Resumo Em todo o mundo, a agricultura convencional faz uso extensivo de pesticidas. Embora os efeitos dos herbicidas sejam relativamente bem conhecidos em termos de impactos ambientais em organismos não-alvo, há pouca evidência científica sobre os impactos de resíduos de herbicidas em artrópodes aquáticos de áreas de conservação tropicais. Este estudo avalia pela primeira vez a toxicidade dos herbicidas ametryn, atrazine e clomazone sobre o inseto aquático Limnocoris submontandoni (Hemiptera: Naucoridae). A concentração letal (LC50) de herbicidas foi avaliada para esses insetos, bem como o efeito dos herbicidas nos tecidos e testículos dos insetos. A LC50 estimada foi de 1012,41, 192,42 e 46,09 mg/L para clomazone, atrazine e ametryn, respectivamente. Alterações nos espermatócitos e espermátides foram observadas sob o efeito de atrazine, e efeitos na espermatogênese foram observados para algumas concentrações de clomazone, com aparente recuperação após um curto período de tempo. Nossos resultados fornecem informações úteis sobre os efeitos de resíduos de herbicidas em sistemas aquáticos. Essas informações podem ajudar a minimizar o risco de efeitos reprodutivos de longo prazo em espécies não-alvo que foram negligenciadas anteriormente em estudos de ecotoxicologia.

Abstract Worldwide, conventional agriculture makes extensive use of pesticides. Although the effects of herbicides are relatively well known in terms of environmental impacts on non-target organisms, there is very little scientific evidence regarding the impacts of herbicide residues on aquatic arthropods from tropical conservation areas. This study evaluates for the first time the toxicity of the herbicides ametryn, atrazine, and clomazone on the aquatic insect Limnocoris submontandoni (Hemiptera: Naucoridae). The lethal concentration (LC50) of herbicides was evaluated for these insects, as well as the effect of the herbicides on the insects’ tissues and testicles. The estimated LC50 was 1012.41, 192.42, and 46.09 mg/L for clomazone, atrazine, and ametryn, respectively. Spermatocyte and spermatid changes were observed under the effect of atrazine, and effects on spermatogenesis were observed for some concentrations of clomazone, with apparent recovery after a short time. Our results provide useful information on the effects of herbicide residues in aquatic systems. This information can help minimize the risk of long-term reproductive effects in non-target species that have been previously overlooked in ecotoxicology studies.

Abstract Polymers are materials of pronounced importance in the modern world, since they are massively present in everyday life, especially in the form of packaging. However, most of these materials are derived from non-renewable sources and their disposal generates large volumes of waste, which is extremely damaging to natural environments. In this context, microbial biopolymers appear as a powerful alternative in the substitution of several applications of synthetic plastics, causing less harm to the environment, as they are biodegradable and produced from renewable sources. In this study, evaluation and characterization of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) produced by Cupriavidus necator (IPT 026 and IPT 027) and Burkholderia cepacia (IPT 119 and IPT 400), using crude glycerol as substrate, were carried out (crude glycerol 15 g L-1, pH 7.0, 150 rpm, 72h). The substrate chemical composition was determined and all microorganisms tested were able to utilize it to synthesize PHA. C. necator IPT 026 exhibited the highest polymer production (1.52 ± 0.03 g L-1). B. cepacia strains produced low crystallinity PHA. All polyesters synthesized exhibited long chain length polymers with low polydispersity and initial thermal degradation temperatures superior to 300°C. The microorganism strains and the substrate composition highly affected PHAs synthesis, composition and thermochemical characteristics.

RESUMO As Estações de Tratamento de Água (ETA) e de Esgoto (ETE) sanitários geram como subprodutos de sua operação uma quantidade significativa de lodo, que contém elementos danosos ao meio ambiente. As soluções usuais de enviá-lo para aterros ou depositá-lo em terreno ou nos rios, são soluções, respectivamente, caras e perigosas. Neste cenário, a política que envolve a aplicação desse resíduo na pavimentação, apresenta-se como alternativa promissora à destinação final de tais resíduos. O presente trabalho teve por objetivo caracterizar e avaliar o uso do lodo na pavimentação, tendo apresentado resultados satisfatórios quanto ao uso destes em base e sub-base de pavimentos.

ABSTRACT Water and sewage treatment plants (STP and WTP) generate as byproduct a significant amount of sludge with environment harmful elements. Sending to landfills or depositing on the ground or rivers are respectively expensive and dangerous alternatives. In this scenario, the use of this waste in paving processes is a promising alternative for disposal thereof. In this study, we focused on characterizing sludge and evaluating its use in paving, which showed satisfactory results for use in base and sub-base floors.

Os líquidos iônicos (ILs) são sais líquidos a baixas temperaturas, tipicamente com pontos de fusão abaixo de 100 ºC. Nos últimos anos, as propriedades de vários ILs têm sido extensivamente estudadas e, em casos específicos, podem ser considerados como solventes verdes capazes de substituir solventes orgânicos tradicionais. Neste trabalho, ILs derivados de triazol tem sido sintetizados e a solubilidade em diferentes solventes aumenta com a constante dieléctrica dos solventes considerados. Três novos ILs 1,2,3-triazólicos foram utilizados para o pré-tratamento do bagaço de cana. O efeito deste pré-tratamento da biomassa lignocelulósica foi analisado por microscopia eletrônica de varredura, mostrando um aumento da superfície de exposição das amostras de bagaço como alterações estruturais na fibra.

Ionic liquids (ILs) are salts which are liquid at low temperatures, typically with melting points under 100 ºC. In recent years, the properties of many ILs have been extensively studied and have been considered as green solvents capable of replacing traditional organic solvents. Herein, ILs derived from triazole have been synthesized, thus solubility in different solvents increases with the dielectric constant of the considered solvents. Three novel 1,2,3-triazolium-based were used for the pretreatment of sugarcane bagasse. The effect of this pretreatment on lignocellulosic biomass was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy, showing an increase in the exposure surface of the bagasse samples as structural changes in the fiber.

Introduction In some occasions, correlations between human structures can help planning surgical intra-abdominal interventions. The previous determination of ureteral length helps pre-operatory planning of surgeries, reduces costs of auxiliary exams, the correct choice of double-J catheter with low morbidity and fewer symptoms, and an adequate adhesion to treatment. Objective To evaluate ureteral length in adult cadavers and to analyze its correlation with anthropometric measures. Materials and Methods: From April 2009 to January 2012 we determined ureteral length of adult cadavers submitted to necropsy and obtained the following measures: height, distance from shoulder to wrist, elbow-wrist, xiphoid appendix-umbilicus, umbilicus-pubis, xiphoid appendix-pubis and between iliac spines. We analyzed the correlations between ureteral length and those anthropometric measures. Results We dissected 115 ureters from 115 adult corpses from April 2009 to January 2012. Median ureteral length didn't vary between sexes or according to height. It was observed no correlation among ureteral length and all considered anthropometric measures in all analyzed subgroups and in general population. There were no significant differences between right and left ureteral measures. Conclusions There is no difference of ureteral length in relation to height or gender (male or female). There is no significant correlation among ureteral length and the considered anthropometric measures.

Introduction: There is controversy about which health professional is the most adequate -pediatricians (PED) or family practitioners/general physicians (FP/GP)- to provide health care services to children and adolescents in Primary Care (PC). There are not previous systematic reviews approaching this subject in the previously published literature. The objective of this study is to compare health care provided between PED and FP/GP in the following aspects of the clinical practice: antibiotic (ATB) prescription; diagnostic test indication; management of acute otitis media (AOM), asthma, febrile syndrome, and several psychopathological conditions, and preventive measures accomplishment. Material and methods: Study design: Systematic review. Data sources: MEDLINE and CENTRAL databases, TRIP Database and Google Scholar, were searched until December 2008 to retrieve original papers and systematic reviews comparing the clinical practice of both kinds of health professionals. No language restriction was made. Study selection: studies of any kind of design were included (cross-sectional, cohort, case-control and experimental) comparing the clinical practice of PED and FP/GP. The references without original research were excluded (letters to the editor, editorials). The methodological quality of each study was assessed with the tool "OSTEBA; Critical Appraisal Cards". Two reviewers assessed the quality of the studies independently, achieving consensus in case of discrepancy. Seven pairs of reviewers made the data extraction independently. Discrepancies were achieved by consensus. Results: On average, FP/GP prescribed more ATB than PED in upper respiratory tract infections of probable viral etiology -odds ratio (OR): 1.4; 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.1-1.8-; PED were more likely to adhere to clinical guidelines recommendations on febrile syndrome management (OR: 9; 95% CI: 3-25) and on attention deficit disorder with/without hyperactivity (OR: 5; 95% CI: 3-11), and showed more resolution capacity on other highly prevalent conditions in children and adolescents (such as asthma and AOM). PED showed higher vaccination coverage than FP/GP in all the studies assessing this result. Conclusion: Based on the presented results, it seems reasonable to recommend maintaining the PED figure in PC health centers and reinforcing its specific role as the first point of contact of the child with the health care system.

Por meio da análise química da folha, é possível avaliar o estado nutricional da planta, em que os resultados obtidos são comparados a padrões (correlação entre a concentração do nutriente nas folhas e o desenvolvimento da cultura). Objetivou-se, com este trabalho, avaliar as concentrações de macronutrientes nas folhas de bananeira sob lâminas de irrigação e doses de potássio na chapada do Apodi, Ceará. Utilizou-se o delineamento experimental em blocos casualizados, com arranjo em parcelas subdivididas, com três repetições. Foram empregadas cinco lâminas de irrigação (na parcela): 50%, 75%, 100%, 125% e 150% da ETc do lisímetro e quatro doses de potássio (na subparcela): 0%, 60%, 140% e 200% de K2O (recomendada pela análise do solo). As variáveis analisadas foram: N, P, K, Ca, Mg e S. Através do software "SAEG 9.0-UFV", os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância e, posteriormente, quando significativo pelo teste F, a 5% de probabilidade, à análise de regressão. As lâminas de irrigação influenciaram significativamente (p<0,05) nos teores de Ca e Mg, e a adubação potássica influenciou apenas nos teores de K, Mg e S.

Through chemical analysis on the sheet, it is possible to assess the nutritional status of the plant, where the results are compared to standards (correlation between the concentration in the leaves and the development of the culture). The objective of this study was to evaluate the levels of nutrients in banana leaves under irrigation levels and potassium levels in Apodi plateau, Ceará. It was used a randomized block design with split plot arrangement with three replications. It was used five irrigation levels (in the plot): 50%, 75%, 100%, 125% and 150% of the lysimeter ETc and four doses of potassium (in the subplot): 0%, 60%, 140% and 200% of K2O (recommended by soil analysis). The variables analyzed were: N, P, K, Ca, Mg and S. Through the software "SAEG 9.0-UFV" the data were subjected to analysis of variance and then when significant by the F test at 5% probability, to the regression analysis. The water depth influenced significantly (p <0.05) in Ca and Mg, and K fertilization influenced only the contents of K, Mg and S.

The performance of Santa Inês sheep on three tropical grasses (A. gayanus Kunth. cv. Planaltina, P. maximum Jacq. cv. Aruana and P. maximum Jacq. cv. Tanzânia), and rotational grazing with an occupation period of 14 days and fixed stocking rate of 22 animals/ha, was evaluated in the dry season. The experimental period was 82 days, and the individual performance of 11 lambs on each treatment was measured. With the progression of the dry season, increasing levels of concentrate supplementation was used (300, 400 and 500 g/animal/day for each of the three treatments). Samples of grass leaf blades were taken each 14 days, and bromatological analysis carried out. The weight of animals, measured each 14 days, was used to calculate average dairy gain (GMD), final weight (PF), accumulated gain (GAC) and body condition (CC). The treatments Aruana and Tanzânia showed highest (p<0.05) GMD, respectively with 93.6 and 92.0 g/animal/day, not differing between each other (p>0.05). The animals on Andropogon pasture showed a mean weight gain of 35.6 g/animal/day. For PF, GAC and CC the treatments Aruana and Tanzânia showed the best results (p<0.05), when compared with Andro-pogon. The forage Aruana and Tanzânia, caused better performance in sheep during the dry season compared to Andropogon.

Avaliou-se o desempenho de ovinos da raça Santa Inês, em três gramíneas forrageiras tropicais (A. gayanus Kunth. cv. Planaltina, P. maximum Jacq. cv. Aruana e P. maximum Jacq. cv. Tanzânia), em pastejo rotacionado, com período de ocupação de 14 dias e lotação fixa de 22 animais/ha, no período da seca. O período experimental foi de 82 dias, onde o desempenho de 11 borregos, em cada tratamento, foi acompanhado em um delineamento inteiramente casualizado. Com o avançar da seca foram utilizados níveis crescentes de 300, 400 e 500 g/animal/dia de suplementação concentrada para os três tratamentos. Nas forragens foram colhidas amostras a cada 14 dias para efetuar as análises bromatológicas. Através da verificação do peso dos animais, realizadas a cada 14 dias, foram obtidos o peso vivo, o ganho médio diário (GMD), o peso final (PF), o ganho acumulado (GAC) e a condição corporal (CC). Os ovinos alimentados com Aruana e Tanzânia apresentaram GMD de 93,6 e 92,0 g/animal/dia, respectivamente não diferindo entre si (p>0,05), mas foram superiores aos do Andropogon 35,6 g/animal/dia (p<0,05). Para PF, GAC e CC os tratamentos Aruana e Tanzânia também proporcionaram os melhores resultados (p<0,05), quando comparados aos observados com o tratamento Andropogon. Os tratamentos Aruana e Tanzânia proporcionaram melhores desempenhos dos ovinos durante o período seco em relação ao Andropogon.

Introduction: There is controversy about which health professional is the most adequate -pediatricians (PED) or family practitioners/general physicians (FP/GP)- to provide health care services to children and adolescents in Primary Care (PC). There are not previous systematic reviews approaching this subject in the previously published literature. The objective of this study is to compare health care provided between PED and FP/GP in the following aspects of the clinical practice: antibiotic (ATB) prescription; diagnostic test indication; acute otitis media (AOM), asthma, febrile syndrome and several psychopathological conditions' management; and preventive measures accomplishment. Material and methods: study design: systematic review. Data sources: MEDLINE and CENTRAL databases, TRIP Database and Google Scholar, were searched until December 2008 to retrieve original papers and systematic reviews comparing the clinical practice of both kinds of health professionals. No language restriction was made. Studies' selection: studies of any kind of design were included (cross-sectional, cohorts, case-controls and experimental) comparing the clinical practice of PED and FP/GP. The references without original research were excluded (letters to the editor, editorials). The methodological quality of each study was assessed with the tool "OSTEBA; Critical Appraisal Cards". Two reviewers assessed the quality of the studies independently, achieving consensus in case of discrepancy. Seven pairs of reviewers made the data extraction independently. Discrepancies were achieved by consensus. Results: On average, FP/GP prescribed more ATB than PED in upper respiratory tract infections of probable viral etiology -odds ratio (OR): 1.4; 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.1-1.8-; PED were more likely to adhere to clinical guidelines recommendations on febrile syndrome management (OR: 9; 95% CI: 3-25) and on attention deficit disorder with/without hyperactivity (OR: 5; 95% CI: 3-11), and showed more resolution capacity on other highly prevalent conditions in children and adolescents (such as asthma and AOM). PED showed higher vaccination coverage than FP/GP in all the studies assessing this result. Conclusion: based on the presented results, it seems reasonable to recommend maintaining the PED figure in PC health centers and reinforcing its specific task as the first point of contact of the child with the health care system.

Introducción: existe controversia sobre el tipo de profesional más adecuado -pediatras (PED) o médicos de familia/generales (MF/MG)- para prestar atención sanitaria a niños y adolescentes en Atención Primaria (AP). No existen revisiones sistemáticas previas que hayan estudiado este aspecto. El objetivo de este estudio es comparar la atención sanitaria proporcionada por PED y MF/MG en los siguientes aspectos de la práctica clínica: la prescripción de antibióticos (ATB), la indicación de pruebas diagnósticas, el manejo de la otitis media (OMA), del asma, del síndrome febril y de diversas alteraciones psicopatológicas, así como la realización de actividades preventivas. Material y métodos: diseño de estudio: revisión sistemática. Fuente de los datos: hasta diciembre de 2008 se revisaron las bases de datos MEDLINE y CENTRAL, el metabuscador TRIP Database y el buscador Google Académico para recuperar artículos originales y revisiones sistemáticas que compararan la práctica clínica de ambos tipos de profesionales. No se efectuó restricción por idioma. Selección de estudios: se incluyeron estudios de cualquier tipo de diseño (transversal, cohortes, casos y controles, experimentales) que compararan la práctica clínica del PED y el MF/MG. Se excluyeron todas las referencias que no contuvieran investigación original (cartas al director o editoriales). Asimismo, se evaluó la calidad metodológica de cada estudio con el instrumento "OSTEBA; Fichas de lectura crítica". Dicha calidad era valorada de forma independiente por dos revisores, que llegaban a un consenso en caso de discrepancia. La extracción de datos fue realizada por siete parejas de revisores de forma independiente. Las discrepancias se resolvieron mediante consenso. Resultados: como promedio, los MF/MG prescribieron más ATB que los PED en infecciones del tracto respiratorio superior de probable etiología vírica -odds ratio (OR): 1,4; intervalo de confianza del 95% (IC 95%): 1,1-1,8-. Los PED tuvieron más probabilidades de adherirse a las recomendaciones de guías de práctica clínica sobre el manejo del síndrome febril (OR: 9; IC 95%: 3-25) y del trastorno por déficit de atención con/sin hiperactividad (OR: 5; IC 95%: 3-11), y una mayor capacidad de resolución para otras enfermedades de elevada prevalencia durante la infancia y la adolescencia (como asma y OMA). Los PED presentaban porcentajes de vacunación superiores a los de los MF/MG en todos los estudios que evaluaron este resultado. Conclusión: en vista de los resultados expuestos, parece recomendable mantener la figura del PED en los equipos de AP y reforzar su función específica como primer punto de contacto del niño con el sistema sanitario.

Objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar a eficácia de herbicidas inibidores da ACCase, aplicados isoladamente ou em associações, no controle das espécies de plantas daninhas pertencentes à família das gramíneas Brachiaria decumbens, Digitaria ciliaris, Eleusine indica, Brachiaria plantaginea e Cenchrus echinatus, na cultura da soja. O experimento foi conduzido em campo, em delineamento de blocos ao acaso com quatro repetições. Os tratamentos avaliados foram: clethodim (84 g ha-1), clethodim + quizalofop-p-ethyl (48 + 40 g ha-1), [clethodim + fenoxaprop-p-ethyl] (50 + 50 g ha-1), sethoxydim (230 g ha-1), tepraloxydim (100 g ha-1), fluazifop-p-butyl (125 g ha-1), haloxyfop-methyl (60 g ha-1) e testemunha sem herbicida. A convivência das plantas de soja com as gramíneas infestantes resultou em perda significativa na produtividade de grãos. Os melhores níveis de controle de B. decumbens foram verificados com a utilização de haloxyfop-methyl. Tepraloxydim pode ser considerado seletivo a B. decumbens. Nenhum tratamento proporcionou controle final de D. ciliaris superior a 90%, porém menor eficiência foi verificada quando se aplicaram sethoxydim e fluazifop-p-butyl. Apenas os tratamentos sethoxydim e [clethodim + fenoxaprop-p-ethyl] não mostraram controle satisfatório de E. indica. B. plantaginea foi a espécie mais facilmente controlada pelos herbicidas avaliados; no entanto, haloxyfop-methyl, tepraloxydim, clethodim e [clethodim + fenoxaprop-p-ethyl] se destacaram no controle dessa invasora. A adição de quizalofop-p-ethyl ao clethodim proporcionou incremento significativo no controle de C. echinatus. Também os herbicidas haloxyfop-methyl e tepraloxydim apresentaram controle satisfatório dessa espécie daninha.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the efficacy of ACCase-inhibitors (ariloxyfenoxypropionates and cyclohexanodiones), applied alone or in combination, in controlling the grass weed species Brachiaria decumbens, Digitaria ciliaris, Eleusine indica, Brachiaria plantaginea and Cenchrus echinatus in soybean crop. The study was carried out in the field in a randomized block design with four replicates. The following treatments were evaluated: clethodim (84 g ha-1 ), clethodim + quizalofop-p-ethyl (48 + 40 g ha-1), [clethodim + fenoxaprop-p-ethyl] (50 + 50 g ha-1), sethoxydim (230 g ha-1 ), tepraloxydim (100 g ha-1 ), fluazifop-p-butyl (125 g ha-1 ), haloxyfop-methyl (60 g ha-1 ) and control (no herbicide). In the presence of the infesting weeds, soybean grain yield was significantly reduced. The highest efficiency of B. decumbens control was observed with the application of haloxyfop-methyl. Tepraloxydim was quite selective to B. decumbens. No treatment promoted a final control of D. ciliaris higher than 90%; nevertheless, the lowest efficiencies were verified with the application of sethoxydim and fluazifop-p-butyl. The only treatments that did not present a satisfactory control of E. indica were sethoxydim and [clethodim + fenoxaprop-p-ethyl]. The species most easily controlled by the herbicides evaluated was B. plantaginea. However, haloxyfop-methyl, tepraloxydim, clethodim and [clethodim + fenoxaprop-p-ethyl] presented the highest efficiency rates for controlling this weed. The addition of quizalofop-p-ethyl to clethodim significantly increased C. echinatus control The herbicides haloxyfop-methyl and tepraloxydim also presented a satisfactory control of this grass weed.

Neste trabalho foi avaliado o cultivo in vitro de somaclones de abacaxizeiro, na presença de elevadas concentrações de NaCl. Propágulos de abacaxizeiro foram submetidos a um período de cultivo in vitro em diferentes concentrações de NaCl (0, 12,5, 25 e 50 mM). Em seguida, foram cultivados na ausência do sal e, por fim, foram submetidos a um outro período de cultivo in vitro em 0 e 100 mM de NaCl. Não se observou interação entre as concentrações empregadas nos dois períodos de exposição ao NaCl, de modo que propágulos provenientes de tratamentos com concentrações mais elevadas não apresentaram melhor desempenho durante o segundo período de exposição; no entanto, constatou-se alteração negativa para os valores referentes à maioria das variáveis avaliadas em propágulos cultivados na presença de 100 mM de NaCl, na segunda exposição. Ao final do experimento foram selecionadas famílias cultivadas na presença de 100 mM de NaCl, com base na semelhança fenotípica ao controle. As famílias selecionadas eram originárias, igualmente, das quatro concentrações do primeiro período de tratamento com NaCl. Desse modo, as concentrações empregadas no primeiro período de exposição ao NaCl não influenciaram significativamente o crescimento dos propágulos durante o segundo período de cultivo in vitro na presença de NaCl.

This study evaluated the in vitro cultivation of pineapple somaclones under high concentrations of NaCl. Propagules of pineapple were cultivated in presence of different NaCl concentrations (0, 12.5, 25 and 50 mM), then passed through two subcultivations in absence of NaCl, and finally submitted to a second in vitro cultivation under 0 and 100 mM concentrations of NaCl. Interactions between the concentrations of both treatment's periods were not observed. Hence, propagules proceeding from higher concentrations treatments did not show better performance during the second period. A negative response was observed for almost all studied variables by propagules grown in 100 mM NaCl in the second treatment period. At the end of the experimental period, some families cultivated in 100 mM NaCl were selected. These families came equally from the four concentrations of the first treatment period with NaCl. Hence, the concentrations of NaCl applied in the first treatment period did not present significant influence on development of propagules during the second in vitro cultivation period under saline conditions.

Purpose: Cytokeratin 5 (CK5) and calretinin have been useful in different studies as immunohistochemical markers suggestive of mesothelioma, and their expression is analyzed for the histological differential diagnosis with adenocarcinomas, specially when confronting with metastatic tumors of unknown origin. We have analyzed the expression of CK5 and calretinin in clear cell renal cell carcinoma. Methods: A series of 63 clear cell renal cell carcinomas was studied. 46 of these cases were embedded in two tissue arrays, and a second group, of 17 cases, was constituted by conventional paraffin blocks from high-grade tumors (grade 4 of Fuhrman). Immunohistochemical staining was performed with monoclonal antibodies against CK5 and calretinin, following the labeled sptreptavidin-biotin technique. Results: No positivity for calretinin was observed in any case, while CK5 was focally expressed, in an isolated group of cells, in 1 of the 63 cases (1,59%) which corresponded to a high-grade carcinoma (grade 4 of Fuhrman). Conclusions: Expression of calretinin was not observed in clear cell renal cell carcinoma and positivity for CK5 occurred only in one case, in a very small proportion of tumor cells. Therefore, in practice, although the positivity for these markers cannot completely exclude renal cell carcinoma, this result is very rare in this tumor and other diagnostic posibilities should be considered.

Objetivo: La citoqueratina 5 (CK5) y la calretinina se han revelado en numerosos estudios como marcadores inmunohistoquímicos sugestivos de mesotelioma y su análisis se utiliza para el diagnóstico diferencial histológico con adenocarcinomas, especialmente ante metástasis de origen desconocido. En el presente estudio hemos analizado la expresión de CK5 y calretinina en el carcinoma renal de células claras. Métodos: Se estudió un total de 63 casos de carcinoma renal de células claras. De ellos, 46 fueron incluidos en dos matrices tisulares ("tissue arrays"), y un segundo grupo, de 17 casos, estuvo constituido por bloques convencionales de tumores de alto grado (grado 4 de Fuhrman). Se realizaron tinciones inmunohistoquímicas con anticuerpos monoclonales anti CK5 y anti calretinina, mediante el método de estreptavidina marcada con peroxidasa-biotina. Resultados: No se obtuvo positividad en ninguno de los casos para calretinina, mientras que la CK5 se expresó focalmente, en células aisladas, en 1 de los 63 casos (1,59%), que correspondió a un carcinoma de alto grado (grado 4 de Fuhrman). Conclusiones: En el carcinoma renal de células claras no hemos observado expresión de calretinina y la positividad para CK5 ha ocurrido de manera aislada y en un porcentaje muy pequeño de células tumorales. Por tanto, en la práctica si bien la positividad para estos marcadores no excluye de manera absoluta carcinoma de células renales, dicho resultado es muy improbable en este tumor y obliga a considerar otras opciones diagnósticas.

A cultura de tecidos tem sido utilizada como ferramenta para gerar e selecionar variabilidade genética que confira maior tolerância das espécies cultivadas à salinidade. Plantas de abacaxi das variedades Pérola e Smooth Cayenne foram micropropagadas em meio de cultura contendo zero, 12,5 e 25 mM de NaCl e avaliadas durante a fase de aclimatação quanto às alterações induzidas pelo NaCl durante o cultivo in vitro e para determinar o melhor parâmetro para quantificar estas alterações. Foram avaliados os caracteres altura das plantas, diâmetro da roseta foliar, número de folhas, comprimento e largura da folha ‘D’ aos 0, 15, 45, 75 e 105 dias após a instalação do experimento. Observou-se que as plantas micropropagadas em meio com NaCl e sem NaCl apresentaram médias e taxas de crescimento semelhantes, mas diferiram quanto às correlações entre os caracteres e às variâncias fenotípicas. Os resultados indicaram que a variância fenotípica foi o parâmetro mais adequado para avaliar o impacto da seleção in vitro sobre caracteres aparentemente não relacionados com a salinidade em plantas de abacaxi.

Plant tissue culture has been used to induce and select genetic variability in order to increase the level of salinity tolerance in several species. Pineapple plants from Pérola and Smooth Cayenne varieties were micropropagated for six months in a medium with 0, 12.5 and 25 mM of NaCl and evaluated during the acclimatization phase to verify the changes induced by NaCl during in vitro cultivation and to determine the best parameter to quantify these changes. The traits evaluated for plant height, plant diameter, leaf number, length and width of the D leaf at 0, 15, 45, 75 and 105 days after the installation of the experiment. There was no effect of different levels of NaCl during the micropropagation on the traits and mean growing rates. Differences were found in the correlation coefficients between the characters and mainly, in the phenotypic variances. The results indicated that the phenotypic variances were more adequate to evaluate the impact of in vitro selection for NaCl tolerance on traits apparently not related to salinity in pineapple plants.

O uso de bactérias solubilizadoras de fosfato pode ser uma alternativa de baixo custo em sistemas agroflorestais na Amazônia, onde os preços e o transporte, aliados à baixa capacidade de aquisição dos produtores, dificultam o uso de adubos solúveis. Em solos sem histórico de cultivo, os fosfatos estão ligados principalmente ao Al, enquanto nos previamente cultivados e corrigidos com calagem, esses fosfatos podem estar ligados ao Ca, limitando seus usos pelas plantas. Existem poucas informações sobre bactérias solubilizadoras de fosfato (BSF) na Amazônia, sendo necessário intensificar os estudos nesse sentido. O primeiro passo dessas pesquisas é um estudo sobre a ecologia dessas bactérias, identificando o local e a freqüência de ocorrência. Para isso, foram coletadas amostras de raízes de plantas nos estados do Acre, Amazonas e Rondônia, as quais foram colocadas em placas de Petri com um meio específico capaz de identificar suas presenças. Foram utilizados 28 espécies de plantas de diversas famílias e dois tipos de vegetação múltipla (pastagem e capoeira). Os índices de presença dessas bactérias foram muito baixos (0-10%), evidenciando que, nessas condições, essas bactérias não contribuem efetivamente para melhorar a nutrição das plantas com fósforo.

The use of phosphate-solubilizing bacteria can be a low-cost alternative to agroforestry systems in the Amazônia, where prices, transport, and producers' low buying capacity make the use of soluble fertilizers difficult. On soils without a cultivation past, phosphates are combined mainly to Al, while on previously limed and cultivated soils, these phosphates are combined with Ca, limiting their use by plants. There is little information on phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (BSF) in the Amazon; thus, further studies are needed. The first step should be to study the ecology of these bacteria to identify where, and how frequently they occur. Samples of plant roots were collected in the states of Acre, Amazonas and Rondônia, and placed in Petri plates in a specific medium to identify their presence. This study used 28 species of plants of several families and two types of multiple vegetation (pasture and secondary forest). The presence of these bacteria was very low (0-10%), suggesting that, under those conditions, they do not contribute to improve plant nutrition with P.

Objetivo: Os substitutos valvares atuais não preenchem os requisitos de uma prótese ideal. A técnica de Ross tenta oferecer, principalmente às crianças, um auto-enxerto em posição aórtica, livre de eventos tromboembólicos, hemólise e com excepcional durabilidade. O homoenxerto em posição pulmonar também tem mostrado bom desempenho a longo prazo. Nosso objetivo é demonstrar a viabilidade da técnica e os resultados da experiência inicial com o procedimento. Casuística e Métodos: Foram operados entre jan/97 e dez/98, 12 pacientes. Insuficiência aórtica - 5 casos, insuficiência aórtica e mitral - 3 casos, insuficiência aórtica e membrana subaórtica - 2 casos, estenose aórtica - 1 caso, reoperação de plastia da valva aórtica - 1 caso. O sexo predominante foi o masculino (75%). A idade variou de 8 a 15 anos (M = 12,17±2,04). A classe funcional III representou 58,3% e II 41,7%. A avaliação pré-operatória foi realizada com auxílio do ecocardiograma e pós-operatória com ecocardiograma e cateterismo cardíaco. Os homoenxertos utilizados foram mantidos em solução preservante antibiótica. Os procedimentos foram realizados com circulação extracorpórea e cardioplegia cristalóide gelada. Resultados: As intercorrências foram: febre 75%, insuficiência cardíaca congestiva (ICC) 25%, hipertensão arterial sistêmica (HAS) 33,3%, sangramento 8,33%, hipersecreção pulmonar 8,33% e isquemia miocárdica 8,33%. Ecocardiograma pós-operatório demonstrou insuficiência aórtica discreta em 4 casos. Angiocardiografia evidenciou ausência de insuficiência aórtica ou pulmonar, gradiente VE-Ao em 2 casos (16 mmHg e 9 mmHg) e gradiente VD-TP em 2 casos (13,5 mmHg e 9,5 mmHg). Encontram-se em classe funcional I (91,6%) e II (8,4%). Conclusões: A técnica é eficaz, reprodutível e de baixa mortalidade. É necessário maior tempo de acompanhamento para avaliação dos enxertos.

Current prosthetic replacement for aortic valve disease are far from the ideal. The pulmonary autograft replacement of the aortic valve, associated with a homograft in pulmonary position (Ross' procedure), offers an attractive option in younger patients, with growth potential and long-term survival. In our Institution, between January 1997 and December 1998, 12 patients have undergone this procedure. Aortic regurgitation was the main lesion in 5 cases - associated with significant mitral regurgitation, requiring intervention, in three, Aortic regurgitation associated with sub-aortic membrane - 2 cases, Aortic stenosis - 1 case. Reoperation due to failure of aortic valve reconstruction - 1 case. The ethiology was rheumatic in 83.3% of the patients. The mean age was 12.17 years (± 2.04) (range, 8 to 15 years). 41.66% (5 patients ) were in NYHA Class II and the remaining in NYHA Class III. Echocardiogram was performed for pre-op and post-op evaluation in all cases, as well as post-op cardiac catheterization. The homografts used in this series were preserved in antibiotic solution and used before three weeks. Post-op fever was present in 9 (75%) patients, congestive heart failure in 3 (25%), systemic hypertension in 4 (33.3%), excessive pulmonary secretion in 1 (8.33%) and myocardial ischemia 1 case (8.33%). Post-op cardiac catheterization, one month after surgery, showed absence of aortic or pulmonary regurgitation. All patients but 1 (8.33%) are in NYHA Class I, with no medication. In conclusion, the techniques is effective and adequate for children, but some long-term follow up is necessary for better evaluation of the grafts.