incluem 31 gêneros pertencentes a 13 famílias das duas infra-ordens estudadas.

Few studies have been done in Brazil on aquatic and semi-aquatic Gerromorpha and Nepomorpha (Heteroptera), Minas Gerais being the state where these insects have been studied the most. The present study presents keys for identification of Gerromorpha and Nepomorpha adults, thus providing a tool for ecological studies on aquatic insects in Central Amazonia. The specimens used to elaborate the taxonomic keys were collected in Presidente Figueiredo county in streams and artificial lakes and in Manaus county in streams, white-water floodplain (várzea) lakes and Rio Negro black-water flooded forest (igapó). Specimens from the invertebrate collection of the Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazonia (INPA) were also examined and included in the keys. Thirty one genera from 13 families of the infra-orders mentioned.

Aquatic and semiaquatic Heteroptera (Insecta) from Pitinga, Amazonas, Brazil

A list of aquatic and semiaquatic Heteroptera from a collecting trip to Pitinga, a village in a mining area in the County of Presidente Figueiredo in the Central Amazon is presented. Identified were fifty five species of Heteroptera, distributed in 13 families. Among the insects collected, some are new records for this Amazonian region and in addition 3 apparently undescribed species of Microvelia and one of Paravelia remain for further study.

Uma lista de heterópteros aquáticos e semi-aquáticos coletados durante uma viagem a Pitinga, uma área de mineração no município de Presidente Figueiredo, na Amazônia Central, é apresentada. Foram coletadas 55 espécies de Heteroptera, distribuídas em 13 famílias. Entre os insetos coletados, alguns são registros novos para essa região amazônica.

Distribuição de Paravelia recens (Drake & Harris, 1935) (Hemíptera, Heteroptera, Veliidae) em Guzmania brasiliensis Ule, 1907 (Bromeliaceae) na Reserva Florestal Adolpho Ducke, Amazonas, Brasil / Distribution of Paravelia recens (Drake & Harris, 1935) (Hemiptera, Heteroptera, Veliidae) in Guzmania brasiliensis Ule, 1907 (Bromeliaceae) at Adolpho Ducke Forest Reserve, Amazonas, Brazil

Este é o primeiro registro de Paravelia recens (Drake & Harris, 1935) (Heteroptera: Veliidae) em fitotelmata de Guzmania brasiliensis Ule, 1907 (Bromeliaceae). O estudo foi conduzido na Reserva Florestal Adolpho Ducke, localizada na rodovia AM 010 km 26, Manaus, Amazonas. Foram realizadas doze amostragens, entre abril de 2003 e abril de 2005, seis no período chuvoso e seis no período de seca. Para cada amostragem, 12 bromélias foram analisadas, seis terrestres e seis epífitas, totalizando 144 amostras. Com exceção das amostras de março e outubro de 2004, 94 espécimes de P. recens foram encontrados. O número de indivíduos coletados foi semelhante nos estratos amostrados, sendo 46 terrestres e 48 epífitas. No período chuvoso foi encontrado um maior número de P. recens (teste-t entre períodos; t =2,57; p=0,011), assim como a abundância de indivíduos esteve positivamente correlacionada com o volume de água por bromélia (r s= 0,18; p=0,033). Este fato pode ser explicado pelo maior aporte de água no período chuvoso acarretando o aumento do volume médio de água nas bromélias.

This is the first record of Paravelia recens (Drake & Harris, 1935) (Heteroptera: Veliidae) in phytotelmata of Guzmania brasiliensis Ule, 1907 (Bromeliaceae). The study was conduced at Adolpho Ducke Forest Reserve, located on road AM 010 Km 26, Manaus, Amazonas. Twelve samplings were taken between April 2003 and April 2005, namely, six in the wet season and six in the dry season. Twelve bromeliads were analysed for each sampling, six terrestrials and six epiphytics, totaling 144 samples. With the exception of the 2004 March and October samples, 94 specimens of P. recens were found. The number of individuals was similar in the stratums sampled, accounting for 46 terrestrials and 48 epiphytics. P. recens were found in great abundance in the wet season (t-test between season; t=2,57; p=0,011), and the abundance of individuals was positively correlated with water volume by bromeliad (r s= 0,18; p=0,033). This fact could be explained by the major input of water in the wet season, causing the increase of mean water volume by bromeliad.

Césio-137 em leite produzido em fazendas da regiäo de Angra dos Reis RJ / Cesium-137 in milk produced in farms of the region of Angra dos Reis, RJ

Nos efluentes líquidos e gasosos a serem descarregados no meio ambiente pela Central Nuclear Almirante Alvaro Alberto, em Angra dos Reis, os radionuclídeos de maior impacto potencial para a populaçäo säo trítio e radioisótopos de Cs,I, Co e Sr. Durante a fase preliminar dom programa pré-operacional de monitoraçäo radiológica ambiental, realizado por FURNASD Centrais Elétricas S.A., 137 Cs proveniente de resíduos de explosöes necleares, realizadas no passado na atmosfera, foi detectado em leite de apenas uma das fazendas incluídas nq programa. Este resultado pareceu estranho,levando a crer na existência de uma anomalia no solo fazenda, que tornasse o 137 Cs mais disponível do que o habitual para absorçäo por plantas, como já observado em alguns países. Visando esclarecer este assunto o Lab.de Radioisótopos do Instituto de Biofísica e o Lab.de Radiocologia de FURNAS decidiram uma série de análises de 137 Cs em amostras de leite,capim e solos coletados periodicamente nas quatro fazendas do programa. Os resultados obtidos demostraram a näo existência de uma naomalia de comportamento de 137 Cs no solo na regiäo. Os teores de 137 Cs em leite variaram de 0,05 a 0,93 Bq/1, mas os valores médios, nas quatro fazendas, näo eram estatisticamente diferentes. Numa das fazendas do programa obvservaram-se picos ocasionais da concentraçäo de 137Cs em leite. Estes parecem ser devidos ao manejo do gado, com permanência temporária em áreas nas quais os teores de 137Cs em solo e pasto säo mais elevados do que nas demais áreas da mesm5 azenda, e da regiäo em geral, devido à influência de micro-clima e erosäo de solo superficial