Orbital angular momentum symmetry in a driven optical parametric oscillator.

We investigate the dynamics of a driven optical parametric oscillator under the injection of orbital angular momentum. The injected mode is adiabatically driven through arbitrary transformations on the Poincaré sphere of first-order paraxial beams. As a result, the down-converted beam conjugated to the seed is shown to follow a path imposed by a nontrivial symmetry on the Poincaré sphere. This symmetry allows controllable distinguishability between the spatial modes of the down-converted beams. In this Letter, we provide convincing experimental evidence of this effect.

Tripartite nonseparability in classical optics.

It is possible to prepare classical optical beams which cannot be characterized by a tensor product of vectors describing each of their degrees of freedom. Here we report the experimental creation of such a nonseparable, tripartite GHZ-like state of path, polarization, and transverse modes of a classical laser beam. We use a Mach-Zehnder interferometer with an additional mirror and other optical elements to perform measurements that violate Mermin's inequality. This demonstration of a classical optical analogue of tripartite entanglement paves the path to novel optical applications inspired by multipartite quantum information protocols.

Topological phase structure of vector vortex beams.

The topological phase acquired by vector vortex optical beams is investigated. Under local unitary operations on their polarization and transverse degrees of freedom, the vector vortices can only acquire discrete geometric phase values, 0 or π, associated with closed paths belonging to different homotopy classes on the SO(3) manifold. These discrete values are demonstrated through interferometric measurements, and the spin-orbit mode separability is associated to the visibility of the interference patterns. The local unitary operations performed on the vector vortices involved both polarization and transverse mode transformations with birefringent wave plates and astigmatic mode converters. The experimental results agree with our theoretical simulations and generalize our previous results obtained with polarization transformations only.

Dynamic medium containing growth differentiation factor-9 and FSH maintains survival and promotes in vitro growth of caprine preantral follicles after long-term in vitro culture.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF-9) and FSH on the in vitro development of caprine preantral follicles cultured for 16 days. Ovarian fragments were cultured in αMEM⁺ (α-minimum essential medium, pH 7.2-7.4, 10 µg mL⁻¹ insulin, 5.5 µg mL⁻¹ transferrin, 5.0 ng mL⁻¹ selenium, 2 mM glutamine, 2 mM hypoxanthine and 1.25 mg mL⁻¹ bovine serum albumin) in the absence or presence of 200 ng mL⁻¹ GDF-9 and/or 50 ng mL⁻¹ FSH added during the first (Days 0-8) and/or second (Days 8-16) half of the culture period. Non-cultured and cultured fragments were processed for histological and ultrastructural analyses. After 16 days, all treatments using GDF-9 or FSH showed higher rates of follicular survival compared with αMEM⁺ alone. Compared with non-cultured control, sequential culture media containing GDF-9 and/or FSH significantly increased the percentage of developing follicles and follicle diameter. Moreover, a progressive increase in oocyte diameter was observed only with sequential culture medium containing GDF-9 until Day 8 followed by FSH (GDF-9/FSH) in the second half of the culture period. After 16 days of culture, ultrastructural analysis confirmed the integrity of follicles cultured in the presence of GDF-9/FSH. In conclusion, a dynamic medium containing GDF-9 and FSH (GDF-9/FSH) maintained follicular integrity and promoted activation of primordial follicles and growth during long-term in vitro culture of goat preantral follicles.

Phenolic compounds and interaction between aminoglycosides and natural products of Lygodium venustum SW against multiresistant bacteria.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this work was to evaluate the interactions between aminoglycosides and the ethyl-acetate fraction of the fern Lygodium venustum SW (EAFLV) METHODS: The ethyl-acetate fraction was obtained from the ethanol extract of L. venustum and was assayed via the checkerboard method associated with aminoglycosides against two bacterial strains multiresistant to antibiotics. RESULTS: The antibiotic activity of all drugs, when associated with the ethyl-acetate fraction, was enhanced in an additive manner, except for the association between EAFLV and amikacin, which showed a synergistic interaction against the Escherichia coli strain. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicated that L. venustum can be a source of secondary metabolites to be used in association with antibiotics like aminoglycosides in antibiotic chemotherapy against resistant bacteria.

A Michelson controlled-not gate with a single-lens astigmatic mode converter.

We propose and demonstrate experimentally a single lens design for an astigmatic mode converter that transforms the transverse mode of paraxial optical beams. As an application, we implement a controlled-not gate based on a Michelson interferometer in which the photon polarization is the control bit and the first order transverse mode is the target. As a further application, we also build a transverse mode parity sorter which can be useful for quantum information processing as a measurement device for the transverse mode qubit.

Reproductive development of Santa Inês rams during the first year of life: body and testis growth, testosterone concentrations, sperm parameters, age at puberty and seminal plasma proteins.

We have investigated the reproductive development of the tropically adapted Santa Inês ram, the most common hair sheep in Brazil. From 8 to 48 weeks of age, 16 animals were evaluated for body and testis growth, semen parameters, testosterone concentrations and seminal plasma proteins, using two-dimensional SDS-PAGE. Animals were weaned at 30 days and kept in feedlots thereafter, receiving hay, concentrate (18% of crude protein) and mineral supplement. Body weight increased from 12.3 +/- 0.7 to 54.3 +/- 1.6 kg between 8 and 48 weeks (p < 0.05), but changes in thoracic perimeter and scrotal circumference were non-significant after 36 weeks (p > 0.05). The percentage of motile sperm increased slowly until 23 weeks and more rapidly after that age, but significant changes in progressive motility occurred after 25 weeks. Presence of abnormal sperm related inversely to age. Most significant changes in sperm concentration occurred between 38 and 44 weeks (0.38 +/- 0.05 to 1.14 +/- 0.24 x 10(9) cells/ml, p < 0.05) and testosterone reached its highest concentrations at 42 weeks, decreasing afterwards. Rams reached puberty at 28.2 +/- 0.8 weeks. The number of protein spots on seminal plasma gels was similar from 15 to 18 weeks (45 and 47 spots; p > 0.05), increased until 24 weeks (141 spots) and 28 weeks (170 spots; p < 0.05) and remained without significant (p > 0.05) changes from 28 to 48 weeks (186 +/- 10 spots). Furthermore, the intensity of selected spots on 2D maps increased (p < 0.05) between 15 and 28 weeks, which preceded or coincided with the main developmental changes in sperm motility and percentage of defective sperm in the ejaculates. These results will support future studies designed to characterize specific seminal plasma proteins whose expression relate to the development of testis, epididymis and accessory sex glands.

Frequency of infectious agents for vaginitis in patients with a cytological diagnosis of atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance.

AIM: To evaluate the presence of infectious agents for vaginitis in patients with ASCUS. METHODS: 33,388 patients who underwent cervical-vaginal cytology from 08/1993 to 05/2002 were included in the study, and 1,104 (3.4%) presented positive ASCUS. The appraised infectious agents were Coccobacilli, Candida sp, Trichomonas vaginalis, and clue cells (Gardnerella vaginalis). RESULTS: In the group with ASCUS a larger frequency of Coccobacilli (22.37%) and Trichomonas vaginalis (5.25%) was found when compared with the group with negative ASCUS (17.79% and 3.98%, respectively; p < 0.05). Cytolysis occurred more frequently in patients with ASCUS (3.8 vs 6.3%, first phase and 4.5 vs 10%, second phase). CONCLUSIONS: We believe that some diagnoses of ASCUS can be induced by the presence of infectious agents for vaginitis, mainly cocci and coccoides. ASCUS occurs more frequently in the first phase of the menstrual cycle, therefore in less acid vaginal pH.

Psychophysiological correlates of cognitive deficits in family caregivers of patients with Alzheimer Disease.

BACKGROUND: The progressive loss of memory and autonomy of Alzheimer's Disease (AD) patients, together with their characteristic behavioral and psychological symptoms, subjects their family caregivers to chronic stress. Several studies indicate that these caregivers are predisposed to cognitive impairments, but the physiological correlates of these alterations remain to be elucidated. OBJECTIVE: Analyze the effects of chronic stress of family caregivers of AD patients on cognition, cortisol/DHEA ratios and BDNF levels and investigate the relation between these variables. EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE: Seventeen family caregivers (64.83 ± 3.64 years) of patients with AD and eighteen non-caregivers (58.29 ± 3.16 years) completed stress, depression and anxiety inventories. Exclusion criteria were current neurological disorders, major unstable medical illnesses, use of medications that could interfere with cognitive or HPA axis function and dementia. Attention, working memory and executive function were assessed with Digit Span and Trail Making tests, and declarative memory was analyzed with the Logical Memory test. Saliva was collected at 8 AM and 10 PM and its cortisol and DHEA levels determined by radioimmunoassay. Serum BDNF levels were measured by sandwich-ELISA. Results were analyzed with independent samples t test, covariance analysis and linear regressions. The statistical significance was set at p<0.05 and all p values were adjusted with Holm's Method. RESULTS: Caregivers showed more stress, depression and anxiety symptoms than non-caregivers, as well as significantly worse performances on attention, working memory and executive function tests. Caregivers also had higher cortisol/DHEA ratios and lower BDNF levels than non-caregivers. Cortisol/DHEA ratios, especially at 10 PM, were negatively related with all cognitive tasks in which caregivers showed impaired performance. On the other hand, the only cognitive task that related with the BDNF level was digit span. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that caregivers' cognitive impairment is related with alterations on cortisol/DHEA ratios, and that chronic stress experienced by these subjects has the potential to alter their BDNF levels.

Impact of growth hormone (GH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) on in vitro canine preantral follicle development and estradiol production.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the effect of different concentrations of growth hormone (GH) on the in vitro development of domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris) preantral follicles in the presence or absence of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). METHODS: Secondary preantral follicles, isolated by microdissection, were cultured in a medium composed of αMEM with bovine serum albumin (BSA), glutamine, hypoxanthine, insulin, transferrin, selenium and ascorbic acid (αMEM(+)-control) added at different concentrations of GH (GH10 ng/ml or GH50 ng/ml) and FSH (GH10+FSH, GH50+FSH). Follicle development was evaluated based on the percentage of intact follicles, antrum formation, follicular diameter, follicular viability using fluorescent markers and estradiol production. RESULTS: GH50 was the only treatment that maintained the same percentage of normal morphologically follicles from day 0 to day 18 of culture (P<0.05). For all treatments, except the control, follicles were viable throughout the 18 days of culture (P<0.05). GH50 supplemented with FSH (GH50+FSH) resulted in the highest average follicular diameter (P<0.05) from day 12 to 18. Follicles from both the control and the GH50+FSH treatment groups actively and increasingly secreted estradiol from day 6 to 18 of culture (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrates that GH benefits the maintenance of follicular morphology in a dose-dependent manner and, in association with FSH, stimulates in vitro follicular growth and estradiol production.

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in the rodent capybara (Hidrochoeris hidrochoeris) from Brazil.

Capybaras (Hidrochoeris hidrochoeris) are 1 of the largest rodents used for meat in South and Central America. Prevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in 149 feral H. hidrochoeris from the state of São Paulo, Brazil, was evaluated using the indirect immunofluorescent antibody test (IFAT) and the modified agglutination test (MAT). Using IFAT, antibodies (>1:16) were found in 104 (69.8%) and with the MAT, antibodies (>1:25) were found in 63 (42.3%) capybaras. This is the first report of prevalence of T. gondii antibodies in this host.

[Triatoma infestans in area under entomological surveillance for Chagas' disease in São Paulo State, Brazil]. / Triatoma infestans em área sob vigilância entomológica para doença de Chagas, Estado de São Paulo, Brasil.

In response to notification of the capture of a winged triatomine bug by local inhabitants, an epidemiological investigation was investigated in the rural area of the Municipality of Paulínia, São Paulo State (Brazil). This led to the collection of 109 specimens of Triatoma infestans from peridomiciliary breeding sites. Local conditions favored colonization by triatomine bugs: many abandoned outbuildings were inhabited by pigeons and sparrows, which meant abundant feed for these bugs. Thus, surveillance is mandatory as long as conditions for triatomine breeding persist. Nevertheless, entomological and serological indicators ruled out immediate concern over vectorial transmission of Chagas' disease in this municipality. All domiciliary units of the region were sprayed with residual-effect insecticides and the triatomine breeding sites were destroyed by the use of mechanical control of bird nests. The importance of reporting the occurrence of triatomine bugs, particularly Triatoma infestans, in this region, is emphasized.

The effects of epidermal growth factor (EGF) on the in vitro development of isolated goat secondary follicles and the relative mRNA expression of EGF, EGF-R, FSH-R and P450 aromatase in cultured follicles.

The effects of varying concentrations of EGF were evaluated in terms of in vitro follicular development and the mRNA expression levels of EGF, EGF-R, FSH-R and P450 aromatase. After 6 days, the addition of 50 ng/mL of EGF to the culture medium increased the antrum formation rates in comparison to cultured control and after 18 days of culture produced oocytes with higher rates of meiosis resumption when compared to the other treatments (P<0.05). The daily follicular growth rates in presence of EGF (50 or 100) were increased in comparison to the cultured control (P<0.05). Treatment with EGF 50 stimulated the expression of EGF mRNA but reduced EGF-R mRNA expression and estradiol secretion as compared to the cultured control (P<0.05). After 18 days of culture, the mRNA levels for FSH-R and P450 aromatase were greater than those of the non-cultured controls (P<0.05). In conclusion, the effects of EGF treatment on the mRNA levels for EGF, EGF-R, FSH-R, and P450 aromatase varied according to the stage of follicle development.

Análise fitoquímica e atividade antifúngica do óleo essencial de folhas de Lippia sidoides Cham. e do Timol contra cepas de Candida spp / Phytochemical analysis and antifungal activity of the essential oil of Lippia sidoides Cham. and of the Thymol against Candida strains

RESUMO A resistência de fungos do gênero Candida aos fármacos químicos tem lançado o desafio de se identificar novas substâncias que possuam atividade antibiótica ou venham a modular o efeito de produtos atualmente usados contra candidíase. O presente estudo avaliou a atividade antifúngica do óleo essencial de Lippia sidoides Cham. e do timol, sobre cepas de Candida. Inicialmente os produtos foram testados frente a 16 cepas fúngicas pela técnica de difusão em meio sólido, o que permitiu selecionar linhagens para continuidade da pesquisa. Com as linhagens de Candida krusei (CK LMBM 01, CK LMBM 02), Candida albicans (CA LM 62) e Candida tropicalis (CT LM 20), procedeu-se, por microdiluição em caldo, a determinação da Concentração Inibitória Mínima (CIM) e em meio sólido, a Concentração Fungicida Mínima (CFM) dos produtos foi identificada. O microcultivo das leveduras em meio empobrecido foi realizado para verificação de alterações morfológicas e, além disso, uma análise da composição química do óleo foi realizada por Cromatografia Gasosa acoplada à espectrometria de massas (CG-EM). Nesta análise, o constituinte majoritário foi o timol (84,95%), seguido de compostos como p-cimeno e Éter metil carvacrol, entre outros. A CIM do óleo essencial de Lippia sidoides Cham. frente às cepas variou entre 64 e 256 μg/mL, enquanto a CIM do timol foi estabelecida entre 32 e 64 μg/mL. A CFM do óleo essencial foi determinada entre 128 e 512 μg/mL e para o timol foram encontrados valores entre 64 e 128 μg/mL. Em relação à análise micromorfológica, verificada nas concentrações de CIM e CIM x 2, o óleo essencial inibiu o dimorfismo das cepas CK 01 e CT 20 na CIM e quando foi ensaiado o timol, este, na CIM, impediu a transição morfológica das cepas CK 01 e CA 62. Uma redução da morfogênese também foi obsevada na cepa CT 20, porém apenas em CIM x 2 e de forma mais discreta. Os resultados enaltecem o potencial antifúngico de L. sidoides e de seu composto majoritário timol tanto no combate à Candida quanto na neutralização de um dos fatores de virulência, a capacidade invasiva por formação de hifas e pseudohifas verificado na condição patogênica da candidíase. Estes dados são promissores e poderão incentivar futuras pesquisas sobre os aspectos fitoquímicos, toxicológicos e farmacológicos tanto do óleo essencial de Lippia sidoides como também de seus componentes químicos.

ABSTRACT The resistance of the Candida against drugs has been a challenge to the discovery of new substances with antimicrobial or modulatory effects that could be used against the cadidiasis. This work evaluated the antifungal activity of the essential oil of Lippia sidoides Cham. and of the Thymol against Candida strains. The products were tested towards 16 strains of Candida using the diffusion method, which allowed to select the strains in order to proceed with the research. The strains of Candida krusei (CK LMBM 01, CK LMBM 02), Candida albicans (CA LM 62) and Candida tropicalis (CT LM 20) were assayed by the microdilution method so that the Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and the Minimal Fungicide Concentration (MFC) could be determined. The morphogenesis of the Candida was evaluated using poor environment in order to observe morphological changes. The composition of the essential oil was determined by GC-MS. The main compound observed was the thymol (84.95%). The MIC of the essential oil of L. sidoides and Thymol ranged between 64 to 256 μg/mL, and between 32 to 64 μg/mL respectively. The MFC of the essential oil and the thymol varied between 128 to 512 μg/mL and 64 to 128 μg/mL respectively. The morphogenesis of different Candida strains was inhibited in the MIC and MICx2 to the essential oil and thymol. The results indicated the antifungal potential of the L. sidoides and of the Thymol due to the inhibition of the invasive capacity, one of the most important virulence factors for the candidiasis` development. These results are promising to new researches about the phytochemical, toxicological and pharmacological aspects of the essential oil of L. sidoides and its phytochemical compounds.

Desempenho de bovinos Tabapuã e seus cruzados em pastagens de braquiária no estado da Bahia / Performance of straightbred and crossbred Tabapuã cattle on brachiaria pasture in Bahia state

Comparou-se o desempenho de bovinos de diferentes grupos genéticos quanto a algumas características produtivas da desmama até o abate. Os dados são referentes a 827 bovinos machos oriundos do cruzamento de vacas Tabapuã com touros Tabapuã (TAB), Red Angus (REDTAB), Santa Gertrudis (STATAB), e das fêmeas TabapuãxRed Angus com touros Santa Gertrudis (STAREDTAB) (nascidos entre 1999 e 2001 e criados em pastagens de braquiária, no Estado da Bahia). Foram analisados o peso à desmama ajustado aos 205 dias (PD205), o peso ao abate (PA), o ganho médio diário da desmama ao abate (GMD) e a idade ao abate (IA). O grupo contemporâneo (GC), o grupo genético (GG) e a interação entre GC e GG influenciaram as características avaliadas (P<0,05). O REDTAB apresentou superioridade entre os GG para GMD no primeiro ano do GC (1GC), com média de 0,552kg (P<0,05). Os cruzados STATAB e STAREDTAB não apresentaram diferenças significativas para as médias de GMD (P>0,05); entretanto, apresentaram médias inferiores às do grupo REDTAB e TAB. Em condição de ambiente mais favorável, o REDTAB pode ser mais precoce, obtendo maior GMD e PA com menor IA, sendo superior ao Tabapuã e aos cruzados da segunda geração (F2). Os cruzados F2 não demonstraram vantagem em relação ao cruzado F1 e à raça pura.

The aim of this study was to compare the different genetic groups performances from weaning to slaughter. The d ata are referred to 827 male calves of Tabapuã c ows crossed with Red Angus (REDTAB) and Santa Gertrudis sires and from Tabapuã x Red Angus cows crossed with Santa Gertrudis sires , born from 1999 to 2001 and raised in Brachiaria pastures, in Bahia state , Brazil. The w eaning weight was adjusted to 205 day s (WW205), slaughter weight (SW ), average daily gain from weaning to slaughter (ADG) and age slaughter (AG), were analyzed. The contemporary group (CG), genetic group (GG) and the interaction between CG and GG influenced the parameters (P<0.05). The REDTAB showed superiority between GG for ADG in 1CG, with an average of 0.522 kg (P<0.05). The cro s sbreed STATAB and STAREDTAB weren 't different to ADG (P>0.05), however, ha d lower averages than REDTAB and TAB. In more favorable environment al conditions, REDTAB s hould get higher ADG and SW and lower AG , being superior than Tabapuã and to the second generation's crossbr ed (F2). The crossbr ed F2 show ed no advantage over F1crossbr ed and straightbred.

Avaliação das potenciais atividades tripanocida e antileishmania do extrato de folhas de Piper arboreum (Piperaceae) e de suas frações / Evaluation of the potential trypanocidal and antileishmanial activities in Piper arboreum (Piperaceae) leaf extract and its fractions

A leishmaniose e a tripanossomíase americana fazem parte de um grupo de doenças tropicais endêmicas, especialmente entre as populações pobres. São consideradas doenças negligenciadas por não despertarem interesse da indústria farmacêutica. Atualmente, a quimioterapia é o único tratamento específico disponível para estas doenças, onde os medicamentos utilizados são nifurtimox e benzonidazol. Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a atividade antiparasitária e citotóxica do extrato bruto etanólico e frações de folhas de Piper arboreum, frente a linhagens de Leishmania brasiliensis e de Trypanosoma cruzi. Após a preparação do extrato etanólico bruto e as suas respectivas frações, testes in vitro foram realizados para avaliar atividade antiparasitária frente a T. cruzi, utilizado o clone epimastigota CL-B5 e contra L.brasiliensis foram utilizadas formas promastigotas. O ensaio de citotoxicidade foi realizado com linhagens de fibroblastos NCTC929. Os resultados indicaram que as amostras apresentaram toxidade elevada, com exceção da fração de acetato de etila. Já os resultados da atividade antiparasitária indicaram uma maior atividade da fração hexânica observando a morte de 62% e 51% de células epimastigotas e de 100% e 92% de células promastigotas, respectivamente. Através dos resultados conclui-se que a P. arboreum pode ser considerada uma fonte alternativa de produtos naturais com atividade contra T. cruzi e L. brasiliensis...

Leishmaniasis and South American trypanosomiasis (Chagas disease) are part of a group of related human diseases endemic in tropical regions, especially among the poor. They are referred to as neglected diseases, because of a lack of interest on the part of the pharmaceutical industry. Today, chemotherapy is the only specific treatment against these diseases, the most frequently used drugs being nifurtimox and benznidazole. The aim of this study was to assess the antiparasitic and cytotoxic activity of the crude ethanolic leaf extract of Piper arboreum and its fractions against strains of Leishmania brasiliensis and Trypanosoma cruzi. After preparing the crude ethanolic extract and fractions, in vitro tests were performed to assay antiparasitic activity against T. cruzi, using the epimastigote clone CL-B5, while against L. brasiliensis, promastigote forms were used. The cytotoxicity assay was performed with a fibroblast cell line, NCTC 929. The results indicate that the samples possessed high toxicity, except for the ethyl acetate fraction. The results for antiparasitic activity showed highest activity in the hexane fraction, which was lethal to 62% and 51% of the epimastigotes and 100% and 92% of the promastigotes, at 500 and 100µg/mL, respectively. From these results, it is concluded that P. arboreum can be considered an alternative source of natural products with activity against T. cruzi and L.brasiliensis...

Topological phase for spin-orbit transformations on a laser beam.

We investigate the topological phase associated with the double connectedness of the SO(3) representation in terms of maximally entangled states. An experimental demonstration is provided in the context of polarization and spatial mode transformations of a laser beam carrying orbital angular momentum. The topological phase is evidenced through interferometric measurements, and a quantitative relationship between the concurrence and the fringes visibility is derived. Both the quantum and the classical regimes were investigated.

Topografia de ligação de proteínas do plasma seminal à membrana de espermatozoides bovinos epididimários e ejaculados / Binding patterns of seminal plasma plasma proteins on bovine epididymal and ejaculated sperm membrane

The present study was designed to investigate the topographical distribution of seminal plasma (SP) proteins on epididymal and ejaculated bovine sperm. Using immunocytochemistry and confocal microscopy the binding patterns of bovine SP proteins BSP-A3, albumin, transferrin, prostaglandin D-synthase (PGDS) and nucleobindin in ejaculated and cauda epididymal sperm from adult bulls were evaluated. Experiments were performed using sperm from 5 males. Data showed a positive signal, only detected for anti-PGDS, in the acrosomal cap of epididymal and ejaculated sperm. In ejaculated sperm, a very weak signal for nucleobindin 2 in the midpiece and equatorial regions was detected, using the anti-rat nucleobindin. BSP-A3 was detected on all sperm regions studied, with a more evidenced signal in acrosome and midpiece. However, no binding was detected for albumin or transferrin in neither epididymal nor ejaculated sperm. In conclusion, PGDS, BSP-A3 and nucleobindin interact directly with bovine sperm, with specific topographic distribution. These findings may add to the knowledge of how these proteins modulate sperm functions, thus providing fundamental support for studies designed to evaluate how they influence sperm functions.

Investigou-se a distribuição topográfica da ligação de proteínas seminais à membrana de espermatozoides bovinos epididimários e ejaculados. Utilizando imunocitoquímica e microscopia confocal, avaliaram-se a topografia de ligação das proteínas BSP-A3, albumina, transferrina, prostaglandina D sintetase (PGDS) e nucleobindina 2 (NUC2) à membrana espermática. Os experimentos foram realizados utilizando espermatozoides de cinco touros. Os resultados mostraram que, para espermatozoides epididimários, somente detectou-se a PGDS na crista do acrossomo. Nos espermatozoides ejaculados, a PGDS ligou-se de forma mais intensa à crista acrossômica, enquanto a NUC2 apresentou sinal bastante fraco na peça intermediária e região equatorial. A BSP-A3 ligou-se a todas as regiões estudadas, de forma mais intensa na peça intermediária e acrossomo. Nenhum sinal foi detectado para albumina ou transferrina, seja em espermatozoides epididimários ou ejaculados. Concluiu-se que PGDS, BSP-A3 e NUC2 interagem diretamente com espermatozoides bovinos, e mostrou distribuição topográfica específica. Estes achados permitem melhor compreensão sobre o papel desempenhado por essas proteínas na regulação da função espermática e da fertilidade.

Congenital cholesteatomas of the cerebellopontine angle.

Thirty cases of congenital cholesteatomas of the cerebellopontine angle (CPA) treated over a period of 20 years are reviewed with regard to their clinical features, the pathophysiology of their symptoms, and their management. The predominant symptoms were related to cranial nerves VII and VIII and headaches. Signs and symptoms were divided into those caused by local involvement of the cholesteatoma, increased intracranial pressure, or both. Diagnostic procedures from invasive procedures such as ventriculography to more sophisticated noninvasive procedures including computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are discussed. The surgical management of 27 congenital cholesteatomas was accomplished via a posterior cranial fossa approach. Total excision of the cholesteatoma was the aim but was carried out in only five (18%) patients because of concern regarding the preservation of nearby neurovascular structures. Partial excision was possible in 22 (82%) patients. To minimize re-formation, the residual cholesteatoma was carefully cauterized with the aid of the operating microscope and bipolar diathermy without damaging surrounding neurovascular structures. Follow-up has ranged from 2 to 15 years, with four (13%) cases of re-formation.