Energy potential and alternative usages of biogas and sludge from UASB reactors: case study of the Laboreaux wastewater treatment plant.

This work assessed the energy potential and alternative usages of biogas and sludge generated in upflow anaerobic sludge blanket reactors at the Laboreaux sewage treatment plant (STP), Brazil. Two scenarios were considered: (i) priority use of biogas for the thermal drying of dehydrated sludge and the use of the excess biogas for electricity generation in an ICE (internal combustion engine); and (ii) priority use of biogas for electricity generation and the use of the heat of the engine exhaust gases for the thermal drying of the sludge. Scenario 1 showed that the electricity generated is able to supply 22.2% of the STP power demand, but the thermal drying process enables a greater reduction or even elimination of the final volume of sludge to be disposed. In Scenario 2, the electricity generated is able to supply 57.6% of the STP power demand; however, the heat in the exhaust gases is not enough to dry the total amount of dehydrated sludge.

The effect of different feeding schedules on egg quality, blood, and bone parameters in broiler breeders

The aim of this study was to evaluate different feeding schedules and their relationship to calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) plasma levels and egg quality of broiler breeders. The feeding schedules were: single feeding at 8:00 AM; twice daily feeding (50% at 8:00 AM and 50% at 3:00 PM) and single feeding at 3:00 PM. 330 female and 45 male Cobb 500 broiler breeders were used from 40 to 60 weeks of age. The experimental design was completely randomized, consisting of 3 treatments with 5 replicates each, with 22 females and 3 males. The nutritional requirements were according to guideline recommendations. The following parameters were assessed weekly: total egg production, egg specific gravity, egg and eggshell weight, and eggshell thickness. Ca and P plasma levels, tibia weight and its length and Seedor index were evaluated at the end of the study. To determine the effect of feeding schedules, the total calcium and phosphorus plasma at oviposition time and 21 h after oviposition was evaluated. At 60 weeks of age, tibias were taken from the right leg, dried, measured and weighted. There were no differences among treatments regarding egg production, tibia length and Seedor index. Hens fed at 8:00 AM showed higher tibia weight than hens fed twice daily. Broiler breeders fed at 3:00 PM had higher egg (P = 0.0105) and shell (P = 0.0066) weight than others, and hens fed at 3:00 PM had more specific gravity (P = 0.0219) and eggshell thickness (P = 0.0419) than hens fed at 8:00 AM. Ca (P = 0.758) and P (P = 0.811) plasma levels were higher in hens fed at 8:00 AM than hens fed at 3:00 PM after 21 h of oviposition. Broiler breeders fed at 3:00 PM had better egg quality without any change in production, as well as these hens showing higher available Ca and P plasma levels.

The effect of different feeding schedules on egg quality, blood, and bone parameters in broiler breeders

The aim of this study was to evaluate different feeding schedules and their relationship to calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) plasma levels and egg quality of broiler breeders. The feeding schedules were: single feeding at 8:00 AM; twice daily feeding (50% at 8:00 AM and 50% at 3:00 PM) and single feeding at 3:00 PM. 330 female and 45 male Cobb 500 broiler breeders were used from 40 to 60 weeks of age. The experimental design was completely randomized, consisting of 3 treatments with 5 replicates each, with 22 females and 3 males. The nutritional requirements were according to guideline recommendations. The following parameters were assessed weekly: total egg production, egg specific gravity, egg and eggshell weight, and eggshell thickness. Ca and P plasma levels, tibia weight and its length and Seedor index were evaluated at the end of the study. To determine the effect of feeding schedules, the total calcium and phosphorus plasma at oviposition time and 21 h after oviposition was evaluated. At 60 weeks of age, tibias were taken from the right leg, dried, measured and weighted. There were no differences among treatments regarding egg production, tibia length and Seedor index. Hens fed at 8:00 AM showed higher tibia weight than hens fed twice daily. Broiler breeders fed at 3:00 PM had higher egg (P = 0.0105) and shell (P = 0.0066) weight than others, and hens fed at 3:00 PM had more specific gravity (P = 0.0219) and eggshell thickness (P = 0.0419) than hens fed at 8:00 AM. Ca (P = 0.758) and P (P = 0.811) plasma levels were higher in hens fed at 8:00 AM than hens fed at 3:00 PM after 21 h of oviposition. Broiler breeders fed at 3:00 PM had better egg quality without any change in production, as well as these hens showing higher available Ca and P plasma levels.(AU)

Seroepidemiology of selected alphaviruses and flaviviruses in bats in Trinidad.

A serosurvey of antibodies against selected flaviviruses and alphaviruses in 384 bats (representing 10 genera and 14 species) was conducted in the Caribbean island of Trinidad. Sera were analysed using epitope-blocking enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) specific for antibodies against West Nile virus (WNV), Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) and eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV), all of which are zoonotic viruses of public health significance in the region. Overall, the ELISAs resulted in the detection of VEEV-specific antibodies in 11 (2.9%) of 384 bats. Antibodies to WNV and EEEV were not detected in any sera. Of the 384 sera, 308 were also screened using hemagglutination inhibition assay (HIA) for antibodies to the aforementioned viruses as well as St. Louis encephalitis virus (SLEV; which also causes epidemic disease in humans), Rio Bravo virus (RBV), Tamana bat virus (TABV) and western equine encephalitis virus (WEEV). Using this approach, antibodies to TABV and RBV were detected in 47 (15.3%) and 3 (1.0%) bats, respectively. HIA results also suggest the presence of antibodies to an undetermined flavivirus(es) in 8 (2.6%) bats. Seropositivity for TABV was significantly (P<0.05; χ2) associated with bat species, location and feeding preference, and for VEEV with roost type and location. Differences in prevalence rates between urban and rural locations were statistically significant (P<0.05; χ2) for TABV only. None of the aforementioned factors was significantly associated with RBV seropositivity rates.

Efficacy of a Brazilian calcium montmorillonite against toxic effects of dietary aflatoxins on broilers reared to market weight.

1. The protective effect of a natural Brazilian calcium montmorillonite (CaMont) against aflatoxins was studied in broiler chickens. 2. A total of 1056-d-old Cobb male broilers were housed in experimental pens (22 chickens per pen) for 42 d. Three levels of CaMont (0, 2.5 and 5 g/kg) and two levels of aflatoxins (0 and 3 mg/kg) were assayed. Each treatment had 8 replicate pens of 22 broiler chickens each. 3. Of all the chickens tested in the experiment, the ones treated with aflatoxins were the most adversely affected. CaMont treatment at concentrations of 2.5 and 5 g/kg improved body weight of chickens at 42 d of age by 13.3% and 22.7%, increased daily feed intake by 9.7% and 24.7%, and improved the productive efficiency index of chickens by 53% and 66.5%, respectively. 4. Dietary CaMont positively affected parameters such as weight of liver, heart and gizzard; however, serum potassium concentration decreased by 15.3% compared with that of chickens given only the aflatoxin-contaminated diet. 5. CaMont did not cause adverse effects in chickens that did not receive aflatoxins. 6. CaMont at pH 8.5 partially reduced the toxic effects of aflatoxins in broilers when included at levels of 2.5 and 5 g/kg in the diet.

Amaranth 7S globulin Langmuir films and its interaction with l-α-dipalmitoilphosphatidilcholine at the air-fluid interface.

Amaranth seeds are one of the more promising food ingredients, due to their high protein content, among which the most important are storage proteins known as globulins. However, little is known about the physicochemical of the globulin proteins. In this work, we study the physicochemical behavior of films made of amaranth 7S globulin and its interaction with a model membrane made of L-α-dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (L-α-DPPC) at the air-liquid interface. The study was done by means of Langmuir balance, Brewster angle microscopy (BAM), fluorescence microscopy, and atomic force microscopy (AFM). We found that isotherms of pure 7S globulin directly deposited on either water or buffer subphases behave similarly and globulin forms a condensed film made of globular and denature structures, which was confirmed by BAM observations. Good mixtures of the protein with L-α-DPPC are formed at low surface pressure. However, they phase separate from moderate to high surface pressure as observed by BAM. Isotherms detect the presence of the protein in the mixture with L-α-DPPC, but we were unable to detect it through BAM or AFM. We show that fluorescence microscopy is a very good technique to detect the presence of the protein when it is well-mixed within the LE phase of the lipid. AFM images clearly show the formation of protein mono- and multilayers, and in phase mode, we detected domains that are formed by protein and LE lipid phase, which were corroborated by fluorescence microscopy. We have shown that globulin 7S mix well with lipid phases, which could be important in food applications as stabilizers or emulsifiers, but we also show that they can phase separate with a moderate to high surface pressure.

Biologia e tabela de vida de fertilidade de Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) em linhagens de milho / Biology and fertitlity life table of Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) in strains of corn

O objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar os aspectos biológicos de Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) e elaborar a tabela de vida de fertilidade deste inseto em cinco linhagens de milho provenientes do Programa de Melhoramento de Milho da Embrapa Clima Temperado. Foram determinadas a duração e sobrevivência das fases de ovo, larva, pré-pupa e pupa, peso de pupas, deformações, longevidade, fecundidade e período de pré-oviposição. A linhagem M89611 não permitiu aos insetos realizarem postura. A duração do período de lagarta, pré-pupa, pupa e adultos foram de 10,67, 1,22, 2,13 e 21,33 dias, respectivamente. O peso de pupa para esta linhagem foi de 0,129 e 0,091g para fêmeas e machos, respectivamente. As deformações foram de 25% e a longevidade de 21,3 dias. S. frugiperda aumentou 20,22 vezes a cada geração para a linhagem M89420, com duração média de 37,26 dias e a razão finita de aumento foi de 1,06668. A linhagem M89611 afeta a biologia de S. frugiperda, enquanto que, a linhagem M89287 proporciona maior viabilidade das fases de desenvolvimento e a linhagem M89420 proporciona a maior taxa líquida de reprodução. (AU)

BIOLOGY AND FERTITLITY LIFE TABLE OF SPODOPTERA FRUGIPERDA (J.E. SMITH) IN STRAINS OF CORN. The aim of this work was to study the biology of Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) and to elaborate the fertility life table of the insect in five strains of corn from the Programa de Melhoramento de Milho da Embrapa Clima Temperado, in Brazil. The following variables were determined: duration and survival of the egg, larval, pre-pupal and pupal phases, pupal weight, deformation, longevity, fecundity and duration of pre-oviposition. The strain M89611 did not allow the insects to lay eggs. The duration of the periods of larvae, pre-pupae, pupae and adults was 10.67, 1.22, 2.13 and 21.33 days, respectively. The pupal weight for this strain was 0.129 and 0.091 g for females and males, respectively. The deformations were 25%, and the longevity was 21.3 days. S. frugiperda increased 20.22 times in each generation for the M89420 strain, with an average of 37.26 days, and the finite rate of increase was 1.06668. The strain M89611 affected the biology of S. frugiperda, whereas the strain M89287 provided greater viability of the development stages, while strain M89420 provided the highest net reproductive rates. (AU)

Biologia e tabela de vida de fertilidade de Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) em linhagens de milho

The aim of this work was to study the biology of Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) and to elaborate the fertility life table of the insect in five strains of corn from the Programa de Melhoramento de Milho da Embrapa Clima Temperado, in Brazil. The following variables were determined: duration and survival of the egg, larval, pre-pupal and pupal phases, pupal weight, deformation, longevity, fecundity and duration of pre-oviposition. The strain M89611 did not allow the insects to lay eggs. The duration of the periods of larvae, pre-pupae, pupae and adults was 10.67, 1.22, 2.13 and 21.33 days, respectively. The pupal weight for this strain was 0.129 and 0.091 g for females and males, respectively. The deformations were 25%, and the longevity was 21.3 days. S. frugiperda increased 20.22 times in each generation for the M89420 strain, with an average of 37.26 days, and the finite rate of increase was 1.06668. The strain M89611 affected the biology of S. frugiperda, whereas the strain M89287 provided greater viability of the development stages, while strain M89420 provided the highest net reproductive rates.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar os aspectos biológicos de Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) e elaborar a tabela de vida de fertilidade deste inseto em cinco linhagens de milho provenientes do Programa de Melhoramento de Milho da Embrapa Clima Temperado. Foram determinadas a duração e sobrevivência das fases de ovo, larva, pré-pupa e pupa, peso de pupas, deformações, longevidade, fecundidade e período de pré-oviposição. A linhagem M89611 não permitiu aos insetos realizarem postura. A duração do período de lagarta, pré-pupa, pupa e adultos foram de 10,67, 1,22, 2,13 e 21,33 dias, respectivamente. O peso de pupa para esta linhagem foi de 0,129 e 0,091g para fêmeas e machos, respectivamente. As deformações foram de 25% e a longevidade de 21,3 dias. S. frugiperda aumentou 20,22 vezes a cada geração para a linhagem M89420, com duração média de 37,26 dias e a razão finita de aumento foi de 1,06668. A linhagem M89611 afeta a biologia de S. frugiperda, enquanto que, a linhagem M89287 proporciona maior viabilidade das fases de desenvolvimento e a linhagem M89420 proporciona a maior taxa líquida de reprodução.

Biologia e tabela de vida de fertilidade de Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) em linhagens de milho / Biology and fertitlity life table of Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) in strains of corn

O objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar os aspectos biológicos de Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) e elaborar a tabela de vida de fertilidade deste inseto em cinco linhagens de milho provenientes do Programa de Melhoramento de Milho da Embrapa Clima Temperado. Foram determinadas a duração e sobrevivência das fases de ovo, larva, pré-pupa e pupa, peso de pupas, deformações, longevidade, fecundidade e período de pré-oviposição. A linhagem M89611 não permitiu aos insetos realizarem postura. A duração do período de lagarta, pré-pupa, pupa e adultos foram de 10,67, 1,22, 2,13 e 21,33 dias, respectivamente. O peso de pupa para esta linhagem foi de 0,129 e 0,091g para fêmeas e machos, respectivamente. As deformações foram de 25% e a longevidade de 21,3 dias. S. frugiperda aumentou 20,22 vezes a cada geração para a linhagem M89420, com duração média de 37,26 dias e a razão finita de aumento foi de 1,06668. A linhagem M89611 afeta a biologia de S. frugiperda, enquanto que, a linhagem M89287 proporciona maior viabilidade das fases de desenvolvimento e a linhagem M89420 proporciona a maior taxa líquida de reprodução.

BIOLOGY AND FERTITLITY LIFE TABLE OF SPODOPTERA FRUGIPERDA (J.E. SMITH) IN STRAINS OF CORN. The aim of this work was to study the biology of Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) and to elaborate the fertility life table of the insect in five strains of corn from the Programa de Melhoramento de Milho da Embrapa Clima Temperado, in Brazil. The following variables were determined: duration and survival of the egg, larval, pre-pupal and pupal phases, pupal weight, deformation, longevity, fecundity and duration of pre-oviposition. The strain M89611 did not allow the insects to lay eggs. The duration of the periods of larvae, pre-pupae, pupae and adults was 10.67, 1.22, 2.13 and 21.33 days, respectively. The pupal weight for this strain was 0.129 and 0.091 g for females and males, respectively. The deformations were 25%, and the longevity was 21.3 days. S. frugiperda increased 20.22 times in each generation for the M89420 strain, with an average of 37.26 days, and the finite rate of increase was 1.06668. The strain M89611 affected the biology of S. frugiperda, whereas the strain M89287 provided greater viability of the development stages, while strain M89420 provided the highest net reproductive rates.

Tryptic amaranth glutelin digests induce endothelial nitric oxide production through inhibition of ACE: antihypertensive role of amaranth peptides.

Amaranth seed proteins have a better balance of essential amino acids than cereals and legumes. In addition, the tryptic hydrolysis of amaranth proteins generates, among other peptides, angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory (ACEi) peptides. ACE converts angiotensin I (Ang I) into Ang II, but is also responsible for the degradation of bradykinin (BK). In contrast to Ang II, BK stimulates vasodilation modulated through endothelial nitric oxide (NO) production. The aim of the present study was to characterize the ACEi activity of amaranth trypsin-digested glutelins (TDGs) and their ability to induce endothelial NO production. An IC(50) value of 200microgml(-1) was measured for TDG inhibition of ACE. TDGs stimulated endothelial NO production in coronary endothelial cells (CEC) by 52% compared to control. The effects of TDGs were comparable to those of BK and Captopril, both used as positive controls of NO production. Consistent with these effects, TDGs induced, in a dose-dependent manner, endothelial NO-dependent vasodilation in isolated rat aortic rings. These results suggest that TDGs induce endothelial NO production and consequent vasodilation through their ACEi activity. Amaranth TDGs have a high potential as a nutraceutical food in prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Further molecular, cellular and physiological studies are currently under way and the results may contribute to a better understanding and control of cardiovascular disorders.

In vitro penetration of swine oocytes by homologous spermatozoa: Distinct systems for gamete's co-incubation and oocyte's cryopreservation.

In vitro penetration (IVP) of swine oocytes by homologous spermatozoa was evaluated in two experiments using four boars as semen donors. In experiment 1, the IVP rate and the number of penetrating spermatozoa (PSP) were compared using three co-incubation systems for vitrified oocytes and fresh sperm: (1) 35mL petri dishes in a CO(2) incubator, (2) 35mL petri dishes in bags (submarine system) and (3) glass flasks partially submerged in water bath with the same gas mixture used for the bag system. Mean PSP was 8.2+/-10.1 and the IVP rate was 90.5%. The PSP differed across all systems (P=0.0006): 15.5+/-0.5 for flasks, 6.3+/-0.4 for CO(2), and 3.9+/-0.4 for bags. The IVP rate for flasks (95.0%) was greater (P=0.01) than for CO(2) and bags (90.8% and 85.0%, respectively), but it did not differ between flasks and CO(2) for three boars (P>0.05). In experiment 2, co-incubation was done as described for glass flasks in experiment 1. The IVP rate and PSP were compared for cryopreserved oocytes: either vitrified in open pulled straws (OPS), or frozen in cryotubes. Mean PSP was 5.4+/-6.5 and IVP rate was 89.6%. Both PSP and IVP rate were greater (P<0.0001) for oocytes frozen in cryotubes (7.0+/-0.3% and 95.8%, respectively) than those frozen in OPS (3.7+/-0.3% and 83.4%, respectively), with no differences found for three boars (P>0.05). In summary, successful IVP of swine oocytes by homologous spermatozoa can be achieved using gametes incubated in glass flasks and oocytes frozen in cryotubes.

Bioactive peptides in amaranth (Amaranthus hypochondriacus) seed.

Amaranth seeds are rich in protein with a high nutritional value, but little is known about their bioactive compounds that could benefit health. The objectives of this research were to investigate the presence, characterization, and the anticarcinogenic properties of the peptide lunasin in amaranth seeds. Furthermore, to predict and identify other peptides in amaranth seed with potential biological activities. ELISA showed an average concentration of 11.1 microg lunasin equivalent/g total extracted protein in four genotypes of mature amaranth seeds. Glutelin fraction had the highest lunasin concentration (3.0 microg/g). Lunasin was also identified in albumin, prolamin and globulin amaranth protein fractions and even in popped amaranth seeds. Western blot analysis revealed a band at 18.5 kDa, and MALDI-TOF analysis showed that this peptide matched more than 60% of the soybean lunasin peptide sequence. Glutelin extracts digested with trypsin, showed the induction of apoptosis against HeLa cells. Prediction of other bioactive peptides in amaranth globulins and glutelins were mainly antihypertensive. This is the first study that reports the presence of a lunasin-like peptide and other potentially bioactive peptides in amaranth protein fractions.

A novel binary expression vector for production of human IL-10 in Escherichia coli and Bifidobacterium longum.

A novel expression vector (pLR) driven by hup promoter and Bifidobacterium beta-galactosidase signal peptide was constructed. The pLR vector was used for the expression of the optimized human IL-10 synthetic gene in Escherichia coli and Bifidobacterium longum. In both microorganisms, rhIL-10 was in a soluble form in total extract cells. The recombinant hIL-10 was partially processed in E. coli, whereas in Bifidobacterium all rhIL-10 was found in the mature form.

Modified penicillin acylase signal peptide allows the periplasmic production of soluble human interferon-gamma but not of soluble human interleukin-2 by the Tat pathway in Escherichia coli.

Production of periplasmic human interferon-gamma (hINF-gamma) and human interleukin-2 (hIL-2) by the Tat translocation pathway in Escherichia coli BL21-SI was evaluated. The expression was obtained using the pEMR vector which contains the Tat-dependent modified penicillin acylase signal peptide (mSPpac) driven by the T7 promoter. The mSPpac-hINF-gamma was processed and the protein was transported to periplasm. Up to 30.1% of hINF-gamma was found in the periplasmic soluble fraction, whereas only 15% of the mSPpac-hIL-2 was processed, but hIL-2 was not found in the periplasmic soluble fraction.

Characterization of two new rhabdoviruses isolated from midges (Culicoides SPP) in the Brazilian Amazon: proposed members of a new genus, Bracorhabdovirus.

Itacaiunas and Curionopolis viruses were isolated from Culicoides midges in Parauapebas municipality, Pará state, Brazil, in 1984 and 1985, respectively. Itacaiunas virus infected newborn mice and mosquito cells (C6/36), but did not replicate in some mammalian cell lineages; while Curionopolis virus infected only mice. Neither virus showed a serological relationship with any of the 195 known arboviruses circulating in Brazil, nor against 38 other rhabdoviruses isolated worldwide. Both virus particles are bullet-shaped and similar in morphology to that observed for other members of the family Rhabdoviridae. Partial nucleotide sequencing of the N protein showed that those two viruses constitute a separate clade in the family Rhabdoviridae, which we propose to be a new genus, designated Bracorhabdovirus.

EVALUATION OF MULTIENZYME COMPLEX IN DIETS WITH INCREASING LEVELS OF WHEAT FOR LAYERS IN THE REARING PHASE. / AVALIAÇÃO DE COMPLEXO MULTIENZIMÁTICO COM NÍVEIS DE TRIGO PARA POEDEIRAS NA FASE DE RECRIA.

O experimento foi conduzido com o objetivo de verificar o efeito da adição de enzimas em dietas com níveis crescentes de trigo sobre o desempenho de frangas da linhagem Isa Brown na fase de recria. As aves foram avaliadas durante 4 períodos de 21 dias, da 7ª a 18ª semana. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o inteiramente casualizado em esquema fatorial 4x2, 4 níveis de inclusão de trigo nas dietas (0, 16, 32, 48%), com e sem adição de enzimas, utilizando 6 repetições com 4 frangas por unidade experimental, totalizando 192 aves. O complexo multienzimático era composto de celulase, glucanase e xilanase e foi adicionado em 0,005% na dieta. Os parâmetros avaliados foram: consumo de ração, peso vivo, uniformidade, idade da maturidade sexual e peso do primeiro ovo. A idade da maturidade sexual apresentou diferença significativa (p < 0,05) entre os níveis de trigo, representada por uma equação de regressão linear decrescente. As demais variáveis não apresentaram diferença significativa (p < 0,05) para os níveis crescentes de trigo. A suplementação enzimática e a interação entre os fatores não foram significativas. A inclusão de até 48% de trigo na dieta não afeta o desempenho de frangas de postura de 7ª a 18ª semana de idade. A suplementação enzimática (celulase, glucanase e xinase) em dietas a base de trigo não demonstrou benefícios às frangas nos níveis de inclu

Functional and rheological properties of amaranth albumins extracted from two Mexican varieties.

The functional and rheological properties of amaranth albumins isolates extracted from two new Mexican varieties were determined. Functional properties tested were protein solubility, foaming, water and oil absorption capacities, emulsifying activity, and emulsion stability. The maximum solubility values for both amaranth albumins were found above pH 6 and values were compared to the solubility of egg albumins. Albumins from amaranth showed excellent foaming capacity and foaming stability at pH 5, suggesting that this protein could be used as whipping agents as egg albumins, also the water and oil absorption capacities reached their maximum values at acidic pH, suggesting that amaranth albumins could be appropriate in preparation of acidic foods. The rheological test based on farinograms and alveograms showed that wheat flour supplemented with 1% amaranth albumins improves the dough properties due to higher mixing stability and the bread had better crumb characteristics. In addition of the known high nutritional values of amaranth albumins, our results indicate the high potential for use of these proteins as an ingredient in food preparations.

Isolation of yellow fever virus from nulliparous Haemagogus (Haemagogus) janthinomys in eastern Amazonia.

In 1998, an epizootic of yellow fever (YF) killed many howler monkeys (Alouatta spp.) in eastern Amazonia near the city of Altamira. An infection level with YF virus of approximately 3.6% was determined from analysis of 456 females of Haemagogus janthinomys Dyar, the main enzootic YF vector in South America. One month later, a second study of 164 females captured in the same place led to infection levels of 0.8% for parous and 2.9% for nulliparous females. These results lead to the conclusion that vertical transmission, one of the key elements in the epidemiology of YF, occurs in South America as it does in Africa.

Yellow fever in Pará State, Amazon region of Brazil, 1998-1999: entomologic and epidemiologic findings.

Yellow fever (YF) is frequently associated with high severity and death rates in the Amazon region of Brazil. During the rainy seasons of 1998 and 1999, 23 (eight deaths) and 34 (eight deaths) human cases of YF were reported, respectively, in different geographic areas of Pará State; most cases were on Marajó Island. Patients were 1 to 46 years of age. Epidemiologic and ecological studies were conducted in Afuá and Breves on Marajó Island; captured insects yielded isolates of 4 and 11 YF strains, respectively, from Haemagogus janthinomys pooled mosquitoes. The cases on Marajó Island in 1999 resulted from lack of vaccination near the focus of the disease and intense migration, which brought many nonimmune people to areas where infected vectors were present. We hypothesize that YF virus remains in an area after an outbreak by vertical transmission among Haemagogus mosquitoes.

Allpahuayo virus: a newly recognized arenavirus (arenaviridae) from arboreal rice rats (oecomys bicolor and oecomys paricola) in northeastern peru.

Allpahuayo virus was initially isolated from arboreal rice rats (Oecomys bicolor and Oecomys paricola) collected during 1997 at the Allpahuayo Biological Station in northeastern Peru. Serological and genetic studies identified the virus as a new member of the Tacaribe complex of the genus Arenavirus. The small (S) segment of the Allpahuayo virus prototype strain CLHP-2098 (Accession No. AY012686) was sequenced, as well as that of sympatric isolate CLHP-2472 (Accession No. AY012687), from the same rodent species. The S segment was 3382 bases in length and phylogenetic analysis indicated that Allpahuayo is a sister virus to Pichinde in clade A. Two ambisense, nonoverlapping reading frames were identified, which result in two predicted gene products, a glycoprotein precursor (GPC) and a nucleocapsid protein (NP). A predicted stable single hairpin secondary structure was identified in the intergenic region between GPC and NP. Details of the genetic organization of Allpahuayo virus are discussed.