cometadata/datacite-titles-descriptions-related-identifiers huggingface dataset:
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.7835321
title: What are tilosomes? An update and new perspectives

description: ABSTRACT Characterization of tilosomes and study of their development revealed that they are similar to the cell wall ingrowths of transfer cells. Roots from Anathallis sclerophylla were used to examine the development, histochemistry and ultrastructure of tilosomes using light, confocal and electron microscopy (both SEM and TEM). Tilosomes initiate as cellulosic papillae in the root elongation zone, increasing the apo/symplast surface throughout the wall-membrane apparatus. Both the development and structure of tilosomes and velamen strips appear similar to the reticulated and flange cell wall ingrowths of Vicia faba transfer cells. We suggest two functional phases for tilosomes: a) in young tissues they increase the symplast connection and thus improve outside-inside transport; and b) in mature tissues they direct solutes to passage cells. Both the physiology and the genetic mechanisms controlling the ontogeny of tilosomes remain obscure.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.7835330.v1
title: BjussuLAAO-II induces cytotoxicity and alters DNA methylation of cell-cycle genes in monocultured/co-cultured HepG2 cells

description: Abstract Background: The use of animal venoms and their toxins as material sources for biotechnological applications has received much attention from the pharmaceutical industry. L-amino acid oxidases from snake venoms (SV-LAAOs) have demonstrated innumerous biological effects and pharmacological potential against different cancer types. Hepatocellular carcinoma has increased worldwide, and the aberrant DNA methylation of liver cells is a common mechanism to promote hepatic tumorigenesis. Moreover, tumor microenvironment plays a major role in neoplastic transformation. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms responsible for the cytotoxic effects of SV-LAAO in human cancer cells, this study aimed to evaluate the cytotoxicity and the alterations in DNA methylation profiler in the promoter regions of cell-cycle genes induced by BjussuLAAO-II, an LAAO from Bothrops jaracussu venom, in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cells in monoculture and co-culture with endothelial (HUVEC) cells. Methods: BjussuLAAO-II concentrations were 0.25, 0.50, 1.00 and 5.00 μg/mL. Cell viability was assessed by MTT assay and DNA methylation of the promoter regions of 22 cell-cycle genes by EpiTect Methyl II PCR array. Results: BjussuLAAO-II decreased the cell viability of HepG2 cells in monoculture at all concentrations tested. In co-culture, 1.00 and 5.00 μg/mL induced cytotoxicity (p &lt; 0.05). BjussuLAAO-II increased the methylation of CCND1 and decreased the methylation of CDKN1A in monoculture and GADD45A in both cell-culture models (p &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: Data showed BjussuLAAO-II induced cytotoxicity and altered DNA methylation of the promoter regions of cell-cycle genes in HepG2 cells in monoculture and co-culture models. We suggested the analysis of DNA methylation profile of GADD45A as a potential biomarker of the cell cycle effects of BjussuLAAO-II in cancer cells. The tumor microenvironment should be considered to comprise part of biotechnological strategies during the development of snake-toxin-based novel drugs.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.7835309
title: Contracaecum larvae: morphological and morphometric retrospective analysis, biogeography and zoonotic risk in the amazon

description: Abstract In Brazil there are several records of parasitic nematodes of fish with zoonotic potential, especially those belonging to the family Anisakidae. This study considers the morphology, morphometry and prevalence of Contracaecum in Astronotus ocellatus , fish consumed in the Amazon and sold as ornamental and it also performs a retrospective analysis of the diversity of fish with larvae of Contracaecum, in studies carried out in Brazil over a period of 90 years. 40 specimens of A. ocellatus were necropsied, and the nematodes were collected and fixed in 93 parts 70% ethyl alcohol, 5 parts formaldehyde, and 2 parts glacial acetic acid (AFA) for morphological analysis under light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Of the 40 fish collected during this work, 27 were parasitized by Contracaecum larvae with a total intensity of 150 larvae. Retrospective analysis of intermediate host diversity for Contracaecum larvae resulted in 16 orders, 49 families, 96 genera, 140 species and a hybrid morphotype. In the retrospective study, half of the fish were from freshwater, with the order Perciformes being the most representative, with 16 families, 30 genera and 37 species. In Brazil, the occurrence of larvae of Contracaecum in fish was reported in 15 of the 26 states, with Rio de Janeiro presenting the most information regarding fish harboring Contracaecum larvae.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.7835315
title: Nitro-Heterocyclic compounds induce apoptosis-like effects in Leishmania (L). amazonensis promastigotes

description: Abstract Background: Three drugs - pentavalent antimonials, amphotericin B and pentamidine - are currently used for leishmaniasis treatment. They are administered for long periods, only parenterally, and have high cardiac, renal and hepatic toxicities. Therefore, the investigation of new compounds is required. Nitro-heterocyclic derivatives have been used as possible drug candidates to treat diseases caused by trypanosomatids. Methods: Leishmania (L.) amazonensis promastigotes (MHO/BR/73/M2269), maintained in the Laboratório de Soroepidemiologia - Instituto de Medicina Tropical- USP, were exposed to five nitroheterocyclic derivatives, with differences at phenyl-ring position 4: BSF-C4H9, BSF-H, BSF-NO2, BSF-CH3 and BSF-Cl, for 48 hours. After analyzing viability (MTT assay), we evaluated cellular-morphology activity of compounds by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and measurement of apoptosis (phosphatidylserine expression) by flow cytometry. Results: EC50 of amphotericin B and BSF-CH3 were 0.50 (M and 0.39 (M respective. Other nitro-heterocyclic compounds presented EC50 higher than amphotericin B. All compounds showed greater AV- and PI-positive expression than amphotericin B at 100 (M, except BSF-NO2. TEM showed complete nuclear disfigurement with 100 (M of BSF-NO2, 25 and 6.25 (M of BSF-H, and 6.25 (M BSF-Cl; presence of vesicles within the flagellar pocket with 25 (M BSF-H; alteration of the kinetoplast with 25 (M BSF-C4H9, 25 (M of BSF-H, 6.25 (M BSF-CH3 and 6.25 (M of BSF-Cl. Conclusions: Nitro-heterocyclic compounds have shown activity against promastigotes of L. amazonensis, at lower concentrations. However, improvement of compound scaffolds are needed to assist the elucidation of the mechanism of action and to achieve greater activity.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.7835321.v1
title: What are tilosomes? An update and new perspectives

description: ABSTRACT Characterization of tilosomes and study of their development revealed that they are similar to the cell wall ingrowths of transfer cells. Roots from Anathallis sclerophylla were used to examine the development, histochemistry and ultrastructure of tilosomes using light, confocal and electron microscopy (both SEM and TEM). Tilosomes initiate as cellulosic papillae in the root elongation zone, increasing the apo/symplast surface throughout the wall-membrane apparatus. Both the development and structure of tilosomes and velamen strips appear similar to the reticulated and flange cell wall ingrowths of Vicia faba transfer cells. We suggest two functional phases for tilosomes: a) in young tissues they increase the symplast connection and thus improve outside-inside transport; and b) in mature tissues they direct solutes to passage cells. Both the physiology and the genetic mechanisms controlling the ontogeny of tilosomes remain obscure.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.7835315.v1
title: Nitro-Heterocyclic compounds induce apoptosis-like effects in Leishmania (L). amazonensis promastigotes

description: Abstract Background: Three drugs - pentavalent antimonials, amphotericin B and pentamidine - are currently used for leishmaniasis treatment. They are administered for long periods, only parenterally, and have high cardiac, renal and hepatic toxicities. Therefore, the investigation of new compounds is required. Nitro-heterocyclic derivatives have been used as possible drug candidates to treat diseases caused by trypanosomatids. Methods: Leishmania (L.) amazonensis promastigotes (MHO/BR/73/M2269), maintained in the Laboratório de Soroepidemiologia - Instituto de Medicina Tropical- USP, were exposed to five nitroheterocyclic derivatives, with differences at phenyl-ring position 4: BSF-C4H9, BSF-H, BSF-NO2, BSF-CH3 and BSF-Cl, for 48 hours. After analyzing viability (MTT assay), we evaluated cellular-morphology activity of compounds by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and measurement of apoptosis (phosphatidylserine expression) by flow cytometry. Results: EC50 of amphotericin B and BSF-CH3 were 0.50 (M and 0.39 (M respective. Other nitro-heterocyclic compounds presented EC50 higher than amphotericin B. All compounds showed greater AV- and PI-positive expression than amphotericin B at 100 (M, except BSF-NO2. TEM showed complete nuclear disfigurement with 100 (M of BSF-NO2, 25 and 6.25 (M of BSF-H, and 6.25 (M BSF-Cl; presence of vesicles within the flagellar pocket with 25 (M BSF-H; alteration of the kinetoplast with 25 (M BSF-C4H9, 25 (M of BSF-H, 6.25 (M BSF-CH3 and 6.25 (M of BSF-Cl. Conclusions: Nitro-heterocyclic compounds have shown activity against promastigotes of L. amazonensis, at lower concentrations. However, improvement of compound scaffolds are needed to assist the elucidation of the mechanism of action and to achieve greater activity.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.7835300
title: Ehrlichia spp. infection in domestic cats from Rio de Janeiro State, southeast Brazil

description: Abstract Ehrlichiosis is caused by agents belonging to Ehrlichia genus. Despite the frequent reports on the serological and molecular detection of E. canis in dogs in Brazil, there is scant data on ehrlichiosis in brazilian cats. This study aimed at investigating the occurrence of Ehrlichia spp. in domestic cats from Greater Rio de Janeiro, and evaluating hematological changes associated with this rickettsial infection. We searched for IgG antibodies against E. canis on blood samples of 216 cats by Indirect Fluorescence Assay (IFA). Additionally, we performed nested PCR (nPCR) and real-time PCR (qPCR) assays targeting E. canis-16S rRNA and dsb gene, respectively. Fifty-seven (26.4%) cats were seropositive for Ehrlichia spp. by IFA. Ehrlichia spp.-16S rRNA gene fragments were detected in 3 cats (1.4%). Although the obtained 16S rRNA sequences showed 99 to 100% identity with E. canis, cats were negative in qPCR. Anemia, thrombocytopenia, leukocytosis, left shift neutrophil and hyperproteinemia were observed. Anemia was statistically associated with seropositivity to E. canis and kittens showed lower positivity rates (p&lt;0.05). This study showed that Ehrlichia spp. occur in domestic cats from Greater Rio de Janeiro. Further studies involving culture isolation are much needed to more precisely characterize these organisms.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.7835306
title: Exposure of Toxocara canis eggs to Purpureocillium lilacinum as a biocontrol strategy: an experimental model evaluation

description: Abstract Purpureocillium lilacinum is a nematophagous fungus used in biological control against some parasites, including Toxocara canis. This study researched the infectivity of embryonated T. canis eggs after exposure to the fungus P. lilacinum. T. canis eggs were exposed to P. lilacinum for 15 or 30 days and subsequently administered to Swiss mice (n=20). Control group consisted of mice who received T. canis embryonated eggs without fungal exposure. Forty-eight hours after infection, heart, lung, and liver from animals of each group were collected to assess larval recovery. The organs of mice that received embryonated eggs exposed to the fungus showed a lower average larval recovery (P&lt;0.05) suggesting that exposure of T. canis eggs to P. lilacinum was able to reduce experimental infection. Under the evaluated conditions, the interaction time between the fungus and the parasite eggs was not a significant factor in larvae recovery. P. lilacinum may be considered a promising T. canis biological control agent. However, further studies are needed to determine a protocol for the use of this fungus as a biological control agent.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.7835309.v1
title: Contracaecum larvae: morphological and morphometric retrospective analysis, biogeography and zoonotic risk in the amazon

description: Abstract In Brazil there are several records of parasitic nematodes of fish with zoonotic potential, especially those belonging to the family Anisakidae. This study considers the morphology, morphometry and prevalence of Contracaecum in Astronotus ocellatus , fish consumed in the Amazon and sold as ornamental and it also performs a retrospective analysis of the diversity of fish with larvae of Contracaecum, in studies carried out in Brazil over a period of 90 years. 40 specimens of A. ocellatus were necropsied, and the nematodes were collected and fixed in 93 parts 70% ethyl alcohol, 5 parts formaldehyde, and 2 parts glacial acetic acid (AFA) for morphological analysis under light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Of the 40 fish collected during this work, 27 were parasitized by Contracaecum larvae with a total intensity of 150 larvae. Retrospective analysis of intermediate host diversity for Contracaecum larvae resulted in 16 orders, 49 families, 96 genera, 140 species and a hybrid morphotype. In the retrospective study, half of the fish were from freshwater, with the order Perciformes being the most representative, with 16 families, 30 genera and 37 species. In Brazil, the occurrence of larvae of Contracaecum in fish was reported in 15 of the 26 states, with Rio de Janeiro presenting the most information regarding fish harboring Contracaecum larvae.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.7835306.v1
title: Exposure of Toxocara canis eggs to Purpureocillium lilacinum as a biocontrol strategy: an experimental model evaluation

description: Abstract Purpureocillium lilacinum is a nematophagous fungus used in biological control against some parasites, including Toxocara canis. This study researched the infectivity of embryonated T. canis eggs after exposure to the fungus P. lilacinum. T. canis eggs were exposed to P. lilacinum for 15 or 30 days and subsequently administered to Swiss mice (n=20). Control group consisted of mice who received T. canis embryonated eggs without fungal exposure. Forty-eight hours after infection, heart, lung, and liver from animals of each group were collected to assess larval recovery. The organs of mice that received embryonated eggs exposed to the fungus showed a lower average larval recovery (P&lt;0.05) suggesting that exposure of T. canis eggs to P. lilacinum was able to reduce experimental infection. Under the evaluated conditions, the interaction time between the fungus and the parasite eggs was not a significant factor in larvae recovery. P. lilacinum may be considered a promising T. canis biological control agent. However, further studies are needed to determine a protocol for the use of this fungus as a biological control agent.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.7835294
title: Flukicide efficacy against Fasciola hepatica of Triclabendazole and Nitroxynil in cattle of the central valley of Chile

description: Abstract On a farm with permanent history of fasciolasis a study was performed aimed to know the efficacy of triclabendazole (TCBZ) and then to contrast with that of nitroxynil. Thirty-nine cattle naturally infected with Fasciola hepatica were randomly allocated into 4 experimental groups: Group 1 (control) was left untreated. Group 2 was treated with of 12 mg/kg body weight (bw) of TCBZ by oral route. Group 3 treated with 24 mg/kg bw TCBZ orally. Group 4 was treated with 10 mg/kg bw of nitroxynil subcutaneously. The anthelmintic efficacy was calculated as the percentage of reduction in faecal egg count (FEC) at 14 and 28 d post-treatment. Results indicated that there were no significant differences in the percentage of FEC reduction between control group and the groups treated with 12 or 24 mg/kg of TCBZ. On the contrary, the treatment with nitroxinyl significantly reduced the FEC and decreased the percentage of positive animals. In conclusion, Fasciola hepatica is reported for first time as resistant to TCBZ in Chile, which highlights the need of rotating drugs and assessing the efficacy of the administered drug in order to avoid the selection of resistant worms.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.7835300.v1
title: Ehrlichia spp. infection in domestic cats from Rio de Janeiro State, southeast Brazil

description: Abstract Ehrlichiosis is caused by agents belonging to Ehrlichia genus. Despite the frequent reports on the serological and molecular detection of E. canis in dogs in Brazil, there is scant data on ehrlichiosis in brazilian cats. This study aimed at investigating the occurrence of Ehrlichia spp. in domestic cats from Greater Rio de Janeiro, and evaluating hematological changes associated with this rickettsial infection. We searched for IgG antibodies against E. canis on blood samples of 216 cats by Indirect Fluorescence Assay (IFA). Additionally, we performed nested PCR (nPCR) and real-time PCR (qPCR) assays targeting E. canis-16S rRNA and dsb gene, respectively. Fifty-seven (26.4%) cats were seropositive for Ehrlichia spp. by IFA. Ehrlichia spp.-16S rRNA gene fragments were detected in 3 cats (1.4%). Although the obtained 16S rRNA sequences showed 99 to 100% identity with E. canis, cats were negative in qPCR. Anemia, thrombocytopenia, leukocytosis, left shift neutrophil and hyperproteinemia were observed. Anemia was statistically associated with seropositivity to E. canis and kittens showed lower positivity rates (p&lt;0.05). This study showed that Ehrlichia spp. occur in domestic cats from Greater Rio de Janeiro. Further studies involving culture isolation are much needed to more precisely characterize these organisms.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.7835291
title: What is known about Tritrichomonas foetus infection in cats?

description: Abstract Tritrichomonas foetus is a parasite that has been definitively identified as an agent of trichomonosis, a disease characterized by chronic diarrhea. T. foetus colonizes portions of the feline large intestine, and manifests as chronic and recurrent diarrhea with mucus and fresh blood, which is often unresponsive to common drugs. Diagnosis of a trichomonad infection is made by either the demonstration of the trophozoite on a direct fecal smear, fecal culture and subsequent microscopic examination of the parasite, or extraction of DNA in feces and amplification by the use of molecular tools. T. foetus is commonly misidentified as other flagellate protozoa such as Giardia duodenalis and Pentatrichomonas hominis. Without proper treatment, the diarrhea may resolve spontaneously in months to years, but cats can remain carriers of the parasite. This paper intends to serve as a source of information for investigators and veterinarians, reviewing the most important aspects of feline trichomonosis, such as trichomonad history, biology, clinical manifestations, pathogenesis, world distribution, risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.7835291.v1
title: What is known about Tritrichomonas foetus infection in cats?

description: Abstract Tritrichomonas foetus is a parasite that has been definitively identified as an agent of trichomonosis, a disease characterized by chronic diarrhea. T. foetus colonizes portions of the feline large intestine, and manifests as chronic and recurrent diarrhea with mucus and fresh blood, which is often unresponsive to common drugs. Diagnosis of a trichomonad infection is made by either the demonstration of the trophozoite on a direct fecal smear, fecal culture and subsequent microscopic examination of the parasite, or extraction of DNA in feces and amplification by the use of molecular tools. T. foetus is commonly misidentified as other flagellate protozoa such as Giardia duodenalis and Pentatrichomonas hominis. Without proper treatment, the diarrhea may resolve spontaneously in months to years, but cats can remain carriers of the parasite. This paper intends to serve as a source of information for investigators and veterinarians, reviewing the most important aspects of feline trichomonosis, such as trichomonad history, biology, clinical manifestations, pathogenesis, world distribution, risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.7835279
title: Coordinated hunting behaviors of mixed-species groups of piscivores and associated species at Isla del Coco National Park (Eastern Tropical Pacific)

description: ABSTRACT Studies of mixed-species groups of animals can reveal emergent complexities of collective behaviors. In this study we collected data on mixed-species hunting groups composed primarily of piscivorous fishes (species composition, abundance, behavioral interactions) and used both multivariate and network analyses to quantify pair-wise and guild level behavioral relationships. Our results indicate that such collective behaviors exhibit consistent patterns of associations (33 species with 282 pair-wise links within the observed network) with 10 dominant species accounting for 60% of pair-wise interactions. Species richness within groups varied (mean = 2.4, range 2-6 species) as did group size (mean = 8.1 individuals, range 2-80). Mixed-species groups, in general, were composed of species representing morphologically diverse forms that appeared to enhance access to shelter sites and implement diverse strategies for prey capture. It is noteworthy that the composition of groups did not reflect the relative abundances of their component species within the overall community of fishes, suggesting that group membership was an elective choice. The identification of these patterns, assuming they are persistent features of these communities, can be used as a foundation for studies to assess dynamics of mixed-species relationships, rates of predator success based on group membership, demographic consequences, and responses to variations in habitat attributes and associated prey resources. Such information could be used to interpret the nature of multispecies interactions within predator communities and potentially aid in conservation and management.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.7835294.v1
title: Flukicide efficacy against Fasciola hepatica of Triclabendazole and Nitroxynil in cattle of the central valley of Chile

description: Abstract On a farm with permanent history of fasciolasis a study was performed aimed to know the efficacy of triclabendazole (TCBZ) and then to contrast with that of nitroxynil. Thirty-nine cattle naturally infected with Fasciola hepatica were randomly allocated into 4 experimental groups: Group 1 (control) was left untreated. Group 2 was treated with of 12 mg/kg body weight (bw) of TCBZ by oral route. Group 3 treated with 24 mg/kg bw TCBZ orally. Group 4 was treated with 10 mg/kg bw of nitroxynil subcutaneously. The anthelmintic efficacy was calculated as the percentage of reduction in faecal egg count (FEC) at 14 and 28 d post-treatment. Results indicated that there were no significant differences in the percentage of FEC reduction between control group and the groups treated with 12 or 24 mg/kg of TCBZ. On the contrary, the treatment with nitroxinyl significantly reduced the FEC and decreased the percentage of positive animals. In conclusion, Fasciola hepatica is reported for first time as resistant to TCBZ in Chile, which highlights the need of rotating drugs and assessing the efficacy of the administered drug in order to avoid the selection of resistant worms.