RESUMO: A grande diversidade de espécies vegetais nas pastagens do cerrado brasileiro com características ecofisilógicas diferenciadas indica a possibilidade de encontrar no conteúdo celular dessa flora compostos químicos com potencial para uso na agricultura, saúde humana e animal. Para comprovação dessa hipótese, serão necessárias três etapas: a prospecção fitoquímica, a caracterização dos metabólitos secundários e os estudos sobre as atividades biológicas desses metabólitos presentes nessas plantas. Nesta pesquisa foi traçado o perfil químico dos metabólitos secundários presentes em cinco espécies do cerrado brasileiro (Davilla elliptica, Remijia ferrugínea, Luehea paniculata, Anacardium occidentale e Acosmium dasycarpum). A coleta das plantas foi realizada em áreas de pastagem do município de Felício dos Santos, Minas Gerais. As amostras foram secas e submetidas a dois tipos de extrato (etanólico e hexânico). Empregando reações químicas específicas, constatou-se nos extratos hexânicos a presença de cumarinas, triterpenos/esteroides, e antracenosídeos e, nos extratos etanólicos, de alcaloides, triterpenos/esteroides, flavonoides, taninos, compostos redutores e antocianinas. As espécies apresentaram diversificadas classes de compostos. Entretanto, em todas as espécies foram encontrados triterpenos/esteroides, taninos, compostos redutores e antocianinas, sendo o emprego do solvente etanol o mais eficiente na extração dos compostos. A espécie D. elliptica foi a que apresentou o maior número de classes de compostos. Considerando a sua ampla aplicação na medicina popular, justificam-se novos estudos sobre atividade biológica dos diferentes metabólitos nas áreas agrícola e da saúde.

ABSTRACT: The great diversity of plant species in pastures of the Brazilian Cerrado with distinct ecophysiological characteristics indicates the possibility of finding, in the cellular content of this flora, chemical compounds with potential for use in agriculture and human and animal health. Three steps are necessary to prove this hypothesis: phytochemical prospecting, characterization of secondary metabolites, and studies on the biological activities of these metabolites present in these plants. The chemical profile of secondary metabolites present in five species of the Brazilian Cerrado (Davilla elliptica, Remijia ferruginea, Luehea paniculata, Anacardium occidentale, and Acosmium dasycarpum) was traced in this research. These plant species were collected in pasture areas of Felício dos Santos, Minas Gerais. The samples were dried and submitted to two types of extract (ethanolic and hexanic). By using specific chemical reactions, the presence of coumarins, triterpenes/steroids, and anthracenosides was observed in the hexanic extracts, while the presence of alkaloids, triterpenes/steroids, flavonoids, tannins, reducing compounds, and anthocyanins was observed in the ethanolic extracts. The species presented diverse classes of compounds. However, triterpenes/steroids, tannins, reducing compounds and anthocyanins were found in all species, being the use of the solvent ethanol the most efficient in extracting the compounds. The species D. elliptica presented the highest number of classes of compounds. The widespread application in folk medicine justifies further studies on the biological activity of different metabolites in agriculture and health areas.

ABSTRACT Two trials were aimed to evaluate beef tallow in diets with and without emulsifier on performance of pigs at growing-finishing phases. In the first trial, 15 barrows (22.03±0.62 kg) were distributed among three treatments: reference diet; test diet 1 (5% beef tallow) and test diet 2 (10% beef tallow). Beef tallow presented average value of 7130.97 kcal ME/kg. For the performance trail, 30 barrows (24.85±1.18 kg) were distributed among five treatments: T1 - diet with soybean oil and 3230 kcal ME /kg; T2 - diet with beef tallow and 3230 kcal ME/kg; T3 - diet with beef tallow and 3080 kcal ME/kg; T4 - diet with beef tallow, 3080 kcal/kg and 0.1% emulsifier; T5 - diet with beef tallow, 2930 kcal ME/kg and 0.1% emulsifier. Feed conversion was worse in animals fed diet with 3080 kcal ME/kg containing beef tallow and with 2930 kcal ME/kg with beef tallow and emulsifier. For economic availability, animals fed diet with beef tallow and 3230 kcal ME/kg and those fed diet with 3080 kcal ME/kg containing beef tallow and emulsifier, did not differ from animals fed diet with soybean oil, which enables the reduction up to 150 kcal ME/kg be compensated by emulsifier addition.

RESUMO A eletroforese de proteínas é um método relativamente simples, que permite a separação das proteínas do plasma em frações. Sua interpretação fornece informações importantes para a investigação e o diagnóstico de inúmeras doenças. O objetivo deste estudo foi o de determinar a concentração das proteínas de fase aguda no soro de emus (Dromaius novaehollandiae) hígidos e criados em cativeiro. As aves foram separadas em dois grupos: grupo 1: (n=11), aves com um ano de idade; grupo 2: (n=11), aves com quatro anos de idade. As proteínas de fase aguda foram separadas por eletroforese em gel de poliacrilamida (SDS-PAGE). Identificaram-se as proteínas ceruloplasmina, transferrina, albumina, IgG, haptoglobina, glicoproteína ácida, IgA e IgG no soro de todos os emus. Houve diferença (P<0.05) entre os traçados eletroforéticos em função da faixa etária. As aves do grupo 2 apresentaram valores superiores de ceruloplasmina, transferrina, albumina, haptoglobina e glicoproteína ácida quando comparadas às aves do grupo 1. Conclui-se que o perfil eletroforético de emus sofre alterações conforme a idade analisada. O estabelecimento de valores de referência para as proteínas de fase aguda de emus hígidos poderá auxiliar estudos futuros na avaliação da saúde assim como no diagnóstico de doenças em emus.

ABSTRACT Protein electrophoresis is a relatively simple technique that allows separating serum protein fractions, and provides important information in the investigation and diagnosis of several diseases. This study determined the levels of acute-phase proteins in the serum of healthy, captive emus (Dromaius novaehollandiae). Animals were divided into two groups (n=11 in each) based on age, with 1-year-old and 4-year-old emus. Acute-phase proteins were separated by SDS-PAGE. Ceruloplasmin, transferrin, albumin, haptoglobin, acidic glycoprotein, IgA, and IgG were detected in the serum of all animals. Protein profiles varied significantly with age (P<0.05). Individuals in the 4-year-old emus group had higher values of ceruloplasmin, transferrin, albumin, haptoglobin, and acidic glycoprotein, compared with the group with 1-year-old animals, showing the role of age in the protein profile of this species. Reference values for acute-phase proteins in healthy emus may be useful in the evaluation of health status and in the diagnosis of diseases affecting the species.

Metabolic acidosis has profound effects on vascular tone. This study investigated the in vivo effects of acute metabolic acidosis (AMA) and chronic metabolic acidosis (CMA) on hemodynamic parameters and endothelial function. CMA was induced by ad libitum intake of 1% NH4Cl for 7 days, and AMA was induced by a 3-h infusion of 6 M NH4Cl (1 mL/kg, diluted 1:10). Phenylephrine (Phe) and acetylcholine (Ach) dose-response curves were performed by venous infusion with simultaneous venous and arterial blood pressure monitoring. Plasma nitrite/nitrate (NOx) was measured by chemiluminescence. The CMA group had a blood pH of 7.15±0.03, which was associated with reduced bicarbonate (13.8±0.98 mmol/L) and no change in the partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide (PaCO2). The AMA group had a pH of 7.20±0.01, which was associated with decreases in bicarbonate (10.8±0.54 mmol/L) and PaCO2 (47.8±2.54 to 23.2±0.74 mmHg) and accompanied by hyperventilation. Phe or ACh infusion did not affect arterial or venous blood pressure in the CMA group. However, the ACh infusion decreased the arterial blood pressure (ΔBP: -28.0±2.35 mm Hg [AMA] to -4.5±2.89 mmHg [control]) in the AMA group. Plasma NOx was normal after CMA but increased after AMA (25.3±0.88 to 31.3±0.54 μM). These results indicate that AMA, but not CMA, potentiated the Ach-induced decrease in blood pressure and led to an increase in plasma NOx, reinforcing the effect of pH imbalance on vascular tone and blood pressure control.

RESUMO A papilomatose é uma doença de natureza crônica e pode causar tumores epiteliais e na mucosa. Não possui predileção por sexo, raça ou idade, mas comumente aparece em animais jovens. As lesões papilares ocorrem principalmente na mucosa bucal, nos lábios, língua e da faringe, além destes, também são encontradas na forma ocular e cutânea. Este estudo teve como objetivo relatar a eficácia da Thuya occidentalis CH12, uma medicação homeopática de uso comum, no tratamento de cães com papilomatose. Os resultados positivos puderam ser vistos, em alguns casos, já na primeira semana do tratamento, em outros, após vinte dias, e o desaparecimento total das lesões, na maioria dos casos, ocorreu com quinze dias. Alicerçada no princípio da similitude, a homeopatia apóia-se na observação experimental de que toda substância capaz de provocar determinados sintomas em uma pessoa sadia, é capaz de curar estes mesmos sintomas em uma pessoa enferma. A Thuya occidentalis provou ser eficiente contra lesões de papilomavírus canina, e apresentou resultados rápidos e com um valor econômico acessível.

ABSTRACT The papillomatosis is a disease of chronic nature and can cause epithelial and mucosa tumors. . It may affect any gender, race or age but is most common in young animals. The papillary lesions occur mainly on the oral mucosa, in the lips, tongue and pharynx, besides appearing also in the eeyes and skin. This study aimed to report the effectiveness of the Thuya occidentalis CH12 , a homeopathic medication commonly used in the treatment of dogs with papillomatosis . The positive results could be noticed, in some cases, even in the first week of treatment , or after twenty days, with the total remission of the lesions occurring in most of the cases within fifteen days . Founded based on the similarity principle, the homeopathy relies on the experimental observation that any substance capable of causing certain symptoms in a healthy person can cure these same symptoms in a sick person. The Thuya occidentalis proved to be effective against canine papillomavirus lesions, and with fast results at an affordable economic value.

O objetivo do estudo foi proceder a uma revisão sistemática da literatura sobre a resposta da pressão arterial após o treino de força em hipertensos, procurando identificar o efeito da fadiga nessa resposta. Foi realizada uma pesquisa bibliográfica nas bases de dados SciELO, LILACS e PubMed/MedLine. Foram encontrados 9377 estudos e apenas seis atenderam aos critérios de inclusão estabelecidos e foram incluídos na revisão. Cinco estudos (83,3%) verificaram uma redução na pressão arterial sistólica ou diastólica. Relativamente à fadiga, 66,7% (n = 4) dos estudos relataram que realizaram séries até a fadiga, ao passo que 33,3% (n = 2) relataram que as séries eram interrompidas antes da fadiga. Dos quatro estudos que utilizaram protocolos até a fadiga, 75% (n = 3) observaram redução da pressão arterial, e os dois estudos que interromperam as séries antes da fadiga também evidenciaram redução. A magnitude da redução da pressão arterial foi similar entre os estudos que utilizaram os dois protocolos. Sendo assim, os resultados indicaram que a redução da pressão arterial após o treino de força em sujeitos hipertensos é independente da ocorrência de fadiga.

The objective of this study was to systematically review the literature on blood pressure response after strength training in hypertensive subjects, trying to identify the effect of failure in this response. We performed a literature search in SciELO, LILACS, PubMed / MedLine databases. Out of 9377 studies, only six met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. Five studies (83.3%) reported a reduction in systolic or diastolic blood pressure. Regarding failure, 66.7% (n = 4) of the studies performed the sets until failure while 33.3% (n = 2) interrupted exercise before failure. Out of the four studies that used protocols until failure, 75% (n=3) observed a reduction in blood pressure, and the two studies who discontinued before the series also showed a reduction of failure. The magnitude of blood pressure reduction was similar among studies that employed both protocols. Thus, the results indicated that the reduction in blood pressure after strength training in subjects with hypertension is independent of the occurrence of failure.

Senna alata é uma espécie daninha frequente em pastagens da região amazônica. Suas folhas apresentam propriedades medicinais capazes de influenciar a germinação e o desenvolvimento de outras plantas. Objetivou-se neste estudo a prospecção química e a avaliação da atividade alelopática dos compostos presentes nas folhas de S. alata. O material vegetal foi seco, triturado e submetido à extração exaustiva, com solução água:metanol (3:7). O extrato obtido foi então fracionado por coluna cromatográfica por via úmida. As frações mais puras foram submetidas à espectroscopia de Ressonância Magnética Nuclear, para determinação das fórmulas estruturais das moléculas. Na avaliação dos efeitos das substâncias químicas isoladas, utilizaram-se as concentrações de 50, 100, 150 e 200 ppm, tendo como eluente solução hidrometanólica (3:7 v/v). As frações foram adicionadas em placas de Petri e seus efeitos avaliados sobre a germinação de sementes e o alongamento da radícula e hipocótilo de três espécies daninhas de áreas de pastagens: Mimosa pudica, Senna obtusifolia e a própria S. alata. Os compostos com atividade alelopática encontrados em folhas de S. alata pertencem à classe dos flavonoides glicosilados, cujo núcleo aromático é um kaempferol, e causaram maior inibição sobre o crescimento da radícula e sobre a germinação de S. obtusifolia e M. pudica. Já os efeitos autotóxicos desse composto são pouco significativos para o desenvolvimento da plântula e nulos sobre a germinação.

Senna alata is a weed species frequently found in pastures of the Amazonian region and whose leaves have medicinal properties. This study aimed to carry out a chemical prospecting and evaluation of the allelopathic activity of the compounds present in S. alata leaves. The plant material was dried, ground, and submitted to exhaustive extraction with water/methanol (3:7) solution. The crude extract obtained was fractioned by wet chromatography column. The purest fractions were submitted to Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy to determine their structures. To evaluate the effects of the isolated chemical substances, concentrations of 50, 100, 150 and 200 ppm were used in water/methanol solvents (3:7). The fractions were placed on Petri dishes and their effects were evaluated on seed germination and radicle and hypocotyl elongation of three pasture weeds: Mimosa pudica, Senna obtusifolia, and Senna alata itself. The compounds with allelopathic activity found in S. alata leaves belong to the flavonoid glycoside class, whose aromatic core is a kaempferol causing major inhibition on radicle elongation and germination of S. obtusifolia and M. pudica. The auto toxic effects of this compound are not very significant for seedling development and null for germination.

O Tifton 85 é uma forrageira de alto valor nutritivo, recomendada para pastejo, fenação e silagem, podendo ser considerada uma espécie daninha, principalmente em áreas de cultivos agrícolas e produção de sementes de outras forrageiras, devido a sua fácil propagação e seu rápido desenvolvimento. Este experimento foi proposto com o objetivo de avaliar a tolerância de plantas de Tifton 85 a doses crescentes de glyphosate em duas épocas diferentes. O experimento foi conduzido em vasos de polietileno com capacidade de 10 L, em delineamento experimental de blocos casualizados, no esquema fatorial 2 x 8, sendo duas épocas de aplicação (inverno e verão) e oito doses de glyphosate (0, 270, 540, 1.080, 2.160, 3.240, 4.320 e 5.400 g ha-1), com quatro repetições. Para cada época de aplicação, o controle das plantas de Tifton 85 foi feito aos 15, 30 e 60 DAA (dias após aplicação). Obteve-se controle superior a 90% de Tifton 85 a partir de 2.636,72 g ha-1 de glyphosate em aplicação realizada no inverno e de 3.607,03 g ha-1 em aplicação no verão. Os resultados evidenciaram a alta tolerância do Tifton 85 ao glyphosate e o maior controle das plantas expostas a esse herbicida em épocas mais frias do ano (inverno), quando em comparação com as plantas expostas ao herbicida no verão.

Tifton 85 is a type of forage of high nutritive value, recommended for grazing or hay and silage production. It can be considered a weed, mainly in agricultural and forage seed production areas, probably due to its easy propagation and fast development. Thus, this experiment aimed to evaluate Tifton 85 tolerance to increasing levels of glyphosate during two different seasons. The experiment was arranged in a completely randomized block design with four replications in a 2 x 8 factorial arrangement, and pulverization in two seasons (winter and summer) and eight glyphosate levels (0; 270; 540; 1,080; 2,160; 3,240; 4,320; and 5,400 g ha-1). The experiment was carried out in polyethylene pots with 10L capacity. For each season, control of the Tifton 85 plants was performed at 15, 30 and 60 DAA (days after application). Around 90% of Tifton 85 plant control was observed with 2,636.72 g ha-1 of glyphosate in the winter and 3,607.03 g ha-1 of glyphosate in the summer. The results obtained showed that Tifton 85 is highly tolerant to glyphosate and control is more efficient in the winter than in the summer.

Acid-base homeostasis maintains systemic arterial pH within a narrow range. Whereas the normal range of pH for clinical laboratories is 7.35-7.45, in vivo pH is maintained within a much narrower range. In clinical and experimental settings, blood pH can vary in response to respiratory or renal impairment. This altered pH promotes changes in vascular smooth muscle tone with impact on circulation and blood pressure control. Changes in pH can be divided into those occurring in the extracellular space (pHo) and those occurring within the intracellular space (pHi), although, extracellular and intracellular compartments influence each other. Consistent with the multiple events involved in the changes in tone produced by altered pHo, including type of vascular bed, several factors and mechanisms, in addition to hydrogen ion concentration, have been suggested to be involved. The scientific literature has many reports concerning acid-base balance and endothelium function, but these concepts are not clear about acid-base disorders and their relations with the three known mechanisms of endothelium-dependent vascular reactivity: nitric oxide (NO/cGMP-dependent), prostacyclin (PGI2/cAMP-dependent) and hyperpolarization. During the last decades, many studies have been published and have given rise to confronting data on acid-base disorder and endothelial function. Therefore, the main proposal of this review is to provide a critical analysis of the state of art and incentivate researchers to develop more studies about these issues.

Discutimos um método bastante simples de se introduzir o estudo do oscilador x³ amortecido, tanto teórica como experimentalmente, em cursos elementares de Física. Dados experimentais do deslocamento de um oscilador x³ em função do tempo, obtidos em medidas de ultrasom, são bem reproduzidos quando forças dissipativas são levadas em conta através de um único parâmetro.

A simple method for introducing a damped x³ oscillator in basic courses is discussed. The oscillator position as a function of time obtained from ultrason measurement are well reproduced in the case when the damping effects are taken into account through a single free parameter.

The present study investigated the protective effect of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) against oxygen radical-mediated coronary artery injury. Vascular contraction and relaxation were determined in canine coronary arteries immersed in Kreb's solution (95% O2-5% CO2), incubated or not with NAC (10 mM), and exposed to free radicals (FR) generated by xanthine oxidase (100 mU/ml) plus xanthine (0.1 mM). Rings not exposed to FR or NAC were used as controls. The arteries were contracted with 2.5 µM prostaglandin F2alpha. Subsequently, concentration-response curves for acetylcholine, calcium ionophore and sodium fluoride were obtained in the presence of 20 µM indomethacin. Concentration-response curves for bradykinin, calcium ionophore, sodium nitroprusside, and pinacidil were obtained in the presence of indomethacin plus Nomega-nitro-L-arginine (0.2 mM). The oxidative stress reduced the vascular contraction of arteries not exposed to NAC (3.93 ± 3.42 g), compared to control (8.56 ± 3.16 g) and to NAC group (9.07 ± 4.0 g). Additionally, in arteries not exposed to NAC the endothelium-dependent nitric oxide (NO)-dependent relaxation promoted by acetylcholine (1 nM to 10 µM) was also reduced (maximal relaxation of 52.1 ± 43.2%), compared to control (100%) and NAC group (97.0 ± 4.3%), as well as the NO/cyclooxygenase-independent receptor-dependent relaxation provoked by bradykinin (1 nM to 10 µM; maximal relaxation of 20.0 ± 21.2%), compared to control (100%) and NAC group (70.8 ± 20.0%). The endothelium-independent relaxation elicited by sodium nitroprusside (1 nM to 1 µM) and pinacidil (1 nM to 10 µM) was not affected. In conclusion, the vascular dysfunction caused by the oxidative stress, expressed as reduction of the endothelium-dependent relaxation and of the vascular smooth muscle contraction, was prevented by NAC.

To determine if radiocontrast impairs vascular relaxation of the renal artery, segments (4-5 mm in length) of canine renal artery were suspended in vitro in organ chambers to measure isometric force (95% O2/5% CO2, at 37ºC). Arterial segments with and without endothelium were placed at the optimal point of their length-tension relation and incubated with 10 µM indomethacin to prevent synthesis of endogenous prostanoids. The presence of nonionic radiocontrast (iohexol, Omnipaque 350, 1 ml in 25 ml control solution, 4% (v/v)) did not alter endothelium-dependent relaxation to acetylcholine in rings precontracted with both norepinephrine and prostaglandin F2alpha (N = 6). When the rings were precontracted with prostaglandin F2alpha, the presence of ionic contrast did not inhibit the relaxation of the arteries. However, in canine renal arteries contracted with norepinephrine, the presence of ionic radiocontrast (diatrizoate meglumine and diatrizoate sodium, MD-76, 1 ml in 25 ml control solution, 4% (v/v)) inhibited relaxation in response to acetylcholine, sodium nitroprusside (N = 6 in each group), and isoproterenol (N = 5; P < 0.05). Rings were relaxed less than 50% of norepinephrine contraction. Following removal of the contrast, vascular relaxation in response to the agonists returned to normal. These results indicate that ionic radiocontrast nonspecifically inhibits vasodilation (both cAMP-mediated and cGMP-mediated) of canine renal arteries contracted with norepinephrine. This reversible impairment of vasodilation could inhibit normal renal perfusion and act as a mechanism of renal failure following radiocontrast infusion. In the adopted experimental protocol the isoproterenol-induced relaxation of renal arteries precontracted with norepinephrine was more affected, suggesting a pivotal role of the cAMP system.

A grande procura de órgãos para transplante tornou necessária a aceitação de potenciais doadores pediátricos a fim de aumentar a oferta. Trabalhos anteriores relatando menor sobrevida do enxerto e taxas maiores de complicação fizeram com que cirurgiões considerassem o assunto com cautela. Esse é um estudo retrospectivo com o objetivo de analisar os resultados de transplantes renais em bloco de doadores infantis (< 2 anos) no HCFMRP-USP entre 1998 e 2000. Um total de cinco pacientes foi submetido a transplante renal em bloco de doadores com idades entre 9 meses e 2 anos de vida, pesando entre 8 e 14 kg. Apenas um paciente perdeu o enxerto no oitavo dia após transplante devido à trombose. Dois pacientes tiveram complicações ureterais, um com necrose do ureter e fístula urinária e outro com ruptura completa da anastomose ureterovesical. Ambos foram reparados com sucesso. Complicação intra-operatória foi observada em um paciente, com ruptura da anastomose arterial. Corrigiu-se com reperfusão in loco e reanastomose. Outro paciente apresentou ruptura do pólo renal inferior, tratada com nefrectomia polar no quarto dia pós-operatório. Seguimento médio de 20,7 meses mostrou, apesar de tais problemas, creatinina sérica variando entre 0,9 e 2 mg/100 ml, sem complicações sérias. Nossos achados sustentam o uso de rins infantis, em bloco, mesmo de doadores com menos de 2 anos de idade, desde que a necessidade do órgão seja maior que o risco oferecido pelo alto índice de complicações.

The high demand for organs for transplantation has made it necessary to consider using the youngest of potential donors in order to increase the organ supply. Previous reports of decreased graft survival and increased complication rates have made surgeons wary of using such kidneys. This is a chart review with the objective to analyse the results achieved with transplantation of children kidneys (< 2 years) in the HCFMRP-USP from 1998 to 2000. A total of 5 pacients received en bloc renal transplants from donors aged 9 months to 2 years old, weighthing between 8 and 14 kg. Results: Only one patient lost the allograft within 8 days of transplantation due to allograft trombosis. Two patients had ureteral complications, one with ureteral necrosis and urinary fistula and the other with total ureterovesical anastomosis disrupture. Both were successfully repaired. Intra operatory complication was experienced in one pacient, with arterial anastomosis rupture. In loco reperfusion and repair was made. Another patient had inferior renal pole rupture, treated with polar nefrectomy at the 4º PO. Despite such problems, mean follow up of 20,7 months showed serum creatinine ranging from 0,9 to 2 mg/100ml, with no serious complications. Conclusion: Our data support the use of en bloc child cadaveric kidneys, even from infant donors less than two year of age, when the organ necessity supplant the higher rates of complications.

In the present study the age-related changes of the striated muscle elastic fiber system were investigated in the diaphragm and rectus abdominis muscles of 1-, 4-, 8- and 18-month-old rats. The activation patterns of these muscles differ in that the diaphragm is regularly mobilized tens of times every minute during the entire life of the animal whereas the rectus abdominis, although mobilized in respiration, is much less and more irregularly activated. The elastic fibers were stained by the Verhoeff technique for mature elastic fibers. Weigert stain was used to stain mature and elaunin elastic fibers, and Weigert-oxone to stain mature, elaunin and oxytalan elastic fibers. The density of mature and elaunin elastic fibers showed a progressive increase with age, whereas the amount of oxytalan elastic fibers decreased in both diaphragm and rectus abdominis muscles and their muscular fascias. These age-related quantitative and structural changes of the elastic fiber system may reduce the viscoelastic properties of the diaphragm and rectus abdominis muscles, which may compromise the transmission of tensile muscle strength to the tendons and may affect maximum total strength.

OBJETIVO: Comparar os resultados tardios (recidivas) obtidos com o emprego de três técnicas operatórias para correção das Hérnias Inguinais no adulto: Bassini, Shouldice e Mc Vay. CASUÍSTICA E MÉTODO: Foram analisados os resultados obtidos em 119 pacientes adultos portadores de hérnias inguinais, alguns com hérnias bilaterais (totalizando 136 hérnias), operados por uma das três técnicas seguintes: Bassini, Shouldice e McVay. A maioria dos pacientes foi do sexo masculino (93,3%). O estudo foi prospectivo, randomizado, com distribuição uniforme dos três tipos de hérnias (indireta, direta e mista) entre os três grupos de técnicas operatórias. Foi avaliado o número de recidivas observadas durante um período de quatro anos. Estes resultados foram submetidos à análise estatística através de curvas de sobrevida de Kaplan-Mayer . RESULTADOS: Oito hérnias operadas pela técnica de Bassini recidivaram neste período, três no grupo Shouldice e duas operadas a McVay. Dentre os operados a Bassini, os piores resultados foram observados nas hérnias diretas (29% de recorrência) quando comparados aos obtidos com as hérnias indiretas (16%). Os resultados gerais projetados para quatro anos de seguimento, mostram diferenças estatisticamente significantes entre Bassini e Shouldice: 35,7% vs 23,7% O mesmo foi observado na comparação entre Bassini e McVay: 35,7% vs 8,5%. As diferenças entre os grupos Shouldice e McVay não foram significantes. CONCLUSÃO: O índice de recidiva de 35,7% para as hérnias operadas pela técnica de Bassini foi surpreendente, obrigando-nos a suspender o estudo. Há um índice excessivamente alto de insucesso após a utilização da técnica de Bassini, que foi durante um século o método mais usado para correção de hérnias inguinais no mundo inteiro. Os métodos de Shouldice e de McVay, embora de execução técnica mais complexa, devem ser as preferidos quando se opta pela utilização de técnicas convencionais de herniorrafia.

OBJECTIVE: to compare late results (recurrence) of three different techniques for treatment of inguinal hernias in the adult: Bassini, Shouldice and McVay. PATIENTS AND METHODS: the operative late results of three surgical techniques: Bassini, Shouldice and McVay in 119 adult patients with inguinal hernias (some with bilateral pathology, totalizing 136 hernias) were analyzed. The majority of patients were males (93.3%). The analysis was prospective, randomized, with uniform distribution of all three types of inguinal hernia (direct, indirect and combined) among the three groups of operative techniques.The number of recurrences was submitted to an actuarial analysis for a period of 4 years. The results underwent statistical analysis by the Kaplan-Mayer test with actuarial survival curves. RESULTS: Eight hernia operations by the Bassini technique recurred in this time span, 3 in the Shouldice group and 2 in McVay. Among the Bassini recurrences, the worst results were observed with direct hernias (29% recurrence) when compared with indirect ones (16% recurrence). Overall recurrence rates plotted in an actuarial survival curve for 4 years , revealed statistically significant differences between Bassini and Shouldice: 35.7% versus 23.7%; the same happened when comparing Bassini to McVay: 35.7% versus 8.5%. The differences between Shouldice and McVay were not significant. CONCLUSION: a recurrence rate of 35,7% for inguinal herniorraphy with the Bassini technique in a General Surgery University Clinic was surprising and obliged us to interrupt the trial. Our observations point to a prohibitive high failure rate when dealing with the Bassini technique, which was, over a century, the most popular treatment of inguinal hernia all over the world. Shouldice and McVay techniques, even though more complex, should be preferred whenever one makes the choice for "conventional" hernia treatment.