Marking axillary nodes with 4% carbon microparticle suspension before neoadjuvant chemotherapy improves sentinel node identification rate and axillary staging.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Marking positive lymph nodes (LNs) before neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) may improve the accuracy of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB). The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility of marking LNs with 4% carbon microparticle suspension (CMS) before NAC and to evaluate if this technique would improve the SLNB identification rate. METHODS: A prospective study of patients with cT1-T4, cN1-N2 breast cancer who underwent US-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) of suspected LNs and concomitant marking with 4% CMS was performed. After NAC, LNs marked with 4% CMS and those marked with Patent Blue V dye (PBV) were identified and resected. RESULTS: Of the 123 patients included, 74 (60.1%) had positive LNs at FNAB. During axillary surgery, 4% CMS was identified in 121 of 123 patients (98.3%) and blue sentinel LNs in 91% (112 of 123 patients) (P = .0103). Comparing isolated results of PBV and 4%CMS + PBV, the association was better in identifying positive LNs (72.2% vs 97.7%) (P = .02). CONCLUSION: The association of 4% CMS and PBV is feasible and significantly increased the identification rate of positive LNs. 4% CMS may play an important role as a complementary technique in patients submitted to NAC.

Type and quantity of biochar influenced soil microbial activity and carbon priming effect / O tipo e a quantidade de biocarvão influenciaram a atividade microbiana e o efeito priming do carbono no solo

Biochar has shown much potential to be used as soil amendment and conditioner as well as an effective alternative to waste disposal. However, the effect of biochar on soil organic matter varies according to the type of feedstock. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of different types and rates of application of biochar on soil microbial activity and on soil carbon priming effect. The incubation experiment was set up as a completely randomized design in a 2 x 5 factorial scheme, with two types of biochar (coconut husk and orange bagasse) and five rates of application (0, 5, 10, 15 and 30 t ha-1), with three replications. Soil microbial activity was evaluated through the concentration of CO2 released from the soil during a period of 130 days. Carbon priming effect was determined based on the CO2 respired in the biochar treated soil and in the control soil. Both biochars increased the total oxidizable carbon in the soil when they were applied at 30 t ha-1, however, the orange bagasse biochar was more effective than the coconut biochar. Coconut biochar increased the cumulative soil microbial respiration at all rates of application during the incubation period, therefore, it contributed to a positive carbon priming effect and should be applied with caution to avoid excessive loss of carbon from the soil. Orange bagasse biochar had little influence on the cumulative CO2 emission, except at 15 t ha-1, which increased soil microbial activity.(AU)

O biocarvão tem mostrado grande potencial para uso como insumo e condicionador de solo, assim como uma alternativa eficiente para a disposição de resíduos. Contudo, o efeito do biocarvão sobre a matéria orgânica do solo varia de acordo com o tipo de biomassa. O presente estudo objetivou avaliar a influência de diferentes tipos e doses de biocarvão na atividade microbiana e no efeito priming do carbono do solo. O experimento de incubação foi desenvolvido em desenho inteiramente casualizado, em esquema factorial 2 x 5, com dois tipos de biocarvão (casca de coco seco e bagaço de laranja) e cinco doses (0, 5, 10, 15 and 30 t ha-1), com três repetições. A atividade microbiana do solo foi avaliada por meio da concentração de CO2 liberado durante 130 dias. O efeito priming do carbono foi determinado com base no CO2 respirado do solo tratado com biocarvão e do controle. Os dois biocarvões aumentaram a concentração de carbono total oxidável no solo quando aplicados na dose de 30 t ha-1; contudo, o biocarvão de bagaço de laranja foi mais eficiente do que o biocarvão de coco. O biocarvão de coco aumentou a concentração de carbono respirado acumulado em todas as taxas de aplicação durante o period de incubação, portanto, contribuiu para o efeito priming positivo e deve ser aplicado com cuidado para evitar perdas excessivas de carbono do solo. O biocarvão de laranja influenciou o carbono respirado acumulado apenas na dose de 15 t ha-1.(AU)

Type and quantity of biochar influenced soil microbial activity and carbon priming effect / O tipo e a quantidade de biocarvão influenciaram a atividade microbiana e o efeito priming do carbono no solo

Biochar has shown much potential to be used as soil amendment and conditioner as well as an effective alternative to waste disposal. However, the effect of biochar on soil organic matter varies according to the type of feedstock. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of different types and rates of application of biochar on soil microbial activity and on soil carbon priming effect. The incubation experiment was set up as a completely randomized design in a 2 x 5 factorial scheme, with two types of biochar (coconut husk and orange bagasse) and five rates of application (0, 5, 10, 15 and 30 t ha-1), with three replications. Soil microbial activity was evaluated through the concentration of CO2 released from the soil during a period of 130 days. Carbon priming effect was determined based on the CO2 respired in the biochar treated soil and in the control soil. Both biochars increased the total oxidizable carbon in the soil when they were applied at 30 t ha-1, however, the orange bagasse biochar was more effective than the coconut biochar. Coconut biochar increased the cumulative soil microbial respiration at all rates of application during the incubation period, therefore, it contributed to a positive carbon priming effect and should be applied with caution to avoid excessive loss of carbon from the soil. Orange bagasse biochar had little influence on the cumulative CO2 emission, except at 15 t ha-1, which increased soil microbial activity.

O biocarvão tem mostrado grande potencial para uso como insumo e condicionador de solo, assim como uma alternativa eficiente para a disposição de resíduos. Contudo, o efeito do biocarvão sobre a matéria orgânica do solo varia de acordo com o tipo de biomassa. O presente estudo objetivou avaliar a influência de diferentes tipos e doses de biocarvão na atividade microbiana e no efeito priming do carbono do solo. O experimento de incubação foi desenvolvido em desenho inteiramente casualizado, em esquema factorial 2 x 5, com dois tipos de biocarvão (casca de coco seco e bagaço de laranja) e cinco doses (0, 5, 10, 15 and 30 t ha-1), com três repetições. A atividade microbiana do solo foi avaliada por meio da concentração de CO2 liberado durante 130 dias. O efeito priming do carbono foi determinado com base no CO2 respirado do solo tratado com biocarvão e do controle. Os dois biocarvões aumentaram a concentração de carbono total oxidável no solo quando aplicados na dose de 30 t ha-1; contudo, o biocarvão de bagaço de laranja foi mais eficiente do que o biocarvão de coco. O biocarvão de coco aumentou a concentração de carbono respirado acumulado em todas as taxas de aplicação durante o period de incubação, portanto, contribuiu para o efeito priming positivo e deve ser aplicado com cuidado para evitar perdas excessivas de carbono do solo. O biocarvão de laranja influenciou o carbono respirado acumulado apenas na dose de 15 t ha-1.

Response of phytoplankton to different carbon sources and C: N ratios in tilapia fingerling culture with bioflocs / Resposta fitoplanctônica à diferentes fontes de carbono e relações C: N na alevinagem de tilápia cultivada com bioflocos

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the dynamics and qualitative and quantitative aspects of the phytoplankton community during the fingerlings production of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) using biofloc technology. A complete randomized design, with 6 treatments and 4 replications was used. Three carbon sources molasses (M), sugar (S) and cassava starch (CS) at carbon:nitrogen (C:N) ratios of 10:1 and 20:1 were evaluated. Phytoplankton was collected weekly during 63 days using 5 L water samples that were filtered through a 25 μm mesh plankton net. The phytoplankton community was represented by 17 genera of the Bacillariophyceae, Chlorophyceae, Cyanophyceae, Euglenophyceae, and Fragilariophyceae classes. Pseudanabaena and Synechococcus were the main genera responsible for the dominance of the Cyanophyceae class in all treatments. Chlorophyceae was the second most diverse class, whose main genera were Chlorella and Scenedesmus. Molasses at C:N ratio of 20:1 were the carbon source that most affected the phytoplankton development.(AU)

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a dinâmica da comunidade fitoplanctônica durante a alevinagem de tilápia do Nilo, Oreochromis niloticus, com tecnologia de bioflocos. Adotou-se um delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado com 6 tratamentos e 4 repetições, sendo testadas três fontes de carbono: melaço (ME), açúcar (AC) e fécula de mandioca (FE), nas relações carbono/nitrogênio (C:N) 10:1 e 20:1. As coletas de fitoplâncton foram realizadas semanalmente durante 63 dias, em amostras de 5 L de água filtradas numa rede de plâncton com malha de 25 μm. A comunidade fitoplanctônica do ambiente de cultivo esteve representada por 17 gêneros, distribuídos entre as classes Bacillariophyceae, Chlorophyceae, Cyanophyceae, Euglenophyceae e Fragilariophyceae. Em termos de gênero, pode-se concluir que a Pseudanabaena e Synechococcus foram os principais integrantes responsáveis pela dominância da Cyanophyceae em todos os tratamentos. A Chlorophyceae foi a segunda classe mais diversificada, tendo como principais gêneros Chlorella e Scenedesmus. A fonte de carbono que mais influenciou no desenvolvimento do fitoplâncton foi o melaço, na relação carbono:nitrogênio 20:1.(AU)

Quantity and quality of soil organic matter as a sustainability index under different land uses in Eastern Amazon

Soil organic matter (SOM), which influences chemical, physical and biological soil attributes, is the main form of C found in the soil which can also be used as a soil sustainability index. The aim of this study was to use the quantity and quality of SOM as an indicator to determine the sustainability of different land uses (native vegetation, secondary vegetation, fruit orchards, horticultural areas, degraded pasture, improved pasture, and fields with annual crops) in the eastern Amazon. Improved pasture had higher soil C stock than the other land uses and was similar to the native vegetation, and also presented the highest quantity of C in a stable form in the soil (fraction < 53 μm). According to the C management index, improved pasture is the most similar in use to native vegetation. Changes in land use reduced the soil microbial C content, although the more conservationist systems (fruit orchards, secondary vegetation, and improved pasture) had contents similar to those of the native vegetation. The highest soil microbial quotients were found in fruit orchards and horticultural areas. Well-managed pastures were effective in accumulating C as stable forms in the soil, which demonstrates the sustainability of this land use in the region studied.(AU)

Quantity and quality of soil organic matter as a sustainability index under different land uses in Eastern Amazon

Soil organic matter (SOM), which influences chemical, physical and biological soil attributes, is the main form of C found in the soil which can also be used as a soil sustainability index. The aim of this study was to use the quantity and quality of SOM as an indicator to determine the sustainability of different land uses (native vegetation, secondary vegetation, fruit orchards, horticultural areas, degraded pasture, improved pasture, and fields with annual crops) in the eastern Amazon. Improved pasture had higher soil C stock than the other land uses and was similar to the native vegetation, and also presented the highest quantity of C in a stable form in the soil (fraction < 53 μm). According to the C management index, improved pasture is the most similar in use to native vegetation. Changes in land use reduced the soil microbial C content, although the more conservationist systems (fruit orchards, secondary vegetation, and improved pasture) had contents similar to those of the native vegetation. The highest soil microbial quotients were found in fruit orchards and horticultural areas. Well-managed pastures were effective in accumulating C as stable forms in the soil, which demonstrates the sustainability of this land use in the region studied.

Response of phytoplankton to different carbon sources and C: N ratios in tilapia fingerling culture with bioflocs / Resposta fitoplanctônica à diferentes fontes de carbono e relações C: N na alevinagem de tilápia cultivada com bioflocos

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the dynamics and qualitative and quantitative aspects of the phytoplankton community during the fingerlings production of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) using biofloc technology. A complete randomized design, with 6 treatments and 4 replications was used. Three carbon sources molasses (M), sugar (S) and cassava starch (CS) at carbon:nitrogen (C:N) ratios of 10:1 and 20:1 were evaluated. Phytoplankton was collected weekly during 63 days using 5 L water samples that were filtered through a 25 μm mesh plankton net. The phytoplankton community was represented by 17 genera of the Bacillariophyceae, Chlorophyceae, Cyanophyceae, Euglenophyceae, and Fragilariophyceae classes. Pseudanabaena and Synechococcus were the main genera responsible for the dominance of the Cyanophyceae class in all treatments. Chlorophyceae was the second most diverse class, whose main genera were Chlorella and Scenedesmus. Molasses at C:N ratio of 20:1 were the carbon source that most affected the phytoplankton development.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a dinâmica da comunidade fitoplanctônica durante a alevinagem de tilápia do Nilo, Oreochromis niloticus, com tecnologia de bioflocos. Adotou-se um delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado com 6 tratamentos e 4 repetições, sendo testadas três fontes de carbono: melaço (ME), açúcar (AC) e fécula de mandioca (FE), nas relações carbono/nitrogênio (C:N) 10:1 e 20:1. As coletas de fitoplâncton foram realizadas semanalmente durante 63 dias, em amostras de 5 L de água filtradas numa rede de plâncton com malha de 25 μm. A comunidade fitoplanctônica do ambiente de cultivo esteve representada por 17 gêneros, distribuídos entre as classes Bacillariophyceae, Chlorophyceae, Cyanophyceae, Euglenophyceae e Fragilariophyceae. Em termos de gênero, pode-se concluir que a Pseudanabaena e Synechococcus foram os principais integrantes responsáveis pela dominância da Cyanophyceae em todos os tratamentos. A Chlorophyceae foi a segunda classe mais diversificada, tendo como principais gêneros Chlorella e Scenedesmus. A fonte de carbono que mais influenciou no desenvolvimento do fitoplâncton foi o melaço, na relação carbono:nitrogênio 20:1.

The use of Pedotransfer functions and the estimation of carbon stock in the Central Amazon region

Computer models have been used to assess soil organic carbon (SOC) stock change. Commonly, models require to determine soil bulk density (Db), a variable that is often lacking in soil data bases. To partly overcome this problem, pedotransfer functions (PTFs) are developed to estimate Db from other easily available soil properties. However, only a few studies have determined the accuracy of these functions and quantified their effects on the final quality of the spatial variability maps. In this context, the objectives of this study were: i) to develop one PTF to estimate Db in soils of the Brazilian Central Amazon region; ii) to compare the performance of PTFs generated with three other models generally used to estimate Db in soils of the Amazon region; and iii) to quantify the effect of applying these PTFs on the spatial variability maps of SOC stock. Using data from 96 soil profiles in the Urucu river basin in Brazil, a multiple linear regression model was generated to estimate Db using SOC, pH, sum of basic cations, aluminum (Al+3), and clay content. This model outperformed the three other PTFs published in the literature. The average estimation error of SOC stock using our model was 0.03 Mg C ha1, which is markedly lower than the other PTFs (1.06 and 1.23 Mg C ha1, or 15 % and 17 %, respectively). Thus, the application of a non-validated PTF to estimate Db can introduce an error that is large enough to skew the significant difference in soil carbon stock change.(AU)

The use of Pedotransfer functions and the estimation of carbon stock in the Central Amazon region

Computer models have been used to assess soil organic carbon (SOC) stock change. Commonly, models require to determine soil bulk density (Db), a variable that is often lacking in soil data bases. To partly overcome this problem, pedotransfer functions (PTFs) are developed to estimate Db from other easily available soil properties. However, only a few studies have determined the accuracy of these functions and quantified their effects on the final quality of the spatial variability maps. In this context, the objectives of this study were: i) to develop one PTF to estimate Db in soils of the Brazilian Central Amazon region; ii) to compare the performance of PTFs generated with three other models generally used to estimate Db in soils of the Amazon region; and iii) to quantify the effect of applying these PTFs on the spatial variability maps of SOC stock. Using data from 96 soil profiles in the Urucu river basin in Brazil, a multiple linear regression model was generated to estimate Db using SOC, pH, sum of basic cations, aluminum (Al+3), and clay content. This model outperformed the three other PTFs published in the literature. The average estimation error of SOC stock using our model was 0.03 Mg C ha1, which is markedly lower than the other PTFs (1.06 and 1.23 Mg C ha1, or 15 % and 17 %, respectively). Thus, the application of a non-validated PTF to estimate Db can introduce an error that is large enough to skew the significant difference in soil carbon stock change.

Cutaneous Application of Silicone Wafers Containing Carbon Microcoils: Efficacy in Relieving Chronic Muscle Tension and Pain.

BACKGROUND: Chronic musculoskeletal pain is highly prevalent worldwide. PRIMARY STUDY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Helical(®) microcoils, a new, noninvasive treatment for chronic musculoskeletal pain. DESIGN: This was a prospective, observational study. SETTING: The study was conducted at the main author's private clinic, in São Paulo, Brazil. PARTICIPANTS: We evaluated 20 physicians, from 2 different hospitals, who suffered from chronic musculoskeletal pain and volunteered to participate in the study. INTERVENTION: The Helical(®) microcoils were applied to the skin over the affected areas. Before and after the intervention, the physician-patients completed questionnaires and a visual analog scale. PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURES: We quantified postintervention improvement or worsening of pain and muscle tension. RESULTS: Significant improvements in pain and muscle tension were observed in 95% of the physician-patients evaluated. The only side effect reported was mild pruritus at the application site, which occurred in 5 of the 20 cases. CONCLUSION: The use of Helical microcoils was found to be safe and efficacious in relieving muscle tension and pain.

The influence of vegetal cover on carbon assimilation by Prochilodus lineatus (Characiformes: Prochilodontidae) in the upper Paraná river floodplain / A influência da cobertura vegetal na assimilação do carbono pelo Prochilodus lineatus (Characiformes: Prochilodontidae) na planície de inundação do alto rio Paraná

The present study examined the influence of the availability of riparian vegetation and C3 emergent aquatic macrophytes on carbon assimilation by Prochilodus lineatus. The vegetal cover of these producers, available at 30 m of the bank, for the terrestrial ecosystem of the rivers Baia, Ivinheima and Paraná, was quantified with the image processing Landsat 5 TM, of the year 2000, period of sampling of the biological material at each river. The assimilation of the energy sources (riparian vegetation and C3 aquatic macrophytes, C4 aquatic macrophytes, periphyton, and phytoplankton) by P. lineatus was determined by analysis of stable carbon isotopes (13C). The area of vegetal cover was estimated at 1,017 km2 in the Ivinheima river, 669 km2 in the Paraná river, and 268 km2 in the Baia river. The assimilation of the carbon from riparian vegetation and aquatic macrophytes was proportional to the availability in the environment, but these producers were not the main source of carbon for P. lineatus. Thus, in the rivers with greater vegetation cover, consequently, these items had higher availability in the water body becoming an important carbon source for the species maintenance.(AU)

No presente estudo investigou-se a influência da disponibilidade da vegetação ripária e macrófitas aquáticas C3 emergentes sobre a assimilação de carbono por Prochilodus lineatus. A cobertura vegetal destes produtores, disponível a 30 m da margem para o ecossistema terrestre dos rios Baia, Ivinheima e Paraná, foi quantificada com o processamento de imagens Landsat 5 TM, do ano de 2000, período de amostragem do material biológico em cada rio. A assimilação das fontes de energia (vegetação ripária e macrófita aquática C3, macrófita aquática C4, perifiton e fitoplâncton) por P. lineatus foi determinada por análises de isótopos estáveis de carbono (13C). A área de cobertura vegetal foi estimada em, 1017 km2 no rio Ivinheima, 669 km2 no rio Paraná e 268 km2 no rio Baia. A assimilação por P. lineatus, do carbono proveniente da vegetação ripária e das macrófitas aquáticas foi proporcional a sua disponibilidade no ambiente, porém estes produtores não foram a principal fonte de carbono para a espécie. Sendo assim, os rios que apresentaram maior cobertura vegetal, consequentemente, tiveram maior disponibilidade no corpo aquático tornando-se importante fonte de carbono para a manutenção da espécie.(AU)

Use of by-products rich in carbon and nitrogen as a nutrient source to produce Bacillus thuringiensis (Berliner)-based biopesticide / Produção de biopesticida à base de Bacillus thuringiensis (Berliner) usando meios alternativos ricos em carbono e nitrogênio como fontes de nutrientes

The amount and sources of carbon and nitrogen used to produce Bacillus thuringiensis (Berliner)-based biopesticide may infl uence the quality of the fi nal product. The objective of this research was to test different levels of carbon and nitrogen: medium 1 - 1.5% maize glucose + 0.5% soy fl our,medium 2 - 3.0% maize glucose + 1.0% soy fl our, medium 3 - 1.0% maize glucose + 3.0% soy fl our and medium 4 - Luria Bertani (LB) + salts (FeSO4, ZnSO4, MnSO4, MgSO4). The seed culture was produced in LB medium plus salt, under agitation (200 rpm) for 18h at 30oC. The strain 344 of Bt wasused (B. thuringiensis var tolworthi – belonging to the Embrapa´s Bt Bank). The pH was measured at regular intervals. and After culturing for 96h, the pH of the four tested media was basifi ed (6.91 and 8.15), the number of spores yielded 4.39 x 109 spores/ml in medium 3, where the amount of proteinis high. The dry biomass weight accumulated in media 3 was 39.3 g/l. Mortality of 2-day-old larvae Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) was 100% when using Bt produced in media 3 and 4. CL50 for medium 3 was 8.4 x 106 spores/ml. All tested media were satisfactory to Bt growth, and medium 3wass the most promising to be used on a large scale Bt-based biopesticide production.

A quantidade de carbono e nitrogênio usados para produzir biopesticidas à base de Bacillus thuringiensis (Berliner) pode infl uenciar a qualidade fi nal do produto. O objetivo deste trabalho foi testar meios com diferentes níveis de carbono e nitrogênio: meio 1 - glicose de milho a 1.5% + farinha de soja a 0,5%, meio 2 - glicose de milho a 3,0% + farinha de soja a 1,0%, meio 3 - glicose de milho a 1,0% + farinha de soja a 3,0% e meio 4 - Luria Bertani (LB) + sais (FeSO4, ZnSO4, MnSO4 e MgSO4). O inóculo semente foi produzido usando 150 ml de meio LB mais sais incubados por 18h a 30oC, sob agitação de 200 rpm. A cepa utilizada foi 344 (B. thuringiensis var tolworthi – pertencente ao Banco de Microorganismos da Embrapa). O pH foi medido a intervalos regulares. Após 96h de cultivo, o pH de todos os meios testados tenderam ao básico (entre 6,91 e 8,15), o maior número de esporos foi de 4,39 x 109 sporos/ml no meio 3, onde o teor de proteína usado foi o mais alto. A produção de massa celular foi maior no meio 3, com total acumulado de 39,3 g/l. A mortalidade de larvas de Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) de dois dias de idade nos meios 3 e 4 foi de 100%. A CL50 para o meio 3 foi de 8,4 x 106 esporos/ml. Os meios alternativos usados promoveram crescimento satisfatório de Bt, sendo o meio 3 o mais promissor para ser usadona produção de biopesticida à base de Bt.

Estudio del efecto de la relacióncarbono: nitrógeno, el tipo de inóculoy la adición de extracto de levaduraen la producción de ácido jasmónicocon Botryodiplodia theobromae Pat: cepa RC1 / Studies on the effects of carbon: nitrogen ratio, inoculum type and yeast extract addition on jasmonic acid production by Botryodiplodia theobromae Pat: strain RC1

El ácido jasmónico es un regulador del crecimiento de las plantas producidopor algas, microorganismos y plantas superiores, que participa en laactivación de mecanismos de defensa contra patógenos y ante la presenciade heridas en las plantas. En este trabajo se estudió la influencia de larelación carbono:nitrógeno (rC/N: 17, 35 y 70), el tipo de inóculo (esporas omicelio) y la adición de extracto de levadura al medio de cultivo en laproducción de ácido jasmónico por Botryodiplodia theobromae. Los estudiosrevelaron que la producción de ácido jasmónico es estimulada a una rC/N 17.La productividad del ácido jasmónico fue mayor para la inoculación conmicelio y la adición de extracto de levadura al medio de cultivo en 1,7 y 1,3veces, respectivamente(AU)

Jasmonic acid is a native plant growth regulator produced by algae,microorganisms and higher plants. This regulator is involved in the activationof defence mechanisms against pathogens and wounding in plants. Studies concerning the effects of carbon: nitrogen ratio (C/Nr: 17, 35 and 70), type of inoculum (spores or mycelium) and the yeast extract addition in the media on jasmonic acid production by Botryodiplodia theobromae were evaluated. Jasmonic acid production was stimulated at the carbon: nitrogen ratio of 17. jasmonic acid productivity was higher in the media inoculated with mycelium and in the media with yeast extract 1,7 and 1,3 times, respectively(AU)

[Studies on the effects of carbon:nitrogen ratio, inoculum type and yeast extract addition on jasmonic acid production by Botryodiplodia theobromae Pat. strain RC1]. / Estudio del efecto de la relación carbono:nitrógeno, el tipo de inóculo y la adición de extracto de levadura en la producción de ácido jasmónico con Botryodiplodia theobromae Pat. cepa RC1.

Jasmonic acid is a native plant growth regulator produced by algae, microorganisms and higher plants. This regulator is involved in the activation of defence mechanisms against pathogens and wounding in plants. Studies concerning the effects of carbon: nitrogen ratio (C/Nr: 17, 35 and 70), type of inoculum (spores or mycelium) and the yeast extract addition in the media on jasmonic acid production by Botryodiplodia theobromae were evaluated. Jasmonic acid production was stimulated at the carbon: nitrogen ratio of 17. Jasmonic acid productivity was higher in the media inoculated with mycelium and in the media with yeast extract 1.7 and 1.3 times, respectively.

Modelling Cr(VI) removal by a combined carbon-activated sludge system.

The combined carbon-activated sludge process has been proposed as an alternative to protect the biomass against toxic substances in wastewaters; however, the information about the effect of powdered-activated carbon (PAC) addition in activated sludge reactors for the treatment of wastewaters containing Cr(VI) is limited. The objectives of the present study were: (a) to evaluate the removal of hexavalent chromium by (i) activated sludge microorganisms in aerobic batch reactors, (ii) powdered-activated carbon, and (iii) the combined action of powdered-activated carbon and biomass; (b) to propose mathematical models that interpret the experimental results. Different Cr(VI) removal systems were tested: (S1) biomass (activated sludge), (S2) PAC, and (S3) the combined activated carbon-biomass system. A Monod-based mathematical model was used to describe the kinetics of Cr(VI) removal in the system S1. A first-order kinetics with respect to Cr(VI) and PAC respectively, was proposed to model the removal of Cr(VI) in the system S2. Cr(VI) removal in the combined carbon-biomass system (S3) was faster than both Cr(VI) removal using PAC or activated sludge individually. Results showed that the removal of Cr(VI) using the activated carbon-biomass system (S3) was adequately described by combining the kinetic equations proposed for the systems S1 and S2.

Use of by-products rich in carbon and nitrogen as a nutrient source to produce Bacillus thuringiensis (Berliner)-based biopesticide.

The amount and sources of carbon and nitrogen used to produce Bacillus thuringiensis (Berliner)-based biopesticide may influence the quality of the final product. The objective of this research was to test different levels of carbon and nitrogen: medium 1 - 1.5% maize glucose + 0.5% soy flour, medium 2 - 3.0% maize glucose + 1.0% soy flour, medium 3 - 1.0% maize glucose + 3.0% soy flour and medium 4 - Luria Bertani (LB) + salts (FeSO4, ZnSO4, MnSO4, MgSO4). The seed culture was produced in LB medium plus salt, under agitation (200 rpm) for 18h at 30 masculineC. The strain 344 of Bt was used (B. thuringiensis var tolworthi - belonging to the Embrapa's Bt Bank). The pH was measured at regular intervals. and After culturing for 96h, the pH of the four tested media was basified (6.91 and 8.15), the number of spores yielded 4.39 x 10(9) spores/ml in medium 3, where the amount of protein is high. The dry biomass weight accumulated in media 3 was 39.3 g/l. Mortality of 2-day-old larvae Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) was 100% when using Bt produced in media 3 and 4. CL50 for medium 3 was 8.4 x 10(6) spores/ml. All tested media were satisfactory to Bt growth, and medium 3 wass the most promising to be used on a large scale Bt-based biopesticide production.

Efeito da fonte de carbono sobre a produçäo de alfa-amilase por Bacillus subtilis Ba-04 / Effect of the carbon source on alfa-amylase production by Bacillus subtilis Ba-04

Foi investigado o efeito da concentraçäo inicial de diferentes fontes de carbonos sobre a produçäo de amilase por uma linhagem de Bacillus subtilis. O microorganismo produziu alfa-amilase em meios de cultura contendo glicose, amido solúvel, dextrina e lactose. Foi observado que quanto maiores as concentraçöes iniciais de carboidrato maiores foram os tempos de fermentaçäo necessários para ocorrer a máxima velocidade específica de produçäo da enzima. As maiores produçöes de alfa-amilase ocorreram em meios de cultura contendo glicose a 0.75 g/L e 30.0 g/L ou dextrina a 10.0 g/L. Resultados obtidos para a atividade enzimática específica global mostraram que a quantidade de enzima produzida por unidade de massa celular no meio de cultura contendo dextrina foi maior do que em meio de cultura contendo amido solúvel, glicose ou lactose. As baixas concentraçöes de carboidrato, a produçäo de enzima por unidade de massa celular em meio contendo glicose foi inferior até emsmo à observada em meio de cultura contendo lactose, onde houve a menor produçäo de alfa-amilase.

[Effect of carbon and nitrogen sources on the cellulolytic activity of Trametes trogii]. / Influencia de fuentes carbonadas y nitrogenadas sobre la actividad celulolítica de Trametes trogii.

Trametes trogii was grown in a liquid synthetic medium containing different carbon and nitrogen sources. Enzymatic activities of cellulases (endoglucanase, exoglucanase and beta-glucosidase) were measured in culture supernatants. Organic nitrogen sources were the most favourable for growth and cellulase production. Increasing nitrogen concentrations also increased cellulase production. Among carbon sources, crystalline cellulose, cellobiose and a mixture of carboxymethylcellulose and cellobiose induced maximal endoglucanase production. The optimal concentration of the carbon source was 10 g/l.