Thesis (M.S.)--Texas State University-San Marcos, 2006. / Vita. Appendix: leaves 31-35. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 36-39).

Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Bioquímica, Florianópolis, 2010 / Made available in DSpace on 2012-10-25T06:30:24Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 276359.pdf: 1473962 bytes, checksum: 6cb68d86b04b24c68bbeb51ee0cb3ae7 (MD5) / O receptor de Vitamina D (VDR) e o receptor Pregnano X (PXR) são receptores nucleares e agem como fatores de transcrição quando ativados pela ligação de moléculas específicas. PXR e VDR possivelmente se originaram da duplicação de um gene ancestral. Em mamíferos, esses receptores compartilham um número de genes alvos e dividem a função de mediação da resposta de detoxificação de xenobióticos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar o efeito de agonistas dos receptores nucleares PXR e VDR na expressão de genes de biotransformação de xenobióticos em peixes da espécie Danio rerio. Para isso, 48 horas após o tratamento de peixes D.rerio com agonistas específicos para estes receptores, foi analisada a expressão hepática e intestinal dos genes CYP3A65, CYP3C1, CYP24, CYP2AA1, CYP2AA2, GST?, GST?, ABCB5, VDR? e PXR. Os agonistas utilizados foram 1?,25-diidroxivitamina D3, como ativador do VDR, e 5-Pregnen-3?-ol-20-ona, como ativador do PXR. A análise da expressão dos genes foi feita através da técnica de RT-PCR em tempo real, utilizando o método delta-delta Ct. A expressão da ?-actina foi utilizada para normalizar os dados. Ambos ligantes induziram genes da fase I, II e III do processo de biotransformação em peixes, no intestino e no fígado. A pregnenolona aumentou a expressão de CYP3A65, CYP3C1, CYP2AA1, CYP2AA2, GST?, GST?, ABCB5 e PXR no fígado e CYP3A65, CYP3C1, CYP2AA1, CYP2AA2, GST?, GST? e PXR no intestino dos peixes, o que sugere um importante papel do PXR como mediador da biotransformação em peixes desta espécie. Além disso, 1?,25-diidroxivitamina D3 aumentou a expressão dos genes CYP24, CYP3C1, CYP2AA1, CYP2AA2, GST? e PXR no fígado e CYP24, CYP2AA1, CYP2AA2, GST?, GST? e PXR no intestino dos peixes. Até então, não havia sido demonstrado o efeito do hormônio derivado da vitamina D na expressão de genes envolvidos no processo de biotransformação em peixes. Os resultados obtidos neste trabalho suportam a hipótese de que os dois receptores da família NR1I, PXR e VDR, compartilham a mediação na resposta de detoxificação em peixes, assim como em mamíferos.

The thesis presents a comparison of data obtained from the solar radio spectrograph RT5 in Ondřejov and data from the space probe SDO. In the theoretical part of the thesis the solar corona and the current state of knowledge are briefly described. The practical part is devoted to the processing of obtained data using developed programs. From all of structures found in the spectrograms, zebra structures have been selected for more detailed study.

Tese (doutorado) - Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Centro Tecnológico, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Engenharia de Alimentos, Florianópolis, 2017. / Made available in DSpace on 2017-11-21T03:21:07Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 348717.pdf: 4564177 bytes, checksum: ddfe0bfcc39a181f13e5529670c4532c (MD5) Previous issue date: 2017 / Os compostos trans-resveratrol e N-acetilcisteína são potentes antioxidantes de grande importância industrial. O trans-resveratrol é um polifenol encontrado em diversos alimentos, especialmente em amoras, uvas e seus derivados. Esse composto apresenta inúmeros benefícios para saúde: antioxidante, antiplaquetário, antifúngico, anti-inflamatório, cardioprotetor entre outros. A N-acetilcisteína é um composto de tiol (-SH) com um potente efeito antioxidante. Esse composto vem demonstrando efeitos relevantes em diversas condições como na doença renal crônica, no câncer, na insuficiência pulmonar e nas doenças mentais. A técnica de Dispersão de Solução Aumentada por Fluidos Supercríticos (Solution Enhanced Dispersion by Supercritical Fluids, na sigla em inglês SEDS) é um método que pode ser aplicado para micronizar compostos com propriedades bioativas. Neste contexto, o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o emprego da técnica SEDS na micronização de trans-resveratrol e N-acetilcisteína utilizando um DCC 23 com três pontos centrais, avaliando-se a influência da concentração do composto, temperatura e pressão de operação em relação ao tamanho médio de partícula (Dp), além das propriedades biológicas in vitro e in vivo. O trans-resveratrol antes do processo de micronização apresentava o tamanho médio de 36,65 µm e da NAC de 709,82 µm, sendo o melhor resultado de ambos compostos obtido nas mesmas condições de operação: concentração de 20 mg·mL-1, pressão de 80 bar e temperatura de 35 °C, o que reduziu o tamanho original em cerca de 166,59 vezes obtendo um diâmetro médio de partículas de 0,22 µm para trans-resveratrol e redução de cerca de 248,19 vezes obtendo Dp de 2,86 µm para N-acetilcisteína. Em relação às propriedades do trans-resveratrol após o processo de micronização verificou-se o aumento da solubilidade do composto em água, cerca de 2,8 vezes comparado ao composto não-micronizado, incremento da velocidade de dissolução em 1,8 vezes e além de aumentar a atividade antioxidante do composto. Pelas análises de DSC e DR-X observou-se que houve modificações na estrutura cristalina do trans-resveratrol. Já as propriedades físico-químicas da NAC micronizada versus não-micronizado observou-se aumento na velocidade de dissolução, sendo que somente o contato do solvente com o composto ocorre total dissolução do mesmo, além do aumento da atividade antioxidante. Pelas análises de DR-X verificou-se que a cristalinidade da NAC micronizada foi reduzida após o processo, e pela análise de DSC verificou-se que houve deslocamento do ponto de fusão do composto, indícios de modificações da estrutura. Foi comprovado pelo FTIR que não houve degradação dos compostos. Pela análise de solvente residual utilizando CG-EM e CG-FID, pode ser assinalado que os compostos micronizados estão de acordo com as normas para consumo humano. Assim, o fato de o melhor resultado ter sido obtido nas condições mais brandas de temperatura e pressão é relevante, pois além de redução do custo do processo há a possibilidade de trabalhar com compostos termossensíveis. Por fim, nos testes in vivo em zebrafish observou-se que a NAC micronizada diminuiu a concentração eficaz mínima em 100 vezes, obtendo o mesmo efeito tipo ansiolítico do composto não-micronizado. Portanto, a micronização aumentou a biodisponibilidade e potencializou os efeitos terapêuticos tanto in vitro como in vivo dos fármacos o que abre novos horizontes na área de micronização por fluido supercrítico tanto para indústria farmacêutica, química como de alimentos. / Abstract : Trans-resveratrol compounds and N-acetylcysteine are potent antioxidants of great industrial interest. The trans-resveratrol is a polyphenol found in various foods, especially in Blueberry, grape seeds, in the skin of the grapes and in red wine. This compound offers numerous health benefits, such as: antioxidant, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antiplatelet, cardioprotective among others. N-Acetylcysteine is a thiol (-SH) with a potent antioxidant effect. This compound comes demonstrating preventive effect as protector in chronic kidney disease, cancer, pulmonary insufficiency among others. The technique Solution Enhanced Dispersion by Supercritical Fluids (SEDS), is a method that can be applied to micronization compounds with bioactive properties. In this context, the objective of this work was to evaluate the use of the method in the micronization of SEDS trans-resveratrol and N-acetylcysteine using both a DCC 23 with 3 central points, evaluating the influence of the concentration of the compound (4, 12, and 20 mg·mL-1), temperature (308, 313 and 318 F) and pressure (80, 100 and 120 bar) operating in relation to average particle diameter (Dp). In addition to evaluating biological properties in vitro and in vivo.The average size of the drug before processing of the trans-resveratrol was 36.65 µm and the NAC of 709.82 µm and the best result of both compounds were obtained in the same conditions: concentration of 20 mg·mL-1, 80 bar pressure and a temperature of 308 F, which reduced the original size at about 166.59 times getting an average diameter of 0.22 µm particles for trans-resveratrol and reduction of about 248.19 times getting Dp of 2.86 µm for N-acetylcysteine. In relation to the properties of Trans-resveratrol after the micronization process, the solubility of the compound increased in water, about 2.8 times compared to the non-micronized compound, increasing the dissolution rate by 1.8 times and increasing the activity Antioxidant of the compound. From DSC and PXRD analyzes, we observed that there were modifications in the trans-resveratrol crystal structure. The physicochemical properties of the micronized versus non-micronized NAC observed an increase in the dissolution rate, and only the contact of the solvent with the compound occurs totally dissolution of the same, besides the increase of the antioxidant activity. From the PXRD analysis it was found that micronized NAC reduced crystallinity after the process, and by DSC analysis it was found that there was a shift of the compound melting point indicative of structure modifications. It was proved by the FTIR found that there was no degradation of the compounds. Finally, the residual solvent analysis using GC-MS and GC-FID, it was proven that the micronized compounds are in accordance with the standards for human consumption. Thus, the fact that the best results have been obtained in milder conditions of temperature and pressure is relevant, as well as reducing the cost of the process there is the possibility of working with heat-sensitive compounds. Finally, in the in vivo tests in Zebrafish it was observed that the micronized NAC decreased the minimum effective concentration in 100 times, obtaining even anxiolytic type effect of the non-micronized compound. Therefore, micronization increased the bioavailability and potentiated the therapeutic effects, in vitro and in vivo, of the drugs, which opens new horizons in the area of supercritical fluid micronization for both the pharmaceutical, chemical and food industries.

MENVSC / Department of Geography and Geo-Information Sciences / Many South African nature reserves, like the Kruger National Park (KNP) suffer from monthly below average rainfall that puts pressure in the diversity of wildlife animals in the park. Very little attention has been given to the behaviour of zebra population during period of low rainfall in KNP. Hence, this thesis seeks to examine the role of rainfall in the distribution of burchell’s zebra population from 1983 to 2012. Previous work has failed to explain the abundance of zebras in areas of low rainfall resulting from a long period of no rainfall in the area. Readily available data on rainfall and zebra population distribution was acquired from the KNP. The semi-logarithmic model was also proposed to estimate the probability of rainfall in the Kruger National Park. Three periods of low rainfall period were estimated from the graph and the years were further used to make comparison of how zebra behaves during periods when rainfall is low, medium or highest. GIS tools (spline and kernel) were used to analyse the trend between the years of zebras in relation to rainfall availability in Kruger National Park and a map was created with these tools. The study was based on a hypothesis that there exist a relationship between rainfall and the zebra population. The study advances our understanding of what determines the movement of burchell’s zebra in the park. The findings from the research show that the impact of rainfall on zebra distribution is more complex than previously assumed. The findings based on mapping were able to indicate that rainfall variability does not influence the distribution of zebra, rather more zebras were found in areas with sparse vegetation and avoid dense vegetation as much as possible. / NRF

No description available.

No description available.

Equine sarcoid was diagnosed in the Cape mountain zebra (CMZ) population at the Gariep Nature Reserve (GNR) located in the southern Free State Province of South Africa in 1996. The course of the disease outbreak over the period from 1996 to 2003 is retrospectively described from data gathered during that time. In total, data from 39 affected animals was gathered during the study period. The average population size during the outbreak was 69 individuals. The initial prevalence was 9.4% in 1996. When ompared to the neighbouring domestic horse population, where no cases of equine sarcoid had been noted, the CMZ population showed a high prevalence of sarcoid for reasons unknown at the time. To mimic dynamics in a natural ecosystem with predators, it was decided to remove sarcoid-affected zebra from the population during 1996 and 1997. No sarcoid cases were seen in 1998 and 1999. After thoroughly examining the population in 2000, seven new sarcoid cases were found. Given the endangered status of the CMZ, no further affected animals were culled and a decision was made to study the disease more intensively, with emphasis on epidemiology, aetiology, clinical appearance and pathology, and treatment options as well as to investigate the genetic status of the population and the possibility of a genetic predisposition to the development of equine sarcoid. Prevalence of sarcoid cases in the Gariep CMZ population increased to 24.7% in 2002. Incidence varied between 4.65-17.6% during the study period with higher incidence rates recorded towards the second half of the study period. No sexual predilection was established. Sarcoids were not seen in animals younger than three years of age. Of the affected individuals, 64.1% had a single lesion and no animal had more than four lesions. Sarcoids were mostly of the fibroblastic (57%), verrucose (16%), and nodular (10%) types or a combination of these. The majority of lesions in males occurred in the inguinal area (55.17%), whereas the majority of lesions in females occurred on the head and neck (41.38%). Because treatment trials were conducted in a number of affected individuals, there were not many untreated control animals in which to study the rate of growth of the tumours, but the average annual increase in lesion size in untreated animals was found to be as much as 260%, becoming so large as to mechanically impede movement. During the study period, known sarcoid-related mortalities numbered four, while nine animals were euthanased for humane reasons, and ten other animals having been identified once with sarcoid were not seen again and presumed dead. / Dissertation (MSc (Veterinary Science))--University of Pretoria, 2007. / Paraclinical Sciences / MSc / unrestricted

Sarcoid-like tumours have been reported in Cape mountain zebra (Equus zebra zebra) in two South African game parks recently. These tumours caused severe distress to the animals and also made them unsightly for tourists visiting the parks. The aim of this investigation was to identify and characterize the infectious agent considered to be involved in the aetiology of sarcoid in the Cape mountain zebra. Bovine papillomaviruses (BPV) -1 and -2 deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) were detected by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in sarcoid tumour tissue, but not from blood specimens or unaffected skin. Differentiation between BPV-1 and -2 was made by using the restriction endonuclease BstXI on PCR products of the E5 open reading frame (ORF). A hybridization probe real-time assay was developed for the specific and sensitive detection and differentiation of BPV-1 and -2 DNA in blood, skin and sarcoid tumour samples. For the specific detection of BPV-1, an increase in fluorescence was detected at 640 nm and of BPV-2 at 705 nm. The test is extremely sensitive and able to detect 1.5 genome copies/reaction. The presence of BPV-1 and -2 DNA could be demonstrated in the blood of sarcoid-affected and -unaffected zebras even in the blood of zebras from parks where sarcoids have never been observed. The phylogenetic relationships of the papillomaviruses detected in tumours in the Cape mountain zebra in comparison with a broad selection of papillomavirus sequences available in GenBank were compiled. The papillomavirus sequences retrieved from the zebras were identified as variants of either BPV-1 or BPV-2. The age of the most recent common ancestor for BPV-1 variants is estimated to be 1.40 million years (Mya) and for BPV-2 variants, 0.55 Mya. The age of the most recent common ancestor of BPV-1 and BPV-2 is estimated to be 5.34 Mya. Certain major histocompatibility (MHC) haplotypes are associated with increased risk of sarcoid tumours in horses. The zebras in these parks may have become inbred for the MHC region with increased prevalence for a haplotype, conferring increased risk for sarcoid tumours. Therefore typing system was developed to determine whether or not a high prevalence of sarcoids among zebras is associated with a MHC haplotype. Single strand conformational polymorphism was used to assess the genetic variation in MHC class II genes. The use of DQB and DRB genes demonstrated that genetic variation and sarcoids in the zebras could not be attributed to a specific haplotype. The developed real-time PCR technique was also applied in the detection of cutaneous papillomavirus in two giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis) which were manifesting cutaneous papillomatosis, in the Kruger National Park and in a fibropapilloma in a sable antelope (Hippotragus niger), on a game farm in the Kimberley district, South Africa. In conclusion, this was the first study to confirm the presence of BPV-1 and -2 DNA in the sarcoid tumours, healthy skin and blood of sarcoid-affected and healthy free-roaming zebras from sarcoidaffected parks. The presence of BPV-1 and -2 DNA in the blood of zebras from parks where sarcoids have not been previously observed was a significant finding. / Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2010. / Veterinary Tropical Diseases / unrestricted

Thesis (M.E.S.)--Evergreen State College, 2009. / "June, 2009." Title from title screen (viewed 4/8/2010). Includes bibliographical references (leaves 48-54).