The role of cyclooxygenase (COXs) isoforms in maintaining colonic mucosal integrity is not fully understood. This study aimed to evaluate the role of COX-1 and -2 on colonic mucosal integrity in an experimental colitis model. Colitis was induced in Wistar rats by intracolonic administration of 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (20 mg + 50% ethanol). The control group (sham group) received saline only. After 7, 14, or 28 days, colonic samples were removed, and macroscopic lesion scores, wet weight, myeloperoxidase activity, and transepithelial electrical resistance (TER) were determined. In other rat groups, colonic samples from the sham group and a 7th day post-colitis group were mounted in Üssing chambers with the luminal side exposed to a buffer solution (control), acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), SC-560 (COX-1 inhibitor), or celecoxib (COX-2 inhibitor). TER and epithelial permeability to fluorescein were measured. The 7th day colitis group had higher macroscopic damage scores, wet weight, and myeloperoxidase activity and lower basal TER than the sham, 14th day colitis, and 28th day colitis groups. Inhibition of COX-1 but not COX-2 significantly decreased TER and increased permeability to fluorescein in the 7th day post-colitis group compared to the sham group. Additionally, ASA decreased the colonic mucosal integrity on day seven post-colitis compared to the sham group. A decrease in the colonic mucosa integrity in the experimental colitis model can be aggravated only by the inhibition of COX-1, which demonstrated the importance of this enzyme in the maintenance of colonic mucosal integrity.

RESUMO A brucelose é uma das doenças de caráter zoonótico mais difundidas no mundo, representando um grande problema econômico e de saúde pública. A Brucella melitensis, a B. suis e a B. abortus são consideradas as mais patogênicas espécies para humanos. A espécie apontada como a mais virulenta é a B. melitensis, endêmica em várias partes do mundo, particularmente o biovar 3 na região do Mediterrâneo e na Europa Oriental. Alguns países da América Latina são seriamente afetados pelo biovar 1, especialmente México, Peru e norte da Argentina. O Brasil é considerado livre desse agente etiológico, porém sempre há o questionamento se a infecção não ocorre ou se falta pesquisa. Diante dessa questão, o objetivo deste trabalho foi investigar a ocorrência de anticorpos contra amostras lisas de Brucella em caprinos e ovinos dos estados de Sergipe, Bahia, Ceará e Paraíba. Todas as amostras foram submetidas à triagem pelo teste do antígeno acidificado tamponado (AAT). Como testes confirmatórios, utilizou-se a reação de fixação de complemento (RFC) e também o teste de polarização fluorescente (TPF). Nenhuma amostra foi positiva nos testes confirmatórios (RFC e TPF). Esse resultado comprova que a infecção por B. melitensis é exótica no Brasil.

ABSTRACT Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease widespread almost all over the world, representing a significant economic and public health problem. Brucella melitensis, B. suis and B. abortus are considered the most pathogenic species for humans. The most virulent species, B. melitensis is endemic in many parts of the world, particularly the biovar 3 in the Mediterranean and Eastern Europe. Some Latin American countries are seriously affected by biovar 1, especially Mexico, Peru and northern Argentina. Furthermore, while Brazil is considered free of this etiologic agent, one recurrent question is whether this infection really does not occur in Brazil or there is a lack of research/data on the subject. To answer this question, this study aims to investigate the occurrence of antibodies against smooth Brucella in goats and sheep in the states of Sergipe, Paraíba, Ceará and Paraíba. All samples were screened by the Rose Bengal test (RBT). The complement fixation (CFT) and the fluorescence polarization (FPT) tests were used as confirmatory tests. There were no positive samples in the confirmatory tests (both CFT and FPT). We, therefore, conclude that this result reinforces the previous knowledge regarding the exotic status of B. melitensis infection in Brazil.

Species of the genus Leishmania parasitize mammals and have life cycles that alternate between vertebrate and invertebrate hosts. Most species develop in a hematophagous arthropod and infect a specific vertebrate host that may belong to diverse orders and families. Visceral leishmaniasis is a chronic zoonosis with a wide geographic distribution, affecting 350 million people globally, mostly in areas with a high risk of infection. In Brazil, this disease not only has a high incidence but is also expanding to new areas, both in urban centers and rural areas, including territories with tribal communities, due to increasing human intervention. The objective of this study was to perform cathepsin L-like gene-based molecular diagnosis of Leishmania infantum in the indigenous Tapirapé ethnic group in the state of Mato Grosso. From the 372 individuals assessed, only 0.8% (3/372) tested positive for L. infantum, all from the same village (Urubu Branco). Despite the small number of infected individuals, this study demonstrates the first human cases of Leishmania infantum infection in this population, suggesting the need for regular monitoring of visceral leishmaniasis in the area and leading to a broad discussion on the planning and implementation of public health measures for the indigenous population, while respecting their distinctive territories and culture.

ABSTRACT Reserva Ecológica de Guapiaçu (REGUA) is a private, protected area inside a remnant of the Atlantic Forest with high biodiversity. Although the bats of the reserve have been sampled for more than two decades, few studies have been published about them. Based on a compilation of data from several surveys, we present an updated list of the bat species there and compare it with surveys from other locations in the Atlantic Forest. From August 1998 to September 2021, at least 194 sampling nights were carried out at REGUA by different research groups from various institutions, totaling 448,092 m2.h of sampling. A total of 4,069 individuals were captured, belonging to 47 species and six families. Additionally, our results indicate that it is possible that some species that occur at REGUA have not been recorded yet. REGUA has the greatest number of bat species known for the Atlantic Forest. This most likely results from the fact that the reserve includes large areas of mature, continuous forest connected with other protected areas in the State of Rio de Janeiro. Another factor contributing to the high diversity of bat species at REGUA is that the area has been intensely sampled for many years. Given that the bat assemblage there appears to be a good proxy to ascertain the ecological patterns of biodiversity in well-preserved forests, we consider REGUA to be an important area for long-term ecological research. The basic knowledge about the ecological interactions of bats with different food resources and zoonotic microorganisms offers a unique opportunity to carry out research in several areas of knowledge, making it possible to address questions about bat assemblage structure, bat-parasite ecology, competition, niche partitioning, and other related studies.

RESUMO Yersinia enterocolitica é uma bactéria com potencial zoonótico, e não há informações desse agente como causa de abortamento em equinos. O objetivo deste relato é descrever um caso de sepse por Y. enterocolitica em um feto equino abortado aos sete meses. O feto foi submetido à necropsia, e amostras de todos os órgãos foram processadas para histopatologia. Para microbiologia, foram coletadas amostras de fígado, pulmão, placenta e conteúdo estomacal. Macroscopicamente, observou-se fígado aumentado com coloração amarelada heterogênea; coração com áreas pálidas no miocárdio; pulmões não colabados, pesados e brilhantes; e cordão umbilical espessado e recoberto por fibrina e pus. Na análise histopatológica, havia miocardite necrossupurativa multifocal moderada e trombose, broncopneumonia supurativa difusa moderada, hepatite fibrinonecrótica multifocal discreta e onfalite necrossupurativa difusa moderada com miríades bacterianas intralesionais e trombose. Observou-se também placentite, nefrite, miosite, cistite e dermatite supurativa multifocal discreta, além de rarefação linfoide difusa discreta. A avaliação microbiológica identificou Y. enterocolitica no fígado, no pulmão e no líquido estomacal. Este é o primeiro relato de sepse por Y. enterocolitica causando abortamento na espécie equina. Essa bactéria tem importância zoonótica, portanto deve ser investigada em casos de abortamento nessa espécie, servindo como diagnóstico diferencial em tal distúrbio reprodutivo.

ABSTRACT Yersinia enterocolitica is a bacterium with zoonotic potential and there are no previous records of this bacteria being isolated from aborted foals. This report aims to describe a case of sepsis due to Y. enterocolitica in a seven month old aborted equine. The fequinoetus was submitted to necropsy and samples of all the organs were collected for the histological exam. Samples of liver, lung, placenta, and stomach contents were collected for bacterial culture. Macroscopically, the liver was enlarged with yellowish heterogeneous color, heart with pale myocardial areas; lungs not collapsed, heavy and shiny, thickened umbilical cord covered with fibrin and pus. Histopathologically, there was moderate multifocal necrosuppurative myocarditis and thrombosis, moderate diffuse suppurative bronchopneumonia, mild multifocal fibrinonecrotic hepatitis, and moderate diffuse necrosuppurative omphalitis with intralesional bacterial myriads and thrombosis. Mild multifocal suppurative placentitis, nephritis, myositis, cystitis, and dermatitis were also observed, in addition to mild diffuse lymphoid rarefaction. The microbiological evaluation identified Y. enterocolitica in the liver, lung, and stomach fluid. This is the first report of sepsis due to Y. enterocolitica causing an abortion in a horse. This bacterium has zoonotic importance; therefore, it should be investigated in abortion in this species, serving as a differential diagnosis in reproductive disorders.

Ketamine (KET) is an N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) antagonist with rapid and long-lasting antidepressant effects, but how the drug shows its sustained effects is still a matter of controversy. The objectives were to evaluate the mechanisms for KET rapid (30 min) and long-lasting (15 and 30 days after) antidepressant effects in mice. A single dose of KET (2, 5, or 10 mg/kg, po) was administered to male Swiss mice and the forced swim test (FST) was performed 30 min, 15, or 30 days later. Imipramine (IMI, 30 mg/kg, ip), a tricyclic antidepressant drug, was used as reference. The mice were euthanized, separated into two time-point groups (D1, first day after KET injection; D30, 30 days later), and brain sections were processed for glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3), histone deacetylase (HDAC), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) immunohistochemical assays. KET (5 and 10 mg/kg) presented rapid and long-lasting antidepressant-like effects. As expected, the immunoreactivities for brain GSK-3 and HDAC decreased compared to control groups in all areas (striatum, DG, CA1, CA3, and mainly pre-frontal cortex, PFC) after KET injection. Increases in BDNF immunostaining were demonstrated in the PFC, DG, CA1, and CA3 areas at D1 and D30 time-points. GFAP immunoreactivity was also increased in the PFC and striatum at both time-points. In conclusion, KET changed brain BDNF and GFAP expressions 30 days after a single administration. Although neuroplasticity could be involved in the observed effects of KET, more studies are needed to explain the mechanisms for the drug’s sustained antidepressant-like effects.

ABSTRACT With the aim to determine the prevalence and mean parasite intensity in Oncorhynchus mykiss, 120 specimens were analyzed between April and September 2018. The cavity analysis was done by visual inspection, scraping of mucus, and extraction of the branchial arches. In the evisceration process, the intestine, the liver, and the kidney were separated, while the musculature was analyzed using the “candling table” method. All the collected material was preserved in 10% buffered formaldehyde and sent to the Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, of the Center for Agroveterinary Sciences (CAV) of the University of the State of Santa Catarina (UDESC) for making the slides and identifying the parasites. Parasites were detected only in the analysis of the scraping of body mucus. Only specimens of the genus Trichodina were identified, in 34 of the 120 fish analyzed, in two collections, resulting in a prevalence of 28.33%. In total, 144 specimens of Trichodina were observed. The overall mean intensity was of 4.24 parasites in each fish analyzed. Characteristic lesions of infection by protozoa were not identified. This is the first report of the occurrence of Trichodina spp. in O. mykiss bred in an intensive system in Brazil, with low rates of parasitic infection in the mountain region of Santa Catarina.

Resumo:O objetivo foi testar in vitro e in vivo a eficácia da planta medicinal Chenopodium ambrosioidesLinnaeus, 1786 (erva-de-santa-maria), nas formas fitoterápica e homeopática, como meios alternativos para o controle de endoparasitos de Coturnix japonica Temminck & Schlegel, 1849 (codorna japonesa), um sério problema que afeta a criação e desempenho de aves domésticas, ocasionando morte quando muito intenso, retardo de crescimento, redução de índice de conversão alimentar e aumento na suscetibilidade às doenças infecciosas. As metodologias utilizadas foram preconizadas por Coles et al. (1992), creditada pela World Association for the Advancement of Veterinary Parasitology (WAAVP). A pesquisa evidenciou a presença dos gêneros Ascaridiae Eimeria. O ensaio in vitro demonstrou alta taxa de redução na inibição de eclosão de ovos de Ascaridiasp. (100,00%) e significativa taxa de redução na destruição de oocistos de Eimeriasp. (47,06%). O ensaio in vivodemonstrou alta taxa de redução na contagem de ovos de Ascaridiasp. nas fezes (100,00%) e expressiva taxa de redução na contagem de oocistos de Eimeriasp. nas fezes (60,33%). Chenopodium ambrosioides mostrou em certos momentos superioridade frente ao produto tradicional (Thiabendazole/Mebendazole) e índices superiores aos preconizados pelo Ministério da Agricultura do Brasil e Organização Mundial da Saúde como indicativos de eficácia.

Abstract:The aim was in vitro and in vivo to test the effectiveness of Chenopodium ambrosioides Linnaeus, 1786 (santa maria herb) medicinal plant, in regard to phytotherapeutic and homeopathic forms as alternative methods to control Coturnix japonica Temminck & Schlegel, 1849 (japanese quail) endoparasites. The parasitosis is a serious problem affecting domestic poultry raising and performance causing death, delay in grow, food conversion rate reduction and increase of susceptibility to infectious diseases. Methodologies were advocated by Coles et al. (1992), corroborated by World Association for the Advancement of Veterinary Parasitology (WAAVP). Presence of the genera Ascaridia and Eimeria was displayed by this survey. In vitro essay demonstrated high reduction rate on eggs eclosion inhibition of Ascaridia sp. (100.00%) and significant reduction rate on oocyst destruction of Eimeria sp. (47.06%). In vivo essay demonstrated high fecal egg counting reduction rate of Ascaridia sp. (100.00%) and expressive fecal oocyst counting reduction rate of Eimeriasp. (60.33%). C. ambrosioides showed upper rates front traditional product (Thiabendalol/Mebendazol) as well as to those ones advocated by the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculturel and the World Health Organization as effectiveness indicative.

A planta Sideroxylon obtusifolium, conhecida popularmente como "quixabeira", é utilizada na medicina popular para o tratamento de processos inflamatórios e dolorosos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a possível ação cicatrizante, bem como anti-inflamatória tópica, do extrato etanólico (EE) da entrecasca da S. obtusifolium no modelo de ferida e cicatrização cutânea. Para isso, ratos Wistar foram anestesiados, submetidos à incisão dorsal, e discos de esponja de álcool polivinílico foram inseridos subcutâneamente. Quarenta e oito horas após os animais foram eutanasiados avaliando-se medidas de tensão de ruptura nas cicatrizes da pele dorsal, a atividade de mieloperoxidase (MPO), e a contagem de células nos exsudatos das esponjas. A atividade sequestradora do radical 2,2-difenil-1-picrilhidrazil (DPPH) foi determinada para avaliar a capacidade antioxidante do EE. Observamos que a administração tópica, 2 vezes ao dia, do EE da S. obtusifolium (3-30 mg 0,4 mL-1 de creme Lanette(r)) não alterou a tensão de ruptura das cicatrizes. Entretanto, o EE da S. obtusifolium (30 mg 0,4 mL-1 de creme Lanette(r)) foi capaz de diminuir a atividade de MPO (p<0,01) e a contagem celular (p<0,05) no exsudato das esponjas, após 48 h da indução da ferida. O EE mostrou-se ativo como sequestrador do radical DPPH. Os valores de IC50 para o EE e ácido gálico foram semelhantes (1,04 ± 0,27 e 1,15 ± 0,02 μg mL-1 de DPPH, respectivamente). Concluímos que o EE da entrecasca da S. obtusifolium possui atividade anti-inflamatória através da administração tópica no modelo de cicatrização cutânea em ratos, além de seu potencial antioxidante.

The Sideroxylon obtusifolium is a medicinal plant known as “quixabeira” in Portuguese that has been used in folk medicine for the treatment of inflammatory and painful processes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the ethanol extract (EE) of S. obtusifolium on the cicatrization and local anti-inflammatory activities using a model of wound healing in rats. Wistar rats were submitted to a dorsal skin incision and polyvinyl alcohol sponge discs were implanted. Animals were euthanized after 48 h, and the tensile strength measurement at the wound site, the myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and the leukocyte counts in the wound exudates were evaluated. The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity was determined to evaluate the antioxidant capacity of the EE. We observed that the topical administration of the EE of S. obtusifolium (3-30 mg 0.4 mL-1 of Lanette® cream) twice a day did not alter the tensile strength, but it decreased the MPO activity (p<0,01)and leukocyte infiltration (p<0,05) after 48 h of induction of wound. The EE shows to be active as DPPH radical scavenger. The IC50 value for the EE was similar to the IC50 value of gallic acid (1.04 ± 0.27 and 1.15 ± 0.02 μg mL-1 DPPH, respectively). In conclusion, the EE of Sideroxylon obtusifolium shows local anti-inflammatory activity in the model of wound healing in rats, in addition to antioxidant potential.

Este trabalho objetivou identificar a importância de plantas medicinais como primeira linha de ação para enfermidades em população residente no território da Estratégia Saúde da Família (ESF) de Montes Claros/MG, Brasil. A pesquisa foi transversal e descritiva, realizada em 2010, sendo a coleta de dados obtida por questionário semi-estruturado. O cálculo amostral do cenário do estudo embasou-se no número de famílias da ESF. O tratamento estatístico considerou o nível de significância p<0,05. Para cada família (N=253) foi entrevistada uma pessoa. Dos entrevistados, 75,5 % utilizam plantas medicinais; sem associação com renda, cor de pele, escolaridade e sexo (p>0,05). Quase a metade dos entrevistados (45,1 %) informou que utiliza mais de uma planta por vez. No caso de doença, após consulta e prescrição médica, uma parcela importante dos usuários de plantas (48,7 %) usa apenas o medicamento alopático. Concluiu-se que a utilização de plantas medicinais como recurso terapêutico independe de escolaridade e renda familiar, sugerindo incorporação cultural da prática integrativa na comunidade nortemineira estudada.

This study aimed to identify the importance of medicinal plants as a first line of action when treating diseases in populations residing in the territory of the Family Health Strategy (FHS) in Montes Claros,/state of Minas Gerais, Brazil.tThis is a cross-sectional descriptive research. Data collection took place by means of a semi-structured questionnaire in 2010. The sample size calculation was based on the number of families in the FHS study setting. For statistical analysis, the significance level considered was p <0.05. One personofrom each family (253) was interviewed. Of the respondents, regardless of income, skin color, education and sex, 75.5 % stated they use medicinal plants (p> 0.05). Almost half of respondents (45.1 %) reported the use of more than one plant at a time. In the event of illness, 42.3 % reported to use medicinal plants and visit the doctor. In case of illness, after consultation and prescription, a significant portion of the plant users (48.7 %) uses only allopathic medicine.sWe concluded that the use of medicinal plants as a therapeutic resource is independent of education and income, which suggestg cultural incorporation of the integrative practice in the community studied.

Puba or carimã is a Brazilian staple food obtained by spontaneous submerged fermentation of cassava roots. A total of 116 lactobacilli and three cocci isolates from 20 commercial puba samples were recovered on de Man, Rogosa and Sharpe agar (MRS); they were characterized for their antagonistic activity against foodborne pathogens and identified taxonomically by classical and molecular methods. In all samples, lactic acid bacteria were recovered as the dominant microbiota (7.86 ± 0.41 log10 CFU/g). 16S-23S rRNA ARDRA pattern assigned 116 isolates to the Lactobacillus genus, represented by the species Lactobacillus fermentum (59 isolates), Lactobacillus delbrueckii (18 isolates), Lactobacillus casei (9 isolates), Lactobacillus reuteri (6 isolates), Lactobacillus brevis (3 isolates), Lactobacillus gasseri (2 isolates), Lactobacillus nagelii (1 isolate), and Lactobacillus plantarum group (18 isolates). recA gene-multiplex PCR analysis revealed that L. plantarum group isolates belonged to Lactobacillus plantarum (15 isolates) and Lactobacillus paraplantarum (3 isolates). Genomic diversity was investigated by molecular typing with rep (repetitive sequence)-based PCR using the primer ERIC2 (enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus). The Lactobacillus isolates exhibited genetic heterogeneity and species-specific fingerprint patterns. All the isolates showed antagonistic activity against the foodborne pathogenic bacteria tested. This antibacterial effect was attributed to acid production, except in the cases of three isolates that apparently produced bacteriocin-like inhibitory substances. This study provides the first insight into the genetic diversity of Lactobacillus spp. of puba.

O presente relato apresenta a primeira descrição de ectopia ureteral congênita na raça Teckel Dachshund, diagnosticada em uma cadela com pelagem arlequim. O animal, aos dois meses de idade, apresentava sinais de incontinência urinária e cistite bacteriana, sendo submetido a um plano diagnóstico para confirmação de ureter ectópico. A urografia excretora revelou hidroureter direito com desembocadura caudal ao trígono da bexiga. O exame físico do animal evidenciou ainda hérnia inguinal bilateral, o que reforçou a caracterização da origem congênita das alterações. Aspectos de bem-estar animal são também discutidos.

The present work reports the first description of congenital ureteral ectopy in the canine breed Teckel Dachshund, diagnosed in a female dog with merle colour pattern. The two month old animal, presented with continuous dribbling of urine and bacterial cystitis, was subjected to a diagnostic plan for ectopic ureter. The excretory urography showed a right hidroureter, which had an orifice located caudally to the trigone of the bladder. The animal also presented a bilateral inguinal hernia, which confirmed the case description as a multiple congenital anomaly condition. Animal welfare aspects are also discussed.

RESUMO A tuberculose é uma enfermidade infecciosa crônica, que afeta mamíferos e aves e constitui um sério problema de saúde pública e animal. Objetivando realizar um levantamento molecular da enfermidade em bovinos abatidos em matadouros frigoríficos no Estado da Bahia, Brasil, foram analisadas as lesões pulmonares e de linfonodos mediastínicos de 43 carcaças de animais abatidos em três matadouros-frigoríficos localizados na Região Metropolitana de Salvador, Bahia. Sete isolados de Mycobacterium bovis foram identificados, através da técnica do spolygotyping, e discriminados em três diferentes espoligotipos (SB1055, SB0120 e SB0268) descritos no Brasil e em diversas áreas do mundo. Os resultados indicam que o método de diagnóstico utilizado pode contribuir para a criação de uma base de dados para o estudo epidemiológico da tuberculose bovina no Estado da Bahia.

ABSTRACT Tuberculosis is an infectious chronic disease that affects mammals and birds and constitutes a serious problem for public and animal health. Pulmonary and mediastinic lymph node lesions of 43 animals slaughtered in 3 slaughterhouses in the metropolitan region of the city of Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, were analyzed with the objective of obtaining a molecular survey of the disease in bovines slaughtered in slaughterhouses in the state. Seven isolates ofMycobacterium bovis were identified through the spoligotyping technique and classified into 3 different spoligotypes (SB1055, SB0120, SB0268), described in Brazil and in many areas worldwide. The results indicate that the diagnostic method utilized may contribute to the creation of a database for the epidemiologic study of bovine tuberculosis in the state of Bahia.

Além dos baixos teores normalmente encontrados na fração argila dos solos sob clima tropical e subtropical, o tamanho reduzido e a baixa cristalinidade dos minerais 2:1 secundários dificultam sua identificação por difratometria de raios X (DRX). Este estudo objetivou avaliar métodos químicos e físico de concentração de minerais 2:1 secundários na fração argila para facilitar a identificação por DRX, incluindo a natureza dos minerais quanto ao local de formação de cargas permanentes (lâmina tetraedral ou octaedral). Coletaram-se amostras de dois Cambissolos originados de argilito da Formação Guabirotuba na Bacia Sedimentar de Curitiba (PR): horizontes A, Bi, C1 (1,2 a 1,5 m), C2 (2,2 a 2,5 m), C3 (3,2 a 3,5 m) e C4 (4,2 a 4,5 m). Após remoção da matéria orgânica e dispersão da terra fina seca ao ar, a fração argila foi submetida a tratamentos sequenciais com ditionito-citratobicarbonato (DCB) (amostra desferrificada - remoção de óxidos de Fe pedogenéticos) e com soluções de NaOH a quente, em diferentes concentrações (0,5; 1,0; 1,5; 2,5; 3,5; 4,0; 4,5 e 5,0 mol L-1), para extração de gibbsita e caulinita, em diferentes graus. A fração argila desferrificada também foi submetida à separação física (centrifugação) em argila grossa (0,2 a 2 m) e fina (< 0,2 m). Foram realizados tratamentos auxiliares para identificar as espécies minerais 2:1 na fração argila: saturação com Mg e solvatação com etilenoglicol; saturação com K e secagem ao ar e aquecimento a 550 ºC; e saturação com Li (teste de Greene-Kelly). Os resultados mostraram que o método clássico de extração da caulinita, com solução de NaOH 5,0 mol L-1 a quente, não deve ser aplicado para concentração de minerais 2:1 secundários, pois também removeu grande parte desses minerais. O tratamento com DCB e com solução de NaOH 3,5 mol L-1 possibilitou, com maior eficiência, a concentração e identificação de minerais 2:1 secundários por DRX nas amostras dos horizontes A, Bi e C1. Nas amostras tomadas em maiores profundidades (horizontes C2, C3 e C4), devido aos maiores teores desses minerais e ao menor tamanho dos cristais (argila fina), a solução menos concentrada de NaOH (1,5 mol L-1) foi mais eficiente para esse propósito. No horizonte A, os minerais 2:1 concentraram-se na fração argila grossa, compatível com o maior grau de intemperismo desse horizonte. Identificou-se esmectita com hidroxi-Al entrecamadas nos horizontes mais superficiais (A e Bi) e esmectita nas amostras do horizonte C. A saturação com Li permitiu a identificação das esmectitas dioctaedrais montmorilonita e beidelita/nontronita. As adaptações ao métodopadrão (NaOH 5 mol L-1) favoreceram a concentração de minerais 2:1 secundários na fração argila dos solos; a concentração da solução de NaOH deve ser maior para horizontes com menor teor do mineral.

Besides the typically low levels of secondary 2:1 minerals found in the clay fraction of soils in tropical and subtropical climates, the small mineral size and low crystallinity make their analyses by X-ray difractometry (XRD) difficult. This study aimed to evaluate physical and chemical methods for concentrating secondary 2:1 minerals in the clay fraction to facilitate their identification by XRD. Also, it was sought to analyze the nature of the minerals regarding the sites of origin of permanent charges (tetrahedral or octahedral sheets). Samples were collected in two Cambisols originated from argillite of the Guabirotuba formation in the sedimentary basin of Curitiba (PR), Brazil, in the horizons: A, Bi, C1 (1.2 to 1.5 m), C2 (2.2 to 2.5 m), C3 (3.2 to 3.5 m) and C4 (4.2 to 4.5 m). After removing the organic matter and dispersing the airdried fine earth, the clay was sequentially treated with dithionite-citrate-bicarbonate (DCB) (iron-free sample - removal of pedogenetic iron oxides) and with hot NaOH solutions at different concentrations (0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.5, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, and 5.0 mol L-1) for kaolinite and gibbsite extraction at different degrees. The iron-free clay fraction was also physically separated (centrifugation) in coarse (0.2 to 2 µm) and fine clay (< 0.2 µm). Secondary treatments were performed to identify the 2:1 mineral species in the clay fraction: saturation with Mg and solvation with ethylene glycol, K saturation, air-drying and heating to 550 ºC; and Li saturation (Greene-Kelly test). Results showed that the classical method of kaolinite extraction with hot 5.0 mol L-1NaOH solution should not be used to concentrate secondary 2:1 minerals because the solution also removed a large portion of these minerals. The treatment with DCB and with 3.5 mol L-1NaOH solution was more efficient to concentrate and favored the identification of secondary 2:1 minerals by XRD in samples of the A, Bi and C1 horizons. In samples from greater soil depths (C2, C3 and C4 horizons), due to the higher levels of these minerals and the smaller crystal size (fine clay), a less concentrated NaOH solution (1.5 mol L-1) was more efficient for this purpose. In A horizon, 2:1 minerals were concentrated in the coarse clay fraction, what is compatible with the higher weathering degree of this horizon. Smectite with Al-hydroxy interlayers was identified in most surface horizons (A and Bi) and smectite was found in the C horizon samples. Li saturation made the identification of dioctaedral minerals (montmorillonite and beidellite/nontronite) possible. The modification of the standard method (5 mol L-1NaOH) favored the concentration of secondary 2:1 minerals in the soil clay fraction; the concentration of the NaOH solution must be higher for horizons with lower mineral content.

We have determined the number of circulating T, B and natural killer cells in renal transplant recipients in order to detect changes during cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections. Serial blood samples were taken from 61 patients on standard triple immunosuppression therapy (cyclosporin A, azathioprine and prednisone). Using two-color flow cytometry analysis, the absolute number of CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD19+, CD3+HLA-DR+ and CD16+56+ cells was determined. Forty-eight patients (78.7%) developed active CMV infection, and all of them subsequently recovered. Twenty of the infected patients (32.8%) presented symptoms compatible with CMV disease during the infectious process. The number of lymphocytes and their main subpopulations were normal before the onset of CMV disease. During the disease there was a decrease followed by a significant increase (P<0.005) in the number of CD3+, CD4+, CD8+ and CD3+HLA-DR+ cells. No significant changes were observed in natural killer cells or B lymphocytes during the disease. We conclude, as observed in all viremic patients recovering from infection, that recovery is associated with an increase in the number of T cell subsets. The monitoring of different lymphocyte subsets along with antigenemia can be extremely useful in the detection of patients at high risk of developing CMV symptoms, allowing the early introduction of antiviral therapy or the reduction of immunosuppression therapy.