Resumen El género Cuterebra (Diptera: Oestridae) incluye especies de parásitos dérmicos que infectan a roedores y lagomorfos silvestres. En México, se han registrado 14 especies de dicho parásito y la mayoría de los datos de esta interacción provienen del sur del país. El presente estudio describe el primer registro de Cuterebra sp. en tres especies de roedores del Matorral Espinoso Tamaulipeco (MET) en el noreste de México. De marzo a octubre de 2020 y de marzo a septiembre de 2021 se capturaron roedores dentro de un fragmento conservado de MET en Linares, Nuevo León. Se identificaron cuatro especies de roedores: Heteromys irroratus, Onychomys leucogaster, Neotoma albigula y Peromyscus leucopus. Exclusivamente en las tres últimas especies se detectaron individuos infectados. Se capturó un macho adulto de O. leucogaster con una larva de Cuterebra sp. en el área genital, mientras que de 12 individuos de N. albigula, solo una hembra adulta presentó una larva en la región pectoral. Se capturaron 86 individuos de P. leucopus de los cuales 15 resultaron infectados (17.44 %): cinco hembras (cuatro adultas y una juvenil) y 10 machos (siete adultos y tres juveniles). En octubre se detectó el mayor número de individuos infectados: cuatro de P. leucopus y uno de O. leucogaster. Aunque suelen ser específicos en su interacción, estos parásitos pueden también afectar a los depredadores naturales de sus hospederos, a los animales domésticos (ganado o animales de compañía) y al humano. Estos nuevos registros brindan información relevante sobre las interacciones parásito-roedor y su distribución en México.

Abstract The Cuterebra genus (Diptera: Oestridae) includes species of dermic parasites infecting wild rodents and lagomorphs. In Mexico, 14 species of this parasite have been recorded and most of the reports of this interaction are from southern Mexico. This study describes the first record of Cuterebra sp. parasitizing three rodent species from Tamaulipan Thorny Scrub (TTS) in northeastern Mexico. From March to October 2020 and March to September 2021, rodents were captured within a preserved TTS fragment in Linares municipality, Nuevo Leon. Four rodent species were recorded: Heteromys irroratus, Onychomys leucogaster, Neotoma albigula and Peromyscus leucopus. Infected individuals were detected exclusively in the last three species. One male of O. leucogaster was captured with one Cuterebra sp. larva in the genital area, while from 12 N. albigula individuals were captured, only one adult female presented a larva in the pectoral region. From 86 captured individuals of P. leucopus, 15 were infected: five females (four adults and one juvenile) and 10 males (seven adults and three juveniles). The highest number of infected individuals was detected in October: four individuals of P. leucopus and one O. leucogaster. Although they are usually specific in their interaction, these parasites can also affect the natural predators of their hosts, domestic animals (cattle or pets) and humans. These new records provide relevant information on parasite-rodent interactions and their incidence and distribution in Mexico.

RESUMEN Introducción: Escasos reportes sobre asma existen en la literatura nacional. El objetivo del estudio es describir ciertas características clínicas, las comorbilidades y el riesgo para apnea obstructiva del sueño (AOS) en este colectivo. Material y métodos: Mediante un estudio observacional tipo caso-control, se incluyeron pacientes portadores de asma de ambos sexos y un grupo control pareado por sexo y edad. Se consignaron datos demográficos, características de la enfermedad, datos relativos al control del asma y espirometría, comorbilidades y riesgo de apnea de sueño medido por el cuestionario STOP-BANG durante una entrevista estructurada. Resultados: Se incluyeron 132 individuos en el grupo caso y 132 en el grupo control. Entre los asmáticos, se consignaron 38,63% de formas no controladas y 9% severas. También se constató mayor frecuencia de hipertensión arterial, obesidad, rinitis alérgica y trastornos de la memoria. Riesgo mayor para AOS, aunque no significativo, se consignó en el grupo de casos. En el subgrupo de asmáticos con obesidad o en adultos mayores, la diferencia fue estadísticamente significativa- Discusión: Aun disponiendo de medicamentos preventivos, la tasa de control de los asmáticos en esta muestra es llamativa y merece estudios sistemáticos. Es extremadamente importante tener en cuenta algunas comorbilidades para el manejo de este grupo de pacientes, incluyendo la estratificación de riesgo para AOS.

ABSTRACT Introduction. Few reports on asthma exist in the national literature. The objective of our study is to describe certain clinical characteristics, comorbidities, and risk for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in this group. Material and methods. Through an observational case-control study, patients with asthma of both sexes and a control group matched by sex and age were included. Demographic data, disease characteristics, data related to asthma control and spirometry, comorbidities, and risk of sleep apnea measured by the STOP-BANG questionnaire were recorded during a structured interview. Results. 132 individuals were included in the case group and 132 in the control group. Among the asthmatics, 38.63% of uncontrolled forms and 9% were severe. There was also a higher frequency of arterial hypertension, obesity, allergic rhinitis and memory disorders. Higher risk for OSA, although not significant, was recorded in the case group. In the subgroup of asthmatics with obesity or in older adults, the difference was relevant to the statistical analysis. Discussion. Even with preventive medications available, the control rate of asthmatics in this sample is striking and deserves systematic studies. It is extremely important to take into account some comorbidities for the management of this group of patients, including risk stratification for OSA.

Resumen Registramos dos casos de leucismo en la paloma de collar Asiática (Streptopelia decaocto) en dos localidades del norte de México. Ambos individuos fueron los primeros registros de leucismo en esta especie para los estados de Nuevo León y Durango. Los dos ejemplares presentaban la mayor parte del cuerpo con plumaje blanco, patas rosadas y pico grisáceo (comparado con los individuos normales), pero mantuvieron los ojos con su color característico. Ambos individuos fueron observados solo una vez y en solitario.

Abstract We observed two cases of leucism in the Eurasian Collared-Dove (Streptopelia decaocto) in two localities of Northern Mexico. Both individuals were the first leucistic records for this species in Nuevo Leon and Durango states. The two specimens had most of the body with white plumage, pinkish legs, and grayish beak (compared to normal individuals), but maintained the characteristic color in the eyes; and were observed only once and as solitary individuals.

Abstract Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a blood cancer characterized by the accumulation of clonal B-lymphocytes. This study evaluated the mRNA gene expression of miR-15a, miR-16- 1, ZAP-70, and Ang-2 by qPCR, as well as the plasma levels of Bcl-2 by Elisa immunoassay, in CLL patients and healthy controls. Significant differences were observed when comparing patients and controls regarding miR-15a (p < 0.001), miR-16-1 (p < 0.001) mRNA, Ang-2 gene expression, and Bcl-2 plasma levels (p < 0.001). When stratified by risk, differences were maintained with a significantly reduced expression in high-risk patients. A positive correlation was observed between miR-15a and platelets (R2 = 0.340; p = 0.009) as well as between Bcl-2 and leukocytes (R2 = 0.310; p = 0.019). Conversely, negative correlations were observed between ZAP-70 and platelets (R2 = - 0.334; p = 0.011), between miR-15a and lymphocytes (R2 = - 0.376; p = 0.004), as well as between miR-16-and lymphocytes (R2 = - 0.515; p = 0.00004). The data suggest that a reduction in miR-15a and miR-16-1 expressions, in addition to an overexpression of Bcl-2, are associated with the reduction in apoptosis and, consequently, to a longer survival of lymphocytes, thus contributing to lymphocyte accumulation and aggravation of the disease. By contrast, Ang-2 expression was significantly higher in A than in B + C Binet groups. This context leads to the speculation that this biomarker should be investigated in more robust studies within populations with a still relevantly indolent form of the disease in an attempt to identify those patients with a greater potential for an aggravation of the disease.

RESUMO A exploração da variabilidade genética existente para características fisiológicas relacionadas com a produtividade e a qualidade da forragem de milho pode auxiliar no desenvolvimento de linhagens e híbridos superiores. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a capacidade geral e específica de combinação e a natureza dos efeitos genicos de características fisiológicas e químicas de genótipos de milho forrageiro. Foram avaliados dois grupos de genótipos e 16 híbridos resultantes dos cruzamentos em esquema de dialelo parcial 4x4. O grupo I foi constituído por dois híbridos comerciais (AG8025, P30B39) e duas linhagens elite (LEM2 e LEM3). O grupo II foi constituído por quatro linhagens experimentais oriundas de diferentes populações do programa de melhoramento do milho forrageiro da UNICENTRO. No total foram avaliados 24 tratamentos, constituídos pelos genótipos de ambos os grupos e os respectivos cruzamentos. As características avaliadas foram assimilação de CO2 (A), condutância estomática (gs), concentração interna de CO2 (Ci), transpiração (E), atividade calculada da Rubisco (A/Ci) e eficiência de uso da água (A/E). Foram obtidos os teores de fibra em detergente ácido (FDA), fibra em detergente neutro (FDN) e a digestibilidade in situ da forragem. Houve predomínio de efeitos gênicos não aditivos para a maioria das características químicas e fisiológicas. Os cruzamentos LEM2 x 203-218,3, LEM3 x 201-107,2, LEM2 x 101-7,2 e LEM3 x 101-7,2 se destacaram quanto à assimilação de CO2, sendo indicados para pesquisas futuras considerando as características fisiológicas. As linhagens 101-7.2 e 203-218.3 apresentaram alta concentração de alelos favoráveis para aumentar a eficiência da carboxilação, em que a linhagem 101-7.2 se destacou para NDF, ADF e DIG. A linhagem endogâmica 201-107.2 possui alta concentração de alelos favoráveis para eficiência do uso da água. Parâmetros fisiológicos podem auxiliar na seleção de linhagens e híbridos no melhoramento do milho forrageiro.

ABSTRACT The exploitation of the existing genetic variability for the physiological traits related to the yield and quality of maize forage can assist in the development of superior inbred lines and hybrids. The objective of this work was to evaluate the general and the specific combining ability and the nature of gene effects of physiological and chemical traits of forage maize genotypes. Two groups of genotypes and 16 hybrids resulting from a 4x4 partial diallel scheme were evaluated. Group I consisted of two commercial hybrids (AG8025, P30B39) and two elite inbred lines (LEM2 and LEM3). Group II consisted of four experimental inbred lines originated from different populations of forage maize breeding program. In total, 24 treatments were evaluated, formed by the genotypes of both groups and the respective crossings. The traits evaluated were: CO2 assimilation (A), stomatal conductance (gs), internal CO2 concentration (Ci), transpiration (E), calculated activity of Rubisco (A/Ci) and efficiency of water use (A/E). Forage acid detergent fiber (ADF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and digestibility in situ were obtained. There was a predominance of non-additive gene effects for most of the chemical and physiological traits. Crossings LEM2 x 203-218.3, LEM3 x 201-107.2, LEM2 x 101-7.2 and LEM3 x 101-7.2 stood out regarding CO2 assimilation, and are indicated for future research considering the physiological traits. Inbred lines 101-7.2 and 203-218.3 presented high concentration of favorable alleles to increase carboxylation efficiency, in which inbred line 101-7.2 stood out for NDF, ADF and DIG. Inbred line 201-107.2 has a high concentration of favorable alleles for efficiency of water use. Physiological parameters can assist the selection of inbred lines and hybrids in maize breeding for forage purpose.

Resumo A adesão ao sistema de cotas no ensino superior promoveu a convivência entre grupos sociais distintos. O estudo avaliou o padrão de interação entre 926 estudantes cotistas e não cotistas de 25 turmas de uma universidade pública brasileira, utilizando um questionário de redes sociais informais. Homofilia foi o parâmetro escolhido para medir as relações intergrupais. Esse comportamento foi avaliado de acordo com o semestre, a concorrência, a área de conhecimento e a natureza da relação. Os resultados demonstraram baixo grau de integração entre os grupos nos cursos de alta concorrência, bem como maior tendência à endogenia no grupo de não cotistas. Tais resultados apontam a necessidade de se criar uma cultura inclusiva, que propicie a distribuição de recursos entre os diferentes grupos sociais envolvidos.

Abstract Higher education has joined affirmative action and promoted the coexistence between different social groups at universities. This study evaluated the interaction pattern between 926 affirmative action and regular students from 25 different undergraduate programs from a public university using an informal social networks questionnaire. Homophily was the parameter chosen to measure intergroup relations. This behavior was evaluated according to the student’s term, yield rate (percentage of admitted students who enroll), field of knowledge and nature of relationship. The results showed a low degree of integration between groups in highly competitive undergraduate programs. The group of regular students showed a greater tendency for endogeneity. These results point to need to create a culture of inclusion that provides a distribution of resources between different social groups.

RESUMO As trocas gasosas em espécies e híbridos interespecíficos de tomateiro em diferentes ambientes podem contribuir para o desenvolvimento e seleção de genótipos com maior tolerância às condições adversas de cultivo. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar características fotossintéticas em espécies silvestres de tomateiro e na cultivar Redenção, bem como dos respectivos híbridos F1 de cruzamentos interespecíficos cultivados em dois ambientes. Na condução do experimento utilizou-se delineamento de blocos ao acaso, com três repetições, avaliando-se seis acessos silvestres, uma cultivar e os respectivos híbridos interespecíficos em dois ambientes. Aos 14, 28, 42, 56 e 70 dias após o transplantio (DAT), avaliaram-se características de trocas gasosas por meio do sistema portátil de medidas de fotossíntese. No cultivo protegido, aos 56 DAT, foi estimada a densidade de estômatos das faces abaxial e adaxial dos folíolos de primeira ordem. Foi observada maior influência das espécies silvestres de tomateiro e híbridos interespecíficos do que dos ambientes de cultivo nas características avaliadas. O acesso ‘LA-716’ e o híbrido ‘Redenção’ × ‘LA-716’ apresentaram a maior eficiência do uso da água e os acessos ‘PI-127826’ e ‘PI-134417’ e os híbridos interespecíficos ‘Redenção’ × ‘PI-127826’ e ‘Redenção’ × ‘PI-134417’, apresentaram os maiores resultados de assimilação de CO2, transpiração, eficiência instantânea de carboxilação in vivo da Rubisco e número de estômatos na superfície abaxial dos folíolos. Demonstrou-se assim, que os descendentes da espécie S. habrochaites são uma interessante alternativa para os programas de melhoramento genético, que desejarem realizar avanços na obtenção de linhagens e que apresentem melhoria nas características fotossintéticas.

ABSTRACT Gas exchanges in species and interspecific hybrids of tomato in different environments may contribute to the development and selection of genotypes with a higher tolerance to adverse cultivation conditions. This study aimed to assess the photosynthetic characteristics of wild tomato species and the cultivar Redenção, as well as the respective F1 hybrids of interspecific crosses cultivated under two environments. The experimental design was a randomized block design with three replications and the assessment of six wild accessions, one cultivar, and the respective interspecific hybrids under two environments. At 14, 28, 42, 56, and 70 days after transplanting (DAT), gas exchange characteristics were assessed by means of a portable photosynthesis measurement system. The stomatal density of abaxial and adaxial surfaces of first-order leaflets was estimated under a protected cultivation at 56 DAT. We observed a higher influence of wild tomato species and interspecific hybrids on the assessed characteristics when compared to the cultivation environments. The accession ‘LA-716’ and the hybrid ‘Redenção’ × ‘LA-716’ presented the highest water use efficiency and the accessions ‘PI-127826’ and ‘PI-134417’ and the interspecific hybrids ‘Redenção’ × ‘PI-127826’ and ‘Redenção’ × ‘PI-134417’ presented the highest values of CO2 assimilation, transpiration, instantaneous in vivo carboxylation efficiency of Rubisco, and number of stomata on the abaxial leaflet surface. Thus, the descendants of Solanum habrochaites are an interesting alternative to breeding programs that aim to make advances in obtaining strains that exhibit improvement in their photosynthetic characteristics.

BACKGROUND The Trypanosoma cruzi infection endemic in Latin America has now spread to several countries across four continents; this endemic involves triatomine vector-free protists. We hypothesised that the sexual transmission of T. cruzi contributes to the ongoing spread of Chagas disease. OBJECTIVES A short-term longitudinal study was conducted to evaluate this hypothesis. METHODS The study population comprised 109 subjects from four families, among whom 21 had been diagnosed with acute Chagas disease by direct parasitological analysis. Blood mononuclear cells and serum samples were obtained from each study subject once per year for three consecutive years. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and indirect immunofluorescence serological examinations were used to detect specific T. cruzi antibodies. Polymerase chain reaction of T. cruzi DNA revealed 188-nucleotide bands, which hybridised to a specific radiolabelled probe and were confirmed by cloning and sequencing. RESULTS Three independent assessments at different time points revealed T. cruzi nuclear DNA footprints in 76% (83/109) of the study population with active infection. In contrast, the ELISA and indirect immunofluorescence assays detected the T. cruzi antibody in 28.4% (31/109) of the study samples. Moreover, the semen from 82.6% (19/23) of subjects people revealed harboured the 188- bp base pair T. cruzi footprint. Interestingly, the ejaculates of nuclear DNA-positive Chagas patient transmitted the T. cruzi upon peritoneal injection or infusion in the vagina of mice, and amastigotes were detected in the skeletal muscle, myocardium, vas deferens, and uterine tube. MAIN CONCLUSIONS T. cruzi infections can be transmitted from females or males to naïve mates through intercourse, and progeny showed discrepancies between the ratios of nuclear DNA footprints and specific antibody that can be explained by the tolerance attained during early embryo growth. Additional studies are needed to develop drugs to eradicate the infections. Additionally, the importance of a vigorous education, information, and communication program to prevent sexually transmitted Chagas disease in humans cannot be underemphasised.

Resumo: Um debate recorrente em torno das cotas na universidade é a possibilidade do cotista obter rendimento satisfatório a despeito das diferenças no seu processo de formação anterior ao ingresso na Universidade. O objetivo deste estudo é comparar o desempenho de alunos cotistas e não cotistas da Universidade Federal da Bahia (UFBA), reunindo evidências que possam embasar ações institucionais no sentido de assegurar sólida formação a todos os seus alunos. A amostra foi por composta por todos os alunos ativos (N=26.175) matriculados. As análises indicam desempenho superior de não cotistas, sendo a magnitude da diferença 6,81% (F=348,114, p<.000) quando os dois grupos são diretamente comparados. Quando separados por área de conhecimento, os cotistas apresentam desempenho superior em cursos das áreas de artes e humanidades de média e baixa concorrência. O déficit na formação básica, principalmente no domínio da matemática, aparece como um possível fator de influência nesta diferença de desempenho. Os resultados sugerem um fenômeno complexo e multifacetado. Para além das disputas ideológicas é preciso intervir nesta disparidade para uma efetiva inclusão dos cotistas na universidade.

Abstract: An important and ongoing debate among academia and policy makers is about how good is the academic performance of students targeted by affirmative policies when compared to their fellows at the university? This study seeks to compare academic performance of two groups of students, beneficiary and non-beneficiary of affirmative action policy at Universidade Federal da Bahia (UFBA), a Brazilian public university. The sample was composed with all students currently enrolled at the university (N=26.175). The results suggest that non-beneficiary students have a higher academic performance when compared to beneficiaries. The difference between this two groups is 6,81% (F=348,114, p<.000). When we split the group of students according to their under graduation course the differences get clearer with beneficiaries outperforming in arts and social sciences while non-beneficiaries outperform in health and engineering. The results suggest that this is a complex and multidetermined phenomenon where a lack of basic knowledge in math combined with problems arising from poor schooling explains differences in academic performance. Beyond ideological disputes it is necessary to intervene in this situation in order to guarantee an effective social inclusion and a good and solid education to all.

In the Brazilian Amazon, American tegumentary leishmaniasis (ATL) is endemic and presents a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations due, in part, to the circulation of at least seven Leishmaniaspecies. Few reports of Leishmania (Viannia) naiffiinfection suggest that its occurrence is uncommon and the reported cases present a benign clinical course and a good response to treatment. This study aimed to strengthen the clinical and epidemiological importance of L. (V.) naiffiin the Amazon Region (Manaus, state of Amazonas) and to report therapeutic failure in patients infected with this species. Thirty Leishmania spp samples isolated from cutaneous lesions were characterised by multilocus enzyme electrophoresis. As expected, the most common species was Leishmania (V.) guyanensis (20 cases). However, a relevant number ofL. (V.) naiffi patients (8 cases) was observed, thus demonstrating that this species is not uncommon in the region. No patient infected withL. (V.) naiffievolved to spontaneous cure until the start of treatment, which indicated that this species may not have a self-limiting nature. In addition, two of the patients experienced a poor response to antimonial or pentamidine therapy. Thus, either ATL cases due to L. (V.) naifficannot be as uncommon as previously thought or this species is currently expanding in this region.

Escherichia coli O157:H7 has been incriminated in food poisoning outbreaks and sporadic cases of hemorrhagic colitis and hemolytic uremic syndrome in many countries. Considering the high susceptibility of Minas Frescal cheese to contamination by E. coli O157:H7, the aim of this study was to determine the occurrence of this pathogen through PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) and ELISA (VIDAS ECO O157®, bioMérieux, Lyon, France) test. Thirty cheese samples manufactured by artisan farmhouse producers were collected from open-air markets in Goiânia and thirty from industries under Federal Inspection located in Goiás State which trade their products in supermarkets in Goiânia. E. coli O157:H7 was detected in 6.67% samples collected in open air markets using ELISA, and 23,33% with PCR. The pathogen was not detected in samples from industries under Federal Inspection.

O Brasil sediará, em 2014, a Copa do Mundo de Futebol: evento mundial que ocorre a cada quatro anos e é responsável pela movimentação de um grande número de pessoas. A preparação para receber a Copa exige do país-sede grandes investimentos em infraestruturas que muitas vezes permanecem subutilizadas após o evento. O objetivo do trabalho é avaliar se as infraestruturas – estádios e sistemas de transporte – construídas para as copas da Alemanha, África do Sul e Brasil constituem legado positivo para os países-sede. A metodologia utilizada foi o estudo de casos desenvolvido a partir de dados secundários. O trabalho mostrou que (1) no caso do Brasil, os investimentos em sistemas de transporte não atendem as reais necessidades das cidades-sede e (2) diferentemente da Alemanha, na África do Sul os estádios estão em grande parte subutilizados e com dificuldade para serem mantidos. As perspectivas para o Brasil também não são boas e há grandes chances de que o país enfrente problemas semelhantes aos da África do Sul.

Brazil will host the FIFA World Cup in 2014, which is a worldwide event that occurs every four years and is responsible for moving a large number of people.The preparation to host the World Cup requires high investments in infrastructure that often remains underutilized after the event. The objective of this research is to evaluate whether the infrastructure (stadiums and transport systems) built for the Germany, South Africa and Brazil World Cups are positive legacies for the host countries. The methodology was case study, which was developed from secondary data. The study showed that (1) in Brazil, investments in transport ation systems do not meet the host cities’ real needs, and (2) unlike what happened in Germany, in South Africa stadiums are underutilized, and there are difficulties to maintain them. The perspectives to Brazil are not good and there are great chances that the country will face problems that are similar to those of South Africa.

RESUMO A co-infecção por dengue vírus pode ocorrer em áreas com circulação endêmica, nas quais diferentes sorotipos vêm circulando durante muitos anos. Neste trabalho relatamos um caso de co-infecção por DENV-1/DENV-4 em soro humano, detectado por testes moleculares. Análises filogenéticas das sequências obtidas indicaram a presença do genótipo V e II de DENV-1 e DENV-4, respectivamente.

SUMMARY The natural co-infection with dengue virus can occur in highly endemic areas where different serotypes have been observed for many years. We report one case of DENV-1/DENV-4 co-infection in human serum detected by molecular tests. Phylogenetic analysis of the sequences obtained indicated the presence of genotype V and II for DENV-1 and DENV-4, respectively.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o impacto da ranitidina por via oral na qualidade do exame de colangiopancreatografia por ressonância magnética (CPRM). MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Trinta e dois pacientes realizaram CPRM com aquisições 3D e 2D, com três estratégias de supressão do sinal líquido gastrintestinal: a) apenas em jejum; b) 12 horas após ingerir 300 mg de ranitidina; c) após a ingestão de solução de gadolínio. Três observadores avaliaram os estudos, atentos para o grau de visualização da árvore biliopancreática. Foi medida a concordância interobservador com o teste kappa. A diferença entre técnicas e formas de aquisição foi avaliada pela média da soma dos escores de graduação. RESULTADOS: As três estratégias de supressão do sinal líquido gastrintestinal apresentaram elevada reprodutibilidade. A supressão do sinal líquido gastrintestinal com a ranitidina foi semelhante ao jejum e ambas foram piores do que a solução de gadolínio. As aquisições 3D superaram a 2D apenas na visualização do ducto cístico e da vesícula biliar, sendo inferior ou equivalente nos demais segmentos ductais biliopancreáticos. CONCLUSÃO: O uso da ranitidina não parece justificado para aprimorar a avaliação da árvore biliopancreática em exames de CPRM. A CPRM 2D apenas em jejum permite a visualização ductal com elevada qualidade e reprodutibilidade na maioria dos casos.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of oral ranitidine on the imaging quality in magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-two patients underwent MRCP with 3D and 2D acquisitions, and three strategies for suppression of the gastrointestinal fluid signal: a) only at fasting; b) 12 hours after ingestion of 300 mg ranitidine; c) after oral administration of gadolinium solution. Three observers reviewed the images with a focus on the degree of visualization of the biliopancreatic tree. The interobserver agreement was evaluated with the kappa test. The difference between techniques and acquisition modalities were evaluated by means of average grading scores. RESULTS: The three strategies for suppression of the gastrointestinal fluid signal presented high reproducibility. The results with suppression of the gastrointestinal fluid signal with ranitidine where similar to those obtained with fasting, and both were worse than those obtained with gadolinium solution. The 3D acquisitions surpassed 2D only in terms of visibility of the cystic duct and gallbladder, and were inferior or equivalent in the other biliopancreatic ductal segments. CONCLUSION: The use of ranitidine does not seem justified in the evaluation of the biliopancreatic tree at MRCP, since 2D MRCP with fasting allows the visualization of ductal structures with high quality and reproducibility in the majority of cases.

A aceroleira é uma planta de clima tropical que produz frutos muito ricos em vitamina C. Apesar de ser amplamente difundida, são poucos os trabalhos realizados com essa cultura no País. O presente trabalho objetivou avaliar a fenologia e o crescimento dos frutos da aceroleira cv. Olivier em duas épocas. Para tanto, foi implantado um experimento em pomar comercial no município de Junqueirópolis-SP. Foram avaliados dois ciclos reprodutivos: setembro de 2009 e janeiro de 2010, sendo que, em cada época, foram marcados 400 botões florais distribuídos em 10 plantas. Para avaliação fenológica, o ciclo foi dividido em estádios, sendo avaliados a duração destes, do ciclo reprodutivo, a taxa de frutificação efetiva e o crescimento dos frutos. A duração dos estádios e do ciclo reprodutivo, a taxa de frutificação efetiva e o crescimento dos frutos foram influenciados pelo fator época, sendo que, no mês de janeiro, a duração dos estádios fenológicos foi menor, resultando no desenvolvimento mais rápido dos frutos, que também apresentaram maior diâmetro. Porém, no que se refere à taxa de frutificação, a época de setembro apresentou maior fixação dos frutos. Também foi verificado que o maior índice de abortamento se deu no estádio de perda de pétala em ambas as avaliações. Apesar da diferença na velocidade de crescimento e tamanho dos frutos, ambas as épocas apresentaram crescimento mais acentuado nos primeiros oito dias, mostrando-se linear no restante do ciclo.

The Barbados cherry tree is a tropical plant which produces fruits rich in vitamin C. It is a widespread crop in Brazil, however, there are few studies concerning its knowledge. The present study aimed to evaluate the reproductive phenology and growth of fruit of Barbados cherry tree cv. Olivier at different times. The experiment was set up at the city of Junqueirópolis-SP. Two reproductive cycles were evaluates, September 2009 and January 2010, and in each time 400 buds which were distributed among 10 plants were scored. The phenological cycle was divided in different phenological stages which were evaluated according to the duration of each stage, cycle, rate of fruit set and fruit growth. The duration of the stages, the reproductive cycle, the fruit set rate and fruit growth were influenced by the month (period) considered. In January the duration of phenological stages was shorter, resulting in more rapid development of fruits which also reached a greater diameter. However, concerning to the fruitage rate September month showed a higher fruit set. It was also found that the highest rate of abortion occurred at the stage of petal loss in both evaluations. Despite the difference in fruit growing rate and fruit size both times showed faster growth in the first eight days, and a more linear growth in the remainder of the cycle.