Effect of Residual Cuts on Deactivation of Hierarchical Y Zeolite-Based Catalysts during Co-Processing of Vacuum Gas Oil (VGO) with Atmospheric Residue (ATR).

The influence of residual cuts on the deactivation of hierarchical Y zeolite-based catalysts during the co-processing of vacuum gas oil (VGO) with atmospheric residue (ATR) was investigated. The experiments were conducted in a laboratory-scale MAT-type reactor. The conversion of VGO, ATR, and their 70:30 (mass basis) mixture was examined using two composite catalysts: Cat.Y.0.00 and Cat.Y.0.20. The operating conditions closely resembled those of the commercial catalytic cracking process (550 °C and contact times of 10 to 50 s). When ATR was processed individually, the conversion remained below 50 wt%. However, significant improvements in conversion rates were achieved and catalyst deactivation was mitigated when ATR was co-processed with VGO. Notably, the BET surface area and average mesopore volume were adversely impacted by ATR, which also led to the accumulation of high levels of metals and nitrogen on the spent catalyst, detrimentally affecting its acidic and structural properties. Moreover, substantial coke deposition occurred during ATR cracking. The soluble and insoluble coke analysis revealed H/C ratio values of up to 0.36, indicative of polycondensed coke structures with more than ten aromatic rings. The nature of the coke was confirmed through TPO and FTIR analyses. Interestingly, the CatY.0.20 catalyst exhibited less activity loss, retaining superior acid and structural properties. Co-processing Colombian atmospheric residue with ATR loadings of 30 wt% (higher than the typical 20 wt%) in catalysts formulated with hierarchical zeolites presents a promising alternative for commercial applications. This research opens avenues for optimizing catalytic cracking processes.

Improving Sphenophorus levis Adult Mortality Through Solid Insecticide Applications and Increased Insecticide Dose.

The sugarcane weevil (Sphenophorus levis Vaurie, 1978) is currently considered the most important sugarcane pest in Brazil, causing significant yield losses. Application methods of insecticides for S. levis control have not been effective, mostly due to the insect's cryptic behavior below the soil surface which suppresses the correct placement of insecticide active ingredients on target. Two experiments were conducted using an innovative bioassay methodology that simulates sugarcane field conditions to effectively evaluate S. levis adult mortality and insecticide residues in the soil under different treatments. The first experiment aimed to assess the efficacy of two liquid- and solid-applied insecticides, while the second aimed to examine the effect of increasing the dose of lambda-cyhalothrin + thiamethoxam on S. levis adult control. The novel bioassays simulated liquid and solid insecticide applications on sugarcane by exposing S. levis adults to chemical residuals on rhizomes and in soil after insecticide application. In the first experiment, low S. levis adult control was detected (< 53% mortality) across all treatments, where both solid and liquid applications of lambda-cyhalothrin + thiamethoxam provided greater efficacy levels than imidacloprid and control treatments, respectively. Solid applications maintained higher insecticide concentrations in the soil for longer periods than liquid insecticide applications, providing maximum insect control levels 7 days after application. The second experiment revealed that solid applications at higher insecticide doses significantly improved control of S. levis adult (76.7% mortality) and resulted in greater insecticide concentrations in the soil compared to the recommended label rate (58.8% mortality).

Assessing pesticide residue occurrence and risks in the environment across Europe and Argentina.

The widespread and extensive use of pesticides in European crop production to reduce losses from weeds, diseases, and insects may have serious consequences on the ecosystem and human health. This study aimed to identify 20 active substances of high health risk, based on their detection frequency within and across the environmental matrices (soil, crop, water, and sediment) and to identify their associated hazardous effects. A sampling campaign was conducted across 10 case study sites in Europe and 1 in Argentina and included conventional and organic farming systems. In 31% of cases, the detected substances were found at a higher concentration in the soil than in the corresponding crops, 93% of the compounds were fungicides, and the remainder were insecticides. 43% of the substances, 57% of which were insecticides, were detected only in soil. There was a clear relationship between soils and crops in terms of contamination, but not between water and sediment. Portuguese soil (wine grapes) had the highest number of substances (12) with average concentrations (AC) varying between 1 and 162 µg/kg, followed by French (11 substances in wine grapes) (1≤AC≤64 µg/kg) and Spanish soils (9 substances in vegetables) (3≤AC≤59 µg/kg). The crops corresponding to these soils contained a relatively high number of detected substances and several in high average concentrations (AC). The risk quotient was consistently higher for conventional farms than for organic farms. For the soils from conventional farms, 5 active substances (chlorpyrifos, glyphosate, boscalid, difenoconazole, lambda-cyhalothrin, and one metabolite: AMPA) were considered high risk. For water samples, 2 substances (dieldrin and terbuthylazine) found were high risk, and for sediment, there were 3 substances (metalaxyl-M, spiroxamine, and lambda-cyhalothrin). There were 6 substances detected in crops that are suspected to cause human health effects. Uncontaminated soil is a prerequisite for the adoption of sustainable alternatives to pesticides. Efforts are needed to elucidate the unknown effects of mixtures, including biocides and banned compounds in addition to the substances used in agriculture.

Including the rare cubane cluster cobalt coordination polymer as the fluorescent sensing material for selectively and sensitively detecting the nitrofurantoin antibiotic.

More and more attention has been paid to food safety. Due to the overuse and misuse of antibiotics, the problem of antibiotic residues in animal food is one of the important challenges to ensure food safety. The development of a feasible strategy to detect antibiotic residues in animal food has become desirable. In this paper, we creatively synthesize a water-stable fluorescence sensing material, namely, Co(Ⅱ)-Coordination polymer [Co2(CA) (L)0.5 (H2O)3] n (L = 1,4-bis(imidazole-1-ylmethyl) benzene, CA= Citric acid). The single crystal X-ray diffraction shows that it crystallizes in tetragonal space group I-4. It is worth mentioning that there exists the rare Co4(µ3-O)4 cubane cluster structure and Co8 cluster units. Those adjacent Co8 cluster units are connected into an infinite two-dimensional net structure by four flexible bridged L ligands. Finally, the Co(Ⅱ)-Coordination polymer (CP) further develops into the three-dimensional supramolecular structure via the hydrogen bonds of O-H⋯O and C-H⋯O. It could selectively detect the antibiotic-nitrofurantoin (NFT) residue by way of fluorescence quenching, Co-CP for the detection of NFT shows broad linearity from 0 to 200 µM, with a detection limit of 0.13 µM and strong anti-interference ability. It is used to detect the NFT residual of tap water and milk with a spiked recovery of 86.35-112.47 %.

Neonicotinoid Residues on Filter Paper Lack Insecticidal Activity.

Neonicotinoid insecticides are used against agricultural, forest, and urban insect pests. Evaluation of dry neonicotinoid residues on treated filter paper is a commonly used method to determine the toxicity of active ingredients towards target and non-target organisms. Dry residues of four neonicotinoids, acetamiprid, dinotefuran, imidacloprid, and thiamethoxam, on filter paper did not cause significant levels of mortality in Hippodamia convergens (Guérin-Méneville) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) and Nezara viridula (L.) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) when compared to paired untreated groups. Conversely, nearly 100% mortality was observed when test insects were exposed to dry neonicotinoid residues on leaf discs and glass plate surfaces. On the other hand, dry residues of the pyrethroid bifenthrin on filter paper, leaf disks, and glass plates killed significantly more test insects when compared to untreated groups. Additional bioassays tested the toxicity of acetamiprid and thiamethoxam by evaluating the toxicity of dry residues on (1) the upper and (2) lower surfaces of treated filter paper, (3) on a glass plate underneath treated filter paper, (4) on the upper surface of treated filter paper treated with insecticide and adjuvant, and (5) dried residues on a glass plate after dipping treated filter paper in water and letting the solvent dry on the inert test surface. The results indicated that neonicotinoid insecticides applied to filter paper were adsorbed. Toxic compounds possibly move in between and binding to paper fibers so that no toxic residues were left on treated surfaces. However, adsorbed insecticides were still biologically active when washed out of filter paper and dried on an inert glass surface. The results reported here clearly demonstrate that the toxicity of neonicotinoid insecticides should not be evaluated using filter paper as a test surface.

Fungal endo and exochitinase production, characterization, and application for Candida biofilm removal.

Chitinases are promising enzymes for a multitude of applications, including chitooligosaccharide (COS) synthesis for food and pharmaceutical uses and marine waste management. Owing to fungal diversity, fungal chitinases may offer alternatives for chitin degradation and industrial applications. The rapid reproduction cycle, inexpensive growth media, and ease of handling of fungi may also contribute to reducing enzyme production costs. Thus, this study aimed to identify fungal species with chitinolytic potential and optimize chitinase production by submerged culture and enzyme characterization using shrimp chitin. Three fungal species, Coriolopsis byrsina, Trichoderma reesei, and Trichoderma harzianum, were selected for chitinase production. The highest endochitinase production was achieved in C. byrsina after 168 h cultivation (0.3 U mL- 1). The optimal temperature for enzyme activity was similar for the three fungal species (up to 45 and 55 ºC for endochitinases and exochitinases, respectively). The effect of pH on activity indicated maximum hydrolysis in acidic pH (4-7). In addition, the crude T. reesei extract showed promising properties for removing Candida albicans biofilms. This study showed the possibility of using shrimp chitin to induce chitinase production and enzymes that can be applied in different industrial sectors.

Development and Evaluation of Nutritional and Quality Standard of Beef Burger Supplemented with Pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata) Seed Flour.

The composition of pumpkin seeds includes bioactive compounds, proteins, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and dietary fibers. Thus, the objective of this research was to develop and evaluate the nutritional and quality standard of beef burgers supplemented with pumpkin seeds (Cucurbita moschata) added in different proportions. To process the pumpkin seed flour (PSF), the seeds were sanitized, dried in an oven, crushed, and sieved. Through such means, three formulations of beef burgers were prepared, named S (without the addition of PSF), F5 (with the addition of 5% (w/w) of PSF), and F10 (with the addition of 10% (w/w) of PSF). The respective results for burgers P, F5, and F10 were as follows (w/w): proteins 17.61%, 18.04%, 19.86%; lipids 12.19%, 12.42%, 14.55%; ash 1.77%, 1.86%, 1.94%; fibers 0%, 0.88%, 1.76%; phenolic compounds 39.55, 82.93, 90.30 (mg/g); and total antioxidant capacity 11.09%, 18.48%, 24.45%. Regarding the sensory analysis attributes, tasters gave sample F10 scores lower than 7. However, the standard and F5 samples showed results higher than 7 for all parameters. For the determination of shelf life, an expiration date of 30 days was established. It was observed that adding PSF to industrialized products adds nutritional value with the inclusion of polyunsaturated fats, phenolic compounds, and dietary fibers.

Effects of refused melon fruit in Canarana grass ensilage on intake, digestibility, serum biochemistry, performance, carcass characteristics and meat attributes of feedlot lambs.

Ensilage of refused fruit with forage is a viable approach to increase resource use in ruminant feed. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of ensiling refused melon fruit (RMF) with Canarana grass on the intake, apparent digestibility, serum biochemistry, performance, carcass traits, and meat attributes of feedlot lambs. Four distinct silage treatment types were prepared by ensiling RMF at 0 g/kg (control), 70 g/kg, 140 g/kg, and 210 g/kg (as fed) with Canarana grass. Twenty-eight male Santa Inês lambs (7 lambs per treatment), initially weighing 22.3 ± 1.0 kg at 120 days of age, were distributed in a completely randomized design and confined for a total of 96 days, including a 23-day adaptation period and 73 experimental days in a feedlot. The lambs received the treatment-silage in diets as a complete mixture with a roughage: concentrate ratio of 30:70. The inclusion of RMF in Canarana grass ensilage decreased (P < 0.05) the lambs' intake of dry matter, crude protein and metabolisable energy. The inclusion of RMF in ensilage had a quadratic effect (P < 0.05) on the digestibility of non-fibrous carbohydrates. The serum total protein and cholesterol levels decreased (P < 0.05) with the inclusion of RMF in the ensilage, but we observed no effect on the final weight and average daily gain of the lambs. The feed efficiency increased (P < 0.05) by including RMF in the Canarana grass ensilage. The RMF in the ensilage did not influence cold carcass weight and yield. The fat content of the meat decreased (P < 0.05) with the inclusion of RMF in the ensilage. It is recommended the inclusion of up to 210 g/kg of RMF in Canarana grass ensilage to increase feed efficiency and avoid impacts on the performance and carcass attributes of confined lambs.

Nutrición enteral en pacientes críticos con COVID-19 ventilados en decúbito prono

Introducción: el SARS-CoV-2 desde el 2020 generó innumerables desafíos. El decúbito prono se utilizó para mejorar la oxigenación, y la terapia nutricional se adaptó para cubrir los requerimientos y reducir complicaciones. Objetivos: evaluar la tolerancia de la nutrición enteral y su adecuación energética en pacientes ventilados en decúbito prono con infección por SARS-CoV-2, en sala respiratoria del Departamento de Cuidados Intensivos Adultos del Hospital de Clínicas-Facultad de Ciencias Médicas - Universidad Nacional de Asunción, de marzo a julio 2021. Metodología: estudio observacional, descriptivo, retrospectivo, de corte transversal, de casos consecutivos, con información obtenida de fichas de pacientes de terapia intensiva, que recibieron soporte nutricional en posición prona. Se tomaron datos demográficos, clínicos y nutricionales. Se evaluó la tolerancia nutricional durante la posición prona, definiéndola como la presencia de un volumen de residuo gástrico < 500 mL cada 6 h.. La adecuación energética fue determinada teniendo en cuenta el porcentaje cumplido de la prescripción nutricional. Resultados: se reclutaron 41 pacientes. El 60,9 % eran hombres; la mediana de edad fue 55 años (RIC=23). Las principales comorbilidades fueron obesidad (57,3 %) e hipertensión arterial (43,9 %). El 85,4 % presentó buena tolerancia gástrica en posición prono, con residuo gástrico menor a 500 ml. El porcentaje de adecuación energética fue de 84 %. Conclusión: la terapia nutricional enteral en decúbito prono fue bien tolerada por la mayoría de nuestros pacientes, posibilitando alcanzar los requerimientos nutricionales indicados.

Introduction: SARS-CoV-2 since 2020 has generated countless challenges. Prone position was used to improve oxygenation, and nutritional therapy was adapted to meet requirements and reduce complications. Objectives: evaluate the tolerance of enteral nutrition and its energetic adequacy in ventilated patients in the prone position with SARS-CoV-2 infection, in the respiratory room of the Adult Intensive Care Department of the Hospital de Clínicas - Facultad de Ciencias Médicas - Universidad Nacional de Asunción, from March to July 2021. Methodology: observational, descriptive, retrospective, cross-sectional study of consecutive cases, with information obtained from records of intensive care patients, who received nutritional support in a prone position. Demographic, clinical and nutritional data were taken. Nutritional tolerance was evaluated during the prone position, defining it as the presence of a volume of gastric residue < 500 mL every 6 h. Energy adequacy was determined taking into account the percentage fulfilled of the nutritional prescription. Results: 41 patients were recruited. 60.9 % were men; the median age was 55 years (IQR=23). The main comorbidities were obesity (57.3 %) and high blood pressure (43.9 %). 85.4 % had good gastric tolerance in the prone position, with gastric residue less than 500 ml. The percentage of energy adequacy was 84 %. Conclusion: enteral nutritional therapy in the prone position was well tolerated by the majority of our patients, making it possible to achieve the indicated nutritional requirements.

Assessment of Boll Weevil Susceptibility to Isocycloseram and Ethiprole and Differential Toxicity to Natural Enemies.

Insecticides efficient against the target species while conserving natural enemies in the agroecosystem are required for IPM. With the imminent discontinuation of fipronil, a broad-spectrum insecticide, ethiprole, which belongs to the same group as phenylpyrazole (2B), and isocycloseram, a novel isoxazoline insecticide with distinct mode of action (30), provide options for controlling boll weevil. The susceptibility of the boll weevil, Anthonomus grandis grandis (Boh.), and two natural enemies [Eriopis connexa (Germar) and Bracon vulgaris Ashmead] to these insecticides were studied. Furthermore, the survival and biological traits of the lady beetle, E. connexa, exposed to fipronil, isocycloseram, and ethiprole were assessed. The LC50s values for fipronil, ethiprole, and isocycloseram for A. grandis grandis were 2.71, 0.32, and 0.025 mg a.i./L, respectively; 0.86, > 200, and 3.21 mg a.i./L for E. connexa; and 2.31, 592.94, and 0.18 mg a.i./L for B. vulgaris, respectively. The recommended rates of ethiprole did not cause mortality in adult lady beetles, although fipronil and isocycloseram were highly toxic. Lady beetle larvae and adults survived more than 80% when exposed to dried residues of ethiprole, but less than 10% when exposed to fipronil and isocycloseram. Lady beetle larvae development, reproduction, and predation rates of adults were similar between ethiprole and the control group. Although fipronil and ethiprole belong to the same insecticide group, the difference in toxicity to boll weevils and natural enemies is presented and discussed. Ethiprole was more toxic to boll weevils than to its parasitoid and lady beetle, and isocycloseram was highly toxic to all three species.

Evaluating the persistence of malachite green residues in tilapia and pacu fish.

Although banned in food-producing animals, residues of malachite green (MG) and its primary metabolite, leucomalachite green (LMG), have been found in fish due to illegal use in aquaculture and the release of industrial wastewater, which represent a serious risk to food and environmental securities. This study aimed to investigate the residue depletion profile of MG and LMG in edible tissues of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus) cultured simultaneously under the same environmental conditions to support control measures in case of abuse. An analytical method involving QuEChERS sample preparation and liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry was developed, validated, and applied to quantify MG and LMG residues in fish fillets from two depletion experiments after treatment by immersion bath (MG at 0.10 mg L-1 for 60 min). During the experiment, the average water temperature was 30 ºC, while the pH was 6.9. The method is selective, precise (CV = 0.4 - 22%) and accurate (recovery 92 - 114%). The limits of detection and quantification are 0.15 and 0.5 ng g-1, respectively. In both species, the sum of MG and LMG residues were quantified up to the 32nd day post-exposure, and the concentrations were significantly higher in the pacu fillets (up to 3284 ng g-1) than in Nile tilapia (up to 432 ng g-1). The sums of MG and LMG residues were below 2 ng g-1 at 44 days and 342 days for Nile tilapia and pacu, respectively - the Minimum Required Performance Limit (MRPL) for analytical methods intended to monitor forbidden substances in food according to old European Commission guidelines. The persistence of MG residues in pacu may be attributed to its higher lipid content, which favors the accumulation of the non-polar metabolite LMG. These results provide insights into the concern about human, animal, and environmental health risks resulting from unauthorized use or aquatic contamination by industrial wastewater containing MG residues.

Grape Pomace Rich-Phenolics and Anthocyanins Extract: Production by Pressurized Liquid Extraction in Intermittent Process and Encapsulation by Spray-Drying.

A considerable number of grape pomaces are generated annually. It represents a rich source of bioactive compounds, such as phenolic compounds and anthocyanins. Pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) has emerged as a green technology for recovering bioactive compounds from vegetal matrixes. In our study, PLE parameters (temperature, number of cycles, and rinse volume) have been studied to produce grape pomace extracts with high bioactive content using an experimental design. The experimental data obtained were adjusted to linear and quadratic models. The first-order model was better in predicting anthocyanins contents (TA, R2 = 0.94), whereas the second-order model was predictive for total phenolic compounds (TPC, R2 = 0.96). The main process parameter for the recovery of bioactive compounds was temperature, and the results showed opposing behaviors concerning TPC and TA, as it is difficult to optimize conditions for both. The extract containing the higher concentration of TPC (97.4 ± 1.1 mg GAE/g, d.b.) was encapsulated by spray-drying using maltodextrin as wall material. Particles presented with a spherical shape (~7.73 ± 0.95 µm) with a recovery yield of 79%. The results demonstrated that extraction followed by encapsulation of grape pomace extract is a good strategy to simplify future applications, whether for food, cosmetics or pharmaceutical fields.

Efficient removal of sertraline hydrochloride from wastewater using banana peels functionalized: performance adsorption, mechanisms and applicability.

The presence of sertraline hydrochloride (SER) has been detected in water bodies and wastewater, which encourages the search for alternative treatments for its control and removal. Agro-industrial residues are considered efficient adsorbents and functionalization with magnetic nanoparticles improve the adsorptive properties of these materials, in addition to facilitating their separation from a fluid by an external magnetic field. Thus, this study developed and characterized a new material via the functionalization of the banana peel with iron oxide nanoparticles (BANFunc) for the adsorption of SER in batch experiments. Physicochemical and spectroscopic techniques indicated that the BANFunc functionalization method was effective and improved the adsorption capacity (0.68 and 39.96 mg g-1 for BANPure and BANFunc, respectively). The adsorption studies revealed a maximum adsorptive capacity of 142.85 mg g-1 at 240 min and 318 K. Furthermore, the process presented spontaneous and endothermic behaviour, with a better fit to the pseudo-first-order and Langmuir models for the kinetic and isothermal, respectively. The reuse of the biosorbent was effective for five cycles, and even in the 3rd cycle, the adsorbent showed more than 80% SER removal. The adsorption process can be explained by hydrogen bonds and π-interactions. In the synthetic mixture treatment, the biosorbent demonstrated a satisfactory removal rate, of 86.91%, and individual removals of 83.23%, 89.36% and 88.15% for SER, safranine orange and chloroquine, respectively. Therefore, BANFunc is a promising material for large-scale applications, considering its sustainable character and high treatment efficiency.

Production of Gibberellic Acid by Solid-State Fermentation Using Wastes from Rice Processing and Brewing Industry.

Gibberellic acid (GA3) is a natural hormone present in some plants used in agricultural formulations as a growth regulator. Currently, its production on an industrial scale is performed by submerged fermentation using the fungus Gibberella fujikuroi, which is associated with low yields, leaving the purification stages with high costs. An alternative is solid-state fermentation (SSF), which makes it possible to obtain higher concentrations of product using low-cost substrates, such as agroindustrial by-products. This research investigated the use of raw rice bran (RRB) and barley malt residue (BMR) as substrates for GA3 production by the fungus Gibberella fujikuroi. Through two statistical designs, the effect of moisture (50 to 70 wt.%) and medium composition (RRB content between 30 and 70 wt.% to a mass ratio between RRB and BMR) was first evaluated. Using the best conditions previously obtained, the effect of adding glucose (carbon source, between 0 and 80 g·L-1) and ammonium nitrate-NH4NO3-(nitrogen source, between 0 and 5 g·L-1) on GA3 productivity was analyzed. The best yield was obtained using 30 wt.% RRB and 70 wt.% BMR for a medium with 70 wt.% of moisture after 7 days of process. It was also found that higher concentrations of NH4NO3 favor the GA3 formation for intermediate values of glucose content (40 g·L-1). Finally, a kinetic investigation showed an increasing behavior in the GA3 production (10.1 g·kg of substrate-1 was obtained), with a peak on the seventh day and subsequent tendency to stabilization.

Harvest load transfer sites influence sugarcane billbug (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) spatiotemporal injury in sugarcane.

BACKGROUND: The sugarcane billbug, Sphenophorus levis Vaurie 1978, is a key soil-dwelling insect pest of sugarcane in Brazil and greatly affects plant development and yield. This insect presents an aggregated distribution pattern in production fields. The reasons for such behavior include intraspecific communication and attractivity due to the fermentation of sugar in stalk residues. During mechanized harvesting, part of the harvested material usually falls in the load transfer sites, becoming a potential source for increasing the infestation. We therefore evaluated whether producing areas near the harvest load transfer sites are more prone to S. levis injury. RESULTS: There are greater chances of finding billbug injury within a radius of 740 m from the harvest load transfer site. Additionally, injured areas are estimated to expand 11.96% each growing season. Our spatiotemporal models support higher injured areas surrounding the harvest load transfer site and show clear and significant signs of increased injury levels compared to the initial growing season surveyed. CONCLUSION: Our results reinforce the importance of harvest transfer sites in the dispersion and propagation of the sugarcane billbug. Based on this knowledge, sugarcane millers and growers can adopt preventive and remedial practices within the loading sites that can potentially contribute to the successful management of this insect pest. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Submerged cultivation of Nigrospora sp. in batch and fed-batch modes for microbial oil production.

Microbial lipids are a valuable source of potential biofuels and essential polyunsaturated fatty acids. The optimization of the fermentation conditions is a strategy that affects the total lipid concentration. The genus Nigrospora sp. has been the target of investigations based on its potential bioherbicidal action. Therefore, this study developed a strategy to maximize the biomass concentration and lipid accumulation by Nigrospora sp. in submerged fermentation. Different media compositions and process variables were investigated in shaken flasks and bioreactor in batch and fed-batch modes. Maximum biomass concentration and lipid accumulations were 40.17 g/L and 21.32 wt% in the bioreactor, which was 2.1 and 5.4 times higher than the same condition in shaken flasks, respectively. This study presents relevant information to the production of fungal lipids since few investigations are exploring the fed-batch strategy to increase the yield of fungi lipids, as well as few studies investigating Nigrospora sp. to produce lipids.

Effects of thermal processing on nutritional composition and toxicity of jackfruit seeds / Efeitos do processamento térmico na composição nutricional e toxicidade de sementes de jaca

ABSTRACT: This study evaluated the impacts of thermal processing on the chemical composition of jackfruit seeds and their toxicity. The ash content of the seeds subjected to roasting was higher (3.21%) compared to the seeds in the other treatments. However, the contents of moisture (5.29%) and protein (10.49%) were lower. The protein content showed a significant difference (P≤ 0.05) among the studied groups (10.49%). The lipid content was lower in the seeds subjected to cooking (1.13%), while the carbohydrate content showed a significant difference (P≤ 0.05) among the groups studied (54.11%). Raw seeds had the highest fiber content (25.20%). Regarding toxicity, only the cooked jackfruit seed flour showed cytotoxic potential. However, none of the samples caused irritation or vascular disorders in fertilized eggs. These results suggested that heat treatment can ensure the safety of seeds against cytotoxicity; although, it reduces the content of some macronutrients.

RESUMO: Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar os impactos do processamento térmico na composição química das sementes de jaca sua toxicidade. O teor de cinzas das sementes submetida à torra foi maior (3,21%) em comparação com as sementes nos outros tratamentos. No entanto, os teores de umidade (5,29%) e proteínas (10,49%) foram menores. O teor de proteínas apresentou diferença significativa (P≤ 0.05) entre os grupos estudados (10,49%). O teor de lipídeos foi menor nas sementes submetidas ao cozimento (1,13%), enquanto o teor de carboidratos apresentou diferença significativa (P ≤ 0.05) entre os grupos estudados (54,11%). As sementes brutas apresentaram o maior teor de fibras (25,20%). Em relação à toxicidade, apenas a farinha de sementes de jaca cozidas apresentou potencial citotóxico, embora nenhuma das amostras tenha causado irritação ou distúrbios vasculares em ovos fecundados. Esses resultados sugerem que o tratamento térmico pode garantir a segurança das sementes frente à citotoxicidade, embora reduza o teor de alguns macronutrientes.

The antagonistic activity of the synbiotic containing Lactobacillus acidophilus and pineapple residue FOS against pathogenic bacteria / A atividade antagônica do simbiótico contendo Lactobacillus acidophilus e resíduo de abacaxi FOS contra bactérias patogênicas

Fructooligosaccharide is used widely in many foods and pharmaceutical industries and produced by using different ways such as extracting it from plants or producing it by using plants and microorganisms' enzymes. In a previous study, we extracted Fructosyltransferase (Ftase) enzyme from pineapple residue and produced FOS. In this study, we measured the antagonistic activity of two synbiotics, the first synbiotic containing Lactobacillus acidophilus and the produced FOS, the second synbiotic containing Lactobacillus acidophilus and standard FOS, against pathogenic bacteria (P. aeruginosa, E. coli, S. aureus and B cereus). The results showed that the antagonistic activity of both synbiotic types was very close, as there were no significant differences between them except in the antagonistic activity against S. aureus, there was a significant difference between the synbiotic containing the standard FOS, which was the highest in its antagonistic activity compared to the synbiotic containing the produced FOS in this study. The activity of the fructooligosaccharide (FOS) extracted from pineapple residue was evident in enhancing the activity of the probiotic bacteria (L. acidophilus), which had a major role in the production of acids and compounds that inhibited the pathogenic bacteria. The diameters of inhibition areas in the current study ranged between 19.33-28 mm, and E. coli was more susceptible to inhibition, followed by S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, and B. cereus, respectively.

O fruto-oligossacarídeo (FOS) é amplamente utilizado em muitos alimentos e indústrias farmacêuticas, e é produzido por meio de diferentes maneiras, como extraí-lo de plantas ou produzi-lo usando enzimas de plantas e microrganismos. Em um estudo anterior, extraímos a enzima frutosiltransferase (Ftase) do resíduo de abacaxi e produzimos FOS. Neste estudo, medimos a atividade antagônica de dois simbióticos: o primeiro simbiótico contendo Lactobacillus acidophilus e o FOS produzido, e o segundo simbiótico contendo Lactobacillus acidophilus e o FOS padrão, contra bactérias patogênicas (P. aeruginosa, E. coli, S. aureus e B. cereus). Os resultados mostraram que a atividade antagônica de ambos os tipos simbióticos foi muito próxima, pois não houve diferenças significativas entre eles, exceto na atividade antagônica contra S. aureus, em que houve uma diferença significativa entre o simbiótico contendo o FOS padrão, que foi o mais alto em sua atividade antagônica, em comparação com o simbiótico contendo o FOS produzido neste estudo. A atividade do fruto-oligossacarídeo (FOS) extraído do resíduo de abacaxi ficou evidente no aumento da atividade da bactéria probiótica (L. acidophilus), que teve papel importante na produção de ácidos e compostos inibidores das bactérias patogênicas. Os diâmetros das áreas de inibição no estudo atual variaram entre 19,33 e 28 mm, e E. coli foi mais suscetível à inibição, seguida por S. aureus, P. aeruginosa e B. cereus, respectivamente.

The antagonistic activity of the synbiotic containing Lactobacillus acidophilus and pineapple residue FOS against pathogenic bacteria

Abstract Fructooligosaccharide is used widely in many foods and pharmaceutical industries and produced by using different ways such as extracting it from plants or producing it by using plants and microorganisms enzymes. In a previous study, we extracted Fructosyltransferase (Ftase) enzyme from pineapple residue and produced FOS. In this study, we measured the antagonistic activity of two synbiotics, the first synbiotic containing Lactobacillus acidophilus and the produced FOS, the second synbiotic containing Lactobacillus acidophilus and standard FOS, against pathogenic bacteria (P. aeruginosa, E. coli, S. aureus and B cereus). The results showed that the antagonistic activity of both synbiotic types was very close, as there were no significant differences between them except in the antagonistic activity against S. aureus, there was a significant difference between the synbiotic containing the standard FOS, which was the highest in its antagonistic activity compared to the synbiotic containing the produced FOS in this study. The activity of the fructooligosaccharide (FOS) extracted from pineapple residue was evident in enhancing the activity of the probiotic bacteria (L. acidophilus), which had a major role in the production of acids and compounds that inhibited the pathogenic bacteria. The diameters of inhibition areas in the current study ranged between 19.33-28 mm, and E. coli was more susceptible to inhibition, followed by S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, and B. cereus, respectively.

Resumo O fruto-oligossacarídeo (FOS) é amplamente utilizado em muitos alimentos e indústrias farmacêuticas, e é produzido por meio de diferentes maneiras, como extraí-lo de plantas ou produzi-lo usando enzimas de plantas e microrganismos. Em um estudo anterior, extraímos a enzima frutosiltransferase (Ftase) do resíduo de abacaxi e produzimos FOS. Neste estudo, medimos a atividade antagônica de dois simbióticos: o primeiro simbiótico contendo Lactobacillus acidophilus e o FOS produzido, e o segundo simbiótico contendo Lactobacillus acidophilus e o FOS padrão, contra bactérias patogênicas (P. aeruginosa, E. coli, S. aureus e B. cereus). Os resultados mostraram que a atividade antagônica de ambos os tipos simbióticos foi muito próxima, pois não houve diferenças significativas entre eles, exceto na atividade antagônica contra S. aureus, em que houve uma diferença significativa entre o simbiótico contendo o FOS padrão, que foi o mais alto em sua atividade antagônica, em comparação com o simbiótico contendo o FOS produzido neste estudo. A atividade do fruto-oligossacarídeo (FOS) extraído do resíduo de abacaxi ficou evidente no aumento da atividade da bactéria probiótica (L. acidophilus), que teve papel importante na produção de ácidos e compostos inibidores das bactérias patogênicas. Os diâmetros das áreas de inibição no estudo atual variaram entre 19,33 e 28 mm, e E. coli foi mais suscetível à inibição, seguida por S. aureus, P. aeruginosa e B. cereus, respectivamente.

Inorganic contamination in roadkill birds in Northeast Brazil / Contaminação inorgânica em aves atropeladas no Nordeste do Brasil

Abstract Wildlife roadkill surveys in Brazil often focus on birds, as they are one of the main groups affected by road accidents. In addition roadkill, anthropogenic litter also contributes to a significant number of bird fatalities every year. The present study aimed to investigate the stomach contents and possible contamination by inorganic material of birds killed on a federal highway that crosses the Serra de Itabaiana National Park in the state of Sergipe, Brazil. Monitoring and data collection were carried out from January to June 2022, with a motorcycle at an average speed of 60 km/h. The collected animals were transported to the Institute of Technology and Research, located at the Tiradentes University, Sergipe, Brazil, and a plastic material was identified. The plastic material found was subjected to Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), which showed a similar wavenumber to a polymer in the polypropylene chain, very common in plastic packaging. The presence of plastics and metals in the intestinal contents of Caracara plancus and Crotophaga ani is noteworthy, as they have a greater tendency to ingest plastics due to their generalist diet. Plastic contamination in Progne chalybea and Nyctidromus albicollis probably occurred through bioaccumulation, from the consumption of insects contaminated by microplastics.

Resumo As pesquisas sobre atropelamentos de animais silvestres no Brasil geralmente se concentram nas aves, pois elas são um dos principais grupos afetados por acidentes rodoviários. Além dos atropelamentos, o lixo antropogênico também contribui para um número significativo de mortes de aves todos os anos. O presente estudo teve como objetivo investigar o conteúdo estomacal e possível contaminação por material inorgânico de aves atropeladas em uma rodovia federal que atravessa o Parque Nacional da Serra de Itabaiana, no estado de Sergipe, Brasil. O monitoramento e a coleta de dados foram realizados no período de janeiro a junho de 2022, com uma motocicleta a uma velocidade média de 60 km/h. Os animais coletados foram transportados para o Instituto de Tecnologia e Pesquisa situado na Universidade Tiradentes, Sergipe, Brasil, onde foi identificado um material plástico. O material plástico encontrado foi submetido à espectroscopia no infravermelho com transformada de Fourier (FTIR), que mostrou número de onda semelhante a um polímero da cadeia do polipropileno, muito comum em embalagens plásticas. Chama a atenção a presença de plásticos e metais no conteúdo intestinal de Caracara plancus e Crotophaga ani, pois apresentam maior tendência à ingestão de plásticos devido à dieta generalista. A contaminação plástica em Progne chalybea e Nyctidromus albicollis provavelmente ocorreu por bioacumulação, a partir do consumo de insetos contaminados por microplásticos.