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Relevância Etnofarmacológica: Rhizophora mangle L., conhecida como mangue vermelho, possui vários usos na medicina popular. É uma das plantas mais frequentes nos manguezais, inclusive no mangue brasileiro. Objetivo do estudo: A fim de avaliar a toxicidade in vitro do extrato de Rhizophora mangle, foi realizada a citotoxicidade dos extratos aquosos das folhas, caule e raiz, como também a caracterização do perfil fitoquímico. Materiais e Métodos: A citotoxicidade foi realizada através do método colorimétrico de brometo com 1 x 104 células/mL HeLa submetidas às concentrações de 100, 10, 1, 0.1, 0.01, 0.0001, 0.00001 µg/mL do extrato aquoso das folhas, caule e raiz da R. mangle, diluídos com Dimetilsufóxido a 0,1%. O perfil fitoquímico foi realizado através da Cromatografia em Camada Delgada para pesquisa de triterpenos, taninos, flavonóides, cumarinas, alcalóides e saponinas. Resultados: Houve proliferação de células Hela em todos os extratos aquosos de folha, caule e raiz da R. mangle. As concentrações dos extratos aquosos de folha de 100, 10, 1, 0.1, 0,01 e 0,001 µg/mL , do caule de 100, 10, 1, 0.1, 0.01 e 0.001 µg/mL e raiz 100 µg/mL apresentaram diferenças estatísticas quando comparadas ao controle. O perfil fitoquímico revelou presença de taninos e flavonóides nos extratos das folhas; taninos, flavonóides, triterpenos e saponinas no do caule, e na raiz revelou presença de taninos e triterpenos. Conclusão: Os extratos aquosos da folha, caule e raiz da R. mangle L. apresentaram efeito proliferação em células HeLa; e na caracterização do perfil fitoquímico, os taninos estiveram presentes nos extratos das três porções da planta do mangue brasileiro o que sugere efeito mitogênico deste composto.

Considering the importance of the evaluation of quality and performance attributes of herbal medicines, this work evaluated a gynecological gel containing aroeira (Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi), which was previously registered in 2001, and is still marketed in Brazil. Using the updated guides and legislation as a basis, the product was evaluated by checking the pH, spreadability, rheological behavior, in vitro release test, ex vivo permeation and retention study using porcine vaginal mucosa in Franz diffusion cells, and histological evaluation of the porcine vaginal mucosa before and after application of the product. After the permeation study, it was verified that gallic acid (chemical marker quantified) does not cross the mucosa, therefore, it is safe for local use. In addition, the pH of the formulation is within the range considered normal for use in healthy women. Finally, the histological evaluation of the mucosa showed changes compatible with the application of tannins (major compounds of the plant), and without changes indicative of loss of tissue integrity.

This study performed a histomorphometric analysis of the retina and estimated the visual acuity of three fruit-eating bats of the genus Artibeus, including Artibeus lituratus, Artibeus planirostris and Artibeus obscurus. In total, 13 animals were used for this study, in which the retinas were hemidisected, fixed, cut, and stained. The visual acuity was determined by the density of ganglion cells in the retina and the retinal layers were also measured from histological sections. The retinas of these bats are avascular, do not present tapetum lucidum in any quadrant, and have the 10 retinal layers common in mammals. Moreover, it was observed that the thickness of the retina in the central region was significantly higher in all measured parameters (p

Skin flaps necrosis is an important complication in reconstructive surgeries and implies in more comorbidity to patients and higher costs due to and longer period of dressing and local wound care. This article intends to review physiology of non-ischemic and ischemic flaps and approach the main substances classes investigated to improve ischemic flaps viability. It’s fundamental understanding biochemical events that occur during flap surgery and how neurovascular effect, inflammatory response and reactive oxygen species (ROS) contributes to skin flap necrosis. Many substances have been researched to improve ischemic flaps viability, such as vasodilators, heparinoids, ROS scavengers and others. They presented good results, however most of them were studied in animal models only. Recent studies using gene therapy have obtained really excitant results, however in experimental models. Although a vast number of substances have been researched, Nitroglycerin has been tested in humans can be already used besides its side effects.

No Brasil a taxa de mortalidade por câncer no colo do útero é elevada, tendo como principal fator de risco a infecção pelo Papilomavírus humano. O exame de Papanicolau é a técnica mais utilizada para a investigação das lesões precursoras deste câncer. O objetivo do estudo é avaliar a prevalência de alterações citológicas no colo do útero em mulheres situadas na faixa etária de 15 a 59 anos, em Recife – PE, no período de Janeiro de 2010 a Dezembro de 2012. Trata-se de um estudo Epidemiológico, com coleta de dados no SISCOLO/DATASUS. Os dados foram importados e analisados a partir do número de casos, lesão e faixa etária, sendo calculado o percentual e coeciente de prevalência.

Necrosis in ischemic cutaneous flaps (ISF) is a type of surgical failure more feared among surgical complications. Currently, synthetic drugs are applied during the treatment of necrosis in ISF and although several substances show improvement in viability, some require application at high systemic doses, which can produce important side effects. Therefore, the search for natural substances with fewer side effects is constant. The use of medicinal plants that stimulate angiogenesis is commonly mentioned in previous studies and in this case Rhizophora mangle L. (R. mangle) highlights that among its main compounds have tannins and flavonoids that are very chemically reactive in various biological activities. This study aimed to associate a natural hydrogel to the 5% extract of R. mangle and to evaluate its potential in the prevention of tissue necrosis in distal portions of ISF in rats, using the model proposed by Macfarlane, et al. (1965).Ischemic skin flaps were made in the thin dorsal skin area of 28 Wistar rats and divided into 4 groups, group A: received only saline, group B where the aqueous extract of R. mangle was applied, group C received the 1.5% hydrogel of xanthan gum (XG) + placebo and group D was applied the hydrogel associated with 5% R. mangle extract. Morphometric analyses of the areas of tissue necrosis were performed from photographic records using the software Photoshop® and ImageJ®. In addition, 5 photomicrographs were taken from each histological sample of each animal for histomorphometric analysis that obtained the count of fibroblasts and blood vessels.The mean percentage of necrotic areas was: group (A) - 50,66%, group (B) - 40,49%, group (C) - 37,44% and group (D) - 34,25%. The statistical analysis, using the Kruskal-Wallis test, showed a significant difference (p0.001).

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused numerous social, health and educational problems. Social media began to contain an excessive amount of information about the new coronavirus, making it difficult for people to find material from reliable sources. Therefore, a space was created to build knowledge and clarify doubts about SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19, in addition to developing discussions on educational, technological tools and scientific advances in the search for clarifications and solutions for the confrontation of the current pandemic. The actions were carried out in the virtual space of Instagram, using the lives features, which were broadcast on the @morfotecnologiaufpe profile and took place on Wednesdays at 20 pm and lasting 60 min. The discussions were conducted by mediators, professors from the PPGM-UFPE, and one or two invited experts on each topic addressed. Viewers were able to follow the mediator-guest interaction in real time, in addition to being protagonists of the dialogue through comments and questions. The discussions developed stimulated critical thinking, combating misinformation and valuing science and technology in dealing with health problems. It also corroborates the reorganization of extensionist practices, which are of paramount importance to guarantee the articulation between the university and the community, in the construction of knowledge and in the academic improvement of students and professors. The experience highlighted that the use of social media is an effective tool in health education actions, as it enables accessibility to knowledge through the resources of an Information Technology Platform.

Mangroves represent areas of high biological productivity and it is a region rich in bioactive substances used in medicine production. Conocarpus erectus (Combretaceae) known as button mangrove is one of the species found in mangroves and it is used in folk medicine in the treatment of anemia, catarrh, conjunctivitis, diabetes, diarrhea, fever, gonorrhea, headache, hemorrhage, orchitis, rash, bumps and syphilis. The present study aimed to investigate the acute toxicity of aqueous extract of leaves of C. erectus in Swiss albino mice. The plant material was collected in Vila Velha mangroves, located in Itamaracá (PE). The material was subjected to a phytochemical screening where extractive protocols to identify majority molecules present in leaves were used. The evaluation of acute toxicity of aqueous extract of C. erectus followed the model of Acute Toxicity Class based on OECD 423 Guideline, 2001. The majority molecules were identified: flavonoids, tannins and saponins. The LD50 was estimated at 2,000 mg/kg bw. Therefore, the aqueous extract showed low acute toxicity classified in category 5. RESUMO Os manguezais representam zonas de elevada produtividade biológica sendo uma das regiões mais ricas em substâncias bioativas utilizadas na produção de medicamentos. Conocarpus erectus (Combretaceae) conhecida como mangue botão é uma das espécies encontrada nos manguezais e é utilizada na medicina popular no tratamento de anemia, catarro, conjuntivite, diabetes, diarréia, febre, gonorréia, dor de cabeça, hemorragia, orquite, brotoeja, inchaços e sífilis. O presente estudo objetivou investigar a toxicidade aguda de extrato aquoso de folhas de C. erectus em camundongos albinos suíços. O material vegetal foi coletado no manguezal de Vila Velha, localizado em Itamaracá (PE). O material foi submetido a um screening fitoquímico onde foram usados protocolos extrativos de identificação de moléculas majoritárias presentes nas folhas. A avaliação da toxicidade aguda do extrato aquoso de C. erectus seguiu o modelo da Toxicidade Aguda de Classe baseado no Guia da OECD 423, 2001. As moléculas majoritárias identificadas foram: flavonóides, taninos e saponinas. A DL50 foi estimada em 2.000 mg/Kg p.c. Portanto, o extrato apresentou baixa toxicidade aguda classificada na categoria 5.

Cloridrato de cimetidina, um bloqueador de receptores H2 das células parietais gástricas, que age reduzindo a secreção de ácido no estômago e tem sido estudado como substância xenoestrogênica. O uso crônico da cimetidina produz distúrbios homonais e toxidade no aparelho reprodutor masculino, além de reduzir o estradiol 2-hidroxilado e aumentar níveis séricos de estradiol e prolactina em mulheres, levando a hiperprolactinemia, que pode ser fator de risco para o câncer. A melatonina, neurohormônio sintetizado pela glândula pineal tem importante papel na função reprodutiva, regulando a produção de estrógeno, progesterrona e prolactina. O estudo testou a hipótese de que a melatonina pode bloquear ou reduzir os efeitos estrogênicos da cimetidina no estroma uterino, interferindo nos receptores de estrógeno, no teor de fibras colágenas e nos níveis hormonais em ratas adultas. Quarenta e cinco (45) ratas albinas divididas em três grupos: I – tratadas com placebo (controle); II – tratado com cimetidina (50 mg/kg) e III – tratado com cimetidina (50 mg/kg) associada à melatonina (200 μg/100 g). Os experimentos foram conduzidos por 7, 14 e 19 dias. Nos grupos tratados apenas com cimetidina, observou-se marcações mais intensas dos receptores REα, maior distribuição das fibras colágenas no endométrio, elevação dos níveis séricos de estrogênio, prolactina e redução da progesterona, nos animais tratados por 19 dias. Na associação cimetidina e melatonina, acredita-se que a melatonina bloqueou esses efeitos. A melatonina tem atividade citoprotetora para efeitos crônicos da cimetidina no estroma endometrial, por reduzir ou prevenir o aumento da síntese de fibras de colágeno pelos fibroblastos regulando a atividade do estrogênio sérico, bem como a expressão de seus receptores endometriais, além de manter os níveis normais de progesterona e prolactina.Palavras chave: Melatonina, receptor de estrógeno, xenoestrógeno, morfometria, níveis hormonais.

This study aims to propose different ex vivo methodologies for pesticide evaluation when in contact with ocular mucosa. The first ex vivo study was performed using vertical Franz cells with fresh and refrigerated excised bovine corneas. The second evaluated the permeation through the cornea by using fresh, refrigerated and damaged whole bovine eyes. Both experiments were evaluated by applying 50 μl (of 5 mg/ml solution) of an emulsifiable pesticide formulation (Dimetoato 500 EC®). In the first study, dimethoate profiles and permeation fluxes showed no statistical differences (p .05) between fresh and refrigerated excised corneas, probably due to the excision procedure generating damage to the cornea by altering stromal structure, irrespective of the refrigeration procedure. In relation to the results obtained for developed ex vivo permeation method in whole eyes, there was a statistical difference (p .05) between experiments performed with fresh eyes and those performed with refrigerated/damaged eyes. Damage generated by both the refrigeration process and exposure to irritant products led to a five-fold reduction in the amount of corneal-permeated pesticide as well as a two-fold increase in retention. Thus, the ex vivo permeation approach with whole eyes seems to be a simple and reproducible method to evaluate pesticides. It is evident that further evaluations need to be performed using other pesticides with distinct physicochemical characteristics.

MARINHO, Anneliese Goncalves Costa, tambem e conhecida em citacoes bibliograficas por: COSTA, Anneliese Goncalves

Objective Avicennia schaueriana Stapf is an endemic mangrove species widely used by traditional Brazilian communities as a folk remedy for the treatment of rheumatism, ulcers, and skin wounds. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the gastroprotective potential of the ethyl acetate extract from the leaves of A. schaueriana (As-AcOEt). Methods Ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode-array detection and quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-DAD-QTOF-MS/MS) was performed to identify chemical constituents of the ethyl acetate extract from the leaves ofA. schaueriana. Total phenols, flavonoids and tannins were determined and antioxidant activity was evaluated using the DPPH and ABTS methods. The acute toxicity of As-AcOEt and gastroprotective activity on HCl/ethanol-induced gastric ulcers were assessed and mechanisms of action involving the role of nitric oxide, sulfhydryl compounds, and prostaglandins were investigated. Results Terpenes, flavonoids and tannins were detected in the extract. As-AcOEt exhibited antioxidant activity, with an EC50 of 42.2 ± 4.4 μg/mL (DPPH) and 73.2% inhibition of ABTS radicals. UPLC-DAD-QTOF-MS/MS analysis identified gallic acid, gallic acid derivative, ellagic acid, myricetin pentoside, myricetin deoxyhexose, quercetin pentoside, quercetin deoxyhexose, and other compounds. Gallic acid was isolated in this species for the first time. During the acute toxicity test, no deaths or changes occurred in the variables evaluated. In the ethanol-induced ulcer model, As-AcOEt reduced the ulcerative lesion index, with 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg achieving 83.8, 88.5 and 86.9% inhibition, respectively. MPO levels decreased and the gastric mucosa of the animals treated with the extract was preserved. Pre-treatment with N-omega-nitro- l -arginine methyl ester (L-NAME; NO blocker) or carbenoxolone (CBXN; NP-SH blocker) reversed the gastroprotective effect of As-AcOEt, but this effect was not reversed with the previous administration of indomethacin. Conclusion The present findings reveal that the extract from the leaves ofA. schaueriana has gastroprotective effects, suggesting the involvement of nitric oxide and nonprotein sulfhydryl compounds, but not prostaglandin. Therefore, the use of A. schaueriana in Brazilian folk medicine for the treatment of gastric disorders has a scientific basis.

Avicennia schaueriana is found in Brazilian mangrove coast. The cytotoxicity in vitro of the Aqueous Extract of Leaves of Avicennia schaueriana (AELAs) and the healing activity of the plant in cream on mice skin wounds were evaluated in this study. The cytotoxic evaluation was performed on Vero cells. The healing activity was evaluated on mice treated during 5, 10 and 15 days with cream at 5%, solution of sodium chloride at 0.9% and dexpanthenol in cream at 5%. The extract did not show cytotoxicity, but showed mitogenic activity (100μg/ml). In morphometric analysis, the percentage of wound contraction after 10 days was higher in dexpanthenol group (93.41%). In 15 days, the lowest percentage of contraction was observed in the dexpanthenol group (94.41%) and the highest in the AELAs cream group (98.50%). In histomorphometry the dexpanthenol showed the lowest length of re-epithelialization in 10 days. In 15 days, the AELAs cream group showed 100% of re-epithelialization. The number of fibroblasts found in AELAs cream group was higher than the saline solution in 10 days. In 15 days, AELAs cream group maintained a higher amount of fibroblasts when compared to the others. A. schaueriana did not show cytotoxicity. Furthermore, topical application of AELAs cream decreased the wound area, stimulated the re-epithelialization and increased the number of fibroblasts. The species A. schaueriana could become a topical treatment in tissue repair process.

Objectives This work evaluated the antibacterial activity, cytotoxicity and immunomodulatory effect on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) promoted by aqueous extract from Conocarpus erectus leaves (AELCe). Methods The extract was characterized by thin layer chromatography and ultraperformance liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS). Cytotoxicity of AELCe (6.25–50 μg/ml) was investigated using annexin V and propidium iodide. Cytokine and nitric oxide levels in PBMCs culture supernatants exposed or not to AELCe (12.5 μg/ml) were determined, and antibacterial activity was evaluated by disc diffusion and broth microdilution methods. Key findings AELCe contained 3′,4′-OH flavonoids, phenylpropanoglycosides, saponins, polymeric proanthocyanidins and hydrolysable tannins. Moreover, 10 other compounds were identified through UPLC-MS technique. AELCe did not affect lymphocyte viability at 6.25 and 12.5 μg/ml. IL-2, IL-10, TNF-α, IFN-γ and nitric oxide was produced in higher levels by cells treated with AELCe. Proliferation and activation of CD8+ T lymphocytes were also stimulated. AELCe showed bacteriostatic activity against clinical and antibiotic-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus (MIC between 250 and 1000 μg/ml). Conclusions AELCe showed a moderate bacteriostatic activity and promoted an immunomodulatory status through higher production of Th1 cytokines, nitric oxide release and T CD8+ lymphocytes stimulation.

Rhizophora mangle is an abundant plant in mangroves and tannic acid is a polyphenol produced by the secondary metabolism of plants. The aim of the study was to evaluate the embryotoxic and embriostatic effects of the aqueous extract of R. mangle and synthetic tannic acid on eggs and larvae of Aedes aegypti. A. aegypti eggs were exposed in duplicate at concentrations of 250, 500, 750 and 1000 µg/mL of extract and tannic acid for a period of 14 days. Mineral water was used as a negative control. The eggs were observed and counted in a stereomicroscope (1.2x). In all extract concentrations there was stimulation in hatching in relation to the control, but only in concentration of 750 mg/mL it was statistically significant. In tannic acid (250µg/ml) there was significant stimulus in hatching, but in 500, 750 and 1000 µg/mL there was significant inhibition. All concentrations of aqueous extract and tannic acid on larvae showed embryotoxic and embryostatic effects when compared to the control. The aqueous extract of R. mangle showed effect on hatching of A. aegypti eggs and synthetic tannic acid showed embryotoxic and embryostatic effects. On larvae, both the aqueous extract as tannic acid showed embryotoxic and embryostatic effects.

Background To evaluate, in vitro, the potential cytotoxicity of three different dental adhesives systems (Adper Single Bond 2 -SB, Silorane System Adhesive Bond -SSAB and Single Bond Universal -SBU) on cultivated Vero cells after different contact times. Material and Methods The cells were cultured in a concentration of 2 x 105 cells/mL for 24h and grown to sub-confluent monolayers. VERO cells were exposed to 25µl of conditioned extracts obtained from 24h, 48h and 72h immersion of adhesive samples in culture medium (DMEM), immediately after polymerization. Fresh DMEM was used as negative control. Cell metabolism was evaluated by the MTT assay (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide). The data were analyzed statistically by ANOVA, considering a significance of 5%. Results The values of cell viability ranged from 94.2% at 72h (SBU) to 109.6% at 48h (SB). The mean percentage of viability after exposure to the extracts of SB, SSAB and SBU were 103.2%, 100.63% and 97.43%, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference (p= 0.342) between the experimental and negative control groups. Conclusions At all exposure times, all adhesives tested in this study presented no cytotoxicity to Vero cells in vitro. Key words:Biocompatibility, cytotoxicity, dental adhesives, Vero cells.

Spondias tuberosa Arruda, popularly named as umbu, is native from savanna-like vegetation and widely used for medicinal purposes, however, the toxicological profile is not available yet. This study evaluated the phytochemical profile and acute toxicity and citoxicity of Ethanolic Extract of Spondias tuberosa Arruda Bark (EEStb) in hematological, biochemical and histopathological parameters. Female Wistar rats were divided into: control (C) and animal treated single doses of 300mg/Kg (EEStb300) or 2.000mg/kg body weight (ESStb2.000) of the EEStb. After 24 hours and 14 days from gavage, the behavior, hematological, biochemical and histopathological parameters were assayed. Cytotoxicity effect was evaluated on HEp-2 cell lines. Neither EEStb300 nor EEStb2.000 produced mortality nor changes in body weight during the 14-days of observation, but EEStb2.000 reduced quietly the food and water intake as well as locomotor activity at first day. There were no changes in macroscopic, histopathological, biochemical and hematological parameters. EEStb in concentrations of 6.25- 50μg ml−1 on HEp-2 cell did not produce cytotoxic effect. These results suggest that EEStb did not cause acute toxicity and cytotoxic, suggesting a good safety rate for Spondias tuberosa Arruda. RESUMO Spondias tuberosa Arruda, popularmente conhecida como umbu, é uma espécie nativa da Caatinga amplamente utilizada na medicina popular, cujo perfil toxicológico ainda não é conhecido. Deste modo, este estudo avaliou o perfil fitoquímico, a toxicidade aguda e a citotoxicidade do extrato etanólico da casca da Spondias tuberosa Arruda (EEStb) nos parâmetros hematológicos, bioquímicos e histopatológicos. Foram utilizados ratos fêmeas Wistar (±210g) e divididos em: grupo controle (C) e tratados com uma dose única de 300mg/Kg (EEStb300) ou 2.000mg/kg do peso corporal (ESStb2.000) do EEStb. Após 24 horas e 14 dias da gavagem, os parâmetros comportamentais, hematológicos, bioquímicos e histopatológicos foram determinados. O efeito citotóxico foi avaliado em células HEp-2. Não foi observada mortalidade ou alterações de massa corporal durante os 14 dias de experimento nos grupos EEStb300 e EEStb2.000, mas EEStb2.000 provocou uma redução discreta no consumo hídrico e alimentar, assim como na atividade locomotora no 1º dia de tratamento. Não houve alterações nos parâmetros histopatológicos, macroscópicos, bioquímicos e hematológicos. EEStb2000 nas concentrações de 6.25-50μg.ml-1) não produziu efeito citotóxico. na célula HEp-2. Estes resultados sugerem que EEStb não promoveu toxicidade aguda ou citotóxica, sugerindo boa margem de segurança para uso da Spondias tuberosa Arruda.

Indigofera suffruticosaMill (Fabeceae) occurs in the Northeast countryside and has intensive popular use in the treatment of infectious, inflammatory and other processes. The main aim of the present work was to investigate the cytotoxic and antitumor effects of aqueous extracts of leaves ofI. suffruticosaobtained by infusion and maceration as well as to evaluate the toxicological properties. Aqueous extracts did not exhibit cytotoxicity against HEp-2 (human epidermoid cancer cell) cell lines by MTT method. From the aqueous extract by infusion, the toxicological assay showed low order of toxicity. The antitumor effect of aqueous extracts by infusion (64.53%) and maceration (62.62%) against sarcoma 180 in mice at a dose of 50 mg kg−1(intraperitoneally), based on low order of toxicity was comparable to the control group, which showed 100% development. Considering the low order of toxicity and that it is highly effective in inhibiting growth of solid tumors, the aqueous extracts of leaves ofI. suffruticosamay be used as an alternative anticancer agent.

Various organic and aqueous extracts of leaves ofIndigofera suffruticosaMill (Fabaceae) obtained by infusion and maceration were screened for their antibacterial and antifungal activities. The extracts were tested against 5 different species of human pathogenic bacteria and 17 fungal strains by the agar-solid diffusion method. Most of the extracts were devoid of antifungal and antibacterial activities, except the aqueous extract of leaves ofI. suffruticosaobtained by infusion, which showed strong inhibitory activity against the Gram-positive bacteriaStaphylococcus aureuswith a minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 5000 µg ml−1. The MIC values to dermatophyte strains were 2500 µg ml−1 againstTrichophyton rubrum(LM-09, LM-13) andMicrosporum canis. This study suggests that aqueous extracts of leaves ofI. suffruticosaobtained by infusion can be used in the treatment of skin diseases caused by dermatophytes.

Primary plasma cell leukemia is a rare and aggressive form of plasma cell neoplasm characterized by the presence of circulating plasma cells in peripheral blood. Here, we report an interesting case of a patient with primary plasma cell leukemia, who was diagnosed during postoperative period after surgery for acute appendicitis. After the appendectomy, the patient developed leukocytosis of 41.2×109/L with a high number of circulating plasma cells (32.5×109/L). The immunophenotypic analysis of leukemic plasma cells indicated the following antigen profile: CD138âoâoâo, CD38âoâoâo, IgMcâo, CD56¯ and CD20⁻. Electrophoresis showed a monoclonal IgG component of 5810 mg/dL, and diagnosis of primary plasma cell leukemia was established. After the induction chemotherapy with cyclophosphamide, bortezomib and dexamethasone, the patient achieved partial response with regression of hepatomegaly and decreased pleural effusion. Nevertheless, the patient died of sepsis. Therapy with proteasome inhibitors and stem cell transplantation may also provide increased survival and improve the prognosis of patients with primary plasma cell leukemia.

Secondary plasma cell leukemia is an aggressive variant of multiple myeloma characterized by the presence of more than 2×109/L plasma cells on peripheral blood. We reported an unusual presentation of this entity. The diagnosis of secondary plasma cell leukemia was done by cytological and immunophenotypic characteristics of plasma cells. On the blood smear examination was visualized a high number of plasma cells (46.3×10 9 /L) and plasmablastic cells. Conventional chemotherapy and bortezomib regime led to a complete remission, but the patient's condition deteriorated very quickly and she died of sepsis. The prognosis of secondary plasma cell leukemia remains unfavorable and the early diagnosis needs to be done in order to provide a better choice of treatment and increase the survival of patients with plasma cell leukemia.

Aqueous extract ofIndigofera suffruticosaleaves obtained by infusion was used to evaluate the oviposition, its effect on development of eggs and larvae, and morphological changes in larvae ofAedes aegypti. The bioassays were carried out with aqueous extract in different concentrations on eggs, larvae, and female mosquitoes, and the morphological changes were observed in midgut of larvae. The extract showed repellent activity onA. aegyptimosquitoes, reducing significantly the egg laying by females with control substrate (343 (185–406)) compared with the treated substrate (88 (13–210)). No eclosion ofA. aegyptieggs at different concentrations studied was observed. The controleclodedin 35%. At concentration of 250 μg/mL, 93.3% of larvae remained in the second instar of development and at concentrations of 500, 750, and 1000 μg/mL the inhibitory effect was lower with percentages of 20%, 53.3%, and 46.6%, respectively. Morphological changes like disruption on the peritrophic envelope (PE), discontinued underlying epithelium, increased gut lumen, and segments with hypertrophic aspects were observed in anterior region of medium midgut of larvae ofA. aegypti. The results showed repellent activity, specific embryotoxicity, and general growth retardation inA. aegyptiby medium containing aqueous extract ofI. suffruticosaleaves.

As part of a long-term project on Northeastern Brazilians, population genetic data were obtained from 323 unrelated individuals from the state of Paraiba. The loci studied were CSF1P0, TPOX, TH01, vWA, D16S539, D7S820, D13S317, D18S51, D21S11, D8S1179, F13A01, F13B and LPL. Their distributions are in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Forensic parameters were calculated and a comparison was made with geographically nearby populations.