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Objectives Cytoreductive surgery combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS-HIPEC) has been established in the management of peritoneal carcinomatosis. Although it is still necessary to take adequate measures against major postoperative complications including acute kidney injury (AKI), consensus is lacking on how to assess and stratify risk for patients with postoperative AKI after CRS-HIPEC. The aim of this retrospective cohort study was to investigate the association of intraoperative gross hematuria as a surrogate marker of ureter injury with postoperative AKI incidence. Methods This retrospective cohort study investigated patients without impaired preoperative kidney function who underwent CRS-HIPEC at a single referral center, and evaluated the relationship between intraoperative gross hematuria and incidence of postoperative AKI as defined by the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes practice guidelines. Logistic regression analysis was performed to calculate the odds ratio of intraoperative gross hematuria for AKI, adjusting for confounding factors and other risk factors for AKI. Results We enrolled 185 patients (males, 37%). Twenty-five patients developed intraoperative gross hematuria. Postoperative AKI occurred in 10 (40%) of 25 patients with hematuria and 28 (17.5%) of 160 patients without hematuria. The crude odds ratio for exposure to hematuria was 3.14 (95% confidence interval, 1.30–7.60; p=0.020) for postoperative AKI. Adjusted odds ratio as estimated by multivariate logistic regression was 4.57 (95% confidence interval, 1.55–13.45; p=0.006). Conclusions Intraoperative gross hematuria is significantly associated with postoperative AKI incidence after CRS-HIPEC.

The first case of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) simultaneously demonstrating various clinical manifestations, including retroperitoneal fibrosis (RPF) causing hydronephrosis and membranous nephropathy (MN) leading to nephrotic syndrome, is presented. There have been no previous case reports demonstrating the simultaneous onset of these three disease categories with significant complex pathologies. This case was successfully managed by providing adequate combination therapies according to each disease category, leading to complete remission (CR) of all three diseases. In conclusion, we believe this case is extremely rare and clinically suggestive, and that these findings can be applied to a future phenotype-tailored treatment strategy for EGPA.

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of direct hemoperfusion using a polymyxin B‐immobilized polystyrene column (PMX‐DHP) in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2)‐positive pneumonia patients. Methods This study was a case series conducted at a designated infectious diseases hospital. Twelve SARS‐CoV‐2‐positive patients with partial pressure of arterial oxygen/percentage of inspired oxygen (P/F) ratio

We report detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 RNA in hemodialysis effluent from a patient in Japan with coronavirus disease and prolonged inflammation. Healthcare workers should observe strict standard and contact precautions and use appropriate personal protective equipment when handling hemodialysis circuitry from patients with diagnosed coronavirus disease.

Delirium is an independent predictor of death in patients undergoing dialysis for end-stage renal disease (ESRD). However, it is unknown whether delirium during hospitalization at the start of hemodialysis (HD) in elderly populations is associated with early mortality. We conducted a retrospective cohort study to investigate the association between delirium and early mortality in the elderly after starting HD. The cohort consisted of patients ≥ 75 years who started dialysis for ESRD at the National Center for Global Health and Medicine from 2010 to 2017 and at Yokosuka Kyosai Hospital from 2007 to 2011. Delirium was defined as patients who showed new symptoms of transient confused thinking and reduced awareness of their environment and were prescribed antipsychotic medications. The primary outcome was death within 1 year. Data were analyzed using Cox proportional hazard models with adjustments for baseline characteristics. A multinomial logistic regression was used to identify the determinants of patients developing delirium. We enrolled 259 patients (males, 60%); 33 patients were diagnosed with delirium. The primary outcome was observed in 19 patients with delirium (58%) and 24 patients without delirium (11%) (p

Serum anion gap (AG) has recently been proven to represent a biomarker for predicting prognosis in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). However, whether change in AG (ΔAG) at the time of starting hemodialysis predicts mortality after starting hemodialysis in elderly patients with ESRD remains unknown. This retrospective cohort investigated the association between ΔAG and mortality after starting hemodialysis in the elderly. The cohort comprised patients ≥ 75 years old who started hemodialysis for ESRD at National Center for Global Health and Medicine between 2010 and 2017 and at Yokosuka Kyosai Hospital between 2007 and 2011. Patients were stratified into three groups (G1-3) based on ΔAG, calculated according to the equation: ΔAG = sodium − (chloride + bicarbonate) − 12. The primary outcome was death within 1 year of starting hemodialysis. Data were analyzed using Cox proportional hazard models with adjustments for baseline characteristics. We enrolled 254 patients (59% male). Median ΔAG was 2.6 (G1: > 3, n = 111; G2: 0–3, n = 103; G3

Adults with minimal-change nephrotic syndrome (MCNS) generally receive oral prednisolone (PSL) at an initial dosage of 1.0 mg/kg/day for a minimum of 4 weeks, with 80% of patients achieving clinical remission. However, relapses are frequent, necessitating repeated treatment with high-dose PSL. Long-term treatment with high-dose steroids increases the risk of steroid toxicities, such as diabetes mellitus, gastric complications, infections, osteoporosis, and steroid-induced psychiatric syndrome (SIPS), which may compromise the patient’s quality of life. Strategies are therefore needed to reduce the dosage and duration of steroid therapy for frequently relapsing MCNS (FRNS). Here, we suggest a new combination therapy of low-dose and short-term steroid with cyclosporine (CsA). We encountered an adult patient who developed recurrence of FRNS with depression arising from SIPS and was treated using low-dose, short-term PSL combined with CsA. He was successfully treated with PSL at an initial dosage of 0.3 mg/kg/day (20 mg/day) for just 2 weeks combined with CsA, allowing earlier induction of complete remission. We then promptly reduced the dose of PSL to below a physiological dosage (5 mg/day) over 3 weeks without relapse after episodes of SIPS and quickly resolved psychiatric symptoms. CsA in combination with PSL can reduce the initial dosage of PSL, shorten the time to remission, and easily maintain clinical remission. This protocol appears clinically useful and potentially applicable as a future treatment strategy for FRNS troubled by SIPS.

We herein report a case of fulminant Legionnaires' disease with autopsy findings in a patient on maintenance hemodialysis (HD). Chronic kidney disease is a strong risk factor for Legionnaires' disease, although there have been only a few reports in HD patients. Because most patients on HD are anuric, the use of rapid assay kits to detect antigens in urine samples for the diagnosis of Legionnaires' disease is not always feasible. We suggest the use of clinical predictive tools or the loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) method, which can be applied for anuric patients, such as those on HD, with pneumonia.

Genótipos de algodoeiro, compreendendo cultivares e linhagens avançadas, foram avaliados quanto à reação à mancha de Ramularia (Ramularia areola), em experimentos de campo e sob infestação natural, aos 60; 90 e 110 dias após a emergência das plantas em Ituverava-SP, e aos 75; 100 e 120 dias em Primavera do Leste-MT. Nos dois locais a avaliação mais tardia foi fundamental para discriminar adequadamente os genótipos e determinar seu grau efetivo de resistência ao patógeno. As avaliações realizadas mais cedo ou foram ineficazes para isso ou subestimaram a suscetibilidade de alguns genótipos. Interação genótipo x ambiente altamente significativa e correlação muito baixa, não significativa, entre as notas médias dos genótipos nos dois experimentos, expressaram desempenho contraditório de alguns genótipos, conforme o local, indicando possível existência de variabilidade genética desse patógeno no Brasil. Cotton genotypes, comprising cultivars and advanced lineages, were evaluated for their reaction to areolate mildew (Ramularia areola) in field experiments under natural infestation, at 60, 90 and 110 days after plant emergence in Ituverava-SP, and at 75, 100 and 120 days in Primavera do Leste-MT. In both localities, the latest evaluation was fundamental to adequately discriminate the genotypes and determine their effective degree of resistance to the pathogen. The earliest evaluations were inefficacious for this or underestimated the susceptibility of some genotypes. Highly significant genotype x environment interaction and extremely low, non-significant correlation between the mean scores of genotypes in the two experiments expressed contradictory performance of some genotypes, according to the locality, indicating possible existence of genetic variability of this pathogen in Brazil.

科学技術振興機構 戦略的創造研究推進事業では，平成20年度自己評価にあたり，海外の研究資金配分機関の研究成果との比較を行った。当事業の運営方法の特徴を考慮した条件設定のもと，比較対象となる研究課題の研究成果の一つである論文を抽出し，課題あたりの被引用数，課題あたりの被引用数上位1％の論文数という2つの指標を用い，比較を行った。本稿では，比較評価を行うにあたっての要点，手法・指標，その結果について紹介する。

Cotton genotypes, comprising the main cultivars and somebreeding lines available in Brazil, were evaluated under greenhouseconditions for the resistance to Verticillium wilt. In order to establishadequate conditions for re sistance expression, experiments examiningisolate pathogenicity and the most appropriate inoculum concentrationwere carried out first. Based on the obtained data, 25 genotypes werethen inoculated by the “dipping” method at 10 6 spores/mL inoculum Galbieri, R.; Cia, E.; Fuzatto, M.G.; Ito, M.F.; Luders, R.R.; Kondo, J.I. Cotton genotypes evaluation for resistance to V erticillium dahliae . Summa Phytopathologica, v.34, n.3, p.211-215, 2008 Additional keywords: Verticillium wilt, concentration inoculum, Gossypium hirsutum concentration and the plants were evaluated by considering both internaland external disease symptoms. Significant differences in resistance levelwere observed among the genotypes. Deltaopal, IAC 04/236, IAC 04/259, PR 0136 and Fibermax 966 were more resistant and Coodet ec 401,Distak, Coodetec 410 and EPAMIG 0316 more susceptible. Evaluationmethod was efficient by observing both internal and externalsymptoms, and the correlation between them was r = + 0,85**.

Genótipos de algodoeiro, compreendendo as principais cultivares em uso no Brasil e linhagens provenientes de diversas entidades, foram avaliadas, em condições de casa de vegetação, quanto à resistência genética à murcha de Verticillium. Com o objetivo de proporcionar condições adequadas para a expressão da resistência, foram desenvolvidos, inicialmente, experimentos para verificar a patogenicidade de diferentes isolados e a concentração mais apropriada do inóculo. A partir desses dados, 25 genótipos foram inoculados, na concentração de 10(6) esporos/mL, pelo método "dipping", com quatro isolados de V. dahliae. Houve diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre os genótipos com relação à resistência a esse patógeno. Deltaopal, IAC 04/236, IAC 04/259, PR 0136 e Fibermax 966 destacaram-se como mais resistentes e Coodetec 410, Destak, Coodetec 401 e EPAMIG 0316 como mais suscetíveis. A avaliação da doença mostrou-se eficiente tanto considerando sintomas internos quanto externos na planta, verificando-se correlação r = + 0,85** entre os dois métodos de avaliação.Cotton genotypes, comprising the main cultivars and some breeding lines available in Brazil, were evaluated under greenhouse conditions for the resistance to Verticillium wilt. In order to establish adequate conditions for resistance expression, experiments examining isolate pathogenicity and the most appropriate inoculum concentration were carried out first. Based on the obtained data, 25 genotypes were then inoculated by the "dipping" method at 10(6) spores/mL inoculum concentration and the plants were evaluated by considering both internal and external disease symptoms. Significant differences in resistance level were observed among the genotypes. Deltaopal, IAC 04/236, IAC 04/259, PR 0136 and Fibermax 966 were more resistant and Coodetec 401, Distak, Coodetec 410 and EPAMIG 0316 more susceptible. Evaluation method was efficient by observing both internal and external symptoms, and the correlation between them was r = + 0,85**.

Resumo O caroço de algodão, subproduto do beneficiamento da fibra, constitui importante matéria-prima para a indústria de óleos comestíveis e para a produção de biodiesel. O objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar a existência de diversidade genética para as características do óleo, em cultivares e linhagens de algodoeiro disponíveis no Brasil. O teor de óleo e sua composição em ácidos graxos foram determinados em sementes de 18 genótipos de algodoeiro, cultivadas em três localidades distintas no Brasil. A extração de óleo foi feita com hexano e os ácidos graxos foram obtidos por esterificação metílica e analisados por cromatografia gasosa. As análises de variância mostraram, tanto para o teor de óleo quanto para a composição dos ácidos graxos, diferenças significativas entre genótipos e entre locais, bem como significância para a interação genótipos x locais. Na média das três localidades, o teor de óleo variou entre genótipos de 23% a 27%. O ácido linoleico variou de 55,6% a 59%; o palmítico, de 22,7% a 24,8%; o oleico, de 13,4% a 15,8%; e o esteárico, de 1,83% a 2,14%. A faixa de diversidade genética para os ácidos graxos, embora estatisticamente significativa, não é suficientemente ampla para a realização de programas de melhoramento genético. Os genótipos FMT 523, FIBERMAX 966, IAC 06/205 e LD CV 22 destacam-se dos demais por possuir maior teor de ácidos oleico e palmítico e menor teor de ácido linoleico, o que os torna mais indicados para produção de biodiesel e uso como óleo de fritura, pela maior estabilidade oxidativa conferida por essa composição. Summary Cottonseed is a by-product of the production of fibre and an important raw material for the edible oil industry and for biodiesel production. The aim of this study was to evaluate the genetic diversity of the cotton cultivars and strains available in Brazil, with respect to the oil characteristics. The oil content and fatty acid composition were determined in the seeds of 18 cotton genotypes, cultivated in three distinct localities in Brazil. The oil was extracted from the seeds using hexane, and the fatty acids analysed by gas chromatography after methylation. The analyses of variance of the results for oil content and fatty acid composition revealed highly significant differences between the genotypes and locations and for the genotypes x locations interactions. The average oil content from the three distinct localities varied from 23 to 27% amongst the genotypes. The fatty acids presented the following ranges: linoleic (55.6-59.0%); palmitic (22.7-24.8%); oleic (13.4-15.8%) and stearic (1.83-2.14%). Although statistically significant, the range of genetic diversity for the fatty acids was not sufficiently wide to carry out genetic improvement programs. The genotypes FMT 523, FIBERMAX 966, IAC 06/205 and LD CV 22 stood out from the others for having higher oleic and palmitic acid contents and lower linoleic acid contents, thus being more suitable for biodiesel production and for use as frying oil, due to the greater oxidative stability provided by this composition.

Background This study was undertaken to investigate whether coronary flow reserve (CFR) using coronary sinus flow (CSF), which can be measured by transesophageal Doppler echocardiography (TEDE), especially when contrast enhanced, is useful in evaluating microvascular dysfunction in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). Methods and Results CSF recordings using contrast enhanced TEDE were performed before and after adenosine triphosphate infusion (0.15 mg · kg-1 · min-1) in 16 patients with type 2 DM and diabetic retinopathy and in 13 non-DM patients (control). Coronary angiography revealed normal epicardial coronary arteries. CFR was defined as the ratio of the antegrade flow velocity time integral in hyperemic conditions and basal levels. Clear envelopes of CSF were obtained in all DM patients using contrast-enhanced TEDE. CFR using CSF in the DM group was significantly decreased compared with the control group (1.4±0.4 vs 2.1±0.5, p

Objectives We sought to clarify the mechanism for neovascularization by ultrasonic microbubble destruction (US/MB) and its ability to improve the function of ischemic limbs. Background In tissue, US/MB can cause capillary rupture, leading to angiogenesis and arteriogenesis. Methods Seven days after removal of the femoral artery (day 0) in mice, microbubble/ultrasound treatment was performed by intermittent insonation (1.6 MHz, mechanical index 1.1) to the ischemic limbs after intravenous infusion of phospholipid-stabilized microbubbles BR14 (US/MB group). Effects were compared with those in untreated mice with ischemic limbs (control group). Results Immunostaining of the treated muscles revealed a greater leukocyte (CD45-positive cell) count in the US/MB group on days 3 and 7. These cells included F4/80-positive cells (macrophages) and CD3-positive cells (T-lymphocytes), both of which were immunoreactive to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) antibody. Muscular VEGF content by Western blotting was elevated in the US/MB group on day 3, which declined but remained greater until day 21. The US/MB group showed a greater capillary density by alkaline phosphatase stain on day 7 without further increase at day 21. Surface vascularity of the muscles and blood flow were greater in the US/MB group on day 7, which further increased by day 21. Moreover, the US/MB group showed a two-fold longer treadmill time compared with the untreated control group on day 21. None of these favorable effects were observed in mice treated with ultrasound only or microbubbles only. Conclusions Ultrasonic destruction of microbubbles delivered to the ischemic limbs can recruit inflammatory cells producing VEGF, which is followed by neovascularization and functional improvement, and thus has a therapeutic potential.

Objectives We examined whether ultrasonic microbubble destruction (US/MB) enables therapeutic myocardial gene transfer of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) for acute myocardial infarction (MI). Background Hepatocyte growth factor gene transfer provides cardioprotective effects in MI, which requires direct intramyocardial injection or special vectors. Although US/MB was used in myocardial gene transfer, its feasibility in transfer of a therapeutic gene with non-viral vector remains unknown. Methods In a rat model of acute MI, naked plasmid (pVax1) encoding human HGF (1,500 μg) was infused into the left ventricular (LV) chamber during US/MB (HGF-US/MB) or insonation only (HGF-US) or alone (HGF-alone), while control MI rats received empty pVax1 during US/MB (pVax1-US/MB). For US/MB, transthoracic intermittent insonation with a diagnostic transducer (1.3 MHz) was performed for 2 min at a peak negative pressure of −2,160 kPa during intravenous 20% Optison. Results Baseline risk area was comparable among the groups. Immunohistology seven days after treatment revealed significant myocardial expression of HGF protein only in HGF-US/MB. At three weeks, LV weight in HGF-US/MB (0.89 ± 0.03 g) was significantly lower than those in HGF-alone (1.09 ± 0.08 g), HGF-US (1.04 ± 0.07 g), and pVax1-US/MB (1.04 ± 0.05 g). Moreover, scar size was significantly smaller (16 ± 6% vs. 39 ± 5%, 41 ± 6%, and 40 ± 4% of total myocardial circumferential length, respectively), while capillary density (49 ± 8 vs. 34 ± 5, 37 ± 6, and 36 ± 4 capillaries/high-power field, respectively) and arterial density (37 ± 7 vs. 15 ± 9, 18 ± 4, and 14 ± 11 arterioles/high-power field, respectively) in the risk area were higher in HGF-US/MB than the other groups. Conclusions Ultrasound-mediated microbubble destruction may enable myocardial HGF gene transfer with systemic administration of naked plasmid, which enhances angiogenesis, limits infarction size, and prevents LV remodeling after MI.

Background— Repetitive endomyocardial biopsies are necessary to monitor the effects of immunosuppressants after cardiac transplantation. Contrast ultrasound with microbubble targeting of leukocytes detects acute leukocyte infiltration. We examined whether leukocyte-targeted myocardial contrast echocardiography (MCE) could provide for the quantitative assessment of acute cardiac rejection. Methods and Results— Hearts from Brown Norway rats or Lewis rats were transplanted into other Brown Norway rats. Isografts and groups of allografts either untreated or treated with cyclosporin A (CsA) at a low dose (3 mg · kg −1 · d −1 ) or high dose (10 mg · kg −1 · d −1 ) from 3 days before transplantation were compared at posttransplantation day 3. Echocardiography-derived left ventricular wall thickening was comparable among the 4 groups. Myocardial blood flow assessed with MCE, relating pulsing intervals with signal intensity (SI), was slightly decreased only in untreated allografts. However, myocardial SI (in gray levels) obtained after a 10-minute period allowing microbubble–leukocyte interactions after contrast injection exhibited a clear gradient in these groups (12±2 in untreated allografts, 9±5 in allografts treated with low-dose CsA, 6±3 in allografts treated with high-dose CsA, and 2±1 in isografts, P P P Conclusions— Leukocyte-targeted MCE can noninvasively assess the degree of rejection in transplanted hearts by directly revealing the magnitude of intramyocardial infiltration of macrophages and T lymphocytes.

To confirm that BR14 microbubbles (MBs) can be phagocytosed by activated leukocytes, to determine their stability after phagocytosis, and to evaluate how such characteristics influence the fate of neutrophils containing MBs after insonation.BR14 and human albumin MBs (2 x 10(7)/mL) were incubated with activated human neutrophils (2 x 10(6)/mL) to allow phagocytosis. Deflation rate of the phagocytosed MBs after pulsed insonation (one burst per second for 5 seconds) at 1.8 MHz with peak negative pressure of -540 kPa or -1,340 kPa, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling stain-positive cell count after insonation were compared between the two agents.At -540 kPa, phagocytosed MBs remained nearly unchanged for both agents after insonation. At -1,340 kPa, although human albumin MBs were disrupted on the first or second burst, BR14 MBs remained undisrupted. After -540-kPa insonation, a similar number of apoptotic cells appeared in neutrophils containing human albumin and BR14 MBs. At -540 kPa, LDH leakage was limited in human albumin MBs and BR14 MBs. At -1,340 kPa, LDH leakage was significantly increased in human albumin MBs and BR14 MBs (P.01, both vs -540 kPa). Apoptotic cells were significantly decreased in human albumin MBs and BR14 MBs (P.01, both vs -540 kPa). LDH leakage was lower and apoptotic cell count was greater in BR14 MB-containing neutrophils than in human albumin MB-containing neutrophils (both P.01).Compared with human albumin MBs, BR14 MBs were more stable after phagocytosis with insonation. This stability is associated with less disruption and greater induction of apoptosis in leukocytes after relatively high-pressure insonation in the range for diagnostic use.

Objectives: Long-term intravenous infusion of high-dose C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) is known to prevent neointimal formation after vascular injury. Ultrasound (US) irradiation during microbubbles (MBs) infusion (US/MBs) has been used for local delivery of bioactive agents. We examined whether short-term infusion of CNP could also inhibit neointimal development and whether combined US/MBs treatment at the beginning of the CNP infusion could enhance its effect. Methods: In the rat carotid artery-balloon injury model, the intima/media area (I/M) ratio 14 days after injury was compared among various short-term post-injury treatments. For combined US/MBs, a commercial echocardiograph (1.8 MHz, mechanical index 1.0) and albumin-coated octafluoropropane gas MBs were used. Results: Infusion of high-dose CNP (1.0 μg/kg/min) immediately after injury for only 24 h successfully reduced the I/M ratio (0.18±0.05) to 18% of the ratio in control rats (1.00±0.13) that underwent only balloon injury. Although low-dose CNP (0.1 μg/kg/min for 24 h) alone was not effective in reducing the I/M ratio (0.83±0.18), combined US/MBs treatment for the first 80 min of the infusion markedly reduced the I/M ratio (0.17±0.07), which persisted until 28 days after injury (0.16±0.04). Conclusions: The effects of CNP on the events occurring early after arterial injury may be important in preventing subsequent neointimal development. Thus, intravenous infusion of CNP with US/MBs at its initiation may provide a clinically feasible anti-restenosis therapy applicable immediately after vascular interventions.

We sought to propose a simplified method to measure flow velocity based on ultrasonic microbubble destruction, and investigated the effect of microbubble shell fragility on such measurement. Acoustic density (AD) from the second harmonic short axis image of flow was obtained at variable velocities (2 to 73 mm/s) in an in vitro model during long (1000 ms) and short (33 ms) interval ultrasound (US) pulsing, allowing complete and partial microbubble replenishment between pulses, respectively. Microbubbles with shell elastic modulus of 0.4 MPa and 16 MPa were tested. By shortening pulsing interval, AD diminished gradually, rather than abruptly, to a plateau level for both microbubbles. The extent of AD decay was greater for the fragile than the strong microbubbles. A linear relationship existed between the magnitude of AD decay and flow velocity only in the higher and lower velocity range for the fragile and the strong microbubbles, respectively. Thus, difference in contrast intensities during long and short pulsing intervals, respectively, allowing complete and partial replenishment may provide for velocity measurement, in which choice of optimal microbubble fragility for the range of velocity to measure may increase the accuracy.

We studied the synergism of resolution and gray-scale levels in image recognition in relation to the precise phase detection in vernier acuity. Humans who have a 1.0 visual acuity candetect 1.0 minute-size (1/60 degree) objects. Video systems are designed based on this data. On the other hand, it has been reported that human can detect an approximately 2.0-second (2/60/60 degree) phase shifts. We found that precise position detection is possible with a low resolution detector if the number of gray-scale levels is sufficient. We applied this principle to the position adjustment on a multi-screen display system.

We tested whether the duration of myocardial opacification by harmonic power Doppler imaging after intravenous bolus microbubble injection (with a definition of "the end of opacification") would reflect the remaining vascular bed in infarcted segments. In 28 patients with previous myocardial infarction and 20 control patients, we performed harmonic power Doppler imaging after intravenous bolus injection of 1.5 g of Levovist. Using multiframe trigger mode in which 4 consecutive frames were imaged at every sixth end systole, which formed 1 "burst," we recorded anterior/septal and inferior/posterior walls separately on the center of each apical view with individual boluses. The duration of segmental opacification was measured as the number of "bursts" in which color signals persisted until the fourth frame. The duration was similar between the anterior/septal and inferior/posterior walls (13 +/- 3 vs 13 +/- 3 bursts, not significant) in the control group. In myocardial infarction patients, the duration was significantly shorter in the infarcted than in the control segments (6 +/- 6 vs 14 +/- 3 bursts, P.001) and their ratio and difference exhibited significant correlations (r = 0.82, P.001 and r = 0.91, P.001, respectively) with the activity ratio on thallium Tl 201 single-photon emission computed tomography at rest. Thus, the duration of opacification by harmonic power Doppler imaging after intravenous bolus microbubble injection, the measurement of which was standardized by using multiframe trigger mode, may be useful in assessing regional myocardial viability in patients with previous myocardial infarction.

Although ST segment shift is a marker of myocardial ischemia, some patients have no ST segment shift during percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA). The aim of this study is to investigate myocardial perfusion and metabolism in adaptation for ischemia using 201TI and 123I-BMIPP dual exercise stress myocardial single photon emission computed tomog raphy (SPECT) (dual stress SPECT). In 28 patients with coronary artery disease, dual stress SPECT was performed 3 weeks before PTCA. Early and delayed images were obtained at 5 minutes and at 3 hours after termination of ergometer stress, respectively. During PTCA, 12- lead ECG was recorded, and a significant ST segment shift was defined as more than 1 mm elevation or a depression of the J-point at the first ballooning. No collateral circulation on the coronary angiogram or 201TI filling on the delayed images were observed on any of the target regions of PTCA. Patients were divided into 2 groups: with (Group A: n = 15) and without (Group B: n = 13) significant ST segment shift during PTCA. A redistribution of TI was observed in 14 (93%) of Group A and 10 (77%) of Group B patients. Incidence of BMIPP redistribution was significantly higher in Group B (11 [85%]) than in Group A (3 [20%]) (p < 0.05). Redistribution of BMIPP means suppression of fatty acid metabolism during exercise stress. Augmentation of glucose metabolism is speculated to be an energy source in ischemic preconditioning.

Recent technological advances in transthoracic Doppler echocardiography (TTDE) have provided noninvasive measurement of coronary flow velocity reserve (CFVR). We aimed to quantitate a correlation between endothelial dysfunction and fat distribution. In 36 patients with obesity, 16 with noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (DM) and 12 healthy volunteers, coronary flow velocity was measured at the distal site of the left anterior descending branch. CFVR was defined as the ratio of hyperemic (IV infusion of 0.15 mg/kg/min adenosine) to basal peak diastolic flow velocity. Abdominal wall fat index (AWFI) was estimated by ultrasonography. Insulin resistance was quantified by the euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clump method. AWFI was significantly related to CFVR (r = -0.46, p = 0.011) and insulin resistance (r = -0.71, p < 0.0001). CFVR could be noninvasively evaluated using TTDE. Coronary endothelial dysfunction indicated as CFVR, body fat distribution and insulin resistance was quantitatively correlated in obesity.

We aimed to investigate whether the improvement of left ventricular (LV) diastolic function by cibenzoline, a class Ia antiarrhythmic drug, in hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) is due to LV afterload reduction or a primary lusitropic effect on LV. Twenty-three patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (11; HOCM, 12; non-obstructive HCM; HNCM) were examined. Pulsed-wave Doppler, color M-mode and tissue Doppler echocardiography were performed before and 90 minutes after oral administration of cibenzoline (300 mg), and were compared with a treatment of bisoprolol (5 mg/day, 10 days). Early (E) and late diastolic LV inflow velocity, E flow propagation velocity (FPV) and early diastolic mitral annulus velocity (Ea) were measured. E/FPV and E/Ea were calculated as indices of LV filling pressure. LV outflow pressure gradients estimated using continuous-wave Doppler in HOCM markedly decreased after cibenzoline (83 ± 42 to 40 ± 33 mmHg, p < 0.005) and bisoprolol (44 ± 40 mmHg, p < 0.005). Following cibenzoline, E/FPV and E/Ea were significantly decreased in both HOCM (1.75 ± 0.53 to 1.32 ± 0.28, p < 0.05, 18.9 ± 6.2 to 14.8 ± 5.0, p < 0.05, respectively) and HNCM (1.75 ± 0.58 to 1.41 ± 0.73, p < 0.05, 13.0 ± 4.3 to 9.7 ± 3.6, p < 0.01, respectively). Those in HNCM did not change by bisoprolol. Cibenzoline improved LV diastolic function in HCM, whereas bisoprolol did not affect it. Thus, the primary lusitropic effect of cibenzoline rather than LV after load reduction might have contributed to the improvement of diastolic function in HOCM.

Neste trabalho é relatado o esquema utilizado para obtenção da cultivar IAC 21 realizado durante o período de 1981/82 a 1993/94. A cultivar foi originada por resseleção da IAC 19, direcionada principalmente para resistência a Colletotrichum gossypii var. cephalosporioides e nematóides, através do melhoramento genealógico. No início dos estudos as seleções e respectivas progênies foram comparadas à cultivar original IAC 19 e, posteriormente, a 'IAC 20'. Além das características econômicas de produção e qualidade da fibra, a linhagem foi avaliada para resistência múltipla às doenças: murchas de Fusarium e Verticillium, mancha-angular, ramulose e nematóides. A cultivar IAC 21 foi superior a 'IAC 19' em 6,2%, em produtividade, na média geral dos experimentos, chegando a 18,1% em solos altamente infectados por patógenos; 4,6% em produção de sementes, 2,4% em tenacidade da fibra e 6,9% em tenacidade do fio, sem perdas significativas em outras características, com exceção da porcentagem de fibra que decresceu 2,6%. Com respeito às doenças, apresentou melhores índices para murcha de Fusarium e ramulose mantendo-se, entretanto, no mesmo nível para as demais. Estudos preliminares mostraram que 'IAC 21' apresentou índices inferiores a 'CNPA ITA 90' para a anomalia "murchamento avermelhado". Devido às vantagens verificadas em relação a 'IAC 19' e 'IAC 20', 'IAC 21' foi recomendada para plantio em todas as áreas do Estado de São Paulo, excluindo-se as de ocorrência do "murchamento avermelhado". It is described the program to obtain cotton cultivar IAC 21 developed over the period of 1981/82 to 1993/94. The cultivar IAC 21 was originated from selections in 'IAC 19' population using the pedigree procedure taking into account some agronomical characteristics, and complemented with two specific breeding cycles for resistance to Colletotrichum gossypii var. cephalosporioides and to nematodes. Initially, comparisons of results were made to 'IAC 19', later to 'IAC 20'. Economical characteristics of production, fiber quality and multiple resistance to diseases (Fusarium wilt, Verticillium wilt, bacterial blight, ramulosis and nematodes) were evaluated. When compared to 'IAC 19', the cultivar IAC 21 showed the following overall gains: 6.2% in yield, being of 18.1% on highly infected soil; 4.6% in seed yield; 2.4% in fiber tenacity and 6.9% in yarn tenacity, with no losses in other characters except to fiber that was lowered by 2.6% (about 1% in absolute value). There was an improvement in Fusarium wilt and ramulosis resistance, and no changes as to resistance to other diseases. A preliminary study revealed that the new anomaly called, in Brazil, "murchamento avermelhado" (reddish wilt or bronze wilt) affected 'IAC 21' more than the resistant cultivar CNPA ITA 90. By its advantages over 'IAC 19' and 'IAC 20', the cultivar IAC 21 was released in 1993, recommended for all the cotton areas of the State of São Paulo, except those where "murchamento avermelhado" occurred.

The objectives of the present study were (1) to determine whether oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and lysophosphatidylcholine (lyso-PC), a major phospholipid component of oxidized LDL, stimulate the production of endothelin-1 (ET)-1 in cultured human coronary artery smooth muscle cells (SMCs), and (2) to examine the possible effect of an antiatherogenic agent, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), on oxidized-LDL- and lyso-PC-stimulated ET-1 production in these cells. Oxidized LDL (10–50 µg/ml) and lyso-PC (10–7 to 10–5 mol/l) stimulated ET-1 production in a concentration-dependent manner. By contrast, the effects of native LDL and phosphatidylcholine were modest or absent. Lyso-PC (10–7 to 10–5 mol/l) and oxidized LDL (10–50 µg/ml) significantly induced particulate protein kinase C (PKC) activation. Lyso-PC- and oxidized-LDL-stimulated ET-1 production was significantly inhibited by PKC inhibitor, PKC (19–36). EPA (80–160 µmol/l) clearly suppressed ET-1 production stimulated by oxidized LDL and lyso-PC in a concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, EPA (160 µmol/l) significantly inhibited lyso-PC (10–5 mol/l)- and oxidized LDL (50 µg/ml)-induced particulate PKC activation. Results suggest that oxidized LDL and lyso-PC stimulate ET-1 production by a mechanism involving activation of PKC, and that EPA suppresses ET-1 production stimulated by lyso-PC as well as oxidized LDL probably through the modulation of PKC in human coronary artery SMCs. EPA may exert an antiatherosclerotic effect, in part, through these mechanisms.

Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) disease is an ocular inflammatory disease and is considered to be a cell-mediated, autoimmune disease against melanocytes. To learn more about the mechanisms involved in VKH disease, the identification of the antigens specific to the disease and the development of an animal model are critically important. We have expressed and purified the melanocyte specific proteins, tyrosinase-related protein 1 (TRP1) and 2 (TRP2). Lewis rats developed an ocular and extraocular inflammatory disease 12 days after immunization with TRP1 or TRP2 that was characterized clinically by the infiltration of inflammatory cells and accumulation of massive fibrin in the anterior and posterior chambers of the eye. Histologically, inflammatory cells were found in the anterior and posterior chambers, iris, ciliary body, the choroid, subretinal space and vitreous body. In severe cases, a serous detachment of the retina was observed. In mild cases, focal inflammatory lesions surrounded by normal chorioretinal architecture were observed and the inflammation persisted for more than 42 days after the injection. Some eyes showed accumulation of epithelioid cells in the choroid or the retinal pigment epithelium which were similar to the Dalen-Fuchs nodules found in patients with VKH disease. The alterations of the photoreceptor outer segment and the outer nuclear layer were less severe than in experimental autoimmune uveitis induced by retinal antigens. Extraocular manifestations such as skin lesions and meningitis were also observed. The clinical course and histological findings in these rats resembled the changes in patients with VKH disease.

Color M-mode Doppler echocardiography (CMD) has been utilized in assessing left ventricular (LV) filling dynamics. We tested a novel CMD index, the depth of the spatiotemporal maximum of early diastolic inflow (D-maxV) in the left ventricle, to clarify its significance in assessing LV diastolic function. In 26 normal subjects and 32 patients with ischemic heart disease, D-maxV was determined with CMD as the distance from the mitral valve opening point to the center of the aliasing area in early diastole. Transmitral flow velocity was measured with pulsed Doppler. During routine catheterization, high-fidelity LV pressure measurements yielded diastolic variables in patients. D-maxV was significantly lower in the patients than the normals (13.0 ± 7.0 vs 23.4 ± 6.8 mm, P < 0.0001). D-maxV exhibited significant linear correlations with the minimal first derivative of LV pressure (r = 0.72, P < 0.01), the time constant of isovolumic relaxation (r = −0.67, P < 0.01), and LV minimal pressure (r = −0.53, P < 0.02) in the patients with wide ranges of peak early to late inflow velocity ratio (0.43–3.9) and deceleration time of early filling (79–293 ms). D-maxV showed an inverse correlation with LV end-diastolic pressure (r = −0.53, P < 0.02) and no significant correlation with mean pulmonary capillary wedge pressure. Moreover, Kaplan-Meier analysis focusing on the patients with myocardial infarction revealed that the group with D-maxV < 10.4 mm (n = 13) exhibited a lower cumulative cardiac event-free rate than that with D-maxV ≥ 10.4 mm (n = 14) (49.4% vs 92.9% at 5 years, P < 0.05). The depth of the spatiotemporal maximum of early diastolic LV inflow velocity reflects LV relaxation and is free of pseudonormalization. Evaluation of the LV relaxation separately from preload may have a prognostic value for myocardial infarction.

Background: Cibenzoline, a class la antiarrhythmic drug, can be used to relieve left ventricular (LV) outflow obstruction in hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM). However, the mechanism of this agent in HOCM has been controversial. Hypothesis: This study was designed to investigate the effect of cibenzoline on regional LV function and the acoustic properties in HOCM using ultrasonic integrated backscatter. Methods: Ten patients with HOCM and 16 healthy volunteers were examined. In patients with HOCM, wall thickening (%WT) and the magnitude of cyclic variation of integrated backscatter (mag-CVIBS) in the interventricular septum (IVS) and LV posterior wall were measured before and after oral administration of cibenzoline. To assess asynchrony of contractile elements, the phase difference between CVIBS and%WT were measured from the LV posterior wall. Pressure gradients at the LV outflow tract were estimated using continuous-wave Doppler echocardiography. Results: Although%WT decreased significantly in the LV posterior wall, %WT and mag-CVIBS remained unchanged in the IVS. The phase difference in the LV posterior wall was significantly greater in patients with HOCM than in healthy volunteers (HOCM:healthy volunteers, 1.57 ± 0.23:1.00 ± 0.03, p < 0.001) at baseline. After administration of cibenzoline, the phase difference shifted to normal value (from 1.57 ± 0.23 to 1.28 ± 0.27, p = 0.0382), and pressure gradients at the LV outflow tract decreased (from 109 ± 55 to 58 ± 48 mmHg, p = 0.0063). Changes in pressure gradients at the LV outflow tract and the phase difference were closely related. Conclusions: Regional function and the acoustic properties of myocardium in HOCM were altered by cibenzoline in the LV posterior wall but remained unchanged in the IVS. The normalization of the phase difference in the LV posterior wall was closely related to the decrease in pressure gradients at the LV outflow tract. These findings suggest that negative inotropic action and the improvement of asynchrony in the LV posterior wall rather than in the IVS may contribute to the reduction of pressure gradients at the LV outflow tract in HOCM.

Although the enhancement of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) induced thrombolysis by ultrasound has been reported to be augmented by ultrasound contrast agents (UCA), few data exist regarding its process. The present study evaluated the effect of a galactose based UCA on the efficacy of ultrasonic enhancement of tPA thrombolysis and observed the serial changes in the acoustic property and histopathology. A catheter-type transducer capable of ultrasound emission in both continuous (CW) and pulsed wave (PW) was used. The tPA thrombolysis was studied in 30 artificial white thrombi, which were assigned to 4 study groups based on insonation modes and with and without UCA. Each sample was suspended in 100 ml saline in a beaker. Five minutes after tPA (8000 U) administration, ultrasound was applied for 10 min. For the UCA-treated groups, UCA (0.25 g) was added 5 min after the start of ultrasound exposure. The alteration of the thrombus was monitored with echography. Weight reduction of the thrombus was -25±6% in PW and -30±7% in CW, which was significantly enhanced by UCA treatment, -40±3% (p

No presente trabalho, foram realizados estudos comparativos de métodos de preparação de sementes de algodoeiro, com a finalidade de selecionar aquele com melhores condições para determinação do teor de óleo por ressonância magnética nuclear (RMN). Os métodos estudados foram os seguintes: o deslintamento químico com ácido sulfúrico concentrado, o da flambagem e o da semente com línter, que foi utilizada como parâmetro sem tratamento. Dos três, optou-se pelo tratamento químico, por eliminar a interferência do línter. Por esse método, determinaram-se os teores de óleo em sementes de seis variedades do algodoeiro herbáceo - obtidas do Ensaio Nacional de Variedades, sendo doze realizados no ano agrícola de 1994/95 e doze, em 1995/96: CNPA Precoce 2, IAPAR 71 PR3, CNPA 7H, CS 50, IAC 20 e IAC 22. O teor de óleo foi determinado pela técnica de RMN. As variedades estudadas apresentaram valores médios decrescentes no teor de óleo, na seguinte ordem: IAPAR71 PR3, IAC 20, CNPA 7H, CS 50, IAC 22 e CNPA Precoce 2.Three comparative methods (chemical seed-delinting with sulphuric acid solution, flaming and seed with linter) to prepare cotton seeds for oil determination by the Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) technique were considered. The chemical treatment with sulphuric acid was the best as long the linter interference was eliminated. The seed oil contents were determined by the NMR method in six cotton varieties from the national variety test. The IAPAR 71 PR3 and IAC 20 varieties presented the highest oil content followed by the CNPA 7H, CS 50, IAC 22 and CNPA Precoce 2.

A linhagem de algodoeiro IAC 20-233 e as variedades comerciais IAC 21 e IAC 22 foram caracterizadas morfologicamente pelo número e pelo ângulo de convolução de suas fibras, utilizando-se microscopia óptica. A variedade IAC 21 apresentou fibras com menor número e ângulo de convolução que a IAC 20-233 e a IAC 22, enquanto estas foram semelhantes entre si. Os três genótipos apresentaram fibras de maturidade similar. O índice Micronaire (medida do complexo finura + maturidade) da variedade IAC 21 foi maior que o dos demais, correspondendo, portanto, a fibras mais grossas. Isso pode ter contribuído para diminuir o número e o ângulo de convolução e, como conseqüência, deprimido a elongação da fibra e do fio de algodão produzido.Two cotton cultivars (IAC 21 and IAC 22) and a breeding line (IAC 20-233) were morphologically characterized by the fiber number of convolutions and the convolution angle determined using optical microscopy. IAC 21 presented a smaller value for those traits than the ones determined for IAC 22 and IAC 20-233, which presented similar values. All three genotypes produced fibers with similar maturity. The highest Micronaire index (measurement of the complex fineness + maturity) obtained by the IAC 21 fiber, corresponds to the thickest fibers. This fact may lead to a reduction of the fiber number and angle of convolution and therefore decreased fiber and yarn elongation.

No presente trabalho, foram realizados estudos comparativos de métodos de preparação de sementes de algodoeiro, com a finalidade de selecionar aquele com melhores condições para determinação do teor de óleo por ressonância magnética nuclear (RMN). Os métodos estudados foram os seguintes: o deslintamento químico com ácido sulfúrico concentrado, o da flambagem e o da semente com línter, que foi utilizada como parâmetro sem tratamento. Dos três, optou-se pelo tratamento químico, por eliminar a interferência do línter. Por esse método, determinaram-se os teores de óleo em sementes de seis variedades do algodoeiro herbáceo - obtidas do Ensaio Nacional de Variedades, sendo doze realizados no ano agrícola de 1994/95 e doze, em 1995/96: CNPA Precoce 2, IAPAR 71 PR3, CNPA 7H, CS 50, IAC 20 e IAC 22. O teor de óleo foi determinado pela técnica de RMN. As variedades estudadas apresentaram valores médios decrescentes no teor de óleo, na seguinte ordem: IAPAR71 PR3, IAC 20, CNPA 7H, CS 50, IAC 22 e CNPA Precoce 2. Three comparative methods (chemical seed-delinting with sulphuric acid solution, flaming and seed with linter) to prepare cotton seeds for oil determination by the Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) technique were considered. The chemical treatment with sulphuric acid was the best as long the linter interference was eliminated. The seed oil contents were determined by the NMR method in six cotton varieties from the national variety test. The IAPAR 71 PR3 and IAC 20 varieties presented the highest oil content followed by the CNPA 7H, CS 50, IAC 22 and CNPA Precoce 2.

Em latossolo roxo ácido e de baixa fertilidade do município de Guaíra (SP), desenvolveu-se de 1986/87 a 1989/90 um ensaio de caráter permanente com o algodoeiro para estudar o efeito da aplicação de calcário (0,6; 1,8 e 3,0 t.ha-1) e de gesso (0, 2, 4, 6 t.ha-1) sobre as características do capulho e propriedades tecnológicas da fibra. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi do tipo blocos ao acaso com parcelas subsubdivididas e quatro repetições. O calcário elevou os valores de massa de um capulho e diminuiu o índice Micronaire e a maturidade da fibra, mas não afetou a massa de sementes, a porcentagem, o comprimento, a uniformidade de comprimento e a tenacidade da fibra. O gesso aumentou as massas de capulho e de sementes, especialmente quando associado a maior dose de calcário, assim como o índice Micronaire e a maturidade da fibra, no mais baixo nível de calagem.The effects of limestone and phosphogypsum applications on bolls characteristics and technological properties of the cotton fiber were studied in a permanent trial on a Dystrophic Dusky Latosol, acid and of low fertility during growing seasons of 1986/87 to 1989/90. A randomized complete block design was used, arranged in split split-plots with four replications where the dolomitic limestone doses were the main plots (0.6, 1.8 and 3.0 t.ha-1), and the phosphogypsum doses (0, 2, 4, and 6 t.ha-1) were the subplots. Lime and phosphogypsum were applied in the first year and reaplicated during 1988/89. Liming caused an increase in mass of bolls and reduced the Micronaire index and fiber maturity, and did not affect the mass of seed, the percentage of fiber, the length, the length uniformity and fiber tenacity. The use of phosphogypsum increase the mass of bolls and mass of seed, mainly when associated with extremes doses of lime. Otherwise, its effects upon Micronaire index and fiber maturity values, were significant at low level of liming.

Em latossolo roxo ácido e de baixa fertilidade do município de Guaíra (SP), desenvolveu-se de 1986/87 a 1989/90 um ensaio de caráter permanente com o algodoeiro para estudar o efeito da aplicação de calcário (0,6; 1,8 e 3,0 t.ha-1) e de gesso (0, 2, 4, 6 t.ha-1) sobre as características do capulho e propriedades tecnológicas da fibra. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi do tipo blocos ao acaso com parcelas subsubdivididas e quatro repetições. O calcário elevou os valores de massa de um capulho e diminuiu o índice Micronaire e a maturidade da fibra, mas não afetou a massa de sementes, a porcentagem, o comprimento, a uniformidade de comprimento e a tenacidade da fibra. O gesso aumentou as massas de capulho e de sementes, especialmente quando associado a maior dose de calcário, assim como o índice Micronaire e a maturidade da fibra, no mais baixo nível de calagem. The effects of limestone and phosphogypsum applications on bolls characteristics and technological properties of the cotton fiber were studied in a permanent trial on a Dystrophic Dusky Latosol, acid and of low fertility during growing seasons of 1986/87 to 1989/90. A randomized complete block design was used, arranged in split split-plots with four replications where the dolomitic limestone doses were the main plots (0.6, 1.8 and 3.0 t.ha-1), and the phosphogypsum doses (0, 2, 4, and 6 t.ha-1) were the subplots. Lime and phosphogypsum were applied in the first year and reaplicated during 1988/89. Liming caused an increase in mass of bolls and reduced the Micronaire index and fiber maturity, and did not affect the mass of seed, the percentage of fiber, the length, the length uniformity and fiber tenacity. The use of phosphogypsum increase the mass of bolls and mass of seed, mainly when associated with extremes doses of lime. Otherwise, its effects upon Micronaire index and fiber maturity values, were significant at low level of liming.

A linhagem de algodoeiro IAC 20-233 e as variedades comerciais IAC 21 e IAC 22 foram caracterizadas morfologicamente pelo número e pelo ângulo de convolução de suas fibras, utilizando-se microscopia óptica. A variedade IAC 21 apresentou fibras com menor número e ângulo de convolução que a IAC 20-233 e a IAC 22, enquanto estas foram semelhantes entre si. Os três genótipos apresentaram fibras de maturidade similar. O índice Micronaire (medida do complexo finura + maturidade) da variedade IAC 21 foi maior que o dos demais, correspondendo, portanto, a fibras mais grossas. Isso pode ter contribuído para diminuir o número e o ângulo de convolução e, como conseqüência, deprimido a elongação da fibra e do fio de algodão produzido.

Em dois ensaios de campo de adubação nitrogenada, desenvolvidos com o cultivar IAC 20 de algodão em solos infestados por nematóides, nos municípios de Mococa e Tatuí (SP), em 1988/89, observou-se que a incidência de sintomas na parte aérea das plantas ocorreu de forma diferenciada em função dos tratamentos (0, 25, 50 e 75 kg ha-1 de N-cobertura). Efetuou-se, então, levantamento de sintomas, por parcela experimental, atribuindo às plantas notas crescentes de acordo com a intensidade do ataque: nota 1, para plantas com porte normal e isentas de manchas amareladas e/ou avermelhadas, salpicadas no limbo foliar ("carijó"); 2, com "carijó" (sintoma típico de mosqueamento foliar) nas folhas da base da copa ("baixeiro"); 3, com "carijó" no "baixeiro" e em folhas esparsas; 4, com "carijó" incluindo folhas do ponteiro, e nota 5, para plantas com "carijó" generalizado e deficiente desenvolvimento. A capacidade produtiva do algodoeiro, avaliada nas parcelas sem N, caiu, gradativamente, com a intensidade do "carijó", em especial após nota 3,0, que, em média, representa o deslocamento do sintoma para o ponteiro das plantas. A adubação nitrogenada, por contribuir, significativamente, para diminuir o "carijó" e para aumentar a concentração de N-foliar e a produtividade, pode representar uma alternativa viável no complemento da resistência varietal. In two field experiments with cotton plants cv IAC 20, conducted in soils infested with nematodes, in the State of São Paulo (Brazil), it was observed that the parasite symptoms occurred in accordance with rates of urea applied in side-dressing (0, 25, 50 and 75 kg ha-1 of N). So, it was made a rating of symptoms in each experimental plot, giving grades to plants according to the intensity of the attack: grade 1, to plants with normal development and without "carijó", popular denomination for a specific internerval chlorosis of leaves; 2, with "carijó" at basal leaves; 3, with "carijó" at basal and dispersed leaves; 4, with "carijó" in all plant including the top portion, and grade 5 to plants with generalized "carijó" and deficient development. The cotton yield capacity, determined in plots without N, decreased gradually with "carijó", mainly after grade 3.0, that in average means the dislocation of symptoms toward the plant top. Nitrogen applied contributed expressively to reduce the "carijó" symptoms and to increase foliar-N and cotton yield. Therefore, N fertilization represents an alternative to complement the varietal resistance of cotton to nematodes.

Em experimentos de campo desenvolvidos durante quatro anos com o cultivar IAC 20 de algodoeiro, em um latossolo roxo distrófico e ácido de Guaíra (SP), estudou-se o efeito de duas aplicações de calcário (0,6; 1,8 e 3,0 t/ha/ciclo) e de gesso (0, 2, 4 e 6 t/ha/ciclo), durante dois ciclos sucessivos de cultivo, de dois anos cada um. Análises periódicas de terra indicaram que a ação do calcário sobre a acidez foi maior na camada superfícial, nas duas oportunidades, enquanto o gesso aprofundou gradativamente sua ação até à camada de 40-60 cm, lixiviando bases e aumentando a porcentagem de saturação por bases em subsuperfície. Por incrementar a produtividade do algodoeiro e as concentrações foliares de S, Ca e mesmo de Mg, admitiu-se que a gessagem tenha promovido o aprofundamento de raízes das plantas, em especial quando associada à calagem em dose máxima. O efeito residual desses produtos sobre a produtividade foi baixo na primeira aplicação, enquanto se destacou na reaplicação, principalmente o calcário. Com o tempo, o uso do gesso concorreu para diminuir a concentração foliar de Mg e, em especial, a de K.Field trials with cotton cultivar IAC-20 were conducted during four years on an acid distrophic Dusky Red Latosol from Guaíra, State of São Paulo, Brazil. The experiments and the treatments were randomized complete blocks with split-plots, with 0.6, 1.8 and 3.0 t/ha of limestone in the plots and 0, 2, 4 and 6 t/ha of phosphogypsum in the subplots incorporated in the soil in the first year and reapplied after two years. The results of successive soil analysis indicated that the action of limestone was more evident in the plow layer, whereas gypsum was more effective in the subsoil at a 40-60 cm depth, due to leaching of bases through the soil profile promoted by sulphate ion. The increase of leaf contents of S, Ca and Mg promoted by the phosphogypsum was considered also good as a evidence of enhanced root development in the subsoil of these treatments. The residual effect of both limestone and gypsum was low after the first application, but considerably higher after reapplication, especially for limestone. Along the time, the use of gypsum caused a decrease of Mg and especially K leaf contents.

Neste trabalho é formulado um conceito mais abrangente da resistência a patógenos em genótipos de algodoeiro, mediante inclusão, nos critérios de avaliação, da estabilidade fenotípica desse atributo, quando se consideram ambientes com intensidades diversas de ocorrência das doenças. Para fundamentar o método, um estudo foi realizado com base em dados obtidos em experimentos efetuados, para avaliação de genótipos com respeito à murcha de Fusarium (Fusarium oxysporum f. vasinfectum), mancha-angular (Xanthomonas citri subsp. malvacearum), ramulose (Colletotrichum gossypii var. cephalosporioides), mancha de Ramularia (Ramularia areola) e aos nematoides Meloidogyne incognita e Rotylenchulus reniformis. Interações genótipos X: ambientes significativas ocorreram em todos esses casos, dando margem a análises subsequentes de estabilidade fenotípica da resistência ou tolerância a esses patógenos. Diferenças notáveis foram observadas quanto a essa característica, e mediante associação dela com um parâmetro expressivo do pior desempenho nas avaliações realizadas, foi possível conferir previsibilidade e classificações mais seguras da reação dos genótipos à incidência das doenças consideradas. In this study, a more comprehensive concept of resistance to pathogens in cotton genotypes is formulated by including, in the evaluation criteria, the phenotypic stability of this attribute, when environments comprising different severity of the disease incidence are considered. To validate the method, a study was carried out based on data obtained in experiments concerning genotype evaluation for Fusarium wilt (Fusarium oxysporum f. vasinfectum), bacterial blight (Xanthomonas citri subsp. malvacearum), "ramulose" or supersprouting (Colletotrichum gossypii var. cephalosporioides), areola mildew (Ramularia areola), and the nematodes Meloidogyne incognita and Rotylenchulus reniformis. Significant genotype x environment interaction occurred in all these cases, suggesting subsequent analyses on phenotypic stability of the genotype resistance or tolerance to these pathogens. Considerable differences were observed regarding this characteristic and its association with a parameter expressive of the worst performance in the evaluations led to more secure prevision and classification of the reaction of genotypes to the incidence of the considered diseases.

Estudaram-se a regularidade e a quantidade de "neps" em fios de algodão de títulos Ne20, Ne30 e Ne40 para diferentes coeficientes de torção, representados pelas constantes 3,4, 3,6, 3,8, 4,0, 4,2, 4,5 e 4,7. Utilizaram-se, para tanto, três variedades paulistas de algodoeiro: IAC 16, IAC 13-1 e IAC 17. Obtiveram-se a regularidade dos fios e a quantidade de "neps" por meio dos resultados fornecidos, respectivamente, pelo integrador e pelo contador de imperfeições, ambos da linha Uster Evenness Tester. Com base nos resultados, concluiu-se que, ao aumento do número de torções do fio, correspondeu o crescimento do número de "neps", o qual se intensificou, sucessivamente, nos títulos Ne20, Ne30 e Ne40, e, notadamente, nas variedades com tendência acentuada para essa anormalidade. Não se verificou efeito da torção na regularidade do fio. Títulos mais altos resultaram em aumentos na irregularidade e na quantidade de "neps", sobretudo em relação à IAC 13-1, mais sujeita a esses defeitos.The fibers of three cotton varieties (IAC 16, IAC 13-1 and IAC 17) were processed on conventional equipment into 20/1, 30/1 and 40/1 yarn counts, using a range of twist multipliers of 3.4, 3.6, 3.8, 4.0, 4.2, 4.5 and 4.7, to study the twist effect on uniformity and nep count of cotton yarns. The yarn regularity was obtained through the results provided by an integrator and the quantity of neps by an imperfection counter, both of the Uster Evenness Tester line. The results showed a direct response on the number of twists, as compared to neps using Ne20, Ne30 and Ne40 yarn counts, depending on the cotton variety. The yarn regularity was not affected. Increasing the yarn counts, increased the irregularity and the quantity of neps, mainly in the variety showing higher tendency to these abnormalities.