Orientador: Gilson Luiz Volpato / Resumo: Este estudo investigou o perfil de ansiedade em Juverus de Tilápia-do-Nilo (Ore Niloticus). Num primeiro capitulo, determinamos um perfil comportamental indicativo de níveis de ansiedade. Num segundo capitulo, avaliamos o efeito de diferentes proporções de peixes com ansiedade alta (AA) e pouca (PA) na agressão e na produção de peixes em condições de aquário. No primeiro capitulo, por meio da modulação do comportamento de peixes usando drogas ansiolíticas (Diazepam, DZP) e ansiogênicas (Pentilenotetrazol, PTZ), demonstramos que o tempo gasto na natação foi um indicador confiável do nível de ansiedade (menor a locomoção, maior o nível de ansiedade). Também descobrimos que esse traço comportamental é melhor do que a medida de latência para sair do abrigo e explorar o ambiente novo. No segundo capitulo, outros peixes foram separados pelo critério de locomoção em perfis AA e PA e agrupados (6 peixes/aquário) para observação da agressão, do crescimento, da alimentação e da sobrevivência em 3 proporções: a) 50% de AA + 50% de PA; b) 100% PA e c) 100% AA. Nenhuma das variáveis observadas foi diferente entre essas composições de grupo / Abstract: This study investigated the anxiety profile in Nile tilapia juveniles (Oreochromis niloticus) by determining in a first chapter a behavioral profile to indicate levels of anxiety and, in a second chapter, the effect of different proportion of high (liA) and low (LA) anxiety fish on aggression and fish production in aquarium conditions. ln the first chapter, by modulating fish behavior with ansiolitic (Diazepam DZP) and ansiogenic (pentylenotetrazole PTZ) drugs, we demonstrated that time fish spent in swimming was a reliable indicator of anxiety levei (the lower the swimming, the higher the anxiety levei). We also found that this behavioral trait is better than measure of latency to exit shelter and explore a novel environment. Then, in the second chapter, other fish were separated by the locomotor criterium in HA and LA profiles and grouped (6 fish/aquarium) for aggression, growth, feeding and survival observations at three proportions: a) 50% HA + 50% LA, b) 100% HA, and c) 100% LA. Neither of the observed variables was different among these group compositions / Mestre

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:30:12Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2010-02-26Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T19:39:30Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 silva_gv_me_botib_parcial.pdf: 90534 bytes, checksum: e5ae1fd42966c5fcbd0c44e74b7307e3 (MD5) Bitstreams deleted on 2015-03-16T11:30:16Z: silva_gv_me_botib_parcial.pdf,Bitstream added on 2015-03-16T11:31:01Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 000609983.pdf: 275068 bytes, checksum: c5458d6c71bd9cf6f1bf766448d6a3ba (MD5) / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) / Nos identificamos percentuais de individuos que se distribuem no continuo hesitayaoousadia na tihipia-do-Nilo, Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758). Avaliamos a reayao de peixes isolados (100 peixes, 22.1 ± 5.9 g) a urn objeto-estimulo introduzido subitamente no aquario. Dividimos a parede frontal do aquario em quatm regioes iguais, atraves de linhas externas verticais. Apos isolamento por 24 h nesse aquario, assim que o peixe estava numa das duas extremidades, introduziamos subitamente 0 objetoestimulo (cilindro de PVC de 10 em diametro) na extremidade oposta (~ 30 em do peixe). Nos 5 min seguintes registravamos: a) tempo para sair da regiao inicial; b) tempo para chegar a regiao do objeto-estimulo; e c) tempo em locomoyao. Identificamos dois perfis extremos de resposta: permanencia na regiao inicial (peixes hesitantes) e aproximayao do objeto-estimulo em ate 40 s (peixes ousados). Este criterio resultou em 20% de individuos hesitantes, 29% de ousados e 51% de intermediarios, sendo os peixes ousados os mais ativos. Esses perfIS nao tiveram associayao com 0 sexo dos animais. Para testar a associayao dos perfis hesitante e ousado com a agressividade, uma nova amostra de peixes foi avaliada (115 peixes) como descrito acima, porem 24h horas depois urn segundo teste foi realizado, mas com outro objeto-estimulo introduzido no aquario. Os peixes considerados hesitantes ou ousados nos dois testes consecutivos foram submetidos a anaIise da agressividade. Esta foi avaliada atraves do teste do espelho (20 peixes de cada perfil) e pareamento entre coespecificos (10 duplas de cada perfil). Os peixes ousados foram mais agressivos que os hesitantes. Em urn terceiro estudo, esses peixes foram submetidos a estresse de confinamento por 30 min e o estresse foi avaliado pe1a mudanya na frequencia ventilatoria e colorayao do olho. Peixes ousados foram mais responsivos ao estresse. Conc1uimos que os perfis hesitante e ousado ocorrem na tilápia-do-Nilo,.... / We identified percentage of fish III the shy-bold continuum III the Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758). This was achieved from the reaction of isolated fish (100 fish, 22.1 ± 5.9 g) to a stimulus-object suddenly introduced into the aquarium. The frontal glass of the test aquarium was divided in four regions of same area by vertical lines outside the aquaria. After 24-h isolation in the test aquarium, when the fish was in one of the extremities of the aquarium, the stimulus-object (1O-cm diameter PVC cylinder) was suddenly immersed into the aquarium in the opposite side (- 30 cm from the fish). We registered in the next 5 min: a) latency to the fish exit from the initial area; b) time to reach the stimulus-object area; and c) time spent in locomotion. We could identify two extreme responses: staying in the initial area (fish considered shy) and approaching the stimulus-object in up to 40 s (bold fish). This criterion resulted in 20% shy, 29% bold and 51% intermediate fish, with the bold fish being more active. These profiles were not associated with fish sex. To test the association of shy and bold fish with aggression, these fish were identified in other sample (115 fish) as described above; 24 h later a second test was performed (but now with another object introduced). Fish considered shy or bold in these two consecutive testes were then tested for aggression. Aggression was evaluated by the mirror test (20 fish each profile) and also pairing with conspecific fish (10 pairs in each profile). Bold fish were more aggressive than the shy fish. In a third study, these fish were subjected to stress confinement for 30 min and stress evaluated in terms of changes in ventilation rate and eye color. Bold fish were the most responsive to stress. In conclusion, shy and bold profiles occur in the Nile tilapia, can be identified by reaction to a sudden stimulus and ...

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:30:14Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2010-02-24Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T18:40:13Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 genovez_lw_me_botib_parcial.pdf: 82380 bytes, checksum: 410609a2bf1d1591d12460b6c75e01f1 (MD5) Bitstreams deleted on 2015-03-16T11:30:17Z: genovez_lw_me_botib_parcial.pdf,Bitstream added on 2015-03-16T11:31:01Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 000610307.pdf: 151781 bytes, checksum: 0fccf42decac23f86e3f5228108c6779 (MD5) / Este estudo investigou o perfil de ansiedade em Juverus de Tilápia-do-Nilo (Ore Niloticus). Num primeiro capitulo, determinamos um perfil comportamental indicativo de níveis de ansiedade. Num segundo capitulo, avaliamos o efeito de diferentes proporções de peixes com ansiedade alta (AA) e pouca (PA) na agressão e na produção de peixes em condições de aquário. No primeiro capitulo, por meio da modulação do comportamento de peixes usando drogas ansiolíticas (Diazepam, DZP) e ansiogênicas (Pentilenotetrazol, PTZ), demonstramos que o tempo gasto na natação foi um indicador confiável do nível de ansiedade (menor a locomoção, maior o nível de ansiedade). Também descobrimos que esse traço comportamental é melhor do que a medida de latência para sair do abrigo e explorar o ambiente novo. No segundo capitulo, outros peixes foram separados pelo critério de locomoção em perfis AA e PA e agrupados (6 peixes/aquário) para observação da agressão, do crescimento, da alimentação e da sobrevivência em 3 proporções: a) 50% de AA + 50% de PA; b) 100% PA e c) 100% AA. Nenhuma das variáveis observadas foi diferente entre essas composições de grupo / This study investigated the anxiety profile in Nile tilapia juveniles (Oreochromis niloticus) by determining in a first chapter a behavioral profile to indicate levels of anxiety and, in a second chapter, the effect of different proportion of high (liA) and low (LA) anxiety fish on aggression and fish production in aquarium conditions. ln the first chapter, by modulating fish behavior with ansiolitic (Diazepam DZP) and ansiogenic (pentylenotetrazole PTZ) drugs, we demonstrated that time fish spent in swimming was a reliable indicator of anxiety levei (the lower the swimming, the higher the anxiety levei). We also found that this behavioral trait is better than measure of latency to exit shelter and explore a novel environment. Then, in the second chapter, other fish were separated by the locomotor criterium in HA and LA profiles and grouped (6 fish/aquarium) for aggression, growth, feeding and survival observations at three proportions: a) 50% HA + 50% LA, b) 100% HA, and c) 100% LA. Neither of the observed variables was different among these group compositions

Please read the abstract in the section 00front of this document / Thesis (PhD(Food Science))--University of Pretoria, 2005. / Food Science / unrestricted

Wastewater has been shown to contain the necessary nutritive requirements for the growth of microorganisms. The term, oleaginous, has been given to a classification of microorganisms know to produce up to twenty percent of the weight as oil. This study is designed to examine the potential accumulation of lipids within an oleaginous consortium grown on synthetic wastewater. Potential of the fluorescent stain, Nile red, as a lipid detector is also emphasized. Percentages of extractables greater than thirtyive percent were achieved within the oleaginous consortium using a nitrogen-limited medium. Low pH was found to increase the percentages of extractables. Xylose was shown to be a more optimal carbon source for accumulation than glucose. Nile red was shown to bind to intracellular inclusions and may be useful in monitoring lipid accumulation in industrial settings.

No description available.

A thesis submitted to the Faculty of Science, University of the Witwatersrand, in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. Johannesburg, 2015. / It is recognised that tooth loss as a consequence of oral diseases affects quality of life in humans. This has directed studies towards biological tooth replacement in vivo. In humans and other mammals, tooth replacement occurs only once (diphyodonty) as opposed to non-mammalian vertebrates where tooth replacement continues throughout life (polyphyodonty). Detailed knowledge of tooth initiation, development and morphology amongst vertebrates and especially amniotes, is necessary to understand the tooth replacement process. Crocodilians provide an interesting model for tooth replacement studies as they also exhibit thecodonty. Regulation of polyphyodonty has not been genetically defined, and it is uncertain whether the molecular mechanisms of continuous tooth replacement are similar to those involved in the primary dentition. The aim of this study was therefore to analyse crocodilian odontogenesis in detail, with the aid of light microscopy and CT scans, in order to provide a structural framework for molecular processes regulating polyphyodonty. Crocodile probes to bmp4 and pitx2 were designed, generated and labelled for use in in situ hybridisation. The expression patterns of pitx2 and bmp4 in embryos and hatchlings of the polyphyodont Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) were examined at different stages of tooth development. Histologically crocodilian tooth development appears similar to mammals. Interesting variations include the initiation of odontogenesis in the ectomesenchyme, the presence of dental placodes, the ‘null generation teeth’, the two different bell-stage tooth germs and the tooth-family organisation. A direct 1:1 relationship between the status of the erupted tooth and the developmental phase of the replacement tooth was not seen. However in more mature teeth, the replacement tooth germs were at a more advanced developmental stage than those associated with less mature teeth. Molecular data revealed that pitx2 was expressed in the oral epithelium and the dental placode. Bmp4 expression was not evident in the dental placode, but was localised in the odontoblasts of early bell stage tooth germs. Pitx2 and bmp4 were expressed in both the odontoblast and ameloblast layers in late bell stage tooth germs. Expression of pitx2 and bmp4 is conserved across vertebrates and pitx2 may play a role in initiation of primary and successional teeth.

West Nile virus (WNV) is a geographically endemic mosquito-borne flavivirus that has spread across the United States infecting birds, mosquitos, humans, horses and other mammals. The wide spread nature of this virus is due to the ability of the mosquito vector to persist in broad, ecological diverse environments across the United States. In this study, mosquito populations in North Texas region were sampled for detection of Wolbachia, blood meal source, and WNV. The ultimate goal of this study was to examine the potential of a biocontrol agent, Wolbachia sp. that colonizes the hindgut of various insects, including mosquitos, as a natural means to interrupt virus transmission from mosquitos to other hosts, including humans. In Australia, Wolbachia sp. from fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster) have been successfully used to block transmission of a similar pathogenic virus from mosquitos responsible for transmission of Dengue fever. Here, mosquitoes were collected using CDC style Gravid Traps in Denton, Texas, from October 2012 through September 2014. Collected mosquitoes were identified, sexed, and categorized as to the amount of host blood in their alimentary system using a Zeiss Axio Zoom microscope (Carl Zeiss Microscopy, LLC, Thornwood, NY). Culex quinquefaciatus was the dominant blood engorged species collected. Smaller populations of Culex tarsalis and Aedes albopictus, another known vector for WNV were also collected. Mosquito larva were also collected from the UNT water research field station and reared to adults. Cx. tarsalis was the dominant mosquito taken from this habitat. Samples of Cx. quinquefasciatus, Cx. tarsalis and A. albopictus were analyzed for Wolbachia sp. and to identify host blood in the mosquito alimentary system. Total DNA extraction from the pool of mosquito samples was by both commercially available DNA extraction kits (Qiagen, Valencia, CA) and salt extraction technique. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to amplify and identify Wolbachia sp. 16SrDNA and mitochondrial DNA from vertebrate blood. The maternally inherited endosymbiont, Wolbachia, were found to be uniformly distributed across the mosquitoes sampled in this study. Blood meal analysis by PCR showed that Cx. quinquefaciatus fed more on birds than on mammalian blood sources based on the previously developed primers used in this study.

This thesis explores the feasibility of using melanophore-based biosensors from Oreochromis niloticus. Melanophores are one type of pigmented cell of the scales and fins of fish that respond in a motile fashion to a diverse range of stimuli. Fish scales were employed as the first step in determining the utility of melanophores as biosensors. Responsiveness of melanophores in scales was quantitated with several bioactive agents. Experiments with depolarizing potassium ion, guanethidine, yohimbine (an adrenergic antagonist), and capsaicin (a sensory stimulant) provided evidence that melanophores are under nervous regulation. Conditions were developed to allow simplification of intact scale preparations, entailing epidermal removal and dennervation of scales. This simplification resulted in increased sensitivity and responsiveness to a larger array of bioactive agents, including a cyclic AMP analog. The simplified preparation was successfully tested for its ability to function as a biosensor using pharmaceutical eye drops; the response observed was determined to be due to naphazoline, an adrenergic agonist. Methods were developed that enabled culturing of chromatophores independent from scales. Cultured chromatophores were found to be responsive to bioactive agents with a comparable degree of sensitivity as simplified scale preparations. Attempts were undertaken to develop co-cultures of chromatophores with other cell types and with further development melanophore-based biosensors can be exploited. / Graduation date: 1997

A set of three benzophenoxazine dyes, two completely soluble and one partially soluble in aqueous media, has been prepared and their spectroscopic properties examined. These dyes can be used as either donor or acceptor in synthesis of through-bond energy transfer cassettes. Structural modifications prevented aggregation in water and improved their fluorescence properties in water. Their absorption and emission were studied in both organic and aqueous media. Two of the three dyes have superior quantum yields in aqueous media as compared to other reported dyes. Improved quantum yield makes these dyes attractive candidates for biological studies in aqueous media. We have also prepared alkynes and iodo derivatives of benzophenoxazines, which can be used for synthesis of water-soluble, through-bond, energy transfer cassettes. Alkynes were prepared via Sonogashira coupling.