Studies on pancreatic cell physiology rely on the investigation of exocrine and endocrine cells in vitro. Particularly, in the case of the exocrine tissue these studies have suffered from a reduced functional viability of acinar cells in culture. As a result not only investigations on dispersed acinar cells and isolated acini were limited in their potential, but also prolonged studies on pancreatic exocrine and endocrine cells in an intact pancreatic tissue environment were unfeasible. To overcome these limitations, we aimed to establish a pancreas tissue slice culture platform to allow long-term studies on exocrine and endocrine cells in the intact pancreatic environment. Mouse pancreas tissue slice morphology was assessed to determine optimal long-term culture settings for intact pancreatic tissue. Utilizing optimized culture conditions, cell specificity and function of exocrine acinar cells and endocrine beta cells were characterized over a culture period of 7 days. We found pancreas tissue slices cultured under optimized conditions to have intact tissue specific morphology for the entire culture period. Amylase positive intact acini were present at all time points of culture and acinar cells displayed a typical strong cell polarity. Amylase release from pancreas tissue slices decreased during culture, but maintained the characteristic bell-shaped dose-response curve to increasing caerulein concentrations and a ca. 4-fold maximal over basal release. Additionally, endocrine beta cell viability and function was well preserved until the end of the observation period. Our results show that the tissue slice culture platform provides unprecedented maintenance of pancreatic tissue specific morphology and function over a culture period for at least 4 days and in part even up to 1 week. This analytical advancement now allows mid -to long-term studies on the cell biology of pancreatic disorder pathogenesis and therapy in an intact surrounding in situ.

During mechanical ventilation the diaphragm experiences an extreme case of muscleunloading. In many cases this results in respiratory muscle dysfunctions making it difficult towean the patient off the ventilator. One component in this dysfunction is the accumulation ofintramyocellular lipids (IMCL) in the diaphragm muscle fibres. Using Oil Red O stainingsand confocal microscopy on rat diaphragm sections we have quantified this process. Theresults show a sudden increase in IMCL contents between 18 and 24 hours. No significantdifference between fibre types could be seen.

The AKR strain of mice have a genetic trait for spontaneous development of lymphocytic leukemia. In this study, leukemic mice were found to have significantly larger (p<0.01) thymuses and spleens than preleukemic mice. The enlarged leukemic tissues were densely packed with a light staining cell, with a hollow-appearing nucleus. Tissues from preleukemic mice were observed to be infiltrated with a smaller, darker-staining lymphocyte. Fluorescent antibody staining was done on preleukemic and leukemic tissues, using three antisera against murine lymphocyte theta antigen, and an antiserum against murine IgG. Significantly brighter fluorescence, (p <0.05) with theta-specific antisera, was found in leukemic thymuses,spleens, and kidneys than in the same preleukemic tissues. Leukemic tissues had significantly brighter fluorescence (p <0.05) than preleukemic tissues with IgG antiserum.

Este trabalho teve como objetivo a reprodução, avaliação e caracterização de manchamentos provocados por desodorante antitranspirante, suor, produtos do processo de lavagem como detergente em pó, amaciante, temperatura de passadoria em camisetas de malhas de algodão. Buscando uma melhor caracterização destes manchamentos, foram realizados três grupos de estudo com indivíduos selecionados, propensos à obtenção de manchas na região das axilas. Os indivíduos fizeram uso de desodorante com e sem perfume e utilizaram camisetas por um período de onze dias, sendo que um dos indivíduos fez uso apenas da camiseta sem desodorante e, uma das camisetas foi submetida ao desodorante sem uso por indivíduos. Ao final de cada dia, as camisetas foram lavadas com detergente em pó, amaciante, secas em secadora e passadas, simulando uma condição de uso doméstico. As camisetas manchadas foram submetidas às avaliações instrumentais de espectrofotometria (colorímetro), Microscopia Eletrônica de Varredura (MEV), análise por Dispersão de Energia (EDS) e medição da efusividade e condutividade térmica e Espectrometria de Emissão Atômica por Plasma Acoplado Indutivamente (ICP-OES). Essas camisetas também foram submetidas a dois processos de remoção: por lavagem a seco (LS) e por agentes químicos (RAQ). Após o processo de remoção, as camisetas foram submetidas à avaliação colorimétrica instrumental, condutividade e efusividade térmica, MEV, resistência à ruptura. As análises colorimétricas para todas as camisetas utilizadas pelos participantes dos grupos de estudo mostraram valores de E* de (0,87 a 32,43), indicando uma alteração de cor perceptível visualmente na região das axilas. As microscopias das amostras também mostram um acúmulo de alguns materiais nessa região que pode ter influenciado a troca de calor do material com o ambiente, como mostraram os resultados de efusividade e condutividade. Este material acumulado, analisado pela técnica de ICP-OES, mostrou que a camiseta manchada apresentou 99,7% de alumínio a mais do que na camiseta original na região da axila, o que pode ser oriundo do contato com o desodorante que também apresenta elevados teores de alumínio em sua formulação. Os métodos utilizados para remoção apresentaram resultados satisfatórios, promovendo a remoção dos manchamentos nas camisetas, observado através da diminuição dos valores de E* e nos índices da Escala Cinza de Alteração da Cor, na avaliação colorimétrica instrumental. Entretanto, o processo de remoção por agentes químicos apresentou melhores resultados, tendo cerca de 70% de eficácia quando comparados ao método de lavagem a seco, podendo ser um método mais efetivo na remoção deste tipo de manchamento. / This work was carried out to reproduction, evaluation and characterization of staining caused by antiperspirant deodorant, sweat, products of the washing process and detergent powder, fabric softener, temperature ironing shirts in cotton knits. Searching for a better characterization of these staining, three groups of studies selected, prone to getting stains on the underarm area individuals, were performed. Individuals made use deodorant and fragrance with shirts and used for a period of eleven days, and one of the subjects only used the shirt without deodorant and one of the shirts was submitted to without deodorant use by individuals. At the end of each day the shirts were washed with detergent powder, fabric softener, dryer dried and pressed, simulating a condition of household. The stained shirts were subjected to instrumental evaluations spectrophotometry (colorimeter), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive analysis (EDS) and measuring the effusivity and thermal conductivity and Atomic Emission Spectrometry by Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP-OES). These shirts were also subjected to two processes: removal by cleaning (LS) and chemicals (RAQ). After the removal process tees instrumental colorimetric evaluation, conductivity and thermal effusivity, SEM, tensile strength were submitted. colorimetric analyzes for all t used by the participants of the study groups showed values of E * (0.87 to 32.43), indicating a change of color visually noticeable in the underarm area. The microscopy of the samples also showed an accumulation of some materials in this region that may have influenced the heat exchange material with the environment as showed the results of effusivity and conductivity. This accumulated material, analyzed by ICP-OES technique, showed that the stained shirt showed 99.7% more aluminum than the original shirt, which can be derived from contact with the deodorant that also has a high concentration of aluminum in its formulation. The methods used for removal showed satisfactory results, promoting the removal of staining tees, observed by decreasing the values of E * and indexes of Gray Scale Change Colors, instrumental colorimetric evaluation. However, the process of removal by chemical agents showed better results, about 70% efficiency when compared to the method of cleaning, may be a more effective method in removing this type of stain.

INTRODUÇÃO: A Leishmaniose Tegumentar Americana (LTA) é uma doença infecciosa endêmica no Brasil, causada por protozoários do gênero Leishmania e possui duas formas clínicas principais, a leishmaniose cutânea (LC) e a leishmaniose mucocutânea (LMC). Os macrófagos têm papel crucial na patogênese da Leishmaniose como hospedeiros do parasita e atuam como células apresentadoras de antígenos, promovendo uma resposta imune de perfil Th1 contra a Leishmania. Os macrófagos polarizados M2, relacionados com resposta anti-inflamatória (Th2), são envolvidos no controle da inflamação e dano tecidual em várias doenças e estão associados à cronicidade nas doenças infecciosas. O objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar a participação dos macrófagos M2 nos sítios de lesão cutânea da LTA MÉTODOS: Sessenta e três biópsias de pele de lesões de LTA, obtidas de 48 doentes com LC e 15 de LMC, foram submetidas ao método imuno-histoquímico com os anticorpos anti-CD163 e anti-CD206, marcadores de macrófagos M2. Dez espécimes foram também submetidos à técnica imuno-histoquímica de dupla marcação com a utilização dos marcadores pSTAT-1 e CD68 para identificação de macrófagos M1 e CMAF e CD163 para identificação de macrófagos M2. RESULTADOS: Os espécimes de pele com reação inflamatória difusa (n = 26) exibiram maior número de células imunomarcadas com CD163, quando comparadas ao grupo com reação granulomatosa bem organizada (n = 37) (p= 0,01). Os macrófagos CD163+ também foram mais numerosos nas lesões de pele com a presença de formas amastigotas de Leishmania (n = 39) ao exame histopatológico (p=0,02), quando comparadas às lesões onde os parasitas não foram observados (n = 24). O mesmo ocorreu quando comparados somente os espécimes do grupo de doentes com LC com a presença de parasitas (n = 31) e ausência dos mesmos (n = 17) (p = 0,04). As lesões de pele de doentes com LMC mostraram maior número de células CD206+ (n = 15) que a de doentes com LC (n = 48) (p=0,008). Houve correlação positiva entre o número de células imunomarcadas com os anticorpos CD163 e CD206 (r de Spearman= 0,369). Os macrófagos +pSTAT1/CD68+ (M1) mostraram-se mais numerosos que os macrófagos CMAF+/CD163+ (M2) nos sítios de lesão cutânea da LTA. CONCLUSÕES: Os resultados obtidos sugerem que os macrófagos M2 têm um papel na resposta imune \"in situ\" da LTA. Essas células devem atuar como células alvo, facilitando a entrada dos parasitas, a progressão da doença e parecem estar envolvidos nos mecanismos de cronicidade e nos processos de remodelamento tecidual dessa doença. As moléculas CD163 e CD206 podem ser consideradas bons marcadores teciduais de macrófagos M2, uma vez que mostraram correlação positiva em sua expressão. A técnica de dupla marcação confirmou a presença dos macrófagos M2 nas lesões cutâneas da LTA. Embora ocorra a presença de macrófagos M2, os macrófagos M1 são a população macrofágica predominante da resposta imune \"in situ\" da LTA / INTRODUCTION: American tegumentary leishmaniasis (ATL) is an endemic infectious disease in Brazil, caused by Leishmania parasites and it has two main clinical forms, cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) and mucocutaneous leishmaniasis (MCL). Macrophages play a key role in leishmaniasis pathogenesis. They are definite parasite host and act as antigen presenting cells, eliciting a Th1 pattern of immune response (M1) against Leishmania. M2 polarized macrophages, related to an anti-inflammatory response (Th2), are involved in controlling inflammation and tissue damage in several diseases and are related to chronicity in infectious diseases. The aim of this study was verifying M2 macrophages \"in situ\" participation in ATL. METHODS: Sixty-three skin biopsies from LTA lesions, obtained from patients with CL (n=48) and MCL (n=15), were subjected to imunohistochemical technique with M2 macrophages markers CD163 and CD206 antibodies. Ten samples were selected for double staining technique with pSTAT1 and CD68 markers for M1 identification, and CMAF and CD163 markers for M2 macrophages identification. RESULTS: Skin samples displaying diffuse inflammatory reaction (n = 26) exhibited higher number of CD163 immune stained macrophages when compared to the well-organized granulomatous reaction group (n = 37) (p=0.01). CD163+ macrophages were higher in samples displaying Leishmania parasites (n = 39) at histopathology exam than the samples without parasites (n = 24) (p=0.02). Same result was observed when comparing the lesions of CL lesions with (n = 31) and without (n = 17) parasites (p = 0.04). MCL skin lesions (n = 15) showed higher number of CD206+ cells (p = 0.008) in comparison with skin lesions taken from CL patients (n = 48). Spearman test demonstrated a positive correlation between the number of CD163+ and CD206+ immune stained cells (Spearman r = 0,369). M1 macrophages (pSTAT1+/CD68+) were present in higher number when compared to M2 macrophages (CMAF+/CD163+) in the samples studied. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that M2 macrophages play a role in the in situ immune response of ATL. M2 polarized macrophages may act as host target cells facilitating parasites entry and promoting disease progression, but also seem to be involved with chronicity and tissue remodeling of ATL lesions. CD163 and CD206 molecules may be considered as good markers for M2 macrophages. Double staining technique confirmed the presence of M2 macrophages, although M1 macrophages are the predominant macrophagic component in skin lesions of ATL

L’ostéoporose est une maladie fréquente et généralisée du squelette qui se caractérise par une perte de masse osseuse et des altérations de la structure des os. Ces variations des propriétés osseuses, observées à diverses échelles et associées à une augmentation du contenu adipeux de la moelle, témoignent d’une plus grande fragilité du squelette. Ces modifications sont cependant différentes en fonction du site. Cette variation du contenu adipeux médullaire, rapportée notamment dans les os longs du squelette appendiculaire, semble jouer un rôle crucial dans la survenue de l’ostéoporose. Néanmoins, ces altérations ostéo-médullaires, aussi bien quantitatives que qualitatives, sont controversées et peu documentées au niveau des maxillaires, la mandibule en particulier. Le but de notre étude est d’évaluer, au cours du vieillissement et dans un modèle d’ostéoporose (ratte adulte ovariectomisée), les relations entre les variations du contenu adipeux médullaire et la microarchitecture osseuse en site mandibulaire en comparaison avec un site de référence, le tibia. La microarchitecture osseuse, la quantité et la répartition du contenu adipeux médullaire après marquage au tétroxyde d’osmium ont été analysées par microtomographie à rayons X dans la mandibule dentée (os alvéolaire) et non dentée (condyle). Au cours du vieillissement, aucune altération des paramètres osseux et médullaires n’a été mise en évidence. En revanche, le déficit hormonal en oestrogènes induit par ovariectomie conduit à une perte osseuse plus marquée (+35%) dans le tibia que dans la mandibule, associée à des modifications microarchitecturales et adipeuses médullaires site-spécifiques. En effet, en comparaison avec le tibia, un faible contenu adipeux (<10% de moelle) est retrouvé dans le secteur denté (alvéolaire) ainsi que non denté (condyle). A la différence du tibia, au sein duquel un effet de « clustering » des adipocytes est observé à la surface osseuse trabéculaire, le contenu adipeux mandibulaire est réparti de manière homogène dans les espaces médullaires avec très peu de contact avec la surface osseuse trabéculaire. En conclusion, nos résultats indiquent une perte osseuse modérée dans la mandibule par rapport au tibia associée à une augmentation du contenu adipeux médullaire tardive dont la répartition au sein des espaces médullaires n’est pas modifiée à la différence du tibia. Nous émettons l’hypothèse qu’une activité de remodelage et des sollicitations biomécaniques différentes puissent expliquer les spécificités physiopathologiques observées en site mandibulaire. D’autres études seront nécessaires pour préciser l’impact de telles modifications sur la qualité osseuse à l’échelle moléculaire et élémentaire, ainsi que pour préciser les mécanismes de dialogues entre les ostéoblastes et les adipocytes. / Osteoporosis is a common disease of the skeleton characterized by a loss of bone mass and changes in bone structure. These variations in bone properties, observed at various scales and associated with an increase in the bone marrow adipose tissue (BMAT) content, indicate a greater fragility of the skeleton in a site-specific manner. This variation in the BMAT content, reported in some skeletal sites, seems to play a crucial role in the occurrence of osteoporosis. Nevertheless, these bone and marrow alterations, both quantitative and qualitative, are controversial and still poorly documented in the jaw bones, the mandible in particular.The aim of our study was to investigate, during aging and in a rodent model of osteoporosis (adult ovariectomized rat), the relationships between the changes in the bone microstructure, the marrow fat content and its distribution in the mandibular site in comparison with a reference site, the tibia. The bone microstructure, the bone marrow fat content and its distribution after osmium tetroxide staining were analyzed by a specific X-ray microfocus tomography approach in the mandible in the teeth-bearing area (alveolar bone) and in the condyle. During aging, neither bone nor bone marrow alterations have been observed. In contrast, estrogen deficiency did lead to more important bone loss (+35%) in the tibia than in the mandible associated with site-specific microstructural and BMAT modifications. Indeed, in comparison with the tibia, a low BMAT content (<10% of marrow volume) was found in the alveolar bone as well as in the condyle. Compared to tibia which reveals a clustering of the marrow adipocytes at the trabecular bone surface, the mandibular BMAT content was homogeneously distributed and located further away with almost no contact with the trabecular bone surface. In conclusion, our results indicate a moderate bone loss in the mandible compared to the tibia associated with an increase in the BMAT content whose distribution within the marrow spaces is not modified in contrast to tibia. We hypothesize that a differential bone turn-over rate, biomechanical stress may explain in part the mandibular physiopathological specificities reported. Further studies will be needed to precise the impact of such alterations on bone quality at the molecular and elemental level, as well as to depict the mechanisms of dialog between osteoblasts and adipocytes.

L'utilisation massive des nanomatériaux pose de réels enjeux sanitaires et environnementaux. C'est pourquoi ils sont désormais soumis à une réglementation qui prévoit une traçabilité de ceux-ci depuis leur fabrication jusqu'à leur distribution et l'établissement d'une fiche d'identité de la substance (composition, taille, état d'agglomération, forme, etc.). Une routine de caractérisation de nanoparticules en suspension a ainsi été développée. La Microscopie Électronique en Transmission (MET) a permis d'établir une majorité des paramètres de la fiche d'identité, en combinant à la fois imagerie et spectroscopie (analyses chimiques). La préparation, dont dépendra la qualité des observations, nécessite un développement pour chaque matériau analysé. Pour cela, trois techniques ont été mises au point : le dépôt en voie sèche qui permet une observation directe et simple, la cryogénie qui permet de fixer l'état de la suspension et l'in-situ liquide qui permet d'observer directement la suspension sans changement d'état. Les analyses MET étant locales, une comparaison avec des techniques indirectes a été effectuée par Diffusion Statique (MALS) et Dynamique (DLS) de la Lumière avec et sans fractionnement par couplage flux-force (FFF). Deux matériaux modèles ont été choisis. Le premier est une nanoémulsion de lipides stabilisés par des surfactants, servant de vecteurs à des principes actifs. Une étude de vieillissement par interaction avec des protéines a été menée et de légères variations de taille ont été obtenues. Le second matériau sélectionné est une poudre de nanoparticules de dioxyde de titane, remises en suspension, utilisée dans les crèmes solaires en tant que filtres UV. Ces particules ont été observées avant et après passage en enceinte climatique afin d'observer les effets des rayons UV sur celles-ci. Ceci a confirmé la stabilité des particules. Les protocoles de caractérisation développés au cours de cette thèse peuvent ainsi servir de supports à l'étude d'autres nanoparticules en suspension. / The extensive use of nanomaterials has raised awareness about health issues and their fate in the environment. That is why they are now subject to regulation that has imposed their traceability from their manufacturing to their distribution as the establishment of their characteristics (chemical composition, size, agglomeration state, shape ...). A characterization routine for nanoparticles in suspension was developed. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) fulfills most of the criteria cited before by combining imaging and spectroscopy techniques. Three sample preparation methods were optimized to ensure high quality results : a dry process, rapid freezing to vitrify the sample and the use of an textit{in-situ} liquid TEM holder to prevent any preparation artefact (no phase change). To obtain quantitative analysis, a comparison was made between Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Multi-Angle Light Scattering (MALS), with and without a fractionation system (AF4), and TEM. To support this work, two nanomaterials were analyzed. The first one is a nanoemulsion composed of lipid nanoparticles stabilized by surfactants used as nanocarriers for drug delivery. Their stability after protein interaction was investigate and some size variations were observed. The second material is a powder composed of titanium dioxide nanoparticles used as UV filters in sunscreens. These nanoparticles were analyzed before and after interaction with UV radiation in a climatic chamber to confirm their stability. The different protocols developed in this PhD may be used for the analysis of other nanomaterials.

A presente dissertação foi elaborada em dois experimentos. No primeiro experimento objetivou-se determinar o dia do parto através de alterações físicas e circulatórias locais, e avaliar o pH da secreção da glândula mamária comparando dois métodos em éguas no pré-parto. Foram utilizadas 30 éguas gestantes sem raça definida (SRD), durante duas estações de monta (2015 e 2016), com idade de 10&#177;4 anos, e peso corporal de 560&#177;57 kg. Foram observadas possíveis alterações na área pélvica, abdominal, edema vulvar e a coloração da mucosa vaginal até o dia do parto através de fotográfias sequênciais, e as fotos foram analisadas individualmente e classificadas usando um sistema de escore. Para mensuração do pH, foi utilizado o peagâmetro portátil (Quimis&reg;) e o teste de pH em fita (Fusion&reg;). As colheitas iniciaram a partir de 310 dias de gestação. Para às mensurações do pH, foi utilizado um modelo misto sendo a égua o efeito aleatório e o tempo como efeito fixo. As associações entre as diferentes mensurações de pH foram avaliadas por meio de correlação de Momento-produto de Pearson. Para avaliar o escores físicos e circulatórios locais os dados foram analisados pelo teste de razão de Probabilidade Qui-Quadrado e por regressão, para observar a frequência dos escores 1, 2 ou 3 até o dia do parto. O nível de significância utilizado foi de 5%. O pH da secreção mamária pode ser utilizada para determinar o dia do parto, independente do método utilizado. A coloração de mucosa vaginal e edema vulvar podem auxiliar na predição do dia do parto, porém não devem ser utilizados como único método. No segundo experimento, o objetivo foi estudar o relacionamento entre a égua e e sua cria no primeiro dia pós-parto, e relacionar o fator progênitor sobre o comportamento do potro. Foram utilizadas 22 éguas multíparas e seus respectivos potros em duas temporadas de parto (2015 e 2016). Os progenitores eram formados por jumento e equinos. O etograma foi delineado considerando-se os comportamentos característicos apresentados por éguas e potros, e divididos em atividades de interação entre égua e produto, atividades do produto, postura e outros comportamentos. As observações foram realizadas no primeiro dia pós-parto durante 10 horas a cada 2 minutos, através de observação direta com rota de amostragem focal da égua e sua cria. Foi realizada a análise de frequência dos comportamentos ao longo do tempo, considerando cada par (égua/potro) como uma unidade experimental. As frequências dos comportamentos de interação, postura e outros comportamentos das éguas foram analisadas pelo teste de Qui-Quadrado para proporções iguais. Para dependência do comportamento do potro sobre o tipo de progênitor foi realizado o teste de Qui-Quadrado de Pearson. O nível de significância utilizado foi 5%. Concluí-se que no primeiro dia pós-parto as éguas buscam auxiliar a mamada, enquanto os potros mamam e descansam. Potros e muares apresentam diferenças na postura. / The present dissertation was elaborated in two experiments. The first experiment aimed to determine the day of birth through local physical and circulatory changes, and to evaluate the pH of the mammary gland secretion comparing two methods of mares in preparturient. Thirty non-defined pregnant mares (SRD) were used during two mating seasons (2015 and 2016), aged 10 &#177; 4 years, and body weight of 560 &#177; 57 kg. Possible alterations in pelvic, abdominal, vulvar edema and vaginal mucosa staining until the day of delivery were observed through sequential photographies, and the photos were analyzed individually and classified using a scoring system. For pH measurement, the portable pHmeter (Quimis&reg;) and the pH strip test (Fusion&reg;) were used. Crops started at 310 days of gestation. For the pH measurements, a mixed model was used, the mare being the random effect and the time as a fixed effect. The associations between the different pH measurements were evaluated through Pearson\'s Moment-product correlation. In order to evaluate the local physical and circulatory scores, the data were analyzed by the chi-square probability and regression test to observe the frequency of scores 1, 2 or 3 until the day of delivery. The level of significance was 5%. The pH of the mammary secretion can be used to determine the day of delivery, regardless of the method used. The coloration of vaginal mucosa and vulvar edema may aid in the prediction of the day of delivery, but should not be used as the sole method. In the second experiment, the objective was to study the relationship between the mare and her offspring on the first postpartum day, and to relate the progenitor factor to the foal behavior. Twenty - two multiparous mares and their respective foals were used in two calving seasons (2015 and 2016). The parents were formed by donkeys and horses. The etogram was delineated considering the characteristic behaviors presented by mares and foals, and divided into activities of interaction between mare and product, product activities, posture and other behaviors. The observations were performed on the first day postpartum for 10 hours every 2 minutes, through direct observation with the focal sampling route of the mare and her offspring. The behavioral frequency analysis was performed over time, considering each pair (mare / foal) as an experimental unit. The frequencies of the interaction behaviors, posture and other behaviors of the mares were analyzed by the Chi-square test for equal proportions. For the dependence of the behavior of the foal on the type of progenitor was carried out the test of Chi-Square of Pearson. The level of significance was 5%. It was concluded that on the first day postpartum the mares seek to assist the feeding, while the foals suck and rest. Foals and mules show differences in posture.

Commercial organic dyes are widely used for cellular staining due to their small size, high brightness, and chemical functionality. However, their blinking and photobleaching are not ideal for studying dynamics inside live cells. An improvement over organics and much larger quantum dots, silver nanodots (Ag NDs) exhibit low cytotoxicity and excellent brightness and photostability, while retaining small size. We have utilized ssDNA hairpin structures to encapsulate Ag NDs with excellent spectral purity, high concentration, and good chemical and photophysical stability in a variety of biological media. Multi-color staining of fixed and live cells has been achieved, suggesting the promise of Ag NDs as good fluorophores for intracellular imaging. The great brightness and photostability of Ag nanodots indicate that they might be outstanding imaging agents for in vivo studies when encapsulated in delivery vehicles. In addition, Ag NDs can be optically modulated, resulting in increased sensitivity within high backgrounds. These good characteristics are combined with delivery vehicles such as PLGA and nanogels. After encapsulation, Ag nanodots still retain their good photophysical properties and modulation. It might be useful for in vivo applications in the near future

Thesis (M.A.)--Dept. of Art and Art History. University of Missouri--Kansas City, 2004. / "A thesis in art history. Typescript. Advisor: Rochelle Ziskin. Vita. Title from "catalog record" of the print edition Description based on contents viewed Feb. 27, 2006. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 139-153). Online version of the print edition.