Characterization of the Bipolaris maydis: symptoms and pathogenicity in popcorn genotypes (Zea mays L. ) / Caracterização de Bipolaris maydis: sintomas e patogenicidade em genótipos de milho-pipoca (Zea mays L. )

Southern corn leaf blight (SCLB) is one of the most important corn leaf diseases. Appropriate management strategies and the use of resistant cultivars allow disease control. Therefore, knowing the aspects related to the pathogen and the response of hosts makes it possible to design efficient strategies for selecting genotypes resistant to this disease. In this sense, the objective was to carry out the Bipolaris maydis isolate characterization, evaluating the pathogenicity in different popcorn lines and the symptoms generated in the host after inoculation. The isolate characterization consisted of the macromorphological evaluation of the colonies and the micromorphological evaluation of the conidia in the PDA medium. An experiment was carried out in a greenhouse to evaluate the pathogenicity of the isolate, using 20 inbred lines of popcorn in a randomized block design with four replicates. Inoculation was carried out by spraying leaves, with a suspension containing 1.0 x 104 conidia.ml-1 of the CF/UENF 501 isolate of B. maydis. An incidence assessment and three assessments of disease symptom severity were performed, with seven days intervals between evaluations. The morphological characterization data of the isolate were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and for disease severity, the linear regression model was applied the first-degree model. The variance analysis was performed for the linear and angular coefficients obtained for each treatment. When a difference was found, the Scott-Knott clustering algorithm at 5% significance was applied. The isolate had gray-green colonies, a cottony appearance, and an irregular shape. The lines L353, L354, and L624 show more resistance at the beginning and throughout the evaluations. The high virulence of the CF/UENF 501 isolate made it possible to differentiate the lines in terms of disease intensity and the pattern of symptoms presented.

Mancha-de-Bipolaris é uma das mais importantes doenças foliares do milho. Estratégias de manejo adequadas e o uso de cultivar resistente permitem o controle da doença, mas para tanto, conhecer os aspectos associados ao patógeno e a resposta do hospedeiro é necessário para traçar estratégias eficientes para seleção de genótipos resistentes a essa doença. Neste sentido, objetivou-se realizar a caracterização do isolado de Bipolaris maydis avaliando a patogenicidade em diferentes linhagens de milho-pipoca e os sintomas gerados no hospedeiro a partir da inoculação. A caracterização do isolado consistiu na avaliação macromorfológica das colônias e micromofológica dos conídios em meio nutritivo BDA. Para avaliação da patogenicidade do isolado foi conduzido um experimento em casa de vegetação utilizando 20 linhagens endogâmicas de milho-pipoca, com delineamento em blocos casualizados, com quatro repetições. A inoculação foi realizada por meio de pulverização em folhas, com uma suspensão contendo 1,0 x 104 conídios.ml-1 do isolado CF/UENF 501 de B. maydis. Foi realizada uma avaliação de incidência e três avaliações de severidade dos sintomas da doença, com o intervalo de sete dias para cada avaliação. Os dados da caracterização morfológica do isolado foram analisados por meio da estatística descritiva e para severidade da doença foi aplicado o modelo de regressão linear de primeiro grau. Realizou-se a análise de variância para o coeficiente linear e angular obtido para cada tratamento e quando constatada diferença aplicou-se o agrupamento de médias de Scott-knott a 5% de significância. O isolado apresentou colônias com coloração cinza esverdeado, aspecto algodonoso e forma irregular. As linhagens L353 e L354 e L624 estão entre as linhagens que apresentaram maior resistência no inicio e ao longo das avaliações. A elevada virulência do isolado CF/UENF 501 possibilitou diferenciar as linhagens quanto a intensidade da doença, bem como o padrão dos sintomas apresentados.

Characterization of the Bipolaris maydis: symptoms and pathogenicity in popcorn genotypes (Zea mays L.)

Abstract Southern corn leaf blight (SCLB) is one of the most important corn leaf diseases. Appropriate management strategies and the use of resistant cultivars allow disease control. Therefore, knowing the aspects related to the pathogen and the response of hosts makes it possible to design efficient strategies for selecting genotypes resistant to this disease. In this sense, the objective was to carry out the Bipolaris maydis isolate characterization, evaluating the pathogenicity in different popcorn lines and the symptoms generated in the host after inoculation. The isolate characterization consisted of the macromorphological evaluation of the colonies and the micromorphological evaluation of the conidia in the PDA medium. An experiment was carried out in a greenhouse to evaluate the pathogenicity of the isolate, using 20 inbred lines of popcorn in a randomized block design with four replicates. Inoculation was carried out by spraying leaves, with a suspension containing 1.0 x 104 conidia.ml-1 of the CF/UENF 501 isolate of B. maydis. An incidence assessment and three assessments of disease symptom severity were performed, with seven days intervals between evaluations. The morphological characterization data of the isolate were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and for disease severity, the linear regression model was applied the first-degree model. The variance analysis was performed for the linear and angular coefficients obtained for each treatment. When a difference was found, the Scott-Knott clustering algorithm at 5% significance was applied. The isolate had gray-green colonies, a cottony appearance, and an irregular shape. The lines L353, L354, and L624 show more resistance at the beginning and throughout the evaluations. The high virulence of the CF/UENF 501 isolate made it possible to differentiate the lines in terms of disease intensity and the pattern of symptoms presented.

Resumo Mancha-de-Bipolaris é uma das mais importantes doenças foliares do milho. Estratégias de manejo adequadas e o uso de cultivar resistente permitem o controle da doença, mas para tanto, conhecer os aspectos associados ao patógeno e a resposta do hospedeiro é necessário para traçar estratégias eficientes para seleção de genótipos resistentes a essa doença. Neste sentido, objetivou-se realizar a caracterização do isolado de Bipolaris maydis avaliando a patogenicidade em diferentes linhagens de milho-pipoca e os sintomas gerados no hospedeiro a partir da inoculação. A caracterização do isolado consistiu na avaliação macromorfológica das colônias e micromofológica dos conídios em meio nutritivo BDA. Para avaliação da patogenicidade do isolado foi conduzido um experimento em casa de vegetação utilizando 20 linhagens endogâmicas de milho-pipoca, com delineamento em blocos casualizados, com quatro repetições. A inoculação foi realizada por meio de pulverização em folhas, com uma suspensão contendo 1,0 x 104 conídios.ml-1 do isolado CF/UENF 501 de B. maydis. Foi realizada uma avaliação de incidência e três avaliações de severidade dos sintomas da doença, com o intervalo de sete dias para cada avaliação. Os dados da caracterização morfológica do isolado foram analisados por meio da estatística descritiva e para severidade da doença foi aplicado o modelo de regressão linear de primeiro grau. Realizou-se a análise de variância para o coeficiente linear e angular obtido para cada tratamento e quando constatada diferença aplicou-se o agrupamento de médias de Scott-knott a 5% de significância. O isolado apresentou colônias com coloração cinza esverdeado, aspecto algodonoso e forma irregular. As linhagens L353 e L354 e L624 estão entre as linhagens que apresentaram maior resistência no inicio e ao longo das avaliações. A elevada virulência do isolado CF/UENF 501 possibilitou diferenciar as linhagens quanto a intensidade da doença, bem como o padrão dos sintomas apresentados.

Influenza A infections: predictors of disease severity.

Influenza affects approximately 10% of the world's population annually. It is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates due to its propensity to progress to severe acute respiratory infection, leading to 10-40% of hospitalized patients needing intensive care. Characterizing the multifactorial predictors of poor prognosis is essential for developing strategies against this disease. This study aimed to identify predictors of disease severity in influenza A-infected (IFA-infected) patients and to propose a prognostic score. A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted with 142 IFA-infected out- and inpatients treated at a tertiary hospital between 2010 and 2018. The viral subtypes, hemagglutinin mutations, viral load, IL-28B SNPs, and clinical risk factors were evaluated according to the patient's ICU admission. Multivariate analysis identified the following risk factors for disease severity: neuromuscular diseases (OR = 7.02; 95% CI = 1.18-41.75; p = 0.032), cardiovascular diseases (OR = 5.47; 95% CI = 1.96-15.27; p = 0.001), subtype (H1N1) pdm09 infection (OR = 2.29; 95% CI = 1.02-5.15; p = 0.046), and viral load (OR = 1.43; 95% CI = 1.09-1.88; p = 0.009). The prognosis score for ICU admission is based on these predictors of severity presented and ROC curve AUC = 0.812 (p < 0.0001). Our results identified viral and host predictors of disease severity in IFA-infected patients, yielding a prognostic score that had a high performance in predicting the IFA patients' ICU admission and better results than a viral load value alone. However, its implementation in health services needs to be validated in a broader population.

Effluent toxicity study using biomarkers for ciprofloxacin photoelectrocatalytic degradation by bismuth-doped titanium dioxide nanotubes.

Ciprofloxacin hydrochloride (CIP) is a broad-spectrum synthetic antibiotic often found in domestic sewage and industrial waste due to the inefficiency of conventional treatments. Given the potential risk of drug accumulation, this study presents coatings of titanium dioxide nanotubes (TiO2) doped with different bismuth (Bi) concentrations to degrade CIP through photocatalytic and photoelectrochemical processes. Characterization studies revealed that bismuth (Bi) doping affected the morphology of the materials, with concentrations of 0.01 and 0.05 mol L-1, resulting in collapsed materials with a smaller active surface area. Photocatalysis tests for all the materials exhibited a similar degree of efficiency to photolysis, approximately 33%. Ecotoxicity tests using the biomarkers Lactuca sativa L., Lemna minor, and Artemia salina indicated that, although they were similar to photolysis in terms of efficiency, the effluents generated when employing the doped catalysts showed lower levels of toxicity, with the best results achieved for the material doped with 0.005 mol L-1 of Bi, with a toxicity level approximately 40% lower. Photoelectrocatalysis proved to be the most efficient CIP degradation technique. The highest degradation rate was observed for materials doped with 0.005 mol L-1 of Bi, with an efficiency of 46%, which is 1.4 times more efficient than photolysis. These results demonstrate that materials doped with low amounts of Bi can be effectively used as photoanodes for drug degradation, as their performance is superior, and the final product generated exhibits low toxicity to living organisms.

Characterization of the Bipolaris maydis: symptoms and pathogenicity in popcorn genotypes (Zea mays L.).

Southern corn leaf blight (SCLB) is one of the most important corn leaf diseases. Appropriate management strategies and the use of resistant cultivars allow disease control. Therefore, knowing the aspects related to the pathogen and the response of hosts makes it possible to design efficient strategies for selecting genotypes resistant to this disease. In this sense, the objective was to carry out the Bipolaris maydis isolate characterization, evaluating the pathogenicity in different popcorn lines and the symptoms generated in the host after inoculation. The isolate characterization consisted of the macromorphological evaluation of the colonies and the micromorphological evaluation of the conidia in the PDA medium. An experiment was carried out in a greenhouse to evaluate the pathogenicity of the isolate, using 20 inbred lines of popcorn in a randomized block design with four replicates. Inoculation was carried out by spraying leaves, with a suspension containing 1.0 x 104 conidia.ml-1 of the CF/UENF 501 isolate of B. maydis. An incidence assessment and three assessments of disease symptom severity were performed, with seven days intervals between evaluations. The morphological characterization data of the isolate were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and for disease severity, the linear regression model was applied the first-degree model. The variance analysis was performed for the linear and angular coefficients obtained for each treatment. When a difference was found, the Scott-Knott clustering algorithm at 5% significance was applied. The isolate had gray-green colonies, a cottony appearance, and an irregular shape. The lines L353, L354, and L624 show more resistance at the beginning and throughout the evaluations. The high virulence of the CF/UENF 501 isolate made it possible to differentiate the lines in terms of disease intensity and the pattern of symptoms presented.

Standardization of a high-performance RT-qPCR for viral load absolute quantification of influenza A.

Influenza is an acute viral infectious respiratory disease worldwide, presenting in different clinical forms, from influenza-like illness (ILI) to severe acute respiratory infection (SARI). Although real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) is already an important tool for both diagnosis and treatment monitoring of several viral infections, the correlation between the clinical aspects and the viral load of influenza is still unclear. This lack of clarity is primarily due to the low accuracy and reproducibility of the methodologies developed to quantify the influenza virus. Thus, this study aimed to develop and standardize a universal absolute quantification for influenza A by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), using a plasmid DNA. The assay showed efficiency (Eff%) 98.6, determination coefficient (R2) 0.998, linear range 10^1 to 10^10, limit of detection (LOD) 6.77, limit of quantification (LOQ) 20.52 copies/reaction. No inter and intra assay variability was shown, and neither was the matrix effect observed. Serial measurements of clinical samples collected at a 72h interval showed no change in viral load. By contrast, immunocompetent patients have a significantly lower viral load than immunosuppressed ones. Absolute quantification in clinical samples showed some predictors associated with increased viral load: (H1N1)pdm09 (0.045); women (p = 0.049) and asthmatics (p = 0.035). The high efficiency, precision, and previous performance in clinical samples suggest the assay can be used as an accurate universal viral load quantification of influenza A. Its applicability in predicting severity and response to antivirals needs to be evaluated.

Molecular epidemiology of astrovirus in children with gastroenteritis in southwestern Nigeria.

Human astrovirus (HAstV) is recognized as one of the major causative agents of acute gastroenteritis in children worldwide. Data on the genetic diversity of HAstV in Nigeria are limited. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and molecular epidemiology of classical HAstV in children under 5 years of age with acute gastroenteritis in Ogun State, Nigeria. Fecal samples (331) as well as socio-demographic and clinical data were collected across the three senatorial districts of the state from February 2015 to April 2017. One hundred seventy-five samples were randomly selected and analyzed for the presence of HAstV using RT-PCR. PCR amplicons from positive samples were sequenced, and phylogenetic analysis was done to determine genotypes and lineages. The overall prevalence rate was 19.4% (34), with the highest occurrence observed in 2015 (41.4%). Viral coinfections were detected in 13 cases (38.2%). HAstV infection occurred throughout the year and in all age groups, mainly in the age group of 0-12 months. There was significant association between prevalence rate and collection year; however, no association was observed with gender, age, symptoms or risk factors. HAstV-5 was the predominant genotype (76.5%) circulating throughout the study period, followed by HAstV-1 (23.5%), which circulated only in the first 2 years of the study. Phylogenetic analysis showed that all HAstV-5 strains detected belonged to the 5a lineage, while HAstV-1 strains were grouped into lineage 1b. This study, to the best of our knowledge, is the first comprehensive report on molecular characterization of classical HAstV among children with gastroenteritis in the country, and this will serve as baseline information for implementing appropriate infection control practices.

Effects of 17ß-estradiol on early gonadal development and expression of genes implicated in sexual differentiation of a South American teleost, Astyanax altiparanae.

Gonadal sex differentiation in teleost fish shows greater plasticity as compared to other vertebrates, as it can be influenced by a variety of factors such as exogenous sex steroids. Exogenous estrogens, such as 17ß-estradiol (E2), can induce feminization when administered during early embryonic development. However, the mechanisms underlying the E2-induced feminization are not fully understood, especially in Neotropical species. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of E2 administration on the phenotypic sex characteristics, histological assessment of the gonads, and the expression of selected genes in Astyanax altiparanae exposed to dietary E2 prior to gonadal differentiation. At 4 days post-hatch (dph), groups of 30-40 undifferentiated larvae were fed with a diet containing varying amounts of E2 for 28 days, and fish were sampled at 90 dph. Previous studies revealed that ovary formation in A. altiparanae occurred at 58 dph, whereas the first sign of testis formation was found at 73 dph. In relation to the control, E2 exposure increased the proportion of phenotypic females in 120% and 148.4% for 4 and 6 mg E2/Kg, respectively. However, histological analysis revealed that treatments did not affect gonadal sex ratio between males and females, but induced intersex (testis-ova) in the group treated with 6 mg E2/Kg food. Treatment with E2 also altered gonadal transcript levels of a selected number of genes implicated in sexual differentiation. Males overexpressed dmrt1, sox9 and amh following E2 treatment as compared to control. Females showed increased mRNA levels of dmrt1 and sox9, which might be related to the down-regulation of cyp19a1a after E2 exposure. In summary, E2 exposure during early gonadal development affected male secondary characteristics without changing the gonadal sex ratio, and altered expression of genes implicated in sexual differentiation.

Enterovirus D68-associated respiratory infection in southern Brazil, 2018 - A population-based laboratory surveillance.

Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) strain was confirmed in 36/69-52.2% of enterovirus-positive samples collected through surveillance networks for severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) and influenza-like illness (ILI) in southern Brazil in 2018. This finding settles the sustained circulation of EV-D68 in southern Brazil.

Genetic control and combining ability of agronomic attributes and northern leaf blight-related attributes in popcorn.

The present study was conducted to investigate the genetic control and to estimate the general and specific combining abilities of popcorn for agronomic attributes and attributes related to resistance to northern leaf blight (NLB). The 56 hybrids (F1 and reciprocals), together with the eight parent lines and six controls, were evaluated in two harvests, in a randomized-block design with four replications. Dominance components were more expressive than the additive components for grain yield and expression of resistance, and hybridization was the most suitable option for obtaining resistant and productive genotypes. For grain yield, popping expansion, and resistance to NLB, there was no significance for reciprocal effects, which indicates that the direction in which the cross is performed does not interfere with the hybrid's performance. Then, the superior hybrids recommended for more profitable growth were P8 x L61, L61 x L76, and L61 x L77.

Metabolizabilidade da energia de farinhas mistas contendo silagem de peixes para frangos de corte / Energy metabolizability of mixed flour containing fish silage for broiler chicken

Objetivou-se com este trabalho determinar o valor nutricional e os valores de energia metabolizável aparente (EMA) e EMA corrigida para o balanço de nitrogênio (EMAn) de quatro farinhas mistas contendo silagem de resíduo de filetagem de tilápia para frangos de corte do tipo crescimento lento com 28 a 38 dias de idade. Analisou-se a composição físico-química das silagens e, em seguida, realizou-se um ensaio de metabolismo pelo método de coleta total de excretas com 180 pintos machos da linhagem Vermelho Pesadão Francês, distribuídos em um delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, com cinco tratamentos, seis repetições e seis aves por unidade experimental. Os tratamentos consistiram de uma ração referência (RR) e quatro dietas teste compostas de 70% da (RR), com a inclusão de 30% de farinha mista contendo silagem de peixes produzida com o farelo de algaroba (SFA), com a farinha de varredura de mandioca (SFVM), com o farelo de milho (SFM) e com a casca da mandioca (SCM). Os valores para composição físico-química das SFA, SFVM, SFM, SCM foram de 20,63, 20,76, 21,99 e 14,54% de proteína bruta; 17,04, 23,22, 21,97 e 20,27% de extrato etéreo; 7,53, 7,79, 8,65 e 8,83% de matéria mineral; 23,07, 10,55, 16,81 e 12,34% de fibra bruta; 1,79, 2,30, 1,57 e 2,72% de cálcio; 1,12, 1,72, 1,45 e 1,94% de fósforo; 532, 528, 598 e 508 densidade, g/L; 4,5, 4,0, 4,4 e 4,4 de pH. Quanto aos valores de EMA e EMAn das farinhas mistas contendo silagem de peixes em base de matéria seca, foram, respectivamente, 3560kcal/kg e 3402kcal/kg para a SFA, 3574kcal/kg e 3415kcal/kg para a SFVM, 3570kcal/kg e 3412kcal/kg para a SFVM e 3571kcal/kg e 3413kcal/kg para a SCM, com a SFA apresentando menor valor (P=0,01). Com base nos resultados, as silagens contendo restos de peixe podem ser utilizadas em dietas para frangos de corte.(AU)

The objective of this study was to determine the nutritional value and the values of Apparent Metabolizable Energy (AME) and AME corrected for nitrogen balance (AMEn) of four mixed meals containing fish silage for slow growth type broiler chickens at 28-38 days of age. The physicochemical composition of the silage was analyzed and then a metabolism trial was performed using total excreta collection method with 180 male chicks of Red French Pesadão lineage distributed in a completely randomized design with five treatments and six replicates of six birds per experimental unit. Treatments consisted of a basal diet (RR) and four test diets containing 70% (RR), with the inclusion of 30% of mixed flour containing fish silage produced with mesquite meal (SFA) with flour of cassava meal (SFVM), with corn meal (SFM), and dehydrated cassava peel (SCM). The values for physico-chemical composition of the SFA, SFVM, SFM, SCM, were 20,63, 20.76, 21.99, and 14.54% of crude protein; 17.04, 23.22, 21.97 and 20.27% of ethereal extract; 7.53, 7.79, 8.65, and 8.83% of mineral matter; 23,07, 10,55, 16,81, and 12,34% of crude fiber; 1.79, 2.30, 1.57, and 2.72% of calcium; 1.12, 1.72, 1.45, and 1.94% of phosphorus; 532, 528, 598, and 508 of density, g / L; 4.5, 4.0, 4.4, and 4.4 of pH. As for AME and AMEn of the flours containing fish silage on dry matter basis, values were of, respectively, 3560 kcal/kg and 3402 kcal/kg for the SFA, 3574 kcal/kg and 3415 kcal/kg for SFVM, 3570 kcal/kg and 3412 kcal/kg for SFVM, and 3571 kcal/kg and 3413 kcal/kg for SCM, with the SFA showing lowest value. Based on the results, silage containing fish waste can be used in diets for broilers.(AU)

Intestinal development of bovine foetuses during gestation is affected by foetal sex and maternal nutrition.

We aimed to evaluate the effects of maternal nutrition (MN) and foetal sex on the intestinal development of bovine foetuses throughout different days of gestation (DG). Forty-four multiparous, dry Holstein × Gyr cows with average initial body weight of 480 ± 10 kg were fed the same diet of either restricted feeding at 1.15% of body weight (CO, n = 24) or fed ad libitum (overnourished, ON, n = 20). Six cows from CO group and five cows from ON group were slaughtered at 139, 199, 241 and 268 DG, and foetuses were necropsied to evaluate the intestinal development. The mass, length and density of foetal intestines were not affected by MN (p ≥ 0.260). An interaction between MN and DG was observed for the villi length of jejunum (p = 0.006) and ileum (p < 0.001). Villi length of jejunum and ileum was higher (p < 0.10) in foetuses from ON-fed cows than in foetuses from CO-fed cows at 139 DG. However, at 199 DG, the villi length of jejunum and ileum of foetuses from CO-fed cows was higher than in foetuses from ON-fed cows. Despite these differences, MN did not affect the villi length of jejunum and ileum at 268 DG (p > 0.10). Female foetuses had greater small intestine mass (p = 0.093), large intestine mass (p = 0.022), small intestine mass in proportion to body mass (p = 0.017) and large intestine mass in proportion to body mass (p < 0.001) than male foetuses. Female foetuses had also longer small intestine (p = 0.077) and greater small intestine density (p = 0.021) and villi length of jejunum (p = 0.001) and ileum (p = 0.010) than males. We conclude that MN affects the pathway for the development of foetal villi length throughout the gestation in bovine foetuses without changing the final villi length. Female foetuses had higher intestinal mass, density and villi length than males during the foetal phase in bovines.

Determinação da energia metabolizável do farelo residual do milho com e sem enzima em dietas para frangos de corte / Determination of the metabolizable energy of residual corn bran with and without enzyme in diets for broilers

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o valor nutricional e determinar a energia metabolizável do farelo residual de milho (FRM) sem e com o uso da enzima alfa- amilase. Foi realizado um experimento de metabolismo com 180 pintos machos Cobb com 14 dias, distribuídos em um delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, com seis tratamentos, cinco repetições e seis aves por parcela. As dietas experimentais foram: T1: ração referência (RR), T2: 60% T1 + 40% de FRM, T3: RR + enzima, T4: 60% T1 + 40% de FRM com adição de enzima, T5: RR com substituição de 100% do milho pelo FRM e T6: RR com substituição de 100% do milho pelo FRM com adição de enzima. A composição química do FRM foi: 88,33% de matéria seca (MS), 10,23% de proteína bruta (PB), 15,44% de extrato etéreo (EE), 4,33% de cinzas (CZ) e 4555kcal/kg de energia bruta (EB). Os valores dos coeficientes de metabolizabilidade aparente para o FRM sem e com adição de enzima foram, respectivamente, de 73,37% e 76,33% para MS (p=0,0136), 70,44% e 70,39% para PB (p=0,9595) e de 74,79% e 76,77% para EB (p=0,0128). Os valores da energia metabolizável aparente (EMA) e da EMA corrigida para retenção de nitrogênio (EMAn) para o FRM (na base natural) foram de 3322±19 e 3241±18kcal/kg e de 3334±16 e 3261±17kcal/kg, respectivamente, sem e com adição de enzima. A adição da enzima não teve efeito estatístico significativo sobre os valores de EMA e EMAn, entretanto houve efeito positivo no coeficiente de metabolização da energia.(AU)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the nutritional value and the metabolizable energy of residual corn bran (FRM) with and without the use of alpha amylase enzyme. One metabolism assay was done using 180 Ross male broilers at 14 days of age distributed in an entirely randomized design with six treatments, five replications and six broilers per plot. The assay treatments established were: T1: reference diet (RR), T2: 60% T1 + 40% of FRM, T3: T1 (RR) + enzyme addition, T4: 60% T1 + 40% of FRM with enzyme addition, T5: T1 (RR) with 100% replacement of corn by FRM and T6: T1 (RR) with 100% replacement of corn by FRM with enzyme addition. FRM chemical composition was: 88.33% of dry matter (MS), 10.23% of crude protein (PB), 15.44% of crude fat (EE), 4.33% of ashes (CZ) and 4555Kcal/kg of Gross Energy (EB). The FRM apparent metabolizability coefficients with and without the enzyme addition were, respectively, 73.37% and 76.33% for MS (p=0.0136), 70.44% and 70.39% for PB (p=0.9595) and 74.79% and 76.77% for EB (p=0.0128). The apparent metabolizable energy (EMA) and EMA corrected for nitrogen retention values (as is basis) were 3322±19 and 3241±18Kcal/kg and 3334±16 and 3261±17Kcal/kg, respectively, for with and without the enzyme addition to FRM. The enzyme addition had no statistical significance on the EMA and EMAn values, however, a significant effect on energy metabolizability coefficient was observed.(AU)

Inference of genetic diversity in popcorn S3 progenies.

Molecular markers are a useful tool for identification of complementary heterotic groups in breeding programs aimed at the production of superior hybrids, particularly for crops such as popcorn in which heterotic groups are not well-defined. The objective of the present study was to analyze the genetic diversity of 47 genotypes of tropical popcorn to identify possible heterotic groups for the development of superior hybrids. Four genotypes of high genetic value were studied: hybrid IAC 125, strain P2, and varieties UENF 14 and BRS Angela. In addition, 43 endogamous S3 progenies obtained from variety UENF 14 were used. Twenty-five polymorphic SSR-EST markers were analyzed. A genetic distance matrix was obtained and the following molecular diversity parameters were estimated: number of alleles, number of effective alleles, polymorphism information content (PIC), observed and expected heterozygosities, Shannon diversity index, and coefficient of inbreeding. We found a moderate PIC and high diversity index, indicating that the studied population presents both good discriminatory ability and high informativeness for the utilized markers. The dendrogram built based on the dissimilarity matrix indicated six distinct groups. Our findings demonstrate the genetic diversity among the evaluated genotypes and provide evidence for heterotic groups in popcorn. Furthermore, the functional genetic diversity indicates that there are informative genetic markers for popcorn.

Optimization of diacylglycerol production by glycerolysis of fish oil catalyzed by Lipozyme TL IM with Tween 65.

The diacylglycerols (DAG) are emulsifiers with high added value used as functional additives in food, medicine, and cosmetic industries. In glycerolysis of oils for the production of DAG, the immiscibility between the substrates (glycerol and oil phases) has to be overcome, for example, by the addition of a food grade surfactant like Tween 65. The main objective of this work was to optimize the process conditions for obtaining diacylglycerols rich in the omega-3 eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acids, through the enzymatic glycerolysis of fish oil, in systems with Tween 65 and without this surfactant, using Lipozyme TL(®) IM as biocatalyst. The experiments were performed according to predetermined conditions varying the temperature, enzyme load, the oil to glycerol molar ratio and, when added, the surfactant load. After 6 h of reaction, it was possible to produce up to 20.76 and 13.76% of diacylglycerols from fish oil in the reactions with and without Tween 65, respectively.

Photocytotoxicity of a cyanine dye with two chromophores toward melanoma and normal cells.

BACKGROUND: Due to high optical absorption, triplet quantum yield and affinity to biological structures bichromophoric cyanine dyes (BCDs) can be considered promising sensitizers for application in photodynamic therapy (PDT). In this work, we report on the study of the BCD photocytotoxicity toward melanoma and normal cells in comparison with that of commercial photosensitizer Photogem®. METHODS: The cytotoxic and phototoxic effects were measured by standard tests of cell viability. The drug uptake was obtained by the flow cytometry and optical absorption techniques. The BCD intracellular distribution was obtained by the fluorescence image microscopy using specific organelle markers. RESULTS: Both drugs demonstrated increased cytotoxicity under irradiation, while in darkness their cytotoxic effect at concentrations lower than 20 µM after 24 h of incubation did not exceed 20%. For 5 h of incubation, BCD photocytotoxicity in relation to melanoma cells reached 100% already at concentrations below 5 µM, while for normal cells the effect did not exceed 70% even for the 20 µM concentration. It is shown that BCD penetrates into the cells and is located predominantly in perinuclear cytoplasmic structures. CONCLUSIONS: The BCD photosensitizing characteristics appear more adequate for application in PDT than that of the actually applied commercial photosensitizer Photogem®. Higher light absorption by BCD in the near IR region and its preferential localization in mitochondria can explain its high photocytotoxicity. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE: BCD can be considered as a new promising photosensitizer class for cancer PDT.

Anti-inflammatory and cicatrizing activities of thymol, a monoterpene of the essential oil from Lippia gracilis, in rodents.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Lippia gracilis Schauer (Verbenaceae) has long been recognized in folk medicine as a medicinal plant. The essential oil of Lippia gracilis has antimicrobial activity and is used externally to treat cutaneous diseases, burns, wounds, and ulcers. Recently, our research group demonstrated that the essential oil of Lippia gracilis leaves possesses antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory actions and its major component identified was thymol. The objective of this study was to assess the anti-inflammatory and wound healing activities of thymol in rodents. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For the anti-inflammatory analysis the paw oedema and peritonitis models were used, followed by the assessment of the mieloperoxidase (MPO) activity, total cell counting, and histological analysis. The animals were treated (i.p., n=6/group) with thymol (10, 30, and 100 mg/kg), dexamethasone (2 mg/kg), or vehicle (1% Tween 80). In order to assess the wound healing potential, thymol was vehiculated into collagen-based dressing films and a biological wound healing test was conducted. The retraction index of the wounds and histological analysis were performed on the 3rd, 7th, 14th, and 21th days, split into three groups: undressed wounds (CTR), dressed with collagen-based films (COL), and dressed with collagen-based containing thymol (COLTHY) films. RESULTS: Thymol reduced significantly the oedema (100 mg/kg, P<0.001) and, besides, diminished the influx of leukocytes to the injured area (10, 30, and 100 mg/kg), according to the assessment of MPO activity (P<0.001), total cell count (P<0.05), and histological analysis. Wounds dressed with COLTHY films showed significantly bigger wound retraction rates (7 and 14 day, P<0.05) and improved the granulation reaction, as well provided better collagenization density and arrangement during wound healing. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that thymol is a promising compound to be used in treatment of inflammatory processes as well as wound healing. The pharmacological actions of Lippia gracilis in popular medicine practices may be related, at least in part, to the presence of thymol in the essential oil.

Effect of methylene blue on the hemodynamic instability resulting from liver ischemia and reperfusion in rabbits.

The experimental investigation was performed to study the effects of methylene blue (MB) on hemodynamic, biochemical, and tissue changes among rabbits undergoing liver ischemia and reperfusion (IR). Twenty-four rabbits were randomized into 5 groups: 1, SHAM, control; 2, MB infusion bolus (3 mg/kg); 3, IR, hepatic ischemia for 60 minutes followed by 120 minutes of reperfusion; 4, MB-R, undergoing ischemia that had received an MB bolus infusion (3 mg/kg) prior to reperfusion; 5, R-MB, undergoing ischemia and MB bolus infusion after hemodynamic instability caused by reperfusion. The analysis included continuous recording of vital signs. Blood samples were collected at 0, 60, and 180 minutes of IR to determine blood gases as well as biochemical markers of liver function, nitric oxide, lipid peroxidation, and neutrophil activity. At the end of each experiment, liver tissue samples were collected for histological evaluation of parenchymae markers. Statistical analysis used two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests with significance set at P<.05. Vital signs significantly improved with MB infusion, irrespective of whether it was applied before or after reperfusion. Blood gas data revealed different patterns among the SHAM, MB, IR, MB-R, and R-MB groups, without statistical significance, except for favorable lactate results in the R-MB group (P<.01), which displayed greater survival. Biochemical tests did not show significant differences among the groups, whereas histological analysis revealed favorable appearances for the MB-R and R-MB groups. The MB effect lasted long after reperfusion, suggesting that improvement in the hemodynamic parameters was not based on liver integrity, but rather was possibly related to endothelial function.

Lactic acid bacteria in the inhibition of Fusarium graminearum and deoxynivalenol detoxification.

AIMS: Considering the agronomic and industrial damage that is caused by the fungus Fusarium graminearum, as well as the serious health risks it poses to humans and animals exposed to F. graminearum-produced mycotoxin deoxynivalenol (DON), this study evaluated the ability of different lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains to inhibit fungal development and remove DON in vitro. METHODS AND RESULTS: The antagonistic effects of strains and commercial cultures of LAB were evaluated against F. graminearum IAPAR 2218 by the agar diffusion method. Additionally, the influence of the culture media, pH and the presence of lactic and acetic acid on these effects was tested. The capacity to remove DON by viable cells and heat-inactivated cells was analysed in liquid media and quantified by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). All isolated strains and commercial cultures inhibited the fungus and removed DON. The pH and culture media concentration did not influence these abilities, but heat inactivation had a strong effect on the ability of bacteria to remove mycotoxin. CONCLUSIONS: The isolated bacteria are able to inhibit F. graminearum growth and remove DON in vitro. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This study suggests potential application of the isolated LAB strains in the inhibition of F. graminearum IAPAR 2218 and DON removal in vitro.

Novel series of (177)Lu-labeled bombesin derivatives with amino acidic spacers for selective targeting of human PC-3 prostate tumor cells.

AIM: Bombesin (BBN) has demonstrated the ability to bind with high affinity and specificity to GRP receptor, overexpressed on human prostate cancer. A large number of BBN derivatives have been synthesized for this purpose but most of them exhibit high abdominal accumulation, which may represent a problem in their clinical use due to serious side effects to patients. In this study we describe the results of radiolabeling with lutetium-177, stability and in vivo studies of novel phenyl-glycine-extended bombesin derivatives. The spacers were inserted to improve bombesin in vivo properties and to reduce its target to non-tumor sites. METHODS: Preliminary studies were done to establish the ideal conditions for labeling bombesin derivatives. Chromatography systems were applied to determine free lutetium and the stability of the preparations was evaluated either after storing at 2-8 ºC or incubation in human serum at 37 ºC. In vivo experiments included biodistribution, pharmacokinetics and SPECT images and were performed in Balb-c and Nude mice bearing PC-3 xenografts. RESULTS: The derivatives were labeled with high yield and kept stable at 2-8 ºC and are metabolized by human serum enzymes. In vivo studies showed fast blood clearance of labeled peptides and rapid excretion, performed mainly by renal pathway. In addition, biodistribution and imaging studies showed low abdominal accumulation and significant and specific tumor uptake of (177)Lu-labeled derivatives. CONCLUSIONS: The derivative with longer spacer holds a higher potential as radiopharmaceutical for prostate tumor diagnosis and the derivatives with shorter spacers are potential radiopharmaceuticals for prostate tumor treatment.