Resumo Nós descrevemos um raro caso de tumor benigno na glândula lacrimal em uma criança sadia de 4 anos de idade. Clinicamente, a paciente apresentava apenas uma discreta proptose. A ressonância nuclear magnética (RNM) de órbita direita revelou a presença de uma massa oval, sólida, bem-circunscrita, homogênea, se extendendo a partir da glândula lacrimal, medindo 2,5 cm x 2,3 cm x 1,7 cm, sem nenhum sinal evidente de invasão a estrutura óssea adjacente. A lesão foi cirurgicamente removida e analizada histopatologicamente, sendo estabelecido o diagnóstico de oncocitoma de glândula lacrimal. Apesar de raro, o oncocitoma deve ser incluído no diagnóstico diferencial de qualquer tumor originado da glândula lacrimal.

ABSTRACT Here we describe a rare case of a benign tumor in the lacrimal gland of a healthy 4-year-old girl. Mild proptosis was the only abnormality observed on clinical examination. Magnetic resonance imaging of the right orbit revealed an oval, solid, well-circumscribed, homogeneous mass extending from the lacrimal gland and measuring 2.5 × 2.3 × 1.7 cm without any evidence of invasion into adjacent bones. The lesion was surgically excised and histological analyses defined the diagnosis of oncocytoma of the lacrimal gland. Although rare, oncocytoma should be included in the differential diagnosis of lacrimal gland tumors.

ABSTRACT PURPOSE: To evaluate the contribution of L-arginine oral or topical rout of administration in the surgical wound healing process. METHODS: L-arginine was orally or topically administrated to mice after a laparotomy model procedure. The wounds were analyzed to evaluate the granulation tissue by HE analysis, collagen deposition, iNOS and cytokines production by immunochemisyry on wound progress. Mice used in this model were healthy, immunosupressed or diabetic and all of them were treated with different concentration of L-arginine and rout of administration. RESULTS: Suggested that groups treated with L-arginine orally or topically improved wound repair when compared with non-treatad mice. L- arginine treatment stimulated TGF-β and restricted NO production leading to a mild Th1 response and collagen deposition in injured area, when it was orally administrated. Topical administration decreased IL-8 and CCR1 expression by wound cells but did not interfere with TNF-α and IL-10 production, ratifying the decrease of inflammatory response, the oral administration however, presented a higher iNOS and TGF-β expression then. L-arginine treatment also improved the improved the wound healing in immunosupressed or diabetic mice. CONCLUSION: L-arginine administrated orally or topically can be considered an important factor in the recuperation of tissues.

The use of Statistics in Chemistry has grown significantly with advances in computation. Nowadays it is easier to deal with a large data set and extract relevant chemical information. This paper describes the use of k nearest neighbor method to classify the representative elements as metal or nonmetal according to their periodic properties: atomic radius, ionization energy, electron affinity and electronegativity. The method requires a very simple mathematical background and can be easily performed and understood. The algorithm classifies an object into a distinct class when there are two or more groups of objects of known class and takes into account the distances among the objects. The pedagogical objective is to present an interdisciplinary activity in which Statistics can be used to make comparisons in Chemistry.

El uso de la estadística en química ha aumentado mucho con el desarrollo de la computación. Hoy es más fácil trabajar con los datos y extraer importante información química. Este artículo describe el uso del método del k-ésimo vecino más cercano en la clasificación de los elementos representativos conforme sus propiedades periódicas: radio atómico, energía de ionización, afinidad electrónica y electronegatividad. El objetivo pedagógico es presentar una actividad interdisciplinaria en la que la estadística se puede utilizar para hacer comparaciones en química.

Introduction This study evaluated the level of concordance between hybrid capture II (HCII) and PapilloCheck® for the detection of high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) in anal samples. Methods Anal cell samples collected from 42 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)+ patients were analyzed. Results Considering only the 13 high-risk HPV types that are detectable by both tests, HCII was positive for 52.3% of the samples, and PapilloCheck® was positive for 52.3%. The level of concordance was 80.9% (Kappa = 0.61). Conclusions Good concordance was observed between the tests for the detection of high-risk HPV.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of pneumoperitoneum on colonic anastomosis healing. METHODS: Colonic anastomosis was performed in 120 rats divided into four groups: Group I - pneumoperitoneum before laparotomy, Group II - pneumoperitoneum after laparorrhaphy, Group III - pneumoperitoneum before laparotomy and after laparorrhaphy, Group IV - no pneumoperitoneum (control group). Pneumoperitoneum pressure was 5 mmHg. Animals were killed on the 3rd, 7th and 14th postoperative day. Hhistopathological features, anastomosis breaking strength, collagen histomorphometry and hydroxyproline concentration were assessed. RESULTS: Breaking strength between groups: (day 3, p=0.165; day 7, p=0.219; day 14, p=0.539). Histopathology revealed that group II had, on day 7, less infiltration of mononuclear cells (p=0.006), greater infiltration of polymorphonuclear cells (p=0.001) and greater necrosis (p=0.001); and on day 14, less fibrosis. Histomorphometry revealed a decrease in collagen in groups I and III (p<0.001) on day 7 and an increase in groups I and II on day 14 (p<0.001). Hydroxyproline concentration was similar for groups on days 3 (p=0.152), 7 (p=0.913) or 14 (p=0.981). CONCLUSION: Carbon dioxide does not impair the healing of colonic anastomosis in rats.

This descriptive, quantitative study was performed at a University Hospital in Southern Minas Gerais State with the objective to verify nursing professionals' knowledge regarding cyclophosphamide, identifying the professional category that handles this drug, what Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is used while handling and if workers received proper training. This study was performed between June and September of 2011, with 151 workers. Data collection was performed using a questionnaire and then manually input into a spreadsheet, described and presented as figures with absolute values and percentages. The results indicated that these workers have limited knowledge regarding cyclophosphamide, in that 52 were able to classify it and only 19 stated that PPE should be used while handling the drug; four workers had been trained; however, eight workers handled the drug. It is suggested that educational measures be implemented with the purpose to minimize the occupational risks caused by inappropriate handling of cyclophosphamide.

Estudio descriptivo, de abordaje cuantitativo, realizado en Hospital Universitario del Sur de Minas Gerais, con el objetivo de verificar el conocimiento de los profesionales de enfermería sobre la ciclofosfamida, identificando la categoría profesional que la manipula, los Equipamientos de Protección Individual (EPIs) utilizados durante la manipulación y si tales profesionales recibieron capacitación. Investigación realizada de julio a setiembre de 2011, con 151 profesionales. Datos recolectados mediante cuestionarios, tabulados manualmente, descriptos y presentados en figuras con valores absolutos y porcentuales. Los resultados indicaron que los profesionales poseen conocimiento limitado sobre ciclofosfamida, habiéndola sabido clasificar apenas 52 y con sólo 19 afirmando que debe ser utilizado Equipamiento de Protección Individual durante su manipulación; cuatro profesionales recibieron capacitación; aunque ocho manipularon la droga. Los resultados sugieren implementación de medidas educativas enfocadas a minimizar los riesgos laborales causados por la manipulación indebida de la ciclofosfamida.

Estudo descritivo de abordagem quantitativa, realizado em um Hospital Universitário do Sul de Minas Gerais, com o objetivo de verificar o conhecimento dos profissionais de enfermagem sobre a Ciclofosfamida, identificando a categoria profissional que a manipula, quais os Equipamentos de Proteção Individual (EPIs) são utilizados durante a manipulação e se estes profissionais receberam treinamento. Pesquisa realizada entre Junho e Setembro de 2011, com 151 profissionais. Os dados foram coletados por meio de questionários e, após, tabulados manualmente, descritos e apresentados em figuras com valores absolutos e percentuais. Os resultados indicaram que tais profissionais possuem conhecimento limitado sobre a Ciclofosfamida, sendo que 52 souberam classificá-la e apenas 19 afirmaram que deve ser utilizado Equipamentos de Proteção Individual durante sua manipulação; quatro profissionais receberam capacitação, entretanto, oito profissionais manipularam a droga. Os resultados sugerem implementação de medidas educativas a fim de minimizar os riscos ocupacionais causados pela manipulação indevida da Ciclofosfamida.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a distância percorrida por indivíduos eutróficos e com diferentes graus de obesidade e correlacionar com parâmetros espirométricos. A justificativa para o estudo se faz pela dificuldade de avaliar a capacidade funcional de obesos, e devido ao baixo custo do teste de caminhada de seis minutos (TC6') e sua boa especificidade em predizer reduzida capacidade de atividades de vida diária para todo e qualquer indivíduo. MÉTODOS: Avaliados 154 indivíduos, de ambos os sexos, divididos em dois grupos: G1 obesos (n = 93, IMC ≥ 30 kg/m²) e G2 eutróficos (n = 61, IMC de 18,5 a 24,99 kg/m²). O TC6' foi realizado com metodologia descrita pela ATS (2002). A espirometria foi realizada antes e após a aplicação do broncodilatador (BD) conforme as Diretrizes para Testes de Função Pulmonar da Sociedade Brasileira de Pneumologia e Tisiologia: SBPT-2002. Análise estatística composta por média, desvio-padrão, correlação de Pearson, Teste t de Student e de Spearman, considerando p < 0,05. RESULTADOS: A análise do TC6' com a espirometria para o G1 apresentou correlação positiva apenas para o pico de fluxo expiratório (PFE) pré- e pós-BD. CONCLUSÃO: O presente estudo apresentou correlação positiva entre o PFE pré- e pós-BD e a distância percorrida no TC6' em obesos, ou seja, quanto maior o PFE, maior a capacidade físico-funcional do indivíduo e consequentemente maior a distância percorrida

OBJECTIVE: To assess the distance covered by both eutrophic individuals and individuals with different grades of obesity and correlate the data obtained with spirometric values. This study is justified by the existing difficulty in assessing the functional capacity in obese individuals, and by the low cost and good specificity of six-minute walk test (6MWT) in predicting reduced capacity for activities of daily living for any individual. METHODS: One hundred fifty-four individuals of both genders were assessed after being divided into two groups: G1, obese individuals (n = 93, BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²) and G2, eutrophic individuals (n = 61, BMI 18.5 to 24.99 kg/m²). The 6MWT was performed using the methodology described by the American Thoracic Society (ATS-2002). Spirometry was performed both before and after the application of a bronchodilator agent (BDA) in accordance with the Guidelines for Pulmonary Function Tests by the Brazilian Society of Pneumology and Phthisiology (SBPT-2002). The statistical analysis, consisting of mean, standard deviation, Pearson's correlation, Student's t test and Spearman's correlation, considered p < 0.05. RESULTS: The 6MWT analysis with spirometry for G1 was positively correlated only with pre- and post-BDA peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR). CONCLUSION: The present study showed a positive correlation between pre- and post-BDA PEFR and the distance covered in the 6MWT in obese subjects, that is, the higher the PEFR, the higher the physico-functional capacity of the individual, and consequently, the greater the distance covered

INTRODUÇÃO: No Brasil, a hepatite B é comum. No entanto, há diferenças regionais no que diz respeito ao grau de endemicidade, as formas de transmissão mais encontradas e a presença dos diferentes estágios evolutivos da doença crônica. O objetivo deste trabalho foi o de conhecer características clínicas, demográficas e epidemiológicas de pacientes cronicamente infectados pelo vírus da hepatite B (HBV), residentes na região de Ribeirão Preto, no sudeste do Brasil. MÉTODOS: Foi realizada a análise retrospectiva de 529 prontuários de indivíduos com monoinfecção pelo HBV. RESULTADOS: Mais de 60% eram masculinos, a média de idade foi de 38 anos. O padrão sorológico HBeAg negativo foi encontrado em 84,4% dos pacientes, entre os quais o risco para transmissão vertical/intrafamiliar foi de 43,2% (p = 0,02). Verificou-se uso de álcool em quantidades maiores que 20g ao dia em 21,3% dos indivíduos, sendo mais frequente entre os homens (33%) (p < 0,001). Entre os pacientes com cirrose, 54,1% faziam uso abusivo de bebidas alcoólicas (p = 0,04), sendo todos estes do gênero masculino. A presença de cirrose foi maior no grupo HBeAg positivo (24,4%) que no grupo HBeAg negativo (10,2%) (p < 0,001). CONCLUSÕES: Observaram-se elevadas proporções de indivíduos com infecção pelo HBV com padrão sorológico HBeAg negativo, entre os quais houve maior risco para a transmissão vertical/intrafamiliar. O uso abusivo de álcool esteve associado a indivíduos do sexo masculino e, neste grupo, à cirrose hepática. Observou-se tendência ao aumento no número de casos HBeAg negativo ao longo do tempo.

INTRODUCTION: Hepatitis B is common in Brazil, although there are regional differences regarding the degree of endemicity, the most frequent forms of transmission and the presence of different evolutive stages of chronic disease. The present study aimed to determine the clinical, demographic and epidemiological characteristics of patients chronically infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) residing in the Ribeirão Preto region, southeastern Brazil. METHODS: A total of 529 medical records of individuals with HBV monoinfection were reviewed. RESULTS: More than 60% of the subjects were males, with a mean age of 38 years-old. The HBeAg-negative serological pattern was verified in 84.4% of the patients, among whom the risk of vertical/intrafamily transmission was 43.2% (p = 0.02). The consumption of alcohol in amounts exceeding 20g a day was observed in 21.3% of the subjects and was more frequent among men (33%) (p < 0.001). Among patients with cirrhosis, 54.1% were alcohol abusers (p = 0.04), all of them males. The presence of cirrhosis was more frequent in the HBeAg-positive group (24.4%) than in the HBeAg-negative group (10.2%) (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: High proportions of HBV-infected subjects with an HBeAg-negative pattern were observed, with a higher risk of vertical/intrafamily transmission. Alcohol abuse was associated with male subjects and with cirrhosis of the liver in this group. A tendency toward an increase in the number of HBeAg-negative cases was observed over time.

OBJETIVO: Correlacionar dados antropométricos e de FMR de mulheres eutróficas e obesas. MÉTODOS: A amostra foi formada por 103 mulheres sedentárias, dividas em dois grupos: 57 obesas e 46 eutróficas. Foram realizadas medidas da circunferência da cintura (CC) e do quadril (CQ) para cálculo da relação cintura/quadril (RC/Q) e coletados as Pressões Respiratórias Máximas (PRM) pela manovacuometria com aparelho analógico de ± 300cmH2O. Para a mensuração da composição corporal, utilizou-se a Bioimpedância Tetrapolar, análise descritiva com o teste T de Student para amostras independentes, correlação de Pearson e regressão linear múltipla com método stepwise. O nível de significância adotado foi p < 0,05. RESULTADOS: A análise demonstrou diferença significativa nas PRM de eutróficas (Pimáx = -73,04±16,55 cm H2O e Pemáx = 79,67±18,89 cm H2O) e de obesas (Pimáx = -85,00±21,69 cm H2O e Pemáx=103,86±20,35 cm H2O). As variáveis da antropometria e da manovacuometria não apresentaram correlação significante nos grupos. Ao analisar a influência da bioimpedância sobre a FMR, observou-se uma correlação positiva da quantidade de massa magra com a Pimáx. CONCLUSÃO: As variavéis da bioimpedância e a obesidade apresentaram uma relação direta com a FMR. As variáveis CC e RC/Q não influenciaram na FMR nas obesas, porém há uma relevância com os fatores de risco para doenças associadas. Acreditamos que esses resultados se devam a uma adaptação ao excesso de peso ao longo dos anos.

OBJECTIVE: To correlate anthropometrical data and RMS of eutrophic and obese women. METHODS: The study group comprised 103 sedentary women, divided into two groups: 57 obese and 46 eutrophic. For measurement of body composition, the Tetrapolar Bioimpedance was used. Measurements of waist and hip circumference were performed to calculate the waist/hip (W/H) ratio, and maximum respiratory pressures (MRP) were collected by analog manovacumeter with ± 300cm H2O. For data evaluation descriptive analysis and the Student's t Test for independent samples were used, as well as the Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression with stepwise method. The level of significance used was p < 0.05. RESULTS: Analysis showed a significant difference in MRPs of eutrophic (MIP = -73.04 ± 16.55cmH2O and MEP = 79.67 ± 18.89cmH2O) and obese (MIP = -85.00 ± 21.69cmH2O and MEP = 103.86 ± 20.35cmH2O). The anthropometry and manovacumetry variables showed no significant correlation in the groups. A positive correlation of the lean mass with the MIP was noted, when analising the bioimpedance influence on the RMS. CONCLUSION: The bioimpedance variables and obesity showed a direct relation with the RMS. The W/H ratio and WC variables had no influence on the obese RMS, however a relevance to the risk factors for associated diseases was found. We believe that these results are due to an adjustment to the excess weight over the years.

Os Cytomegalovírus (CMV) são um gênero da família Herpesviridae, que pode estar associado a síndromes gastrointestinais. No presente trabalho buscamos uma possível associação da infecção por CMV com câncer coloretal e retocolite ulcerativa (RCU). Amostras de sangue e tecido entérico de 14 pacientes com câncer coloretal e 21 com RCU foram submetidas a uma nested-PCR que amplifica parte do gene gB do CMV e a uma imunohistoquímica utilizando um anticorpo monoclonal específico para proteína IE 76Kda de CMV. CMV foi detectado pela nested-PCR em sangue e/ou tecido entérico de 9 (64,3%) dos pacientes com câncer coloretal e 16 (76,2%) dos pacientes com RCU. Na imunohistoquímica foram observadas 12 (57,1%) amostras positivas para CMV nos pacientes com RCU e nos pacientes com câncer coloretal o CMV não foi detectado em nenhuma amostra. A positividade das infecções no grupo de pacientes com RCU (12/21, 57.1%) foi significantemente mais alta (p = 0,015) que aquela observada nos pacientes com câncer coloretal (2/14, 14.3%). Estes resultados sugerem uma associação da presença de CMV no tecido entérico com RCU.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a genus in the family Herpesviridae that has been associated with gastrointestinal syndromes. In this work we looked for a possible association of CMV infection with colorectal cancer and ulcerative colitis (UC). Blood and enteric tissue samples of 14 patients with colorectal cancer and of 21 with UC were subjected to a nested-PCR that amplifies part of the gB gene of CMV and also to immunohistochemistry using a specific monoclonal antibody to IE 76kDa protein of CMV. CMV was detected by nested-PCR in the blood and/or the enteric tissue of nine (64.3%) colorectal cancer and 16 (76.2%) ulcerative colitis patients. In the immunohistochemistry it was observed that 12 (12/21, 57.1%) positive enteric tissue samples of patients with UC and none from patients with colorectal cancer (0/14) were positive to CMV. The positivity of CMV infections in the UC patient group (12/21, 57.1%) showed by both techniques, was significantly higher (p = 0.015) than that observed for colorectal cancer patients (2/14, 14.3%). These results suggest an association of ulcerative colitis with CMV infection of the enteric tissue.

OBJECTIVES: Verify the efficacy of clinical and morphologic parameters currently applied, including an immunohistochemical panel, in the prognostic of prostate cancer, in specific stages of the disease MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the period from 2002 to 2005, 40 surgical specimens were selected from patients submitted to radical prostatectomy, with their respective diagnostic biopsies. Based on the pathological stage pT2 or pT3, the specimens were separated into two groups, each one with 20 specimens. The results were confronted with pre- and postoperative clinical data. Between the groups studied, the following was also analyzed: the profile of the expression of molecular markers such as PSA, E-caderin, chromogranin-A, synaptofisin, P53 and Ki-67, both in the material coming from the prostatic biopsy and from the surgical specimens of all patients RESULTS: Data showed that patients with prostate-confined disease (pT2) presented lower PSA and Gleason score rates, in relation to the group with extra-prostatic disease (pT3). Quantitative measures obtained for the percentage of positive fragments from the biopsy revealed that patients from the pT2 group presented a lower mean percentage when compared to the pT3 group. Positive margins of both groups influenced the need for complementary treatment before biochemical progression. The comparison of the molecular marker expression in both stages was not significantly different CONCLUSION: It is evident the need to improve new methods, predominantly morphologic and molecular, that are able to further exploit the study of the material from the prostatic biopsy. As to the profile of the molecular markers used in both studied groups, there was no significant difference in the sense of outlining an additional prognostic factor in the clinical practice.

A cromomicose é micose subcutânea crônica sistêmica caracterizada por resposta inflamatória crônica granulomatosa. No entanto, existem poucos dados a respeito do padrão de subtipos de leucócitos na cromomicose e sobre as vias envolvidas no recrutamento destas células. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar os tipos celulares, bem como a expressão de quimiocinas, receptores de quimiocinas e enzimas em lesões de cromomicose. O infiltrado inflamatório foi caracterizado por meio de técnica imuno-histoquímica utilizando os seguintes marcadores CD68 (macrófagos), S100 (células de Langerhans), CD3, CD4, CD8, CD45RO, CD20 e CD56 (linfócitos) e CD15 (neutrófilos). A expressão de MIP-1alfa (Proteína Inflamatória do Macrófago-1alfa), receptores de quimiocinas (CXCR3 e CCR1) e enzimas (superóxido dismutase-SOD e óxido nítrico sintase induzida-iNOS) foi avaliada pelo mesmo método. Observou-se um aumento de todas as populações celulares avaliadas em relação às amostras controle. As populações de células CD15+ e CD56+ foram significativamente menores que células CD3+, CD4+, CD20+ e CD68+. A análise estatística revelou uma correlação positiva entre o número de fungos com as células CD3, CD45RO e iNOS-positivas. A expressão de MIP-1alfa foi também associada às populações de células CD45RO, CD68, iNOS e CXCR3 positivas. Nossos resultados apontam para um possível papel de MIP-1alfa e da persistência fúngica na infiltração de células inflamatórias nos sítios de cromomicose.

Chromoblastomycosis (CR) is a subcutaneous chronic mycosis characterized by a granulomatous inflammatory response. However, little is known regarding the pattern of leukocyte subsets in CR and the pathways involved in their recruitment. The objective of this study was to assess the cellular subsets, chemokine, chemokine receptors and enzymes in CR. The inflammatory infiltrate was characterized by immunohistochemistry using antibodies against macrophages (CD68), Langerhans'cells (S100), lymphocytes (CD3, CD4, CD8, CD45RO, CD20 and CD56) and neutrophils (CD15). The expression of MIP-1alpha (Macrophage inflammatory protein-1alpha), chemokine receptors (CXCR3 and CCR1) and enzymes (superoxide dismutase-SOD and nitric oxide synthase-iNOS) was also evaluated by the same method. We observed an increase in all populations evaluated when compared with the controls. Numbers of CD15+ and CD56+ were significantly lower than CD3+, CD4+, CD20+ and CD68+ cells. Statistical analysis revealed an association of fungi numbers with CD3, CD45RO and iNOS-positive cells. Furthermore, MIP-1alpha expression was associated with CD45RO, CD68, iNOS and CXCR3. Our results suggest a possible role of MIP-1alpha and fungi persistence in the cell infiltration in CR sites.

O efeito do polissacarídeo de Anacardium occidentale L. (POLICAJU) foi avaliado na fase inflamatória do processo cicatricial em camundongos (Mus musculus) Swiss (n=90), organizados de acordo com o tratamento empregado: Grupo I (NaCl 150mM), Grupo II (ácido ascórbico 75mg ml-1) e Grupo III (emulsão contendo POLICAJU 150mg ml-1 preparado em ácido ascórbico 75mg ml-1). As lesões cutâneas foram realizadas assepticamente na região torácica dorsal e cada ferida foi tratada em dose única (200µl) imediatamente após a cirurgia. As feridas foram avaliadas diariamente sob o ponto de vista clínico e histopatológico até o 6° dia de pós-operatório (PO). No 5° dia PO, observou-se um menor percentual de edema e hiperemia no Grupo III em relação aos grupos controle, ao passo que os valores de área da ferida e do percentual de contração não foram estatisticamente significativos. A avaliação histopatológica do grupo tratado com POLICAJU demonstrou a presença de tecido de granulação fibrovascular no 6° dia PO, enquanto os grupos controle apresentavam tecido de granulação com padrão vascular. O tratamento proposto propiciou sinais flogísticos menos acentuados (edema e hiperemia) durante o período inflamatório, compatível com o processo de reparação mais avançado do ponto de vista histopatológico, sugerindo a possível utilização clínica da emulsão contendo POLICAJU.

The effect of the polysaccharide from Anacardium occidentale L. gum (POLICAJU) was evaluated in the inflammatory phase of the wound healing in Swiss mice (Mus musculus) (n=90), divided according to the employed treatment: Group I (NaCl 150mM), Group II (75mg ml-1 ascorbic acid) and Group III (emulsion containing 150mg ml-1 POLICAJU prepared in 75mg ml-1 ascorbic acid). An aseptic wound was produced in the dorsal thoracic area and each wound was treated in a single dose (200µl) soon after the accomplishment of the lesions. Daily, the wounds were submitted to the clinical and histopathological evaluation until the 6th day of postoperative (PO). In the 5th day PO, the Group III presented the signs oedema and hyperemia, in smaller percentile than the control groups. The results of area of the wound and percentile of contraction didn’t obtain statistical significance. The histopathological evaluation revealed, in the 6th day PO, that the Group III presented fibrovascular granulation tissue, while the control groups presented vascular granulation tissue. The use of POLICAJU propitiated to the animals of the treated group inflammatory signs less accentuated (oedema and hyperemia) in the inflammatory period, compatible with the normal wound healing process under the point of view histopathological, suggesting the possible clinical employment of the POLICAJU emulsion.

A partir de outubro de 2001, o Instituto Adolfo Lutz tem recebido amostras de líquido vesicular e crostas de lesões de pele de pacientes das regiões do Vale do Paraíba, Estado de São Paulo e do Vale do São Patricio, Estado de Goiás. Os dados clínicos e epidemiológicos sugeriam que os surtos poderiam ser causados por Cowpox virus ou Vaccinia virus. A maioria dos pacientes era ordenhadores que tinham lesões vesicopustulares nas mãos, braços, antebraços e alguns na face. A análise por microscopia eletrônica direta (MED) detectou partículas com morfologia de vírus do gênero Orthopoxvirus em amostras de 49 (66,21%) pacientes dos 74 analisados. Os vírus foram isolados em membrana corioalantóide (MCA) de ovo embrionado de galinha e em linhagem celular Vero com confirmação por MED e PCR. Das 21 amostras de lesões submetidas ao PCR utilizando iniciadores para o gene da hemaglutinina (HA), 19 foram positivas. A digestão por enzima de restrição TaqI resultou em quatro fragmentos característicos de Vaccinia virus. A análise nucleotídica do seqüenciamento revelou que esses vírus apresentam 99,9% de similaridade com o Cantagalo virus, descrito como uma cepa de Vaccinia virus, havendo apenas alteração de um nucleotídeo na posição 616 com mudança de um aminoácido na proteína na posição 206. A análise filogenética mostrou que os isolados se agruparam junto aos Cantagalo virus, outras cepas de Vaccinia virus e Rabbitpox virus.

Since October 2001, the Adolfo Lutz Institute has been receiving vesicular fluids and scab specimens of patients from Paraíba Valley region in the São Paulo and Minas Gerais States and from São Patricio Valley, in the Goiás State. Epidemiological data suggested that the outbreaks were caused by Cowpox virus or Vaccinia virus. Most of the patients are dairy milkers that had vesiculo-pustular lesions on the hands, arms, forearms, and some of them, on the face. Virus particles with orthopoxvirus morphology were detected by direct electron microscopy (DEM) in samples of 49 (66.21%) patients of a total of 74 analyzed. Viruses were isolated in Vero cell culture and on chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) of embryonated chicken eggs. Among 21 samples submitted to PCR using primers for hemagglutinin (HA) gene, 19 were positive. Restriction digestion with TaqI resulted in four characteristic Vaccinia virus fragments. HA nucleotide sequences showed 99.9% similarity with Cantagalo virus, described as a strain of Vaccinia virus. The only difference observed was the substitution of one nucleotide in the position 616 leading to change in one amino acid of the protein in the position 206. The phylogenetic analysis showed that the isolates clustered together with Cantagalo virus, other Vaccinia strains and Rabbitpox virus.

OBJETIVO: Descreve-se o crescimento do vírus-padrão da rubéola RA-27/3 na linhagem celular RC-IAL, com desenvolvimento de efeito citopático em resposta à infecção viral. Para este propósito, o vírus-padrão foi titulado simultaneamente nas linhagens celulares Vero, SIRC e RK13. MÉTODOS: O vírus-padrão da rubéola RA-27/3 foi inoculado na linhagem celular RC-IAL (rim de coelho, Instituto Adolfo Lutz). Placas contendo 1,5x10(5) células/ml foram inoculadas com 0,1 ml do vírus contendo 1x10(4) DICT50/0,1 ml. O efeito citopático correspondente a 25% foi observado após 48 h e 100% após 96 h. Os resultados obtidos foram comparados com o crescimento do vírus nas linhagens celulares SIRC, Vero e RK13. O vírus da rubéola na linhagem celular RC-IAL foi detectado por imuno-histoquímica. RESULTADOS: As células inoculadas com o vírus da rubéola apresentaram efeito citopático nas primeiras 48h. As células apresentaram aspecto arredondado, com formação de alguns prolongamentos citoplasmáticos e sincícios, produzindo células multinucleadas. A curva do crescimento da infectividade do vírus foi praticamente a mesma que a observada nas outras linhagens celulares. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados obtidos mostram que a linhagem celular RC-IAL é um ótimo substrato para crescimento do vírus da rubéola, pois poucas linhagens celulares descritas na literatura apresentam efeito citopático considerável e podem ser utilizadas para preparação de antígenos e nos testes de diagnóstico sorológico para o vírus da rubéola.

OBJECTIVE: The rapid growth of the rubella virus in RC-IAL² with development of cytopathic effect, in response to rubella virus infection, is described. For purposes of comparison, the rubella virus RA-27/3 strain was titered simultaneously in the RC-IAL, Vero, SIRC and RK13 cell lines. METHODS: Rubella virus RA-27/3 strain are inoculated in the RC-IAL cell line (rabbit Kidney, Institute Adolfo Lutz). Plates containing 1.5x10(5) cells/ml of RC-IAL line were inoculated with 0.1ml s RA-27/3 strain virus containing 1x 10(4)TCID50/0.1ml. A 25% cytopathic effect was observed after 48 hours and 100% after 96 hours. The results obtained were compared to those observed with the SIRC, Vero and RK13 cell lines. Rubella virus was detected by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: With the results, it was possible to conclude that the RC-IAL cell line is a very good substrate for culturing rubella virus. The cells inoculated with rubella virus were examined by phase contrast microscopy and showed the characteristic rounded, bipolar and multipolar cells. The CPE in RC-IAL was observed in the first 48 hours and the curve of the increased infectivity was practically the same as observed in other cell lines. CONCLUSIONS: These findings are important since this is one the few cell lines described in the literature with a cytopathic effect. So it can be used for antigen preparation and serological testing for the diagnosis of specific rubella antibodies.