Thèse numérisée par la Direction des bibliothèques de l'Université de Montréal.

A família Cydnidae inclui espécies de percevejos-cavadores, tem distribuição mundial, com mais de 750 espécies em 93 gêneros, divididos em cinco subfamílias. São fitófagos e a maioria das espécies provavelmente polífagas, com algumas espécies que causam danos a diferentes culturas na região Neotropical. Embora a taxonomia de Cydnidae seja considerada bem compreendida, muitos estudos básicos sobre os táxons da região Neotropical ainda precisam ser desenvolvidos. Para algumas espécies, vários registros têm sido errôneos e a correta identificação é essencial para definir e delinear estudos sobre eles, bem como eventuais medidas de controle. Em alguns casos, a taxonomia ao nível de espécie ainda aguarda revisão e é provável que novas espécies ainda precisem ser descritas. A subfamília Cydninae é a que apresenta o maior número de espécies e inclui o gênero Cyrtomenus Amyot & Serville com oito espécies reconhecidas até este trabalho, divididas em dois subgêneros: C. (Cyrtomenus) ciliatus (Perty) [espécie tipo], C. (Cyrtomenus) bergi Froeschner, 1960; C. (Cyrtomenus) crassus Walker, 1867; C. (Cyrtomenus) mirabilis (Perty, 1830); C. (Syllobus) emarginatus Stål, 1862; C. (Syllobus) grossus Dallas, 1851; C. (Syllobus) marginalis Signoret, 1881, e C. (Syllobus) teter (Spinola, 1837). A distribuição do gênero inclui praticamente toda América continental, desde os Estados Unidos até o Uruguai e Argentina. As espécies de Cyrtomenus se destacam pela combinação dos seguintes caracteres compartilhados: ausência de uma estria transversal completa na margem anterior do pronoto, tíbias posteriores achatadas dorso-ventralmente e com espinhos muito desenvolvidos, segundo segmento do rostro simples. No entanto tais características não são únicas entre os cydníneos, e a monofilia do gênero e dos subgêneros nunca foram testadas. Além disso, questões taxonômicas na identificação das espécies ainda dificultam a delimitação do gênero e o desenvolvimento de outros estudos, tanto na área básica (por ex. biogeografia) como aplicada (por ex. monitoramento e controle). As espécies C. bergi e C. mirabilis são consideradas pragas e amplamente distribuídas, ocorrendo desde o sul do México até Brasil e Argentina. No entanto a identidade destas espécies ainda não tem uma boa resolução, baseada na proporção da distância ocelo-olho em relação à largura do ocelo (menor em C. mirabilis e maior em C. bergi) e pelo nível de rugosidade da superfície das jugas (muito rugosa em C. mirabilis, pouco rugosa em C. bergi). Este trabalho teve como objetivos 1) fazer atualização da diversidade taxonômica da subfamília Cydninae no Brasil; 2) revisar Cyrtomenus a partir do estudo morfológico; 3) testar a monofilia do gênero e dos subgêneros; 4) estabelecer a identidade de C. bergi e C. mirabilis; 5) confeccionar mapas de distribuição e chaves para a identificação dos gêneros de Cydninae Neotropical e das espécies incluídas em Cyrtomenus. Uma nova espécie, Tominotus ondulatus nov. sp. é descrita de Cidreira, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Novos registros de espécies ampliaram o número de espécies de Cydninae no Brasil para 47, o que corresponde a mais da metade da diversidade do grupo na região Neotropical. O estudo da morfologia da genitália, dados de distribuição, morfometria linear e geométrica suportam a conclusão que C. bergi é sinônimo júnior de C. mirabilis. A monofilia de Cyrtomenus é parcialmente suportada, suas espécies sempre incluídas em um clado junto com Prolobodes; as espécies destes dois gêneros compartilham a tíbia posterior fortemente achatada, característica única entre os cidnineos Neotropicais. Os resultados não suportam o reconhecimento de dois subgêneros dentro de Cyrtomenus. / The Cydnidae includes species of burrower-bugs and has a worldwide distribution, with more than 750 species in 93 genera, divided into five subfamilies. The species are phytophagous and most species are probably polyphagous, with some species causing damage to different crops in the Neotropical region. Although the taxonomy of Cydnidae is considered well understood, many basic studies in the Neotropical region still need to be done. For some species, several records have been erroneous and proper identification is essential for defining and delineating comparative and general biological studies, as well as eventual control measures. In some cases, taxonomy at the species level is still awaiting review, and it is very likely that new species still need to be described. The subfamily Cydninae is the most speciose taxa and includes the genus Cyrtomenus Amyot & Serville, with 8 species recognized until this work, divided into two subgenres: C. (Cyrtomenus) ciliatus (Perty), C. (Cyrtomenus) bergi Froeschner, 1960; C. (Cyrtomenus) crassus Walker, 1867; C. (Cyrtomenus) mirabilis (Perty, 1830); C. (Syllobus) emarginatus Stål, 1862; C. (Syllobus) grossus Dallas, 1851; C. (Syllobus) marginalis Signoret, 1881, and C. (Syllobus) teter (Spinola, 1837). The distribution of the genus includes practically all continental America, from the United States to Uruguay and Argentina. The species of Cyrtomenus are distinguished by the combination of the following shared characters: absence of a complete transverse stria in the anterior margin of the pronotum, posterior tibia flattened dorso-ventrally and with well developed spines, second segmento of labium simple. However, such characteristics are not unique among the cydnins, and the monophyly of the genus and subgenus included have never been tested. In addition, taxonomic issues in species identification still hamper the delimitation of the genus. The species C. bergi and C. mirabilis are considered pests and widely distributed, occurring from southern Mexico to Brazil and Argentina. However, the identity of these species still does not have a good resolution, and are based on the proportion of the ocellar-eye distance in relation to the width of the ocellus (smaller in C. mirabilis and larger in C. bergi) and by the level of surface roughness of the juga (rugose in C. mirabilis, slightly rough in C. bergi). This work aimed to 1) update the taxonomic diversity of the Cydninae subfamily in Brazil; 2) review the taxonomy of Cyrtomenus using morphological data; 3) to test the monophyly of the genus and subgenera; 4) to establish the identity of C. bergi and C. mirabilis; 5) to make distribution maps and identification keys to all genera of Neotropical Cydninae and species included in Cyrtomenus. A new species, Tominotus ondulatus nov. sp. is described from Cidreira, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. New species records increased the number of Cydninae species in Brazil to 47, which corresponds to half the diversity of the group in the Neotropical region. The use the morphology of the genitalia, distribution ranges, linear and geometric morphometric supported C. bergi as a junior synonym of C. mirabilis. The monophyly of Cyrtomenus is partially supported, its species always recognized in a clade with Prolobodes Amyot & Serville; species of these two genera share the posterior strongly flattened, a unique derived characteristic among Neotropical cydnins. The recognition of two subgenera within Cyrtomenus is not corroborated.

Borya mirabilis is one of the world's most critically endangered plants. The research in this thesis has illuminated key aspects of: its reproductive biology; interspecies and intraspecies molecular relationships, mycorrhizal status, tissue culture potential and disease threats. Each of these aspects has fundamental management implications for the active management of B. mirabilis. Floral observations of B. mirabilis and related species affirmed the uniqueness of the Boryaceae amongst the Asparagales. B. mirabilis had an unusually high number of floral abnormalities compared with other species of Borya observed. B. mirabilis is fly-pollinated. Pollen of Borya species showed little difference in the characteristics of mature pollen between species, with viable pollen being prolate and unicolpate with a single colpa-style aperture and a unique patterning of the pila. The structural immaturity of B. mirabilis pollen correlated with evidence from pollen growth experiments, where B. mirabilis pollen had extremely low germination rates, with those grains that did germinate being slow to do so and with slow-growing pollen tubes compared to those of fertile Borya species. Examination of the ovules of B. mirabilis showed that morphologically they were viable compared to viable Borya species. The field population of B. mirabilis was crossed, with one seed produced (the first recorded seed for th is species). Cross-pollination using the pollen of the closely related B. constricta and B. sphaerocephala with B. mirabilis ovules proved unsuccessful. Examination of the chromosome number of B. mirabilis showed that it had approximately 66 chromosomes and is probably hexaploid, relative to the diploid number of 26 in B. constricta. This may explain its low fertility. Interspecies and intraspecies relationships of the Boryaceae and Borya mirabilis were investigated using sequences of chloroplast and nuclear DNA. The closest similarities to B. mirabilis were B. constricta and B. sphaerocephala. B. mirabilis may have emerged from alloploidy of these species in the past. Because of the consistent similarities of B. mirabilis and B. constricta chloroplast sequences, it is proposed that both shared a common ancestor with a chromosome number of 2n=22. A malfunction n meiosis may have resulted in ovules with 2n=44. The high similarity of the nuclear ribosomal ITS region DNA suggests that the nuclear DNA was derived from B. sphaerocephela. B. mirabilis may be an allopolyploid, from fertilisation of a diploid ovule of B. constricta with haploid pollen of B. sphaerocephala, resulting in a reproductively isolated polyploidy of low fertility. The wild population of B. mirabilis was determined to have a small amount of genetic variation. The genetic variation in the field population w as not fully reflected in the ex-situ population. An effective means of micro-propagation of B. nitida for use in B. mirabilis has been established, providing an effective means of mass production of the species. The research has determined: a suitable explant (shoot tips) for regeneration; an effective means of reducing contamination in tissue culture (PPM); what medium is required to micro-propagate the species (LMHM); an appropriate gelling agent (Phytagel); and a practical method for inducing roots on the shoots grown in tissue culture. B. mirabilis has been established as mycorrhizal. The predominant mycorrhizal association is a nodular arbuscular mycorrhiza, present in the form of coils in root nodules over wetter months and as spores in these nodules over dryer months. A significant increase in the health of the ex-situ population of B. mirabilis was recorded after addition of soil containing fine roots of the wild population. Of the plants associated with the wild population, Callitris rhomboidea had the most morphologically similar vesicular arbuscular mycorrhizal relationship. But molecular identification was not achieved due to recalcitrance of DNA in PCR attempts. Potential translocation sites for some of the ex-situ population of B. mirabilis were examined for Phytophthora infestation. Reid's Lookout and Mackey's Peak were infected with P. cinnamomi. Vegetation at Mackey's Peak displayed characteristic infection symptoms, resulted in isolates of P. cinnamomi from baiting and would directly receive runoff from both the walking track and the existing infested B .mirabilis site. At the Reid's Lookout site, both walking track and proposed translocation site were infested with P. cinnamomi, yet did not display the associated symptoms in the vegetation. The Pine Plantation translocation site was uninfected at the level of sampling undertaken. Its vegetation did not display any characteristic infection symptoms and was not isolated when soil samples were baited. It was therefore chosen for translocation and so far the plants are healthy and actively growing. This research has provided critical knowledge to aid the recovery team in its current and future endeavours to manage this species and bring it back from the brink of extinction.

Herbal teas and fruit juices used in our regular diet may have importance in the protective treatment of some infectious diseases. In this study, selected dietary beverages were investigated for their antioxidant capacities and antimicrobial activities against Proteus mirabilis, a well known bacteria in urinary tract infections. Herbal teas / sage (Salvia fruticosa Mill), anise (Pimpinella anisum L.), rosehip (Rosa canina L.), camomile (Anthemis arvensis L.) and fruit juices / grape (Vitis vinifera L.), orange (Citrus sinensis L.), peach (Prunus persica L.), and pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) were chosen as samples of regular diets. Selected fruit juices and aqueous infusion tea extracts, lyophilised to dryness, were used throughout this study. Antioxidant capacities of the extracts were carried out by using 2,2&rsquo / -azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical scavenging (ABTS) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging (DPPH) methods along with the determination of total phenolic compounds in the extracts. Antimicrobial activities of extracts were determined by disc diffusion test, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) methods. Among the herbal teas, sage infusion extract has displayed the highest radical scavenging capacity with ABTS EC50 value of 5.152 mg/mL, DPPH EC50 value of 0.072 mg/mL and with its high phenolic content of 0.411 mg/mg gallic acid equivalence. Among the fruit juices pomegranate has revealed significantly high DPPH EC50 and TEAC values 0.924 mg/mL and 0.552 mmol/g, respectively. Peach juice has been found with the highest total phenolic amount of 0.067 mg/mg gallic acid equivalent. Antimicrobial activities of herbal teas were correlating with antioxidant capacity studies, whereas sage infusion tea extract exhibited 3 mg/mL of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and 6 mg/mL of minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). Rosehip was also found as an effective antimicrobial agent with a minimum inhibitory concentration value of 3 mg/mL. In the meantime, there was no significant difference in the zone inhibition of herbal tea infusion extracts. In case of fruit juices grape and pomegranate may be effective antimicrobials in P. mirabilis infections with 0.75 mg/mL MIC and 6 mg/mL MBC, respectively at the same time both juices revealed significantly high inhibition zones with 11 mm.

Hard-to-heal ulcers are resource intensive due to the fact that they are difficult to treat and especially vulnerable to bacterial invasion. The bacterial culture contaminating these wounds often consist of several different bacterial organisms that originate from endogenous sources. Necrotic material in ischemic ulcers provide nutrition which support bacterial reproduction, increasing the risk of infection. Determining causative pathogen in infected ulcers proves to be difficult when culturing swab samples, however Staphylococcus aureus and hemolytic streptococci generally act as primary pathogens.     The aim of the study was to investigate if the detection rate increased for S. aureus and hemolytic streptococci when culturing swab samples from ulcers on Columbia CNA; a media selective for gram-positive bacteria. In the experimental procedure the inhibitory action of CNA upon gram-negative bacterial growth was evaluated, using simulated ulcer samples (n=6) containing bacterial quality control strains in arbitrary concentrations. Additionally, patient samples (n=51) were cultured and screened for primary pathogens to investigate differences in the detection rate for CNA and the current culture media; Blood agar, Chocolate agar, Gentian violet blood agar and CLED agar.    Results from simulated ulcer samples showed excellent inhibitory function regarding the antibiotic substances of the CNA agar. Culturing patient samples from lower leg- and pressure ulcers on CNA, provided indications of diverse circumstances yielding higher respectively lower detection rate concerning S. aureus and hemolytic streptococci. Samples containing mixed flora with gram-negative bacteria generated higher detection rate and samples containing S. aureus yielded a lower detection rate when culturing on CNA, compared with that of the routine method.

Techn. Universiẗat, Diss., 2005--Darmstadt.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:32:55Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2006-11-21Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T19:03:41Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 camargo_gmpa_dr_arafcf.pdf: 861757 bytes, checksum: 26d683e65ae5237b982eb2865098bad0 (MD5) / Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP) / O objetivo do presente trabalho foi o de verificar a formação de incrustações e o bloqueio do cateter de Foley utilizando-se um modelo laboratorial de bexiga humana. Para tanto, foram utilizadas duas urinas artificiais de diferentes composições: a) urina AS composta por dez solutos em concentrações semelhantes as encontradas na urina humana de 24 horas, acrescida de gelatina; b) urina AT composta por 4 solutos também encontrados na urina humana, mas em concentrações maiores e suplementada com ovalbumina de galinha. Também foi utilizada a urina de 24 horas de três homens. As urinas contaminadas com o P. mirabilis foram bombeadas (0,5ml/min) para o frasco em que o cateter estava inserido até a oclusão do cateter. A Microscopia Eletrônica de Varredura (MEV) foi utilizada para verificar a presença de biofilme nos segmentos dos cateteres. Foi observado uma diferença significante no peso dos segmentos dos cateteres após a canalização das urinas AS, AT e UH contaminadas com o P. mirabilis vs a canalização das urinas sem o microrganismo (p<0,05). O tempo de bloqueio dos cateteres que canalizaram a urina AS vs urina AT e UH vs urina AT também foram diferentes (p<0,05). O tempo de bloqueio dos cateteres, o número de células viáveis presentes no inóculo inicial e no momento do bloqueio do cateter, e variação no peso dos segmentos dos cateteres após a canalização com as urinas sem a adição do P. mirabilis e contaminadas com o P. mirabilis não foram diferentes para as urinas AS, AT e UH. As três urinas examinadas mostraram a estabilização do P. mirabilis e a manutenção em 108UFC/ml bem como a formação de biofilme. Os cateteres que canalizaram a urina AS e UH apresentaram tempos semelhantes de bloqueio. Os cateteres que utilizaram a urina AT foram bloqueados mais rapidamente (p<0,05). Não houve alteração de peso dos segmentos dos cateteres quando testados com o P. mirabilis entre as urinas. / The aim of the present work was to verify formation of encrustations and occlusion on Foley catheter using a laboratorial model of human bladder. Two artificial urines with different compositions were used: a) AS urine consisted by ten solutes in concentrations similar to those found in 24 hour human urine, added gelatin; b) AT urine consisted by four solutes, also found in human urine but in higher concentrations, and supplemented with chicken ovalbumin and UH 24 hour urine of three men. Urines contaminated with P. mirabilis were pumped (0,5ml/min) to flasks where the catheter was inserted reaching catheter occlusion. Scanning Electronic Microscopy (SEM) was used to check the presence of biofilms in catheter segments. The period of catheter occlusions after canalization was determined with the three urines, as well as the number of P. mirabilis viable cells present in the initial inoculum and in the end of the experiment. The period CFU/ml as well as biofilm formation. Catheters that canalized AS and HU urines showed similar occlusion periods. Catheters using AT urine were occluded faster (p<0.05). of catheter occlusions, the number of viable cells present in the initial inoculum and in the moment of catheter occlusion, as well as the variation in catheter segment weights after canalization with urines without P. mirabilis addition and with contaminated urines were not different for AS, AT and HU urines. The three examined urines showed stabilization of P. mirabilis, maintenance of 108 There was no alteration in catheter segment weights when tested with P. mirabilis among urines.

A família Cydnidae inclui espécies de percevejos-cavadores, tem distribuição mundial, com mais de 750 espécies em 93 gêneros, divididos em cinco subfamílias. São fitófagos e a maioria das espécies provavelmente polífagas, com algumas espécies que causam danos a diferentes culturas na região Neotropical. Embora a taxonomia de Cydnidae seja considerada bem compreendida, muitos estudos básicos sobre os táxons da região Neotropical ainda precisam ser desenvolvidos. Para algumas espécies, vários registros têm sido errôneos e a correta identificação é essencial para definir e delinear estudos sobre eles, bem como eventuais medidas de controle. Em alguns casos, a taxonomia ao nível de espécie ainda aguarda revisão e é provável que novas espécies ainda precisem ser descritas. A subfamília Cydninae é a que apresenta o maior número de espécies e inclui o gênero Cyrtomenus Amyot & Serville com oito espécies reconhecidas até este trabalho, divididas em dois subgêneros: C. (Cyrtomenus) ciliatus (Perty) [espécie tipo], C. (Cyrtomenus) bergi Froeschner, 1960; C. (Cyrtomenus) crassus Walker, 1867; C. (Cyrtomenus) mirabilis (Perty, 1830); C. (Syllobus) emarginatus Stål, 1862; C. (Syllobus) grossus Dallas, 1851; C. (Syllobus) marginalis Signoret, 1881, e C. (Syllobus) teter (Spinola, 1837). A distribuição do gênero inclui praticamente toda América continental, desde os Estados Unidos até o Uruguai e Argentina. As espécies de Cyrtomenus se destacam pela combinação dos seguintes caracteres compartilhados: ausência de uma estria transversal completa na margem anterior do pronoto, tíbias posteriores achatadas dorso-ventralmente e com espinhos muito desenvolvidos, segundo segmento do rostro simples. No entanto tais características não são únicas entre os cydníneos, e a monofilia do gênero e dos subgêneros nunca foram testadas. Além disso, questões taxonômicas na identificação das espécies ainda dificultam a delimitação do gênero e o desenvolvimento de outros estudos, tanto na área básica (por ex. biogeografia) como aplicada (por ex. monitoramento e controle). As espécies C. bergi e C. mirabilis são consideradas pragas e amplamente distribuídas, ocorrendo desde o sul do México até Brasil e Argentina. No entanto a identidade destas espécies ainda não tem uma boa resolução, baseada na proporção da distância ocelo-olho em relação à largura do ocelo (menor em C. mirabilis e maior em C. bergi) e pelo nível de rugosidade da superfície das jugas (muito rugosa em C. mirabilis, pouco rugosa em C. bergi). Este trabalho teve como objetivos 1) fazer atualização da diversidade taxonômica da subfamília Cydninae no Brasil; 2) revisar Cyrtomenus a partir do estudo morfológico; 3) testar a monofilia do gênero e dos subgêneros; 4) estabelecer a identidade de C. bergi e C. mirabilis; 5) confeccionar mapas de distribuição e chaves para a identificação dos gêneros de Cydninae Neotropical e das espécies incluídas em Cyrtomenus. Uma nova espécie, Tominotus ondulatus nov. sp. é descrita de Cidreira, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Novos registros de espécies ampliaram o número de espécies de Cydninae no Brasil para 47, o que corresponde a mais da metade da diversidade do grupo na região Neotropical. O estudo da morfologia da genitália, dados de distribuição, morfometria linear e geométrica suportam a conclusão que C. bergi é sinônimo júnior de C. mirabilis. A monofilia de Cyrtomenus é parcialmente suportada, suas espécies sempre incluídas em um clado junto com Prolobodes; as espécies destes dois gêneros compartilham a tíbia posterior fortemente achatada, característica única entre os cidnineos Neotropicais. Os resultados não suportam o reconhecimento de dois subgêneros dentro de Cyrtomenus. / The Cydnidae includes species of burrower-bugs and has a worldwide distribution, with more than 750 species in 93 genera, divided into five subfamilies. The species are phytophagous and most species are probably polyphagous, with some species causing damage to different crops in the Neotropical region. Although the taxonomy of Cydnidae is considered well understood, many basic studies in the Neotropical region still need to be done. For some species, several records have been erroneous and proper identification is essential for defining and delineating comparative and general biological studies, as well as eventual control measures. In some cases, taxonomy at the species level is still awaiting review, and it is very likely that new species still need to be described. The subfamily Cydninae is the most speciose taxa and includes the genus Cyrtomenus Amyot & Serville, with 8 species recognized until this work, divided into two subgenres: C. (Cyrtomenus) ciliatus (Perty), C. (Cyrtomenus) bergi Froeschner, 1960; C. (Cyrtomenus) crassus Walker, 1867; C. (Cyrtomenus) mirabilis (Perty, 1830); C. (Syllobus) emarginatus Stål, 1862; C. (Syllobus) grossus Dallas, 1851; C. (Syllobus) marginalis Signoret, 1881, and C. (Syllobus) teter (Spinola, 1837). The distribution of the genus includes practically all continental America, from the United States to Uruguay and Argentina. The species of Cyrtomenus are distinguished by the combination of the following shared characters: absence of a complete transverse stria in the anterior margin of the pronotum, posterior tibia flattened dorso-ventrally and with well developed spines, second segmento of labium simple. However, such characteristics are not unique among the cydnins, and the monophyly of the genus and subgenus included have never been tested. In addition, taxonomic issues in species identification still hamper the delimitation of the genus. The species C. bergi and C. mirabilis are considered pests and widely distributed, occurring from southern Mexico to Brazil and Argentina. However, the identity of these species still does not have a good resolution, and are based on the proportion of the ocellar-eye distance in relation to the width of the ocellus (smaller in C. mirabilis and larger in C. bergi) and by the level of surface roughness of the juga (rugose in C. mirabilis, slightly rough in C. bergi). This work aimed to 1) update the taxonomic diversity of the Cydninae subfamily in Brazil; 2) review the taxonomy of Cyrtomenus using morphological data; 3) to test the monophyly of the genus and subgenera; 4) to establish the identity of C. bergi and C. mirabilis; 5) to make distribution maps and identification keys to all genera of Neotropical Cydninae and species included in Cyrtomenus. A new species, Tominotus ondulatus nov. sp. is described from Cidreira, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. New species records increased the number of Cydninae species in Brazil to 47, which corresponds to half the diversity of the group in the Neotropical region. The use the morphology of the genitalia, distribution ranges, linear and geometric morphometric supported C. bergi as a junior synonym of C. mirabilis. The monophyly of Cyrtomenus is partially supported, its species always recognized in a clade with Prolobodes Amyot & Serville; species of these two genera share the posterior strongly flattened, a unique derived characteristic among Neotropical cydnins. The recognition of two subgenera within Cyrtomenus is not corroborated.

Thesis (DTech (Environmental-health))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2018. / The management of agricultural soil and its sustainable use, namely productivity, is paramount to the agricultural industry worldwide. Large-scale agricultural product producers and scientists emphasise using environmentally benign methods to increase agricultural production such as taking a green chemistry approach to agricultural activities and/or using cultivation techniques for the bio-augmentation of agricultural soil. Some of these agricultural products, such as cassava (Manihot esculenta), produce cyanogens which promote the infestation of a cyanogen-resistant microbial species known to produce mycotoxins during decomposition. Although cyanogens and mycotoxins are important components in the functioning of the earth system and agricultural soil, their cumulative effects can result in reduced soil productivity, hence degradation. Furthermore, the presence of mycotoxins in the environment and agricultural produce is hazardous to the environment, including the biotic communities in soil and humans. Therefore, an environmentally benign (green chemistry approach) method for the reduction of cyanogens and mycotoxins was proposed for this research study. The method investigated had to be applicable in-situ for the biodegradation of cyanogens and mycotoxins. Their reduction from decomposing cassava in cultivated soil, which can be used on a small and large scale, would mitigate deleterious effects of a less reported, unknown mycotoxins producer (fungal species), Cunninghamella bertholletiae (KT275316), found to be a free cyanide- (CN-) resistant isolate. The C. bertholletiae was isolated from decomposing cassava tubers and silt, subsequent to culturing on potato dextrose agar (PDA) and in an equivalent volume of nutrient broth (NB) containing KCN (4mg/40mL) at 30 °C for 120 hrs. The isolate demonstrated an ability to biodegrade CN- into NH3 and NO3. NH3 and NO3 are nitrogenous by-products produced when young cassava plants are cultivated in a controlled environment, with 80% of the initial CN- concentration being efficiently degraded to NH3/NO3 at a conversion rate of 77.5% and 72.5% (fungus from silt and cassava), respectively, within 120 hrs. From this research, it was observed that Sub-Saharan Africa is the largest contributor to the CN- load into the environment; from cassava cultivation as per FAO data. The quantity of CN- released was estimated at 0.025x10-3 to 6.71 ppq, with further increases of 60.5% being projected to be released into the environment by 2024. As such, it was hypothetically assumed that numerous species in cassava-cultivated soil become CN- resistant as they are exposed to CN- from decomposing cassava, becoming pathogenic thus antigonistic towards other biota in cassava-cultivated soil. Consequently, the pathogenicity of the isolate was investigated against organisms (n = 12) from cassava-cultivated soil. The isolate demonstrated inhibitory pathogenic activity against some soil bacterial communities such as Oligella ureolytica, Acinetobacter sp., Pseudomonas luteola and Sphingomonas paucimobilis. The isolate also demonstrated minor antagonistic effects against Myroides sp., Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Candida lipolytica, Cryptococcus albidus and Rhodotorula sp.. Further research to identify extracellular metabolites produced by this organism, using a fermentation method was also carried out using a liquid state fermentation technique. 30 mL Erlenmeyer flasks containing 25 mL of NB/KCN (source of CN-) at 37 °C for 168 hrs, with a volume of (5 mL), extracts from the fermentation being filtered, centrifuged, mixed with chloroform for a liquid-liquid extraction procedure subsequent to a nitrogen-facilitated blow-down technique and reconstitution with 100% analytical grade methanol, for LC/MS-TOF 6230 analysis. The analysis revealed that the isolate was able to produce the mycotoxins/secondary metabolites, Fumonisin B1 (FB1) and Deoxynivalenol (DON). Though the isolate (KT275316) demonstrated the ability to biodegrade cyanide as well as produce mycotoxin, an environmentally benign strategy (green chemistry method) with a potential to biodegrade CN-/NH3/NO3/NO2 for the biodegradation of mycotoxins was evaluated, including the identification of biodegradation by-products post-biodegradation treatment. Thus, plant extracts from Nepenthes mirabilis were found to contain enzymes such as carboxylesterase, β-glucosidase, β-glucoronidase and phosphatidyl inositol phospholipase C (identified using both quantitative and qualitative methods). The plant extracts were used with treated samples from the fermentation and were subjected to biodegradation. Thus, resulting in biodegradation by-products such as Heptadecanone Octadecanamide, Octadecenal for FB1 and Tolmetin for DON, respectively. For future research, it is therefore recommended that plant extracts with similar properties to those observed for N. mirabilis extracts (juice) be sought for application of the proposed method.

Resumo: O objetivo do presente trabalho foi o de verificar a formação de incrustações e o bloqueio do cateter de Foley utilizando-se um modelo laboratorial de bexiga humana. Para tanto, foram utilizadas duas urinas artificiais de diferentes composições: a) urina AS composta por dez solutos em concentrações semelhantes as encontradas na urina humana de 24 horas, acrescida de gelatina; b) urina AT composta por 4 solutos também encontrados na urina humana, mas em concentrações maiores e suplementada com ovalbumina de galinha. Também foi utilizada a urina de 24 horas de três homens. As urinas contaminadas com o P. mirabilis foram bombeadas (0,5ml/min) para o frasco em que o cateter estava inserido até a oclusão do cateter. A Microscopia Eletrônica de Varredura (MEV) foi utilizada para verificar a presença de biofilme nos segmentos dos cateteres. Foi observado uma diferença significante no peso dos segmentos dos cateteres após a canalização das urinas AS, AT e UH contaminadas com o P. mirabilis vs a canalização das urinas sem o microrganismo (p<0,05). O tempo de bloqueio dos cateteres que canalizaram a urina AS vs urina AT e UH vs urina AT também foram diferentes (p<0,05). O tempo de bloqueio dos cateteres, o número de células viáveis presentes no inóculo inicial e no momento do bloqueio do cateter, e variação no peso dos segmentos dos cateteres após a canalização com as urinas sem a adição do P. mirabilis e contaminadas com o P. mirabilis não foram diferentes para as urinas AS, AT e UH. As três urinas examinadas mostraram a estabilização do P. mirabilis e a manutenção em 108UFC/ml bem como a formação de biofilme. Os cateteres que canalizaram a urina AS e UH apresentaram tempos semelhantes de bloqueio. Os cateteres que utilizaram a urina AT foram bloqueados mais rapidamente (p<0,05). Não houve alteração de peso dos segmentos dos cateteres quando testados com o P. mirabilis entre as urinas. / Abstract: The aim of the present work was to verify formation of encrustations and occlusion on Foley catheter using a laboratorial model of human bladder. Two artificial urines with different compositions were used: a) AS urine consisted by ten solutes in concentrations similar to those found in 24 hour human urine, added gelatin; b) AT urine consisted by four solutes, also found in human urine but in higher concentrations, and supplemented with chicken ovalbumin and UH 24 hour urine of three men. Urines contaminated with P. mirabilis were pumped (0,5ml/min) to flasks where the catheter was inserted reaching catheter occlusion. Scanning Electronic Microscopy (SEM) was used to check the presence of biofilms in catheter segments. The period of catheter occlusions after canalization was determined with the three urines, as well as the number of P. mirabilis viable cells present in the initial inoculum and in the end of the experiment. The period CFU/ml as well as biofilm formation. Catheters that canalized AS and HU urines showed similar occlusion periods. Catheters using AT urine were occluded faster (p<0.05). of catheter occlusions, the number of viable cells present in the initial inoculum and in the moment of catheter occlusion, as well as the variation in catheter segment weights after canalization with urines without P. mirabilis addition and with contaminated urines were not different for AS, AT and HU urines. The three examined urines showed stabilization of P. mirabilis, maintenance of 108 There was no alteration in catheter segment weights when tested with P. mirabilis among urines. / Orientador: Elisabeth Loshchagin Pizzolitto / Coorientador: Antonio Carlos Pizzolitto / Banca: Taís Maria Bauab / Banca: Beatriz Ernestina Cabilio Guth / Banca: Izabel Yoko Ito / Banca: José Vanderli Menani / Doutor