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Morpho logical, anatomical, and histochemical effects of S-ethyl dipropylthiocarbamate (EPTC) on Avena sativa var . overland were studied after treatment of seeds at various EPTC concentrations. The oat seed germination percentage was not affected by EPTC treatment. EPTC delayed initial root and coleoptile development at all concentrations used . Two or three days after treatment, however, the roots of seedlings treated with EPTC concentrations lower than 3 ppm grew at the same rate as the untreated seedlings and showed no abnormalities. Primary and adventitious root growth of seedlings treated with 3 ppm and higher was inhibited. Most of the adventitious roots remained in the radicle stage and failed to elongate. Bases of the roots became necrotic and were quite brittle . Formative effects were greater in the shoot than in the root. As result of treatment, coleoptiles became chlorotic, thickened, and were hard and brittle . The first true leaf of treated seedlings tended to adhere to the coleoptile and was broken as the coleoptile elongated . The complete shoot meristem of 12 ppm EPTC treated seedlings broke at the base . Young leaves formed within coleoptiles of treated seedlings oftain failed to emerge. His tochemica l studies s howed more carbohydrates in the coleoptiles of the EPTC treated oat seedlings than in those of the untreated seedlings . The lip1d-containing materials in the coleoptiles of the germinating oat seedlings disappeared from the coleoptiles of fully grm;n untreated oat seedlings , while they still persisted in the coleoptiles of 5-day-old EPTC treated oat seedlings. This suggests that EPTC might inhibit the breakdown and utili zation of stored foods .

The objectives of this study) are: (1) partial purification and characterization of rice β-glucosidase, (2) determination of the physiological role of the enzyme during rice germination, and (3) histochemical localization of the enzyme. The method for partial purification of the enzyme was based on that of Schliemann (1984), which included differential solubility, cryoprecipitation, and cation exchange chromatography. The enzymes were characterized with respect to their molecular weights, pI value, pli and temperature profile of activity and stability, activity in the presence of selected denaturants and organic’ solvents, substrate specificity, and inhibition by several known β-glucosidase inhibitors. To examine the physiological role of rice β-glucosidase, histochemical localization of the enzyme in dry seeds and application of inhibitors of the enzyme to the germinating seeds were carried out. The seeds were soaked in the presence or absence of β-glucosidase inhibitors, and the number of germinating seeds, growth and development of coleoptile and roots, and enzymatic activity of β-glucosidase and α-amylase were studied. To study histochemical localization of rice β-glucosidase, the chromogenic substrates were used. The substrates were incubated with cross and longitudinal sections of whole seeds and seedlings, tissue sections, protoplast and plastid preparations from 5-6-day-old coleoptiles. The development of the colors were observed under the light microscopes. Among the cation exchange chromatography fractions, two distinct peaks of oNPGase and pNPgase activity were found: fraction-1 (Fr-1) and fraction-2 (Fr-2) forms. It was found that the two forms of rice β-glucosidase are different with respect to susceptibility to denaturation by SDS, substrate specificity and some physico-chemical properties. Fr-1 is susceptible to denaturation by SDS, and catalyzes specifically the hydrolysis of several β-galactosides (pNPGal, X-gal, and 6-BNGal) but not gentiobiose and cellobiose, and is stable over pH range (4 to 10). Fr-2, on the other hand, is more resistant to denaturing agents, catalyzes the hydrolysis of gentiobiose and cellobiose, but not any of the β-galactosides mentioned above; it is relatively stable at pH 9, and less stable at high temperatures than Fr-1. Both Fr-1 and Fr-2 are 120 kD native dimers, made up of 60 kD monomers. In rice dry seeds, β-glucosidases were distributed in the aleurone layers and embryo parts. β-glucosidase inhibitors suppressed germination at the activation stage. The inhibitors Suppressed the expression of α-amylase and β-glucosidase during germination detected at the activity level. It is proposed, therefore, that the pre-existing f-glucosidase is involved in the regulation of availability and activity of a hormone (gibberellin) at the early step of germination that controls expression of hydrolytic enzymes such as α-amylase. In mature seeds, the Fr-1 is found mainly in the scutellum region and aleurone layers, while the Fr-2 form is in the axis of the embryo. In the seedling, the Fr-1 form is found in the scutellum, shoot and coleoptile, while the Fr-2 form is in the root. In young tissue of shoot and coleoptile, the enzyme is localized in the epidermis and vascular bundles. At the subcellular level it is localized to the plastids. / Ph. D.

Sinorhizobium meliloti is a model bacterium for the study of symbiotic nitrogen fixation (SNF). It infects the roots of alfalfa as well as some other legumes and differentiates into N2-fixing bacteroids within the plant cells of specialized nodule organs. To understand genes essential for SNF and, in the longer term, to facilitate the manipulation of this SNF process for agricultural purposes, it is highly desirable to construct the minimal genome for SNF in this organism. S. meliloti harbors two replicons required for SNF, a 1.7-Mb chromid (pSymB) and a 1.4-Mb megaplasmid (pSymA). A previous deletion analysis revealed that only four gene regions, accounting for <12% of the total sequences of pSymA and pSymB that, were essential for SNF. In the first part of the thesis, I report the cloning of these two pSymA SNF-essential regions on a plasmid (pTH3255) in Escherichia coli, and the integration of this plasmid into the genome of a ∆pSymA S. meliloti derivative strain (the strain was named as RmP4291 after integration). Plant root dry weight and nitrogenase-catalyzed acetylene reduction assays were carried out on RmP4291 with four host plants, including Medicago sativa, Medicago truncatula, Melilotus alba and Melilotus officinalis. Nodule kinetic assays were also performed on RmP4291 and RmP110(wt). The results showed that the SNF-essential regions from pSymA were sufficient to restore the symbiotic capabilities to the ∆pSymA derivative strain with all the host plants tested, except a significant reduction (~40%) in SNF by RmP4291 was noticed on M. officinalis compared to that by wildtype S. meliloti. A higher alfalfa nodulation efficiency of RmP4291 compared to that of wildtype RmP110 was also discovered. In the second part of the thesis, a histochemical staining method for S. meliloti nodules was developed by integrating the marker genes gusA (β-glucuronidase) and celB (β-glucosidase) into the S. meliloti genome. This staining method was found to be useful in the study of nodule competitiveness. A nodule competition assay was carried out between RmP4291 and RmP110 using the new staining method. RmP4291 was found to be significantly reduced in nodulation competitiveness compared to wildtype S. meliloti. The development of the histochemical staining method for S. meliloti nodules will accelerate the identification of genes required for nodule competitiveness in the organism, which will be of crucial importance to the construction of the minimal genome strains with high SNF efficiency. / Thesis / Master of Science (MSc) / Nitrogen is one of the critical elements for life. Biological nitrogen fixation plays a crucial role in providing fixed nitrogen for the ecosystem on Earth. Our Laboratory has endeavored to establish a minimal symbiotic genome in Sinorhizobium meliloti, a model nitrogen fixing bacterium which forms symbiosis with certain kinds of legumes. Building this minimal symbiotic genome will improve our understanding of the symbiotic nitrogen fixation process in S. meliloti at gene level. It may also help in eventually introducing a nitrogen fixation system into other organisms. In this study, the minimal symbiotic genome of the pSymA replicon in S. meliloti was constructed. In addition, a staining method to detect specific S. meliloti strains in nodules was established. This method is potentially useful in finding genes related to nodule competitiveness, and these are potentially important for augmenting the genes that constitute the minimal symbiotic genome.

Modern agriculture often employs broad-spectrum herbicides combined with herbicide-resistant crops. Usually, this is achieved by altering the crop genom (genetic modification) by inserting of a specific gene coding for resistance to specific herbicide or group of herbicides. Apllying such herbicide thus results in minor crop damage. The resistence of crops against broad-spectrum herbicides depends on the genes, which were inserted into the genom. The gene bar is often used as a resistence -providing element. It mediates resistance against a broad spectrum of herbicides, such as glufosinate and Bialahops. For the selection of transformants and preliminary assessment of the target transgen expression level a suitable marker gene is simultaneously inserted. For this purpose, gene for bacterial ??glucuronidase (GUS) is often used. It is considered to be one of the most frequently used reporter systems for the assessment of transgen expression and also allows to analyze the expression on the tissue, cell and whole cell organelles levels. In this diploma thesis the PCR method and histochemical detection of the enzyme glucuronidase presence were used to detect and evaluate transgenic plants of cv. Golden Promise spring barley, modified by genes bar and gus. The presence of gus gene was determined in different parts of plants.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:28:04Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2009-12-21Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T20:17:46Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 salvijunior_a_me_arafcf.pdf: 1910773 bytes, checksum: 57df20a4c82fceb864c0b8eea2d26d95 (MD5) / Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) / Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi, pertence à família Anacardiaceae, é popularmente denominada como aroeira-vermelha. Trata-se de uma espécie nativa da América do Sul, especialmente do Brasil, Paraguai e Argentina. No Brasil ocorre ao longo da Mata Atlântica desde o nordeste até o sul do país. Consta oficialmente na primeira edição da Farmacopeia Brasileira, a qual designa as cascas do tronco como seu farmacógeno, embora estudos revelem que folhas e frutos também podem ser utilizados como fonte de substâncias ativas e, devido a este fato, desperta um grande interesse para a pesquisa. Na literatura é citada como cicatrizante, anti-inflamatória, antioxidante, antitumoral e antimicrobiana. Este trabalho teve como objetivos: descrever a anatomia da região mediana de folíolos de Schinus terebinthifolius; realizar testes histoquímicos nas folhas da espécie com fins de caracterização preliminar de constituintes químicos de interesse; realizar o estudo granulométrico da droga vegetal pulverizada proveniente do processo de moagem de folhas de S. terebinthifolius; estabelecer a caracterização físico-química da droga vegetal; realizar a análise fitoquímica preliminar do extrato e frações obtidas; e, avaliar a atividade antimicrobiana do extrato e das frações utilizando-se a técnica de microdiluição em placas. Os resultados da anatomia revelaram as formas das estruturas celulares das folhas e os tipos de inclusões celulares presentes; na análise histoquímica e triagem fitoquímica identificou-se a presença de grupamentos fenólicos, flavonoides e taninos, terpenoides e saponinas de interesse farmacológico; na caracterização físico-química destacou-se importantes informações para o estabelecimento dos parâmetros referentes ao controle da qualidade da droga; na atividade antibacteriana, o extrato... / Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi, belongs to the Anacardiaceae family, is popularly known as Brazilian pepper. It is native from South America, especially Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina. In Brazil it occurs along the Atlantic Forest from the northeast to the south. Officially listed in the first edition of the Brazilian Pharmacopoeia, which means the bark of the trunk as its pharmacogens, although studies show that fruits and leaves can also be used as a source of active substances, and due to this fact, arouses a great interest for search. The literature cited as healing, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antitumor and antimicrobial activities. This study aimed to describe the anatomy of the middle region of leaves of Schinus terebinthifolius; perform tests histochemical in leaflets of the species for purposes of preliminary characterization of chemical constituents of interest; perform the study granulometric to the sprayed drug plant from the process of grinding the leaves of S. terebinthifolius; establish the physical-chemical characterization of the drug plant; perform the preliminary phytochemical analysis of extract and fractions obtained; and, to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of the extract and the fractions using the microdilution plates. The results of the anatomy revealed the forms of cellular structures of the leaves and the types of cellular inclusions present; the histochemical analysis and phytochemical screening could identified the presence of phenolic groups, flavonoids and tannins, terpenoids and saponins of pharmacological interest; in physical-chemical characterization to be detached important information for the establishment of the parameters concerning to quality control of drug; of the antibacterial activity, the extract and the fractions were shown to be effective against the Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis... (Complete abstract click electronic access below)

Made available in DSpace on 2015-03-26T13:39:44Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 texto completo.pdf: 1248635 bytes, checksum: 7cd9837481707324232c4415930e54ef (MD5) Previous issue date: 2011-07-27 / Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico / The aims of this work were to study the germination process of macaw palm seeds through the activities of the enzymes &#946;-mannanase and &#945;-galactosidase, and quantify the amount of mannan present in the endosperm cells. In addition, we studied the dynamics of mobilization of lipid, protein and starch reserves by biochemical and histochemical analysis. The seeds were submitted to a protocol to overcame the species dormancy (patent application: PI0703180-7) and macaw palm germination process was followed up to 29 days. Analyses were performed in embryo / haustorium and lateral and micropylar endosperm separately. The activities of the enzymes &#946;-mannanase and &#945;-galactosidase were performed by colorimetric methods in a spectrophotometer using guar gum and pnitrophenyl-D-galactopyranoside (pNPGal), as substrates, respectively. The content of mannan was analysed by gas chromatography, the lipid by the gravimetric method in the extraction apparatus, the starch by the phenol-sulfuric and soluble protein by Breadford method. Histochemical tests were performed to corifosfina of pectin, cellulose material to calcofluor, Sudan Black B for total lipids, lugol for detection of starch, XP for protein and safrablau for staining and characterization. The activities of &#946;-mannanase and &#945;-galactosidase were higher in the endosperm to the embryo / haustorium throughout the germination period studied. The activities of both enzymes increased in the endosperm after the protrusion of the cotyledon petiole but in the embryo/ haustorium only the &#946;-mannanase activity increased. At the same time, the content of mannan reduced in the endosperm. The lipid content reduced in the embryo from the protrusion of the cotyledon petiole, but increased in the endosperm during the period studied. The Sudan Black B test showed a reduction in number and size of lipid bodies in the embryo. Right after the protrusion of the cotyledonary petiole were identified starch grains, marked with Lugol test, being formed in the haustorium and increasing in quantity until the end of evaluations. In this phase the starch content in the embryo / haustorium increased exponentially. The starch in the endosperm was not identified by lugol histochimical test. The protein content decreased continuously in the embryo / haustorium from the start of imbibition, however, has not changed in the endosperm. The XP test showed qualitative loss of staining of protein bodies in the embryo / haustorium over time. The results suggest that the two enzymes studied are mainly involved in the mobilization of mannans and / or galactomannans of the endosperm after germination. The embryo possesses reserves that provide energy to the early metabolic events of germination. In the endosperm, lipid and protein reserves have not been accessed during the period studied, but there was intense degradation of cell wall polysaccharides from the endosperm side of germination in the strict sense. / Os objetivos desse trabalho foram estudar o processo germinativo de macaúba por meio das atividades das enzimas degradativas de mananos, e quantificar o teor de mananos presentes nas células do endosperma. Além disso, estudou-se a dinâmica de mobilização das reservas lipídicas, protéicas e amiláceas por meio de análises bioquímicas e histoquímicas. As sementes foram submetidas ao protocolo de superação de dormência para espécies do gênero Acrocomia (registro de patente: PI0703180-7) e o processo germinativo de macaúba foi acompanhado durante 29 dias. As análises foram realizadas em embrião ou haustório e endosperma adjacente separadamente. As atividades das enzimas de degradação de mananos foram realizadas por métodos colorimétricos em espectrofotômetro utilizando-se como substratos goma-guar, para o ensaio de &#946;-mananase e &#946;-manosidase, e para-nitrofenil &#945;-D-galactopiranosídeo (pNPGal), para o ensaio de &#945;- galactosidase. O teor de mananos foi realizado por cromatografia gasosa, o delipídios por método gravimétrico em aparelho de Soxhlet, o de amido por método fenol-sulfúrico e o de proteínas solúveis por reagente de Bradford. Foram realizados os testes histoquímicos de corifosfina para pectinas, Sudan Black B para lipídios totais, lugol para detecção de amido, XP para proteínas e safrablau para coloração e caracterização. As atividades de &#946;- mananase, &#946;-manosidase e &#945;-galactosidase foram maiores no endosperma que no embrião ou haustório durante todo o período germinativo estudado. As atividades das enzimas aumentaram no endospermaapós a protrusão do pecíolo cotiledonar enquanto que no embrião/haustório somente a atividade da &#946;-mananase e &#946;-manosidase foi aumentada. Ao mesmo tempo, o teor de mananos no endosperma foi reduzido. O teor de lipídios foi reduzido no embrião a partir da protrusão do pecíolo cotiledonar, mas aumentou no endosperma durante o período estudado. O teste de Sudan Black B demonstrou a redução de quantidade e tamanho dos corpos lipídicos no embrião. A partir da protrusão do pecíolo cotiledonar foram identificados grãos de amido, marcados com o teste de lugol, sendo formados no haustório e aumentando em quantidade até o fim das avaliações. O teor de amido no embrião/haustório aumentou exponencialmente a partir da protrusão do pecíolo cotiledonar. Não foi detectado amido pelo teste de lugol no endosperma. O teor de proteínas decaiu continuamente no embrião/haustório desde o início da embebição, entretanto, não foi alterado no endosperma. O teste de XP demonstrou perda de coloração dos corpos protéicos no embrião/haustório ao longo do tempo. Os resultados sugerem que as enzimas estudadas estão principalmente envolvidas na mobilização de mananos e/ou galactomananos do endosperma após a germinação. O embrião possuiu reservas que provêem energia para os primeiros eventos metabólicos da germinação. No endosperma, as reservas lipídicas e protéicas não foram acessadas durante o período estudado, mas houve intensa degradação de polissacarídeos de parede celular do endosperma lateral a partir da germinação no sentido estrito. As modificações bioquímicas e anatômicas citadas resultaram na formação de amido transiente no haustório.

Orientador: Luis Vitor Silva do Sacramento / Banca: Norberto Peporine Lopes / Banca: Hérida Regina Nunes Salgado / Resumo: Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi, pertence à família Anacardiaceae, é popularmente denominada como aroeira-vermelha. Trata-se de uma espécie nativa da América do Sul, especialmente do Brasil, Paraguai e Argentina. No Brasil ocorre ao longo da Mata Atlântica desde o nordeste até o sul do país. Consta oficialmente na primeira edição da Farmacopeia Brasileira, a qual designa as cascas do tronco como seu farmacógeno, embora estudos revelem que folhas e frutos também podem ser utilizados como fonte de substâncias ativas e, devido a este fato, desperta um grande interesse para a pesquisa. Na literatura é citada como cicatrizante, anti-inflamatória, antioxidante, antitumoral e antimicrobiana. Este trabalho teve como objetivos: descrever a anatomia da região mediana de folíolos de Schinus terebinthifolius; realizar testes histoquímicos nas folhas da espécie com fins de caracterização preliminar de constituintes químicos de interesse; realizar o estudo granulométrico da droga vegetal pulverizada proveniente do processo de moagem de folhas de S. terebinthifolius; estabelecer a caracterização físico-química da droga vegetal; realizar a análise fitoquímica preliminar do extrato e frações obtidas; e, avaliar a atividade antimicrobiana do extrato e das frações utilizando-se a técnica de microdiluição em placas. Os resultados da anatomia revelaram as formas das estruturas celulares das folhas e os tipos de inclusões celulares presentes; na análise histoquímica e triagem fitoquímica identificou-se a presença de grupamentos fenólicos, flavonoides e taninos, terpenoides e saponinas de interesse farmacológico; na caracterização físico-química destacou-se importantes informações para o estabelecimento dos parâmetros referentes ao controle da qualidade da droga; na atividade antibacteriana, o extrato... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi, belongs to the Anacardiaceae family, is popularly known as Brazilian pepper. It is native from South America, especially Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina. In Brazil it occurs along the Atlantic Forest from the northeast to the south. Officially listed in the first edition of the Brazilian Pharmacopoeia, which means the bark of the trunk as its pharmacogens, although studies show that fruits and leaves can also be used as a source of active substances, and due to this fact, arouses a great interest for search. The literature cited as healing, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antitumor and antimicrobial activities. This study aimed to describe the anatomy of the middle region of leaves of Schinus terebinthifolius; perform tests histochemical in leaflets of the species for purposes of preliminary characterization of chemical constituents of interest; perform the study granulometric to the sprayed drug plant from the process of grinding the leaves of S. terebinthifolius; establish the physical-chemical characterization of the drug plant; perform the preliminary phytochemical analysis of extract and fractions obtained; and, to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of the extract and the fractions using the microdilution plates. The results of the anatomy revealed the forms of cellular structures of the leaves and the types of cellular inclusions present; the histochemical analysis and phytochemical screening could identified the presence of phenolic groups, flavonoids and tannins, terpenoids and saponins of pharmacological interest; in physical-chemical characterization to be detached important information for the establishment of the parameters concerning to quality control of drug; of the antibacterial activity, the extract and the fractions were shown to be effective against the Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Mestre

FundaÃÃo de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Cearà / CoordenaÃÃo de AperfeiÃoamento de Pessoal de NÃvel Superior / IntroduÃÃo: A transformaÃÃo neoplÃsica està associada a alteraÃÃes na composiÃÃo dos carboidratos celulares, que determinam caracterÃsticas especiais à cÃlula, tais como comportamento, crescimento, diferenciaÃÃo e adesividade. Lectinas sÃo proteÃnas que apresentam afinidade por carboidratos especÃficos e por isso tÃm sido usadas em muitas Ãreas de investigaÃÃo diagnÃstica e prognostica do cÃncer e das metÃstases. O Linfoma de Hodgkin (LH) à uma neoplasia heterogÃnea em relaÃÃo a aspectos clÃnicos, biolÃgicos e de resposta ao tratamento. Existe atualmente uma intensa procura de novos marcadores que possam ter valor prÃtico na previsÃo de comportamento e prognÃstico do LH. Este estudo investiga em casos de LH forma clÃssica (LHc) a expressÃo de glicoconjugados especÃficos para Artocarpus incisa L (frutalina), uma lectina vegetal aD-Galactose ligante, nas cÃlulas de Reed-Sternberg (RS) e suas variantes. Material e MÃtodos: O estudo foi feito em 54 blocos de parafina de linfonodos com diagnÃstico morfolÃgico e imunohistoquÃmico de LHc, 31 do tipo Esclerose Nodular (LHEN), 18 do tipo Celularidade Mista (LHCM), 3 do tipo Interfolicular (LHIN) e 2 do tipo Rico em LinfÃcitos (LHRL). Foram realizados cortes histolÃgicos na espessura de 3 micrÃmetros (mm), fixados em lÃminas silanizadas e processados pela tÃcnica da estrepto-avidinaâbiotinaâperoxidase (estrepto ABC) utilizando a frutalina biotilinada (Fb) como sonda. Como controles positivos, casos de carcinoma papilÃfero de tireÃide e, negativos, os cortes do estudo com a exclusÃo da Fb. Dados clÃnicos foram obtidos por revisÃo de prontuÃrios. Resultados: Foram detectados trÃs padrÃes de positividade: citoplasmÃtica (Fbc), membranar (Fbm) e golgiana (Fbg) (coloraÃÃo puntiforme paranuclear), que tambÃm foram classificadas segundo a intensidade: fraca (+) e forte (++/+++). A positividade global para Fb nas cÃlulas RS e suas variantes foi de 85,2% (46/54), freqÃÃncia igual a da positividade global da amostra para o CD15. O padrÃo de marcaÃÃo Fbg foi o mais freqÃente aparecendo em 91,3% (42/46) dos casos positivos (p=0,008). NÃo foi observada associaÃÃo estatisticamente significante entre a marcaÃÃo pela frutalina e os dados clÃnicos e de estadiamento; resposta inicial ao tratamento; subtipo histolÃgico e fenÃtipo do LHc. ConclusÃo: A Fb pode ser utilizada como marcador para cÃlulas RS e variantes. O seu uso, associado ao estudo morfolÃgico, pode ser Ãtil para o diagnÃstico de LHc. Com este nÃmero de casos ainda nÃo foram observadas correlaÃÃes do padrÃo de marcaÃÃo com apresentaÃÃo clÃnica ou fatores oncobiolÃgicos tidos como indicadores de prognÃstico do LHc. Palavras-chave: DoenÃa de Hodgkin, Frutalina, Lectina, HistoquÃmica. / Introduction: Neoplasic transformation is associated with alterations in the composition of cellular carbohydrates, which determine special cellular characteristics, such as behavior, growth, differentiation and adhesivity. Lectins are proteins which have affinity with specific carbohydrates, so they serve as tools in several fields of diagnostic and prognostic investigations on cancer and on metastases. Hodgkinâs Lymphoma (HL) is an heterogenous neoplasia in clinical, biological, and responsive aspects concerning treatment. There is currently an intense search for new markers which can have practical value in predicting HL behavior and prognosis. This study investigates, in cases of HL classical form (CHL) the expression of specific glyconjugates for Artocarpus incisa L (frutalin), a vegetable aD-galactose-binding lectin, in Reed-Sternberg cells (RS) and their variations. Materials and Methods: The study assessed 54 paraffin blocks containing lymphonodes with morphological and immunohistochemical diagnosis for CHL; 31 of the Nodular Esclerosis type (HLNE); 18 of the Mixed Cellularity type (HLMC); 3 of the Inter-folicular type (HLIN); and 2 of the Lymphocyte-rich type (HLLR). Then 3-mm histological cuts were made and fixed to sylated slides and processed through the strep-avidin-biotin-peroxidase technique (strep ABC), using the biotilinated frutalin (Fb) as probe. Cases of thyroidâs papillary carcinoma were considered positive controls; studyâs cutoffs excluding Bf were considered negative ones. Clinical data were obtained through records review. Results: Three positivity patterns have been detected: cytoplasmic (Fbc), membranous (Fbm) and golgian (Fbg) (paranuclear punctiform coloration), which were also classified according to intensity: weak (+) and strong (++/+++). Global positivity for Fb in RS cells was 85.2% (46/54), same frequency as global positivity of CD15 sample. The Fbg marking pattern was the most frequent one, present in 91.3% (42/46) of positive cases (p=0.008). No statistically significant association was observed between frutalin markers, and clinical and stadiament data; initial response to treatment; CHL histological and phenotype subtype. Conclusion: Fb can be used as marker for RS cells and their variations. This use, associated with the morphological study, can be an useful tool for CHL diagnosis. With this number of cases, no correlation between marking pattern and clinical presentation or oncobiological factors that could be considered a prognosis indicator for CHL has been observed so far.

Masters of Science / There is a need for defined models of human nutritional disorders partly because serious misconceptions about models are common amongst researchers. Historically a large variety of species has been used including primates, pigs, rats, lagomorphs. Advantages various small carnivores and and disadvantages are not well known and availability is a major factor. In 1753 John Hunter used pigs to study bone growth in one of the first scientifically controlled nutrition experiments (Kobler 1960). Rats were most likely the first animals to be bred specifically for scientific purposes and there is evidence that they were used in nutrition experiments during the late eighteenth century (Kobler 1960). Experience with carcinogenesis in animals has shown the great diversity of results which may possibly be obtained from different species (Lave et al. 1988). This is pertinent to nutritional research as there is an established link between diet and cancer. The selection of a suitable substitute to attempt to model possible human response to a variety of procedures is dependent upon criteria among which the following are possibly the more important. Availability; this is of great importance in Southern Africa where the cost of importation of exotic species. must be taken into account. Du Plessis (1981) referred to the fact that our indigenous primates were a valuable resource. A second consideration must be the cost the selected animal in a scientifically acceptable environment. Keeping animals of maintaining and ethically for research purposes in an uncontrolled environment could well lead to erroneous conclusions being made. Thirdly the cost of a research program in which animals are used may be increased if there is insufficient knowledge of the model selected. A paucity of knowledge available about an animal may affect the viability of an experiment. The need for precise information regarding the effects of extended term dietary supplementation of experimental animals has been noted by Fincham et. al. (1987) . Additionally the selected animal should preferably have similar dietary requirements to man, and have a life span which will enable extended term investigations.