Can survival of European flat oysters following experimental infection with Bonamia ostreae be predicted using QTLs?

The present study identifies quantitative trait loci (QTLs) in response to an experimental infection with the parasite responsible for bonamiosis, Bonamia ostreae, in two segregating families of the European flat oyster, Ostrea edulis. We first constructed a genetic-linkage map for each studied family and improved the existing genetic-linkage map for the European flat oyster with a set of SNP markers. This latter map now combines the best accuracy and the best estimate of the genome coverage available for an oyster species. Secondly, by comparing the QTLs detected in this study with those previously published for O. edulis in similar experimental conditions, we identified several potential QTLs that were identical between the different families, and also new specific QTLs. We also detected, within the confidence interval of several QTL regions, some previously predicted candidate genes differentially expressed during an infection with B. ostreae, providing new candidate genome regions which should now be studied more specifically.

New Perspective On The Haplosporidian Parasites Of Molluscs

The protist phylum Haplosporidia comprises over 40 described species with representatives infecting a range of mollusc hosts, including several ecologically and economically significant pathogens. Continuing exploration of haplosporidian diversity has added ten new species in recent years and brought the phylogenetics of the group into somewhat clearer focus, with monophyletic Bonamia and Minchinia lineages continuing to be supported. However, the addition of new sequences to phylogenetic analyses has left the paraphyletic genus Haplosporidium’s picture less resolved. It is not clear that even two genera will be enough to accommodate the species presently drawn to the Haplosporidium regions of the haplosporidian tree. In this review, we summarize recent findings in haplosporidian diversity and phylogenetics, and provide a synthesis of our understanding of the life cycles and environmental influences on haplosporidians, with particular emphasis on the important pathogens Haplosporidium nelsoni and Bonamia ostreae. Additionally, we consider the evolution of the “microcell haplosporidian” lifestyle of Bonamia parasites, and suggest that colonization of high-density oyster host populations in relatively stable euhaline marine environments may have been an important development favoring the evolution of the microcell haplosporidian life strategy.

Cultivo artesanal do cogumelo Shiitake: uma potencial atividade para agroecossistemas sustentáveis

Edible mushroom cultivation has been gaining ground in the agricultural environment throughout the country, creating a new product option in the food market. This activity is linked to cultural and artisanal management with environmentally sustainable principles and generates income for small farms. In this context, the present study evaluated the potential for artisanal cultivation of Shiitake as an activity for sustainable agroecosystems. Initially, the historic of implementation and evolution of artisanal cultivation of Shiitake mushroom on properties considered models in Pato Branco, Guarapuava and São José dos Pinhais (Paraná) and Frei Rogerio, (Santa Catarina) were carried out. Consequently, a comparative analysis between the cultivation systems of these properties and the use of small wooded areas and reforested areas was conducted. Aspects of production, income and pluralism of the farms, were also performed. At the end, the nutritional quality parameters of mushrooms produced in different properties were evaluated. The results show economic potential in Shiitake production. The activity also has potential for the sustainable exploitation of native forest and reforested areas, contributing to the optimal use of physical space small properties. In artisanal cultivation of Shiitake there is a systemic interaction verified by the use of wood from the same farm, assisting in the renewal of biomass of the agroecosystem. Finally, it was found that mushrooms produced on different substrates used in the studied properties have high nutritional quality. Shiitake samples exhibited high contents of protein, fiber, minerals and low fat content.

OsHV-1 countermeasures to the Pacific oyster’s anti-viral response

The host-pathogen interactions between the Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas) and Ostreid herpesvirus type 1 (OsHV-1) are poorly characterised. Herpesviruses are a group of large, DNA viruses that are known to encode gene products that subvert their host’s antiviral response. It is likely that OsHV-1 has also evolved similar strategies as its genome encodes genes with high homology to C. gigas inhibitors of apoptosis (IAPs) and an interferon-stimulated gene (termed CH25H). The first objective of this study was to simultaneously investigate the expression of C. gigas and OsHV-1 genes that share high sequence homology during an acute infection. Comparison of apoptosis-related genes revealed that components of the extrinsic apoptosis pathway (TNF) were induced in response to OsHV-1 infection, but we failed to observe evidence of apoptosis using a combination of biochemical and molecular assays. IAPs encoded by OsHV-1 were highly expressed during the acute stage of infection and may explain why we didn’t observe evidence of apoptosis. However, C. gigas must have an alternative mechanism to apoptosis for clearing OsHV-1 from infected gill cells as we observed a reduction in viral DNA between 27 and 54 h post-infection. The reduction of viral DNA in C. gigas gill cells occurred after the up-regulation of interferon-stimulated genes (viperin, PKR, ADAR). In a second objective, we manipulated the host’s anti-viral response by injecting C. gigas with a small dose of poly I:C at the time of OsHV-1 infection. This small dose of poly I:C was unable to induce transcription of known antiviral effectors (ISGs), but these oysters were still capable of inhibiting OsHV-1 replication. This result suggests dsRNA induces an anti-viral response that is additional to the IFN-like pathway.

Bioremediation of phosphates in seawater: approach for recirculating marine aquaculture effluents

Marine Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) produce great volume of wastewater, which may be reutilized/recirculated or reutilized after undergoing different treatment/remediation methods, or partly discharged into neighbour water-bodies (DWW). Phosphates, in particular, are usually accumulated at high concentrations in DWW, both because its monitoring is not compulsory for fish production since it is not a limiting parameter, and also because there is no specific treatment so far developed to remove them, especially in what concerns saltwater effluents. As such, this work addresses two main scientific questions. One of them regards the understanding of the actual (bio)remediation methods applied to effluents produced in marine RAS, by identifying their advantages, drawbacks and gaps concerning their exploitation in saltwater effluents. The second one is the development of a new, innovative and efficient method for the treatment of saltwater effluents that potentially fulfil the gaps identified in the conventional treatments. Thereby, the aims of this thesis are: (i) to revise the conventional treatments targeting major contaminants in marine RAS effluents, with a particular focus on the bioremediation approaches already conducted for phosphates; (ii) to characterize and evaluate the potential of oyster-shell waste collected in Ria de Aveiro as a bioremediation agent of phosphates spiked into artificial saltwater, over different influencing factors (e.g., oyster-shell pre-treatment through calcination, particle size, adsorbent concentration). Despite the use of oyster-shells for phosphorous (P) removal has already been applied in freshwater, its biosorptive potential for P in saltwater was never evaluated, as far as I am aware. The results herein generated showed that NOS is mainly composed by carbonates, which are almost completely converted into lime (CaO) after calcination (COS). Such pre-treatment allowed obtaining a more reactive material for P removal, since higher removal percentages and adsorption capacity was observed for COS. Smaller particle size fractions for both NOS and COS samples also increased P removal. Kinetic models showed that NOS adsorption followed, simultaneously, Elovich and Intraparticle Difusion kinetic models, suggesting that P removal is both a diffusional and chemically rate-controlled process. The percentage of P removal by COS was not controlled by Intraparticle Diffusion and the Elovich model was the kinetic model that best fitted phosphate removal. This work demonstrated that waste oyster-shells, either NOS or COS, could be used as an effective biosorbent for P removal from seawater. Thereby, this biomaterial can sustain a cost-effective and eco-friendly bioremediation strategy with potential application in marine RAS.

Desenvolvimento e crescimento da espécie de cogumelo Pleurotus ostreatus em garrafas de plástico reutilizado

Dissertação de Mestrado, Tecnologia e Segurança Alimentar, 22 de Junho de 2016, Universidade dos Açores.

Avaliação do extrato do fungo caripia montagnei e de agonistas de PPAR - α no processo inflamatório

The mushrooms have been object of intense research in view of its potential raising of application in different sectors of the pharmacology and alimentary industry. Among diverse bioactive composites of polyssacharides nature that exist in the fungus the glucans are much searched. These are polymers of glucose and classified as the type of glicosidic linking [α, β]. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), ranscription factors belonging to the family of nuclear receptors that bind themselves o specific agonists, have shown their importance in controlling the inflammatory process. The aim of this study was to perform a chemical characterization of extract rom the mushroom Caripia montagnei, assess its antiinflammatory and antibacterial effect and determine if this effect occurs via PPAR. This mushroom is composed of carbohydrates (63.3±4.1%), lipids (21.4l±0.9%) and proteins (2.2± 0.3%). The aqueous solution resulting from the fractionation contained carbohydrates (98.7±3.3%) and protein (1.3±0.25%). Analyses of infrared spectrophotometry and of nuclear magnetic esonance demonstrated that the extract of mushroom C. montagnei is rich in β-glucans. In hioglycolate-induced peritonitis, the C. montagnei glucans (50 mg/kg) educed the inflammatory process in 65.5±5.2% and agonists, pharmacological igands, for PPAR: Wy-14643 (49.3±6.1%), PFOA (48.9±3.8%) and clofibrate in 45.2±3.2%. Sodium diclofenac showed a reduction of 81.65±0.6%. In the plantar edema, the glucans from C. montagnei (50 mg/kg) and L-NAME reduced the edema to a similar degree 91.4±0.3% and 92.8±0,5 %, respectively. In all the groups tested, nitric oxide (NO), an inflammation mediator, showed a significant reduction in the nitrate/nitrite levels when compared to the positive control (P<0.001). The C. montagnei glucans did not show cytotoxicity in the concentrations tested (2.5, 5.0, 10.0, 20.0 and 40.0 µg/100 µL). Antibacterial activity demonstrated that, unlike total extract, there was no inhibition of bacterial growth. The C. montagnei glucans show great potential for antiinflammatory applications. This effect suggests that it is mediated by PPAR activation and by COX and iNOS inhibition

Sagamore Hill /

"*GPO: 1995--387-034/0018 Reprint 1984."

Sagamore Hill National Historic Site, New York, official map and guide /

"*GPO: 1997--417-648/60078."

Sagamore Hill National Historic Site, New York, official map and guide /

"*GPO: 1998--432-903/60303."

Sagamore Hill National Historic Site, New York, official map and guide /

"*GPO: 1999--454-767/00085."

Sagamore Hill National Historic Site, New York, official map and guide /

"*GPO:2000--460-976/00304."

Sagamore Hill National Historic Site, New York, official map and guide /

"*GPO:2001--472-470/40090."

Sagamore Hill National Historic Site, New York, official map and guide /

"*GPO:2002--491-282/40310."

Sagamore Hill National Historic Site, New York, official map and guide /

"*GPO:2003--496-196/40525."