A number of fungi produce spalted wood, which is characterized by accumulation of black pigment in fine demarcation lines, often accompanied by discoloration or staining on the wood fibers. Specific spalting fungi were identified by molecular analysis. From a total of 19 isolates and 140 clones studied, 11 fungal species were identified. The two Chlorociboria species from North America were investigated and their anamorphs were unambiguously identified for the first time. Fungal pigment formation under the influence of moisture content and pH variation was investigated in sugar maple, American beech and agar inoculated with spalting fungi. Maximum pigment production occurred at treatment with pH 4.5 for sugar maple and beech inoculated with Trametes versicolor. Xylaria polymorpha produced external pigmentation in beech treated with buffer at pH 5 and sugar maple at pH 4.5. Fungal pigmentation by Trametes versicolor and Xylaria polymorpha was stimulated at low moisture content in both wood species tested. Melanin production by Inonotus hispidus and Polyporus squamosus was stimulated above 22-28% and 34-38% moisture content in beech and in sugar maple respectively. Fomes fomentarius and Polyporus brumalis produced maximum pigmentation in beech at 26 - 41% and in sugar maple at 59 - 96% moisture content. The variation of the moisture content and pH values of wood substrates can stimulate the intensity of pigmentation of specific fungi in wood. To investigate melanin synthesis from a variety of melanin precursors, experimental research on three spalting fungi tested their reaction to catechol and L-Dopa melanin precursors in wood and agar substrate. The results indicate multiple biosynthesis pathways for melanin assembly in Trametes versicolor, Xylaria polymorha and Inonotus hispidus, and catechol produced most pigmentation in all spalting fungi investigated. Microscopic analysis by light, fluorescence, electron and confocal microscopy also indicates a bi- or multi-modal activity of melanin production and assembly by several spalting fungi. Possible variations of melanin assembly were identified based on fungal and wood species. Immunofluorescence and immunogold labelling with Mab 6D2 melanin antibody confirmed the melanin nature of the pigments produced by Oxyporus populinus, Trametes versicolor, Xylaria polymorpha, Fomes fomentarius, and Inonotus hispidus.

A number of fungi produce spalted wood, which is characterized by accumulation of black pigment in fine demarcation lines, often accompanied by discoloration or staining on the wood fibers. Specific spalting fungi were identified by molecular analysis. From a total of 19 isolates and 140 clones studied, 11 fungal species were identified. The two Chlorociboria species from North America were investigated and their anamorphs were unambiguously identified for the first time. Fungal pigment formation under the influence of moisture content and pH variation was investigated in sugar maple, American beech and agar inoculated with spalting fungi. Maximum pigment production occurred at treatment with pH 4.5 for sugar maple and beech inoculated with Trametes versicolor. Xylaria polymorpha produced external pigmentation in beech treated with buffer at pH 5 and sugar maple at pH 4.5. Fungal pigmentation by Trametes versicolor and Xylaria polymorpha was stimulated at low moisture content in both wood species tested. Melanin production by Inonotus hispidus and Polyporus squamosus was stimulated above 22-28% and 34-38% moisture content in beech and in sugar maple respectively. Fomes fomentarius and Polyporus brumalis produced maximum pigmentation in beech at 26 - 41% and in sugar maple at 59 - 96% moisture content. The variation of the moisture content and pH values of wood substrates can stimulate the intensity of pigmentation of specific fungi in wood. To investigate melanin synthesis from a variety of melanin precursors, experimental research on three spalting fungi tested their reaction to catechol and L-Dopa melanin precursors in wood and agar substrate. The results indicate multiple biosynthesis pathways for melanin assembly in Trametes versicolor, Xylaria polymorha and Inonotus hispidus, and catechol produced most pigmentation in all spalting fungi investigated. Microscopic analysis by light, fluorescence, electron and confocal microscopy also indicates a bi- or multi-modal activity of melanin production and assembly by several spalting fungi. Possible variations of melanin assembly were identified based on fungal and wood species. Immunofluorescence and immunogold labelling with Mab 6D2 melanin antibody confirmed the melanin nature of the pigments produced by Oxyporus populinus, Trametes versicolor, Xylaria polymorpha, Fomes fomentarius, and Inonotus hispidus.

There exists in the modern worlda form of non-Christianised religious thought which develops the basic ideas of indigenous African religion beyond their beginnings, and is represented in authorssuch as Kamalu, Osabutey-Aguedze, etc. The spheres of interest in such authors fiJay be analysed in terms of the following areas: Intervening ideological conditions bearing on African life (particularr; theological and cosmological ideas): The historical background of African life; The roots of African life, as manifested in its traditions, and tts ethical and cultural heritage; Means for the innovative development of African life, found in African concepts of knowledge, mysticism and magic; The perceived destiny of African life. The thesis concludes with an indication of areas of agreement and debate in post-traditional African thought, of problems faced by such thought; and of other possible priorities for future study. / Religious Studies and Arabic / D.Th. (Religious Studies)

Made available in DSpace on 2015-03-26T13:51:47Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 texto completo.pdf: 1830082 bytes, checksum: ec907521bfa48f79975e5fe22c20d972 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2009-10-01 / Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico / The filamentous fungus Colletotrichum lindemuthianum (Sacc & Magnus) Briosi & Cav., causal agent of anthracnose, is an important pathogen of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). This fungus is an excellent model organism for understanding the infection process of pathogenic fungi. A C. lindemuthianum non-pathogenic mutant (LVSa1) with partial deficiency in the production of melanin was obtained through plasmid insertional mutagenesis. The aim of this study was to isolate and characterize the interrupted gene in theLVSa1 mutant and demonstrate its importance in the plant infection process. The mutated gene was isolated from a C. lindemuthianum genomic bank and named slnCl1. The sequence analysis revealed that slnCl1 encodes a histidine kinase. The sequence presents an ORF of 3555 base pairs, interrupted by three putative introns, containing 51, 87 and 89 bp. The multiple alignment of the deduced sequence of the protein, including sequences of all histidine kinases classes available in the databases, grouped SlnCl1 in class VI; possessing highly conserved regions characteristic of histidine kinase, and related to its function. A mutant with partial deficiency for the production of melanin was obtained through site-directed insertional mutagenesis using a gene fragment. This mutant showed a significant reduction in the ability to infect bean leaves, demonstrating that SlnCl1 is important to the pathogenicity process of this fungus. As many histidines kinases already described in fungi, SlnCl1 is involved in osmoregulation and adaptation to different osmotic concentrations in C. lindemuthianum. Furthermore, through this sensor protein, the fungus can distinguish the osmotic stress caused by high concentrations of sugars and salts. The mutant was sensitive to fungicides that target a MAPK signaling pathway, probably regulated by slnCl1. The results suggest that C. lindemuthianum must have other histidines kinases involved in the osmoregulation process. The study of the signaling cascade regulated by slnCl1 may represent a major advance in understanding the pathogenicity and developing new methods to combat this disease. / O fungo filamentoso Colletotrichum lindemuthianum (Sacc & Magnus) Briosi & Cav., agente causal da antracnose, é um importante patógeno do feijoeiro comum (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). Esse fungo é um excelente modelo de estudo para o entendimento do processo de infecção de fungos fitopatogênicos. Por meio de mutagênese por inserção de plasmídeo foi obtido um mutante (LVSa1) não patogênico de C. lindemuthianum com deficiência parcial na produção de melanina. O objetivo desse trabalho foi isolar e caracterizar o gene interrompido no mutante LVSa1 e comprovar a sua importância no processo de infecção da planta. O gene mutado foi isolado de um banco genômico de C. lindemuthianum e denominado slnCl1. A análise da sequência revelou que slnCl1 codifica uma histidina quinase. A sequência apresenta uma ORF de 3555 pares de bases, interrompida por três íntrons putativos, contendo 51, 87 e 89 pb. O alinhamento múltiplo da sequência deduzida da proteína, com sequências de todas as classes de histidinas quinases disponíveis nos bancos de dados agrupou SlnCl1 na classe VI, possuindo regiões extremamente conservadas características de histidina quinases e relacionadas a sua função. Por meio de mutagênese insercional sítio dirigida utilizando um fragmento do gene, foi obtido um mutante que apresentou deficiência parcial na produção de melanina. Esse mutante apresentou uma redução significativa na capacidade de infectar folhas de feijoeiro, demonstrando que SlnCl1 é importante no processo de patogenicidade desse fungo. Como muitas histidinas quinases já descritas em fungos, SlnCl1 apresenta envolvimento no processo de osmorregulação e adaptação a diferentes concentrações osmóticas em C. lindemuthianum. Além disso, por meio dessa proteína sensora, o fungo pode distinguir o estresse osmótico causado por altas concentrações de açúcares e de sais. O mutante mostrou-se sensível a fungicidas que tem como alvo uma via de sinalização MAPK, provavelmente regulada por slnCl1. Os resultados obtidos sugerem que C. lindemuthianum deve possuir outras histidinas quinases envolvidas no processo de osmorregulação. O estudo da cascata de sinalização regulada por slnCl1 pode representar um grande avanço no entendimento do processo de patogenicidade e na elaboração de novos métodos de combate a doença.

Submitted by Luíz Gustavo Simão Albano (luizgustavoalbano@gmail.com) on 2018-04-20T20:51:26Z No. of bitstreams: 1 TESE_ALBANO_LGS-23-02-2018.pdf: 13982901 bytes, checksum: 09610d28485aca4fecdd9833a5f43b00 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Maria Marlene Zaniboni null (zaniboni@bauru.unesp.br) on 2018-04-23T19:56:14Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 albano_lgs_dr_bauru.pdf: 13982901 bytes, checksum: 09610d28485aca4fecdd9833a5f43b00 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2018-04-23T19:56:14Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 albano_lgs_dr_bauru.pdf: 13982901 bytes, checksum: 09610d28485aca4fecdd9833a5f43b00 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2018-02-23 / Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) / Atualmente, a eletrônica baseada em materiais orgânicos vem ganhando visibilidade no cenário científico e tecnológico devido à alta flexibilidade mecânica e baixo custo desses materiais. A fabricação de dispositivos eletrônicos baseados em materiais orgânicos e técnicas de baixo custo é um desafio pertinente e atual. Os transistores merecem destaque por serem a base da tecnologia atual. Em especial, uma arquitetura vertical comumente conhecida como VOFET (Transistor Orgânico de Efeito de Campo em Arquitetura Vertical) vem sendo explorada nos últimos anos. Entretanto, um problema comum em VOFETs é o eletrodo intermediário, o qual deve ser permeável a campos elétricos e apresentar baixa resistência de folha utilizando técnicas com baixo custo de produção. Desta forma, na primeira parte deste trabalho é apresentado o desenvolvimento de um eletrodo intermediário baseado em nanofios de prata utilizando a técnica de baixo custo conhecida como Mayer rod-coating. Os eletrodos otimizados foram aplicados em dispositivos VOFETs, resultando em transistores com densidades de corrente de 2,5 mA/cm2 e razão on/off de 5x103, utilizando tensões de operação de até 2 V. Além dos semicondutores orgânicos comumente sintetizados, corantes naturais também vêm sendo explorados para aplicações em dispositivos eletrônicos. Dentre eles, a melanina desperta atenção por ser um pigmento natural encontrado em vários sistemas biológicos. No corpo humano a melanina é responsável por funções como pigmentação, fotoproteção e termoregulação. Suas características de transporte em função da umidade associada à sua alta biocompatibilidade, tem originado considerável interesse para aplicações em dispositivos eletrônicos. Apesar de suas vantagens, quando extraída in vivo a melanina apresenta considerável irregularidade estrutural e pouca solubilidade, sendo necessário o desenvolvimento de rotas sintéticas para a obtenção de filmes finos de qualidade. Assim, na segunda parte deste trabalho, foi explorada a obtenção de filmes finos de melanina para aplicações na eletrônica orgânica. Os resultados obtidos permitiram à aplicação desse material em transistores eletroquímicos. Além disso, um estudo considerando diferentes condições de umidade relativa e pHs permitiu mostrar que sua condutividade é governada pela reação de comproporcionamento. Na terceira parte deste trabalho, foi estudada a fabricação de filmes finos utilizando diferentes porcentagens de melanina em matrizes de álcool polivinílico, para simultâneas aplicações como filtros protetores de radiação ultravioleta e capacitores orgânicos transparentes. Os filmes finos fabricados apresentaram excelente desempenho contra os raios UVA, bloqueando 100 % dos raios incidentes, além de funcionar de forma simultânea como capacitores orgânicos transparentes utilizando nanofios de prata como eletrodos. A integração dos filtros com a eletrônica orgânica permite futuras aplicações desse sistema em janelas ópticas inteligentes. Na última parte deste trabalho, foi estudada a reticulação de cadeias poliméricas do álcool polivinílico através inserção da melanina com intuito de substituir o dicromato de amônio, tradicionalmente utilizado na de reticulação do polímero. Os resultados obtidos mostraram que os filmes finos com 0,5 % de melanina apresentaram uma redução na densidade de corrente de quase duas ordens de magnitude em comparação com os filmes finos de álcool polivinílico, comportamento similar quando a reticulação é realizada com dicromato de amônio. Os resultados obtidos neste trabalho mostram a possibilidade de fabricar dispositivos eletrônicos baseados em materiais orgânicos e técnicas de baixo custo. O uso da melanina mostra ser uma alternativa interessante, pois além de sua alta biocompatibilidade, este material pode desempenhar diferentes funções em dispositivos eletrônicos. / Currently, electronics based on organic materials has been acquiring visibility in the scientific and technological scenario due to the high mechanical flexibility and low-cost of these materials. The fabrication of electronic devices based on organic materials and low-cost techniques is a relevant and current challenge. Transistors deserve attention because they are the base of our current technology. In particular, a vertical architecture commonly known as VOFET (Vertical Organic Field Effect Transistor) has been explored in recent years. However, a common issue in VOFET structure is the intermediate electrode, which must be permeable to electric fields with low sheet resistance using low-cost production techniques. Thus, in the first part of this work, the development of an intermediate electrode based on silver nanowires using the low-cost technique known as Mayer rod-coating is presented. The optimized electrodes were applied in VOFETs, resulting in devices with current densities of 2.5 mA/cm2 and on/off ratio of 5x103, using operating voltages up to 2 V. Apart from to the organic semiconductors commonly synthesized, natural dyes are also being explored in organic electronics. Among them, melanin deserves attention because it is a natural pigment found in several biological systems. In the human body melanin is responsible for functions such as pigmentation, photoprotection and thermoregulation. The humidity-dependent electrical response associated with the high biocompatibility has provided considerable interest for applications in electronic devices. However, melanin when extracted in vivo presents considerable structural irregularity and low solubility. In this way, the development of synthetic routes to obtain thin films with quality has been considered. Thus, in the second part of this work, the fabrication of melanin thin films was explored for applications in organic electronics. The results obtained allowed the application of melanin thin films in electrochemical transistors. In addition, a study considering different conditions of relative humidity allowed observe that its electronic conductivity is governed by the comproportionation reaction. In the third part of this work, the fabrication of poly(vinyl alcohol) thin films with different percentages of melanin were studied for simultaneously applications as ultraviolet filters and transparent organic capacitors. The thin films fabricated presented good performance against UVA radiation, blocking 100 % of the incident rays and working as transparent organic capacitors using silver nanowires as electrode. The integration of the filters with organic electronics allows future applications of this system in smart windows. In the last part of this work, the crosslinking of poly(vinyl alcohol) polymer chains through melanin incorporation was studied in order to replace ammonium dichromate. Ammonium dichromate is traditionally used in the poly(vinyl alcohol) crosslinking process. The results showed that the thin films with 0.5 % of melanin presented a reduction factor of almost 100 in current density when compared to the neat thin films, similar behavior when the crosslinking is performed with inorganic materials. The results obtained in this work showed the possibility to fabricate electronic devices based on organic materials and low-cost techniques. In addition, the use of melanin is an interesting alternative due to the fact that this material has high biocompatibility and can perform different functions in electronic devices. / FAPESP: 13/09963-6 / FAPESP: 13/07296-2 / FAPESP: 14/25332-9

O MCH é um neuropeptídeo sintetizado preferencialmente no hipotálamo que exibe projeções para todo o neuroeixo, podendo modular vários processos fisiológicos, como a ingestão aguda de alimento. Um alvo de suas projeções é o núcleo accumbens (Acb), componente do estriado ventral envolvido na recompensa de estímulos hedônicos. Nossa contribuição visa mapear as células imunorreativas (ir) ao MCH responsáveis pelas aferências do Acb, onde também investigamos aposições entre os sistemas MCH, GABA e ChAT. Utilizaram-se os métodos de simples e duplas imunoperoxidases e combinação de imunofluorescência e captação de traçadores retrógrados. A maior densidade de fibras ir-MCH ocupa a parte shell do Acb (AcbSh); as aferências ir-MCH partem, por exemplo, da área hipotalâmica lateral e área perifornicial. Controles anterógrados foram obtidos a partir da LHA. Observaram-se aposições entre terminais ir-MCH e células ir-GABA e ir-ChAT, no AcbSh. Assim, sugere-se que os territórios hipotalâmicos que contém MCH inervem o AcbSh e contatem outros sistemas neuroquímicos no Acb. / MCH is a neuropeptide synthesized preferentially in the hypothalamus that shows projections throughout neuraxis, and may modulate various physiological processes such as food intake. One target of its projections is the nucleus accumbens (Acb), a component of the striatum involved in reward of hedonic stimuli. Our contribution aims to map immunoreactive (ir) cells responsible for the MCH inputs of the Acb, and to investigate appositions between MCH fibers, GABA and ChAT cells. We used the single and double immunoperoxidase methods and immunofluorescence combined with retrograde tracer. The highest density of fiber MCH-ir occupies the shell part of the Acb (AcbSh); MCH-ir inputs are mainly from lateral hypothalamic and perifornical areas. Anterograde controls were obtained from the LHA. We have founded appositions between MCH-ir terminals and GABA- and ChAT-ir cells at AcbSh. Thus, is suggested that hypothalamic areas containing MCH innervate the AcbSh and contact other neurochemical systems systems in the Acb.

A imobilização de moléculas de interesse biológico em superfícies sólidas é essencial para uma série de aplicações biotecnológicas. Dentre as técnicas de imobilização, a automontagem camada por camada por adsorção física possui inúmeras vantagens, incluindo condições brandas e fisiológicas de preparação, capacidade de incorporar diferentes biomoléculas, e controle molecular. Nesta tese foram explorados filmes nanoestruturados de materiais de interesse biológico, bem como modelos de membranas, em que foram empregadas a técnica de automontagem e a preparação de lipossomos. Os lipossomos, que serviram como modelos de membrana, foram imobilizados em filmes automontados e sua integridade estrutural foi mantida. Também foram utilizados para incorporar e estabilizar melanina, e então imobilizados em filmes automontados, com preservação da propriedade fluorescente da melanina. A automontagem também foi utilizada para imobilização das enzimas uricase, fitase e colesterol oxidase, alternadas com camadas de polieletrólitos. Estes filmes mostraram bom desempenho como biossensores amperométricos para uricase e fitase, e como biossensores usando espectroscopia de impedância para a fitase e colesterol oxidase. Tais biossensores foram usados para detectar baixas quantidades de ácido úrico, ácido fítico e colesterol, respectivamente. Não houve efeitos de interferentes nos sensores amperométricos devido à utilização de eletrodos previamente modificados com azul da Prússia, que funcionou como mediador redox. A alta sensibilidade e seletividade dos biossensores foram atribuídas à natureza do filme ultrafino e à capacidade de reconhecimento das biomoléculas, respectivamente. Esta abordagem abre caminho para novas tecnologias de dispositivos para diagnósticos clínicos e análises de alimentos, bem como para entender mecanismos de interação da biomolécula com a membrana celular para o desenvolvimento de agentes terapêuticos. / The immobilization of molecules of biological interest on solid surfaces is essential for a number of biotechnological applications. Among the techniques for immobilization the layer-by-layer (LbL) method based on physical adsorption exhibits several advantages, including mild, physiological conditions for film preparation, ability to incorporate different biomolecules and molecular control. In this thesis, nanostructured films made with materials of biological interest were exploited as model membranes, where use was made of the LbL technique and liposomes. The latter, which served as membrane models, were immobilized in LbL films and had their structural integrity preserved. Liposomes were also used to incorporate and stabilize melanin, which were then deposited on LbL films with the fluorescence of melanin being preserved. The LbL method was also used to immobilize the enzymes uricase, phytase and cholesterol oxidase, alternated with layers of polyelectrolytes. These LbL films were employed in amperometric biosensors with uricase and phytase, and in biosensors based on impedance spectroscopy for phytase and cholesterol oxidase. Low amounts of uric acid, phytic acid and cholesterol were detected, respectively. There was no effect from interferents in the amperometric biosensors because the electrodes were previously modified with a layer of Prussian Blue, which acted as a redox mediator. The high sensitivity and selectivity were attributed to the ultrathin nature of the films and the ability of molecular recognition of the biomolecules, respectively. The approaches used here open the way for novel devices for clinical diagnostics and food quality control, in addition to understanding the interaction mechanisms between the biomolecules and the cell membranes, which is important for developing therapeutic agents.

No description available.

No description available.

The increased number of international immigrants and associated global problems of health deterioration and vitamin D (vitD) deficiency/insufficiency may lead to significant burdens for host countries. This thesis investigated immigrants’ health deterioration and vitD status through a comprehensive analysis of Canadian national vitD data, systematic evaluation of the quality/content of clinical practice guidelines, and global systematic review of vitD status and determinants among first-generation immigrants. Immigrants had lower serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (S-25(OH)D) and higher melanin levels than non-immigrants. S-25(OH)D levels improved over time, with ethnicity the main factor explaining variations. The longer immigrants lived in Canada, the higher the prevalence of chronic diseases (CDs), potentially reflecting health deterioration. Low levels of accumulated S-25(OH)D may impact CD-related biomarkers, partially explaining immigrants’ health deterioration over time. Local and international guidance regarding immigrants’ vitD deficiency/insufficiency was lacking. Improving immigrants’ vitD status requires prevention and intervention programs (e.g., vitD supplementation/screening), relevant national/international guidelines, and longitudinal research clarifying the complex bidirectional association between S-25(OH)D and CDs.