O pelo é uma característica dos mamíferos: na maioria das espécies, juntamente com a pele, a pelagem reveste externamente o corpo, com exceção de algumas regiões bem delimitadas. O pelo do cão e demais mamíferos apresenta formato distinto de acordo com a região do corpo. O estudo da obtenção e caracterização de células-tronco em cães poderá ampliar as possibilidades terapêuticas, mediante a utilização das células indiferenciadas na reparação capilar e lesões da pele e seus anexos. Neste trabalho foram utilizadas amostras de folículo piloso retiradas da região rostral de fetos caninos correspondentes a três fases gestacionais distintas (grupo I= 30 dias de gestação; grupo II= 35 dias de gestação; grupo III= 40 dias de gestação).Estas amostras foram cultivadas em placas de Petri de 75 cm² com 5mL de meio de cultivo DMEM, suplementado com 10% de soro fetal bovino (SFB) e 1% de antibióticos estreptomicina/penicilina. As células obtidas foram congeladas e descongeladas e utilizados nos procedimentos de, análise da expressão dos marcadores de células-tronco: STRO-1, CD 117, OCT 3/4, CD 90, Nanog, CD- 34, SSEA-4, CD -105, MCP-1, HSP- 47, CD 1 A, VEGFR1, DR4, IL- 1 β, caspase3, Ki- 67, CD -45. A escolha dos anticorpos marcadores de células-tronco foi baseada em estudos que mostraram afinidade e avidez com o folículo piloso. Utilizamos também para a caracterização do folículo piloso, a imunohistoquímica e análise de PCR com o marcador S100 e a imunocitoquímica com os marcadores OCT 3/4, VEGF, STRO-1, CD117 e Nanog. Os resultados obtidos sugerem que a linhagem celular do folículo piloso de fetos de cães apresentaram crescimento satisfatório com a utilização do meio DMEM-hight suplementado com 10% de SFB inativado e 1% de antibióticos, sendo mantidas e expandidas em cultivo. O crescimento e a expansão das células-tronco do folículo piloso são peculiares, pois, sua expansão ocorre em torno da haste pilosa, utilizando-a como ancoragem. Os resultados indicaram características de pluripotência nas células-tronco do folículo piloso pela expressão dos marcadores OCT3/4, Nanog, CD105, CD90, SSEA-4, e STRO-1, em todos os grupos analisados. Considerando, a taxa de proliferação, a fase do ciclo celular, distribuição e aspectos de morte celular não foram encontradas diferenças significantes na expressão dos marcadores HSP47, DR4. Para verificar a angiogêneseforam utilizados os marcadores VEGFR1, Ki-67 e caspase-3, sendo expressos em todos os grupos. Na imunohistoquímica e análise de PCR observou-se a expressão da proteína S100, sendo maior nas células do grupo de fetos com 40 dias de gestação- grupo III. Neste estudo, podemos concluir que o conjunto de marcadores expressos nos diferentes grupos de células tronco obtidas das vibrissas de fetos caninos indicaram a expressão de marcadores de pluripotência das células-tronco do folículo piloso / Hair is a characteristic of mammals, since in most species the coat spreads throughout the body, except for some well-defined regions. Mammals in general, including dogs, have different characteristics in their coat according to the region of the body. The study of obtainment and characterization of stem cells from the hair follicle could contribute to new therapeutic possibilities, particularly in the treatment of hair, skin and it appendices injuries. In this study, hair follicle samples were harvestedin the rostral region of canine fetuses, divided into three distinct groups, according to the stage of pregnancy, as follows: Group I = 30 days, Group II = 35 days, Group III = 40 days. These samples were grown in 75 cm² Petri dishes with 5 mL of DMEM culture medium supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS) and antibiotics 1% streptomycin / penicillin. Cells were frozen and thawed and used in procedures for analysis of expression of markers of stem cells: STRO-1, CD 117, OCT 3/4, CD 90, Nanog, CD- 34,SSEA -4,CD- 105, MCP-1, HSP-47, CD 1 A, VEGF-R1, DR4, IL-1 β, caspase-3, Ki-67, CD -45. The choice of antibodies was based on studies that showed affinity and avidity to the hair follicle. In addition, for purposes of characterization of the hair follicle, procedures for immunohistochemistry and PCR analysis with the marker S100 and immunocytochemistry with the markers OCT3/4, VEGF, STRO-1, CD117 e Nanog were used. The results suggested that hair follicle cell line of fetal dogs showed satisfactory growth using the DMEM high medium supplemented with 10% inactivated FBS and 1% antibiotics and could be maintained and expanded in culture. The growth and expansion of stem cells of the hair follicle are unique because they occur around the hair shaft using it as anchorage. Results also indicated pluripotency features in the hair follicle stem cells through the positive expression of Oct3/4, Nanog, CD105, CD90, SSEA-4 and STRO-1, in all groups. Regarding the proliferation rate and cell cycle phase, distribution and cell death aspects, HSP47, DR4 were used. To verify angiogenesis, VEGFR1, Ki67 and Caspase-3 were expressed in all groups. In Immunohistochemistry procedures we observed the expression of S100, and in mRNA on RT-PCR. We concluded in this study that in group III the expression of S100 was higher than in the two other groups. In addition, we found that the pluripotency of the stem cells was indicated by the expression of the markers OCT3/4, Nanog, CD105, CD90, SSEA-4 and STRO-1

Alopecia areata (AA) is a chronic inflammatory disease of hair follicles manifesting as patchy areas of hair loss on the scalp and body. Development of AA is associated with pen- and intra-follicular inflammation of anagen stage hair follicles, primarily by CD4+ and CD8+ cells. We hypothesized that if cell-mediated cytotoxicy against hair follicles is to be a component of the hair loss disease mechanism, increased expression of genes and products typical of cytotoxic cells, as well as increased apoptosis activity within affected hair follicles, would be expected to occur in the lesional skin compared to the normal skin. Furthermore, we studied gene expression levels of multiple cytokines and characteristic chemokines, using the C3FI/HeJ mouse model of AA. mRNA expression levels of granzyme A, granzyme B, perform Fas, Fas ligand, TNF-cL, TNF-aRl and R2, TRAIL, TRAILR, TRAMP, Thi-, Th2-, and Th17-associated cytokines, as well as multiple chemokines were compared between the skin, draining lymph nodes, thymus and spleens of normal and AA-affected mice using quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR. FasL, granzyme A, granzyme B, pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines were all highly up-regulated in the skin of AA-affected mice. Immunohistochemical studies of the skin revealed that, although greater numbers of granzyme B and FasL expressing cells were present in AA affected skin, the cells were morphologically diffusely distributed and not exclusively located within the focal pen- and intrafollicular infiltrate. The majority of these cells were further characterized as mast cells, which were also found in substantially greater numbers in the skin of mice with AA compared to their normal haired controls. Almost no perform expressing cells were identified in AA affected mouse skin and TUNEL staining suggested relatively limited apoptosis activity in hair follicle keratinocytes. In conclusion, while granzymes and FasL may play important roles in disease development, the profiles and patterns of expression are not consistent with direct cell-mediated cytotoxic action against the follicular epithelium in chronic mouse AA. Potentially, hair growth inhibiting cytokines may play a more dominant role in AA development than previously thought. Furthermore, mast cells, with their increased presence around hair follicles in the AA affected mouse skin and their ability to express granzyme B and FasL, are suggested as potential key players in the pathogenesis of AA. / Medicine, Faculty of / Medicine, Department of / Experimental Medicine, Division of / Graduate

Le follicule pileux (FP) est un appendice cutané animé par un cycle régénératif dynamique provoquant des modifications de son microenvironnement. Les cellules de Langerhans (CLs), sentinelles de l’épiderme, sont en partie localisées à proximité du FP. Cette association spatiale nous a conduit à explorer le possible impact du cycle pileux sur l’homéostasie des CLs. Durant mon doctorat, nous avons mis en évidence (1) une augmentation de la prolifération des CLs au cours de l’anagène (phase de pousse du poil), (2) le mécanisme moléculaire sous-jacent impliquant une variation d’expression folliculaire de l’IL-34, une cytokine cruciale dans l’homéostasie des CLs et (3) un départ accru des CLs vers les ganglions lymphatiques en catagène (phase de régression du FP) concomitant avec le recrutement de cellules susceptibles d’être des précurseurs des CLs.Par ailleurs, la structure de la peau ainsi que la densité et le type de FP peuvent varier selon la région corporelle considérée. Nous avons émis l’hypothèse de variations locales dans la composition du système immunitaire cutané. Notre étude, focalisée sur les cellules dendritiques cutanées, a démontré l’existence d’une hétérogénéité de ces cellules en fonction de la zone de peau considérée. / The hair follicle (HF) is a skin appendage endowed with a dynamic regenerating cycle. This renewal remodels the HF microenvironment. Langerhans cells (LCs) are epidermal immune sentinels, a part of which localizes close to the HF. This spatial association led us to explore whether the HF cycle could impact on LC homeostasis. During my doctorate, we uncovered an anagen (HF growing phase)-associated burst of LC proliferation with dividing cells associated with the HF. Using mouse models of HF loss and hair cycle manipulation, we showed that HFs are dispensable for initial formation of the LC network but critical for the proliferation burst. We correlated it to a cyclic variation of IL-34 expression, a crucial cytokine for LC homeostasis, by a specific subset of HF cells. In addition, catagen (HF regression phase) is characterized by the departure of LCs to draining lymph nodes and the concomitant recruitment of a potential LC precursor.The skin structure as well as the density and type of HFs vary across body areas. This observation led us to assess the possibility of local variations in skin immune cells composition. Our study, focused on cutaneous dendritic cells, highlighted an heterogeneity in those cells according to the skin area considered.

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / This paper presents The Chemistry of Hair Esthetics as a theme to develop a study connecting three subjects: Chemistry undergraduates from the sub-project PIBID-Chemistry from UFSM, high school students from four public schools in Santa Maria / RS and beauty professionals (hairdressers). Through the theme "The Chemistry of Hair Esthetics" it were explored various Chemistry contents, one of them is related to the chemicals present in smoothing. During the development of this project, it was developed and implemented a workshop entitled "The Chemistry of esthetic hair: from curly to smooth the progressive brush fashion." The workshop was structured based on the three pedagogical moments according to Delizoicov: initial questioning, knowledge organization and application of knowledge. In this paper it were developed two studies: the monitoring of the chemistry undergraduates in the process of their initial training and also the views of the high school students from public schools in Santa Maria / RS in relation to the approach of esthetic hair Chemistry in their routine and the Chemistry content from the curriculum of the high school. The second study was carried out with the beauty professionals (hairdressers), in this study it was made a diagnosis of concepts related to this professional s knowledge of chemical concepts for the development of the chemistry procedures in beauty parlors. In this sense, the chemistry of hair esthetics explored in this paper contributed to a significant learning of chemistry both in the school context by the relationship established by students of the content taught in the classroom with the chemistry involved in the world around them, and by the workshop presented to the beauty professionals fulfilling its social character. The work with the beauty professionals resulted in a better understanding of the Chemical methodology used in the procedures applied in beauty parlors. / Este trabalho apresenta A Química da Estética Capilar como temática para desenvolver um estudo conectando três sujeitos: licenciandos de Química do sub-projeto PIBID-Química da UFSM, alunos do Ensino Médio de quatro escolas públicas de Santa Maria/RS e profissionais da beleza (cabeleireiros). Através da temática A Química da Estética Capilar foram explorados vários conteúdos de Química, um deles está relacionado com as substâncias químicas presentes em alisantes. Durante o desenvolvimento deste projeto, foi desenvolvida e aplicada uma oficina intitulada A Química da estética capilar: do crespo ao liso a moda da escova progressiva . A oficina foi estruturada com base nos três momentos pedagógicos de acordo com Delizoicov: problematização inicial, organização do conhecimento e aplicação do conhecimento. Neste trabalho foram desenvolvidos dois estudos: o acompanhamento dos licenciandos de química no processo da sua formação inicial e também as concepções dos alunos do ensino médio de escolas públicas de Santa Maria/RS na relação com a abordagem da Química estética capilar no seu cotidiano com conteúdos de Química do currículo do Ensino médio. O segundo estudo foi realizado com os profissionais da beleza (cabeleireiros), neste estudo fez-se um diagnóstico das concepções relacionadas com o conhecimento dos conceitos químicos desses profissionais para o desenvolvimento dos procedimentos químicos nos salões de beleza. Neste sentido, a Química da Estética capilar explorada neste trabalho, contribuiu para uma aprendizagem significativa da Química tanto no contexto escolar pela relação estabelecida pelos alunos dos conteúdos ministrados em sala de aula com a Química envolvida no mundo que os cerca, quanto pelo seminário ministrado aos profissionais da beleza cumprindo seu caráter social. O trabalho realizado com os profissionais da beleza resultou em uma melhor compreensão da metodologia Química utilizada nos procedimentos empregados nos salões de beleza.

Abstract Collagen XVIII is a basement membrane proteoglycan, which has three variant N-termini. These variants are coded by two promoters; promoter 1 directs the synthesis of a short variant and promoter 2 directs the synthesis of two longer variants, of which the middle variant is generated from the longest by splicing. The longest variant contains a cysteine-rich domain in its N-terminus, which shows homology to the frizzled receptors of the Wnt molecules and can inhibit Wnt/beta-catenin signalling in vitro. The C-terminal domain of collagen XVIII, endostatin, is an inhibitor of tumor growth and angiogenesis. Lack of collagen XVIII accelerates cutanous wound healing and wound angiogenesis. Overexpression of endostatin leads to delayed wound healing and the presence of morphologically abnormal wound capillaries. Moreover, endostatin overexpression leads to delayed formation of the wound epidermal basement membrane and impaired maturation of hemidesmosomes. Endostatin treatment decreases osteoblast proliferation in vitro. Moreover, osteoblast proliferation and mineralization of the matrix by osteoblasts are inhibited when cells are treated with endostatin together with VEGF. In vivo, lack of collagen XVIII leads to delayed formation of secondary ossification centers in mouse femurs, whereas overexpression of endostatin leads to a slower growth of bone length. However, both of these changes are transient and mild, suggesting that collagen XVIII/endostatin is not essential for skeletal development. The growth of hair follicles is delayed in the mice overexpressing endostatin. This delay in growth is preceded by an impaired hair follicle associated angiogenesis. Lack of collagen XVIII causes an accelerated onset of the first hair cycle. A similar change can be seen in mice lacking the long variants of collagen XVIII. Lack of the short variant causes mild acceleration in the catagen of the first cycle, and anagen is also significantly accelerated in these mice. The long variants were located in the bulge region, which contains the hair follicle stem cells, and in the basement membrane surrounding the dermal papilla. As it is known that several Wnt-inhibitors are upregulated in the bulge, our results suggest that the longest variant of collagen XVIII may have a role as a regulator of Wnt-signalling in hair follicles.

We focus on hair as a symbol of personality, cultural and social influence and the object of ritual ceremonies.1 Hair is not only a vitally important part of human body but it is an important cultural phenomenon and serves as important cultural artifact, because it is simultaneously public (visible to everyone), personal (biologically linked to the body), and highly malleable to suit cultural and personal preferences. Hair - whether present or absent, restored or removed, abundant or scarce, long or short, bound or unbound, dyed or natural - marks a person as clearly as a speech, clothing, and smell. Hair tells a lot about every man, about his age, social and family status, his sexual availability and desirability, about his interests, his character, his political stance and religious preferences, his roots, background, his membership in some subculture and about the fashion and the norms of the period (and his conformability or inadaptability). It is a perfect culture- anthropological topic becauce every culture has particular rules and norms how to dispose of hair. Social and cultural influence on hairstyling could be asserted by means of fashion (mild form) or more serious forms of restrict orders (even written as the laws and directions) or just by cultural norms which set the looks of "normal,...

Magister Philosophiae - MPhil / This study investigates how female migrants negotiate the tension that arises from being entrepreneurs, being mothers, and having families. It shows how entrepreneurship offers them self-emancipation but limits the time they spend raising their children and time they spend with their families, but puts them in a position to provide financially for themselves, their children, and families. The focus of the study is on Congolese female migrant and also females from few African countries. It is hypothesized that female migration and entrepreneurship negatively impacts the relationships of these females with their children and families. Data was obtained through a survey of fifty-three respondents who were conveniently selected. This took place in the Western Cape Province, taking Cape Town, Bellville, and Parow as the cities to be observed. The statistical package for social sciences was used to analyze data. The results showed that female entrepreneurship has a negative impact on their relationships with their children but to an extent improves their relationships with their families and/or partners.

La neuropathie auditive est une forme de surdité caractérisée par une atteinte des cellules ciliées internes (qui détectent les ondes sonores et les transforment en message nerveux) et/ou des neurones afférents primaires (qui véhiculent les messages nerveux jusqu'au noyau cochléaire), associée à une activité normale des cellules ciliées externes (qui amplifient les ondes sonores). AUNA1 est la première neuropathie auditive héréditaire à avoir été décrite. Elle est causée par une mutation ponctuelle située dans le promoteur du gène DIAPH3, résultant en une surexpression de DIAPH3. La protéine DIAPH3, un membre de la famille des formines, est connue pour promouvoir la nucléation et l’élongation des filaments d’actine ainsi que la stabilisation des microtubules. Nous avons étudié les mécanismes d’AUNA1 à partir d’un modèle murin transgénique surexprimant le gène diap3, l’orthologue murin de DIAPH3. Les souris transgéniques développent une surdité dont les caractéristiques sont semblables à celles d’AUNA1. Cette surdité est due à une perte d’activité des cellules ciliées internes. L’activité synaptique et les courants potassiques de ces cellules ne sont pas altérés. En revanche, la microscopie électronique révèle une fusion des stéréocils (expansions cytoplasmiques qui permettent la détection des ondes sonores) et une déformation de la plaque cuticulaire (plateforme qui assure l’ancrage des stéréocils). Par la technique d’immunomarquage, nous avons mis en évidence une invasion de la plaque cuticulaire par des microtubules. Enfin, nous avons démontré que la protéine Diap3 est localisée dans la plaque cuticulaire des cellules ciliées internes, suggérant ainsi que la surexpression de diap3 provoque un remodelage du réseau de microtubule des cellules ciliées internes, à l’origine de la surdité AUNA1. / Auditory neuropathy is a type of deafness characterized by an alteration of the inner hair cells (which detect the acoustic waves and transform them into neural messages) and/or of the primary afferent neurons (which conduct the neural messages to the cochlear nucleus), associated with a normal activity of the outer hair cells (which amplify the acoustic waves).AUNA1 is the first hereditary auditory neuropathy which has been described. It is caused by a point mutation in the promoter of the DIAPH3 gene, resulting in an overexpression of DIAPH3. The DIAPH3 protein, a formin family member, is known to promote the actin filament nucleation and elongation and to stabilize the microtubules.We studied the AUNA1 mechanisms using a transgenic mouse model which overexpresses the diap3 gene, the mouse homologue of DIAPH3. Transgenic mice develop a deafness whose characteristics are similar to the ones of AUNA1. The hearing loss is due to a defect in the inner hair cell activity. The synaptic activity and the potassium currents of these cells are not altered. However, electron microscopy reveals a fusion of the stereocilia (cytoplasmic expansions which detect the acoustic waves) and a disruption of the cuticular plate (plateform which maintains stereocilia). By immunolabeling, we showed an invasion of the cuticular plate by microtubules. Eventually, we demonstrated that Diap3 is located in the inner hair cell cuticular plate, suggesting that the overexpression of diap3 provokes a remodeling of the inner hair cell microtubule network, underlying the AUNA1 deafness.

Fifteen adult women (mean age 34.5 years) participated in this exploratory study. The study aimed to identify commonalities in trichotillomania patients’ personality structure and psychological functioning. Relevant historical data were obtained, the Massachusetts General Hospital Hairpulling Scale was completed, and a Rorschach test in terms of the Comprehensive System was administered. The results point to an innate vulnerability in the sample’s personality structure that impedes their capacity for efficient problem-solving, decision-making, and coping behaviour. Other key findings include a distorted perception of themselves, a limited capacity for control and stress tolerance, difficulty in modulating and expressing emotions, the interference of primary process thinking in ideational activity, and the effects of these factors on their interpersonal relationships. Theoretical inferences are made about the probable aetiological roots of these findings. As the subjects’ level of functioning was unexpectedly high in the light of their deep-rooted pathology, the dynamic role and function of self-induced hair pulling as a symptom were considered. Suggestions are made to improve the treatment prognosis of the disorder. / Dissertation (MA (Clinical Psychology))--University of Pretoria, 2006. / Psychology / unrestricted

ENGLISH: This thesis is a study of the microstructure of hair of southern African mammals, in particular of the Carnivora. It serves to fill a gap in knowledge of hair studies from this region, and points to the use of these studies in various fields. A major portion of the work is a hair atlas of southern African Carnivora, in which micrographs and coloured plates of hairs are presented with locality data and a descriptive text for each species. Although the findings of the atlas do not lend themselves to the formation of dichotomous key, it serves as a reference system and has proved useful in the identification of hairs from selected study areas where species distribution is defined. This is intended to form part of a comprehensive atlas which will include examples of all southern African mammal species. Techniques for studying hair structure are discussed and the micrographs of both thin and thick cross-sections are included to demonstrate the results of different methods used. The taxonomic importance of hair identification is well known and examples of this are discussed , mainly in regard to the smaller mammals, such as the Muridae. The extent to which hair morphology can be used as a taxonomic criterion varies with various groups however, but more often than not, by using a combination of parameters it is possible to differentiate many species. The identification of unknown hair samples has been discussed, with special reference to the highly practical field of epidemiology. Examples of both laboratory investigations, as well as field surveillance, in which hair identification is used have been cited as an important aspect of hair studies. The extent to which hair is related to ecology forms a broad field of study, and for this reason those situations where ecologically selective pressures are more clearly defined have been chosen for particular mention. Thus the aquatic habitat and the desert environment are discussed with reference to the hair types such as guard hairs, underfur, and the microstructure of hair as well as its mechanical and surface properties. Thermoregulation is referred to and arising out of this aspect a hypothesis is presented in which the part played by the medulla in the absorption of longwave infrared radiation is discussed.AFRIKAANS : Hierdie proefskrif handel oor 'n studie van die mikrostruktuur van die hare van soogdiere van suidelike Afrika en in besonder die van karnivore. Dit vul 'n leemte aan in ons kennis ocr haarstudies in hierdie gebied en dui op die gebruike van hierdie studies op verskillende terreine. 'n Groot deel van die werkstuk word beslaan deur 'n haaratlas van die karnivore van suidelike Afrika waarin mikrofotos en kleurplate van hare tesame met lokaliteitsdata en beskrywende teks vir elke spesie aangebied word. Alhoewel die bevindinge aangebied in die atlas hulle nie leen tot die opstelling van 'n tweedelige identifikasiesleutel nie, dien die atlas wel as 'n nuttige hulpmiddel vir die identifikasie van hare in sekere areas waar spesieverspreiding bekend is. Hierdie resultate sal uiteindelik deel uitmaak van 'n omvattende atlas oor die hare van soogdierspesies in suidelike Afrika . Tegnieke vir die studie van haarstruktuur word bespreek en mikrofotos van beide dun en dik dwarsnitte word ingesluit om die resultate wat met die verskillende metodes verkry is, te demonstreer. Die taksonomiese belang van haaridentifikasie is welbekend en voorbeelde hiervan word bespreek, veral wat die kleiner soogdier betref soos die Muridae. Die mate waartoe haarmorfologie as taksonomiese maatstaf gebruik kan word, varieer egter in die verskillende groepe maar gewoonlik, deur die gebruik van verskillende parameters, is dit moontlik om tussen baie spesies te onderskei. Identifikasie van haarmonsters van onbekende oorsprong word bespreek met spesiale verwysing na die hoogs praktiese veld van epidemiologie. Voorbeelde van laboratoriumondersoeke sowel as veldopnames waar haaridentifikasie gebruik is, word aangehaal as ‘n belangrike faset van haarstudies. Die verband tussen hare en ekologie behels ‘n breë studieveld en om die rede is toestande waar ekologiese selektiewe druk meer duidelik gedefineer is spesiaal vermeld. Die akwatiese habitat en woestynomgewing word dus bespreek met verwysing na haartipes soos beskermhare, onderpels en die mikrostruktuur van hare sowel as die meganiese en oppervlakte-eienskappe van hare. Daar word na termoregulering verwys en voortspruitend daaruit word 'n hipotese voorgestel waarin die bydrae van die medulla in die absorpsie van lang infra-rooi-radiasie bespreek word. Copyright / Thesis (DSc)--University of Pretoria, 2011. / Zoology and Entomology / unrestricted