Survey of coccidia on commercial broiler farms in Colombia: frequency of Eimeria species, anticoccidial sensitivity, and histopathology.

Avian coccidiosis continues to be one of the costliest diseases of commercial poultry. Understanding the epidemiology of Eimeria species in poultry flocks and the resistance profile to common anticoccidials is important to design effective disease prevention and control strategies. This study examined litter samples to estimate the prevalence and distribution of Eimeria species among broiler farms in 4 geographic regions of Colombia. A total of 245 litter samples were collected from 194 broiler farms across representative regions of poultry production between March and August 2019. The litter samples were processed for oocysts enumeration and speciation after sporulation. End-point polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis was conducted to confirm the presence of Eimeria species. Anticoccidial sensitivity was determined with 160 Ross AP males in 5 treatment groups: noninfected, nonmedicated control (NNC), infected, nonmedicated control (INC), infected salinomycin treated (SAL, dose: 66 ppm), infected diclazuril treated (DIC, dose: 1 ppm), and infected methylbenzocuate-Clopidol treated (MET.CLO, dose: 100 ppm), All birds were orally inoculated with 1 × 106 sporulated oocysts using a 1 mL syringe, except for the NNC- group who received 1ml of water.Eimeria spp. were found in 236 (96.3%) out of 245 individual houses, representing 180 (92.8%) out of 194 farms. Eimeria acervulina was the most prevalent species (35.0%) followed by Eimeria tenella (30.9%), Eimeria maxima (20.4%), and other Eimeria spp. (13.6%). However, mixed species infections were common, with the most prevalent combination being mixtures of E. acervulina, E. maxima, E. tenella, and other species in 31.4% of the Eimeria-positive samples. PCR analysis identified E. acervulina, E. maxima, E. tenella, Eimeria necatrix, Eimeria mitis, and Eimeria praecox with variable prevalence across farms and regions. Anticoccidial sensitivity testing of strains of Eimeria isolated from 1 region, no treatment difference (P > 0.05) was observed in final weight (BW), weight gain (BWG) or feed conversion (FCR). For the global resistance index (GI) classified SAL and MET.CLO as good efficacy (85.79 and 85.49, respectively) and DIC as limited efficacy (74.52%). These results demonstrate the ubiquitous nature of Eimeria spp. and identifies the current state of sensitivity to commonly used anticoccidials in a region of poultry importance for Colombia.

Opthalmological sequelae due to paintball injuries: Case studies. / Secuelas oftalmológicas por traumatismo con paintball: estudio de casos.

OBJECTIVE: Describe the ophthalmological sequelae of patients diagnosed with blunt eye injury by paintball. MATERIAL AND METHODS: There were a total 14 cases with a diagnosis of blunt trauma by paintball were treated at the ophthalmology emergency department of the Barraquer Clinic in Bogotá, Colombia. All patients underwent a complete ophthalmological examination with their respective controls according to their outcome. RESULTS: The frequency of eye trauma by paintball was 3.01%. Fourteen eyes were evaluated, age range from 9 to 49 years. Cases were unilateral, 1 woman and 13 men, initial visual acuity less than 20/30 in 12 eyes. Only 5 eyes progressed satisfactorily, and 3 were surgically intervened. The cases that did not show any improvement in visual acuity were related to posterior pole problems, with the most frequent being macular alterations, choroidal rupture, choroidal detachment, retinal tear, and retinal folds. In 3eyes, clinical improvement of visual acuity was evidenced secondary to haemorrhagic processes that resolved with medical treatment. One of them underwent surgical treatment of the lens with an intraocular lens implant. In 2eyes, the visual recovery was very satisfactory and 100% in another. CONCLUSION: Paintball has increased as a sport and recreational activity, where paint projectiles are fired with compressed air weapons. It carries risks of suffering various trauma that can lead to catastrophic episodes, in terms of visual health, and repercussions on the quality of life of those affected.

Genetic Polymorphisms in Cytokine Genes in Colombian Patients with Ocular Toxoplasmosis.

Toxoplasmosis is caused by infection with the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii, which has the capacity to infect all warm-blooded animals worldwide. Toxoplasmosis is a major cause of visual defects in the Colombian population; however, the association between genetic polymorphisms in cytokine genes and susceptibility to ocular toxoplasmosis has not been studied in this population. This work evaluates the associations between polymorphisms in genes coding for the cytokines tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) (rs1799964, rs1800629, rs1799724, rs1800630, and rs361525), interleukin 1ß (IL-1ß) (rs16944, rs1143634, and rs1143627), IL-1α (rs1800587), gamma interferon (IFN-γ) (rs2430561), and IL-10 (rs1800896 and rs1800871) and the presence of ocular toxoplasmosis (OT) in a sample of a Colombian population (61 patients with OT and 116 healthy controls). Genotyping was performed with the "dideoxynucleotide (ddNTP) primer extension" technique. Functional-effect predictions of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were done by using FuncPred. A polymorphism in the IL-10 gene promoter (-1082G/A) was significantly more prevalent in OT patients than in controls (P = 1.93e-08; odds ratio [OR] = 5.27e+03; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.18 to 8.739; Bonferroni correction [BONF] = 3.48e-07). In contrast, haplotype "AG" of the IL-10 gene promoter polymorphisms (rs1800896 and rs1800871) was present at a lower frequency in OT patients (P = 7e-04; OR = 0.10; 95% CI = 0.03 to 0.35). The +874A/T polymorphism of IFN-γ was associated with OT (P = 3.37e-05; OR = 4.2; 95% CI = 2.478 to 7.12; BONF = 6.07e-04). Haplotype "GAG" of the IL-1ß gene promoter polymorphisms (rs1143634, rs1143627, and rs16944) appeared to be significantly associated with OT (P = 0.0494). The IL-10, IFN-γ, and IL-1ß polymorphisms influence the development of OT in the Colombian population.

Comportamiento de malassezia furfur en medios de cultivo con base en los exudados gomosos de spondias dulcis y spondias mombin: producción de lipasa extracelular / Growth of malassezia furfur in media with spondias dulcis and spondias mombin gum exudates: production of extracellular lipase

El desarrollo de las levaduras del género Malassezia requiere condiciones especiales, estos hongos que producen afecciones en la piel, son generalmente cultivados en el medio Dixon. Se ensayaron los exudados gomosos de Spondias dulcis y Spondias mombin como sustratos para Malassezia furfur. Se evaluó también la producción de lipasa. Se determinó la cinética de crecimiento a un determinado intervalo de tiempo (0-168h), y a diferente concentración (0,5; 1%) y pH (4,5; 6,0). La biomasa obtenida para la levadura probada demostró que los sustratos preparados con los exudados gomosos son adecuados para su desarrollo. La mayor actividad de lipasa extracelular se observó al tiempo inicial de estudio (18h) en ambos sustratos, en las condiciones usadas: concentración (0,5 y 1%) y pH(4,5 y 6,0). Estas especies botánicas, ampliamente localizadas en Venezuela, especialmente en los Estados Zulia y Falcón, producen abundante goma. Este hecho, y los resultados obtenidos podrían ser útiles en la obtención de un nuevo sustrato, que pueda competir con el medio Dixon para el aislamiento y la caracterización de especies de Malassezia, y para la producción de lipasa

The development of genus Malassezia yeasts requires special conditions. This fungus, which produces skin diseases, is generally cultivated in the Dixon medium. Gum exudates from Spondias dulcis and Spondias mombin were tested as substrates for Malassezia furfur. Lipase production was also evaluated. The growth kinetic was determined for a given time range (0-168h) at different concentrations (0.5; 1%) and pH levels (4.5; 6.0). The biomass obtained for the tested yeast showed that substrates prepared with S. dulcis and S.mombin gum exudates are suitable for its development. The highest extracellular lipase activity was observed at 18h on both substrates at given concentrations (0.5; 1%) and pH (4.5; 6.0). These botanical species, widely located in Venezuela, especially in the States of Zulia and Falcon, yield abundant gum. Findings may be useful for obtaining new substrates that could compete with the Dixon medium for isolation and characterization of Malassezia species and for lipase production

Colonización por levaduras en piel sana de recien nacidos / Yeast colonization on healthy skin in newborns

En el niño recién nacido la colonización por especies de levaduras puede ser el precursor de una infección clínica. En esta investigación se evaluó la colonización por levaduras en piel de neonatos nacidos a término en las primeras 48 horas del nacimiento. Las muestras de piel, de 100 niños, se tomaron de diferentes regiones anatómicas. Se empleó el método de la impronta con cinta plástica transparente. Se realizó un examen directo con azul de metileno (0,25 por ciento) y se cultivó en los medios Sabouraud Dextrosa Agar y Dixon con antibióticos. La identificación de los aislados se hizo según metodología clásica. Los resultados indican que los neonatos presentaron una colonización por levaduras en un 45 por ciento. Se observó una colonización baja por Malassezia furfur (5 por ciento) y el predominio de Candida parapsilosis (87,9 por ciento). Esta especie de Candida fue aislada en un 54,2 por ciento cuando el nacimiento fue por cesárea y, 33,7 por ciento cuando fue por parto. El alto porcentaje de colonización por C. parapsilosis tanto en los niños nacidos por parto como por cesárea podría deberse a la trasmisión horizontal a partir de las manos del personal de salud que los atiende

In the newborn, colonization by yeast species may be the precursor for a clinical infection. This study assessed yeast colonization on the skin of term infants during the first 48 hours after birth. Skin samples of 100 children were taken from different anatomical regions. The stamp method with transparent plastic tape was used. A direct test with methylene blue (0.25 percent) was made and cultured in Sabouraud dextrose agar and Dixon media with antibiotics. Isolates were identified according to classic methodology. Results indicate that 45 percent of the newborns had yeast colonies. Low colonization by Malassezia furfur (5 percent) and the predominance of Candida parapsilosis (87.9 percent) were observed. This species of Candida was isolated in 54.2 percent of births by caesarean section and 33.7 percent of natural births. The high rate of colonization by C. parapsilosis in children born by caesarean as well as normal delivery could be due to horizontal transmission from the hands of health workers taking care of them

Comparación del crecimiento de Malassezia furfur y Malassezia slooffiae en los medios del exudado gomoso de spondias dulcis y dixon / Comparison of the growth of Malassezia furfur and Malassezia slooffiae on spondias dulcis gum exudate and dixon media

Las levaduras del género Malassezia son hongos que producen afecciones en la piel. El desarrollo de estos microorganismos requiere condiciones especiales. El medio Dixon es generalmente usado para su cultivo. Se ensayo el exudado gomoso de Spondias dulcis como sustrato para Malassezia furfur y Malassezia slooffiae en comparación con el medio Dixon. Se determino la cinética de crecimiento a un determinado rango de tiempo (0-120h), a diferentes concentraciones (1,2 por ciento) y pH (4,0;6,0;7,0). La relativa alta biomasa obtenida para las dos levaduras probadas demostró que el sustrato preparado con el exudado gomoso de S. dulcis es adecuado para su desarrollo. Spondias dulcis especie localizada en Venezuela produce abundante goma. Este hecho, y los resultados obtenidos podría ser útil para preparar un nuevo sustrato que pueda competir con Dixon para el aislamiento y la caracterización de especies de Malassezia.

Malassezia yeasts are fungi that produce skin affections. Growth of these microorganisms requires specific conditions. The Dixon medium has generally been used for their culture and has been tested. The use of Spondias gum as a substrate for Malassezia furfur and Malassezia slooffiae was tried and compared with the Dixon medium. The growth kinetic for a given time range(0-120 h) was determined at different concentrations (1.2 percent) and pH levels (4,0; 6,0;7,0). The relatively high biomass obtained for the two tested yeasts demonstrated that the substrate prepared with S. dulcis gum exudate is suitable for their growth. Spondias dulcis, a species located in Venezuela, yields abundant gum. This fact and the results discussed above indicate that it could be used to prepare a substrate that could compete with Dixon for isolating and characterizing the Malassezia species.

Desarrollo de Aspergillus niger ATCC 11414 en un sustrato con base en la goma de Anacardium occidentale: producción de a-D-galactosidasa / Growth of Aspergillus niger ATCC 11414 in a media with anacardium occidentale gum: production of a-D-galactosidase

Aspergillus niger ATCC 11414 en un medio de cultivo con base en la goma de Anacardium occidentale mostró las características morfológicas (macro-y microscópicas) que permiten su identificación. Se estudiaron varias condiciones de crecimiento en comparación con el medio de referencia Czapeck Dox Agar. El mejor crecimiento del hongo, observado en pH 4,5 y 6,2 y en presencia de iones magnesio, se seleccionó para estudiar la interacción hongo-sustrato, la cual se demostró por la actividad enzimática. La producción de a-D- galactosidasa, está de acuerdo con la presencia de a-D-Galp-(1-6)- Galp en las ramificaciones de la estructura de la goma de A. occidentale y sugiere que la galactosa es usada por el hongo como fuente de carbono. Los resultados muestran que el medio con base en la goma de A. occidentale es adecuado para el crecimiento de A. niger y podría ser útil en aplicación biotecnológica.

Factores predisponentes para la adquisición de candida albicans en el tracto urinario de pacientes adultos hospitalizados en el Hospital Universitario de Maracaibo durante el periodo 1999-2001 / Pre-disposition factors for the acquisition of candida albicans in the urinary tract of adult patients hospitalized in the Maracaibo University Hospital over the period 1999-2001

Con el fin de estudiar los factores que predisponen al paciente para la adquisición de Candida albicans en el tracto urinario, se realizó una investigación de tipo retrospectiva en el Hospital Universitario de Maracaibo durante el período 1999-2001. Para tal fin se tomó una muestra de 53 pacientes: 28 que mostraron la presencia de Candida albicans (Ca+) y 25 que no la mostraron (control), con una edad promedio de 42 años. Las variables estudiadas fueron sexo, tiempo de hospitalización (TH), ingreso a UCI (IU), uso de sonda vesical (SV), tiempo de colocación de sonda vesical (TCSV), uso de antibióticos (UA),tiempo de uso de antibióticos (TUAB) y número de antibióticos (NAB). Los datos se registraron en un instrumento tipo cuestionario. Los análisis estadísticos de los resultados mostraron que en los pacientes Ca+las variables: TH, TCSV, YUAB, NAB, IU y sexo femenino fueron más frecuentes. El análisis discriminante de las variables estudiadas permitió establecer relación estadísticamente significativa con la variables TCSV, TUAB y NAB, aunque esta última variable no tiene influencia en el modelo al analizar la ecuación discriminante. La prueba de Ji-Cuadrada indicó que hubo dependencia entre el sexo femenino, TCSV mayor a 10 días, NAB, mayor o igual a 2, TUAB mayor a 14 días. La remoción temprana de la sonda vesical y el adecuado uso de antibióticos durante la hospitalización, como medios de prevención podrían evitar la adquisición de C. albicans en la orina de pacientes hospitalizados.

Primary bone lymphoma.

Primary bone lymphoma is a rare condition which represents a low percentage of both the malignant primary bone tumours and the non-Hodgkin extranodal lymphoma. This explains the lack of publications, lines of investigations, and specific diagnostic and treatment protocols. In the following article we will carry out a revision of the existing literature on this rare subject, using as argument a clinical case of left femoral location stage IE treated with CHOP chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Occurrence of Citrus leprosis virus in Llanos Orientales, Colombia.

In Colombia, citrus is cultivated in mostly small plantings that total 55,000 ha by approximately 25,000 farmers. Production includes 1,200 tons of fresh fruits and 60 tons of juice for domestic consumption, resulting in a net worth of US$650,000 per year. Most of the production comes from areas located between the Cordillera Occidental and Cordillera Central mountain ranges (departments of Antioquia, Caldas, Quindio, and Risaralda) near coffee plantations. The departments of Meta and Casanare, located at the east plains (Llanos Orientales), include a zone parallel (4 to 5°N, 72 to 74°W) to the east mountain range and generate approximately 10% of the total Colombian citrus production. Suspected citrus leprosis symptoms on leaves and fruits of sweet oranges (Citrus sinensis (L.) Osb.) were first observed by plant pathologists for CORPOICA (Colombian National Agricultural Research Organization) in citrus orchards in Casanare in 2003, and later in 2004, in Meta. To confirm the visual identification, leaves and fruits from Valencia sweet orange exhibiting typical lesions of leprosis were collected from several locations in the departments of Casanare (Yopal, Aguazul) and Meta (Guamal, Villavicencio, and Cumaral). Samples were fixed in cacodylate-buffered paraformaldehyde/glutaraldehyde solution and subsequently processed for examination in thin sections using electron microscopy. Samples were processed and examined at the Citrus Research and Educational Center (CREC) of the University of Florida, Lake Alfred, and the Agricultural College (ESALQ) of the Universidade de São Paulo at Piracicaba, SP, Brazil. Some leaf samples collected in Meta were also dried and used for detection of Citrus leprosis virus, cytoplasmic type (CiLV-C) by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) at the Centro APTA Citros Sylvio Moreira at Cordeirópolis (CAPTACSM). The RT-PCR was performed with primers that specifically amplify a fragment of the viral genome that codes for the putative cell-to-cell movement protein (1). Locations at CREC and ESALQ each observed, using electron microscopy, cell changes characteristic of CiLV-C that include short bacilliform particles in the endoplasmic reticulum and dense, vacuolated, and irregularly shaped viroplasm in the cytoplasm (2) in samples from Casanare and Meta. RT-PCR amplified cDNA fragments of the expected size for samples collected in Meta and one of the amplicons was sequenced (GenBank Accession No. DQ272491). The sequence obtained was found to have 98% nucleotide sequence identity to the Brazilian CiLV-C isolate (GenBank Accession No. AY289190.1). Mites collected from affected plants from the department of Meta were identified at ESALQ as Brevipalpus phoenicis (Geijskes), a known principal vector of CiLV-C (2). These several lines of evidence confirmed that the symptoms observed in sweet oranges at Meta and Casanare are due to the infection by CiLV-C. To our knowledge, this is the first report of this virus in Colombia. References:(1) E. C. Locali et al. Plant Dis. 87:1317, 2003, (2) J. C. V. Rodrigues et al. Exp. Appl. Acarol. 30:161, 2003.

Recombinant human thyrotropin as adjuvant in the treatment of multinodular goiters with radioiodine.

The use of 131I in the treatment of multinodular goiters (MNG) is well established. We evaluated the effect of 30 microCi 131I (1.11 GBq) in 18 patients with MNG with the aid of two injections of 0.1 mg recombinant human TSH (rhTSH), given on d 1 and 2. A dose of 30 microCi 131I was given on d 3. TSH, T3, free T4, and thyroglobulin were measured on d 1, 2, 3, 5, 10, 30, 60, 90, and 180, and antithyroid antibodies were measured on d 1, 30, 90, and 180. Twenty-four-hour 131I uptake measured 1-3 months before rhTSH increased from 12.3 +/- 6.2 to 53.5 +/- 10.9% (P < 0.0001), free T4 from 1.3 +/- 0.2 to peak 3.2 +/- 1.1 ng/dl levels (P < 0.0001), T3 from 113.9 +/- 35.0 to peak 332.2 +/- 123.0 ng/dl levels (P < 0.0001), TSH from 0.76 +/- 0.71 to peak 18.9 +/- 5. 3 mU/liter levels (P < 0.0001), and thyroglobulin from 280.9 +/- 370.0 to peak 1838.5 +/- 1360.7 ng/dl levels (P = 0.001). Painful thyroiditis (33%) and mild thyrotoxicosis (39%) constituted minor side effects. There were no changes in echocardiographic parameters, done before and after rhTSH administration, on d 3. Hypothyroidism developed in 65%. Mean goiter size, measured by computed tomography, decreased from 97.9 +/- 45.4 to 65.5 +/- 47.3 ml (P < 0.0001; reduction: 39 +/- 19%) after 6 months. We conclude that rhTSH is a safe and efficient therapeutic tool in the treatment of MNG allowing the use of outpatient therapeutic 131I doses.

Toxicity of a GM3 cancer vaccine in Macaca fascicularis monkey: a 12-month study.

GM3 is a ganglioside that has been biochemically identified as dominating the cell surface of several human tumours, but is also found on human normal cells at much lower density. Since GM3 is widely distributed in essentially all types of animal cells, there is a conflict with the concepts of tumour-associated antigen, immunogen, and toxicity. We have designed a GM3-based cancer vaccine for the treatment of human breast and melanoma tumours. Prior to the Phase I clinical trial, we carried out a 12-month dose repeated toxicity study in five male Macaca fascicularis monkeys. Four male monkeys were treated with placebo in a similar way. During the study, no differences were observed between control and treated monkeys related to daily clinical observations (other than local damage) including rectal temperature, blood pressure, respiratory and cardiac rates, weight gain, biochemical and hematological parameters (with the exception of transitory pathological changes), and anti-DNA and anti-nuclear antibodies, although treated monkeys consistently developed both IgM- and IgG-specific anti-GM3 antibodies. Sixty per cent of treated monkeys developed moderate local reactions at the injection site, which disappeared without sequels. We concluded that this GM3 cancer vaccine overcame in monkeys the natural tolerance to GM3 ganglioside evidenced by a strong immune response, while the local reactions elicited-were transitory without apparent important systemic toxicity effects.

Recombinant Opc protein from Neisseria meningitidis reconstituted into liposomes elicits opsonic antibodies following immunization.

The reconstitution of recombinant bacterial outer membrane proteins (OMPs) into their native conformations after purification has been the major problem in their use as effective vaccines. Liposomes have been shown to be an attractive approach, providing a native-like environment for these antigens. The meningococcal recombinant Opc (rOpc) protein, produced as inclusion bodies in Escherichia coli, was incorporated into phospholipid vesicles consisting of dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine and cholesterol. The incorporation of rOpc into the lipid bilayer was demonstrated, and the reconstitution of some native epitopes was tested using a set of monoclonal antibodies. Subcutaneous immunization of Balb/c mice with rOpc-containing vesicles resulted in the generation of a high level of specific antibodies. The elicited antibodies reacted with the native meningococcal protein and showed opsonic activity.

A purified GM3 ganglioside conjugated vaccine induces specific, adjuvant-dependent and non-transient antitumour activity against B16 mouse melanoma in vitro and in vivo.

The presence of substantial amounts of GM3 ganglioside on human melanomas and other tumours, together with its peculiar biological properties, makes this glycolipid a unique target for cancer immunotherapy. B16 mouse melanoma expresses GM3 and constitutes an appropriate model for the development of novel GM3-based vaccines. Recently, we hydrophobically incorporated purified GM3 into the outer membrane protein complex from Neisseria meningitidis to form very small size proteoliposomes (GM3/VSSP). We have examined the antitumour properties of GM3/VSSP vaccine and compared it with GM3 incorporated in very low density serum lipoproteins (GM3/VLDL). Immunization with four doses of GM3/VSSP vaccine (120 microg of ganglioside) plus Freund's adjuvant or Montanide ISA 51 significantly increased the overall survival of mice inoculated in the subcutis with 103 B16-F1 cells, whereas the GM3/VLDL immunogen was ineffective. The non-transient character of tumour protection was confirmed in animals surviving the first challenge and re-inoculated with 5 x 103 cells. GM3/VSSP vaccine also reduced the subcutaneous growth of highly aggressive B16-F10 cells. The importance of ganglioside structure in the tumour-protective effect of GM3/VSSP vaccine was confirmed using GM3 containing N-glycolylneuraminic acid, a ganglioside absent in melanoma cells. Immunostaining and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) experiments showed a high specificity of immune sera against GM3 and the presence of all four IgG subclasses, with a preponderance of IgG2b and IgG3. In addition, a strong anti-B16 complement-mediated cytotoxicity was induced by vaccination with GM3/VSSP. The present data indicate the molecular specificity of GM3/VSSP vaccine as well as the adjuvant-dependent and non-transient character of tumour protection in the B16 mouse model. These findings suggest that an appropriate GM3 vaccine may be capable of inducing prolonged tumour protection in melanoma patients.

Exudados gomosos de acacia glomerosa y enterolobium cyclocarpum: sustrato para el cultivo de hongos / Acacia glomerosa and enterolobium cyclocarpum gum exudates: fungi culture substrate

Se evaluó el comportamiento de sincephalastrum racemosum, monoascus ruber y trichophyton mentagrophytes en el medio de cultivo con base en la mezcla de los exudados gomosos de acacia glomerosa y enterolobium cyclocarpum. Estos polímetros nativos están constituidos por galactosa, arabinosa, ramnosa, ácidos urónicos y proteínas y presentan como micronutrientes nitrógeno, calcio y magnesio. se realizaron estudios de la morfología colonial y cultivos en lámina. Las características micromorfológicas que identifican estas especies fúngicas se observaron inequívocamente en el sustrato con base en las gomas; las mismas fueron comparables a las exhibidas en el sustrato de referencia: hojas secas de canna generalis, capacho. El crecimiento y desarrollo de S. racemosum, M. ruber y T. mentagrophytes en la mezcla de los exudados gomosos podría deberse a la capacidad enzimática de estos hongos para utilizar la fuente carbonada de los polímeros usados. Los resultados obtenidos corroboran las bondades de los medios de cultivo con base en exudados gomosos como sustratos idóneos para la identificación de hongos. Este hecho puede tener implicaciones económicas en cuanto estos sustratos compitan con otros medios de cultivo tradicionales

A mouse IgG1 monoclonal antibody specific for N-glycolyl GM3 ganglioside recognized breast and melanoma tumors.

14F7 murine monoclonal antibody (MAb) is an IgG1 immunoglobulin that is generated by immunizing Balb/c mice with GM3(NeuGc) ganglioside hydrophobically conjugated with human very-low-density lipoproteins and in the presence of Freund's adjuvants. 14F7 MAb binds specifically to GM3(NeuGc), whereas neither N-glycolyl or N-acetyl gangliosides, nor a sulfated glycolipid, are recognized as assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay or immunostaining on thin layer chromatograms. Immunohistochemical studies in fresh tumor tissues showed that 14F7 MAb strongly recognized in antigen expressed in human breast and melanoma tumors.

Enhancement of the immune response to poorly immunogenic gangliosides after incorporation into very small size proteoliposomes (VSSP).

Certain gangliosides are tumor-associated antigens that constitute potential targets for cancer immunotherapy. A major drawback in the design of ganglioside-based cancer vaccines, however, is the poor immunogenicity of these glycolipids. Here we report the immunological and physicochemical properties of very small size proteoliposomes (VSSP) obtained by using anionic detergents to incorporate gangliosides into the outer membrane protein complex (OMPC) of N. meningitidis. VSSP of three different gangliosides, GM3, NGcGM3 and GD3, were tested. These gangliosides differ in level of expression in normal tissues and in immunogenicity in different animal species. We show that the immunization with VSSP in an oil adjuvant consistently induced both IgM and IgG anti-ganglioside antibodies. In the mouse, the anti-ganglioside IgG fraction was not restricted to the typical T-independent isotype IgG3. Unexpectedly, significant levels of the T-dependent IgG1, IgG2a and particularly IgG2b were also found. VSSP-mediated enhancement of the immunogenicity was not restricted to the relatively immunogenic ganglioside GD3, satisfactory immune responses against highly tolerated GM3 and NGcGM3 were also obtained. Similar results were achieved in chickens and monkeys. No reactogenicity was observed even when self-gangliosides were used for immunization. VSSP overcame natural tolerance to gangliosides in an adjuvant dependent fashion.

Comportamiento de aspergillus niger en los exudados gomosos de cercidium praecox y cedrela odorata / Behavior of aspergillus niger in the gum exudates of cercium praecox and cedrela odorata

Se estudió el comportamiento de la cepa de aspergillus niger ATCC 11414, en medio de cultivos basados en los exudados gomosos de cercidium praecox y cedrela odorata. Las condiciones óptimas para la preparación de estos medios se determinaron previamente. Se evaluó el crecimiento de la colonia y la biomasa por técnicas específicas. Las características macro y microscópicas observadas para el hongo en estos medios, fueron similares a las exhibidas en sabouraud deztrosa agar. Este comportamiento sugiere que, a. niger produce las enzimas necesarias para hidrolizar los heteropolisacáridos ácidos ("exudados gomosos"). La preparación de los medios ensayados, indujo la autohidrólisis de los polímeros: se liberó preferentemente galactosa, arabinosa y xilosa, sustratos aprovechados como fuente de carbono y energía por este microorganismo.