RESUMO Os aços maraging são aços especiais de ultra-alta resistência e alta tenacidade, mas, apesar de suas propriedades notáveis, suas aplicações ainda são limitadas devido ao seu alto custo de produção. O objetivo deste trabalho consiste em avaliar a relação entre a formação de precipitados e o teor de austenita revertida, correlacionando com a dureza e as alterações nas propriedades mecânicas relativas à tração do aço maraging 300 sob diferentes condições de tratamentos térmicos, para servir como parâmetro de análise no seu emprego em blindagens balísticas. Amostras de aço maraging 300 foram tratadas em 29 diferentes condições de envelhecimento e o comportamento de endurecimento por precipitação foi analisado empregando diferentes técnicas, como: ferritoscopia, ensaio de dureza nas situações como recebido e envelhecido, e ensaio de tração nas temperaturas de 440, 480 e 570 °C, a fim de verificar a influência da fase austenítica nas propriedades mecânicas. A influência do superenvelhecimento foi observada na amostra de 570 °C, resultando numa diminuição de aproximadamente 31% na resistência mecânica e um aumento em torno de 40% na ductilidade, em comparação com a amostra envelhecida a 440 °C, indicando uma melhora na tenacidade do material. ultraalta ultra mas notáveis produção revertida 30 térmicos balísticas 2 técnicas ferritoscopia envelhecido 48 57 C °C 31 40 ductilidade 44 material 3 4 5

ABSTRACT Maraging steels are special ultra-high-strength and high-tenacity steels, but despite their remarkable properties, their applications are still limited due to their high production cost. The aim of this work is to evaluate the relationship between the formation of precipitates and the content of reverted austenite, correlating with the hardness and changes in tensile mechanical properties in a class 300 maraging steel subjected to different heat treatment conditions, to serve as analysis parameter in its use in ballistic armor. Samples of maraging 300 steel were treated in 29 different aging conditions and the precipitation hardening behavior was analyzed using different techniques, such as: ferritoscopy, hardness test in as-received and aged situations, and tensile testing at temperatures of 440, 480 and 570 °C, in order to verify the influence of the austenitic phase on the mechanical properties. The influence of overaging was observed in the 570 °C sample, resulting in a decrease of approximately 31% in mechanical strength and an increase of around 40% in ductility, compared to the sample aged at 440 °C, indicating an improvement in the toughness of the material. ultrahighstrength ultra hightenacity tenacity cost austenite 30 armor 2 techniques ferritoscopy asreceived received situations 48 57 C 31 40 ductility 44 material 3 4 5

Abstract This study aimed to investigate the epidemiological and pathological findings of type 1 and 2 abomasal ulcers in cattle with different primary comorbidities. A total of 201 animals; 40/201 (20%) were young cattle under the age of two years and 161/201 (80%) were adult cattle over the age of two years, which were hospitalized for clinical care 152/201 (75,62%), 19/201 (9,45%) obstetric care, 17/201 (8,46%) surgical care and 13/201 (6,47%) for anatomopathological diagnosis, being euthanized or had natural death. The diagnosis of ulcers was based on the result of the post-mortem examination (macroscopic and histopathological analysis). Histopathological examination was performed on 201 fragments of ulcers and classified as type 1 or type 2. Of these, 193/201 (96.01%) corresponded to type 1 ulcers, of which 12/193 (5.97%) corresponded to subtype 1a lesions, 101/193 (50.25%) to subtype 1b, 77/ 193 (38.31%) to subtype 1c, 03/193 (1.49%) to subtype 1d, while 08/201 (3.98%) were type 2 ulcers. The ulcers were characterized by a focal, focally extensive, multifocal or diffuse inflammatory process, mainly by mononuclear cells. Abomasitis associated with ulcerated mucosa was found in 160/201 (79.60%). In 26/201 (12.93%) the abomasitis had diffuse foci of multifocal lymphocytic proliferation by atypical lymphocytes. Digestive and reproductive comorbidities were seen more frequently in cattle with type 1 or type 2 ulcers. The Subtype 1b focal ulcers and subtype 1a and 1b multifocal ulcers were more prevalent. In addition to the presence of comorbidities, most cases occur in the dry period, associated with feeding with higher amounts of concentrates and silages. 20 animals 40201 40 40/20 20% (20% 161201 161 161/20 80% 80 (80% 152201 152 152/20 75,62%, 7562 75,62% , 75 62 (75,62%) 19201 19 19/20 9,45% 945 9 45 (9,45% 17201 17 17/20 8,46% 846 8 46 (8,46% 13201 13 13/20 6,47% 647 6 47 (6,47% death postmortem post mortem macroscopic analysis. analysis . analysis) these 193201 193/20 96.01% 9601 96 01 (96.01% 12193 12 12/19 5.97% 597 5 97 (5.97% lesions 101193 101 101/19 50.25% 5025 50 25 (50.25% b 77 38.31% 3831 38 31 (38.31% 1c c 03193 03 03/19 1.49% 149 49 (1.49% 1d d 08201 08 08/20 3.98% 398 3 98 (3.98% extensive process cells 160201 160 160/20 79.60%. 7960 79.60% 79 60 (79.60%) 26201 26 26/20 12.93% 1293 93 (12.93% lymphocytes prevalent period silages 4020 4 40/2 (20 16120 16 161/2 (80 15220 15 152/2 756 75,62 7 (75,62% 1920 19/2 9,45 94 (9,45 1720 17/2 8,46 84 (8,46 1320 13/2 6,47 64 (6,47 19320 193/2 96.01 960 0 (96.01 1219 12/1 5.97 59 (5.97 10119 10 101/1 50.25 502 (50.25 38.31 383 (38.31 0319 03/1 1.49 14 (1.49 0820 08/2 3.98 39 (3.98 16020 160/2 796 79.60 (79.60% 2620 26/2 12.93 129 (12.93 402 40/ (2 1612 161/ (8 1522 152/ 75,6 (75,62 192 19/ 9,4 (9,4 172 17/ 8,4 (8,4 132 13/ 6,4 (6,4 1932 193/ 96.0 (96.0 121 12/ 5.9 (5.9 1011 101/ 50.2 (50.2 38.3 (38.3 031 03/ 1.4 (1.4 082 08/ 3.9 (3.9 1602 160/ 79.6 (79.60 262 26/ 12.9 (12.9 ( 75, (75,6 9, (9, 8, (8, 6, (6, 96. (96. 5. (5. 50. (50. 38. (38. 1. (1. 3. (3. 79. (79.6 12. (12. (75, (9 (6 (96 (5 (50 (38 (1 (3 (79. (12 (75 (79 (7

Resumo Objetivou-se estudar os achados epidemiológico e anatomopatológico de úlceras do abomaso tipo 1 e 2 em bovinos com diferentes comorbidades primárias. Um total de 201 animais; 40/201 (20%) eram bovinos jovens com idade inferior a dois anos e 161/201 (80%) eram bovinos adultos com idade superior a dois anos, os quais foram internados para atendimento clínico 152/201 (75,62%), 19/201 (9,45%) obstétrico, 17/201 (8,46%) para atendimento clínico-cirúrgico e 13/201 (6,47%) para diagnóstico anatomopatológico, sendo eutanasiados ou tiveram morte natural. O diagnóstico das úlceras foi baseado no exame post-mortem (análise macroscópica e histopatológica). O exame histopatológico foi realizado em 201 fragmentos de úlceras e classificado como tipo 1 ou do tipo 2. Destes, 193/201 (96,01%) corresponderam a úlceras tipo 1, das quais, 12/193 (5,97%) corresponderam a lesões subtipo 1a, 101/193 (50,25%) a subtipo 1b, 77/193 (38,31%) a subtipo 1c, 03/193 (1,49%) ao subtipo 1d, enquanto 08/201 (3,98%) foram úlceras tipo 2. As úlceras foram caracterizadas por processo inflamatório focal, focalmente extenso, multifocais ou difusos, principalmente por células mononucleares. Abomasite associada à mucosa ulcerada foi encontrada em 160/201 (79,60%). Em 26/201 (12,93%) a abomasite apresentava focos difusos de proliferação linfocítica multifocal por linfócitos atípicos. As comorbidades digestivas e reprodutivas foram observadas com maior frequência em bovinos com úlceras tipo 1 ou tipo 2. As úlceras focais subtipo 1b e úlceras multifocais subtipo 1a e 1b foram mais prevalentes. Além da presença de comorbidades, a maioria dos casos ocorrerem no período seco, associados à alimentação com maiores aportes de concentrados e silagens. Objetivouse Objetivou se primárias 20 animais 40201 40 40/20 20% (20% 161201 161 161/20 80% 80 (80% 152201 152 152/20 75,62%, 7562 75,62% , 75 62 (75,62%) 19201 19 19/20 9,45% 945 9 45 (9,45% obstétrico 17201 17 17/20 8,46% 846 8 46 (8,46% clínicocirúrgico cirúrgico 13201 13 13/20 6,47% 647 6 47 (6,47% natural postmortem post mortem análise histopatológica. histopatológica . histopatológica) Destes 193201 193 193/20 96,01% 9601 96 01 (96,01% 12193 12 12/19 5,97% 597 5 97 (5,97% 101193 101 101/19 50,25% 5025 50 25 (50,25% b 77193 77 77/19 38,31% 3831 38 31 (38,31% 1c c 03193 03 03/19 1,49% 149 49 (1,49% 1d d 08201 08 08/20 3,98% 398 3 98 (3,98% focal extenso mononucleares 160201 160 160/20 79,60%. 7960 79,60% 79 60 (79,60%) 26201 26 26/20 12,93% 1293 93 (12,93% atípicos prevalentes seco silagens 4020 4 40/2 (20 16120 16 161/2 (80 15220 15 152/2 756 75,62 7 (75,62% 1920 19/2 9,45 94 (9,45 1720 17/2 8,46 84 (8,46 1320 13/2 6,47 64 (6,47 19320 193/2 96,01 960 0 (96,01 1219 12/1 5,97 59 (5,97 10119 10 101/1 50,25 502 (50,25 7719 77/1 38,31 383 (38,31 0319 03/1 1,49 14 (1,49 0820 08/2 3,98 39 (3,98 16020 160/2 796 79,60 (79,60% 2620 26/2 12,93 129 (12,93 402 40/ (2 1612 161/ (8 1522 152/ 75,6 (75,62 192 19/ 9,4 (9,4 172 17/ 8,4 (8,4 132 13/ 6,4 (6,4 1932 193/ 96,0 (96,0 121 12/ 5,9 (5,9 1011 101/ 50,2 (50,2 771 77/ 38,3 (38,3 031 03/ 1,4 (1,4 082 08/ 3,9 (3,9 1602 160/ 79,6 (79,60 262 26/ 12,9 (12,9 ( 75, (75,6 9, (9, 8, (8, 6, (6, 96, (96, 5, (5, 50, (50, 38, (38, (1, 3, (3, 79, (79,6 12, (12, (75, (9 (6 (96 (5 (50 (38 (1 (3 (79, (12 (75 (79 (7

Abstract Cowpea is grown mainly in regions with a hot semi-arid climate, where other pulses do not develop satisfactorily. It is the 4th most produced pulse in the world, thus supplying the domestic and export markets. Following the trends of the food products market, a study was carried out to identify the best condition of the extrusion process, to transform these nutritious grains into quality expanded products and ready for consumption. The grains were decorticated and transformed into cotyledon flour. This flour was conditioned and the Evolum HT25 twin screw extruder feeder was adjusted to a rate of 7 kg h-1. A Box-Behnken 23 design was used, considering the following variables and levels: extrusion temperature from 100 °C to 140 °C (in the 7th to 10th zone), screw speed (300 to 700 rpm) and conditioning moisture from 12% to 16%. The temperature affected linearly and negatively (p ≤ 0.05) the sectional expansion index (2.65 to 7.64). The screw speed interfered linearly and positively (p ≤ 0.05) in the longitudinal (1.12 to 9.32) and volumetric (4.91 to 24.15) expansion index, and negatively with the water absorption index (3.05 to 3.86 g g-1). The screw speed (positive linear and negative quadratic), the moisture content (negative quadratic) and the interaction (positive) between the two interfered (p ≤ 0.05) in the water solubility index (25.89% to 33.85%). The hardness value (1.24 to 2.83 N) was affected (p ≤ 0.05) by screw speed (negative linear and positive quadratic), temperature (negative quadratic), moisture (positive quadratic), and interactions of moisture with temperature and screw speed. To obtain a hardness value close to that of commercial extrudates and high-water solubility, the maximum global desirability obtained was 0.81 for extrusion at 135.6 °C, 700 rpm and 12% moisture. semiarid semi arid climate satisfactorily th world markets market process consumption HT HT2 h1. h1 h 1. 1 h-1 BoxBehnken Box Behnken 2 used levels 10 C 14 zone, zone , zone) 300 (30 70 12 16 16% p 0.05 005 0 05 2.65 265 65 (2.6 7.64. 764 7.64 . 64 7.64) 1.12 112 (1.1 9.32 932 9 32 4.91 491 4 91 (4.9 24.15 2415 24 15 3.05 305 3 (3.0 386 86 3.8 g1. g1 g-1) quadratic, quadratic 25.89% 2589 25 89 (25.89 33.85%. 3385 33.85% 33 85 33.85%) 1.24 124 (1.2 283 83 2.8 N highwater high 081 81 0.8 1356 135 6 135. h- 30 (3 0.0 00 2.6 26 (2. 76 7.6 1.1 11 (1. 9.3 93 4.9 49 (4. 24.1 241 3.0 (3. 38 8 3. g-1 25.89 258 (25.8 338 33.85 1.2 28 2. 08 0. 13 ( (2 7. (1 9. 4. (4 24. g- 25.8 (25. 33.8 25. (25 33.

Resumo O feijão-caupi é cultivado principalmente em regiões de clima semiárido quente, onde outras pulses não se desenvolvem satisfatoriamente. É a quarta pulse mais produzida no mundo, abastecendo o mercado interno e de exportação. Seguindo as tendências do mercado de produtos alimentícios, realizou-se o estudo para identificar a melhor condição do processo de extrusão, para transformar esses grãos nutritivos em produtos expandidos de qualidade e prontos para o consumo. Os grãos foram descorticados e transformados em farinha de cotilédones. Essa farinha foi condicionada e o alimentador da extrusora de dupla rosca Evolum HT25 foi ajustado para uma taxa de 7 kg h-1. Um delineamento Box-Behnken 23 foi utilizado, contemplando as seguintes variáveis e níveis: umidade de condicionamento de 12% a 16%, temperatura de extrusão de 100 °C a 140 °C (da 7ª a 10ª zona) e velocidade das roscas de 300 a 700 rpm. A temperatura afetou linear e negativamente (p ≤ 0,05) o índice de expansão seccional (2,65 a 7,64). A velocidade das roscas interferiu linear e positivamente (p ≤ 0,05) nos índices de expansão longitudinal (1,12 a 9,32) e volumétrica (4,91 a 24,15), e negativamente no índice de absorção de água (3,05 a 3,86 g g-1). A velocidade das roscas (linear positiva e quadrática negativa), o teor de umidade (quadrática negativa) e a interação (positiva) entre essas duas variáveis interferiram (p ≤ 0,05) no índice de solubilidade em água (25,89% a 33,85%). O valor da dureza (1,24 a 2,83 N) foi afetado (p ≤ 0,05) pela velocidade das roscas (linear negativo e quadrático positivo), pela temperatura (quadrático negativo) e pela umidade (quadrático positivo), e pelas interações negativas da umidade com a temperatura e a velocidade das roscas. Para obtenção de valor de dureza próximo aos de extrusados comerciais e alta solubilidade em água, a desejabilidade global máxima obtida foi de 0,81 para extrusão a 135,6 °C, 700 rpm e 12% de umidade. feijãocaupi feijão caupi quente satisfatoriamente mundo exportação alimentícios realizouse realizou consumo cotilédones HT HT2 h1. h1 h 1. 1 h-1 BoxBehnken Box Behnken 2 utilizado níveis 12 16 16% 10 C 14 ª zona 30 70 p 0,05 005 0 05 2,65 265 65 (2,6 7,64. 764 7,64 . 64 7,64) 1,12 112 (1,1 9,32 932 9 32 4,91 491 4 91 (4,9 24,15, 2415 24,15 , 24 15 24,15) 3,05 305 3 (3,0 386 86 3,8 g1. g1 g-1) negativa, negativa (positiva 25,89% 2589 25 89 (25,89 33,85%. 3385 33,85% 33 85 33,85%) 1,24 124 (1,2 283 83 2,8 N positivo, positivo positivo) 081 81 0,8 1356 135 6 135, h- 0,0 00 2,6 26 (2, 76 7,6 1,1 11 (1, 9,3 93 4,9 49 (4, 241 24,1 3,0 (3, 38 8 3, g-1 25,89 258 (25,8 338 33,85 1,2 28 2, 08 0, 13 (2 7, 1, (1 9, 4, (4 24, (3 g- 25,8 (25, 33,8 ( 25, (25 33,

Abstract Pitaya is a rich source of bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols and betalains. Moreover, these compounds has been associated with reduced risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of this fruit on glycemia and oxidative stress in aloxan-induced diabetic mice. Thus, considering that In the in vivo assays, the mice were divided into 5 groups (n = 6): (a) healthy group treated with water; (b) diabetic mice treated with metformin at 200 mg/kg body weight diluted in water; (c) untreated diabetic mice; (d) diabetic mice treated with pitaya at 200 mg/kg and (e) diabetic mice treated with pitaya at 400 mg/kg of body weight diluted in water. The results shows that pitaya was able significantly to reduce blood glucose (p < 0.05) (200 mg/kg); significantly reduce cholesterol (200 and 400 mg/kg) and significantly increase HDL-c (400 mg/kg) levels. In the oxidative stress experiment, Malondialdehyde levels in the liver were significantly reduced (p < 0.05) in the groups treated with pitaya, when compared to the other groups, suggesting lower lipid peroxidation. The consumption of pitaya reduced the blood glucose and cholesterol and increase the HDL, in addition, the lipid peroxidation - which is common in diabetic patients, was reduced. betalains Moreover mellitus aloxaninduced aloxan induced Thus assays n 6 6) (a water b (b 20 mgkg mg kg c (c d (d e (e 40 p 0.05 005 0 05 (20 HDLc HDL (40 experiment addition patients 4 0.0 00 (2 (4 0. (

Abstract Background: Although a highly common practice in hospital care, tablet splitting can cause dose variation and reduce drug stability, both of which impair drug therapy. Objective: To determine the overall prevalence of tablet splitting in hospital care as evidence supporting the rational prescription of split tablets in hospitals. Methods: Data collected from inpatients' prescriptions were analyzed using descriptive statistics and used to calculate the overall prevalence of tablet splitting and the percentage of split tablets that had at least one lower-strength tablet available on the market. The associations between the overall prevalence and gender, age, and hospital unit of patients were also assessed. The results of laboratory tests, performed with a commercial splitter, allowed the calculation of the mass loss, mass variation, and friability of the split tablets. Results: The overall prevalence of tablet splitting was 4.5%, and 78.5% of tablets prescribed to be split had at least one lower-strength tablet on the market. The prevalence of tablet splitting was significantly associated with the patient's age and hospital unit. Laboratory tests revealed mean values of mass loss and variation of 8.7% (SD 1.8) and 11.7% (SD 2.3), respectively, both of which were significantly affected by the presence of coating and scoreline. Data from laboratory tests indicated that the quality of 12 of the 14 tablets deviated in at least one parameter examined. Conclusions: The high percentage of unnecessary tablet splitting suggests that more regular, rational updates of the hospital's list of standard medicines are needed. Also, inappropriate splitting behavior suggests the need to develop tablets with functional scores.

RESUMO Introdução: Doenças cerebrovasculares têm sido ligadas a diversos genes. A cromogranina A (CHGA) é utilizada como um marcador em doenças cardiovasculares. Portanto, avaliar o polimorfismo e verificar a associação com essa patologia é muito importante para melhor compreensão dessa doença. Objetivo: O foco do estudo foi identificar a associação entre o polimorfismo na região codante posição -264 do gene CHGA (Glu264Asp) e o acidente vascular encefálico hemorrágico (AVEH)/aneurisma no Distrito Federal, Brasil. Métodos: Estudo caso-controle de base populacional, envolvendo 45 casos com AVEH e/ou aneurisma. Para a genotipagem dessas amostras, utilizou-se a técnica laboratorial reação em cadeia da polimerase-polimorfismo de comprimento de fragmento de limitação (PCR-RFLP). Nível de significância de 5% foi adotado. Resultados: A ausência do genótipo CC do polimorfismo Glu264Asp CHGA nos participantes do estudo e a presença significativa do genótipo heterozigoto GC foram verificadas. No entanto, a distribuição dos genótipos não diferiu estatisticamente nos grupos. Conclusão: O polimorfismo Glu264Asp CHGA parece não contribuir para a gênese da expressão da proteína CHGA nesse grupo de pacientes, mas revela se existe ou não uma possível associação da patologia em questão e se a mutação contribuirá para a terapia gênica e melhorará a qualidade de vida dos pacientes.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Cerebrovascular diseases have been associated with several genes. Chromogranin A (CHGA) has been used as maker in cardiovascular disease. Therefore, evaluating the polymorphism and verifying its association with this pathology is very important to better understand this disease. Objective: The aim of this study was to identify the association between coding region polymorphism in -264 position of the CHGA gene (Glu264Asp) and hemorrhagic stroke (HS)/aneurysm in the Federal District, Brazil. Methods: This is a population-based case-control, involving 45 cases with HS and/or aneurysm. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method is used for genotyping these samples. A significance level of 5% was adopted. Results: The absence of the CC genotype the Glu264Asp CHGA polymorphism in the study participants and the significant presence of the GC heterozygote genotype were observed in this study. However, the distribution of genotypes did not differ statistically in the groups. Conclusion: The Glu264Asp CHGA polymorphism does not seem to contribute to the genesis of the CHGA protein expression in this patients group, but to understand whether or not there is a possible association of the pathology in question and whether the mutation will contribute in the gene therapy and thus to improve patients’ quality of life.

RESUMEN Introducción: Enfermedades cerebrovasculares han sido vinculadas a diversos genes. La cromogranina A (CgA) es utilizada como un marcador en enfermedades cardiovasculares. Por consiguiente, evaluar el polimorfismo y verificar la asociación con esa patología es muy importante para la mejor comprensión de la enfermedad. Objetivo: El enfoque del ensayo fue identificar la asociación entre el polimorfismo en la región codificante en la posición -264 del gen CHGA (Glu264Asp) y el accidente cerebrovascular hemorrágico (ACVH)/aneurisma en Distrito Federal, Brasil. Métodos: Estudio de caso-control de base poblacional, involucrando 45 casos con ACVH y/o aneurisma. Para el genotipaje de las muestras, se utilizó la técnica de laboratorio reacción en cadena de la polimerasa-polimorfismos en la longitud de los fragmentos de restricción (PCR-RFLP). Nivel de significación elegido: 5%. Resultados: Ausencia del genotipo CC del polimorfismo Glu264Asp CHGA en los participantes del ensayo y presencia significativa del genotipo heterocigoto GC. Sin embargo, la distribución de los genotipos no difirió estadísticamente en los grupos. Conclusión: El polimorfismo Glu264Asp CHGA parece no contribuir para la génesis de la expresión de la proteína CgA en este grupo de pacientes, pero revelar si existe o no una posible asociación de la patología en cuestión y si la mutación contribuirá para la terapia genética y mejorará la calidad de vida de los pacientes.

O bloqueio do TNF tem tido sucesso no tratamento de algumas doenças reumáticas, como a espondiloartrite. Relatam-se muitas complicações infecciosas com a terapia anti-TNF, principalmente infecções bacterianas, micobacterianas, virais e fúngicas. A Entamoeba histolytica é um protozoário extracelular que causa principalmente colite e abscesso hepático, sendo que a perfuração intestinal é uma complicação rara, com alta mortalidade. O TNF é considerado o principal mediador da imunidade celular contra a amebíase. Inicialmente, é quimiotático para a E. histolytica, potencializando sua adesão ao enterócito por meio da lectina galactose-inibível, e depois ativando os macrófagos para matarem a ameba pela liberação de NO; assim, o bloqueio do TNF poderia ser prejudicial, aumentando a virulência amebiana. Descreve-se o caso de uma mulher de 46 anos com espondiloartrite que apresentou uma perfuração do colo por colite amebiana invasiva durante uso de anti-TNF.

Optic neuritis (ON) was rarely reported in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) patients, particularly in those under anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha blockage. However, to our knowledge, the prevalence of ON in JIA population has not been studied. Therefore, 5793 patients were followed up at our University Hospital and 630 (11%) had JIA. One patient (0.15%) had ON and was reported herein. A 6-year-old male was diagnosed with extended oligoarticular JIA, and received naproxen and methotrexate subsequently replaced by leflunomide. At 11 years old, he was diagnosed with aseptic meningitis, followed by a partial motor seizure with secondary generalization. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and electroencephalogram showed diffuse disorganization of the brain electric activity and leflunomide was suspended. Seven days later, the patient presented acute ocular pain, loss of acuity for color, blurred vision, photophobia, redness and short progressive visual loss in the right eye. A fundoscopic exam detected unilateral papilledema without retinal exudates. Orbital MRI suggested right ON. The anti-aquaporin 4 (anti-AQP4) antibody was negative. Pulse therapy with methylprednisolone was administered for five days, and subsequently with prednisone, he had clinical and laboratory improvement. In conclusion, a low prevalence of ON was observed in our JIA population. The absence of anti-AQP4 antibody and the normal brain MRI do not exclude the possibility of demyelinating disease associated with chronic arthritis. Therefore, rigorous follow up is required.

O Planalto de Garanhuns, no Agreste de Pernambuco, destaca-se por apresentar características climáticas privilegiadas, favorecidas pelas chuvas orográficas, distinguindo-se da região semiárida circundante. Essas áreas mais úmidas são conhecidas como "brejos de altitude" e intensamente utilizadas e importantes para a economia regional. Este trabalho foi desenvolvido no município de Brejão, Agreste de Pernambuco, com o objetivo de identificar alterações nos atributos de Latossolos Amarelos Húmicos, submetidos às diferentes formas de uso do solo. Foram selecionados quatro tipos de utilização do solo (cultivo, capoeira, pastagem e vegetação nativa), sendo amostrados um perfil e quatro minitrincheiras em cada área. Foram avaliados atributos químicos e físicos, incluindo estabilidade dos agregados, composição da matéria orgânica humificada, além da avaliação microbiológica do solo, por meio da respiração basal, do carbono da biomassa microbiana e do quociente metabólico. Os solos estudados apresentaram características químicas e físicas típicas da classe dos Latossolos Amarelos, como baixa reserva de nutrientes, baixa capacidade de troca de cátions, acidez elevada e alta saturação por Al. Os teores de matéria orgânica do solo foram altos, independentemente do tipo de utilização. O teor de carbono orgânico total (COT) foi maior no solo sob capoeira, 43,91 g kg-1, superficialmente, enquanto 34,36 e 33,43 g kg-1 foram constatados nos solos sob floresta e pastagem, respectivamente. O teor de carbono microbiano (CBM) foi superior a 700 mg kg-1 nas áreas sob floresta e pastagem, na camada de 0-5 cm, e 588 mg kg-1 no solo sob capoeira; no entanto, não diferiram estatisticamente. Na área cultivada houve redução em torno de 28 % no teor de COT e CBM. Os agregados > 2 mm predominaram em todas as áreas. A atividade agrícola contribuiu para a degradação do horizonte húmico, evidenciada pela significativa perda de COT e alteração da distribuição relativa das frações humificadas. Já a estabilidade dos agregados não sofreu alterações em razão dos diversos tipos de uso do solo. Os solos sob pastagem e a capoeira foram semelhantes ao solo sob vegetação nativa. A humina representou a fração humificada mais importante para a reserva de C, contribuindo com mais de 40 % do COT nesses solos.

The Garanhuns Plateau in the Agreste region of the State of Pernambuco, Brazil is characterized by humid climatic conditions due to orographic rains, unlike the surrounding semiarid region. These soils are subjected to intense agricultural use and are extremely important for the regional economy. This study was carried out in the municipality of Brejão in the Agreste region with the aim of assessing changes in humic Haplustox soils subjected to different land uses. Four plots with different vegetation covers (native forest, secondary shrubby vegetation (capoeira), traditional cropping system, and planted pasture) were selected, and samples were taken from a soil profile and four small pits surrounding it at each site. Physical and chemical properties were assessed, including aggregate stability, humic organic fractions, and a microbiological evaluation through determination of basal respiration, microbial biomass carbon, and metabolic quotient. The soils under study showed physical and chemical properties typical of a Haplustox, such as low nutrient content, low cation exchange capacity, and high levels of acidity and Al saturation. The total organic carbon (TOC) contents were high regardless of the type of land use. Aggregates < 2 mm were dominant in all the conditions under study. The TOC content was higher in the soil under capoeira, 43.91 g kg-1 on the surface, while 34.36 and 33.43 g kg-1 of TOC were observed in the first layer of forest and pasture soils, respectively. While the microbial biomass C (MBC) was greater than 700 mg kg-1 in the forest and pasture areas (in the 0-5 cm layer), and 588 mg kg-1 in the soil under capoeira, these numbers were not statistically different. In the cultivated soil area, there was a reduction of around 28 % in TOC and MBC contents. Agricultural activity contributed to degradation of the humic horizon, as can be seen from a significant decrease in the TOC and changes in the relative distribution of the humic fractions. In contrast, aggregate stability was not altered as a function of the different land uses; the soil under planted pasture and capoeira were similar to the soil under native forest. Humin was the most important humified fraction for C reserves, contributing over 40 % of the TOC in these soils.

The CTLA-4 protein is expressed in activated T cells and plays an essential role in the immune response through its regulatory effect on T cell activation. Polymorphisms of the CTLA-4 gene have been correlated with autoimmune, neoplastic and infectious illnesses. This work aimed to verify possible associations between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in CTLA-4, -318C/T in the promoter and +49A/G in exon 1 and paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) caused by Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. For this purpose, 66 chronic form PCM patients and 76 healthy controls had their allele, genotype and haplotype frequencies determined. The genetic admixture structure of the patients and controls was evaluated to eliminate ancestral bias. The comparison of frequencies indicated no significant differences between patients and controls that could link the SNPs to PCM. Groups were admixture matched with no difference observed in population ancestry inference, indicating that the absence of association between CTLA-4 polymorphisms and PCM could not be attributed to ancestral bias. This study showed that there was no association between the CTLA-4 SNPs -318 and +49 and the resistance or susceptibility to PCM.

A coleta de Cladosporium sp. por abelhas (Apis mellifera L.) foi observada no Brasil em um apiário localizado em Minas Gerais, no período de 10 a 23/11/05, caracterizado pela alta umidade relativa do ar e escassez de recurso alimentar (pólen e néctar). A composição nutricional das bolotas de fungos apresentou alto valor protéico, extrato etéreo e matéria orgânica.

Cladosporium sp. collection by bees (Apis mellifera L.) was observed in Brazil at an apiary located in Minas Gerais, during November10-23, 2005, characterized by high air relative humidity and low availability of food resources (pollen and nectar).The nutritional composition of the fungi pellets presented high protein value, ethereal extract and organic matter.

Avaliou-se o efeito da aplicação de doses de húmus de minhoca e de esterco bovino no crescimento de rabanete (Raphanus sativus L.), cultivar Crimson Giant, de agosto a setembro de 2002. Fez-se semeadura direta do rabanete com desbaste nove dias após, para adequar ao espaçamento de 0,20 x 0,08 m. Utilizou-se delineamento de blocos ao acaso, com sete tratamentos (15; 30 e 45 t ha-1 de húmus de minhoca e esterco bovino curtido, além do controle sem adição de fertilizante), em três repetições. Houve maior acúmulo de massa seca nas folhas em relação aos demais órgãos da planta, com acúmulo contínuo até os 13 dias após a semeadura, com posterior redução, quando ocorreu o desenvolvimento da raiz. As doses e fontes de adubos orgânicos aplicados pouco influenciaram no crescimento e nas produtividades total e comercial de raízes. O húmus de minhoca apresentou a menor porcentagem de raízes rachadas e isoporizadas nas doses de 9,2 e 20,4 t ha-1, respectivamente. A dose de esterco bovino, de 21,3 t ha-1 promoveu a maior porcentagem de raízes rachadas e a de 45 t ha-1 proporcionou redução em relação à de 15 t ha-1.

This experiment was carried out in Jaboticabal, São Paulo State, Brazil, between August and September 2002, to evaluate the effect of different vermicompost doses and cattle manure on growth, yield and quality of radish roots (Raphanus sativus L.), cultivar Crimson Giant. Direct sowing of the radish was followed by thinning nine days after, adjusting the spacing to 0.20 x 0.08 m. A randomized blocks experimental design was used, with seven treatments (15; 30 and 45 t ha-1 of earthworm humus or cattle manure, and a control without fertilizer addition), in three replications. There was higher dry mass accumulation in the leaves than in other organs, with continuous accumulation until 13 days after sowing, with further reduction, when the root development occurred. Doses and sources of organic fertilization slightly influenced growth, total productivity and quality of commercial roots. Earthworm humus reduced the percentage of cracked and spongeous roots in the doses of 9.2 and 20.4 t ha-1, respectively. Doses of 21.3 t ha-1 of cattle manure promoted the highest percentage of cracked roots, while the dose of 45 t ha-1 reduced this percentage, when compared to the use of 15 t ha-1.