Treatment with at homeopathic complex medication modulates mononuclear bone marrow cell differentiation.

A homeopathic complex medication (HCM), with immunomodulatory properties, is recommended for patients with depressed immune systems. Previous studies demonstrated that the medication induces an increase in leukocyte number. The bone marrow microenvironment is composed of growth factors, stromal cells, an extracellular matrix and progenitor cells that differentiate into mature blood cells. Mice were our biological model used in this research. We now report in vivo immunophenotyping of total bone marrow cells and ex vivo effects of the medication on mononuclear cell differentiation at different times. Cells were examined by light microscopy and cytokine levels were measured in vitro. After in vivo treatment with HCM, a pool of cells from the new marrow microenvironment was analyzed by flow cytometry to detect any trend in cell alteration. The results showed decreases, mainly, in CD11b and TER-119 markers compared with controls. Mononuclear cells were used to analyze the effects of ex vivo HCM treatment and the number of cells showing ring nuclei, niche cells and activated macrophages increased in culture, even in the absence of macrophage colony-stimulating factor. Cytokines favoring stromal cell survival and differentiation in culture were induced in vitro. Thus, we observe that HCM is immunomodulatory, either alone or in association with other products.

Stimulation of lymphocyte anti-melanoma activity by co-cultured macrophages activated by complex homeopathic medication.

BACKGROUND: Melanoma is the most aggressive form of skin cancer, and the most rapidly expanding cancer in terms of worldwide incidence. Chemotherapeutic approaches to treat melanoma have been uniformly disappointing. A Brazilian complex homeopathic medication (CHM), used as an immune modulator, has been recommended for patients with depressed immune systems. Previous studies in mice have demonstrated that the CHM activates macrophages, induces an increase in the number of leukocytes and improves the murine response against Sarcoma-180. METHODS: Here we studied the interaction of mouse lymph node lymphocytes, co-cultured in vitro with macrophages in the presence or absence of the CHM, with B16F10 melanoma cells. RESULTS: Lymphocytes co-cultured with macrophages in the presence of the CHM had greater anti-melanoma activity, reducing melanoma cell density and increasing the number of lysed tumor cells. There was also a higher proportion of activated (CD25+) lymphocytes with increased viability. Overall, lymphocytes activated by treatment destroyed growing cancer cells more effectively than control lymphocytes. CONCLUSION: Co-culture of macrophages with lymphocytes in the presence of the CHM enhanced the anti-cancer performance of lymphocytes against a very aggressive lineage of melanoma cells. These results suggest that non-toxic therapies using CHMs are a promising alternative approach to the treatment of melanomas. In addition, they are attractive combination-therapy candidates, which may enhance the efficacy of conventional medicines by improving the immune response against tumor cells.

Establishment of experimental conditions for preserving samples of fish blood for analysis with both comet assay and flow cytometry.

When environmental analysis is performed, the high number of samples required and handling conditions during the transport of these samples to the laboratory are common problems. The comet assay is a useful, highly sensitive tool in biomonitoring. Some studies in the literature aim to preserve slides in lysis solution for use in the comet assay. Until now, however, no efficient methodology for preserving blood samples for this assay has been described. Because of this, the present report aimed to establish the proper conditions for samples maintenance prior to comet assay analysis. Samples were conserved in three different solutions: a high protein concentration solution (fetal bovine serum-FBS), an anticoagulant agent (a calcium chelator - ethylenediaminetetracetic acid - EDTA), and a salt buffered solution (phosphate buffered saline-PBS). Therefore, peripheral blood samples of Rhamdia quelen specimens were collected and maintained in these solutions until testing at 72h. Analyses of DNA fragmentation via the comet assay and cell viability via flow cytometry were performed at intervals of 24h. The results showed that samples maintained in FBS were preserved better; this was followed by those preserved in PBS and then last by those preserved in EDTA. In conclusion, blood samples from freshwater fish can be preserved up to 48h in fetal bovine serum at 4 degrees C in the absence of light. In this period, no DNA fragmentation occurs. We thus describe an excellent method of sample conservation for subsequent analysis in the laboratory.

Molecular and morphological markers for rapid distinction between 2 Colletotrichum species.

Endophytic microorganisms reside asymptomatically within plants and are a source of new bioactive products for use in medicine, agriculture, and industry. Colletotrichum (teleomorph Glomerella) is a fungus widely cited in the literature as a producer of antimicrobial substances. Identification at the species level, however, has been a problem in this type of study. Several authors have reported the presence of endophytic fungi from the medicinal plant Maytenus ilicifolia ("espinheira-santa") in Brazil that has antimicrobial activity against various pathogens. Therefore, Colletotrichum strains were isolated from M. ilicifolia and identified based on morphology, RAPD markers, sequence data of the internal transcribed spacer regions (ITS-1 and ITS-2), the 5.8S gene, and species-specific PCR. The analyses suggested the presence of 2 species, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides and Colletotrichum boninense. Two morphological markers were characterized to allow C. gloeosporioides and C. boninense to be distinguished quickly and accurately. The molecular diagnosis of C. boninense was confirmed by using Col1 and ITS4 primers. This species of Colletotrichum is reported for the first time in M. ilicifolia.

Spore production in Paecilomyces lilacinus (Thom.) samson strains on agro-industrial residues.

Paecilomyces lilacinus has potential for pests control. We aimed to analyze mycelial growth and spore production in P. lilacinus strains in several agro-industrial residues and commercial media. This study suggests alternative nutrient sources for fungi production and that the biotechnological potential of agro-industrial refuses could be employed in byproducts development.

Activation of mononuclear bone marrow cells treated in vitro with a complex homeopathic medication.

Canova is a Brazilian homeopathic medication with immunomodulatory properties, recommended for patients where the immune system is depressed. Previous studies demonstrated that Canova induces up-regulation in numbers of leukocytes. The bone marrow microenvironment is composed of growth factors, stromal cells, extracellular matrix and progenitor cells that differentiate into mature blood cells. We now report the effect of in vitro administration of the medication on the mononuclear differentiation of the bone marrow cell. Swiss mice femurs were dissected cleaned and the cells of the marrow were flushed. The cells were plated, treated or not, incubated for different times and processed for light, transmission and scanning electron, and confocal microscopy analysis. Bone marrow cells showed an enhanced proliferation in vitro in response to Canova medication and Canova plus M-CSF and an increase was also observed in the numbers of the cell niches and ring-shaped nuclei cells. Confocal and transmission and scanning electron microscopy showed the stages of monocyte maturation, with resting and activated cells. With Canova treatment there was a marked increase in cell size, which is mainly attributable to the augmented cytoplasm, an increase in the number of mitochondria, expansion of the RER and an enlarged Golgi. The response to Canova treatment indicates that it influences mononuclear differentiation and activation of bone marrow progenitor and stromal cells.

Phagocytosis, endosomal/lysosomal system and other cellularaspects of macrophage activation by Canova medication.

Canova is a homeopathic medication with immunomodulatory properties, recommended for diseases where the immune system is depressed. Our research aims to study the activation of mice peritoneal macrophages when submitted to in vivo and in vitro Canova treatment. Morphological parameters and acid phosphatase activity were analyzed using light and transmission electron microscopy. Differential interference contrast microscopy, including serial time acquisition in living cells, was also performed. The results demonstrated a greater spreading ability in Canova treated macrophages, a higher phagocytic activity of non-infective microorganisms (Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Tripanosoma cruzi epimastigotes) and a tendency to lower the phagocytic activity of the infective microorganisms T. cruzi trypomastigotes and Leishmania amazonensis, when compared with control cells. Acid phosphatase activity was analyzed and showed that Canova treatment stimulates an increase of the endosomal/lysosomal system. Treated macrophages that do or do not interact with yeast present a higher number of acid phosphatase marked vesicles compared to control cells. In contrast, the activity of tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), is lower in Canova treated macrophages. The net results demonstrate that Canova medication is an effective stimulator of macrophage activity.

The evolution of the resistance of Staphylococcus aureus found on healthcare workers correlated with local consumption of antibiotics.

OBJECTIVE: Correlate the evolution of the resistance of Staphylococcus aureus collected from healthcare workers with the local consumption of antibiotics. MATERIAN AND METHODS: Open prospective research. Study Site. General Reference Hospital with 200 beds in a 700,000 inhabitant region, in Ponta Grossa, Paraná, Brazil. RESULTS: Two collections (samples) of Staphylococcus aureus isolates were obtained from healthcare-workers during an approximate four-year interval. Samples 1 (n= 200) and 2 (n= 270) had this bacterium in 63 (32%) and 90 (33%) of the patients, respectively. At the same time, the annual consumption of antibiotics in DDD/1,000 patient-days was determined. The variation of resistance was significantly smaller (m.s.d.=12.11) for gentamycin (p<0.01) and (m.s.d.=9.22) for Tobramycin (p<0.05). The correlation between variation in resistance and antibiotic consumption was not significant. Workers studied in the two samples showed a significant (p<0.01) frequency (chi2=10.44) for persistent nasal carriage and for non carriage. Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus was found in 12 (6%) patients of sample 1 and 11 patients (4%) of sample 2. CONCLUSION: Stability of resistance allows us to maintain therapeutic outlines. The variation in bacterial resistance in the twice-sampled population (n=105) indicated the selection pressure of the hospital environment. The resistance that was found is representative of the hospital microbiota; this relationship represents a biological model, based on the healthcare-workers' interaction with colonizing bacteria and nosocomial infections. New studies could improve this model for other bacteria, to determine the tendency for resistance and help guide the antibiotic use.

Weight Gain in Children with Cleft Lip and Palate without Use of Palatal Plates.

Goals/Background. To evaluate children's growth in the first year of life, who have cleft palate and lip, without the use of palatal plates. Materials/Method. Chart review was conducted, retrospectively, in the Center for Integral Assistance of Cleft Lip and Palate (CAIF), in Brazil, between 2008 and 2009. Results for both genders were compared to the data published by the World Health Organization (WHO) regarding average weight gain in children during their first year of life. Results. Patients with syndromic diagnosis and with cleft classified as preforamen were excluded, resulting in a final number of 112 patients: 56 male and 56 female. Similar patterns were seen comparing the two genders. Although it was observed weight gain below the average until the 11th month in male patients and until 9 months in female patients, both genders remained at the 50th percentile (p50) and improved after the 4th month of age for boys and the 9th month of age for girls. Conclusion. Children with cleft palate weigh less than regular children during their first months of life. At the end of the first year, weight gain is similar comparing normal and affected children. However, factors that optimized weight gain included choosing the best treatment for each case, proper guidance, and multiprofessional integrated care.

Evaluation of the protective potential of a Taenia solium cysticercus mimotope on murine cysticercosis.

An NC-1 mimotope from Taenia solium cysticerci can help identify patients with neurocysticercosis through immunoassay. After chemical synthesis, an NC-1 peptide was coupled to bovine serum albumin (NC-1/BSA) for used as an immunogen in murine Taenia crassiceps cysticercosis, which is an experimental model of cysticercosis caused by T. solium. NC-1/BSA immunisation decreased parasitaemia by inducing 74% protection compared to the 77% protection obtained with T. crassiceps crude antigen. The influence of immunisation was also observed on the size and stage of development of the parasite. Antibodies from NC-1/BSA-immunised mice recognised proteins from the tegument and from the buddings, and intense immunostaining was observed in the final stage of the metacestode. The capacity of NC-1/BSA to induce protective antibodies which are reactive to proteins from the tegument of the metacestode suggests that this mimotope is a potential candidate for a vaccine against human and animal cysticercosis.

Vaccinating against HPV: physicians' and medical students' point of view.

The present survey was conducted among medical students and physicians affiliated to the Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil, between August 2006 and December 2007. 252 individuals responded to a questionnaire composed of 13 items regarding their individual status and their personal knowledge of the HPV vaccine properties. The data analysis that was carried out using chi-square test showed that 79.7% of the interviewed population would indicate the vaccine, and mostly, to girls aged 10-15 years old. While vaccine effectiveness and prophylaxis appeared to have been adequately understood, some of its properties such as safety and immunity duration still need further elucidation.

Uma pesquisa sobre o comportamento sexual do adolescente em uma escola pública de ensino médio: alguns dados para a introdução da vacinação contra o HPV / A survey on adolescent sexual behaviorin a public brazilian high school: some data to HPV vaccination introduction

Muitas evidências têm demonstrado a associação entre a infecção pelo vírus do papiloma humano (HPV) e o câncer cervical, e as vacinas profiláticas têm sido eficazes na prevenção desta infecção. Quanto ao programa de vacinação da população, é importante estudar o comportamento sexualde adolescentes, especialmente na idade de início da atividade sexual. Objetivo: Avaliar o comportamento sexual de adolescentes alunos de escolas públicas em relação a algumas variáveis associadas e relacionar a idade de início da atividade sexual com a vacinação da população contra o HPV. Métodos: O estudo se baseou na aplicação de um questionário a 500 alunos de escolas secundárias públicas da cidade de Curitiba, com idade entre 13 e 19 anos, para avaliar seu comportamento sexual e questões relacionadas. Dos 500 questionários, 488 foram respondidos e analisados por metodologia estatística. O estudo foi aprovado pelos órgãos reguladores locais. Resultados: Em relação à atividade sexual, observou-se que era mais frequente no sexo masculino do que no feminino. Percebe-se que 47,8% dos meninos e 24,6% das meninas responderam positivamente a esta pergunta. Da mesma forma, 38,7% dos meninos relataram ter iniciado atividade sexual antes dos 14 anos, comparado a apenas 8,5% das meninas. Outros dados relacionados ao risco percebido de contrair uma infecção sexualmente transmissível e uso de preservativos e contraceptivos foram avaliados. Foi demonstrada a relação entre o uso de drogas (tabaco,álcool e maconha) e atividade sexual. Cerca de 45% dos estudantes sexualmente ativos relataram uso regular de drogas, em comparação com menos de20% daqueles que relataram não ter iniciado atividade sexual (p < 0,001), enquanto essa proporção era ainda mais evidente quando analisado apenas o uso de maconha. O efeito "protetor" do ambiente familiar revela uma descoberta interessante: os adolescentes que viviam com os seus pais eram menos ativos sexualmente do que aqueles que não relataram tal situação, com uma percentagem de 31,3 % versus 59,4% (p = 0,003). Conclusão: Concluiu-se que aatividade sexual foi mais evidente entre os participantes do sexo masculino, já que a iniciação sexual ocorreu mais cedo entre os meninos. Uso de drogase independência do ambiente familiar foram relacionados a maior ocorrência de atividade sexual anterior e atual. De acordo com estudos, 90% dos alunos que já têm 17 anos de idade tinham iniciado atividade sexual; portanto, podemos concluir que a idade de vacinação proposta pela maioria das autoridades governamentais e pela Federação Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia (Febrasgo) é adequada quando se trata de prevenir a infecção pelo HPV.

Many evidences have demonstrated the association between human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and cervical cancer, and prophylactic vaccines have been effective to prevent this infection. In relation to the vaccination program of the population, it is important to study the sexual behavior of adolescent students, especially the onset age of sexual activity. Objective: To evaluate the sexual behavior of adolescent students from public schools in relation to some associated variables and to link the onset age of sexual activity with HPV vaccination of the population. Methods: The study was based on the application of a questionnaire to 500 students of public high schools of the city of Curitiba, aged between 13 and 19 years, to assess their sexual behavior and related questions.Of the 500 questionnaires, 488 were answered and analyzed by statistical methodology. The study was approved by local regulatory bodies. Results: Regarding sexual activity, it was observed that it was most frequent along male than female students. It is noticed that 47.8% of boys and 24.6% of girls answered positively to this question. Similarly, 38.7% of boys reported having initiated sexual activity before age 14 compared to only 8.5% of the girls. Other data about the perceivedrisk of contracting a sexually transmitted infection and contraception condom were assessed. The relation between drug use (tobacco, alcohol and marijuana) and sexual activity was demonstrated. About 45% of sexually active students stated regular use of drugs, compared with less than 20% of those who reported not having initiated sexual activity (p < 0.001), where as this proportion was even more evident when analyzed only the use of marijuana. The "protector" effect of family environment shows an interesting finding: the adolescents who lived with their parents were less sexually active than those who did not report such situation witha percentage of 31.3% versus 59.4% (p = 0.003). Conclusion: We concluded that sexual activity was more evident among male participants as sexual initiationwas earlier among boys. Use of drugs and independence of family environment were related to higher rate of earlier and current sexual activity. According to researches, 90% of the students who already are 17 years old had initiated sexual activity; therefore, we can conclude that the age of vaccination proposed by most governmental authorities and the Brazilian Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (Febrasgo) is adequately when it comes to prevent HPV infection.

Canova, a Brazilian medical formulation, alters oxidative metabolism of mice macrophages.

Macrophages play a significant role in the host defence mechanism. When activated they can produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) as well as related reactive nitrogen species (RNS). ROS are produced via NAD(P)H oxidase which catalyzes superoxide (O2-) formation. It is subsequently converted to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) by either spontaneous or enzyme-mediated dismutation. Nitric oxide synthase (NOS) catalyzes nitric oxide (NO) formation. Canova (CA) is a Brazilian medication produced with homeopathic techniques, composed of Aconitum, Thuya, Bryonia, Arsenicum, Lachesis in distilled water containing less than 1% ethanol. Previous studies demonstrated that CA is neither toxic nor mutagenic and activates macrophages decreasing the tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFalpha) production. In this assay we showed that macrophages triggered with Canova increased NAD(P)H oxidase activity as well as that of iNOS, consequently producing ROS and NO respectively. Cytochrome oxidase and peroxisomes activities were inhibited by NO. As NO and O2- are being produced at the same time, formation of peroxynitrite (ONOO-) may be occurring. A potential explanation is provided on how treatment with Canova may enhance immune functions which could be particularly important in the cytotoxic actions of macrophages. CA can be considered as a new adjuvant therapeutic approach to known therapies.

Activation of bone marrow cells treated with Canova in vitro.

Canova is a Brazilian complex homeopathic medication produced from Aconitum, Thuya, Bryonia, Lachesis and Arsenicum. Previous studies demonstrated that Canova induces up-regulation in numbers of leukocytes. The bone marrow microenvironment is composed of growth factors, stromal cells, extracellular matrix, and progenitor cells that differentiate into mature blood cells. As it is the major site of blood cell formation, we studied in vitro Canova effects on bone marrow cells of mice. Swiss mouse femurs were dissected, cleaned, and the marrow was flushed. The cells were plated, treated or not, incubated for different times and processed for light, scanning electron, and confocal microscopy, and also flow cytometry. The treatment did not modify the expression of the analyzed surface markers or cytokine production. All microscopy techniques showed that a monocytic lineage (CD11b(+)) and stromal cells (adherent cells) were activated by treatment. Canova also increased cell clusters over adherent cells, suggesting proliferation areas.

New evidence that the MHC influences odor perception in humans: a study with 58 Southern Brazilian students.

Increasing evidence suggests a correlation between mate choice, odor preference, and genetic similarity at the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) in a variety of animals, including our species. The MHC is a highly polymorphic group of genes that play an important role in the immunological self/nonself recognition. Its products have been reported to take part on the variety of compounds and reactions that together build an individual's body odor. It has been suggested, therefore, that animals use body odor as a guide to identify possible mates as MHC-similar or MHC-dissimilar from their own genotype. Preference for a MHC-dissimilar partner enhances MHC heterozygosity of an individual's offspring. The possible adaptive advantages are clear: it is a mechanism of avoiding inbreeding and MHC-heterozygous offspring may have enhanced immunocompetence. The aim of this study was to search, in our species, new evidence on the correlation between specificities at HLA-A and HLA-B and assessments of pleasantness regarding specific body odors. HLA is the name for the human MHC. Four olfactory sessions were performed with 58 young Southern Brazilian students, in order to investigate whether assessments of pleasantness of body odors from individuals correlate to a person's HLA phenotype. Body odors were collected via sweat and urine from all participants. Women smelled and scored all male odor samples and men did the same with all female samples. We found a significant correlation only when female smellers evaluated male sweat odors.

Contaminação fúngica em chás de camomila, erva-doce e erva-mate / Fungi contamination in the chamomile, anis and mate teas

A avaliação da qualidade microbiológica de produtos armazenados, utilizados como plantas medicinais, é fundamental para garantir a segurança alimentar, em função do potencial micotoxigênico apresentado por algumas espécies de fungos. No presente trabalho foram realizados o isolamento, a quantificação e a identificação de fungos potencialmente produtores de micotoxinas em amostras de chás de camomila (Chamomilla recutita L.), erva-doce (Pimpinella anisum L.) e erva-mate (Ilex paraguariensis St.-Hil.), adquiridas em estabelecimentos comerciais da cidade de Curitiba, PR, Brasil. As amostras foram analisadas nas formas de infusão fria, de infusão tradicional e de cocção. Não houve diferenças significativas nos valores de UFC/g nas amostras de camomila, erva-mate e erva-doce analisadas na forma de infusão. Foram observadas diferenças significativas em amostras de camomila e erva-doce em forma de infusão fria em relação às demais formas de processamento de amostras, contudo essas não foram evidentes nas amostras de erva-mate. Os principais gêneros de fungos isolados das amostras analisadas foram Aspergillus sp (35,9%); Penicillium sp (9,4%); Fusarium sp (0,21%); Rhizopus sp (11,5%), Ulocladium sp (18,4%) e Mycelia sterilia (6,84%). Entre os fungos potencialmente toxigênicos, o Aspergillus sp foi o mais frequente nos três tipos de chás, seguido de Penicillium sp e Fusarium sp. Considerando que os fungos com potencial micotoxigênico persistem mesmo após a infusão ou cocção, recomenda-se que estratégias sejam desenvolvidas para garantir a qualidade e a segurança alimentar dos produtos consumidos pela população.

Spore production in Paecilomyces lilacinus (Thom. ) samson strains on agro-industrial residues / Produção de esporos em linhagens de Paecilomyces lilacinus (Thom. ) samson em resíduos agro-industriais

Paecilomyces lilacinus has potential for pests control. We aimed to analyze mycelial growth and spore production in P. lilacinus strains in several agro-industrial residues and commercial media. This study suggests alternative nutrient sources for fungi production and that the biotechnological potential of agro-industrial refuses could be employed in byproducts development.

Paecilomyces lilacinus apresenta potencial para controle de pragas. O objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar o crescimento micelial e a produção de esporos de linhagens de P. lilacinus em resíduos agro-industriais e meios comerciais. Este estudo sugere fontes alternativas para produção de fungos com potencial biotecnológico para desenvolvimento de bioprodutos.

The evolution of the resistance of Staphylococcus aureus found on healthcare workers correlated with local consumption of antibiotics

OBJECTIVE: Correlate the evolution of the resistance of Staphylococcus aureus collected from healthcare workers with the local consumption of antibiotics. MATERIAN AND METHODS: Open prospective research.Study Site. General Reference Hospital with 200 beds in a 700,000 inhabitant region, in Ponta Grossa, Paraná, Brazil. RESULTS: Two collections (samples) of Staphylococcus aureus isolates were obtained from healthcare-workers during an approximate four-year interval. Samples 1 (n= 200) and 2 (n= 270) had this bacterium in 63 (32 percent) and 90 (33 percent) of the patients, respectively. At the same time, the annual consumption of antibiotics in DDD/1,000 patient-days was determined. The variation of resistance was significantly smaller (m.s.d.=12.11) for gentamycin (p<0.01) and (m.s.d.=9.22) for Tobramycin (p<0.05). The correlation between variation in resistance and antibiotic consumption was not significant. Workers studied in the two samples showed a significant (p<0.01) frequency (c²=10.44) for persistent nasal carriage and for non carriage. Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus was found in 12 (6 percent) patients of sample 1 and 11 patients (4 percent) of sample 2. CONCLUSION: Stability of resistance allows us to maintain therapeutic outlines. The variation in bacterial resistance in the twice-sampled population (n=105) indicated the selection pressure of the hospital environment. The resistance that was found is representative of the hospital microbiota; this relationship represents a biological model, based on the healthcare-workers' interaction with colonizing bacteria and nosocomial infections. New studies could improve this model for other bacteria, to determine the tendency for resistance and help guide the antibiotic use.

Identification and colonization of endophytic fungi from soybean (Glycine max (L) Merril) under different environmental conditions

A total of 297 endophytic fungi were isolated from 1728 leaf and stem fragments collected about twenty and forty days after germination from soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merril) plants grown in the field and a greenhouse. The fungi belonged to eight groups, six dematiaceous genera (Alternaria, Cladosporium, Chaetomium, Curvularia, Drechslera and Scopulariopsis) and the non-dematiaceous genera Acremonium, Aspergillus, Colletotrichum, Fusarium, Paecilomyces and Penicillium along with some Mycelia sterilia.. There were qualitative and quantitative differences in the type and number of isolates obtained from greenhouse and field-grown plants, with more isolates being obtained from the latter. No difference was found in the number of fungi isolated from leaves and stems irrespective of where the plants was grown. For was field-grown plants, the number of isolates decreased as the plants aged and more fungi were found in tissues near the soil, while for greenhouse-grown plants the number of isolates increased as the plants aged but in this case no more fungi were isolated from those tissues nearer the soil. These results could have biotechnological relevance for the biological control of pests or plant growth promotion.

A partir de 1728 fragmentos de hastes e folhas de soja (Glycine max (L.) Merril). provenientes de plantas do campo e de casa de vegetação, coletadas cerca de 20 e 40 dias após a germinação das sementes, 297 fungos endofíticos foram isolados. Os gêneros encontrados foram: Alternaria, Cladosporium, Curvularia, Chaetomium, Scopulariopsis, Drechslera (todos dematiáceos) além de Colletotrichum, Fusarium, Acremonium, Aspergillus, Penicillium, Paecilomyces e Mycelia sterilia. Foram detectadas diferenças qualitativas e quantitativas entre os isolados, em relação a micobiota de hospedeiros provenientes do campo e de casa de vegetação com maior frequência de fungos isolados de plantas no campo em comparação com as de casa de vegetação. Houve diminuição da frequência de fungos com a idade das plantas crescidas no campo, ocorrendo o inverso com as da casa de vegetação, mas em ambos os casos, não houve diferença no número de fungos isolados de hastes e de folhas. Houve em plantas crescidas no campo uma maior incidência nas regiões próximas ao solo o que não ocorreu nas plantas provenientes da casa de vegetação. Os resultados podem ser de utilidade do ponto de vista biotecnológico pelo uso de endófitos introduzidos deliberadamente em plantas visando o controle biológico de pestes ou promoção de crescimento vegetal.

Avaliaçäo do crescimento linear de crianças asmáticas em tratamento com glicocorticóides / Linear growth of asthmatic children on inhaled and systemic steroids

Objetivo: Avaliar o crescimento linear de asmáticos atópicos em uso de corticóide oral e/ou inalatório. Casuística e Método: Crianças com asma atópica do sexo masculino, pré-púberes, foram agrupadas de acordo com o tratamento: prednisona por via oral em dias alternados, dose média de 8mg (n=20); beclometasona inalatória, dose média de 394 mcg/d (n=20) e um grupo controle sem corticóide (n=20). A gravidade da doença foi estimada por um escore clínico de sintomas (escala de 0 a 14). As medidas de estatura foram expressas pelo Escore Z (H-SDS = Escore de desvio-padräo da estatura), obtido pela seguinte fórmula: estatura encontrada - estatura esperada/ desvio padräo da estatura. O tempo de acompanhamento foi de oito a 21 meses. A comparaçäo dentro e entre os grupos foi feita pela análise da variância e correlaçäo pelo coeficiente de Spearman. Resultados: A média de idade de ingresso no estudo foi de 7,2 ñ 1,5 anos. O tempo de doença transcorrido até o ingresso no estudo, foi maior no grupo prednisona (6,2 ñ 1,8 anos) (p<0,05). O escore clínico de entrada foi maior nos grupos em uso de corticóide, porém diminuiu nos três grupos após o tratamento (p<0,05). Foi semelhante a distribuiçäo dos três grupos de pacientes de acordo com o Escore Z, tanto de entrada como de saída. Näo houve corrrelaçäo entre duraçäo da asma, escore clínico de entrada e Escore Z. A média do Escore Z näo variou significativamente durante o estudo. A freqüência de maior ou menor Escore Z näo se associou ao regime de tratamento (X² = 1,6 NS). Conclusäo: Baixas doses de prednisona por via oral em dias alternados e beclometasona inalatória säo eficazes para o controle da asma, e näo interferiram sobre o crescimento linear destes pacientes.