Drosophila larval neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) serve as a model for synaptic physiology. The molecular sequence of the postsynaptic glutamate receptors has been described; however, the pharmacological profile has not been fully elucidated. Despite the postsynaptic molecular sequence used to classify the receptors as a kainate subtype, they do not respond pharmacologically as such. Kainate does not depolarize the muscle, but dampens evoked EPSP amplitudes. Quantal responses show a decreased amplitude and area under the voltage curve indicative of reduced postsynaptic receptor sensitivity to glutamate transmission. ATPA, a kainate receptor agonist, did not mimic kainate’s action. The metabotropic glutamate receptor agonist t-ACPD had no effect. Domoic acid, a quisqualate receptor antagonist, blocks the postsynaptic receptors without depolarizing the muscle, which supports the presence of quisqualate subtype receptors. The results suggest a direct postsynaptic action of kainate due to partial antagonist action on the quisqualate receptors. There does not appear to be presynaptic auto-regulation via a kainate receptor subtype or a metabotropic auto-receptor. A complete pharmacological profiling of the known receptor subtypes at this NMJ has not yet occurred; however, this study aids in furthering the ongoing investigations to provide a clearer picture of pharmokinetic profile and specificity of the receptor subtypes.

Decreases in ocean pH through ocean acidification has shown to have direct negative impacts on the early life stages of the Pacific purple sea urchin, Strongylocentrotus purpuratus. Research has suggested that multiple stressors could exacerbate, cancel, or even alleviate the impacts of ocean acidification on echinoderms. This study assessed the combined effects of changes in pCO2 concentrations (390, 800, 1500 ppm), salinities (28, 31, 34 ppt) and temperatures (12, 15, 18°C) on fertilization and larval development in S. purpuratus. Increased pCO2 was the predominant stressor, with additive and antagonistic effects from temperature changes, and no effect from salinity changes. Stressor combinations significantly decreased the rate of normal larval development by 28 – 68%, whereas fertilization and larval survival were unaffected. The strong impact on normal larval development likely indicates that later development stages could be detrimentally affected and could influence the population dynamics of S. purpuratus.

Larval fish assemblages were investigated during a three-year multidisciplinary project conducted off the coast of south-western Australia. Larvae were sampled using replicated oblique bongo net tows along a five-station transect extending from inshore (18m depth) to offshore waters (1000m depth). A total of 148 taxa from 93 teleost families were identified. Larvae of Gobiidae, and Blenniidae were abundant inshore, while larvae of pelagic and reef-dwelling families, such as Clupeidae, Engraulidae, Carangidae and Labridae were common in continental shelf waters. Larvae of oceanic families, particularly Myctophidae, Phosichthydae and Gonostomatidae, dominated offshore assemblages. Inshore larval fish assemblages were the most seasonal, in terms of species composition and abundance, with offshore assemblages the least so. Multivariate statistical analyses revealed larval fish assemblages to have a strong temporal and spatial structure. Assemblages were closely correlated to water masses, with species distributions reflecting both cross shelf and along-shore oceanographic processes and events. The strength and position of the warm, southward flowing Leeuwin Current, and of the cool, seasonal, northward flowing Capes Current were shown to drive much of the variability in the marine environment, and thus larval fish assemblages. Many of the distinctions between larval fish assemblages on the continental shelf were attributable to patterns of abundance in clupeiform larvae. While larvae of Engraulis australis and Spratelloides robustus showed clear seasonal and spatial distribution patterns, larvae of Sardinops sagax and Etrumeus teres were found throughout the year, with high interannual variability in abundance. Abundances of larvae from all pelagic clupeiform species were negatively correlated to microzooplankton concentrations. Peaks of abundance of S. sagax and E. teres, in particular, appeared to be better aligned with favourable transport and retention conditions. A detailed comparison of the horizontal and vertical distribution of larval fishes highlighted the influence of contrasting oceanographic conditions between summer and winter on larval fish assemblages. Although most fish larvae were found above the thermocline, depth distributions differed between taxa, and were shown to influence their offshore transport. Neustonic fish larvae showed potential for significant dispersion during summer, as a result of offshore Ekman transport. Mesoscale Leeuwin Current eddies were a feature of the oceanography of the region, and their influence on larval fish assemblages was examined in both an anti-cyclonic eddy (warm-core) and a cyclonic eddy (cold-core). The warm-core eddy contained larval fish assemblages that were distinct from those in the cold-core eddy, with lower larval fish concentrations, especially in the eddy centre. Although the eddies originated near the continental shelf, larval fish assemblages within both eddies were largely oceanic, probably a result of the age of the eddies when they were sampled (about 5 months). Overall, larval fish assemblages showed strong temporal and spatial structure, and were well aligned to water masses in the region. The unique oceanography off south western Australia thus has considerable implications for both larval fish transport, and potential recruitment to regional fisheries.

Resumo: Avaliou-se o efeito da densidade de estocagem na larvicultura de Macrobrachium rosenbergii nas densidades de 50, 70, 80, 90, 100, 120 e 140 larvas/L. Os custos de implantação, de produção e os indicadores econômicos de três larviculturas hipotéticas utilizando densidades de estocagem de 50, 100 e 140 larvas/L foram avaliados. Os resultados obtidos mostram que a intensificação do sistema influenciou as variáveis sobrevivência e produtividade. Nas densidades mais elevadas, os valores de produtividade foram maiores, todavia, a partir de 90 larvas/L o espaço demonstrou-se um fator limitante, afetando a quantidade de indivíduos na população sem comprometer o desenvolvimento das larvas. Na análise econômica, o cultivo na densidade de 140 larvas/L apresentou os melhores indicadores econômicos e suportou melhor as possíveis variações de mercado. No entanto, a densidade de 100 larvas/L apresentou indicadores próximos aos obtidos para 140 larvas/L, maior eficiência na taxa de metamorfose e pode gerar menor nível de estresse nas larvas. Conclui-se que o intervalo de 90 a 100 larvas/L é mais adequado, biológica e economicamente, para a produção de pós-larvas de M. rosenbergii, em sistema fechado dinâmico / Abstract: We evaluated the effect of stocking density on larval rearing of Macrobrachium rosenbergii in stocking densities of 50, 70, 80, 90, 100, 120 and 140 larvae/L. The costs of planting, production and economic indicators using three hypothetical hatcheries stocking densities of 50, 100 and 140 larvae/L were evaluated. The results obtained show that the intensification of the system influences the survival and productivity variables. At higher densities, the productivity values were greater, however, from 90 larvae/L the space proved to be a limiting factor, affecting the amount of individuals in the population without compromising the development of larvae. In economic analysis, the rearing in density of 140 larvae/L showed the best economic indicators and endured the best possible market variations. However, the density of 100 larvae/L showed indicators close to those obtained for 140 larvae/L, more efficient rate of metamorphosis and can lead to lower stress levels in the larvae. We conclude that the range of 90 to 100 larvae/L is more appropriate, biological and economically, to produce post-larvae of M. rosenbergii, in a closed system dynamic / Orientador: Wagner Cotroni Valenti / Coorientador: Alessandra da Silva Augusto / Banca: Margarete Mallasen / Banca: Ricardo Jorge Guerra Calado / Mestre

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:35:41Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2009-07-17Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T20:26:40Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 hirose_gl_dr_botib.pdf: 1065513 bytes, checksum: 1c284122c464b2183d1c158451fe6cab (MD5) / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) / Como na maioria dos invertebrados marinhos, os Brachyura possuem em seu ciclo de vida uma fase larval, a qual pode constituir-se em vários estágios (zoeas) antes de tornarem-se competentes para o assentamento. Durante esta fase, as larvas estão expostas às variações ambientais, os quais influenciam suas chances de sobrevivência e desenvolvimento. Entre estes fatores, podemos citar as variáveis físicas e químicas, como a temperatura, salinidade, luz e poluentes; além de alguns fatores biológicos como a disponibilidade de alimento e predação. A região de Ubatuba apresenta certas características quanto à dinâmica de suas águas, com marcantes mudanças sazonais que podem influenciar as regiões costeiras, promovendo modificações horizontais, verticais e um processo de mistura entre as diferentes massas de água, ocasionando alterações na estrutura física, química e, conseqüentemente, biológica. Este trabalho descreve a distribuição e a abundância larval das principais superfamílias de Brachyura encontradas na região de Ubatuba e sua relação com as populações adultas e mudanças físicas ambientais decorrentes da sazonalidade e dinâmica das massas de água. As coletas de plâncton foram realizadas sazonalmente durante os anos de 2000 à 2002 nas áreas “inshore” e “offshore” da região de Ubatuba, SP, utilizando-se embarcação comercial, equipada com 2 redes cônicas para coleta de plâncton (com fluxômetro acoplado), sendo demarcados 8 pontos dispostos perpendicularmente à costa. Em cada ponto amostral registrou-se a temperatura e salinidade (de fundo e superfície). Durante o período de estudo foi evidente o predomínio de águas costeiras (AC: T>20ºC, S<36) caracterizadas por baixa salinidade e alta temperatura. Durante as estações verão/primavera evidenciou-se a maior penetração das Águas Centrais do Atlântico Sul... / Like in the majority of marine invertebrates, the Brachyurans have larvae in their life-cycle which can be composed by several stages (zoeas) before they become competent for settlement. During such phase, the larvae are exposed to environmental variations, which influence their chances to survival and develop. Among these factors, we can mention the physical and chemical variables such as temperature, salinity, light and pollutants, in addition to some biological factors such as food availability and predation. The Ubatuba region has particular features concerning its water dynamics, with marked seasonal changes which may affect the coastal regions, promoting horizontal and vertical changes. A process of mixing between different water masses occurs promoting changes in the physical, chemistry and, consequently, biological structure. This paper describes the distribution and abundance of the major Brachyura Superfamilies found in the region of Ubatuba, its relationship with adult populations and physical changes resulting from environmental and seasonal dynamics of water masses. The plankton samplings were carried out seasonally during the years 2000 to 2002 in the inshore and offshore region of Ubatuba, SP, using a fishing boat, equipped with 2 conical plankton nets (with a flowmeter attached), and 8 sites demarcated arranged perpendicular to the coast. At each sampling site was recorded temperature and salinity (from bottom and surface). During the study period was evident the predominance of coastal waters (AC: T> 20 º C, S <36) characterized by low salinity and high temperature. During the summer / spring was possible to demonstrate the greater penetration of the South Atlantic Central Waters (ACAS: T <18 º C, S <36), while during autumn / winter the ACAS is presented in a more discreet form occurring only in deeper regions (offshore). The highest larval abundance occurred... (Complete abstract click electronic access below)

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:22:23Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2011-06-16Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T19:27:40Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 david_fs_me_jabo.pdf: 1823187 bytes, checksum: 5487fdb6b27e5848e23858c636cfd1b2 (MD5) / Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) / Avaliou-se o efeito da densidade de estocagem na larvicultura de Macrobrachium rosenbergii nas densidades de 50, 70, 80, 90, 100, 120 e 140 larvas/L. Os custos de implantação, de produção e os indicadores econômicos de três larviculturas hipotéticas utilizando densidades de estocagem de 50, 100 e 140 larvas/L foram avaliados. Os resultados obtidos mostram que a intensificação do sistema influenciou as variáveis sobrevivência e produtividade. Nas densidades mais elevadas, os valores de produtividade foram maiores, todavia, a partir de 90 larvas/L o espaço demonstrou-se um fator limitante, afetando a quantidade de indivíduos na população sem comprometer o desenvolvimento das larvas. Na análise econômica, o cultivo na densidade de 140 larvas/L apresentou os melhores indicadores econômicos e suportou melhor as possíveis variações de mercado. No entanto, a densidade de 100 larvas/L apresentou indicadores próximos aos obtidos para 140 larvas/L, maior eficiência na taxa de metamorfose e pode gerar menor nível de estresse nas larvas. Conclui-se que o intervalo de 90 a 100 larvas/L é mais adequado, biológica e economicamente, para a produção de pós-larvas de M. rosenbergii, em sistema fechado dinâmico / We evaluated the effect of stocking density on larval rearing of Macrobrachium rosenbergii in stocking densities of 50, 70, 80, 90, 100, 120 and 140 larvae/L. The costs of planting, production and economic indicators using three hypothetical hatcheries stocking densities of 50, 100 and 140 larvae/L were evaluated. The results obtained show that the intensification of the system influences the survival and productivity variables. At higher densities, the productivity values were greater, however, from 90 larvae/L the space proved to be a limiting factor, affecting the amount of individuals in the population without compromising the development of larvae. In economic analysis, the rearing in density of 140 larvae/L showed the best economic indicators and endured the best possible market variations. However, the density of 100 larvae/L showed indicators close to those obtained for 140 larvae/L, more efficient rate of metamorphosis and can lead to lower stress levels in the larvae. We conclude that the range of 90 to 100 larvae/L is more appropriate, biological and economically, to produce post-larvae of M. rosenbergii, in a closed system dynamic

Bakgrund: Larvterapi är en alternativ behandlingsmetod i bensårsläkning. Sårläkning med larver har förekommit i mer än 70 år men vid antibiotikans introduktion minskades användandet av larvterapi. Då det idag finns problem med antibiotikaresistens introducerades larvterapi åter. Syftet med denna studie var att belysa hur larvterapi påverkar bensårsbehandlingen för patienter med kroniska bensår. Metod: En integrativ litteraturstudie genomfördes utifrån två kvalitativa och sju kvantitativa vetenskapliga artiklar.  Resultat: Det som belystes var fysiologisk påverkan av bensåret såsom debridering och läkning samt upplevelsen av larvterapi såsom smärta, obehagskänslor och lukt. Studien visade att debridering vid bensår med larvterapi gav bättre resultat än med hydrogelbehandling. Larverna debriderade såren från nekrotisk vävnad så att bensårens omfång minskade drastiskt. Anmärkningsvärt var att sex av nio studier nämnde att smärta upplevdes under behandlingsprocessen men att acceptansen av larvterapi som behandlingsform var över förväntan trots smärtan. En del patienter hade initialt en negativ inställning inför larvterapi men var villiga att prova behandlingsmetoden. Larvterapi kunde förbättra patienters välbefinnande och vid smärtförekomst gick behandlingsmetoden att genomföra med hjälp av information och smärtstillande läkemedel varvid den totala läkningstiden förkortades. / Background: Larval therapy is an alternative treatment method in wound healing. Wound healing with larvae has occurred for more than 70 years. The introduction of antibiotics decreased larval therapy, but though there are problems with the resistance of antibiotics, larval therapy returned. The objective of this study was to highlight the impact of larval therapy for chronic leg ulcers.  Method: An integrative literature study was performed based on two qualitative and seven quantitative scientific articles.  Results: The impacts of the leg ulcers that were highlighted were physiological such as debridement and healing, also the experience of larval therapy such as pain, feelings of discomfort and wound odor. The study showed that the debridement in leg ulcers with larval therapy gave better results than hydrogel treatment. The larvae debrided necrotic tissue from the wounds and decreased the wound dramatically. Remarkably, six out of nine studies mentioned pain as a big factor during treatment but the acceptance of larval therapy was beyond expectation. Although some patients were reluctant to try larval therapy, most patients were willing to go through with the treatment. Larval therapy improved the wellbeing of patients and if pain occurred during larval therapy patients were motivated with information and were relieved with painkillers so the total time of healing was shortened.

Submitted by Fabio Sobreira Campos da Costa (fabio.sobreira@ufpe.br) on 2016-04-12T12:30:25Z No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 1232 bytes, checksum: 66e71c371cc565284e70f40736c94386 (MD5) Dissertação Diego Oliveira.pdf: 1579476 bytes, checksum: 0bc50038aed03190a5d951097e2c8912 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-04-12T12:30:25Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 1232 bytes, checksum: 66e71c371cc565284e70f40736c94386 (MD5) Dissertação Diego Oliveira.pdf: 1579476 bytes, checksum: 0bc50038aed03190a5d951097e2c8912 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015-02-23 / CNPq / Moscas necrófagas são um grupo de insetos que possuem grande associação com a decomposição da matéria orgânica, incluindo carcaças animais e cadáveres humanos, sendo por isto utilizadas amplamente em estudos de Entomologia Forense, que se baseiam em dados entomológicos para a resolução de crimes. O trabalho teve como objetivo verificar a associação de moscas necrófagas com carcaças de ratos (Rattus norvegicus) em decomposição, em um ambiente de Caatinga do estado de Pernambuco. O estudo consistiu na execução de dois experimentos de campo simultâneos. O primeiro visou verificar o padrão de atividade de voo de moscas adultas ao longo da decomposição de 29 carcaças, separando as capturas diurnas das noturnas. O segundo experimento visou a caracterização da colonização de 42 carcaças, em sete regimes sequenciais de exposição, de um a sete dias. A armadilha utilizada nesta última etapa ofereceu a possibilidade de segregação das larvas que se alimentaram e abandonaram as carcaças, das que lá permaneceram ao final da exposição. No primeiro experimento foram capturadas 1.133 moscas adultas das famílias Calliphoridae (26,1%), Fanniidae (10,6%), Muscidae (37,4%) e Sarcophagidae (25,9%), que apresentaram um padrão de voo prioritariamente diurno (91,3%) e foram compostas principalmente por fêmeas (97,1%). Os califorídeos foram identificados ao nível específico, revelando a presença das espécies Chloroprocta idioidea (0,3%), Chrysomya albiceps (89,9%), C. megacephala (3,0%), C. putoria (1,0%) e Cochliomyia macellaria (5,7%). No segundo experimento, houve a presença de 1.123 larvas que dispersaram, pertencentes às famílias Calliphoridae (5,8%), Fanniidae (0,7%), Muscidae (5,1%) e Sarcophagidae (88,2%). Califorídeos dispersantes foram todos identificados como C. albiceps. As larvas colonizadoras que permaneceram nas carcaças se alimentando após o fim da exposição somaram 22.176 indivíduos, das famílias Calliphoridae (67,1%), Fanniidae (0,8%), Muscidae (10,0) e Sarcophagidae (22,1%). Três espécies de Calliphoridae colonizaram e permaneceram nas carcaças, Chrysomya albiceps (98,2%), C. putoria (0,6%) e C. macellaria (1,2%). / Necrophagous flies are a group of insects that have a strong association with the decomposition of organic matter, including animal carcasses and human corpses, being for this reason, widely used in studies of Forensic Entomology, which are based on entomological data to solve crimes. The study aimed to determine the association of necrophagous flies with decomposing rat carcasses (Rattus norvegicus), in a Caatinga environment of the state of Pernambuco. The study consisted in performing two simultaneous field experiments. The first aimed to verify the pattern of flight activity of adult flies along the decomposition of 29 carcasses, isolating the diurnal and nocturnal catches. The second experiment aimed to characterize the colonization of 42 carcasses in seven sequential regimes of exposure, from one to seven days. The trap used in this last experiment offered the possibility of segregation of larvae that fed and left the carcasses, from those that remained there at the end of exposure. In the first experiment were captured 1,133 adult flies of the families Calliphoridae (26.1%), Fanniidae (10.6%), Muscidae (37.4%) and Sarcophagidae (25.9%), which had a mainly diurnal flight pattern (91.3%) and were composed mainly of females (97.1%). The blowflies were identified to species level, revealing the presence of species Chloroprocta idioidea (0.3%), Chrysomya albiceps (89.9%), C. megacephala (3.0%), C. putoria (1.0%) and Cochliomyia macellaria (5.7%). In the second experiment, there was the dispersion of 1,123 larvae of the families Calliphoridae (5.8%), Fanniidae (0.7%), Muscidae (5.1%) and Sarcophagidae (88.2%). Dispersant blowflies were all from the species C. albiceps. The colonizing larvae that remained in the carcasses feeding after the end of exposure add up 22,176 individuals, from families Calliphoridae (67.1%), Fanniidae (0.8%), Muscidae (10.0) and Sarcophagidae (22.1%). Three blowfly species remained colonizing carcasses, Chrysomya albiceps (98.2%), C. putoria (0.6%) and C. macellaria (1.2%).

Marine protected areas (MPAs) have proliferated in the past decades to protect biodiversity and sustain fisheries. However, most of the MPA networks have been designed without taking into account a critical factor: the larval dispersal patterns of populations within and outside the reserves. The scale and predictability of larval dispersal, however, remain unknown due to the difficulty of measuring dispersal when larvae are minute (~ cm) compared to the potential scale of dispersal (~ km). Nevertheless, genetic approaches can now be used to make estimates of larval dispersal. The following thesis describes self-recruitment and connectivity patterns of a coral reef fish species (Centropyge bicolor) in Kimbe Bay, Papua New Guinea. To do this, microsatellite markers were developed to evaluate fine-scale genetics and recruit assignment via genetic parentage analysis. In this method, offspring are assigned to potential parents, so that larval dispersal distances can then be inferred for each individual larvae. From a total of 255 adults and 426 juveniles collected only 2 parentoffspring pairs were assigned, representing less than 1% self-recruitment. Previous data from the same study system showed that both Chaetodon vagagundus and Amphiprion percula have consistent high self-recuitment rates (~ 60%), despite having contrasting life history traits. Since C. bicolor and C. vagabundus have similar characteristics (e.g. reproductive mode, pelagic larval duration), comparable results were expected. On the contrary, the results of this study showed that dispersal patterns cannot be generalized across species. Hence the importance of studying different species and seascapes to better understand the patterns of larval dispersal. This, in turn, will be essential to improve the design and implementation of MPAs as conservation and management tools.

Knowledge in the spatial patterns of fish larval dispersal is crucial for the establishment of a sustainable management of fisheries and species conservation. Direct quantification of larval dispersal is a challenging task due to the difficulty associated with larval tracking in the vast ocean. However, genetic approaches can be used to estimate it. Here, I employed genetic markers (microsatellites) as a proxy to determine dispersal patterns and self-recruitment levels using parentage analysis in the bumphead parrotfish (Bolbometapon muricatum) in the Solomon Islands. Tissue samples of 3924 fish (1692 juveniles, 1121 males and 1111 females) were collected from a spear-fishery at the Kia District in Santa Isabel Island. The samples come from three distinct zones with different fishing pressure histories (lightly fished, recently fished, and heavily fished). The mean dispersal distance estimated for the bumphead parrotfish was 36.5 Km (range 4 – 78 Km) and the genetic diversity for the population studied was low in comparison with other reef fishes. The parentage analysis identified 68 parent–offspring relationships, which represents a self-recruitment level of almost 50 %. Most of the recruits were produced in the zone that recently started to be fished and most of these recruits dispersed to the heavily fished zone. Comparisons of genetic diversity and relatedness among adults and juveniles suggested the potential occurrence of sweepstakes reproductive success. These results suggest that management measures must be taken straightaway to assure the sustainability of the spear-fishery. These measures may imply the ban on juveniles fishing in the heavily fished zone and the larger adults in the recently fished zone. Overall, the population dynamics of the studied system seem to be strongly shaped by self-recruitment and sweepstakes reproduction events.