Showing papers in "Brazilian Archives of Biology and Technology in 2007"
TL;DR: Bacteriocinogenic lactic acid bacteria and/or their isolated bacteriocins are considered safe additives, useful to control the frequent development of pathogens and spoiling microorganisms in foods and feed and as an additional hurdle factor for increasing the shelf life of minimal processed foods.
Abstract: Biopreservation systems in foods are of increasing interest for industry and consumers. Bacteriocinogenic lactic acid bacteria and/or their isolated bacteriocins are considered safe additives (GRAS), useful to control the frequent development of pathogens and spoiling microorganisms in foods and feed. The spreading of bacterial antibiotic resistance and the demand for products with fewer chemicals create the necessity of exploring new alternatives, in order to reduce the abusive use of therapeutic antibiotics. In this context, bacteriocins are indicated to prevent the growth of undesirable bacteria in a food-grade and more natural way, which is convenient for health and accepted by the community. According to their properties, structure, molecular weight (MW), and antimicrobial spectrum, bacteriocins are classified in three different groups: lantibiotics and non-lantibiotics of low MW, and those of higher MW. Several strategies for isolation and purification of bacteriocins from complex cultivation broths to final products were described. Biotechnological procedures including salting-out, solvent extraction, ultrafiltration, adsorption-desortion, ion-exchange, and size exclusion chromatography are among the most usual methods. Peptide structure-function studies of bacteriocins and bacterial genetic advances will help to understand the molecular basis of their specificity and mode of action. Nisin is a good example of commercial success, and a good perspective is open to continue the study and development of new bacteriocins and their biotechnological applications. These substances in appropriate concentrations may be used in veterinary medicine and as animal growth promoter instead usual antibiotics, as well as an additional hurdle factor for increasing the shelf life of minimal processed foods.
300 citations
TL;DR: In this article, o aim of a trabalho foi obter a licopeno encapsulado na forma de po, utilizando processos de "spray-drying" ou de inclusao molecular com b -ciclodextrina (CD) seguido de liofilizacao.
Abstract: Tecnicas de encapsulamento, como "spray-drying" e formacao de complexos por inclusao com ciclodextrinas, vem sendo avaliadas para viabilizar a adicao de carotenoides em sistemas hidrofilicos e aumentar a sua estabilidade durante o processamento e estocagem. Portanto, o objetivo do presente trabalho foi obter licopeno encapsulado na forma de po, utilizando processos de "spray-drying" ou de inclusao molecular com b -ciclodextrina (CD) seguido de liofilizacao. A eficiencia do encapsulamento utilizando "spray-drying" variou de 94 a 96% e o rendimento medio foi de 51%, com as microcapsulas apresentando indentacoes superficiais, porem sem falhas ou aberturas na superficie. A formacao de complexo licopeno- b -CD ocorreu apenas quando utilizada razao molar de 1:4, e estruturas irregulares de diferentes tamanhos que eventualmente formaram agregados, similares as da b -CD, foram observadas apos liofilizacao. O licopeno nao complexado neste processo ficou em torno de 50%. A pureza do licopeno (% area do all-trans-licopeno) aumentou de 96,4 para 98,1% apos o encapsulamento, enquanto que a pureza do licopeno diminuiu de 97,7 para 91,3% apos complexacao e liofilizacao. Os dois processos de secagem resultaram em pos rosa claro, secos e com bom fluxo.
104 citations
TL;DR: The use of fish silage as a substitute for protein ingredients in rations for aquatic organisms is an alternative to solve sanitary and environmental problems caused by the lack of adequate disposition for the waste from the fish industry and is a way of decreasing feeding costs, and, consequently, fish production costs.
Abstract: The use of fish silage as a substitute for protein ingredients in rations for aquatic organisms is an alternative to solve sanitary and environmental problems caused by the lack of adequate disposition for the waste from the fish industry. Besides, it is also a way of decreasing feeding costs, and, consequently, fish production costs, since feeding corresponds to about 60% of the overall expenses with production. The objective of this review was to discuss the use of fish waste, the elaboration of chemical silage and the use of this ingredient in feed for aquaculture.
101 citations
TL;DR: This work evaluated the functional response of adult females of Eriopis connexa to different densities of Macrosiphum euphorbiae and Tetranychus evansi to show that this coccinellid needed to adopt distinct strategies according to the kind of prey available.
Abstract: This work evaluated the functional response of adult females of Eriopis connexa to different densities of Macrosiphum euphorbiae and Tetranychus evansi. When preying upon aphids, E. connexa presented a sigmoidal functional response (Type III). This behavior, however, changed drastically to an exponential (Type II) functional response, when mites (T. evansi), rather than aphids, were offered to E. connexa. Such different patterns showed that this coccinellid needed to adopt distinct strategies according to the kind of prey available. Since predators were believed to be able to regulate prey populations only when adopting Type III functional response. E. connexa would be a good candidate for a biological control agent of M. euphorbiae, but would not suppress a growing population of T. evansi.
98 citations
TL;DR: Results showed variations in physiological rates and in acclimatization capacity which enabled to understand Perna perna's behavior in the environment, as well as to estimate its scope for growth.
Abstract: The aim of this work was to study the rates of resp iration, clearance, excretion and absorption effici ency at different temperature and salinity under laboratory condition s for Perna perna . Results showed variations in physiological rates and in acclimatization capacity which, taken together, enabled to understand its behavior in the environment, as well as to estimate its scope for growth. All ex periments were carried out in static conditions, in ten replicas with one mussel by flasks. Perna perna was capable of ac hieving acclimatization for both clearance and abso rption efficiency (15 to 30 oC), but it achieved only part ial acclimatization for respiration and excretion u nder chronic temperature conditions. The clearance and respirati on rates increased twofold as the mussel was submit ted to temperature shock, which signified a response to me tabolism activity. Acclimatization to salinity was clearly the best developed capability (20 to 40 ‰). Net growth efficiency reduced as the temperature increased, bu t remained constant in the 20 to 35 ‰ salinity range.
69 citations
TL;DR: The main aim of as mentioned in this paper was to investigate the effects of temperature and nitrogen concentration on the antioxidant potential of extracts from Spirulina (Arthospira) platensis biomass.
Abstract: The main aim of this work was to investigate the effects of temperature and nitrogen concentration on the antioxidant potential of extracts from Spirulina (Arthospira) platensis biomass S platensis biomass obtained at 35oC and with 1875 gL-1 or 25 gL-1 of sodium nitrate in the culture medium presented higher concentrations of phenolic compounds The antioxidant potential of methanol extracts of biomass on the enzymatic browning caused by peroxidase were 29 and 35%, respectively, being the reduction related to the amount of phenolic compounds present in this extract
69 citations
TL;DR: The aim of this work was to study the feeding habits of the predator Brontocoris tabidus analyzing the salivary gland complex (SGC) and suggested that it could be considered an obligate zoophytophagous.
Abstract: The aim of this work was to study the feeding habits of the predator Brontocoris tabidus (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) analyzing the salivary gland complex (SGC). The SGC was dissected and subjected to histological analyses and biochemical assays. Results showed that a pair of bilobed principal salivary glands and one pair of tubular accessory salivary glands form the SGC and different parts of salivary gland synthesizes similar substances. Lipases, a-amylase and trypsin-like enzymes were detected at both lobes of the principal salivary gland. These data together with observations related to the predator's diet suggested that it could be considered an obligate zoophytophagous.
58 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigated the toxicity of mercury toxicity in tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, after long-term exposure to various Hg concentrations (0.02, 0.002 and 0.0002mg/L Hg).
Abstract: Mercury toxicity in tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, (Linnaeus, 1758) was investigated by the hematological parameters after long-term (14 days) exposure to various Hg concentrations (0.02, 0.002, 0.0002mg/L Hg). Test groups were set up with three replicates for each concentration, plus the control group. Blood samples were collected from six individuals for each concentration at 0, 3, 7, 10 and 14 days of exposure. The hematological parameters analyzed were: total red blood cell count (RBC), hemoglobin concentration (Hb), hematocrit (Ht), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), total white blood cell count (WBC) and differential leukocyte counts and total thrombocyte count (Tr). There were no significant differences among the mean hematological values at the different Hg concentrations indicating that Hg at the concentrations studied was not toxic to tilapia.
58 citations
TL;DR: Bottled mineral water from water dispensers and tap water could be considered a possible transmission route for filamentous fungi and yeasts, and could constitute a potential health hazard, mainly to immunocompromised indivuals.
Abstract: The main objective of this study was to analyse the occurrence of yeasts and filamentous fungi in drinking water as well as to investigate their correlation with the indicator bacteria of faecal pollution. Yeasts were detected in 36.6% and 11.6% of the bottled mineral on water dispensers and tap water samples from municipal system, respectively. Twenty-one (35.0%) of bottled mineral water and two (3.3%) of tap water samples were positive for filamentous fungi. For bottled mineral water 12 (20.0%) of 60 samples were positive for total coliform, compared with 3(5.0%)out of 60 samples from tap water. The mineral water from dispensers was more contaminated than tap water. Strains belonging to the genera Candida identified to the species level were C. parapsilosis, C. glabrata and C. albicans. Thus, bottled mineral water from water dispensers and tap water could be considered a possible transmission route for filamentous fungi and yeasts, and could constitute a potential health hazard, mainly to immunocompromised indivuals.
55 citations
TL;DR: Different concentrations of 6-benzyladenine (6-BA) were used in vitro to induce buds in three types of explants: leaf discs, root segments and the seedling itself obtained from in vitro seed germination of Passiflora cincinnata Mast.
Abstract: Different concentrations of 6-benzyladenine (6-BA) were used in vitro to induce buds in three types of explants: leaf discs, root segments and the seedling itself obtained from in vitro seed germination of Passiflora cincinnata Mast. The 0.5 mg.L -1 6-BA concentration was most suitable for all the three explants, however, bud formation time and means (direct/indirect) were different for each type of explant. In seedlings used as explants, it had shoot regeneration from the primary root. Histological events leading to bud formation via meristemoids were described. The origin was indirect in leaf discs, with callus formation in subepidermal cells of the chlorophyll parenchyma layers. In root segments and in seedling roots, the buds were formed directly in the pericycle (in roots with some secondary structure) and in the vascular cambium (at the initial phase of secondary structure). Also, indirect buds originated from meristemoids which were formed around the callus.
53 citations
TL;DR: The aim of this work was to investigate the potential of the diesel oil degrading yeasts to use them in bioremediation of areas contaminated by this pollutant.
Abstract: The aim of this work was to investigate the potential of the diesel oil degrading yeasts to use them in bioremediation of areas contaminated by this pollutant. The cultures, identified as Rhodotorula aurantiaca UFPEDA 845 and Candida ernobii UFPEDA 862, were selected at the initial stage. In the course of the biodegradation assays, C. ernobii degraded tetradecane, 5 methyl-octane and octadecane completely and decane (60.8%) and nonane (21.4%) partially whilst R. aurantiaca presented degradation percentages of 93% for decane, 38.4% for nonane and 22.9% for dodecane.
TL;DR: The results suggested that P. ohmeri 158 could be a promising alternative for the inhibition of P. expansum growth and patulin degradation.
Abstract: Taking into account the preliminary antagonistic/biodegradation property showed by Pichia membranifaciens and Sporobolomyces roseus, which decreased the initial patulin concentration of 588.4 to 290.0 µg/mL, ability of P. ohmeri 158 in biocontrol against Penicillium expansum and patulin decrease in vitro was performed. The culture supernatant of P. ohmeri 158 was effective against 66.17% micelial growth, indicating antibiosis related with the killer phenomenon. The initial patulin concentration of 223 µg in the presence of P. ohmeri 158 cells was decreased over 83% of the original concentration, when incubated at 25oC/2 days and > 99% after 5 days incubation time, with undetectable patulin level after 15 days. The initial pH 4.0 decreased to pH 3.3 along 15 days experiment, suggesting that patulin decrease was an active process and a consequence of yeast metabolism. The results suggested that P. ohmeri 158 could be a promising alternative for the inhibition of P. expansum growth and patulin degradation.
TL;DR: In contrast to other hydrolytic enzymes produced by the same T. harzianum isolate, the b-1,3-glucanase showed no effect on the cell wall of the phytopathogenic fungus Crinipellis perniciosa.
Abstract: A b-1,3-glucanase was produced by Trichoderma harzianum in cultures containing chitin as the sole substrate. Two proteins showing b-1,3-glucanase activity were purified to apparent homogeneity by hydrophobic chromatography. The molecular masses of these proteins were 29 and 36 kDa. The 36 kDa protein was further characterized. It was active on a broad pH range, and maximal activity was detected at pH 5.0. The optimum temperature of the 36 kDa b-1,3-glucanase was 50oC, but the purified enzyme was very sensitive to temperature. It lost about 60% or more of the activity after incubation for 30 min at 45, 50 and 60oC. The apparent KM and Vmax for hydrolysis of laminarin at pH 5.0 and 37oC, were 0.099 mg of reducing sugar/mL and 0.3 mg of reducing sugar/min.mL, respectively. The enzyme was insensitive to organic compound and metal ions, except for the ferric ion which inhibited about 100% of the original activity at the concentration of 1 mM. In contrast to other hydrolytic enzymes (a chitinase and a protease) produced by the same T. harzianum isolate (1051), the b-1,3-glucanase showed no effect on the cell wall of the phytopathogenic fungus Crinipellis perniciosa.
TL;DR: In this paper, a biotic integrity index was applied to assess the ecological health at seven sites of a ca. 338 km extension of the Paraiba do Sul river, in bracketing a large urban industrial complex.
Abstract: A index of biotic integrity (IBI) was applied to assess the ecological health at seven sites of ca. 338 km extension of the Paraiba do Sul river, in bracketing a large urban-industrial complex. The aim was to evaluate the index response to changes in environmental quality during two seasons (winter/dry versus. summer/wet). Eight metrics were selected to IBI in three categories: 1) species richness and habitat composition; 2) indicator species; and 3) trophic structure. The IBI, based on the least impacted regional condition, showed the highest value at the most upstream site (Queluz=km 0) - Acceptable, then decreasing downstream and reaching the lowest record at Volta Redonda (km 125) - Impacted; afterwards there was an increasing quality toward the most downstream sites until reaching better scores at Alem Paraiba (km 338) - Moderate Impacted/ Acceptable. During the winter/dry seasons a clearer spatial trend was detected when compared with oscillations in summer/wet. The IBI proved to be a suitable tool to evaluate environmental quality in this tropical and very altered large river, since it was sensitive to non-source point pollution changes, which occurred all over the studied area.
TL;DR: Production of manganese-dependent peroxidase (MnP) by the white-rot fungus Phanerochaete chrysosporium BKM-F-1767 (ATCC 24725) was monitored during growth in different media and growth conditions.
Abstract: Production of manganese-dependent peroxidase (MnP) by the white-rot fungus Phanerochaete chrysosporium BKM-F-1767 (ATCC 24725) was monitored during growth in different media and growth conditions. The effect of some activators of MnP production, Mn2+, Tween 80, phenylmethylsulphonylfloride (PMSF), oxygen, temperature, pH, glycerol and nitrogen was studied. Supplementing the cultures with Tween 80 (0.05 %, v/v) and Mn2+ (174 µM) resulted a maximum MnP activity of 356 U/L which was approximately two times higher than that obtained in the control culture (without Tween 80). Decolourisation of Direct Blue 15 and Direct Green 6 (50 mg/L) was also achieved with MnP.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors studied the possible utilization of Thermocyclops decipiens as indicator of the trophic degree and water quality of some watersheds of the state of Minas Gerais.
Abstract: The aim of this work was to study the possible utilization of Thermocyclops decipiens as indicator of the trophic degree and water quality of some watersheds of the state of Minas Gerais From the beginning of the decade of 90, T decipiens was recorded in several water collections of the state, including the basins of the rivers Paranaiba, Sao Francisco, Doce and Grande, within environments mainly of meso and eutrophics characteristics Of the 28 places of occurrence of the species and according to the water quality index (WQI) used by Environmental Foundation of Minas Gerais (FEAM), 7 of these environments presented WQI good, 16 medium, 4 bad and one very bad This classification corroborated the hypothesis that T decipiens could be used as indicator species of eutrophic environments and of low water quality thus constituting an important tool for the biomonitoring of aquatic ecosystems
TL;DR: An indirect competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ic-ELISA) for ochratoxin A (OTA) detection in green, roasted and instant coffees was developed using anti-OTA monoclonal antibody as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: An indirect competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ic-ELISA) for ochratoxin A (OTA) detection in green, roasted and instant coffees was developed using anti-OTA monoclonal antibody. Immunological reagents prepared were OTA-BSA (4.76 mg/mL), anti-OTA.7 MAb (2x103-fold dilution) and HRP-anti IgG (103-fold dilution). The detection limit was 3.73 ng OTA/g and correlation coefficients (r) between this immunoassay and high performance liquid chromatography were 0.98 for green coffee, 0.98 for roasted and 0.86 for instant. OTA levels detected by ic-ELISA were higher than by HPLC, with ELISA/HPLC ratio of 0.66 - 1.46 (green coffee), 0.96 - 1.11 (roasted) and 0.93 - 1.82 (instant). ELISA recoveries for OTA added to coffee (5 - 70 ng/g) were 81.53 % for green coffee, 46.73 % for roasted and 64.35 % for instant, while recoveries by HPLC were 80.54 %, 45.91 % and 55.15 %, respectively. Matrices interferences were minimized by samples dilution before carrying out the ELISA assay. The results indicate that MAb-based ic-ELISA could be a simple, sensitive and specific screening tool for OTA detection, contributing to quality and safety of coffee products.
TL;DR: Under experimental conditions, increasing glucose:xylose ratio improved the assimilation of the xylose present in the hydrolysate by yeast, resulting in biomass increase, and in the formation of xylitol and glycerol/ethanol by-products.
Abstract: The effect of glucose on xylose-to-xylitol bioconversion by Candida guilliermondii was examined by adding it to sugarcane bagasse hydrolysate medium to obtain different glucose:xylose ratios (1:25, 1:12, 1:5 and 1:2.5). Under experimental conditions, increasing glucose:xylose ratio improved the assimilation of the xylose present in the hydrolysate by yeast, resulting in biomass increase, and in the formation of xylitol and glycerol/ethanol by-products. Maximum values of xylitol yield (0.59 g g-1) and volumetric productivity (0.53 g l-1.h-1) were obtained with glucose:xylose ratio of 1:5, resulting in the higher conversion efficiency (64.3%).
TL;DR: The anatomy of the underground system in Vernonia grandiflora Less.
Abstract: This work dealt with the anatomy of the underground system in Vernonia grandiflora Less. and V. brevifolia Less. (Vernonieae; Asteraceae), two perennial geophytes, to elucidate their ability to sprout in the Brazilian Cerrado conditions. V. grandiflora , a subshrubby species, possessed a thickened under ground system constituted by a xylopodium and many tuberous roots. The xylopodium had stem and root structure and its buds were axill ary or originated from the cortical parenchyma proliferati on. The tuberous roots produced by this organ were adventitious and accumulated inulin-type fructans mainly in the cortical parenchyma. The thickened underground syst em of V. brevifolia , an herbaceous species, was a tuberous primary roo t whose buds originated from the proliferated pericycle. The occurrence of these bud-forming unde rground systems, which stored reserve compounds, en abled these plants to survive throughout unfavourable env ironmental conditions in the Cerrado, such as dry s eason and frequent fires in the winter.
TL;DR: Four strains exhibited antibiotic activity towards Listeria inno cua, L. monocytogenes, Lactobacillus plantarum, and Salmonella Enteritidis, indicating their proteic nature, presenting a typica l kinetics of primary metabolite and a molecular weight similar to many purified enterocins.
Abstract: The aim of this study was to characterize bacterioc ins produced by 70 strains of Enterococcus mundtii.Four strains exhibited antibiotic activity towards Listeria inno cua , L. monocytogenes , Lactobacillus plantarum , and Salmonella Enteritidis. They remained active under temperature s of up to 121 o C for 20 min, and under pH treatments that varied from 2.0 to 10.0. Antimicrobial activity was maintained during the storage test for 60 days und er freezing. The kinetics of production revealed the peak activi ty of 1600 AU /mL during the logarithmic growth pha se and the molecular weight found was approximately 3.0 kDa. Tion of the products with antimicrob ial activity indicated their proteic nature, presenting a typica l kinetics of primary metabolite and a molecular we ight similar to many purified enterocins.
TL;DR: Although changes in food category consumption were not common among all the studied species, changes in the resource exploitation strategy was a rule among them, except for Mimagoniates microlepis.
Abstract: The relationship between ontogenetic variation of intestine length and feeding habits of five stream-dwelling fish species from the Ubatiba River were investigated. Analysed data were based on two size categories (juveniles and adults) and two food categories (animal and vegetal). Diet composition of each size category revealed that Astyanax janeiroensis and Geophagus brasiliensis changed food preference throughout ontogeny and switched from omnivorous/carnivorous to omnivorous/herbivorous and from omnivorous/carnivorous to omnivorous, respectively. These changes were followed by ontogenetic changes in the Intestinal Coefficient (IC). No ontogenetic differences were registered for IC and food categories consumed by Hoplias malabaricus but significant differences in the size of consumed preys as well as positive correlation between fish size (predator) and prey size was observed. Food items (within animal category) consumed by the adult Pimelodella lateristriga were mainly based on allochthonous arthropods whereas juvenile individuals fed with the same intensity on allochthonous and autochthonous arthropods; both juveniles and adult individuals of Mimagoniates microlepis were mainly allochthonous feeders. Mean IC values of Pimelodella lateristriga and Mimagoniates microlepis did not change along body growth. Although changes in food category consumption were not common among all the studied species, changes in the resource exploitation strategy was a rule among them, except for Mimagoniates microlepis.
TL;DR: The aim of this work was to study herbicide degradation through selected microorganisms from humus and soil subjected to different plantation systems and found that biofilm formation and color changes in the herbicide could have interfered with the espectrophotometry readings.
Abstract: The aim of this work was to study herbicide degradation through selected microorganisms from humus and soil subjected to different plantation systems. The following bacterial species were identified: Klebsiella pneumoniae pneumoniae GC s.B strain 1, Pseudomonas alcaligenes, Enterobacter aerogenes GC s.A and Klebsiella pneumoniae pneumoniae GC s.B strain 2. Growth studies yet suggested the possibility of a very long lag phase. Although, culture with the herbicide presented biofilm formation and there were color changes in the herbicide that could have interfered with the espectrophotometry readings. After 5 days of incubation at 35oC, the difference in the concentration of herbicide was 14.42% on average and after 10 days, 35.01%.
TL;DR: Most seeds in the opossums' diet were of pioneer species, with most germination occurring during favorable humid conditions in the rainy season, and small mammals are suggested as possible tools for area recuperation programs through seed dispersal of many pioneer and some shade-tolerant plants, under suitable management.
Abstract: Seed germination in plant species consumed by opossums, genus Didelphis, was investigated in southern Brazil, in order to improve knowledge of the strategies of zoochorous plants in the Neotropics. Seeds were obtained from opossum feces. Thirteen of the most frequent species in the diet of local opossums were tested for germination rates and germination responses under different qualities (red/far red ratio) and different intensities of light. Most seeds from feces germinated similarly to the control groups, except for seeds of Rubus rosifolius, which appeared to depend on gut passage. Other experiments revealed that most seeds in the opossums' diet were of pioneer species, with most germination occurring during favorable humid conditions in the rainy season. A few species showed negative photoblastism, or no dormancy pattern. Small mammals are suggested as possible tools for area recuperation programs, through seed dispersal of many pioneer and some shade-tolerant plants, under suitable management.
TL;DR: Capybaras from the ESEC-Taim varied diet according to the season and alimentary availability, and showed an opportunistic behavior in the winter and summer and a more selective behavior in spring and fall.
Abstract: The aim of this study was to determine feeding habitats of capybaras in the ESEC-Taim (RS, Brazil), using microhistological analyses of feces. Data were analyzed seasonally. In 172 samples analyzed, 17 species were identified, with predominance of Poaceae. Zizaniopsis bonariensis was the most frequent species in winter (38%), spring (32%) and summer (26.5%) and Paspalum disthichum in fall (31.5%). A observed increase in vegetation consumption during summer might be due to the food quality. Capybaras showed an opportunistic behavior in the winter and summer and a more selective behavior in spring and fall. Capybaras from the ESEC-Taim varied diet according to the season and alimentary availability.
TL;DR: In this paper, seasonal surveys were conducted during September 1997 to September 1998 at three sites in Paranagua Bay in South Brazil, and a total of 81 bird species were observed in the three sampling sites.
Abstract: This study describes the mangrove bird community of Paranagua Bay in Parana - South Brazil. Seasonal surveys were conducted during September 1997 to September 1998 at three sites in Paranagua Bay. Frequencies and abundances of birds were registered in 200m transects and one hour point counts. A total of 81 bird species were observed in the three sampling sites. Most of the bird species in Paranagua mangroves are fruits, seeds and arthropods consumers, and predators of flying insects. The most frequent and abundant species were Egretta caerulea, Ceryle torquata, Chloroceryle amazona, Pitangus sulphuratus, Turdus amaurochalinus and Parula pitiayumi. The bird community of these three sites is composed mainly by forest bird species. The mangroves of Paranagua Bay shelter one of the richest avifauna of Brazilian mangroves. Differences between sampling sites could be related to the proximity of the Paranagua city and human impacts in the areas. Only in the most disturbed site were observed Passer domesticus and large flocks of Coragyps atratus. This study contributed to the knowledge of mangrove communities, and could be an important basis to fluvial-marine conservation plans in Parana- Brazil.
TL;DR: A brief review of some of the more common processes that a nuclear radiology physician may encounter in daily clinical practice that could result in a false positive diagnosis with F18FDG PET/CT.
Abstract: PET/CT is a common imaging modality used in the evaluation of oncology patients. While being extremely sensitive to identifying sights of malignancy F18FDG is very non-specific. We attempted to provide a brief review of some of the more common processes that a nuclear radiology physician may encounter in daily clinical practice that could result in a false positive diagnosis with F18FDG PET/CT. A fundamental understanding of the limitations of this technology by the interpreting physician is necessary to avoid making inaccurate diagnosis and potentially limiting important treatments for our patients.
TL;DR: In this paper, the adsorption of glyphosate depends on surface area for clays and amount of clays for soils and organic matter had a secondary role in the adaption of GPS on soils.
Abstract: This work showed that the adsorption of glyphosate (GPS) depends on surface area for clays and amount of clays and CEC for soils. Organic matter (OM) had a secondary role in the adsorption of GPS on soils. The adsorption of GPS on soils from Londrina and Florai counties and clays (montmorillonite, kaolinite) decreased when pH increased, however, for bentonite clay and soil from Tibagi county was kept constant. For the soils, the competitive adsorption between GPS and phosphate showed that displace of GPS by phosphate was related to the amount of clays, CEC and pH. GPS was not easily displaced by phosphate on the clays. The FT-IR spectra of the soils and clays showed that soil from Londrina resembled kaolinite. Thus, this could explain the results of adsorption of GPS and the competitive adsorption between GPS and phosphate.
TL;DR: As respostas dos parâmetros fisiologicos avaliados indicam that as folhas of sombra, apesar of receberem menor intensidade luminosa, tem possibilidade of crescer e se desenvolver com a mesma capacidade das folhas de sol.
Abstract: The aim of this work was to compare the physiological parameters of sun and shade leaves of a specimen of L. molleoides. The higher-positional leaves, classified as sun leaves, presented similar photosynthetic rate, lower chlorophyill contents (a, b and total), same a chlorophyll /b chlrorophyll rate, lower transpiratory rate, same stomatal conductance and intercellular concentration of CO2 as the lower-positional leaves, classified as shade leaves. Nutrient concentration, except for Ca and Mg, was the same for both sun and shade leaves.The physiological parameter responses indicated that although receiving lower light intensity, the shade leaves had the same capacity to grow and develop as the sun leaves.
TL;DR: The results indicated that seeds of H. setaceus germinated in a wide range of temperature, under canopy and in open areas, but in complete darkness they did not germinate.
Abstract: The effect of light and temperature on seed germination in Hylocereus setaceus was analyzed by isothermic incubations under continuous white light and darkness. The minimum temperature for germination was between 5 to 10°C and the maximum between 45 to 50°C. The optimum temperaturewais between 25 and 30°C. The involvement of phytochrome, by very low fluence response, in controlled seed germination was attained by incubation in a gradient of photoequilibrium of phytochrome. The results indicated that seeds of H. setaceus germinated in a wide range of temperature, under canopy and in open areas, but in complete darkness they did not germinate.
TL;DR: The gonopod length and the abdominal width were the most appropriate morphometric variables to estimate size at onset of sexual maturity in this stone crab.
Abstract: The relative growth and size at onset of morphological sexual maturity of the stone crab Menippe nodifrons were investigated. A total of 399 crabs was captured on Praia Grande and Tenorio beaches at Ubatuba. Carapace width (CW) and length, cheliped propodus length and height, abdomen width in females, and gonopod length in males were recorded. In females, the abdominal width showed negative allometry for juveniles and positive allometry for adults; the puberty molt occurred at 31.6 mm CW. In males, the size at onset of morphological sexual maturity was estimated as 29.7 mm CW; the gonopod growth showed positive allometry for juveniles, and an isometric relationship for adults. The gonopod length and the abdominal width were the most appropriate morphometric variables to estimate size at onset of sexual maturity in this stone crab.