Abstract Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) has shown great biological heterogeneity, with a variable prognosis, and a short survival in some patients. In this light, the present study focused on the prognostic utility of circulating microparticles (MPs) and a Thrombin Generation (TG) Profile for thrombotic risk and disease progression in CLL patients. Circulating microparticles and TG were evaluated in 35 patients with CLL and 35 healthy individuals. For circulating microparticles, significant differences were observed among the following groups: MPs derived from endothelial cells (p = 0.002), B lymphocytes (p < 0.001), platelets (p = 0.003), and Tissue Factor MPs in monocytes (p < 0.001). In all cases, MP values were higher for the CLL group. When compared to the controls, CLL patients presented a decrease in TG, characterized by a reduced endogen thrombin potential (ETP) (p = 0.031). When the results were analyzed according to the Binet stage, as compared to the controls, the Binet B+C group also presented lower ETP values (p = 0.009). No significant differences were observed between the control and the Binet A groups or between the Binet A and the Binet B + C groups. Although hemostatic alterations may occur in patients with CLL, these parameters do not seem to be useful to indicate disease progression.

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 esquistossomose é uma doença negligenciada que afeta milhões de pessoas em todo o mundo, sendo comum no estado do Maranhão. Um total de 225 roedores da espécie Holochilus sciureus da Planície Ocidental do Maranhão foram estudados, dos quais 144 animais (64%) apresentaram ovos de Schistosoma em suas fezes. Lesões macroscópicas caracterizadas como áreas esbranquiçadas bem definidas nas superfícies do fígado e baço foram observadas. O exame histopatológico revelou granulomas multifocais no esôfago, fígado, baço, pâncreas e duodeno, com estruturas compatíveis com ovos de Schistosoma mansoni, degeneração micro-vacuolar hepática grave, multifocal e coalescente, com proliferação de ductos biliares aleatórios e hiperplasia epitelial associada a áreas de fibrose. Formas adultas do parasito foram observadas nos vasos sanguíneos do espaço portal. Os pulmões exibiram pneumonia intersticial moderada e difusa com ovos de S. mansoni intralesionais. Nos rins, foram observados cilindros hialinos na pelve e hemorragia difusa. Em conclusão, H. sciureus apresenta um quadro patológico semelhante ao ser humano. Este roedor desempenha um papel de sentinela na Baixada Maranhense.

Abstract Schistosomiasis is a neglected disease that affects millions of people around the world, being common in the state of Maranhão. A total of 225 rodents of the Holochilus sciureus species from the Western Lowland Maranhão were studied, of which 144 animals (64%) exhibited Schistosoma eggs in their feces samples. Macroscopic lesions characterized as well-defined whitish areas on the liver and spleen surfaces were observed. Histopathological examination revealed multifocal granulomas in the esophagus, liver, spleen, pancreas and duodenum, with structures compatible with Schistosoma mansoni eggs, as well as severe hepatic micro-vacuolar degeneration, multifocal and coalescent, with proliferation of random bile ducts and associated epithelial hyperplasia to areas of fibrosis. Adult forms of the parasite were observed in the blood vessels of the portal space. The lungs exhibited moderate and diffuse interstitial pneumonia with intralesional S. mansoni eggs. In the kidneys, hyaline cylinders were observed in the pelvis and diffuse hemorrhage. In conclusion, H. sciureus displays a pathological picture similar to human being. This rodent plays a role as sentinel in Baixada Maranhense.

Abstract CD 1705 is a cultivar indicated for the wheat-producing regions 1, 2 and 3 of the states of Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina and Paraná. It is appropriate for biscuit manufacturing, has good plant health and high production potential (mean yield of 4308 kg ha-1).

Abstract CD 1303 is a cultivar indicated for the wheat-producing regions 1, 2 and 3 of the states of Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina and Paraná. It has an early cycle, a short stature and high productive potential (mean of 4311 kg ha-1).

Abstract CD 1104 is a cultivar indicated for the wheat-producing regions 1, 2, 3, 4 (irrigated) and 4 (rainfed) of the states of RS, SC, PR, SP, MS, MG, DF, GO, and MT. Its suitability for the industrial segment of strong flours and yield potential (mean of 4.427 kg ha-1) are high.

Abstract CD 1805, indicated for the wheat growing in Regions 1, 2 and 3 in the states of Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina and Paraná. The cultivar has quality standards for cookie production and high yield performance with a mean of 3899 kg ha-1, exceeding the controls by 4%.

Cultivar CD 1550 is well-suited for the wheat-growing regions 1 and 2 of Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina and Paraná and 3 of Paraná. It has the characteristics of bread wheat and high gluten strength. The average potential yield is 3828 kg ha-1, 7% higher than that of the controls.

Cultivar CD 123 is recommendable for the wheat-growing regions 1, 2 and 3 of the States of Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina and Paraná. It is a white flour wheat destined for production in cooler regions. The mean potential yield is 3514 kg ha-1, exceeding that of the control cultivars by 5%.

The cultivar CD 122 was tested in the wheat-producing regions VCU 1, 2 and 3, with an average grain yield of 3,527 kg ha-1 when fungicide-treated, exceeding the average of the control cultivars by 5%. CD 122 is resistant to leaf rust and was classified as bread wheat.

CD 121 is indicated for wheat regions with the classification Value for Cultivation and Use 1 and 2, in the states of PR, SC and RS. The cultivar is tolerant to leaf rust, has good agronomic traits, flour suited for cookie baking and an average grain yield of 3.622 kg ha-1.

O presente estudo relata o primeiro surto autóctone de leishmaniose visceral canina (LCV) em Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brasil. Durante levantamento soro-epidemiológico realizado pelo Centro de Controle de Doenças Zoonóticas (CCZ) envolvendo 2.124 cães, 29 (1,37%) foram soropositivos para VL (ELISA + RIFI). Onze cães positivos por transmissão autóctone foram utilizados no presente estudo. A confirmação da infecção por Leishmania sp. foi realizada pelo exame parasitológico da medula óssea, fígado, baço e linfonodos, cultura em meio Schneider e PCR. Os isolados de Leishmania sp. foram caracterizados por PCR-RFLP e hibridação com sondas específicas, permitindo a identificação de Leishmania infantum. A transmissão autóctone da LCV em uma área com grande fluxo turístico como Florianópolis representa um preocupante risco à saúde pública e o surgimento de uma importante zoonose no sul do Brasil. Neste contexto, a implementação de medidas de vigilância e controle da doença são fundamentais para evitar a propagação da doença entre a população canina, bem como a transmissão para a população humana.

The present study reports the first outbreak of autochthonous canine visceral leishmaniasis in Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, southern Brazil. Following the report of two cases of CVL, the Control Center of Zoonotic Diseases conducted a serological survey by ELISA and IFAT assays in seven districts of the Santa Catarina Island. Eleven seropositive dogs of autochthonous transmission were used in the present study. Infection by Leishmania sp. was confirmed by parasitological examination of bone marrow, liver, spleen and lymph nodes, culture in Schneider's medium and PCR. Leishmania sp. isolates were characterized by PCR-RFLP and hybridization with specific probes, allowing for the identification of Leishmania infantum. Autochthonous transmission of this disease in an area with high tourist traffic presents a major public health concern and signifies the emergence of an important zoonosis in southern Brazil. Therefore, the implementation of surveillance and control measures is imperative to prevent the spread of the disease among the canine population as well as transmission to the human population.

O cultivar CD 120, desenvolvido pela Cooperativa Central de Pesquisa Agrícola (COODETEC) é recomendado para cultivo nos VCUs para as regiões 1 e 2 do Paraná, Santa Catarina e Rio Grande do Sul. É tolerante às principais doenças, à germinação pré-colheita, tem qualidade de trigo macio e é 6.5 % mais produtivo (3.678 kg ha-1) que a testemunha.

The cultivar CD 120, developed by the Cooperativa Central de Pesquisa Agrícola (COODETEC) is suitable for cultivation in the VCU wheat-producing regions 1 and 2 of the states of Paraná, Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul. It is tolerant to the major wheat diseases and pre-harvest germination and has soft wheat quality and a 6.5 % higher grain yield (3.678 kg ha-1) than the control.

The industrial quality and lodging resistance of CD 150, a cross between CD104 and CD108, are high and the plant height is short. The average yield was 10 % higher than of the controls in the regions II, III and IV. It is suitable for cultivation in the states of PR, SP, MS and GO, MG, and DF.

This study aimed to ascertain reproductive characteristics of women with mental disorders at a Psychosocial Care Center in Fortaleza, Brazil. The study participants were 255 women of reproductive age who had started sexual activity. More than a half the women reported pregnancies: 125 (86.8%) had from 1 to 4 gestations and 19 (13.2%), more than 4. All or nearly all pregnancies of 110 (76.4%) women were unplanned. Age at pregnancy ranged from 13 to over 35 years of age, most frequently (70 women 51.4%) 25 to 35; and 38 (14.9%) had spontaneous or induced abortions. The results indicate that women with mental disorders have sexual and reproductive health demands which require comprehensive care supported by the proposals for reform of Brazil's psychiatric services and by assurance of reproductive rights.

Se objetivó investigar aspectos reproductivos de mujeres con trastorno mental de un centro de atención psicossocial de Fortaleza-CE-Brasil. Fue cumplido, en 2007, estudio descriptivo y estadístico. Participaron 255 mujeres en edad reproductiva y con vida sexual iniciada. Más que la mitad de las participantes tenían embarazado, siendo que 125 (86,8%) afirmaron de uno a cuatro embarazos y 19 (13,2%) más de cuatro embarazos. De esas, 110 (76,4%) habían tenido todo o una parte de los embarazos sin planeamiento. La edad de las gestantes, en el primer parto, varió de 13 hasta más de 35 años, siendo la mayoría 70 (51,4%) de la franja etaria de 20 a 35 años; 38 (14,9%) de las mujeres habían sufrido aborto espontáneo o provocado. Los resultados indican que mujeres con trastorno mental tienen demandas mentales en el campo de la salud sexual y reproductiva, exigiendo, por lo tanto, una atención integral, apoyada en la oferta de la reforma psiquiátrica y en el cumplimiento de los derechos reproductivos.

Objetivou-se averiguar aspectos reprodutivos de mulheres portadoras de transtorno mental de um centro de atenção psicossocial de Fortaleza-CE. Foi realizado, em 2007, um estudo descritivo e estatístico. Participaram 255 mulheres em idade reprodutiva e com vida sexual iniciada. Mais da metade das participantes já havia engravidado, sendo que 125 (86,8%) referiram gesta de um a quatro e 19 (13,2%) gesta acima de quatro. Dessas, 110 (76,4%) tiveram todas ou parte das gestações sem planejamento. A idade das gestantes, no primeiro parto, variou entre 13 até mais de 35 anos, sendo a maioria, 70 (51,4%), do grupo etário de 20 a 35 anos; 38 (14,9%) sofreram aborto espontâneo ou provocado. Conclui-se que mulheres portadoras de transtorno mental apresentam demandas no campo da saúde sexual e reprodutiva, exigindo uma assistência integral, amparada na proposta da reforma psiquiátrica e no cumprimento dos direitos reprodutivos.