Showing papers in "Brazilian Archives of Biology and Technology in 2008"
TL;DR: In this paper, a review shows main microorganisms related to the manipulation practices such as Staphylococcus spp., Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. and describes the factors regarding the foodborne illness highlighting the impact of good manipulation practices on the food safety and food quality.
Abstract: Food-borne illness is a major international problem and an important cause of reduced economic growth. The contamination of the food supply with the pathogens and its persistence, growth, multiplication and/or toxin production has emerged as an important public health concern. Most of these problems could be controlled with the efforts on the part of the food handlers, whether in a processing plant, a restaurant, and others. In contrast with most chemical hazardous compounds, the concentration of food pathogens changes during the processing, storage, and meal preparation, making it difficult to estimate the number of the microorganisms or the concentration of their toxins at the time of ingestion by the consumer. This review shows main microorganisms related to the manipulation practices such as Staphylococcus spp., Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. and describes the factors regarding the food-borne illness highlighting the impact of good manipulation practices on the food safety and food quality.
95 citations
TL;DR: The aim of this study was to look for evidence of a llelochemicals in B. decumbens, in parts of the plant from where they could easily be released to the environment, and to assess the effectiveness of the aqueous leachates in reducing germination of species tested.
Abstract: The aim of this study was to look for evidence of a llelochemicals in B. decumbens , in parts of the plant from where they could easily be released to the environment. T he germination inhibition of Phalaris canariensis , Lactuca sativa (standard species) and Melinis minutiflora , another invasive African grass, was tested using B. decumbens germinating seeds and aqueous leachates of the roo ts, green and senescent leaves, at 5, 10 and 20% w/ v. Both the germinating seeds and the aqueous leachates of B. decumbens reduced the germination of the species tested; the effectiveness of the aqueous leachates increased ac cording to concentration. Apparently, the competiti ve advantage of B. decumbens in the cerrados could be amplified via allelopathy .
92 citations
TL;DR: Hypercholesterolemia was induced in rabbits by feeding them a high cholesterol diet and the effects of supplementing this diet with 0.5 g/d Spirulina platensis did not cause significative decrease on the levels of triacylglycerols in the animals.
Abstract: In this work, hypercholesterolemia was induced in rabbits by feeding them a high cholesterol diet (CD, 350 mg/d) and the effects of supplementing this diet with 0.5 g/d Spirulina platensis was evaluated by measuring the levels of serum total-cholesterol (TC), triacylglycerols (TAG) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL-cholesterol) at the start of the experiment and after 30 d and 60 d. It was found that the levels of serum cholesterol decreased from 1,054±101 mg.dL -1 in the rabbits fed a CD without S. platensis to 516±163 mg.dL -1 to those fed with a high cholesterol diet supplemented with S. platensis (significant at p <0.0001). The addition of Spirulina to the cholesterolemic diet did not cause significative decrease on the levels of triacylglycerols in the animals. The levels of serum high-density lipoprotein (HDL-cholesterol) was 73±31 mg.dL -1 for rabbits fed a CD without S. platensis as compared to 91.0±15.7 mg.dL -1 in those fed a CD supplemented with S. platensis (significant at p=0.1533) Key words: Spirulina platensis , cholesterol, rabbits
90 citations
TL;DR: In this article, anatomic and ultrastructural characteristics of bulliform cells in Loudetiopsis chrysothrix (Nees) Conert and Tristachya leiostachya Nees were reported.
Abstract: This work reports anatomic and ultrastructural characteristics of bulliform cells in Loudetiopsis chrysothrix (Nees) Conert and Tristachya leiostachya Nees. Both the species presented leaf rolling under water stress. The main characteristics observed in these cells were: periclinal wall thinner than the adjacent epidermal wall; abundance of pectic substances in cuticular layer; sinuous anticlinal walls with ramified plasmodesmata; vacuome formed by a developed vacuole or innumerous small vacuoles; abundance of phenolic substances and oil drops. These characteristics suggested the involvement of bulliform cells in the mechanism of foliar involution in the studied species.
72 citations
TL;DR: Results showed that the inhibition of the germination at the same water potential of NaCl and PEG resulted from the osmotic effect rather than the salt toxicity, and the seeds harvested 70 daa appeared to be more tolerant to the salt and Osmotic water stress conditions than the other two lots.
Abstract: Germination percentage, seedling fresh weight and sensitivity index of the pepper (Capsicum annuum L. cv. Sera Demre) seed lots harvested 50, 60 and 70 days after the anthesis (daa) in 2001 and 2002 were determined under the salt (NaCl) and osmotic (PEG) stresses at the same water potentials of -0.3, -0.6 and –0.9 MPa. The objective was to study whether the germination and seedling growth were inhibited by the salt toxicity or osmotic effect during the development. The higher the salt and osmotic stress concentrations the lower was the germination percentage and seedling fresh weight. The seed germination was higher and sensitivity index were lower in NaCl than in PEG at the same water potential and harvest in both the years. They were able to germinate at all the concentrations of NaCl but at –0.9 MPa of PEG, none of the seeds of any harvest germinated in both the years. The seeds harvested 70 daa showed the highest germination and seedling weight in all the NaCl and PEG concentrations in both the years. Results showed that the inhibition of the germination at the same water potential of NaCl and PEG resulted from the osmotic effect rather than the salt toxicity. Moreover, the seeds harvested 70 daa appeared to be more tolerant to the salt and osmotic water stress conditions than the other two lots. Key words : Capsicum annuum , salinity, water stress, germination
69 citations
TL;DR: Powdered tomato was produced by spray drying the tomato pulp as discussed by the authors, and a full 23 factorial design with the central point was used, varying the feed flow rate (127-276 g/min), air inlet temperature (200-220oC) and the atomisation speed (25,000-35,000 rpm).
Abstract: Powdered tomato was produced by spray drying the tomato pulp. A full 23 factorial design with the central point was used, varying the feed flow rate (127-276 g/min), air inlet temperature (200-220oC) and the atomisation speed (25,000-35,000 rpm). The responses analysed were: moisture content, solubility, wettability consistency and colour, but the factors only significantly affected the colour parameter. All the samples became significantly darker and less red with an increase of the variables under study. A low atomisation speed (25,000 rpm) and lower inlet air temperature (220oC) produced the powders with a higher colour index (a/b) and less darkening.
64 citations
TL;DR: Mimosa tenuiflora (Willd) Poir, known as "jurema-preta", an hallucinogenic plant traditionally used for curing and divination by the Indians of northeastern Brazil is reviewed.
Abstract: Numerous plant species are used throughout the world to achieve the modified states of conscientiousness. Some of them have been used for the therapeutic purposes, such as Mimosa tenuiflora (Willd) Poir. (family Mimosaceae) known as "jurema-preta", an hallucinogenic plant traditionally used for curing and divination by the Indians of northeastern Brazil. In this review, several aspects of the use, phytochemistry, and pharmacology of this plant are considered.
64 citations
TL;DR: Objetivou-se determinar o efeito da defesa da presa Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) na taxa de predacao por femeas de Podisus nigrispinus (Dallas) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae).
Abstract: The effect of the defense of the prey Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) on predation rates of Podisus nigrispinus (Dallas) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) females was studied. P. nigrispinus preyed 1.0, 1.4, 1.2, 3.8 and 3.0 and 0.4, 0.8, 1.6, 2.8 and 3.2 third instars of S. frugiperda larvae with and without defense, respectively, with the densities of one, two, four, six and eight larvae. The attack rate and the manipulation time were, respectively, 0.67 ± 0.39-h and 6.72 ± 2.88 h for P. nigrispinus females fed with larvae with defense and 2.51 ± 0.16-h and 0.51 ± 0.77 h for those without defense. The functional response of the predator P. nigrispinus varies with the defense and the density of the prey S. frugiperda, with larger consumption of prey without defense at higher densities.
62 citations
TL;DR: Roots of terrestrial and epiphytic Orchidaceae are compared, analyzing the anatomical characteristics from an ecological point of view, and finding that the terrestrial group should have evolved with several adaptations to distinct environments during evolutionary process.
Abstract: The present study compared roots of terrestrial and epiphytic Orchidaceae, analyzing the anatomical characteristics from an ecological point of view. The material was collected at three different sites in Minas Gerais / Brazil and was fixed in FAA. Transverse sections were obtained by freehand sections or from material previously embedded in Paraplast® or Historesin®. The prominent characteristics of the epiphytic group were: significant smaller perimeter, epidermis with 3 or more cell layers, U-thickened exodermal cell walls, O-thickened endodermal cell walls, and a low ratio between the caliber and the number of protoxylem arches. The terrestrial group presented simple or multiseriate epidermis, and exodermis and endodermis with typical Casparian strips. The anatomical characteristics should have evolved with several adaptations to distinct environments during evolutionary process.
58 citations
TL;DR: The results indicated that the toxic blooms of Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii and Microcystis aeruginosa were persistent for two weeks and represented 90% of the phytoplankton species assemblages.
Abstract: The aim of this work was to study the eutrophication in the tropical freshwater ecosystems and the consequent cyanobacterial bloom formation and economical damage to fisheries and harmful effects to public health. Mass fish mortality due to toxin producing cyanobacterial blooms was registered during December 2003 in Marechal Dutra Reservoir, Acari/RN, Northeast Brazil. Phytoplankton and fish samplings were carried out on alternate days during the episode of fish mortality and monthly during January to June 2004. The cyanobacterial toxin was identified and quantified from the seston samples and liver of the dead fishes using the standard HPLC method. The results indicated that the toxic blooms of Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii and Microcystis aeruginosa were persistent for two weeks and represented 90% of the phytoplankton species assemblages. The lethally affected fishes were Oreochromis niloticus, Plagioscion squamosissimus, Cichla monoculus, Prochilodus brevis, Hoplias malabaricus and Leporinus friderici. The microcystin levels varied from 0.07 to 8.73µg L-1 the seston samples and from 0.01 to 2.59µg g-1in the liver samples of the fishes during the bloom period.
56 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the free radical scavenging properties of 23 different dried herbs and spices commercialized in Brazil were investigated using the stable free radicals 2,2'-diphenyl-β-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH•) and 2.2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS•+), and Trolox as reference (TEAC) for both radicals.
Abstract: Ethanolic extracts from 23 different dried herbs and spices commercialized in Brazil were investigated for their free radical scavenging properties using the stable free radicals 2,2'-diphenyl-β-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH•) and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS•+), and Trolox as reference (TEAC) for both radicals. The kinetic curves for both radicals showed to follow the first order kinetics model and the decay rate constant (kobs) was calculated. For all the samples, the two methods showed a good linear TEAC correlation, indicating that the average reactivity of the compounds present in the ethanolic extracts was similar. Sage and rosemary extracts showed the highest free radical scavenging capacities, while onion showed negligible activity and colorifico, one of the most consumed spices in Brazil, showed low ABTS•+ scavenging activity. Three distinct situations were found for the extracts concerning the DPPH• scavenging capacities: (1) extracts, like rosemary and laurel, that presented the same efficient concentrations (EC50 ) but differed in the TEAC values and velocities of action (kobs), (2) extracts, such as garlic and basil, that showed similar EC50 and TEAC values, but different kobs values and (3) extracts that reacted at the same velocities but completely differed in the free radical scavenging capacities, like black pepper, savory, nutmeg, rosemary and sage. Similar considerations could be done for the ABTS•+ results. For the first time the ABTS•+ scavenging activity for allspice, basil, cardamom, chives, colorifico, cumin, dill, laurel, marjoram, parsley and tarragon was reported.
TL;DR: High rates of fertility in most Passiflora species, since both meiotic index and pollen viability are above 90% and unusual meiotic beh avior has been described in some taxa.
Abstract: The Passifloraceae is represented by species of tro pical and subtropical origin. The Passiflora is the richest genus with approximately 450 species, 200 of them being n ative to Brazil. Recent karyological studies have r eported the basic chromosome number for the Passiflora genus as x = 6, whereas x = 9, x = 10 and x = 12 were established as secondary basic numbers. High rates of fertility oc cur in most Passiflora species, since both meiotic index and pollen viability are above 90%. Unusual meiotic beh avior has been described in some taxa. Unviable pol len were observed in some diploids species. The genome size varies from 1.83 to 5.36 pg, and significant inters pecific variance has been observed. Studies using the FISH methodology have shown that there are two to three rDNA 45S sites and one 5S site in the species analyzed. In treview, information about the above-mentioned sis presented and discussed in detail.
TL;DR: P. elaeisis could be an efficient alternative for controlling Lepidoptera defoliators in eucalyptus plantations in Brazil by parasitizing T. arnobia and T. leucoceraea pupae.
Abstract: Pupae of Thyrinteina arnobia (Stoll) and Thyrinteina leucoceraea Rindge (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) were obtained from Eucalyptus cloeziana F. Muell and Eucalyptus urophylla S.T. Blake plants, respectively. Specimens of a parasitoid emerged from T. arnobia pupae and also found parasitising T. leucoceraea pupae in the field were identified as Palmistichus elaeisis Delvare and LaSalle (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae). This is the first report on P. elaeisis parasitizing T. arnobia and T. leucoceraea pupae in natural conditions in Brazil. P. elaeisis also parasitized these hosts and Bombyx mori Linnaeus (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae), Anticarsia gemmatalis Hubner, Pseudaletia sequax Franclemont, Alabama argillacea Huebner (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), Dirphia moderata Bouvier (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) and Halysidota pearsoni Watson (Lepidoptera: Arctiidae) in the laboratory. The production and release of P. elaeisis could be an efficient alternative for controlling Lepidoptera defoliators in eucalyptus plantations.
TL;DR: The production of tannase by Aspergillus tamarii was studied in submerged cultures and the enzyme was stable in a large range of pH and up to the temperature of 45o C.
Abstract: The production of tannase by Aspergillus tamarii was studied in submerged cultures. The fungus produced an extracellular tannase after two days of growth in mineral medium containing tannic acid, gallic acid and methyl gallate as carbon source. The best result was obtained using gallic acid as inducer (20.6 U/ml). The production of enzyme was strongly repressed by the presence of glucose. Crude enzyme was optimally active at pH 5.0 and 30o C. The enzyme was stable in a large range of pH and up to the temperature of 45o C.
TL;DR: Martins et al. as mentioned in this paper studied the influence of the sugar cane cultivation on the macroinvertebrate communities of 11 streams under different land uses and found that the streams located in the areas of sugar cane culture and pasture presented low taxa and a great participation of Chironomidae (78% of the total).
Abstract: The aim of this work was to study the influence of the sugar cane cultivation on the macroinvertebrate communities of 11 streams under different land uses. Analysis of the sediment (organic matter contents and metals) and water complemented the study. Ninety six macroinvertebrates taxa were identified, of which 54 were Chironomidae and 42 of other aquatic macroinvertebrates. The streams located in the areas of sugar cane culture and pasture presented low taxa and a great participation of Chironomidae (78% of the total). In contrast, the streams located in the areas with riparian vegetation presented a rich aquatic fauna with less participation of Chironomidae (60% of the total). Keywords : Stream macroinvertebrates, sugar cane, land uses, riparian vegetation * Author for correspondence INTRODUCTION Brazilian colonization occurred without a specific planning and, as a consequence, natural resources, particularly forests, were greatly affected, especially by the economic interests. In the Brazilian history, the native land cover vegetation was removed and substituted by the agriculture, mainly of the sugar cane and also pastures. These processes result in deforestation, especially in the Brazilian southeast region (Martins, 2001). In Brazil, the sugar cane cultivation passed for different periods, always presenting an increasing cultivated area. From 1901 to 1950, the production increased five times. From 1950 to 1970, the cultivated area quadruplicated. In 1975, with the implantation of the Proalcohol Program, the production of the sugar cane grew up from 68 million tons/year to 223 million tons in the year of 1991 (Carvalho, 1993). In the last 15 years, sugar cane cultivation still continues to expand, reaching more than 338 million of tons (Carvalho Filho, 2000). Brazil is the main producer of the sugar cane, with 27% of the worldwide production (Institute of Agro-industrial Development, 1998). In Brazil, the sugar cane is the main source of sugar (sucrose) and for alcohol production through a fermentative process. The produced alcohol is exported to other countries and also is used as an alternative and renewable combustible for transport (Carvalho Filho, 2000). In the southeast Brazilian region, mainly in the state of Sao Paulo, the sugar cane culture has also been enlarged. The annual production of the state of Sao Paulo is of about 200x10
TL;DR: In this article, the quantity of soil organic matter (SOM) was estimated through the determination of soil Organic Carbon (SOC) times a factor, which assumes that 58% of the SOM was formed by carbon.
Abstract: The quantity of soil organic matter (SOM) was estimated through the determination of soil organic carbon (SOC) times a factor, which assumes that 58% of the SOM was formed by carbon. A number of soil samples with wide range of SOC content collected in the state of Parana, Brazil were evaluated in the laboratory. SOC was measured by Walkley-Black method and the total SOM by loss on ignition. The SOC was positively correlated with SOM. The SOM/SOC ratio varied from 1.91 to 5.08 for the soils. It shows that Brazilian SOM has greater oxidation degree. Although, the SOM and SOC decreased with soil depth the SOM/SOC ratio increased. It showed that SOM in the subsoil contained more oxygen but less carbon than the SOM in the upper soil surface. The CEC/SOC also increased with depth indicating that the functional groups of the SOM increased per unity of carbon.
TL;DR: Gamma spectrometric measurements were obtained for the agricultural soils aiming at characterizing the spatial distribution of radionuclide concentrations (K, eU and eTh), as well for the samples of phosphatic fertilizers and agricultural gypsum.
Abstract: Gamma spectrometric measurements were obtained for the agricultural soils aiming at characterizing the spatial distribution of radionuclide concentrations (K, eU and eTh), as well for the samples of phosphatic fertilizers and agricultural gypsum. In the study areas, three types of soils occured: Eutrophic Red Nitosol (Alfisoil), Eutroferric Red Latosol of clayey texture (Oxisoil) and Dystrophic Red Latosol of medium texture (Oxisoil). The results showed that the radionuclide concentrations in more clayey soils were higher than in more sandy soils, mainly as a function of a higher adsorption capacity of the former. For the area where human activity predominated, the average contents of K, eU and eTh were respectively 54.75; 10.22 and 7.27 Bq/Kg, significantly higher than those for the area where no fertilizers were used (34.15 Bq/Kg K; 1.69 Bq/Kg eU, and 5.36 Bq/Kg eTh). Variations in the radionuclide concentrations were also observed in various fertilizer formula used in soybean and wheat crops.
TL;DR: The aim of this study was to evaluate the interaction effects of the physico-chemical parameters on the endoglucanase (CMCase) production by Trichoderma reesei Rut C30 on a cellulosic agro-residue by the solid-state fermentation (SSF) and to determine their optimum values by the EVOP factorial design technique.
Abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate the interaction effects of the physico-chemical parameters on the endoglucanase (CMCase) production by Trichoderma reesei Rut C30 on a cellulosic agro-residue by the solid-state fermentation (SSF) and to determine their optimum values by the EVOP factorial design technique. The best combination of physical parameters for the maximum production of the endoglucanase (CMCase) was 28 o C temperature, 79% relative humidity and 4.8 pH of the medium. The best combination of the chemical parameters was (mg/L) nicotinic acid 15, naphthalene acetic acid 7, ferric chloride 5 and Tween-80 6. With the application of this technique, the yield of the CMCase increased by ~ 2.3 fold. Key words: Enzyme, endoglucanase, carboxymethylcellulase (CMCase), EVOP factorial design technique * Author for correspondence INTRODUCTION Cellulases have attracted much interest because of the diversity of their application. Since the cost of production is the major constraint in the cellulase production, much attention is drawn on the availability of low cost carbon source and on effective fermentation system. Fungal cellulases are produced in large amounts, which include all the components of multi enzyme system acting in a synergism for the complete hydrolysis of the cellulose. Trichoderma reesei Rut C30 is known to be one of the best cellulolytic fungal strain, which makes it an ideal test organism for the cellulase production. The organism produces CMCase in major level than the other two enzymes, exo-β-glucanase and β-glucosidase (Chahal et al ., 1982; Juhasz et al ., 2004). Both the liquid and solid -state fermentations have been tried for the cellulase production by Trichoderma sp . (Esterbauer et al ., 1991; Kubicek, 1992; Montenecourt, 1983). Wheat bran has been extensively used in SSF (Jabbar and Ilahi, 1981). Reports on the production of the cellulase by Trichoderma sp. in SSF (Chahal, 1985; Chahal, 1986; Chahal, 1991; Kim et al ., 1985; Sim et al ., 1990) are numerous because different strains and mutants, culture conditions and substrates have been used under different studies. In the present study, the fungus was grown on a novel substrate (mixture of sawdust and seeds of Ocimum gratissimum, ) and through optimization of the physicochemical parameters of the solid-state fermentation process, enhanced yield of CMCase was expected.
TL;DR: The aim of this work was to identify the introduced and cryptogenic species in encrusting and associating communities of hard substrates in Paranagua Bay, and to attempt to determine which of these species could negatively affect the local community to suggest strategies for these species.
Abstract: The aim of this work was to identify the introduced and cryptogenic species in encrusting and associat ed communities of hard substrates in Paranagua Bay, Br azil, and to attempt to determine which of these sp ecies could negatively affect the local community to suggest ma nagement strategies for these species. At least fou r introduced species were found ‐ a large number in comparison w ith other port surveys. These were the hydrozoan Garveia franciscana Torrey, 1902, the polychaete Polydora cornuta Bosc, 1902, the barnacles Amphibalanus reticulatus (Utinoni, 1967) and Striatobalanus amaryllis Darwin , 1854 , all with potentially harmful impacts. Of the 33 cryptogenic species, four were also listed in the las causing negative effects. We propose t he following management practices: periodic cleaning of all unde rwater structures, population monitoring of invasiv e species and potential substrates, an information database o f potential sources of introduction.
TL;DR: The zebrafish was an extremely dynamic organ in which follicles underwent asynchronous development and oocyte development was divided into four stages (primary growth, cortical alveolus, vitellogenic and mature oocyte).
Abstract: Microscopic ovary features of Zebrafish were analyzed. Samples were fixed in Bouins solution, mounted in parafin and cut into 6-7 µm-thick slices which were stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin (HE), methylene blue and using Periodic-acid Schiff method (PAS). The thin sections in ultramicrotome with the thickness of approximately 0,5 - 0,7 µm were examined by using Jeol electron microscope following contrasting with Uranyl Acetate-Lead Citrate. The zebrafish was an extremely dynamic organ in which follicles underwent asynchronous development. The oocytes of Zebrafish ovary were observed in various phases. The oocyte development of zebrafish was divided into four stages (primary growth, cortical alveolus, vitellogenic and mature oocyte). Oocyte diameters were observed to vary between 0.,08 mm and 0.76 mm.
TL;DR: In this article, Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus (B3, G12), Streptococcus thermophilus (W22), and Streptoccus brevis (W 22) were studied in the medium containing various carbon sources (glucose, fructose, sucrose or lactose).
Abstract: Exopolysaccharides (EPSs) production was studied by Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus (B3, G12) and Streptococcus thermophilus (W22) in the medium containing various carbon sources (glucose, fructose, sucrose or lactose). For all the strains, glucose was the most efficient carbon source and B3, G12 and W22 strains produced 211, 175 and 120 EPS mg/L respectively. Also, the influence of different concentrations of glucose (5,10,15,20,25,30 g/L) on EPS production and growth was studied. The results indicated that EPS production and growth were stimulated by the high glucose concentration (30 g/L).
TL;DR: In this paper, the variation in the juvenile recruitment and artisanal fishery landings of the mullet (Mugil platanus) in the Patos Lagoon estuary and its relationship with the regional rainfall and estuarine salinity anomalies during two strong El Nino events (1982-83 and 1997-98).
Abstract: Based on biological and meteorological long-term database (1979-1983 and 1996-2000), we analyzed the variation in the juvenile recruitment and artisanal fishery landings of the mullet (Mugil platanus) in the Patos Lagoon estuary and its relationships with the regional rainfall and estuarine salinity anomalies during two strong El Nino events (1982-83 and 1997-98). Juvenile and adult mullets declined in abundance under the high rainfall and near-zero salinity that prevailed in the estuary during both El Nino events. We proposed two different hypotheses to explain the El Nino-induced effects on the juvenile and adult stages of the mullet in the estuary. First, high freshwater outflow during a very strong El Nino might render ineffective the mechanism of passive immigration of juvenile mullets into the estuary, which can lead to their decline in the estuary during El Nino events. Second, near-zero salinity at the estuarine area along several months during strong El Nino events could lead to higher spatial dispersion of the maturing mullet during their migration to the ocean , resulting in smaller shoals of individuals and, consequently, lower catches by artisanal fishermen.
TL;DR: In this paper, the properties of the ion exchange resins, Amberlite IRA 402, a strong anion exchange resin and IRA 67, a weak ion exchange resin, were determined to evaluate their comparative suitability for lactic acid recovery from fermented cassava bagasse.
Abstract: The properties of the ion exchange resins, Amberlite IRA 402, a strong anion exchange resin and IRA 67, a weak anion exchange resin were determined to evaluate their comparative suitability for lactic acid recovery from fermented cassava bagasse. Data on binding capacities and recovery proved that weak base resin in chloride form was the most favourable ones for lactic acid recovery from aqueous solutions and fermentation media. Fermented media obtained through simultaneous saccharification and fermentation of cassava bagasse starch hydrolysate based medium were used for lactic acid recovery study using weak base resin column. Amberlite IRA 67 had much more efficiency than Amberlite IRA 402 to recover lactic acid. Like in other reports, due to the presence of nutrients and ions other than lactate, the binding capacity was slightly lesser while using fermented media (~93%) instead of aqueous lactic acid solutions (~98%).
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors used acetic acid in aqueous solution (10% V/V) to extract anthocyanins from the red cabbage and found that it was the best solvent, used in the proportion of 0.25 g of red cabbage mL-1.
Abstract: The aim of this work was to extract anthocyanins from the red cabbage. Batch studies under several extraction conditions indicated that acetic acid in aqueous solution (10% V/V) was the best solvent, used in the proportion of 0.25 g of red cabbage mL-1. At this condition, column assays were carried out to evaluate the influence of the ionic force, pH, solvent flow rate, recirculated volume of red cabbage juice and the mass of red cabbage. Results showed that the pH, recirculation and mass of red cabbage had statistically significant effects, where the optimum operation conditions found for the process were pH 2.3, recirculation volume of the solvent 0.83 L and mass of red cabbage 50 g.
TL;DR: The RAPD and SSR markers were used to compare the genetic diversity among the 16 maize inbred lines to validate pedigree data and were effective to recognize the differences between the quantitative characters.
Abstract: The RAPD and SSR markers were used to compare the genetic diversity among the 16 maize inbred lines. Twenty-two primers were used in the RAPD reactions, resulting in the amplification of 265 fragments, while 16 pairs of SSR primers resulted in 75 fragments. The similarity based on Dice coefficient for the RAPD ranged from 53 to 84% and for the SSR from 11 to 82%. The dendrogram obtained by the RAPD showed five groups, while dendrogram obtained by the SSR showed three groups and one isolated line. The association constructed from the markers and the principal coordinate’s analysis separated lines into two groups according to endosperm color, either orange or yellow. The RAPD were effective to validate pedigree data, while the SSR were effective to recognize the differences between the quantitative characters. Because they assess the distinct regions of the genome, the selection of one or other marker would depend on the characteristics of the material used and the objectives of the project. Key words: Corn, distance genetic, microsatellites, molecular markers, polymorphism, RAPD
TL;DR: Analysis of variations of sex ratio, density, breeding season, distribution and home range of a population of the endangered Brazilian seahorse H. reidi from a rocky shore on Aracatiba beach, Ilha Grande, Brazil were carried out.
Abstract: This study was carried out to fill the gaps that remain under Hippocampus reidi biology. Analysis of variations of sex ratio, density, breeding season, distribution and home range of a population of the endangered Brazilian seahorse H. reidi from a rocky shore on Aracatiba beach, Ilha Grande, Brazil were carried out. Aracatiba beach is a tourist Environmental Protected Area, suffering antropic pressure. A fixed population of H. reidi was studied, where al lthe individuals were visually tagged and sex, reproductive state and location on site were identified from December 2002 to November 2004. A total of 20 individuals were visually tagged with a mean density of 0.18 m-2. Sex ratios were skewed, with more females than males. All the males brooded during 13 months and presented smaller home range than the females during the breeding season. The highest densities were found on shallowest areas.
TL;DR: In this paper, the effect of alcoholic fermentation on the content of phenol compounds of five cider apple varieties was studied, and the initial content in the apple juice samples, as determined by HPLC, varied from 188.4 to 2776.17 m mg.L-1.
Abstract: The objective of this work was to study the effect of alcoholic fermentation on the content of phenol compounds of five cider apple varieties. The initial content in the apple juice samples, as determined by HPLC, varied from 188.4 to 2776.17 m mg.L-1. In three of them (DC, PJ, GU), the total phenol compounds remained unaffected by fermentation. However, in two (DM, KE), the final values were lower (55 and 313 mg.L-1). In these apple cider, the values of caffeic acid increased from 6.6 mg.L-1 to 41.8 mg.L-1. The catechin content increased during the process, approximately 13 mg.L-1 independent of the variety. The other phenols class did not present any modifications due to the alcoholic fermentation, maintaining the phenolic compounds of original clarified apple juice in the cider.
TL;DR: Fat content and protein: fat ratio in carcass for CCCGG and PUN and crude protein carcass content for DLGG showed quadratic response to increasing total lysine levels, while CCGG showed higher daily feed intake, daily weight gain, PUNand protein:fa t ratio in corpse, while DLGG showing higher fat carcass conte nt and nitrogen retention.
Abstract: A trial was carried out to determine the lysine requirement for starting barrows fed on ideal protein concept-based diets. Thirty-two pigs from a commercial crossbred genetic group (CCGG, BW=15.9 ± 1.4 kg) and 32 pigs from a dam line one (DLGG, BW= 14.8 ± 1.0 kg) were used. Pigs were allotted to 4 treatments with diets containing increasing levels of total lysine (0.80, 1.00, 1.20 and 1.40%). Methionine+cystine, threonine and tryptophan were adjusted according to ideal protein profile. Data from performance, plasma urea nitrogen (PUN) and carcass composition were analyzed. CCGG showed higher daily feed intake, daily weight gain, PUN and protein:fat ratio in carcass, while DLGG showed higher fat carcass content and nitrogen retention. Fat content and protein:fat ratio in carcass for CCCGG and PUN and crude protein carcass content for DLGG showed quadratic response to increasing total lysine levels. Derivations of the quadratic equations indicated the total lysine requirement for CCGG starting barrows is 1.15% and for DLGG starting barrows is 1.09%. Key words: Carcass composition, crystalline amino acids, nitrogen excretion, nutrition, lean meat
TL;DR: Treatments of whey were performed, seeking the elimination of sludge, and the effects on operating the fixed bed reactor were evaluated, and ultrafiltration was the best treatment towards a proper substrate solution for feeding the reactor.
Abstract: Hydrolysis of whey lactose to glucose and galactose by immobilized galactosidase comes as an alternative to enlarge the possibilities of commercial use of this feedstock. To be applied at industrial scale, the process should be performed continuously .This work aimed to study the hydrolysis of whey lactose by an immobilized enzyme reactor. b-Galactosidase from Aspergillus oryzae was immobilized on silica and activity and stability were evaluated. The best immobilization results were attained by using glutaraldehyde as support's activator and enzyme stabilizer. The optimized enzyme proportion for immobilization was 15-20 mg g-1 of support. Treatments of whey were performed (microfiltration, thermal treatment and ultrafiltration), seeking the elimination of sludge, and the effects on operating the fixed bed reactor were evaluated. Ultrafiltration was the best treatment towards a proper substrate solution for feeding the reactor.
TL;DR: Morphological differences among the three tetraploid species seemed to be enough to ascribe them at least the condition of species in statu nascendi, and the high genetic variation among O. latifolia populations was confirmed.
Abstract: To characterize the genetic variability among species and populations of South American wild rice, eleven populations of Oryza glumaepatula, seven of O. grandiglumis, four of O. latifolia and one of O. alta, from Brazil and Argentina, were evaluated. A greenhouse experiment was conducted in completely randomized blocks with 23 treatments. Twenty morphoagronomic traits were assessed. Univariate analyses were performed with 16 quantitative traits with the partitioning of populations within species. Significant differences (p<0.001) between species were observed for all the traits as well as among populations within the species. The most variable was O. glumaepatula followed by O. latifolia. Multivariate discriminant canonical and cluster analyses confirmed the separation of the highly diverse O. glumaepatula populations from the tetraploid species, and the high genetic variation among O. latifolia populations. Morphological differences among the three tetraploid species seemed to be enough to ascribe them at least the condition of species in statu nascendi.