RESUMO
Hymenopterans are an untapped source of venom secretions. Their recent proteo-transcriptomic studies have revealed an extraordinary pool of toxins that participate in various biological processes, including pain, paralysis, allergic reactions, and antimicrobial activities. Comprehensive and clade-specific campaigns to collect hymenopteran venoms are therefore needed. We consider that data-driven bioprospecting may help prioritise sampling and alleviate associated costs. This work established the current protein landscape from hymenopteran venoms to evaluate possible sample bias by studying their origins, sequence diversity, known structures, and biological functions. We collected all 282 reported hymenopteran toxins (peptides and proteins) from the UniProt database that we clustered into 21 protein families from the three studied clades - wasps, bees, and ants. We identified 119 biological targets of hymenopteran toxins ranging from pathogen membranes to eukaryotic proteases, ion channels and protein receptors. Our systematic study further extended to hymenopteran toxins' therapeutic and biotechnological values, where we revealed promising applications in crop pests, human infections, autoimmune diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders.
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Eleutherine plicata has been shown to be a promising medicinal plant, and its activity has been associated with naphthoquinones. The present study aimed at evaluating the cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, and oral toxicity of the ethanol extract (EEEp), dichloromethane fraction (FDMEp) of E. plicata, and isoeleutherin. For the cytotoxicity evaluation, the viability test (MTT) was used. Genotoxicity was accessed through the Comet assay (alkaline version), acute and subacute oral toxicities were also evaluated. The antioxidant capacity of the samples in the wells where the cells were treated with E. plicata was evaluated. Furthermore, the participation of caspase-8 in the possible mechanism of action of isoeleutherin, eleutherin, and eleutherol was also investigated through a docking study. FDMEp and isoeleutherin were cytotoxic, with higher rates of DNA fragmentation observed for FDMEp and isoeleutherin, and all samples displayed higher antioxidant potential than the control. In the acute oral toxicity test, EEEp, FDMEp, and isoeleutherin did not cause significant clinical changes. In the subacute toxicity assay, EEEp and FDMEp also did not cause clinical, hematological, or biochemical changes. The three compounds bound similarly to caspase-8. Despite the results of cytotoxicity, in vitro studies demonstrated that the use of EEEp appears to be safe and cell death may involve its binding to caspase-8.
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Histone deacetylases (HDACs) are a family of proteins whose main function is the removal of acetyl groups from lysine residues located on histone and non-histone substrates, which regulates gene transcription and other activities in cells. HDAC1 dysfunction has been implicated in cancer development and progression; thus, its inhibition has emerged as a new therapeutic strategy. Two additional metal binding sites (Site 1 and Site 2) in HDACs have been described that are primarily occupied by potassium ions, suggesting a possible structural role that affects HDAC activity. In this work, we explored the structural role of potassium ions in Site 1 and Site 2 and how they affect the interactions of compounds with high affinities for HDAC1 (AC1OCG0B, Chlamydocin, Dacinostat and Quisinostat) and SAHA (a pan-inhibitor) using molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations in concert with a Molecular-Mechanics-Generalized-Born-Surface-Area (MMGBSA) approach. Four models were generated: one with a potassium ion (K+) in both sites (HDAC1k), a second with K+ only at site 1 (HDAC1ks1), a third with K+ only at site 2 (HDAC1ks2) and a fourth with no K+ (HDAC1wk). We found that the presence or absence of K+ not only impacted the structural flexibility of HDAC1, but also its molecular recognition, consistent with experimental findings. These results could therefore be useful for further structure-based drug design studies addressing new HDAC1 inhibitors.
Assuntos
Histona Desacetilase 1/antagonistas & inibidores , Histona Desacetilase 1/química , Simulação de Acoplamento Molecular , Simulação de Dinâmica Molecular , Sequência de Aminoácidos , Sítios de Ligação , Desenho de Fármacos , Inibidores de Histona Desacetilases/química , Inibidores de Histona Desacetilases/farmacologia , Concentração Inibidora 50 , Ligantes , TermodinâmicaRESUMO
Galantamine (Gnt) is a natural alkaloid inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase and is presently one of the most used drugs in the treatment against Alzheimer's disease during both the initial and intermediate stages. Among several natural Gnt derivatives, sanguinine (Sng) and lycoramine (Lyc) attract attention because of the way their subtle chemical differences from Gnt lead to drastic and opposite distinctions in inhibitory effects. However, to date, there is no solved structure for these natural derivatives. In the present study, we applied computational modeling and free energy calculation methods to better elucidate the molecular basis of the subtle distinctions between these derivatives and Gnt. The results showed that differences in the mobility of the non-aromatic ring carried by the Lyc-like sp2-sp3 modification display drastic conformational, vibrational, and entropic penalties at binding compared to Gnt. Additionally, the establishment of a stronger hydrogen bond network added enthalpic advantages for the linkage of the Sng-like methoxy-hydroxy substituted ligands. These results, which suggest an affinity ranking in agreement with that found in the literature, provided insights that are helpful for future planning and development of new anti-Alzheimer's disease drugs.
Assuntos
Acetilcolinesterase/química , Inibidores da Colinesterase/química , Conformação Molecular , Simulação de Acoplamento Molecular , Simulação de Dinâmica Molecular , Doença de Alzheimer/tratamento farmacológico , Sítios de Ligação , Domínio Catalítico , Inibidores da Colinesterase/farmacologia , Humanos , Ligação de Hidrogênio , Ligantes , Estrutura Molecular , Ligação ProteicaRESUMO
The bacterial cell wall, a structural unit of peptidoglycan polymer comprised of glycan strands consisting of a repeating disaccharide motif [N-acetylglucosamine (NAG) and N-acetylmuramylpentapeptide (NAM pentapeptide)], encases bacteria and provides structural integrity and protection. Lysozymes are enzymes that break down the bacterial cell wall and disrupt the bacterial life cycle by cleaving the linkage between the NAG and NAM carbohydrates. Lab exercises focused on the effects of lysozyme on the bacterial cell wall are frequently incorporated in biochemistry classes designed for undergraduate students in diverse fields as biology, microbiology, chemistry, agronomy, medicine, and veterinary medicine. Such exercises typically do not include structural data. We describe here a sequence of computer tasks designed to illustrate and reinforce both physiological and structural concepts involved in lysozyme effects on the bacterial cell-wall structure. This lab class usually lasts 3.5 hours. First, the instructor presents introductory concepts of the bacterial cell wall and the effect of lysozyme on its structure. Then, students are taught to use computer modeling to visualize the three-dimensional structure of a lysozyme in complex with bacterial cell-wall fragments. Finally, the lysozyme inhibitory effect on a bacterial culture is optionally proposed as a simple microbiological assay. The computer lab exercises described here give students a realistic understanding of the disruptive effect of lysozymes on the bacterial cell wall, a crucial component in bacterial survival. © 2017 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 46(1):83-90, 2018.
Assuntos
Parede Celular/química , Parede Celular/metabolismo , Simulação por Computador , Muramidase/metabolismo , Biopolímeros/química , Biopolímeros/metabolismo , Configuração de Carboidratos , Laboratórios , Micrococcus luteus/química , Micrococcus luteus/citologia , Peptidoglicano/química , Peptidoglicano/metabolismo , EnsinoRESUMO
Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) is a nuclear receptor related to lipid and glucose homeostasis and is considered an important molecular target to treatment of metabolic diseases as diabetes, dyslipidemia, and liver cancer. Nowadays, there are several FXR agonists reported in the literature and some of it in clinical trials for liver disorders. Herein, a compound series was employed to generate QSAR models to better understand the structural basis for FXR activation by anthranilic acid derivatives (AADs). Furthermore, here we evaluate the inclusion of the standard deviation (SD) of EC50 values in QSAR models quality. Comparison between the use of experimental variance plus average values in model construction with the standard method of model generation that considers only the average values was performed. 2D and 3D QSAR models based on the AAD data set including SD values showed similar molecular interpretation maps and quality (Q2LOO, Q2(F2), and Q2(F3)), when compared to models based only on average values. SD-based models revealed more accurate predictions for the set of test compounds, with lower mean absolute error indices as well as more residuals near zero. Additionally, the visual interpretation of different QSAR approaches agrees with experimental data, highlighting key elements for understanding the biological activity of AADs. The approach using standard deviation values may offer new possibilities for generating more accurate QSAR models based on available experimental data.
Assuntos
Receptores Citoplasmáticos e Nucleares/química , ortoaminobenzoatos/química , Humanos , Isoxazóis/química , Modelos Moleculares , Simulação de Acoplamento Molecular , Relação Quantitativa Estrutura-AtividadeRESUMO
Human ß-defensins (hBDs) are believed to function as alarm molecules that stimulate the adaptive immune system when a threat is present. In addition to its antimicrobial activity, defensins present other activities such as chemoattraction of a range of different cell types to the sites of inflammation. We have solved the structure of the hBD6 by NMR spectroscopy that contains a conserved ß-defensin domain followed by an extended C-terminus. We use NMR to monitor the interaction of hBD6 with microvesicles shed by breast cancer cell lines and with peptides derived from the extracellular domain of CC chemokine receptor 2 (Nt-CCR2) possessing or not possessing sulfation on Tyr26 and Tyr28. The NMR-derived model of the hBD6/CCR2 complex reveals a contiguous binding surface on hBD6, which comprises amino acid residues of the α-helix and ß2-ß3 loop. The microvesicle binding surface partially overlaps with the chemokine receptor interface. NMR spin relaxation suggests that free hBD6 and the hBD6/CCR2 complex exhibit microsecond-to-millisecond conformational dynamics encompassing the CCR2 binding site, which might facilitate selection of the molecular configuration optimal for binding. These data offer new insights into the structure-function relation of the hBD6-CCR2 interaction, which is a promising target for the design of novel anticancer agents.
Assuntos
Receptores CCR2/química , beta-Defensinas/química , Sequência de Aminoácidos , Sítios de Ligação , Neoplasias da Mama/metabolismo , Linhagem Celular Tumoral , Vesículas Citoplasmáticas/química , Vesículas Citoplasmáticas/metabolismo , Feminino , Humanos , Modelos Moleculares , Simulação de Acoplamento Molecular , Simulação de Dinâmica Molecular , Dados de Sequência Molecular , Complexos Multiproteicos/química , Ressonância Magnética Nuclear Biomolecular , Ligação Proteica , Conformação Proteica , Multimerização Proteica , Receptores CCR2/metabolismo , beta-Defensinas/metabolismoRESUMO
Schistosomiasis is a serious public health problem in Brazil and worldwide. Although the drugs used to treatment schistosomiasis are effective, the disease continues to expand in all endemic countries due to constant reinfection, poor sanitation, and the lack of effective programs for disease control. However, advances generated through genome projects have provided important information that has improved the understanding of the biology of this parasite. These advances, associated with the advent of bioinformatic analysis, are becoming an important tool in reverse vaccinology. Through database access to the DNA and protein sequences of Schistosoma mansoni and the use of bioinformatics programs, fourteen epitopes were identified. Five epitopes were obtained from proteins whose immunogenic potential had already been assessed in other studies (KP), and nine whose immunogenic potential is unknown (UP). To improve stimulation of the host immune system, the selected epitopes were modeled with a sugar moiety. After this addition, all of the epitopes showed structures similar to those observed in the native proteins, but only eleven of the peptides presented thermodynamically stable structures. Prediction analysis and molecular modeling showed that the glycopeptides presented here are important targets in the search for a vaccine against schistosomiasis. Additionally, they suggest that these molecules may be used in immunological assays to evaluate the level of protection, the effect on pathology reduction and the profile of cytokines and antibodies induced by them.
Assuntos
Epitopos/imunologia , Vacinas Protozoárias/imunologia , Schistosoma mansoni/imunologia , Esquistossomose mansoni/prevenção & controle , Sequência de Aminoácidos , Animais , Anticorpos Anti-Helmínticos/imunologia , Antígenos de Helmintos/genética , Antígenos de Helmintos/imunologia , Biologia Computacional , Bases de Dados de Ácidos Nucleicos , Bases de Dados de Proteínas , Epitopos/genética , Proteínas de Helminto/genética , Proteínas de Helminto/imunologia , Humanos , Modelos Moleculares , Dados de Sequência Molecular , Schistosoma mansoni/genética , Esquistossomose mansoni/genética , Esquistossomose mansoni/imunologia , Transdução de Sinais/genética , Transdução de Sinais/imunologiaRESUMO
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are members of a superfamily of nuclear transcription factors. They are involved in mediating numerous physiological effects in humans, including glucose and lipid metabolism. PPARα ligands effectively treat dyslipidemia and have significant antiinflammatory and anti-atherosclerotic activities. These effects and their ligand-dependent activity make nuclear receptors obvious targets for drug design. Here, we present the structure of the human PPARα in complex with WY14643, a member of fibrate class of drug, and a widely used PPAR activator. The crystal structure of this complex suggests that WY14643 induces activation of PPARα in an unusual bipartite mechanism involving conventional direct helix 12 stabilization and an alternative mode that involves a second ligand in the pocket. We present structural observations, molecular dynamics and activity assays that support the importance of the second site in WY14643 action. The unique binding mode of WY14643 reveals a new pattern of nuclear receptor ligand recognition and suggests a novel basis for ligand design, offering clues for improving the binding affinity and selectivity of ligand. We show that binding of WY14643 to PPARα was associated with antiinflammatory disease in a human corneal cell model, suggesting possible applications for PPARα ligands.
Assuntos
PPAR alfa/agonistas , PPAR alfa/química , Pirimidinas/química , Pirimidinas/metabolismo , Anti-Inflamatórios/química , Anti-Inflamatórios/metabolismo , Células Cultivadas , Cristalografia por Raios X , Relação Dose-Resposta a Droga , Humanos , Interleucina-6/metabolismo , Interleucina-8/metabolismo , Cinética , Modelos Moleculares , Simulação de Dinâmica Molecular , Conformação ProteicaRESUMO
The Jamaican database on human resources in health (HRH) is an important component of the Health Human Resources Information Data Sets in the Americas and derives from the objectives of the Toronto Call to Action and the five critical challenges and twenty regional goals to be achieved in the ensuing decade ending in 2015. The specific objective of this phase of the study is to assemble a comprehensive database on all HRH in Jamaica and establish a system for the efficient, continual updating of this database. A team of researchers at the Epidemiology Unit (ERU) of the Tropical Medicine Research Institute (TMRI) identified the main stakeholders in HRH management in Jamaica under the three main areas: Stocks and flows, Regulatory framework and management practices, Training. Contact has been made with stakeholders to obtain the data on all HRH, and six databases have been created to include aggregate and individual data under the three categories above. These datasets are being managed under currently acceptable standards of database management with the requisite confidentiality and security arrangements. Data collection has been limited by the scarcity of data in some cases, while in others the required data management systems allow for easily retrievable data. Data from the public sector has been more easily obtained and less data have been forthcoming from the private sector, forcing the research team to resort to innovative tools such as surveys of medicals reps (salespeople of pharmaceutical companies) and extract data from the "yellow pages" listings. Analysis of these data reveals shortages across the health workforce in general and more so in some specific professions and in some regions of the country. HRH density of doctors, nurses and midwives in the public sector is approximately 12.1/10,000 population, and falls to lower levels in the Southern Regional Health Authority (SRHA). Even the largest estimates of HRH calculated in this paper show a ratio of 22.8 per 10.000 level for the whole country, while the level set by the World Health Organization to achieve a minimum level of health care is 25 / 10,000. The distribution of doctors, nurses and dentists is least favourable to the SRHA. The data also shows that in addition to a severe shortage of dentists in the public sector, there is a significant shortage of rehabilitation specialists in speech and occupational therapy. There is a predominance of female professionals even in traditional masculine professions like medicine, where the research found an M/F relation of 1:1. The ageing of the population and the increased burden of chronic diseases, in particular strokes and heart disease, may make it mandatory that greater attention be paid to these HRH areas of specialty in comparison to other areas like public health inspectors, which were a priority focus in an earlier time. The data so far does not allow for the linkages to be made between training facilities and the needs of the population. With the absence of good data on the societal needs it will be difficult to conclude whether and how much these institutional capacities should be increased, and if not, alternate ways of satisfy those needs. The Ministry of Health and the International Consortium for HR Planning have begun a process to address this problem linking health needs with HRH forecasts. More data will be required to assess the role of regulatory agencies and government bodies like the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Labour in the international recruitment. There is nevertheless the need that all databases of regulatory bodies be electronically maintained in a form, which is easily retrievable This paper argues for the necessity of a continuous effort in data collection to establish this baseline database and in the development of a Human Resources Observatory, as a system to achieve a sustainable database to inform decisions and guide policies in HRH for Jamaica and the Region. (AU)
Assuntos
Humanos , Análise e Desempenho de Tarefas , Sistemas de Informação , Avaliação de Recursos Humanos em Saúde , Estatística como Assunto , Base de Dados , Atenção à Saúde , Educação Médica Continuada , Mão de Obra em Saúde , JamaicaRESUMO
In its 2006 annual report, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported on Human Resources for Health (HRH) among its 192 member states. This report recognized widely varying data availability, with many non-OECD nations having limited access to information on their health workforce. National data were collected as part of this effort, using three approaches: WHO national surveys conducted through its regional and country offices, contacting various national administrative sources, or "compiled from a previous version of the WHO's Global database on the health workforce"1. Data from many Caribbean nations were collected using this third approach, which obtained very little detail, with information that had not been updated for a number of years. To improve this paucity of information, the Human Resources for Health Unit of the PanAmerican Health Organization (PAHO) has partnered with the Ministries of Health in the Eastern Caribbean (EC) to support the systematic collection and country-level analysis of HRH data as part of the Region's 10-year commitment to health workforce development. There are nine Eastern Caribbean nations involved in this data collection process which is proceeding in three work phases: phase 1 included Barbados and has been completed, phase 2 includes four Eastern Caribbean Countries (ECC): Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and is the subject of this report. Phase 3 will include Antigua and Barbuda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Monserrat, and the British Virgin Islands. In addition, this PAHO data collection programme has been extended to other countries in the Caribbean Region: Belize, Jamaica, and Trinidad & Tobago. It is expected that these data collection exercises will form the basis for a regional HRH database to follow trends in human resources for health through time. In turn, this resource can help to inform priorities and sustainable policies for enabling a healthcare workforce tailored to the needs of the individual countries and the Region as a whole. This report from the Barbados/ECC data collection team, presents data from four Eastern Caribbean (EC) countries: Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. (AU)
Assuntos
Humanos , Sistemas de Informação , Estatística como Assunto , Avaliação de Recursos Humanos em Saúde , Análise e Desempenho de Tarefas , Região do Caribe , Atenção à Saúde , Educação , Mão de Obra em SaúdeRESUMO
Data from Brazilian Association of Zebu Breeders were used to show the evolution of conventional embryo transfer (ET) and in vitro fertilization techniques between 1997 and 2007 for the Nelore cattle in Brazil. Data from 109.775 conventional embryo transfer and 73.121 ovum pickup (OPU) were used. The embryo transfer supremacy was observed until 2004 when a considerable increase of OPU number over ET occurred. More ET and OPU were carried out in Southeast and Mid-West than in others Brazilian regions. The average number of viable embryo along the analysis period is close to that reported by literature (between 5 and 7 embryos per flushing or OPU session).
Arquivos da Associação Brasileira dos Criadores de Zebu foram utilizados para traçar um panorama da evolução das biotécnicas de transferência de embriões e fertilização in vitro dos anos de 1997 a 2007 para a raça Nelore no Brasil. Registros de 109.775 coletas de embriões e de 73.121 aspirações foram disponibilizadas para análise. Observou-se a supremacia da técnica de transferência de embriões até o ano de 2004 com posterior crescimento da fertilização in vitro. As regiões Sudeste e Centro Oeste se destacaram na execução de ambas as biotécnicas. As médias de embriões viáveis produzidos pelas duas biotécnicas no decorrer dos anos nas regiões do país se encontram próximas as relatadas pela literatura (entre cinco e sete embriões por coleta ou aspiração).
RESUMO
The Order Chiroptera plays a vital role in ecosystem dynamics. Among the states of Southeastern Brazil, Espírito Santo State is the one with the least known bat fauna. This study reports on the current state of knowledge on Espírito Santo bats generating this data bank. We have catalogued the bats deposited in the Biology Museum Prof. Mello Leitão (MBML), Laboratory of Bat Studies of the Federal University of Espírito Santo (LABEQ), Museum of Vertebrate Zoology (MVZ), Royal Ontario Museum (ROM), American Museum of Natural History (AMNH), and University of Michigan Museum of Zoology (UMMZ). In addition, we have investigated the literature seeking articles about bats exclusively for the State. About bats were published in the state 42 papers, three thesis and 11 monographs. There are recognized 63 bat species in the State, if considering the museum collections and published papers, from 37 of the 78 municipalities of Espírito Santo. The highest species richness was found in the municipalities of Linhares and Santa Teresa. This was probably occasioned by bias on sampling. The great potential for new bat occurrences in Espírito Santo is due to the lack of knowledge about bats in this State. This emphasizes the importance for new future studies about bats in that area.
A Ordem Chiroptera apresenta importância relevante na dinâmica dos ecossistemas, sendo a ordem de mamíferos com maior diversidade de hábitos de vida. Dentre os estados da região Sudeste do Brasil, o Espírito Santo é um dos mais carentes em relação ao conhecimento de morcegos. Este estudo sintetizou o estado do conhecimento sobre quirópteros gerado no Espírito Santo. Para isso, foram catalogados os morcegos depositados no Museu de Biologia Prof. Mello Leitão (MBML), no Laboratório de Estudos de Quirópteros da Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo (LABEQ), Museum of Vertebrate Zoology (MVZ), Royal Ontario Museum (ROM), American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) e University of Michigan Museum Zoology (UMMZ). Além disso, foi realizada uma busca por artigos publicados sobre morcegos do Espírito Santo. Foram revistos 49 artigos científicos, realizadas três teses de mestrado e 11 monografias. Considerando as coleções amostradas e artigos publicados totalizam-se 63 espécies de morcegos para o estado, provenientes de 37 dos 78 municípios do Espírito Santo. A maior riqueza de espécies de morcegos foi encontrada nos municípios de Linhares e Santa Teresa, o que é provavelmente reflexo da maior parte dos espécimes depositados nos museus também serem desses municípios. O Espírito Santo apresenta um grande potencial para se encontrar novas ocorrências de espécies, enfatizando a importância da realização de futuros estudos sobre morcegos no estado.
RESUMO
Ajustou-se uma função de densidade probabilidade para o número de embriões viáveis produzidos após fertilização in vitro em doadoras da raça Nelore, a partir de dados fornecidos pela Associação Brasileira de Criadores de Zebu (ABCZ), referente à análise de 20.619 doadoras, 71.602 aspirações e um total de 509.643 embriões. Modelou-se a densidade probabilidade do número de embriões viáveis mediante a função exponencial, executando-se a determinação dos parâmetros por meio da máxima verossimilhança, em um método de gradiente não linear. O nível de precisão obtido foi de RMSE = 0,040 e R2 = 0,98, para a representação da probabilidade do número de embriões viáveis produzidos por doadoras Nelore na técnica de fertilização in vitro(FIV). Para comparar os modelos (curvas de probabilidade de transferência de embriões ajustada por Beltrame,em 2006, e de FIV, neste trabalho), aplicou-se a técnica de comparação de curvas com o teste F (Silva e Azevedo, 2002). Não foram encontradas diferenças entre as curvas do número de embriões viáveis obtidos após coleta e produzidos após aspiração de doadoras na raça Nelore. Ainda, sugere-se a existência de um fator único limitante que afete biologicamente a produção de embriões nas técnicas de transferência de embriões e fertilização in vitro.(AU)
A probability density function for the number of viable embryos produced after an in vitro fertilization program in Nellore donors was adjusted through data provided by the Brazilian Association of Zebu breeders. Results were based on 20,619 donors, 71,602 aspirations and the total of 509,643 embryos. The probability density function of the number of viable embryos was modeled using exponential distribution. Parameters fitting were carried out for the maximum likelihood using a non-linear gradient method. The precision level was RMSE = 0.040 and R2 = 0.98 for the representation of probability of number of viable embryos produced by Nellore donors by in vitro fertilization technique. To analyze probability density of embryo recovery (Beltrame, 2006) with in vitro fertilization adjust was used the curve comparison test through F test (Silva and Azevedo, 2002). There were no differences between the curves. These results suggest that there may be a unique and restricting factor that affects biologically the embryo production on the embryo transfer and in vitro fertilization techniques.(AU)
Assuntos
Bovinos , Estruturas Embrionárias/embriologia , Bovinos/classificação , Doadores Vivos/classificação , Oócitos , Coleta de DadosRESUMO
The Order Chiroptera plays a vital role in ecosystem dynamics. Among the states of Southeastern Brazil, Espírito Santo State is the one with the least known bat fauna. This study reports on the current state of knowledge on Espírito Santo bats generating this data bank. We have catalogued the bats deposited in the Biology Museum Prof. Mello Leitão (MBML), Laboratory of Bat Studies of the Federal University of Espírito Santo (LABEQ), Museum of Vertebrate Zoology (MVZ), Royal Ontario Museum (ROM), American Museum of Natural History (AMNH), and University of Michigan Museum of Zoology (UMMZ). In addition, we have investigated the literature seeking articles about bats exclusively for the State. About bats were published in the state 42 papers, three thesis and 11 monographs. There are recognized 63 bat species in the State, if considering the museum collections and published papers, from 37 of the 78 municipalities of Espírito Santo. The highest species richness was found in the municipalities of Linhares and Santa Teresa. This was probably occasioned by bias on sampling. The great potential for new bat occurrences in Espírito Santo is due to the lack of knowledge about bats in this State. This emphasizes the importance for new future studies about bats in that area.
A Ordem Chiroptera apresenta importância relevante na dinâmica dos ecossistemas, sendo a ordem de mamíferos com maior diversidade de hábitos de vida. Dentre os estados da região Sudeste do Brasil, o Espírito Santo é um dos mais carentes em relação ao conhecimento de morcegos. Este estudo sintetizou o estado do conhecimento sobre quirópteros gerado no Espírito Santo. Para isso, foram catalogados os morcegos depositados no Museu de Biologia Prof. Mello Leitão (MBML), no Laboratório de Estudos de Quirópteros da Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo (LABEQ), Museum of Vertebrate Zoology (MVZ), Royal Ontario Museum (ROM), American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) e University of Michigan Museum Zoology (UMMZ). Além disso, foi realizada uma busca por artigos publicados sobre morcegos do Espírito Santo. Foram revistos 49 artigos científicos, realizadas três teses de mestrado e 11 monografias. Considerando as coleções amostradas e artigos publicados totalizam-se 63 espécies de morcegos para o estado, provenientes de 37 dos 78 municípios do Espírito Santo. A maior riqueza de espécies de morcegos foi encontrada nos municípios de Linhares e Santa Teresa, o que é provavelmente reflexo da maior parte dos espécimes depositados nos museus também serem desses municípios. O Espírito Santo apresenta um grande potencial para se encontrar novas ocorrências de espécies, enfatizando a importância da realização de futuros estudos sobre morcegos no estado.
RESUMO
Ajustou-se uma função de densidade probabilidade para o número de embriões viáveis produzidos após fertilização in vitro em doadoras da raça Nelore, a partir de dados fornecidos pela Associação Brasileira de Criadores de Zebu (ABCZ), referente à análise de 20.619 doadoras, 71.602 aspirações e um total de 509.643 embriões. Modelou-se a densidade probabilidade do número de embriões viáveis mediante a função exponencial, executando-se a determinação dos parâmetros por meio da máxima verossimilhança, em um método de gradiente não linear. O nível de precisão obtido foi de RMSE = 0,040 e R2 = 0,98, para a representação da probabilidade do número de embriões viáveis produzidos por doadoras Nelore na técnica de fertilização in vitro(FIV). Para comparar os modelos (curvas de probabilidade de transferência de embriões ajustada por Beltrame,em 2006, e de FIV, neste trabalho), aplicou-se a técnica de comparação de curvas com o teste F (Silva e Azevedo, 2002). Não foram encontradas diferenças entre as curvas do número de embriões viáveis obtidos após coleta e produzidos após aspiração de doadoras na raça Nelore. Ainda, sugere-se a existência de um fator único limitante que afete biologicamente a produção de embriões nas técnicas de transferência de embriões e fertilização in vitro.
A probability density function for the number of viable embryos produced after an in vitro fertilization program in Nellore donors was adjusted through data provided by the Brazilian Association of Zebu breeders. Results were based on 20,619 donors, 71,602 aspirations and the total of 509,643 embryos. The probability density function of the number of viable embryos was modeled using exponential distribution. Parameters fitting were carried out for the maximum likelihood using a non-linear gradient method. The precision level was RMSE = 0.040 and R2 = 0.98 for the representation of probability of number of viable embryos produced by Nellore donors by in vitro fertilization technique. To analyze probability density of embryo recovery (Beltrame, 2006) with in vitro fertilization adjust was used the curve comparison test through F test (Silva and Azevedo, 2002). There were no differences between the curves. These results suggest that there may be a unique and restricting factor that affects biologically the embryo production on the embryo transfer and in vitro fertilization techniques.
Assuntos
Bovinos , Bovinos/classificação , Estruturas Embrionárias/embriologia , Coleta de Dados , Doadores Vivos/classificação , OócitosRESUMO
Data from Brazilian Association of Zebu Breeders were used to show the evolution of conventional embryo transfer (ET) and in vitro fertilization techniques between 1997 and 2007 for the Nelore cattle in Brazil. Data from 109.775 conventional embryo transfer and 73.121 ovum pickup (OPU) were used. The embryo transfer supremacy was observed until 2004 when a considerable increase of OPU number over ET occurred. More ET and OPU were carried out in Southeast and Mid-West than in others Brazilian regions. The average number of viable embryo along the analysis period is close to that reported by literature (between 5 and 7 embryos per flushing or OPU session).
Arquivos da Associação Brasileira dos Criadores de Zebu foram utilizados para traçar um panorama da evolução das biotécnicas de transferência de embriões e fertilização in vitro dos anos de 1997 a 2007 para a raça Nelore no Brasil. Registros de 109.775 coletas de embriões e de 73.121 aspirações foram disponibilizadas para análise. Observou-se a supremacia da técnica de transferência de embriões até o ano de 2004 com posterior crescimento da fertilização in vitro. As regiões Sudeste e Centro Oeste se destacaram na execução de ambas as biotécnicas. As médias de embriões viáveis produzidos pelas duas biotécnicas no decorrer dos anos nas regiões do país se encontram próximas as relatadas pela literatura (entre cinco e sete embriões por coleta ou aspiração).
Assuntos
Animais , Bovinos , Reprodução , Biotecnologia , Fertilização in vitro/veterinária , Transferência Embrionária/veterináriaRESUMO
O estado do Espírito Santo é uma das regiões reconhecidas como uma das mais ricas em termos de diversidade de espécies. Entretanto, o conhecimento sobre a fauna de mamíferos é ainda limitado. Devido à falta de uma lista completa sobre as espécies de mamíferos silvestres do estado e à pouca informação sobre os registros dessas espécies, realizamos um estudo sistemático sobre o status do conhecimento científico das espécies de mamíferos do Espírito Santo. Assim, reunimos em um banco de dados digital as informações sobre os registros de ocorrência das espécies de mamíferos utilizando dados publicados ou associados a espécimes tombados em museus. Verificamos, também, quais as regiões do estado onde houve um maior esforço de coleta da fauna de mamíferos e onde a riqueza de espécies é mais elevada utilizando o programa DIVA. Como resultado, geramos uma lista de 138 espécies de mamíferos silvestres no Espírito Santo que inclui espécies ameaçadas de extinção e endêmicas da Mata Atlântica, além de duas típicas do Cerrado. Esse estado possui regiões do seu território consideradas lacunas de conhecimento, pois não existem muitas informações sobre a mastofauna. O extremo norte do estado é a principal região onde o conhecimento é limitado. As microrregiões do Espírito Santo onde se realizaram mais levantamentos da fauna de mamíferos foram a Central Serrana e a Pólo Linhares. A lista de espécies de mamíferos é uma diretriz para as próximas pesquisas a serem realizadas no estado, entretanto não se pode afirmar que é uma lista completa. É importante que sejam realizados outros levantamentos faunísticos no estado com maior abrangência geográfica e esforço amostral, principalmente nas regiões onde as informações são escassas.
The state of Espírito Santo has been recognized as one of the richest Brazilian states in terms of species diversity, but the knowledge on its mammal fauna is still limited. Due to the lack of a complete list of wild mammals occurring in the state and to the scarcity of information associated to species records, we carried out a study on the state of scientific knowledge on mammal species in the state of Espírito Santo. We compiled a digital database with locality records of mammal species from published data and museum specimens. We used the software DIVA to verify where efforts for recording mammals are located and also where species richness is higher. As a result, we generated a list of 138 Espírito Santo mammals, which includes threatened animals and Atlantic Forest endemic species, and two species typical of the Cerrado. We found regions that are knowledge gaps, especially in the northern part of the state. There have been more mammal surveys in the micro regions "Central Serrana" and "Pólo Linhares". The list of mammal species is a guideline for future research, even though it is not exhaustive. We recommend conducting faunal surveys focusing on larger geographic areas and intensive sampling efforts, mainly in those regions where information is scarce.
Assuntos
Animais Selvagens , Biodiversidade , Fauna/análise , Fauna/classificação , Ecossistema/análise , Ecossistema/classificação , Mamíferos/classificaçãoRESUMO
A bacia do Tietê-Jacaré é uma das 22 Unidades de Gestão de Recursos Hídricos (Ugrhis) do Estado de São Paulo. Um estudo desenvolvido de 2005 a 2007 detalhou as principais características dessa bacia hidrográfica, os usos do solo, a cobertura vegetal, as fontes pontuais e não-pontuais de eutrofização e contaminação e as vulnerabilidades da bacia, que conta com 34 municípios e uma população de 1.200.000 habitantes. A montagem de um banco de dados com as informações ecológicas, hidrológicas, climatológicas e econômicas possibilitou estabelecer um programa de planejamento e gestão baseado em vulnerabilidades da bacia hidrográfica, impactos das mudanças globais e futuras perspectivas para a gestão dos recursos hídricos. Um índice de qualidade da bacia hidrográfica foi desenvolvido com a finalidade de apoiar o planejamento de longo prazo e a gestão de águas superficiais e subterrâneas.