CERQUEIRA, Gilberto Santos. Efeitos farmacológicos e possíveis mecanismos de ação da hecogenina em modelos animais de lesão gástricas. 2012. 193 f. Tese (Doutorado em Farmacologia) – Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, 2012. / Submitted by denise santos (denise.santos@ufc.br) on 2016-03-23T12:15:56Z No. of bitstreams: 1 2012_tese_gscerqueira.pdf: 7195209 bytes, checksum: c4b1f8c6b85edde8c0203e4a270b8624 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by denise santos(denise.santos@ufc.br) on 2016-03-23T13:11:02Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 2012_tese_gscerqueira.pdf: 7195209 bytes, checksum: c4b1f8c6b85edde8c0203e4a270b8624 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-03-23T13:11:02Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 2012_tese_gscerqueira.pdf: 7195209 bytes, checksum: c4b1f8c6b85edde8c0203e4a270b8624 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2012 / This study investigates the gastroprotective effects of hecogenin, a steroid saponin isolated from Agave sisalana, on experimental models of gastric ulcer. Male Swiss mice were used in the models of ethanol- and indometacin-induced gastriculcer. To clarify the hecogenin mechanism of action, the roles of nitric oxide (NO), sulfhydryls (GSH), K+ATP channels and prostaglandins were also investigated, and measurements of lipid peroxidation (TBARS assay) and nitrite levels in the stomach of hecogenin-treated and untreated animals were performed. Furthermore, the effects of hecogenin on myeloperoxidase (MPO) release from human neutrophils were assessed in vitro. Our results showed that hecogenin (3.1, 7.5, 15, 30, 60 and 90 mg/kg, p.o.) acutely administered, before ethanol or indomethacin, exhibited a potent gastroprotective effect. Although the pretreatments with L-NAME, an iNOS inhibitor, and capsazepine, a TRPV1 receptor agonist, were not able to reverse the hecogenineffect, this was reversed by glibenclamide, a K+ATP blocker, and indomethacin in the model of ethanol-induced gastric lesions. The hecogenin pretreatment normalized GSH levels and significantly reduced lipid peroxidation and nitrite levels in the stomach, as evaluated by the ethanol-induced gastric lesion model. The drug alone increased COX-2 expression and this effect was further enhanced in the presence of ethanol. It also decreased MPO release and significantly protected the gastric mucosa. In conclusion, we showed that hecogenin presents a significant gastroprotective effect that seems to be mediated by K+ATP channels opening and the COX-2/PG pathway. In addition, its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties may play a role in the gastroprotective drug effect. / Este estudo investiga os efeitos gastroprotetores da hecogenina, uma saponina esteróide, isolada de Agave sisalana, em modelos experimentais de úlcera gástrica. Camundongos Swiss machos foram utilizados nos modelos de úlcera gástrica induzida pelo etanol e indometacina. Para identificarmos os mecanismos de ação da hecogenina, os papéis de óxido nítrico (NO), do grupos sulfidrilicos não protéicos (GSH), dos canais de K+ ATP e das prostaglandinas foram também investigados assim como determinações da peroxidação lipídica (TBARS) e dos níveis de nitrito no estômago de animais tratados com hecogenina e de grupos controle foram realizadas. Além disso, foi avaliado o efeito da hecogenina sobre a contagem de mastócitos, bem como sobre a liberação da mieloperoxidase (MPO), um biomarcador de inflamação foram estudados em neutrófilos humanos in vitro. Foram avaliados a atividade antimicrobina para o Helicobacter pylori e a expressão de COX-2, TNF-α, IL-1β, óxido nítrico sintase induzida (iNOS), NF-kB-p50 NLS (sequência de localização nuclear) através da técnica de imunohistoquímica em modelo de úlcera gástrica agudo e crônico. Os nossos resultados mostraram que a hecogenina (15, 30,60 e 90 mg/ kg, p.o.) administrada de forma aguda, antes do etanol ou indometacina, exibiu um potente efeito gastroprotetor, bem como reduziu o número de mastócitos. Embora os pré-tratamentos com L-NAME, um inibidor de iNOS, e capsazepina, um agonista do receptor TRPV1, não foram capazes de reverter o efeio da hecogenina, este foi revertido por glibenclamida, um bloqueador de K+ATP e por indometacina no modelo de úlcera induzida por etanol. O pré-tratamento com hecogenina reduziu de modo significativo os níveis de GSH, peroxidação lipídica e nitrito no modelo de lesão gástrica induzida por etanol. A droga por si só aumentou a expressão de COX-2, e este efeito foi ainda melhor na presença de etanol tendo diminuido também a liberação de MPO. A hecogenina não demonstrou efeitos significativos sobre o modelo de ligadura do piloro e trânsito intestinal em camundongos. No modelo crônico, o tratamento com a hecogenina foi capaz de melhorar a cicatrização de úlceras gástricas induzidas pelo ácido acético promovendo significativa regeneração da mucosa gástrica. Ademais, hecogenina 90 mg/Kg diminuiu a marcação imunohistoquímica para TNF-α, NOSi, IL-1β, NF-kB-p50 NLS na mucosa gástrica tanto em experimento agudo como no crônico. Em conclusão, os resultados obtidos indicam que a hecogenina possui atividade gastroprotetora em modelos agudo e crônico e capacidade de promover cicatrização de úlcera da mucosa gástrica. Além disso, demonstramos que a hecogenina apresenta um efeito gastroprotetor significativo que parece ser mediado pela abertura de canais de K+ATP pela via COX- 2/PG. Além disso, as propriedades antioxidantes e anti-inflamatórias podem desempenhar um papel no efeito gastroprotetor da droga. Constata-se também que o efeito anti-úlcera pode ser devido às suas propriedades de aumentar o mecanismo de defesa da mucosas e através da supressão da inflamação mediada por TNF-α, NOSi, IL-1β, NF-kB.

Crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) provides desert plants with distinct advantages over the C3 and C4 photosynthetic pathways in harsh climates where water is scarce. CAM is, however more metabolically costly than C3 or C4 photosynthesis, and some plants, such as Mesembryanthemum crystallinum, facultatively utilize CAM when water is abundant, and water conservation unnecessary. In such situations, these plants behave akin to a C3 plant when photosynthesizing. CAM is divided into four phases, with each phase displaying unique metabolic processes. Certain changes, including changes in the timing of CO2 fixation, stable carbon isotope ratios, and tissue malic acid content accumulation patterns can indicate that a plant has shifted from CAM to C3 photosynthesis. Such shifts have been observed to be regulated primarily by water availability and ontogenic development. While facultative CAM is well documented in species like Mesembryanthemum crystallinum, and it has not been studied extensively in Agave with the exception of Agave deserti, and Agave angustifolia. A better understanding of this phenomenon would apply to the agricultural growth of this genus. This study aimed to trigger C3 to CAM shifts in Agave sensu lato species, in order to expand upon the findings of previous studies, and better understand the prevalence of facultative CAM expression in the genus. Gas exchange and stable carbon isotope measurements were taken from 2-month-old, 10-month-old, and mature agaves grown in controlled ocnditions. Tissue acid content measurements were taken from mature plants. Despite the Agave sensu lato species in this study being subjected to moisture applications ranging from dry to saturated, we were unable to observe any distinct shifts from CAM to C3 photosynthesis in any of the species tested for both seedlings and mature plants. Diel net CO2 fixation rates also increased with age, and water applications for seedlings, and decreased with heavy irrigation in mature plants. Stable carbon isotope ratios revealed that some carbon in the plant tissues was fixed by rubisco, and that some species (Polianthes tuberosa, Prochnyanthes mexicana) had carbon isotope ratios of a C3 plant, but these ratios did not change with different irrigation treatments. Malic acid accumulation remained typical of CAM plants for the species tested as well, with one exception in Polianthes tuberosa. As such, we conclude that the Agave sensu stricto species tested in this study are obligate CAM plants, and that they perform poorly mature individuals are over-watered. Additionally, the Agave sensu lato species P. mexicana, and P. tuberosa appear to be C3 plants given the results of this study.

4 pp.

4 pp. / How to transplant a cactus (az1376) Problems and pests of aloes,agaves,cacti and yuccas (az1399) Cactus, Agave,Yucca,and Ocotillo (az1225) / Propagation of agaves and cacti from seed and cuttings is an easy-to-accomplish process. Cuttings and seed sown during the appropriate time of year using the methods discussed will produce numerous progeny.

Water availability and arable lands are increasingly limiting resources in many parts of the U.S., particularly in semi-arid and arid regions. As a means of addressing food and fuel demands associated with burgeoning population growth, highly productive and water-use efficient crops need to be identified. One potential crop, Agave, merits consideration and evaluation due to its putative capability to provide sustenance and energy despite growing in water-limited regions and on marginal soils. However, little is known regarding the productivity these succulent plants will have under growing conditions of the Southwest, where high concentrated saline soils are abundant, and water is often limited. The objectives of these studies were to determine the effects of high levels of salinity and different volumetric water content levels (VWC) on plant growth, biomass accumulation, and nutrient uptake. I used a hydroponic study to compare the effects of four salinity treatments (0.5, 3, 6, and 9 dS m-1) on productivity of four Agave species (Agave parryi, Agave utahensis ssp. kaibabensis, Agave utahensis ssp. utahensis, and Agave weberi). In a second study, an automated irrigation system was established to examine four pre-determined VWC threshold set-points and simulated a gradient of well-watered to drought conditions, to evaluate how A. weberi would respond to varying levels of water availability. Salinity concentrations did not significantly affect root and plant dry weight accumulation in A. weberi, but all other agave plants experienced less biomass accumulation under high saline conditions (>6 dS m-1). Seedlings of A. utahensis were two times more likely to die in the two highest saline treatments (6 and 9 dS m-1) than the two lower treatments (0.5 dS m-1 and 3 dS m-1). Calcium, Mg, S, Mn levels decreased in both A. parryi and A. weberi at higher salinity levels. Agave weberi was able to tolerate salinity, but it also experienced lower biomass production ≤3 dS m-1. In the water-stress study, Agave weberi plants experienced a decrease of 2.11 g as compared to plants in the highest treatment. Plants in the intermediate VWC treatments had similar dry mass values as those in the highest treatment, which suggests that this species could have moderately high yields under limited water conditions, and consequently should be evaluated as a potential bioenergy crop for semi-arid regions, such as the U.S. Southwest. Agave shows considerable potential to be grown in arid and semi-arid regions that are moderately high in salinity and have limited water availability. Indeed, the cultivation of Agave as a crop appears to be a viable option for many areas of the Southwest. While some of the Agave species evaluated were quite productive under moderate salt and water stress, it is uncertain if growth will be significantly reduced if under these stress conditions for periods longer than 3 months.

Agave palmeri (Palmer's agave) is a semelparous, perennial succulent thought to provide critical forage for the endangered species, Leptonycteris curasoae (lesser long-nosed bat). Preserving intact agave populations and mitigating loss of habitat may be critical to L. curasoae recovery. Two methods for restoring A. palmeri in disturbed habitats were evaluated: seeding and translocation. In a greenhouse, the emergence and establishment of 2700 seeds was tested across four environmental variables: irrigation level, shade, surface mulch, and soil type. The overall emergence of seedlings was low, particularly in low irrigation, unshaded, unmulched treatments--conditions that might be commonly expected in disturbed habitats. In the field, growth responses of 277 wild transplants were assessed in relation to size class, initial water availability, and storage method. Transplants of all sizes responded positively when replanting coincided with seasonal rainfall, suggesting that salvaging and replanting A. palmeri plants may be a promising restoration strategy.

Submitted by Fabio Sobreira Campos da Costa (fabio.sobreira@ufpe.br) on 2017-04-04T12:22:08Z No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 1232 bytes, checksum: 66e71c371cc565284e70f40736c94386 (MD5) BIOMIMÉTICA E ARTEFATOS PARA AMBIENTES AQUÁTICOS - Estratégia de leveza e resistencia inspiradas na estrutura celular do ~1.pdf: 9452656 bytes, checksum: 5fc75ab99d22907c133d82009ac24b3d (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-04-04T12:22:08Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 1232 bytes, checksum: 66e71c371cc565284e70f40736c94386 (MD5) BIOMIMÉTICA E ARTEFATOS PARA AMBIENTES AQUÁTICOS - Estratégia de leveza e resistencia inspiradas na estrutura celular do ~1.pdf: 9452656 bytes, checksum: 5fc75ab99d22907c133d82009ac24b3d (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015-12-21 / A biomimética visa o estudo das estratégias da natureza, tendo-a como princípio e inspiração para solução de problemas de design e outras áreas. Esta pesquisa é uma abordagem alternativa para processos de geração de soluções no design de estruturas de pranchas de surf. Atualmente os materiais e processos produtivos destes artefatos ainda estão distantes dos aspectos ecológicos e de um ciclo de vida de produto sustentável. Existem algumas alternativas, onde as pranchas são fabricadas com materiais orgânicos, como por exemplo, o Agave, porém ainda com processos ultrapassados, contrários às estratégias da natureza, que atuam num optimum de economia de matéria e energia, dentro de um ciclo de vida sustentável bem definido. Com base na metodologia DesignLens (Biomimicry Institute 3.8), os ensinamentos da natureza aliados à tecnologia representam potencial de inovação em design e sustentabilidade. Quando processos de design paramétrico foram incorporados à fabricação digital, se permitiu atingir um nível de materialização muito próximo das estratégias da natureza. Verificou-se que a aplicação de tecnologias digitais tem grande relevância para o futuro das áreas de projeto, principalmente quando alinhadas aos princípios de sistemas biológicos. Esta pesquisa obteve parte da validação através da impressão 3D de uma secção de uma prancha de surf como exemplo de aplicação, dentre muitas alternativas para as estratégias do Agave em estruturas. / Biomimetics aims study of the strategies of nature, having it as a principle and inspiration for design and troubleshooting other áreas. This research is an alternative approach to the processes of generation of solutions in the surfboards design. Currently the materials and production processes of these artifacts are still distant from ecological aspects and a sustainable product life cycle. There are some alternatives, where the boards are made with organic materials, as for example, Agave, but with outdated processes, contrary to nature, strategies that work in an optimum of economy of matter and energy, within a sustainable life cycle. Based on the DesignLens methodology (Biomimicry Institute 3.8), the teachings of nature coupled with technology represent potential for innovation in design and sustainability. When parametric design processes have been incorporated into the digital fabrication, if allowed to reach a level of materialization very close of the strategies of nature. The application of digital technologies has great relevance to the future of the project areas, especially when aligned to the principles of biological systems. This research obtained part of the validation through the 3D printing of a section of a surfboard as an example of application, among many alternatives for the strategies of Agave in structures.

12 pp. / plant disease bulletins; July 2006 original publishing date, rev. 10/08 / Cacti, agaves and yuccas are classified as succulents, plants that have highly specialized anatomical features such as thick waxy cuticles, fleshy or minimal leaves, modified leaves (spines), and roots with extra storage capabilities for food and water. These modifications allow them to survive and thrive in harsh desert environments. They survive long periods of drought in areas of sparse rainfall and intense heat. During stressful periods, many succulents cease to grow, drop unnecessary leaves, dehydrate and become dormant until conditions for growth return. Despite their adaptations, succulents suffer from diseases, insect pests and cultural problems. Some of the more common problems that occur in cacti, agave and yuccas in Arizona are discussed in this bulletin.

Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Centro de Ciências Agrárias. Programa de Pós-Graduação em Recursos Genéticos Vegetais. / Made available in DSpace on 2013-07-16T00:30:07Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 233081.pdf: 1847831 bytes, checksum: afe59518cc321da64c4b966d0a69828e (MD5) / Agave attenuata Salmy-Dyck é uma planta ornamental originária do México e a maior parte das suas mudas é propagada vegetativamente por brotos.Técnicas de micropropagação permitem a captura de ganhos genéticos e a obtenção rápida de um grande número de mudas com alta sanidade e em menor tempo. A cultura in vitro desta espécie utiliza o meio de cultura MS Murashige & Skoog (1962), suplementado com vários outros componentes. A composição do meio de cultura, principalmente as fontes e concentrações de N e C afetam as respostas morfogenéticas obtidas. Assim, no presente trabalho estudou-se os efeitos do meio de cultura MS a 50 e 100% e de diferentes concentrações de sacarose (0, 1 e 2%) sobre algumas características das plântulas desta espécie nas fases de imatização, visando aumentar as taxas de sobrevivência na fase de aclimatização. A análise das características de altura, produção de biomassa (massa fresca e seca), taxa de sobrevivência e enraizamento mostraram que as plântulas de Agave attenuata Salmy-Dyck foram dependentes das concentrações de nutrientes inorgânicos do meio MS e das concentrações de sacarose. Os melhores resultados foram obtidos em resposta ao meio MS a 100% suplementado com 2% de sacarose. Agave attenuata is a plant largely employed in the ornamental origirary fron Mexico and most part of their plantlets are being mainly vegetatively propagated by shoots. Micropropagation techniques allow the capture and fixation of genetic gains as well as the fast production of a large number of stocks with high sanity standards in short time.The tissue culture of this species relies on the use of MS Murashige & Skoog (1962), supplemented with other components. The composition of the culture medium mainly the sources and levels of C and N affects the in vitro morphogenic responses. In the present work it was studied the effects of the full and half-strength MS culture medium and different levels of sucrose (0, 1 e 2%) on some characteristics of plantlets in the phases of pre-acclimatization in order to improve the survival rates in the acclimatization phase. The analysis of the characteristics of height, biomass production (fresh and dry mass), survival rate, and rooting revealed that Agave attenuata Salmy-Dyck plantlets were dependent of the inorganic nutrient concentrations of MS culture medium and levels of sucrose. The best results were obtained in response to the full-strength MS culture medium supplemented with 2% sucrose.

Submitted by Maike Costa (maiksebas@gmail.com) on 2016-04-08T11:43:11Z No. of bitstreams: 1 arquivo total.pdf: 3301268 bytes, checksum: 1f1d0a994352353ef93a2736337ab05d (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-04-08T11:43:11Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 arquivo total.pdf: 3301268 bytes, checksum: 1f1d0a994352353ef93a2736337ab05d (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015-05-05 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPES / This thesis aims to discuss, through the memories and the sensibilities, some of the life experiences of people who lived in the city of Cubati, located at the interior of the state of Paraiba during the 1950s until 1980. In this period, occurred in this city the change of agricultural production based on food cultivation for subsistence to a production process and large-scale commercialization of agave, wich was destinated for the domestic and foreign markets. In this city, the process of economic exploitation of agave resulted in some changes on the lifes of the people, changes on their everyday life and working practices. Through political and religious speeches, we realize that the agave was seen as the main route for the salvation of the brazilian Northeast, a region hit by the drought and focus of different public policies. In this sense, political, religious, agronomists and journalists took turns on the production of speeches in defense of the agave, for which attributed an evil and destructive aspect. Through analysis of these discourses (BENJAMIN, 2012) I sought to identify how they were important for the acceptance of agave in Cubati, and also, how they were used for positivization of this type of agriculture. This study has not the objective to privilege the visions created by the elitist groups about the agricultural production of the agave. For the contrary, I intend to identify, through narratives and the sensibilities produced by oral speech, how the process of the exploration of the agave changed the lifes of the workers who lived in this city. After analize the oral sources, I propoused some questions wich could reveal to me the senses, the objectives of these senses and the objectives of the sequences of remembrance of the people who were interviewed. With regard to the work with the oral sources, I used the Oral History Metodology (FERREIRA, 1998), because I realize that it would be the best manner to comprehend the visions of the farmers about the introduction of the agave as a new agricultural product and how it was the manner of work with that strange plant. When we think on the relashionship between the speeches and its various forms of actuation, I based myself in Michel Foucault (1972; 2012), because this philosopher showed us that the speeches are passed by a knowledge-power relation wich start from a particular place/institution playing a role in social, cultural and political relations. Foucault inspired me to think the manner how the workers were related to their memories, and how, when they remembered, exercised the "author function". It was also important to think the relations of the workers with the working world from the look of English historiography, notably through (THOMPSON, 1981; 1997; 1998) realized that the agave‟s workers from Cubati and their memories are inscribed in this study through a poetic, that do not intend to tell just one story. This story is told through the various voices that make up this text. / Esta dissertação pretende discutir, através das memórias e sensibilidades, algumas das experiências vividas pelos sujeitos da cidade de Cubati, interior da Paraíba, durante as décadas de 1950 e 1980. Nesse período, ocorreu neste município, a alteração da produção agrícola baseada no cultivo de alimentos para a subsistência para um processo de produção e comercialização em grande escala de agave, o qual era destinado ao mercado interno e externo. Nessa cidade, o processo de exploração econômica do agave resultou na alteração das vidas dos sujeitos, nas mudanças dos seus costumes e na alteração de suas práticas de trabalho. Através de discursos de políticos e religiosos, percebemos que o agave passou a ser visto como a principal via para a salvação do Nordeste, região esta assolada pela seca e foco de diferentes políticas públicas. Nesse sentido, políticos, religiosos, agrônomos e jornalistas revezaram-se na produção de discursos em defesa do agave, para o qual atribuíam um aspecto diabólico e destrutivo. Através de análises à contra-pêlo desses discursos (BENJAMIN, 2012) procurei identificar como eles foram importantes para a aceitação do agave em terras cubatienses, e também, como foram utilizados a positivação desse tipo de agricultura. Este estudo não tem como objetivo privilegiar as visões produzidas pelas elites sobre o agave. Ao contrário disso, busco identificar, através das narrativas e das sensibilidades produzidas por depoimentos orais, como o processo de exploração do agave alterou a vida dos trabalhadores que viveram nesta cidade. Ao analisar as fontes orais, propus indagações que pudessem me revelar os sentidos e os objetivos das sequências de rememoração das pessoas entrevistadas. No que se refere ao trabalho com as fontes orais, trabalhei com a metodologia da História Oral (FERREIRA, 1998), pois percebi que ela seria a única maneira de compreender o olhar dos agricultores sobre a introdução do agave como novo produto agrícola e como era o processo de trabalho com aquela planta estranha. Ao pensar a relação entre os discursos e suas múltiplas formas de atuação me baseio em Michel Foucault (1972; 2012), esse filósofo nos mostra que os discursos são perpassados por uma relação de saber-poder, os quais partem de um determinado lugar/instituição exercendo um papel nas relações sociais, culturais e politicas. Foucault, ainda me inspirou a pensar a maneira como os trabalhadores se relacionavam com suas memórias, como, ao rememorarem exerciam a “função de autor”. Foi importante pensar a relação dos trabalhadores com o mundo do trabalho a partir do olhar da historiografia inglesa, (THOMPSON, 1981; 1997; 1998) percebi que os trabalhadores do agave de Cubati e suas memórias estão inscritos neste trabalho através de uma poética, que não pretende contar uma só história, mas que se conta através das várias vozes, que compõem esse texto.