I am exhibiting several drawings, paintings, and sculptures representing a visual record of my creative research into, and my handling of, snails. Although I depict snails and their environment in a loose representational style, I have begun to incorporate digital drawing to enhance my art in a mixed media approach. I have created illustrative images of a forest floor as I imagine it would look to a snail in a giant, menacing world. Close-up images of grass become unusual jungle scenes, and my once tiny snails achieve a measure of control in this fanciful world. The inspiration for my art is my recollection of the insecurity and struggles I encountered while growing up as a military brat.

Heavy metal bioaccumulation in aquatic organisms may occur through direct or indirect uptake routes. Research indicates that the significance of uptake route varies with contaminant and organism exposed. The relative importance of different metal sources in aquatic systems was investigated by exposing freshwater snails to dietary or dissolved sources of cadmium. Snails were exposed to control, contaminated food only, contaminated water only, and contaminated food and water treatments. During the 15-day exposure, samples were taken to determine Cd concentration in snail soft tissue, snail shell, algal food, and overlying water. Analyses of snail soft tissue and shells indicate that exposure route significantly affects Cd concentrations in the tissues. In both cases, dissolved Cd is the primary contributor to metal body burden.

Tarebia granifera is a prosobranch freshwater gastropod from south-east Asia which has invaded other sub-tropical parts of the world. This snail has recently also invaded the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, often reaching population densities of over 20000 ind.mˉ2 and dominating benthic invertebrate communities. A multiple method approach was used to address several aspects of the biology and ecology of this non-native invasive species (NIS). The tolerance of T. granifera to salinity and temperature was investigated through the experimental manipulation of these factors. T. granifera survived exposure to temperatures between 0 ºC and 47.5 ºC. More remarkably, this snail was able to survive a salinity of 30 for 65 - 75 days. Population density and size structure were monitored in estuaries and coastal lakes. T. granifera successfully invaded estuaries despite frequent exposure to high salinity and desiccation. The persistence of T. granifera was largely ensured due to the wider environmental tolerance of adults (20 - 30 mm shell height) which carried an average of 158 ± 12.8 SD brooded juveniles. Multiple introductions were not essential for the success of this parthenogenetic NIS. Using gut fluorescence and carbon budget techniques it was estimated that T. granifera consumes 0.5 - 35% of the total available microphytobenthic biomass per day, or 1.2 - 68% of the daily primary benthic production. The carbon component estimated from the gut fluorescence technique contributed 8.7 - 40.9% of the total gut organic carbon content. A stable isotope mixing model was used together with gut content analysis to estimate the diet of T. granifera and dominant native gastropod species, potentially competing for resources. Results were used in the formulation of an index of isotopic dietary overlap (IDO, %). This approach yielded detailed information both on general changes in ecosystem functioning and specific species interactions. Before/After-Control/Impact (BACI) logic was used in a multivariate approach to separate human perturbations from natural spatio-temporal variability displayed by communities, and to further separate perturbations due to NIS. Human intensification of drought negatively affected biodiversity and T. granifera may exacerbate this problem by displacing native species from critical refugia and contributing towards biotic homogenization. The present findings constitute a contribution to the scientific knowledge on biological invasions and a useful tool towards adaptive management in the iSimangaliso Park. / Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, 2012.

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No description available.

The parasites are one of the most important factors that shape relationships in the nature. This thesis deals mainly with developmental stages of trematodes (Platyhelmintes: Trematoda), especially the cercariae of so-called Schistosomes and sporocysts of Leucochloridium paradoxum, as well as with and their intermediate host - freshwater snails. Introductory chapters are focused on general introduction into the topic, such as basic terminology or occurrence issue of trematodes (mainly schistosomes) in the world and in the Czech Republic. In order to determine larval stages of flukes and their morphological types, the research was conducted in four Prague localities with known presence of aquatic snails. Only in one site, Kunratická tůň Pond, the constant presence of echinostomous cercariae (and in lesser extent also furcocercariae) in Radix labiata was recorded during summer season of 2015. In small pond in the Botanical Garden of the Natural Sciences Faculty of Charles University and in Modřanské tůně Ponds, xiphidocercarie in Lymnaea stagnalis were found. No cercarie were detected in the pond in the Genetic garden of Charles University. The presence of Leucochloridium paradoxum in the European Amber Snail Succinea putris was confirmed in the vicinity of Modřanské tůně Ponds. The verified...

Os caracóis terrestres são animais capazes de produzir através de glândulas localizadas em toda superfície do seu corpo, uma secreção glicoproteica denominada muco, que dentre outras funções, apresenta poder antibacteriano, que pode auxiliar nos processos de reparação de feridas de origens diversas. Desta forma, o objetivo da presente pesquisa foi o de avaliar macroscópica e histologicamente, os efeitos reparadores do muco dos escargots Achatina fulica e Achatina achatina monochromatica, em lesões provocadas na pele de camundongos da linhagem "hairless"; verificar sua potencialização após a ingestão de uma ração contendo em sua formulação uma planta com propriedades cicatrizantes comprovadas, o Confrei (Symphytum officinale); e analisar bioquimicamente a composição do muco destes caracóis. Foram selecionados caracóis das espécies Achatina fulica (n=30) e Achatina monochromatica monochromatica (n=30), retirado seu muco através de estimulação manual da glândula podal e verificação de seu efeito reparador. Utilizaram-se camundongos da linhagem "hairless" (n=75), submetidos à intervenção cirúrgica e tratados com muco de ambas as espécies de caracóis. As características macroscópicas da lesão foram registradas em protocolo e avaliadas. Fragmentos de pele foram submetidos à biópsia aos 3, 5 e 7 dias de experimento, fixados em Paraformoldeído, processados e incluídos em parafina. Os cortes foram corados com Hematoxilina-Eosina e Tricrômio de Mason. Macroscopicamente, os animais tratados mostraram edemas menores, maior presença de crosta e maior contração das bordas das feridas ao final do experimento, quando comparados ao grupo controle. Histologicamente, os grupos tratados também revelaram melhor reparação da lesão, apresentando edemas menos intensos, grandes quantidades de tecido de granulação e infiltrados inflamatórios. O grupo tratado com muco de caracóis alimentados com ração contendo Symphytum officinale foi o que apresentou melhores resultados. / Land snails are animals able to produce through glands located all over their body surface, a glycoprotein secretion called mucus. This mucus, within other roles, shows an antibacterial power that can help in the healing processes of wounds from several sources. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate through macroscopic and histological techniques the repairing effects of the mucus in the snails Achatina fulica and Achatina achatina monochromatica in lesions intentionally caused to hairless linage mice skin; to investigate mucus potential effect after snails have been fed with a diet formulation containing a plant with proved scar properties, the Comfrey (Symphytum officinale); and to study the biochemical composition of mucus from these snails. Snails of Achatina fulica (n=30) and Achatina monochromatica monochromatica (n=30) species were sorted, the mucus extracted through manual stimulation of the podal gland and the repairing effect studied. Hairless linage mice (n=75) used in this study went through surgery and then treated with mucus from both species of snails. The macroscopic characteristics of the lesion were recorded and assessed. Fragments of skin were taken to biopsy at 3, 5 and 7 days of trial, fixed in paraformaldehyde, processed and embedded in wax. Sections were stained with Hematoxilin-Eosin and Tricromio of Mason. Macroscopically, treated mice showed minor swelling, higher presence of scabs and higher contraction of wound edges at the end of the trial, when compared with control. Histologically, groups that received treatment also showed better lesion repair, presenting less intense swellings, large amount of scar tissue and inflammatory infiltrates. The group treated with mucus from snails that received a diet containing Symphytum officinale presented the best results.

Os escargots da espécie Achatina fulica são caracóis africanos comestíveis e para essa finalidade foram introduzidos no Brasil em 1988 para substituir o escargot europeu Helix sp. Contudo, o hábito alimentar conservador da população brasileira ocasionou prejuízos aos criadores de escargots no Brasil, desencadeando uma soltura irresponsável e anti-ética desses moluscos no meio ambiente, o que proporcionou uma associação direta dos caracóis à impactos ambientais, sendo objeto de estudos e pesquisas correlatas. Todavia, estudos anteriores descreveram efeitos benéficos, antimicrobianos e cicatrizantes do muco extraído de caracóis Achatina sp, e ainda a potencialização destes efeitos a partir do acréscimo de plantas medicinais à dieta base consumida pelos escargots, constatando a capacidade de retenção em seu organismo das propriedades dos alimentos por eles ingeridos. As atividades antimicrobiana e cicatrizante também são conhecidas na utilização da própolis produzida por abelhas da espécie Apis mellifera. Partindo dessas premissas, neste estudo, foi adicionada própolis à ração base dos escargots, objetivando avaliar o efeito cicatrizante desses zooterápicos e suas aplicações. Os resultados obtidos demonstraram que a utilização de muco nas lesões cirurgicamente induzidas em camundongos acelerou o processo de cicatrização, comparativamente ao grupo controle que recebeu apenas tratamento com soro fisiológico. As análises parasitológica e citotóxica realizadas demonstraram que o muco é apto para a utilização proposta. A dieta acrescida de própolis interferiu nas características do muco. Foi possível observar, a partir das avaliações histológicas e macroscópicas uma discreta vantagem no processo de cicatrização para o grupo tratado com muco extraído de escargots que receberam ração base acrescida de própolis em sua dieta. Estes resultados demonstram a potencialidade desta pesquisa em resultar em um biofármaco com propriedades cicatrizantes à base de muco de escargots e ainda uma possível patente deste muco, através do indicativo de sua importância terapêutica para o reparo tecidual de lesões veterinárias e humanas. / The snail species Achatina fulica, is an edible African giant land snail species that was introduced into Brazil in 1988 as a substitute for the european escargot Helix sp. However, the conservative eating habits of the brazilian population have caused losses to breeders of escargot in Brazil due to the irresponsible, unethical release of the species into the environment. This species is known for its invasive nature and most of the literature focuses on the species disruption to the environment. Thus, the first objective of the study and related research focuses on these environmental impacts. Others studies have described beneficial attributes, antimicrobial and healing properties, of the mucous extracted from the small Achatina species. They have also described the potential benefits of feeding the snails a base diet enriched with medicinal plants to prove the capacity of the organisms to retain the aforementioned properties after ingestion. Lastly, our research will also examine the addition of propolis, to the base ration diet of snails. Propolis is a resinous material, obtained from local plant sources, used as a sealant in bee hives. For the purpose of these studies, the focus will be propolis specifically associated with the bees of the species Apis mellifera. The antimicrobial and healing properties of propolis have been well recognized and described. The objective of this work is thus, to evaluate the healing effects of this zootherapics, and its application in veterinary medicine as a biopharmaceutical. The results showed that the use of mucous in the lesions surgically induced in mice accelerated the healing process, compared to a control group that received treatment only with saline. Parasitological and cytotoxic analysis performed demonstrated that the mucous is suitable for the proposed use. The diet added with propolis influenced the parameters of mucous. It was observed from the macroscopic and histological findings a slight advantage in the healing process for the group treated with mucus extracted from snails fed diets basis with propolis in their diet. This results achieved were encouraging, showing the potenciality of this research results in a medication with scaring properties based on snail mucus and further a possible patent of this mucus, through its expressive therapeutics importance to veterinary and human lesions tissue repair.

Submitted by Rosivalda Pereira (mrs.pereira@ufma.br) on 2017-05-12T20:27:19Z No. of bitstreams: 1 EdileneRibeiro.pdf: 1790923 bytes, checksum: 97862a759b5ebf8b3dc5b668736badc5 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-05-12T20:27:19Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 EdileneRibeiro.pdf: 1790923 bytes, checksum: 97862a759b5ebf8b3dc5b668736badc5 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-07-26 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) / Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa e ao Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico do Maranhão (FAPEMA) / “Molluscicide activity of essential oils from aromatic plants maranhense Amazon region”. Schistosomiasis is one of the most important endemics and widespread diseases in the world with closely linked occurrence to environmental conditions precarious. The parasite responsible for this disease, Schistosoma mansoni, requires the participation of Biomphalaria snails to complete their life cycle. According to the World Health Organization, one of the ways to combat this disease is to perform the mollusc control to avoid the helminth’s life cycle. This study aimed to evaluate the molluscicidal activity of essential oils of herbs occurring in Amazon area of Maranhão, Brazil and characterize the chemical composition and toxicity from non-target organisms of these oils to point viable and sustainable alternative to control the schistosomiasis that is an endemic disease in several Brazilian states, including the state of Maranhão. Essential oils were extracted from the aerial parts of plant harvested in the Rio Parnaíba National Park, Alto Parnaíba – MA, by hydrodistillation in Clevenger-type apparatus during a period of three hours. The chemical composition of these essential oils was analyzed by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. Among the collected species, the essential oils with a yield above 0,7% were selected to our study. The molluscicidal activity of each essential oil was tested at five different concentrations against Biomphalaria glabrata following the standard method recommended by World Health Organization (1983). The toxicity assessment was carried out against non-target organisms, zebrafish through static method, without replacement water, standardized by NBR 15088. The results were expressed by lethal concentrations with 95% confidence intervals and calculated using a probit regression model, and the data were submitted to analysis of variance followed by Tukey test. Essential oils of species Eugenia punicifolia, Hyptis dilatata, Lippia gracilis and Lippia acitidens were characterized by the predominance of monoterpene compounds. In the other hand, the essential oil of FG20151 showed no monoterpenes and predominance of sesquiterpenes oxygenates. All evaluated essential oils showed bioactivity against B. glabrata with LC90 values between 27.41 and 182.33 µg/mL. Although the essential oils studied exhibited acute toxicity to zebrafish fish in lethal concentrations molluscicide, they were less toxic when compared to the toxicity of the synthetic commercial Bayluscide molluscicide. Thus, these results show that these species have the potential to be used as sources of bioactivity compounds with molluscicide property. The challenge is to promote innovation in the field of neglected diseases, that needs investment and research with satisfactory return. / “Atividade moluscicida de óleos essenciais de plantas aromáticas da região Amazônica maranhense”. A esquistossomose é uma das doenças endêmicas mais importantes e difundidas no mundo com ocorrência intimamente vinculada a precárias condições socioambientais. O parasito responsável por essa doença, Schistosoma mansoni, necessita da participação de caramujos do gênero Biomphalaria para completar seu ciclo de vida. Segundo a Organização Mundial de Saúde, uma das formas de combate da esquistossomose é através do controle malacológico, interrompendo o ciclo biológico do helminto responsável pela doença. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a atividade moluscicida de óleos essenciais de cinco plantas aromáticas com ocorrência na Amazônia maranhense, bem como caracterizar a composição química dos óleos essenciais e sua ação tóxica a organismos não alvo, a fim de apontar uma alternativa viável e sustentável para o controle da esquistossomose, doença endêmica em vários estados brasileiros incluindo o estado do Maranhão. Os óleos essenciais foram extraídos de partes aéreas de espécies vegetais coletadas no Parque Nacional das Nascentes do Rio Parnaíba, Alto Parnaíba – MA, utilizando a técnica de hidrodestilação em aparelho tipo Clevenger, por um período de três horas. A composição química destes óleos foi determinada por cromatografia gasosa acoplada à espectrometria de massa. Entre as espécies coletadas, foram selecionados os óleos que demonstraram rendimento acima de 0,7%. A atividade moluscicida dos óleos essenciais selecionados foi testada em cinco diferentes concentrações contra Biomphalaria glabrata seguindo a metodologia padrão preconizada pela Organização Mundial de Saúde (1983). A avaliação de toxicidade foi realizada frente a organismos não alvo, peixes Danio rerio, através de método estático, sem reposição de água, padronizada pela ABNT NBR 15088. Os resultados foram expressos em concentrações letais das atividades biológicas, com nível de confiança de 95%, obtidas por regressão linear, modelo probit, e comparadas por análise de variância, seguida de teste de Tukey. Os óleos essenciais das espécies Eugenia punicifolia, Hyptis dilatata, Lippia gracilis e Lippia acitidens foram caracterizados pela predominância de compostos monoterpênicos. Por outro lado, o óleo essencial de FG20151 demonstrou ausência de monoterpenos e predominância de sesquiterpenos oxigenados. Todos os óleos essenciais avaliados mostraram bioatividade frente B. glabrata com valores de CL90 entre 27,41 e 182,33 μg/mL. Os óleos essenciais apresentaram baixa toxicidade aguda para os peixes Danio rerio, quando comparados à toxicidade do moluscicida comercial sintético Bayluscide. A partir dos resultados obtidos pode-se concluir que, as espécies estudadas apresentam potencial para serem usadas como fontes de substâncias bioativas com ação moluscicida. O desafio é promover inovação no campo das doenças negligenciadas, área que necessita de investimentos e pesquisas com retorno satisfatório.

Submitted by Rosivalda Pereira (mrs.pereira@ufma.br) on 2017-09-05T18:52:30Z No. of bitstreams: 1 LucianaAlves.pdf: 955999 bytes, checksum: 6c7aeb0334f4a832a4ef4f5804f697cc (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-09-05T18:52:30Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 LucianaAlves.pdf: 955999 bytes, checksum: 6c7aeb0334f4a832a4ef4f5804f697cc (MD5) Previous issue date: 2013-04-06 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease caused by Schistosoma mansoni Sambon, that needs freshwater snails to complete their cycle. In Brazil, this disease affects thousands of people each year, being the Maranhão one of the states of higher occurrence. According to the World Health Organization, one of the measures need to reduce this disease is the control snails hosts through of the use of products known as molluscicides. Despite of the effectiveness of the use of niclosamide in this control, the high cost and environmental problems arising of this use has stimulated the search for new molluscicides safer, especially those of plant origin. Thus, this study aimed to perform a review of the plants and of the compounds of plant origin tested for the molluscicidal activity in Biomphalaria glabrata Say and analyze the chemical composition, the molluscicidal activity and toxicity of the latex of Euphorbia umbellata (Pax) Bruyns in adult fish species Danio rerio Hamilton-Buchanan. This dissertation was divided into two chapters. The chapter 1 consists of a review of the scientific studies which showed that extracts, fractions and compounds obtained of 200 plant species have already been tested by their molluscicidal activity and that 60, 75 and 95% of these, respectively, were actives according with the criteria established in this work. The chapter 2 aimed to perform a phytochemical screening and tests of toxicity in B. glabrata and D. rerio with the latex of E. umbellata. Phytochemical screening and evaluation of molluscicidal activity of the latex E. umbellata, cultivated plant in the state of Maranhão, revealed the presence of triterpenes and coumarins and high toxicity to B. glabrata. Experiments with D. rerio showed low toxicity of the latex. The results obtained showed the potential of natural products from plants, mainly the latex of E. umbellata, to produce molluscicidal agents that could be used to control of the schistosomiasis. It is expected that this work will contribute to the reduction in the number of cases of this disease in the state of Maranhão and for the preservation of plant studied. / A esquistossomose mansônica é uma doença parasitária causada pelo Schistosoma mansoni Sambon, que necessita de caramujos de águas doces para completar o seu ciclo. No Brasil, esta doença acomete milhares de pessoas anualmente, sendo o Maranhão um dos estados de maior ocorrência. Segundo a Organização Mundial de Saúde, uma das medidas necessárias para reduzir esta parasitose é o controle dos moluscos hospedeiros através do uso de produtos conhecidos como moluscicidas. Apesar do reconhecimento da eficácia do uso do produto químico niclosamida nesse controle, o alto custo e problemas ambientais decorrentes desta utilização vêm estimulando a pesquisa de novos moluscicidas mais seguros, destacando-se os de origem vegetal. Dessa forma, o presente trabalho objetivou realizar um levantamento das plantas e dos compostos de origem vegetal com estudos de atividade moluscicida em Biomphalaria glabrata Say bem como analisar a composição química, a atividade moluscicida e a toxicidade do látex de Euphorbia umbellata (Pax) Bruyns em peixes adultos da espécie Danio rerio Hamilton-Buchanan. Esta dissertação foi dividida em dois capítulos. O capítulo 1 consiste no artigo de revisão de literatura, onde foi possível verificar que extratos, frações e substâncias químicas de 200 espécies vegetais já foram avaliados quanto a esta atividade e que, 60, 75 e 95% destes, respectivamente, mostraram-se ativos segundo os critérios estabelecidos no trabalho. O capítulo 2 objetivou realizar uma triagem fitoquímica e testes de toxicidade em B. glabrata e D. rerio com o látex de E. umbellata. Prospecção fitoquímica e avaliação da atividade moluscicida do látex E. umbellata, planta cultivada no estado do Maranhão, revelaram a presença de triterpenos e cumarinas e a alta toxicidade contra B. glabrata. Os experimentos com D. rerio demonstraram baixa ictiotoxicidade do látex em estudo. Os resultados obtidos evidenciam o potencial dos produtos naturais de plantas, em especial do látex de E. umbellata, para a obtenção de agentes moluscicidas que possam ser empregados no controle da esquistossomose mansônica. Além do declínio no número de casos desta doença no estado do Maranhão, pretende-se que este trabalho contribua para a conservação da espécie vegetal estudada.