Showing papers by "Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul published in 2011"

The plant pathogen Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato is genetically monomorphic and under strong selection to evade tomato immunity.

Abstract: Recently, genome sequencing of many isolates of genetically monomorphic bacterial human pathogens has given new insights into pathogen microevolution and phylogeography. Here, we report a genome-based micro-evolutionary study of a bacterial plant pathogen, Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato. Only 267 mutations were identified between five sequenced isolates in 3,543,009 nt of analyzed genome sequence, which suggests a recent evolutionary origin of this pathogen. Further analysis with genome-derived markers of 89 world-wide isolates showed that several genotypes exist in North America and in Europe indicating frequent pathogen movement between these world regions. Genome-derived markers and molecular analyses of key pathogen loci important for virulence and motility both suggest ongoing adaptation to the tomato host. A mutational hotspot was found in the type III-secreted effector gene hopM1. These mutations abolish the cell death triggering activity of the full-length protein indicating strong selection for loss of function of this effector, which was previously considered a virulence factor. Two non-synonymous mutations in the flagellin-encoding gene fliC allowed identifying a new microbe associated molecular pattern (MAMP) in a region distinct from the known MAMP flg22. Interestingly, the ancestral allele of this MAMP induces a stronger tomato immune response than the derived alleles. The ancestral allele has largely disappeared from today's Pto populations suggesting that flagellin-triggered immunity limits pathogen fitness even in highly virulent pathogens. An additional non-synonymous mutation was identified in flg22 in South American isolates. Therefore, MAMPs are more variable than expected differing even between otherwise almost identical isolates of the same pathogen strain.

Plant diversity of the Pantanal wetland

Abstract: This is a review of current studies in diversity of the flora and main vegetation types in the Brazilian Pantanal. The flora of this wetland, nearly 2,000 species, constitutes a pool of elements of wide distribution and from more or less adjacent phytogeographic provinces, such as Cerrado, dry seasonal forests, Chaco, Amazonia and Atlantic Forest. The most numerous group includes wide-distribution species, mainly herbs, while the second contingent comes from the Cerrado. Endemic plants are rare, numbering only seven. The vegetation of the sedimentary floodplain is a mosaic of aquatics, floodable grasslands, riparian forests, savannas (cerrados), cerrado woodlands, dry forests, and a large area of mono-dominant savannas, and pioneer woodlands. The main vegetation types are briefly described with their characteristic species, and their estimated areas are given according to the latest mapping.

Comparative genomics reveals diversity among xanthomonads infecting tomato and pepper

Abstract: Background: Bacterial spot of tomato and pepper is caused by four Xanthomonas species and is a major plant disease in warm humid climates. The four species are distinct from each other based on physiological and molecular characteristics. The genome sequence of strain 85-10, a member of one of the species, Xanthomonas euvesicatoria (Xcv) has been previously reported. To determine the relationship of the four species at the genome level and to investigate the molecular basis of their virulence and differing host ranges, draft genomic sequences of members of the other three species were determined and compared to strain 85-10. Results: We sequenced the genomes of X. vesicatoria (Xv) strain 1111 (ATCC 35937), X. perforans (Xp) strain 91-118 and X. gardneri (Xg) strain 101 (ATCC 19865). The genomes were compared with each other and with the previously sequenced Xcv strain 85-10. In addition, the molecular features were predicted that may be required for pathogenicity including the type III secretion apparatus, type III effectors, other secretion systems, quorum sensing systems, adhesins, extracellular polysaccharide, and lipopolysaccharide determinants. Several novel type III effectors from Xg strain 101 and Xv strain 1111 genomes were computationally identified and their translocation was validated using a reporter gene assay. A homolog to Ax21, the elicitor of XA21-mediated resistance in rice, and a functional Ax21 sulfation system were identified in Xcv. Genes encoding proteins with functions mediated by type II and type IV secretion systems have also been compared, including enzymes involved in cell wall deconstruction, as contributors to pathogenicity. Conclusions: Comparative genomic analyses revealed considerable diversity among bacterial spot pathogens, providing new insights into differences and similarities that may explain the diverse nature of these strains. Genes specific to pepper pathogens, such as the O-antigen of the lipopolysaccharide cluster, and genes unique to individual strains, such as novel type III effectors and bacteriocin genes, have been identified providing new clues for our understanding of pathogen virulence, aggressiveness, and host preference. These analyses will aid in efforts towards breeding for broad and durable resistance in economically important tomato and pepper cultivars.

Specialization in Plant-Hummingbird Networks Is Associated with Species Richness, Contemporary Precipitation and Quaternary Climate-Change Velocity

Abstract: Large-scale geographical patterns of biotic specialization and the underlying drivers are poorly understood, but it is widely believed that climate plays an important role in determining specialization. As climate-driven range dynamics should diminish local adaptations and favor generalization, one hypothesis is that contemporary biotic specialization is determined by the degree of past climatic instability, primarily Quaternary climate-change velocity. Other prominent hypotheses predict that either contemporary climate or species richness affect biotic specialization. To gain insight into geographical patterns of contemporary biotic specialization and its drivers, we use network analysis to determine the degree of specialization in plant-hummingbird mutualistic networks sampled at 31 localities, spanning a wide range of climate regimes across the Americas. We found greater biotic specialization at lower latitudes, with latitude explaining 20-22% of the spatial variation in plant-hummingbird specialization. Potential drivers of specialization - contemporary climate, Quaternary climate-change velocity, and species richness - had superior explanatory power, together explaining 53-64% of the variation in specialization. Notably, our data provides empirical evidence for the hypothesized roles of species richness, contemporary precipitation and Quaternary climate-change velocity as key predictors of biotic specialization, whereas contemporary temperature and seasonality seem unimportant in determining specialization. These results suggest that both ecological and evolutionary processes at Quaternary time scales can be important in driving large-scale geographical patterns of contemporary biotic specialization, at least for co-evolved systems such as plant-hummingbird networks.

New Strategies for Application of Adaptive Filters in Active Power Filters

Abstract: This paper describes new strategies to improve the transient response time of harmonic detection using adaptive filters applied to shunt active power filters. Two cases are presented and discussed, both using an adaptive notch filter, but one uses the least mean square algorithm to adjust the coefficients and the other uses the recursive least squares algorithm. The synchronization of the adaptive notch filter orthogonal input signals, which are generated by the Clarke transformation of the load currents, is achieved automatically without the need of a phase-locked loop. This procedure significantly reduces the real-time computation burden. Simulations using Matlab/Simulink are presented to clarify the algorithm, and practical implementation is performed using the DSP Texas Instruments TMS320F2812. The experimental results are presented and discussed.

Terrestrial and aquatic mammals of the Pantanal

Abstract: Different works have registered the number of mammal species within the natural habitats of the Pantanal based on currently known records, with species richness ranging from 89 to 152 of annotated occurrences. Our present list sums 174 species. However, at least three factors have to be emphasised to deal with recorded numbers: 1) to establish the ecotone limit between the floodplain (which is the Pantanal) and its neighbouring domain like the Cerrado, besides the existence of maps recently produced; 2) the lack of intensive surveys, especially on small mammals, rodents and marsupials; and 3) the constant taxonomic revision on bats, rodents and marsupials. Some species are very abundant - for example the capybara Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris and the crab-eating fox Cerdocyon thous, and some are rare, and others are still intrinsically rare - for example, the bush dog Speothos venaticus. Abundance of species is assumed to reflect ecological resources of the habitat. Local diversity and number of individuals of wild rodents and marsupials also rely on the offering of ecological resources and behavioural specialisation to microhabitat components. A large number of species interact with the type of the vegetation of the habitat, by means of habitat selection through active patterns of ecological behaviour, resulting on dependency on arboreal and forested habitats of the Pantanal. In addition, mammals respond to seasonal shrinking-and-expansion of habitats due to flooding regime of the Pantanal. The highest number of species is observed during the dry season, when there is a considerable expansion of terrestrial habitats, mainly seasonally flooded grassland. Major threats to mammal species are the loss and alteration of habitats due to human intervention, mainly deforestation, unsustainable agricultural and cattle-ranching practices, which convert the natural vegetation into pastures. The Pantanal still harbours about a dozen of species officially listened as in danger.

Perdas de solo e de água e infiltração de água em latossolo vermelho sob sistemas de manejo

Abstract: Os sistemas de manejo do solo alteram o microrrelevo e a cobertura por residuos vegetais, influenciando a perda de solo e de agua. Assim, os objetivos deste estudo foram avaliar as perdas de solo e de agua e estimar a taxa de infiltracao estavel de agua no solo (TIE) em diferentes sistemas de manejo, sob chuva simulada. As avaliacoes de campo foram conduzidas sobre residuos vegetais, apos a colheita da cultura da soja (Glycine max L. Merril). Estudaram-se tres sistemas de manejo do solo: semeadura direta, preparo com grade aradora e com escarificador associados a tres niveis de cobertura do solo com residuo vegetal: 0,0; 2,0; e 4,0 Mg ha-1. Para caracterizar a area experimental foram feitas analises de densidade do solo, macroporosidade, estabilidade de agregados, umidade inicial do solo, percentual de cobertura e rugosidade superficial do solo. Por meio do uso do simulador de chuvas portatil, as parcelas receberam aplicacao de precipitacoes de 60 mm h-1. Os tratamentos foram dispostos segundo o delineamento inteiramente casualizado, arranjados em esquema fatorial 3 x 3, com tres repeticoes. As perdas de solo variaram de 1,40 a 116,30 x 10-3 Mg ha-1 h-1, enquanto as de agua, de 1,60 a 106,94 m3 ha-1 h-1. Os valores da TIE apresentaram variacao entre 23 e 52 mm h-1. Os tratamentos sob semeadura direta sem cobertura do solo e sob preparo com grade aradora apresentaram maiores perdas de solo e de agua e valores mais baixos de TIE.

Aquatic macrophyte diversity of the Pantanal wetland and upper basin

Abstract: This is a short review of the state of the art concerning diversity of aquatic macrophytes and the main aquatic vegetation types in the Brazilian Pantanal wetland and upper watershed. There are ca. 280 species of aquatic macrophytes on the Pantanal floodplain, with scarce endemism. On the upper watershed, Cerrado wetlands (veredas) and limestone springs have a distinct flora from the Pantanal, with twice the species richness. As a representative case of aquatic habitats influenced by river flood, some primary data are presented for the Pantanal Matogrossense National Park and associated Acurizal Preserve, analysing the floristic similarity among aquatic vegetation types. We comment on problems of conservation and observe that Panicum elephantipes Nees is one of the few natives to compete with the invasive Urochloa arrecta (Hack. ex T. Durand & Schinz) Morrone & Zuloaga.

Etnobotânica de Plantas Medicinais no Assentamento Monjolinho, município de Anastácio, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil

Abstract: This work carried out an ethnobotanical survey of the medicinal plants used by the inhabitants of the Monjolinho settlement in Anastacio city, in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul. The goal of this work was to verify how residents congregate information brought from their place with information obtained where they live now, and to verify how the knowledge of spontaneous and native species from cerrado varies in relation to the specie cultivated. A total of 35 inhabitants were interviewed using the snowball method (33 women). The species (210) recorded belong to 72 families. Of these, many are native Cerrado species and the remaining species are cultivated next to the houses. Fabaceae and Asteraceae were the most cited families. Of the 23 species of Fabaceae, 20 are native. The species with the highest number of citations were jatoba (Hymenaea spp.) and barbatimao (Stryphnodendron obovatum Benth.). Those with a high agreement index of use (CUP) were barbatimao (S. obovatum) and cancorosa (Maytenus ilicifolia (Schrad.) Planch). Leaves represented the most used parts. Diseases of the respiratory and genitourinary systems were cited. The species use diversity (H' = 5,03) was high. The information was acquired from friends (37%), courses (17%) or family (39%), and shows that there is use of medicinal species, and knowledge about these plants, in the community.

Continuing the evolution: towards sustainable HRM and sustainable organizations

Abstract: Purpose – This article aims to put sustainability as a new step in the evolutionary pathway of human resource management (HRM).Design/methodology/approach – This article provides a literature review on the evolution of HRM and we reflected how HRM can contribute to organizational sustainability.Findings – The study presents a sustainable HRM as a new step in HRM evolution. The study argues that sustainable HRM is completely necessary to achieve sustainable organizations and a more sustainable society.Originality/value – Sustainability is becoming a key concept and a key element in the future of organizations, but little is known about the role of HRM in this process.

Utilizando estudo de caso(s) como estratégia de pesquisa qualitativa: boas práticas e sugestões

Abstract: A contribuicao deste artigo e apresentar uma reflexao sobre a estrategia de estudo de casos, a qual vem sendo adotada em larga escala por pesquisadores das areas de Administracao e correlatas. Baseando-se em uma expressiva revisao da literatura e na experiencia de pesquisa dos autores, registra-se um roteiro de etapas para os interessados na estrategia de estudo de caso. Adicionalmente, em cada uma dessas etapas sao assinalados desafios e oportunidades para a realizacao de estudo de caso(s) que contribua(m) significativamente ao estado da arte em que se insere(m). Espera-se que este artigo possa contribuir com pesquisadores iniciantes ou experientes, a medida que se lancam no desafio de planejar e aplicar estudo de caso(s) em suas pesquisas.

Evidence that lipopolisaccharide may contribute to the cytokine storm and cellular activation in patients with visceral leishmaniasis

Abstract: Background Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is characterized by parasite-specific immunosuppression besides an intense pro-inflammatory response. Lipopolisaccharide (LPS) has been implicated in the immune activation of T-cell deficient diseases such as HIV/AIDS and idiopathic lymphocytopenia. The source of LPS is gram-negative bacteria that enter the circulation because of immunological mucosal barrier breakdown. As gut parasitization also occurs in VL, it was hypothesized that LPS may be elevated in leishmaniasis, contributing to cell activation.

Biomonitoring of methomyl pesticide by laccase inhibition on sensor containing platinum nanoparticles in ionic liquid phase supported in montmorillonite

Abstract: This study focuses on the development and evaluation of a new biosensor for the determination of the pesticide methomyl, based on enzyme inhibition. Laccase (LAC) obtained from a genetically modified fungus (Aspergillus oryzae) was successfully immobilized in a new supported ionic liquid phase (SILP) based on platinum nanoparticles and the 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ionic liquid (Pt–BMI·BF4) supported in montmorillonite, and subsequently applied in the construction of the biosensor. The process of inhibition by methomyl carbamate was performed using dopamine as a phenolic substrate to obtain the base signal. All measurements for the optimization and application of the biosensor were performed by square-wave voltammetry, and the best experimental conditions were obtained in acetate buffer solution (0.1 mol L−1, pH 5.5), with 0.5 units of enzyme and voltammetric parameters: 60 Hz of frequency, 100 mV of pulse amplitude and 8 mV of scan increment. The determination of methomyl in carrot and tomato samples using the proposed biosensor showed results consistent with those obtained by HPLC, verifying that the method developed can be used for the quantification of this pesticide.

Intoxicação por Brachiaria spp. em ruminantes no Brasil

Abstract: Brachiaria species are the most important grasses for cattle production in Brazil. However, a limiting factor for the use of Brachiaria spp. is their toxicity. Most outbreaks of hepatogenous photosensitization are caused by B. decumbens; however B. brizantha, B. humidicola and B. ruziziensis can also cause poisoning. The poisoning affects cattle, sheep, goats and buffalo. Sheep are more susceptible than other animal species and the young are more susceptible than adults. There are differences in susceptibility among animals of the same species and it has been suggested that this resistance is genetic. Also has been suggested that buffalo and probably some sheep are resilient, i.e. when poisoned these animals have histologic lesions and high GGT serum concentrations, but do not show clinical signs. In general, saponin concentrations are higher in growing plants, but outbreaks occur all over the year, probably due to unexplained rise in saponin concentration in the plant. A clinical syndrome of progressive weight loss and death, without photosensitization, has been reported in cattle poisoned by B. decumbens. Main preventive measures are based on the selection of resistant or resilient animals and on the development of Brachiaria species or varieties with low saponin concentration.

Percursos da constituição de uma política brasileira de educação especial inclusiva

Abstract: Este artigo propoe-se a apresentar analises de alguns elementos que contribuem para a constituicao da Educacao Especial brasileira como uma politica publica, dando especial foco a formulacao do que tem sido denominada de politica de educacao especial na perspectiva inclusiva ou educacao inclusiva. Para tanto, o texto e construido a partir da configuracao de dois aspectos distintos, mas intimamente interligados. O primeiro refere-se ao papel do Governo brasileiro na historia da educacao destinada as pessoas com deficiencias no Brasil. O segundo diz respeito as relacoes entre as politicas nacionais no campo da Educacao e os acordos e compromissos internacionais. Conclui ressaltando a importância dos diferentes setores da sociedade nos embates atuais para a formulacao de uma politica de educacao brasileira, que incorpore, de fato, toda a populacao.

New insights into relationships of lichen-forming Dothideomycetes

Abstract: Here we continue to investigate the phylogenetic relationships of taxa ascribed to the primarily lichen-forming families Trypetheliaceae, Monoblastiaceae and Arthopyreniaceae. We demonstrate that the genera Julella and Arthopyrenia do not form monophyletic groups with taxa from these genera instead being placed both in Pleosporales and Trypetheliales. Within Dothideomycetes, lichen-forming species with brown ascospores are generally placed in the genera Mycomicrothelia, Architrypethelium, and Aptrootia in the family Trypetheliaceae. We tested the taxonomic placement of Anisomeridium phaeospermum, in Monoblastiaceae. This species produces brown-spores with wall ornamentation and therefore appears morphologically similar to Mycomicrothelia. Despite these morphological similarities, molecular data confirmed its placement in Anisomeridium. Consequently, the distinction between these two genera is in need of clarification and ascus characters are identified as the principal discriminating feature. Finally, we identify the non-lichenized taxa Heleiosa barbatula and Funbolia dimorpha as being part of the otherwise lichen-forming family Monoblastiaceae. This is confirmed by the perithecial anatomy of the sexually reproducing Heleiosa barbatula.

Glicerol: um breve histórico e aplicação em sínteses estereosseletivas

Abstract: Presently glycerol is considered a co-product of biodiesel industry. As the biodiesel production is exponentially increasing, glycerol generated from the transesterification of vegetable oils and fats is also being produced on a large scale, and turned out to be essential seeking for novel alternatives to the consumption of the extra volume, in crude and/or as derivatives high added value. This review mainly deals with chemical and enzymatic transformations of glycerol to obtain chiral building blocks for synthesis of pharmaceuticals and natural products.

Echocardiographic detection of congestive heart failure in postinfarction rats

Abstract: In studies of congestive heart failure (CHF) treatment, it is essential to select animals with a similar degree of cardiac dysfunction. However, this is difficult to establish without hemodynamic e...

Anaerobic contribution during maximal anaerobic running test: correlation with maximal accumulated oxygen deficit.

Abstract: The aims of this study were: (i) to measure energy system contributions in maximal anaerobic running test (MART); and (ii) to verify any correlation between MART and maximal accumulated oxygen deficit (MAOD) Eleven members of the armed forces were recruited for this study Participants performed MART and MAOD, both accomplished on a treadmill MART consisted of intermittent exercise, 20 s effort with 100 s recovery, after each spell of effort exercise Energy system contributions by MART were also determined by excess post-exercise oxygen consumption, lactate response, and oxygen uptake measurements MAOD was determined by five submaximal intensities and one supramaximal intensity exercises corresponding to 120% at maximal oxygen uptake intensity Energy system contributions were 654±11% to aerobic; 295±11% to anaerobic a-lactic; and 51±05% to anaerobic lactic system throughout the whole test, while only during effort periods the anaerobic contribution corresponded to 735±10% Maximal power found in MART corresponded to 11125±133 mL/kg/min but did not significantly correlate with MAOD (469±030 L and 7085±473 mL/kg) We concluded that the anaerobic a-lactic system is the main energy system in MART efforts and this test did not significantly correlate to MAOD

Erosion Risk Mapping Applied to Environmental Zoning

Abstract: Water erosion caused by inappropriate land use compromises the ecosystems and causes economic and social losses. To remedy this, the present study proposes (i) the evaluation of the erosion risk in an Environmental Protection Area (EPA) with the combination of Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE), soil loss tolerance (T) estimates adapted to Brazilian soils and the legislation; and (ii) control measures from environmental zoning. This was applied to the EPA of Lageado stream, one of the main surface water sources in Campo Grande, Brazil. Several referenced information plans were overlapped and the total area was divided into five zones with different land use profiles, which were determined according to the conservation and preservation of native vegetation, occurrence of wet areas and springs, land use and management, eroded area recovery and occurrence of permanently preserved areas. The methodology proposed was suitable for environmental zoning of protected areas. This protocol can be applied to other areas by including additional variables such as social and economic parameters.

Conhecimento e prática sobre os fatores de risco para o câncer de mama entre mulheres de 40 a 69 anos

Abstract: OBJETIVO: investigar conhecimento e pratica sobre os fatores de risco para o câncer de mama entre usuarias da Estrategia de Saude da Familia (ESF). METODOS: estudo transversal com 393 mulheres com idades entre 40 e 69 anos usuarias da ESF na cidade de Dourados, MS. Realizou-se uma entrevista, por meio de um questionario semi-estruturado, investigando-se variaveis sociodemograficas, historia familiar e conhecimento/pratica sobre os fatores de risco para o câncer de mama. A descricao das variaveis foi feita atraves de frequencia simples e porcentagem. A associacao do conhecimento sobre os fatores de risco e as variaveis foram verificadas pelo teste exato de Fisher e qui-quadrado com nivel de significância de 5%. RESULTADOS: a idade media foi de 52,5 ± 8,1 anos, o tempo medio de estudo foi de 4,4±3,6 anos, 52,4% das mulheres eram pardas/negras e 66,6% possuiam companheiro. Entre as mulheres, 86,5% receberam alguma informacao sobre o câncer de mama. Os fatores de risco para a doenca eram conhecidos por 54,2% das mulheres. O conhecimento sobre os fatores de risco associou-se com a historia familiar (p=0,004) e anos de estudo (p=0,01). Diante dos fatores de risco conhecidos, a frequencia de praticas preventivas entre as mulheres foi de 52,2%. CONCLUSOES: a identificacao de variaveis relacionadas a um menor conhecimento sobre a doenca pode auxiliar na adocao de estrategias direcionadas aos grupos mais vulneraveis.

American cutaneous leishmaniasis: clinical, epidemiological and laboratory studies conducted at a university teaching hospital in Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil

Abstract: FUNDAMENTOS: Leishmaniose Tegumentar Americana e zoonose de manifestacoes clinicas variadas, em expansao no Brasil, sendo o estado de Mato Grosso do Sul importante area endemica. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar clinica, epidemiologica e laboratorialmente pacientes com Leishmaniose Tegumentar Americana , atendidos no Hospital Universitario Maria Aparecida Pedrossian, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil (HU/UFMS). METODOS: Trata-se de um estudo observacional do tipo transversal com abordagem descritiva e analitica. Foram avaliados, retrospectivamente, dados de pacientes suspeitos de Leishmaniose Tegumentar Americana , atendidos no HU/UFMS de 1998 a 2008, e encaminhados ao Laboratorio de Parasitologia/UFMS para complementacao diagnostica. Para a inclusao neste estudo foram considerados criterios clinicos e laboratoriais. RESULTADOS: Quarenta e sete pacientes foram incluidos no estudo. Houve predominância de homens de 45 a 59 anos, com a forma cutânea, lesao unica, ulcerada, em areas expostas do corpo e com duracao menor que seis meses. O comprometimento de mucosas foi crescente com o aumento da idade e maior em pacientes que procuraram atendimento tardiamente. Intradermorreacao de Montenegro foi o exame de maior sensibilidade e o encontro do parasito mostrou-se mais dificil em lesoes antigas. CONCLUSAO: Suspeicao diagnostica precoce e de extrema importância para diagnostico preciso. Associacao de exame parasitologico e imunologico torna mais seguro o diagnostico laboratorial.

Insect digestive enzymes as a target for pest control.

Abstract: The continual need to increase food production necessitates the development and application of novel biotechnologies to enable the provision of improved crop varieties in a timely and cost-effective way. Plants and herbivores have been co-evolving for thousands of years, and as a result, plants have defence mechanisms that offer protection against many herbivores/predators. Plant proteinase inhibitors (PIs), which play a potent defensive role against predators and pathogens, are natural, defense-related proteins often present in seeds and induced in certain plant tissues by herbivory or wounding. This review describes the main classes of proteinase inhibitors and proteinases, their distribution and localization, general properties, and their main functions. Possible applications utilities for the PI and proteolytic enzymes in plant biotechnology have been reviewed.

Variação temporal e espacial na composição de guildas alimentares da ictiofauna em lagoas marginais do Rio Cuiabá, Pantanal Norte

Abstract: O presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a variacao espacial e temporal das guildas alimentares das comunidades de peixes em 10 lagoas marginais do Rio Cuiaba no Pantanal. As lagoas foram amostradas em tres periodos do ciclo hidrologico (inicio e final da seca e inicio da enchente de 2005). As guildas alimentares foram determinadas atraves da analise do conteudo estomacal das especies mais abundantes da comunidade. Foram analisadas 37 especies pertencentes a oito guildas alimentares (insetivora, herbivora, onivora, zooplanctivora, planctivora, detritivora, bentivora e iliofaga), as quais variaram espacial e temporalmente. Observamos uma mudanca na composicao das guildas troficas entre os periodos e locais analisados, porem o numero de guildas nao variou espaco-temporalmente. Nossos resultados sugerem que as mudancas espaciais e temporais na composicao das guildas podem estar relacionadas com diversos fatores, como as alteracoes na composicao da comunidade onde novas especies podem compor as diferentes guildas; a exploracao de recursos mais abundantes em determinadas epocas do ano favorecendo a presenca de algumas guildas somente em alguns periodos.