cometadata/datacite-titles-descriptions-related-identifiers huggingface dataset:
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.6991850
title: Morphological and histological characterization of sexual segment of the kidney in Notomabuya frenata (Cope, 1862) and Aspronema dorsivittatum (Cope, 1862) (Squamata, Mabuyidae)

description: Abstract The kidneys in two viviparous species of Neotropical lizards, Notomabuya frenata and Aspronema dorsivittatum (Mabuyidae), were investigated by light and scanning electron microscopy in order to determine the presence of the sexual segment of the kidney (SSK) and to study its morphology. The individuals used in this study belong to the Herpetological Collection of the Herpetology Laboratory - Reptiles of the Federal University of Juiz de Fora (CHUFJF-Reptiles) and they were collected between the years 2008 and 2012 from the Cerrado region in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The SSK was present only in sexually mature males (with sperm in the testes / epididymis), whereas it was absent in sexually immature males. The nephron in both species consists of renal corpuscle, proximal convoluted tubule, distal convoluted tubule, collecting duct and sexual segment of the kidney. The SSK of the analyzed species were coated with a simple columnar epithelium, with high cells, basal nucleus and in the apical portion innumerable secretory granules. This study adds to the knowledge on reproductive biology and structures related to reproductive strategies of both lizard species and viviparous Neotropical lizards.
DOI: 10.18462/iir.rankine.2020.1161
title: Fluid selection for small-scale Rankine cycle plants: can you draw some lines in the sand?
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.6991850.v1
title: Morphological and histological characterization of sexual segment of the kidney in Notomabuya frenata (Cope, 1862) and Aspronema dorsivittatum (Cope, 1862) (Squamata, Mabuyidae)

description: Abstract The kidneys in two viviparous species of Neotropical lizards, Notomabuya frenata and Aspronema dorsivittatum (Mabuyidae), were investigated by light and scanning electron microscopy in order to determine the presence of the sexual segment of the kidney (SSK) and to study its morphology. The individuals used in this study belong to the Herpetological Collection of the Herpetology Laboratory - Reptiles of the Federal University of Juiz de Fora (CHUFJF-Reptiles) and they were collected between the years 2008 and 2012 from the Cerrado region in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The SSK was present only in sexually mature males (with sperm in the testes / epididymis), whereas it was absent in sexually immature males. The nephron in both species consists of renal corpuscle, proximal convoluted tubule, distal convoluted tubule, collecting duct and sexual segment of the kidney. The SSK of the analyzed species were coated with a simple columnar epithelium, with high cells, basal nucleus and in the apical portion innumerable secretory granules. This study adds to the knowledge on reproductive biology and structures related to reproductive strategies of both lizard species and viviparous Neotropical lizards.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.6991856.v1
title: Comparative analysis of the venom proteome of four important Malaysian snake species

description: BackgroundNaja kaouthia, Ophiophagus hannah, Bungarus fasciatusandCalloselasma rhodostomaare four venomous snakes indigenous to Malaysia. In the present study, their proteomic profile by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) have been separated and compared.ResultsThe 2-DE of venoms of the four species snake demonstrated complexity and obvious interspecies differences in proteome profiles. A total of 63 proteins were identified in the four species: C. rhodostoma -26, N. kaouthia -16, O. hannah -15 and B. fasciatus -6.ConclusionsDespite the identifications of major proteins in the four snake species, a large number of protein spots from the 2-DE were unidentified even though the spots displayed high-quality MALDI-TOF-MS spectra. Those identified included phospholipase A2 proteins in all four venoms, long neurotoxins in both cobra species and the C. rhodostomavenom found with the most varied types of peptidases, i.e. metalloproteinase kistomin, halystase and L-amino acid oxidase.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.6991844
title: Resistance of cervical adenocarcinoma cells (HeLa) to venom from the scorpion Centruroides limpidus limpidus

description: Background : The venom of Centruroides limpidus limpidus (Cll) is a mixture of pharmacologically active principles. The most important of these are toxic proteins that interact both selectively and specifically with different cellular targets such as ion channels. Recently, anticancer properties of the venom from other scorpion species have been described. Studies in vitro have shown that scorpion venom induces cell death, inhibits proliferation and triggers the apoptotic pathway in different cancer cell lines. Herein, after treating human cervical adenocarcinoma (HeLa) cells with Cll crude venom, their cytotoxic activity and apoptosis induction were assessed. Results : Cll crude venom induced cell death in normal macrophages in a dose-dependent manner. However, through viability assays, HeLa cells showed high survival rates after exposure to Cll venom. Also, Cll venom did not induce apoptosis after performing ethidium bromide/acridine orange assays, nor was there any evidence of chromatin condensation or DNA fragmentation. Conclusions : Crude Cll venom exposure was not detrimental to HeLa cell cultures. This may be partially attributable to the absence of specific HeLa cell membrane targets for molecules present in the venom of Centruroides limpidus limpidus. Although these results might discourage additional studies exploring the potential of Cll venom to treat human papilloma cervical cancer, further research is required to explore positive effects of crude Cll venom on other cancer cell lines.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.6991847
title: Systemic effects induced by intralesional injection of ω-conotoxin MVIIC after spinal cord injury in rats

description: Background:Calcium channel blockers such as conotoxins have shown a great potential to reduce brain and spinal cord injury. MVIIC neuroprotective effects analyzed in in vitromodels of brain and spinal cord ischemia suggest a potential role of this toxin in preventing injury after spinal cord trauma. However, previous clinical studies with MVIIC demonstrated that clinical side effects might limit the usefulness of this drug and there is no research on its systemic effects. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the potential toxic effects of MVIIC on organs and to evaluate clinical and blood profiles of rats submitted to spinal cord injury and treated with this marine toxin. Rats were treated with placebo or MVIIC (at doses of 15, 30, 60 or 120 pmol) intralesionally following spinal cord injury. Seven days after the toxin administration, kidney, brain, lung, heart, liver, adrenal, muscles, pancreas, spleen, stomach, and intestine were histopathologically investigated. In addition, blood samples collected from the rats were tested for any hematologic or biochemical changes.Results:The clinical, hematologic and biochemical evaluation revealed no significant abnormalities in all groups, even in high doses. There was no significant alteration in organs, except for degenerative changes in kidneys at a dose of 120 pmol.Conclusions:These findings suggest that MVIIC at 15, 30 and 60 pmol are safe for intralesional administration after spinal cord injury and could be further investigated in relation to its neuroprotective effects. However, 120 pmol doses of MVIIC may provoke adverse effects on kidney tissue.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.6991841
title: Geochemical assessment of metals in fluvial systems affected by anthropogenic activities in the Iron Quadrangle

description: ABSTRACT The present study was carried out in the river basin area of Rio do Peixe, Iron Quadrangle, in Minas Gerais, Brazil. This basin presents geological scenario and diversified anthropic activities, such as iron, gold and gems mining, agriculture, and forestry. The main objective of this research was to investigate the possible sources of anthropogenic contributions of metals in bottom sediments. Thus, two surveys were carried out on bottom sediments at twelve basin sites from March to July of 2015. Based on the plasma optical emission spectrometry analytical technique, we found concentrations of Al, Ca, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Ti and Zn in the bottom sediments. The results of the FC, FE and IGEO sediment quality indicators showed that there are anthropic interferences, in which mining and industrial activities, disposal of domestic effluents and use and occupation of inappropriate soil are identified as the main sources of metals contamination of the basin.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.6991844.v1
title: Resistance of cervical adenocarcinoma cells (HeLa) to venom from the scorpion Centruroides limpidus limpidus

description: Background : The venom of Centruroides limpidus limpidus (Cll) is a mixture of pharmacologically active principles. The most important of these are toxic proteins that interact both selectively and specifically with different cellular targets such as ion channels. Recently, anticancer properties of the venom from other scorpion species have been described. Studies in vitro have shown that scorpion venom induces cell death, inhibits proliferation and triggers the apoptotic pathway in different cancer cell lines. Herein, after treating human cervical adenocarcinoma (HeLa) cells with Cll crude venom, their cytotoxic activity and apoptosis induction were assessed. Results : Cll crude venom induced cell death in normal macrophages in a dose-dependent manner. However, through viability assays, HeLa cells showed high survival rates after exposure to Cll venom. Also, Cll venom did not induce apoptosis after performing ethidium bromide/acridine orange assays, nor was there any evidence of chromatin condensation or DNA fragmentation. Conclusions : Crude Cll venom exposure was not detrimental to HeLa cell cultures. This may be partially attributable to the absence of specific HeLa cell membrane targets for molecules present in the venom of Centruroides limpidus limpidus. Although these results might discourage additional studies exploring the potential of Cll venom to treat human papilloma cervical cancer, further research is required to explore positive effects of crude Cll venom on other cancer cell lines.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.6991838
title: Identification of two novel cytolysins from the hydrozoan Olindias sambaquiensis (Cnidaria)

description: Background: Although the hydrozoan Olindias sambaquiensis is the most common jellyfish associated with human envenomation in southeastern and southern Brazil, information about the composition of its venom is rare. Thus, the present study aimed to analyze pharmacological aspects ofO. sambaquiensis venom as well as clinical manifestations observed in affected patients. Crude protein extracts were prepared from the tentacles of animals; peptides and proteins were sequenced and submitted to circular dichroism spectroscopy. Creatine kinase, cytotoxicity and hemolytic activity were evaluated by specific methods.Results: We identified two novel cytolysins denominated oshem 1 and oshem 2 from the tentacles of this jellyfish. The cytolysins presented the amino acid sequences NEGKAKCGNTAGSKLTFKSADECTKTGQK (oshem 1) and NNSKAKCGDLAGWSKLTFKSADECTKTGQKS (oshem 2) with respective molecular masses of 3.013 kDa and 3.375 kDa. Circular dichroism revealed that oshem 1 has random coils and small α-helix conformation as main secondary structure whereas oshem 2 presents mainly random coils as its main secondary structure probably due to the presence of W (13) in oshem 2. The hemolysis levels induced by oshem 1 and oshem 2 using a peptide concentration of 0.2 mg/mL were, respectively, 51.7 ± 6.5% and 32.9 ± 8.7% (n = 12 and p ≤ 0.05). Oshem 1 and oshem 2 showed significant myonecrotic activity, evaluated by respective CK level measurements of 1890.4 ± 89 and 1212.5 ± 103 (n = 4 and p ≤ 0.05). In addition, myonecrosis was also evaluated by cell survival, which was measured at 72.4 ± 8.6% and 83.5 ± 6.7% (n = 12 and p ≤ 0.05), respectively. The structural analysis showed that both oshem 1 and oshem 2 should be classified as a small basic hemolytic peptide.Conclusion: The amino acid sequences of two peptides were highly similar while the primary amino acid sequence analysis revealed W (22th) as the most important mutation. Finally oshem 1 and oshem 2 are the first cytolytic peptides isolated from the Olindias sambaquiensis and should probably represent a novel class of cytolytic peptides.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.6991841.v1
title: Geochemical assessment of metals in fluvial systems affected by anthropogenic activities in the Iron Quadrangle

description: ABSTRACT The present study was carried out in the river basin area of Rio do Peixe, Iron Quadrangle, in Minas Gerais, Brazil. This basin presents geological scenario and diversified anthropic activities, such as iron, gold and gems mining, agriculture, and forestry. The main objective of this research was to investigate the possible sources of anthropogenic contributions of metals in bottom sediments. Thus, two surveys were carried out on bottom sediments at twelve basin sites from March to July of 2015. Based on the plasma optical emission spectrometry analytical technique, we found concentrations of Al, Ca, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Ti and Zn in the bottom sediments. The results of the FC, FE and IGEO sediment quality indicators showed that there are anthropic interferences, in which mining and industrial activities, disposal of domestic effluents and use and occupation of inappropriate soil are identified as the main sources of metals contamination of the basin.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.6991838.v1
title: Identification of two novel cytolysins from the hydrozoan Olindias sambaquiensis (Cnidaria)

description: Background: Although the hydrozoan Olindias sambaquiensis is the most common jellyfish associated with human envenomation in southeastern and southern Brazil, information about the composition of its venom is rare. Thus, the present study aimed to analyze pharmacological aspects ofO. sambaquiensis venom as well as clinical manifestations observed in affected patients. Crude protein extracts were prepared from the tentacles of animals; peptides and proteins were sequenced and submitted to circular dichroism spectroscopy. Creatine kinase, cytotoxicity and hemolytic activity were evaluated by specific methods.Results: We identified two novel cytolysins denominated oshem 1 and oshem 2 from the tentacles of this jellyfish. The cytolysins presented the amino acid sequences NEGKAKCGNTAGSKLTFKSADECTKTGQK (oshem 1) and NNSKAKCGDLAGWSKLTFKSADECTKTGQKS (oshem 2) with respective molecular masses of 3.013 kDa and 3.375 kDa. Circular dichroism revealed that oshem 1 has random coils and small α-helix conformation as main secondary structure whereas oshem 2 presents mainly random coils as its main secondary structure probably due to the presence of W (13) in oshem 2. The hemolysis levels induced by oshem 1 and oshem 2 using a peptide concentration of 0.2 mg/mL were, respectively, 51.7 ± 6.5% and 32.9 ± 8.7% (n = 12 and p ≤ 0.05). Oshem 1 and oshem 2 showed significant myonecrotic activity, evaluated by respective CK level measurements of 1890.4 ± 89 and 1212.5 ± 103 (n = 4 and p ≤ 0.05). In addition, myonecrosis was also evaluated by cell survival, which was measured at 72.4 ± 8.6% and 83.5 ± 6.7% (n = 12 and p ≤ 0.05), respectively. The structural analysis showed that both oshem 1 and oshem 2 should be classified as a small basic hemolytic peptide.Conclusion: The amino acid sequences of two peptides were highly similar while the primary amino acid sequence analysis revealed W (22th) as the most important mutation. Finally oshem 1 and oshem 2 are the first cytolytic peptides isolated from the Olindias sambaquiensis and should probably represent a novel class of cytolytic peptides.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.6991832
title: Spatio-temporal analysis of the occurrence of human visceral leishmaniasis in Araçatuba, State of São Paulo, Brazil

description: Abstract INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to describe the occurrence of human visceral leishmaniasis in Araçatuba with regard to time and space and to identify high risk areas. METHODS: We included all human visceral leishmaniasis autochthonous cases reported between 1999 and 2015. The incidence rates were calculated by sex, age, and year. The human visceral leishmaniasis cases were geocoded and grouped by urban census tracts, enabling the calculation of the incidence and mortality rates by census tracts. For the identification of high risk areas, we utilized the scan statistics and univariate Ripley’s K-function. RESULTS: The incidence presented a cyclic pattern in 1999-2009, with peaks in 2002 and 2007 (30.1 and 19.6 cases per 100,000 inhabitant-years, respectively). In 2010-2015, the incidence remained relatively stable with about 2.0 cases per 100,000 inhabitant-years. The scan statistics detected two spatial clusters of high risk and three spatio-temporal clusters of high risk that lasted from 2001 to 2008. A spatial autocorrelation was observed in the human visceral leishmaniasis case point distribution in 1999-2009. No spatio-temporal clusters and no spatial autocorrelation in the case point pattern were identified in 2010-2015. CONCLUSION: We identified a changing pattern of human visceral leishmaniasis occurrence in Araçatuba: the first period (1999-2009) showed a cyclic pattern, clusters, and presence of spatial dependence in the case point distribution; the second period (2010-2015) showed the lowest rates of all historical series, stable incidence, and cases with a random distribution pattern.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.6991832.v1
title: Spatio-temporal analysis of the occurrence of human visceral leishmaniasis in Araçatuba, State of São Paulo, Brazil

description: Abstract INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to describe the occurrence of human visceral leishmaniasis in Araçatuba with regard to time and space and to identify high risk areas. METHODS: We included all human visceral leishmaniasis autochthonous cases reported between 1999 and 2015. The incidence rates were calculated by sex, age, and year. The human visceral leishmaniasis cases were geocoded and grouped by urban census tracts, enabling the calculation of the incidence and mortality rates by census tracts. For the identification of high risk areas, we utilized the scan statistics and univariate Ripley’s K-function. RESULTS: The incidence presented a cyclic pattern in 1999-2009, with peaks in 2002 and 2007 (30.1 and 19.6 cases per 100,000 inhabitant-years, respectively). In 2010-2015, the incidence remained relatively stable with about 2.0 cases per 100,000 inhabitant-years. The scan statistics detected two spatial clusters of high risk and three spatio-temporal clusters of high risk that lasted from 2001 to 2008. A spatial autocorrelation was observed in the human visceral leishmaniasis case point distribution in 1999-2009. No spatio-temporal clusters and no spatial autocorrelation in the case point pattern were identified in 2010-2015. CONCLUSION: We identified a changing pattern of human visceral leishmaniasis occurrence in Araçatuba: the first period (1999-2009) showed a cyclic pattern, clusters, and presence of spatial dependence in the case point distribution; the second period (2010-2015) showed the lowest rates of all historical series, stable incidence, and cases with a random distribution pattern.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.6991817
title: Carbon footprint in commercial cultivation of marine shrimp: a case study in southern Brazil

description: ABSTRACT A life-cycle assessment was conducted during semi-intensive and super-intensive commercial cultivation of marine shrimp from December 2011 to June 2012, considering all phases from the preparation of the nursery to harvesting of the shrimp, to determine the carbon footprints of each process. Inputs and outputs associated to the production of 1 kg of shrimp were evaluated using the CML-1A baseline method, V3.01 EU25, with Software SimaPro® 8.0.2, to identify the factors of impact that are most relevant to the category global warming, measured in kg of CO2 eq. The grow-out phase contributed the most to the final results in super-intensive culture, which had a higher carbon footprint, 47.9967 kg of CO2 eq., which was 1.0042 kg of CO2 eq. in the semi-intensive culture. The most important impacting factor is the use of electrical energy, which is required to maintain dissolved oxygen and the biofloc particles in suspension in the super-intensive culture and for movement of large volumes of water in the semi-intensive system.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.6991814
title: Probiotic addition effect assessment in the diet of fingerling and juvenile Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) created in treated sewage

description: ABSTRACT The research was conducted to evaluate the effect of using probiotic (Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus cereus, Bacillus subitillis, yeasts and Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Saccharomyces boulardi) in diets for tilapia, during the fingerling and juvenile stages, that underwent sanitary challenge on performance, chemical composition of the carcasses and water quality. We used three hundred and sixty fingerlings with initial average weight of 2.91±0.37 g and initial average length of 3.30±0.27 cm. The treatments were: T1) farmed fish in clean water, fed with commercial food without the use of probiotics; T2) fish reared in treated sewage water and fed with commercial food without the use of probiotics; T3) farmed fish in a condition similar to T2, with food plus probiotic. In the evaluation of physicochemical parameters of the treated sewage, regardless of the presence or not of probiotic strains, it presents a high primary productivity. The use of probiotics (Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus cereus and Bacillus subitillis and yeasts - Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Saccharomyces boulardi) promotes improvements in the parameters of feed intake and specific growth rate in the Nile tilapia grown in treated water from sewage, reduces the proportion of lipids in weight gain and increases the proportion of crude protein in weight gain. However, it does not influence weight gain, feed conversion and fish survival. Fish grown in treated sanitary sewage, regardless of the use or not of probiotic strains have a higher protein content and lower fat content.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.6991817.v1
title: Carbon footprint in commercial cultivation of marine shrimp: a case study in southern Brazil

description: ABSTRACT A life-cycle assessment was conducted during semi-intensive and super-intensive commercial cultivation of marine shrimp from December 2011 to June 2012, considering all phases from the preparation of the nursery to harvesting of the shrimp, to determine the carbon footprints of each process. Inputs and outputs associated to the production of 1 kg of shrimp were evaluated using the CML-1A baseline method, V3.01 EU25, with Software SimaPro® 8.0.2, to identify the factors of impact that are most relevant to the category global warming, measured in kg of CO2 eq. The grow-out phase contributed the most to the final results in super-intensive culture, which had a higher carbon footprint, 47.9967 kg of CO2 eq., which was 1.0042 kg of CO2 eq. in the semi-intensive culture. The most important impacting factor is the use of electrical energy, which is required to maintain dissolved oxygen and the biofloc particles in suspension in the super-intensive culture and for movement of large volumes of water in the semi-intensive system.