Abstract Oral mucositis (OM) is a painful inflammatory oral condition that affects children who undergo chemotherapy. Oxidative stress is a known OM mediator and pro-inflammatory cytokines contribute to the amplification of the immune response. Objective: To investigate the possible associations of rs4880 (superoxide dismutase 2, SOD2 47 C/T), rs7943316 (catalase, CAT −21 A/T), rs1800629 (tumor necrosis factor α, TNF- α −308 G/A), and rs1800795 (interleukin 6, IL-6 −174 G/C) polymorphisms with chemo-induced OM occurrence and severity in oncopediatric patients. Methodology: We conducted a single-center, observational cross-sectional study with sample collection of oral epithelial cells from 95 children and adolescents with hematological cancers who underwent chemotherapy, followed by genomic DNA extraction. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were assessed with PCR-RFLP (Polymerase Chain Reaction-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism). Demographic data and information concerning OM occurrence were obtained from dental charts of the multidisciplinary oral care team. Information on OM severity was obtained from appropriately-filled Oral Assessment Guide records. Descriptive and inferential statistics were conducted with Student's T test, chi-squared test, and Fisher's exact test, with p≤0.05. Results: The mean age was 10 years-old and most patients were male individuals (57.89%). Female sex was considered a protective factor for OM occurrence (OR=4.83; CI=[1.14; 16.57]). The AA genotype for CAT was the most frequent amongst individuals with severe OM (p=0.04). The GA genotype for TNF- α was the most frequent amongst individuals without severe OM (p=0.03). For SOD2 and IL-6 , the most frequent genotypes were CT and GG respectively for all groups (p>0.05). Conclusion: The AA genotype for CAT −21 A/T was a tendency among the group with severe OM. Data on TNF- α −308 G/A were inconclusive. No associations were detected for SOD2 47 C/T and IL-6 −174 G/C polymorphisms in oncopediatric patients with chemo-induced oral mucositis.

RESUMO O reuso de água é uma prática importante no gerenciamento dos recursos hídricos, especialmente nas zonas áridas e semiáridas. Com isso, objetivou-se avaliar o estado nutricional e a massa do capulho do algodoeiro herbáceo (cultivar BRS 335) quando fertigado com efluente de esgoto doméstico e adubação fosfatada. Um experimento foi conduzido em delineamento de blocos ao acaso, em esquema fatorial 3 × 2, com seis repetições. As plantas de algodão foram fertigadas com três soluções contendo efluente de esgoto doméstico (AR) e água de abastecimento (AA) nas proporções de 100% de AA - T1, 50% AA + 50% AR - T2 e 100% AR - T3 e, dois manejos da adubação fosfatada (com adubação e sem adubação fosfatada em pré-plantio). Foram avaliados os teores de macronutrientes e micronutrientes nas folhas e a massa de capulho. A fertigação com água de reuso é viável para suprir a demanda hídrica e parte da demanda nutricional do algodoeiro. A água de reuso não atendeu aos requisitos totais de Ca, Cu, Fe e Zn do algodão, portanto, recomenda-se a suplementação mineral complementar com esses nutrientes para que a cultura obtenha alto rendimento.

ABSTRACT Water reuse is an important practice in water resource management especially in arid and semi-arid areas. The objective was to evaluate the mineral composition and boll weight of upland cotton (cultivar BRS 335) plants under fertigation with domestic sewage effluent and phosphate fertilization. An experiment was carried out using randomized block design in a 3 × 2 factorial scheme with six repetitions. Cotton plants were fertigated with three fertigation solutions containing domestic sewage effluent (RW) and supply water (SW) in the proportions of 100% SW - T1, 50% SW + 50% RW - T2 and 100% RW - T3, and two phosphate fertilizer managements (with and without phosphate fertilization at pre-planting). Macronutrient and micronutrient concentrations in the shoots and boll weight were measured and evaluated. Fertigation utilizing reuse water is able to supply both water and part of the nutritional demand of cotton plants. Calcium, copper, iron and zinc concentrations in cotton leaves were below the optimum range for the crop. Reuse water did not meet the total requirements of Ca, Cu, Fe and Zn of cotton, so complementary mineral supplementation with these nutrients is recommended for the crop to obtain high yield.

Resumen En este estudio se objetivó evaluar los efectos del agua de fertirrigación con efluente de alcantarillado doméstico y de diferentes sustratos de cultivo en el crecimiento de mudas de Caraíba (Tabebuia aurea Benth). El experimento fue realizado en condiciones de ambiente protegido en la ciudad de Mossoró, RN. Se han probado cinco soluciones de riego (100% de agua de abastecimiento - AA, 100% de efluente de desagüe doméstico - EE y las diluciones del 75% EE + 25% AA, 50% EE + 50% AA y 25% EE + 75 (% AA) y dos sustratos (75% suelo + 25% estiércol de bovinos y 75% suelo + 25% fibra de coco) utilizando el delineamiento estadístico completamente casualizado, arregladas en parcelas subdivididas con tres repeticiones por tratamiento. Las evaluaciones de crecimiento y desarrollo se realizaron a los 30, 60, 90 y 150 días después de la siembra. Se determinaron las variables altura de la parte aérea, diámetro del cuello, relación entre altura y diámetro, materias secas del sistema radicular, de la parte aérea y total (raíz y parte aérea), relación entre raíz y parte aérea, índice de Dickson, y la evaluación nutricional de nitrógeno, fósforo, potasio y calcio. Se verificó que la utilización de efluente doméstico aumentó el crecimiento y la calidad de las mudas de caraíba, además de promover la acumulación nutricional en las plantas cultivadas en sustrato de estiércol bovino más suelo cuando se fertirrigadas con 100% de efluente doméstico.

Abstract In this study, we evaluated the effects of fertigation with domestic sewage effluent and different substrates on the growth of Caraíba seedlings (Tabebuia aurea Benth). The experiment was accomplished in a greenhouse in Mossoró, RN. Five irrigation solutions (100% of water supply - WS, 100% of domestic sewage effluent - DS and dilutions of 75% DS + 25% WS, 50% DS + 50% WS e 25% DS + 75% WS) were tested and two substrates (75% soil + 25% bovine manure and 75% soil + 25% coconut fiber) using completely randomized design in subdivided plots with three replicates per treatment. Growth and development parameters were measured at 30, 60, 90, and 150 days after cultivation. The variables shoots height, collar diameter, height/diameter ratio, dry matter of root, shoots and total (root and shoots), shoots/root ratio, Dickson quality index, and nutritional evaluation of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and calcium were determinate. We verified that the use of domestic sewage increased growth and quality of caraíba seedlings, besides promoting nutrient accumulation in the plants grown in substrate of bovine manure plus soil with 100% application of domestic sewage in the fertigation.

Resumo Este estudo avaliou o efeito citotóxico e a capacidade de inibição das metaloproteinases da matriz extracelular (MMP-2 e MMP-9) pela quitosana 0,2%(CH) e o ácido acético 1% (AA) em comparação com o ácido etilenodiaminotetracético 17% (EDTA). O ensaio de viabilidade celular foi realizado de acordo com a ISO 10993-5 com fibroblastos de camundongo (L929). A cultura foi exposta a CH 0,2%, AA 1% e EDTA 17%. Os agentes quelantes foram avaliados imediatamente após o contato com as células e após 6 h, 12 h e 24 h de incubação. A viabilidade celular foi analisada utilizando o ensaio de brometo de 3- (4,5-dimetitiazol-2-il) -2,5-difeniltetrazólio (MTT). A inibição da atividade gelatinolítica de MMP-2 e MMP-9 foi avaliada por zimografia de gelatina. Diferentes concentrações de CH foram avaliadas: 50 mM, 5 mM, 0,5 mM e 0,05 mM. EDTA (0,5 mM) foi usado como controlo positivo. Os resultados demonstraram que CH e AA apresentaram um efeito citotóxico inicial, que diminuiu após 6 h, 12 h e 24 h, sendo estatisticamente similar ao EDTA (P> 0,05). Adicionalmente, CH a concentrações de 50 mM, 5 mM e 0,5 mM tiveram um efeito inibidor sobre MMP-2 e MMP-9, semelhante ao controlo com EDTA. Os agentes quelantes apresentaram efeitos não citotóxicos após 24 h. MMP-2 e MMP-9 foram inibidas pelas soluções experimentais.

Abstract This study evaluated the cytotoxic effect and the ability to inhibit matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9) of 0.2% chitosan (CH) and 1% acetic acid (AA) compared with 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). Cell viability assay was performed according to ISO 10993-5 with mouse fibroblasts (L929). The culture was exposed to 0.2% CH, 1% AA, and 17% EDTA. The chelating agents were evaluated immediately after contact with the cells and after 6 h, 12 h, and 24 h of incubation. Cell viability was analyzed using the 3-(4,5-dimethythiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Inhibition of the gelatinolytic activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9 was evaluated by gelatin zymography. Different concentrations of CH were evaluated: 50 mM, 5 mM, 0.5 mM, and 0.05 mM. EDTA (0.5 mM) was used as a positive control. The results demonstrated that CH and AA had an initial cytotoxic effect, which decreased after 6 h, 12 h, and 24 h, being statistically similar to EDTA (P > 0.05). Additionally, CH at concentrations of 50 mM, 5 mM, and 0.5 mM had an inhibitory effect on MMP-2 and MMP-9, similar to that of the control with EDTA. The chelating agents had no cytotoxic effects after 24 h. MMP-2 and MMP-9 were inhibited by the experimental solutions.

RESUMO Introdução: A taurina desempenha um papel importante no metabolismo e pode influenciar positivamente a composição corporal, uma vez que, na concentração apropriada, este aminoácido pode diminuir a percepção de esforço e retardar o aparecimento da fadiga; entretanto, o efeito desse aminoácido combinado com o treinamento concorrente (TC) é desconhecido em mulheres pós-menopausa. Objetivo: Analisar os efeitos do TC (aeróbico+resistência) e da suplementação com taurina nesse perfil metabólico de mulheres pós menopausa. Métodos: Foram avaliadas 43 mulheres pós-menopausa que foram divididas randomicamente nos seguintes grupos: Controle (C [N = 13]), Taurina (T [N = 8]), Taurina+Exercício (TE [N = 13]) e Placebo+Exercício (E [N = 9]). Os grupos suplementados com taurina receberam cápsulas e consumiram 1,5 gramas/dia dessa substância. O TC aconteceu três vezes por semana (50 minutos de treinamento resistido e 30 minutos de treinamento aeróbico). A avaliação da composição corporal foi realizada por meio do DXA; além disso, foram analisados o perfil bioquímico com dosagem de triglicérides, colesterol total (CT), colesterol de lipoproteína de baixa densidade (LDL-c) e colesterol de lipoproteína de alta densidade (HDL-c). A intervenção teve duração de oito semanas. Resultados: O grupo TE apresentou redução percentual significativa da gordura corporal total (−4,1 ± 3,0) e gordura de tronco (−4,4 ± 3,9) e maiores ganhos da massa corporal magra (3,9 ± 2,5) em comparação ao grupo C (0,3 ± 3,7, p = 0,005; 0,8 ± 4,3, p = 0,024; −1,1 ± 3,1, p <0,001; respectivamente) e ao grupo T (1,2 ± 3,4, p = 0,004; 1,6 ± 5,4, p = 0,023; −1,2 ± 2,9; p = 0,002; respectivamente). O grupo TE apresentou maiores reduções do CT (−5,8 ± 7,1 mg/dl) em comparação ao grupo T (11,5 ± 19,1 mg/dl). O grupo TE apresentou significativa redução do LDL-c (−13,6 ± 9,2 mg/dl) em comparação ao grupo C (3,5 ± 13,9 mg/dl, p = 0,014) e ao grupo T (9,9 ± 24,3 mg/dl, p = 0,027). Conclusão: A associação TC e suplementação com taurina promoveu redução dos níveis de colesterol total e LDL-c em mulheres pós-menopausa. Nível de Evidência I; Tipo de Estudo: Estudo clínico randomizado.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Taurine plays an important role in metabolism and can positively influence body composition, since it is believed that in appropriate concentrations this amino acid (AA) can reduce perceived exertion, thereby delaying the onset of fatigue; however, the effect of this AA combined with concurrent training in postmenopausal women is unknown. Objective: To analyze the effects of concurrent training (aerobic+resistance) and taurine supplementation on the metabolic profile of postmenopausal women. Methods: Forty-three postmenopausal women were randomly divided into the following groups: Control (C [N=13]), Taurine (T [N = 8]), Taurine+Exercise (TE [N=13]), and Placebo+Exercise (E [N=9]). The supplemented groups received capsules corresponding to a daily taurine intake of 1.5 g. Concurrent training (CT) took place three times a week and consisted of 50 minutes of resistance training and 30 minutes of aerobic training. Body composition was assessed using DXA, in addition to biochemical profile analysis: triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. The intervention period lasted for eight weeks. Statistical significance was set at 5%. Results: The TE group presented a statistical reduction in terms of relative change in the percentage of total body fat (%) (−4.1±3.0) and trunk fat (%) (−4.4±3.9), with greater lean body mass (kg) gain (3.9±2.5) when compared to groups C (0.3±3.7, p=0.005; 0.8±4.3, p=0.024; −1.1±3.1, p<0.001; respectively) and T (1.2±3.4, p=0.004; 1.6±5.4, p=0.023; −1.2±2.9; p=0.002; respectively). The TE group presented a greater percentage reduction of total cholesterol (−5.8±7.1 mg/dl) when compared to group T (11.5±19.1 mg/dl). The TE group presented a significant decrease in LDL-c (−13.6±9.2 mg/dl) compared to groups C (3.5±13.9 mg/dl, p=0.014) and T (9.9±24.3 mg/dl, p=0.027). Conclusion: The combination of concurrent training and taurine supplementation promoted a reduction in total cholesterol and LDL-c levels in postmenopausal women. Level of Evidence I; Study type: Randomized clinical study.

RESUMEN Introducción: La taurina desempeña un papel importante en el metabolismo y puede influenciar positivamente la composición corporal, ya que en la concentración apropiada este aminoácido puede disminuir la percepción de esfuerzo y retrasar la aparición de la fatiga; sin embargo, el efecto de este aminoácido combinado con el entrenamiento concurrente (EC) es desconocido en mujeres posmenopáusicas. Objetivo: Analizar los efectos del EC (aeróbico+resistencia) y de la suplementación con taurina en este perfil metabólico de mujeres posmenopáusicas. Métodos: Se evaluaron 43 mujeres posmenopáusicas que se dividieron aleatoriamente en los siguientes grupos: Control (C [N = 13]), Taurina (T [N = 8]), Taurina+Ejercicio (TE [N = 13]), Placebo+Ejercicio (E [N = 9]). Los grupos suplementados con taurina recibieron 1,5 gramos/día de esta sustancia. El EC ocurrió tres veces por semana (50 minutos de entrenamiento resistido y 30 minutos de entrenamiento aeróbico). La composición corporal fue realizada por medio del DXA; además, se analizaron el perfil bioquímico con dosificaciones de triglicéridos, colesterol total (CT), colesterol de lipoproteína de baja densidad (LDL-c) y colesterol de lipoproteína de alta densidad (HDL-c). La intervención tuvo duración de ocho semanas. Resultados: El grupo TE presentó reducción porcentual significativa de la grasa corporal total (−4,1 ± 3,0) y grasa del tronco (−4,4 ± 3,9) y mayores ganancias de masa corporal magra (3,9 ± 2,5) en comparación al Grupo C (0,3 ± 3,7, p = 0,005, 0,8 ± 4,3, p = 0,024, −1,1 ± 3,1, p <0,001, respectivamente) y al Grupo T (1,2 ± 3,4, p = 0,004; 1,6 ± 5,4, p = 0,023; −1,2 ± 2,9; p = 0,002; respectivamente). El Grupo TE presentó mayores reducciones del CT (−5,8 ± 7,1 mg/dl) en comparación con el Grupo T (11,5 ± 19,1 mg/dl). El Grupo TE presentó una significativa reducción del LDL-c (−13,6 ± 9,2 mg/dl) en comparación con el Grupo C (3,5 ± 13,9 mg / dl, p = 0,014) y el Grupo T (9,9 ± 24,3 mg / dl, p = 0,027). Conclusión: La asociación de EC y suplementación con taurina promovió reducción de los niveles de colesterol total y LDL-c en mujeres posmenopáusicas. Nivel de evidencia I; Tipo de Estudio: Estudio clínico aleatorizado.

BACKGROUND Dengue virus (DENV) has circulated in Brazil for over 30 years. During this time, one serotype has cyclically replaced the other, until recently, when all four distinct serotypes began to circulate together. Persistent circulation of DENV for long time periods makes sequential infections throughout a person’s life possible. After primary DENV infection, life-long immunity is developed for the infecting serotype. Since DENV and Zika virus (ZIKV) are antigenically similar, the possibility of cross-reactions has attracted attention and has been demonstrated in vitro. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate whether immune-sera from DENV and ZIKV infected patients would cross-react in vitro with other Flaviviridae family members. METHODS Cross-reaction of the studied samples with yellow fever virus (YFV), West Nile virus (WNV), Rocio virus (ROCV), Saint Louis virus (SLEV) and Ilheus virus (ILHV) has been investigated by plaque reduction neutralisation test (PRNT) and the antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) by flow-cytometry. FINDINGS Antibodies against ZIKV and DENV virus cross-reacted with other flaviviruses either neutralising or enhancing the infection. Thus, viral entrance into FcRFcɣRII-expressing cells were influenced by the cross-reactive antibodies. ZIKV or DENV immune sera enhanced cellular infection by WNV, ILHV, ROCV and SLEV. Finally, DENV immune sera presented higher neutralising activity for YFV and SLEV. While ZIKV immune sera neutralised WNV, ILHV and ROCV with high frequencies of positivity. MAIN CONCLUSIONS The co-circulation of those viruses in the same area represents a risk for the development of severe infections if they spread throughout the country. Successive flavivirus infections may have an impact on disease pathogenesis, as well as on the development of safe vaccine strategies.

RESUMO O uso das águas residuais tem despontado como uma alternativa para o controle da poluição ambiental e uma opção viável para aumentar a disponibilidade hídrica nas regiões áridas e semiáridas. Neste estudo, os efeitos da água de irrigação com efluente de esgoto doméstico e do substrato de cultivo sob o crescimento de mudas de Aroeira foram estudados em um experimento em condições de ambiente protegido. Foram testados cinco soluções de irrigação (Água de abastecimento - AA, Efluente de esgoto doméstico bruto - ED e as misturas de 75% ED + 25% AA, 50% ED + 50% AA e 25% ED + 75% AA) e dois substratos de cultivos (75% solo + 25% esterco de bovinos e 75% solo + 25% fibra de coco) utilizando o delineamento estatístico inteiramente casualizado, arranjadas em parcelas subdivididas com três repetições com três repetições por tratamento. As avaliações de crescimento e desenvolvimento foram realizadas aos 30; 60; 90 e 150 dias após o plantio e determinaram-se as variáveis diâmetro do colo, altura de parte aérea, relação entre altura e o diâmetro, relação matéria seca da parte aérea/matéria seca da raiz, matérias secas do sistema radicular, da parte aérea, total, e o índice de Dickson. As análises dos resultados indicaram que a irrigação com efluente de esgoto aumentou o crescimento e o índice morfológico das mudas de aroeira, sendo o melhor desenvolvimento encontrado quando as plântulas de Aroeira foram cultivadas em substrato de esterco bovino + solo e irrigadas com solução contendo 100% efluente de esgoto doméstico tratado.

ABSTRACT The use of wastewater has emerged as alternative to control environmental pollution and a viable option to improved water availability in the arid and semiarid zones. In this study, the effects of irrigation solution with domestic sewage effluent and, of growing substrate on growth of Aroeira seedlings was examined in a greenhouse experiment. The effects of five irrigation solution (Public-supply water, PSW, domestic sewage effluent, DSE and the mixtures of 75% DSE + 25% PSW, 50% DSE + 50% PSW and 25% DSE + 75% PSW) and two growing substrate (75% soil + 25% bovine manure and, 75% soil + 25% coconut fiber) were used in a completely randomized block design, arranged as split plots with three replications for each treatment. The evaluations were made at 30, 60, 90 and 150 days after planting, and the parameters following were measured: stem diameter, shoot height, relationship between height and diameter, shoot/root dry matter ratio, dry matter of the root, shoot and total and, Dickson index. The analysis results indicated that the irrigation solution composed by raw sewage effluent or mixed with Public-supply water increased the growth and improved morphological index of Aroeira seedlings, being the better development found when plant of Aroeira were grown in bovine manure + soil substrate under irrigation with solution containing 100% domestic sewage effluent.

Abstract This study evidenced the physicochemical composition and antioxidant activity (AA) of honeys (n = 31) and pollen (n = 25) of stingless bees species from Alagoas, Brazil. Fifteen parameters were studied under the light of a multivariate analysis. A dendrogram with three groups of honeys was stablished for the different bees, being the group III formed exclusively by samples from genus Melipona. Plebeia sp. and Tetragona clavipes Fabricius (1804) produced honeys with higher pH/acidity, electrical conductivity, phenolic total and AA. Even different bees from the same meliponary, as M. asilvai and T. clavipes, produced honeys with different AA and chemical profiles, possibly due their different nectar preference. The multivariate analysis of the bee pollen samples also showed three principal components responsible for 74.52% of their variability, clustering nine groups strongly influenced by total phenolics and AA. Honey and pollen produced by T. clavipes had the highest phenolic content and AA. Therefore, the chemical characteristics and AA of the Meliponini honey and bee pollen showed here can give support to the market to influence their incorporation in the human diet as sources of potential functional foods.

Many components for aerospace and automotive industries are currently manufactured using superplastic forming, being the fine-grained aluminum alloy AA5083 widely used for this proposes. However, the development of cavitation voids is inherent in this process and reduces the ductility of the alloy. Back pressure can be used to diminish the growth of cavitation void. The experimental conditions used in this work are in the best condition for nucleation and grow of cavitation, because of the coarse grain size (81 µm), large second phase particles (9 µm) and elevated test temperature (570ºC) in a AA 5083. Domes were formed at 570ºC and at a strain rate of 5x10-5 s-1 by blow forming with and without back-pressure. They were compared in terms of their final shape, thickness distribution, and quantity of cavitation voids. The effectiveness of the usage of back pressure to reducing the quantity of cavitation void was analyzed.

BACKGROUND Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae, and compromises the skin and peripheral nerves. This disease has been classified as multibacillary (MB) or paucibacillary (PB) depending on the host immune response. Genetic epidemiology studies in leprosy have shown the influence of human genetic components on the disease outcomes. OBJECTIVES We conducted an association study for IL2RA and TGFB1 genes with clinical forms of leprosy based on two case-control samples. These genes encode important molecules for the immunosuppressive activity of Treg cells and present differential expressions according to the clinical forms of leprosy. Furthermore, IL2RA is a positional candidate gene because it is located near the 10p13 chromosome region, presenting a linkage peak for PB leprosy. METHODS A total of 885 leprosy cases were included in the study; 406 cases from Rondonópolis County (start population), a hyperendemic region for leprosy in Brazil, and 479 cases from São Paulo state (replication population), which has lower epidemiological indexes for the disease. We tested 11 polymorphisms in the IL2RA gene and the missense variant rs1800470 in the TGFB1 gene. FINDINGS The AA genotype of rs2386841 in IL2RA was associated with the PB form in the start population. The AA genotype of rs1800470 in TGFB1 was associated with the MB form in the start population, and this association was confirmed for the replication population. MAIN CONCLUSIONS We demonstrated, for the first time, an association data with the PB form for a gene located on chromosome 10. In addition, we reported the association of TGFB1 gene with the MB form. Our results place these genes as candidates for validation and replication studies in leprosy polarisation.

Human immunodeficiency virus infection is a multisystemic disease which causes kidney disease in a variable proportion of infected patients. AA amyloidosis, in turn, is an unusual complication related to HIV infection and also an infrequent cause of kidney disease; in this setting AA amyloidosis usually results from chronic skin infections related to intravenous use of recreational drugs. We report the case of a 43-year-old woman, native of the Ivory Coast, with active HIV 1 infection diagnosed 11 years ago, currently in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s stage C3, out of antiretroviral therapy for non-adherence and with persistent positive viral load, admitted to the nephrology department for nephrotic syndrome. The patient denied any other relevant clinical history, including chronic or recurrent inflammatory or infectious disease or use or abuse of recreational drugs. Urine sediment and renal function were both normal as was renal ultrasound. Other opportunistic infections were excluded. The renal biopsy revealed deposition of amorphous substance, Congo red positive, in the vascular walls and a positive immunofluorescence for serum amyloid A, confirming the diagnosis of renal amyloidosis. The patient was started on antiretroviral and symptomatic therapy, with clinical improvement. The clinical diagnosis of renal amyloidosis secondary to HIV can be challenging, as it requires the exclusion of other possible aetiologies, but should be considered in the differential diagnosis of renal disease in HIV patients. This case illustrates the importance of the renal biopsy in such cases in which the diagnosis can be improperly set up if based only on clinical data.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was evaluated the villus integrity of commercial turkeys submitted to coccidiosis prevention methods and challenged with Eimeria field oocysts, using scanning electron microscopy. Sixty BUT 9 female commercial turkeys were distributed in a completely randomized block design split with two treatments: T1- control diet without vaccinations against coccidiosis and anticoccidial drug, and T2- vaccinated against coccidiosis (commercial vaccine). On d 21 of life, all birds of all treatments were challenged with a mixed-species containing E. meleagrimitis and E. galopavonis, via crop intubation with 1 mL of ~20,000 sporulated oocysts/bird. The size of the inoculum was determined in previous experiments. At 27 and 70 days of age, five birds per treatment were randomly removed to evaluate the intestinal integrity. Duodenum, jejunum and ileum segments were collected and processed according to routine scanning electron microscope. The enteric mucosa integrity of the commercial turkeys subjected to coccidiosis vaccination was reduced when compared to the birds of the control treatment. There was no difference in the performance results, therefore these results cannot be attributed to the vaccination as well as to the ineffectiveness against the challenge that was administered.

ABSTRACT Pododermatitis, also known as "bumblefoot", is an inflammatory lesion of the footpad. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of genetic strain and sex on the incidence of footpad lesions in broilers. The experiment was carried out at São Paulo State University, using 480 broilers distributed in a completely randomized experimental design in a 2X2 factorial arrangement (2 strains X2 sexes), with four replicates of 30 broilers each, totaling 16 experimental units. Feed intake, weight gain, feed conversion ratio, and livability were evaluated at 21, 35 and 42 days of age; production efficiency factor was determined at the end of the rearing period. On day 42, the footpads of 100 broilers were grossly examined and assigned a lesion score in a 1-3 scale (Almeida Paz & Martins, 2014). Three samples per score within treatment were collected for microscopic evaluation. Analysis of variance was applied and performance parameter means were compared by Tukey's test. Footpad lesion incidence was analyzed by the c2 test using SAS (version8.2). Ross(r) broilers presented higher feed intake during all evaluated periods, and higher weight gain only in the period 1 to 21 days compared with Cobb(r) broilers. On the other hand, Cobb(r) presented better feed conversion ratio in the periods of 1 to 35 and 1 to 42 days. The incidence of foot pad lesions was statistically different (p< 0.05) between strains and sexes, but there were no interactions between these factors. The lesion scores assigned were compatible with the histopathological results, showing that the higher the score, the more severe were the dermal and epidermal lesions.

RESUMO: O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar e selecionar clones de batata‑doce (Ipomoea batatas) quanto à resistência à Meloidogyne javanica. Avaliaram-se 63 clones, dentre eles, cultivares comerciais (Brazlândia Rosada, Brazlândia Branca, Palmas, Princesa e Coquinho) além do tomateiro cv. Santa Clara (suscetível ao Meloidogyne spp.). As ramas foram plantadas em badejas de poliestireno expandido de 72 células com substrato comercial e mantidas em casa de vegetação. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi de blocos casualizados com três repetições e seis plantas por parcela. A inoculação do patógeno foi feita 30 dias após o plantio das ramas e, após 75 dias as ramas foram retiradas das bandejas e suas raízes lavadas. Foi realizada a extração dos ovos dos nematoides e procedeu-se a sua contagem. A classificação dos níveis de resistência foi realizada pelo fator de reprodução (FR) e o índice de reprodução (IR). Dos 63 clones avaliados 71,43% foram identificados como resistentes pelo fator de reprodução e 82,51% foram classificados como altamente resistente ou muito resistente pelo índice de reprodução. Pelas duas classificações de resistência utilizadas, foram selecionados, 71,43% clones de batata-doce resistentes a Meloidogyne javanica.

ABSTRACT: The objective of this study was to evaluate and select clones of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) for their resistance to Meloidogyne javanica. Sixty-tree clones were evaluated, among the commercial cultivars (Brazlândia Rosada, Brazlândia Branca, Palmas, Princesa and Coquinho) plus the tomato cv. Santa Clara (susceptible to Meloidogyne spp.). The stems were planted in expanded polystyrene trays with 72 cells with commercial substrate and maintained in a greenhouse. The experimental setup was a randomized blocks design with three replications and six plants per plot. The pathogen inoculation was carried out 30 days after the stems planting, and after 75 days the stems were removed from the polystyrene trays and their roots were washed. Extraction and counting of nematode eggs were carried out. Classifying resistance levels was carried out based on reproductive factors (FR) and reproduction index (IR). Of the 63 clones 71.43% were identified as resistant by the reproduction factor and 82.51% were classified as highly resistant or very resistant by reproduction index. When the both classification criteria were used, 71.43% of sweet potato clones were classified as resistant to Meloidogyne javanica.

RESUMO Objetivou-se quantificar os teores de carboidratos, compostos fenólicos e a atividade antioxidante na polpa e na casca de bananas de 15 cultivares, em dois estádios de maturação. Foram colhidos quatro cachos por cultivar, na fase pré-climatérica, sendo utilizados seis frutos por unidade amostral. Os frutos foram analisados na fase pré-climatérica e após o amadurecimento. Foram avaliados os teores de açúcares solúveis totais, redutores e não redutores, amido, compostos fenólicos e a atividade antioxidante. A cultivar, bem como o estádio de maturação, influenciou todas as características avaliadas. A polpa e a casca verdes apresentaram pequena porcentagem de açúcares, porém alta porcentagem de amido, com destaque para a ‘Terrinha’ e a ‘Marmelo’. As cultivares dos grupos genômicos AAB e ABB apresentaram maior porcentagem de amido, em comparação com as cultivares dos grupos AA e AAA. O maior teor de compostos fenólicos foi observado em casca madura, seguida pela polpa madura, casca e polpa verdes, destacando-se a ‘Terrinha’, em todas as partes e nos estádios avaliados. O potencial antioxidante foi maior na casca madura, seguida pela casca verde, polpas madura e verde. Frutos das cultivares Terrinha, Marmelo, Maçã, Ouro e Caru- Verde destacam-se quanto aos maiores teores de carboidratos, compostos fenólicos e/ou ação antioxidante, justificando futuras ações na expansão do plantio e no consumo desses frutos.

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to quantify and compare the levels of carbohydrates and phenolic compounds and the antioxidant activity in the pulp and peel of 15 banana cultivars in two ripening stages. Four bunches per cultivar were harvested in the pre-climacteric stage, six fruits were used by sample unit. Fruits were analyzed in the pre-climacteric stage and after ripening. Total, reducing and non-reducing soluble sugars, starch, phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity were evaluated. Cultivar and ripening stage influenced all characteristics analyzed. Unripe pulp and peel had small percentage of sugar, but high percentage of starch, especially ‘Terrinha’ and ‘Marmelo’ cultivars. AAB and ABB cultivars presented the highest percentages of starch, when compared to AA and AAA cultivars. For the phenolic compounds, the highest content was observed in ripe peel, followed by ripe pulp and unripe peel and pulp, highlighting ‘Terrinha’ cultivar in all parts and stages evaluated. The antioxidant potential was higher in ripe peel, followed by unripe peel, ripe and unripe pulp. Fruits of Terrinha, Marmelo, Maçã, Ouro and Caru-Verde cultivars showed the highest carbohydrate contents, and phenolic compounds or antioxidant activity, justifying future actions in the expansion of planting and consumption of these fruits.