Orientador: Marli Teixeira de Almeida Minhoni / Banca: Meire Cristina Nogueira de Andrade / Banca: Eduardo Bagagli / Resumo: A produção de composto de qualidade para Agaricus bisporus e a pesquisa por linhagens produtivas são alguns dos principais fatores relacionados à produtividades elevadas. Desta forma, foram realizados dois experimentos: 1. a campo, avaliou-se o efeito da suplementação nitrogenada na formulação de dois tipos de compostos, clássico e sintético, para o cultivo de cinco linhagens de A. bisporus: ABI-05/03, ABI-04/02, ABI-06/05, ABI-09/10 e ABI-09/11; 2. avaliou-se a influência de cinco linhagens de A. bisporus no desenvolvimento micelial em dois meios de cultura sólidos (CA, composto ágar; e BDA, batata dextrose ágar). No experimento 1, constatou-se durante o processo de compostagem, pasteurização e condicionamento o composto clássico obteve temperatura média e perda de massa 10,56 e 13,29% superiores ao composto sintético, respectivamente. O composto clássico obteve as maiores eficiências biológicas ao final de 25 dias de produção, pelas linhagens ABI-05/03, ABI-06/05 e ABI-04/02 com valores de 83,95, 79,45 e 77,49%, respectivamente. Além da eficiência biológica, houve uma tendencia de maior produtividade, número e massa de fresca de basidiomas quando as linhagens foram cultivadas em composto clássico. No experimento II as maiores velocidades de desenvolvimento micelial das linhagens de A. bisporus foram observadas nos meios de cultura CA. Concluiu-se que não houve ligação entre os resultados observados nos experimentos I e II em relação ao potencial genético das... / Abstract: The production of quality compost for Agaricus bisporus and the research for high productivity strains are some important factors involving high yields. Were carried out two expiriments: 1. at field, the effect of the type of nitrogen supplementation was evaluated, elaborating two types of compost, classic and synthetic, cultivating five strains of A. bisporus ABI-05/03, ABI-04/02, ABI-06/05, ABI-09/10 e ABI-09/11; 2. was evaluated the influence of five A. bisporus strains on the rate of micelial growth in different type of culture media (MC, compost media; BDA, potato-dextrose-agar). In the first experiment, the data showed that during the composting process, pasteurization and conditioning, the averages temperatures and weight loss 10,56 and 13,29% higher in the classic compost than the synthetic compost . The classic compost had the higher biological efficiency in the end of the crop (25 days), for the strains ABI-05/03, ABI-06/05 e ABI-04/02 with values of 83,95, 79,45 e 77,49, respectively. Moreover, there was a tendency for higher yields, number and fresh weight of mushrooms when the strains were cultivated in the classic compost. In the second experiment the highest micelial growth rate by the A. bisporus strains were observed in the compost agar media. It was observed that were no relation between the data in experiments I and II, by the genetic potential of the strains / Mestre

Ng Yuk Fan. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2005. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 145-162). / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / Thesis Committee: --- p.i / Acknowledgements --- p.ii / Abstract --- p.iii / 摘要 --- p.v / Content --- p.vii / List of Tables --- p.xiii / List of Figures --- p.xvi / Abbreviations --- p.xviii / Chapter Chapter 1: --- Introduction --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1 --- Antioxidants --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1.1 --- Definition and mode of actions of antioxidants --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1.2 --- Synthetic antioxidants --- p.2 / Chapter 1.1.3 --- Natural antioxidants --- p.3 / Chapter 1.2 --- Changes of antioxidant activity in food processing --- p.4 / Chapter 1.2.1 --- Blanching --- p.4 / Chapter 1.2.2 --- Drying --- p.5 / Chapter 1.2.3 --- Microwave and Infrared energy --- p.7 / Chapter 1.2.4 --- Freezing --- p.8 / Chapter 1.3 --- Lipid oxidation and antioxidant --- p.8 / Chapter 1.3.1 --- Free radicals --- p.8 / Chapter 1.3.1.1 --- Superoxide --- p.10 / Chapter 1.3.1.2 --- Hydrogen peroxide --- p.11 / Chapter 1.3.1.3 --- Hydroxyl radical --- p.13 / Chapter 1.3.2 --- Mechanism of lipid oxidation --- p.14 / Chapter 1.3.3 --- Oxidation of low-density-liporoproteins (LDLs) and coronary heart disease --- p.15 / Chapter 1.3.4 --- Role of antioxidants in inhibiting lipid oxidation --- p.16 / Chapter 1.4 --- Hypocholesterolemic and antioxidant activity of phenolics --- p.19 / Chapter 1.5 --- Medicinal properties of mushrooms --- p.21 / Chapter 1.5.1 --- Background information of mushrooms --- p.21 / Chapter 1.5.2 --- Phenolics in mushrooms --- p.22 / Chapter 1.5.3 --- Hypocholesterolemic effect in mushroom --- p.23 / Chapter 1.5.4 --- Previous studies in Agrocybe aegerita --- p.25 / Chapter 1.6 --- Animal model for hypocholesteroliemic study --- p.27 / Chapter 1.6.1 --- General requirements --- p.27 / Chapter 1.6.2 --- Hamster model --- p.27 / Chapter 1.7 --- Principles of assays that involved in antioxidant activity --- p.30 / Chapter 1.7.1 --- ABTS + radical cation scavenging activity --- p.30 / Chapter 1.7.2 --- Beta carotene bleaching method --- p.31 / Chapter 1.7.3 --- Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) --- p.31 / Chapter 1.7.4 --- Scavenging activity of hydroxyl radical --- p.32 / Chapter 1.7.5 --- Inhibition of low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) oxidation --- p.33 / Chapter 1.7.6 --- Total phenolic content determination --- p.33 / Chapter 1.8 --- Principles of assays in hypocholesterolemic study --- p.34 / Chapter 1.8.1 --- HDL-Cholesterol determination --- p.34 / Chapter 1.8.2 --- Total cholesterol determination --- p.34 / Chapter 1.8.3 --- Determination of plasma total triglyceride --- p.35 / Chapter 1.9 --- Objectives --- p.36 / Chapter Chapter 2: --- Materials and Methods --- p.37 / Chapter 2.1 --- Sample preparation --- p.37 / Chapter 2.2 --- Proximate Analysis of FAa and DAa --- p.38 / Chapter 2.2.1 --- Determination of crude protein --- p.38 / Chapter 2.2.2 --- Determination of ash --- p.39 / Chapter 2.2.3 --- Total dietary fiber --- p.39 / Chapter 2.2.4 --- Determination of fat --- p.41 / Chapter 2.2.5 --- Moisture content --- p.42 / Chapter 2.3 --- Sample extraction --- p.42 / Chapter 2.3.1 --- Small-scale extraction --- p.42 / Chapter 2.3.2 --- Large-scale extraction --- p.43 / Chapter 2.4 --- Total phenolic content of DAa and FAa extract --- p.44 / Chapter 2.5 --- Chemical assays for in vitro antioxidative properties determination --- p.45 / Chapter 2.5.1 --- Hydroxyl free radical scavenging activity --- p.45 / Chapter 2.5.2 --- Beta-carotene bleaching method --- p.46 / Chapter 2.5.3 --- Inhibition of human low-density-lipoproteins (LDLs) oxidation --- p.47 / Chapter 2.5.4 --- Scavenging activity of ABTS+radical cation --- p.50 / Chapter 2.6 --- In vivo tests for antioxidative and hypocholesterolemic effect of DAa --- p.51 / Chapter 2.6.1 --- Feeding experiments --- p.51 / Chapter 2.6.2 --- Collection of plasma --- p.52 / Chapter 2.6.3 --- Liver sample preparation --- p.52 / Chapter 2.6.4 --- Determination of in vivo antioxidative effect --- p.54 / Chapter 2.6.4.1 --- FRPA assay --- p.54 / Chapter 2.6.4.2 --- ABTS + radical cation scavenging activity --- p.55 / Chapter 2.6.5 --- Determination of plasma lipid profiles --- p.55 / Chapter 2.6.5.1 --- Plasma total cholesterol (TC) --- p.55 / Chapter 2.6.5.2 --- Plasma total triglyceride (TG) --- p.56 / Chapter 2.6.5.3 --- Plasma high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) determination --- p.57 / Chapter 2.6.5.4 --- Hepatic cholesterol determination by gas chromatography analysis --- p.57 / Chapter 2.7 --- Statistical analysis --- p.59 / Chapter Chapter 3: --- Results and discussion --- p.61 / Chapter 3.1 --- Proximate analysis --- p.61 / Chapter 3.2 --- Small-scale extraction scheme --- p.63 / Chapter 3.2.1 --- Extraction yield --- p.63 / Chapter 3.2.2 --- Antioxidant assays --- p.65 / Chapter 3.2.2.1 --- Hydroxyl free radical scavenging activity --- p.65 / Chapter 3.2.2.2 --- Beta-carotene bleaching method --- p.68 / Chapter 3.2.2.3 --- The formation of TBARS in human LDL oxidation --- p.75 / Chapter 3.2.2.4 --- Total phenolic content (TPC) in DAa and FAa ethanolic and water extracts --- p.81 / Chapter 3.2.2.5 --- Correlation between total phenolic content and antioxidant activity of mushroom extracts --- p.84 / Chapter 3.2.2.6 --- Comparison of antioxidant activity and TPC in DAa and FAa ethanolic and water extracts in the small-scale extraction scheme --- p.88 / Chapter 3.3 --- Large-scale extraction scheme --- p.91 / Chapter 3.3.1 --- Extraction yield --- p.91 / Chapter 3.3.2 --- Antioxidant assays --- p.91 / Chapter 3.3.2.1 --- Hydroxyl free radical scavenging activity --- p.91 / Chapter 3.3.2.2 --- Beta-carotene bleaching method --- p.94 / Chapter 3.3.2.3 --- ABTS + radical cation scavenging activity --- p.96 / Chapter 3.3.2.4 --- Formation of TBARS in human LDL oxidation in the DAa_E_l and Daa_W_1 --- p.97 / Chapter 3.3.2.5 --- Total phenolic content (TPC) of DAa_E_l and DAa_W_l --- p.97 / Chapter 3.3.2.6 --- Correlation between total phenolic content and antioxidant activity --- p.101 / Chapter 3.3.2.7 --- Summary of large-scale extraction scheme --- p.103 / Chapter 3.4 --- In vivo antioxidant activity and hypocholesterolemic effect of DAa studied by animal model --- p.104 / Chapter 3.4.1 --- Effect of DAa´ؤE_1 and DAa_W_l on body weight and food intake --- p.105 / Chapter 3.4.2 --- Effect of DAa一E´ؤ1 and DAa_W_l on plasma total cholesterol (TC) in hamsters --- p.108 / Chapter 3.4.3 --- Effect of DAa´ؤE_1 and DAa W l on plasma total triglycerides (TG) in hamsters --- p.114 / Chapter 3.4.4 --- Effect of DAa_E_l and DAa_W_l on plasma high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in hamsters --- p.119 / Chapter 3.4.5 --- Effect of DAa_E_l and DAa一W_1 on hepatic cholesterol (HC) profile in hamsters --- p.124 / Chapter 3.4.6 --- Effect of DAa_E_l and DAa W l on ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) in hamsters (FRAP) --- p.128 / Chapter 3.4.7 --- Effect of DAa_E_l and DAa_W_l on ABTS + cation radical scavenging activity --- p.131 / Chapter 3.4.8 --- The antioxidant activity and hypocholesterolemic effect of DAa extracts --- p.134 / Chapter 3.4.9 --- Summary of in vivo antioxidant activity and hypocholesterolemic effect of DAa studied by animal model --- p.140 / Chapter Chapter 4: --- Conclusions --- p.142 / References --- p.145

by Li Chi Yeung. / Thesis submitted in: November 2004. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2005. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 151-176). / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / Thesis Committee --- p.i / Acknowledgement --- p.ii / Abstract (English Version) --- p.iii / Abstract (Chinese Version) --- p.v / Content Page --- p.vii / List of Tables --- p.xiii / List of Figures --- p.xv / Abbreviation --- p.xvii / Chapter Chapter 1 --- Introduction --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1 --- Diabetes Mellitus --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1.1 --- Epidemiology --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1.2 --- Economic Impact --- p.3 / Chapter 1.2 --- "Digestion, Absorption and Metabolism of Carbohydrates" --- p.4 / Chapter 1.2.1 --- Carbohydrate Digestion --- p.4 / Chapter 1.2.2 --- Carbohydrate Absorption --- p.6 / Chapter 1.2.3 --- Insulin Secretion --- p.6 / Chapter 1.3 --- Pathophysiology of Diabetes Mellitus --- p.7 / Chapter 1.3.1 --- Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (lDDM) --- p.7 / Chapter 1.3.1.1 --- Genetics --- p.8 / Chapter 1.3.1.2 --- Autoimmunity --- p.9 / Chapter 1.3.2 --- Non-Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (NlDDM) --- p.11 / Chapter 1.3.2.1 --- Insulin Resistance --- p.11 / Chapter 1.3.2.2 --- Impaired Insulin Secretion --- p.14 / Chapter 1.4 --- Management of Diabetes Mellitus --- p.15 / Chapter 1.4.1 --- Sulfonylureas --- p.15 / Chapter 1.4.2 --- Biguanides --- p.16 / Chapter 1.4.3 --- Problems Encountered in the Management of Diabetes --- p.16 / Chapter 1.4.4 --- Role of Dietary Fiber in the Management of Diabetes Mellitus --- p.18 / Chapter 1.4.4.1 --- Dietary Fiber and Gastric Emptying Time --- p.19 / Chapter 1.4.4.2 --- Dietary Fiber and Glucose Absorption in Small Intestine --- p.20 / Chapter 1.4.5 --- Other Natural Products used for Diabetes Treatment…… --- p.22 / Chapter 1.5 --- Mushrooms --- p.22 / Chapter 1.5.1 --- The Definition of Mushrooms --- p.23 / Chapter 1.5.2 --- Nutritional Values of Mushrooms --- p.24 / Chapter 1.5.3 --- Production of Mushrooms --- p.25 / Chapter 1.6 --- Medicinal (Antidiabetic) Properties of Mushrooms --- p.28 / Chapter 1.6.1 --- Ganoderma lucidum --- p.29 / Chapter 1.6.2 --- Tremella aurantia --- p.33 / Chapter 1.6.3 --- Auricularia auricula --- p.36 / Chapter 1.6.4 --- Grifola frondosa --- p.37 / Chapter 1.7 --- Medicinal Uses of Hericium erinaceus --- p.39 / Chapter 1.7.1 --- HeLa Cell Proliferation Inhibitors --- p.39 / Chapter 1.7.2 --- Induction of Growth of Nerve Cells --- p.42 / Chapter 1.7.3 --- Antitumour Activity --- p.42 / Chapter 1.7.4 --- Antidiabetic Effect --- p.43 / Chapter 1.8 --- Objectives --- p.45 / Chapter Chapter 2 --- Materials and Methods --- p.46 / Chapter 2.1 --- Extraction of Polysaccharides from the Fruiting Body of H. erinaceus --- p.46 / Chapter 2.1.1 --- Small-scale Extraction --- p.46 / Chapter 2.1.2 --- Large-scale Extraction --- p.47 / Chapter 2.2 --- Physico-Chemical Characterization of HE-polysaccharides --- p.52 / Chapter 2.2.1 --- Carbohydrate Content: Phenol-Sulfuric Acid Method --- p.52 / Chapter 2.2.2 --- Protein Content: Lowry Assay --- p.52 / Chapter 2.2.3 --- Uronic Acid Content --- p.53 / Chapter 2.2.4 --- Molecular Weight Determination by High Pressure Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) --- p.55 / Chapter 2.2.5 --- Determination of Monosaccharide Composition of Non-Starch Polysaccharides by Gas Chromatography (GC) --- p.56 / Chapter 2.2.5.1 --- Acid Depolymerisation --- p.56 / Chapter 2.2.5.2 --- Neutral Sugar Derivatisation --- p.56 / Chapter 2.2.5.3 --- Determination of Neutral Sugar Composition by Gas Chromatography (GC) --- p.57 / Chapter 2.2.6 --- Structural Study of Polysaccharides by Methylation --- p.59 / Chapter 2.2.6.1 --- Preparation of dry Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO) --- p.59 / Chapter 2.2.6.2 --- Preparation of Methylsulfinyl Methyl Sodium (CH3SOCH2-Na+) from the dry DMSO and Sodium Hydride --- p.59 / Chapter 2.2.6.3 --- Methylation Procedure --- p.60 / Chapter 2.2.6.4 --- Preparation of Partially Methylated Alditol Acetates (PMAAs) --- p.61 / Chapter 2.2.6.5 --- Analysis of the PMAAs by GC --- p.62 / Chapter 2.2.7 --- The Measurement of Viscosity --- p.62 / Chapter 2.3 --- In vitro Hypoglycemic Tests of HE-Polysaccharides --- p.64 / Chapter 2.3.1 --- Glucose Dialysis Retardation Index (GDRl) --- p.64 / Chapter 2.3.1.1 --- Experimental Setup --- p.64 / Chapter 2.3.1.2 --- Measurement of Glucose in the Dialysate --- p.65 / Chapter 2.3.2 --- Inhibition of Amylolysis --- p.66 / Chapter 2.3.2.1 --- Experimental Setup --- p.66 / Chapter 2.3.2.2 --- Measurement of Maltose in the Dialysate --- p.66 / Chapter 2.4 --- In vivo Hypoglycemic Evaluation of HE-Polysaccharides --- p.67 / Chapter 2.4.1 --- Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) --- p.67 / Chapter 2.4.2 --- Induction of Type l Diabetes in Normal BALB/c Mice --- p.69 / Chapter 2.4.2.1 --- lnduction Protocol --- p.69 / Chapter 2.4.2.2 --- Measurement of Plasma Glucose Level --- p.70 / Chapter 2.4.3 --- Hypoglycemic Test on Normal and Diabetic BALB/c Mice --- p.71 / Chapter 2.4.4 --- Measurement of Insulin Level by Enzyme-Linked Immunoadsorbent Assay (ELlSA) --- p.72 / Chapter 2.4.4.1 --- Plasma Samples used in ELlSA --- p.72 / Chapter 2.4.4.2 --- Assay Procedure --- p.73 / Chapter 2.5 --- Statistical Evaluation --- p.74 / Chapter Chapter 3 --- Results and Discussion --- p.75 / Chapter 3.1 --- Yield of Polysaccharides extracted from H. erinaceus --- p.75 / Chapter 3.2 --- Physico-chemical Properties of HE Polysaccharides --- p.79 / Chapter 3.2.1 --- "Carbohydrate, Protein and Uronic Acid Content" --- p.79 / Chapter 3.2.2 --- Monosaccharide Compositions --- p.83 / Chapter 3.2.3 --- Molecular Weight of the HE polysaccharides --- p.85 / Chapter 3.2.4 --- Structure of HE polysaccharides --- p.90 / Chapter 3.2.5 --- Conclusion for the Physico-chemical Properties of HE-Polysaccharides --- p.96 / Chapter 3.2.6 --- Viscosity of HE Polysaccharides --- p.99 / Chapter 3.3 --- In vitro Study of the Hypoglycemic Effect of HE-Polysaccharides --- p.101 / Chapter 3.3.1 --- Glucose Dialysis Retardation Index (GDRl) --- p.101 / Chapter 3.3.2 --- Inhibition of α-Amylase Activity --- p.105 / Chapter 3.4 --- In vivo Hypoglycemic Evaluation of HE-Polysaccharides --- p.109 / Chapter 3.4.1 --- In vivo Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) in Normal Mice --- p.109 / Chapter 3.4.1.1 --- Oral Glucose Tolerance Test --- p.109 / Chapter 3.4.1.2 --- Effect of Change of Viscosity of HE Polysaccharide in the Gl Tract of Mice --- p.114 / Chapter 3.4.2 --- Establishment of a Diabetic Murine Model --- p.120 / Chapter 3.4.3 --- Hypoglycemic Activity of HE-polysaccharides in Normal Mice --- p.123 / Chapter 3.4.4 --- Hypoglycemic Activity of HE-polysaccharides in Diabetic Mice --- p.126 / Chapter 3.4.5 --- Change of Plasma Insulin Level in the Hypoglycemic Test --- p.132 / Chapter 3.4.6 --- Comparison of Hypoglycemic Activity of HE-Polysaccharides in Normal and Diabetic mice --- p.139 / Chapter 3.4.6.1 --- Severity of Diabetic Conditions lnduced --- p.139 / Chapter 3.4.6.2 --- Change in Insulin Secretion --- p.140 / Chapter 3.4.6.3 --- Glucose Transporter --- p.140 / Chapter 3.5 --- Other Factors that Affect in vivo Hypoglycemic Activity of the HE-polysaccharides --- p.141 / Chapter 3.5.1 --- Route of Administration: Oral Feeding and Intraperitoneal Injection --- p.141 / Chapter 3.5.2 --- Molecular Mechanisms of Hypoglycemic Activity --- p.142 / Chapter 3.5.3 --- Glucose Toxicity --- p.144 / Chapter 3.5.3.1 --- Insulin Resistance --- p.144 / Chapter 3.5.3.2 --- Impaired Insulin Secretion --- p.145 / Chapter Chapter 4 --- Conclusions and Future Works --- p.147 / References --- p.151

In this study, a novel compound was isolated and purified from the solid culture medium (potato dextrose agar) of shiitake 1358 strain through series of methods, such as ethanol precipitation, macroporous resin column separation, semi-preparative high performance liquid chromatography separation and preparative thin-layer chromatography separation. Analyzing spectra from fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, 1-dimension and 2-dimension nuclear magnetic resonance, the chemical structure of the novel compound was determined and named as 4-amino-5,6-dihydrobenzo[d]oxonine-2,7(1H,4H)-dione. It could inhibit the proliferation of HL-60 leukemia cells significantly and with an IC50 of 1.56 mug/ml (7.123 mumol/L) in the 72-hour treatment. From the results, it is suggested that this compound could activate the G2 phase checkpoint control of the cell cycle to arrest the cell cycle in G2 phase. In addition, it could suppress the replicative DNA synthesis to inhibit the proliferation of HL-60 leukemia cells. The more important is that this compound can induce the apoptosis of HL-60 leukemia cells significantly through intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic pathways. The compound could induce intrinsic and extrinsic apoptosis through the regulation of the apoptosis-related proteins, such as Fas ligand, Bax, Bcl-2, Caspase 8, Caspase 9, and Caspase 3. For intrinsic pathway, the compound might upregulate Bax, downregulated Bcl-2, activated the Caspase 9, subsequently activated Capase 3, and ultimately led to cell death. For extrinsic pathway, the compound upregulated the Fas ligand, cleaved and activated Procaspase 8 to active Caspase 8, further cleaved and activated Procaspase 3 to active Caspase 3 to commit the cells to apoptosis. / Leukemia is a malignant cancer that involves the bone marrow and blood circulation systems. Leukemia results in the uncontrolled growth of abnormal (leukemic) white blood cells and may also invade other organs, including the liver, spleen, lymph nodes, testes, and brain. In 2007, about 44,240 new cases of leukemia were diagnosed and 21,790 patients died from all types of leukemias in USA. / Shiitake was first cultivated in China more than 800 years ago. It is the second most commonly cultivated edible mushrooms in the world nowadays. For a long time, shiitake has been valued for its unique taste and flavor and as a medicinal invigorant. According to ancient Chinese medicinal theory, consumption of shiitake was in favor of long life and good health. In China and Japan, shiitake has been used as both a food and a medicinal herb for thousands of years. It is the source of several well-studied preparations with proven pharmacological properties, especially the polysaccharide lentinan. Currently, most researches concentrate on the anticancer activities of the extracts from the fruiting body of shiitake, especially polysaccharides. Report about the anti-cancer effects of other components from the shiitake mushroom is scarce. The objectives of this investigations were: (1) to study the anticancer activities of brownish substances obtained during the solid medium culture of shiitake on specific cancer cell unes, especially HL60 cancer cell line; (2) to isolate and characterize the active compound(s) in the brown mushroom exudates; and (3) to propose the possible mechanism of actions, especially the function of the bcl-2 family genes and proteins. / by Guo, Yuming. / Adviser: Chung Hale Yin. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 70-06, Section: B, page: 3314. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2008. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 188-199). / Electronic reproduction. Hong Kong : Chinese University of Hong Kong, [2012] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Electronic reproduction. [Ann Arbor, MI] : ProQuest Information and Learning, [200-] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / School code: 1307.

by Wong Ka-Hing. / "September 2004." / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2004. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 226-279). / Electronic reproduction. Hong Kong : Chinese University of Hong Kong, [2012] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Mode of access: World Wide Web. / Abstracts in English and Chinese.

The Russula flora of Vancouver Island is diverse, colourful, abundant, ecologically important, but poorly documented, with the literature spread in many diverse journals and books from across North America and Europe in various languages. Keys and field guides to local species emphasise macroscopic and spore characters but distinctive structures in the epicutis are not described. As Russulas are prone to environmentally affected colour variation and a number of species have a similar appearance, correct identification may require microscopic examination and a suite of chemicals, a barrier to many people. The existence of synonyms and conflicting concepts for several species adds to the frustration in identification, Presented here are detailed illustrated descriptions of locally collected species, with discussions on nomenclatural and taxonomic issues where these cause confusion, some of these confirm past records, and some are new records or new species. Three aids to identification are examined: 1. A simplified chromatography method is described that identifies Russulas to subgenus and in some cases section and subsection level, enabling differentiation between some lookalike species without recourse to microscopy. 2. A method often used to match ectomycorrhizae with nearby basidiomata by comparing their restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) of amplified ITS rDNA, can also be compared with virtual RFLP's from sequence data downloaded from NCBI and EMBI to aid identification. The restriction enzymes Hinfl, AluI and Sau3A, resolved identities to subgeneric and section level, rarely to species. 3. Using published sequence data and Bayesian analysis, a phylogeny was sought with better resolution in the upper clades than had been found with other analysis methods. Various characters from published descriptions and from Vancouver Island collections were then examined for correlation with branching order or clade in this phylogeny, with basidia width, spore colour, pileocystidia shape and spore shape having highest correlation.

Confessions of a Forager is a chronicle of Lauren Hudgins's adventures and mistakes while searching and eating wild food, and a questioning her vegetarian morals. Readers visit organized foraging projects through the Wild Food Adventures of expert John Kallas, the Mushroom Gathering at Breitenbush hot springs, and the Portland Fruit Tree Project, which turns a wasted bounty into an opportunity for public nourishment. Memoir sections of the thesis examine how food-related habits are passed down from parent to child, exploring the family's foraging history through perspective of the author's father. It is also a consideration of the community and personal relationships formed over noncommercial, hand-harvested food.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Missouri-Columbia, 2007. / The entire dissertation/thesis text is included in the research.pdf file; the official abstract appears in the short.pdf file (which also appears in the research.pdf); a non-technical general description, or public abstract, appears in the public.pdf file. Title from title screen of research.pdf file (viewed on December 17, 2007) Vita. Includes bibliographical references.

This study focuses on commercial mushroom production, a relatively new economic activity in Swaziland that seeks to assist rural-based small-scale farmers to diversify and improve their economic independence and livelihoods. The mushroom programme is in line with the National Development Strategy, which, among its major objectives, aims to address povertyrelated challenges through the promotion of non-conventional high-value agricultural commodities that have not been explored by local farmers despite having a relatively high consumer demand in local and international markets. In attempting to provide an impetus to the mushroom industry, the Swaziland government currently offers free training in mushroom production, extension services, high quality spawn at a very nominal fee, and free substrate bags. Considering the geographical suitability and the magnitude of investment made towards the mushroom development programme, there is a need to understand why many farmers are not participating in the industry, and why Swaziland still imports more than 95 percent of locally consumed cultivated mushrooms. There has also been no research so far on the challenges and opportunities in producing, value adding, and marketing of mushrooms in Swaziland. This study was, therefore, an attempt to address these knowledge gaps. It also provided an opportunity to draw relevant policy and management implications to inform future strategies in the industry. The specific objectives of the study were to: (i) identify and examine the factors that influence households’ decisions to participate in mushroom production; (ii) study the underlying mushroom production and market access constraints; (iii) examine the effects of transaction cost factors that influence mushroom producers’ market channel choice decisions and the quantity of mushrooms sold in selected channels; and (iv) study the effects of organisational form on producers’ participation in collective responsibilities. Using cross-sectional data gathered from mushroom producers and non-producers, the results of the Two-Stage Conditional Maximum Likelihood and Two-Stage Probit Least Squares estimation methods revealed that farmers’ decisions to participate in the mushroom enterprise are mainly influenced by institutional factors. Farmers who have undergone training in basic oyster mushroom production, are located in close proximity to input and output markets, and have positive perceptions towards mushrooms, are likely to participate in the mushroom industry. The development of positive perceptions towards mushrooms is predominantly influenced by the knowledge gained on their nutritional and therapeutical properties. The value chain approach was used to identify the underlying factors constraining mushroom production and producers’ participation in mainstream markets. Among the important findings, the study showed that producers’ plans to expand production capacities are hampered by the difficulty to access key inputs and services, which are centralised and fully controlled by the government. Generally, local farmers produce below capacity in relatively small low-cost structures, which are also not well equipped. As a result, farmers apply very primitive management methods that eventually affect their productivity. These constraints are partly responsible for the extremely low locally produced volumes and inconsistent market supply, prompting local mushroom traders to rely on imports. Other constraints relate to the lack of diversification as farmers currently produce only the oyster mushroom, yet consumers are mostly interested in the button mushroom, which is favoured for its appearance and taste. Currently, no cultivated mushrooms are exported from Swaziland and producers have not yet engaged in any form of mushroom processing. Instead, from what they harvest, it was found that about six to 10 percent is consumed at household level and the remainder sold through four channels identified as: (i) the farm gate; (ii) retail market (supermarkets); (iii) middlemen; and (iv) food services industry (restaurants/hotels). Among the four channels, the retail market and farm gate were, respectively, identified as the most preferred. Between the two, the retail market offers a comparatively higher producer price and a relatively more dependable market. Cragg’s regression results revealed that producers who are likely to supply the retail market are those who manage a relatively large number of spawn impregnated bags, have a high labour endowment, own cold storage facilities, and are affiliated to mushroom producing groups. However, the difficulty in accessing market information and lack of bargaining power significantly constrains other producers’ plans to supply the retail market; hence, they end up selling through less remunerative channels, such as the farm gate. Producers’ decisions on the quantity of mushrooms supplied through the retail market are significantly affected by the difficulty in accessing transport and uncertainty about meeting the retailers’ quality requirements. Over 90 percent of mushroom producers in Swaziland currently participate in the industry through farmer groups. These groups are predominantly organised in two forms, depicted as model A and B, respectively. In model A, besides establishing their own by-laws, members produce mushrooms in one growing house where they share the costs and benefits of all preproduction, production and marketing activities. In model B, members also establish their own by-laws and share all pre-production activities. However, instead of producing under one roof, each member manages his/her own growing house and members are at liberty to make their own marketing arrangements independently. The results of the Propensity Score Matching method indicated that producers affiliated to model B groups have significantly higher levels of cooperation, which is evidenced in making joint decisions and performing shared manual activities. Participation in such groups also improves producers’ knowledge of the enterprise, and reduces the likelihood of internal free-riding. The overall results of the study point to the need to strengthen farmer training in mushroom production and value-addition. In attempting to improve producers’ access to key inputs and services, it is recommended that the government should relinquish its position (to the private sector) as the only provider of these services, allowing public institutions to assume a monitoring role. Producers’ competitiveness and sustainable participation in the mushroom value chain can be enhanced by institutionalising and strengthening collective action, which can possibly enable them to achieve economies of scale benefits in the input and product markets, and improve their bargaining position. As indicated in the empirical chapters, market availability for mushrooms is not a challenge in Swaziland. However, the lack of a market information system, expert assistance in agribusiness management, poor value chain governance, and lack of vertical coordination, predispose producers to high marketing and transaction costs such that they end up selling through less remunerative marketing channels.

Espécimes de Hypholoma (Fr.) P. Kumm. e Stropharia (Fr.) Quél., ambos pertencentes à família Strophariaceae Singer & A.H. Sm., de ocorrência no estado do Rio Grande do Sul foram estudados. O estudo baseou-se em coletas realizadas pelo autor no período entre março de 2004 e setembro de 2005, e também na revisão do material depositado em herbários do estado, Brasil e exterior. As análises macro e microscópica dos basidiomas foram realizadas segundo metodologia usual para estudo de fungos agaricóides, e todo o material coletado encontra-se preservado no Herbário do Departamento de Botânica da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (ICN). Neste estudo, concluiu-se que o gênero Hypholoma está representado no Rio Grande do Sul pelas seguintes espécies: H. aurantiacum (Cooke) Faus, H. ericaeum (Pers.: Fr.) Kühner, e H. subviride (Berk. & M.A. Curtis) Dennis. Da mesma forma, o gênero Stropharia encontra-se representado no estado por: S. acanthocystis Cortez & R.M. Silveira, S. aeruginosa (Curtis: Fr.) Quél., S. alcis var. austrobrasiliensis Cortez & R.M. Silveira, S. apiahyna (Speg.) Cortez & R.M. Silveira, S. araucariae Cortez & R.M. Silveira, S. coronilla (Bull.: Fr.) Quél., S. dorsipora Esteve-Rav. & Barrasa, S. earlei Norvell & Redhead, S. rugosoannulata Farl. ex Murrill e S. semiglobata (Batsch: Fr.) Quél. Dentre estas, Stropharia acanthocystis, S. alcis var. austrobrasiliensis e S. araucariae, são descritos como novos táxons para a ciência; S. apiahyna é proposta como uma nova combinação; S. dorsipora, S. aeruginosa e S. earlei são citadas, respectivamente, pela primeira vez para a América do Sul, Brasil e Rio Grande do Sul. São apresentadas chaves de identificação, descrições e ilustrações macro e microscópicas de todas as espécies estudadas. / Specimens of the genera Hypholoma (Fr.) P. Kumm. and Stropharia (Fr.) Quél. (family Strophariaceae Singer & A.H. Sm.), from the Rio Grande do Sul State were studied. This survey was based on collections made by the author from March 2004 to September 2005, as well the revision of Brazilian and foreign herbaria. Macroscopic and microscopic study of the basidiomata followed usual techniques for the study of agarics, and all collected specimens are deposited in the Herbarium of the Department of Botany of the University of Rio Grande do Sul (ICN). We concluded that the genus Hypholoma is represented by the following species in the Rio Grande do Sul State: H. aurantiacum (Cooke) Faus, H. ericaeum (Pers.: Fr.) Kühner, and H. subviride (Berk. & M.A. Curtis) Dennis. The genus Stropharia comprised the species: S. acanthocystis Cortez & R.M. Silveira, S. aeruginosa (Curtis: Fr.) Quél., S. alcis var. austrobrasiliensis Cortez & R.M. Silveira, S. apiahyna (Speg.) Cortez & R.M. Silveira, S. araucariae Cortez & R.M. Silveira, S. coronilla (Bull.: Fr.) Quél., S. dorsipora Esteve-Rav. & Barrasa, S. earlei Norvell & Redhead, S. rugosoannulata Farl. ex Murrill, and S. semiglobata (Batsch: Fr.) Quél. The following taxa are described as new: Stropharia acanthocystis, S. araucariae and S. alcis var. austrobrasiliensis; the new combination for S. apiahyna is proposed; S. dorsipora, S. aeruginosa, and S. earlei are new records from South America, Brazil and Rio Grande do Sul State, respectively. Keys for identification, macro and microscopic descriptions and illustrations for all studied species are presented