Factors influencing wind turbine avoidance behaviour of a migrating soaring bird.

Wind energy production has expanded as an alternative to carbon emitting fossil fuels, but is causing impacts on wildlife that need to be addressed. Soaring birds show concerning rates of collision with turbine rotor blades and losses of critical habitat. However, how these birds interact with wind turbines is poorly understood. We analyzed high-frequency GPS tracking data of 126 black kites (Milvus migrans) moving near wind turbines to identify behavioural mechanisms of turbine avoidance and their interaction with environmental variables. Birds flying within 1000 m from turbines and below the height of rotor blades were less likely to be oriented towards turbines than expected by chance, this pattern being more striking at distances less than 750 m. Within the range of 750 m, birds showed stronger avoidance when pushed by the wind in the direction of the turbines. Birds flying above the turbines did not change flight directions with turbine proximity. Sex and age of birds, uplift conditions and turbine height, showed no effect on flight directions although these factors have been pointed as important drivers of turbine collision by soaring birds. Our findings suggest that migrating black kites recognize the presence of wind turbines and behave in a way to avoid then. This may explain why this species presents lower collision rates with wind turbines than other soaring birds. Future studies should clarify if turbine avoidance behaviour is common to other soaring birds, particularly those that are facing high fatality rates due to collision.

Black kites of different age and sex show similar avoidance responses to wind turbines during migration.

Populations of soaring birds are often impacted by wind-power generation. Sex and age bias in turbine collisions can exacerbate these impacts through demographic changes that can lead to population decline or collapse. While several studies have reported sex and age differences in the number of soaring birds killed by turbines, it remains unclear if they result from different abundances or group-specific turbine avoidance behaviours, the latter having severer consequences. We investigated sex and age effects on turbine avoidance behaviour of black kites (Milvus migrans) during migration near the Strait of Gibraltar. We tracked the movements of 135 individuals with GPS data loggers in an area with high density of turbines and then modelled the effect of proximity of turbines on bird utilization distribution (UD). Both sexes and age classes showed similar patterns of displacement, with reduced UD values in the proximity of turbines and a clear peak at 700-850 m away, probably marking the distance at which most birds turn direction to avoid approaching the turbines further. The consistency of these patterns indicates that displacement range can be used as an accurate proxy for collision risk and habitat loss, and should be incorporated in environmental impact assessment studies.

Sinonasal inverted papilloma: rate of recurrence and malignant transformation in 44 operated patients / Papiloma invertido nasossinusal: taxa de recorrência e transformação maligna em 44 pacientes operados

Abstract Introduction: Although sinonasal inverted papillomas are benign lesions, they are locally aggressive and have a potential malignant transformation ranging from 5% to 15%, with a high recurrence rate. Objective: The aim of this article is to describe the rate of recurrence and malignant transformation in patients with a diagnosis of inverted papilloma who underwent surgery in a tertiary hospital in São Paulo. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of patients diagnosed with sinonasal papilloma who had undergone surgery in a tertiary hospital in São Paulo, between August 1998 and August 2017. A patient chart review was conducted to assess data of patients' demographics, tumors characteristics, follow-up appointments, recurrence and malignancy. Inverted papillomas were analyzed and classified under the Krouse staging system. Results: A total of 69 surgeries were performed in patients with diagnosis of sinonasal papilloma. Inverted papilloma was the most prevalent subtype (49 cases ‒ 80.33%), followed by exophytic papilloma (6 cases ‒ 9.84%) and by oncocytic papilloma (6 cases - 9.84%). The recurrence rate was 34.09% for inverted papilloma (15/44) and the mean time of recurrence was 24.6 months. Malignant transformation occurred in 6 patients (13.64%). Three of these patients presented carcinoma in the first surgery and three patients developed carcinoma during the follow-up. Conclusion: The high recurrence rate and malignancy potential allow us to consider inverted papillomas as aggressive tumors. In a tertiary hospital in São Paulo the recurrence rate the mean time to recurrence is 24.6 months. The recurrence after 10 years implies was 34.09% and the need for long-term follow up. It is possible that the high recurrence rate and the high malignant transformation rate we found are due to the large number of tumors discovered at an advanced stage (most of them staged T3 and T4), secondary to poor access to health system, in developing countries.

Resumo Introdução: Embora os papilomas invertidos nasossinusais sejam lesões benignas, eles são localmente agressivos e apresentam uma potencial transformação maligna que varia de 5% a 15%, com alta taxa de recorrência. Objetivo: Descrever a taxa de recorrência e transformação maligna em pacientes com diagnóstico de papiloma invertido submetidos à cirurgia em um hospital terciário em São Paulo. Método: Análise retrospectiva dos pacientes diagnosticados com papiloma nasossinusal submetidos a cirurgia em um hospital terciário em São Paulo, entre agosto de 1998 e agosto de 2017. Uma revisão de prontuários dos pacientes foi realizada para avaliar dados demográficos, características dos tumores, consultas de seguimento, recorrência e malignidade. Os papilomas invertidos foram analisados e classificados de acordo com o sistema de estadiamento de Krouse. Resultados: Foram realizadas 69 cirurgias em pacientes com diagnóstico de papiloma nasossinusal. O papiloma invertido foi o subtipo mais prevalente (49 casos - 80,33%), seguido pelo papiloma exofítico (6 casos - 9,84%) e pelo papiloma oncocítico (6 casos - 9,84%). A taxa de recidiva foi de 34,09% para o papiloma invertido (15/44) e o tempo médio de recorrência foi de 24,6 meses. Transformação maligna ocorreu em seis pacientes (13,64%); três desses pacientes apresentaram carcinoma na primeira cirurgia e três pacientes desenvolveram carcinoma durante o seguimento. Conclusão: A alta taxa de recorrência e o potencial de malignidade nos permitem considerar os papilomas invertidos como tumores agressivos. Em um hospital terciário de São Paulo, a taxa de recorrência foi de 34,09% e o tempo médio de recorrência de 24,6 meses. A recorrência após 10 anos implica na necessidade de acompanhamento a longo prazo. É possível que a alta taxa de recorrência e a alta taxa de transformação maligna que encontramos sejam devidas à grande extensão dos tumores (a maioria deles nos estágios T3 e T4), decorrente do acesso precário ao sistema de saúde nos países em desenvolvimento.

Sinonasal inverted papilloma: rate of recurrence and malignant transformation in 44 operated patients.

INTRODUCTION: Although sinonasal inverted papillomas are benign lesions, they are locally aggressive and have a potential malignant transformation ranging from 5% to 15%, with a high recurrence rate. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this article is to describe the rate of recurrence and malignant transformation in patients with a diagnosis of inverted papilloma who underwent surgery in a tertiary hospital in São Paulo. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of patients diagnosed with sinonasal papilloma who had undergone surgery in a tertiary hospital in São Paulo, between August 1998 and August 2017. A patient chart review was conducted to assess data of patients' demographics, tumors characteristics, follow-up appointments, recurrence and malignancy. Inverted papillomas were analyzed and classified under the Krouse staging system. RESULTS: A total of 69 surgeries were performed in patients with diagnosis of sinonasal papilloma. Inverted papilloma was the most prevalent subtype (49 cases ‒ 80.33%), followed by exophytic papilloma (6 cases ‒ 9.84%) and by oncocytic papilloma (6 cases - 9.84%). The recurrence rate was 34.09% for inverted papilloma (15/44) and the mean time of recurrence was 24.6 months. Malignant transformation occurred in 6 patients (13.64%). Three of these patients presented carcinoma in the first surgery and three patients developed carcinoma during the follow-up. CONCLUSION: The high recurrence rate and malignancy potential allow us to consider inverted papillomas as aggressive tumors. In a tertiary hospital in São Paulo the recurrence rate the mean time to recurrence is 24.6 months. The recurrence after 10 years implies was 34.09% and the need for long-term follow up. It is possible that the high recurrence rate and the high malignant transformation rate we found are due to the large number of tumors discovered at an advanced stage (most of them staged T3 and T4), secondary to poor access to health system, in developing countries.

Chitinase production by Trichoderma koningiopsis UFSMQ40 using solid state fermentation.

The chitinases have extensive biotechnological potential but have been little exploited commercially due to the low number of good chitinolytic microorganisms. The purpose of this study was to identify a chitinolytic fungal and optimize its production using solid state fermentation (SSF) and agroindustry substrate, to evaluate different chitin sources for chitinase production, to evaluate different solvents for the extraction of enzymes produced during fermentation process, and to determine the nematicide effect of enzymatic extract and biological control of Meloidogyne javanica and Meloidogyne incognita nematodes. The fungus was previously isolated from bedbugs of Tibraca limbativentris Stal (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) and selected among 51 isolated fungal as the largest producer of chitinolytic enzymes in SSF. The isolate UFSMQ40 has been identified as Trichoderma koningiopsis by the amplification of tef1 gene fragments. The greatest chitinase production (10.76 U gds-1) occurred with wheat bran substrate at 55% moisture, 15% colloidal chitin, 100% of corn steep liquor, and two discs of inoculum at 30 °C for 72 h. Considering the enzymatic inducers, the best chitinase production by the isolated fungus was achieved using chitin in colloidal, powder, and flakes. The usage of 1:15 g/mL of sodium citrate-phosphate buffer was the best ratio for chitinase extraction of SSF. The Trichoderma koningiopsis UFSMQ40 showed high mortality of M. javanica and M. incognita when applied to treatments with enzymatic filtrated and the suspension of conidia.

Átrio esquerdo gigante: relato de caso / Giant left atrium: case report

INTRODUÇÃO: Átrio esquerdo gigante (AEG) é uma condição rara, geralmente associada doença valvar mitral reumática, com incidência estimada na literatura em 0,3 a 0,6%. As complicações relacionadas mais comuns são fibrilação atrial, formação de trombos, alterações hemodinâmicas e compressão de estruturas adjacentes. RELATO de CASO: Homem, 49 anos, portador de doença valvar mitral reumática por mais de 20 anos e fibrilação atrial (FA). No momento da admissão, encontrava-se assintomático. Ao exame físico, apresentava ritmo cardíaco irregular, sopro sistólico em foco mitral 5+/6+, ictus cordis palpável em linha axilar anterior esquerda no 8º espaço intercostal e fígado palpável a 5 cm abaixo do rebordo costal direito. O ecocardiograma evidenciou átrio esquerdo (AE) medindo 133 mm, com volume indexado de 598 ml/m2, fração de ejeção de 45%, valva mitral com cúspide posterior fixa, fusão comissural, refluxo moderado a importante ao Doppler e área valvar de 1,9 cm2. Na ressonância cardíaca, o AE media 80mm, com volume de 2. 374ml (indexado de 1. 308ml/m2). Devido recusa prévia do paciente ao tratamento cirúrgico, optou-se por manter terapia otimizada para insuficiência cardíaca (IC) e anticoagulação devido FA. DISCUSSÃO: A definição de AEG varia na literatura, aceitando-se como valor de corte um diâmetro anteroposterior maior que 65 a 80mm. Resulta principalmente de sobrecargas crônicas de volume na insuficiência mitral reumática, mas também encontrado em casos de IC, FA, cardiomiopatia hipertrófice prolapso de valva mitral. Uma das teorias para explicar o aumento atrial acentuado é o enfraquecimento da parede atrial causado pela pancardite reumática. O paciente em questão apesar de inicialmente assintomático, evoluiu com sintomas de hipervolemia. Queixas relacionadas a compressão de estruturas mediastinais não foram relatadas. Tratamento cirúrgico pode incluir plicatura, ressecção e plastia atrial, correção da disfunção mitral, sendo geralmente indicado após surgimento de sintomas compressivos intraou extracardíacos. CONCLUSÃO: O AEG é relevante devido sua capacidade em causar repercussões importantes. A suspeição clínica, associada a métodos de imagem de baixo custo, nem sempre é suficiente para o diagnóstico imediato, porém deve ser lembrado como causa de grande cardiomegalia na radiografia de tórax.

Peaches phenology and production submitted to foliar nitrogen fertilizer and calcium nitrate / Fenologia e produção de pessegueiros submetidos à aplicação de fertilizante foliar nitrogenado e nitrato de cálcio

Choosing cultivars that require less chilling temperatures to overcome dormancy is crucial, for example, peaches that grow in subtropical areas, which is not an appropriate climate for them. Thus, alternative techniques are necessary to induce sprouting. Yet there are not many available products in market, restricting options for fruit growers to a reduced number of chemical molecules, which are often harm the health to applicators. Therefore, this study aimed to assess phenological cycles and productive performance of three peach cultivars, submitted to foliar nitrogen fertilizer and calcium nitrate to induce sprouting. This study took place at Experimental Orchard of School of Agriculture (FCA, UNESP), Botucatu, state of São Paulo. Three peach cultivars were evaluated: 'Douradão', 'BRS Kampai' and 'BRS Rubimel' by applying four doses of foliar nitrogen fertilizer (FNF) at 0, 1.25, 2.50 and 3.75%; associated with 4% calcium nitrate. A 3x4 factorial arrangement (3 cultivars X 4 FNF doses) in a randomized block design was used, with 4 replicates and 2 plants per plot, totalizing 96 plants. Results indicated that FNF positively affected cultivars development, providing wider sprouting, flowering and fruit set; consequently, greater production. Then FNF became a good alternative to induce sprouting in peaches at mild winter temperatures. Moreover, 'BRS Rubimel' presented high sowing percentage associated with low flowering and fruit set percentages, that is, low production mainly caused by its lack of adaptability to studied region

A escolha de cultivares mais adaptados, com menor exigência em acúmulo de horas de frio para superação da dormência, é fundamental para o cultivo do pessegueiro em regiões subtropicais. Uma vez que estas regiões não possuem condições ideais para o cultivo do pessegueiro, torna-se necessário a utilização de técnicas alternativas, como a aplicação de indutores de brotação. Entretanto, no mercado ainda existem poucos produtos disponíveis para esta finalidade, restringindo as opções do fruticultor a um número reduzido de moléculas químicas, que muitas vezes apresentam elevada toxicidade ao aplicador. Dentro deste contexto, objetivou-se com o presente trabalho avaliar os ciclos fenológicos e o desempenho produtivo de três cultivares de pessegueiro, submetidos à aplicação de fertilizante foliar nitrogenado e nitrato de cálcio para a indução da brotação das plantas. O trabalho foi realizado no pomar experimental da Faculdade de Ciências Agronômicas da Universidade Estadual Paulista, campus Botucatu, SP. Foram avaliados os cultivares de pessegueiro Douradão, BRS Kampai e BRS Rubimel e quatro doses de fertilizante foliar nitrogenado (FFN): 0; 1,25; 2,50 e 3,75%, associadas a 4% de nitrato de cálcio. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos ao acaso, com 12 tratamentos, 4 repetições e 2 plantas por parcela, totalizando 96 plantas, em esquema fatorial, compreendendo 3 cultivares e 4 doses de FFN. O FFN afetou positivamente o desenvolvimento dos cultivares, proporcionando maior brotação, florescimento e fixação de frutos e, consequentemente, maior produção, configurando como boa alternativa para a indução de brotação de pessegueiros em regiões de inverno ameno. O cultivar BRSRubimel apresentou elevado percentual de brotação associado a baixos percentuais de florescimento e fixação de frutos, o que refletiu em menor produção, evidenciando sua menor adaptabilidade à região de Botucatu - SP.

Use of plant growth regulators in fig tree seedling s 'roxo de valinhos' / Uso de reguladores vegetais em mudas de figueira 'Roxo de Valinhos'

The application of plant growth regulators can promote better development of the seedlings, essential for the success of fruit growing. The current study aims to evaluate the use of plant growth regulators in fig tree seedlings 'Roxo de Valinhos'. The experiment was carried out in a suspended nursery covered with plastic, using rooted cuttings of the cultivar Roxo de Valinhos. Four applications were made with a commercial product, known as Stimulate®, at doses of 0, 50, 100, 150, and 200 mL L-1. Using a randomized block experimental design, the study was subdivided into plots (doses X days of the last application [after 0, 7, 14 and 21]). The following traits were evaluated: stem and root length; stem diameter; root volume; leaf number; leaf area; stem, leaf and root dry mass; specific leaf area, leaf weight ratio; leaf area ratio; and chlorophyll total. Results indicated that the product promoted greater seedlings development at a dose range from 100 to 150 mL L-1. Different dose levels did not vary according to the days after product application. Furthermore, using such technique enabled seedlings of higher quality and vigour.

A aplicação de reguladores vegetais pode configurar uma técnica viável para promoção do melhor desenvolvimento das mudas, imprescindível para o sucesso da fruticultura. Deste modo, objetivou-se avaliar o uso de reguladores vegetais na produção de mudas da figueira 'Roxo de Valinhos'. O experimento foi realizado em viveiro suspenso com cobertura plástica, utilizando-se estacas enraizadas da cultivar Roxo de Valinhos. Foram realizadas quatro aplicações com o produto comercial Stimulate® nas concentrações de 0, 50, 100, 150, e 200 mL L-1. Utilizou-se o delineamento experimental em blocos casualizados com parcelas subdivididas [concentrações X épocas de avaliação (após 0, 7, 14 e 21 dias da última aplicação)]. Avaliou-se: comprimento do ramo e da maior raiz; diâmetro do ramo; volume de raízes; número de folhas e área foliar; massa seca de folhas, ramos e raízes; área específica foliar, razão de peso foliar e razão da área foliar; e teores de clorofila total. O uso do produto, nas concentrações de 100 a 150 mL L-1, promoveu maior desenvolvimento das mudas. O efeito das diferentes doses não variou em função dos dias após aplicação do produto. O uso de tal técnica permite a obtenção de mudas de maior qualidade e vigor.

Long-term performance of a UASB reactor treating acid mine drainage: effects of sulfate loading rate, hydraulic retention time, and COD/SO42- ratio.

Acid mine drainage (AMD) is among the most serious threats to water and the typical alkali-based treatment costs are high. This study's main objective was the establishment of a highly efficient biological process using an upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor to treat AMD based on a shorter hydraulic retention time (HRT) and lower organic matter input. The process was evaluated for a long-term operation (739 days) in terms of the influence of HRT (14-24 h), metal addition, sulfate loading rate (0.5-2.6 g SO42- l-1 d-1), and the COD/SO42- ratio (0.67-1.0) using ethanol as the only electron donor at a pH of 4.0. Neutral effluent pH was achieved throughout the time apart from operational modifications. The reduction in HRT from 24 to 16 h and an increase in the sulfate loading rate (SLR) up to 2.25 g SO42- l-1 d-1 improved the sulfate removal to (92.1 ± 1.8)% with 80% chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal. However, the sulfate reduction was less than 80% when the HRT and SLR was changed to 14 h and 2.6 g SO42- l-1 d-1, respectively. The oxidation of organic matter by sulfate reduction was greater than 50% regardless of the conditions imposed but the use of ethanol to treat AMD was more efficient when either the HRT was 16 h (1.5 g SO42- l-1 d-1) in the presence of Fe, Zn, and Cu or the HRT was 14 h (2.6 g SO42- l-1 d-1) but the COD/SO42- ratio was reduced to 0.67. The fully optimized conditions of the UASB reactor were set at an HRT of 16 h, SLR of 1.5 g SO42- l-1 d-1, and a COD/SO42- ratio of 1.0.

Enoxacin extends lifespan of C. elegans by inhibiting miR-34-5p and promoting mitohormesis.

Alterations in microRNA (miRNA) processing have been previously linked to aging. Here we used the small molecule enoxacin to pharmacologically interfere with miRNA biogenesis and study how it affects aging in C. elegans. Enoxacin extended worm lifespan and promoted survival under normal and oxidative stress conditions. Enoxacin-induced longevity required the transcription factor SKN-1/Nrf2 and was blunted by the antioxidant N-acetyl-cysteine, suggesting a prooxidant-mediated mitohormetic response. The longevity effects of enoxacin were also dependent on the miRNA pathway, consistent with changes in miRNA expression elicited by the drug. Among these differentially expressed miRNAs, the widely conserved miR-34-5p was found to play an important role in enoxacin-mediated longevity. Enoxacin treatment down-regulated miR-34-5p and did not further extend lifespan of long-lived mir-34 mutants. Moreover, N-acetyl-cysteine abrogated mir-34(gk437)-induced longevity. Evidence also points to double-stranded RNA-specific adenosine deaminases (ADARs) as new targets of enoxacin since ADAR loss-of-function abrogates enoxacin-induced lifespan extension. Thus, enoxacin increases lifespan by reducing miR-34-5p levels, interfering with the redox balance and promoting healthspan.

Endoplasmic reticulum stress activation in adipose tissue induces metabolic syndrome in individuals with familial partial lipodystrophy of the Dunnigan type.

BACKGROUND: Familial partial lipodystrophy of the Dunnigan type is one of the most common inherited lipodystrophies variables. These individuals have important metabolic disorders that cause predisposition to various diseases. In this study we aimed to demonstrate the relation between the metabolic abnormalities, inflammatory profile and the expression of genes involved in the activation of the endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) in subjects with FPLD. METHODS: We evaluated 14 female FPLD patients and compared with 13 female healthy individuals. The subjects were paired with their respective BMI and age and categorized into two groups: Familial partial lipodystrophy of the Dunnigan type (FPLD) and control. Patients were fasted for 12 h before blood collection for measurement of HbA1c, glucose, insulin, lipids and inflammatory markers. Subcutâneous adipose tissue was collected by puncture aspiration of submental region during ambulatorial surgical aesthetic procedure. RESULTS: We demonstrate that patients with FPLD show increased HbA1c (p < 0.01), fasting glucose (p < 0.002) and triglycerides (p < 0.005) while HDL/cholesterol (p < 0.001) was lower when compared to healthy individuals. We found that 64.2% FPLD patients had metabolic syndrome according to International Diabetes Federation definition. We also observe increased AUC of glucose (p < 0.001) and insulin during oGTT, featuring a frame of hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia, suggesting insulin resistance. Also we found hyperactivation of several genes responsible for ERS such as ATF-4 (p < 0.01), ATF-6 (p < 0.01), EIF2α3K (p < 0.005), CCT4 (p < 0.001), CHOP (p < 0.01), CALR (p < 0.001) and CANX (p < 0.005), that corroborate the idea that diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome are associated with direct damage to the endoplasmic reticulum homeostasis. Ultimately, we note that individuals with lipodystrophy have an increase in serum interleukins, keys of the inflammatory process, as IL-1ß, TNF-α and IL-6 (p < 0.05 all), compared with healthy individuals, which can be the trigger to insulin resistance in this population. CONCLUSION: Individuals with FPLD besides having typical dysfunctions of metabolic syndrome, show a hyperactivation of ERS associated with increased systemic inflammatory profile, which together may explain the complex clinical aspect of this diseases.Trial registration HCRP no 6711/2012.

Performance of mango cultivars under subtropical conditions in the state of São Paulo / Desempenho de cultivares de mangueira em condições subtropicas do estado de São Paulo

Mango is quite popular among tropical fruits, and has traits of a fast-expanding market. There is a huge variety of mango cultivars and their potential should be studied in order to be introduced in new producing regions with favourable edaphoclimatic characteristics for planting. The current study aimed to evaluate mango productive performance under subtropical conditions in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. The experiment was conducted with 'Espada Vermelha', 'Keitt' and 'Palmer' cultivars grafted onto rootstock 'Espada' over three crop cycles 2012-2013, 2013-2014 and 2014-2015. The experimental design was a randomized complete block, consisting of 3x3 factorial design, in which the first factor corresponds to the cultivars and the second factor to the evaluated crop cycles, with 10 replications and one plant per plot. The following variables were evaluated: number of fruits per panicle, number of fruits per plant, panicles percentage to the full aborted fruits, fruit fresh weight, production, yield, canopy volume, production efficiency and crop seasonality. Data analysis by Tukey test and Pearson´s correlation coefficients. Among the evaluated cultivars, Palmer has stood out with the best productive performance under the experiment conditions in the three evaluated crop cycles. The seasonal availability of cultivars should be explored so that there are fruit productions over a longer period of time. Correlations among productive traits varies according to the cultivar.

A manga é uma das frutas tropicais mais apreciadas e seu mercado está em expansão. Existe uma grande variedade de cultivares de mangueira e seu potencial deve ser estudado, sendo importante a introdução do cultivo desta frutífera em novas regiões produtoras, principalmente em locais que apresentem características edafoclimáticas favoráveis para seu cultivo. Desta forma, objetivou-se com este trabalho, avaliar o desempenho produtivo de três cultivares de mangueira nas condições subtropicais do estado de São Paulo, Brasil. O experimento foi conduzido em três ciclos agrícolas, (2012-2013, 2013-2014 e 2014-2015) com as cultivares Espada Vermelha, Keitt e Palmer enxertadas sobre a cultivar Espada. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos casualizados com esquema fatorial 3 x 3, em que o primeiro fator corresponde às cultivares e o segundo fator aos ciclos agrícolas avaliados. Utilizaram-se 10 repetições e uma planta por parcela. As seguintes variáveis foram avaliadas: número de frutos por panícula, número de frutos por planta, porcentagem de panículas com abortamento total de frutos, massa fresca do fruto, produção, produtividade, volume da copa, eficiência produtiva e sazonalidade de colheita. Os dados obtidos foram analisados por meio do teste Tukey e correlação de Pearson. Dentre as cultivares avaliadas a Palmer destaca-se com o melhor desempenho produtivo independente do ciclo agrícola avaliado. As correlações entre as características produtivas avaliadas variam conforme a cultivar.

Selection, isolation, and identification of fungi for bioherbicide production

Abstract Production of a bioherbicide for biological control of weeds requires a series of steps, from selection of a suitable microbial strain to final formulation. Thus, this study aimed to select fungi for production of secondary metabolites with herbicidal activity using biological resources of the Brazilian Pampa biome. Phytopathogenic fungi were isolated from infected tissues of weeds in the Pampa biome. A liquid synthetic culture medium was used for production of metabolites. The phytotoxicity of fungal metabolites was assessed via biological tests using the plant Cucumis sativus L., and the most promising strain was identified by molecular analysis. Thirty-nine fungi were isolated, and 28 presented some phytotoxic symptoms against the target plant. Fungus VP51 belonging to the genus Diaporthe showed the most pronounced herbicidal activity. The Brazilian Pampa biome is a potential resource for the development of new and sustainable chemical compounds for modern agriculture.

Selection, isolation, and identification of fungi for bioherbicide production.

Production of a bioherbicide for biological control of weeds requires a series of steps, from selection of a suitable microbial strain to final formulation. Thus, this study aimed to select fungi for production of secondary metabolites with herbicidal activity using biological resources of the Brazilian Pampa biome. Phytopathogenic fungi were isolated from infected tissues of weeds in the Pampa biome. A liquid synthetic culture medium was used for production of metabolites. The phytotoxicity of fungal metabolites was assessed via biological tests using the plant Cucumis sativus L., and the most promising strain was identified by molecular analysis. Thirty-nine fungi were isolated, and 28 presented some phytotoxic symptoms against the target plant. Fungus VP51 belonging to the genus Diaporthe showed the most pronounced herbicidal activity. The Brazilian Pampa biome is a potential resource for the development of new and sustainable chemical compounds for modern agriculture.

IMPACT is a GCN2 inhibitor that limits lifespan in Caenorhabditis elegans.

BACKGROUND: The General Control Nonderepressible 2 (GCN2) kinase is a conserved member of the integrated stress response (ISR) pathway that represses protein translation and helps cells to adapt to conditions of nutrient shortage. As such, GCN2 is required for longevity and stress resistance induced by dietary restriction (DR). IMPACT is an ancient protein that inhibits GCN2. RESULTS: Here, we tested whether IMPACT down-regulation mimics the effects of DR in C. elegans. Knockdown of the C. elegans IMPACT homolog impt-1 activated the ISR pathway and increased lifespan and stress resistance of worms in a gcn-2-dependent manner. Impt-1 knockdown exacerbated DR-induced longevity and required several DR-activated transcription factors to extend lifespan, among them SKN-1 and DAF-16, which were induced during larval development and adulthood, respectively, in response to impt-1 RNAi. CONCLUSIONS: IMPACT inhibits the ISR pathway, thus limiting the activation of stress response factors that are beneficial during aging and required under DR.

Effects of sodium arsenate and arsenite on male reproductive functions in Wistar rats.

Arsenic (As), in the form of trivalent arsenite or pentavalent arsenate, is a ubiquitous toxic compound naturally occurring in the environment. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of two different forms of inorganic As on reproductive parameters following oral exposure. Adult Wistar male rats were exposed to sodium arsenite or arsenate at concentrations of 0.01 mg/L or 10 mg/L for 56 d in drinking water. Sodium arsenite at both concentrations and sodium arsenate at 10 mg/L produced reduction in daily sperm production, in number of spermatids in the testis, and in sperm in the epididymal caput/corpus regions. Changes in epididymal morphometry were variable and region specific. Total and progressive sperm motility and sperm morphology did not differ markedly between controls and animals exposed to As. The body and reproductive organs weights, as well as testosterone concentration, remained unchanged among all groups. In conclusion, As exposure in drinking water over 56 d produced damage in male reproductive functions in adult rats, suggesting that fertility problems might occur. Therefore, additional studies need to be undertaken to investigate potential mechanisms underlying sodium arsenite- and arsenate-induced disturbances in fertility and reproductive performance.

Effects of Sodium Arsenite and Arsenate in Testicular Histomorphometry and Antioxidants Enzymes Activities in Rats.

The main source of environmental arsenic exposure in most countries of the world is drinking water in which inorganic forms of arsenic predominate. The present study was aimed to test the impact of two different compounds of inorganic arsenic in histomorphometric and enzymatic parameters in the testes by oral exposition. Adult Wistar male rats were exposed to sodium arsenite and arsenate in drinking water, testing for each chemical form the concentrations of 0.01 and 10 mg/L per 56 days. The animals intoxicated with arsenic, mainly sodium arsenite, showed reduction in the percentage of seminiferous epithelium and in proportion and volume of Leydig cells. Moreover, there was an increase in the percentage of tunica propria, lumen, lymphatic space, blood vessels, and macrophages. The activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) did not change among the groups. However, the activity of catalase (CAT) decreased in animals exposed to both arsenic compounds. In addition, the higher concentration of arsenic, mainly as sodium arsenite, caused vacuolization in the seminiferous epithelium. The body and testes weight as well as testosterone concentration remained unchanged among the groups. In conclusion, exposition to arsenic, mainly as sodium arsenite, caused alteration in histomorphometric parameters and antioxidant defense system in the testes.

Caracterização física e química dos frutos nos diferentes quadrantes da planta e germinação de sementes do portaenxerto cítrico tangerineira 'Sunki' / Physical and chemical characterization of fruit in different plant quadrants and germination rootstock of citrus tangerine 'Sunki'

A tangerineira 'Sunki' apresenta grande relevância para a citricultura brasileira por apresentar importantes características para o melhoramento genético e por ser considerada um ótimo portaenxento. Neste contexto, objetivou-se com o presente trabalho estudar a caracterização dos frutos do portaenxerto cítrico 'Sunki', em função da posição dos mesmos na planta e também, avaliar a germinação de suas sementes. As características físicas avaliadas foram massa do fruto, diâmetros longitudinal e equatorial dos frutos, relação diâmetro longitudinal/diâmetro equatorial, número de gomos por frutos, massa de gomos e de casca e número de sementes viáveis por fruto. Quanto à caracterização química, foi avaliado acidez titulável, sólidos solúveis, "Ratio", pH e vitamina C. Para a avaliação dessas variáveis, os frutos foram obtidos dos quadrantes nordeste, sudoeste, noroeste e sudeste. Com relação à avaliação da germinação das sementes, foram utilizadas diferentes doses de ácido giberélico e Stimulate. As sementes, extraídas de frutos maduros, foram lavadas, secadas à sombra e armazenadas em BOD. Logo após, estas foram tratadas com biorreguladores por 24 horas. Depois da embebição, as sementes foram colocadas no germinador em papel germitest. Após o inicio do processo germinativo, as avaliações foram realizadas diariamente até o trigésimo quarto dia. Frutos da tangerineira 'Sunki' apresentam boa uniformidade quanto à posição dos frutos na copa; o uso de ácido giberélico e de bioestimulante é promissor para uso comercial na germinação de sementes desse portaenxerto.

The tangerine ' Sunki' are highly relevant for the Brazilian citrus industry by presenting important traits for genetic improvement and to be considered a great portaenxento. In this context, the objective of the present work to study the characterization of the fruits of citrus rootstock ' Sunki', depending on the position on the plan and also the germination of their seeds . The physical characteristics evaluated were fruit weight, longitudinal and equatorial diameters of the fruit longitudinal diameter / equatorial diameter, number of buds per fruit , weight of buds and bark and number of viable seeds per fruit. As for the chemical characterization was evaluated titratable, acidity, soluble solid, "Ratio ", pH and vitamin C. For the evaluation of these variables, the fruits were obtained from the northeast, southwest, northwest and southeast quadrants. Regarding the evaluation of seed germination, different doses of gibberellic acid and Stimulate were used. The seeds extracted from ripe fruit, washed, dried in the shade and stored in BOD. Immediately after, they were treated for 24 hours with plant growth regulators. After soaking, the seeds were placed in a germinator in germitest paper. After initiation of the germination process, the evaluations were performed daily until the thirty- fourth day. Fruits of 'Sunki' mandarin with uneven as the fruit position within the canopy, the use of gibberellic acid and growth promoter is promising for commercial use on seed germination of this rootstock.

Efeitos de bioestimulante na emergência de plântulas de maracujazeiro 'Roxinho do Kênia' / Effects of emergency in biostimulant seedling of passion fruit 'Roxinho of Kenya'

O aumento da procura no mercado de frutas frescas junto com a elevada cotação do suco de maracujá no mercado nacional e internacional fez crescer o interesse pela fruta, em especial o maracujá-roxo no centro sul do país visando a exportação. O presente trabalho objetivou avaliar os efeitos de bioestimulante na emergência e desenvolvimento de plântulas de maracujazeiro 'Roxinho do Kênia' (Passiflora edulis Sims.) quando propagados de forma sexuada. Os tratamentos foram constituídos pelas concentrações do produto comercial Stimulate®: testemunha (sem bioestimulante); 6; 12; 18; 24 e 30 mL.kg-1 de sementes. Foram avaliadas a porcentagem de emergência de plântulas, número de folhas, massa seca da parte aérea, caule e raiz(g), comprimento da raiz (mm), diâmetro e comprimento do caule(mm), área foliar e clorofilas "a" e "b. A aplicação de bioestimulante nas doses de 6 e 12 mL.kg-1 promove o aumento da porcentagem de emergência de plântulas de Passiflora edulis Sims em um menor tempo. O uso do mesmo também promove o desenvolvimento das plântulas, com melhores resultados para as dose de 12 e 24 mL.kg-1 de sementes tratadas.

The increase in market demand for fresh fruits along with the high price of passion fruit juice in domestic and international markets has increased the interest in fruit, especially the purple passion fruit in the center south of the country seeking to export. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of plant growth regulator on the emergence and development of seedlings of passion 'Roxinho of Kenya' when propagated sexually. The treatments consisted of concentrations of commercial product Stimulate®: control (no biostimulant); 6; 12; 18; 24 and 30 mL.kg-1 of seed. It were evaluated the percentage of seedling emergence, number of leaves, aerial part dry weight, stem and root (g), root length (mm), diameter and stem length (mm), leaf area and chlorophyll 'a' and 'b'. The application of bio-stimulant in doses of 6 and 12 mL.kg-1 promotes increased percentage of seedling emergence of Passiflora edulis Sims in a shorter time. The use of it also promotes the development of seedlings, with better results for the dose of 12 and 24 mL.kg-1 treated seeds.

Influence of productivity and processing method on physicochemical characteristics of white button mushrooms in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: The white button mushroom is the edible fungus most commonly cultivated and commercialized in Brazil and worldwide. This work assesses the productivity of the different strains ABI 07/06 and ABI 06/05 of Agaricus bisporus grown under the conditions normally employed by growers in the southeast of Brazil, and the influence of four different chemical conservation methods on the physicochemical characteristics and storage properties of the fruit bodies. RESULTS: The productivities of strains ABI 07/06 and ABI 06/05 of white button mushrooms were found to be comparable. The colorimetric characteristics and chemical compositions (fat, fiber and protein contents) of the mushroom strains were similar, and these parameters were not influenced significantly by the conservation processes. Texture was negatively affected by all processing methods employed. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that chemical methods of processing mushrooms were not fully effective and novel alternative technologies should be considered by mushroom processors in Brazil. Some methods of mushroom storage using chemicals such as sodium metabisulfite are harmful to the human organism, so processing using autoclaving may be the best form of conservation of canned mushrooms.