A Western apache writing system: the symbols of silas john.

At the outset of this article, it was observed that the adequacy of an etic typology of written symbols could be judged by its ability to describe all the emic distinctions in all the writing systems of the world. In conclusion, we should like to return to this point and briefly examine the extent to which currently available etic concepts can be used to describe the distinctions made by Western Apaches in relation to the writing system of Silas John. Every symbol in the Silas John script may be classified as a phonetic-semantic sign. Symbols of this type denote linguistic expressions that consist of one or more words and contrast as a class with phonetic-nonsemantic signs, which denote phonemes (or phoneme clusters), syllables (or syllable clusters), and various prosodic phenomena (2, pp. 2, 248). Phonetic semantic signs are commonly partitioned into two subclasses: alogographs (which denote single words) and phraseographs (which denote on or more words). Although every symbol in the Silas John script can be assigned to one or the other of these categories, such an exercise is without justification (21). We have no evidence to suggest that Western Apaches classify symbols according to the length or complexity of their linguistic referents, and therefore the imposition of distinctions based on these criteria would be inappropriate and misleading. A far more useful contrast, and one we have already employed, is presented in most etic typologies as an opposition between compound (composite) and noncompound (noncomposite) symbols. Used to break down the category of phonetic-semantic signs, these two concepts enable us to describe more or less exactly the distinction Apaches draw between "symbol elements put together" (ke?escin ledidilgoh) and "symbol elements standing alone" (ke?- escin doledidildaahi). The former may now be defined as consisting of compound phonetic-semantic signs, while the latter is composed of noncompound phonetic-semantic signs. Up to this point, etic concepts have served us well. However, a deficiency appears when we search for a terminology that allows us to describe the distinction between "symbols that tell what to say" and "symbols that tell what to do." As far as we have been able to determine, standard typologies make no provision for this kind of contrast, apparently because their creators have tacitly assumed that systems composed of phonetic-semantic signs serve exclusively to communicate linguistic information. Consequently, the possibility that these systems might also convey nonlinguistic information seems to have been ignored. This oversight may be a product of Western ethnocentrism; after all, it is. we who use alphabets who most frequently associate writing with language (22). On the other hand, it may simply stem from the fact that systems incorporating symbols with kinesic referents are exceedingly rare and have not yet been reported. In any case, it is important to recognize that the etic inventory is not complete. Retaining the term "phonetic sign" as a label for written symbols. that denote linguistic phenomena, we propose that the term "kinetic sign" be introduced to label symbols that denote sequences of nonverbal behavior. Symbols of the latter type that simultaneously denote some unit of language may be classified as "phonetic-kinetic" signs. With these concepts, the contrast between " symbols that tell what to say" and "symbols that tell what to do" can be rephrased as one that distinguishes phonetic signs (by definition nonkinetic) from phonetic-kinetic signs. Purely kinetic signs-symbols that refer solely to physical gestures-are absent from the Silas John script. The utility of the kinetic sign and the phonetic-kinetic sign as comparative concepts must ultimately be judged on the basis of their capacity to clarify and describe emic distinctions in other systems of writing. However, as we have previously pointed out, ethnographic studies of American Indian systems that address themselves to the identification of these distinctions-and thus provide the information necessary to evaluate the relevance and applicability of etic concepts-are in very short supply. As a result, meaningful comparisons cannot be made. At this point, we simply alack the data with which to determine whether the kinetic component so prominen in the Silas John script is unique or whether it had counterparts else-where in North America. The view is still prevalent among anthropologists and linguists that the great majority of American Indian writing systems conform to one or two global "primitive" types. Our study of the Silas John script casts doubt upon this position, for it demonstrates that fundamental emic distinctions remain to be discovered and that existing etic frameworks are less than adequatelyequipped to describe them. The implications of these findings are clear. On the one hand, we must acknowledge the possibility that several structurally distinct forms of writing were developed by North America's Indian cultures. Concomitantly, we must be prepared to aabandon traditional ideas of typological similarity and simplicity among thes systems in favor of those that take into account variation and complexity.

Prospective analysis of minimal bone marrow infiltration in pediatric Burkitt's lymphomas by long-distance polymerase chain reaction for t(8;14)(q24;q32).

The chromosomal translocation t(8;14)(q24;q32) represents a characteristic marker for Burkitt's lymphoma (BL). This translocation involves the MYC oncogene on chromosome 8 and the immunoglobulin heavy-chain (IgH) locus on chromosome 14. Since the translocation does not produce a fusion gene, we established a long-distance polymerase chain reaction (LD-PCR) assay that can detect the t(8;14) at the genomic level. The sensitivity of the LD-PCR was 10(-4). We used the LD-PCR assay to prospectively study 78 BL patients and found a specific PCR product in 52 of them. Among the 52 positive patients, we could test both the tumor and the bone marrow (BM) at diagnosis in 33 and determined the prevalence of minimal disseminated disease (MDD) at diagnosis. In 12/33 patients, BM was positive by LD-PCR and in 10 of them we conducted a study of minimal residual disease (MRD). Eight out of 10 children showed a clearance of MRD after one cycle of chemotherapy. The only two patients who did not achieve a negative MRD status died of disease progression. The comparative analysis of sensitivity of BM aspirate, BM biopsy and LD-PCR in t(8;14)-positive patients demonstrated a superiority of the molecular method in the assessment of MDD. The LD-PCR for t(8;14) is an important tool to study minimal BM infiltration at diagnosis and to determine its response kinetics in BL.

Transmissible venereal tumor: cell proliferation (AgNOR) and response to chemotherapy correlated with cytomorphological classification / Tumor venéreo transmissível (tvt): proliferação celular (AgNOR) e resposta à quimioterapia correlacionada à classificação citomorfológica

Transmissible venereal tumor (TVT) is a contagious neoplasm of round cells that occurs naturally and that affects mostly the genitalia. The TVT has been classified according to the predominant cell type as follows: linfocytoid, plasmacytoid and mixed. Various degrees of aggressiveness with wide range of biological behavior have been described based on this cell morphology. The present study aimed to evaluate the rate of cell proliferation, by cytochemical AgNOR method, and response to chemotherapy correlated with the cytomorphological classification of TVT. The results of the 22 cases showed that TVT was identified more frequently in female, adults and mixed-breed dogs. Plasmocytoid-classified tumors required a greater number of vincristine sulfate sessions, have higher cell proliferation and were the most resistant to chemotherapy, requiring additional treatment with doxorubicin. Based on these results, we can infer that the plasmacytoid pattern might have a more aggressive behavior compared to other cell types.

O tumor venéreo transmissível (TVT) é uma neoplasia contagiosa de células redondas que ocorre naturalmente e afeta principalmente a genitália. O TVT é classificado de acordo com o tipo celular predominante da seguinte forma: linfocitóide, plasmocitóide e misto. Vários graus de agressividade com ampla gama de comportamento biológico foram descritos com base nessa morfologia celular. O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a taxa de proliferação celular, pelo método AgNOR citoquímico, e a resposta à quimioterapia correlacionada com a classificação citomorfológica do TVT. Os resultados dos 22 casos mostraram que o TVT foi identificado com maior frequência em cães do sexo feminino, adultos e mestiços. Os tumores classificados como plasmocitóides necessitaram de um maior número de sessões de sulfato de vincristina, apresentaram maior proliferação celular e foram os mais resistentes à quimioterapia, necessitando de tratamento adicional com doxorrubicina. Com base nesses resultados, podemos inferir que o padrão plasmocitoide pode ter um comportamento mais agressivo comparado a outros tipos de células.

Transmissible venereal tumor: cell proliferation (AgNOR) and response to chemotherapy correlated with cytomorphological classification / Tumor venéreo transmissível (tvt): proliferação celular (AgNOR) e resposta à quimioterapia correlacionada à classificação citomorfológica

Transmissible venereal tumor (TVT) is a contagious neoplasm of round cells that occurs naturally and that affects mostly the genitalia. The TVT has been classified according to the predominant cell type as follows: linfocytoid, plasmacytoid and mixed. Various degrees of aggressiveness with wide range of biological behavior have been described based on this cell morphology. The present study aimed to evaluate the rate of cell proliferation, by cytochemical AgNOR method, and response to chemotherapy correlated with the cytomorphological classification of TVT. The results of the 22 cases showed that TVT was identified more frequently in female, adults and mixed-breed dogs. Plasmocytoid-classified tumors required a greater number of vincristine sulfate sessions, have higher cell proliferation and were the most resistant to chemotherapy, requiring additional treatment with doxorubicin. Based on these results, we can infer that the plasmacytoid pattern might have a more aggressive behavior compared to other cell types.(AU)

O tumor venéreo transmissível (TVT) é uma neoplasia contagiosa de células redondas que ocorre naturalmente e afeta principalmente a genitália. O TVT é classificado de acordo com o tipo celular predominante da seguinte forma: linfocitóide, plasmocitóide e misto. Vários graus de agressividade com ampla gama de comportamento biológico foram descritos com base nessa morfologia celular. O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a taxa de proliferação celular, pelo método AgNOR citoquímico, e a resposta à quimioterapia correlacionada com a classificação citomorfológica do TVT. Os resultados dos 22 casos mostraram que o TVT foi identificado com maior frequência em cães do sexo feminino, adultos e mestiços. Os tumores classificados como plasmocitóides necessitaram de um maior número de sessões de sulfato de vincristina, apresentaram maior proliferação celular e foram os mais resistentes à quimioterapia, necessitando de tratamento adicional com doxorrubicina. Com base nesses resultados, podemos inferir que o padrão plasmocitoide pode ter um comportamento mais agressivo comparado a outros tipos de células.(AU)

Soybean and forage production in integrated crop-livestock systems / Produção de soja e de forragem em sistemas de integração agricultura e pecuária

The objective of this study was to evaluate the production of tropical and winter forage species and soybean production in an integrated crop-livestock system. The following treatments were applied: T1, overseeding of millet + seeding of oat FMS-1; T2, overseeding of millet + direct seeding of oat IPR-126; T3, overseeding of millet + direct seeding of oat IPR-61; T4, overseeding of Tanzania grass (Panicum maximum) + overseeding of Brachiaria ruziziensis; T5, direct seeding of sorghum + Brachiaria ruziziensis. The experimental units consisted of 1.5-ha pastures allocated in a completely randomized design with two replicates. The variables measured were forage production, forage mass, soybean production, and forage residue in direct seeding. In all cuts, forage mass was higher in paddocks with Brachiaria ruziziensis compared to the other treatments, especially Brachiaria ruziziensis with Tanzania grass. The higher forage mass was a consequence of the higher forage production observed in these paddocks. This result shows that tropical grasses could be an alternative to cool-season grasses for winter pasture. On the other hand, no significant difference in soybean production was observed between the strategies used. However, the higher long-term deposition of organic matter in soil resulting from the greater forage mass may contribute to increase productivity. In conclusion, intercropping of Tanzania grass with Brachiaria ruziziensis in integrated crop-livestock systems appears to be an alternative that provides high grain and forage productivity.(AU)

O trabalho teve como objetivo determinar a produção de forragem de gramíneas tropicais e de inverno, e produção de grãos de soja em um sistema de integração agricultura e pecuária. Utilizou-se os seguintes tratamentos: T1: Sobressemeadura de Milheto + Semeadura de Aveia FMS-1; T2: Sobressemeadura de Milheto + Semeadura direta de Aveia IPR-126; T3: Sobressemeadura de Milheto + Semeadura direta de Aveia IPR-61; T4: Sobressemeadura de Tanzânia (Panicum maximum) + Sobressemeadura Brachiaria ruziziensis; T5: Plantio direto de Sorgo + Brachiaria ruziziensis. As unidades experimentais foram pastos de 1,5 ha distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado com duas repetições. As variáveis mensuradas foram: produção de forragem, massa de forragem, produção de soja, resíduo de forragem no plantio direto. Em todos os cortes a massa de forragem foi superior nos piquetes com Brachiaria ruziziensis, comparados aos demais, especialmente a Brachiaria ruziziensis em consorcio com Capim Tanzânia. A maior massa de forragem foi consequência de uma maior produção de forragem apresentadas nestes piquetes. Este resultado mostra que o uso de gramíneas tropicais para pastejo no inverno pode ser uma alternativa em relação às gramíneas de inverno. Entretanto, com relação à produção de grãos de soja, não houve diferença significativa na comparação entre as estratégias utilizadas. Porém, a longo prazo, a maior deposição de matéria orgânica no solo advinda da maior massa de forragem, pode contribuir com incrementos em produtividade. Diante do exposto, a consorciação de Capim Tanzânia com Brachiaria ruziziensis em sistemas de integração agricultura e pecuária mostra-se uma alternativa que proporciona alta produtividade de grãos e forragem.(AU)

Soybean and forage production in integrated crop-livestock systems / Produção de soja e de forragem em sistemas de integração agricultura e pecuária

The objective of this study was to evaluate the production of tropical and winter forage species and soybean production in an integrated crop-livestock system. The following treatments were applied: T1, overseeding of millet + seeding of oat FMS-1; T2, overseeding of millet + direct seeding of oat IPR-126; T3, overseeding of millet + direct seeding of oat IPR-61; T4, overseeding of Tanzania grass (Panicum maximum) + overseeding of Brachiaria ruziziensis; T5, direct seeding of sorghum + Brachiaria ruziziensis. The experimental units consisted of 1.5-ha pastures allocated in a completely randomized design with two replicates. The variables measured were forage production, forage mass, soybean production, and forage residue in direct seeding. In all cuts, forage mass was higher in paddocks with Brachiaria ruziziensis compared to the other treatments, especially Brachiaria ruziziensis with Tanzania grass. The higher forage mass was a consequence of the higher forage production observed in these paddocks. This result shows that tropical grasses could be an alternative to cool-season grasses for winter pasture. On the other hand, no significant difference in soybean production was observed between the strategies used. However, the higher long-term deposition of organic matter in soil resulting from the greater forage mass may contribute to increase productivity. In conclusion, intercropping of Tanzania grass with Brachiaria ruziziensis in integrated crop-livestock systems appears to be an alternative that provides high grain and forage productivity.

O trabalho teve como objetivo determinar a produção de forragem de gramíneas tropicais e de inverno, e produção de grãos de soja em um sistema de integração agricultura e pecuária. Utilizou-se os seguintes tratamentos: T1: Sobressemeadura de Milheto + Semeadura de Aveia FMS-1; T2: Sobressemeadura de Milheto + Semeadura direta de Aveia IPR-126; T3: Sobressemeadura de Milheto + Semeadura direta de Aveia IPR-61; T4: Sobressemeadura de Tanzânia (Panicum maximum) + Sobressemeadura Brachiaria ruziziensis; T5: Plantio direto de Sorgo + Brachiaria ruziziensis. As unidades experimentais foram pastos de 1,5 ha distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado com duas repetições. As variáveis mensuradas foram: produção de forragem, massa de forragem, produção de soja, resíduo de forragem no plantio direto. Em todos os cortes a massa de forragem foi superior nos piquetes com Brachiaria ruziziensis, comparados aos demais, especialmente a Brachiaria ruziziensis em consorcio com Capim Tanzânia. A maior massa de forragem foi consequência de uma maior produção de forragem apresentadas nestes piquetes. Este resultado mostra que o uso de gramíneas tropicais para pastejo no inverno pode ser uma alternativa em relação às gramíneas de inverno. Entretanto, com relação à produção de grãos de soja, não houve diferença significativa na comparação entre as estratégias utilizadas. Porém, a longo prazo, a maior deposição de matéria orgânica no solo advinda da maior massa de forragem, pode contribuir com incrementos em produtividade. Diante do exposto, a consorciação de Capim Tanzânia com Brachiaria ruziziensis em sistemas de integração agricultura e pecuária mostra-se uma alternativa que proporciona alta produtividade de grãos e forragem.

Respostas morfogênicas e estruturais de plantas tropicais submetidas à desfolhação / Morphogenetic and structural responses of tropical plants submitted to defoliation

A emissão de folhas, seu alongamento e a estrutura que conferem ao dossel forrageiro, são quantificados via morfogênese e característica estrutural do dossel. A emissão e o balanço de perfilhos é conhecido como perfilhamento. Ambos, morfogênese e perfilhamento, conferem ao pasto o potencial produtivo. Este processo é influenciado pela intensidade e a frequência de desfolhação. Pastos apresentam plasticidade fenotípica quando submetidos à pastejo intenso e frequente, com vistas a se adequar a esta condição adversa de ambiente. Ademais, fatores como a idade da planta e adubação influenciam no padrão de crescimento. Uma população com perfil etário jovem, ou um pasto adubado, apresenta taxas morfogênicas mais aceleradas, necessitando de ajustes no manejo do pastejo. Aliados a estes fatos, o padrão sazonal de distribuição de chuvas, temperatura e fotoperíodo, faz com que os pastos tenham padrão de crescimento distinto durante o ano. Quando estas condições são favoráveis ao crescimento das plantas, as taxas morfogênicas são aceleradas e ajustes no manejo são necessários. Sendo assim, o manejo do pastejo na época das águas e na época das secas, são distintos, principalmente por conta de padrões de crescimento diferentes nestas épocas. De fato, vários fatores influenciam o crescimento das plantas em pastejo, todavia, a devida manutenção do índice de área foliar (IAF) do pasto, seja em lotação continua ou lotação intermitente, faz com que resultados satisfatórios sejam obtidos em sistemas de exploração pecuária a pasto. Diante do exposto, metas de manejo considerando parâmetros morfogênicos da planta, aliados à manutenção de IAF adequado, mostram que pastos manejados em lotação continua devem ser mantidos em condições consideradas ótimas tanto para o crescimento da planta como para o consumo animal. Estas condições coincidem com alturas de manutenção de dossel forrageiro, recomendada para cada espécie ou cultivar dentro de espécie...

Leaf emergence and elongation and the structure they confer to the forage canopy are quantified based on morphogenetic and structural characteristics of the canopy. The emergence and balance of tillers is known as tillering. Both morphogenesis and tillering confer the production potential to the pasture. This process is influenced by the intensity and frequency of defoliation. Pastures exhibit phenotypic plasticity when submitted to intense and frequent grazing in order to adapt to this adverse environmental condition. Furthermore, factors such as plant age and fertilization influence the growth pattern. A population with a young age profile or a fertilized pasture has more accelerated rates of morphogenesis and requires adjustment in pasture management. In addition to these factors, the seasonal distribution pattern of rain, temperature and photoperiod leads to variations in the growth pattern of pastures over the year. When these conditions are favorable for plant growth, the rates of morphogenesis are accelerated and adjustments in management are necessary. Thus, pasture management differs between the rainy and dry seasons, mainly because of the different growth patterns during these periods. Indeed, several factors influence the growth of pasture plants; however, appropriate maintenance of the leaf area index (LAI) of the pasture under continuous or intermittent stocking provides satisfactory results of pasture-based farming systems. Given the above, management targets considering morphogenetic parameters of the plant, in conjunction with the maintenance of an adequate LAI, show that continuously stocked pastures should be kept under optimal conditions for both plant growth and animal consumption. These conditions coincide with the maintenance heights of the forage canopy recommended for each species or cultivar...

Respostas morfogênicas e estruturais de plantas tropicais submetidas à desfolhação / Morphogenetic and structural responses of tropical plants submitted to defoliation

A emissão de folhas, seu alongamento e a estrutura que conferem ao dossel forrageiro, são quantificados via morfogênese e característica estrutural do dossel. A emissão e o balanço de perfilhos é conhecido como perfilhamento. Ambos, morfogênese e perfilhamento, conferem ao pasto o potencial produtivo. Este processo é influenciado pela intensidade e a frequência de desfolhação. Pastos apresentam plasticidade fenotípica quando submetidos à pastejo intenso e frequente, com vistas a se adequar a esta condição adversa de ambiente. Ademais, fatores como a idade da planta e adubação influenciam no padrão de crescimento. Uma população com perfil etário jovem, ou um pasto adubado, apresenta taxas morfogênicas mais aceleradas, necessitando de ajustes no manejo do pastejo. Aliados a estes fatos, o padrão sazonal de distribuição de chuvas, temperatura e fotoperíodo, faz com que os pastos tenham padrão de crescimento distinto durante o ano. Quando estas condições são favoráveis ao crescimento das plantas, as taxas morfogênicas são aceleradas e ajustes no manejo são necessários. Sendo assim, o manejo do pastejo na época das águas e na época das secas, são distintos, principalmente por conta de padrões de crescimento diferentes nestas épocas. De fato, vários fatores influenciam o crescimento das plantas em pastejo, todavia, a devida manutenção do índice de área foliar (IAF) do pasto, seja em lotação continua ou lotação intermitente, faz com que resultados satisfatórios sejam obtidos em sistemas de exploração pecuária a pasto. Diante do exposto, metas de manejo considerando parâmetros morfogênicos da planta, aliados à manutenção de IAF adequado, mostram que pastos manejados em lotação continua devem ser mantidos em condições consideradas ótimas tanto para o crescimento da planta como para o consumo animal. Estas condições coincidem com alturas de manutenção de dossel forrageiro, recomendada para cada espécie ou cultivar dentro de espécie...(AU)

Leaf emergence and elongation and the structure they confer to the forage canopy are quantified based on morphogenetic and structural characteristics of the canopy. The emergence and balance of tillers is known as tillering. Both morphogenesis and tillering confer the production potential to the pasture. This process is influenced by the intensity and frequency of defoliation. Pastures exhibit phenotypic plasticity when submitted to intense and frequent grazing in order to adapt to this adverse environmental condition. Furthermore, factors such as plant age and fertilization influence the growth pattern. A population with a young age profile or a fertilized pasture has more accelerated rates of morphogenesis and requires adjustment in pasture management. In addition to these factors, the seasonal distribution pattern of rain, temperature and photoperiod leads to variations in the growth pattern of pastures over the year. When these conditions are favorable for plant growth, the rates of morphogenesis are accelerated and adjustments in management are necessary. Thus, pasture management differs between the rainy and dry seasons, mainly because of the different growth patterns during these periods. Indeed, several factors influence the growth of pasture plants; however, appropriate maintenance of the leaf area index (LAI) of the pasture under continuous or intermittent stocking provides satisfactory results of pasture-based farming systems. Given the above, management targets considering morphogenetic parameters of the plant, in conjunction with the maintenance of an adequate LAI, show that continuously stocked pastures should be kept under optimal conditions for both plant growth and animal consumption. These conditions coincide with the maintenance heights of the forage canopy recommended for each species or cultivar...(AU)

Toward a systems biology approach to investigate cellular networks in normal and malignant B cells.

In recent years, we experienced an increasing development of new technologies that aim to comprehensively dissect the molecular genetics of cellular phenotypes. Pioneering studies have been performed on leukemia and lymphoma and then extended to many other types of malignancies. Genome-wide technologies allow taking snapshots of defined cellular context from an unbiased angle highlighting a complexity that we still struggle to fully interpret. The increasing availability of technologies to detect genetic, transcriptional and post-transcriptional characteristics of cellular systems needs to be associated with the development of computational tools to fully investigate these data in an integrated way. The evolution of different genome-wide technologies as well as data mining and integration tools will be discussed following studies performed on normal and malignant human mature B cells.

Comparação entre dois protocolos de tratamento de ceratoconjuntivite seca experimentalmente induzida em coelhos / Comparison of two treatment protocols of experimentally induced keratoconjunctivitis sicca in rabbits

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar e comparar a eficácia de dois protocolos de tratamento de ceratoconjuntivite seca (CCS) experimentalmente induzida em coelhos: uma formulação oftálmica tópica composta por álcool polivinílico 1,4%, adicionado com acetilcisteína 10% e pilocarpina 1% (AAP), e outro protocolo com o uso do óleo de semente de linhaça (OL) tópico em forma de colírio, durante 12 semanas. Foram utilizados 15 coelhos machos, adultos, da raça Nova Zelândia, alocados aleatoriamente em três grupos: grupo C (controle), grupo AAP (formulação oftálmica) e grupo L (OL tópica). Os animais foram avaliados semanalmente pelo teste lacrimal de Schirmer, teste de fluoresceína e teste de Rosa Bengala; uma vez por mês, pelo exame de citologia esfoliativa ocular; ao final do experimento, pela análise histopatológica da córnea e conjuntiva. Os resultados demonstraram que houve um aumento maior na produção lacrimal quando utilizada a formulação oftálmica, e uma resolução mais rápida das úlceras de córnea, bem como diminuição no número de células desvitalizadas quando utilizado o óleo de semente de linhaça, além de aumento no número de células caliciformes em ambos os grupos de tratamento. A associação desses dois protocolos pode ser no futuro uma alternativa no tratamento da CCS.(AU)

The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of two treatment protocol of experimentally induced keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) in rabbits, a topical ophthalmic formulation composed by 1.4% povinilic alcohol added with 10% acetylcysteine and 1% pilocarpine (AAP) and another protocol with the topical use of the linseed seed oil (LO) in eye drop form f or 12 weeks. Fifteen male New Zealand white rabbits were aleatory allocated in 3 groups: Group C (Control), Group AAP (ophthalmic formulation) and Group L (LO topical). The animals were evaluated weekly using the Schirmer's tear test, fluorescein test and Rose Bengal test monthly for ocular cytology, and at the end of the experiment for histopathological analysis of cornea and conjunctive. The results demonstrated that there was a larger increase in the tear production when the ophthalmic formulation was us ed and a faster rapid resolution of corneal ulcers and decrease in the number of devitalized cells when linseed seed oil was used, besides an increase in the number of caliciform cells in both treatment groups. The association of those two protocols can be a future alternative in the treatment of KCS.(AU)

Comparação entre dois protocolos de tratamento de ceratoconjuntivite seca experimentalmente induzida em coelhos / Comparison of two treatment protocols of experimentally induced keratoconjunctivitis sicca in rabbits

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar e comparar a eficácia de dois protocolos de tratamento de ceratoconjuntivite seca (CCS) experimentalmente induzida em coelhos: uma formulação oftálmica tópica composta por álcool polivinílico 1,4%, adicionado com acetilcisteína 10% e pilocarpina 1% (AAP), e outro protocolo com o uso do óleo de semente de linhaça (OL) tópico em forma de colírio, durante 12 semanas. Foram utilizados 15 coelhos machos, adultos, da raça Nova Zelândia, alocados aleatoriamente em três grupos: grupo C (controle), grupo AAP (formulação oftálmica) e grupo L (OL tópica). Os animais foram avaliados semanalmente pelo teste lacrimal de Schirmer, teste de fluoresceína e teste de Rosa Bengala; uma vez por mês, pelo exame de citologia esfoliativa ocular; ao final do experimento, pela análise histopatológica da córnea e conjuntiva. Os resultados demonstraram que houve um aumento maior na produção lacrimal quando utilizada a formulação oftálmica, e uma resolução mais rápida das úlceras de córnea, bem como diminuição no número de células desvitalizadas quando utilizado o óleo de semente de linhaça, além de aumento no número de células caliciformes em ambos os grupos de tratamento. A associação desses dois protocolos pode ser no futuro uma alternativa no tratamento da CCS.

The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of two treatment protocol of experimentally induced keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) in rabbits, a topical ophthalmic formulation composed by 1.4% povinilic alcohol added with 10% acetylcysteine and 1% pilocarpine (AAP) and another protocol with the topical use of the linseed seed oil (LO) in eye drop form f or 12 weeks. Fifteen male New Zealand white rabbits were aleatory allocated in 3 groups: Group C (Control), Group AAP (ophthalmic formulation) and Group L (LO topical). The animals were evaluated weekly using the Schirmer's tear test, fluorescein test and Rose Bengal test monthly for ocular cytology, and at the end of the experiment for histopathological analysis of cornea and conjunctive. The results demonstrated that there was a larger increase in the tear production when the ophthalmic formulation was us ed and a faster rapid resolution of corneal ulcers and decrease in the number of devitalized cells when linseed seed oil was used, besides an increase in the number of caliciform cells in both treatment groups. The association of those two protocols can be a future alternative in the treatment of KCS.

Gene expression profiling suggests primary central nervous system lymphomas to be derived from a late germinal center B cell.

To characterize the molecular origin of primary lymphomas of the central nervous system (PCNSL), 21 PCNSLs of immunocompetent patients were investigated by microarray-based gene expression profiling. Comparison of the transcriptional profile of PCNSL with various normal and neoplastic B-cell subsets demonstrated PCNSL (i) to display gene expression patterns most closely related to late germinal center B cells, (ii) to display a gene expression profile similar to systemic diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (DLBCLs) and (iii) to be in part assigned to the activated B-cell-like (ABC) or the germinal center B-cell-like (GCB) subtype of DLBCL.

Detection and characterization of micronuclei in a murine liver epithelial cell line, by application of the in vitro cytokinesis block MN assay and PRINS.

The cytokinesis block micronucleus assay was applied to murine cell line C6, derived from fetal liver, after an optimal protocol had been designed. Micronucleus frequencies were assayed after exposure to three concentrations of colcemid or diepoxybutane. Two-colour primed in situ DNA synthesis (PRINS) was applied to simultaneously label telomeric and centromeric (minor satellite DNA) sequences. Both chemicals induced a highly significant increase in MN and the effect was dose dependent. Diepoxybutane did not appear to significantly increase the frequency of centromere-positive micronuclei. Colcemid, as expected, induced high frequencies of centromere-positive micronuclei at all concentrations tested; in addition a significant increase in centromere-negative micronuclei was observed at 10(-5) M. Many centromere-positive micronuclei carried three or four telomeres, thus indicating that a duplicated (non-disjoined) chromosome with two chromatids was contained in the micronucleus. This observation leads to the conclusion that micronuclei deriving from missegregation could be due to errors occurring before the onset of anaphase. The results obtained on C6 cells are in good agreement with those obtained on other cell systems, indicating that this cell line can be considered for in vitro aneuploidy evaluation.

Improved long-distance polymerase chain reaction for the detection of t(8;14)(q24;q32) in Burkitt's lymphomas.

The t(8;14)(q24;q32), involving MYC gene (8q24) and the immunoglobulin heavy chain (IgH) locus (14q32), represents about 75% of all translocations in Burkitt's lymphoma (BL). Due to the great variability of the breakpoint region, a standard polymerase chain reaction assay is not sufficient for the detection of this chromosomal translocation. The availability of new and more efficient DNA polymerases that allow the amplification of genomic fragments many kilobase-pairs long, makes it possible to identify the t(8;14) in BL cells by long-distance polymerase chain reaction (LD-PCR). We have established a simplified and efficient LD-PCR for the detection of t(8;14)(q24;q32) that relies on the use of one primer specific for MYC exon II combined, in different reactions, with four primers for the IgH locus: three for the constant regions Cmu, Cgamma, and Calpha, and one for the joining region (JH). We first studied seven BL cell lines and optimized LD-PCR reaction for analysis of tumor specimens. Five of seven cell lines were positive for the t(8;14), whereas two lines derived from endemic BL were negative, as expected. Of 15 biopsies obtained from pediatric BL and subsequently analyzed, 13 (87%) were positive for the translocation detected by LD-PCR and showed a product ranging in size from 2.0 to 9.5 kb. Cmu region was involved in 6 cases, Cgamma and Calpha in 2 cases each, and JH in 3 cases. Interestingly, 2 of the tumors positive for JH showed a second, larger PCR product with the Calpha- and Cgamma-specific primer, respectively. We established that our LD-PCR method could detect 10(-3) BL cells within a population of hematopoietic cells lacking the translocation. In conclusion, our LD-PCR method represents a fast, highly sensitive, and specific tool to study sporadic BL and to detect minimal disease and residual disease in patients affected by t(8;14)-positive lymphomas.