Remembering your A, B, C's: Alzheimer's disease and ABCA1

The function of ATP binding cassette protein A1 (ABCA1) is central to cholesterol mobilization. Reduced ABCA1 expression or activity is implicated in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other disorders. Therapeutic approaches to boost ABCA1 activity have yet to be translated successfully to the clinic. The risk factors for AD development and progression, including comorbid disorders such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, highlight the intersection of cholesterol transport and inflammation. Upregulation of ABCA1 can positively impact APOE lipidation, insulin sensitivity, peripheral vascular and blood-brain barrier integrity, and anti-inflammatory signaling. Various strategies towards ABCA1-boosting compounds have been described, with a bias toward nuclear hormone receptor (NHR) agonists. These agonists display beneficial preclinical effects; however, important side effects have limited development. In particular, ligands that bind liver X receptor (LXR), the primary NHR that controls ABCA1 expression, have shown positive effects in AD mouse models; however, lipogenesis and unwanted increases in triglyceride production are often observed. The longstanding approach, focusing on LXRβ vs. LXRα selectivity, is over-simplistic and has failed. Novel approaches such as phenotypic screening may lead to small molecule NHR modulators that elevate ABCA1 function without inducing lipogenesis and are clinically translatable.

Questionário de Necessidade de Emoções (NAQ-S): Validade de Construto, Invariância e Fidedignidade / Need for Affect Questionnaire (NAQ-S): Construct Validity, Invariance and Reliability / Cuestionario de Necesidad de Emóciones (NAQ-S): Validez de Constructo, Invariancia y Fiabilidad

Dois estudos (N = 457) examinaram as propriedades psicométricas da versão reduzida do Questionário de Necessidade de Emoções (Need for Affect Questionnaire: NAQ-S) no contexto brasileiro. No primeiro estudo, uma análise de componentes principais indicou uma estrutura bifatorial, com cinco itens cada: aproximação (α = 0,70) e evitação (α = 0,75). Confirmou-se essa estrutura no segundo estudo (GFI = 0,92; CFI = 0,90), mostrando-se invariante quanto ao sexo. Para verificar os correlatos do NAQ-S, utilizou-se, nos dois estudos, medidas que visam avaliar os valores humanos, a solidão e a necessidade de pertença, além dos cinco fatores da personalidade no segundo estudo. Os resultados demonstraram que uma maior necessidade de emoção foi associada com maior extroversão, maiores escores em valores de experimentação e interativos, e escores mais baixos de solidão. Os estudos apresentam suporte de validade do NAQ-S no Brasil, mostrando sua utilidade para fins de pesquisa.(AU)

Two studies (N=457) examined the psychometric properties of the short version of the Need for Affect Questionnaire (NAQS) in the Brazilian context. In the first study, a principal components analysis indicated a two-factor structure, with five items each: approach (α= .70) and avoidance (α= .75). This structure was confirmed in the second study (GFI= .92; CFI= .90), and it was invariant across gender. To verify the correlates of NAQ-S, we used measures to evaluate the human values, loneliness and need to belong in both studies, besides the five personality factors in the second study. The results showed that higher need for affect was associated with higher extraversion, higher scores in excitement and interactive values, and with lower loneliness scores. The studies support the validity of the NAQ-S in Brazil, showing its usefulness for research purposes.(AU)

Dos estudios (N=457) examinaron las propriedades psicométricas de la versión reducida del Cuestionario de Necesidad de Emociones (Need for Affect Questionnaire; NAQ-S) en el contexto brasileño. En el primer estudio, un análisis de componentes principales indicó una estructura bifactorial, con cinco ítems cada una: aproximación (α = .70) y evitación (α = .75). Se confirmo esta estructura en el segundo estudio (GFI=.92; FCI=.90), mostrándose invariable con relación al sexo. Para verificar las correlaciones del NAQ-S, fue utilizado en ambos estudios medidas que tienden a evaluar los valores humanos, la soledad y la necesidad de pertenencia, además de evaluarse en el segundo estudio los cinco factores de personalidad. Los resultados mostraron que una mayor necesidad de emoción, fue asociada con mayor extraversión, con resultados mayores en valores de experimentación e interactivos, y resultados más bajos de soledad. Los estudios presentan apoyo de validez del NAQ-S en Brasil, mostrando su utilidad para fines de investigación.(AU)

High Intensity Interval Training Increases Natural Killer Cell Number and Function in Obese Breast Cancer-challenged Mice and Obese Women

High intensity interval training (HIIT) boosts natural killer (NK) cell number and activity in normal weight breast cancer patients; however, whether this occurs in obese individuals is not well established. The goal of this study was to determine whether HIIT effectively boosts NK cells as a therapeutic strategy against breast cancer in an obese mouse model and in overweight/obese women. Diet induced female C57Bl/6 obese mice were assigned to undergo HIIT for four weeks or remain sedentary. Female participants were subjected to a six weeks HIIT protocol. HIIT mice acclimatized to treadmill running were subsequently injected with 5 × 105 polyoma middle T (MT) breast cancer cells intravenously. NK cell number and activation were monitored using flow cytometry, and tumor burden or lipid content evaluated from histological lung and liver tissues, respectively. In both mice and humans, circulating NK cell number and activation (CD3−NK1.1+CD27+ and CD3−CD56+, respectively) markedly increased immediately after HIIT. HIIT obese mice had reduced lung tumor burden compared to controls following MT challenge, and had diminished hepatic lipid deposition despite minimal body weight loss. Our findings demonstrate that HIIT can benefit obese individuals by enhancing NK cell number and activity, reducing tumor burden, and enhancing metabolic health.

Osteoactivin inhibition of osteoclastogenesis is mediated through CD44-ERK signaling

Osteoactivin is a heavily glycosylated protein shown to have a role in bone remodeling. Previous studies from our lab have shown that mutation in Osteoactivin enhances osteoclast differentiation but inhibits their function. To date, a classical receptor and a signaling pathway for Osteoactivin-mediated osteoclast inhibition has not yet been characterized. In this study, we examined the role of Osteoactivin treatment on osteoclastogenesis using bone marrow-derived osteoclast progenitor cells and identify a signaling pathway relating to Osteoactivin function. We reveal that recombinant Osteoactivin treatment inhibited osteoclast differentiation in a dose-dependent manner shown by qPCR, TRAP staining, activity and count. Using several approaches, we show that Osteoactivin binds CD44 in osteoclasts. Furthermore, recombinant Osteoactivin treatment inhibited ERK phosphorylation in a CD44-dependent manner. Finally, we examined the role of Osteoactivin on receptor activator of nuclear factor-κ B ligand (RANKL)-induced osteolysis in vivo. Our data indicate that recombinant Osteoactivin inhibits RANKL-induced osteolysis in vivo and this effect is CD44-dependent. Overall, our data indicate that Osteoactivin is a negative regulator of osteoclastogenesis in vitro and in vivo and that this process is regulated through CD44 and ERK activation.

Cysteine proteases as therapeutic targets: does selectivity matter? A systematic review of calpain and cathepsin inhibitors

Cysteine proteases continue to provide validated targets for treatment of human diseases. In neurodegenerative disorders, multiple cysteine proteases provide targets for enzyme inhibitors, notably caspases, calpains, and cathepsins. The reactive, active-site cysteine provides specificity for many inhibitor designs over other families of proteases, such as aspartate and serine; however, a) inhibitor strategies often use covalent enzyme modification, and b) obtaining selectivity within families of cysteine proteases and their isozymes is problematic. This review provides a general update on strategies for cysteine protease inhibitor design and a focus on cathepsin B and calpain 1 as drug targets for neurodegenerative disorders; the latter focus providing an interesting query for the contemporary assumptions that irreversible, covalent protein modification and low selectivity are anathema to therapeutic safety and efficacy.

History, applications, methodological issues and perspectives for the use environmental DNA (eDNA) in marine and freshwater environments / Historia, aplicaciones, aspectos metodológicos y perspectivas para el uso del ADN ambiental (ADNa) en ecosistemas marinos y de agua dulce

Genetic material (short DNA fragments) left behind by species in nonliving components of the environment (e.g. soil, sediment, or water) is defined as environmental DNA (eDNA). This DNA has been previously described as particulate DNA and has been used to detect and describe microbial communities in marine sediments since the mid-1980’s and phytoplankton communities in the water column since the early-1990’s. More recently, eDNA has been used to monitor invasive or endangered vertebrate and invertebrate species. While there is a steady increase in the applicability of eDNA as a monitoring tool, a variety of eDNA applications are emerging in fields such as forensics, population and community ecology, and taxonomy. This review provides scientist an understanding of the methods underlying eDNA detection as well as applications, key methodological considerations, and emerging areas of interest for its use in ecology and conservation of freshwater and marine environments. Rev. Biol. Trop. 62 (4): 1273-1284. Epub 2014 December 01.

El material genético que liberan los organismos en los componentes no vivos del ecosistema (aire, suelo, agua y sedimentos) recibe el nombre de ADN ambiental (ADNa) (eDNA, por su nombre en inglés). Este ADN previamente definido como ADN particulado ha sido utilizado desde mediados de la década de los ochenta y principios de los noventas para describir la composición de las comunidades microbianas en sedimentos marinos y de comunidades microbianas y fitoplanctónicas en la columna de agua. Recientemente el ADNa es utilizado principalmente para la detección y monitoreo de especies invasoras y en peligro. No obstante, existen múltiples áreas en las que este método puede ser utilizado como por ejemplo en ciencias forenses, ecología de poblaciones y comunidades, y taxonomía. Esta revisión proporciona información sobre esta nueva herramienta molecular, sus actuales y futuras aplicaciones, historia, principales consideraciones metodológicas y áreas emergentes para su uso en ecología y conservación de ambientes marinos y de agua dulce.

Resposta reprodutiva de vacas de corte associada a marcadores moleculares relacionados à fertilidade / Reproductive performance of beef cattle cows associated with molecular markers related to the fertility

O objetivo deste estudo foi buscar associação entre a taxa de prenhez após inseminação e natalidade com marcadores moleculares ligados aos genes do receptor para IGF-1, LHβ, Leptina e receptores do FSH e LH. Utilizaram-se 249 vacas adultas Aberdeen Angus, das quais 199 foram submetidas a protocolos distintos para a IATF, seguida pelo repasse com touros, e 50 vacas formaram o grupo controle representado pelo acasalamento com touros. Foram avaliados o escore de condição corporal (ECC) e o escore de condição ovariana (ECO) ao início da estação reprodutiva. O ECC influenciou a taxa de natalidade, respectivamente de 55,6%, 75,8% e 82,4% (P<0,05) para os animais com ECC menor que 2,5, entre 2,5 a 2,9, e maior ou igual a 3,0, por ocasião da estação reprodutiva. Os marcadores relacionados ao gene do receptor para o IGF-1 (AFZ-1 e HEL5) mostraram associação com a taxa de natalidade. Vacas homozigóticas para o marcador AFZ-1 apresentaram 84,4% de natalidade em comparação às heterozigóticas, com 71,5% (P<0,05). A presença do alelo*161 para o marcador HEL5 foi negativa sobre a natalidade, respectivamente de 33,3% e 76,5% para vacas com e sem esse alelo (P<0,05). Esses resultados demonstram uma importante associação entre os marcadores envolvidos com o receptor para o IGF-1 e desempenho reprodutivo de vacas Angus.

The association between the reproductive performance, expressed by pregnancy rate at fixed timed artificial insemination and birth rate in the subsequent season in beef cows, and molecular markers linked to genes for IGF-1 receptor, LHβ, leptin, and FSH and LH receptors were evaluated. Data from 249 Aberdeen Angus adult cows were used in this study. One hundred and ninety-nine cows were subjected to four different protocols for FTAI, followed by clean-up bulls and 50 cows formed the control group, matted only with bulls for 90 days during the mating season. Body condition score (BCS) and ovarian condition score (OCE) were evaluated at the beginning of the breeding season. The birth rate in the following year was 75.5%, with no treatments influence. The BCS has influenced the birth rate, respectively 55.6%, 75.8% and 82.4% (P<0.05) for animals with BCS less than 2.5; 2.5 to 2.9; and greater than or equal to 3.0, at the beginning of the breeding season. The markers related to IGF-1 receptor gene (AFZ-1 and HEL5) were associated with the birth rate in beef cows. Cows homozygous for AFZ-1 marker showed 84.4% of birth rate, while heterozygous cows showed 71.5% (P <0.05). The presence of allele *161 to the HEL5 marker was negative on birth rate. Cows with this allele had only 33.3% of birth rate, while cows without this allele had 76.5% of birth rate (P <0.05). These results demonstrate a significant association between the markers involved with the IGF-1 receptor and reproductive performance of Aberdeen Angus beef cows.

American Society of Plastic Surgeons and Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons Society Leadership Meeting

No abstract available.

Retardo da realização da IATF sobre o desempenho reprodutivo na estação de acasalamento de vacas de corte lactantes / Delay of beginning to FTAI on reproductive performance during to mating season of beef lactating cows

Compararam-se efeitos de diferentes protocolos para a IATF com o acasalamento natural (Controle) sobre o desempenho reprodutivo de 249 vacas Aberdeen Angus, distribuídas em cinco grupos: Controle (n=50); Crestar 2º uso (n=64); OvSynch (n=65); Primer 1ºuso (n=35) e Primer 2º uso (n=35). A IATF dos animais dos grupos Crestar 2º uso, OvSynch, e Primer 1º uso foi realizada 27 dias após o início da estação do grupo controle e a IATF do grupo Primer 2º uso ocorreu 38 dias após o início da estação do grupo-controle. A partir de sete dias após a IATF, os animais foram submetidos ao repasse por touros até o término da estação de acasalamento, que foi de 91 dias para o grupo-controle, 64 dias para os grupos Crestar 2º uso, OvSynch e Primer 1º uso e de 53 dias para o grupo Primer 2º uso. A taxa de gestação ao final da estação de acasalamento não se diferenciou entre os grupos (P>0,05), sendo de 85,9%; 83,1%; 82,9%; 88,6% e 80,0%, respectivamente, para Crestar 2º uso; OvSynch; Primer 1º uso; Primer 2º uso e Controle. A taxa de parição resultante da IATF foi de 23,4%; 29,2%; 48,6% e 62,9% para os grupos Crestar 2º uso, OvSynch, Primer 1º uso, Primer 2º uso, respectivamente, com diferença significativa (P<0,05) entre Crestar e Primer 1º e 2º uso. OvSynch não se diferenciou de Crestar e Primer 1º uso. Primer 1º uso não se diferenciou de Primer 2º uso. A perda gestacional, do diagnóstico de gestação ao nascimento, foi de 10,5%. O intervalo de partos estimado (IEP) não apresentou diferenças, com média de 478 dias. O escore de condição corporal (ECC) de fêmeas gestantes ao final da estação reprodutiva foi diferente do de fêmeas não gestantes (controle), mas não dos demais grupos, possivelmente pela influência do tratamento em induzir a ciclicidade dos animais com ECC inferior. O atraso da realização da IATF após 27 ou 38 dias do início da estação de acasalamento não afetou a taxa de gestação final e o IEP dos animais, quando comparado ao acasalamento por touros.

The effects of different FTAI protocols were compared to the natural mating of bulls on the reproductive performance of 249 Aberdeen Angus cows. Five groups were formed: Control (n=50); Crestar 2nd use (n=64); OvSynch (n=65); Primer 1st use (n=35) and Primer 2nd use (n=35). The FTAI of the animals in the Crestar 2nd use, OvSynch and Primer 1st use groups was accomplished 27 days after the beginning of the mating season for the control group and the FTAI in the Primer 2nd use group happened 38 days after the beginning of the mating season of the control group. From seven days after the FTAI cows were exposed to bulls until the end of the mating season. The mating season was of 91 days for the control group, 64 days for the Crestar 2nd use, OvSynch and Primer 1st use groups and 53 days for the Primer 2nd use group. The pregnancy rate at the end of the mating season didn't differ among the groups (P>0.05), being 85.9; 83.1; 82.9; 88.6 and 80.0% respectively, for Crestar 2nd use, OvSynch, Primer 1st use, Primer 2nd use and Control. The birth rate resulting from FTAI was 23.4; 29.2; 48.6 and 62.9% for the Crestar 2nd use, OvSynch, Primer 1st use, Primer 2nd use groups, with significant difference (P<0.05) among Crestar and Primer 1st and 2nd use. OvSynch didn't differ in Crestar and Primer 1st use. Primer 1st use didn't differ from Primer 2nd use. The average reproductive losses between the gestation diagnosis and the birth were10.5%. The estimated calving interval (CI) didn't present differences among the animal groups, with an average of 478 days. The body condition score (BCS) of pregnant cows at the end of the reproductive station differed from BCS of empty cows in the control group, but it didn't differ in the other groups, possibly due to the hormonal treatment influence in inducing the oestrus and ovulation in animals with lower BCS. The delay of the accomplishment of FTAI after 27 or 38 days of the beginning of the mating season didn't affect the final pregnancy rate and CI of the cows, when compared to natural mating.

Obstructive Sleep Apnoea and Obesity

The global obesity epidemic continues to gain momentum; and South Africa is one of those countries with an extremely high prevalence of obesity. The reported association between obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and obesity has resulted in a parallel increase in the incidence of OSA. Obesity and OSA interact by inducing systemic inflammation; metabolic aberrations and endocrine abnormalities; all of which predispose patients to atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. OSA is associated with a pro-inflammatory state; and increased serum C-reactive protein concentrations. Cardiovascular complications of OSA include myocardial infarction; stroke; congestive heart failure; hypertension and cardiac arrhythmias. The complications of OSA and obesity result in reduced quality of life; significant morbidity; and increased mortality; for untreated patients. OSA causes symptoms such as snoring; apnoea; excessive daytime sleepiness; and morning headaches; but 80-90 of patients are never diagnosed; or treated for their condition. Recognition of these symptoms; and referral of patients for a polysomnogram (home- or laboratory-based); expedites the diagnosis and therapy of OSA. While continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) remains the mainstay of therapy; dietary measures are important; and should be implemented. Loss of weight can lead to significant reductions in the apnoea-hypopnoea index (AHI) of patients with OSA; and obese patients with OSA should aim for a 10 reduction in body weight

The function of stilt roots in the growth strategy of Socratea exorrhiza (Arecaceae) at two neotropical sites

Arboreal palms have developed a variety of structural root modifications and systems to adapt to the harsh abiotic conditions of tropical rain forests. Stilt roots have been proposed to serve a number of functions including the facilitation of rapid vertical growth to the canopy and enhanced mechanical stability. To examine whether stilt roots provide these functions, we compared stilt root characteristics of the neotropical palm tree Socratea exorrhiza on sloped (>20º) and flat locations at two lowland neotropical sites. S. exorrhiza (n=80 trees) did not demonstrate differences in number of roots, vertical stilt root height, root cone circumference, root cone volume, or location of roots as related to slope. However, we found positive relationships between allocation to vertical growth and stilt root architecture including root cone circumference, number of roots, and root cone volume. Accordingly, stilt roots may allow S. exorrhiza to increase height and maintain mechanical stability without having to concurrently invest in increased stem diameter and underground root structure. This strategy likely increases the species ability to rapidly exploit light gaps as compared to non-stilt root palms and may also enhance survival as mature trees approach the theoretical limits of their mechanical stability. Rev. Biol. Trop. 55 (3-4): 787-793. Epub 2007 December, 28.

Comparamos características físicas de raíces aéreas de la palmera Socratea exorrhiza en sitios inclinados (pendiente>20º) y sitios planos, en dos lugares neotropicales. S. exorrhiza (n=80 árboles) no muestra diferencias en el número de raíces, la altura vertical de las raíces, la circunferencia y la masa del cono de las raíces, o la posición de las raíces en los sitios con pendiente. Encontramos relaciones positivas entre el crecimiento vertical y la arquitectura de las raíces aéreas, incluso entre el número de raíces, la circunferencia del cono de las raíces, y la masa del cono de las raíces. Es posible que las raíces aéreas permitan a S. exorrhiza crecer en altura y mantener la estabilidad mecánica sin involucrar el diámetro del tallo y la estructura de las raíces subterráneas. Probablemente, esta estrategia incrementa la capacidad de la especie para usar claros de luz rápidamente, en comparación con palmeras carentes de raíces aéreas; posiblemente también exista un incremento en su supervivencia cuando las adultas palmeras se acercan a sus límites de estabilidad mecánica.

Determinación de IgA salival contra la gp120 en pacientes VIH+ y VIH- / Determination of salivary IgA against gp120 in HIV+ and HIV- patients

La producción de inmunoglobulina A (sIgA) es uno de los mecanismos a través de los cuales el sistema inmune humoral protege a las superficies mucosas, inhibiendo la adherencia de patógenos y neutralizando la acción de los virus. Estudios realizados con individuos VIH+ han demostrado que la IgA se une a las glicoproteínas de la envoltura, gp120 ygp41, del virus VIH-1. Objetivo: el propósito de este trabajo fue detectar los niveles de IgA salival contra 50 péptidos que representan la gp120 de la envoltura del virus VIH-1 y están constituidos por secuencias de 20 aminoácidos. Materiales y métodos: se utilizó la técnica de inmunoensayo enzimático (ELISA) con saliva total no estimulada de 24 sujetos, que fueron divididos en 3 grupos: 9 VIH+CD4>200 mm3; 10 VIH+CD4<200 mm3 y 5 VIH-. Los péptidos utilizados cubrieron el espectro de 510 aminoácidos de la gp120. Resultados: los resultados demostraron que los niveles de IgA específica fueron significativamente mayores (p=0.0001) en el grupo VIH+ que en el grupo VIH-. No se observaron diferencias significativas entre los grupos VIH+CD4>200 mm3 y VIH+CD4<200 mm3. No se observó correlación significativa entre el contaje CD+ y las respuestas de IgA. Los péptidos con mayor número de respuestas en el grupo VIH+ correspondieron a las regiones C1, V2 y C3. Conclusiones: los niveles de IgA salival observados en este estudio no mostraron variabilidad en relación con el contaje de células CD4+ y los péptidos que provocaron mayores respuestas de anticuerpos correspondieron a regiones con poca variabilidad sobre la cubierta del virus

Anticuerpos IgA contra escherichia coli en saliva de pacientes con VIH / IgA antibodies to escherichia coli in saliva from patients with HIV infection

Se ha demostrado que el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH) es el agente causal del síndrome de inmunodeficiencia adquirida (SIDA). Este síndrome está caracterizado por la reducción de células T CD4+, lo que conduce a una severa inmunosupresión. Las infecciones oportunistas de las mucosas sugieren la existencia de fallas en el sistema inmune secretor. Nu merosos estudios han demostrado que la inmunoglobulina A secretora (IgAs) es la inmunoglobulina predominante en las secreciones mucosas y está asociada con la resistencia y eliminación de agentes infecciosos a nivel de estas superficies. Escherichia coli es un patógeno gram-negativo que forma parte de la flora normal del tracto intestinal. E. coli es un antígeno no relacionado con el VIH, está presente en todos los sujetos y ha sido posible detectar anticuerpos de IgA en suero y secreciones como la saliva, contra este patógeno. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar los niveles de anticuerpos salivales de IgA contra E. coli en pacientes con infección por VIH en varios estadios de la enfermedad. Se utilizó un ensayo inmunoenzimático (ELISA) para medir los niveles de anticuerpos de IgA contra E. coli en saliva total no estimulada de 53 individuos: 18 VIH (grupo A), 17 VIH+ con cuentas totales de células CD4+ > 200 mm3 (grupo C). Se observó un ligero incremento (p=0.06) de anticuerpos de IgA contra E. coli en la saliva total del grupo C (0.271) sobre el grupo A (0.206) y el grupo B (0.200). Estos resultados indican un ligero incremento en los niveles de anticuerpos de IgA contra E. coli en sujetos VIH+ con cuentas totales de células CD4+ > 200 mm3, sugiriendo una activación policlonal de las células B en sujetos VIH+

Evaluación de los niveles de la adhesina P1 en fimbrias de Streptococcus mutans aisladas de pacientes susceptibles y resistentes a la caries dental / Evaluation of P1 adhesin levels in Streptococcus mutans fimbriae isolated from caries susceptible and caries resistant patients

El objetivo de este trabajo fue la determinación de los niveles de P1 en fimbrias aisladas de S. mutans, provenientes de pacientes susceptibles (CS) y resistentes (CR) a la caries dental. El análisis electroforético de las preparaciones demostró la existencia de 5 bandas mayores migrando a 200, 175, 157, 86 y 66 kDa, tanto en los CR como en los CS. La inmunotransferencia indicó la presencia de las mismas 5 bandas, que fueron reconocidas por el antisuero antifimbria S. mutans. Adicionalmente, la banda de 175 kDa fue reconocida por el anticuerpo anti-P1. El análisis de la inmunotransferencia demostró que los niveles de componentes reactivos con las fimbrias y P1 fueron mayores en los sujetos CS que en los CR. Estos resultados sugieren que las diferencias existentes en la composición de las fimbrias de S. mutans de CS y CR pueden jugar un papel importante en la virulencia de este microorganismo en la caries dental.

Cerovsky: método alternativo para avaliaçäo morfológica de espermatozóides de eqüinos / Cerovsky: an alternative method for the morphological evaluation of equine spermatozoa

Foram corados 39 esfregaços de sêmen eqüino pelo método de Karras modificado e pelo método de Cerovsky. Os esfregaços foram examinados conforme preconizado por KRAUSE (1966), contando-se 200 células por lâmina. A qualidade de coloraçäo foi avaliada subjetivamente e classificada em escala de 0 a 4onde 0 corresponde à impossibilidade de leitura a 4 à ótima nitidez. Na interpretaçäo dos resultados näo foram observadas diferenças significativas (P>0,05) entre as duas técnicas. No entanto, quanto à qualidade do esfregaço, foram obtidos melhores resultados com Cerovsky. Com base nos dados obtidos conclui-se que o método de Cerovsky, além da rápida execuçäo, possibilita uma boa coloraçäo de acrossoma