Repeated dose 90-day oral toxicity study of Vitex megapotamica (Spreng.) Moldenke.

Vitex megapotamica (Spreng.) Moldenke is a plant with medicinal properties popularly used in Brazil to treat diabetes and obesity. Despite the promising use of this plant, are still incipient toxicology studies on prolonged periods of treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the repeated dose 90-day oral toxicity study of V. megapotamica methanolic extract (VMME) in male and female Wistar rats. Different groups of rats (n = 8) were treated daily with three different doses of VMME (100, 300, and 900 mg/kg) or vehicle (filtered water). Body weight, water, and feed consumption, and clinical and behavioral changes were monitored daily. At the end of the experimental period, blood samples were obtained for hematological and biochemical analyzes. After euthanasia, the vital organs were removed for the determination of relative weight and for histopathological analysis. No clinical signs of toxicity or mortality were found during the experimental period. Treatment with VMME did not induce any change in body weight gain, eating patterns, and behavior. We found no statistically significant changes in the different hematological and biochemical parameters evaluated. The relative weight of the organs and histopathological analysis did not show any significant change when compared to animals treated with the vehicle. The data obtained in this study allow us to conclude that the VMME obtained from V. megapotamica is safe after a repeated-dose 90-day oral toxicity study in male and female Wistar rats.

Thyroid-disrupting effects of chlorpyrifos in female Wistar rats.

Thousands of chemicals are released into the environment daily, arousing great scientific interest because they can influence the overall function of living organisms. The indiscriminate use of pesticides, especially organophosphate, confers important risks to both public and environmental health. Previous studies showed that chlorpyrifos (CPF) acts as an endocrine disruptor. Nevertheless, CPF is still widely used in many countries. Thus, we evaluated the thyroid-disrupting effects of CPF after short-term low-dose oral exposure in female Wistar rats. A total of 48 female Wistar rats were divided into five experimental groups (n = 8/group) that were treated orally by gavage with vehicle (control) and chlorpyrifos (0.01, 0.1, 1, and 10 mg/kg) for 5 days. Clinical signs of toxicity were observed throughout treatment. On day 6, the animals were weighed. Serum samples were obtained to measure levels of thyroid hormones, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, bilirubin, glutamyl transpeptidase, and estradiol. The animals were then euthanized by deep anesthesia with isoflurane. The thyroid gland, liver, spleen, and kidneys were collected to determine relative organ weight and perform histopathological analyses. We observed a significant increase in total triiodothyronine (T3) levels in all CPF treatment groups, even at very low doses that corresponded to the Acceptable Daily Intake. Only the highest dose tested significantly increased both total and free T3 levels. In the group that received the highest dose of CPF, thyroid follicles had irregular contours and few or no colloids. The present results indicated that short-term low-dose CPF exposure in female rats induced significant thyroid-disrupting effects.

Structural soil quality related to microbiological parameters in sugarcane.

Sugarcane crop conventional tillage has been replaced by deep soil preparation with few studies about its effect on soil quality and sustainability. The aim of this study was to assess structural volumes ina dystrophic Red-Yellow Latosol subjected to conventional tillage (CT) and deep localized soil tillage (DLST) to verify how the microbiological parameters were affected. The study was conducted in a soil derived from the Caiuá Sandstone formation in Brazil. Four trenches were dug for each soil tillage system to describe the cultural profile and evaluate carbon microbial biomass (CMB) and nitrogen (NMB), basal respiration (BR), and metabolic quotient (qCO2). CT profiles exhibited a predominance of cracked soil volumes, medium-sized and large compact clods with some porosity, and continuous volumes with no cracks and of intermediate porosity. DLST profiles were predominantly free-soil volume with no cohesion and porous in appearance, and compact, cohesive volumes with no porosity visible. The highest levels of CMB and NMB were in the cracked soil under CT. Higher microbial activity indicated by BR and qCO2 were in the free powdery soil under DLST. Soil pulverization caused by DLST could cause serious consequences on soil functionality, boosting erosion, and metabolic stress in the microbiota.

Growth and Phytochemistry of Cymbopogon citratus Stapf Inoculated with Plant Growth-Promoting Bacteria under Different Lead Levels.

This study aimed to investigate the phytochemistry of lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) inoculated with Azospirillum brasilense and grown in lead (Pb)-contaminated soil to assess its responses to inoculation under different Pb levels. The experimental design was completely randomized in a 2 × 5 factorial scheme: two levels of A. brasilense (absence or presence) and five Pb levels. After four months of treatment, the following were analyzed: total and reducing sugars, total phenolic content, flavonoids, antioxidant activity, antioxidant enzymes, proline, and essential oil (EO) content and composition. Soil Pb levels and A. brasilense inoculation affected phytochemicals in lemongrass plants. Azospirillum inoculation reduced total sugars in the roots at all soil Pb levels, while increasing Pb levels favored a rise in sugar contents. There was an increase in flavonoid content in treatments associated with Pb and inoculated with A. brasilense. Antioxidant capacity was lower at lower Pb levels, regardless of bacterial inoculation. Enzymatic response was mainly affected by Pb concentrations between 50 and 100 mg kg-1 soil. EO content was influenced by soil Pb levels, with higher EO production at 500 mg Pb kg-1 soil and without A. brasilense inoculation. Overall, lemongrass cultivation in Pb-contaminated areas can be an alternative to phytoremediation and EO production for the industry.

Ateroprotective effects of Plinia cauliflora in. New Zealand rabbits: beyond the lipid-lowering effect.

Introduction: Plinia cauliflora [Mart.] Kausel (Myrtaceae), popularly known as "jabuticaba," is a fruit species native to Brazil. Despite extensive widespread usage, its antiatherosclerotic properties' impact remains unknown. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate the cardioprotective effects of a preparation obtained from the fruit peels of P. cauliflora (EEPC). Methods: Male New Zealand rabbits received a 1% cholesterol-supplemented diet for 60 days. On the thirtieth day, the animals were divided into five experimental groups and received, once a day, by the oral route, the EEPC (10, 30, and 100 mg/kg), simvastatin (2.5 mg/kg), or vehicle for 30 days. At the end of the experimental period, peripheral blood and arterial branch samples were collected. The levels of total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglyceride (TG), malondialdehyde (MDA), nitrotyrosine (NT), nitrite, interleukin 1 beta (IL-1b), interleukin 6 (IL-6), soluble inter-cellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1) levels were measured. Moreover, the catalase and superoxide dismutase levels were measured on the arterial samples. Histopathological analysis and arterial morphometry were also performed. Results and discussion: The oral administration of ESEG significantly lowered the levels of lipids in rabbits that were fed a CRD diet. This treatment also adjusted the protective system against oxidation in the arteries by decreasing the oxidation of lipids and proteins. Additionally, the levels of IL-1b, IL-6, sICAM-1, and sVCAM-1 in the bloodstream decreased significantly, and this was accompanied by a reduction of atherosclerotic lesions in all branches of the arteries. The findings suggest that EEPC may be a possible option for additional management of atherosclerosis.

Soil macrofauna communities in Brazilian land-use systems.

Background: Soil animal communities include more than 40 higher-order taxa, representing over 23% of all described species. These animals have a wide range of feeding sources and contribute to several important soil functions and ecosystem services. Although many studies have assessed macroinvertebrate communities in Brazil, few of them have been published in journals and even fewer have made the data openly available for consultation and further use. As part of ongoing efforts to synthesise the global soil macrofauna communities and to increase the amount of openly-accessible data in GBIF and other repositories related to soil biodiversity, the present paper provides links to 29 soil macroinvertebrate datasets covering 42 soil fauna taxa, collected in various land-use systems in Brazil. A total of 83,085 georeferenced occurrences of these taxa are presented, based on quantitative estimates performed using a standardised sampling method commonly adopted worldwide to collect soil macrofauna populations, i.e. the TSBF (Tropical Soil Biology and Fertility Programme) protocol. This consists of digging soil monoliths of 25 x 25 cm area, with handsorting of the macroinvertebrates visible to the naked eye from the surface litter and from within the soil, typically in the upper 0-20 cm layer (but sometimes shallower, i.e. top 0-10 cm or deeper to 0-40 cm, depending on the site). The land-use systems included anthropogenic sites managed with agricultural systems (e.g. pastures, annual and perennial crops, agroforestry), as well as planted forests and native vegetation located mostly in the southern Brazilian State of Paraná (96 sites), with a few additional sites in the neighbouring states of São Paulo (21 sites) and Santa Catarina (five sites). Important metadata on soil properties, particularly soil chemical parameters (mainly pH, C, P, Ca, K, Mg, Al contents, exchangeable acidity, Cation Exchange Capacity, Base Saturation and, infrequently, total N), particle size distribution (mainly % sand, silt and clay) and, infrequently, soil moisture and bulk density, as well as on human management practices (land use and vegetation cover) are provided. These data will be particularly useful for those interested in estimating land-use change impacts on soil biodiversity and its implications for below-ground foodwebs, ecosystem functioning and ecosystem service delivery. New information: Quantitative estimates are provided for 42 soil animal taxa, for two biodiversity hotspots: the Brazilian Atlantic Forest and Cerrado biomes. Data are provided at the individual monolith level, representing sampling events ranging from February 2001 up to September 2016 in 122 sampling sites and over 1800 samples, for a total of 83,085 ocurrences.

Extraction Methods, Chemical Characterization, and In Vitro Biological Activities of Plinia cauliflora (Mart.) Kausel Peels.

Plinia cauliflora (Mart.) Kausel, popularly known as jabuticaba, possesses bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, tannins, and phenolic acids, known for their antioxidant, antibacterial, wound healing, and cardioprotective effects. Therefore, this study aimed to standardize the P. cauliflora fruit peel extraction method, maximize phenolic constituents, and evaluate their antioxidative and antimicrobial effects. Various extraction methods, including vortex extraction with and without precipitation at 25, 40, and 80 °C, and infusion extraction with and without precipitation, were performed using a completely randomized design. Extraction without precipitation (E - P) showed the highest yield (57.9%). However, the precipitated extraction (E + P) method displayed a yield of 45.9%, higher levels of phenolic derivatives, and enhanced antioxidant capacity. Major compounds, such as D-psicose, D-glucose, and citric acid, were identified through gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) analysis identified citric acid, hexose, flavonoids, tannins, and quercetin as the major compounds in the extracts. Furthermore, the extracts exhibited inhibitory effects against Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli bacteria. In conclusion, the E + P method efficiently obtained extracts with high content of bioactive compounds showing antioxidant and antimicrobial capacities with potential application as a dietary supplement.

Bioprospecting a Film-Forming System Loaded with Eugenia uniflora L. and Tropaeolum majus L. Leaf Extracts for Topical Application in Treating Skin Lesions.

Natural products can be used as complements or as alternatives to synthetic drugs. Eugenia uniflora and Tropaeolum majus are natives of Brazil and have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities. This study aimed to develop a film-forming system (FFS) loaded with plant extracts with the potential for treating microbial infections. E. uniflora and T. majus leaf extracts were prepared and characterized, and the individual and combined antioxidant and antimicrobial activities were evaluated. The FFS was developed with different concentrations of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and analyzed for physicochemical characteristics. The combination of extracts showed a superior antioxidant effect compared to the individual extracts, justifying the use of the blend. FFS prepared with 4.5% PVA, 4.5% PVP, 7.81% E. uniflora extract, and 3.90% T. majus extract was adhesive, lacked scale formation, presented good malleability, and had a suitable pH for topical application. In addition, the viscosity at rest was satisfactory for maintaining stability; water solubility was adequate; skin permeation was low; and the antimicrobial effect was superior to that of the individual extracts. Therefore, the developed FFS is promising for the differentiated treatment of skin lesions through topical application.

Safety Investigations of Two Formulations for Vaginal Use Obtained from Eugenia uniflora L. Leaves in Female Rats.

Medicinal plants have great prominence in research into the development of new medicines. Eugenia uniflora L. (Myrtaceae) is an edible and medicinal plant with economic value in the northeast region of Brazil. Several preparations from E. uniflora leaves and its fruits are employed as a source of nutrients and bioactive compounds. In this study we evaluated the preclinical toxicology of crude extract and vaginal gel obtained from the leaves of E. uniflora (5%, 10%, and 15%) aiming to provide safety for its use in the treatment of vulvovaginitis. Both formulations were applied to the vaginal cavity for 14 days. Detailed observations of the vaginal region, including pruritus, swelling, irritation, burning, pain, and vaginal secretion, as well as the estrous cycle were evaluated. On the fifth day, blood samples were obtained from the supraorbital plexus for biochemical and hematological analyses. The animals were subsequently euthanized. All animals underwent necropsy and macroscopic examination of the vaginal mucosa and reproductive system. A histological examination was also performed. No clinically significant changes were detected during the entire experimental period. All biochemical, hematological, or histopathological parameters were within the normal range for the species. The data obtained allow us to suggest that the E. uniflora vaginal formulations are safe in this experimental model.

WITHDRAWN: Main Diagnostic Methods for COVID-19: Integrative Review

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Genotoxicity Study of Vitex megapotamica (Spreng.) Moldenke.

Vitex megapotamica (Spreng) Moldenke is commonly known as tarumã, it is an important medicinal and edible fruit plant. It is native to regions of tropical and subtropical climate in greater proportion than temperate zones and widely distributed in Central America, South America, Asia, and Africa. In Brazil, it is present in the Atlantic Forest and Cerrado biomes. Despite its widespread use, there are no minimum standards for quality control or information on genotoxicity. Therefore, the aim of this study was to present a detailed description of the short-term genotoxicity assays of V. megapotamica and to provide parameters of a preparation routinely used in traditional folk medicine. For genotoxicity assays, five groups were used with eight wistar rats in each group. For this, three doses of the V. megapotamica extract in doses (100, 300, and 900 mg/kg) or negative control (filtered water) were administered orally and positive control cyclophosphamide monohydrate (20 mg/kg; Sigma-Aldrich®) was applied by the intraperitoneal route after 24 h. At the end, whole blood was collected in a tube containing EDTA for the comet test and later the animals were euthanized. For the micronucleus test, femurs were removed, and bone marrow was collected. In the comet assay, V. megapotamica crude extract did not show significant DNA damage at all doses tested. The micronucleus assay showed no significant increase in the frequency of inducing micronuclei at any dose examined. It can be concluded that the safety parameters in genotoxicity studies reveal that V. megapotamica has no toxicity, which characterizes the important quality control of this plant species.

Soil fungal and bacterial biomass determined by epifluorescence microscopy and mycorrhizal spore density in different sugarcane managements / Biomassa fúngica e bacteriana do solo determinada por microscopia de epifluorescência e densidade de esporos micorrízicos em diferentes manejos de cana de açúcar

Crop productivity and sustainability have often been related to soil organic matter and soil microbial biomass, especially because of their role in soil nutrient cycling. This study aimed at measuring fungal and bacterial biomass by epifluorescence microscopy and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal (AMF) spore density in sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) fields under different managements. We collected soil samples of sugarcane fields managed with or without burning, with or without mechanized harvest, with or without application of vinasse and from nearby riparian native forest. The soil samples were collected at 10cm depth and storage at 4°C until analysis. Fungal biomass varied from 25 to 37µg C g-1 dry soil and bacterial from 178 to 263µg C g-1 dry soil. The average fungal/bacterial ratio of fields was 0.14. The AMF spore density varied from 9 to 13 spores g-1 dry soil. The different sugarcane managements did not affect AMF spore density. In general, there were no significant changes of microbial biomass with crop management and riparian forest. However, the sum of fungal and bacterial biomass measured by epifluorescence microscopy (i.e. 208-301µg C g-1 dry soil) was very close to values of total soil microbial biomass observed in other studies with traditional techniques (e.g. fumigation-extraction). Therefore, determination of fungal/bacterial ratios by epifluorescence microscopy, associated with other parameters, appears to be a promising methodology to understand microbial functionality and nutrient cycling under different soil and crop managements.

A produtividade e sustentabilidade das culturas têm sido frequentemente relacionadas com a matéria orgânica e a biomassa microbiana do solo, especialmente devido ao seu papel na ciclagem de nutrientes do solo. Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a biomassa de fungos e bactérias do solo por microscopia de epifluorescência e a densidade de esporos de fungos micorrízicos arbusculares (FMAs) em lavouras de cana de açúcar (Saccharum officinarum L.) sob diferentes manejos. Foram coletadas amostras de solo de lavouras manejadas com ou sem queima, com ou sem colheita mecanizada, com ou sem aplicação de vinhaça e de matas ciliares adjacentes. As amostras de solo foram coletadas a 10 cm de profundidade e mantidas a 4°C até o momento das análises. A biomassa fúngica variou de 25 a 37µg C g-1 de solo seco e a bacteriana, de 178 to 263µg C g-1 de solo seco. A razão média entre a biomassa fúngica e bacteriana do solo nos diferentes manejos de canaviais foi de 0,14. A densidade de esporos de FMAs variou de 9 a 13 esporos g-1 de solo seco. Os diferentes manejos da cana de açúcar não afetaram significativamente a densidade de esporos de FMAs. Em geral, não foram encontradas mudanças significativas na biomassa microbiana nos diferentes manejos de solo com cana de açúcar em comparação com a mata ciliar. Todavia, a soma das biomassas fúngicas e bacterianas (208 a 301µg C g-1 de solo seco) determinadas por microscopia de epifluorescência foram similares a resultados da biomassa total do solo encontrados em outros estudos com métodos tradicionais (e.g. fumigação-extração). Os resultados evidenciam que a determinação da razão fungo/bactéria por microscopia de epifluorescência, associada a outros parâmetros, é uma metodologia promissora para compreender a funcionalidade microbiana e ciclagem de nutrientes sob diferentes manejos do solo.

Ryegrass and tall fescue responses to inoculation with azospirillum amazonense and Acaulospora scrobiculata / Respostas de azevém e festuca à inoculação com Azaspirillum amazonense e Acaulospora scrobiculata / Respuesta de raigrás y festuca a inoculación con Azaspirillum amazonense y Acaulospora scrobiculata

In the Southern Brazilian Plateau, farmers try to compensate the lack of forage from native grasslands cultivating gramineae such as ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) and tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea). However, soil fertility often limits the productivity of these pastures. In this study, the authors investigated the effects of inoculating diazotrophic bacteria Azospirillum amazonense S22 and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) Acaulospora scrobiculata SCR855 on the growth and nutrient uptake of ryegrass and tall fescue. Both AMF and Azospirilum did not increase the dry weight and the nutrient concentration of ryegrass. However, Azospirillum inoculation promoted the growth of tall fescue. Mycorrhizal colonization was not affected by AMF inoculation, but it was increased by Azospirillum inoculation.

No planalto do sul do Brasil, os produtores tentam compensar a falta de forragem das pastagens nativas cultivando gramíneas, como azevém (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) e festuca (Festuca arundinacea). Entretanto, a fertilidade do solo nessas áreas frequentemente limita a produtividade dessas pastagens. Neste estudo, foram investigados os efeitos da inoculação da bactéria diazotrófica Azospirillum amazonense S22 e do fungo micorrízico arbuscular (FMA) Acaulospora scorbiculata SCR855 no crescimento vegetal e absorção de nutrientes de azevém e festuca. Tanto FMA quanto Azospirillum não incrementaram a massa seca e as concentrações de nutrientes do azevém; porém, a inoculação de Azospirillum promoveu o crescimento da festuca. A colonização radicular micorrízica não foi afetada pela inoculação pelo AMF, mas foi aumentada pela inoculação com Azospirillum.

En el altiplano del sur de Brasil, los productores intentan compensar la falta de forraje en pastajes nativas cultivando gramíneas, como raigrás (Lolium multiflorum Lam) y festuca (Festuca arundinacea). Sin embargo, la fertilidad del suelo en esas áreas a menudo limita la productividad de esas pastajes. En este estudio, se investigó los efectos de la inoculación de la bacteria diazotrófica Azospirillum amazonense S22 y del hongo micorrízico arbuscular (HMA), Acaulospora scorbiculata SCR855 en el crecimiento vegetal y absorción de nutrientes de raigrás y festuca. Tanto HMA como Azospirillum no incrementaron la masa seca y las concentraciones de nutrientes del raigrás; pero, la inoculación de Azospirillum promovió el crecimiento de la festuca. La colonización radicular micorrízica no se vio afectada por la inoculación por HMA, pero aumentó por inoculación con Azospirillum.

Densidade de esporos de fungos microrrizicos arbusculares do banco de germoplasma de Glomales da Unipar / Densidad de esporas de hongos micorrizas arbusculares del banco de germoplasma de Glomales en unipar / Spore density of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in glomales germplasm bank of unipar

Os fungos micorrízicos arbusculares (FMAs) formam associação simbiótica mutualística com as raízes da maioria das espécies de plantas que geralmente contribui para o crescimento e sustentabilidade da produção das plantas. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a densidade de esporos de FMAs depositados no banco de germo plasma de glomales utilizando Brachiaria brizantha como planta hospedeira. Foram avaliados13 isolados (acessos) de FMAs fornecidos pela Universidade Estadual de Londrina ? UEL e Instituto Agronômico do Paraná - IAPAR. Os inóculos de FMAs avaliados foram: Glomus clarum, Scutellospora calospora, S. heterogama, Gigaspora margarita, Paraglomus brasiliensis, Glomus etunicatum, Gigaspora rosea e Acaulospora spp. A B. brizantha foi crescida em vasos com 3 Kg de solo estéril coletado do Campus II da Universidade Paranaense ? UNIPAR. O período de avaliação foi entre 2011/2012. Após o período de um ano, foram encontrados esporos de FMAs em todos os acessos avaliados, indicando sucesso na implementação e manutenção do banco de germoplasma de glomales da UNIPAR. As espécies Paraglomus brasiliensis e Glomus etunicatum apresentaram 0,38 e 2,36 esporos g-1 de solo seco respectivamente, representando as espécies de menor e maior frequência de esporos.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) form a mutualistic symbiotic association with the roots of most plant species contributing to plant growth and environmental sustainability. The present study aims to evaluate the density of AMF spores deposited in glomales germplasm bank using Brachiaria brizantha as host plant. 13 isolates (access) of AMF provided by Universidade Estadual de Londrina - UEL and the Agronomic Institute of Paraná ? IAPAR were assessed. Evaluated AMF inocula were Glomus clarum, Scutellospora calospora, S. heterogama, Gigaspora margarita, Paraglomus brasiliensis, Glomus etunicatum, Gigaspora rosea and Acaulospora spp. B. brizantha was grown in the Laboratory of Botany-II at the Universidade Paranaense ? UNIPAR in pots with 3 kg of sterile soil.The evaluation period was from 2011 to 2012. After a one-year period, AMF spores were found in all access, indicating success of implementation and maintenance of glomales germplasm bank of UNIPAR. Paraglomus brasiliensis and Glomus etunicatum presented 0.38 and 2.36 spores g-1 dry soil, respectively, representing the species of with the lowest and highest frequency of spores.

Los hongos micorrizas arbusculares (HMA) forman asociación mutualista simbiótica con las raíces de la mayoría de las especies de plantas, que generalmente contribuye al crecimiento y sostenibilidad de producción de las plantas. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar la densidad de esporas de HMAs depositados en el banco de germoplasma de glomales utilizando Brachiaria brizantha como planta hospedera. Se ha evaluado 13 aislados (accesos) de HMAs proporcionados por la Universidade Estadual de Londrina - UEL e Instituto Agronômico do Paraná - IAPAR. Los inóculos HMAs evaluados fueron: Glomus clarum, Scutellospora calospora, S. heterogama, Gigaspora margarita, Paraglomus brasiliensis, Glomus etunicatum, Gigaspora rosea y Acaulosporas pp. B. brizantha, cultivados en macetas con 3 kg de suelo estéril colectado del Campus II de la Universidad Paranaense - UNIPAR. El período de evaluación fue entre 2011/2012. Tras el periodo de un año, se ha encontrado esporas de HMAs en todos los accesos evaluados, lo que indica éxito en la implementación y mantenimiento del banco de germoplasma de glomales de la UNIPAR. Las especies Paraglomus brasiliensis y Glomus etunicatum presentaron 0,38 y 2,36 esporas g-1 del suelo seco respectivamente, representando las especies de menor y mayor frecuencia de esporas.

Marcadores moleculares aplicados no melhoramento genético de bovinos / Marcadores moleculares aplicados al mejoramiento genético de bovinos / Molecular markers applied to cattle breeding

O recente desenvolvimento da biologia molecular tem aberto a possibilidade de identificar genes importantes e utilizar a variação genômica no melhoramento genético. Os marcadores moleculares baseados em DNA atuam como ferramentas versáteis e podem ser utilizados em diferentes estudos. Desde o seu desenvolvimento, os marcadores moleculares estão sendo modificados constantemente para melhorar sua empregabilidade e trazer a possibilidade de automação do processo em análises genômicas. A descoberta da reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR) foi um marco nesse esforço e diversos marcadores surgiram a partir do desenvolvimento da PCR. Nessa revisão, diferentes marcadores moleculares baseados em DNA desenvolvidos durante as últimas décadas foram abordados, no qual auxiliará na compreenssão das diferentes classes de marcadores genéticos existentes e suas aplicações na seleção de genótipos superiores nos programas de melhoramento genético de bovinos.

The recent development in molecular biology has opened the possibility of identifying major genes and using genomic variation in breeding programs. DNA-based molecular markers have acted as versatile tools and can be used in different studies. Since their development, molecular markers are constantly being modified to improve their employment and bring the possibility of process automation in genomic analysis. The discovery of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was a milestone in this effort and several markers have emerged from this technique. In this review, different DNA-based molecular markers developed during the last decades have been approached, which shall aid in the understanding of the different classes of genetic markers available and their application in the selection of superior genotypes in breeding cattle.

El reciente desarrollo de la biología molecular ha abierto la posibilidad de identificar genes importantes y utilizar la variación genómica en el mejoramiento genético. Los marcadores moleculares basados en ADN actúan como herramientas versátiles y pueden ser utilizados en diferentes estudios. Desde su desarrollo, los marcadores moleculares están siendo modificados constantemente para mejorar su empleabilidad y traer la posibilidad de automatización del proceso en análisis genómicas. El descubrimiento de la reacción en cadena de polimerasa (PCR) fue un hito en ese esfuerzo y diversos marcadores han surgido a partir del desarrollo de la PCR. En esa revisión, diferentes marcadores moleculares basados en ADN desarrollados durante las últimas décadas han sido abordados, lo que ayudará en la comprensión de las distintas clases de marcadores genéticos existentes y sus aplicaciones en la selección de genotipos superiores en los programas de mejoramiento genético de bovinos.

Potencial de inóculo de fungos micorrízicos arbusculares em solo cultivado com aveia em Umuarama - PR / Infectivity potential of arbuscular my corrhizal fungi in soil cultivated with black oais in Umuarama - PR / Potencial inoculo de hongos micorrizas arbusculares en suelo cultivado con avena en Umuarana - PR

Os fungos micorrízicos arbusculares (FMAs) são importantes para a sobrevivência e desenvolvimento das plantas e podem ser influenciados pelo manejo do solo. O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar os efeitos do cultivo da aveia preta na atividade microbiana do solo por isso da respiração basal do solo (RBS), o teor de matéria orgânica do solo (MOS), a densidade de esporos, colonização radicular e o potencial de inóculo de FMAs em relação à mata ciliar adjacente localizada na Universidade Paranaense – UNIPAR, Campus II – Unidade de Umuarama – PR. O potencial de infectividade do solo por FMAs foi definido a partir do método do número mais provável (NMP). O cultivo de aveia preta diminuiu a RBS em 22% quando comparado com o solo da mata ciliar, provavelmente devido ao maior teor de MOS na mata. A densidade de esporos dos FMAs apresentou diferenças significativas (p < 0,01), variando de 7,74 a 10,53 esporos g–1 em solo na mata ciliar e aveia preta, respectivamente. A colonização radicular por FMAs foi significativamente maior (p < 0,02) na aveia preta (36%) do que na mata ciliar (26%). O potencial de inóculo de FMAs foi maior no solo cultivado com aveia preta (1,09 propágulos g–1 de solo) do que no solo de mata ciliar (0,36 propágulos g–1). O cultivo do solo com aveia preta e baixo pH do solo aumentou a densidade de esporos, colonização radicular e potencial de inoculo de FMAs.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are important for the survival and development of plants and may be influenced by the soil management. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effects of soil cultivation with black oats on soil microbial activity, basal soil respiration (BSR), soil organic matter (SOM), spore density, root colonization and infectivity potential of AMF in relation to a nearby riparian forest located at Universidade Paranaense, Campus II, Umuarama – PR. The infectivity potential of the soil by AMF was defined by the most probable number method (MPN). Cultivation of black oats decreased BSR by 22% when compared with riparian forest, probably due to high SOM in the riparian forest. Mycorrhizal spore density had significant differences (p < 0.01) between sampled areas, 7.74 to 10.53 spores g–1 of soil cultivated by riparian forest and black oats, respectively. Mycorrhizal root colonization was significantly (p < 0.02) higher in back oats (36%) than in riparian forest (26%). The infectivity potential of the soil by AMF was higher for soil cultivated with black oats (1.09 propagules g–1 of soil) than riparian forest (0.36 propagules g–1 of soil). The soil cultivation with black oats and the low soil pH increased spore density, root colonization and infectivity potential of AMF.

Los hongos micorrizas arbusculares (HMA) son importantes para la supervivencia y desarrollo de las plantas y pueden ser influenciados por el manejo del suelo. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar los efectos del cultivo de avena negra en la actividad microbiana del suelo, por respiración basal del suelo (RBS), el contenido de materia orgánica del suelo (MOS), la densidad de esporas, colonización radicular y potencial de inoculo de HMAs en comparación con la mata ciliar adyacente ubicada en la Universidad Paranaense - UNIPAR, Campus II - Unidad Umuarama - PR. El potencial de inefectividad del suelo por HMA se ha definido a partir del método de número más probable (NMP). El cultivo de avena negra disminuyó la RBS en 22% en comparación con el suelo de la mata ciliar, probablemente debido al mayor contenido de MOS en la mata. La densidad de esporas de los HMAs presentó diferencias significativas (p <0,01), variando de 7,74 a 10,53 esporas g-1 en suelo de la mata ciliar y avena negra. La colonización radicular por HMAs fue significativamente mayor (p <0,02) en la avena negra (36%), en comparación con la mata ciliar (26%). El potencial de inoculo de HMAs fue mayor en el suelo cultivado con avena negra (1,09 propágulos g-1 del suelo), en comparación con 0,36 propágulos g-1 del suelo de la mata ciliar. El suelo cultivado con avena negra es bajo en pH, aumentando la densidad de esporas, colonización radicular y potencial de inoculo de HMAs.

Micorrização e atividade microbiana de um solo cultivado com coentro e camomila / Micorrización y actividad microbiana de suelo cultivado con manzanilla y cilantro / Mycorrhization and microbial activity from a soil cultivated with coriander and chamomile

Fungos micorrízicos arbusculares (FMAs), entre outros micro-organismos do solo, desempenham papel fundamental no crescimento de plantas. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a densidade de esporos e a colonização radicular por FMAs em solos cultivados com coentro (Coriandrum sativum L.) e camomila (Matricaria chamomilla L.), bem como a atividade microbiana do solo medida por meio da respiração basal do solo (RBS) e matéria orgânica do solo (MOS). Foram coletadas quatro amostras de solo e raízes no horto medicinal da Universidade Paranaense, Umuarama-PR e de uma área adjacente de mata nativa. A densidade de esporos de FMAs no solo cultivado com camomila foi três vezes maior (44,2 esporos g?1 solo) do que no solo cultivado com coentro (16,8 esporos g?1 solo) e de mata (9,9 esporos g?1 solo). A colonização radicular por FMAs não diferiu significativamente. O solo da mata apresentou maior atividade microbiana (2,0 mg CO2 kg?1 solo h?1) comparado com os solos cultivados com camomila e coentro (1,56 e 1,13 mg CO2 kg?1 solo h?1, respectivamente). O mesmo comportamento foi observado com a MOS. Conclui-se que o solo cultivado com camomila apresentou maior densidade de esporos de FMAs, comparado com os solos da mata e coentro. A maior atividade microbiana no solo da mata é possivelmente em virtude do maior fornecimento de matéria orgânica e ciclagem do carbono.

The arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMFs), among other soil microbial microrganisms, has a fundamental role in plant growth. The objective of this study is to evaluate the spore density and root colonization by AMFs and microbial activity measuring basal soil respiration (BSR) and soil organic matter (SOM) from soil and root collected from coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) and chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.). Four soil and root samples were collected in a medicinal botanical garden at the Paranaense University, Umuarama ? PR, and soil samples from a nearby forest was used as control. The spore density of AMF in the soil differed significantly among treatments. In the soil under chamomile, the amount of spores found was over three-fold the amount of spores found in relation to forest and soil cultivated with coriander, but soil under coriander and forest did not differ significantly. The assessment of root colonization by AMF was not significantly different among treatments. In soil from the forest, a higher soil microbial activity (2.0 mg CO2 kg?1 solo h?1) was found when compared to soil cultivated with chamomile and coriander (1.56 and 1.13 mg CO2 kg?1 soil h?1, respectively). The same behavior was observed with SOM. It can be concluded that the soil cultivated with chamomile showed higher spore density of AMF compared to coriander and forest. A higher forest soil microbial activity is possibly due to a major input of SOM e carbon cycling.

Hongos micorrízicos arbusculares (HMA) y otros micro-organismos del suelo, desempeñan papel fundamental en el crecimiento de las plantas. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la densidad de esporas y la colonización de las raíces por HMAs en suelos cultivados con cilantro (Coriandrum sativum L.) y manzanilla (Matricaria chamomilla L.), así como la actividad microbiana del suelo medido por medio de la respiración basal del suelo (RBS) y materia orgánica del suelo (MOS). Se colectó cuatro muestras de suelo y raíces en el jardín de plantas medicinales de la Universidad Paranaense, Umuarama - PR, y de una zona adyacente de mata nativa. La densidad de esporas de HMAs en el suelo cultivado con manzanilla fue tres veces mayor (44,2 esporas g-1 de suelo) que en el suelo cultivado con cilantro (16,8 esporas g-1 de suelo) y de mata (9,9 esporas g-1 suelo). La colonización radicular por HMAs no difirió significativamente. El suelo de la mata presentó mayor actividad microbiana (2,0 mg CO2 kg-1 suelo h-1) en comparación con los suelos cultivados con manzanilla y cilantro (1,56 y 1,13 mg CO2 kg-1 suelo h-1, respectivamente). El mismo comportamiento se observó con el MOS. Se concluye que el suelo cultivado con manzanilla presenta mayor densidad de esporas de AMFs, en comparación con los suelos de mata y cilantro. La mayor actividad microbiana en el suelo de mata es posiblemente en virtud de mayor oferta de materia orgánica y el ciclo del carbono.

Microscopia de epifluorescência para a determinção de biomassa micelial em substrato de cultivo sólido particulado / Microscopía e epifluorescencia para la deteminación de biomasa micelial en sustrato de cultivo sólido particulado / Epifluorscence mmicroscopy for the deterination of mycelial biomass in particulated solid substrate cultivatoon

A determinação de biomassa micelial fúngica crescida em substratos de cultivo sólido particulado (SCSP) é ainda um desafio devido à dificuldade de separação do micélio e o substrato. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a técnica de microscopia de epifluorescência para determinação da biomassa micelial de Pleurotus ostreatus em SCSP. Para determinação da exatidão da metodologia P. ostreatus foi crescido em meio líquido de extrato de malte e; a biomassa micelial foi separada por centrifugação, liofilizada e moída. Concentrações conhecidas do pó do micélio foram misturadas ao SCSP, composto de bagaço de cana de açúcar e fibra de soja, previamente autoclavado. Em seguida, a biomassa micelial foi determinada por microscopia de epifluorescência. Para promover a variação da biomassa micelial a ser determinada por microscopia de epifluorescência, SCSP adicionado de diferentes concentrações de ferro foram utilizados para o crescimento do fungo. Concluiu-se que a técnica apresenta baixa precisão e exatidão, o que implica na necessidade de maiores estudos para aplicação desta técnica para a determinação de biomassa micelial crescida em SCSP.

Determination of fungal mycelial biomass grown on solid substrate cultivation (SSC) is still a challenge due to the difficulty in separating mycelium and substrate. The objective of this study was to evaluate the epifluorescence microscopy to determine the mycelial biomass of Pleurotus ostreatus grown in SSC. P. ostreatus was grown in malt extract liquid medium and mycelial biomass was separated by centrifugation. It was then lyophilized and milled. Mycelial powder was added at known concentrations to SSC composed of sugarcane bagasse and soy fiber, previously autoclaved. Mycelial biomass was determined by epifluorescence microscopy. In order to promote mycelial biomass variation for the determination by epifluorescence microscopy, SSC added at different iron concentrations was used for fungus growth. It was concluded that the technique has low precision and accuracy, which implies the need for further studies in order to apply this technique for the determination of mycelial biomass grown in SSC.

Taking mycocentrism seriously: mycorrhizal fungal and plant responses to elevated CO2.

The aim here was to separately assess mycorrhizal fungal and plant responses under elevated atmospheric CO2, and to test a mycocentric model that assumes that increased carbon availability to the fungus will not automatically feed back to enhanced plant growth performance. Meta-analyses were applied across independent studies. Responses were compared in ectomycorrhizal (ECM) and arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi, and ECM and AM plants. Responses of both mycorrhizal fungi and mycorrhizal plants to elevated CO2 were significantly positive. The response ratio for ECM fungi was 1.34 (an increase of 34%) and for AM fungi 1.21 (21%), indicating a significantly different response. The response ratio for ECM plants was 1.26, similar to that of AM plants (1.25). Fractional colonization proved to be an unsuitable fungal parameter. Evidence was found for the mycocentric view in ECM, but not in AM systems. Fungal identity and plant identity were important parameters that affected response ratios. The need for better descriptors of fungal and plant responses is emphasized.