Carcinoma epidermóide de amígdala pós-transplante cardíaco - relato de caso

Paciente de 52 anos submetida a transplante cardíaco ortotópico em maio de 1991, tendo apresentado como complicação tardia o surgimento de carcinoma epidermóide de amígdala. O diagnóstico inicial foi de neoplasia metastática de sítio primário desconhecido porque o tumor primário somente manifestou-se após 6 meses do surgimento da metástase à distância. A incidência de neoplasia no primeiro ano pós-transplante cardíaco é pouco freqüente, assim como o carcinoma epidermóide de amígdala na populações normal. Não encontramos relato de caso na literatura entre pacientes submetidos a transplante cardíaco e apresentando carcinoma epidermóide de amígdala.

Gas exchanges and water use efficiency in the selection of tomato genotypes tolerant to water stress

Water stress can affect the yield in tomato crops and, despite this, there are few types of research aiming to select tomato genotypes resistant to the water stress using physiological parameters. This experiment aimed to study the variables that are related to the gas exchanges and the efficiency in water use, in the selection of tomato genotypes tolerant to water stress. It was done in a greenhouse, measuring 7 x 21 m, in a randomized complete block design, with four replications (blocks), being five genotypes in the F₂BC₁ generation, which were previously obtained from an interspecific cross between Solanum pennellii versus S. lycopersicum and three check treatments, two susceptible [UFU-22 (pre-commercial line) and cultivar Santa Clara] and one resistant (S. pennellii). At the beginning of flowering, the plants were submitted to a water stress condition, through irrigation suspension. After that CO₂ assimilation, internal CO₂, stomatal conductance, transpiration, leaf temperature, instantaneous water use efficiency, intrinsic efficiency of water use, instantaneous carboxylation efficiency, chlorophyll a and b, and the potential leaf water (Ψf) were observed. Almost all variables that were analyzed, except CO₂ assimilation and instantaneous carboxylation efficiency, demonstrated the superiority of the wild accession, S. pennellii, concerning the susceptible check treatments. The high photosynthetic rate and the low stomatal conductance and transpiration, presented by the UFU22/F₂BC₁#2 population, allowed a better water use efficiency. Because of that, these physiological characteristics are promising in the selection of tomato genotypes tolerant to water stress.

Mini tomato genotypes resistant to the silverleaf whitefly and to two-spotted spider mites

The mini tomato production has expanded, becoming an amazing alternative for enterprise. Despite all commercial potential, the cultivation has the occurrence of pests as main obstacle during the crop development. Nowadays, there are no researches that aimed obtaining genotypes with high acylsugar content, capable of providing a broad-spectrum resistance to pests. This study aimed the selection of mini tomato genotypes, with high acylsugar content, and checking the resistance level to the silverleaf whitefly [Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius)] and to the two-spotted spider mites (Tetranychus urticae Koch). Sixteen genotypes were evaluated, from which 12 were on the generation F₂BC₁, originated from the interespecific cross between Solanum pennellii versus Solanum lycopersicum L. and 4 were check treatments, being three of cultivated tomatos (cv. Santa Clara, UFU-02, and UFU-73) and the wild accession LA-716 (S. pennellii). The variables analyzed were acylsugar content, repellency to the silverleaf whitefly, repellence to the two-spotted spider mites, and density of glandular trichomes. The genotypes UFU-22-F₂BC₁#9 and UFU-73-F₂BC₁#11 have high acylsugar content and both are resistant to the pests that were evaluated. New studies must be conducted seeking for inbred lines, obtained from the selected genotypes, aiming to get commercial hybrids with high acylsugar content.

Remoção de compostos tóxicos de solução aquosa por adsorção com zeólita sintetizada a partir de cinzas de carvão

A capacidade das zeólitas sintetizadas a partir da cinza de carvão brasileiro na remoção dos íons de Cd, Zn e do azul de metileno de soluções aquosas foi investigada. O material zeolítico preparado com a cinza de carvão do filtro manga apresentou a eficiência de remoção mais alta para os poluentes. A seletividade aos íons metálicos deste produto foi determinada como: Cd2+ > Zn2+. As capacidades máximas de adsorção encontradas foram 36,1 mg g-1 para o Zn2+, 76,3 mg g-1 para o Cd2+e 3,93 mg g-1 para o corante.

Characterization of bovine respiratory syncytial virus isolated in Brazil

This paper presents the first isolation of bovine respiratory syncytial virus in Brazil and its physicochemical, morphological and molecular characterization. The virus was isolated from 33 samples of nasotracheal secretions, successively inoculated into a Madin-Darby bovine kidney cell culture, which was characterized by physicochemical tests and morphological observation by electron microscopy. The Brazilian sample is an RNA pleomorphic, enveloped, thermolabile and non-hemagglutinating spicular virus. Reverse transcription, followed by nested polymerase chain reaction (nRT-PCR) assay was carried out using oligonucleotides B1, B2A, B3 and B4 for the fusion proteins (F) and B5A, B6A, B7A and B8 for the attachment protein (G). The nRT-PCR-F amplified a fragment of 481 bp corresponding to part of the gene that codes for protein F, whereas nRT-PCR-G amplified a fragment of 371 bp, in agreement with part of the G gene. The virus isolated from Brazilian samples in this study corresponded to the bovine respiratory syncytial virus, and RT-PCR proved to be useful for the diagnosis of bovine clinical samples.

Restriction endonuclease and monoclonal antibody analysis of Brazilian isolates of bovine herpesviruses types 1 and 5

Twelve Brazilian isolates and three reference strains of bovine herpesviruses (BHVs) were subjected to restriction endonuclease analysis (REA) and monoclonal antibody (MAb) analysis. Viral DNA was cleaved with BamHI, BstEII, EcoRI, HindIII and PstI. The monoclonal antibody panel allowed the differentiation between types 1 and 5 viruses, while REA with BstEII and HindIII showed the distinction between BHV-1 and -5 subtypes. Typical 1.1 and 1.2a patterns were observed with two isolates from respiratory disease. An isolate from semen of a clinically healthy bull displayed 1.2b profile, whereas another displayed a clear 5a pattern, which was never reported before. Seven out of nine Brazilian type 5 (BHV-5) isolates displayed REA patterns similar to the Australian BHV-5 strain N569 (BHV-5a), and differing from the Argentinean A663 strain (BHV-5b) virus. Another two BHV-5 isolates, which displayed an unusual MAb pattern of reactivity, showed a BstEII profile different from both reference strains of BHV-5. These two viruses were considered BHV-5 "non-a/non-b" subtype.

The phosphorylation state and expression of soybean BiP isoforms are differentially regulated following abiotic stresses

The mammalian BiP is regulated by phosphorylation, and it is generally accepted that its unmodified form constitutes the biologically active species. In fact, the glycosylation inhibitor tunicamycin induces dephosphorylation of mammalian BiP. The stress-induced phosphorylation state of plant BiP has not been examined. Here, we demonstrated that soybean BiP exists in interconvertible phosphorylated and nonphosphorylated forms, and the equilibrium can be shift to either direction in response to different stimuli. In contrast to tunicamycin treatment, water stress condition stimulated phosphorylation of BiP species in soybean cultured cells and stressed leaves. Despite their phosphorylation state, we demonstrated that BiP isoforms from water-stressed leaves exhibit protein binding activity, suggesting that plant BiP functional regulation may differ from other eukaryotic BiPs. We also compared the induction of the soybean BiP gene family, which consists of at least four members designated soyBiPA, soyBiPB, soyBiPC, and soyBiPD, by tunicamycin and osmotic stress. Although all soybean BiP genes were induced by tunicamycin, just the soyBiPA RNA was up-regulated by osmotic stress. In addition, these stresses promoted BiP induction with different kinetics and acted synergistically to increase BiP accumulation. These results suggest that the soybean BiP gene family is differentially regulated by abiotic stresses through distinct signaling pathways.

Quantitative autoradiography of adrenergic, neuropeptide Y and angiotensin II receptors in the nucleus tractus solitarii and hypothalamus of rats with experimental hypertension

Catecholamines, neuropeptide Y (NPY) and angiotensin II (Ang II) are known to participate in the central control of blood pressure. However, the modulation of these neurotransmitter receptors in response to a hypertensive stimulus is not appropriately established. The purpose of the present study was to examine binding parameters of alpha(2)-adrenergic, NPY and Ang II receptors in the nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS) and paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus (PVN) following a hypertensive stimulus in the aortic-coarcted rat by means of quantitative receptor autoradiography. No changes were seen in binding parameters of alpha(2)-adrenergic and NPY receptors in the NTS of the hypertensive rat compared to control. However, an increased affinity (54%) of noradrenaline competing for 3H-PAC was seen in the PVN. Moreover, an increased binding (49%) of 125I-PYY was also observed in the PVN. The affinity of Ang II for 125I-Sar(1)Ile(8)-Ang II binding sites was also increased (57%) in the NTS of the hypertensive rat. No changes in the binding parameters of radioactive Ang II were observed in the PVN. The results suggest that systems involved with hypertension like Ang II in the NTS and catecholamines in the PVN might collaborate in the development/maintenance of high blood pressure in the aortic-coarcted rat.

Relationship of microbial and salivary parameters with dental caries in Brazilian pre-school children

Caries examination and collection of paraffin wax-stimulated saliva samples were performed in 37 children, 3-6 years old, in a child-care facility at the Vidigal slum, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The levels of mutans streptococci and lactobacilli in saliva were estimated by the Cariescreen and by the Dentocult tests and the saliva secretion rate was determined. Statistical analysis was performed on surface-based and patient-based caries prevalence rates (SBCPR and PBCPR), and related to bacterial and salivary parameters. The results show that 31 of the 37 children were caries active. The SBCPR for the primary dentition was 6.7% +/- 1.0%. Occlusal surfaces were the most affected by decay. Regression analysis revealed that mutans streptococci salivary levels were significantly associated with the SBCPR (P = 0.0001). Similarly, lactobacilli salivary levels were significantly associated with the SBCPR (P = 0.0001). No significant association could be found between the saliva secretion rate and the SBCPR. When regression analysis was used to model dependence of the SBCPR on both organisms, the mutans streptococci and lactobacilli salivary levels were significantly associated with the SBCPRs (P = 0.0021 and 0.0118, respectively), and salivary levels of these organisms accounted for 57% of the SBCPR variability. These findings indicate that the levels of mutans streptococci and lactobacilli in saliva are significantly related to the SBCPRs on the primary dentition of these children.

Long-term results of homograft valves in extracardiac conduits

Between 1971 and 1986, 335 patients received various extracardiac valved conduits between one of the heart chambers and the pulmonary arteries. The group of patients who received aortic homograft conduits and survived the operation were analysed in detail. The age varied between 9 days and 18 years (mean 7.1 +/- 0.7 years), weight 2.4 kg-63.5 kg (mean 17.8 +/- 10.8 kg). The diameter of the conduit used was 10-30 mm (mean 20.8 mm). Multivariate analysis revealed a highly significant model (P less than 0.005) which showed that the time interval between harvesting and use of the homograft (P less than 0.02) and the earlier date of operation (P less than 0.05) were the major risk factors for obstruction. Homografts used within 3 weeks of harvesting had freedom from obstruction of 79% at 8 years; homografts used between 3-6 weeks had freedom from obstruction of only 55% at 8 years. Homografts used alone performed significantly better than those extended with woven Dacron tubes. At 10 years, 93% of homografts used alone were free of obstruction compared to 52% of homografts extended with a Dacron tube. We conclude that aortic homografts used within 3 weeks of harvesting provide a reasonably durable conduit for a period of 12 years. Longer storage, and extension of the homograft with a woven Dacron tube should be avoided.

Two decades' experience with aortic valve replacement with pulmonary autograft

Aortic valve replacement with a pulmonary autograft was performed on 241 patients between June 1967 and October 1986 at National Heart Hospital, Guy's Hospital, Middlesex Hospital, Harley Street Clinic, and Italian Hospital in London by one of the authors (D.N.R.). The longest follow-up is 18 years 7 months, and the cumulative total follow-up is 1130 patient-years (pt-yr). The overall 30-day mortality rate is 6.6% (16 patients), with no deaths after 1976, and the late mortality rate is 1.7%/pt-yr (19 patients). The actuarial survival rate is 57.3% +/- 9.6% at 19 years. No anticoagulation has been used and there have been no thromboembolic episodes. The incidence of bacterial endocarditis is 1.2%/pt-yr (14 patients), and its actuarial event-free rate is 74.2% +/- 8.1% at 19 years. Reoperation because of failure of the pulmonary autograft was performed on 36 patients, 27 of whom needed valve replacement. The incidence of pulmonary autograft replacement is 2.5%/pt-yr, and its actuarial event-free rate is 48.5% +/- 13.7% at 19 years. For reconstruction of the right ventricular outflow tract, 186 aortic homografts, 26 pulmonary homografts, 16 autologous fascia lata valved conduits, 7 autologous pericardial conduits with or without a valve, and 6 xenograft valved Dacron conduits were used. Thirty-one patients were reoperated on, mostly because of degeneration of this material. Pulmonary rather than aortic homografts are now favored for reconstruction of the right ventricular outflow tract Because of its satisfactory long-term result without the need for anticoagulation, as well as its safety as an established surgical procedure, this operation can be recommended to a wider range of patients.

Surgery for congenital abnormalities of the mitral valve at the Hospital for Sick Children, London from 1969-1983

The surgical management of congenital mitral valve (MV) anomalies remains controversial and complex. Valve repair has been said to be preferable to valve replacement. To assess the validity of this suggestion we have reviewed our experience of these procedures at The Hospital for Sick Children, Great Ormond Street, London from 1969-1983. In that time 48 patients have undergone surgery; in 23 repair was practicable (Group A) and in 25 replacement of the MV was required (Group B). Group A patients were slightly older than group B patients (5.9 +/- 1.0 years (SEM) vs 3.6 +/- 0.5 years). Björk Shiley valves were the predominant prosthesis used. Overall mortality was 33%, with 17% in Group A and 48% in Group B. Hospital mortality was 4.5% in Group A and 28% in Group B. Actuarial survival for Group A was 90% at 1 year, and 75% at 2 and 5 years; for Group B it was 52% at 1 and 2 years and 42% at 5 years. Mortality was significantly higher in those aged less than 5 years. Four patients in Group A have required re-operation, in 3 valve replacement was required; 2 of these died in hospital. One patient in Group B has required reoperation for valve-related thromboembolism. Three patients are awaiting replacement of calcified bioprostheses. These data support the concept that repair of MV should be performed where possible. The severity of the anomalies was greater in Group B and a rethink as to whether valve replacement is the best option for severe mitral stenosis in those aged less than 5 years seems indicated, in view of the very high mortality.