Devido à fragmentação florestal do bioma Mata Atlântica, o estudo das populações da fauna e da flora se torna cada vez mais urgentes para o entendimento dos processos ecológicos que possam levar à extinção de espécies e ao desequilíbrio das comunidades. Esse entendimetno é crucial para a conservação da biota, principalmente das Florestas Estacionais Semideciduais, uma das formações mais ameaçadas no sul e sudeste brasileiro. O trabalho apresentado foi conduzido em uma fazenda de gado (23°32'S e 50°58'w) de 3.670,29 ha, sendo cerca de 1.000 ha destinados a uma reserva florestal, fragmentada em manchas de diversos tamanhos. Foram estudados a avifauna, a estrutura da vegetação de seis fragmentos e a paisagem da fazenda. Os dados foram cruzados para tentar encontrar relações entre a riqueza e a abundância da avifauna e a vegetação e a paisagem. Foram utilizados três métodos de levantamento da avifauna: trajetos, ponto-fixo e rede-neblina. Foram registradas 224 espécies de aves e 70 espécies de árvores. Realizando uma Análise de Agrupamento, os fragmentos foram divididos em pequenos, médios e grandes. Através da Análise de Correlação com o Coeficiente de Pearson, observou-se que algumas espécies de aves típicas de interior florestal estão relacionadas positivamente à densidade da cobertura vegetal e à freqüência de árvores no fragmento. Algumas espécies típicas de borda estão relacionadas a fragmentos com altura mais baixa do dossel e menor densidade da cobertura vegetal. O estudo demonstra que há grande diversidade de espécies de aves na fazenda, porém a maioria típica de áreas abertas, enquanto que espécies típicas de interior florestal se restringem praticamente aos maiores fragmentos, com estrutura da vegetação mais próxima das matas primárias. A proximidade dos fragmentos menores com os maiores facilita a presença, nos primeiros, de aves mais exigentes quanto à cobertura florestal. / Due to forest fragmentation of Brazilian Atlantic Forest, fauna and flora populations studies became priority to understand ecological process that end on species extinction. This is particulary for the Semidecidual Forest of South and South-easten Brazil. This study was carried out at a 3,670.29 ha cattle farm (23°32'S - 50°58'W). At least 1,000 ha are forest reserves, fragmented in various pacthes. It was studied the avifauna, the vegetation structure of six fragments and some metrics of landscape. It was looked for standards on richness and abundance of birds related with vegetation and landscape. It was used three methods of bird census: transect, point count and mist-netting. It was recorded 224 bird species and 70 tree species. With cluster analysis the pacthes were divided into small, medium and large. Correlation Analysis with Pearson Coeficient shows some forest birds related to vegetation cover and tree frequency. Some edge forest birds are related with low canopy and less cover vegetation. Most birds in farm are open area species and most forest birds are restricted to larger pacthes. Forest birds present in small pacthes maybe are related with close large patches.

Este trabalho tem como objetivo principal contribuir para o conhecimento da flora da Serra do Cipó, Minas Gerais, através do estudo taxonômico das espécies do clado urticóide da ordem Rosales ocorrentes na área. Esse grupo compreende cerca de 110 gêneros e aproximadamente 4000 espécies distribuídas nas famílias Ulmaceae, Cannabaceae, Moraceae e Urticaceae, diagnosticados pela presença de cistólitos, flores reduzidas e inconspícuas com 5 ou menos estames e gineceu bicarpelar com ovário unilocular portando um único óvulo apical ou basal. O levantamento das espécies urticóides foi realizado baseando-se em consultas bibliográficas, visitas aos principais herbários com coleções de materiais da Serra do Cipó, expedições de coleta aos principais pontos amostrados e exploração de novas áreas. Na Serra do Cipó foram encontrados 15 gêneros e 20 espécies distribuídas da seguinte maneira: duas espécies em Cannabaceae Martynov Celtis iguanaea (Jacq.) Sarg. e Cannabaceae Martynov (L.) Blume; 11 em Moraceae Link. Brosimum gaudichaudii Tréc., Dorstenia brasiliensis Lam., Ficus calyptroceras (Miq.) Miq., F. gomelleira Kunth & C.D. Bouché, F. obtusifolia Kunth, F. obtusiuscula (Miq.) Miq., F. pertusa L.f., Helicostylis tomentosa (Poepp. & Endl.) Rusby, Maclura tinctoria (L.) D. Don ex Steud., Pseudolmedia laevigata Tréc. e Sorocea guilleminiana Gaudich.; e sete em Urticaceae Juss., sendo elas: Boehmeria caudata Sw., Cecropia hololeuca Miq., C. pachystachya Tréc., Coussapoa microcarpa (Schott) Rizzini, Pilea microphylla (L.) Liebm., Pourouma guianensis Aubl. e Urera baccifera (L.) Gaudich. São apresentadas descrições morfológicas, chaves de identificação de gêneros e espécies, ilustrações, dados sobre fenologia, distribuição geográfica, habitats e comentários sobre as espécies estudadas. / This work has as main objective to contribute for knowledgement of the Flora da Serra do Cipó, Minas Gerais, through the taxonomic study of the species of urticalean clade of order Rosales in this area. This group includes about 110 genera and approximately 4000 species distributed in families Ulmaceae, Cannabaceae, Moraceae and Urticaceae, diagnosticated to presence of cystolithes, reducted and inconspicuous flowers with five or fewer stamens, two carpels gynoecium and unilocular ovary with a single apical or basal ovule. The taxonomic study of urticoid was carried out based on bibliographical consultations, in field activities and visits in the main herbaria with collections of material from Serra do Cipó. They were found 15 genera and 20 species of urticoide in Serra do Cipo, MG, like this distributed: two species of Cannabaceae Martynov Celtis iguanaea (Jacq.) Sarg. and Cannabaceae Martynov (L.) Blume; 11 species of Moraceae Link. Brosimum gaudichaudii Tréc., Dorstenia brasiliensis Lam., Ficus calyptroceras (Miq.) Miq., F. gomelleira Kunth & C.D. Bouché, F. obtusifolia Kunth, F. obtusiuscula (Miq.) Miq., F. pertusa L.f., Helicostylis tomentosa (Poepp. & Endl.) Rusby, Maclura tinctoria (L.) D. Don ex Steud., Pseudolmedia laevigata Tréc. and Sorocea guilleminiana Gaudich.; and seven species of Urticaceae Juss., being them Boehmeria caudata Sw., Cecropia hololeuca Miq., C. pachystachya Tréc., Coussapoa microcarpa (Schott) Rizzini, Pilea microphylla (L.) Liebm., Pourouma guianensis Aubl. and Urera baccifera (L.) Gaudich. Morpholological descriptions, identification key of genera and species, illustrations, notes on phenology, geographic distribution, habitats information and general comments about species studied are provided.

La période des 1000 premiers jours de vie constitue une fenêtre de sensibilité au cours de laquelle l’environnement peut moduler le développement du foetus et du nourrisson, et conditionner la santé tout au long de la vie. Les conséquences à long terme de l’environnement périnatal sur le risque de maladies intestinales sont toutefois encore peu connues. L’objectif de ce travail était de montrer l’impact de l’environnement nutritionnel précoce sur la maturation intestinale et la santé intestinale à long terme.Un retard de croissance postnatal (RCPN) était induit chez la souris FVB/NRj par augmentation de la taille des portées. Le RCPN était responsable d’un retard de maturation de l’intestin chez la souris au sevrage, en particulier de la barrière intestinale, caractérisé par une augmentation de la perméabilité intestinale, concomitante d’une désorganisation des protéines des jonctions serrées. Le microbiote intestinal était moins riche en espèces bactériennes chez la souris au sevrage en cas de RCPN et sa composition était différente, avec en particulier une proportion anormalement élevée de Parabacteroides spp, Enterococcus spp, Erysipelatoclostridium spp, Eubacterium coprostanoligenes spp, Staphylococcus spp, et Escherichia-Shigella spp, et une plus faible proportion d’espèces productrices de butyrate. L’absence de barrière intestinale efficace et la dysbiose induites par le RCPN, étaient associées à une altération de la réponse inflammatoire de l’intestin à l’âge adulte, caractérisée par une augmentation des réponses immunitaires Th1, Th17 et Treg et une plus grande susceptibilité à la colite chimiquement induite.Ce travail démontre l’importance de l’environnement nutritionnel précoce dans la programmation de la santé intestinale au cours de la vie, et conforte l’hypothèse d’une origine développementale des maladies intestinales chroniques. / The first thousand days of life are a critical time for the development of both the fetus and the infant, and can modify the risk profile for diseases in later life. However, the longterm consequences of the perinatal environment on the susceptibility to intestinal disorders have not yet been assessed. The aim of the present study was to investigate the impact of the early nutritional environment on intestinal maturation and gut health in later life.Postnatal growth restriction (PNGR) was induced in FVB/NRj mice during the suckling period by adjusting the litter size. PNGR delayed intestinal maturation in pups at weaning. PNGR was associated with a maturation delay of the intestinal barrier, characterized by an increased intestinal permeability and impaired tight junctions. At the same time, PNGR affected gut bacterial colonization. Pups with PNGR harbored a decreased bacterial diversity, higher Parabacteroides spp, Enterococcus spp, Erysipelatoclostridium spp, Eubacterium coprostanoligenes spp, Staphylococcus spp, and Escherichia-Shigella spp, and lower butyrate producers. The lack of an efficient intestinal barrier and the dysbiosis induced by PNGR were associated with an altered intestinal inflammatory response in adult mice, characterized by an increase of Th1, Th17 and Treg immune responses, and a higher susceptibility to chemically induced colitis.Our data emphasize the importance of the early nutritional environment in programming of gut health in later life, and support the hypothesis of the developmental origin of chronic intestinal disorders.

Memoria para optar al Título Profesional de Ingeniero Agrónomo. Mención: Manejo de Suelos y Aguas

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The subject of my thesis is the regulation of wild fauna and flora protection. Given that the planet's biodiversity is threatened and there is a significant decline of the number of wild flora and fauna species, I consider an adequate regulation in this area the precondition for slowing down or halting this decline and restoring the wild fauna and flora populations. I chose this topic with the aim to show how the legislation provides for the protection of wild fauna and flora species on different levels, and in order to show in how far the regulations are sufficient. Considering the significant negative impact of invasive alien fauna and flora species on native species and the whole ecosystem, I am focusing in every chapter on these invasive species with the aim of pointing out the shortcomings regarding the regulations in this area. The question of regulation of the protection of wild fauna and flora is examined from a general perspective, the perspective of international law, the perspective of European Union law, as well as from the perspective of Czech and French law, focusing on the sources of legislation, guidelines, organizations and subjects, tools and responsibilities. This thesis comprises six chapters. Chapter One is introductory and focuses on the loss of biodiversity and causes of this...

>Magister Scientiae - MSc / Risk factors such as intrauterine and vaginal infection put pregnant women at risk for delivering preterm. Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a polymicrobial clinical syndrome commonly diagnosed in women of reproductive age, with women of African descent with low socioeconomic status and previous preterm delivery at high risk. Although frequently isolated from healthy women, Gardnerella vaginalis has been most frequently associated with BV. There is limited data available on the prevalence of BV in Southern Africa; therefore, we embarked on a study to determine the prevalence of BV and G. vaginalis in predominantly black communities in the Western Cape, in order to establish the role of G. vaginalis in BV. Women attending various Maternity and Obstetrics units (MOU) in the Cape Peninsula with and without a history of pre-term delivery (PTD) were invited to participate in the study. Several factors were statistically associated with pregnancy history, including location of study population, parity, smoking and presence of clinical symptoms. The presence of G. vaginalis was determined by culture in 51.7% of the preterm delivery group (PTDG) and 44% of the full-term delivery group (FTDG) women. BV was detected in 31.13% of PTDG and 23.67% of FTDG by Gram stained analysis according to Nugent scoring criteria, with age and HIV status posing as risk factors. When comparing PTDG and FTDG for an association between the presence of G. vaginalis and BV, a stronger association was observed in the PTDG but it was not statistically significant. In both PTDG and FTDG, G. vaginalis was isolated significantly more often in women diagnosed with BV at 24.5% (p < 0.05). Antibiogram studies revealed both Metronidazole and Clindamycin resistant strains of G. vaginalis. G. vaginalis Biotype 7 is specifically associated with BV, while Biotype 2 appears to be associated with BV in women with a history of PTD. Accuracy of diagnostic tools were tested and it was determined that Nugent scoring is more sensitive in diagnosing BV (76.04%), but culture for G. vaginalis is more specific (83.21%). Although this study was limited in that we were unable to follow-up pregnancy outcomes, we were able to confirm the perceived role of G. vaginalis in BV. / South Africa

Magister Scientiae (Medical Bioscience) - MSc(MBS) / Good oral health has a major influence on the general quality of life and well-being. Several chronic and systemic diseases have been attributed to poor oral health. With the increasing incidence of oral diseases, the global need for alterative prevention and treatment methods and safe, effective, and economical products has expanded. There are many studies showed that Streptococcus mutans has been implicated as major etiological agent of dental caries. South African has very rich natural flora especially Cape region. Several South African medicinal plants have been used since immemorial time for treatment of different human pathologies including dental problems. The antibacterial activities of plants extracts have been recognized and documented scientifically during the last few decades. In this project we aimed at the screening of 31 South African plants randomly collected from Cape region for their antibacterial activity against Streptococcus mutans initially at two concentrations (500 and 100 µg/ml).MIC’s and MBC’s were determined for the active plant extracts, as well as the qualitative studies of the effect of the active extracts on the biofilm formation. The best or the most active safe plant (Psoralea fruticans) was submitted to chromatographic separation to isolate the bioactive compounds which could be responsible for such activity. Identification of the pure active compounds was carried out using different spectroscopic techniques. Finally the biological evaluation of the isolated pure compounds was measured against S. mutans and also the cytotoxicity studies in-vitro against normal cells lines was carried out.

The vertical cliff-face habitat is renowned for many specifically adapted plant species that exhibit a high degree of local endemism. Over a period of nine years the succulents and bulbous succulents on cliff faces in South Africa and Namibia were systematically surveyed and documented. Distinction was made between succulents growing on cliffs as part of a wider habitat and those found only on cliffs (obligate cremnophytes). Most major cliff-face habitats in the study area were visited and all plants were documented. A check list and descriptions (including adaptive traits) of the 220 obligate cremnophilous taxa are provided. During the study some 45 new cremnophilous succulent taxa were discovered and named, representing almost 20% of the total and proving that cliff habitats are some of the least studied environments, not only in southern Africa but globally. Among the newly described cremnophilous taxa is the genus Dewinteria (Pedaliaceae). Using stem length, three basic cliff-face growth forms are identified - compact or cluster-forming ‘cliff huggers’, cliff shrublets or ‘cliff squatters’ and pendent ‘cliff hangers’. Compact growth (often tight clusters or mats) is mainly associated with the winter-rainfall Succulent Karoo and Thicket regions, especially Namaqualand. However, further north the same compact growth forms are associated with an increase in altitude such as the Drakensberg Escarpment and other northern mountains. Most pendent growth forms are associated with the eastern and southeastern summer-rainfall regions; a number of smaller pendent shrublets occur on the high quartzitic sandstone mountains of the Western Cape. The degree of specialisation varies from highly adapted (smaller percentage) to less specialised (often eco-forms), and some taxa have no obvious adaptations. This study revealed a general increase in succulence in most obligate cremnophilous succulent species (compared to closely related species in other habitats), a reflection of their xeric habitat, and plants tend to be more compact. Also, there is a shift in reproductive output, including an increase in vegetative reproduction (backup), wind-dispersed seed and enriched flowering associated with certain species. Most obligate cremnophilous succulent plants in the study area have cliff-adapted features, ensuring long-term survival. / Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2012. / Plant Science / unrestricted

Namaqualand is a semi-desert area situated in the winter rainfall region of South Africa hosting the world’s richest succulent flora, and is one of only two arid areas to classify as a global hotspot of biodiversity. The Goegap Nature Reserve, east of Springbok, lies in the Upland Succulent Karoo. After all the livestock were removed and the reserve fenced in 1969, a long-term monitoring project was initiated to record possible vegetation changes under the reduced grazing pressure. The first monitoring was done in 1974 when two line transects, of 1 km each, were surveyed. These surveys have been repeated annually covering a period of more than 30 years. When the reserve was enlarged in 1990, five additional line transects were set out in highly degraded areas. The main aim of this study was therefore to determine whether any changes in the vegetation in terms of species composition, species richness and life form richness in the monitored line transects could be detected. Rainfall as possible force driving these changes was also examined. It was found that changes did indeed take place in the vegetation. The species composition revealed notable changes over the entire monitored period, specifically in the two longest established line transects, whereas in the case of the species richness changes were also detected, but to a lesser extent and not notable in terms of an overall increase or decrease in the number of species. These changes are referred to as fluctuations. Rainfall can be regarded as a definite environmental driving force, with the time, intensity and duration of importance, specifically to the annual species composition. Overall, the veld condition improved and continuous monitoring of the line transects on a regular basis should take place to improve our understanding of the complex dynamics of this ecosystem. Because the changes in species composition are reflected in changes in grazing capacity the results are of direct importance to the management of the wildlife on the reserve. / Dissertation (MSc)--University of Pretoria, 2010. / Plant Science / unrestricted