Abstract Phytochemical studies of Cespedesia spathulata (Ochnaceae) leaves using 1H, 13C NMR, and GC-MS have led to the isolation of some metabolites identified for the first time in these species such as cathechin, epicatechin, vitexin, orientin, 6’’-O-acetyl-vitexin, sitosterol, stigmasterol, phytol, 4,5-dihydrovomifoliol and a mixture of aliphatic methyl esters, together with ochnaflavone, which was previously isolated from this plant. The modulating activity of some fractions and compounds from Cespedesia spathulata towards tyrosinase enzyme was assayed by spectroscopic and theoretical means/experiments. The dichloromethane fraction (133 μg mL-1) and ochnaflavone (333 μM) inhibited tyrosinase activity by 20 % and 2.0 %, respectively, whereas the ethyl acetate fraction (666 μg mL-1) and ±catechins (catechin and epicatechin - 800 μM) activated it by 104 % and 384 %, respectively. Quantum chemical calculations suggested that catechin and epicatechin are better activators than L-DOPA by interacting with Cu (II) ions. Molecular docking results suggested that hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions are the main binding forces between each tyrosinase activator and the amino acid residues inside the active protein binding pocket.

RESUMO: Saimiri sciureus é uma espécie de primata neotropical muito utilizada como animal de pesquisa. No entanto ainda há dificuldades em biotérios quanto a sua reprodução devido à alta ocorrência de distocia. A distocia em primatas pode ter origem devido à desproporção cefalopélvica, sendo que em macacos-de-cheiro é relatada a gestação de fetos grandes. O presente trabalho descreve dados de pelvimetria em espécimes de macaco-de-cheiro, fêmeas adultas e subadultas provenientes de uma colônia de pesquisa do Pará, Brasil. Foram realizadas radiografias da pelve em projeção ventrodorsal e por meio destas mensurados os diâmetros biilíaco superior (DBIS); diâmetro biíliaco inferior (DBII); diâmetro biilíaco médio (DBIM); diâmetro diagonal direito (DDD); diâmetro diagonal esquerdo (DDE); diâmetro sacro-púbico (DSP); com base nos diâmetros obtidos também foi calculada a área de entrada da pelve (AEP). Os valores médios dos diâmetros pélvicos e da AEP em fêmeas adultas foram: DBIS 1,714cm, DBIM 1,957cm, DBII 1,686cm, DDD 2,771cm, DDE 2,764cm, DSP 2,543cm e AEP 3,9056cm2; e para fêmeas subadultas: 1,588cm DBIS, 1,850cm DBIM, 1,625cm DBII, 2,50cm DDD, 2,474cm DDE, 1,95cm DSP e 2,8293 cm2 AEP. Observou-se que a pelve de Saimiri sciureus é dolicopélvica. Houve diferença estatística significativa entre os valores para fêmeas adultas e subadultas para DBIS, DBIM, DDD, DDE, DSP e AEP. Em comparação com dados da literatura de pelvimetria para S. sciureus observaram-se menores valores de DBIS e DBII. O resultado deste trabalho servirá como base para futuros estudos utilizando-se mensurações pélvicas e predição de distocia em primatas neotropicais e referência para comparação entre S. sciureus de diferentes biotérios.

ABSTRACT: Saimiri sciureus is a neotropical primate widely used in research. However, there are still difficulties regarding their reproduction in vivaria due to the high incidence of dystocia. Dystocia in primates can be caused by cephalopelvic disproportion and in Squirrel Monkeys, pregnancy of large fetuses were reported. This paper describes pelvimetry data of adult females and subadults in specimens of Squirrel Monkeys, from a research colony of Para, Brazil. Pelvic radiographs were obtained in ventrodorsal projections and the following measurements were taken: superior bi-iliac diameter (SBID); inferior bi-iliac diameter (IBID); bi-iliac average diameter (BIAD); right diagonal diameter (RDD); left diagonal diameter (LDD); sacro-pubic diameter (SPD); Based on the obtained diameters, the entrance area of the pelvis (EAP) was also calculated. The average values of the pelvic diameters and EAP in adult females were SBID 1.714cm, BIAD 1.957cm, IBID 1.686cm, RDD 2.771cm, LDD 2.764cm, SPD 2.543cm and EAP 3.9056cm2; and subadult females: 1.588cm SBID, 1.850cm BIAD, 1.625cm IBID, 2.50cm RDD, LDD 2.474cm, 1.95cm SPD and 2.8293 cm2 EAP. Saimiri sciureus pelvis is characterized as dolichopelvic. There was statistical significance between the values for adult females and subadults to SBID, BIAD, RDD, LDD, SPD and EAP. The values of SBID and IBID were lower when compared to the published data for the same species. The result found on this paper will serve as a basis for future studies using pelvic measurements and dystocia prediction of neotropical primates and comparison between different vivaria.

RESUMO P34 é um peptídeo antimicrobiano produzido pelo Bacillus sp. P34, isolado do conteúdo intestinal de um peixe na Bacia Amazônica. Esse peptídeo demonstrou propriedades antibacterianas contra bactérias Gram-positivas e Gram-negativas e foi caracterizado como uma substância do tipo bacteriocina. Foi demonstrado que o peptídeo P34 exibiu atividade antiviral contra o herpesvírus felino tipo 1 in vitro. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o P34 in vitro, em cultivo de células RK 13, contra o vírus da arterite equina, uma vez que não há tratamento específico e uma variável proporção de garanhões pode permanecer persistentemente infectada. Os resultados obtidos mostram que o peptídeo exerce atividade antiviral e virucida contra o vírus da arterite equina, agindo provavelmente no envelope viral. Os ensaios antivirais realizados demonstraram que o P34 reduz significativamente os títulos do vírus nas células infectadas e tratadas. O mecanismo de ação do P34 parece ser tempo/temperatura dependente. Esse peptídeo tende a ser um antiviral promissor para o tratamento e a prevenção das infecções por arterivírus, tendo em vista que ele possui um alto índice terapêutico. Contudo, estudos mais detalhados devem ser realizados para precisar a etapa exata da infecção viral em que o P34 age, para que ele possa ser usado como antiviral in vivo no futuro.

ABSTRACT P34 is an antimicrobial peptide produced by Bacillus sp. P34, isolated from the intestinal contents of a fish from the Amazon basin. This peptide showed antibacterial properties against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and was characterized as a bacteriocin like substance. It was demonstrated that the peptide P34 exhibited antiviral activity against feline herpesvirus type 1 in vitro. The aim of this work was to evaluate P34 for its antiviral properties in vitro, using RK 13 cells, against the equine arteritis virus, since it has no specific treatment and a variable proportion of stallions may become persistently infected. The results obtained show that P34 exerts antiviral and virucidal activities against equine arteritis virus, probably in the viral envelope. The antiviral assays performed showed that P34 reduces significantly the viral titers of treated cell cultures. The mechanism of action of P34 seems to be time/temperature-dependent. This peptide tends to be a promising antiviral compound for the prevention and treatment of arteriviral infections since it has a high therapeutic index. However, more detailed studies must be performed to address the exact step of viral infection where P34 acts, in order to use this peptide as an antiviral drug in vivo in the future.

The present study sought to determine cardiovascular effects of aerobic training associated with diminazene aceturate (DIZE), an activator of the angiotensin converting enzyme 2, in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). Male SHRs (280–350 g) were either subjected to exercise training or not (sedentary group). The trained group was subjected to 8 weeks of aerobic training on a treadmill (five times a week, lasting 60 min at an intensity of 50–60% of maximum aerobic speed). In the last 15 days of the experimental protocol, these groups were redistributed into four groups: i) sedentary SHRs with daily treatment of 1 mg/kg DIZE (S+D1); ii) trained SHRs with daily treatment of 1 mg/kg DIZE (T+D1); iii) sedentary SHRs with daily treatment of vehicle (S+V); and iv) trained SHRs with daily treatment of vehicle (T+V). After treatment, SHRs were anesthetized and subjected to artery and femoral vein cannulation prior to the implantation of ECG electrode. After 24 h, mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) were recorded; the baroreflex sensitivity and the effect of double autonomic blockade (DAB) were evaluated in non-anesthetized SHRs. DIZE treatment improved baroreflex sensitivity in the T+D1 group as compared with the T+V and S+D1 groups. The intrinsic heart rate (IHR) and MAP were reduced in T+D1 group as compared with T+V and S+D1 groups. Hence, we conclude that the association of exercise training with DIZE treatment improved baroreflex function and cardiovascular regulation.

O objetivo desse estudo foi investigar se o TGF-β afeta a sobrevivência, ativação e crescimento de folículos primordiais caprinos inclusos no córtex ovariano após o cultivo in vitro. Ovários de cabras foram coletados em abatedouro e fragmentos de tecido ovariano foram cultivados por um e sete dias em meio essencial mínimo alfa (α-MEM+) sozinho ou suplementado com TGF-β (1, 5, 10 ou 50ng/mL). Fragmentos ovarianos não cultivados e cultivados foram processados para análise histológica e ultraestrutural. Os resultados mostraram que, comparado ao controle fresco, houve diminuição no percentual de folículos morfologicamente normais em todos os tratamentos somente após sete dias de cultivo. O TGF-β não afetou a ativação folicular independente da concentração testada, contudo, o diâmetro folicular foi superior (P<0.05) no tratamento com 10ng/mL de TGF-β quando comparado ao controle fresco e aos demais tratamentos. Além disso, essa mesma concentração manteve a ultraestrutura normal dos folículos após sete dias de cultivo. Em conclusão, o TGF-β apresentou efeito adicional no crescimento folicular e na manutenção da integridade ultraestrutural de folículos pré-antrais caprinos inclusos no tecido ovariano quando utilizado na concentração de 10ng/mL durante sete dias de cultivo.

The objectives of this study were to investigate whether TGF-β affect the survival, activation and further growth of goat primordial follicles enclosed in ovarian cortex after in vitro culture. Goat ovaries were collected from an abattoir and pieces of ovarian tissues were cultured for one or seven days in a supplemented alpha Minimum Essential Medium, alone or containing TGF-β (1, 5, 10 or 50ng/mL). Ovarian tissues from the fresh control as well as those cultured were processed for histological and ultrastructural studies. The results showed that when compared with fresh control, there was decrease in the percentages of histologically normal follicles in all treatments only after seven days culture. TGF-β did not affect the activation of preantral follicles regardless of its concentration, however, larger follicles diameter (P<0.05) was observed using 10ng/mL TGF-β than in the fresh control and other treatments. Moreover, this concentration maintained the normal ultrastructure after seven days of culture. In conclusion, TGF-β showed additional effect on the follicle growth and the maintenance of ultrastructural integrity of goat preantral follicles enclosed in ovarian tissue when used at 10ng/mL during seven days of culture.

No Brasil existem poucos estudos sobre a ocorrência da infecção pelo vírus da imunodeficiência felina (FIV), assim como a determinação dos subtipos circulantes, o que é indispensável para o desenvolvimento de vacinas e novos testes diagnósticos. O presente trabalho investigou a ocorrência da infecção pelo FIV entre os anos de 2010 e 2011 em gatos domésticos submetidos a atendimento clínico na cidade de Pelotas e região. Amostras de sangue total de 70 animais, incluindo suspeitos (28) ou não suspeitos (42) da infecção pelo FIV, foram submetidas à reação de PCR nested. Os resultados indicaram uma frequência de infecção de 15,7% (11/70) e a análise dos fatores associados (sexo, idade e condição clínica) evidenciou uma maior ocorrência em gatos com idade superior a 10 anos e acometidos por infecções crônicas e recidivantes. Oito amostras positivas na PCR nested foram submetidas a sequenciamento genômico e somente o subtipo B foi detectado na região estudada.

In Brazil there are few studies on the occurrence of the feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) infection and its subtypes, which are essential for the development of vaccines and new diagnostic tests. The present study investigated the occurrence of the FIV infection between 2010 and 2011 in domestic cats submitted to medical attendance in the city of Pelotas and nearby area. Total blood samples of seventy cats, suspected (28) or not (42) of infection by FIV were analyzed by nested PCR in order to perform a diagnosis. The results pointed to a FIV infection frequency of 15.7% (11/70) and the analysis of the risk factors related to infection (sex, age and clinical condition) evidenced a greater occurrence in cats up to 10 years of age with chronic and recurrent infections. Eight samples found positive by nested PCR were submitted to DNA sequencing indicating that only the subtype B was detected in the studied region.

It is known that chronic high levels of corticosterone (CORT) enhance aversive responses such as avoidance and contextual freezing. In contrast, chronic CORT does not alter defensive behavior induced by the exposure to a predator odor. Since different defense-related responses have been associated with specific anxiety disorders found in clinical settings, the observation that chronic CORT alters some defensive behaviors but not others might be relevant to the understanding of the neurobiology of anxiety. In the present study, we investigated the effects of chronic CORT administration (through surgical implantation of a 21-day release 200 mg pellet) on avoidance acquisition and escape expression by male Wistar rats (200 g in weight at the beginning of the experiments, N = 6-10/group) tested in the elevated T-maze (ETM). These defensive behaviors have been associated with generalized anxiety and panic disorder, respectively. Since the tricyclic antidepressant imipramine is successfully used to treat both conditions, the effects of combined treatment with chronic imipramine (15 mg, ip) and CORT were also investigated. Results showed that chronic CORT facilitated avoidance performance, an anxiogenic-like effect (P < 0.05), without changing escape responses. Imipramine significantly reversed the anxiogenic effect of CORT (P < 0.05), although the drug did not exhibit anxiolytic effects by itself. Confirming previous observations, imipramine inhibited escape responses, a panicolytic-like effect. Unlike chronic CORT, imipramine also decreased locomotor activity in an open field. These data suggest that chronic CORT specifically altered ETM avoidance, a fact that should be relevant to a better understanding of the physiopathology of generalized anxiety and panic disorder.

The objective of the present study was to describe motor behavioral changes in association with histopathological and hematological findings in Wistar rats inoculated intravenously with human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1)-infected MT2 cells. Twenty-five 4-month-old male rats were inoculated with HTLV-1-infected MT2 cells and 13 control rats were inoculated with normal human lymphocytes. The behavior of the rats was observed before and 5, 10, 15, and 20 months after inoculation during a 30-min/rat testing time for 5 consecutive days. During each of 4 periods, a subset of rats was randomly chosen to be sacrificed in order to harvest the spinal cord for histopathological analysis and to obtain blood for serological and molecular studies. Behavioral analyses of the HTLV-1-inoculated rats showed a significant decrease of climbing, walking and freezing, and an increase of scratching, sniffing, biting, licking, and resting/sleeping. Two of the 25 HTLV-1-inoculated rats (8%) developed spastic paraparesis as a major behavioral change. The histopathological changes were few and mild, but in some cases there was diffuse lymphocyte infiltration. The minor and major behavioral changes occurred after 10-20 months of evolution. The long-term observation of Wistar rats inoculated with HTLV-1-infected MT2 cells showed major (spastic paraparesis) and minor motor abnormalities in association with the degree of HTLV-1-induced myelopathy.

INTRODUÇÃO: Os bisfosfonatos inibem a reabsorção óssea pela interferência na ação dos osteoclastos. Dentre os efeitos adversos, as linhas escleróticas em metáfise de ossos longos são descritas como principal alteração radiográfica na faixa etária pediátrica. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a frequência de alterações radiográficas causadas pelo alendronato utilizado em crianças e adolescentes com baixa densidade óssea ou calcinose. PACIENTES E MÉTODOS: Foi realizado um estudo do tipo coorte retrospectiva analisando-se prontuários de 21 pacientes que fizeram uso de alendronato semanal por no mínimo 10 meses. Os pacientes realizaram radiografias de ossos longos antes do início do alendronato e aproximadamente um ano após o seu uso. RESULTADOS: Onze pacientes (52,3%) apresentaram linhas escleróticas em metáfise dos ossos longos. A localização mais frequente foi em tíbia (8/11 pacientes), seguida de fêmur (7/11), úmero (6/11), rádio (4/11), ulna (3/11) e fíbula (2/11). Nenhum paciente apresentou regressão das alterações radiográficas durante o tempo de evolução (até 1,1 ano após a suspensão do alendronato). CONCLUSÃO: Se usado com critério, o alendronato é seguro e as alterações radiográficas não mostraram ter um significado mais importante.

INTRODUCTION: Bisphosphonates inhibit bone resorption by interfering with the action of osteoclasts. Among the adverse effects, sclerotic lines observed in the metaphysis of long bones have been described as the main imaging finding in pediatric patients. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the frequency of radiographic changes caused by alendronate in children and adolescents with low bone density or calcinosis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study with 21 patients who were treated with once-weekly alendronate for at least 10 months. Patients underwent x-rays of long bones before the start of alendronate and approximately one year after its use. RESULTS: Eleven patients (52.3%) had sclerotic lines in the metaphysis of long bones. The most frequent site was the tibia (8/11 patients), followed by the femur (7/11), humerus (6/11), radius (4/11), ulna (3/11), and fibula (2/11). Regression of radiographic changes during the study period (up to 1.1 years after discontinuation of alendronate) was not observed. CONCLUSION: If used carefully, alendronate is safe and radiographic changes have not been shown to be clinically relevant.

RESUMO O presente trabalho objetivou avaliar o efeito do tratamento com sulfato de estreptomicina sobre o perfil sorológico de um rebanho bovino acometido de um surto de leptospirose pelo sorovar Canicola e avaliar os parâmetros reprodutivos no ciclo reprodutivo subseqüente. Foram formados 2 grupos de 10 fêmeas bovinas: G1-tratado com sulfato de estreptomicina, 25 mg/kg/pv por 3 dias, via IM; G2 sem tratamento. Amostras de soro foram colhidas no início dos abortamentos e posteriormente a cada 15 ou 30 dias num total de 270 dias e examinadas pela reação de soroaglutinação microscópica-SAM. Vinte amostras de urina colhidas no início dos sintomas e 10 -15 dias após tratamento e seis fetos abortados (rins, fígado, pulmão e conteúdo abomasal) foram submetidos ao exame bacteriológico para pesquisa de bactérias causadoras de abortamento e à técnica de PCR para Leptospira spp. Ocorreu soroconversão predominante para Leptospira spp. sorovar Canicola (títulos: 100 a 51.200); 7/20 amostras de urina foram positivas para Leptospira spp. na PCR, sendo todas negativas no exame bacteriológico e nenhuma amostra fetal foi positiva em ambas as técnicas. Os abortamentos cessaram após a antibioticoterapia, e as amostras de urina negativaram-se na PCR. O sulfato de estreptomicina foi eficaz na eliminação da doença, entretanto, não influenciou a evolução dos títulos de anticorpos no perfil sorológico quando comparado ao grupo controle, ambos negativando-se ao redor de 200 dias após o início dos sintomas. Embora não houvesse diferença estatística entre as taxas de prenhez/IA e parto/prenhez do grupo tratado em relação ao não tratado (p > 0,05), talvez devido ao baixo número amostrado, as taxas reprodutivas foram menores no grupo não tratado.

ABSTRACT The objectives of the present trial were to evaluate the reproductive parameters in a Holstein bovine herd affected by leptospirosis during the outbreak of abortion and stillborn fetus and treated with streptomycin sulfate. Animals were divided in 2 groups of 10 cows each: G1, treated with streptomycin sulfate 25 mg/kg/lw for 3 days by IM route; and; G2, untreated control. Serum samples were collected on the onset of abortions and after that every 15 or 30 days until completing 270 days. Samples were analyzed by means of MAT microscopic agglutination test that showed sera conversion to serovar Canicola with titers ranging from 100 to 51,200; 7/20 of the urine samples were positive for Leptospira spp. by PCR After streptomycin sulfate therapy, the outbreak ended and urine samples also got negative to PCR and no fetus samples were positive in either techniques. However, it did not influence the evolution in antibody titers of serological profiles in both groups, which got negative after around 200 days of the onset of symptoms. Although there was no significant difference of the frequency of pregnancy/AI and calving/pregnancy rates between treated and untreated groups (p > 0.05), reproductive rates were lower in the untreated group.

Dois experimentos foram conduzidos com o objetivo de avaliar o controle de plantas daninhas em pré-semeadura da soja (Glycine max) e do girassol (Helianthus annuus), por meio de aplicações de herbicidas dessecantes, isolados ou em combinação com boro, bem como a resposta dessas culturas à aplicação desse micronutriente. Nas parcelas de soja, foram aplicados os tratamentos glyphosate (1,44 kg e.a. ha-1), glyphosate potássico (2,48 kg i.a. ha-1), diuron (0,2 kg i.a. ha-1) + paraquat (0,4 kg i.a. ha-1), e paraquat (0,400 kg i.a. ha-1). Nas parcelas de girassol, foram aplicados os tratamentos glyphosate (0,54 kg e.a. ha-1), glyphosate (0,72 kg e.a. ha-1), glyphosate potássico (1,24 kg i.a. ha-1), paraquat (0,4 kg i.a. ha-1), glyphosate (0,72 kg e.a. ha-1) + flumioxazin (0,025 kg i.a. ha-1) e glyphosate (0,72 kg e.a. ha-1) + carfentrazone (0,02 kg i.a. ha-1). Ambos os experimentos continham as testemunhas capinada e sem capina. As subparcelas dos dois experimentos foram constituídas pela ausência ou presença de B, junto à calda de pulverização, na fonte ácido bórico [H3BO3 - 17% B]. A adição de ácido bórico à calda de pulverização não prejudicou o controle das plantas daninhas pelos tratamentos dessecantes, exceto para a mistura formulada de paraquat + diuron. Houve aumento dos teores de boro no solo e nas folhas da cultura da soja e do girassol quando foram associados os tratamentos com herbicidas dessecantes e o ácido bórico. É viável a aplicação de herbicidas dessecantes e ácido bórico, controlando as plantas daninhas em présemeadura e aumentando o teor de B no solo e nas plantas de soja e de girassol.

Two experiments were carried out to evaluate weed control in soybean (Glycine max) and sunflower (Helianthus annuus) pre-sowing by desiccant application alone or in combination with boron (B), as well as to evaluate the response of these crops to that micronutrient. The plots consisted of the desiccants glyphosate (1.44 kg a.e. ha-1), glyphosate potassium (2.48 kg a.i. ha-1), diuron (0.2 kg a.i. ha-1) plus paraquat (0.4 kg a.i.ha-1), paraquat (0.4 kg a.i. ha-1) in the soybean experiment. In the sunflower experiment, the plots consisted of glyphosate (0.54 kg a.e. ha-1), glyphosate (0.72 kg a.e. ha-1), glyphosate potassium (1.24 kg a.i. ha-1), paraquat (0.4 kg a.i.ha-1), glyphosate (0.72 kg a.e ha-1) plus flumioxazin (0.025 kg a.i. ha-1), glyphosate (0.72 kg a.e. ha-1) plus carfentrazone (0.02 kg a.i. ha-1). Both the experiments had two checks (handhoeing and weedy control) and the split-plots consisted of absence or presence of boron from boric acid [H3BO3 - 17% B], associated to the water carrier. The combination of herbicides with boron efficiently controlled the weeds, except for paraquat plus diuron. The application of boric acid in association with herbicides increased the content of this micronutrient in the soil and consequently in the soybean and sunflower leaves. The combined application of desiccants and boric acid appears to be suitable for controlling weeds and increases mineral nutrition of soybean and sunflower.

The relevance of the relationship between cardiac disease and depressive symptoms is well established. White matter hyperintensity, a bright signal area in the brain on T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging scans, has been separately associated with cardiovascular risk factors, cardiac disease and late-life depression. However, no study has directly investigated the association between heart failure, major depressive symptoms and the presence of hyperintensities. Using a visual assessment scale, we have investigated the frequency and severity of white matter hyperintensities identified by magnetic resonance imaging in eight patients with late-life depression and heart failure, ten patients with heart failure without depression, and fourteen healthy elderly volunteers. Since the frontal lobe has been the proposed site for the preferential location of white matter hyperintensities in patients with late-life depression, we focused our investigation specifically on this brain region. Although there were no significant group differences in white matter hyperintensities in the frontal region, a significant direct correlation emerged between the severity of frontal periventricular white matter hyperintensity and scores on the Hamilton scale for depression in the group with heart failure and depression (P = 0.016, controlled for the confounding influence of age). There were no significant findings in any other areas of the brain. This pattern of results adds support to a relationship between cardiovascular risk factors and depressive symptoms, and provides preliminary evidence that the presence of white matter hyperintensities specifically in frontal regions may contribute to the severity of depressive symptoms in cardiac disease.

Os objetivos deste estudo foram avaliar os efeitos da pinealectomia, da adrenalectomia e da adrenalectomia mais pinealectomia na quantificação das células espermatogênicas de ratos. Assim, 32 ratos adultos Wistar com peso corporal médio de 331,7± 15,5g foram alocados em um dos seguintes tratamentos: (a) um grupo controle simulado, composto de nove animais; (b) dez animais pinealectomizados; (c) sete animais adrenalectomizados e (d) seis animais pinealectomizados+adrenalectomizados. Não foram encontradas diferenças significativas entre grupos para os seguintes parâmetros: pesos corporal, dos testículos, da próstata e das vesículas seminais, diâmetro dos túbulos seminíferos, número de células por corte transversal de túbulo seminífero (espermatócitos primários em paquíteno, espermátides arredondadas, células de Sertoli) e números de células espermáticas por célula de Sertoli (espermatócitos primários em paquíteno e espermátides arredondadas). Apesar do peso testicular não ter aumentado após a pinealectomia, houve aumento significativo (P<0,05) de aproximadamente 11,5% no número de espermátides arredondadas por célula de Sertoli (índice de célula de Sertoli), sugerindo que após curto intervalo a pinealectomia abole o efeito anti-gonádico da pineal sobre os testículos de ratos Wistar adultos.

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of pinealectomy, adrenalectomy and pinealectomy-adrenalectomy upon the quantification of spermatogenic cells of rats. As such, 32 adult Wistar rats with a mean body weight of 331.7± 15.5g were assigned into one of the following treatments: (a) a sham-operated control group, consisting of nine animals; (b) ten pinealectomized animals; (c) seven adrenalectomized animals and (d) six pinealectomized plus adrenalectomized animals. No significant differences were observed between groups for the following parameters: body, testes, prostate and seminal vesicle weights, seminiferous tubular diameter, number of cells per seminiferous tubular cross sections (primary spermatocytes at pachytene, round spermatids, Sertoli cells) and numbers of germ cells per Sertoli cell (primary spermatocytes at pachytene and round spermatids ). Although no increase in testicular weight was observed following pinealectomy, a significant (P<0.05) increase of approximately 11.5% in the number of round spermatids per Sertoli cell (Sertoli cell ratio) occurred thus suggesting that short-term pinealectomy abolishes the antigonadal effect of the pineal gland upon adult Wistar rat testes.

INTRODUÇÃO. O carcinoma epidermóide de esôfago (CEE) tem uma importante associação com neoplasias do trato aerodigestivo e, provavelmente, compartilham dos mesmos fatores de risco. Além destes, outras neoplasias podem estar associadas com o carcinoma de esôfago. OBJETIVO. Analisar, retrospectivamente, pacientes com carcinoma epidermóide do esôfago tratados pelo Grupo de Cirurgia do Esôfago, Estômago e Intestino Delgado (GCEEID) do Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), no período de janeiro/88 a junho/95, os quais tinham neoplasias associadas ao CEE. PACIENTES E MÉTODOS. Dentre os 261 pacientes estudados, 19 (7,28%) tinham neoplasia associada ao CEE. Dez pacientes apresentaram tumores sincrônicos e 9, metacrônicos. O sexo predominante foi o masculino, com 17 casos. A média de idade ficou em 62,52 anos no momento do diagnóstico da neoplasia esofágica. RESULTADOS. Os tumores aerodigestivos, na sua totalidade carcinomas escamosos, representaram o tipo histológico predominante da neoplasia associada em 68,42% dos casos. O sítio mais freqüente da neoplasia aerodigestiva associada foi a árvore respiratória (53,8%), seguido da cavidade oral e orofaringe (23%) e laringe (23%). Dos 19 pacientes, 12 eram tabagistas e nove ingeriam bebidas alcoólicas regularmente. Para o tratamento do CEE, optou-se por cirurgia em seis pacientes. A neoplasia associada foi tratada com cirurgia radical em 11 pacientes e radioterapia em cinco. Surpreendentemente, foram diagnosticados quatro casos (21%) de adenocarcinomas gástricos associados ao CEE, tratados com cirurgia radical em três pacientes. CONCLUSÃO. Os autores ressaltam a importância do estadiamento criterioso dos pacientes com CEE devido a associação significativa com outras neoplasias, principalmente com tumores aerodigestivos. Alertam para o seguimento desses pacientes e discutem a possibilidade de fatores de risco comuns: fumo e álcool. Nesta casuística, encontrou-se associação importante com neoplasias gástricas.

INTRODUCTION. The esophageal epidermoid cancer has an important association with aerodigestive tract neoplasms and possibly share the same risk factors. Furthermore, other neoplasms can be associated with esophagus cancer. OBJECTIVE. To analyze retrospectively the patients with esophageal epidermoid cancer (EEC) and associated neoplasms, treated by the Esophagus Stomach and Small Intestine Group of Surgery at Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre from January 1988 to June 1995. PATIENTS AND METHODS. Nineteen (7.28%) of the 261 studied patients had associated neoplasms to the EEC. Ten patients presented synchronic tumours and 9 metachronic ones. The predominant sex was the masculine with 17 cases. The mean age was 62.52 years in the moment of the esophageal cancer diagnostic. RESULTS. The aerodigestive tumours, squamous carcinomas in totality, represented the predominant associated neoplasm histological type in 68.42% of the cases. The most frequent associated aerodigestive tumours site was the respiratory tract (53.8%), followed by the oral cavity and oropharynx (23%) and larynx (23%). In our sample, twelve patients were smokers and 9 were alcohol abusers. In relation to the EEC treatment, surgery was performed in 6 patients. The associated neoplasm was treated with radical surgery in 11 patients and radiotherapy in 5. Surprisingly 4 cases (21%) of gastric adenocarcinoma associated to the EEC were diagnosed, treated with radical surgery in 3 patients. CONCLUSION. The authors call attention to the importance of a criterial staging as well as the follow up in patients with EEC owing to the significant association with others neoplasms, principally with aerodigestive tumours, and discuss the common risk factors possibility: tobacco and alcohol use. Important association with gastric neoplasms were found in this casuistry.