ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of exogenous amylase on gas production, in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD), and in vitro digestion kinetics of sorghum (Sorghum vulgaris) and two corn hybrids of different grain textures. Ruminal fluid was collected from two rumen-fistulated cows receiving or not exogenous amylase (0.7g kg-1 of dry matter (DM basis)), provided to achieve 396 kilo Novo units kg-1 for amylase activity (DM basis). Gas production was measured after 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 30, 36, 42 e 48 hours of incubation. Amylase increased gas production (mL) by 5.4%. Corn hybrids have higher in vitro dry matter digestibility than sorghum. Exogenous amylase increased the potential of gas production (A) (P=0.01). There was an effect of hybrid for IVDMD (P<0.01). The addition of exogenous amylase increases the in vitro gas production, improves fermentation kinetics, and increases the production of the ammonia nitrogen of corn and sorghum grains, but does not affect in vitro and dry matter digestibility or the short-chain fatty acids production. IVDMD, , (IVDMD) Sorghum vulgaris textures rumenfistulated rumen fistulated 0.7g 07g g 0 7g kg1 kg 1 kg- DM basis, basis basis)) 39 basis. . basis) 3 6 9 12 15 18 21 24 30 36 4 incubation mL (mL 54 5 5.4% A (A P=0.01. P001 P P=0.01 01 (P=0.01) P<0.01. P<0.01 (P<0.01) grains shortchain short chain (IVDMD 2 5.4 P00 P=0.0 (P=0.01 P<0.0 (P<0.01 5. P0 P=0. (P=0.0 P<0. (P<0.0 P=0 (P=0. P<0 (P<0. P= (P=0 P< (P<0 (P= (P< (P

RESUMO O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito da amilase exógena na produção de gases, a digestibilidade in vitro da matéria seca (DIVMS) e a cinética de digestão in vitro de sorgo (Sorghum vulgaris) e de dois híbridos de milho de diferentes texturas de grãos. O líquido ruminal foi coletado de duas vacas fistuladas no rúmen recebendo ou não amilase exógena (0,7g kg-1 de matéria seca (MS)), fornecida para atingir 396 kg Novo unidades kg-1 para atividade de amilase (base na MS). A produção de gás foi medida após uma, três, seis, nove, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 30, 36, 42 e 48 horas de incubação. A amilase aumentou a produção de gás (mL) em 5,4%. Híbridos de milho apresentam maior DIVMS que o sorgo. A amilase exógena aumentou o potencial de produção de gás (A) (P=0,01). Houve efeito de híbrido para DIVMS (P<0,01). Amilase exógena aumenta a produção de gás in vitro, melhora a cinética da fermentação e aumenta a produção de nitrogênio amoniacal de grãos de milho e sorgo, mas não afeta a digestibilidade in vitro da matéria seca ou a produção de ácidos graxos de cadeia curta. gases (DIVMS Sorghum vulgaris 0,7g 07g g 0 7g kg1 1 kg- MS, MS , (MS)) 39 base MS. . MS) uma três seis nove 12 15 18 21 24 30 36 4 incubação mL (mL 54 5 5,4% (A P=0,01. P001 P P=0,01 01 (P=0,01) P<0,01. P<0,01 (P<0,01) curta (MS) 3 2 5,4 P00 P=0,0 (P=0,01 P<0,0 (P<0,01 (MS 5, P0 P=0, (P=0,0 P<0, (P<0,0 P=0 (P=0, P<0 (P<0, P= (P=0 P< (P<0 (P= (P< (P

RESUMO A injúria renal aguda (IRA) é definida como o declínio rápido da função renal. Seu desenvolvimento está relacionado a quadros clínicos críticos, como sepse, pós-operatório complicado e doenças infecciosas. A cistatina C sérica (CisC) tem a melhor correlação com a taxa de filtração glomerular. A ultrassonografia se destaca por ser altamente acessível e pode ser realizada à beira do leito. Foram selecionados 28 cães, internados em unidade de terapia intensiva, com valores de creatinina sérica <1,6mg/dL e fatores de risco para o desenvolvimento de IRA. Medições de CisC e avaliações ultrassonográficas foram realizadas diariamente por 72 horas. Utilizando-se a dosagem de CisC, 22/28 animais (78,6%) foram considerados portadores de IRA e 17/22 apresentaram ultrassom compatível com alterações de IRA, demonstrando concordância moderada com a dosagem de CisC. O aumento da ecogenicidade cortical renal é a alteração mais prevalente em pacientes críticos, está correlacionado com aumentos séricos de CisC e associado a dano estrutural renal.

ABSTRACT Acute kidney injury (AKI) is defined as the rapid decline in kidney function. Its development is related to critical clinical statuses, such as sepsis, complicated post-surgical recovery, and infectious diseases. Serum cystatin C (CysC) has the best correlation with the glomerular filtration rate. Ultrasonography stands out because it is highly accessible and can be done at the bedside. Twenty-eight dogs admitted to the intensive care unit with serum creatinine values <1.6 mg/dL and at-risk factors of AKI development were selected. CysC measurements and ultrasound assessments were performed daily for 72 hours. Using CysC dosage, 22/28 animals (78.6%) were considered to have AKI, and 17/22 had ultrasound compatible with AKI changes, demonstrating moderate agreement with CysC dosage. Increased cortical renal echogenicity is the most prevalent alteration in critically ill patients and is correlated with serum increases in CysC and is associated with renal structural damage.

RESUMO A relação da eficiência nutricional com a idade e o peso à puberdade e as características reprodutivas foram estudadas em 35 novilhas F1 Holandês x Gir, em ensaios usando o consumo alimentar residual (CAR) nos períodos pós-desaleitamento (PD) e pós-puberdade (PP). Novilhas PD (P<0,0001) e PP (P<0,001) foram ranqueadas como de alta, intermediária e baixa eficiências e apresentaram CAR de -0,259 -0,014 e 0,346kg/dia e -0,848 -0,096 e 0,842kg/dia, respectivamente. Novilhas PD diferiram (P<0,05) na idade à puberdade entre ranques de alta, intermediária e baixa eficiências, em média, aos 339,7; 346,4; 315,3 dias, respectivamente. Os pesos à puberdade de novilhas PD com alta, intermediária e baixa eficiências foram, em média, de 321±28,1kg e não diferiram (P>0,05) entre CAR. Não foi verificada correlação entre diâmetro folicular, taxa de crescimento do folículo, número de ondas foliculares no ciclo estral e taxa de gestação à primeira IA com o CARPD ou CARPP. Novilhas F1HG selecionadas para CAR com baixa eficiência podem ter idade à puberdade 10 dias a mais, quando comparadas às novilhas de alta eficiência para CAR. Não foi verificado que novilhas selecionadas para alta ou baixa eficiências alimentares, usando CAR, tivessem algum impacto negativo sobre características reprodutivas avaliadas.

ABSTRACT The relationship between nutritional efficiency and age and weight at puberty and reproductive traits was studied in 35 F1 Holstein x Gyr heifers, in trials using residual food consumption (CAR) in the post-weaning (PW) and post-pubertal (PP) periods. PD heifers (P<0.0001) and PP (P<0.001) were classified as high, intermediate and low efficiencies and presented CAR of -0.259 -0.014 and 0.346kg/day and -0.848 -0.096 and 0.842kg/day, respectively. PD heifers differed (P<0.05) in age at puberty between high, intermediate and low efficiencies, on average, at 339.7, 346.4 and 315.3 days, respectively. The weight at puberty of PD heifers with high, intermediate and low efficiencies were, on average, 321±28.1kg and did not differ (P>0.05) between CAR. No correlation was found between follicular diameter, follicle growth rate, number of follicular waves in the estrous cycle and pregnancy rate at 1st AI with the CARPD or CARPP. F1HG heifers selected for CAR with low efficiency can be aged at puberty 10 days longer when compared to high-efficiency heifers for CAR. These results did not show that heifers selected for high or low food efficiency, using CAR, had negative impact on the reproductive characteristics evaluated.

This study aimed to evaluate the chemical composition, fractionation of nitrogen compounds and carbohydrates, digestibility parameters, gas production kinetics and ruminal fermentation of fruit seed cakes. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with three fruit seed cakes (treatments) and four replications. The cakes were made of seeds of custard apple (Annona squamosa), soursop (Annona muricata) and passion fruit (Passiflora edulis), which were collected in a biodiesel plant. The passion fruit seed cake presented the highest content of dry matter, neutral detergent fibre crude protein (NDFcp), acid detergent fibre (ADF), lignin and total carbohydrates (P<0.05). The custard apple seed cake presented high proportions of crude protein, condensed tannins and digestible energy (P<0.05). The soursop seed cake presented higher values for ether extract and total digestible nutrients (P<0.05). For potential degradability, the authors detected a difference between the custard apple, soursop and passion fruit seed cakes. The total volume of gases was higher for custard apple and soursop seed cakes. Custard apple seed cake presented higher proportions of in vitro degradation parameters (P<0.05). Thus this cake could provide greater nutrient levels when supplied in ruminant diets, followed by soursop seed cake and passion fruit seed cake.

This study was designed to evaluate the nutrient intake, digestibility, degradability, and ruminal characteristics of Sindhi heifers fed diets that contained a combined total of 75% oldman saltbush hay (hereafter saltbush hay) and prickly pear cactus. Eight 12-month old intact male red Sindhi calves (four fistulated and four non-fistulated) with an initial mean weight of 170 ± 5 kg were assigned to 4 * 4 Latin squares, where factors consisted of four diets, namely 15% hay and 60% cactus; 30% hay and 45% cactus; 45% hay and 30% cactus; and 60% hay and 15% cactus, and four times at which rumen fluid was collected. Neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and acid detergent fibre (ADF) intakes in kg/day and NDF in percentage live weight (LW), water intake, salinity, and conductivity increased with hay level. Intake and digestibility of non-fibrous carbohydrates were curvilinear with higher values in diets containing 30% saltbush hay. The apparent digestibility of dry matter (DM) and organic matter decreased linearly as the concentration of saltbush hay increased in the diet. The pH of the rumen fluid was within the acceptable range for favourable microbial growth. The low temperature and high salinity and conductivity indices in the diets should be viewed with caution at higher concentrations of saltbush hay, because of a possible decrease in nutrient absorption and the development of health problems in the animals. Apparent degradability coefficients of DM and NDF were affected significantly by inclusion of prickly pear and saltbush hay in the diets.

RESUMO Apesar dos bovinos serem considerados os hospedeiros naturais do BoHV-1, estudos sorológicos têm sugerido que búfalos podem ser suscetíveis ao BoHV-1 e a outros alfa-herpesvírus geneticamente relacionados. O objetivo deste estudo foi detectar a presença de DNA viral de BoHV-1 em 202 amostras de gânglios trigêmeos de búfalos, pela técnica de semi-nested PCR, para detecção de um segmento do gene codificante da glicoproteína D (gD) do BoHV-1. Além disso, 242 amostras de soro foram analisadas pela técnica de soroneutralização (SN) para a detecção de anticorpos neutralizantes contra BoHV-1, BoHV-5 e BuHV. Todas as amostras clínicas foram coletadas em um matadouro na cidade de Pelotas, RS, Brasil. O DNA de BoHV-1 foi detectado em 61 (30,1%) gânglios, e os resultados da SN demonstraram que 27,6% dos animais apresentaram anticorpos contra, pelo menos, um dos vírus testados. O sequenciamento genômico e a análise de 14 amplicons confirmaram a presença do DNA do BoHV-1 nos tecidos analisados. Em resumo, os resultados indicam que o BoHV-1 está distribuído em rebanhos bubalinos provenientes da região Sul do Brasil. Entretanto, são necessárias investigações adicionais, no sentido de elucidar o papel exato dos búfalos na epidemiologia das infecções pelo BoHV-1.

ABSTRACT Although bovines are natural hosts for BoHV-1, serologic studies in several countries have suggested that buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) may be susceptible to BoHV-1 and other genetically related alphaherpesvirus. This study aimed to investigate the presence of BoHV-1 DNA in trigeminal ganglia from 202 buffaloes by a semi-nested PCR to amplify partially the glycoprotein D (gD) gene of BoHV-1. Additionally, 242 serum samples were tested by serum neutralization (SN) for the detection of antibodies against BoHV-1, BoHV-5 and BuHV. All clinical samples were collected in a slaughterhouse located in Pelotas, RS, Brazil. BoHV-1 DNA was detected in 61 (30.1%) of the samples and SN revealed 27.6% of the animals with neutralizing antibodies against at least one of the tested viruses. Nucleotide sequencing of 15 amplicons followed by BLAST analysis confirmed the presence of BoHV-1 DNA in the analyzed tissues. Taken together, these data indicate that BoHV-1 infection is distributed in buffaloes in southern Brazil. However, the role of buffaloes in the BoHV-1 epidemiology needs further investigation.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of diets containing silages of forages that are adapted to the semi-arid environment on the characteristics of the carcass and of non-carcass components of 32 mixed-breed lambs at approximately six months old, with an average live weight of 17.61 ± 2.63 kg. Lambs were assigned to four treatments (diets containing silages of Atriplex nummularia Lind, Cenchrus ciliaris, Gliricidia sepium and Manihot sp.) in a completely randomized design with eight replicates. Animals fed the diet containing old man saltbush showed higher values for the intakes of dry matter (1.080 g/day), crude protein (190 g/day) and total digestible nutrients (740 g/day), body condition score (2.81 points), fatness (2.87 points), carcass conformation (3.19 points), live weight (29.1 kg), empty bodyweight (23.41 kg), weights of the commercial cuts neck, shoulder and ribs (0.46, 0.82 and 1.12 kg, respectively), and skin weight (1.972 kg). No differences were found between the diets for carcass dressing percentage, external and internal carcass lengths, leg length and circumference, rump circumference and width, chest width and depth, full bodyweight, empty bodyweight, cooling losses, pH before and after cooling, loin, and leg. Silages of old man saltbush, buffelgrass, gliricidia and pornunça are recommended for inclusion in lamb diets. Diets with old man saltbush silage provide the best results for characteristics of the carcass and of non-carcass components besides weight gain, which can reach up to 200 g/day depending on the formulation.

Thirty-two mixed-breed ram lambs (average age, 5.6 ± 0.4 months, and average live weight, 17.61 ± 2.63 kg) were used to evaluate the effect of diets containing silages of forages adapted to a semi-arid environment on the metabolic profile in serum and the histopathological assessment of liver and kidney tissues of the lambs. Lambs were allocated, in a completely randomised design, to four treatments (silage of old man saltbush (Atriplex nummularia Lind), buffelgrass (Cenchrus ciliaris), gliricidia (Gliricidia sepium) and 'pornunça' (Manihot sp.). The feedlot period was 49 days, and animals were slaughtered at an average weight of 27 ± 4.6 kg. On the last day of the experiment, blood was collected from the jugular vein of all animals to measure the protein, metabolic and energy profiles of the lambs. At slaughter, kidney and liver samples were collected for histopathological examination. The consuming of the diet containing buffelgrass silage resulted in a significantly higher activity of alanine-aminotransferase (30.14 IU/L) and the concentrations of urea (44.25 mg/dL), creatinine (0.94 mg/dL) and albumin (4.48 g/dL) in serum. Diets containing gliricidia silage resulted in significantly higher gamma-glutamyl transferase activity (92.0 IU/L), while the diets with pornunça silage resulted in higher serum levels of triglycerides (37.85 mg/dL). The diets had no effect on aspartate-aminotransferase enzyme activity and total protein, cholesterol and globulin concentrations, or the albumin : globulin ratio in serum. Mild congestion, necrosis and foci of mineralisation were observed in the kidneys of animals fed diets containing old man saltbush (50%) and pornunça (25%) silages, and mild fatty degeneration and mild mononuclear inflammatory infiltrate in their livers. In conclusion, diets containing silages of forages that are adapted to semi-arid environments may be used for feeding lambs, given the absence of dysfunctioning plasmatic levels of liver enzymes and energy and protein profiles. Additionally, kidney failure was not observed in lambs fed these diets during the feedlot period.

Abstract The main objective of this study was to demonstrate the antimicrobial potential of the crude extract and fractions of Chenopodium ambrosioides L., popularly known as Santa-Maria herb, against microorganisms of clinical interest by the microdilution technique, and also to show the chromatographic profile of the phenolic compounds in the species. The Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of cardiotonic, anthraquinone, alkaloids, tannins and flavonoids. The analysis by HPLC-DAD revealed the presence of rutin in the crude extract (12.5 ± 0.20 mg/g), ethyl acetate (16.5 ± 0.37 mg/g) and n-butanol (8.85 ± 0.11 mg/g), whereas quercetin and chrysin were quantified in chloroform fraction (1.95 ± 0.04 and 1.04 ± 0.01 mg/g), respectively. The most promising results were obtained with the ethyl acetate fraction, which inhibited a greater number of microorganisms and presented the lowest values of MIC against Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis (MIC = 0.42 mg/mL), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MIC = 34.37 mg/mL), Paenibacillus apiarus (MIC = 4.29 mg/mL) and Paenibacillus thiaminolyticus (MIC = 4.29 mg/mL). Considering mycobacterial inhibition, the best results were obtained by chloroform fraction against M. tuberculosis, M. smegmatis, and M. avium (MIC ranging from 156.25 to 625 µg/mL). This study proves, in part, that the popular use of C. ambrosioides L. can be an effective and sustainable alternative for the prevention and treatment of diseases caused by various infectious agents.

Foi avaliada neste estudo a presença de caspase-3-clivada no coração de ratos irradiados durante o declínio da função ventricular. Ratas Wistar foram irradiadas com uma dose única de radiação (15 Gy) diretamente no coração e as análises molecular, histológica e fisiológica foram realizadas treze meses pós a irradiação dos animais. As expressões de procolágeno tipo I, TGF-ß1 e caspase-3-clivada foram analisadas usando Western blotting. Alterações cardíacas estruturais e funcionais foram investigadas por meio de ecocardiografia e microscopia eletrônica. No grupo irradiado, os níveis de procolágeno tipo I, TGF-ß1 e caspase-3-clivada estão aumentados Alterações histológicas importantes (degeneração do tecido cardíaco e deposição de colágeno) e funcionais (fração de ejeção reduzida) foram observadas. Dados sugerem que o declínio da função cardíaca após a exposição à radiação ionizante está relacionado, em parte, com aumento do colágeno e da caspase-3-clivada.

The caspase-3-cleaved presence was evaluated in this study in the heart of irradiated rats, during the decline of ventricular function. Female Wistar rats were irradiated with a single dose of radiation (15 Gy) delivered directly to the heart and the molecular, histological and physiological evaluations were performed at thirteen months post-irradiation. The expressions of procollagen type I, TGF-ß1 and caspase-3-cleaved were analyzed using Western blotting. Cardiac structural and functional alterations were investigated by echocardiography and electron microscopy. In the irradiated group, the levels of procollagen type I, TGF-ß1 and caspase-3-cleaved are increased. Significant histological changes (degeneration of heart tissue and collagen deposition) and functional (reduced ejection fraction) were observed. Data suggest that the cardiac function decline after exposure to ionizing radiation is related, in part, to increased collagen and increased caspase-3-cleaved.

O propósito do presente estudo foi avaliar, em pacientes diabéticos do tipo 2, a influência do excesso de peso corporal avaliado pelo IMC e da adiposidade central aferida pela circunferência da cintura (CC) no perfil lipídico sangüíneo e na glicemia de jejum. Foram avaliados 145 indivíduos atendidos em uma unidade de saúde, com idade > 20 anos. A freqüência do sexo feminino foi de 61,4%. Nos homens, o excesso de peso correlacionou-se com o HDL (r = -0,34, p < 0,05), colesterol total (r = 0,35, p < 0,01) e triglicerídeos (r = 0,49, p < 0,0001), sendo que nas mulheres houve correlação apenas com os triglicerídeos (r = 0,24, p < 0,05). A CC correlacionou-se com a glicemia de jejum nas mulheres (r = 0,3, p < 0,01), com o colesterol total nos homens (r = 0,33, p < 0,05) e com os triglicerídeos em ambos os sexos (F: r = 0,22, p < 0,05; M: r = 0,49, p < 0,001). Maiores níveis glicêmicos e de triglicerídeos estiveram presentes nos pacientes com excesso de peso e adiposidade central e menores níveis de HDL estiveram associados ao excesso de peso. Conclui-se que há associação entre inadequado perfil metabólico e excesso de peso e/ou adiposidade central, evidenciando a necessidade de intervenção nutricional e clínica em pacientes diabéticos do tipo 2 de forma a reduzir o risco de complicações crônicas futuras.

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate, in diabetic type 2 patients, the influence of body weight excess assessed by BMI and the central adiposity assessed by the waist circumference in the lipid and glycemic profile. One hundred and forty five individuals assisted in a unit of health, aged > 20 years old, were appraised. The female frequency was 61.4%. Among men, the weight excess was correlated with HDL (r = -0.34, p < 0.05), with the total cholesterol (r = 0.35, p < 0.01), and with the triglycerides (r = 49, p < 0.0001), and among women there was correlation just with the triglycerides (r = 0.24, p < 0,05). Waist circumference was correlated with the fast glycemia women's group (r = 0.3, p < 0.01), with the total cholesterol among men (r = 0.33, p < 0.05) and with triglycerides in both genders (F: r = 0.22, p < 0.05; M: r = 0.49, p < 0.001). Highest glycemic and triglycerides levels were present in patients with excess body weight and central adiposity and lower HDL levels were present in patients with body weight excess. In conclusion, there is association between inadequate metabolic profile and the excess of body weight and/or central obesity, evidencing the need for a nutritional and clinical intervention in the diabetic type 2 patients, in order to reduce the risk of future chronic complications.

ABSTRACT The aim of this work was to verify the patogenicity of Clostridium perfringens type-A strains, carrying the CPB-2 gene, that codify the beta-2 toxin production. The rabbit ligated ileal loop model was used, inoculating culture suspensions of C. perfringens type-A CPB-2 carrier strains or its filtrates. The dilatation observed in 19 out of 24 loops receiving innocula from CPB-2 positive strains and in only one out of 12 loops treated with CPB-2 negative innocula constituted a significant statistical difference. There was no statistical difference in the dilatation of loops between using filtrates or bacterial suspensions. In the loops treated with suspensions of CPB-2 positive strains cultures, severe lesions were observed, and for those inoculated with filtrates of the same cultures less severe alterations were observed. In the loops inoculated with culture suspensions or filtrates from a CPB-2 negative strain and in those treated with sterile BHI broth, no histological changes were observed. The C. perfringens biotype-A strains carrying the CPB-2 gene, showed its virulence when inoculated into the rabbit ileum. typeA type A CPB2 CPB 2 CPB- gene beta2 beta beta- production used C 1 broth biotypeA biotype ileum

RESUMO O presente trabalho teve por objetivo verificar a patogenicidade de cultivos de amostras de Clostridium perfringens tipo A, portadoras do gene CPB-2 codificador da toxina beta-2. Utilizou-se o modelo de alças intestinais ligadas em coelhos, inoculadas com suspensão e filtrado de cultivos de amostras de C. perfringens tipo A, portadoras e não portadoras do gene CPB-2. Comparou-se os efeitos da inoculação das suspensões de culturas com os induzidos pelos filtrados destas suspensões. Obteve-se resultado estatisticamente significante quanto à distensão das alças, a qual foi observada em 19 das 24 alças testadas com inóculos procedentes de amostras CPB-2 positivas e, em apenas uma das 12 testadas com inóculos obtidos de amostra CPB-2 negativa. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significante entre a utilização das suspensões de culturas ou de seus filtrados, no que diz respeito à distensão das alças intestinais devido à exsudação de fluido. O exame histológico dos fragmentos de íleos inoculados com suspensão e filtrado de amostras CPB-2 positivas exibiram lesões acentuadas. Os segmentos inoculados com suspensão e filtrado de amostra CPB-2 negativa e caldo BHI estéril não exibiram alterações. As cepas de C. perfringens tipo A, portadoras do gene codificador da toxina beta-2, demonstraram sua virulência quando inoculadas em íleo de coelho. A CPB2 CPB 2 CPB- beta2. beta2 beta 2. beta-2 Utilizouse Utilizou se coelhos C CPB2. Comparouse Comparou Obtevese Obteve 1 fluido acentuadas alterações beta2, 2, coelho beta-

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a disease predominantly of older adults. Treatment of AML in the elderly is complicated not only by comorbidities but also by the high prevalence of poor prognosis markers. Thirty-one consecutive unselected patients with AML older than 60 years (representing 33% of all AML cases diagnosed at our institution during the same period) were followed over a period of 5 years (1997-2002). A high incidence of AML with multilineage dysplasia (45%) and no favorable cytogenetic abnormalities but 62% intermediate and 38% unfavorable karyotypes were found. Sixteen patients (52%) were selected for induction of intensive cytotoxic treatment and complete remission was achieved only by some of these intensively treated patients (7 of 16). Of these, 3 remained alive without disease (median: 11 months), 1 patient died shortly after complete remission, and 3 patients relapsed and died from refractory disease. Only 1 patient that was refractory to intensive cytotoxic treatment remained alive with disease under supportive care. Fifteen patients (48%) were managed with palliative/supportive care: 7 received palliative treatment and supportive care, 8 received supportive care only, and 4 patients remained alive with disease under supportive care (median: 9 months). Mortality rate was 74% and overall survival at two years was 12%. To the best of our knowledge, there is no previous report regarding elderly patients with AML in Brazilian subsets. The present data are similar to previously reported studies showing that elderly AML patients are not only older but also biologically distinct from younger AML patients, particularly in terms of the high incidence of poor prognostic karyotypes and resistance to therapy.