Thesis (MSc. (Biochemistry)) -- University of Limpopo, 2017 / The malignancy of cancer cells is responsible for the high death rate in patients diagnosed with metastatic cancers. Medicinal plants represent a reservoir of bioactive compounds that can be useful in the management of cancer. In this study, semi-purified extracts of Ricinus communis leaves were evaluated for their potential to serve as an anti-metastatic agent by using in vitro assays that tested their effects on a number of processes related to metastasis. The exhaustive extraction procedure was employed to generate the crude acetone extracts of R. communis leaves. The crude extracts were then subjected to solvent-solvent fractionation to yield six semi-purified extracts (n-butanol, Chloroform, Ethyl-acetate, n-hexane, Methanol + H2O and H2O). Thin layer chromatography (TLC) was done to determine the phytochemical composition of the semi-purified extracts as well as their antioxidant potential. Non-polar fractions showed to have a diverse mixture of phytochemicals with, however, very limited antioxidant activity. On the other hand, polar fractions showed to have phytochemical compounds with strong antioxidant potential. TLC guided the selection of n-hexane and n-butanol as fractions of great phytochemical diversity and antioxidant activity, respectively. The selected fractions were then assessed for their effect on the viability of normal fibroblasts (BUD-8) and breast (MCF-7) cancer cells using the MTT assay. The n-butanol fraction was shown to significantly decrease the viability of BUD-8 at concentrations above 200 µg/ml. The n-hexane fraction, however, showed to significantly affect the viability of the cells even at lower concentrations. On the positive side, the reduced viability of BUD-8 cells after exposure to both fractions was followed by an increase in cell proliferation after 24 hours suggesting that the extracts exhibited cytostatic rather than cytotoxic effects. Treatment of MCF-7 cells with different concentrations (100-500 µg/ml) of the fractions showed a dose- and time-dependant decrease in cell viability. Hoechst stain also confirmed the non-toxicity of the fractions to MCF-7 cells at 100 and 200 µg/ml. The fractions also showed to possess free radical scavenging activities by reducing the amount of intracellular ROS as demonstrated by the DCFH-DA fluorescent assay. Fluorescence intensity was strongly reduced in cells treated with the fractions and elevated in H2O2-treated and untreated MCF-7 cells. The effect of the fractions on metastasis was assessed by determining their effects on MCF-7 cell migration, attachment and invasiveness using wound healing assay, adhesion assay and Boyden chamber invasion assay, respectively. The wound healing assay showed the fractions to have strong inhibitory activities on the migration of MCF-7 cells. The xii ability of the cells to attach to cell culture treated plates was also greatly reduced in cells treated with the fractions. The n-butanol fraction was demonstrated to exhibit a time- and dose-dependent inhibition on MCF-7 cell invasion by reducing the cells’ capability to penetrate through the matrigel matrix to the bottom of the porous membrane. Gelatin-zymography was done to assess the effect of the n-butanol fraction on activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9. The fraction showed to completely inhibit the gelatinolytic activity of MMP-2 and no band corresponding to the molecular weight of MMP-9 was observed, suggesting that MCF-7 cells produce undetectable levels of MMP-9. The n-butanol fraction further showed to down-regulate the expression of a range of proteins such as MMP-9, uPA, VEGF, TGF-β1 implicated in metastasis and angiogenesis determined using the human angiogenesis antibody array kit. This study demonstrated that the fractions of R. communis extracts have the ability to inhibit major processes of the metastatic cascade by down-regulating the expression of proteins relevant to metastasis. Thus, the fractions can be considered as potential anti-metastatic agents functional in the regulation and/or treatment of malignant of cancers. / National Research Foundation (NRF)

The origin of the 0 -methyl and the N -methyl group in the alkaloid ricinine has been determined. Carbon 14 labelled sodium bicarbonate sodium formate and C14 methyl labelled L-methionine and choline were administered to growing seedlings of Ricinus communis which elaborate the alkaloid ricinine. Methionine was the only metabolite that produced C14 activity in the alkaloid. The activity was located entirely in the methyl groups and the specific activity of the O-methyl and N-methyl group was found, within experimental error, to be identical. / Thesis / Master of Science (MSc)

Tick-borne diseases represent major public and animal health issues worldwide. Ixodes ricinus, primarily associated with deciduous and mixed forests, is the principal vector of causative agents of viral, bacterial, and protozoan zoonotic diseases in Europe. Recently, abundant tick populations have been observed in European urban green areas, which are of public health relevance due to the exposure of humans and domesticated animals to potentially infected ticks. In urban habitats, small and medium-sized mammals, birds, companion animals (dogs and cats), and larger mammals (roe deer and wild boar) play a role in maintenance of tick populations and as reservoirs of tick-borne pathogens. Presence of ticks infected with tick-borne encephalitis virus and high prevalence of ticks infected with Borrelia burgdorferi s.l., causing Lyme borreliosis, have been reported from urbanized areas in Europe. Emerging pathogens, including bacteria of the order Rickettsiales (Anaplasma phagocytophilum, “Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis,” Rickettsia helvetica, and R. monacensis), Borrelia miyamotoi, and protozoans (Babesia divergens, B. venatorum, and B. microti) have also been detected in urban tick populations. Understanding the ecology of ticks and their associations with hosts in a European urbanized environment is crucial to quantify parameters necessary for risk pre-assessment and identification of public health strategies for control and prevention of tick-borne diseases.

Le but de notre travail est de développer une stratégie de vectorisation pour conférer la mobilité phloémienne aux produits agrochimiques en appliquant le concept de prodrogue dans l'élaboration de composés phytopharmaceutiques. Le fenpiclonil, fongicide non systémique de la famille des phénylpyrroles, a été choisi comme composé parent modèle et modifié en l'associant à un acide alpha-aminé ou à un monosaccharide.La mobilité phloémienne des conjugués entre le fenpiclonil et les acides L ou D-glutamique ou le D-glucose (D-GFC) a été évaluée chez des plantules de ricin. Le test de systémie a montré que le L-aminoacide était nettement plus favorable à la mobilité phloémienne que l'acide D-aminé ou le D-glucose. Les résultats suggèrent que le conjugué fenpiclonil/L-aminoacide est reconnu et manipulé par un système de transport d'acide aminé stéréospécifique énergisé par la force proton-motrice. Des expériences complémentaires ont montré que le D-GFC était un inhibiteur puissant et sélectif de l'absorption du saccharose par les tissus foliaires et du chargement phloémien du saccharose. En raison de l'inhibition spécifique des transporteurs de saccharose (par exemple AtSUC2), le D-GFC peut être envisagé comme un nouvel outil en phloémologie.Enfin, nous avons exploré l'impact de la modification de structure de l'espaceur afin d'optimiser la stratégie de prodrogue. Après avoir introduit différentes structures d'espaceur entre le fenpiclonil et la fonction acide aminé, le conjugué qui contient un cycle triazole avec l'acide aminé comprenant la chaine la plus courte a montré la meilleure mobilité phloémienne et, par ailleurs, une systémie optimisée par rapport aux dérivés acides du fenpiclonil dans la gamme des valeurs de pH de l'apoplasme foliaire. / The purpose of our work is to develop a vectorization strategy to confer phloem mobility to agrochemicals by applying prodrug concept into agrochemical design. Fenpiclonil, a non-systemic fungicide from the phenylpyrrole family, was selected as a model parent compound and modified by associating it with an amino acid or a monosaccharide.The phloem mobility of L and D-glutamic acid and D-glucose fenpiclonil conjugates (D-GFC) was evaluated in Ricinus seedlings. The systemicity test showed that the L-amino acid promoiety was clearly more favorable to phloem mobility than D-amino acid or D-glucose. The results suggested that the transport of the L-amino acid conjugate is governed by a stereospecific amino acid carrier system energized by the proton motive force. Further investigation indicated that D-GFC was a potent and selective inhibitor of sucrose uptake by leaf tissues and sucrose phloem loading. Due to its specific inhibition of sucrose transporters (e.g. AtSUC2), D-GFC can be a candidate as a new tool in phloemology. Finally, we explored structural modifications of the spacer arm to optimize the prodrug strategy. Different structures of the spacer arm were introduced between fenpiclonil and the amino acid function. The conjugate which contains a triazole ring with the shortest amino acid chain showed the best phloem mobility and a better systemicity than fenpiclonil acidic derivatives within the pH range of the foliar apoplast.

Tick saliva contains a lot of biological active substances helping them to succesfully complete their feeding which is neccesary for their next development. Both proteinaceous and non-proteinaceous molecules including protease inhibitors are present in tick saliva. The biggest family of these proteases are serpins. Serpins are involved in many biological processes as blood coagulation, fibrinolysis, apoptosis or inflammation. The aim of this diploma work was to determine expression profiles of 10 serpins from nymphs of Ixodes ricinus fed for different times using quantitative real time PCR. For chosen genes (IRS 10, IRS 20) dsRNA for silencing of the gene was prepared and using RNA interference the role of these genes during tick (I. ricinus nymphs) feeding and transmission of Borrelia afzelii spirochetes, a vector of Lyme borreliosis, was evaluated.Tick saliva contains a lot of biological active substances helping them to succesfully complete their feeding which is neccesary for their next development. Both proteinaceous and non-proteinaceous molecules including protease inhibitors are present in tick saliva. The biggest family of these proteases are serpins. Serpins are involved in many biological processes as blood coagulation, fibrinolysis, apoptosis or inflammation. The aim of this diploma work was to determine expression profiles of 10 serpins from nymphs of Ixodes ricinus fed for different times using quantitative real time PCR. For chosen genes (IRS 10, IRS 20) dsRNA for silencing of the gene was prepared and using RNA interference the role of these genes during tick (I. ricinus nymphs) feeding and transmission of Borrelia afzelii spirochetes, a vector of Lyme borreliosis, was evaluated.

A longevidade da prótese e a saúde bucal de usuário de Prótese Parcial Removível (PPR) são muito dependentes de higiene apropriada. O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar o efeito de soluções de Ricinus communis, em diferentes concentrações, com soluções de peróxido alcalino e cloreto de cetilpiridínio, em relação à liga metálica de Cobalto Cromo (Co-Cr) que compõe a estrutura de PPR. A amostra do experimento foi composta por 55 espécimes de Co-Cr, confeccionados a partir de padrões de cera circulares (12 mm x 3 mm) obtidos a partir de uma matriz metálica. Os padrões foram fundidos, numerados aleatoriamente e divididos em 5 grupos de imersão: H2O- água deionizada (controle) (15 minutos); Rc 2%- Ricinus communis 2% (20 minutos), Rc 10% -Ricinus communis 10% (20 minutos), PA- peróxido alcalino (15 minutos) e CCP- cloreto de cetilpiridínio 0,500 mg (10 minutos). Os espécimes foram avaliados quanto à rugosidade de superfície (n=10) no início e após a simulação de 6 meses, 1, 2, 3, 4 e 5 anos tanto pelo microscópio confocal a laser (Sa, &micro;m), como também pelo rugosímetro de superfície (Ra, &micro;m). Um espécime de cada grupo foi analisado quanto à topografia de superfície (Microscopia Eletrônica de Varredura, MEV) e Espectrometria de Energia Dispersiva de Raios-X (EDS) antes e após simulação de uso por 5 anos. De acordo com os resultados obtidos (&alpha;=0,05) pela microscopia confocal (Sa), não houve diferença para o fator solução (Kruskal-Wallis); para o fator tempo (Friedman) houve diferença estatística em Rc 2% entre T0 e T1, T3, T4 e T6 (p<0,001) e em Rc 10% de T2 para T3 (p=0,007), com diminuição da rugosidade. Com o rugosímetro (Ra), houve diferença estatística (Kruskal- Wallis) para CCP que apresentou menor rugosidade em relação à Rc 10% em T1 (p=0,048) e T6 (p=0,013). Em relação ao tempo (Friedman), a água propiciou diminuição da rugosidade superficial (Ra) de T0 para T2 (p=0,013). Na análise de MEV e EDS podese verificar que as soluções não apresentaram efeitos deletérios sobre as superfícies. Conclui-se que embora tenha sido encontrada diferença estatística para a rugosidade, os resultados são clínicamentes aceitáveis. Deste modo, todas as soluções podem ser utilizadas com segurança pelo período de 5 anos. / Denture longevity and oral health of Removable Partial Denture (RPD) user are highly dependent on proper hygiene. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of solutions of Ricinus communis, in different concentrations, with solutions of alkaline peroxide and cetylpyridinium chloride 0.500 mg, in relation to the Cobalt Chromium (Co-Cr) alloy that composes the structure of RPD. The sample of the experiment consisted of 55 specimens of Co-Cr, made from circular wax patterns (12 mm x 3 mm) obtained in a metal matrix. The patterns were cast, randomly enumerated and divided into 5 immersion groups: H2Odeionized water (control) (15 minutes); Rc 2%- Ricinus communis 2% (20 minutes), Rc 10% -Ricinus communis 10% (20 minutes), PA-alkaline peroxide (15 minutes) and CCPcetylpyridinium chloride 0.500 mg (10 minutes). The specimens were evaluated for surface roughness (n = 10) at the beginning and after the simulation of 6 months, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 years by the laser confocal microscope (Sa, &micro;m) and by the rugosimeter of surface (Ra, &micro;m). One specimen from each group was analyzed for surface topography (Scanning Electron Microscopy, SEM) and Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) befofe and after simulation of use for 5 years. According to the results obtained (&alpha;= 0.05) by confocal microscopy (Sa), there was no difference for the solution factor (Kruskal- Wallis); For the time factor (Friedman) there was a statistical difference in Rc 2% in T0 to T1, T3, T4 and T6 (p <0.001) and Rc 10% in T2 to T3 (p = 0.007), with decrease in roughness. With the the rugosimeter (Ra), there was a statistical difference (Kruskal- Wallis) for CCP that presented less roughness in relation to the Rc 10% in T1 (p = 0.048) and T6 (p = 0.013). In relation to the time, (Friedman) the water caused a reduction of surface roughness (Ra) between T0 and T2 (p = 0.013). In the analysis of SEM and EDS it can be verified that the solutions did not present deleterious effects on the surfaces. It was concluded that although a statistical difference was found for roughness, the results are clinically acceptable. Thus, all solutions can be safely used for a period of 5 years.

A longevidade da prótese e a saúde bucal de usuário de Prótese Parcial Removível (PPR) são muito dependentes de higiene apropriada. O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar o efeito de soluções de Ricinus communis, em diferentes concentrações, com soluções de peróxido alcalino e cloreto de cetilpiridínio, em relação à liga metálica de Cobalto Cromo (Co-Cr) que compõe a estrutura de PPR. A amostra do experimento foi composta por 55 espécimes de Co-Cr, confeccionados a partir de padrões de cera circulares (12 mm x 3 mm) obtidos a partir de uma matriz metálica. Os padrões foram fundidos, numerados aleatoriamente e divididos em 5 grupos de imersão: H2O- água deionizada (controle) (15 minutos); Rc 2%- Ricinus communis 2% (20 minutos), Rc 10% -Ricinus communis 10% (20 minutos), PA- peróxido alcalino (15 minutos) e CCP- cloreto de cetilpiridínio 0,500 mg (10 minutos). Os espécimes foram avaliados quanto à rugosidade de superfície (n=10) no início e após a simulação de 6 meses, 1, 2, 3, 4 e 5 anos tanto pelo microscópio confocal a laser (Sa, &micro;m), como também pelo rugosímetro de superfície (Ra, &micro;m). Um espécime de cada grupo foi analisado quanto à topografia de superfície (Microscopia Eletrônica de Varredura, MEV) e Espectrometria de Energia Dispersiva de Raios-X (EDS) antes e após simulação de uso por 5 anos. De acordo com os resultados obtidos (&alpha;=0,05) pela microscopia confocal (Sa), não houve diferença para o fator solução (Kruskal-Wallis); para o fator tempo (Friedman) houve diferença estatística em Rc 2% entre T0 e T1, T3, T4 e T6 (p<0,001) e em Rc 10% de T2 para T3 (p=0,007), com diminuição da rugosidade. Com o rugosímetro (Ra), houve diferença estatística (Kruskal- Wallis) para CCP que apresentou menor rugosidade em relação à Rc 10% em T1 (p=0,048) e T6 (p=0,013). Em relação ao tempo (Friedman), a água propiciou diminuição da rugosidade superficial (Ra) de T0 para T2 (p=0,013). Na análise de MEV e EDS podese verificar que as soluções não apresentaram efeitos deletérios sobre as superfícies. Conclui-se que embora tenha sido encontrada diferença estatística para a rugosidade, os resultados são clínicamentes aceitáveis. Deste modo, todas as soluções podem ser utilizadas com segurança pelo período de 5 anos. / Denture longevity and oral health of Removable Partial Denture (RPD) user are highly dependent on proper hygiene. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of solutions of Ricinus communis, in different concentrations, with solutions of alkaline peroxide and cetylpyridinium chloride 0.500 mg, in relation to the Cobalt Chromium (Co-Cr) alloy that composes the structure of RPD. The sample of the experiment consisted of 55 specimens of Co-Cr, made from circular wax patterns (12 mm x 3 mm) obtained in a metal matrix. The patterns were cast, randomly enumerated and divided into 5 immersion groups: H2Odeionized water (control) (15 minutes); Rc 2%- Ricinus communis 2% (20 minutes), Rc 10% -Ricinus communis 10% (20 minutes), PA-alkaline peroxide (15 minutes) and CCPcetylpyridinium chloride 0.500 mg (10 minutes). The specimens were evaluated for surface roughness (n = 10) at the beginning and after the simulation of 6 months, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 years by the laser confocal microscope (Sa, &micro;m) and by the rugosimeter of surface (Ra, &micro;m). One specimen from each group was analyzed for surface topography (Scanning Electron Microscopy, SEM) and Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) befofe and after simulation of use for 5 years. According to the results obtained (&alpha;= 0.05) by confocal microscopy (Sa), there was no difference for the solution factor (Kruskal- Wallis); For the time factor (Friedman) there was a statistical difference in Rc 2% in T0 to T1, T3, T4 and T6 (p <0.001) and Rc 10% in T2 to T3 (p = 0.007), with decrease in roughness. With the the rugosimeter (Ra), there was a statistical difference (Kruskal- Wallis) for CCP that presented less roughness in relation to the Rc 10% in T1 (p = 0.048) and T6 (p = 0.013). In relation to the time, (Friedman) the water caused a reduction of surface roughness (Ra) between T0 and T2 (p = 0.013). In the analysis of SEM and EDS it can be verified that the solutions did not present deleterious effects on the surfaces. It was concluded that although a statistical difference was found for roughness, the results are clinically acceptable. Thus, all solutions can be safely used for a period of 5 years.

BESERRA, Liandro Torres. Casca de mamona em dietas para ovinos de corte. 2010. 80 f. : Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Federal do Ceará, Centro de Ciências Agrárias, Departamento de Zootecnia, Fortaleza-CE, 2010 / Submitted by Nádja Goes (nmoraissoares@gmail.com) on 2016-08-03T13:50:38Z No. of bitstreams: 1 2010_dis_ltbeserra.pdf: 593748 bytes, checksum: ddf4e4ea9844d0f6222a6607d66473c8 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Nádja Goes (nmoraissoares@gmail.com) on 2016-08-03T13:50:54Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 2010_dis_ltbeserra.pdf: 593748 bytes, checksum: ddf4e4ea9844d0f6222a6607d66473c8 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-08-03T13:50:54Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 2010_dis_ltbeserra.pdf: 593748 bytes, checksum: ddf4e4ea9844d0f6222a6607d66473c8 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2010 / The objective of this study was to evaluate four substitution levels (0, 33, 67 and 100%) of Tifton 85 hay by castor hulls on the diet of Morada Nova, males, non-castrated, crossbred sheep on average aged 7 months and weighting 20.3 kg so that it was possible to compare bioeconomic performance of each diet. The experimental design was established with four treatments and five repetitions. It has been used a 50% ratio between roughage and concentrated feed. Confinement lasted 70 days: 14 days of adaptation and 56 of data collection. It has been observed reductions on both progressive intake nutrient and animal performance, however, from 67% substitution level on, biological performance has dropped drastically. Increasing the percentage of substitution level has not resulted in significant changes on feedlot sheep behavioral characteristics. It has been observed both higher food and rumination efficiency with lower levels of castor hulls and also differences between on morphometric measures: body weight (PC), body weight at slaughter (PVA), empty body weight (PCV), hot carcass weight (PCQ), cold carcass weight (PCF) and empty body performance (RCV). Analyses on cut weights made on the carcass have presented differences on: half carcass, leg, loin back, shoulder, flank and neck. Concerning cut economic returns, leg and loin cuts later have presented differences between different substitution levels and regarding on non-carcass treatments, it has been observed economic differences for skin, head, feet, trachea/ lung/ tongue, diaphragm, heart, liver, spleen, kidney, omasum, rumen/ reticulum and for perirenal fat. Concerning to nutrients, 0-33% substitution level has presented best results followed by 67% substitution level, which has presented intermediate values, and 100% substitution level, with the worst results. Finally, it has been made technical, zootechnical and economical analysis based on both costs of each diet and dry matter (MS) consumption. Daily production (kg / PV) and productivity (kg / day x sheep) have been higher in production systems with smaller amount of castor hulls on the diet due to the higher consumption of dry matter (MS) which has resulted in: increased animal performance; higher number of animals with ideal weight to be slaughtered per year; and in higher gross income kg/ PV (R$/ month). On the other hand, total cost (R$/ month) decreases while increasing substitution levels, mainly because of the low prices of castor hulls. Results pointed on drastically feed decreasing costs on systems with higher castor hulls. 67% substitution level have presented the highest liquid income per year (R$ 4,600.00); a 1.04 cost-benefits relation; a 23% internal return rate (TIR); and a Liquid Present Value (VPL) of R$ 22,888.97. / Objetivou-se, com este trabalho, avaliar a influência de quatro níveis de substituição (0; 33; 67 e 100) do feno de capim-tifton 85 pela casca de mamona em rações sobre o desempenho bioeconômico de ovinos mestiços de Morada Nova, machos, inteiros, com peso vivo médio de 20,3 kg e idade média de 7 meses. O delineamento experimental empregado foi inteiramente casualizado com quatro tratamentos e cinco repetições. A ração formulada possuía uma relação volumoso (feno de capim-tifton 85 e/ou a casca de mamona): concentrado de 50%. O confinamento durou 70 dias, sendo 14 de adaptação e 56 de coleta. Houve redução progressiva no consumo dos nutrientes e no desempenho dos animais com a substituição do feno de capim-tifton 85 pela casca de mamona na dieta, no entanto, só partir do nível 67% de substituição do feno de capim-tifton 85 pela casca de mamona o rendimento biológico diminuiu acentuadamente. O aumento do percentual de substituição do feno de capimtifton 85 pela casca de mamona não propiciou grandes mudanças comportamentais dos ovinos confinados. Apenas nas eficiências de alimentação e de ruminação observou-se diferença nos níveis com menor porcentagem de casca de mamona na dieta dos animais, acarretando maiores eficiências. Foram obtidas diferenças entre os níveis de substituição sobre peso vivo (PV), peso vivo ao abate (PVA), peso de corpo vazio (PCV), pesos de carcaça quente (PCQ) e carcaça fria (PCF) e rendimento do corpo vazio (RCV). Também houve diferença para as medidas morfométricas. Em relação aos pesos dos cortes feitos na carcaça os que apresentaram diferenças foram os da meia carcaça, da perna, do lombo posterior, da paleta, da fraldinha e do pescoço. Quanto aos rendimentos dos cortes, a perna e o lombo posterior apresentaram diferenças entre os tratamentos. Para o peso dos constituintes não-carcaça, foram obtidas diferenças para pele, cabeça, pés, traquéia/pulmão/língua, diafragma, coração, fígado, rins, baço, omaso, rúmen/retículo e para gorduras perirenal, omental e mesentérica. Em geral, os níveis 0 e 33% de substituição foram os que apresentaram os melhores resultados, seguido do nível 67%, com valores intermediários, sendo o nível de 100% de casca de mamona o que apresentou os piores resultados. De posse do custo de cada ração e do consumo de matéria seca das mesmas, foram analisados os indicadores técnicos, zootécnicos e econômicos. A produção diária (kg/PV) e a produtividade (kg/ovino x dia) foram maiores nos sistemas de produção com menor porcentagem de casca de mamona na dieta dos animais, consequência do maior consumo de MS, resultando em um maior desempenho dos animais e um maior número de animais terminados por ano, gerando maior renda bruta kg/PV (R$/mês). Em contrapartida, o custo total (R$/mês) diminui com o aumento da substituição do feno de capim-tifton 85 pela casca de mamona na dieta animal, principalmente pelo baixo valor de aquisição da casca de mamona, reduzindo drasticamente os custos com alimentação nos sistemas com maior porcentagem de casca de mamona. O nível de substituição 67% de casca de mamona foi o que apresentou maior renda líquida anual (R$ 4600,00), relação benefício custo (1,04), valor presente líquido (R$ 22888,97) e taxa interna de retorno (23%).

I characterized several potential glycoproteins in salivary gland extracts from unfed and partially fed females of ticks Ixodes ricinus using enzyme deglycosylation and lectin labeling. Affinity-based (chromatografic) analysis was applied for isolations of glycoproteins with specificity for GNA (mannose), HPA (N-acetylgalactosamine) and MAA II (sialic acid) lectins. GNA specific 120 kDa glycoprotein was isolated from partially fed females and is modified with N-linked glycans containing {$\alpha$}1,3-mannose. Mass spectrometry analyses confirmed the presence carboxypeptidase M in elution fraction gain with GNA affinity chromatography. GNA specific proteins were purified from unfed female salivary gland extracts. MS analyses identified them as proteins similar to arylsulfatase B and cytoskeletal Sojo protein. Proteins (85 and 56 kDa) isolated with HPA affinity chromatography were characterized as Trappin 12, which is a host protein. MAA II lectin was used for labelling and isolation of 100 kDa protein. N-terminal sequence of the MAA II specific protein predicted similarity with a host protein, Siglec 1. Fucose in salivary gland extract was detected with the labelling of AAA, AAL, UEA I and LTL lectins. Results showed that salivary gland extracts contain {$\alpha$}1,2-; {$\alpha$}1,3- and {$\alpha$}1,6- N-linked fucose and O-linked fucose probably as well. GNA specific proteins were detected in partially fed salivary glands acini type II and III using electron transmission microscopy. Fucose was detected on gut and salivary gland structures using fucose-specific lectin AAL.

Globally, vector borne diseases cause more than a million deaths each year and more than a billion infections in humans. Ticks are of big medicinal importance since they can transmit pathogens that can cause serious infections. Some recently discovered pathogens that can cause infections in humans are Anaplasma phagocytophilum (A. phagocytophilum) that can cause human granulocytic anaplasmosis (HGA) and Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis (N. mikurensis) that can cause Neoehrlichiosis. It is still widely unknown how prevalent these pathogens are, if ticks can be infected with both of these pathogens and if these pathogens can be transovarially transmitted from adult female to egg and larvae. This study aims to screen for these pathogens in collected ticks from southern Sweden and to detect eventual co-infections and transovarial transmission. A real-time qPCR assay targeting the 16S rRNA gene of N. mikurensis and other Anaplasmataceae was applied on 1356 Ixodes ricinus (I. ricinus) ticks collected from 5 sites in southern Sweden. Positive samples were subjected to Sanger sequencing. A. phagocytophilum occurred in 4.64 % of the ticks, N. mikurensis occurred in 1.33 % of the ticks and also Rickettsia was found to occur in 6.27 % of the ticks. No co-infection was detected. Some samples of tick larvae showed positive results after qPCR, indicating transovarial transmission, but none of the sequences were readable.