Dissertations / Theses: 'Plants and animals'

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Jennions, Michael D. "Signalling and sexual selection in animals and plants." Thesis, University of Oxford, 1996. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.670250.

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Damiri, Basma. "Risk characterization for boron and aquatic plants and animals." Connect to this title online, 2007. http://etd.lib.clemson.edu/documents/1202498572/.

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Stewart, Kirsty. "Nature and narratives : landscapes, plants and animals in Palaiologan vernacular literature." Thesis, University of Oxford, 2015. https://ora.ox.ac.uk/objects/uuid:2c1ad3f2-6ca1-4a5b-b682-fbb0bfc58fd2.

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This thesis identifies the role of nature within Palaiologan entertainment literature. The texts on which this thesis focuses include a selection of the Palaiologan novels, namely the Achilleid, Velthandros and Chrysandza, Kallimachos and Chrysorroi and Livistros and Rodamni, as well as two other, more satirical works, The Synaxarion of the Honourable Donkey, and An Entertaining Tale of Quadrupeds. These texts seem to be different from earlier works in which nature is prominent, utilising such material in an innovative way. The study of these texts provides us with information both on the Byzantine view of the natural world and on the use of literature during a particularly troubled period of Byzantine history. My main questions therefore are how nature is portrayed in these texts and what can this tell us about the society that produced them. The study of these vernacular texts indicates that the natural world is given a prominent place in the literature of the period, using landscapes, plants and animals in diverse ways to express assorted ideas, or to stress particular aspects of the stories. The animals and landscapes provide hints of the plot to the audience, which the authors sometimes then subvert. The authors draw on earlier Greek material, but parallels with literature from other cultures show similarities which imply a shared medieval perspective on nature with local differences.

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Puga, Renato David. "Conexão In Silico entre Plantas Medicinais e Animais Venenosos." Universidade de São Paulo, 2008. http://www.teses.usp.br/teses/disponiveis/17/17135/tde-11072008-150912/.

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Na grande diversidade de plantas encontrada em todo o mundo, encontram-se as plantas medicinais com propriedades antivenenos. O estudo da relação dessas plantas com venenos de animais contribui muito para o desenvolvimento de novos medicamentos. A quantidade de dados a ser armazenada e a relação dessas informações é um processo que deve ser administrado por um sistema computacional. O desenvolvimento de sistemas de computadores tem se destacado nos últimos anos na Bioinformática e são muito úteis para organizar diferentes tipos de dados e, juntamente, com o uso de gerenciadores de conteúdo, eles contribuem, significantemente, no processo de desenvolvimento de softwares. O presente projeto teve como objetivo o desenvolvimento de um sistema computacional para Web, o qual relaciona dados de plantas medicinais com propriedades antivenenos e de animais venenosos, permitindo a integração dos mesmos, através de diferentes aplicativos de busca. O sistema foi denominado de Venom e está disponível no site http://gbi.fmrp.usp.br/venom/. Foram criadas categorias para a classificação dos dados de plantas e de animais. Essa categorização das informações é muito importante, pois possibilita o relacionamento das mesmas nas buscas por categorias. Os dados, tanto de plantas quanto de animais, foram extraídos de artigos científicos e de bases de dados públicos. Família, espécie, composto isolado e nome popular são algumas das informações referentes às plantas. Quanto aos animais venenosos, o sistema oferece informações tais como, espécie, seqüência de aminoácidos no formato FASTA, entre outras. Até o momento, encontram-se categorizados e disponíveis no sistema 97 dados de plantas medicinais com propriedades antiveneno, distribuídos em 42 famílias e 4.623 dados de animais venenosos, distribuídos em 392 espécies entre 10 diferentes organismos. Novas informações podem ser depositadas por colaboradores cadastrados no sistema. Tais depósitos entram em uma fila de espera e, se os campos requisitados estiverem preenchidos e os dados categorizados corretamente, o conteúdo é liberado de acordo com as regras de permissão estabelecidas pelo sistema de segurança. A interface do Venom é simples, contribuindo, assim, para um acesso rápido e funcional.
In the vast diversity of plants found around the world, there are medicinal plants with antivenom properties. The study that relates data from medicinal plants with poisons of animals contributes to the development of new medicines. These information and integration between them is a process that must be administered by a computer system, which helps significantly in the structure of storage. The development of computer systems has been highlighted in recent years in Bioinformatics and are very useful for organizing different types of data and, together with the use of content managers, they contribute, significantly, in the process of developing software. This project aimed to the development of a computer Web system, which related data of medicinal plants with anti-venom properties and venomous animals, allowing the integration of the data, through different search applications. The system was named Venom and is available on the web site http://gbi.fmrp.usp.br/venom/. Categories were created for the classification of the plants and animals data. This categorization is very important because it allows the use of the categories relationship in the searches. Data both of plants and animals were extracted from scientific articles and from public databases. Family, species, isolated composed and popular name are some of the information relating to the plants. About venomous animals, the system provides information such as species, amino acids sequence in FASTA format, among others. Until now, there are 97 categorized plants data available on the system, which are distributed in 42 families, and there are 4,623 data from venomous animals, distributed in 392 species of 10 different organisms. New information may be submitted by collaborators researches registered in the system. Such deposits come to a waiting queue, and whether all the requested fields are completed and corrected categorized, the content is released in accordance with the permission rules established by the system. The Venom\'s user interface is simple, contributing to a fast and functional access.

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Ng, Terry Fei Fan. "Discovery of Novel Viruses From Animals, Plants, and Insect Vectors Using Viral Metagenomics." Scholar Commons, 2010. http://scholarcommons.usf.edu/etd/3506.

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Understanding emerging viruses is critical for disease monitoring and prediction; however, surveys of novel viruses are hindered by the lack of a universal assay for viruses. Viral metagenomics, consisting of viral particle purification and shotgun sequencing, is a powerful technique for discovering viruses in a wide variety of sample types. However, current protocols are not effective on tissue samples (e.g., lungs, livers and tumors), where they are hindered by the high amount of host nucleic acids which limits the percentage of sequences that originate from viruses. In this dissertation, a modified viral metagenomics protocol was developed and utilized to effectively purify viruses from tissues, enabling the sequencing of novel viruses from animals, plants, and insect vectors. Viral metagenomics performed directly on tissue samples enabled the discovery of novel vertebrate, plant, insect and bacterial viruses. From a sea turtle fibropapilloma, viral metagenomics revealed a novel tornovirus STTV1, which is only the second single-stranded DNA virus known in reptiles and is extremely different from any previously described viruses. Similarly, from the lung of a sea lion involved in a mortality event, viral metagenomics identified a novel sea lion anellovirus (ZcAV), which is the first anellovirus characterized from a marine animal. The STTV1 and ZcAV genomes were highly divergent from known viruses, to a degree that they could not have been detected by degenerate PCR assays or microarrays, demonstrating viral metagenomics as an effective method for characterizing novel viruses. In addition to discovery of viruses in individual diseased animals, this dissertation pioneered a technique called vector-enabled metagenomics (VEM) to examine viruses present in insect vectors. VEM combines the power of metagenomics to sequence novel viruses with the ability of insect vectors to integrate viral diversity over space, time, and many host individuals and species. VEM allows for the investigation of viral diversity among the broad range of hosts that the insects feed on, providing an unprecedented snapshot of the viral diversity in natural reservoirs. This dissertation describes the first viral metagenome performed on mosquitoes and whiteflies, providing significant insights to the viral diversity in animal and plant reservoirs. Both animal and plant viruses were represented in the mosquito viromes, which likely originate from animal blood and plant nectar that the mosquitoes feed on. Mosquito viromes contained a diverse range of viruses, including vertebrate, insect, plant, and bacterial viruses, and almost all the viral sequences were novel, suggesting the pan-animal virome is largely uncharacterized. In contrast, only plant viruses were observed in the whitefly viromes because whiteflies feed solely on plants. Whitefly viromes contained known and novel viral sequences infecting crops, novel viral sequences infecting native plants, as well as novel satellites that were the first viral satellites to be documented in North America. Distinct viromes were found amongst the three mosquito samples as well as between the two whitefly samples, demonstrating the diverse and dynamic nature of the viruses in plant and animal reservoirs. By enabling the discovery of virus in diseased organisms and in insect vectors, viral metagenomics is a powerful technique that will significantly enhance our fundamental scientific understanding of the diversity, transmission, biogeography, and emergence of viruses. The viral metagenomic approach described here has implications for surveillance of emerging viruses, prediction of viral epidemics, and proactive control of diseases.

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Kanchanawatee, Krieng. "S-nitrosylation in immunity and fertility : a general mechanism conserved in plants and animals." Thesis, University of Edinburgh, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/1842/7685.

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Post-translational modification is an intracellular process that modifies the properties of proteins to extend the range of protein function without spending energy in de novo peptide synthesis. There are many post-translational modifications, for example, phosphorylation, ubiquitination, and S-nitrosylation. S-Nitrosylation is a post-translational modification which adds nitric oxide (NO) to sulfhydryl groups at cysteine residues to form S-nitrosothiol (SNO), and is required for plant immunity and fertility. Cellular NO changes between a pool of free NO and bound SNO. During pathogen infection, nitrosative stress in plants is mainly controlled by Snitrosothiolglutathione reductase (GSNOR) via the decomposition of GSNO. GSNOR is an alcohol dehydrogenase type 3 (ADH3) which has both GSNOR and formaldehyde dehydrogenase (FDH) activities. The roles of S-nitrosylation in mammals overlap with those in plants. This conservation led us to explore the relationship between S-nitrosylation, immune response, and fertility in Drosophila melanogaster as it might prove to be a good genetic model for further analysis of the role of S-nitrosylation in animals. I have identified fdh as the likely gsnor in D. melanogaster and have knocked this out using an overlapping deficiency technique in order to observe the effect on immunity and fertility. There are two main pathways in the Drosophila innate immune response, the Toll pathway for protecting against gram-positive bacteria and fungi, and the Imd pathway against gram-negative bacteria. I have investigated the effect of removing GSNOR on sensitivity to gramnegative bacteria (Escherichia coli and Erwinia carotovora) by septic and oral infection, and to fungi (Beauveria bassiana). Susceptibility to infection by the gram negative bacteria was similar to wild-type but susceptibility to B. bassiana was increased. This increase in susceptibility correlated with reduced anti-fungal antimicrobial peptide (AMP) production after B. bassiana infection. This suggests that GSNOR might be required for the normal activity of the Toll pathway or novel Toll-independent processes. We also observed that gsnor knockout impairs fertility and development of embryos.

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Abaye, Azenegashe Ozzie. "Influence of grazing sheep and cattle together and separately on soils, plants and animals." Diss., This resource online, 1992. http://scholar.lib.vt.edu/theses/available/etd-07282008-134554/.

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Williams, Jennifer Mae. "More Plants, Less Animals| Reducing Beef and Dairy Consumption as a Water Conservation Choice." Thesis, Northern Arizona University, 2018. http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=10641069.

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The purpose of this study was to develop a better understanding of water-conscious residents’ thought processes that may lead to behavioral and attitudinal changes when introduced to information that increased their awareness of the amount of water used by the beef and dairy industry in Arizona. A total liberation framework rooted in critical animal studies provided the theoretical foundation for explaining how speciesism and carnism support the power structures of the animal industrial complex and how cognitive dissonance theory may affect future efforts toward engaging more people in the resistance of this oppressive, violent, and unjust system. Research showed that over 40 percent of Arizona’s fresh water withdrawals are used to grow crops for animal consumption. This information was presented to a focus group consisting of seven participants interested in water conservation and consumed beef every week. A mixed methods approach to analyzing quantitative and qualitative data explored the complex decision-making process that influences an individual’s beliefs and behavioral choices to continue, reduce, or eliminate beef and dairy from their diet. The data resulted in the postulation that introducing water-conscious citizens to the amount of water used by the beef and dairy industry causes cognitive dissonance, encouraging them to reduce their beef and dairy consumption and consider underlying power structures that support animal agribusiness as they reconcile the dissonance between their current behavior to conserve water and their current behavior to consume beef and dairy.

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Giordani, Claudia. "Investigação de plantas medicinais e tóxicas em Pelotas-RS e determinação da atividade antifúngica frente a Malassezia pachydermatis." Universidade Federal de Pelotas, 2013. http://repositorio.ufpel.edu.br/handle/ri/2498.

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The rescue and use of medicinal plants have been gaining space in human and veterinary medicine, as treatment and prophylaxis of diseases. In the treatment of mycosis, there is still issues regarding the limited amount of drugs and the occurrence of resistance, adverse reactions and relapses. Thus, the objective was to conduct a survey of medicinal plants and toxic found in the region of the Veterinary Clinic-Federal University of Pelotas, organize an instructional manual of the studied plants and uses in animal health, and to determine the antifungal effect of plant extracts on clinical isolates of Malassezia pachydermatis. In the survey, animal owners in the Veterinary Ambulatory were interviewed and visited. There were 111 interviews, which 74 species cited for medical use but the minority used them in animals. With respect to toxic plants 20 species were observed, but only six were reported by the population, and from the results in the survey was made a manual on plants. To evaluate the antifungal activity were tested six hydroalcoholic extracts of Aroeira, Carqueja, Erva-de-bicho, Lanceta, Pitangueira e Rabo-de-lagarto, the techniques microdilution and disk diffusion against M. pachydermatis isolated from dogs (dermatitis=38, otitis=10). The extracts that resulted in higher activity were Aroeira, Erva-de-Bicho and Pitangueira. From these results, we can see the importance of further studies of the activities of plants to determine more precisely its action and toxicity. With this study concludes that there are many medicinal and toxic species distributed in the region of the Veterinary Clinic-UFPel, but is still scarce use of medicinal plants in animal, and that the hydroalcoholic extracts of Aroeira, Erva-de-bicho and Pitangueira had action on M. pachydermatis, opening the possibility of numerous studies in veterinary medicine.
O resgate e uso das plantas medicinais vêm ganhando espaço na medicina e veterinária, como tratamento e profilaxia de doenças. No tratamento das micoses, ainda observa-se uma quantidade limitada de medicamentos e a ocorrência de resistência, reações adversas e recidivas. Assim, objetivou-se realizar um levantamento das plantas medicinais e tóxicas encontradas na região do Ambulatório Veterinário-Universidade Federal de Pelotas, organizar um manual didático das plantas estudadas e usos na saúde animal, e determinar a ação antifúngica de extratos vegetais sobre isolados clínicos de Malassezia pachydermatis. No levantamento, foram entrevistados e visitados proprietários de animais atendidos no Ambulatório Veterinário. Foram 111 entrevistas, citando 74 espécies medicinais, porém a minoria usava-as em animais. Com relação às plantas tóxicas foram observadas 20 espécies, porém apenas seis eram relatadas pela população; e por fim, confeccionado um manual informativo das plantas. Para avaliação da atividade antifúngica foram testados extratos hidroalcoólicos de Aroeira, Carqueja, Erva-de-bicho, Lanceta, Pitangueira e Rabo-de-lagarto, pelas técnicas de microdiluição em caldo e difusão em disco frente a M. pachydermatis isolada de cães (dermatite=38; otite=10). Os extratos com maior atividade foram Aroeira, Erva-de-bicho e Pitangueira. Assim, percebe-se a importância de aprofundar os estudos sobre as plantas, determinando mais precisamente sua ação e toxicidade. Com o estudo conclui-se que existem muitas espécies medicinais e tóxicas na região do Ambulatório Veterinário-UFPel, porém ainda é escasso o uso das plantas medicinais em animais; e que os extratos hidroalcoólicos de Aroeira, Erva-de-bicho e Pitangueira apresentaram ação sobre M. pachydermatis, abrindo a possibilidade de inúmeras pesquisas em veterinária.

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Magbanua, Mark Jesus M. "The role of a soybean peptide, lunasin, in plants and its chemopreventive nature in animals /." For electronic version search Digital dissertations database. Restricted to UC campuses. Access is free to UC campus dissertations, 2004. http://uclibs.org/PID/11984.

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Hickling, Rachael. "The effect of climate change on the distribution, phenology and abundance of British plants and animals." Thesis, University of York, 2006. http://etheses.whiterose.ac.uk/11002/.

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Pigurina, Guillermo. "Estimation of the proportions of grass and legume in extrusa of esophageallly-fistulated animals." Thesis, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1986. http://hdl.handle.net/10919/101359.

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Three studies were conducted to evaluate a method for estimating grass and legume fractions in extrusa samples from esophageally-fistulated animals, based on different concentrations of neutral detergent fiber (NDF), Ca and lignin in grasses and legumes. In experiment 1, NDF, Ca and lignin concentrations were measured in mixtures of six combinations of red clover-orchardgrass and alfalfa-tall fescue (100:0; 80:20; 60:40; 40:60; 20:80; 0:100). The R² values were .90, .80 and .22 for Ca, NDF and lignin, respectively. In experiment 2, fresh tall fescue and red clover were collected during 8 d, mixed in the same proportions as in experiment 1, and each fraction was fed to esophageally-fistulated steers. Extrusa samples were collected without loss of saliva. Regression equations developed were y= 1.08 - .008x (R²= .91) for Ca and y= 50.9 + .22x (R²= .74) for NDF, where x represents % grass. In experiment 3, two esophageally-fistulated steers were allowed to graze in 20 4 X 4 m² plots of red clover and tall fescue after fasting overnight. The grass/legume proportions of the extrusas and the grab samples were extrapolated from slopes. The botanical composition of grab samples differed (P<.001) from that of extrusas for both components and for both animals. Extrapolation from NDF values tended to overestimate the proportion of grass in extrusa samples and underestimate it in grab samples. Calcium was not affected by salivation and mastication and was more reliable than NDF. Lignin was not an accurate predictor.
M.S.

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Guterres, Karina Affeldt. "Microrganismos de lesões cutâneas de pequenos animais: Resistência a antimicrobianos e bioprospecção de extratos de plantas da família Lamiaceae e Fabaceae." Universidade Federal de Pelotas, 2015. http://repositorio.ufpel.edu.br:8080/handle/prefix/3417.

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Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPES
Esporotricose é uma micose subcutânea que afeta humanos e animais, sendo causada por fungos do complexo Sporothrix, incluindo a espécie S. brasiliensis. O itraconazol é considerado o fármaco de primeira escolha para o tratamento, porém algumas espécies fúngicas têm demonstrado maior resistência a este antifúngico. Neste contexto, tem se buscado novos tratamentos, destacando-se pesquisas com plantas medicinais. Dessa forma, objetivou-se avaliar a atividade antifúngica do extrato hidroalcoólico de Bauhinia forficata frente a isolados de Sporothrix brasiliensis. A técnica de microdiluição em caldo foi utilizada para avaliar sensibilidade de sete isolados fúngicos (n=1 canino e n=6 felinos) frente a dez concentrações do extrato (100 a 0,19mg/mL), utilizando-se como controle positivo itraconazol (0,5-64 μg/ml). Nas concentrações estudadas foi evidenciada CIM de 100 mg/mL do extrato hidroalcoólico de B. forficata frente ao S. brasiliensis, porém os valores de CFM foram superiores a 100 mg/mL para todos isolados. Em relação ao itraconazol, cinco dos isolados (71,4%) apresentaram CFM de 64 μg/ml. Maiores estudos acerca da atividade da planta, utilizando outras formas de extratos, diferentes concentrações e outras partes vegetais devem ser realizados, visto que esta apresenta atividade frente a outros microrganismos, incluindo fungos, podendo vir a ser um bom alvo para estudo no tratamento da esporotricose.
Sporotrichosis is a subcutaneous mycosis affecting humans and animals and is caused by Sporothrix complex of fungi, including species S. brasiliensis. Itraconazoleis considered the drug of choice for treatment, but some fungal species have shown greater resistance to this antifungal. In this context, has sought new treatments, especially research on medicinal plants. This work aimed to evaluate the antifungal activity of hydroalcoholic extract of Bauhinia forficata against isolates of Sporothrix brasiliensis. The broth microdilution technique was used to evaluate sensitivity seven fungal isolates (n = 1 canine and n = 6 feline) against ten extract concentrations (100 to 0,19 mg/mL) , using as a positive control itraconazole (0,5 - 64 mg/mL). The concentrations studied was observed MIC of 100 mg / mL of alcoholic extract of B. forficata against S. brasiliensis, but the CFM values were greater than 100 mg / mL for all isolates. Regarding itraconazole, five isolates (71,4 %) showed 64 CFM/mL. Further studies on the plant activity using other forms of extracts, different concentrations and other plant parts must be carried out, as it has activity against other microorganisms, including fungi and could be a good target for study in the treatment of sporotrichosis.

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Stemerding, Dirk. "Plants, animals and formulae natural history in the light of Latour's Science in action and Foucault's The order of Things /." Enschede : Maastricht : Faculteit Wijsbegeerte en Maatschappijwetenschappen, Universiteit Twente ; University Library, Maastricht University [Host], 1991. http://arno.unimaas.nl/show.cgi?fid=5638.

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Chau, Ling Bess. "Capacity of plant-derived siRNA for gene silencing in mammalian cells." Click to view the E-thesis via HKUTO, 2005. http://sunzi.lib.hku.hk/hkuto/record/B36778874.

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Chau, Ling Bess, and 周玲. "Capacity of plant-derived siRNA for gene silencing in mammalian cells." Thesis, The University of Hong Kong (Pokfulam, Hong Kong), 2005. http://hub.hku.hk/bib/B36778874.

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Su, Ling [Verfasser], Petr [Akademischer Betreuer] Karlovsky, Petr [Gutachter] Karlovsky, Ivo [Gutachter] Feussner, and Yuelin [Gutachter] Zhang. "Fungal bioactive molecules in interactions with plants and animals / Ling Su ; Gutachter: Petr Karlovsky, Ivo Feussner, Yuelin Zhang ; Betreuer: Petr Karlovsky." Göttingen : Niedersächsische Staats- und Universitätsbibliothek Göttingen, 2020. http://d-nb.info/1209738562/34.

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Mukinda, James Tshikosa. "Acute and chronic toxicity of the flavonoid-containing plant, Artemisia afra in rodents." Thesis, University of the Western Cape, 2005. http://etd.uwc.ac.za/index.php?module=etd&amp.

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The aim of this study was to investigate the possible toxicity of the flavonoid-containing plant, Artemisia afra and especially establish the safety of the aqueous extract of this plant after acute and chronic administration to mice and rats respectively.

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Zemp, Franz Joseph, and University of Lethbridge Faculty of Arts and Science. "The bystander effect : animal and plant models." Thesis, Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Arts and Science, 2008, 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/10133/685.

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Bystander effects are traditionally known as a phenomenon whereby unexposed cells exhibit the molecular symptoms of stress exposure when adjacent or nearby cells are traversed by ionizing radiation. However, the realm of bystander effects can be expanded to include any systemic changes to cellular homeostasis in response to a number of biotic or abiotic stresses, in any molecular system. This thesis encompasses three independent experiments looking at bystander and bystander-like responses in both plant and animal models. In plants, an investigation into the regulation of small RNAs has given us some insights into the regulation of the plant hormone auxin in both stress-treated and systemic (bystander) leaves. Another plant model shows that a bystander-like plant-plant signal can be induced upon ionizing radiation to increase the genome instability of neighbouring unexposed (bystander) plants. In animals, it is shown that the microRNAome is largely affected in the bystander cells in a three-dimensional human tissue model. In silico and bioinfomatic analysis of this data provide us with clues as to the nature of bystander signalling in this human ‘in vivo’ model.
xiv, 141 p. : ill. ; 29 cm.

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Naficy, Cameron Edwards. "Changes in forest structure and composition associated with unique land use histories:." [Missoula, Mont.] : The University of Montana, 2008. http://etd.lib.umt.edu/theses/available/etd-12012008-173306/unrestricted/Naficy_Cameron_Thesis.pdf.

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Kunak, Juraj. "Justification of restrictions on imports or exports of goods on the grounds of the protection of health and life of humans, animals or plants." Master's thesis, Lithuanian Academic Libraries Network (LABT), 2013. http://vddb.laba.lt/obj/LT-eLABa-0001:E.02~2013~D_20130205_095138-00887.

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The present master thesis provides the reader with overall and detailed review of jurisdiction of the CJEU in correlation with primary and secondary law of the European Union regarding justification of restrictions on imports or exports of goods on the grounds of the protection of health and life of humans, animals or plants pursuant to the art.36 of TFEU. The very first part deals with the essence of the free movement goods. It explains the concept of the prohibition on custom duties on imports and exports and charges having equivalent effect and quantitative restrictions on imports and exports and all measures having equivalent effect. Simultaneously this part demonstrates the application of the art.36 of TFEU and presents mandatory requirements and their purpose. The second part clarifies the concept of goods according to the European Union law, examples and provides proper definition. The third part presents the core of the thesis. It is subdivided into more than 10 parts. It contains explanations regarding principle of proportionality, protection of health and life of humans, total bans, precautionary principle, sufficiently rigorous risk assessment doctrine, protection of health and life of animals, prohibition on use, labeling requirements, or protection of the environment. The most relevant and most widely-known cases were chosen and analyzed in order to present the approach of the CJEU to the disputable measures and their justifications.
Šis baigiamasis magistro darbas suteikia skaitytojui bendrą, visaapimančią ir išsamią ESTT jurisdikcijos apžvalgą dėl importo ir eksporto prekių ribojimo pagrįstumo sąlygų žmonių, gyvūnų ar augalų sveikatos bei gyvybės apsaugos tikslais pagal SESV 36 straipsnį, remiantis pirminiais bei antriniais Europos Sąjungos teisės aktais. Pirmojoje dalyje kalbama apie laisvo prekių judėjimo esmę. Čia paaiškinama importo ir eksporto muitų bei lygiaverčio poveikio mokėjimų bei kiekybinių importo ir eksporto apribojimų bei lygiaverčio poveikio priemonių draudimo koncepcija. Taip pat, ši dalis pademonstruoja SESV 36 str. veikimą, pabrėžiant privalomuosius reikalavimus bei jų tikslus. Antrojoje dalis paaiškina prekių sampratą remiantis Europos Sąjungos teise,pateikia pavyzdžių bei deramą apibrėžimą. Trečiojoje dalyje pateiktas baigiamojo magistro darbo pagrindas. Ši dalis yra suskirstyta į daugiau kaip 10 dalių. Čia yra sutelkti paaiškinimai dėl proporcingumo principo, žmonių sveikatos ir gyvybės apsaugos, visiško draudimo, atsargumo principo, pakankamai griežtos rizikos vertinimo doktrinos, gyvūnų sveikatos ir gyvybės apsaugos, naudojimo draudimo, ženklinimo reikalavimų bei aplinkos apsaugos. Siekiant pristatyti ESTT požiūrį į abejotinas priemones bei ribojimo pagrįstumo sąlygas yra analizuojamios aktualiausios ir plačiausiai žinomos bylos.

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22

SANTOS, José Rômulo Soares dos. "Malformações em pequenos ruminantes." Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, 2012. http://dspace.sti.ufcg.edu.br:8080/jspui/handle/riufcg/1638.

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Submitted by Johnny Rodrigues (johnnyrodrigues@ufcg.edu.br) on 2018-09-04T23:45:22Z No. of bitstreams: 1 JOSÉ RÔMULO SOARES DOS SANTOS - TESE PPGMV 2012..pdf: 499950 bytes, checksum: a58df169790a0820def666327bad8f42 (MD5)
Made available in DSpace on 2018-09-04T23:45:22Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 JOSÉ RÔMULO SOARES DOS SANTOS - TESE PPGMV 2012..pdf: 499950 bytes, checksum: a58df169790a0820def666327bad8f42 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2012-12-20
Esta tese inclui uma revisão de literatura e dois artigos. O primeiro capítulo é uma revisão que abrange princípios gerais da teratologia, a epidemiologia, o diagnóstico, a clínica e a patologia das malformações em pequenos ruminantes. No artigo que corresponde ao segundo capítulo, foi estudado a teratogenicidade de Mimosa tenuiflora. Quinze ovelhas, distribuídas em dois grupos foram introduzidas em área invadida pela planta. O Grupo 1, com seis ovelhas prenhes, foi introduzido na área experimental 20 dias após o acasalamento. O Grupo 2, formado por nove ovelhas não prenhes e um carneiro, foi introduzido na área experimental no início do experimento. A cada 15 dias eram realizados exames ultrassonográficos para acompanhamento da gestação. No Grupo 1, três ovelhas abortaram, cada uma um feto sem malformações. Outra ovelha pariu dois cordeiros, um com hiperflexão na articulação interfalangeana proximal no membro torácico direito e outro sem malformações. Outra ovelha pariu um cordeiro com hiperflexão dos dois membros pélvicos na região da articulação tarsometatársica. No grupo 2, uma ovelha abortou um feto sem malformações e cinco pariram cordeiros normais. Três das ovelhas desse grupo não emprenharam durante todo o período experimental, mostrando retornos repetidos ao cio, sugerindo perda embrionária. Concluiu-se que M. tenuiflora, além de causar malformações causa, também, mortalidade embrionária e abortos em ovelhas. No terceiro capitulo, o artigo relata os achados clínicos e patológicos de um caprino com lisencefalia e hipoplasia cerebelar. No exame físico, esse caprino de 30 dias, apresentava incoordenação e incapacidade de ficar em pé, decúbito esternal permanente, ataxia, ausência do reflexo de ameaça, tremores de intenção e nistagmo. Após 11 dias de internamento o caprino foi eutanasiado e necropsiado. Na necropsia, o cérebro não apresentava giros e sulcos e o cerebelo estava reduzido de tamanho. Histologicamente, em todo o córtex cerebral, a substância cinzenta estava mais espessa e a substância branca mais fina que o normal. Os neurônios estavam distribuídos de forma aleatória na substância cinzenta. No cerebelo, as camadas estavam desorganizadas, com localização heterotópica das células. Os achados macroscópicos e histológicos são característicos de lisencefalia e hipoplasia cerebelar. Lisencefalia é uma doença rara na medicina veterinária e não tinha sido descrita em caprinos.
This thesis includes a review and two papers. The first chapter is a review about general principles of teratology and epidemiology, diagnosis, clinical signs and pathology of malformations in small ruminants. The second chapter is a paper that studied the teratogenicity of Mimosa tenuiflora. Fifteen sheep, divided into two groups, were introduced into an area invaded by the plant. Group 1 consisted of six pregnant ewes that were introduced into the experimental area 20 days after mating. Group 2 consisted of nine non pregnant sheep and a ram introduced into the area at the start of the experiment. Every 15 days each sheep was examined by ultrasound to control pregnancy. In Group 1, three sheep aborted single fetuses without malformations. One sheep delivered two lambs, one with hyperflexion of the proximal inter-phalangeal joint of the right forelimb and another without malformations. Another sheep delivered a lamb with a hyperflexion of both hindlimbs in the region of the tarsal-metatarsal joint. Only one sheep delivered a normal lamb. In Group 2, one sheep aborted a fetus without malformations and five delivered normal lambs. Three sheep of this group returned to estrus repeatedly and did not get pregnant during the mating period, suggesting embryonic loss. It is concluded that M. tenuiflora cause malformations, embryonic mortality and abortion in sheep. In the third chapter, the paper relates a case of lissencephaly and cerebellar hypoplasia in a goat. The goat presented sternal recumbence, absent menace response, intention tremors, ataxia, and nystagmus. It was euthanized and necropsied after been hospitalized during eleven days. At necropsy, the surface of the brain was smooth, cerebral sulci and gyri were absent, and the cerebellum was reduced in size. Histologically, in all cerebral cortex, the grey matter was thicker and the white matter was thinner than normal. The neurons were arranged randomly in the grey matter. In the cerebellum, the layers were disorganized and there was heterotopy of the cells. The histologic and gross lesions are characteristic of lissencephaly associated with cerebellar hypoplasia. Lissencephaly is a rare disease in veterinary medicine and had not been reported previously in goats.

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23

Arokoyo, Dennis Seyi. "Antidiabetic and profertility mechanisms of aqueous extract of Basella alba in male Wistar rats." Thesis, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2017. http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11838/2736.

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Thesis (PhD (Biomedical Sciences))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2017.
The use of medicinal plants in the management of various health problems date back to the ancient times. However, only in recent years, researchers are starting to focus on the use of natural plant products as alternative treatment in disease control. Basella alba (Ba), commonly called Ceylon or Indian spinach is one of such medicinal plants, wildly cultivated and consumed mostly as vegetable. Studies have established many beneficial effects of Ba, including androgenic effects as well as antidiabetic effects which have been described in rats following oral administration of the leave extract. However, the actual mechanisms underlying the antihyperglyceamic effect of Ba have not been reported in any study and little or no research details are yet available on the potential beneficial effects of Ba in reproductive dysfunction resulting from diabetes mellitus. This study was aimed at investigating the mechanisms underlying the antidiabetic effect of Ba and the possibility of a role for the plant in correcting diabetic-induced reproductive dysfunctions in male Wistar rats. The first part of the study involved comparing of three different solvent extracts of Ba leaves namely ethyl acetate, methanolic and aqueous extracts for their antioxidant potentials, after which the aqueous extract was selected for further use in the experiments. Animal experimentation involved male rats (n=40) aged 8-10 weeks, randomly divided into four equal groups as follows: Healthy Control, Diabetic Control, Healthy Treatment and Diabetic Treatment. Diabetes was induced via a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (55mg/kg) and all animals subsequently received treatment via gavage (Rats in Control groups received 0.5ml/100g normal saline daily and treatment groups received 200mg/kg plant extract daily) for a period of four weeks. Fasting blood sugar and body weights were recorded weekly throughout the study. Animals were sacrificed upon completion of the treatment and blood samples and tissues collected for further analysis which included computer aided sperm analysis, Luminex® technology and enzyme-linked immunosorbent hormonal assays, inflammatory cytokine assays, analysis of oxidative stress markers and Histopathological analysis. The single intraperitoneal injection of a high streptozotocin dose resulted in hyperglycaemia, weight loss, subnormal sperm parameters, negative balance of inflammatory cytokines and endogenous antioxidants and degenerative changes in the pancreas, testes and epididymis as observed in the diabetic control rats. Oral administration with the aqueous extract of Ba for four weeks in diabetic treatment rats led to a significant reduction in blood sugar and improvement of sperm parameters by modulating the production of gonadal hormones, in vivo antioxidants and inflammatory cytokines. There was also significant recovery of normal islet histology and reduction in testicular and epididymal degeneration in the diabetic treatment rats when compared to their diabetic control counterparts. It was concluded from the findings of this study that the antidiabetic and profertility effects of Ba are largely dependent on the modulation of in vivo production of antioxidants, gonadal hormones and inflammatory cytokines, probably stimulated by one or more phytochemical component(s) that can be isolated in the aqueous extract of the plant.

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24

Wright, Karen Louise. "Seaforms /." Online version of thesis, 1988. http://hdl.handle.net/1850/10412.

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Omodanisi, Elizabeth Ife. "Modulatory effects of Moringa oleifera extracts on Streptozotocin-induced diabetes in male Wistar rats." Thesis, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2017. http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11838/2558.

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Thesis (DTech (Biomedical Technology))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2017.
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is characterized by deficiency in insulin resulting in hyperglycaemia with metabolic alterations in carbohydrate, lipid and protein. DM has been associated with increased formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inflammatory mediators. Many drugs have been designed for its treatment and management; however, limitations persist in the use of anti-hyperglycemic medications due to numerous side effects, high cost, limited action and secondary failure rates. Moringa oleifera (MO) tree is distributed in the tropics and subtropics and has been found to be very nutritious with a variety of applications. This plant has been reported to possess antidiabetic, antioxidant and other medicinal properties which may be helpful in managing diabetes and its associated complications. This study investigated the antioxidant status, antidiabetic, antilipidemic, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic properties and phytochemical constituents of the leaf extract of MO (250 mg/kg). Diabetes was induced in Wistar rats by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ) in buffered citrate (0.1, pH 4.5). Forty-eight Wistar rats were randomly divided into four (4) groups and treated for six weeks: group one- non-diabetic control (Control), group two- non-diabetic Moringa treated (Moringa), group three- diabetic control (Diabetic) and group four- diabetic Moringa treated (Diabetic + Moringa). Methanol, aqueous and petroleum ether extract of MO leaves were evaluated for its antioxidant and phytochemical contents. Assays for total antioxidant capacity such as trolox equivalence antioxidant capacity (TEAC), oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), flavonoids, flavonols and total polyphenols content were analysed. Other parameters analysed include glucose level; glycated haemoglobin level; hepatic biomarkers; endogenous antioxidants (SOD, CAT, GSH, GPx) in the liver; kidney and erythrocytes; inflammatory biomarkers in the serum, liver and kidney; high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and total cholesterol (TC) in serum. Assessment of apoptotic cell death biomarkers (caspase 3, caspase 9, BCL-2, NFKβ, p53) in the liver and kidney were performed. Histopathological analysis was conducted on the liver, kidney and pancreatic sections. In vitro results showed that aqueous and methanol extract of MO demonstrated a high antioxidant capacity, phenolic contents and revealed more chemical constituents than the petroleum ether extract. HPLC analysis of the leaf extract indicated the presence of flavonoids: quercetin, rutin and myricetin and phenolic acids. High levels of polyphenols, flavonols and alkaloids were reported in MO extracts. Treatment with MO in normal and diabetic rats daily for six weeks resulted in significant (p<0.05) decrease in glucose and glycated haemoglobin levels. Liver and kidney size which increased in diabetic rats, decreased significantly (p<0.05) after treatment with MO. Pancreas size showed significant (p<0.05) decrease in diabetic rats and increased significantly (p<0.05) after MO administration. Similarly, serum albumin level increased in non-diabetic and diabetic groups after MO treatment. Also, a significantly increased level of T-bilirubin in diabetic groups relative to normal control rats which reduced greatly after MO administration was observed. Serum lipid profile: LDL and TC levels were increased in rats exposed to STZ. HDL level decreased in diabetic rats when compared to normal control. The activities of MO extracts was shown to lower TC and LDL levels. HDL level also increased after MO administration. Similarly, lipid peroxidation (MDA) level significantly (p<0.05) decreased in the diabetic group following MO treatment. An observable improvement was seen in the antioxidant enzyme system. Activities of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT) and concentration of glutathione (GSH) were restored or increased in the homogenate of the liver, kidney, and erythrocytes, indicative of the protective effect of MO in diabetic and non-diabetic rats. The expression of cell death markers (caspase 3, caspase 9, BCL-2, NFKβ, p53) showed remarkable improvement after treatment with MO relative to the non-diabetic control. A significant (p<0.05) reduction in inflammatory cytokines (IL-1α, IL-6, IL-12, IL-18, TNF-α) and (chemokine MCP-1 concentrations) were observed in the serum, liver, and kidney of non-diabetic and diabetic treated groups. Histopathological sections of the liver, kidney and pancreas of diabetic rats revealed severe damage which showed significant improvements after MO treatment. Liver, kidney and pancreatic histological sections revealed the protective effect of MO in both non-diabetic and diabetic rats. MO exerted modulatory effects in STZ-induced diabetes by its antidiabetic, hypoglycemic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic and anti-lipidemic activities and offered protective effects against diabetic-induced nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity, but equally improved antioxidant status. The study concluded that MO could play a significant role in the early treatment and management of diabetes that pharmaceutical industry should consider it in the future as a possible therapeutic agent.

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Goboza, Mediline. "Modulatory and antidiabetic effects of vindoline and Catharanthus roseus in type 2 diabetes mellitus induced male Wistar rats and in RIN-5F cell line." Thesis, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2019. http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11838/2878.

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Thesis (DPhil (Biomedical Science))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2019.
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a group of metabolic disorders characterised by persistent high blood glucose levels together with abnormal metabolism of macromolecules. If the hyperglycemia is not controlled, adverse metabolic changes could occur leading to the progressive development of severe complications. Formation of reactive oxygen/nitrogen species and inflammatory responses are principal mechanisms that have been implicated in the development of hyperglycemia-induced tissue damage. The commercially available drugs utilised in the treatment of diabetes have been linked to detrimental side effects hence the need to discover alternative medicines especially from medicinal plants. Catharanthus roseus is both a medicinal and ornamental plant that is traditionally used to treat various diseases. It has been reported to possess antidiabetic, anticancer, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. The plant has been shown to possess more than 100 monotepernoid indole alkaloids which were linked to the plants’ antihyperglycemic and antioxidant effects. Therefore, this study was carried out to investigate the effect of vindoline; a bioactive compound derived from C. roseus against type 2 diabetes–induced complications. The study also investigated the effects of Catharanthus roseus extracts in RIN-5F cell line. The study was carried out in two parts: viz in vitro and the in vivo assessments. The in vitro study initially investigated the polyphenolic content and antioxidant activities of vindoline and the 3 extracts (methanolic, aqueous and the dichloromethane) of C.roseus. The assays used to evaluate the antioxidant capacity of the extracts include oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) inhibitory assay. Among the evaluated extracts, the methanolic extract demonstrated both high total polyphenolic content and antioxidant capacity. The HLPC analysis of the extracts was performed and showed highest concentrations of vindoline in the dichloromethane extract and the aqueous extract exhibited the least. The antioxidant activities of vindoline were determined and compared to a known antioxidant, ascorbic acid. Vindoline revealed stronger ORAC activity than ascorbic acid however the ferric reducing antioxidant power did not show any significant differences (p < 0.05). Insulin secretion studies were performed in a β-cell insulinoma cell line- RIN-5F exposed to different concentrations of glucose (high, low and in the absence of glucose). The studies were carried out to compare the β-cell stimulatory effect of vindoline to the extracts. After performing cytotoxic experiments, concentrations that resulted in about 80% cell viability were used to determine the insulin secretory effects. In cells that exposed to glucotoxicity (50 mM glucose), vindoline showed the highest β-cell stimulatory effect (p < 0.05) when compared to the untreated controls and to the cells that were treated with the methanolic extract. In cells that were exposed to a low glucose concentration, vindoline additionally showed significant β-cell stimulatory effect at p < 0.05 when compared to the aqueous and the methanolic extracts. Thereafter, the intracellular reactive oxygen species assay (ROSA) was performed in glucotoxicity-induced cells after treatment with vindoline and the respective extracts. The results were compared to the untreated control: vindoline, methanolic and the dichloromethane extracts indicated significant reduction in ROS generation (p < 0.05). Further measurement of the release of TNF-α, a pro-inflammatory cytokine in the cells following treatment, the results were not significant among the groups at p < 0.05. The carbohydrate enzymes inhibitory activity of vindoline and extracts of C.roseus (50, 25, 12.5 and 6.125 mg/ml) were measured. The alpha glucosidase inhibitory activities of the extracts at 50 mg/ml resulted in < 30% enzyme inhibition with no significant differences among the groups at p < 0.05. At lower concentrations, the dichloromethane extract exhibited significantly lower inhibitory activities when compared to the methanolic and the aqueous extract (p < 0.05). The alpha amylase inhibitory activity of the methanolic extract was significantly increased at all concentrations; recording the highest enzyme inhibition of approximately 40% (p < 0.5). However, the dichloromethane extract did not show any enzyme inhibitory activity. The enzyme inhibitory activity of vindoline was compared to acarbose-a known standard drug, for both enzymes; vindoline did not show appreciable enzyme inhibition when compared to acarbose (p < 0.05). In vivo studies were performed in a type 2 diabetes (T2DM) rat model in which T2DM was induced in 6 weeks old male Wistar rats by having them drink 10% fructose solution ad libitum for 14 days followed by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ 40 mg/kg) in freshly prepared 0.1 M citrate buffer (pH 4.5). Animals were randomly divided into six groups (n=8) and received daily treatments for 6 weeks with the vehicle, vindoline (20 mg/kg) or glibenclamide (5 mg/kg) via oral gavage. The effects of the treatments on blood glucose, insulin, body weight, organ weight, serum biochemical parameters, oxidative status, inflammatory markers and tissue histology were assessed in diabetic and non-diabetic rats. Administration of vindoline significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the fasting blood glucose in diabetic rats by 15% and significantly increased serum insulin levels when compared to the diabetic controls. Vindoline and glibenclamide significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the levels of circulating hepatic enzymes in T2DM; the results were significant when compared to the diabetic controls. Treatment with vindoline significantly improved the hepatic antioxidant status as indicated by increased ORAC, superoxide dismutase and catalase activities, indicative of the protective effect of vindoline in diabetes-induced hepatic injury. Assessment of the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the hepatic tissue indicated remarkable reduction of TNF-ɑ by (-41%) and IL-6 (-28%) in diabetic rats treated with vindoline when compared to the diabetic controls (p < 0.05). The serum lipid profile showed marked increases in the levels of serum lipids (triglycerides, low density lipoproteins, total cholesterol and very low density lipoproteins) in diabetic controls when compared to all treatment groups (p < 0.05). Therefore, vindoline and glibenclamide showed possible protective effects against diabetes-induced cardiovascular disease. Kidney function assessment revealed increased levels of urea and creatinine in the diabetic control group. Vindoline and glibenclamide significantly reduced the urea and creatinine levels in diabetic rats. Vindoline additionally improved the FRAP in diabetic hearts. The SOD activity and ORAC were increased while lipid peroxidation was reduced in the kidneys of diabetic rats treated with vindoline when compared to the diabetic control (p < 0.05). Histopathological assessment in diabetic rats showed severe damage of the liver, kidney and pancreas. Treatment of diabetic rats with vindoline restored the structure of these organs which was indicated by minimum structural changes. The expression of pro-apoptotic marker caspase 9 in response to glucose stress was significantly higher in the diabetic control group when compared to all the treatment groups. Treatment with vindoline showed remarkable reduction of caspase 9 expression in the diabetic rats. In conclusion, persistent high blood glucose levels resulted in free radical induced tissue damage in the type 2 diabetes rat model. Vindoline demonstrated protective effects against diabetes induced hepatic, cardiac, pancreatic and nephritic injuries. In addition, vindoline improved insulin secretion in both in vitro and in vivo setups hence the findings suggest that vindoline could be an important agent that can be considered in the treatment and management of diabetes and diabetic complications.

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27

Toal, Mark. "The behaviour of radiocaesium in woodland ecosystems : measurement and modelling." Thesis, University of Liverpool, 1999. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.366731.

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Kirchner, Brianna N. Wilkins Kenneth T. "Indirect effects of fire on the small mammal community of a tallgrass blackland prairie remnant in Texas." Waco, Tex. : Baylor University, 2009. http://hdl.handle.net/2104/5304.

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Goboza, Mediline. "The biochemical effects of Hypoxis hemerocallidea in the kidney and liver of streptozotocin-induced diabetic male Wistar rats." Thesis, Cape Peninisula University of Technology, 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11838/2233.

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Thesis (MTech (Biomedical Technology))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2015.
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is an endocrine disorder that is characterised not only by severe hyperglycemia but also altered metabolism of glucose and lipids. It is a major health problem worldwide and its impact is greatly noticed in developing countries due to the lack of adequate medical facilities. Oxidative stress remains the principal factor that actively plays major roles in the onset and progression of diabetes mellitus and its complications. The use of medicinal plants in the treatment of DM has undisputedly gained the attention and interest of researchers throughout the globe mainly because plants have established promising outcomes in the treatment of diabetes. It is evident that the plants’ constituents possess therapeutically potent metabolites that have beneficial effects such as antioxidant, antidiabetic, anticancer, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activities. Hypoxis hemerocallidea is a native plant that grows in the Southern African regions. H. hemerocallidea is well known for its beneficial medicinal values. In South Africa it is known as the African potato. The main aim of this study was to investigate both the beneficial and also the possible toxic effects of H. hemerocallidea in the kidney and liver tissues of streptozotocin-induced diabetic male Wistar rats by assessing the antioxidant status and selected biochemical parameters in the two studied organs. Diabetes was induced in overnight fasted rats by administration of a single intraperitoneal injection of STZ at a dosage of 50mg/kg in citrate buffer (0.1 M at 4.5 pH). Hyperglycemia was confirmed 72 hours after induction of diabetes using STZ in rats with glucose levels > 15 mmol/l. Treatment with the plants extract commenced on the fourth day after STZ administration via gastric gavage that was done once a day over a 6 week period. The effects of H. hemerocallidea on glucose, body weight, liver and kidney weights, liver function, kidney function and the oxidative status were evaluated after the feeding period.

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Van, Blerk Justin. "Rodents and Restionaceae : sex-specific plant-animal interactions in dioecious plants." Master's thesis, University of Cape Town, 2016. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/20541.

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Differing plant canopy structures between the sexes of the dioecious Cannomois congesta (Restionaceae) were found to be the result of the destructive pre-dispersal seed predation methods used by the four-striped grass mouse (Rhabdomys). Mature, reproductive culms on female plants were felled down (mid way along the culm) in large numbers by Rhabdomys in order for it to access the seeds held terminally on culms. Male plants were largely unaffected due to their lack of seeds. Seeds acquired through culm-felling by Rhabdomys were all eaten shortly after their discovery, leading to significant seed mortality each year and reducing the rate of seed dispersal by ants (myrmecochory). I studied the physiological effects of culm-felling by Rhabdomys in C. congesta. Firstly I investigated nutrient resorption from senescing culms and considered the effects of reproductive effort (higher in females) and sex-specific nutrient losses. I found that nutrient resorption from mature culms was highly efficient in both sexes. Culm-felling by Rhabdomys lead to the loss of pre-senescent culm tissue in females and therefore lead to the loss of a significant proportion of potentially resorbed nutrients. Nutrient resorption was found not to be flexible as a strategy to compensate for higher reproductive costs/nutrient-losses in females. This was possibly due to nutrient resorption occurring near is physiological maximum. Plant photosynthetic performance was also investigated using stable isotopes and gas exchange and was found to be similar in both C. congesta sexes throughout the year. The influence of culm-felling by Rhabdomys on female micro-climate also did not appear to have a significant influence on photosynthetic performance between sexes. There was a general lack of evidence to suggest compensatory physiological changes or reductions in fitness (photosynthetic capacity/growth/reproduction) in females due to higher reproductive costs/nutrient-losses. The lack of physiological differences and the fact that females supported a greater number of culms relative to males suggested that other compensatory mechanisms could exist. Phenological differences were discovered and could be important in allowing flexibility between sexes to best use available resources for their specific sexual requirements. Another possibility is that compensatory growth occurred in females at the cost of rhizome-stored nutrients. This has been shown to occur in graminoids after high levels of herbivory (Bryant et al 1983).

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Martin, Frank. "Protecting the Florida Keys an Internet GIS/IMS strategy for benthic habitat management /." Morgantown, W. Va. : [West Virginia University Libraries], 2000. http://etd.wvu.edu/templates/showETD.cfm?recnum=1228.

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Thesis (M.A.)--West Virginia University, 2000.
Title from document title page. Document formatted into pages; contains ix, 121 p. : ill. (some col.), maps (some col.). Includes abstract. Includes bibliographical references (p. 117-121).

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Thomas, Caitlin B. "Survival and Growth Responses of Lithobates Pipiens Tadpoles to anHerbicide and an Algaecide used to Control Aquatic Invasive Plants." Bowling Green State University / OhioLINK, 2015. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1435688702.

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Mtshali, Cynthia Sibongiseni. "An investigation of environmental knowledge among two rural black communities in Natal." Thesis, Rhodes University, 1995. http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003505.

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This study elicits and documents knowledge of the natural environment amongst two rural Black communities in Natal namely, the districts of Maphumulo and Ingwavuma.Twenty members of these communities who are older than 60 years of age were interviewed, as older people are considered by the researcher to be important repositories of environmental knowledge. This study records a variety of animals hunted in these communities and discusses various activities associated with this activity. It examines the gathering and the use of wild edible plants like fruits and spinach, and of wild plants alleged to have medicinal value. It reviews indigenous knowledge related to custom beliefs and prohibitions as well as traditional laws associated .with animals and trees. It also considers how this knowledge can contribute towards the development of Environmental Education in South Africa. The data was deduced from the responses elicited from semi-structured interviews. The data was analyzed qualitatively.

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Soyelu, Oluseyi Temitope. "Assessment of plants used for the treatment of cattle wounds and myiasis in Amatola Basin, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa." Thesis, University of Fort Hare, 2010. http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1000986.

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Santana, Danielle Gomes. "Evidências científicas sobre o uso de plantas medicinais e avaliação do extrato de cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) na pancreatite aguda experimental." Universidade Federal de Sergipe, 2017. https://ri.ufs.br/handle/riufs/3646.

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Acute pancreatitis (AP) is an inflammatory condition of the pancreas, which causes high mortality in the severe forms. Although the incidence of AP is increasing in the last years, there is no specific treatment for this condition. Preclinical evidence suggests that medicinal plants (MP) may be a viable alternative for the treatment of AP. The standardized extract of Vaccinium macrocarpon (SeVm) possesses antioxidant activity and may be useful in the treatment of this disease. The objetives of this study were to carry out a systematic review regarding the use of MP in preclinical models of AP and to investigate the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antinociceptive properties of SeVm in a model of AP in mice. Therefore, pre-clinical studies of AP in which a MP was administered and outcomes were compared to a control group (placebo treatment) were selected. Electronic searches were conducted using MEDLINE via PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science and Embase, and gray literature (Google Scholar) and hand search by using specific keywords. Two independent reviewers identified the relevant studies, extracted data and evaluated the risk of bias following the Systematic Review Protocol for Animal Intervention Studies (SYRCLE) risk of bias tool. Data from eligible studies were qualitatively extracted and synthesized. Thirty-one studies were selected, analyzed, and from these studies we concluded that the treatment with MP can be effective to treat experimental AP. For the experimental study, AP was induced in male Swiss mice (30-35 g, n=6 per group) by two successive injections of L-arginine (4 g/kg, i.p.), and euthanized 72 h after induction. Animals were treated with SeVm (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg, p.o.), dexamethasone (5 mg/kg, s.c.), morphine (5 mg/kg, i.p.), or vehicle (NaCl, 0,9%) every 24 h, starting from 1 h after the induction of AP. After euthanasia, inflammatory parameters (myeloperoxidase activity and concentration of tumoral necrosis factor [TNF]-α, interleukin [IL]-1β and IL-6 in pancreas and lung tissues, leucocyte counts in blood and edema index in pancreas), oxidative stress markers (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances [TBARS], non-protein sulfhydryl groups content [NPSH], carbonyl radicals content and ferric reducing/antioxidant power [FRAP] assay in lung and pancreas), antioxidant enzyme activities (catalase [CAT], superoxide dismutase [SOD] and glutathione peroxidase [GSH-Px] in pancreas and lung), biochemical parameters (concentration of amylase, lipase, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, urea and creatinine in serum) and abdominal hyperalgesia were measured. The induction of AP by L-arginine significantly altered inflammatory parameters and oxidative stress markers, as well as abdominal hyperalgesia induced by AP. Treatment with SeVm inhibited the abdominal hyperalgesia caused by AP. All inflammatory parameters were reduced in animals treated with SeVm. Treatment with SeVm partially decreased the alterations in biochemical parameters in serum. The reduction of SOD and CAT activities in pancreas and lung of animals with AP, were reverted by the treatment with SeVm, but the activity of GSH-Px was not changed. The formation of TBARS and carbonil radicals were reduced after treatment with SeVm and the NPSH was increased after this treatment, as well as did total antioxidant potential. In summary, these results demonstrate that MP have potential in the treatment of experimental AP and that SeVm decreases inflammation, oxidative stress and hyperalgesia in AP, making it of interest in future approaches to treat this condition.
A pancreatite aguda (PA) é uma condição inflamatória do pâncreas que pode causar elevada mortalidade nas suas formas graves. Evidências pré-clínicas sugerem que as plantas medicinais (PM) podem ser uma alternativa viável para o tratamento da PA. O extrato padronizado da Vaccinium macrocarpon (EpVm) possui atividade antioxidante e pode ser útil no tratamento desta doença. Os objetivos deste estudo foram realizar uma revisão sistemática sobre o uso de PM em modelos pré-clínicos de PA e investigar as propriedades anti-inflamatória, antioxidante e antinociceptiva do EpVm em modelo de PA em camundongos. Para tanto, foram selecionados estudos pré-clínicos de PA em que PM foram utilizados e os desfechos foram comparados ao grupo controle (tratamento placebo). As buscas eletrônicas foram realizadas utilizando-se das bases MEDLINE, LILACS, BVS, SCIELO, SCOPUS, Web of Science e Embase, além da “gray literature” (Google Scholar) pela inserção de descritores e por “hand search”. Dois revisores independentes identificaram os estudos relevantes, fizeram a extração dos dados e avaliaram o risco de viés dos estudos selecionados, por meio da ferramenta de risco de viés do “Systematic Review Protocol for Animal Intervention Studies” (SYRCLE). Os dados dos estudos elegíveis foram extraídos e sintetizados qualitativamente. Trinta foram selecionados, analisados e a partir dos mesmos, foi possível concluir que o tratamento com PM pode ser efetivo na PA experimental. Para o estudo experimental, foi realizada a avaliação da capacidade antioxidante do EpVm por redução do radical DPPH, do NO e pela inibição da lipoperoxidação. A PA foi induzida em camundongos Swiss machos (30-35 g, n = 6 por grupo) por duas injeções sucessivas de L-arginina (4 g/kg, i.p.) e eutanasiados 72 h após a indução. Os animais foram tratados com EpVm (50, 100 e 200 mg/kg, v.o.), ou dexametasona (5 mg/kg, s.c.) ou morfina (5 mg/kg, i.p.) ou veículo (NaCl, 0,9%) a cada 24 h, iniciando-se 1 h após indução da PA. Após a eutanásia, foram avaliados parâmetros inflamatórios (atividade de mieloperoxidase e concentração de fator de necrose tumoral [TNF]-α, interleucina [IL]-1β e IL-6 nos tecidos pancreático e pulmonar, contagem de leucócitos no sangue e índice de edema no pâncreas), marcadores de estresse oxidativo (formação de substâncias reativas ao ácido tiobarbitúrico [TBARS], conteúdo de grupos sulfidrila não proteicos [NP-SH], conteúdo de radicais carbonil e capacidade total de redução do ferro [FRAP] em pâncreas e pulmão), atividade das enzimas antioxidantes (atividade de catalase [CAT], superóxido dismutase [SOD] e glutationa peroxidase [GSH-Px] no pâncreas e pulmão), parâmetros bioquímicos (amilase, lipase, alanina aminotransferase, aspartato aminotransferase, ureia e creatinina no soro) e a hiperalgesia abdominal. A indução da PA pela L-arginina alterou significativamente os parâmetros de inflamação e estresse oxidativo, bem como a hiperalgesia, em relação ao grupo veículo. O tratamento com EpVm inibiu a hiperalgesia abdominal causada pela PA. Todos os parâmetros inflamatórios foram reduzidos quando os animais foram tratados com EpVm. O tratamento com EpVm diminuiu parcialmente as alterações nos parâmetros bioquímicos no soro. A atividade de SOD e CAT no pâncreas e pulmão, que se encontravam reduzidas pela PA, foram restauradas após tratamento com EpVm, mas a atividade de GSH-Px não foi alterada. A formação de TBARS e radical carbonil foi reduzida após tratamento com EpVm e o NP-SH foi aumentado após este tratamento, assim como o FRAP no pâncreas e no pulmão. Em suma, estes resultados indicam que as PM possuem potencial para o tratamento da PA experimental e que o EpVm diminui a inflamação, o estresse oxidativo e a hiperalgesia na PA em camundongos, tornandoo de interesse em abordagens futuras para tratar esta condição.

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36

Uliczka, Helen. "Forest biodiversity maintenance : instruments and indicators in the policy implementation /." Uppsala : Dept. of Conservation Biology, Swedish Univ. of Agricultural Sciences, 2003. http://epsilon.slu.se/s291.pdf.

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Geraldo, Neto Severino Antonio. "Intoxicação por marsdenia megalantha Goyder & Morillo em animais de produção." Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido, 2017. http://bdtd.ufersa.edu.br:80/tede/handle/tede/794.

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The genus Marsdenia belongs to the Apocynaceae(Asclepiadoideae)family, are distributed worldwide and although several species of this genus are used in traditional Asian medicine for the treatment of rheumatic pain, inflammation, asthma, syphilis and cancer.Marsdenia megalantha is a rupicolous shrub with succulent roots of the semi-arid region of Brazil, is mentioned by farmers as the cause of intoxication in cattle, goats, sheep, pigs, equines and asinines. The clinical and pathological findings of the experimental administration of M. megalantha to sheep, goats, calf and swine are reported. Were dosed once orally with freshly chopped roots at dose of 25 g wet plant/kg bw; another sheep ad a pig were dosed with 10g wet plant/kg bw. Poisoning occurred in all of the animals except the three goats. Clinical signs of poisoning included tachycardia, opisthotonus, ruminal bloat, dyspnea, nystagmus, mydriasis, ataxia, and recumbence with paddling moviments. Pathological evaluation showed segmental laminar neuronal necrosis and spongiosis in the telencephalic cortex and degeneration of Purkinje cells. The picrate paper procedure detected no cyanide in the plant roots, but the reaction used for nitrate detection gave a strongly positive response. In a second experiment a dose of 10, 25 and 7 g / kg, respectively, was given to a cow, a goat and a sheep with calves of approximately 30 days. Aiming to assess whether the toxic principle, still unknown, passed through the milk and would be intoxicating the lactating animals. The administration lasted 5 days in the cow, 10 days in the sheep and only three days in the goat. And only the goat showed clinical signs of intoxication, no other animals nor their offspring showed any clinical signs. In conclusion, M. megalantha is a plant that produces acute intoxication characterized mainly by nervous disorders, the toxic principle or the toxic principles did not pass through the milk or passed in quantities insufficient to cause intoxication in the young, the pig was the species more sensitive to the goat The most resistant to intoxication, and producers of production animals should offer alternative foods during the dry season and early in the rainy season to avoid the occurrence of intoxication by this plant
As plantas do gênero Marsdenia, família Apocynaceae (Asclepiadoideae), apresentam distribuição mundial e apesar de diversas espécies deste gênero serem usadas na medicina tradicional asiática para o tratamento de dores reumáticas, inflamação, asma, sífilis e câncer. A Marsdenia megalantha que é um arbusto rupícola com raízes suculentas da região semiárida do Brasil é mencionada por prudutores rurais como a causa de intoxicação em bovinos, caprinos, ovinos, suínos, equino e asinino. São relatados os achados clínicos e patológicos da administração experimental de M. megalantha a ovinos, caprinos, bezerro e suíno. Foram administradas a três cabras, dois carneiros e um bezerro uma dose única por via oral de raízes recém-cortadas numa dose de 25 g de planta verde/kg de peso corporal; a outro carneiro e um suíno foram administradas a dose de 10 g/kg. A intoxicação ocorreu em todos os animais, exceto nas três cabras. Os sinais clínicos de intoxicação incluíram taquicardia, opistótono, timpanismo gasoso, dispneia, nistagmo, midríase, ataxia, andar rígido, decúbito e movimentos de pedalagem. A avaliação patológica mostrou necrose neuronal laminar segmentar, córtex telencefálico com aspecto espongiforme e degeneração de células de Purkinje. O procedimento com papel de picrato não detectou cianeto nas raízes das plantas, mas a reação utilizada para a detecção de nitratos deu uma resposta fortemente positiva. Em um segundo experimento foram administradas a uma vaca, uma cabra e a uma ovelha com crias de aproximadamente 30 dias, doses de 10, 25 e 7 g/Kg, respectivamente. Tendo como objetivo avaliar se o principio tóxico, ainda desconhecido, passava ou não pelo leite e se intoxicaria os animais lactantes. A administração durou 5 dias na vaca, 10 dias na ovelha e apenas três dias na cabra. E somente a cabra apresentou sinais clínicos de intoxicação, nenhum outro animal e nem suas crias apresentaram nenhum sinal clínico. Em conclusão, M. megalantha é uma planta que produz intoxicação aguda caracterizada principalmente por distúrbios nervosos, o princípio tóxico ou os princípios tóxicos não passaram pelo leite ou passaram em quantidades 10 insuficientes para causar intoxicação nas crias, o suíno foi a espécie mais sensível a e a cabra a mais resistente a intoxicação, e os produtores de animais de produção deveriam oferecer alimentos alternativos durante as estações de seca e início da estação das chuvas para evitar a ocorrência de intoxicação por esta planta
2017-08-18

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38

Sottie, Edmund Tei. "Characterization of new sainfoin populations for mixed alfalfa pastures in western Canada." Thesis, Arts and Science, 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/10133/3417.

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A series of experiments were conducted to compare nine new sainfoin populations developed to persist in mixtures with alfalfa under a multiple-cut management. In trials at Lethbridge under rain-fed and irrigated conditions, new sainfoin populations produced higher (P<0.05) dry matter yields as compared to Nova sainfoin. New cultivars persisted for three production years in mixed stands with alfalfa accounting for >20% DM at each harvest. Condensed tannin concentrations in sainfoin were highest at the bud stage. One new sainfoin population, LRC-3519 seeded in alternate rows with alfalfa caused a reduction (p<0.001) in bloat incidence by 98% as compared to Nova-alfalfa stands. Average daily gains (>1.0 kg d-1) of steers on alfalfa-sainfoin mixed pastures were similar (p>0.05). Seeding of these new sainfoin populations in mixed stands with alfalfa could prove to be a means of taking advantage of the productivity of mixed forage legume pastures while preventing bloat in grazing ruminants.

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Van, Gend Tania Anli. "Effect of a South African medicinal plant on antiretroviral drug induced abnormalities in rats." Thesis, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1080.

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The worldwide AIDS epidemic is known to have had a profoundly negative social, economic and personal impact and has taken a heavy toll on existing health care systems, particularly in developing countries. South Africa is experiencing an HIV epidemic with enormous social and economic consequences. Lopinavir/ritonavir antiretroviral treatment has been accredited with having a significantly positive effect and is a key advance in controlling HIV morbidity and mortality. An indigenous South African medicinal plant, Sutherlandia frutescens, known for its anti-diabetic properties and immune-boosting effects, is used for treating HIV positive patients suffering from opportunistic infections. Despite the use of the medicinal plant extract as homeotherapeutic medication, there is little evidence of toxicity testing that identifies its potential for interaction with antiretroviral drugs. However, scientific data relating to the mechanism through which Sutherlandia frutescens acts on the immune system has not been comprehensively documented. The aim of this study was to investigate lopinavir/ritonavir induced metabolic abnormalities in rats and whether the introduction of a plant extract of Sutherlandia frutescens would counteract the side effects of ARV medication. The results indicated that the rodents did not become insulin resistant, however, biochemical analysis indicated that extended ARV drug treatment would have caused insulin resistance. Significant morphological changes were found in the livers, kidneys and pancreases of rats exposed to the lopinavir/ritonavir. Rats exposed to the Sutherlandia frutescens plant extract showed improved histopathology with minimal abnormalities.

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Wardle, Ryan N. "Phantom Ocean, Real Impact: Natural Surf Sound Experiments Alter Foraging Activity and Habitat Use Across Taxa." DigitalCommons@CalPoly, 2020. https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/theses/2239.

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A growing body of research focuses on how background sounds shape and alter critical elements of animals’ lives, such as foraging behavior, habitat use, and ecological interactions (Bradbury & Vehrencamp, 2011; Barber et al., 2010; Kight & Swaddle, 2011; Shannon et al., 2016). Much of this research has centered on the effects of anthropogenic noise (Dominoni et al., 2020; Francis & Barber, 2013; Ortega, 2012; Swaddle et al., 2015), but recent studies have also revealed that natural sound sources can influence animal behavior (Davidson et al., 2017; Le et al., 2019). Natural sounds, such as crashing surf, can create conditions where signaling and listening are difficult, but how this influences different species’ ecological interactions are unknown. To study the effects of crashing surf sound we experimentally introduced landscape-level acoustic playbacks where surf sound was not naturally present to create a “phantom ocean”. Phantom ocean treatment sites were employed alongside higher frequency “shifted” treatment sites to test for frequency-dependent effects, “real ocean” sites where surf sound was endemic, and ambient control sites. The phantom and shifted treatments were played continuously during the spring and summer of 2017-2019. Within this acoustic experimental landscape we conducted multiple studies to test the effects of crashing surf sound on animal behavior, habitat use, and ecological interactions. Through an artificial caterpillar predation experiment modeled after Roslin et al. (2017), we found that when exposed to natural sound treatments the foraging activity of rodents and arthropods increased, while that of birds declined. A potential explanation for this pattern includes taxon-specific responses reflecting different perceived risk-reward trade-offs in natural sound conditions. To follow this up we performed occupancy modeling on data collected by camera traps set within our system. We observed different responses among groups of species with different functional roles in the community for both detection (p) and occupancy (Ψ) probabilities. Our combined results indicate different species and functional groups have unique foraging behavior and patch use responses to natural sounds, likely based on their ecological interactions. Specifically, Cricetid rodents are likely more active in areas exposed to natural sounds, possibly due to lower perceived predation risk because mesocarnivores are less active. Insectivorous birds are also likely less active under natural sounds conditions, although the frequency of the sound, and the body size and diet of the bird appear influential. Together these findings suggest that natural sounds shape not only individual behavioral adjustments, but also multi-trophic, community level interactions. Our results show that natural sounds are an important driver of ecological interactions, but much remains to be uncovered. The mechanisms by which natural sounds influence individuals, populations, and many other aspects of ecology remain unexplored and provide fertile ground for future inquiry.

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Mello, Marco Aurelio Ribeiro de. "Interações entre o morcego Sturnira lilium (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae) e plantas da família Solanaceae." [s.n.], 2006. http://repositorio.unicamp.br/jspui/handle/REPOSIP/316269.

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Orientadores: Wesley Rodrigues Silva, Elisabeth Klara Viktoria Kalko
Tese (doutorado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Instituto de Biologia
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Resumo: Morcegos têm grande importância ecológica nos Neotrópicos, por serem muito diversos, abundantes e interagirem com várias espécies de plantas e animais. Os morcegos filostomídeos da subfamília Stenodermatinae são frugívoros especializados e importantes dispersores de sementes, sendo que Sturnira lilium tem preferência por frutos de Solanaceae, uma família de grande valor ecológico e econômico. O objetivo do presente estudo foi investigar quatro aspectos principais e testar hipóteses relacionadas à maneira como essa interação ocorre e afeta ambos os grupos. De acordo com o esperado, a dieta de S. lilium foi inteiramente frugívora com uma forte dominância de solanáceas. A abundância de morcegos apresentou dois picos curtos ao longo do ano, ao contrário da produção de frutos que teve um pico único, porém mais longo. Os morcegos deixaram a área durante os meses mais frios e provavelmente migraram para altitudes mais baixas e quentes para escapar do clima severo e procurar por frutos de Solanaceae. A maioria das fêmeas de S. lilium se reproduziu durante os meses mais úmidos e quentes, durante a maior oferta de frutos. As solanáceas mostraram ser uma fonte de alimento confiável para S. lilium e sua fenologia pareceu regular a dinâmica populacional dos morcegos. S. lilium não apresentou fidelidade aos refúgios noturnos e diurnos, e usou uma grande distância de comutação e uma grande área de forrageio em comparação com outros pequenos mamíferos. A dispersão de sementes por S. lilium pareceu ser altamente benéfica para as plantas, de acordo com as hipóteses clássicas de fuga, colonização e dispersão limitada. Não observei evidências de fobia lunar em S. lilium, apesar de ter observado em outros dois filostomídeos frugívoros, Artibeus lituratus e Carollia perspicillata. As diferenças nas respostas à luz da Lua podem ser explicadas pelo habitat de forrageio, a dieta e distribuição espaço-temporal das plantas-alimento, e podem ter conseqüência para o sucesso reprodutivo das plantas-alimento. Os resultados do presente trabalho confirmam que a relação entre S. lilium e as solanáceas é muito forte, e que ela também é benéfica para ambos os grupos, afetando as populações de morcegos e plantas e consequentemente a estrutura de toda a comunidade
Abstract: Bats have a high ecological importance in the Neotropics for they are highly diverse, very abundant and interact with many plant and animal species. Phyllostomid bats of the subfamily Stenodermatinae are specialized frugivores and important seed dispersers, and Sturnira lilium prefers fruits of the Solanaceae, a family of high ecological and economical value. The goal of the present study was to investigate four main aspects and test hypotheses related to the way this interaction occurs and how it affects both groups. As expected, the diet of S. lilium was totally frugivore and Solanaceae prevailed. Bat abundance presented two short peaks throughout the year, while fruit production presented a single, but longer, peak. Bats left the area during colder months and probably migrated to lower and warmer altitudes to escape the severe climate and to search for Solanaceae fruits. Most S. lilium females reproduced during wetter and warmer months, during the highest fruit availability. The Solanaceae showed to be a reliable food source for S. lilium, and their phenology seemed to regulate bat population dynamics. S. lilium showed no roost fidelity, and used large commuting distances and foraging areas, if compared to other small mammals. Seed dispersal by S. lilium seemed to be highly beneficial for plants, according to the classical hypotheses of escape, colonization and limited dispersal. I observed no evidences of lunar phobia in S. lilium, despite having observed in other two frugivorous phyllostomids, Artibeus lituratus and Carollia perspicillata. Differences in response to moonlight may be explained by foraging habitat, diet and spatio-temporal distribution of food-plants, and may have consequences for the reproductive success of food-plants. Results of the present study suggest that the relationship between S. lilium and the Solanaceae is very strong, and that it is also beneficial for both groups, affecting populations of bats and plants, and consequently the structure of the whole community
Doutorado
Doutor em Ecologia

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Arvanitis, Leena. "Plant polyploidy and interactions with insect herbivores /." Stockholm : Department of Botany, Stockholm University, 2007. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:su:diva-7154.

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43

Gosper, Carl R. "Consequences of weed invasion and control on plant-bird interactions and bird communities." Access electronically, 2004. http://www.library.uow.edu.au/adt-NWU/public/adt-NWU20050221.155953/index.html.

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Pauw, Elizabeth Lita. "Evaluating the predictive value of a database of antimicrobial activities of leaf extracts of 537 southern African tree species against six important bacterial and fungal pathogens." Thesis, University of Pretoria, 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/2263/40266.

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Infectious diseases are the world’s leading cause of premature deaths in humans and animals. The resistance to antibiotics and the emergence of new infectious diseases has increased the need for additional effective antimicrobial products. Despite numerous publications investigating antimicrobial activity of plant extracts it appears that no effective single product antimicrobial has yet been developed from plants. In many cases, however crude plant extracts have excellent activity and may provide useful products. Plants are frequently selected based on traditional use. Traditional healers usually use aqueous extracts of plants which in our experience generally have very low activities and it may be one of the reasons why no new products were developed from plants. Another approach to select plants for research is to use the taxonomic approach based on the premises that: (1) there is a correlation between active chemical compounds and antimicrobial activity; and (2) species in a family or order may have similar activities if the chemical precursors are inherited from a common ancestor. Future screening programmes could then concentrate on close relatives of species within these promising families and orders. The main aim of this study was to randomly screen leaf extracts of several hundred southern African tree species against important microbial pathogens to determine which taxa have the highest activity and may yield useful products to treat infections in human and animal health markets. A wide selection of plant species improved the possibility of finding promising extracts and has the advantage that active compounds may be discovered from plants that are not used traditionally. To ensure sustainable use only leaves of trees were examined. A spin off of this study would also indicate the susceptibility of different organisms, correlate the antimicrobial activities of the different organisms and determine what minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) represents a good activity based on investigating many extracts against many microbes. The antimicrobial activity was determined by using a sensitive serial dilution microplate method. Acetone extracts were tested against two Gram-positive bacteria, two Gram-negative bacteria and two fungi, i.e. Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans and Cryptococcus neoformans. Small and mostly insignificant differences were found between the susceptibility of the microbial pathogens to the extracts. E. faecalis was the most sensitive bacterium and C. neoformans the most sensitive fungal organism. The strongest correlations in activities among the pathogens were between C. albicans and C. neoformans, and among the pathogen classes between Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The tree extracts analysed in the present study had a wide range of activities against the different pathogens. Twenty six per cent of the extracts inhibited the pathogens at MIC levels of 0.16 mg/ml. This clearly shows that 0.16 mg/ml is not low enough to discriminate between promising species. Some of the extracts inhibited the growth of more than one pathogen while other extracts had selective activities and could be the most promising to follow up. The study identified families and orders with either statistically significantly higher or lower antimicrobial activities. Among the large families, Combretaceae and Fabaceae had high mean activities against all test pathogens. The families Anacardiaceae and Moraceae had high activities against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria whereas the families Proteaceae and Meliaceae had higher antifungal activities. Among the large orders, Fabales had relatively high activities against all the pathogen classes. Considering that plants in related taxa often contain similar compounds and therefore similar activities, future studies could analyse more representative species in the promising taxa. Many tree species, genera, families and orders, including well-known and lesser known medicinal taxa in southern Africa, were identified with promising activities. To evaluate the potential use of these results, additional cytotoxicity, phytochemical and pharmacological studies should be carried out. The study, although still exploratory, underlined the potential of southern African tree extracts as sources of antimicrobial products. Application of these results within the Phytomedicine Programme has led to patents and products that were as good as commercial products in animal and field trials. We hope that our results will provided a starting point for discovering new products with useful activities.
Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2014.
gm2014
Paraclinical Sciences
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Sales, Igor Rafael Praxedes de. "Atividade antiulcerogênica de cissampelos sympodialis eichl. (menispermaceae) em modelos animais." Universidade Federal da Paraíba, 2016. http://tede.biblioteca.ufpb.br:8080/handle/tede/8807.

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Cissampelos sympodialis Eichl. (Menispermaceae) is an endemic species in Brazil, popularly known as "Milona", "Jarrinha" or "Orelha-de-onça". This species was selected for this study considering the chemotaxonomic (alkaloids and flavonoids) and ethnopharmacological criteria, due to this species be popularly used to treat inflammatory disorders. This study aimed to evaluate the acute preclinical toxicity and anti-ulcer activity of the ethanolic extract (EtOHE-Cs) and alkaloids total fraction (TAF-Cs) obtained from aerial parts of C. sympodialis. In acute toxicity, doses of 300 and 2000 mg/kg EtOHE-Cs were administered orally (p.o.). Our experiment conditions shows that, this type of doses did not induce signs of toxicity in female mice and 50% of lethal dose (LD50) is equal to or greater 5000 mg/kg according to the OECD 423 guide. For TAF-Cs was founded that the animals treated with the dose of 2000 mg/kg showed straub tail and analgesia. In addition, the LD50 of this substance being approximately 1000 mg/kg. To evaluate the gastroprotective activity using induced acute models of gastric ulcers were used: ethanol and containment of gastric juice in rats, anti-inflammatory non-steroidal drug (NSAID - piroxicam) and stress (immobilization and cold) in mice. In ulcer model induced by ethanol the results showed that carbenoxolone (100 mg/kg), EtOHE-Cs or TAF-Cs (62.5; 125; 250 and 500 mg/kg – v.o.) reduced the ulcerative lesion area (ULA) of 97, 69, 75, 94, 98; 97, 88, 90, 94, 95% (p<0,001) respectively in comparison with the negative control. In the same model, treatment with carbenoxolone (100 mg/kg), EtOHE-Cs (500 mg/kg) or TAF-Cs (250 mg/kg) improved histological parameters analyzed. Considering ulcers induced by NSAIDs, cimetidine (100 mg/kg), the EtOHE-Cs or TAF-Cs (62.5; 125; 250 and 500 mg/kg – p.o.) reduced the ulcerative lesion index (ULI) in 43, 59, 60, 64, 76; 47, 51, 62, 75 and 78% (p<0,001), respectively. In the lesions induced by stress cimetidine, EtOHE-Cs or TAF-Cs at the same doses reduced ULI at 44, 37, 38, 42, 52; 57, 39, 54, 75 and 76% (p<0,001), respectively. Ulcers induced by restraining of the gastric juice (pylorus ligation) treated with cimetidine (100 mg/kg), EtOHE-Cs (500 mg/kg) and TAF-Cs (250 mg/kg) decreased the ULI at 35, 42 and 40 % (p.o.) (p<0,001) and 39, 34 and 33% (intraduodenally – i.d.) (p<0,01), respectively. To investigate the mechanisms of samples of C. sympodialis involved in gastroprotective activity it was evaluated the antisecretory or neutralizing mechanisms of the gastric acid secretion and cytoprotective, antioxidant and immunoregulatory properties. Treatments (p.o. and i.d.) with EtOHE-Cs (500 mg/kg) and TAF-Cs (250 mg/kg) did not alter biochemical parameters of gastric juice, suggesting that gastroprotective activity does not involve antisecretory or neutralizing mechanisms. The gastroprotective activity of EtOHE-Cs (500 mg/kg) involves participation of sulfhydryl groups, nitric oxide, KATP, mucus and prostaglandins. The gastroprotection promoted by the TAF-Cs (250 mg/kg) involves the participation of sulfhydryl groups, mucus and prostaglandins. EtOHE-Cs (500 mg/kg) (p<0,001) and TAF-Cs (250 mg/kg) (p<0,01) showing antioxidant activity by an increase in reduced glutathione (GSH) levels compared to the negative control in ethanol-induced gastric ulcers. The EtOHE-Cs (500 mg/kg) reduces the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β) (p<0,001) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) (p<0,05) and levels of anti-inflammatory interleukin were increased, interleukin 10 (IL-10) (p<0,001) compared to the negative control. Treatment with TAF-Cs (250 mg/kg) did not alter IL-1β and TNF-α levels, however this treatment increased IL-10 levels compared to the negative control (p<0,001). In the cysteamine-induced duodenal ulcer lansoprazole (30 mg/kg), EtOHE-Cs (500 mg/kg) or TAF-Cs (250 mg/kg) reduced the ULA in 93, 49; 61 and 89% (p<0,001), respectively. Considering these results, it was possible to suggest that C. sympodialis and derivates presents antiulcerogenic activity and the gastroprotective activity of this species involves cytoprotective, antioxidants and immunoregulatory mechanisms.
Cissampelos sympodialis Eichl. (Menispermaceae) é uma espécie endêmica no Brasil, popularmente conhecida como “milona”, “jarrinha” ou “orelha-de-onça”. Esta espécie foi selecionada para este estudo a partir de critérios quimiotaxonômicos (alcaloides e flavonoides) e etnofarmacológico, já que essa espécie é utilizada popularmente no tratamento de desordens inflamatórias. Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a toxicidade pré-clínica aguda e a atividade antiulcerogênica do extrato etanólico bruto (EEtOH-Cs) e da fração de alcaloides totais (FAT-Cs) obtidos das partes aéreas de C. sympodialis. No ensaio de toxicidade aguda, as doses de 300 e 2000 mg/kg do EEtOH-Cs administrado por via oral (v.o.) não induziu sinais de toxicidade em camundongos fêmeas nas condições experimentais avaliadas e a dose letal 50% (DL50) é igual ou superior a 5000 mg/kg de acordo com o guia 423 da OECD. Para a FAT-Cs foi verificado que os animais tratados com a dose de 2000 mg/kg apresentaram cauda em straub e analgesia, sendo a DL50 dessa substância de aproximadamente 1000 mg/kg. Para a avaliação da atividade gastroprotetora foram utilizados os modelos de indução aguda de úlcera gástrica: por etanol em ratos, anti-inflamatório não-esteroidal (AINE - piroxicam), estresse (por imobilização e frio) em camundongos e contensão do suco gástrico em ratos. No modelo de úlcera induzida por etanol a carbenoxolona (100 mg/kg), o EEtOH-Cs ou FAT-Cs (62,5; 125; 250 e 500 mg/kg - v.o.) reduziram a área de lesão ulcerativa (ALU) em 97, 69, 75, 94, 98; 97, 88, 90, 94, 95% (p<0,001), respectivamente, em comparação ao controle negativo. Na úlcera por etanol, os tratamentos com carbenoxolona (100 mg/kg), EEtOH-Cs (500 mg/kg) e FAT-Cs (250 mg/kg) melhoraram os parâmetros histológicos analisados. Nas úlceras induzidas por AINE, a cimetidina (100 mg/kg), o EEtOH-Cs ou FAT-Cs (62,5; 125; 250 e 500 mg/kg - v.o.) reduziram o índice de lesão ulcerativo (ILU) em 43, 59, 60, 64, 76; 47, 51, 62, 75 e 78% (p<0,001), respectivamente. Em lesões induzidas por estresse a cimetidina, o EEtOH-Cs ou FAT-Cs nas mesmas doses reduziram o ILU em 44, 37, 38, 42, 52; 57, 39, 54, 75 e 76% (p<0,001), respectivamente. Nas úlceras induzidas por contensão do suco gástrico (ligadura do piloro) a cimetidina (100 mg/kg), o EEtOH-Cs (500 mg/kg) e FAT-Cs (250 mg/kg) diminuíram o ILU em 35, 42 e 40% (p<0,001) (v.o.) e em 39, 34 e 33% (p<0,01) (intraduodenal – i.d.), respectivamente. Na perspectiva de investigar os mecanismos envolvidos na atividade gastroprotetora das amostras de C. sympodialis foram avaliados os mecanismos antissecretórios ou neutralizantes da secreção ácida gástrica, mecanismos citoprotetores, antioxidante e imunorregulatório. Os tratamentos (v.o. e i.d.) com o EEtOH-Cs (500 mg/kg) e FAT-Cs (250 mg/kg) não alteraram os parâmetros bioquímicos do suco gástrico, sugerindo que a atividade gastroprotetora não envolve mecanismos antissecretórios ou neutralizantes. A atividade gastroprotetora do EEtOH-Cs (500 mg/kg) envolve participação de grupamentos sulfidrila, óxido nítrico, KATP, muco e prostaglandinas. A gastroproteção promovida pela FAT-Cs (250 mg/kg) envolve a participação de grupamentos sulfidrila, muco e prostaglandinas. O EEtOH-Cs (500 mg/kg) (p<0,001) e FAT-Cs (250 mg/kg) (p<0,01) apresentaram atividade antioxidante por um aumento nos níveis de glutationa reduzida (GSH) quando comparados ao controle negativo, nas úlceras induzidas por etanol. O EEtOH-Cs (500 mg/kg) diminui os níveis das citocinas pró-inflamatórias, interleucina 1 beta (IL-1β) (p<0,001) e fator de necrose tumoral alfa (TNF-α) (p<0,05) e aumentou os níveis da interleucina anti-inflamatória, interleucina 10 (IL-10) (p<0,001), quando comparado ao controle negativo. O tratamento com a FAT-Cs (250 mg/kg) não alterou os níveis de IL-1β e TNF-α mas aumentou os níveis de IL-10 (p<0,001), quando comparado ao controle negativo. No modelo de úlcera duodenal induzida por cisteamina, o lansoprazol (30 mg/kg), EEtOH-Cs (500 mg/kg) ou FAT-Cs (250 mg/kg) reduziram a ALU em 93, 49; 61, e 89% (p<0,001), respectivamente. Diante desses resultados, foi possível sugerir que C. sympodialis e seus derivados apresentam atividade antiulcerogênica e que a atividade gastroprotetora dessa espécie envolve mecanismos citoprotetores, antioxidantes e imunorregulatórios.

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Lanfear, Robert. "The evolution of animal body plans." Thesis, University of Sussex, 2007. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.487899.

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It is thought that the great majority of the phenotypic disparity present in the animal kingdom was generated in a relatively short time during the Cambrian explosion, around 500 million years ago. Furthermore, it has been suggested that animal body plans have remained largely unchanged since then. In this thesis I describe a series of studies aimed at furthering the understanding ofthe evolution of animal body plans. Chapters 2 and 3 investigate the evolution of segmentation within the animal kingdom. Specifically, Chapters 2 and 3 describe the molecular and functional analyses of the Notch And Delfa homologues of the cockroach, Periplaneta americana. These chapters show for the first time that the Notch pathway is crucial for the development of segments in an insect, a result which, in light of recent work on segmentation in the spider, strongly suggests that Notch-mediated segmentation was ancestral for both insects and arthropods, and lends >. Illlpport to the hypothesis that the segmentation mechanisms in arthropods and chordates may be homologous. Chapters 2 and 3 have been submitted for publication as a research paper in PNAS, in combination with further work that was performed in this system by Juan Pablo Couso and Jose Inyaki Pueyo.

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König, Malin A. E. "Context dependency of plant – animal interactions." Doctoral thesis, Stockholms universitet, Institutionen för ekologi, miljö och botanik, 2014. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:su:diva-101067.

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The strength and direction of interactions between organisms vary spatially across the landscape. Traditionally, the focus has been on how trait variation affects the interactions between species. However, differences in abiotic and biotic environmental factors may also alter the distribution, phenology and behavior of the interacting species. To be able to understand why an interaction varies across the landscape, the effects of trait variation has to be separated from the effects of the environmental context. In this thesis, I try to separate the effects of context and trait differences on plant resistance against herbivory, through experimental and observational studies conducted with two cytotypes of the perennial herb Cardamine pratensis and its main herbivore, Anthocharis cardamines. The results show that differences in plant resistance against oviposition under controlled conditions were mainly mediated by flower size; larger flowers were more attractive to the female butterfly. However, among-populations differences in oviposition under natural conditions were not related to the resistance observed under controlled conditions, or to ploidy type, flowering phenology or plant size. Within populations under natural conditions the oviposition patterns by A. cardamines was affected by the plant traits plant size and flowering phenology. The result of this thesis shows that among-population differences in intensity of plant-herbivore interactions were caused by differences in environmental context rather than by herbivore preferences for any phenotypic plant traits, while host plant selection within population was based on plant traits. This suggests that biotic and biotic context can have important effects on the intensity of plant-herbivore interactions. Although genetic traits influenced the outcome of the interaction within populations, it was the environmental context of the populations that determined largely if the interaction took place or not.

At the time of the doctoral defence the following papers were unpublished and had a status as follows: Paper 2: Manuscript in review in Plos One; Paper 3: Manuscript in review in Ecological Entomology; Paper 4: Manuscript

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Gonçalves-Souza, Thiago [UNESP]. "Decifrando a função de processos ecológicos e evolutivos na distribuição local e regional de artrópodes em plantas." Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/11449/100505.

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Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)
An understanding of how the degree of phylogenetic relatedness influences the ecological similarity among species is crucial for inferring the mechanisms governing the assembly of species. As closely related species often share similar morphological traits, both phylogeny and ecology can explain the convergence or divergence of species morphology. We evaluated the relative importance of spiders’ phylogeny and ecological niche to the variation in spider body size and shape by comparing spiders (i) between bromeliads and dicot plants and (ii) among bromeliads with distinct architectural features. We tested whether bromeliad-living spiders have similar morphological traits to spiders from surrounding dicots and whether the differences in spider body size and shape are related to bromeliad architecture or to the spiders’ phylogeny. Spiders from bromeliads were larger and flatter than spiders associated with the surrounding dicots; this pattern was explained only by the spiders’ phylogeny. However, spider flatness was related to both phylogeny and ecological niche, suggesting that both historical processes and recent adaptations drive the evolution of spider body shape. Bromeliads appear to favour larger and flatter spiders because they provide a larger resource supply and their leaves are tightly interlocked compared to surrounding dicot plants, providing shelters from predators. By partitioning the phylogenetic and ecological components of phenotypic variation, we were able to disentangle the evolutionary history of distinct spider traits and show that plant architecture plays a role in the evolution of spider body size and shape

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Gonçalves-Souza, Thiago. "Decifrando a função de processos ecológicos e evolutivos na distribuição local e regional de artrópodes em plantas /." São José do Rio Preto, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/11449/100505.

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Orientador: Gustavo Quevedo Romero
Coorientador: Karl Cottenie
Banca: Mário Almeida-Neto
Banca: Leandro Duarte
Banca: Paulo de Marco Junior
Banca: Thomas M. Lewinsohn
Resumo: Não disponível
Abstract: An understanding of how the degree of phylogenetic relatedness influences the ecological similarity among species is crucial for inferring the mechanisms governing the assembly of species. As closely related species often share similar morphological traits, both phylogeny and ecology can explain the convergence or divergence of species morphology. We evaluated the relative importance of spiders' phylogeny and ecological niche to the variation in spider body size and shape by comparing spiders (i) between bromeliads and dicot plants and (ii) among bromeliads with distinct architectural features. We tested whether bromeliad-living spiders have similar morphological traits to spiders from surrounding dicots and whether the differences in spider body size and shape are related to bromeliad architecture or to the spiders' phylogeny. Spiders from bromeliads were larger and flatter than spiders associated with the surrounding dicots; this pattern was explained only by the spiders' phylogeny. However, spider flatness was related to both phylogeny and ecological niche, suggesting that both historical processes and recent adaptations drive the evolution of spider body shape. Bromeliads appear to favour larger and flatter spiders because they provide a larger resource supply and their leaves are tightly interlocked compared to surrounding dicot plants, providing shelters from predators. By partitioning the phylogenetic and ecological components of phenotypic variation, we were able to disentangle the evolutionary history of distinct spider traits and show that plant architecture plays a role in the evolution of spider body size and shape
Doutor

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Šáchová, Irena. "Bionika v architektuře (strom jako inspirační zdroj)." Doctoral thesis, Vysoké učení technické v Brně. Fakulta architektury, 2012. http://www.nusl.cz/ntk/nusl-233238.

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The work deals with nature prefigurations, which can be used in architecture. The first part is concerned with the bionics in architecture in general. There are introduced all available pieces of knowledge falling within this branch. The second part is focused on the nature prefiguration – tree. The tree was analyzed from different points of view. Suitable principles, which were found, were transformed to the field of architecture. On the basis of children's drawings the changing approach to “tree as a home” during adolescence was charted. The work can serve as a comprehensive supporting document for study of bionics for students of architecture and architects and also for the general public. The work should point out that nature is our great standard for any activity.

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Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Plants and animals'

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