Nuclear proliferation marker MIB-1 (Ki-67) immunohistochemistry (IHC) is used to examine tumor cell proliferation. However, the diagnostic or prognostic value of the Ki-67 nuclear staining intensity and location, defined as nuclear gradient (NG), has not been assessed. This study examined the potential association between Ki-67 NG and cell cycle phases and its effect on the prognosis of pulmonary typical carcinoid (PTC) tumors. We propose a method for classifying the NG of Ki-67 during the cell cycle and compare the results between PTC, pulmonary adenocarcinoma (PAD), and breast ductal carcinoma (BDC). A literature review and objective analysis of IHC-stained paraffin sections were used to determine the Ki-67 labeling index and composed a stratification of the NG into NG1, NG2, and NG3/4 categories. A semi-automated image analysis protocol was established to determine the Ki-67 NG in PTC, PAD, and BDC. High intraobserver consistency and moderate interobserver agreement were achieved in the determination of Ki-67 NG in tumor specimens. NG1 and NG2 were lower in PTC than in PAD and BDC. Cox multivariate analysis of PTC after adjusting for age and number of metastatic lymph nodes showed that Ki-67 NG1 and NG2 significantly predicted clinical outcomes. The semi-automated method for quantification of Ki-67 nuclear immunostaining proposed in this study could become a valuable diagnostic and prognostic tool in PTC.

Sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA2a) and sarcolemmal Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (NCX1) structures are involved in heart cell Ca2+ homeostasis. Previous studies have shown discrepancies in their function and expression in heart failure. The goal of this study was to evaluate heart function and hypertrophied muscle Ca2+-handling protein behavior under pressure overload. Twenty male Wistar rats were divided into two groups: Aortic stenosis (AoS), induced by a clip placed at the beginning of the aorta, and Control (Sham). After 18 weeks, heart function and structure were evaluated by echocardiogram. Myocardial function was analyzed by isolated papillary muscle (IPM) at basal condition and Ca2+ protein functions were evaluated after post-pause contraction and blockage with cyclopiazonic acid in IPM. Ca2+-handling protein expression was studied by western blot (WB). Echocardiogram showed that AoS caused concentric hypertrophy with enhanced ejection fraction and diastolic dysfunction inferred by dilated left atrium and increased relative wall thickness. IPM study showed developed tension was the same in both groups. AoS showed increased stiffness revealed by enhanced resting tension, and changes in Ca2+ homeostasis shown by calcium elevation and SERCA2a blockage maneuvers. WB revealed decreased NCX1, SERCA2a, and phosphorylated phospholambam (PLB) on serine-16 in AoS. AoS had left ventricular hypertrophy and diastolic dysfunction compared to Sham; this could be related to our findings regarding calcium homeostasis behavior: deficit in NCX1, SERCA2a, and phosphorylated PLB on serine-16.

RESUMO Este estudo avaliou a eficiência de três protocolos de indução de estro síncronizado em ovelhas da raça Santa Inês. Vinte e quatro ovelhas adultas foram equitativamente distribuídas em três grupos, de acordo com ordem de parto, peso corporal (kg) e escore da condição corporal. As ovelhas receberam implante vaginal de progesterona natural por seis dias mais 37,5μg de d-cloprostenol laterovulvar e 300UI de eCG i.m., 24 horas antes da remoção do dispositivo. Ovelhas controle receberam CIDR330mg de progesterona, e as demais receberam dispositivo absorvente intravaginal humano, tamanho mini, embebido com 200 (OB200) ou 400mg (OB400) de progesterona. Coletas de sangue foram feitas nos momentos D0 (antes da inserção dos dispositivos), D0+6h e diariamente, até um dia após retirada do dispositivo (D7). A progesterona (ng/mL) foi semelhante (P>0,05) em todos os tratamentos ao longo do período experimental, exceto no dia da remoção do dispositivo, quando as ovelhas controle (2,5±0,3) tiveram progesterona superior (P<0,05) às ovelhas OB200 (0,6±0,1) e OB400 (1,2±0,4). O percentual de animais em estro (100,0, 62,5 e 100,0%) foi semelhante (P>0,05) e o intervalo para o estro (46,3±3,9a, 26,4±4,5b e 31,2±5,8a,b) foi diferente (P<0,05) entre os animais dos grupos controle, OB200 e OB400, respectivamente. A taxa de concepção das ovelhas foi de 50,0% (4/8) para cada grupo (P>0,05). Dispositivos humanos e fonte de progesterona podem ser usados para induzir o estro sincronizado em ovelhas Santa Inês.

RESUMO: Dois extratos lipofílicos e o ácido atomárico (1), um produto natural isolado, foram obtidos da alga parda marinha Stypopodium zonale (Dictyotaceae) para identificar e caracterizar seus potenciais efeitos inibitórios na germinação de sementes e no alongamento de radícula e do hipocótilo das plantas daninhas Mimosa pudica e Senna obtusifolia. Os extratos foram preparados com hexano e diclorometano, e o ácido atomárico (1) foi isolado do extrato em hexano por métodos convencionais em cromatografia. Durante 15 dias, os bioensaios de germinação foram realizados a 25 oC e fotoperíodo de 12 horas, enquanto os bioensaios de alongamento da radícula e do hipocótilo foram realizados a 25 oC e fotoperíodo de 24 horas. Posteriormente, placas de Petri de 9,0 cm de diâmetro foram revestidas de papel-filtro, e 25 sementes foram mantidas em câmaras de germinação, enquanto seis sementes pré-germinadas foram postas em placas de Petri por 2-3 dias. Após dez dias, a extensão da radícula e do hipocótilo foi medida. O potencial inibitório dos extratos foi avaliado a 10 ppm, e o do ácido atomárico, a 5, 10, 15 e 20 ppm. Em ambos, M. pudica e S. obtusifolia, o extrato em diclorometano alcançou maiores percentuais de inibição que o extrato em hexano durante a germinação das sementes (34% e 22%, respectivamente), alongamento da radícula (38% e 30%, respectivamente) e desenvolvimento do hipocótilo (29% e 22%, respectivamente). Na concentração de 20 ppm, o ácido atomárico (1) também demonstrou potencial inibidor, com valores médios de 59% para M. pudica e 49% para S. obtusifolia.

ABSTRACT: Two lipophilic extracts and atomaric acid (1), an isolated natural product, were obtained from the marine brown alga Stypopodium zonale (Dictyotaceae) to identify and characterize their potential inhibitory effects on the seed germination, radicle elongation, and hypocotyl development of the weeds Mimosa pudica and Senna obtusifolia. The extracts were prepared with hexane and dichloromethane, and atomaric acid (1) was isolated from hexane extract by way of conventional chromatographic methods. During a 15 days period, germination bioassays were performed at 25 oC with a 12 h photoperiod, whereas radicle elongation and hypocotyl development were assayed at 25 oC with a 24 h photoperiod. After, Petri dishes 9.0 cm in diameter were coated with qualitative filter paper, 25 seeds were placed in a germination chamber, while six pregerminated seeds were placed in the Petri dish for 2-3 days. After 10 days, radicle and hypocotyl extension were measured; and the inhibitory potential of the extracts was assessed at 10 ppm and that of the atomaric acid at 5, 10, 15, and 20 ppm. In both M. pudica and S. obtusifolia, dichloromethane extract achieved the greatest rates of inhibition during seed germination (34% and 22%, respectively), radical germination (38% and 30%, respectively), and hypocotyl development (29% and 22%, respectively). At a concentration of 20 ppm, atomaric acid (1) also demonstrated reduced inhibitory potential, with mean values of 58.67% for M. pudica and 48.67% for S. obtusifolia.

ABSTRACT In the present work, different Brazilian biomes aiming to identify and select cyclodextrin glycosyltransferase-producer bacteria are explored. This enzyme is responsible for converting starch to cyclodextrin, which are interesting molecules to carry other substances of economic interest applied by textile, pharmaceutical, food, and other industries. Based on the enzymatic index, 12 bacteria were selected and evaluated, considering their capacity to produce the enzyme in culture media containing different starch sources. It was observed that the highest yields were presented by the bacteria when grown in cornstarch. These bacteria were also characterized by sequencing of the 16S rRNA region and were classified as Bacillus, Paenibacillus, Gracilibacillus and Solibacillus.

In the present study, we compared the performance of a ThinPrep cytological method with the conventional Papanicolaou test for diagnosis of cytopathological changes, with regard to unsatisfactory results achieved at the Central Public Health Laboratory of the State of Pernambuco. A population-based, cross-sectional study was performed with women aged 18 to 65 years, who spontaneously sought gynecological services in Public Health Units in the State of Pernambuco, Northeast Brazil, between April and November 2011. All patients in the study were given a standardized questionnaire on sociodemographics, sexual characteristics, reproductive practices, and habits. A total of 525 patients were assessed by the two methods (11.05% were under the age of 25 years, 30.86% were single, 4.4% had had more than 5 sexual partners, 44% were not using contraception, 38.85% were users of alcohol, 24.38% were smokers, 3.24% had consumed drugs previously, 42.01% had gynecological complaints, and 12.19% had an early history of sexually transmitted diseases). The two methods showed poor correlation (k=0.19; 95%CI=0.11–0.26; P<0.001). The ThinPrep method reduced the rate of unsatisfactory results from 4.38% to 1.71% (χ2=5.28; P=0.02), and the number of cytopathological changes diagnosed increased from 2.47% to 3.04%. This study confirmed that adopting the ThinPrep method for diagnosis of cervical cytological samples was an improvement over the conventional method. Furthermore, this method may reduce possible losses from cytological resampling and reduce obstacles to patient follow-up, improving the quality of the public health system in the State of Pernambuco, Northeast Brazil.

Este trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar, clínica e macroscopicamente, o tratamento adjuvante com plasma rico em plaquetas na forma de colírio ou tampão, em úlceras de córnea de cães atendidos no Serviço de Oftalmologia Veterinária. Foram analisados 20 olhos com diagnóstico de ceratite ulcerativa, distribuídos em dois grupos experimentais. O grupo colírio (GC) foi constituído por olhos tratados topicamente com colírio autólogo de plasma rico em plaquetas (PRP), e o grupo tampão (GT) por olhos submetidos ao tratamento à base de tampão sólido de PRP, associado ao recobrimento com terceira pálpebra para retenção deste. Os grupos foram avaliados, por meio de avaliação clínica, macroscópica e análise da redução do defeito epitelial, em diferentes momentos, aos três, cinco, dez, 15 e 30 dias, com exceção do terceiro dia no GT. O recobrimento da terceira pálpebra foi removido no quinto dia no GT. Em ambos os grupos, houve redução dos sinais de inflamação, melhora na sensibilidade ocular e adequada reparação do defeito epitelial. Todos os olhos do GT apresentaram completa cicatrização no quinto dia e 70% no GC, atingindo a totalidade no 10º dia. O PRP na forma de colírio ou tampão é uma excelente terapia adjuvante a ser instituída no tratamento clínico da úlcera de córnea em cães, pois atua na diminuição dos sinais inflamatórios, da dor ocular e auxilia potencialmente na cicatrização do defeito epitelial.

This study aims to clinically and macroscopically evaluate the adjuvant therapy with platelet-rich plasma in the form of eyedrops or clot, for corneal ulcers in dogs treated at the Veterinary Ophthalmology Service. We analyzed 20 eyes diagnosed with ulcerative keratitis, divided into two experimental groups. The eyedrop group (GC) was composed of eyes treated topically with eyedrops of autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and the clot group (GT) was composed of eyes treated with a platelet-rich clot and covered with a third eyelid for retention of the clot. The groups were evaluated by clinical and macroscopic analysis and by the analysis of epithelial defect reduction, at different times, at three, five, ten, 15 and 30 days, except for the third day in GT. The coverage of the third eyelid was removed on the fifth day. In both groups the inflammation signs reduced, there was an improvement in ocular sensibility and proper repair of epithelial defect. All GT eyes and 70% GC eyes showed complete healing on the fifth day, the remainder of GC completed healing on the tenth day. PRP in the form of eyedrops and clot is an excellent adjuvant therapy to be instituted in the clinical treatment for corneal ulcer in dogs, because it decreases the inflammatory signs and the ocular pain and it potentially assists in healing epithelial defects.

A Criptococose é uma importante doença infecciosa fúngica, causada por uma levedura do gênero Cryptococcus, que acomete diferentes espécies inclusive o homem. Há poucos relatos na literatura sobre a criptococose pulmonar em cães. O presente trabalho relata um caso de criptococose em um cão apresentando alterações respiratórias, especialmente dispneia. O diagnóstico foi realizado por meio da citologia aspirativa, após toracotomia exploratória, sendo observado um quadro de pleuris grave. O paciente foi tratado durante 90 dias com itraconazol e apresentou, ao final do tratamento, a remissão completa dos sintomas relatados.

Cryptococcosis is a major infectious disease caused by a yeast from the Cryptococcus genre which affects different species including humans. There are few reports related to pulmonary cryptococcosis in dogs. A case of Cryptococcosis in a dog showing dyspnea was described. The diagnosis was done by aspiration cytology after exploratory thoracotomy, and a picture of severe pleurisy was observed. The diagnosis was done by needle aspiration cytology after thoracotomy. Severe pleuris frame was observed. Treatment with itraconazole was performed for 90 days, and at the end of the treatment the dog presented complete remission of reported symptoms.

A leishmaniose visceral (LV) é uma doença infecciosa crônica frequentemente fatal causada pela Leishmania infantum chagasi nas Américas. A enfermidade pode acometer vários órgãos, determinando diferentes manifestações clínicas. Contudo o envolvimento do coração raramente tem sido reportado em cães infectados por Leishmania sp. Dessa forma, descreve-se um caso de miocardite crônica com repercussões clínicas e patológicas em um cão naturalmente infectado por Leishmania infantum chagasi. A positividade para Leishmaniose Visceral foi determinada pela presença de anticorpos antiLeishmania sp. nos testes sorológicos (RIFI, ELISA e DPP) e confirmada por visualização de formas amastigotas de Leishmania sp. em punção aspirativa do linfonodo poplíteo. O exame cardiovascular revelou alterações radiográficas, eletrocardiográficas, na pressão arterial e nos biomarcardores cardíacos. Após eutanásia, amostras de tecido cardíaco foram avaliadas histologicamente e submetidas à imunomarcação, onde foi observado infiltrado mononuclear (plasmo-histiolinfocitário), com presença de estruturas arredondadas de coloracão marrom-amareladas (imunomarcadas), indicando formas amastigotas de Leishmania infantum chagasi no miocárdio. Os aspectos etiopatogênicos da leishmaniose visceral sobre o miocárdio neste caso podem estar relacionados tanto à presença do parasita quanto à resposta "reacional inespecífica" do tecido à agressão do parasita no organismo. Todavia ainda não se sabem se as cepas de Leishmania infantum chagasi da região semiárida paraibana apresentam algum tropismo por tecido cardíaco ou se induzem a reação imunológica cruzada, com implicações clínicas.

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a chronic, often fatal infectious disease caused by Leishmania infantum chagasi in the Americas. The disease can affect many organs and may express different clinical forms. However, the involvement of the heart has rarely been reported in dogs infected by Leishmania sp. Thus, we describe a case of chronic myocarditis with clinical and pathological effects in a dog naturally infected by Leishmania infantum chagasi. Positivity for Visceral Leishmaniasis was determined by the presence of anti-Leishmania sp. in serological tests (IFAT, ELISA and DPP) and confirmed by visualization of amastigote forms of the parasite in the popliteal lymph node aspiration samples. The cardiovascular clinical examination showed changes in the radiographic, ECG, blood pressure and heart biomarkers. After euthanasia, heart tissue samples were histologically examined and underwent our immunohistochemistry assessment, where mononuclear infiltrate was observed (plasma cells, lymphocytes and macrophages) with the presence of rounded brownish-yellow (immunomarked) cells, indicating amastigotes of Leishmania infantum chagasi within the myocardium. The etiopathogenic aspects of visceral leishmaniasis in the myocardium in this case may be related either to the presence of the parasite or the "nonspecific reactive" response of the tissue attributable to the aggression of the parasite in the body. However, it is not known if the strains of Leishmania infantum chagasi found in the semi-arid of Paraíba have some tropism for cardiac tissue or if they induce immunological cross-reaction with clinical implications.

Foram avaliados, por meio da tomografia computadorizada, 19 cães com mastocitomas tratados com quimioterapia. Aspectos como contorno, atenuação, realce pós-contraste e presença de clivagem com estruturas adjacentes foram avaliados. Aplicaram-se os critérios RECIST e a mensuração volumétrica das lesões para se avaliar a resposta ao tratamento. Quanto à atenuação, os mastocitomas se mostraram como lesões homogêneas ou heterogêneas, com tendência a limites definidos e contornos regulares e apresentaram realce moderado após administração do contraste iodado intravenoso. Os métodos RECIST e a mensuração volumétrica apresentaram uma excelente concordância na classificação da resposta terapêutica, fornecendo um bom parâmetro da resposta ao tratamento instituído. O exame de tomografia computadorizada se mostrou útil na delimitação do tumor e importante ferramenta no planejamento das margens cirúrgicas.

Nineteen dogs with mast cell tumors treated with chemotherapy were evaluated by computed tomography (CT). Were evaluated aspects related to contours, attenuation, post-contrast enhancement and presence of cleavage with adjacent structures. The RECIST criteria and volumetric measurement of lesions were performed to assess the response to treatment. The mast cell tumors presented a homogeneous or heterogeneous attenuation, presented more frequently a well delineated and regular contours and moderate enhancement after intravenous administration of the iodinated contrast media. The methods RECIST and volumetric measurements showed an excellent agreement to the classification of therapeutic response, providing a good parameter of the response to treatment. The CT examination proved to be useful in the delimitation of the tumor and an important tool for planning of surgical margins.

Because histopathological changes in the lungs of patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) are consistent with alveolar and vessel cell damage, we presume that this interaction can be characterized by analyzing the expression of proteins regulating nitric oxide (NO) and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) synthesis. To validate the importance of alveolar-vascular interactions and to explore the quantitative relationship between these factors and other clinical data, we studied these markers in 23 cases of SSc nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (SSc-NSIP). We used immunohistochemistry and morphometry to evaluate the amount of cells in alveolar septa and vessels staining for NO synthase (NOS) and PAI-1, and the outcomes of our study were cellular and fibrotic NSIP, pulmonary function tests, and survival time until death. General linear model analysis demonstrated that staining for septal inducible NOS (iNOS) related significantly to staining of septal cells for interleukin (IL)-4 and to septal IL-13. In univariate analysis, higher levels of septal and vascular cells staining for iNOS were associated with a smaller percentage of septal and vascular cells expressing fibroblast growth factor and myofibroblast proliferation, respectively. Multivariate Cox model analysis demonstrated that, after controlling for SSc-NSIP histological patterns, just three variables were significantly associated with survival time: septal iNOS (P=0.04), septal IL-13 (P=0.03), and septal basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF; P=0.02). Augmented NOS, IL-13, and bFGF in SSc-NSIP histological patterns suggest a possible functional role for iNOS in SSc. In addition, the extent of iNOS, PAI-1, and IL-4 staining in alveolar septa and vessels provides a possible independent diagnostic measure for the degree of pulmonary dysfunction and fibrosis with an impact on the survival of patients with SSc.

Avaliaram-se os efeitos anestésicos promovidos pela associação medetomidina e lidocaína por via epidural, em gatos pré-tratados com acepromazina e midazolam. Foram utilizados 10 gatos adultos, machos e fêmeas, hígidos e com média de peso de 2,5±0,6kg, distribuídos em dois grupos (GM e GL) de igual número (n=5). Administraram-se, como medicação pré-anestésica, acepromazina, 0,2mg/kg, e midazolam, 0,5mg/kg, via intramuscular, e 20 minutos depois, nos animais do GM, por via epidural, lidocaína, 4,4mg/kg, associada à medetomidina, 0,02mg/kg. Os gatos do GL receberam lidocaína, 4,4mg/kg, associada à solução de NaCl a 0,9%. As avaliações ocorreram antes da pré-anestesia (MPA), 20 minutos após a MPA e antes da anestesia epidural, e aos 10, 20, 30 e 40 minutos após a anestesia epidural, respectivamente, T-20, T0, T10, T20, T30 e T40. Foram avaliados: frequência cardíaca (FC) e respiratória (FR), temperatura do corpo, saturação de oxiemoglobina, analgesia, miorrelaxamento e período de recuperação. No GM, a FC diminuiu em T20, T30 e T40 em relação ao T-20 e T10 e foi mais baixa que a FC do GL em T20, T30 e T40, respectivamente, 86, 91 e 88 bat/min e 194, 205 e 177 bat/min. A FR variou entre o T-20 e os outros momentos de avaliação nos animais do GL. Nas variáveis eletrocardiográficas, houve diferenças entre T20, T30 e T40 e T-20 e T0, valores de 235, 238 e 240ms e 156 e 161ms, respectivamente, somente no GM. Este grupo diferiu do GL nas avaliações em T20, T30 e T40, valores de 147, 132 e 150ms para os gatos do GL. Oitenta por cento dos gatos tiveram analgesia intensa, e em todos os animais ocorreu relaxamento da mandíbula e da língua. O tempo de recuperação foi de 40 e 15min no GM e no GL, respectivamente. Concluiu-se que a associação lidocaína com medetomidina promoveu plano anestésico estável com grau de anestesia e recuperação anestésica de boa qualidade.

The anesthetic effects due to the association of medetomidine and epidural lidocaine in cats pretreated with acepromazine and midazolam were evaluated. Ten adult cats were used, male and female, healthy and weighing 2.5±0.6kg. They were divided into two groups (GM and GL) of equal numbers (n=5). Premedication with acepromazine, 0.2mg/kg, and midazolam, 0.5mg/kg, intramuscular was administered. Twenty minutes later, GM animals were given epidural lidocaine, 4.4mg/kg, associated with medetomidine, 0.02mg/kg. GL cats received lidocaine, 4.4mg/kg, associated with NaCl 0.9%. Assessments occurred before the pre-anesthesia (MPA), 20 minutes after premedication and before the epidural block, and 10, 20, 30 and 40 minutes after epidural anesthesia, respectively, T-20, T0, T10, T20, T30 and T40. Heart rate, respiratory rate, body temperature, oxyhemoglobin saturation, analgesia, muscle relaxation and recovery period were evaluated. In GM cats the heart rate decreased at T20, T30 and T40 as compared to T-20 and T10 and was lower than the heart rate in the GL cats at T20, T30 and T40, values being, respectively, 86, 91 and 88 beats/min and 194, 205 and 177 beats/min. The respiratory rate ranged from T-20 and the other time points in GL animals. Concerning electrocardiographic variables, in GM cats significant differences between T20, T30 and T40 and T0 and T-20, were observed, values being 235, 238 and 156 and 161ms and 240ms, respectively. GM animals differed from GL in T20, T30 and T40, values being 147, 132 and 150ms for GL cats. Eighty percent of the cats had severe pain and in all animals there was a relaxation of the jaw and tongue. The recovery time was 40 and 15 min at GM and GL, respectively. It was concluded that the association promoted lidocaine with medetomidine anesthesia with a stable level of anesthesia and anesthetic recovery of good quality.

RESUMO A análise da fertilidade dos grãos de pólen de Ricinus communis (mamona) é de grande importância para programas de melhoramento, permitindo o manejo e uso adequado das coleções existentes e a criação de cultivares interessantes na produção de biodiesel. Neste trabalho, optou-se por um processo preditivo baseado no método citológico de coloração dos grãos de pólen e no método de germinação in vitro dos grãos, após tratamentos de conservação a baixas temperaturas, para a verificação da viabilidade, importante na formação das sementes, alvo dos programas de melhoramento. Utilizou-se a técnica de coloração com carmim acético 2% na análise da viabilidade dos grãos de pólen nas cultivares IAC-80, Cafelista, AL-Preta e AL-Guarany 2002, enquanto que o método de germinação in vitro após tratamento de -196° C, -80° C e -18° C, por 15 e 30 dias, foi aplicado somente na cultivar IAC-80. A viabilidade polínica foi acima de 95% em IAC-80 e Cafelista de 88,48% em AL-Preta e de 86,46% em e AL-Guarany 2002. Estas cultivares apresentaram também alto percentual de viabilidade polínica na antese, sendo possível a utilização de todas as cultivares analisadas na indução de fertilização em programas de melhoramento. Os resultados obtidos com a germinação in vitro dos grãos de IAC-80, após a criopreservação, indicaram que o percentual médio da viabilidade polínica in vivo não foi influenciado pelo período de armazenamento. Observaram-se diferenças entre os tratamentos a baixas temperaturas, porém o percentual de viabilidade dos mesmos foi baixo, sugerindo necessidade de adequação na técnica de avaliação.

ABSTRACT The analysis of the pollen grain fertility of Riccinus communis (castor-oil plant) is of great importance for breeding programs, allowing for suitable handling and use of collections and the creation of cultivars of interest for biodiesel production. In this work, a predictive process was chosen based on the cytological method of pollen-grain staining and in-vitro pollen germination after low-temperature treatments for preservation to verify the pollen viability, which is important in seed fertilization and formation. The conventional cytological staining technique with 2% acetic carmine was used for pollen grain viability analysis for the cultivars IAC-80, Cafelista, AL-Preta and AL-Guarany 2002, while the method of in-vitro germination after treatment at -196° C, -80° C and -18° C, from 15 to 30 days, was used for the cultivar IAC-80. The IAC-80 and Cafelista cultivars showed pollen viability values above 95%, while AL-Preta and AL-Guarany 2002 showed 88.48 and 86.46%, respectively. The pollen grains of castor-oil cultivars also presented a high percentage of pollen viability at anthesis. Therefore, it is possible to use the pollen grains of all the analyzed cultivars for fertilization induction in breeding programs. The results indicate that the average percentage of the pollen-grain viability in-vivo was not influenced by the storage period. It was also observed that there were differences among the low-temperature treatments, although the percentage of viability was low, suggesting the need for the application of a suitable evaluation technique.

Com objetivo de avaliar a influência das drogas antitiroidianas (AT) sobre a eficácia da dose terapêutica de iodo radioativo (DT), avaliamos retrospectivamente 226 prontuários de pacientes portadores de doença de Graves submetidos à DT no período entre 1990 e 2001: 58 pacientes sem antitiroidiano (AT), 119 em uso de propiltiouracil (PTU) e 49 em uso de metimazol (MMI). O estado funcional tiroidiano 9-12 meses pós-DT dividia os pacientes entre curados e não curados. Níveis elevados de T4 livre, captação de 131I em 24 h tiveram influência negativa sobre a taxa de cura, assim como menor dose de iodo administrada e maior volume do bócio (p< 0,05). O percentual de pacientes curados em uso de PTU previamente à DT foi de 70,2% (84/119), enquanto nos pacientes em uso de MMI foi de 85,7% (42/49), e de 84,5% (49/58) nos pacientes sem AT pré-DT (p= 0,034). Em modelo de regressão multivariado, T4 livre > 4 ng/dl, maior volume do bócio, dose terapêutica < 10 mCi e o uso prévio de PTU tiveram relação com menores taxas de cura. Quando comparado ao grupo sem AT, concluímos que PTU implica em maior risco de falência pós-DT (OR= 3,13), o mesmo não ocorrendo com MMI (OR= 1,28).

Aiming at evaluating the effect of antithyroid drugs on the efficacy of radioiodine treatment (RAI) we retrospectively analyzed 226 patients with Graves’ disease hyperthyroidism submitted to RAI between 1990 and 2001: 58 patients without any antithyroid drug (ATD) prior to RAI, 119 patients using propylthiouracil (PTU) and 49 patients using methimazole (MMI) prior to RAI. Clinical and laboratory parameters 1 year after RAI defined their clinical status (cured or not cured). High serum free T4 and 131-iodine uptake were negatively related with cure as well as lower RAI doses (mCi) and larger goiters (p< 0.05). The percentage of cured patients on PTU prior to RAI was 70.2% (84/119), while those on MMI was 85.7% (42/49), and 84.5% (49/58) of those without ATD prior to RAI (p= 0.034). On logistic regression analysis, free T4 > 4 ng/dl, large goiter, RAI dose < 10 mCi and PTU prior to RAI were related to lower cure rates. Compared to patients with no ATD prior to RAI, we concluded that the previous use of PTU implies in higher failure rates after RAI (OR= 3.13), an effect not observed in patients on MMI (OR= 1.28).

A inibição da Enzima Conversora da Angiotensina (ECA) é um alvo terapêutico moderno e eficaz no tratamento da hipertensão arterial. Na cascata enzimática que envolve o sistema renina-angiotensina, a ECA promove a remoção dos aminoácidos histidil-leucina da angiotensina I para formar o octapeptídio angiotensina II, a qual é fisiologicamente ativa em diversos sistemas, e considerado como um dos mais potentes vasoconstrictores endógenos conhecido. Portanto, uma racionalidade no tratamento da hipertensão seria administrar drogas ou compostos de origem natural que inibam seletivamente a ECA. O presente estudo constitui uma revisão da literatura sobre plantas e moléculas de origem natural com potencial anti-hipertensivo, baseado na inibição in vitro da ECA. A revisão referencia 321 plantas, partes usadas, tipo de extrato e se é ativo ou não. Inclui ainda o nome de 158 compostos isolados de plantas superiores, esponjas e algas marinhas, fungos e venenos de cobra. Alguns aspectos de pesquisa recente com produtos naturais direcionados à produção de drogas anti-hipertensivas também são discutidos. Nesta revisão 148 referências foram consultadas.

Inhibition of Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) is a modern therapeutic target in the treatment of hypertension. Within the enzyme cascade of the renin-angiotensin system, ACE removes histidyl-leucine from angiotensin I to form the physiologically active octapeptide angiotensin II, one of the most potent known vasoconstrictors. Therefore, a rationale for treating hypertension would be to administer drugs or natural compounds which selectively inhibit ACE. The present work constitutes a review of the literature of plants and chemically defined molecules from natural sources with in vitro anti-hypertensive potential based on the inhibition of ACE. The review refers to 321 plants, the parts utilized, type of extract and whether they are active or not. It includes also the names of 158 compounds isolated from higher plants, marine sponges and algae, fungi and snake venom. Some aspects of recent research with natural products directed to produce anti-hypertensive drugs are discussed. In this review, 148 references were cited.