maria vieira - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by maria vieira

Water Research, 2005

In this study a methodology was applied in order to ascertain the mechanical stability of biofilm... more In this study a methodology was applied in order to ascertain the mechanical stability of biofilms, by using a stainlesssteel (SS) rotating device immersed in a biological reactor where biofilms formed by Pseudomonas fluorescens were allowed to grow for 7 days at a Reynolds number of agitation of 2400. The biofilms developed with this system were characterised in terms of amount of total, extracellular and intracellular proteins and polysaccharides, amount of mass, metabolic activity and mechanical stability, showing that the biofilms were active, had a high content of extracellular constituents and an inherent mechanical stability. In order to assess the role of chemical agents on the mechanical stability, the biofilms were exposed to chemical agents followed by mechanical treatments by submission to increase Reynolds number of agitation. Seven different chemical agents were tested (two non-oxidising biocides, three surfactants and two oxidising biocides) and their effects on the biofilm mechanical stability were evaluated. The increase in the Reynolds number increased the biofilm removal, but total biofilm removal was not found for all the conditions tested. For the experiment without chemical addition (only mechanical treatment), the biofilm remaining on the surface was about 76%. The chemical treatment followed by the subsequent mechanical treatment did not remove all the biofilms from the surface. The biofilm remaining on the SS cylinder ranged from 3% to 62%, depending on the chemical treatment, showing that the chemical treatment is far from being a cause that induces massive biofilm detachment and even the synergistic chemical and mechanical treatments did not promote biofilm removal. Some chemical agents promoted an increase in the biofilm mechanical stability such as glutaraldehyde (GTA), benzalkonium chloride (BC), except for the lower concentration tested, and sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS), except for the higher concentration tested. Treatments that promoted biofilm removal, to an extent similar to the control experiment (without chemical treatment), were BC, for the lower and the higher concentration of SDS. Cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB), ortho-phthalaldehyde (OPA), sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and sodium hypochlorite (SHC) promoted the weakening of the biofilm mechanical stability. r

Medicinal Chemistry, 2008

The present work examines the potential of sesquiterpenoids to sensitize Escherichia coli and Sta... more The present work examines the potential of sesquiterpenoids to sensitize Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, and modulate their susceptibility to the standard antibiotics ciprofloxacin, erythromycin, gentamicin and vancomycin. It was tested samples of three sesquiterpenoids: guaiazulene, nerolidol (racemic mixture of the cis and trans isomers) and germacrene D enriched natural extract. Experiments were conducted aiming to assess the antimicrobial effects of the antibiotic-sesquiterpenoid combination on bacterial growth inhibition, by the disc diffusion assay and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assessment, the bactericidal effects, the post-antibiotic effect (PAE) and the effect on membrane permeability. The data related with the antimicrobial activity evidenced, through the disc diffusion assay, an antibiotic S. aureus antimicrobial activity enhancement by sesquiterpenoids presence. The MIC value for E. coli decreased significantly by sesquiterpenoids combination with ciprofloxacin, erythromycin and gentamicin, and for S. aureus, with all four selected antibiotics. This combination also increased the PAE, with the exception of guaiazulene, which seemed to quench antibiotic antimicrobial action. A moderate correlation between antimicrobial action and impairment of cell membrane function was detected for germacrene D enriched extract, and nerolidol, as single treatments and in combination with antibiotic, while a poor correlation was obtained for guaiazulene.

Water Research, 2005

The action of the cationic surfactant cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) was investigated to c... more The action of the cationic surfactant cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) was investigated to control biofilms (aged 7 d) formed by Pseudomonas fluorescens on stainless-steel slides, using flow cells reactors, under turbulent and laminar flow. The effect of CTAB was also investigated using planktonic cells in the presence and absence of BSA, by measuring the cellular respiratory activity and the ATP released. The action of CTAB on biofilms was assessed by means of cellular respiratory activity and variation of biofilm mass, immediately and 3, 7 and 12 h after the application of CTAB. The physical stability of the biofilm was also assessed using a rotating device, where the effect of the surfactant on the biofilm stability was evaluated through the variation of the mass remaining on the surface.CTAB significantly reduced the activity of the planktonic cells probably due to the rupture of the cells. This effect was significantly reduced in the presence of BSA. Planktonic cells were more easily inactivated than bacteria in biofilms. Biofilms formed under laminar flow were more susceptible than those formed under turbulent flow, but in both cases total inactivation was not achieved. Biofilm recovery was observed, in terms of respiratory activity, in almost all the cases studied. CTAB application by itself did not promote the detachment of biofilms. The physical stability tests showed that the synergistic action of the surfactant and the application of high shear stress to the biofilm increase its detachment.

Water Research, 2005

In this study a methodology was applied in order to ascertain the mechanical stability of biofilm... more In this study a methodology was applied in order to ascertain the mechanical stability of biofilms, by using a stainless-steel (SS) rotating device immersed in a biological reactor where biofilms formed by Pseudomonas fluorescens were allowed to grow for 7 days at a Reynolds number of agitation of 2400. The biofilms developed with this system were characterised in terms of amount of total, extracellular and intracellular proteins and polysaccharides, amount of mass, metabolic activity and mechanical stability, showing that the biofilms were active, had a high content of extracellular constituents and an inherent mechanical stability. In order to assess the role of chemical agents on the mechanical stability, the biofilms were exposed to chemical agents followed by mechanical treatments by submission to increase Reynolds number of agitation. Seven different chemical agents were tested (two non-oxidising biocides, three surfactants and two oxidising biocides) and their effects on the biofilm mechanical stability were evaluated. The increase in the Reynolds number increased the biofilm removal, but total biofilm removal was not found for all the conditions tested. For the experiment without chemical addition (only mechanical treatment), the biofilm remaining on the surface was about 76%. The chemical treatment followed by the subsequent mechanical treatment did not remove all the biofilms from the surface. The biofilm remaining on the SS cylinder ranged from 3% to 62%, depending on the chemical treatment, showing that the chemical treatment is far from being a cause that induces massive biofilm detachment and even the synergistic chemical and mechanical treatments did not promote biofilm removal. Some chemical agents promoted an increase in the biofilm mechanical stability such as glutaraldehyde (GTA), benzalkonium chloride (BC), except for the lower concentration tested, and sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS), except for the higher concentration tested. Treatments that promoted biofilm removal, to an extent similar to the control experiment (without chemical treatment), were BC, for the lower and the higher concentration of SDS. Cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB), ortho-phthalaldehyde (OPA), sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and sodium hypochlorite (SHC) promoted the weakening of the biofilm mechanical stability.

Scientia Agricola, 1999

Genetic transformation is a powerful tool for plant breeding and genetical, physiological or bioc... more Genetic transformation is a powerful tool for plant breeding and genetical, physiological or biochemical research, consequently it is an extremely dynamic field. Transgenic plants are commonly used to complete or substitute mutants in basic research, helping the studies of complex biological situations such as pathogenesis process, genome organization, light reception and signal transduction. In this review, recent approaches for foreign gene introduction (e.g. Agrobiolistics, whole tissue electroporation, in planta Agrobacterium transformation), screening (reporter gene possibilities and performance) and transformant selection (ipt selective marker) are discussed. Transgene expression and mechanisms underlying (trans) gene inactivation are presented. Practical applications of genetically modified plants, field tests and commercial transgenic crops worldwide and in Brazil are listed, as well as the main traits and species modified. Potential uses of transgenic plants for animal compound production, biological remediation and synthetic polymer assembly are also shown.

Plant Cell Tissue and Organ Culture, 1994

The effect of different explant sources, growth regulators and coconut water concentrations and a... more The effect of different explant sources, growth regulators and coconut water concentrations and also light radiation on tissue cultures ofPassiflora edulis var.flavicarpa was evaluated. In addition, plant regeneration was obtained from a diversity ofPassiflora germplasm. For shoot morphogenesis either cotyledonary, hypocotyledonary or leaf tissues were used to obtain cultures that formed shoots when placed on Murashige & Skoog basal medium containing 6-benzylaminopurine and coconut water. Direct organogenesis was observed. Apex cultures have been also achieved fromP. edulis var.flavicarpa, P. mollissima, P. giberti, P. maliformis andP. amethystina. Excised explants 5 mm length were placed on half-strength basal medium, free of hormones. Whole plants were recovered.

Pesquisa Agropecuária Brasileira, 2000

Pesq. agropec. bras., Brasília, v.35, n.4, p.733-742, abr. 2000 RESPOSTA IN VITRO E SUSCETIBILIDA... more Pesq. agropec. bras., Brasília, v.35, n.4, p.733-742, abr. 2000 RESPOSTA IN VITRO E SUSCETIBILIDADE AO AGROBACTERIUM 733 RESPOSTA IN VITRO E SUSCETIBILIDADE AO AGROBACTERIUM DE DUAS CULTIVARES DE STYLOSANTHES GUIANENSIS 1 LUCIA VIEIRA HOFFMANN 2 e MARIA LUCIA CARNEIRO VIEIRA 3 RESUMO -As cultivares Bandeirantes e Mineirão de Stylosanthes guianensis (Leguminosae) foram avaliadas quanto à capacidade de formação de brotos adventícios in vitro e quanto à suscetibilidade ao Agrobacterium. Para obter regeneração, foram utilizados vários tipos de explantes, e o meio basal MS foi suplementado com diferentes concentrações de ácido naftalenoacético (NAA) e 6-benzilanimopurina (BAP). Observou-se regeneração de brotos a partir de explantes cotiledonares e hipocotiledonares, nas duas cultivares. O Stylosanthes mostrou-se suscetível ao Agrobacterium selvagem, pois a formação de tumores foi induzida. Expressão transiente do gene uidA foi observada em tecidos infectados de Stylosanthes. Experimentos sobre a ação dos antibióticos cefotaxima e tetraciclina, usados em ensaios de transformação para eliminação do Agrobacterium, mostraram que a cefotaxima (250 µg mL -1 ) tende a reduzir a regeneração de brotos em explantes da cv. Bandeirantes. Termos para indexação: cultura de tecidos, leguminosa forrageira, transformação de plantas, expressão transiente.

New Phytologist, 2000

Very little is known about the physiological interactions between plant hosts and symptomless end... more Very little is known about the physiological interactions between plant hosts and symptomless endophytic fungi despite their widespread occurrence. We investigated the impact of two such fungi, Colletotrichum musae and Fusarium moniliforme, upon the photosynthetic capacity of two crop plants, banana and maize, respectively. Endophyte-free plants were obtained first and then infected with the fungi. Measurements of total chlorophyll content revealed very little difference between endophyte-free and infected plants of banana, whereas in maize they showed 50 % reductions in the endophyte-infected plants. The maximum photochemical capacity (F v \F m ) was measured in order to determine if the plants had any photoinhibitory effect caused by biotic or abiotic factors. After 45 d of growth, endophyte-free banana plants had similar values of F v \F m to plants typical of nonstressed conditions, whereas the endophyte-infected plants showed a reduction of approx. 15 %. Unlike banana, infected maize plants displayed values of F v \F m similar to those of control and endophyte-free plants, indicating that the maximum photochemical capacity was not affected by infection. The light response curves of both species showed that the photosynthethic capacity was severely reduced in endophyte-infected plants, reaching saturation at c. 400 µmol m −# s −" whereas the control and endophyte-free plants were saturated at much higher photon flux densities. In banana the effect seemed to be due to an impairment of electron transport in the thylakoid membranes. By contrast, reduction of the photosynthetic capacity in maize was due to a reduction in chlorophyll content, leading to a decrease in the electron transport components and a consequent reduction in carbohydrate synthesis. It is possible that the reduction in the maximum yield of photosynthesis in both crops was caused by toxins produced by the fungi. Nevertheless there were no major macroscopic effects on the plants to indicate disease symptoms.

Bragantia, 2002

Ao lado dos projetos de seqüenciamento e das análises do cariótipo pelas técnicas de hibridização... more Ao lado dos projetos de seqüenciamento e das análises do cariótipo pelas técnicas de hibridização in situ, o desenvolvimento de mapas genéticos fundamentados em marcadores de DNA tem propiciado consideráveis avanços à genômica de plantas. Esta revisão aborda as premissas básicas utilizadas para o mapeamento genético e suas principais aplicações, especialmente para o melhoramento vegetal. Fundamentos teóricos sobre segregação, recombinação e ligação são considerados e relacionados à construção de mapas genéticos com marcas moleculares. Apresentam-se informações sobre tipos de marcadores, populações de mapeamento, cálculo da freqüência de recombinação, distorções da segregação, estabelecimento dos grupos de ligação e da ordenação dos marcadores. Discute-se, também, o uso de mapas de ligação em programas de seleção assistida por marcadores, na clonagem de genes e em estudos sobre sintenia. Palavras-chave: mapas de ligação, marcadores moleculares, QTL, mapeamento comparativo.

Revista Brasileira de Enfermagem, 1998

Process Biochemistry, 2005

Hydrogen bubble formation on the surface of platinum electrodes as a means of removing biofilms w... more Hydrogen bubble formation on the surface of platinum electrodes as a means of removing biofilms was studied. Biofilms of Pseudomonas fluorescens of different ages were grown on platinum electrodes and challenged with hydrogen bubbles formed at the surface of the electrodes, by cycling the potential at À2.0 V. The removal of the biofilms from the surfaces was assessed by direct epifluorescence microscopy. The removal of the biofilm from the surface was dependent on the biofilm age. As the biofilm became older, the duration of bubble formation needed to achieve complete removal changed, but in some cases, it was not possible to obtain a completely clean surface. An enhancement of biofilm removal was obtained if the potential was cycled between À0.5 and 1.0 V for 30 min prior to bubble generation, probably due to the weakness of the forces established between the surface and the biofilm and within the biofilm. #

Parasite, 2014

The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors concerning Dirofila... more The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors concerning Dirofilaria immitis infection in dogs from Figueira da Foz, located in the central region of Portugal. In the period between November 2009 and January 2011, 304 blood samples were obtained from dogs over 1 year of age, with no previous history of heartworm prevention or diagnosis. Every blood sample was analyzed using varied laboratory techniques (direct microscopic evaluation of a fresh blood sample, the modified Knott technique, and the ELISA antigen detection test -IDEXX SnappÒ). In the samples in which microfilaremia was detected, a histochemical technique using acid phosphatase staining was applied to identify the species of microfilariae. A total prevalence of 27.3% (83 out of 304) was found. We also found that 73.5% of all positive cases (61 out of 83) were microfilaremic, and 26.5% were occult infections (22 out of 83). By means of a histochemical technique Dirofilaria immitis was identified in 96.7% of microfilaremic samples. A multivariate model allowed us to identify the following risk factors for the presence of heartworm disease: age between 4 and 9 years, dogs living in a rural environment, large breed dogs, and living outdoors. This study shows for the first time the high prevalence of heartworm disease in a central area of Portugal and emphasizes the importance of systematic screening for this disease, as well as the need to prevent it in dogs in this area.

Letters in Applied Microbiology, 2002

Aims: The understanding of the dynamics of surface microbial colonization with concomitant monito... more Aims: The understanding of the dynamics of surface microbial colonization with concomitant monitoring of biofilm formation requires the development of biofilm reactors that enable direct and real-time evaluation under different hydrodynamic conditions.Methods and Results: This work proposes and discusses a simple flow cell reactor that provides a means to monitoring biofilm growth by periodical removing biofilm-attached slides for off-line, both non-destructive and destructive biofilm analyses. This is managed without the stoppage of the flow, thus reducing the contamination and the disturbance of the biofilm development. With this flow cell, biofilm growth and respiratory activity can be easily followed, either in well-defined laboratory conditions or in an industrial environment.Conclusions, Significance and Impact of the Study: The reproducible and typical biofilm development curves obtained, validated this flow cell and confirmed its potential for different biofilm-related studies, which can include biocidal treatment.

Bioprocess Engineering, 1999

The paper focuses on biofilms subject to turbulent flow and high liquid velocity (of the order of... more The paper focuses on biofilms subject to turbulent flow and high liquid velocity (of the order of 1 m s−1) which can be found in heat exchangers, water distribution systems and in some wastewater reactors. An overall model describing biofilm development is presented, which includes the effects of biomass detachment due to the hydrodynamic forces. A methodology for estimating substrate consumption from data obtained through continuous monitoring of biofilm growth is presented. Results show that the physical stability of the biofilm increases with the liquid velocity, while the rate of substrate consumption decreases.

Water Research, 2005

In this study a methodology was applied in order to ascertain the mechanical stability of biofilm... more In this study a methodology was applied in order to ascertain the mechanical stability of biofilms, by using a stainlesssteel (SS) rotating device immersed in a biological reactor where biofilms formed by Pseudomonas fluorescens were allowed to grow for 7 days at a Reynolds number of agitation of 2400. The biofilms developed with this system were characterised in terms of amount of total, extracellular and intracellular proteins and polysaccharides, amount of mass, metabolic activity and mechanical stability, showing that the biofilms were active, had a high content of extracellular constituents and an inherent mechanical stability. In order to assess the role of chemical agents on the mechanical stability, the biofilms were exposed to chemical agents followed by mechanical treatments by submission to increase Reynolds number of agitation. Seven different chemical agents were tested (two non-oxidising biocides, three surfactants and two oxidising biocides) and their effects on the biofilm mechanical stability were evaluated. The increase in the Reynolds number increased the biofilm removal, but total biofilm removal was not found for all the conditions tested. For the experiment without chemical addition (only mechanical treatment), the biofilm remaining on the surface was about 76%. The chemical treatment followed by the subsequent mechanical treatment did not remove all the biofilms from the surface. The biofilm remaining on the SS cylinder ranged from 3% to 62%, depending on the chemical treatment, showing that the chemical treatment is far from being a cause that induces massive biofilm detachment and even the synergistic chemical and mechanical treatments did not promote biofilm removal. Some chemical agents promoted an increase in the biofilm mechanical stability such as glutaraldehyde (GTA), benzalkonium chloride (BC), except for the lower concentration tested, and sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS), except for the higher concentration tested. Treatments that promoted biofilm removal, to an extent similar to the control experiment (without chemical treatment), were BC, for the lower and the higher concentration of SDS. Cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB), ortho-phthalaldehyde (OPA), sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and sodium hypochlorite (SHC) promoted the weakening of the biofilm mechanical stability. r

Medicinal Chemistry, 2008

The present work examines the potential of sesquiterpenoids to sensitize Escherichia coli and Sta... more The present work examines the potential of sesquiterpenoids to sensitize Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, and modulate their susceptibility to the standard antibiotics ciprofloxacin, erythromycin, gentamicin and vancomycin. It was tested samples of three sesquiterpenoids: guaiazulene, nerolidol (racemic mixture of the cis and trans isomers) and germacrene D enriched natural extract. Experiments were conducted aiming to assess the antimicrobial effects of the antibiotic-sesquiterpenoid combination on bacterial growth inhibition, by the disc diffusion assay and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assessment, the bactericidal effects, the post-antibiotic effect (PAE) and the effect on membrane permeability. The data related with the antimicrobial activity evidenced, through the disc diffusion assay, an antibiotic S. aureus antimicrobial activity enhancement by sesquiterpenoids presence. The MIC value for E. coli decreased significantly by sesquiterpenoids combination with ciprofloxacin, erythromycin and gentamicin, and for S. aureus, with all four selected antibiotics. This combination also increased the PAE, with the exception of guaiazulene, which seemed to quench antibiotic antimicrobial action. A moderate correlation between antimicrobial action and impairment of cell membrane function was detected for germacrene D enriched extract, and nerolidol, as single treatments and in combination with antibiotic, while a poor correlation was obtained for guaiazulene.

Water Research, 2005

The action of the cationic surfactant cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) was investigated to c... more The action of the cationic surfactant cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) was investigated to control biofilms (aged 7 d) formed by Pseudomonas fluorescens on stainless-steel slides, using flow cells reactors, under turbulent and laminar flow. The effect of CTAB was also investigated using planktonic cells in the presence and absence of BSA, by measuring the cellular respiratory activity and the ATP released. The action of CTAB on biofilms was assessed by means of cellular respiratory activity and variation of biofilm mass, immediately and 3, 7 and 12 h after the application of CTAB. The physical stability of the biofilm was also assessed using a rotating device, where the effect of the surfactant on the biofilm stability was evaluated through the variation of the mass remaining on the surface.CTAB significantly reduced the activity of the planktonic cells probably due to the rupture of the cells. This effect was significantly reduced in the presence of BSA. Planktonic cells were more easily inactivated than bacteria in biofilms. Biofilms formed under laminar flow were more susceptible than those formed under turbulent flow, but in both cases total inactivation was not achieved. Biofilm recovery was observed, in terms of respiratory activity, in almost all the cases studied. CTAB application by itself did not promote the detachment of biofilms. The physical stability tests showed that the synergistic action of the surfactant and the application of high shear stress to the biofilm increase its detachment.

Water Research, 2005

In this study a methodology was applied in order to ascertain the mechanical stability of biofilm... more In this study a methodology was applied in order to ascertain the mechanical stability of biofilms, by using a stainless-steel (SS) rotating device immersed in a biological reactor where biofilms formed by Pseudomonas fluorescens were allowed to grow for 7 days at a Reynolds number of agitation of 2400. The biofilms developed with this system were characterised in terms of amount of total, extracellular and intracellular proteins and polysaccharides, amount of mass, metabolic activity and mechanical stability, showing that the biofilms were active, had a high content of extracellular constituents and an inherent mechanical stability. In order to assess the role of chemical agents on the mechanical stability, the biofilms were exposed to chemical agents followed by mechanical treatments by submission to increase Reynolds number of agitation. Seven different chemical agents were tested (two non-oxidising biocides, three surfactants and two oxidising biocides) and their effects on the biofilm mechanical stability were evaluated. The increase in the Reynolds number increased the biofilm removal, but total biofilm removal was not found for all the conditions tested. For the experiment without chemical addition (only mechanical treatment), the biofilm remaining on the surface was about 76%. The chemical treatment followed by the subsequent mechanical treatment did not remove all the biofilms from the surface. The biofilm remaining on the SS cylinder ranged from 3% to 62%, depending on the chemical treatment, showing that the chemical treatment is far from being a cause that induces massive biofilm detachment and even the synergistic chemical and mechanical treatments did not promote biofilm removal. Some chemical agents promoted an increase in the biofilm mechanical stability such as glutaraldehyde (GTA), benzalkonium chloride (BC), except for the lower concentration tested, and sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS), except for the higher concentration tested. Treatments that promoted biofilm removal, to an extent similar to the control experiment (without chemical treatment), were BC, for the lower and the higher concentration of SDS. Cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB), ortho-phthalaldehyde (OPA), sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and sodium hypochlorite (SHC) promoted the weakening of the biofilm mechanical stability.

Scientia Agricola, 1999

Genetic transformation is a powerful tool for plant breeding and genetical, physiological or bioc... more Genetic transformation is a powerful tool for plant breeding and genetical, physiological or biochemical research, consequently it is an extremely dynamic field. Transgenic plants are commonly used to complete or substitute mutants in basic research, helping the studies of complex biological situations such as pathogenesis process, genome organization, light reception and signal transduction. In this review, recent approaches for foreign gene introduction (e.g. Agrobiolistics, whole tissue electroporation, in planta Agrobacterium transformation), screening (reporter gene possibilities and performance) and transformant selection (ipt selective marker) are discussed. Transgene expression and mechanisms underlying (trans) gene inactivation are presented. Practical applications of genetically modified plants, field tests and commercial transgenic crops worldwide and in Brazil are listed, as well as the main traits and species modified. Potential uses of transgenic plants for animal compound production, biological remediation and synthetic polymer assembly are also shown.

Plant Cell Tissue and Organ Culture, 1994

The effect of different explant sources, growth regulators and coconut water concentrations and a... more The effect of different explant sources, growth regulators and coconut water concentrations and also light radiation on tissue cultures ofPassiflora edulis var.flavicarpa was evaluated. In addition, plant regeneration was obtained from a diversity ofPassiflora germplasm. For shoot morphogenesis either cotyledonary, hypocotyledonary or leaf tissues were used to obtain cultures that formed shoots when placed on Murashige & Skoog basal medium containing 6-benzylaminopurine and coconut water. Direct organogenesis was observed. Apex cultures have been also achieved fromP. edulis var.flavicarpa, P. mollissima, P. giberti, P. maliformis andP. amethystina. Excised explants 5 mm length were placed on half-strength basal medium, free of hormones. Whole plants were recovered.

Pesquisa Agropecuária Brasileira, 2000

Pesq. agropec. bras., Brasília, v.35, n.4, p.733-742, abr. 2000 RESPOSTA IN VITRO E SUSCETIBILIDA... more Pesq. agropec. bras., Brasília, v.35, n.4, p.733-742, abr. 2000 RESPOSTA IN VITRO E SUSCETIBILIDADE AO AGROBACTERIUM 733 RESPOSTA IN VITRO E SUSCETIBILIDADE AO AGROBACTERIUM DE DUAS CULTIVARES DE STYLOSANTHES GUIANENSIS 1 LUCIA VIEIRA HOFFMANN 2 e MARIA LUCIA CARNEIRO VIEIRA 3 RESUMO -As cultivares Bandeirantes e Mineirão de Stylosanthes guianensis (Leguminosae) foram avaliadas quanto à capacidade de formação de brotos adventícios in vitro e quanto à suscetibilidade ao Agrobacterium. Para obter regeneração, foram utilizados vários tipos de explantes, e o meio basal MS foi suplementado com diferentes concentrações de ácido naftalenoacético (NAA) e 6-benzilanimopurina (BAP). Observou-se regeneração de brotos a partir de explantes cotiledonares e hipocotiledonares, nas duas cultivares. O Stylosanthes mostrou-se suscetível ao Agrobacterium selvagem, pois a formação de tumores foi induzida. Expressão transiente do gene uidA foi observada em tecidos infectados de Stylosanthes. Experimentos sobre a ação dos antibióticos cefotaxima e tetraciclina, usados em ensaios de transformação para eliminação do Agrobacterium, mostraram que a cefotaxima (250 µg mL -1 ) tende a reduzir a regeneração de brotos em explantes da cv. Bandeirantes. Termos para indexação: cultura de tecidos, leguminosa forrageira, transformação de plantas, expressão transiente.

New Phytologist, 2000

Very little is known about the physiological interactions between plant hosts and symptomless end... more Very little is known about the physiological interactions between plant hosts and symptomless endophytic fungi despite their widespread occurrence. We investigated the impact of two such fungi, Colletotrichum musae and Fusarium moniliforme, upon the photosynthetic capacity of two crop plants, banana and maize, respectively. Endophyte-free plants were obtained first and then infected with the fungi. Measurements of total chlorophyll content revealed very little difference between endophyte-free and infected plants of banana, whereas in maize they showed 50 % reductions in the endophyte-infected plants. The maximum photochemical capacity (F v \F m ) was measured in order to determine if the plants had any photoinhibitory effect caused by biotic or abiotic factors. After 45 d of growth, endophyte-free banana plants had similar values of F v \F m to plants typical of nonstressed conditions, whereas the endophyte-infected plants showed a reduction of approx. 15 %. Unlike banana, infected maize plants displayed values of F v \F m similar to those of control and endophyte-free plants, indicating that the maximum photochemical capacity was not affected by infection. The light response curves of both species showed that the photosynthethic capacity was severely reduced in endophyte-infected plants, reaching saturation at c. 400 µmol m −# s −" whereas the control and endophyte-free plants were saturated at much higher photon flux densities. In banana the effect seemed to be due to an impairment of electron transport in the thylakoid membranes. By contrast, reduction of the photosynthetic capacity in maize was due to a reduction in chlorophyll content, leading to a decrease in the electron transport components and a consequent reduction in carbohydrate synthesis. It is possible that the reduction in the maximum yield of photosynthesis in both crops was caused by toxins produced by the fungi. Nevertheless there were no major macroscopic effects on the plants to indicate disease symptoms.

Bragantia, 2002

Ao lado dos projetos de seqüenciamento e das análises do cariótipo pelas técnicas de hibridização... more Ao lado dos projetos de seqüenciamento e das análises do cariótipo pelas técnicas de hibridização in situ, o desenvolvimento de mapas genéticos fundamentados em marcadores de DNA tem propiciado consideráveis avanços à genômica de plantas. Esta revisão aborda as premissas básicas utilizadas para o mapeamento genético e suas principais aplicações, especialmente para o melhoramento vegetal. Fundamentos teóricos sobre segregação, recombinação e ligação são considerados e relacionados à construção de mapas genéticos com marcas moleculares. Apresentam-se informações sobre tipos de marcadores, populações de mapeamento, cálculo da freqüência de recombinação, distorções da segregação, estabelecimento dos grupos de ligação e da ordenação dos marcadores. Discute-se, também, o uso de mapas de ligação em programas de seleção assistida por marcadores, na clonagem de genes e em estudos sobre sintenia. Palavras-chave: mapas de ligação, marcadores moleculares, QTL, mapeamento comparativo.

Revista Brasileira de Enfermagem, 1998

Process Biochemistry, 2005

Hydrogen bubble formation on the surface of platinum electrodes as a means of removing biofilms w... more Hydrogen bubble formation on the surface of platinum electrodes as a means of removing biofilms was studied. Biofilms of Pseudomonas fluorescens of different ages were grown on platinum electrodes and challenged with hydrogen bubbles formed at the surface of the electrodes, by cycling the potential at À2.0 V. The removal of the biofilms from the surfaces was assessed by direct epifluorescence microscopy. The removal of the biofilm from the surface was dependent on the biofilm age. As the biofilm became older, the duration of bubble formation needed to achieve complete removal changed, but in some cases, it was not possible to obtain a completely clean surface. An enhancement of biofilm removal was obtained if the potential was cycled between À0.5 and 1.0 V for 30 min prior to bubble generation, probably due to the weakness of the forces established between the surface and the biofilm and within the biofilm. #

Parasite, 2014

The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors concerning Dirofila... more The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors concerning Dirofilaria immitis infection in dogs from Figueira da Foz, located in the central region of Portugal. In the period between November 2009 and January 2011, 304 blood samples were obtained from dogs over 1 year of age, with no previous history of heartworm prevention or diagnosis. Every blood sample was analyzed using varied laboratory techniques (direct microscopic evaluation of a fresh blood sample, the modified Knott technique, and the ELISA antigen detection test -IDEXX SnappÒ). In the samples in which microfilaremia was detected, a histochemical technique using acid phosphatase staining was applied to identify the species of microfilariae. A total prevalence of 27.3% (83 out of 304) was found. We also found that 73.5% of all positive cases (61 out of 83) were microfilaremic, and 26.5% were occult infections (22 out of 83). By means of a histochemical technique Dirofilaria immitis was identified in 96.7% of microfilaremic samples. A multivariate model allowed us to identify the following risk factors for the presence of heartworm disease: age between 4 and 9 years, dogs living in a rural environment, large breed dogs, and living outdoors. This study shows for the first time the high prevalence of heartworm disease in a central area of Portugal and emphasizes the importance of systematic screening for this disease, as well as the need to prevent it in dogs in this area.

Letters in Applied Microbiology, 2002

Aims: The understanding of the dynamics of surface microbial colonization with concomitant monito... more Aims: The understanding of the dynamics of surface microbial colonization with concomitant monitoring of biofilm formation requires the development of biofilm reactors that enable direct and real-time evaluation under different hydrodynamic conditions.Methods and Results: This work proposes and discusses a simple flow cell reactor that provides a means to monitoring biofilm growth by periodical removing biofilm-attached slides for off-line, both non-destructive and destructive biofilm analyses. This is managed without the stoppage of the flow, thus reducing the contamination and the disturbance of the biofilm development. With this flow cell, biofilm growth and respiratory activity can be easily followed, either in well-defined laboratory conditions or in an industrial environment.Conclusions, Significance and Impact of the Study: The reproducible and typical biofilm development curves obtained, validated this flow cell and confirmed its potential for different biofilm-related studies, which can include biocidal treatment.

Bioprocess Engineering, 1999

The paper focuses on biofilms subject to turbulent flow and high liquid velocity (of the order of... more The paper focuses on biofilms subject to turbulent flow and high liquid velocity (of the order of 1 m s−1) which can be found in heat exchangers, water distribution systems and in some wastewater reactors. An overall model describing biofilm development is presented, which includes the effects of biomass detachment due to the hydrodynamic forces. A methodology for estimating substrate consumption from data obtained through continuous monitoring of biofilm growth is presented. Results show that the physical stability of the biofilm increases with the liquid velocity, while the rate of substrate consumption decreases.