Repositório RCAAP

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) gastric infection is a main cause of inflammatory changes and gastric cancers. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was finding the effects of curcumin on oxidative stress and histological changes in chronic gastritis associated with H. pylori. METHODS In a randomized clinical trial, patients were divided into two groups: a standard triple therapy group and triple therapy with curcumin group. Endoscopic and histological examinations were measured for all patients before and after 8 weeks. RESULTS Triple therapy with curcumin treatment group significantly decreased malondialdehyde markers, glutathione peroxides and increased total antioxidant capacity of the gastric mucosa at the end of study compared to baseline and triple regimen groups. In addition, the oxidative damage to DNA was significantly decreased in triple therapy with curcumin group at the end of study compared to baseline and compared to triple therapy (P<0.05 for both). Triple therapy group in combination with Curcumin significantly decreased all active, chronic and endoscopic inflammation scores of patients compared to the baseline and triple therapy group (P<0.05 for both). The eradication rate by triple therapy + curcumin was significantly increased compared to triple therapy alone (P<0.05). CONCLUSION Curcumin can be a useful supplement to improve chronic inflammation and prevention of carcinogenic changes in patients with chronic gastritis associated by H. pylori.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND The diagnosis of corrosion cancer should be suspected in patients with corrosive ingestion if after a latent period of negligible symptoms there is development of dysphagia, or poor response to dilatation, or if respiratory symptoms develop in an otherwise stable patient of esophageal stenosis. Narrow Band Imaging detects superficial squamous cell carcinoma more frequently than white-light imaging, and has significantly higher sensitivity and accuracy compared with white-light. OBJECTIVE To determinate the clinical applicability of Narrow Band Imaging versus Lugol´s solution chromendoscopy for detection of early esophageal cancer in patients with caustic/corrosive agent stenosis. METHODS Thirty-eight patients, aged between 28-84 were enrolled and examined by both Narrow Band Imaging and Lugol´s solution chromendoscopy. A 4.9mm diameter endoscope was used facilitating examination of a stenotic area without dilation. Narrow Band Imaging was performed and any lesion detected was marked for later biopsy. Then, Lugol´s solution chromoendoscopy was performed and biopsies were taken at suspicious areas. Patients who had abnormal findings at the routine, Narrow Band Imaging or Lugol´s solution chromoscopy exam had their stenotic ring biopsied. RESULTS We detected nine suspicious lesions with Narrow Band Imaging and 14 with Lugol´s solution chromendoscopy. The sensitivity and specificity of the Narrow Band Imaging was 100% and 80.6%, and with Lugol´s chromoscopy 100% and 66.67%, respectively. Five (13%) suspicious lesions were detected both with Narrow Band Imaging and Lugol’s chromoscopy, two (40%) of these lesions were confirmed carcinoma on histopathological examination. CONCLUSION Narrow Band Imaging is an applicable option to detect and evaluate cancer in patients with caustic /corrosive stenosis compared to the Lugol´s solution chromoscopy.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND Leathery Murdah, Terminalia coriacea (Roxb.) Wight & Arn. from family Combretaceae is used in Ayurveda and Siddha traditional systems of medicine to heal ulcers. OBJECTIVE The present study was conducted to assess the gastroprotective effect and understand the fundamental mechanism of action of Leathery Murdah, Terminalia coriacea (Roxb.) Wight & Arn. Leaf Methanolic Extract. METHODS The test extract was screened for anti-ulcer activity by Aspirin induced ulcerogenesis in pyloric ligation and ethanol induced gastric ulcers at three doses - 125, 250, and 500 mg/kg, p.o. using Ranitidine 50 mg/kg and Misoprostol 100 &#956;g/kg as standard drug in respective models. Seven parameters were carefully examined, that is, ulcer index, total protein, mucin, catalase, malondialdehyde, and superoxide dismutase levels and histopathology. High Performance Liquid Chromatographic - Ultra Violet profiling and Liquid Chromatography - Mass Spectral analysis of crude Terminalia coriacea leaves methanolic extract were carried out as a part of chemical characterization to identify bioactive compounds. RESULTS All the test doses exhibited significant gastroprotective function, particularly the higher doses demonstrated improved action. The results revealed a significant increase in the levels of catalase, superoxide dismutase, and Mucin with reduction in ulcer index, the levels of total protein, and malondialdehyde. Histopathological observations also illustrated the gastroprotective effect of Terminalia coriacea leaves methanolic extract. CONCLUSION Terminalia coriacea leaves methanolic extract exhibited strong anti-oxidant and anti-secretory activities mediated gastroprotection besides inducing the gastric mucosal production. The observed pharmacological response can be attributed to the flavonoidal compounds namely - Quercetin-3-O-rutinoside, Luteolin-7-O-glucoside, Myricetin hexoside, Quercetin-3-O-glucoside, Isorhamnetin-3-O-rhamnosylglucoside and Isorhamnetin-3-O-glucoside identified in the extract for the first time with High Performance Liquid Chromatographic - Ultra Violet and Liquid Chromatography - Mass Spectral analysis.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Mast cells exert a substantial role in gastrointestinal allergic diseases. Therefore, it is reasonable to presume that mast cell may aid diagnosis in eosinophilic gastroenteropathy. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether mast cell count in the esophageal epithelium can discriminate eosinophilic esophagitis, proton-pump inhibitor (PPI)-responsive eosinophilic esophagitis and gastroesophageal reflux esophagitis. METHODS: Retrospectively we reviewed the files of 53 consecutive patients (age: 7.8 years; range: 8-14 years) with definitive diagnose established during clinical follow up in a universitary outpatient clinic as follow: eosinophilic esophagitis (N=23), PPI-responsive eosinophilic esophagitis (N=15) and gastroesophageal reflux esophagitis (N=15). Eosinophil count in the esophageal epithelium in slides stained with H-E was reviewed and immunohistochemistry for mast cell tryptase was performed. RESULTS: Count of eosinophils/high-power field (HPF) higher than 15 were found in 14 out of 15 reflux esophagitis patients. The mean count of eosinophils/HPF was similar in eosinophilic esophagitis patients and in those with PPI-responsive eosinophilic esophagitis (42 and 39 eosinophils/HPF, respectively, P=0.47). Values of mast cell tryptase (+) were higher in eosinophilic esophagitis [median: 25 mast cells/HPF; range (17-43) ] and in PPI-responsive eosinophilic esophagitis patients [25 (16-32) ], compared to reflux esophagitis [4 (2-14) ], P<0.001. There was no difference between the mean count of mast cells/HPF in the esophageal epithelium of eosinophilic esophagitis patients and PPI-responsive eosinophilic esophagitis patients, respectively, 26 and 24 mast cells/HPF, P=0.391. CONCLUSION: Tryptase staining of mast cells differentiates eosinophilic esophagitis from reflux esophagitis.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND Celiac disease is a glutten induced enteropathy. Some authors recommended screening celiac in children with constipation. There are studies to evaluate celiac disease in children with constipation. But most of them included children regardless to treatment failure. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate frequency of elevated anti TTG in children with constipation after failure to improve during 6 week of appropriate treatment of constipation. METHODS In this cross sectional study, 550 children with prolonged constipation were included. Place of study was Pediatric Gastroenterology clinic of Abuzar children’s hospital. Prolonged constipation was defined as a constipation which failed to resolved after 6 weeks of appropriate treatment. Constipation was defined according to ROME III criteria. After parental agreement, 5 mL of blood was obtained. Serum anti TTG level was measure using ELISA method by Orientec kit. Anti TTG>10 was considered positive if IgA was normal. SPSS version 16.0 (Chicago, IL, USA) was used for data analysis. Chi square, t-test, and Mann Whitney test used for data analysis. RESULTS In this study 550 children (m=277, f=273) were included. Mean age of the cases was 6.8±2.9 year. Anti TTG antibody level was 5.8±2.8 unit/mL. Of these case, 42 (7.6%) had positive anti-TTG antibody. Celiac disease was confirmed in 40 cases after histopathology examination. CONCLUSION Anti-TTG was positive in 7.6% children with chronic constipation who failed to respond after 6 week of treatment. Another multicenter study with longer follow up period is recommended.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND Patients that underwent Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG) present with protein-energy malnutrition. Trace elements are required in small quantities and Chromium (Cr) displays a major role in the metabolism. OBJECTIVE This study aims to evaluate Cr levels and its relationship with serum proteins, BMI and underlying diseases during the first 3 months of PEG feeding. METHODS Prospective observational study during 3-months, when PEG was performed (T0), after 4 (T1), and 12 weeks (T3). Initial evaluation included: age, gender, underlying disease, NRS-2002, BMI, serum albumin, transferrin and Cr concentration. At T1 and T3 a blood sample was collected for Cr, albumin and transferrin. A Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy was used to assess Cr. According with the underlying disease, patients were divided into two groups: head and neck cancer (HNC) and neurological dysphagia (ND). All patients were fed with homemade meals. RESULTS A one hundred and twenty-nine patients (80 males), 26-95 years old were studied: HNC-52; ND-77. The observed data included low mean values of BMI from 71 patients; low Cr-8, low albumin-70, low transferrin-85 and 57 with both proteins low. Albumin was associated with survival time ( P =0.024) and there was a significant correlation between albumin and Cr (r=0.217, P =0.012). A good evolution of Cr and proteins values was observed, with no low Cr levels at T3. CONCLUSION Low serum Cr is rare in PEG-patients, with no relationship to other studied parameters. For the minority of patients displaying low Cr before gastrostomy, homemade PEG meals seem to be effective.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND - Variceal bleeding has a high mortality among cirrhotics, and screening with endoscopy is indicated at the diagnosis of cirrhosis. Screening with endoscopy implies discomfort, risks and considerable costs. OBJECTIVE - To evaluate platelet count squared/spleen diameter-aspartate aminotransferase ratio (PS/SA), as a non-invasive predictor of esophageal varices in cirrhotics. METHODS - This cross-sectional study evaluated cirrhotics for PS/SA and presence of esophageal varices. Outpatient records of cirrhotic patients were reviewed for the abovementioned data. Sensitivity, specificity, negative and positive predictive values of PS/SA were calculated. After the univariate analysis, variables with P<0.10 were submitted to a logistic regression. RESULTS - The study included 164 cirrhotics, 59.70% male, with a mean age of 56.7 years. Hepatitis C was the most frequent cause of cirrhosis, being present in 90 patients. Patients were classified as Child-Pugh A in 52.44% and as Child-Pugh B or C in 47.56%. Esophageal varices were present in 72.56% of the patients at endoscopy. PS/SA, with a cutoff of 3x108, had a sensitivity of 95.80% (confidence interval of 95% - 95%CI=0.92-0.99), a specificity of 22.70% (95%CI=0.10-0.35), a positive predictive value of 77.20% (95%CI=0.70-0.84) and a negative predictive value of 66.70% (95%CI=0.42-0.91). In the logistic regression, only platelet count and Child-Pugh score were associated to esophageal varices (P<0.05). CONCLUSION - PS/SA has an excellent sensitivity to predict esophageal varices, allowing almost one fourth of patients without esophageal varices to spare endoscopy. Nevertheless, PS/SA is not independently associated to esophageal varices.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND Constipation is a chronic problem in many patients all over the world. OBJECTIVE - To evaluate the effect of consumption of a probiotic fermented milk beverage containing Bifidobacterium animalis on the symptoms of constipation. METHODS - This randomized, double-blind controlled trial included 49 female patients aged 20 to 50 years and diagnosed with constipation according to the ROME III criteria (Diagnostic Criteria for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders) and the Bristol Stool Form Scale. The patients were randomized into two groups: the intervention group received the probiotic fermented milk beverage and the control group received non-probiotic milk. Participants were instructed to ingest 150 mL of the beverages during 60 days. At the end of this period, patients were assessed again by the ROME III criteria and Bristol scale. The Wilcoxon test was used to evaluate pre and post-intervention results of the ROME III criteria and Bristol scale. The statistical significance level was considered as 5% ( P ≤0.05). RESULTS - The intervention group showed improvement in the following criteria: straining during a bowel movement ( P <0.001), feeling of incomplete evacuation ( P <0.001) and difficulty in passing stool ( P <0.014), in addition to Bristol scale results ( P <0.001). In the control group, improvements were observed in the following criteria: straining during a bowel movement ( P <0.001), feeling of incomplete evacuation ( P <0.001) and difficulty in passing stool ( P <0.025), in addition to Bristol scale results ( P <0.001). No statistically significant post-intervention differences were observed between the two groups for the Rome III criteria and Bristol scale. CONCLUSION - The results show that the consumption of milk resulted in the improvement of constipation symptoms, regardless of the probiotic culture.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND - Gastric polyps are elevated mucosal lesions. Most of them are less than 1 cm and when larger than 2 cm, has a high malignancy probability. The histopathological types are mainly fundic gland polyps, hyperplastic polyps and adenomatous polyps. OBJECTIVE - To evaluate the agreement between three different pathologists in the histopathological diagnosis of 128 biopsied gastric polyps in Digestive Endoscopy Unit from Walter Cantídeo University Hospital, between May 2010 to May 2012. METHODS - To describe the intensity of agreement between observers, we use kappa index that is based on the number of concordant measures between them. RESULTS - There was substantial agreement in the diagnosis of adenoma (kappa=0.799, CI: 0.899-0.698) and fundic glands (kappa=0.655, CI: 0.755-0.555). Regarding to hyperplastic polyps (kappa=0.415, CI: 0.515-0.315) and inflammatory (kappa=0.401, CI: 0.501-0.301), we obtained a moderate agreement. Regarding the presence of Helicobacter pylori in biopsy of the polyp, there was a low agreement (kappa=0.219, CI: 0.319-0.119). CONCLUSION - It is clear that the agreement between pathologists depends on the histological type of the biopsied polyp and this agreement is more substantial in adenoma, or fundic gland polyps.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Protein-calorie malnutrition is common in chronic liver disease (CLD) but adequate clinical tools for nutritional assessment are not defined. OBJECTIVE: In CLD patients, it was aimed: 1. Characterize protein-calorie malnutrition; 2. Compare several clinical, anthropometric and functional tools; 3. Study the association malnutrition/CLD severity and malnutrition/outcome. METHODS: Observational, prospective study. Consecutive CLD ambulatory/hospitalised patients were recruited from 01-03-2012 to 31-08-2012, studied according with age, gender, etiology, alcohol consumption and CLD severity defined by Child-Turcotte-Pugh. Nutritional assessment used subjective global assessment, anthropometry, namely body-mass index (BMI), triceps skinfold, mid upper arm circumference, mid arm muscular circumference and handgrip strength. Patients were followed during two years and survival data was recorded. RESULTS: A total of 130 CLD patients (80 men), aged 22-89 years (mean 60 years) were included. Most suffered from alcoholic cirrhosis (45%). Hospitalised patients presented more severe disease ( P <0.001) and worst nutritional status defined by BMI ( P =0.002), mid upper arm circumference ( P <0.001), mid arm muscular circumference ( P <0.001), triceps skinfold ( P =0.07) and subjective global assessment ( P <0.001). A third presented deficient/low handgrip strength. Alcohol consumption ( P =0.03) and malnutrition detected by BMI ( P =0.03), mid upper arm circumference ( P =0.001), triceps skinfold ( P =0.06), mid arm muscular circumference ( P =0.02) and subjective global assessment ( P <0.001) were associated with CLD severity. From 25 patients deceased during follow-up, 17 patients were severely malnourished according with triceps skinfold. Malnutrition defined by triceps skinfold predicted mortality ( P <0.001). CONCLUSION: Protein-calorie malnutrition is common in CLD patients and alcohol plays an important role. Triceps skinfold is the most efficient anthropometric parameter and is associated with mortality. Nutritional assessment should be considered mandatory in the routine care of CLD patients.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND Ischemia/reperfusion causes organ damage but it is mandatory in hepatic transplantation, trauma and other complex liver surgeries, when Pringle maneuver is applied to minimize bleeding during these procedures. It is well known that liver ischemia/reperfusion leads to microcirculatory disturbance and cellular injury. In this setting hypothermia is known to reduce oxygen demand, lowering intracellular metabolism. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of hypothermia in liver ischemia/reperfusion injury, using a new model of topic isolated liver hypothermia. METHODS We used male Wistar rats weighting about 250 grams, kept in ad libitum feeding regime and randomly divided into two groups of nine animals: 1) Normothermic group, rats were submitted to normothermic ischemia of the median and left hepatic lobes, with subsequent resection of right and caudate lobes during liver reperfusion; and 2) Hypothermic group, rats were submitted to liver ischemia under hypothermia at 10°C. Liver ischemia was performed for 45 minutes. The animals were euthanized 48 hours after liver reperfusion for blood and liver tissue sampling. RESULTS The transaminases analyses showed a significant decrease of AST and ALT in Hypothermic group (P<0.01) compared to Normothermic group (1403±1234 x 454±213 and 730±680 x 271±211 U/L, respectively). Histology showed severe necrosis in 50% and mild necrosis in 50% of cases in Normothermic group, but severe necrosis in 10% and mild or absent necrosis 90% of the cases in hypothermic group. CONCLUSION: A simplified model of liver ischemia/reperfusion that simulates orthotopic liver autotransplantion was demonstrated. Topical hypothermia of isolated hepatic lobules showed liver protection, being a viable and practical method for any kind of in vivo liver preservation study.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND In recent years, especially after the development of sophisticated metagenomic studies, research on the intestinal microbiota has increased, radically transforming our knowledge about the microbiome and its association with health maintenance and disease development in humans. Increasing evidence has shown that a permanent alteration in microbiota composition or function (dysbiosis) can alter immune responses, metabolism, intestinal permeability, and digestive motility, thereby promoting a proinflammatory state. Such alterations can mainly impair the host’s immune and metabolic functions, thus favoring the onset of diseases such as diabetes, obesity, digestive, neurological, autoimmune, and neoplastic diseases. This comprehensive review is a compilation of the available literature on the formation of the complex intestinal ecosystem and its impact on the incidence of diseases such as obesity, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, and digestive neoplasms. CONCLUSION: Alterations in the composition and function of the gastrointestinal microbiota (dysbiosis) have a direct impact on human health and seem to have an important role in the pathogenesis of several gastrointestinal diseases, whether inflammatory, metabolic, or neoplastic ones.

Procurou-se verificar a influência da região e da irrigação na cultura do arroz sôbre a suscetibilidade posterior do grão armazenado ao ataque da traça. Amostras de arroz com casca foram plantadas em quatro regiões diferentes do Estado de São Paulo, em culturas de várzea irrigada e de sequeiro. O produto, armazenado por um ano e meio em ambiente uniforme, foi submetido ao ataque da traça Sitotroga cerealella (Olivier). Foi observado que o local de cultivo do arroz influencia sua suscetibilidade à infestação da traça dos cereais durante o armazenamento. Os resultados mostraram que o arroz cultivado em sequeiro na região de Pindorama foi muito mais atacado pela traça que os cultivados nas outras regiões. O teste de Scheffé mostrou que houve um contraste significativo entre o arroz de várzea de Pindamonhangaba, Campinas e Mococa e o de sequeiro de Pindorama e Campinas, mas não houve diferença significativa entre o arroz de várzea e o de sequeiro de Campinas. O período entre a infestação do arroz em casca, em laboratório, e o início da emergência dos primeiros adultos foi de 23 dias.

São apresentados os resultados de um ensaio de variedades de morangueiro (Fragariahíbridos). Estudaram-se a produção total do ano e a parcial dos dois primeiros meses de colheita, quando é maior o valor do produto. As maiores produções totais foram obtidas com as seguintes variedades: Híbrido IAC-3976, Híbrido IAC-2529, Monte Alegre IAC-3113, Campinas IAC-2712 e Híbrido IAC-2748. Dessas variedades apenas Campinas IAC-2712 e Monte Alegre IAC-3113 deram boas produções precoces. Com relação às características comerciais do produto, como precoci-dade, tamanho, paladar, coloração e firmeza dos frutos, destacaram-se as variedades: Campinas IAC-2712 e Monte Alegre IAC-3113.

Sessenta tipos de tomateiros, entre selvagens e cultivados, foram testados por inoculação mecânica quanto à sua resistência a estirpes do vírus Y comuns em tomatais no Estado de São Paulo. Um nível satisfatório de resistência foi encontrado em L. pimpinellifolium NAV 1062 e numa variedade de tomate originária do Peru (P.I. 126410). Cruzamentos e retrocruzamentos entre L. pimpincllifolium NAV 1062 e P.I. 126410 com a variedade Santa Cruz e entre os dois primeiros tipos resistentes entre si indicaram que o caráter, alto nível de resistência ao vírus Y destes, é condicionado pelo mesmo par de gens recessivos. Progenies resultantes do cruzamento Santa Cruz x P. I. 126410 mostraram-se mais promissoras que as do cruzamento Santa Cruz x Lycopersicon pimpinellifolium NAV 1062. Seleções feitas em gerações avançadas do primeiro cruzamento, seguidas ou não de retrocruzamentos, deram origem a três grupos de linhagens que possuem características comerciais comparáveis às da variedade Santa Cruz e incorporam nível satisfatório de resistência a estirpes do grupo Y comuns em tomatais. Uma delas, denominada Angela, está sendo distribuída a lavradores, em caráter semi-experimental.

São apresentados os resultados de um ensaio de variedades de pimentão, em que, além da produtividade e qualidade do produto, verificou-se a resistência das variedades às viroses que atacam a cultura nas condições do Estado de São Paulo. A variedade Agronômico-8 L 17 I-3944, superou enormemente as demais em produtividade e resistência às enfermidades. Em segundo plano, quanto à produção, situaram-se as variedades: Moura I-3270, Pôrto Rico Wonder I-1799, Casca Grossa I-3187 e Yolo Wonder I-2095, que apresentam diferentes tipos de frutos. As variedades menos produtivas foram: Amarelo I-2065, Mogi das Cruzes I-2199, World Beater I-486 e Yolo Wonder I-2095, que apresentaram sintomas mais severos das enfermidades.

Pedaços de tecidos de tubérculo de batata infetado com o vírus do enrolamento inseridos em plantas-teste adequadas induzem a manifestação de sintomas e oferecem assim um bom teste. Os resultados obtidos com diferentes espécies de planta-teste indicaram que Datura stramonium foi a que mostrou sintomas mais nítidos de infecção em tempo mais curto. O lugar de onde foi retirado o pedaço de tecido usado como inóculo teve influência sôbre o pegamento. Quando retirado da região vascular da extremidade da gema, o pegamento foi de 67,8%; da região vascular da extremidade do estolão, 56,3%, e da região interna, não vascular do tubérculo, 60,0%. A passagem do vírus dos tecidos infetados para as plantas-teste se verificou em 100% dos casos em que houve pegamento, ao se testarem as regiões vasculares da gema e do estolão, e em 8,0% apenas, ao se testar a região interna, não vascular. O tipo de infecção do tubérculo (se enrolamento primário ou secundário) não teve influência na eficiência de transmissão. O teste de enxertia com tecidos do tubérculo pode ser considerado como praticável para fins de determinação da ocorrência do vírus do enrolamento em lotes de batata-semente. Pode também ser aplicado em amostras retiradas antes da colheita.

É apresentado estudo da determinação de cálcio em extratos de solo por espectrofotometria de chama, utilizando o espectrofotômetro Beckman, modelo DU. A composição da chama, as pressões dos gases, as interferências e os métodos para eliminá-las foram estudados. Verificou-se ser imprescindível a eliminação das interferências causadas pelos íons de alumínio, ferro e fosfato nas concentrações que normalmente ocorrem nos solos. A utilização de EDTA a pH 9 apresentou resultados satisfatórios na eliminação dessas interferências quando em concentração 0,01 M na solução em que foi determinado o cálcio.

Fêz-se o estudo do enraizamento de estacas de figueira em cinco épocas sucessivas de plantio, espaçadas de 25 dias, a partir de maio. Para cada época adotaram-se duas profundidades de plantio: 1 - estacas enterradas até 4/5 do seu comprimento; 2 - estacas enterradas pela metade. Os resultados mostraram que em tôdas as épocas as estacas mais profundas enraizaram melhor. As porcentagens de enraizamento das estacas enterradas até 4/5 decresceram à medida que se atrazou a época de plantio: 1.ª - 59,6%; 2.ª - 40,8%; 3.ª - 41,4%; 4.ª - 33,4% e 5.ª - 13,8%.

São relatados os resultados das determinações do poder germinativo de sementes de sete variedades paulistas de algodoeiro, provenientes de ensaios de competição de variedades instalados nos Estados de São Paulo e Paraná, no ano agrícola de 1966/67. Os testes de germinação foram efetuados simultaneamente no Laboratório de Sementes, do Instituto Agronômico do Estado de São Paulo, e no Laboratório Central, da Divisão de Sementes e Mudas, da Secretaria da Agricultura do Estado de São Paulo. Com referência a plântulas normais e plântulas anormais B (infetadas) verificaram-se, conforme o caso, diferenças significativas entre localidades, entre variedades, entre laboratórios e entre substratos, bem como diversas interações envolvendo as variáveis mencionadas.