Orientador: Marlies Sazima / Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Instituto de Biologia / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-08T02:57:58Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Mickeliunas_Ludmila_M.pdf: 925385 bytes, checksum: 671e200f723bbbe9d070e825415371fe (MD5) Previous issue date: 2007 / Resumo: O gênero Cyrtopodium Schltr. apresenta cerca de 42 espécies, sendo que 28 delas ocorrem no Brasil. Entre essas espécies Cyrtopodium polyphyllum Vell. (Sinônimo: Cyrtopodium paranaense Schltr.) ocorre, principalmente, na região litorânea do sul e sudeste brasileiros. As duas populações estudadas ocorrem na planície litorânea de Picinguaba e Praia da Fortaleza, Ubatuba-SP. Em ambas as regiões foram estudadas a fenologia, a morfologia floral, a anatomia do labelo, bem como observados os visitantes florais e identificados os mecanismos de polinização de C. polyphyllum. Também foram feitos experimentos para verificar o sistema reprodutivo da espécie. A quantidade de sementes potencialmente viáveis obtidas em cada tratamento, bem como a taxa de frutificação em ambiente natural foram determinadas para avaliar o sucesso reprodutivo. Os resultados dos estudos anatômicos foram comparados com os de outra espécie de Cyrtopodiinae, Grobya amherstiae Lindl. Cyrtopodium polyphyllum não oferece recursos aos seus polinizadores, que são atraídos às flores por engano. Cyrtopodium polyphyllum ocorre simpatricamente e, aparentemente, mimetiza flores de outras espécies que oferecem recursos, como Crotalaria incana (Fabaceae) e Stigmaphyllon sp. (Malpiguiaceae). Além da polinização por fator biótico, algumas flores de C. polyphyllum são autopolinizadas por gotas de chuva, um mecanismo que até então não havia sido descrito para Cyrtopodiinae. Cyrtopodium polyphyllum é autocompatível, mas dependente de polinizadores para a transferência de pólen. O grau de autocompatibilidade varia bastante entre as populações estudadas. Os frutos formados através das autopolinizações manuais, das polinizações cruzadas, assim como os desenvolvidos em condições naturais, apresentam alta taxa de sementes potencialmente viáveis e algumas exibem poliembrionia. Um estudo anatômico das glândulas florais presentes no labelo de Cyrtopodium polyphyllum e Grobya amherstiae foi efetuado com o propósito de relacionar a função desempenhada por estas estruturas com o processo de polinização. Ambas as espécies apresentam osmóforos, estruturas responsáveis pela produção dos odores característicos de cada espécie. Cyrtopodium polyphyllum possui dois tipos de osmóforos: um composto por papilas unicelulares, distribuídas pela superfície adaxial do labelo, e outro composto por emergências pluricelulares, presentes na região do calo do labelo. Em G. amherstiae os osmóforos são compostos por uma única camada de células epidérmicas, e ocorrem em toda a superfície abaxial do labelo. Grobya amherstiae apresenta, ainda, elaióforos, sendo um no ápice do labelo e outro na base da coluna. O elaióforo do ápice do labelo é de estrutura mista, composto por tricomas unicelulares glandulares e epiderme em paliçada, enquanto o da base da coluna é tricomáceo, apresentando apenas tricomas glandulares. Além de osmóforos e elaióforos, G. amherstiae apresenta também um guia de óleo na superfície adaxial do labelo formado por células papilosas / Abstract: The genus Cyrtopodium comprises about 42 species, with 28 occurring in Brazil. Among these species, Cyrtopodium polyphyllum (Synonym: Cyrtopodium paranaense Schltr.) occurs mainly on sandy soils in ¿restinga¿ vegetation along the coast of south and southern of Brazil. Large populations are found in the Natural Reserve of Picinguaba and at Praia da Fortaleza, municipality of Ubatuba, State of São Paulo, regions where this specie was studied. In both study sites were studied the phenology, floral morphology, lip anatomy, as well as recorded the floral visitors and identified the pollination mechanisms of C. polyphyllum. Also were performed treatments to verify the reproductive system of this specie. The quantity of potentially viable seeds obtained in each treatment, as well as the fruit set in natural habitat was recorded in order to evaluate the reproductive success. The results of the anatomic studies were compared with other Cyrtopodiinae specie, Grobya amherstiae Lindl. Cyrtopodium polyphyllum offers none reward to their pollinators, which are attracted to flowers by deceit. Cyrtopodium polyphyllum occur sympatrically and apparently mimicry flowers of other reward producing species, as Crotalaria incana (Fabaceae) and Stigmaphyllon sp. (Malpiguiaceae). Besides of the pollination by a biotic factor, some flowers of C. polyphyllum are pollinated by raindrops, a pollination mechanism not described to Cyrtopodiinae yet. Cyrtopodium polyphyllum is selfcompatible but pollinator-dependent. The tax of self-incompatibility is different between the two studied populations. The fruits formed from manual self-pollinations, crosspollinations, as well as developed under natural conditions, show an elevated tax of potentially viable seeds and sometimes present poliembriony. An anatomical study of the floral glands gifts in lip of Cyrtopodium polyphyllum and Grobya amherstiae were performed with the intention to relate the function played for these structures with the pollination process. Both species presents osmophores, structures responsible by the production odors, which are characteristic of each species. Cyrtopodium polyphyllum presents two types of elaiophores: one is composed by unicellular papillae, distributed along adaxial surface of the lip, and other composed by multicellular papillae arranged on the lip callous. In G. amherstiae the osmophores are composed by a singular layer of epidermic cells, and occurs along of all abaxial surface of the labellum. Grobya amherstiae also presents an elaiophore on the lip apices and on column basis. The elaiophore of the lip apices is a mixed structure, composed by unicellular glandular trichomes and a paliçade epidermis, although the elaiophore of the column basis is trichomatic, presenting only glandular trichomes. Besides of osmophores and elaiophores, G. amherstiae also presents an oil guide on adaxial surface of the labellum made by papillose cells / Mestrado / Mestre em Biologia Vegetal

One of the major healthcare issues found almost worldwide, especially in the United States, is the obesity epidemic. Obesity is known to have deleterious effects on many body/organ systems. C1q TNF-related protein-3 (CTRP3) is effective at preventing high-fat diet-induced fatty liver. With these two factors taken into consideration, this study explores the possible effects of a high caloric diet on the muscle wall of the uterus, i.e., the myometrium, and how over-expression of CTRP3 may modify those effects. We hypothesize that consumption of excessive amounts of fat and sugar will have detrimental effects on the dual layers of the mouse myometrium. For this study, 17 mice were divided into 4 treatment groups: wild type/low fat diet, wild type/high fat diet, CTRP3-overexpressing/low fat diet, and CTRP3-overexpressing/high fat diet. The mice were placed on their respective diets at 7 weeks of age with a feeding duration of 12 weeks. At the conclusion of the feeding protocol, the female reproductive tissues were harvested and fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde and subsequently paraffin embedded. The uterine horns of each mouse were painstakingly paraffin embedded in a vertical position so that cross sections of the uterus could be obtained and measured. These 4µ sections were stained using standard H&E staining techniques and visualized under light microscopy. A randomization grid was utilized to determine measurement locations on the tissue. For each animal, 15 measurements were made of the outer longitudinal layer of the uterine horn, as well as 15 measurements of the inner circular layer, and 15 measurements of the thickness of the two layers combined. Two-way ANOVA was used to determine if any changes seen were statistically significant. At the time of the writing of this abstract, no appreciable differences have been found between the treatment groups, although there will be more data and final statistics completed before the presentation of our findings.

Introduction: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a significant public health concern, due to its association with short- and long-term complications in both mothers and offspring. DNA methylation and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) offer potential to serve as molecular biomarkers, which may lead to improved detection of GDM with positive effects on health outcomes. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate whether DNA methylation and SNPs are associated with GDM and may offer potential as molecular biomarkers for GDM in South Africa (SA). Methods: This study followed a two-pronged approach. Firstly, literature searches were conducted to collate and synthesise all published articles reporting on the prevalence of GDM in SA, the screening and diagnostic strategies used, and the current status of DNA methylation and SNPs as biomarkers for GDM. Secondly, we conducted experiments to investigate global (n=201), genome-wide (n=24) and gene-specific DNA methylation (n=286) of the adiponectin gene (ADIPOQ) in whole blood of women with and without GDM, using an Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay, a methylationEPIC BeadChip Array and pyrosequencing, respectively. In addition, genotype and allele frequencies of ADIPOQ rs266729 and rs17300539, and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) rs1801133 were determined, using quantitative real-time PCR (n=449) and DNA sequencing for validation. Results: The literature search showed that the prevalence of GDM in SA has increased over the years. Furthermore, it showed that the lack of uniformity in screening and diagnosis between and within countries hamper the accurate detection of GDM. Lastly, the literature search identified several studies that support the use of DNA methylation and SNPs as potential biomarkers for GDM. Experimentally, we showed no differences in global DNA methylation between GDM and non-GDM groups. Interestingly, global DNA methylation levels were 18% (p=0.012) higher in obese compared to non-obese pregnant women. Genome-wide methylation analysis identified 1046 differentially methylated CpG sites (associated with 939 genes) (Cut-off threshold: M>0.06 and p<0.01). Among the top five CpG sites identified, one CpG mapped to the calmodulin-binding transcription activator 1 (CAMTA1) gene, which has been shown to regulate insulin production and secretion. Two CpG sites (-3410: p=0.048 and -3400: p=0.004) in the ADIPOQ promoter were hypomethylated during GDM in HIV negative, but not in HIV positive women. Lastly, no association between the ADIPOQ and MTHFR polymorphisms and GDM was observed in our population. Conclusion: To our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the association between DNA methylation or ADIPOQ (rs266729 and rs17300539) and MTHFR (rs1801133) polymorphisms and GDM in SA. Findings suggest that gene-specific, but not global methylation nor SNPs rs266729, rs17300539 and rs1801133, may offer potential as molecular biomarkers of GDM in this population. Future longitudinal studies in larger samples that include both HIV negative and positive pregnant women are warranted to explore the candidacy of DNA methylation as molecular biomarkers for GDM. / Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2019. / National Research Foundation (NRF) of South Africa, Thuthuka Grant (unique grant no. 99391). / South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) / Obstetrics and Gynaecology / PhD / Unrestricted

In 1999, a new species of minnow, Chrosomus sp. cf. saylori (Clinch dace), was discovered in the Tennessee drainage of Virginia. Chrosomus sp. cf. saylori are listed as a Federal Species of Concern and on Virginia\'s Wildlife Action Plan as Tier II- Very High Conservation Need because of potential threats from habitat degradation, high population fragmentation, and a largely unknown distribution. Consequently, a management plan for C. sp. cf. saylori is of utmost importance, but more information regarding its distribution and life history is required before such a plan can be implemented. In 2011 and 2012 I sampled 60 headwater streams in the upper Clinch River watershed, Virginia.  From this and historical data, I conclude that C. sp. cf. saylori are restricted to eight small tributaries to the Clinch River.  Multivariate analysis of habitat correlates indicated that C. sp. cf. saylori populations are found in small, high elevation streams with gravel substrate and forested watersheds.  Three species distribution models were unable to predict C. sp. cf. saylori distribution.  Morphological traits were significantly different between C. sp. cf. saylori and other Chrosomus, thereby providing an initial indication of speciation and differing niche roles. I observed a nest association with Campostoma anomalum.  Gonad weight was lower for C. sp. cf. saylori than closely-related congeners. Together, this information indicates that C. sp. cf. saylori are narrowly distributed and populations are small, fragmented, and of questionable viability.  In the future, long-term monitoring efforts and genetics analyses should be completed and additional protection measures pursued. / Master of Science

No description available.

As scientific discovery and human presence push further into space, it is necessary to investigate the effects of spaceflight on physiological systems. Research into the effects of the space flight environment on the human body is still in its relative infancy. Although initial studies have indicated harmful effects of spaceflight environments on certain body systems, this phenomenon still needs illumination with regards to the female reproductive system. Better understanding of these consequences can change the way society views space travel and colonization of other planets. The spaceflight environment consists of at least two major factors that could confer negative effects on physiology, namely radiation and microgravity. In this experiment, uterine smooth muscle, or the myometrium, was analyzed in 6-month old female C57BL/6 mice that were exposed to 21 days of low dose/low dose rate whole-body radiation with γ-radiation using 57Co plates (0.04 Gy at 0.01 cGy/h) and/or simulated microgravity (via hind limb unloading). Tissue samples were harvested 4 months after the 21-day simulated spaceflight period. Following embedding, sectioning, and hematoxylin and eosin staining (H&E), the tissues were examined, and the average thicknesses of the myometrial layers were measured. Three types of measurements were made 1 – outer longitudinal layer, 2 – inner circular layer, and 3 –total muscle layer thickness (outer and inner combined). Two-way ANOVA statistical tests were used to compare the thicknesses of the myometrial muscle layers between the various treatment groups. A statistical difference was found between the thicknesses in the outer longitudinal layer of smooth muscle between the control animals and the unloaded animals (P: 0.051).

No description available.

Pour mieux comprendre la signification des marqueurs d'apoptose dans les spermatozoïdes éjaculés humains, l'objectif de notre étude était de mesurer ces marqueurs dans les spermatozoïdes prélevés à différents niveaux du tractus génital masculin dans différentes situations physiopathologiques. Pour évaluer la qualité fonctionnelle de ces spermatozoïdes, des relations ont été recherchées entre l'expression de ces marqueurs et les résultats obtenus en assistance médicale à la procréation. Les marqueurs analysés sont des facteurs mis en jeu dans l'initiation et l'activation de l'apoptose (poly-caspases, caspase-3, -8 ou -9 activée(s)), et des signes précoces (externalisation de la phosphatidylsérine, PS) ou tardifs (fragmentation de l'ADN) de l'apoptose. Pour certains échantillons, une analyse ultrastructurale des spermatozoïdes a aussi été réalisée. la mesure de l'expression des caspases activées a fait l'objet d'une mise au point compte-tenu de l'hétérogénéité des populations spermatiques et de la faible quantité de spermatozoïdes disponibles. Finalement, nous avons retenu une mesure par double marquage associant un inhibiteur fluorescent vert des caspases activées et un colorant fluorescent rouge (Propidium Iodide) avec une détection soit en cytométrie en flux soit en microscopie à fluorescence selon la nature des spermatozoïdes analysés. Chez des patients présentant une agénésie bilatérale des canaux déférents, la proportion de spermatozoïdes vivants ou morts exprimant des caspases activées est plus élevée dans les spermatozoïdes testiculaires que dans les spermatozoïdes épididymaires suggérant une initiation du processus apoptique dans les testicules et une incapacité des spermatozoïdes épididymaires à initier l'apoptose. Dans ces conditions, en ICSI, le risque d'injecter un spermatozoïde apoptique dans un ovocyte est plus élevé avec les spermatozoïdes testiculaires et pourrait expliquer pour une part, les résultats de moins bonne qualité avec ces spermatozoïdes testiculaires qu'avec les spermatozoïdes épididymaires. Chez des patients infertiles, porteurs d'une translocation chromosomique réciproque ou Robertsonienne autosomique, il existe une expression plus importante des modifications ultrastructurales et des marqueurs biochimiques d'apoptose (caspases activées, fragmentation de l'ADN, externalisation de la PS) associée à des signes d'immaturité ultrastructurale, comparé aux spermatozoïdes d'hommes fertiles. Ces résultats pourraient expliquer que dans l'éjaculat de ces patients, il existe une prédominance de gamètes équilibrés sur le plan chromosomique. En effet, les gamètes présentant un déséquilibre auraient été éliminées préférentiellement par apoptose. En conclusion, les marqueurs d'apoptose exprimés par les spermatozoïdes éjaculés seraient le reflet d'une altération de la spermatogenèse avec une apoptose initiée et avortée dans le testicule associée à des anomalies de maturation et différentiation. La mesure des marqueurs d'apoptose dans les spermatozoïdes apporterait une aide dans la compréhension et la prise en charge de l'infertilité masculine, en particulier en assistance médicale à la procréation.

En utilisant des approches moléculaires variées, nous avons montré que le gène gpx5 possède au moins trois transcrits dans l'épididyme de souris adulte. A coté d'un messager long codant pour la protéine GPX5 mature, existent en effet deux transcrits tronqués. Les variants de la protéine GPx5, qui correspondent à ces transcrits courts, subissent dans l'épididyme de souris, une maturation post-transcriptionnelle qui repose essentiellement sur des processus de O-glycosylation. Ce travail a aussi permis de préciser que l'expression du gène gpx5 dépasse le territoire épididymaire puisque les transcrits gpx5 peuvent détectés à des niveaux faibles dans d'autres tissus de la sphère génitale chez la souris adulte. C'est le cas par exemple au niveau du testicule ou de la prostate. L'obtention, par des gestations datées, d'embryons de souris à différents stades, a permis de mettre en évidence une expression du gène gpx5 pendant les phases précoces du développement embryonnaire. Cette expression embryonnaire de gpx5 concerne un quatrième variant dont la séquence 3' UTR n'a pu être précisée. Des analyses immunohistochimiques complémentaires sont nécessaires pour confirmer la détection de la protéine GPx5 dans l'embryon précoce de souris et sa localisation dans l'endoderme pariétal.

In vitro maturation of dog oocytes has always been the main obstacle preventing reproductive biologist from producing canine in vitro cultured embryos. The unsuccessful oocyte maturation in canine species originates from their unique physiological and biological specifications. Ovulation of dominant follicles in bitch (6-12 in each oestrous cycle) occurs at prophase I stage of oocyte nucleus and meiotic resumption develops during 3-5 days of oviductal transition. During this PhD thesis, studies were designed in order to speculate characteristics of canine oocyte maturation in vitro in terms of maturation media components, gas composition of the incubator and hormonal requirements. Level of oxidative stress during 72h (culture period) of in vitro maturation showed that 5%O2, 5% CO2 and 90% N2 composition improves meiotic resumption and reduces degeneration rate significantly compared to 5% CO2 in air. Utilization of caffeine as a non specific phosphodiesterase inhibitor at 10mM for 12h at the beginning of the 72h culture (12+60) also improved MII maturation rate (16.9% ± 2.4; P < 0.05). Among several hormonal treatments recombinant porcine Growth Hormone (PGH) at 100ng/ml and Melatonin (MTN) at 100nM concentrations had outstanding improvement over meiotic resumption (28.9% ±10.0 and 56.2% ±8.6 respectively; P < 0.05). Attempts were made to study developmental potentials of optimally matured oocytes by parthenogenetic activation (PA) and in vitro fertilization (IVF) using chilled semen. Partial digestion of the zona pellucida prior to IVF improved the cleavage rate at 48h 6.4% ± 0.3 and resulted in production of a single 8 cell embryo. Moreover; canine follicular cells were culture in order to characterize their primary culture morphology and steroidogenic responsiveness to physiological and pharmaceutical substances. Immunolocalization of aromatase (CYP19) positive cell clumps, presumptive oestrogen producing colonies, was identified. This primary culture also maintained its steroidogenic machinery up to 96h (measured by radioimmunoassay) with a significant increase in production of estradiol and progesterone after 72h compare to the start of the culture.