Natural naphthoquinones such as lapachol (Lp) have demonstrated promising biological activities. However, these quinones present low systemic biodisponibility due to its poor aqueous solubility. To overcome this problem, nanoemulsions (NE) formed by oily core are able to incorporate hydrophobic molecules thus enabling them to be dispersed into an aqueous phase. The present study reports the development, characterization, and physical stability of NE containing lapachol. NE formulations (F1, F2, F3, F4, and F2-Lp) were prepared using emulsion phase inversion (EPI) method and characterized in relation to droplet size, size distribution (PDI), zeta potential, and physical stability. The formulation chosen to incorporate lapachol (F2-Lp) showed droplet size in nanometric scale with homogeneous size distribution (PDI < 0.2) and negative zeta potential (about −30 mV). In addition, good physical stability of F2 and F2-Lp was demonstrated using analytical centrifugation with photometric detection where the light transmission profiles did not change throughout the dispersions. Nanoemulsion containing lapachol presented a strong reddish aspect; however, the incorporation of this naphthoquinone did not alter the main physicochemical parameters of NE formulation. The in vitro release study demonstrated a sustained release profile from NE with about 60% of lapachol released within 54 h.

Resumo Os inibidores da calcineurina (INC) são amplamente utilizados para a imunossupressão de manutenção em pacientes receptores de transplante renal. No entanto, o seu perfil de efeitos colaterais tem levado os pesquisadores a tentar encontrar alternativas mais seguras, que possam manter efetiva imunossupressão de longo prazo com menos toxicidade. O Belatacept é uma molécula de CTLA4-IgG concebida para bloquear o sinal co-estimulador B7-CD28, necessário para a ativação de linfócitos T efetores. Embora tenha demonstrado grande promessa em ensaios clínicos, não tem tido progresso na substituição de INCs na prática clínica. O estudo BENEFIT revelou algumas das vantagens do belatacept em termos da manutenção da função renal após o transplante, e da redução de alguns dos efeitos secundários metabólicos dos INCs, relacionados à hipertensão e dislipidemia. Apesar disso, alguns sinais de precaução também têm surgido, quando doentes tratados com belatacept tem maiores taxas de rejeição aguda e maior risco de DLPT. Além disso, a necessidade de perfusões intravenosas mensais apresenta desafios logísticos e de custo para sua adoção generalizada.

Abstract Calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) are used widely for maintenance immunosuppression in renal transplant recipients. However, their side effect profile has led researchers to attempt to find safer alternatives that can maintain effective long-term immunosuppression with less toxicity. Belatacept is a CTLA4-Ig molecule designed to block the costimulatory B7-CD28 signal needed for activation of effector T cells. While it has shown great promise in clinical trials, it has made halting progress towards replacing CNIs in actual clinical practice. The BENEFIT trial revealed some of the advantages of belatacept in terms of maintaining renal function after transplant and reducing some of the metabolic side effects of CNIs related to hypertension and dyslipidemia. Despite that, some cautionary signals have emerged as well, in that belatacept-treated patients experience higher acute rejection rates and greater risk for PTLD. Furthermore, the requirement for monthly intravenous infusions has presented logistical and cost challenges for widespread adoption.

Introduction. In the year 2009, the World Health Organization declared the Influenza A H1N1 virus as a pandemic. It has been reported that the radiographic pattern in chest x-ray may predict the clinical outcome in patients affected. Objective. To describe the chest x-ray fndings in pediatrics patients with confrmed diagnosis of Influenza H1N1 respiratory infection and its correlation with clinical evolution. Population and methods. A retrospective, analytic and descriptive study of 47 pediatric inpatients with confirmed diagnosis of H1N1 influenza who had available chest x-ray was performed. Medical records were reviewed for underlying medical conditions and patient's outcome. Results. 94% of patients had abnormal x-ray. Consolidation and ground-glass opacities had signifcantly higher frequency in patients who needed more days of oxygen supplement. Initial chest x-ray with lobar consolidation was observed in patients with greater risk of Intensive care unit admission. Conclusion. The most frequent radiological patterns found were ground-glass opacities and peribronchial markings. Lobar consolidation and ground-glass opacities are associated with adverse outcome.

Introducción. En 2009, la OMS declaró a la infección por el virus Influenza A H1N1 como pandemia mundial. Se ha comunicado que el patrón radiológico podría predecir la evolución clínica en pacientes afectados. Objetivo. Describir los hallazgos radiológicos en las radiografías de tórax (Rx) de frente, obtenidas al ingreso institucional, en pacientes pediátricos internados con infección respiratoria por Infuenza A H1N1 y su correlación con la evolución clínica. Población y métodos. Estudio retrospectivo, observacional y descriptivo de la historia clínica y la Rx de frente al ingreso en 47 pacientes con diagnóstico de infección respiratoria por Influenza A H1N1. Resultados. La Rx fue patológica en el 94% de los pacientes. El patrón de condensación fue más frecuente en pacientes que requirieron mayor cantidad de días de oxígeno y mayor riesgo de internación en unidad de cuidados intensivos. El patrón en vidrio esmerilado se asoció también con mayor cantidad de días de oxígeno suplementario. Conclusiones. Las Rx presentaron patrones predominantes en vidrio esmerilado y refuerzo peribronquial. Los niños con hallazgos radiológicos de condensación lobular y vidrio esmerilado al ingreso presentaron una evolución clínica más grave.

Avaliou-se o efeito antiproliferativo de infusões de Pluchea sagittalis usando o teste de Allium cepa. Foram usadas infusões em três concentrações (2,5, 5 e 25g dm-3) de folhas cultivadas em três ambientes (in vitro, sala de crescimento climatizada e em campo). Foram usados seis grupos de bulbos para cada um dos 8 tratamentos e o os índices mitóticos foram obtidos a partir de 6000 células por tratamento. Concluiu-se que a infusão de folhas de P. sagittalis cultivadas em campo possui grande atividade antiproliferativa, bem como o sistema de cultivo de plantas influencia o potencial antiproliferativo.

We evaluated the antiproliferative effect of infusions from Pluchea sagittalis using the Allium cepa test. Infusions in three concentrations (2.5, 5, and 25 g dm-3) of leaves cultivated in three environments (in vitro, acclimatized growth chamber, and field) were used. Six onion bulbs were used for each of the eight treatments, and the mitotic index was obtained from 6000 cells per treatment. In conclusion, leaf infusions of P. sagittalis cultivated in the field have a high antiproliferative activity, as well as the cultivation system influences the antiproliferative potential.

Neste trabalho investigou-se a atividade fotodinâmica de octaetilporfirina (OEP), octaetilporfirina de vanadil (VOOEP) e meso-tetramesitilporfirina (m-TMP). Este estudo foi realizado através da determinação da constante da velocidade de fotoxidação (k f) do aminoácido triptofano (Trp). A participação do oxigênio singlete nesta fotoxidação foi determinada através da adição de azida de sódio e água deuterada no meio de reação. Os valores de k f/10-4s-1 para a fotoxidação de Trp demonstraram que OEP (2,80 ± 0.05) é mais eficiente do que m-TMP (1,62 ± 0,07) e VOOEP (0,81 ± 0,08). Os valores de k f foram menores na presença de azida de sódio e maiores na presença de água deuterada, sugerindo que o oxigênio singlete é o responsável pela atividade fotodinâmica de OEP, VOOEP e m-TMP. Estes resultados sugerem também que as diferenças na atividade fotodinâmica entre as porfirinas podem ser associadas com as diferenças na estrutura molecular das mesmas. A presença do grupo vanadil (V=O) interfere claramente na atividade fotodinâmica de OEP causando considerável redução na sua eficiência.

In this work an investigation of the photodynamic efficiency of octaethylporphyrin (OEP), vanadyl octaethylporphyrin (VOOEP), and meso-tetramesitylporphyrin (m-TMP) was done. This study was performed by the determination of photoxidation rate constants (k f) of the tryptophan amino acid (Trp). The mechanism involved in the photoxidation of Trp was also studied using sodium azide (singlet oxygen scavenger) and deuterium oxide. The values of k f/10-4s-1 for Trp photoxidation demonstrated that OEP (2.80 ± 0.05) is more efficient than m-TMP (1.62 ± 0.07) and VOOEP (0.81 ± 0.08). The values of k f were reduced by the presence of sodium azide and increased by deuterium oxide indicating that singlet oxygen is responsible by OEP, VOOEP, and m-TMP photoactivity. These results indicated that differences in the photodynamic activity between porphyrins could be associated with differences in their molecular structures. The presence of vanadyl group (V=O) interferes clearly in the photodynamic activity of OEP causing a considerable reduction in its efficiency.

This paper reports the presence of Maastrichtian rocks in the north of the Precordillera (La Rioja province). The Cretaceous succesion (122 m thick) is a classical red bed sequence composed of sandstones, mudstones, marls and thin levels of evaporites. According to lithological features 6 facies associations have been recognized that mainly characterize a lacustrine system developed under arid to semiarid conditions. Probably as a result of an increase in aridity, eolian sediments were deposited at the top of the Cretaceous unit. At least two transgressive-regressive events have been recognized in the lacustrine sequence. The best developed is the first event formed by fossiliferous black shales corresponding to the maximum flooding stage. These rocks have yield remains of calcareous microfossils, palynomorphs and gastropods. The former comprise charophytes, with Platychara compressa (Knowlton) and Tectochara sp. A Musacchio, anda ostracods, with Ilyocypris wichmanni punctata Musacchio y Simeoni, Eucandona? sp., Cypridopsis and Ovocytheridea? rionegrensis Musacchio. Palinomorphs form a monospecific assemblage of algae colonies corresponding to Pediastrum. The lithological features, stratigraphic location and fossiliferous remains clearly suggest a regional correlation with the Ciénaga del Río Huaco Formation. This correlation considerably enlarge the regional distribution of the Cretaceous sediments which were previously limited to the Precordillera of San Juan province.

En este trabajo se da a conocer el hallazgo de sedimentitas maastrichtianas en la Precordillera septentrional (provincia de La Rioja). Se trata de una secuencia de bancos rojos de unos 122 m de espesor compuesta por areniscas, pelitas, margas y delgados niveles de evaporitas. Estas rocas fueron divididas en seis asociaciones de facies, las que caracterizan en su mayor parte a un sistema lacustre desarrollado bajo condiciones áridas o semiáridas. Probablemente como resultado de un incremento en la aridez, los sedimentos lacustres fueron reemplazados por condiciones de sedimentación eólica bien representadas en el techo de la unidad. La secuencia lacustre muestra al menos dos ciclos de expansión-contracción, el primero es el de mayor desarrollo, dominado durante el estado de máxima inundación por niveles de pelitas negras fosilíferas. Estos últimos han provisto microfósiles calcáreos, palinomorfos y restos de gastrópodos en regular estado de preservación. Los microfósiles calcáreos incluyen charophytas y ostrácodos. Entre las algas (girogonites) se han identificado Platychara compressa y Tectochara sp. A. mientras que los ostrácodos están representados por Ilyocypris wichmanni punctata, Eucandona? sp., Cypridopsis sp. y Ovocytheridea? rionegrensis. Los palinomorfos aparecen como una asociación monoespecífica de colonias de algas del género Pediastrum. Las características litológicas, ubicación estratigráfica y el contenido fosilífero permiten correlacionar estos bancos rojos con los de la Formación Ciénaga del Río Huaco. La citada correlación amplía considerablemente la distribución regional de las sedimentitas cretácicas anteriormente limitadas a la Precordillera de San Juan.

O presente trabalho foi realizado nas safras de 1994/95, 1996/97, 1997/98 e 1998/99, objetivando avaliar a eficiência das estirpes de Bradyrhizobium recomendadas pela pesquisa, pela determinação da capacidade competitiva e da eficiência na fixação do N2 na cultura da soja, sob o sistema plantio direto. Os experimentos foram instalados em áreas experimentais da FUNDACEP, Cruz Alta (RS), manejadas desde cinco até dez anos em plantio direto. Na safra de 1994/95, foram usados os seguintes tratamentos: testemunha sem inoculação; 200 kg ha-1 de N mineral, parcelados e sem inoculação; e as combinações das quatro estirpes recomendadas comercialmente, SEMIA 587 + SEMIA 5019; SEMIA 587 + SEMIA 5079; SEMIA 587 + SEMIA 5080; SEMIA 5019 + SEMIA 5079; SEMIA 5019 + SEMIA 5080; SEMIA 5079 + SEMIA 5080 e dois isolados do sorogrupo SEMIA 586. Em 1996/97, foi retirado o último tratamento e acrescidos os tratamentos CPAC 40 + CPAC 44 e CPAC 42 + CPAC 45. Na safra de 1997/98, foi acrescido o tratamento 20 kg ha-1 de N mineral na semeadura + inoculação com SEMIA 5079 + SEMIA 5080. A adubação nitrogenada reduziu a nodulação e não resultou em acréscimo na produção da soja. Na avaliação do rendimento de grãos, em cada uma das quatro safras e na análise conjunta, a testemunha sem inoculação não apresentou diferença significativa em relação aos demais tratamentos. A não-resposta da soja à prática da inoculação pode ser atribuída à população naturalizada de Bradyrhizobium, em número adequado e eficiente, e às condições favoráveis à fixação biológica do nitrogênio, como temperatura e umidade adequadas do solo, proporcionadas pelo sistema plantio direto.

This study was carried out in the 1994/95, 1996/97, 1997/98 and 1998/99 cropping seasons, to evaluate the efficiency of the Bradyrhizobium strains as recommended by research, evaluation and biological nitrogen fixation efficiency of competitiveness of soybean crop under no-tillage. The experiments were carried out at FUNDACEP, in Cruz Alta, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, in an area cultivated under no-tillage over five to ten years. In the year of 1994/95, the treatments were: non-inoculated control; 200 kg ha-1 of nitrogen fertilizer, split twice and without inoculation; and the combinations of the four commercial strains SEMIA 587 + SEMIA 5019; SEMIA 587 + SEMIA 5079; SEMIA 587 + SEMIA 5080; SEMIA 5019 + SEMIA 5079; SEMIA 5019 + SEMIA 5080; SEMIA 5079 + SEMIA 5080 and two isolates of the serogroup SEMIA 586. In the year of 1996/97, the last treatment was excluded and the treatments CPAC 40 + CPAC 44 and CPAC 42 + CPAC 45 were added. In the year of 1997/98, a treatment with 20 kg ha-1 of nitrogen fertilizer at sowing + inoculation with SEMIA 5079 + SEMIA 5080 was included. Nitrogen fertilizer decreased nodulation and did not increase soybean grain yield. For grain yield evaluation, during the four cropping seasons, as well as for the global analysis, the non-inoculated control did not differ significantly from the other treatments. The lack of soybean response to inoculation may be attributed to the established population of Bradyrhizobium, in appropriate number and efficiency, as well as to the favorable conditions for biological nitrogen fixation, such as adequate soil temperature and moisture, found in soils under no-tillage.

No presente trabalho foi quantificado o conteúdo de nutrientes na procedência Australiana Bodalla de Acácia-negra (Acacia mearnsii De Wild.), aos 2,4 anos de idade. A procedência encontra-se estabelecida em solo de baixa fertilidade, com acidez elevada e localizado na Fazenda Menezes, no Distrito de Capão Comprido, município de Butiá-RS, pertencente à Empresa Florestal Agroseta S.A.. Foi selecionado um total de nove árvores para comporem as amostras. A amostragem destrutiva constituiu na individualização dos compartimentos da biomassa aérea (folhas, galhos vivos, galhos mortos, casca e madeira) visando à determinação da matéria seca e do conteúdo de nutrientes. As quantidades de nutrientes contidos na biomassa aérea total da procedência Bodalla foram de 182,1kg ha-1 de N; 8,2kg ha-1 de P; 104,4kg ha-1 de K; 66,7kg ha-1 de Ca; 16,1kg ha-1 de Mg e 10,0kg ha-1 de S. Na procedência Bodalla, 57,4% da matéria seca foi alocada para folhas, galhos vivos e galhos mortos, contento 74% do N; 72,1% do P; 63% do K; 68,5% do Ca, 69,3% do Mg e 74,1% do S do total existente na parte aérea. O componente fuste ( casca e madeira) acumulou 26% do N; 27,9% do P; 37% do K; 31,5% do Ca; 30,7% do Mg e 25,8% do S.

Nutrient contents of 2.4 years old black wattle (.), from Bodalla Australian provenance, were quantified. This provenance was established on soils of low fertility and high acidity, at Menezes Farm of Agroseta S.A. Forest CompAcacia mearnsii De Wildany in the Capão Comprido District, municipality of Butiá-RS. A total of nine trees were selected to form the sample. The destructive sampling was constituted in the individualization of compartments of above-ground biomass (leaves, live branches, dead branches, bark and wood) to determine dry matter and nutrient contents. The quantity of total nutrients in the above-ground biomass from Bodalla provenance was 182.1kg ha-1 of N; 8.2kg ha-1 of P; 104.4kg ha-1 of K; 66.7kg ha-1 of Ca; 16.1kg ha-1 of Mg and 10.0Kg. ha-1 of S. For the Bodalla provenance, 57.4% of dry matter was allocated to the leaves, live branches, dead branches, bark and wood, containing 74% of N; 72.1% of P; 63% of K; 68.5% of Ca, 69.3% of Mg and 74.1% of S in the total found in the aerial part. The trunk component (bark and wood) accumulated 26% N; 27.9% P; 37% K; 31,5% Ca; 30.7% Mg and 25.8% S.