Prevalence and factors associated with overweight and obesity in dogs presenting to French university veterinary teaching hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Pet obesity is still a major health issue, which is considered an epidemic by some researchers. Prevention is one of the cornerstones of veterinary care, emphasizing the importance of proactive measures. Human lifestyle was affected during the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in an increased overweight prevalence in the population. The prevalence of overweight and obesity in dogs during this period has been poorly explored. This study's objectives were to assess the percentage of the French dog population with overweight and obesity, compare the results with a study conducted before the COVID-19 pandemic, and investigate any potential changes in the risk factors. The study collected data through a survey completed by dog owners during their pets' vaccination visits at university veterinary hospitals of Maisons-Alfort (Paris) and Toulouse, in France, between 2020 and 2022. The veterinarian recorded the dog's weight and the body condition score using a 9-point scale. The study included a total of 309 dogs. Of these, 1.6 % were underweight, 63.1 % had an ideal body condition, and 35.3 % were overweight, including 2.3 % of all dogs classified as obese. During the pandemic, French dog diets shifted towards increased commercial food consumption and twice-daily feedings compared to a 2003 study. Factors positively associated with overweight were being female (OR = 3.55; 95 % CI: 1.65-8.01; P=0.002), being senior (OR=4.91; 95 % CI: 2.07-12.2; P<0.001) or geriatric (OR=5.81; 95 % CI: 2.04-17.0; P=0.001) and having an owner underestimating dog's body condition (OR=74.1; 95 % CI: 29.8-215; P<0.001). Recognizing the impact of owner perception enables early intervention strategies, such as educating owners during consultations and conducting teaching sessions at the clinic. This proactive approach could contribute to improved health outcomes and help prevent the onset of obesity-related issues in dogs. The new trends in dogs' diets may have global relevance due to the pandemic's widespread impact. Although no immediate impact on overweight is evident, ongoing research is crucial to understand the pandemic's long-term effects.

Impact of cigarette smoke and aerobic physical training on histological and molecular markers of prostate health in rats.

Recent evidence suggests that aerobic physical training may attenuate the deleterious effects of cancer risk factors, including smoking. We investigated the effects of cigarette smoke inhalation and aerobic physical training on the expression of steroid receptors and inflammatory and apoptotic proteins in the prostate. Forty male Wistar rats were distributed in four groups: control (CO), exercise (EXE), cigarette smoke exposure (CS), and cigarette smoke exposure with exercise (CS+EXE). For eight weeks, animals were repeatedly exposed to cigarette smoke for 30 min or performed aerobic physical training either with or without the cigarette smoke inhalation protocol. Following these experiments, we analyzed prostate epithelial morphology and prostatic expression of androgen (AR) and glucocorticoid receptors (GR), insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1), B-cell lymphoma-2 (BCL-2), BCL-2-associated X protein (BAX), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) via immunohistochemistry. Cigarette smoke exposure stimulated the expression of AR, IGF-1, BCL-2, and NF-κB while downregulating BAX, IL-6, and TNF-α labeling in the prostate. In contrast, aerobic physical training attenuated cigarette smoke-induced changes in AR, GR, IGF-1, BCL-2, IL-6, TNF-α, and NF-κB. This suggests that cigarette smoke stimulates inflammation and reduces apoptosis, culminating in increased prostatic epithelial and extracellular matrices, whereas physical training promoted beneficial effects towards maintaining normal prostate morphology and protein levels.

Cross-Sectional Study on the Association between Pulmonary Function and Sarcopenia in Brazilian Community-Dwelling Elderly from the Amazon Region.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the obtained and expected values of pulmonary function variables between sarcopenic and non-sarcopenic elderly; verify the association between the pulmonary function and the indicators and diagnosis of sarcopenia; and establish cut-off points for pulmonary function variables to predict sarcopenia. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. LOCATION: Macapá, Brazil. PARTICIPANTS: community-dwelling elderly ≥ 60 years old (n=383), both sexes. MEASURES: Were evaluated according to variables of pulmonary function (spirometry) and sarcopenia, according to the EWGSOP consensus. The association between pulmonary function and sarcopenia was performed using logistic regression and cut-off points established from the ROC Curve. RESULTS: The prevalence of sarcopenia was 12.53% (n = 48). Sarcopenic individuals had significantly lower mean values for FVC, FEV1, FEF25-75% and PEF than non-sarcopenic. After adjustment, spirometric variables were inversely associated with sarcopenia (the increase by one unit of liter in FVC, FEV1 and FEF25-75% decreased the probability of sarcopenia by 59%, 67% and 39%, respectively), and the majority of these variables with the muscular strength indicator. Cut-off points, for elderly men and women, were discriminant criteria for the presence of sarcopenia: FVC (≤2.52 L and ≤1.82 L), FEV1 (≤2.1 L and ≤1.39 L), PEF (≤3.45 L/s and ≤2.93 L/s) and FEF5-75% (≤1.97 L/s and ≤1.74 L/s). CONCLUSIONS: There was loss of pulmonary function in sarcopenic elderly patients and an inverse association with the diagnosis of sarcopenia and its indicators. Cut-off points of pulmonary function variables can be used as a useful tool to discriminate sarcopenia.

Impact of cigarette smoke and aerobic physical training on histological and molecular markers of prostate health in rats

Recent evidence suggests that aerobic physical training may attenuate the deleterious effects of cancer risk factors, including smoking. We investigated the effects of cigarette smoke inhalation and aerobic physical training on the expression of steroid receptors and inflammatory and apoptotic proteins in the prostate. Forty male Wistar rats were distributed in four groups: control (CO), exercise (EXE), cigarette smoke exposure (CS), and cigarette smoke exposure with exercise (CS+EXE). For eight weeks, animals were repeatedly exposed to cigarette smoke for 30 min or performed aerobic physical training either with or without the cigarette smoke inhalation protocol. Following these experiments, we analyzed prostate epithelial morphology and prostatic expression of androgen (AR) and glucocorticoid receptors (GR), insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1), B-cell lymphoma-2 (BCL-2), BCL-2-associated X protein (BAX), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) via immunohistochemistry. Cigarette smoke exposure stimulated the expression of AR, IGF-1, BCL-2, and NF-κB while downregulating BAX, IL-6, and TNF-α labeling in the prostate. In contrast, aerobic physical training attenuated cigarette smoke-induced changes in AR, GR, IGF-1, BCL-2, IL-6, TNF-α, and NF-κB. This suggests that cigarette smoke stimulates inflammation and reduces apoptosis, culminating in increased prostatic epithelial and extracellular matrices, whereas physical training promoted beneficial effects towards maintaining normal prostate morphology and protein levels.

Parasitism-Mediated Interactions Between the Ring-Legged Earwig and Sugarcane Borer Larvae.

Sugarcane is one of the most economically important crops in Brazil. The damage caused by Diatraea saccharalis (F.) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) results in high costs for its production. Cotesia flavipes Cameron (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) is the most efficient means of controlling this pest. The prohibition of burning and the preservation of soil cover through non-tillage practices increased many population densities of natural enemies of the sugarcane borer (SCB) in sugarcane fields. Euborellia annulipes (Lucas) (Dermaptera: Anisolabididae) is a predator found in sugarcane fields and is associated with predation of SCB. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of parasitism of D. saccharalis by C. flavipes on predation by E. annulipes adult females. For this purpose, fourth instar sugarcane borer larvae were exposed to parasitism over a 5-day period or were not parasitized. Subsequently, the prey was supplied to the predator in arenas under choice and no-choice conditions and under different densities to evaluate the feeding preference over a 12-h period and functional response of the predator over a 24-h period. E. annulipes killed 2-3 fourth instar larvae of the sugarcane borer over a 12-h period. SCB parasitism did not affect the feeding preference of the predator and did not alter the type II functional response. However, the handling time of the predator was lower (1.943 h) and there was a higher T/Th ratio on the non-parasitized larvae (12.352). Our findings indicate E. annulipes as a promising biological control agent of D. saccharalis, with a potential to assist in the sugarcane borer management approaches and could to reduce the costs of parasitoid release in the field.

Spectroscopy as a tool to evaluate hair damage and protection.

OBJECTIVE: Methods that can be used to analyse hair damage and to support a claim of hair protection are important for the cosmetic industry. There are many approaches available, but they are usually laborious and expensive. The researchers propose a simple fluorescence method that is based upon the emissive properties of damaged hair. METHODS: Hair fluorescence was observed when using both fluorimetry and microscopic procedures. The method was developed by comparing native hair with hair that was damaged by UVA and visible light. RESULTS: Spectroscopic properties (absorption and emission) of hair in the visible range are presented. The changes in the emissive properties of hair during irradiation were characterized and they were correlated with photobleaching, which is due to the generation of singlet oxygen. Emissions were also obtained in the hair shafts that had been previously treated with chamomile extract and this treatment was able to avoid hair bleaching. CONCLUSION: The emissive properties of hair in the visible range can be used as a tool for the evaluation of hair damage and protection. This method can be useful as a tool in order to claim substantiation.

Respiratory Muscle Strength as a Discriminator of Sarcopenia in Community-Dwelling Elderly: A Cross-Sectional Study.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the values obtained from maximum respiratory pressures (MRP) between sarcopenic and non-sarcopenic elderly; to verify the association of maximum respiratory pressures with sarcopenia and its indicators; and to establish cut-off points for MRP as a discriminator of sarcopenia. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. LOCATION: Macapá, Brazil. PARTICIPANTS: Community-dwelling elderly ≥ 60 years old, both sexes. MEASURES: Evaluation of respiratory muscle strength (maximal inspiratory pressure - MIP and maximal expiratory pressure - MEP) and sarcopenia, according to the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP), in which the diagnosis of this condition considered the reduction of muscle mass (muscle mass index - MMI) associated with muscle strength reduction (hand grip strength - HGS) and / or impairment in physical performance (gait speed - GS). RESULTS: The sample consisted of 383 elderly individuals, with a mean age of 70.02 ± 7.3 years and a prevalence of sarcopenia of 12.53% (n = 48). Sarcopenic individuals presented significantly lower (obtained, obtained versus predicted) mean values for the maximal respiratory pressures compared to the non-sarcopenic elderly, and these were inversely associated with sarcopenia (an increase by 1 cmH2O in MIP and MEP reduced by 5% and 3%, respectively, the probability of sarcopenia). In relation to the association with the sarcopenia indicators, the increase by 1 cmH2O in MIP and MEP decreased, respectively, the probability of decreasing muscle strength (3% and 2%), GS (3% and 4%) and MMI (3 % - MIP). Cut-off points ≤60 cmH2O and ≤50 cmH2O for MEP and ≤55 cmH2O and ≤45 cmH2O for MEP, respectively for elderly men and women, served as a discriminant criterion for the presence of sarcopenia (area under the ROC curve superior to 0.70). CONCLUSIONS: Elderly patients with sarcopenia had lower MIP and MEP values when compared to non-sarcopenic individuals, and respiratory muscle strength was inversely associated with the diagnosis of sarcopenia and its indicators (HGS, gait speed and MMI). Furthermore, cut-off points for MIP and MEP can be used in clinical practice as discriminators of sarcopenia in community-dwelling elderly.

Organic solvent exposure and contrast sensitivity: comparing men and women.

The goal of this study was to compare the visual contrast sensitivity (CS) of men and women exposed and not exposed to organic solvents. Forty-six volunteers of both genders aged between 18 and 41 years (mean±SD=27.72±6.28) participated. Gas station attendants were exposed to gas containing 46.30 ppm of solvents at a temperature of 304±274.39 K, humidity of 62.25±7.59% and ventilation of 0.69±0.46 m/s (a passive gas chromatography-based sampling method was used considering the microclimate variables). Visual CS was measured via the psychophysical method of two-alternative forced choice using vertical sinusoidal gratings with spatial frequencies of 0.2, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 5.0, 10.0, and 16.0 cpd (cycles per degree) and an average luminance of 34.4 cd/m2. The results showed that visual CS was significantly lower (P<0.05) in the following groups: i) exposed men compared to unexposed men at frequencies of 0.2, 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 cpd; ii) exposed women compared to unexposed women at a frequency of 5.0 cpd; and iii) exposed women compared to exposed men at a frequency of 0.5 cpd, even at exposures below the tolerance limit (300 ppm). These results suggest that the visual CS of exposed men was impaired over a wider range of spatial frequencies than that of exposed women. This difference may have been due to the higher body fat content of women compared to that of men, suggesting that body fat in women can serve as a protective factor against neurotoxic effects.

Randomized controlled trial on mouth rinse and flossing efficacy on interproximal gingivitis and dental plaque.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of an essential oils mouth rinse and dental floss on dental plaque accumulation and gingivitis in interproximal areas. METHODS: With informed consent, a parallel randomized controlled clinical trial was developed with 60 third-year dental hygiene students, randomly divided into two non-blind groups of 30 individuals each. For a period of 2 weeks, one group used an essential oils mouth rinse, according to manufacturer's instructions, and the other group flossed twice a day. Both groups received a toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste for home dental hygiene care. A baseline dental hygiene appointment consisted of tooth scaling, prophylaxis and collection of the study data, using the Lobene modified gingival index; Saxton & Ouderaa gingival bleeding index and the Quigley & Hein modified by Turesky dental plaque index. RESULTS: At baseline, there was no significant difference between the groups for interproximal gingival inflammation (P = .214), gingival bleeding (P = .829) and dental plaque accumulation (P = .860). After 2 weeks of treatment, no significant differences were found between the essential oils mouth rinse and dental flossing for reduction of interproximal gingival inflammation (P = .938) and bleeding (P = .307). Essential oils mouth rinse showed to be significantly better than dental flossing in reducing interproximal dental plaque accumulation (P = .006). CONCLUSION: The use of an essential oils mouth rinse may be advised, as a complement, for patients unable to floss effectively, as it is more effective in reducing interproximal dental plaque accumulation than dental floss.

Diallel and prediction (REML/BLUP) for yield components in intervarietal maize hybrids.

Genetic improvement is essential to achieve increments in maize (Zea mays L.) grain yield components. It may be obtained through crosses, which enable to exploit the effects of intervarietal heterosis, allelic complementarity, as well as gene actions and effects. This study estimated the components of variance and genetic parameters (REML/BLUP) of an intervarietal diallel to select and predict the best genotypes for maize yield components. The experimental design was randomized blocks containing 60 intervarietal maize hybrids arranged in three repetitions. They were obtained through intervarietal crosses and evaluated in a diallel scheme, where 14 open-pollinated varieties were designated as parentals. Thus, 10 crosses were performed for each hybrid combination to obtain the number of seeds necessary for the competition test. The measured traits were: grain volume relative index, the mass of one hundred grains, and grain yield. The male parents and the additive genetic fraction were determinants for grain volume relative index. Mass of one hundred grains and grain yield were defined by the specific combining ability, and female parents revealed low narrow sense heritability. The female parent Taquarão and male parent Argentino Amarelo presented the best general combining abilities for the measured traits. The specific combining abilities were expressed for crosses AL 25 x Dente de Ouro Roxo, AL 25 x BRS Pampeano, and Taquarão x Argentino Branco. Genetic estimates and predictions were consistent and applicable to breeding programs and could be applied in future quantitative genetic studies of maize.

Reproductive biology of Syzygiella rubricaulis (Nees) Steph. (Adelanthaceae, Marchantiophyta), a liverwort disjunctly distributed in high-altitude Neotropical mountains.

Syzygiella rubricaulis is a dioecious leafy liverwort disjunctly distributed and restricted to high-altitude mountains in the Neotropics and the Azores. This study is part of a larger project examining the phylogeography of S. rubricaulis in the Neotropics, and our main goals were to understand its reproductive biology, where sex expression occurs, if vegetative propagules are frequently found, how the sexes are distributed in populations, how frequently sporophytes are formed and what environmental conditions influence sexual expression. S. rubricaulis patches are mostly female, but all patches also contain non sex-expressing shoots. Out of 42 patches examined, 29 (69%) were sex-expressing: 25 were unisexual (21 female and four male) and four of mixed sex (two male-biased and two unbiased). At shoot level, out of 4200 shoots 18% were female and 7% male; among sex-expressing shoots, 73% were female, representing a sex ratio of 0.8 (female-biased). We encountered a total of 33 sporophytes in six patches (in Brazil, Venezuela and Ecuador). Leaf regenerants were found in one patch in Mexico. Low rates of sporophytes were likely related to low frequencies of male shoots and large distances between the sexes. As 25% of S. rubricaulis shoots expressed sex (occasionally producing sporophytes), we suggest that short-distance (and rarely long-distance) spore dispersal events occur in mountainous areas on a short-term basis. On a long-term basis, however, these events likely contribute to dynamic exchanges among populations in the Neotropics.

A comparative effect of mouthwashes with different alcohol concentrations on surface hardness, sorption and solubility of composite resins.

UNLABELLED: The longevity and durability of composite resins are influenced by the actions of water, saliva, drinks, food and features of the oral environment. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of mouthwashes containing alcohol on the surface hardness, sorption and solubility of composite resins. METHODS: Disc-shaped specimens were prepared with two composite resins Z250 (Z2) and Z350XT (Z3). Measurements of Vickers hardness were performed before and after immersion in Plax, PerioGard, Listerine, ethanol and distilled water for 12 h at 37°C, followed by a further 12 h at 37°C in artificial saliva. Sorption and solubility were performed according to ISO 4049. Data were analysed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey tests (α=0.05). RESULTS: None of the mouthwashes significantly reduced the hardness of the resin Z2 (p>0.05). The greatest change in resin Z3 hardness was produced by PerioGard (p<0.01). Plax produced the lowest changes in the sorption and solubility of resins Z2 and Z3 (p<0.01), followed by Listerine and PerioGard. CONCLUSIONS: The sorption and solubility properties of the composite resins were more altered by mouthwashes than the surface hardness.

Acute effect of alcohol intake on sine-wave Cartesian and polar contrast sensitivity functions

The aim of this study was to assess contrast sensitivity for angular frequency stimuli as well as for sine-wave gratings in adults under the effect of acute ingestion of alcohol. We measured the contrast sensitivity function (CSF) for gratings of 0.25, 1.25, 2.5, 4, 10, and 20 cycles per degree of visual angle (cpd) as well as for angular frequency stimuli of 1, 2, 4, 24, 48, and 96 cycles/360°. Twenty adults free of ocular diseases, with normal or corrected-to-normal visual acuity, and no history of alcoholism were enrolled in two experimental groups: 1) no alcohol intake (control group) and 2) alcohol ingestion (experimental group). The average concentration of alcohol in the experimental group was set to about 0.08%. We used a paradigm involving a forced-choice method. Maximum sensitivity to contrast for sine-wave gratings in the two groups occurred at 4 cpd sine-wave gratings and at 24 and 48 cycles/360° for angular frequency stimuli. Significant changes in contrast sensitivity were observed after alcohol intake compared with the control condition at spatial frequency of 4 cpd and 1, 24, and 48 cycles/360° for angular frequency stimuli. Alcohol intake seems to affect the processing of sine-wave gratings at maximum sensitivity and at the low and high frequency ends for angular frequency stimuli, both under photopic luminance conditions.

Fish and apoptosis: molecules and pathways.

Apoptosis is a genetically controlled and evolutionarily conserved form of active cell death, albeit with an increase in complexity with continuing development. A high conservation at the functional and molecular level has been described between the players of the apoptotic machinery in invertebrates (Caenorhabditis elegans and Drosophila) and mammals. However, fish represent an excellent and advantageous model for the study of vertebrate development and disease, bridging the gap between the C. elegans/Drosophila and mouse/human models. Moreover, contrary to C. elegans and Drosophila, fish can be used for studying the development and function of vertebrate-specific organs and have a fully developed immune system similar to that of mammals. Last but not less important, both the environment and human health will obviously gain by using the knowledge generated through the use of fish models, for developing better prophylactic and therapeutic measures with impact on the aquaculture industry. In the present article, structural and functional data on the most important apoptosis related molecules, namely death-receptor, Bcl-2 and caspase families, and mechanisms are reviewed. The data point to the existence in fish of apoptotic pathways equivalent to those of mammals, making fish useful animal models for studying apoptosis, which may have great applicability for the advance of the knowledge on the role of apoptotic cell death in human apoptosis-related disorders as well as in pharmaceutical design.

Fish and apoptosis: studies in disease and pharmaceutical design.

The relevance of fish research has been rising due to the expansion of aquaculture and to the increasing use of fish as replacements for mammals in the study of human physiological and pathological issues. Fish have much smaller genomes compared to mammals, and zebrafish, fugu, medaka and spotted green puffer fish have the sequence of their genomes completed or near completion. Fish have several of the virtues of Drosophila melanogaster and Caenorhabditis elegans for apoptosis research, but offer additional advantages because they are vertebrates and have a developed immune system and apoptotic pathways similar to those of mammals. Many phenotypes in the zebrafish resemble human diseases and this fish has been increasingly used in pharmaceutical design of apoptosis modulating drugs. The roles of microRNAs, bcl-2, p53, insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-3, and cellular apoptosis susceptibility (CAS) and c-Myc genes (involved in the interaction apoptosis/cancer), and Abeta peptides, presenilin enhancer 2, cyclin-dependent kinase 5 and tau (factors with relevant roles in apoptosis-associated human neurodegenerative disorders), have also been successfully investigated in fish models. Results of research with fish that have advanced the knowledge on the participation of apoptosis in viral infections and of apoptosis and secondary necrosis in bacterial infections are also reviewed. It is expectable that the use of fish for research on apoptosis-related issues relevant for human physiology and pathology and for the design of apoptosis-modulating drugs will continue to increase.

Morphometry and Histochemistry of the Rectus abdominis Muscle Fibers of Tufted Capuchin Monkeys (Cebus apella Linnaeus, 1758) / Morfometría e Histoquímica de las Fibras del Músculo Recto del Abdomen del Mono Capuchino Almohadillado (Cebus apella Linnaeus, 1758)

The phylogenetic proximity of primates to humans, along with their behavioral, biochemical, and anatomical similarities, make such animals more interesting experimental models for biomedical researches, as compared to classical laboratory animals. Another aspect that has called the attention of researchers is the differentiated quadrupedalism present in some primates. The tufted capuchin monkey uses the ground and tree branches as its support for locomotion, showing various postures while performing this task. On the basis of this information, we have decided to study the rectus abdominis muscle of the tufted capuchin monkey, with the following goals: the frequency and area of fiber types; its possible compartmentalization; and identify if this muscle is better adapted to phasic or postural activities. To do this, samples were removed from 4 regions of the rectus abdominis muscle of 6 adult male tufted capuchin monkeys, and were submitted to reaction with m-ATPase, (with alkaline and acid pre-incubation), NADH, and H.E.. Results showed: a statistically significant difference (P<0.05) for both frequency and area, between fiber types FG and FOG and FG and SO, but did not show a statistically significant difference between fibers FOG and SO, in all studied regions; similarity in frequency and area of a same fiber type (FG, FOG, and SO) among the studied regions. Based on these data, it was concluded that: the rectus abdominis muscle of the tufted capuchin monkey does not show fiber compartmentalization, since the distribution and size patterns of the different fiber types are similar in the studied regions; there is a predominance of fast twitch fibers (FG + FOG) over slow twitch fibers (SO), for frequency and area, which characterizes the muscle as being more dedicated to phasic than to postural activities.

La proximidad filogenética y las semejanzas de comportamiento, bioquímicos y anatómicos, de los primates con los humanos convierten a estos animales en modelos experimentales más interesantes para las investigaciones biomédicas, que los animales clásicos de laboratorio. Otro aspecto que ha llamado la atención de los investigadores es el movimiento cuádruple diferente que presentan algunos primates. El macado clavo se traslada usando como apoyo el suelo y las ramas de los árboles, presentando posturas variadas en la ejecución de esas tareas. En base a estas informaciones se resolvió estudiar el músculo recto del abdomen del macaco-clavo, con los siguientes objetivos: observar la frecuencia y el área de los tipos de fibras de este músculo; observar posibles diferencias entre e1las y sus regiones media proximal y distal; y su participación en la locomoción de este animal. Para ello, fueron retiradas 4 muestras de 4 regiones del músculo recto del abdomen, de 6 macacos-clavos machos adultos, que fueron sometidos a las reacciones de m-ATPasa (previa incubaciones alcalina y ácida), NADH y HE. Los resultados mostraron: diferencias estadísticamente significativas (p<0,05) tanto en la frecuencia como en el área, entre las fibras del tipo FG y FOG y FG y SO, pero no presentaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre las fibras FOG y SO, en todas las regiones estudiadas. Basándome en estos datos, se concluye que el músculo recto del abdomen del macaco-clavo no presenta división de sus fibras, pues los patrones de distribución y tamaño de los diferentes tipo de de fibras son semejantes en las regiones estudiadas con predominio de las fibras de contracción rápida (FG + FOG) sobre aquellas de contracción lenta (SO), tanto en la frecuencia como en el área, caracterizándolo como un músculo más adaptado para las actividades sutiles que posturales.

Update on bacterial vaccines: Photobacterium damselae subsp. piscicida.

Photobacterium damselae subsp. piscicida is the causative agent of pasteurellosis in wild and farmed marine fish worldwide. Although serologically homogeneous, recent molecular advances have led to the discovery of distinct genetic clades, depending on geographical origin. Further details of the strategies for host colonisation have arisen including information on the role of capsule, susceptibility to oxidative stress, confirmation of intracellular survival in host epithelial cells, and induced apoptosis of host macrophages. This improved understanding has given rise to new ideas and advances in vaccine technologies, which are reviewed in this paper.

Herbimycin A induces sympathetic neuron survival and protects against hypoxia.

We have examined how herbimycin affects the survival and neuritogenesis of avian sympathetic neurons. Herbimycin promoted sympathetic neuron survival and neuritogenesis. At higher concentrations (> or = 100 ng/ml), herbimycin still enhanced neuron survival but blocked neuritogenesis. Addition of herbimycin (10-30 ng/ml) to neurons cultured in the presence of NGF or retinal conditioned medium altered neuronal morphology, with an increase in the number of neurites. Addition of NGF during hypoxia rescued 52% of the neurons compared to 14% survival in control conditions. Herbimycin alone rescued about 50% of the neurons. In the presence of NGF and 100 ng/ml herbimycin, 81% of the neurons survived hypoxia. Our results show that herbimycin promotes survival of chick sympathetic neurons and potentiates the effects of NGF.