cometadata/datacite-titles-descriptions-related-identifiers huggingface dataset:
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14275098.v1
title: Biodiversity of parasites found in the trahira, Hoplias malabaricus (Bloch, 1794), collected in the Batalha River, Tietê-Batalha drainage basin, SP, Brazil

description: Abstract Eighty-one Hoplias malabaricus specimens were collected between February 2014 and June 2016. A total of 29 species of metazoan parasites were found, 13 of which were identified as monogeneans, seven were digenean species, seven of which were nematodes, and two of which were from the subclass Hirudinea. The highest prevalence values were presented by Contracaecum sp. and Tylodelphys sp. The highest mean abundance and mean intensity was recorded by Tylodelphys sp.; the values were 36.7 ± 61.8 and 55.65 ± 69.1, respectively. The abundance of the monogenean Urocleidoides cuiabai was found to be positively correlated with host weight. The abundance of Bucephalidae gen. sp. exhibited significant positive correlations with host weight and length. For Contracaecum sp., a significant negative correlation was found between its abundance and host length and weight. No significant differences between the diversity indexes (Margalef, Pielou and Shannon) of the parasites collected in the two points were found. The Sorensen similarity index, with a value of 0.82 between the two sampling points revealed that the parasitic diversity between them is similar. The findings from this study represent new records of occurrence of H. malabaricus, as well as of Urocleidoides margolisi, Scleroductus sp. and Helobdella sp.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14275104
title: Hydrolysis of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.) flour by Candida homilentoma strains: effects of pH and temperature using Central Composite Rotatable Design

description: Abstract The current study focuses on the evaluation of culture parameters on the enzymatic hydrolysis of Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam flour by Candida homilentoma strains. A 2-factor-5-level CCRD was used to evaluate the effect of pH and temperature on the hydrolysis process. For the S-47 strain, pH and both studied parameters were significant at 48 h and 96 h, respectively. Regarding S-81 strain, temperature was the only factor affecting the process, at 96 hours. The regression models were significant, and no lack of fit was observed for them.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14275104.v1
title: Hydrolysis of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.) flour by Candida homilentoma strains: effects of pH and temperature using Central Composite Rotatable Design

description: Abstract The current study focuses on the evaluation of culture parameters on the enzymatic hydrolysis of Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam flour by Candida homilentoma strains. A 2-factor-5-level CCRD was used to evaluate the effect of pH and temperature on the hydrolysis process. For the S-47 strain, pH and both studied parameters were significant at 48 h and 96 h, respectively. Regarding S-81 strain, temperature was the only factor affecting the process, at 96 hours. The regression models were significant, and no lack of fit was observed for them.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14275106.v1
title: Tangential distribution of cell type and direction selectivity in monkey area MT

description: Abstract Abstract: We studied the multiunit responses to moving and static stimuli from 585 cell clusters in area MT using multi-electrode arrays. Our aim was to explore if MT columns exhibit any larger-scale tangential organization or clustering based on their response properties. Neurons showing both motion and orientation selectivity were classified into four categories: 1- Type I (orientation selectivity orthogonal to the axis of motion); 2- Type II (orientation selectivity coaxial to the axis of motion); 3- Type DS (significant response to moving stimuli, but non-significant response to static stimuli); and 4- Type OS (significant orientation selectivity, but non-significant direction selectivity). Type I (34%), Type II (24%) and Type DS (32%) clusters were the most predominant and may be associated with different stages of motion processing in MT. On the other hand, the rarer Type OS (9%) may be integrating motion and form processing. Type I and unidirectional sites were the only classes to exhibit significant clustering. Type OS sites showed a trend for clustering, which did not reach statistical significance. We also found a trend for unidirectional sites to have bidirectional sites as neighbors. In conclusion, neuronal clustering associated with these four categories may be related to distinct MT functional circuits.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14275112
title: Nineteenth century zootherapy in Benedictine monasteries of Brazil

description: Abstract Research on the past use of animals in medicine, particularly in Brazil, is still scarce. This work aimed to perform a dialogical analysis of information retrieved from historical documents composed in the nineteenth century about the therapeutic use of animal species in Benedictine monasteries in Brazil and their contemporary medicinal applications. Cross-referencing of seven written codices from the nineteenth century Benedictine monasteries infirmaries was performed for taxonomic identification and with therapeutic indications. Animal species provided 13 zootherapeutic resources, which were related to 17 therapeutic indications. Insects, birds and mammals concentrated the greatest number of pharmaceutical actions (37%, 32% and 16% of the therapeutic indications). Medicinal animals used in the past are species commonly applied in the European medicine over centuries. This reveals that the practiced medicine in Benedictine monasteries was influenced by medical concepts from Europe. Also, it shows that still today this European medicine is the basis of therapeutic practice. Such research is essential for a better scientific understanding of the history of medicine, focusing on how different cultures have contributed to the actual therapeutic practice. In this way it is possible to trace a history zootherapy in Brazil, demonstrating the persistence of their use over the time.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14275103.v1
title: Localization and distribution of CCK-8, NPY, Leu-ENK-, and Ghrelin- in the digestive tract of Prochilodus lineatus (Valenciennes, 1836)

description: Abstract This study describes the histological characteristics and distribution of gastrointestinal tract endocrine cells (ECs) of Prochilodus lineatus (detritivorous fish) using immunohistochemical procedures. The digestive tract of P. lineatus was divided into seven portions: stomach (cardial and pyloric), pyloric caeca, and intestine (anterior, glandular, middle and posterior). A pool of specific antisera against cholecystokinin (CCK-8), -neuropeptide Y (NPY), -ghrelin (Ghre) and -leu-enkephalin (Leu-ENK) to identify ECs were used. According to the morphological characteristics of ECs, two different types were identified and classified as open or closed-type. The number of ECs varied throughout the gastrointestinal tract, though a high abundance was found in the anterior intestine and pyloric caeca. A large number of ECs immunoreactive to CCK-8 and NPY were recorded in the anterior, glandular and middle intestine. ECs immunopositive to Leu-ENK were distributed in the stomach and pyloric caeca. For Ghre, immunopositive ECs were restricted to the glandular intestine. The results of the present study indicate that P. lineatus presents an ECs distribution pattern with species-specific particularities. However, CCK showed a distribution similar to that of omnivores, which is possibly related to local signaling functions in order to achieve the correct digestion of the various organisms found in the detritus.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14275106
title: Tangential distribution of cell type and direction selectivity in monkey area MT

description: Abstract Abstract: We studied the multiunit responses to moving and static stimuli from 585 cell clusters in area MT using multi-electrode arrays. Our aim was to explore if MT columns exhibit any larger-scale tangential organization or clustering based on their response properties. Neurons showing both motion and orientation selectivity were classified into four categories: 1- Type I (orientation selectivity orthogonal to the axis of motion); 2- Type II (orientation selectivity coaxial to the axis of motion); 3- Type DS (significant response to moving stimuli, but non-significant response to static stimuli); and 4- Type OS (significant orientation selectivity, but non-significant direction selectivity). Type I (34%), Type II (24%) and Type DS (32%) clusters were the most predominant and may be associated with different stages of motion processing in MT. On the other hand, the rarer Type OS (9%) may be integrating motion and form processing. Type I and unidirectional sites were the only classes to exhibit significant clustering. Type OS sites showed a trend for clustering, which did not reach statistical significance. We also found a trend for unidirectional sites to have bidirectional sites as neighbors. In conclusion, neuronal clustering associated with these four categories may be related to distinct MT functional circuits.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14275109
title: Antioxidant potential and chemical characterization of bioactive compounds from a medicinal plant Colebrokea oppositifolia Sm

description: Abstract Colebrookea oppositifolia is a highly used medicinal plant and an enriched source of essential oils. Therefore, the present study was designed with the aim to extract the chemical constituents and to evaluate its antioxidant potential. Fresh plant parts were subjected to the extraction of volatile chemical constituents by maceration using n-hexane as the menstruum. The resulting n-hexane fractions were purified and then subjected to GC-MS and FTIR analysis. In-vitro antioxidant abilities were evaluated by, DPPH, total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC) method against the standard solutions of (Gallic acid, Quercetin) as a positive control. The GC-MS analysis of leaves, stem and inflorescence showed a total of 100, 98 and 48 components out of which 47, 16 and 17 peaks were identified representing the 67.64 %, 73.16 % and 61.93 % of the total oily fractions, respectively. The FTIR spectrum indicated the presence of various functional groups. In-vitro antioxidant results exhibited that leaves showed the highest antioxidant potential by DPPH (3.365 ± 0.002), and the highest total phenolic content by FC method (203.00 ± 0.091). Foliar micromorphological features were found significant in the authentication of C. oppositifolia. Further pharmacognostic studies of this plant are recommended to evaluate its therapeutic potential.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14275113
title: Natural products from some soil cyanobacterial extracts with potent antimicrobial, antioxidant and cytotoxic activities

description: Abstract The ethyl acetate, n hexane and methanol extracts of six cyanobacterial species isolated from paddy fields in Egypt were assessed for their antimicrobial activity, using disc diffusion method. Oscillatoria acuminata, Oscillatoria amphigranulata and Spirulina platensis methanolic extracts showed the highest inhibition zones. Minimum inhibitory concentration of O. amphigranulata extract recorded lower values using agar streak dilution method. O. acuminata methanolic extract exhibited the highest antioxidant activity (6.58 and 34.60 % using DPPH (2, 2- diphenyl-1- picrylhydrazyl) and ABTS+ (2, 2-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) methods, respectively, followed by O. amphigranulata then S. platensis. Similarly, O. acuminata methanolic extract showed very strong cytotoxicity activity against HepG2 and HCT-116 cell lines and strong activity with MCF-7 cell lines. O. amphigranulata extract showed strong cytotoxicity for HepG2 and HCT-116 as well as moderate cytotoxicity for MCF-7 cell line. Whereas, S. platensis extract exhibited moderate cytotoxicity for all cell lines. Results of gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy analysis pointed out that the potential activity of these cyanobacterial extracts might be attributed to a synergistic effect between their pronounced contents of fatty acids, alkaloids, phytol, hydrocarbons, phenolics and phthalates, especially fatty acids. We recommend cyanobacteria as a rich source of natural products with potent pharmacological and medical applications.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14275112.v1
title: Nineteenth century zootherapy in Benedictine monasteries of Brazil

description: Abstract Research on the past use of animals in medicine, particularly in Brazil, is still scarce. This work aimed to perform a dialogical analysis of information retrieved from historical documents composed in the nineteenth century about the therapeutic use of animal species in Benedictine monasteries in Brazil and their contemporary medicinal applications. Cross-referencing of seven written codices from the nineteenth century Benedictine monasteries infirmaries was performed for taxonomic identification and with therapeutic indications. Animal species provided 13 zootherapeutic resources, which were related to 17 therapeutic indications. Insects, birds and mammals concentrated the greatest number of pharmaceutical actions (37%, 32% and 16% of the therapeutic indications). Medicinal animals used in the past are species commonly applied in the European medicine over centuries. This reveals that the practiced medicine in Benedictine monasteries was influenced by medical concepts from Europe. Also, it shows that still today this European medicine is the basis of therapeutic practice. Such research is essential for a better scientific understanding of the history of medicine, focusing on how different cultures have contributed to the actual therapeutic practice. In this way it is possible to trace a history zootherapy in Brazil, demonstrating the persistence of their use over the time.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14275113.v1
title: Natural products from some soil cyanobacterial extracts with potent antimicrobial, antioxidant and cytotoxic activities

description: Abstract The ethyl acetate, n hexane and methanol extracts of six cyanobacterial species isolated from paddy fields in Egypt were assessed for their antimicrobial activity, using disc diffusion method. Oscillatoria acuminata, Oscillatoria amphigranulata and Spirulina platensis methanolic extracts showed the highest inhibition zones. Minimum inhibitory concentration of O. amphigranulata extract recorded lower values using agar streak dilution method. O. acuminata methanolic extract exhibited the highest antioxidant activity (6.58 and 34.60 % using DPPH (2, 2- diphenyl-1- picrylhydrazyl) and ABTS+ (2, 2-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) methods, respectively, followed by O. amphigranulata then S. platensis. Similarly, O. acuminata methanolic extract showed very strong cytotoxicity activity against HepG2 and HCT-116 cell lines and strong activity with MCF-7 cell lines. O. amphigranulata extract showed strong cytotoxicity for HepG2 and HCT-116 as well as moderate cytotoxicity for MCF-7 cell line. Whereas, S. platensis extract exhibited moderate cytotoxicity for all cell lines. Results of gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy analysis pointed out that the potential activity of these cyanobacterial extracts might be attributed to a synergistic effect between their pronounced contents of fatty acids, alkaloids, phytol, hydrocarbons, phenolics and phthalates, especially fatty acids. We recommend cyanobacteria as a rich source of natural products with potent pharmacological and medical applications.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14275116
title: Under the light: high prevalence of haemoparasites in lizards (Reptilia: Squamata) from Central Amazonia revealed by microscopy

description: Abstract Blood samples from 330 lizards of 19 species were collected to investigate the occurrence of haemoparasites. Samplings were performed in areas of upland (terra-firme) forest adjacent to Manaus municipality, Amazonas, Brazil. Blood parasites were detected in 220 (66%) lizards of 12 species and comprised four major groups: Apicomplexa (including haemogregarines, piroplasms, and haemosporidians), trypanosomatids, microfilarid nematodes and viral or bacterial organisms. Order Haemosporida had the highest prevalence, with 118 (35%) animals from 11 species. For lizard species, Uranoscodon superciliosus was the most parasitised host, with 103 (87%; n = 118) positive individuals. This species also presented the highest parasite diversity, with the occurrence of six taxa. Despite the difficulties attributed by many authors regarding the use of morphological characters for taxonomic resolution of haemoparasites, our low-cost approach using light microscopy recorded a high prevalence and diversity of blood parasite taxa in a relatively small number of host species. This report is the first survey of haemoparasites in lizards in the study region. It revealed a high diversity of lizard haemoparasites and highlights the need to understand their impacts on hosts.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14275116.v1
title: Under the light: high prevalence of haemoparasites in lizards (Reptilia: Squamata) from Central Amazonia revealed by microscopy

description: Abstract Blood samples from 330 lizards of 19 species were collected to investigate the occurrence of haemoparasites. Samplings were performed in areas of upland (terra-firme) forest adjacent to Manaus municipality, Amazonas, Brazil. Blood parasites were detected in 220 (66%) lizards of 12 species and comprised four major groups: Apicomplexa (including haemogregarines, piroplasms, and haemosporidians), trypanosomatids, microfilarid nematodes and viral or bacterial organisms. Order Haemosporida had the highest prevalence, with 118 (35%) animals from 11 species. For lizard species, Uranoscodon superciliosus was the most parasitised host, with 103 (87%; n = 118) positive individuals. This species also presented the highest parasite diversity, with the occurrence of six taxa. Despite the difficulties attributed by many authors regarding the use of morphological characters for taxonomic resolution of haemoparasites, our low-cost approach using light microscopy recorded a high prevalence and diversity of blood parasite taxa in a relatively small number of host species. This report is the first survey of haemoparasites in lizards in the study region. It revealed a high diversity of lizard haemoparasites and highlights the need to understand their impacts on hosts.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14275119
title: Involvement of redox status and the nuclear-related factor 2 in protecting against cadmium-induced renal injury with Sana Makki (Cassia senna L.) pre-treatment in male rats

description: Abstract This study was designed to investigate the potential defensive strategy of Sana Makki extract (SME) against Cd-induced in vivo nephrotoxicity and its underlying mechanisms. Male albino rats were used in a thirty days study comparing control, SME-treated, CdCl2-treated, and combined SME and Cd treatment. Pre-treatment with SME significantly reduced serum kidney biomarkers (urea and creatinine), the concentration of renal KIM-1, and kidney index values. Additionally, SME also attenuated CdCl2-induced oxidative and nitrosative stress in renal tissue; significantly reducing malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) concentrations and significantly increasing antioxidant enzymes in kidney tissue. Molecularly, SME significantly upregulated antioxidant gene expression (SOD2, GR, GPx1, and CAT) caused by Cd. Notably, the augmented mRNA expression of nuclear-related factor 2 (Nrf2) by Cd was enhanced by SME administration. SME markedly suppressed the Cd-induced rise in pro-inflammatory cytokines. The combination of Cd and SME relieved the Cd-induced apoptotic damage by enhancing Bcl2 and suppressing Bax and Cas-3 levels in renal tissue. The renal tissue histoarchitecture confirmed the biochemical and molecular findings. Collectively, our data indicate that SME can counteract Cd-induced renal intoxication through anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic mechanisms.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14275122
title: Occurrence, residency patterns and habitat use of the bottlenose dolphin, Tursiops truncatus truncatus, on two Marine Protected Areas in Southeastern Brazil

description: Abstract The common bottlenose dolphin, Tursiops truncatus, is widely distributed. However, information about its ecology and behavior in Brazilian waters is scarce especially about the ‘offshore’ ecotype, an Evolutionarily Significant Unit in the Southwest Atlantic. We report for the first time the occurrence, behavior and habitat use of bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus truncatus, in two Marine Protected Areas (MPA) in Cabo Frio coast, Brazil. There were fifteen sightings of different groups throughout the year. An overall of 429 individuals were photo-identified. 90.7% dolphins did not present a degree of residence, 1.4% dolphins were considered with high residency to the area, 5.8% medium and 2.1% low. Our habitat use map indicated dolphins were more common off ~10km from Cabo Frio municipality and between depths around 20-70m. Bottlenose dolphins on Cabo Frio coast were more frequently observed performing travelling, followed by foraging and socio-sexual behavior. Group sizes varied from three to 120 individuals. Larger groups were observed when travelling and foraging. Despite the existence of two local Marine Protected Areas, the fast human development in Cabo Frio may threaten this important area for bottlenose dolphins in terms of food resources and shelter from predators.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14275124.v1
title: Foraminiferal assemblage structure from Brazilian tropical urbanized beaches (~7°S)

description: Abstract Foraminifera are diversified protists with high ecological and bioindicator importance. Physical-chemical parameters of the environment can be evaluated through the taphonomic analysis of the test coloring, because once they settle in the sediment their tests begin to behave as sedimentary particles. Five urbanized tropical Brazilian beaches were sampled in this study in order to characterize the diversity, abundance, taxonomic and taphonomic structure of Foraminifera assemblages. General environmental characterization such as granulometric analysis, temperature and salinity was also performed. A total of 69 foraminiferan species were found, dominated by Quinqueloculina lamarckiana, Archaias angulatus, Amphistegina lessonii, Ammonia tepida and Eponides repandus. A large predominance of dead tests (&gt;90%) was found, and only them were considered in further analyses. The cluster based on the taxonomic composition formed two groups, separating Miramar from the other beaches. Miramar was dominated by Ammonia tepida (18.9%), Sorites marginalis (16.8%), Quinqueloculina lamarckiana (13.9%) and Textularia agglutinans (10.2%), and had the highest density, number of species and diversity, what may be related with the sheltered nature of this beach and the dominance of fine sand. The other four beaches have high oceanic influence and the medium and coarse sand predominated. In these beaches Quinqueloculina lamarckiana dominated, representing between 30.9 and 38.7% of total foraminiferans. The taphonomic analysis indicates that Miramar presents a high deposition of tests and a low hydrodynamic energy, since the majority of tests were white. In Bessa, Manaíra and Seixas most of the tests were brownish, which is characteristic of beaches with high hydrodynamic energy, which causes the tests to be constantly brought to the oxidation zone.