No description available.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Washington State University, May 2010. / Title from PDF title page (viewed on June 7, 2010). "School of Biological Sciences." Includes bibliographical references.

Dissertação (mestrado)—Universidade de Brasília, Instituto de Biologia, Programa de Pós Graduação em Biologia Animal, 2014. / Submitted by Albânia Cézar de Melo (albania@bce.unb.br) on 2014-06-11T14:58:05Z No. of bitstreams: 1 2014_LuisaMayumiArakeTacca.pdf: 3171230 bytes, checksum: f2a279d3f6739aba7da24618336db559 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Guimaraes Jacqueline(jacqueline.guimaraes@bce.unb.br) on 2014-07-09T11:45:00Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 2014_LuisaMayumiArakeTacca.pdf: 3171230 bytes, checksum: f2a279d3f6739aba7da24618336db559 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2014-07-09T11:45:00Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 2014_LuisaMayumiArakeTacca.pdf: 3171230 bytes, checksum: f2a279d3f6739aba7da24618336db559 (MD5) / Os anfíbios anuros são animais que vêm sendo estudados e utilizados como modelos para descoberta de novas moléculas há algum tempo. Sua pele secreta uma mistura de substâncias ativas em grande parte já isoladas e estruturalmente caracterizadas. Dentre tais compostos, podemos citar peptídeos antimicrobianos, hipotensores e opióides, aminas biogênicas, alcaloides e esteróis. O trabalho em questão analisou um peptídeo oriundo da secreção cutânea do anfíbio Hypsiboas punctatus. Tal peptídeo apresenta uma sequência de 15 resíduos de aminoácidos e um motivo ativo composto pelo tripeptídeo KGD característico das proteínas da família das desintegrinas, até o momento inédito em anfíbios. O peptídeo em questão foi modificado em mais cinco análogos e sintetizado por meio de síntese química sólida. As moléculas foram purificadas, caracterizadas e testadas e, ao final do processo, tiveram os modelos das suas estruturas tridimensionais determinados por meio de Ressonância Magnética Nuclear. A sequência peptídica original foi modificada para gerar cinco análogos sintéticos obtidos por meio de síntese química em fase sólida. Todos os análogos foram submetidos à oxidação do par de resíduos de cisteína para formação das respectivas pontes dissulfeto, purificados, caracterizados e testados. Ao final deste processo, tiveram suas respectivas estruturas tridimensionais determinadas por meio de Ressonância Magnética Nuclear. O peptídeo natural não apresentou qualquer atividade anti- plaquetária in vitro quando testado por meio da metodologia de impedância elétrica, no entanto é possível atribuir-se a esta molécula discreta atividade relativa de inibição de agregação em ensaios de espalhamento plaquetário. Contudo, quando avaliados comparativamente sob mesma metodologia, os análogos sintéticos demonstram atividade anti-plaquetária significativamente superior ao peptídeo natural, utilizado neste trabalho como um arquétipo estrutural de desintegrina. Tais evidências, isto é, a comprovação experimental do surgimento de uma nova atividade biológica em análogos sintéticos, originalmente inexistente na molécula arquetípica, corrobora nossa hipótese sobre a importância da redistribuição das cargas (positiva e negativa) ao longo do eixo maior da estrutura 3D de cada análogo e da necessidade de um reposicionamento “Taylor-Made” dos motivos (Arg-Gly-Asp; Lys-Gly-Asp; His-Gly-Asp) para que as novas moléculas fossem ativas. ______________________________________________________________________________ ABSTRACT / Anurans are animals that have been much explored as models. Their skin is part of their immune system and it has special glands which secrete a rich mixture of substances related to their innate defense against predators and microorganisms. Among this molecules are active peptides which have been isolated and tested for many pathogens and are a growing field within pharmacology. The present work analyzed a specific peptide from the skin secretion of the amphibian Hypsiboas punctatus. It is formed by a 15 amino acid sequence with a KGD disintegrin-like motif in the center of a loop constricted by a disulfide bridge. This motif has never been registered for amphibians before. The natural peptide was modified into five analogues which were synthesized through solid phase tButyl/FMOC strategy. They were purified (Reverse-Phase High Performance Liquid Chromatography), characterized (Mass Spectrometry), had their biological activity tested and their 3D structures calculated with the use of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance. The natural peptide did not show any anti-platelet inhibition activity when tested through electric impedance methodology; however it did show relative biological activity when tested through platelet spreading assay methodology. The modified analogues showed a higher activity rate. The results indicate the verification of the hypothesis of the importance of an improved positioning of the positive and negative charges along the molecule structure and also of the need for the ligand section of the peptide to be centered in the active loop.

The purpose of the present study is to present research data on the propagation of the southern spotted channel catfish.

The channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus (Rafinesque), was first introduced into Utah Lake in the summer of 1911, and has since been stocked in the lake on numerous occasions. It has only been in the last few years that the channel catfish has become an important game fish in Utah. As the value of the channel catfish, as a game fish, increased, it has become increasingly important to the state to maintain this species for present and future generations. This study was initiated in 1958 and completed in 19 60, and was financed by the Utah State Department of Fish and Game. Data on certain phases of the channel catfish life history were investigated to provide information to aid in management of this species. The following phases were studied: age and rate of growth; age composition of the population; reproduction success; food habits; movements; and extent of the fishing pressure.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-06-02T19:22:51Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 2451.pdf: 1186476 bytes, checksum: 6ce9892ddca6986185a4680d6f65da6d (MD5) Previous issue date: 2009-06-10 / Financiadora de Estudos e Projetos / Phenol and its derivates are aromatic organic compounds and there are present in the mill, domestic waste and cropscience. Moreover, phenol could induce toxicity in both freshwater and seawater fish and other animals. The aim of this work was evaluating hematological features, intermediary metabolism and muscular and cerebral acetylcholinesterase enzyme activity in juveniles channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus exposed to 1.5 mg L-1 of phenol (10% LC50) for 96 h and after 7 or 14 days of recovery. Ammonia, lactate, piruvate, glucose, amino acids, protein, triglycerides and fatty acids concentrations were measured in liver, muscle and plasma. Glycogen concentration was determined in liver and muscle. Aspartate aminostransferase (ASAT), alanine aminotransferase (ALAT), lactate desidrogenase (LDH), alkaline phosphatase (FALC) and acid phosphatase (FAC) enzymes activities were assayed in liver and muscle. Acetylcholinesterase activity was assayed in white muscle and brain. Hematological features were analyzed through hematocrit, haemoglobin concentration, red cell count (RBC), mean corpuscular volume (VCM), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (HCM) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (CHCM). Hematological alterations were observed after 7 days of recovery. After 96 h, ALAT and ASAT activities and protein concentration indicated proteolysis liver and muscle. The triglycerides and fatty acids concentration suggested lipolysis in muscle. The results also indicated gluconeogenesis in liver. Gluconeogenesis follows over 7 days of recovery and glycemia was kept constant. After 7 days of recovery, the results suggested proteolysis and lipolysis in liver. After 14 days of recovery, the results indicated glycogenolysis and muscle and liver. Reductions of protein and amino acid concentrations plus ASAT activity rising in muscle, also suggested proteolysis. Alterations in FAC and FALC activities in muscle and liver were observed. These results suggest membrane cell damage. Reduction in cerebral AChE activity was observed after 14 days recovery. In other hand, an increase of muscular AChE was observed after 7 and 14 days recovery. In conclusion, the alterations observed in this work seem to be due to increased metabolic demand and other mechanisms that respond to homeostasis in fish. / O fenol e seus derivados são compostos orgânicos aromáticos provenientes de efluentes industriais, domésticos e de práticas em agricultura. São encontrados tanto em corpos de água doce como em salgada e podem induzir toxicidade aos animais expostos. Os objetivos deste estudo foram avaliar os efeitos da exposição sub-letal ao fenol (1,5 mg L-1 ou 10% da CL50) sobre as variáveis hematológicas e metabólicas de juvenis do bagre do canal (Ictalurus punctatus) após 96 h de exposição e recuperação por 7 e 14 dias. No fígado, no músculo e plasma foram quantificados amônia, lactato, piruvato, glicose, aminoácidos livres, proteína, triglicerídeos e ácidos graxos. O teor de glicogênio foi determinado no fígado e músculo. Atividade das enzimas alanina aminotransferase (ALAT), aspartato aminotransferase (ASAT), lactato desidrogenase (LDH), fosfatase ácida (FAC) e fosfatase alcalina (FALC) foram ensaiadas no músculo branco e fígado. A acetilcolinesterase (AChE) foi ensaiada no cérebro e no músculo branco. As variáveis hematológicas avaliadas foram hematócrito, conteúdo de hemoglobina e contagem de células vermelhas (RBC), volume corpuscular médio (VCM), hemoglobina corpuscular média (HCM) e concentração de hemoglobina corpuscular média (CHCM). Alterações hematológicas foram observadas após 7 dias de recuperação. Após 96 h de exposição, as atividades da ASAT e ALAT hepática e muscular e a concentração de proteína indicaram proteólise nestes tecidos. No músculo, verificou-se lipólise muscular. No tecido hepático, os dados são sugestivos de gliconeogênese. Após 7 dias de recuperação, os resultados indicaram proteólise, lipólise e persistência dos processos gliconeogênicos. Após a recuperação por 14 dias, observou-se glicogenólise muscular e hepática, assim como proteólise muscular. Alterações nas atividades das fosfatases ácida e alcalina foram sugestivas de possíveis danos nas membranas celulares. A atividade da enzima AChE cerebral apresentou-se reduzida após recuperação por 14 dias. No músculo, observou-se aumento na atividade desta enzima na recuperação por 7 e 14 dias. Estes resultados indicam que as alterações observadas parecem ocorrer devido ao aumento da demanda metabólica e de outros mecanismos que respondem pela homeostasia do animal frente ao fenol ambiental.

Myxozoans are cnidarian parasites of primarily freshwater and marine fish, with some being important pathogens of aquacultured fish species worldwide. Their life cycles have waterborne actinospores released from aquatic annelid definitive hosts and myxospore stages in fish intermediate hosts. In the southeastern United States, catfish aquaculture is burdened by annual losses to a myriad of infectious diseases. Henneguya ictaluri, the causative agent of proliferative gill disease in channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus and female channel catfish x male blue catfish Ictalurus furcatus hybrids, is the most commonly diagnosed parasitic disease of catfish in Mississippi. Other myxozoans infect these ictalurid fish, but their impact on catfish production is unknown. Surveys of actinospores from the oligochaete Dero digitata and myxospore stages from fish revealed an unexpected diversity for these production systems. Six genetically distinct actinospores representing four collective groups were observed from D. digitata. Herein, two novel Henneguya spp. are described from the gills and a novel Unicauda sp. is described from the intestinal tract of channel catfish. One Henneguya sp. was linked to its actinospore stage and represents the fourth known life-cycle in the genus. In addition to catfish, smallmouth buffalo Ictiobus bubalus polycultured with catfish were examined and two Myxobolus spp. were characterized from the gills. Phylogenetic analyses strongly support a clade of ictalurid Henneguya spp. and a clade of catostomid Myxobolus spp. Although diverse, H. ictaluri is the only myxozoan in catfish attributed to significant losses. With no feasible method of control or treatment, investigations into less susceptible fish were initiated and showed promise. Infectivity trials characterizing H. ictaluri development in channel, blue, and hybrid catfish were performed. Channel catfish were suitable hosts with myxospores developing in the gills by six weeks and persisting for at least 14 weeks. In hybrid catfish arrested or limited development was observed with no pseudocysts observed during Trial 1 and only two at 14 weeks during Trial 2. These results may suggest a possible way of decreasing losses attributed to PGD through hybrid catfish monoculture or fish crop rotation to reduce the number of infectious myxospores released into the pond.

Red fillet results in a profit loss for catfish processors and producers alike; however, neither the cause nor the abundance of red fillet has been studied extensively. Therefore, an assessment of red fillet in the catfish industry was conducted along with studies subjecting catfish to poor water quality and inoculation with Aeromonas sobria. Within every catfish harvest, 0.12% of fillets were rejected due to blotchy red coloration. Histology revealed congestion of erythrocytes indicating internal hemorrhaging, and A. sobria was isolated from 63% of all red fillets compared to 28% of acceptable fillets. Acute exposure to poor water quality did not produce red fillet in catfish despite high stress levels and mortality rates (22%). Inoculation with A. sobria did induce red fillet with similar coloration to red fillets obtained from catfish processors.

This study was conducted on Willard Bay Reservoir, Utah, during the summers of 1972 and 1973, to study the spawning biology of the channel catfish (Ictalurus Punctatus), and to evaluate potential reproduction for this species in the reservoir. Potential reproduction was evaluated through examination of available natural habitat and use of artificial habitat provided for this study. Channel catfish were found to mature by the end of their fourth year and spawn from mid-June through August. A total of 12 nesting channel catfish were observed along 15, 0.8 kilometer (0.5 mile) sections of dike. Ten of these 12 nests were along the dike-bottom interface. Numerous other areas along these sections of dike were considered to be favorable spawning habitat. Only four fish, two black bullheads (Ictalurus melas) and two channel catfish, were observed using artificial spawning habitat. All four fish utilized milk cans as spawning structures, rather than tire groups or plastic trash cans. Results indicated that there is suitable habitat available in the reservoir to accommodate a much larger population of channel catfish spawners. Length frequency analysis and capture of young-of-the-year show that channel catfish had spawned successfully each year since 1971.

Aeromonas hydrophila is a Gram-negative, rod shaped, facultative anaerobic bacterium that is ubiquitous to freshwater and slightly brackish aquatic environments and can cause infections in fish, humans, reptiles, and avian species. Recent severe outbreaks of disease in catfish aquaculture have been associated with a highly virulent Aeromonas hydrophila strain (VAH) that is genetically distinct from less virulent strains. Given that A. hydrophila is known to infect birds, we hypothesized that fish eating birds may serve as a reservoir for VAH and spread the pathogen by flying to uninfected ponds. Great Egrets were used in this transmission model because these wading birds frequently predate catfish farms. We found that Great Egrets that were fed VAH infected catfish shed VAH demonstrating their potential to spread VAH. Histologically there were changes found in selected tissue samples.