Academic literature on the topic 'Cantharis'

Two new species of soldier beetles (Coleoptera, Cantharidae) from the Priabonian deposits in Yantarny, Russia (Baltic amber) are described. Cantharis crisantha sp. nov. is characterized by its relatively small body size, laterally rounded prothorax, and simple claws with a small basal tooth. Of particular interest, this specimen has its aedeagus extruded—a feature described for the first time in a representative of the genus Cantharis found in amber, and something rarely seen in all known fossil species of the Cantharidae family. The second described species, Cantharis raeorum sp. nov., is characterized by a pronotum with straight sides and a transverse and concave part near the posterior margin. The species are compared with earlier reported fossil Cantharis.

Specimens of the family Cantharidae Imhoff, 1856 from the Georg Statz Collection (latest Oligocene, Rott Formation, Germany) are studied. Six specimens are relatively complete for species-level determinations, including one with a partial aedeagus visible, a first for soldier beetles preserved as compressions. The new species herein described include: Cantharis (Cantharis) bradburyi sp. nov., C. (C.) lidiae sp. nov., C. (C.) rottensis sp. nov., Podistra (Absidia) quies sp. nov., Rhagonycha (Rhagonycha) carolynae sp. nov. and R. (R.) ultramundana sp. nov.. Notably, these genera are still found in Germany and the present report thus provides support for earlier occurrences of Cantharis, Podistra, and Rhagonycha from the Eocene Baltic amber.

Background
 Thermal stress during early imbibitional phase of germination causes disruption of redox-homeostasis by increasing accumulation of ROS Reactive Oxygen species (assessed in terms of hydrogen peroxide) and significant reduction of antioxidative defense (assessed in terms of catalase and peroxidase) in germinating tissues of cowpea (Vigna ungiculata). It also induces oxidative damage to newly assembled membrane system by aggravating membrane lipid peroxidation [measured in terms of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS)]. Cantharis is a homeopathic remedy used for treating burn injuries in humans. The objective is to see whether potentized Cantharis could ameliorate heat stress in germinating seeds of cowpea.
 
 Methodology
 Seeds, imbibed in water overnight, were divided into four groups (n=50/group): Control I (Water 200c), Control II (Ethanol 200c), treated with Cantharis 200c and untreated and unstressed. Water soaked seeds were dipped in control/drug solution for 5 min and then washed. Control II and Cantharis 200c were diluted with water 1:1000 to minimize the ethanol effect. Except the fourth group, all other groups were subjected to heat stress (450C for 8 hours). All the groups were allowed to germinate for 5 days in germination chamber at 25 ± 20C. Groups 1 and 2 (Control I and II) served as systematic negative controls throughout the experiment. Ten independent replications were performed for each group in parallel. All experiments were randomized and blinded. 
 
 
 Results
 The systematic negative controls (I, II) did not produce any significant effect. The results in terms of germination, growth, soluble sugar, protein, accumulation of reactive oxygen species and loss of membrane permeability clearly exhibit that Cantharis 200c could mitigate heat stress significantly (p

Here we present a checklist of the families Cantharidae, Lampyridae, and Lycidae of Luxembourg. The earlier references are summarized and new information on the some species is reported. Furthermore, Cantharis (s. str.) paludosa Fallén, 1807, Cantharis (s. str.) terminata Faldermann, 1835, Erotides cosnardi (Chevrolat, 1831), and Lopheros rubens (Gyllenhal, 1817) are cited for the first time for Luxembourg based on specimens preserved in the National Museum of Natural History or on a photo reported on the iNaturalist platform.

The rich late Oligocene fossil deposit of Enspel (Westerwald, Germany) provided two new species of soldier beetles (Cantharidae), namely Cantharis doernerorum sp. nov. and Cantharis zabolica sp. nov. Furthermore, C. doernerorum sp. nov. appears to have preserved traces of the original coloration, a character not found until now in soldier beetles preserved as compression fossils in rocks, and C. zabolica sp. nov. shows a metathoracic wing with veins. The new species are compared to those of the adjacent and almost contemporaneous Rott Lagerstätte (late Oligocene) and other fossiliferous deposits.

Questo articolo, di carattere essenzialmente compilativo ma arricchito da numerosi dati inediti, prende in considerazione la corologia delle specie italiane della Famiglia Cantharidae e riflette il punto di vista personale dell’autore relativamente a numerose indicazioni dubbie presenti in letteratura. La forma proposta è quella di un Catalogo delle specie italiane di Cantharidae con l’indicazione esplicita di tutte le regioni nelle quali ogni specie è nota. I taxa che attualmente compongono la famiglia, conosciuti per l’italia, sono 219 (215 specie e 4 sottospecie), ai quali bisogna aggiungere le 12 specie che sono state ritenute dubbie, o dal punto di vista della validità tassonomica, oppure perché la loro presenza in italia resta da confermare (citazioni molto vecchie e/o dubbie). Molte specie sono citate per la prima volta (o confermate nei casi dubbi) di varie regioni italiane: <em>Cantharis decipiens</em> (Umbria), <em>Cantharis falzonii</em> (Campania), <em>Cantharis flavilabris</em> (Umbria), <em>Cantharis</em> <em>fusca</em> (Friuli Venezia Giulia, Umbria, conferma per il Veneto), <em>Cantharis montana</em> (Val d’aosta, Piemonte), <em>Cantharis</em> <em>pallida</em> (Umbria),<em> Cantharis terminata</em> (Val d’aosta, Lombardia, Veneto), <em>Metacantharis clypeata</em> (Friuli Venezia Giulia), <em>Podistra</em> <em>rufotestacea</em> (Friuli Venezia Giulia, toscana), <em>Rhagonycha gallica</em> (Lombardia, Friuli Venezia Giulia), <em>Rhagonycha lignosa</em> (Umbria), <em>Rhagonycha lutea</em> (Veneto), <em>Rhagonycha nigriceps</em> (Molise), <em>Malthinus bilineatus</em> (Lombardia), <em>Malthinus deceptor</em> (Umbria), <em>Malthinus devillei</em> (toscana, Umbria, Lazio), <em>Malthinus facialis</em> (Lombardia, Veneto), <em>Malthinus fasciatus</em> (Emilia Romagna: nuovo per San Marino), <em>Malthinus glabellus</em> (Umbria), <em>Malthinus neapolitanus </em>(Toscana, Umbria),<em> Malthinus pseudobiguttatus</em> (conferma per Piemonte, Liguria e Basilicata), <em>Malthinus reflexus</em> (Piemonte, toscana, Umbria), <em>Malthinus seriepunctatus</em> (Umbria, Basilicata), <em>Malthinus sordidus sordidus</em> (Val d’aosta, Lombardia, Umbria), <em>Malthodes brevicornis</em> (Umbria, Lazio), <em>Malthodes facetus</em> (Umbria), <em>Malthodes flavoguttatus</em> (Val d’aosta), <em>Malthodes latialis</em> (toscana), <em>Malthodes lobatus</em> (Umbria), <em>Malthodes parthenias</em> (Umbria), <em>Malthodes pinnatus</em> (Calabria), <em>Malthodes siculus</em> (Umbria), <em>Malthodes solarii</em> (toscana), <em>Malthodes spectabilis</em> (Umbria), <em>Malthodes umbrosus</em> (Umbria). Vengono infine discusse brevemente le specie da escludere dalla fauna italiana.

La actual perspectiva en el manejo de enfermedades infecciosas es un reto para el clínico, en la medida en que se desarrollan nuevos antibióticos, las bacterias mejoran su sistema de resistencia. Por esto, este estudio presenta una alternativa al tratamiento de infección urinaria con CANTHARIS 9 CH, medicamento de uso homeopático que tiene estudios en humanos como profiláctico urinario. Se presentan dos casos de pacientes que aceptan voluntariamente recibir este nuevo protocolo. En ambos casos se muestra una confirmación microbiológica de la infección, con resistencia a quinolonas, entre otros, y negativización post tratamiento con el medicamento CANTHARIS 9 CH. No se reportaron efectos secundarios en esta muestra.

Mestrado em Biologia Aplicada<br>Tributyltin (TBT) compounds were biocide agents widely used in antifouling systems since the 60s. However, their high toxicity over non-target organisms led to a progressive restriction of their use, culminating into their global ban by 2008. The extensive use of these compounds in years prior to the ban led to their build up in the sediment compartment of coastal areas around the world. This fact, together with their possible continued use in countries without regulatory supervision, justifies the need to perform regular TBT pollution monitoring. The imposex (superimposition of male characters onto female of prosobranch gastropods), which is caused by TBT exposure, is an effective biomarker to assess environmental TBT pollution levels. Imposex is already reported for more than 260 species of gastropods around the world, but there is an astonishing lack of information regarding the occurrence of this phenomenon in the west coast of Africa. There is also no information about suitable bioindicator species for this region, which constitutes a serious setback, not only for the countries in the region, as for the global effort to implement regulatory policies and monitor their effectiveness. Therefore, the present work aimed to propose for the first time a suitable bioindicator species that can be used for monitoring biological effects of TBT pollution in the western African coast and use it to make the first assessment of TBT pollution in the São Vicente island, where is located the main harbour of the Republic of Cabo Verde. Because of its widespread distribution area, from the Canary islands and the Cabo Verde Archipelago to Angola, its abundance and apparent TBT sensibility, the species Cantharus viverratus (Kiener, 1834) was selected as a potential candidate to monitor the biological effects of TBT pollution through the imposex response. Adult C. viverratus were collected between August and October 2012 along the coast of São Vicente island and the morphological expression of imposex was assessed and compared to general VDS (vas deferens sequence) schemes available for other bioindicators. An updated VDS scheme that faithfully describe the morphological expression of imposex in C. viverratus was therefore determined, including seven levels of female virilization (from stage 0 to 6), following at least three different evolution pathways (a, b and c). After the new VDS scheme was established, the assessment of imposex levels was performed through the estimation of the percentage of females affected with imposex (%I),the mean female penis length (FPL), the relative penis length index (RPLI), the vas deferens sequence index (VDSI) and the percentage of sterilized females (%S). The organotin body burden was also determined at 6 sampling stations, revealing a positive relation with the imposex levels registered. Females affected with imposex were only found at sites under the São Vicente's harbour influence, exhibiting values as high as VDSI≥5 at hotspots inside this harbour. The results revealed that the São Vicente harbour is the focus of TBT pollution in the island due to the occurrence of high naval traffic and shipyard activities, and possibly to the TBT release from sediments as a consequence of historical contamination by this compound.<br>Os compostos de tributilestanho (TBT) foram agentes biocidas amplamente utilizados em sistemas antivegetativos desde os anos 60. Contudo, a sua toxicidade em organismos não alvo conduziu à progressiva restrição da sua utilização, culminando na sua proibição global a partir do ano de 2008. No entanto, a utilização extensiva destes compostos nos anos anteriores a essa proibição levou à sua acumulação nos sedimentos de zonas costeiras por todo o mundo. Tal facto, juntamente com a forte possibilidade da sua utilização não ter cessado em países onde não existe a fiscalização da sua regulamentação, justifica a necessidade de monitorização regular da poluição por TBT. O imposex (superimposição de caracteres sexuais masculinos em fêmeas de gastrópodes prosobrânquios), fenómeno causado pela exposição ao TBT, é um biomarcador efetivo deste tipo de poluição e, por isso mesmo, amplamente utilizado em programas de monitorização ambiental. O imposex já foi observado em mais de 260 espécies de gastrópodes por todo o mundo, no entanto existe uma extrema falta de informação sobre a ocorrência do fenómeno em espécies da costa ocidental Africana. Essa quase total ausência de informação acerca da ocorrência de imposex e a inexistência de espécies bioindicadoras na costa ocidental Africana, constituem um impedimento não apenas a uma correta gestão ambiental e conservação dos recursos marinhos dos países nessa região, mas também ao esforço global de monitorização e redução da poluição por TBT à escala mundial. Por esse motivo, o presente trabalho pretende propor, pela primeira vez, uma espécie bioindicadora que pode ser usada para monitorizar os efeitos da poluição por TBT na costa ocidental Africana e aplicá-la na primeira avaliação dos níveis de poluição por TBT na ilha de São Vicente, onde se localiza o principal porto da República de Cabo Verde. Devido à sua ampla distribuição geográfica, desde as Ilhas Canárias e o arquipélago de Cabo Verde até Angola, a sua abundância e aparente sensibilidade ao TBT, a espécie Cantharus viverratus (Kiener, 1834) foi seleccionada como potencial candidata para monitorizar os efeitos biológicos da poluição por TBT pela resposta imposex. Procedeu-se à colheita de animais adultos de C. viverratus na ilha de São Vicente entre Agosto e Outubro de 2012 e foi analisada a expressão morfológica do imposex nesta espécie, desenvolvendo-se um esquema de VDS (sequência do vaso deferente) com base nos que já existem para outros bioindicadores. Obteve-se um esquema de VDS atualizado que descreve fielmente a expressão morfológica do imposex nesta espécie, incluindo sete estádios de masculinização das fêmeas (de estádio 0 a 6), seguindo pelo menos três vias de evolução diferentes (a,b e c). Após ter sido definido o novo esquema de VDS, foram avaliados os níveis de imposex ao longo da costa de São Vicente através do cálculo da percentagem de fêmeas afetadas pelo fenómeno (%I), do comprimento médio do pénis das fêmeas (FPL),do comprimento relativo do pénis (RPLI), do índice da sequência do vaso deferente (VDSI) e da percentagem de fêmeas estéreis (%S). Foi ainda determinado o conteúdo em compostos de butilestanho nos tecidos das fêmeas em seis estações de amostragem, que se revelou positivamente relacionado com os níveis de imposex registados. Foram encontradas fêmeas com imposex apenas nas estações sob influência do Porto de São Vicente, exibindo valores tão elevados como VDSI≥5 em locais no interior deste porto. Os resultados revelaram que a baía onde se localiza o Porto de São Vicente constitui a principal fonte de poluição por TBT na ilha, devido à ocorrência de elevado tráfego naval e à atividade dos estaleiros, e possivelmente devido à libertação de TBT dos sedimentos como consequência da contaminação histórica por estes compostos.

Background: Despite increasing incidence and morbidity globally, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a big challenge clinically. The difficulty to treat HCC is largely due to non-specific chemotherapy causing life-threatening toxicity and severe drug-related adverse effects. Extensive studies on targeted drug delivery systems (DDS) have revealed a great potential in specific delivery of chemotherapeutics for cancer treatment, which should be a way to overcome the limitations of conventional chemotherapy. Cantharidin (CTD) is a natural product from Chinese medicine showing a great potency but narrow therapeutic window with high toxicity. Its therapeutic potential is proposed to be improved with nanoliposomal encapsulation. To explore the potential of this liposomal delivery system for HCC treatment, in this study we developed and characterized liposomal carriers with CTD encapsulated and liposomal surface modified for targeted delivery to the HCC models in vitro and in vivo. Methods: In the present study, liposomal delivery system was developed with cantharidin (CTD) encapsulated as anticancer assembly for HCC treatment. Firstly, in order to demonstrate the feasibility of liposomal encapsulation for CTD, the plain liposomal CTD was prepared and the anticancer effects were evaluated in vitro and in vivo with comparison to the free CTD formulation (Chapter 2). Then, to achieve specific penetrability of the liposomal CTD for HCC, it was further modified with a cancer cell specific penetrating peptide BR2, and its superior penetrability was evaluated on both in vitro monolayer and 3D HepG2 cells including MTT assay, cellular uptake, internalization, tumor spheroid penetration and inhibition, and in vivo subcutaneous HCC mice model (Chapter 3). Finally, the dual-functionalized liposomes with BR2 and anti-carbonic anhydrase IX (CA IX) antibody were achieved for more efficient delivery with specific penetrating and targeting properties on orthotopic HCC model (Chapter 4). Results: The key results of the study are: (1) liposomal CTD can augment the anti-proliferative effects of CTD, and enhance the anticancer efficacy on subcutaneous HepG2-bearing nude mice, which might be due to the enhanced solubility of the drug as well as intracellular delivery (Chapter 2); (2) with BR2 penetrating peptide modification, the liposomal CTD can get into cancerous cells specifically and penetrate deeper in 3D tumor models. A better tumor growth inhibition was also seen in the subcutaneous HCC mice of BR2-modified liposomes treatment than that of the other group, which could be contributed to the passive targeting of liposomes as well as the specific penetrating properties induced by BR2 peptide (Chapter 3); (3) the dual-functionalized liposomes with BR2 peptide and anti-CA IX antibody modification can enhance the drug internalization into HepG2 cells and further improve the anticancer efficacy of drugs compared to other formulations on orthotopic HCC nude mice (Chapter 4). Conclusion: These results demonstrate 1) the liposomal delivery system as a powerful tool to improve anticancer effects of chemotherapeutic agent; 2) the usefulness of BR2 and CA IX modified-liposomal nano-delivery of CTD and their combination might be a potential modality for HCC treatment. The study paved a way for clinical translational medicine of this ligands-modified liposomal delivery system for targeted treatment of HCC.

Aux premières stupeurs de deux morts si rapides que rien ne faisait présager, succèdent les suppositions. Les langues se délient, les réflexions s'échangent. On ne dissimule plus ce que l'on pense et on ne tarde pas à prononcer le mot « empoisonnement ». Le parquet hésite et devant l'insistance de la rumeur publique, il cède. Les trois experts rouennais sont unanimes : sans pouvoir identifier avec certitude le poison utilisé, les sieurs Druaux et Delacroix sont bien morts empoisonnés. L'hypothèse la plus probable est celle des cantharides. La veuve Druaux, restée seule avec les deux victimes, est désignée coupable le 15 novembre 1887 d'avoir tué son mari et son frère à Malaunay, en Seine-Inférieure. Comment, neuf ans plus tard, le procès pourra-t-il faire l'objet d'une révision ? La réponse était dans le nom même de leur habitation : « La maison du four à chaux ». Le coupable est un gaz : le monoxyde de carbone. Incolore, inodore, probablement l'un des poisons des plus subtils et des plus puissants. Il aura fallu trois morts et de nombreux accidents pour l'incriminer et libérer une âme innocente. Les experts parisiens s'intéressent à cette affaire et établissent une violente contre-expertise. Plus qu'un prétexte, cette affaire est véritablement l'occasion de faire un point sur les connaissances médicales et scientifiques à la fin du XIXe siècle sur les cantharides et l'oxyde de carbone. Une mise en perspective avec des éléments plus actuels et les progrès faits depuis permet de donner du sens aux acquis de l'époque.

Submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Technology: Homoeopathy, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2017.<br>AIM The aim of this study was to determine whether a radionically prepared remedy would elicit symptomatology similar to the existing materia medica of the same remedy during a triple-blind proving. METHODOLOGY This homoeopathic proving of a radionically prepared remedy in 30C-equivalent (CR) potency was of a true experimental design, conducted in the form of a randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Thirty proving participants (20 verum and 10 placebo) were selected according to defined inclusion criteria, and were closely monitored by the researcher throughout the proving to ensure prover compliance and wellbeing. Data was collected in the form of prover journals, in which provers recorded their symptoms experienced over the pre-proving observation period, the duration of the proving and the post-proving observation period. The proving symptomatology was collated into standard materia medica and repertory formats, following the CHROMA-Prove© method. Twenty keynote rubrics were selected according to criteria, which included symptoms ‘Grade 2’ or higher, PQRS (peculiar, queer, rare, strange) symptoms and general symptoms, and were subjected to repertorial analysis using RadarOpus software program (version 1.38). The nature of the proving substance was unblinded only after an estimation of the substance by repertorial overlap was made by the principal researcher, following which qualitative and quantitative comparisons of the proving materia medica and repertory were made against the existing materia medica of the same remedy accordingly. Results The proving of the radionically prepared remedy produced observable symptoms that resulted in a total of 332 materia medica entries, which translated into 563 rubrics distributed across 32 chapters. Five repertorial techniques were applied to the twenty rubrics selected and the researcher was able to correctly identify the radionically prepared proving substance, which was revealed to be Cantharis vesicatoria. Conclusion From the results of this study, it was evident that the proving of Cantharis vesicatoria 30CR produced symptomatology that was sufficiently characteristic to enable the researcher to correctly identify the remedy. The repertorial and materia medica comparisons to the existing materia medica of Cantharis vesicatoria, however, highlighted several similarities and differences that need to be explored further in order to bridge the observations and questions posed in this study.<br>M

Dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for the Master's Degree in Technology: Homoeopathy, Durban Institute of Technology, 2003.<br>The purpose of this randomised double blind study was to evaluate the efficacy of the homoeopathic complex (Cantharis vesicatoria 12CH, Equisetum hyemale 12CH, Sarsaparilla 12CH, Delphinium staphysagria 12CH, Uva ursi 12CH) in the treatment of nocturnal enuresis with regard to the number of wet nights per week. It focused on children between the ages offive and eighteen, residing at children's homes in the greater Durban area. It was hypothesised that the homoeopathic medication would reduce the weekly incidences of bed wetting and thus provide a, safe, viable and effective alternative to existing treatment options.<br>M

As espécies da família Sparidae ocupam um lugar de destaque na actividade pesqueira da Costa Sudoeste de Portugal, sendo das principais subsidiárias da pesca artesanal nesta região. Com o presente trabalho pretendeu-se clarificar aspectos básicos da biologia de dois esparídeos, Diplodus vulgaris (safia) e Spondyliosoma cantharus (choupa), nas áreas da ecologia alimentar, reprodução, idade, crescimento e mortalidade; estimar os parâmetros de selectividade das artes de pesca mais importantes sobre estas espécies e avaliar preliminarmente o estado da pescaria destes dois esparídeos. Para atingir estes objectivos cumpriu-se um plano de amostragem de frequências de comprimento nas lotas de Sagres e Sines, de Julho de 1992 a Março de 1994; estudos laboratoriais com amostras recolhidas em Sagres de Dezembro de 1992 a Março de 1994 e um estudo de selectividade de aparelho de anzol e redes de emalhar realizado em 1997/98. Os hábitos alimentares foram estudados a partir da análise de conteúdos estomacais, utilizando-se 3 métodos de avaliação da composição da dieta, 5 índices combinados da bibliografia e 3 propostos. Da análise comparativa entre os vários índices concluiu-se que o índice de importância relativa (IRI) e o índice de alimentação ponderado (IPO2) serão os mais adequados para descrever as dietas destas espécies. Registaram-se elevados coeficientes de vacuidade, motivados em grande parte pela natureza da arte de pesca. A dieta de D. vulgaris é composta essencialmente por ofiurídeos, poliquetas, anfípodes e equinóides, enquanto que S. cantharus consome principalmente poliquetas, anfípodes e hidrozoários. As duas dietas são significativamente diferentes, principalmente pelo maior consumo de equinodermes no caso de D. vulgaris. A estrutura e dimensões da boca nestes esparídeos são distintas, podendo influenciar o seu comportamento trófico. À semelhança de grande parte dos esparídeos, D. vulgaris e S. cantharus são espécies bentívoras, que adoptam uma estratégia alimentar generalista, com fortes afinidades com o alimento disponível no meio. Da análise do ciclo reprodutivo verificou-se que as épocas de postura são extensas: D. vulgaris: Dezembro a Março com maior intensidade em Janeiro/Fevereiro; S. cantharus: Fevereiro a Abril, com máxima intensidade em Março. Não existiram diferenças significativas na proporção entre os sexos (M:F = 1.01) ao longo do ano e por tamanho em D. vulgaris, enquanto que em S. cantharus as fêmeas foram mais abundantes ao longo do ano (M:F=0.57) e nas classes de comprimento inferiores. Os tamanhos de 1ª maturação (L50%) para o conjunto dos sexos e indivíduos indeterminados foram de: D. vulgaris, 18.33 cm, não existindo diferenças significativas entre machos e fêmeas; S. cantharus, 20.10 cm, existindo diferenças significativas entre machos (22.41 cm, TL) e fêmeas (19.98 cm, TL). Os tamanhos de 1ª maturação estimados foram consideravelmente superiores aos tamanhos mínimo legais de desembarque (TML) em Portugal, para D. vulgaris (TML=15.0 cm) e ligeiramente inferiores no caso de S. cantharus (TML=23 cm). A fecundidade média absoluta (Fa) e a fecundidade relativa (Fr) foram de: D. vulgaris - Fa = 131127 ovos; Fr = 526 ovos/g; S. cantharus - Fa = 61396 ovos; Fr = 346 ovos/g. As relações entre a fecundidade absoluta e o comprimento total (TL) e o peso somático (SW) foram as seguintes: D. vulgaris: Fa = 0.1853TL4.1903; Fa = 57.715SW1.4067; S. cantharus: Fa = 436.27TL1.5747; Fa = 2979.7SW0.585. A estratégia reprodutiva destas espécies é caracterizada por hermafroditismo, rudimentar com eventual protândria parcial em D. vulgaris e protogínia em S. cantharus. A determinação da idade foi efectuada pela análise de estruturas duras, otólitos para D. vulgaris e otólitos e escamas para S. cantharus. As estimações do comprimento à idade ajustaram-se bem ao modelo de Von Bertalanffy. De entre os métodos de estimação dos parâmetros de crescimento, escolheu-se o ajuste não linear aplicado a todos os pares de comprimentos à idade, sendo esta corrigida pela data de captura. Para além do maior rigor desta análise, os resultados produzidos foram considerados os mais aproximados da realidade: D. vulgaris (otólitos): L=28.1 cm K=0.30 ano-1 e t0= -1.618 anos (validade: 12.5-30.5 cm; 1-10 anos); S. cantharus (escamas): L=35 cm, K=0.32 ano-1 e t0=-0.481 anos (validade: 14.3-33.5 cm; 1-9 anos). A análise de distribuição de frequências de comprimento, apresentou um L mais próximo da realidade: L=39.6 cm, K=0.32 ano-1 e t0=-0.481 anos (D. vulgaris); L=40.0 cm, K=0.24 ano-1 e t0=-0.646 anos (S. cantharus). As relações peso-comprimento de D. vulgaris e S. cantharus para a Costa Sudoeste foram do tipo potencial W=a Lb, sendo definidas pelos seguintes parâmetros: a=0.0223 e b= 2.895, r2=0.89 (D. vulgaris); a=0.0106 e b= 3.085, r2= 0.89 (S. cantharus). Os valores de mortalidade natural (M), estimados por métodos indirectos, para D. vulgaris e S. cantharus foram de 0.39 e 0.30 ano-1, respectivamente. O valor de M de esparídeos pode ser estimado preliminarmente mediante a utilização de uma regressão multilinear que integra as três variáveis (M, K e L): M = -0.162 + 1.714K + 0.00273L (r2=0.77). A análise das curvas de captura permitiu obter os seguintes valores de mortalidade total (Z): D. vulgaris: Z=0.642 (otólitos) e 0.727 ano-1 (frequências de comprimento); S. cantharus: Z=0.676 (escamas) e 0.576 ano-1 (frequências de comprimento). As artes de pesca mais importantes para D vulgaris e S. cantharus e para a região considerada são, por ordem de grandeza, o aparelho de anzol e redes de emalhar, e em menor escala a arte do cerco. Os esparídeos diversos e dentro destes a choupa, que deveria ser discriminada nas estatísticas oficiais, constituíram os únicos esparídeos que apresentaram uma evolução com tendência negativa de 1987 a 1998. A estrutura demográfica de desembarques de safia é caracterizada por cerca de 86.9 % indivíduos entre 20.5 a 27.5 cm (2 a 6 anos), enquanto que para a choupa, 85.0% dos indivíduos desembarcados estão compreendidos entre 21.5 e 27.5 cm (2 a 6 anos). No estudo de selectividade foram realizadas 40 pescas experimentais em que se testaram 4 tamanhos de anzol (nº11, 12, 13 e 15) e de malha (80, 70, 60 e 50mm). D. vulgaris e S. cantharus são das espécies mais abundantes na pescaria com aparelho de anzol, tendo uma representação inferior quer em termos relativos, quer absolutos nas capturas das redes de emalhar. Existiu um decréscimo geral das taxas de captura com o tamanho do anzol e uma maior eficiência para os tamanhos intermédios da malha nas redes de emalhar. Paralelamente, existiu para ambas as espécies uma sobreposição de comprimentos médios com o tamanho dos anzóis e uma separação clara de comprimentos médios de ambas as espécies com a malhagem. Adoptaram-se, com bom ajuste, uma curva de selectividade do tipo logística para o aparelho de anzol e normal para as redes de emalhar, para ambas as espécies. Atendendo a uma eventual revisão dos tamanhos mínimos legais de desembarque, em função dos tamanhos de primeira maturação e à estrutura das capturas, as malhas de 70 e 80mm são as mais adequadas na pescaria de D. vulgaris e S. cantharus, respectivamente. O anzol número 13 será o mais apropriado a D. vulgaris, dada a pouca praticabilidade do anzol 15. Em relação a S. cantharus o anzol nº 11 apresenta a menor proporção de indivíduos com tamanho ilegal, sendo então o mais indicado à pescaria desta espécie. Para o aparelho de anzol e de acordo com os modelos de rendimento por recruta a pescaria de safia processa-se de forma moderada, a níveis inferiores a uma taxa de exploração máxima (Emax) suportável pelo "stock". A pescaria de choupa apresenta indícios de uma exploração intensa, próxima dos valores máximos comportados pelo "stock". Uma alteração nos valores actuais da taxa de exploração e/ou de comprimento de 1ª captura terá de ter em consideração o carácter multiespecifico desta pescaria. Visando a gestão destes recursos pesqueiros, dever-se-á controlar principalmente o nível do esforço de pesca praticado e rever os tamanhos mínimos de desembarque, de modo a evitar que esta pescaria entre numa fase de sobreexploração. O estabelecimento de reservas marinhas e de recifes artificiais poderá ser um contributo para uma exploração pesqueira sustentada e para a conservação da biodiversidade.

Tese de doutoramento, Ciências do Mar, Universidade de Lisboa, Faculdade de Ciências, 2018<br>In this thesis the stock structure of the black seabream, Spondyliosoma cantharus, along the Eastern Atlantic is explored using 4 different methodologies, body morphometry, otolith shape and stable isotopes ratio and genetics (mitochondrial and nuclear markers). Samples were gathered for five European areas (English Channel, Bay of Biscay, Galicia, west Portuguese coast – Peniche, and south Portuguese coast – Algarve), and two areas from African coast (Canary Islands and Angola). Results from morphometric analyses support the existence of different phenotypic stocks in each sampled area, while stable isotope ratios show fuzzier results with only 3 areas clearly distinguished: Angola, Canary Islands and Bay of Biscay. Genetic analyses were enhanced with samples from Mediterranean Sea and Cape Verde. A clear structuration is present between regions: North east Atlantic, Mediterranean Sea, Cape Verde and Angola, not being detected any population structuring within each region; however high levels of private haplotypes for all populations were observed, which can indicate that not enough dispersal/gene flow exists to homogenize more recent mutations at the ecological timescale. Integrating results from all methods, in a holistic stock structure analyses, the scenario with 6 different stock units in the North-eastern Atlantic is the most probable. Life history parameters for the species were also evaluated for the west Portuguese coast, since these are key parameters for a conscientious stock assessment. Maximum age of 17 years was assigned for a specimen with 38 cm. Age at growth was best described with the L00 hyperbolic modification of von Bertalanffy curve. Under this model, a change in growth occurs around 8 years, which corresponds roughly to the average age for sex reversal in the species. The estimated exploitation rate was relatively high (0.43 – 0.62), indicating that although the species is not the main target of the fisheries, its management needs careful attention. Considering the reproductive strategy of the species, half of the females’ population was mature at 18.41 cm and changed sex at 25.62 cm. Sex change takes only a brief period of time, since transitional individuals were scarce and most of them showed oocytes regressing into cystic structures. The species presents a clear indeterminate fecundity type with massive atresia happening at the end of the spawning season. Mean values of 203 oocytes and 5431 oocytes by gram of eviscerated female were estimated for relative batch fecundity and relative annual fecundity, respectively.<br>Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT), SFRH/BD/92769/2013

Aim. The aim of this study was to synthesize and characterize novel analogues of [DACH-Pt-DMC] by using different stereoisomers of DACH; and to investigate any differences in in vitro activity of these complexes in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), colorectal carcinoma (CRC) cell lines and acquired cisplatin or oxaliplatin resistant sub-lines, and to compare that of oxaliplatin and other established Pt-based anticancer agents. Mechanistic roles of DACH-Pt- and DMC components of the TCM-Pt complexes on affecting HCT 116 human CRC cell line were investigated by flow cytometry, COMET assay and cDNA microarray analysis.<br>Background. Demethylcantharidin (DMC), a modified component of the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), integrated with a platinum (Pt) moiety created a series of TCM-Pt complexes [Pt(C8H8O 5)(NH2R)2] 1-5 which demonstrated superior antitumor activity and circumvention of cisplatin resistance in vitro. Compound 5, derived from the 1,2-diaminocyclohexane (DACH) ligand (where R=trans-C6H10) had the most potent antitumor activity and closest structural resemblance to oxaliplatin (R,R-DACH-Pt complex) which is the first Pt-based anticancer drug to demonstrate convincing clinical activity against colorectal cancer and has a mechanism of action and resistance that is clearly different from that of cisplatin and carboplatin.<br>Conclusion. This study is the first to examine the mechanism of anticancer activity of new complexes that integrate DMC with different isomers of DACH. It has shown that both DACH-Pt- and DMC components contribute significantly to the compounds' potent anticancer activity, but likely with different mechanisms of action. The DACH-Pt- component appears to dictate the cell cycle distribution, whereas the DMC component appears to enhance cytotoxicity by inducing more DNA damage in HCT 116 colorectal cancer cells.<br>Methods. DMC was reacted with appropriate DACH-Pt-(NO3) 2 intermediates, which were prepared from treatment of K2PtCl 4 with stereoisomeric DACH (RR-, SS- & cis-), followed by reaction with silver nitrate. Proton NMR, high-resolution MS, polarimetry and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy were used to characterize their chemical structures and optical activities. In vitro antitumor activity (IC50 of 72hr drug exposure time) were assessed by a standard MTT assay. Cell cycle analysis by flow cytometry was determined at 0, 6, 12, 18, 24, 48 and 72 h after drug treatment (cisplatin, carboplatin, oxaliplatin, DMC, compound 1 or trans-DACH-Pt-DMC analogues) at IC50 and 5 x IC50 concentrations with three to four replicates. Comet assay was performed with a fluorescent microscope and used to examine DNA damage after drug treatments (50muM of cisplatin, carboplatin, oxaliplatin, DMC, compound 1 or R,R-DACH-Pt-DMC) for 3hr. cDNA microarray was performed on Affymetrix Human Genome U133A Set and used to analyze gene expression profiles in HCT 116 exposed to trans-(+/-)-DACH-Pt-DMC or oxaliplatin at their IC50 for 72hr.<br>Results. The in vitro results showed that the trans-analogues were consistently the most potent amongst all the compounds tested in both HCC and CRC cell lines: the trans-(+)(1R,2R)-DACH-Pt-DMC complex, in particular, was the most effective stereoisomer. All of the stereoisomeric DACH-Pt-DMC complexes and oxaliplatin were apparently able to circumvent cisplatin resistance in Huh-7 and SK-Hep1 sub-lines, but cross resistant with oxaliplatin in HCT 116 oxaliplatin resistant sub-line. Flow cytometric analysis revealed the novel trans-DACH-Pt-DMC analogues and oxaliplatin behaved similarly: that is, the compounds at 5 x IC50 concentrations all caused a significant decrease in the S-phase population within 18h and at the same time induced G2/M arrest, and without obvious sub-G 1 phase accumulation, but distinct from that of cisplatin, carboplatin or DMC. Comet assay showed that trans-(+)-(1R,2 R)-DACH-Pt-DMC caused the most significant DNA damage at an equivalent molar concentration. Microarray analysis suggested that the mechanistic role of the DMC ligand can induce the cell cycle to accelerate from the G 1 to S-phase and cause M-phase arrest.<br>Yu Chun Wing.<br>"July 2006."<br>Advisers: Yee-ping Ho; Chik Fun Steve Au-Yeung.<br>Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 68-03, Section: B, page: 1586.<br>Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2006.<br>Includes bibliographical references (p. 191-232).<br>Electronic reproduction. Hong Kong : Chinese University of Hong Kong, [2012] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web.<br>Electronic reproduction. [Ann Arbor, MI] : ProQuest Information and Learning, [200-] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web.<br>Abstracts in English and Chinese.<br>School code: 1307.

Ng, Po Yan.<br>Thesis submitted in: November 2006.<br>Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2007.<br>Includes bibliographical references (leaves 109-120).<br>Abstracts in English and Chinese.<br>Acknowledgement --- p.i<br>Abstract --- p.ii<br>摘要 --- p.iii<br>Table of Contents --- p.iv<br>List of Figures --- p.viii<br>List of Tables --- p.xi<br>List of Abbreviation --- p.xii<br>Chapter Chapter 1 --- Introduction<br>Chapter 1.1 --- A General Introduction to the Development and Clinical Activities of Platinum Drugs --- p.1<br>Chapter 1.1.1 --- Platinum Drugs used in a Clinical Setting --- p.4<br>Chapter 1.1.2 --- Platinum Drugs under Clinical Trials --- p.5<br>Chapter 1.1.3 --- Platinum Compounds with Dual Mechanisms --- p.7<br>Chapter 1.2 --- Platinum Drug Antitumor Mechanism --- p.9<br>Chapter 1.3 --- Limitations of Platinum Drugs --- p.12<br>Chapter 1.3.1 --- Toxicity --- p.12<br>Chapter 1.3.2 --- Drug Resistance or Cross Resistance --- p.15<br>Chapter 1.3.2.1 --- Reduced Drug Accumulation or Increased Drug Efflux --- p.16<br>Chapter 1.3.2.2 --- Drug Inactivation --- p.18<br>Chapter 1.3.2.3 --- Enhanced DNA Repair --- p.19<br>Chapter 1.4 --- Why Combinational Therapy? --- p.21<br>Chapter 1.4.1 --- Antimetabolites --- p.20<br>Chapter 1.4.2 --- Topoisomerase Inhibitors --- p.22<br>Chapter 1.4.3 --- Tubulin-Active Antimitotic Agents --- p.24<br>Chapter 1.4.4 --- Demethylcantharidin as a potential candidate for drug combination --- p.28<br>Chapter 1.5 --- Study Objectives --- p.31<br>Chapter Chapter 2 --- Materials and Methods<br>Chapter 2.1 --- Cell Lines --- p.33<br>Chapter 2.2 --- Cancer Cell Preparation<br>Chapter 2.2.1 --- Chemicals and Reagents --- p.33<br>Chapter 2.2.2 --- Cell Culture Practice --- p.34<br>Chapter 2.2.2.1 --- Subcultures --- p.35<br>Chapter 2.2.2.2 --- Cryopreservation --- p.37<br>Chapter 2.2.2.3 --- Thawing Cryopreservated Cells --- p.38<br>Chapter 2.2.3 --- Development of Drug-Resistant Cell Lines --- p.39<br>Chapter 2.3 --- Growth Inhibition Assay<br>Chapter 2.3.1 --- Evaluation of Cytotoxicity in vitro --- p.40<br>Chapter 2.3.2 --- Drug Pretreatment --- p.43<br>Chapter 2.3.3 --- Drug Pre-sensitization with Concurrent Treatment --- p.44<br>Chapter 2.4 --- Calculations for Drug Combinations --- p.46<br>Chapter 2.5 --- Statistical Analysis --- p.49<br>Chapter Chapter 3 --- Results and Discussions<br>Chapter 3.1 --- In vitro Cytotoxicity and Evaluation of Drug Resistance --- p.50<br>Chapter 3.2 --- Role of Leaving Ligand in a Platinum Complex --- p.58<br>Chapter 3.3 --- Priority in Selecting the Most Effective Drug Combination --- p.66<br>Chapter 3.4 --- Drug Combination Studies<br>Chapter 3.4.1 --- Drug Combination Prescreening --- p.68<br>Chapter 3.4.1.1 --- Comparison of the effectiveness of the three Drug Combinations --- p.72<br>Chapter 3.4.1.2 --- Rationale for Drug Combination Studies presented in Section 3.4.2 & 3.4.3 --- p.73<br>Chapter 3.4.2 --- Drug Pre-sensitization Studies in Colorectal Cancer Cell Lines --- p.74<br>Chapter 3.4.2.1 --- Comparison of Drug Pre-sensitization Treatment in Sensitive Colorectal Cancer Cell Lines --- p.84<br>Chapter 3.4.2.2 --- Comparison of Drug Pre-sensitization Treatment in Sensitive and Oxaliplatin Resistant HCT116 Colorectal Cancer Cell Lines --- p.87<br>Chapter 3.4.3 --- Drug Pre-sensitization Studies in Liver Cancer Cell Lines --- p.89<br>Chapter 3.4.3.1 --- Comparison of Drug Pre-sensitization Treatment in Sensitive Liver Cancer Cell Lines --- p.99<br>Chapter 3.4.3.2 --- Comparison of Drug Pre-sensitization Treatment in Sensitive and Cisplatin Resistant SK-Hepl Liver Cancer Cell Line --- p.101<br>Chapter 3.5 --- Possible Explanation to the Observed Drug Combination Effect --- p.103<br>Chapter 3.6 --- General Protocols for Drug Combinations --- p.105<br>Chapter Chapter 4 --- Conclusions<br>Reference --- p.109<br>Appendices --- p.121<br>Chapter I a. --- "Raw Data of Pre-screening for HCT116 (Cisplatin, [Pt(DMC)(NH3)2] and Pt(DMC)(NH2CH3)2])" --- p.122<br>Chapter I b. --- "Raw Data of Pre-screening for HCT116 ([Pt(DMC)(R,R-DACH)] and Oxaliplatin)" --- p.123<br>Chapter II a. --- "Raw Data of Pre-screening for SK-Hepl (Cisplatin, [Pt(DMC)(NH3)2] and Pt(DMC)(NH2CH3)2])" --- p.124<br>Chapter II b. --- "Raw Data of Pre-screening for SK-Hepl ([Pt(DMC)(R,R-DACH)] and Oxaliplatin)" --- p.125<br>Chapter III a. i) --- "Isobolograms for HCT116 (Cisplatin, [Pt(DMC)(NH3)2] and Pt(DMC)(NH2CH3)2])" --- p.126<br>Chapter III a. ii) --- "Raw Data for HCT116 (Cisplatin, [Pt(DMC)(NH3)2] and Pt(DMC)(NH2CH3)2])" --- p.127<br>Chapter III b. i) --- "Isobolograms for HCT116 ([Pt(DMC)(R,R-DACH)] and Oxaliplatin)" --- p.128<br>Chapter III b. ii) --- "Raw Data for HCT116 ([Pt(DMC)(R,R-DACH)] and Oxaliplatin)" --- p.129<br>Chapter IV a. i) --- "Isobolograms for HCT1160xaR (Cisplatin, [Pt(DMC)(NH3)2] and Pt(DMC)(NH2CH3)2])" --- p.130<br>Chapter IV a. ii) --- "Raw Data for HCT1160xaR (Cisplatin, [Pt(DMC)(NH3)2] and Pt(DMC)(NH2CH3)2])" --- p.131<br>Chapter IV b. i) --- "Isobolograms for HCT1160xaR ([Pt(DMC)(R,R-DACH)] and Oxaliplatin)" --- p.132<br>Chapter IV b. ii) --- "Raw Data for HCT1160xaR ([Pt(DMC)(R,R-DACH)] and Oxaliplatin)" --- p.133<br>Chapter V a. i) --- "Isobolograms for HT29 (Cisplatin, [Pt(DMC)(NH3)2] and Pt(DMC)(NH2CH3)2])" --- p.134<br>Chapter V a. ii) --- "Raw Data for HT29 (Cisplatin, [Pt(DMC)(NH3)2] and Pt(DMC)(NH2CH3)2])" --- p.135<br>Chapter V b. i) --- "Isobolograms for HT29 ([Pt(DMC)(R,R-DACH)] and Oxaliplatin)" --- p.136<br>Chapter V b. ii) --- "Raw Data for HT29 ([Pt(DMC)(R,R-DACH)] and Oxaliplatin)" --- p.137<br>Chapter VI a. i) --- Isobolograms for Hep G2 (Cisplatin and [Pt(DMC)(NH3)2]) --- p.138<br>Chapter VI a. ii) --- Raw Data for Hep G2 (Cisplatin and [Pt(DMC)(NH3)2]) --- p.139<br>Chapter VI b. i) --- "Isobolograms for Hep G2 ([Pt(DMC)(R,R-DACH)] and Oxaliplatin)" --- p.140<br>Chapter VI b. ii) --- "Raw Data for Hep G2 ([Pt(DMC)(R,R-DACH)] and Oxaliplatin)" --- p.141<br>Chapter VII a. i) --- "isobolograms for SK Hep 1 (Cisplatin, [Pt(DMC)(NH3)2] and Pt(DMC)(NH2CH3)2])" --- p.142<br>Chapter VII a. ii) --- "Raw Data for SK Hep 1 (Cisplatin, [Pt(DMC)(NH3)2] and Pt(DMC)(NH2CH3)2])" --- p.143<br>Chapter VII b.i) --- "Isobolograms for SK Hep 1 ([Pt(DMC)(R,R-DACH)] and Oxaliplatin)" --- p.144<br>Chapter VII b. ii) --- "Raw Data for SK Hep 1 ([Pt(DMC)(R,R-DACH)] and Oxaliplatin)" --- p.145<br>Chapter VIII a. i) --- "Isobolograms for SK Hep ICisR (Cisplatin, [Pt(DMC)(NH3)2] and Pt(DMC)(NH2CH3)2])" --- p.146<br>Chapter VIII a. ii) --- "Raw Data for SK Hep ICisR (Cisplatin, [Pt(DMC)(NH3)2] and Pt(DMC)(NH2CH3)2])" --- p.147<br>Chapter VIII b. i) --- "Isobolograms for SK Hep ICisR ([Pt(DMC)(R,R-DACH)] and Oxaliplatin)" --- p.148<br>Chapter VIII b. ii) --- "Raw Data for SK Hep ICisR ([Pt(DMC)(R,R-DACH)] and Oxaliplatin)" --- p.149