Resumo O presente artigo busca verificar como tem sido o posicionamento da Comissão Interamericana de Direitos Humanos (CIDH) e da Corte Interamericana de Direitos Humanos (Corte IDH) enquanto órgãos de proteção aos direitos humanos no que se refere ao direito ao aborto. No âmbito da CIDH, foram analisados os direitos sexuais e reprodutivos das mulheres nos casos: Baby Boy vs. Estados Unidos (1981). Em relação à Corte IDH, foram dissecados os casos: Artavia Murillo vs. Costa Rica (2012); Senhora Beatriz vs. El Salvador (2013); Senhora I.V. vs. Bolívia (2016) e Manuela vs. El Salvador (2021). As análises adotam pressuposto teórico o feminismo interamericano - movimento teórico, social e político que pressiona o diálogo entre o sistema nacional e sistema interamericano para garantir os direitos humanos das mulheres e promover a igualdade de gênero. Trata-se de um diálogo crítico que, de um lado, identifica os padrões interamericanos para cobrar padrões nacionais mais elevados de proteção aos direitos humanos e, de outro, procura refletir sobre a necessidade de aprimorar os standards acerca da descriminalização do aborto na América Latina.

Abstract This article intends to verify the position of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) and the Inter-American Court of Human Rights (IHC Court) about the right to abortion. About the competence of IACHR, it will be analyzed the case Baby Boy vs. United States (1981). In relation to the Inter-American Court, it will be analyzed the following cases: Artavia Murillo vs. Costa Rica (2012); Ms. Beatriz vs. El Salvador (2013); Ms. I.V. vs. Bolívia (2016) and Manuela vs. El Salvador (2021). We start from the assumption of inter-American feminism - theoretical, social and political movement that presses for dialogue between the national system and the inter-American system to guarantee women´s rights and promote gender equality. It is a critical dialogue that, on the one hand, identifies inter-american standards for demanding higher national standards for the protection of human rights and, on the other hand, seeks to reflect on the need to improve standards on the decriminalization of abortion in Latin America.

RESUMO: Esta pesquisa foi conduzida para avaliar o efeito de micotoxinas no desempenho de equinos com avaliações fisiológicas e análises hematológicas e da bioquímica sérica. O ensaio durou 40 dias, com 12 dias de adaptação e 28 dias de experimentação. Na fase experimental, os equinos foram distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado em três tratamentos, com quatro animais cada. Os tratamentos utilizados foram 0 (controle), 50 ppb e 100 ppb de Aflatoxina B1 (AFB1) adicionada ao concentrado de uma dieta basal. A dieta basal continha alimentos naturalmente contaminados por micotoxinas. O teste de desempenho foi executado no 21º dia da fase experimental por meio de teste intervalado consistindo em aquecimento ao trote por 17 minutos, seguido de três galopes de 450m/min. A frequência cardíaca (FC) foi monitorada entre os galopes. Antes do exercício e imediatamente após o terceiro galope, os parâmetros fisiológicos e sanguíneos foram avaliados e continuaram sendo monitorados até 48 horas após o exercício. Os resultados dos parâmetros fisiológicos, hematológicos e bioquímicos foram submetidos à análise de variância (ANOVA) e comparados pelo teste de Tukey a 5% de significância. A presença de AFB1 na dieta influenciou a atividade da fosfatase alcalina, que apresentou valores mais elevadas na dieta com inclusão de 100 ppb de AFB1, sugerindo uma atividade hepatotóxica associada às outras micotoxinas naturalmente presentes nos alimentos.

ABSTRACT: This research was carried out to evaluate the effect of mycotoxins on the performance of horses through physiological parameters, and hematology and serum biochemistry analyses. The essay lasted 40 days, with 12 days for adaptation and 28 days of experimentation. In the experimental stage, the horses were distributed in a completely randomized design, with three treatments with four animals each. The treatments used were 0 (control), 50 ppb and 100 ppb of Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) added to a concentrate in a basal diet. The basal diet contained mycotoxins from feedstuffs naturally contaminated. The exercise test was performed over the 21th day of the experimental stage. The exercise consisted in an interval training test with a warm-up of 17 mins at a trot followed by three gallops of 450m/min. The heart rate was monitored between the gallops. Before the exercise test and immediately after the third gallop, the physiological and blood parameters were evaluated, and continued up to 48 hours after the exercise. The results of the physiological, hematological and biochemical parameters were submitted to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and compared by the Tukey test at 5% of significance. The presence of AFB1 in the diet influenced the alkaline phosphatase activity, which presented higher values in horses fed diet with inclusion of 100 ppb AFB1, suggesting a hepatotoxic activity associated with the others mycotoxins naturally present in the feedstuffs.

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the neuroprotective effect of L-alanyl-glutamine in a gerbil model of brain ischemia-reperfusion injury based on immunohistochemical quantification of pro-inflammatory and cell activation biomarkers (TNF-α, NF-κB, IL-6 and HO-1). Methods Male gerbils weighing 100-180 g were pretreated with either 0.75 g/kg L-Ala-Gln (n=18) or 2.0 mL saline (n=18) administered i.v. 30 minutes before the bilateral ligation of the common carotid artery during 15 min and then the ligation was removed. Under anesthesia with urethane, brain tissue was harvested at 0 min (T0), 30 min (T30) and 60 min (T60) after reperfusion. The tissue was embedded in 10% formalin overnight and 4-μm sections were prepared for immunostaining with monoclonal antibodies. Immunostained cells were counted by optical microscopy. The statistical analysis used mean values based on 4 sections. Results The pretreatment with L-Ala-Gln animal group 1 demonstrated significantly lower levels of TNF-α, NF-κB and IL-6. On the other hand, the levels of HO-1 were significantly higher, suggesting a protective role in model of brain ischemia-reperfusion injury. Conclusion These findings suggest a protective effect of L-Ala-Gln by decreasing levels of TNF-alpha, IL-6 and NF-κB and Increasing levels of HO-1.

RESUMO: A contaminação por herbicidas de efeito prolongado no solo pode provocar alterações anatômicas de plantas sensíveis. Assim, este trabalho objetivou verificar as modificações anatômicas de caule e folha de tomateiro provocadas por diferentes concentrações de picloram em duas classes de solo da região amazônica. O trabalho foi desenvolvido na UNEMAT, em Alta Floresta-MT, em DIC, em esquema fatorial 2 x 5, com quatro repetições. Contaminaram-se um Latossolo Vermelho-Amarelo Ácrico (LVAw) e Neossolo Quartzarênico Órtico (RQo) com 0, 1, 2, 3 e 4 L ha-1 de Tordon®, deixando o solo exposto às intempéries climáticas. Aos 120 dias após a aplicação do herbicida, foram semeadas 10 sementes de tomateiro em amostras de ambos os solos. Aos 30 dias após a semeadura, secções transversais do caule e folha foram fixadas em FAA50, emblocadas em metacrilato, cortadas em micrótomo rotativo e coradas com azul de toluidina. Analisou-se a espessura dos tecidos do caule e folha. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância e regressão pelo programa estatístico Sisvar. O aumento da concentração de picloram provocou incremento na espessura do limbo foliar e do feixe vascular da folha em ambos os solos, com maior efeito em LVAw, onde ocorreu desorganização nos tecidos, com células do parênquima lacunoso irregulares e bastante colapsadas, com amplos espaços intercelulares. Também houve aumento no diâmetro do córtex e do cilindro vascular do caule até concentração de 2 L ha-1, mas em RQo as plantas apresentaram células mais achatadas e com espaços intercelulares conspícuos. As estruturas anatômicas da folha foram mais afetadas pelo herbicida.

ABSTRACT: Contamination by herbicides with a prolonged effect on the soil can cause anatomical changes in sensitive plants. Thus, this study aimed at verifying the anatomical changes of tomato stem and leaves caused by different concentrations of picloram in two classes of soil from the Amazon region. The study was developed at UNEMAT, Alta Floresta - Mato Grosso state, in a CRD, in a 2 x 5 factorial arrangement, with four replications. A clayey Rhodic Hapludox (LVAw) and a sandy clay loam Typic Ustipsamments (RQo) were contaminated with 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 L ha-1 of Tordon®, leaving the soil exposed to weathering. One-hundred and twenty days after the application of the herbicide, 10 tomato seeds were sown in samples of both soils. Thirty days after sowing, cross sections of stem and leaf were fixed in FAA50, immersed in methacrylate, cut into a rotary microtome and stained with toluidine blue. The thickness of stem and leaf tissues was analyzed. Data were submitted to analysis of variance and regression analysis by the statistical program Sisvar. The increase in the concentration of picloram caused an increase in the thickness of the leaf blade and in the vascular bundle of the leaf in both soils, with greater effect in the LVAw, where there was tissue disorganization, with irregular and quite collapsed lacunar parenchyma cells and large intercellular spaces. There was also an increase in the diameter of the cortex and in the vascular cylinder of the stem up to the concentration of 2 L ha-1, but in the RQo, plants had more flattened cells with conspicuous intercellular spaces. The anatomical structures of the leaf were more affected by this herbicide.

Abstract Ximenia americana L., Olacaceae, barks are utilized in folk medicine as analgesic and anti-inflammatory. The objective was to evaluate the toxicity and antinociceptive effect of polysaccharides rich fractions from X. americana barks. The fractions were obtained by extraction with NaOH, followed by precipitation with ethanol and fractionation by ion exchange chromatography. They were administered i.v. or p.o. before nociception tests (writhing, formalin, carragenan-induced hypernociception, hot plate), or during 14 days for toxicity assay. The total polysaccharides fraction (TPL-Xa: 8.1% yield) presented 43% carbohydrate (21% uronic acid) and resulted in two main fractions after chromatography (FI: 12%, FII: 22% yield). FII showed better homogeneity/purity, content of 44% carbohydrate, including 39% uronic acid, arabinose and galactose as major monosaccharides, and infrared spectra with peaks in carbohydrate range for COO- groups of uronic acid. TPL-Xa (10 mg/kg) and FII (0.1 and 1 mg/kg) presented inhibitory effect in behavior tests that evaluate nociception induced by chemical and mechanical, but not thermal stimuli. TPL-Xa did not alter parameters of systemic toxicity. In conclusion, polysaccharides rich fractions of X. americana barks inhibit peripheral inflammatory nociception, being well tolerated by animals.

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate the effect of oxacillin bonded to magnetic nanoparticles in local infection model in rat. Methods: Twelve Wistar rats weighing 290±18g were randomly divided into four groups (n=6, each) and all rats had a magnet ring sutured on their right thighs. In the biodistribution group rats 0.1mL of 99mTc-magnetite (0.66 MBq) was injected i.v and after 30 minutes, biodistribution of 99mTc-magnetite was evaluated in right and left thighs. The other groups were inoculated with MRSA in each thigh muscles. Group 1 rats were injected i.v. with magnetite, group 2 with Magnetite + Oxacillin, group 3 with saline twice a day. After 24 hours samples of muscle secretion were harvested for microbiological analysis; muscle, lungs and kidneys for histology. Results: 99mTc-magnetite uptake was three-fold higher in right thigh muscles (with external magnet) than in the left. In magnetite and oxacillin-magnetite groups, bacterial/CFU was significantly lower in thigh muscles than in saline-controls. The inflammatory reaction in muscles and lungs was significantly lower in oxacillin-magnetite group-rats than in other groups (p<0.001) . Conclusion: This study confirms the potential antimicrobial activity of magnetic nanoparticles for Methicillin-Resistant S. aureus strains, which in addition to concentrate the antibiotic at the infection site, positively influenced the treatment.

RESUMO: Ferro (Fe) é um elemento essencial e a capacidade de adquiri-lo in vivo têm sido descrita em diversos agentes patogênicos através de fatores de virulência. Análises de transcritos durante a privação de Fe tem sido descritos através da técnica de "microarray", entretanto a técnica de RNA-seq recentemente tem demonstrado resultados superiores. Neste trabalho, o isolado de Pasteurella multocida (Pm 16759) altamente patogênico em suínos foi cultivado em duas condições com diferentes concentrações de Fe (controle e privação) com o objetivo de analisar transcritos diferencialmente expressos. O RNA total das duas condições foi extraído e sequenciado através da plataforma de nova geração Ion Torrent. Os dados foram analisados no Software Ion Reporter(tm) e processados no programa Rockhopper. Foram obtidas 1.341.615 leituras com tamanho médio de 81pb, com 96% de alinhamento com o genoma de Pasteurella multocida subsp. multocida 3480 e 98,8% de acurácia. No mapeamento das leituras das duas condições, observou-se 2,652 transcritos e destes, 177 (6,7%) foram diferencialmente expressos, sendo 93 na condição controle (Fe+) e 84 na condição de privação (Fe-). Na condição de privação de Fe, o perfil de transcritos foram associados a função de transporte celular (fbp ABC, permease de alta afinidade com Fe2+/Pb2+ e proteína periplasmática de alta afinidade com Fe2+ ), reguladores transcricionais e proteínas hipotéticas. O perfil na condição controle (Fe+) apresentou transcritos diferencialmente expressos associados ao RNAs anti-sense (asRNA) e genes do metabolismo energético (fructose-1,6-bisfosfatase). O estudo comprovou que a restrição de Fe aumenta a expressão de genes envolvidos no transporte celular, reguladores transcricionais, proteínas hipotéticas e desconhecidas e permitiu ainda a identificação de novos genes como a permease de alta afinidade com Fe2+/Pb2+ e proteina periplasmática de alta afinidade com Fe2+ , que configuram uma possível via alternativa de absorção de Fe.

ABSTRACT: Iron (Fe) is an essential element and the ability to acquire it in vivo has been described in several pathogens as virulence factors. Global analyses of transcripts during iron deprivation have been described by microarray studies, however recently RNA-seq analysis showed superior results. The high pathogenic swine strain of Pasteurella multocida (BRMSA 1113) was grown in two conditions with different concentrations of Fe (control and deprivation) in order to analyze the differentially expressed transcripts. The total RNA of the two conditions was extracted and sequenced by new generation Ion Torrent plataform. Data were analyzed in Ion Reporter(tm) Software and processed in Rockhopper software. Sequence analysis shows 1,341,615 readings with median length of 81pb, with 96% of alignment to the reference genome Pasteurella multocida strain 3489, and 98.8% accuracy. Reads mapping to genome of P. multocida in these two conditions detected 2,652 transcripts, which 177 (6.7%) were differentially expressed, with 93 in the control condition (Fe+) and 84 provided with iron deprivation condition (Fe-). In condition (Fe-), differential expressed transcript profile were associated to function of cellular transport (fbpABC, high-affinity Fe2+/Pb2+ permease and periplasmic protein probably involved in hight-affinity Fe2+ ), transcptional regulators and hypothetical proteins. The control condition (Fe+) shows differential expressed transcripts profile associated to RNA anti-sense (asRNA) energetic metabolism genes (fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase). The study showed that the Fe restriction increases the expression of genes involved in cellular transport, transcriptional regulators, hypothetical and unknown proteins, and also allowed the identification of High-affinity Fe2+/Pb2+ permease e Periplasmic protein probably involved in high-affinity Fe2+, that constitute a possible alternative route for Fe absorption.

Azadirachta indica A. Juss., Meliaceae, or Indian neem is a plant used to treat inûammatory disorders. Total polysaccharide (TPL) and FI (fractioned by ion exchange chromatography) from the seed tegument of A. indica were evaluated in models of acute inflammation (paw edema/peritonitis) using Wistar rats. Paw edema (measured by hydroplethysmometry) was induced s.c. by Λ-carrageenan (300 µg), histamine (100 µg), serotonin (20 µg), compound 48/80 (10 µg), prostaglandin (PGE2 30 µg) or L-arginine (15 µg). Peritonitis (analyzed for leukocyte counts/protein dosage) was induced i.p. by carrageenan (500 mg) or N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP 50 ng). Animals were treated i.v. with TPL (1 mg/kg) or FI (0.01, 0.1, 1 mg/kg) 30 min before stimuli. FI toxicity (at 0.1 mg/kg, i.v. for seven days) was analyzed by the variation of body/organ mass and hematological/biochemical parameters. TPL extraction yielded 1.3%; FI, presenting high carbohydrate and low protein content, at 0.1 mg/kg inhibited paw edema induced by carrageenan (77%), serotonin (54%), PGE2 (69%) and nitric oxide (73%), and the peritonitis elicited by carrageenan (48%) or fMLP (67%), being well tolerated by animals. FI exhibited potent anti-inflammatory activity, revealing to be important active component in traditionally prepared remedies to treat inflammatory states.

Objectives: In this study we present the development of a database of psychoactive drugs dispensed to patients attended by the Brazilian Public Health System (SUS) in the city of Manhuaçu, Minas Gerais and the pattern of drug prescription in this city. Methods: 827 patients under psychoactive treatment and attended by SUS were surveyed and information such as gender, degree of education, age, marital status were collected. The collected data were analyzed in order to outline patients' profile and the dispensing and information was used to the access the pattern of psychoactive drug use in the city. Results: Women accounted for 67.2% of the population and age seemed to influence positively the use of psychoactive drugs. Benzodiazepines and antidepressants were among the most prescribed drugs especially after 20 years of age, while in the younger population the antipsychotics and antiepileptics were the mainly prescribed drugs. Antiepileptics/mood stabilizers seemed to be prescribed mainly to single men and women. Conclusion: Personal data concerning gender, age and marital status are related with psychoactive drug dispensing. The collected data will serve as a support for the performance of pharmacists responsible for dispensing psychoactive drugs in the municipality.

Objetivos: En este estudio presentamos el desarrollo de una base de datos de medicamentos psicoactivos dispensados a pacientes atendidos por el Sistema Público de Salud brasileño (SUS) en la ciudad de Manhuaçu, Minas Gerais y el patrón de prescripción en esta ciudad. Métodos: Se investigó a 827 pacientes bajo tratamiento con psicoactivos y atendidos por el SUS y se recogió información como género, nivel de educación, edad, estado civil. Los datos recogidos se analizaron para dibujar el perfil de los pacientes y la dispensación y la información se utilizó para crear el patrón de uso de psicoactivos en la ciudad. Resultados: Las mujeres sumaron el 67,2% de la población y la edad parecía influenciar positivamente el uso de medicamentos psicoactivos. Las benzodiazepinas y los antidepresivos estaban entre los medicamentos más prescritos, especialmente después de los 20 años, mientras que en la población más joven los antipsicóticos y los antiepilépticos fueron los medicamentos más prescritos. Los antiepilépticos y los estabilizadores del ánimo parecían ser prescritos principalmente a hombres y mujeres solteros. Conclusión: Los datos personales como género, edad y estado civil están relacionados con la dispensación de medicamentos psicoactivos. Los datos recogidos servirán como apoyo para la actuación de los farmacéuticos responsables de la dispensación de psicoactivos en el municipio.

It is well known that the kidney plays an important role in the development of cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension. The normal aging process leads to changes in kidney morphology, hemodynamics and function, which increase the incidence of cardiovascular events in the elderly population. These disturbances are influenced by several factors, including gender. In general, females are protected by the effects of estrogens on the cardiorenal system. Several studies have demonstrated the beneficial effects of estrogens on renal function in the elderly; however, the relationships between androgens and kidney health during one’s lifetime are not well understood. Sex steroids have many complex actions, and the decline in their levels during aging clearly influences kidney function, decreases the renal reserve and facilitates the development of cardiovascular disorders. Therefore, in this review, we discuss the cellular, biochemical, and molecular mechanisms by which sex hormones may influence renal function during the aging process.

RESUMO A biossegurança é o conjunto de ações voltadas para a prevenção, minimização ou eliminação de riscos que possam comprometer a saúde do homem e dos animais e o meio ambiente. Os primeiros debates sobre a biossegurança tiveram início na década de 1970, devido a preocupações com a segurança nos espaços laboratoriais e com as consequências que os constantes avanços tecnológicos na área de engenharia genética poderiam significar para o homem, bem como para os sistemas ecológicos. No Brasil, a regulamentação para atividades relacionadas a essas áreas teve início em 1995, com a criação da Comissão Técnica Nacional de Biossegurança. Suas funções são fiscalizar a manipulação de organismos geneticamente modificados (OGM) e certificar a segurança dos espaços laboratoriais. Este trabalho tem como finalidade disseminar os conceitos de biossegurança e proporcionar informações que auxiliarão na segurança do homem e do meio ambiente em aspectos relacionados às atividades de pesquisa, produção, ensino, desenvolvimento tecnológico e prestação de serviços.

ABSTRACT Biosafety is a set of actions directed to the prevention, minimization or elimination of risks that could jeopardize the human’s and animal’s health and of the environment. The first debates about biosafety were held in the early 1970’s due to the outbreak of transmissible diseases and to the concern to the safety in laboratory arenas. In Brazil, the regulations to activities related to these areas began in 1995 with the formation of the National Technical Biosafety whose functions are the inspection of the manipulated Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) and of the laboratory arena safety. This review describes the biosafety concepts and their applicability known in order to improve the human safety as well as the environment in related issues to the research activities, production, teaching, technological development and given service.

OBJETIVO: Verificar o comportamento hemodinâmico e o índice bispectral de cadelas anestesiadas com cetamina e midazolam associados à dexmedetomidina ou medetomidina. MÉTODOS: Vinte cadelas receberam pré-tratamento com levomepromazina e buprenorfina e foram anestesiadas com cetamina, 5 mg.kg-1 i.v., e midazolam, 0,2 mg.kg-1 i.v., seguidos da administração contínua de midazolam, 0,4 mg.kg-1.h-1, e cetamina, 20 mg.kg-1.h-1, associados, conforme o grupo, à: DEX (n=10): dexmedetomidina 20 µg.kg-1.h-1 ou MED (n=10): medetomidina 30 µg.kg-1.h-1, mantidos por 30 minutos. A dose de dexmedetomidina foi obtida por meio de estudo farmacocinético planejando-se concentração plasmática de 3,0 ng.mL-1. RESULTADOS: Os valores do BIS diminuíram em ambos os grupos (P<0,05), mas foram menores no grupo DEX (P<0,05), em comparação com o grupo MED. Não houve diferença significativa nos atributos hemodinâmicos (frequência cardíaca, pressão arterial sistólica, diastólica e média) entre os grupos, mas a frequência cardíaca diminuiu em ambos os grupos em relação ao momento controle (P<0,05). A frequência respiratória diminuiu (P<0,05) e o CO2 expirado aumentou progressivamente em ambos os grupos (P<0,05). O tempo de recuperação anestésica foi semelhante entre os grupos (P>0,05), sem a presença de efeitos adversos. CONCLUSÃO: A administração contínua de dexmedetomidina em concentração plasmática calculada de 3 ng.mL-1, em combinação com midazolam e cetamina, resulta em plano anestésico adequado para castração de cadelas, estabilidade hemodinâmica e despertar tranquilo, sem efeitos adversos.

PURPOSE: To evaluate hemodynamics and bispectral index (BIS) in bitches anesthetized with ketamine and midazolam in combination with dexmedetomidine or medetomidine and submitted to ovariohysterectomy. METHODS: Twenty bitches pretreated with levomedetomidine and buprenorphine were anesthetized with 5 mg.kg-1 ketamine and 0.2 mg.kg-1 midazolam i.v. Continuous infusion of 0.4 mg.kg-1.h-1 midazolam and 20 mg.kg-1.h-1 ketamine was initiated in combination with DEX (n=10): 20 µg.kg-1.h-1 dexmedetomidine or MED (n=10): 30 µg.kg-1.h-1 medetomidine over 30 minutes. A pharmacokinetic study provided dexmedetomidine plasma concentration, set to be 3.0 ng.mL-1. RESULTS: BIS decreased in both groups (P<0.05), but it was lower in DEX (P<0.05) as compared to MED. No differences were found in hemodynamic parameters (heart rate, systolic, diastolic and mean arterial pressure) between groups (P>0.05), but heart rate decreased in both groups, as compared to control values (P<0.05). Respiratory rate decreased (P<0.05) and expired end tidal CO2 increased progressively (P<0.05) and similarly in both groups. Anesthetic recovery period was similar between groups (P<0.05) with no adverse effects. CONCLUSION: Continuous administration of dexmedetomidine with calculated plasma concentration equal to 3 ng.mL-1 in combination with midazolam and ketamine provides suitable anesthesia for spay surgery in bitches, hemodynamic stability and calm awakening with no adverse effects.

Nitric oxide (NO) influences renal blood flow mainly as a result of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS). Nevertheless, it is unclear how nNOS expression is modulated by endogenous angiotensin II, an inhibitor of NO function. We tested the hypothesis that the angiotensin II AT1 receptor and oxidative stress mediated by NADPH oxidase contribute to the modulation of renal nNOS expression in two-kidney, one-clip (2K1C) hypertensive rats. Experiments were performed on male Wistar rats (150 to 170 g body weight) divided into 2K1C (N = 19) and sham-operated (N = 19) groups. nNOS expression in kidneys of 2K1C hypertensive rats (N = 9) was compared by Western blotting to that of 2K1C rats treated with low doses of the AT1 antagonist losartan (10 mg·kg-1·day-1; N = 5) or the superoxide scavenger tempol (0.2 mmol·kg-1·day-1; N = 5), which still remain hypertensive. After 28 days, nNOS expression was significantly increased by 1.7-fold in the clipped kidneys of 2K1C rats and by 3-fold in the non-clipped kidneys of 2K1C rats compared with sham rats, but was normalized by losartan. With tempol treatment, nNOS expression increased 2-fold in the clipped kidneys and 1.4-fold in the non-clipped kidneys compared with sham rats. The changes in nNOS expression were not followed by changes in the enzyme activity, as measured indirectly by the cGMP method. In conclusion, AT1 receptors and oxidative stress seem to be primary stimuli for increased nNOS expression, but this up-regulation does not result in higher enzyme activity.

The market for popcorn (Zea mays L.) has been continuously growing in Brazil fact has required the development of cultivars adapted to local environmental conditions. For this reason, the analytical objectives of this study were to evaluate top-cross popcorn hybrids in relation to popping expansion and grain yield in three different eco-geographic regions of Brazil, in order to estimate variance components using Restricted Maximum Likelihood (REML) and predict breeding values using Best Linear Unbiased Prediction (BLUP). Genetic evaluation considered a linear model with heterogeneous residual (environmental) variances. The Restricted Likelihood Ratio Test (RLRT) evidenced significant differences (p < 0.01) for the genotypic effect. Grain yield showed a moderate heritable trait (h² = 0.26-0.39). A higher additive genetic control was evidenced for popping expansion (h² = 0.58-0.85). Genetic correlations and Spearman coefficient between both traits were negative, indicating that selection based on grain yield would have a negative effect on popping expansion. The top-cross hybrids showed an adequate grain yield, whereas the quality of the popcorn was lower than commercial standards.

Evaluación de híbridos top-cross de maíz-roseta usando modelos lineales mixtos. El mercado del maíz-roseta (Zea mays L.) está en continuo crecimiento en Brasil, lo cual ha demandado el desarrollo de cultivares adaptados a las condiciones locales. Por ello, los objetivos del presente trabajo fueron evaluar híbridos top-cross de maíz-roseta en función de la capacidad de expansión y el rendimiento de los granos, en diferentes regiones eco-geográficas de Brasil; estimar componentes de varianza usando Máxima Verosimilitud Restringida (REML) y predecir los valores genotípicos a través de la Mejor Predicción Linear Insesgada (BLUP). La evaluación genética consideró un modelo lineal con una estructura de varianza residual (ambiental) heterogénea. La prueba de la razón de verosimilitud (restringida) evidenció diferencias significativas (p < 0,01) para el efecto genotípico. La producción de granos mostró ser una característica de heredabilidad media (h² = 0,26-0,39). En la capacidad de expansión se evidenció un mayor control genético aditivo (h² = 0,58-0,85). Las correlaciones genéticas y de Spearman entre las características fueron negativas, indicando que la selección basada en el rendimiento de granos tendría un efecto negativo sobre la capacidad de expansión. Los híbridos top-cross presentaron un rendimiento de grano adecuado, sin embargo, la calidad de la roseta estuvo por debajo de los estándares comerciales.

FUNDAMENTO: A seleção de pacientes com doença coronariana crônica para recanalização baseia-se na detecção do miocárdio comprometido, potencialmente viável. OBJETIVO: Avaliar o miocárdio isquêmico, potencialmente viável pelo SPECT com MIBI sensibilizado por nitroglicerina em dose máxima tolerada. MÉTODOS: Investigamos de forma prospectiva, de abril de 2004 a novembro de 2005, pela tomografia computadorizada por emissão de fóton único SPECT com Tc-99m (MIBI), 40 pacientes (média etária 62 ± 8,9 anos, 30 homens) com obstrtução coronariana demonstrada angiograficamente, e a cintilografia miocárdica foi realizada em repouso e com nitroglicerina endovenosa (EV), iniciando com a dose (1 µg/kg/min) e incremento a cada minuto, até a queda da pressão arterial sistólica em 20 mmHg. A redução da perfusão dos segmentos foi classificada em moderada e severa, e comparada depois da nitroglicerina. Analisamos as variáveis angiográficas, hemodinâmicas e de perfusão miocárdica. RESULTADOS: Analisamos 680 segmentos miocárdicos em repouso: 538 com distribuição homogênea e 142 com hipoperfusão (54 com redução moderada e 88 severa). Depois da nitroglicerina, ocorreu aumento da perfusão em 19 (47,5%) de 40 pacientes. Tornaram-se viáveis 55 de 142 segmentos: 33 (61,1%) com redução moderada e 22 (25%) com redução severa, ambos apresentaram aumento significativo da distribuição do radiofármaco (p < 0,001, qui-quadrado). CONCULSÃO: Dos componentes com Tc-99m, está incluído o Tc-99m-2-methoxy-isobutil-isonitrila (MIBI) que, utilizado com dose otimizada de nitroglicerina EV, pode aumentar a captação do radiofármaco em áreas com hipoperfusão moderada e severa. Os resultados deste estudo sugerem aumento da sensibilidade do Tc-99m (MIBI) pela nitroglicerina para detecção de miocárdio viável.

BACKGROUND: The selection of patients with chronic coronary disease for recanalization is based on the detection of the affected myocardium that is potentially viable. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the potentially viable ischemic myocardium through single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) with MIBI after a maximum tolerated dose of I.V. nitroglycerin. METHODS: We prospectively investigated by SPECT with Tc-99m (MIBI), from April 2004 to November 2005, 40 patients (mean age: 62 ± 8.9 yrs, 30 men) with coronary obstruction demonstrated angiographically; the myocardium scintigraphy was carried out at rest and after intravenous (I.V.) nitroglycerin, which was started at a dose of 1 µg/kg/min and increased every minute until the systolic blood pressure decreased by 20 mmHg. The decrease in the perfusion of the segments was classified as moderate or severe and compared after the nitroglycerin. The angiographic, hemodynamic and myocardial perfusion variables were analyzed. RESULTS: We analyzed 680 myocardial segments at rest: 538 with a homogenous distribution and 142 with hypoperfusion (54 with moderate and 88 with severe decrease). After the nitroglycerin, there was an increase in the perfusion in 19 (47.5%) of 40 patients and 55 of 142 segments became viable: 33 (61.1%) with moderate and 22 (25%) with severe decrease; both presented a significant increase in the radiotracer distribution (p < 0.001, Chi-square). CONCLUSION: One of the components with Tc-99m is Tc-99m 2-methoxy-isobutyl-isonitrile (MIBI), which, when used with an optimized dose of I.V. nitroglycerin, can increase the radiotracer uptake in areas with moderate and severe hypoperfusion. The results of the present study suggest the increase in the Tc-99m (MIBI) sensitivity by nitroglycerin for the detection of viable myocardium.