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Artificial neural network model for water consumption prediction in dairy farms
Full text linkThis work presents a model based on artificial neural network (ANN) applied to predict water consumption in Brazilian dairy farms. Inputs were simple process data such as number of lactating cows, milk productivity, type of management, among others, with low computational cost and satisfactory data prediction. Data used for ANN training was acquired during two years from 31 farms in semi-confined dairy production. The analysis of the results was based on the following statistical models’ indicators: R2 (Coefficient of determination), BIAS (trend coefficient), MAE (mean absolute error), RMSE (Root-mean-square deviation), NRMSE (percentage of the mean of the observations) and RAE (Relative absolute error). After performing the ANN training, the results showed good accuracy to predict water consumption in Brazilian dairy farms, with an average absolute error of 28.4% being obtained. On the other hand, considering the dataset used for ANN validation, an average absolute error of 48% was obtained
Synthesis of (-) - 6,6\u27-dinitrohinokinin from hinokinin natural product and in silico and in vitro trypanocidal activity assessment
Full text linkChagas disease is a public health problem affecting approximately seven million people worldwide. Thus, there is a need to discover drugs for the adequate treatment of this disease because currently available drugs have serious side effects. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the in vitro trypanocidal activity of (-)-6,6\u27-dinitrohinokinin, obtained from the partial synthesis of (-)-hinokinin, on the trypomastigotes and amastigotes forms. For the trypomastigote assay, blood was collected from mice infected with Trypanosoma cruzi through cardiac puncture at the parasitemic peak. The results show that (-)-6,6\u27-dinitrohinokinin was effective against the trypomastigote forms, presenting an IC50 of 19.83 µM and lysis percentage values of 78.4% and 69.4% at concentrations of 200 and 100 µM, respectively. Molecular docking calculations indicate that (-)-6,6\u27-dinitrohinokinin favorably interacts with the amino acids present in the active site of the protein trypanothione reductase, a typical target for anti-trypanosomal drug development. According to the results, the (-)-6,6\u27-dinitrohinokinin showed more significant trypanocidal activity with IC50 of 1.83 µM than benzonidazole positive control with IC50 of 53.2 µM, showing to be a prototype molecule promising for the development of a new antiparasitic drug
A meta-analysis of physicochemical changes in the rhizosphere and bulk soil under woodlands
Full text linkMonoculture for timber production has been replacing natural environments as the demand for renewable energy sources increases. The lack of nutrient compensation may increase the risk of soil depletion, thus changing soil properties. To summarize the impact of forestry activities in edaphic environments, we present a meta-analysis on the rhizosphere effects of coniferous and broadleaved trees established as monoculture and natural regeneration on soil physicochemical properties. Records of soil attributes published in peer-reviewed journals from eight countries were collected. Clay content changed only in monoculture sites, decreasing 55.51% in the rhizosphere, while silt and sand presented significant variations in both monoculture and naturally regenerated areas. Conifers affected the soil more than broadleaved trees, evidenced by higher pH reduction (-2.96% vs. -1.98%) and higher increase of Al3+ (197.43% vs. 50.68%), K+ (80.40% vs. 69.90%), CEC (24.61% vs. 17.35%), and total organic carbon (82.21% vs. 69.89%). Also, the rhizosphere affected regeneration soils more than monoculture, indicated by higher Al3+ (50.68% vs. ns) and available P (32.31% vs. ns), K+ (203.44% vs. ns), CEC (34.90% vs. 20.93), and total organic carbon (91.55% vs. 63.23%). These results indicate higher nutrient availability in naturally regenerated than monoculture sites, as higher species diversity and better plant litter quality are expected. This meta-analysis shows that coniferous and naturally regenerated trees had a higher influence on the rhizosphere and soil properties than broadleaved and monocultures. Management practices must be revisited to ensure the long-term sustainability of forestry activity, and studies in tropical zones must be intensified
Dodecanoic acid induces oxidative stress-mediated death in liver cancer cells through the mitochondrial pathway
Full text linkIt has been reported that dodecanoic acid (DDA) exerts anticancer effects on cancers of the reproductive system and digestive system. However, its role in liver cancer and its potential mechanism have rarely been defined. Therefore, in this study, Hepa 1-6 liver cancer cells were incubated with different DDA concentrations (0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 1, 2, 4 mM) for 24, 48 and 72h, and the optimal DDA concentration was determined via a cell viability test. Apoptosis and cell cycle distribution were determined by flow cytometry. SOD activity, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), ATP, GSH and ROS levels were measured by commercial assay kits; Bcl-2, Bax and Caspase-3 protein levels were analyzed by western blot. The results showed that 0.5 mM DDA decreased cell viability in a time-dependent manner, so this concentration was used to investigate how DDA leads to Hepa 1-6 cell apoptosis. After treatment with DDA, a significant, time-dependent increase in the cell apoptotic rate was detected despite the accumulation of S-phase cells. The increased ROS levels and decreased GSH levels and SOD activity in DDA-treated cells indicated the occurrence of oxidative stress. Mitochondrial dysfunction was evidenced by a decreased MMP and reduced ATP levels. Cell apoptotic death via the mitochondrial pathway was indicated by a reduced Bcl-2/Bax ratio and increased caspase-3 protein levels. It can be concluded that DDA can effectively trigger liver cancer cell death by inducing oxidative stress and disrupting mitochondrial function. These findings provide new insight into the potential mechanism of action of DDA in liver cancer
Evaluation of behavioral responses to restraint stress in the house mouse (Mus musculus musculus) of wild origin
Full text linkStress is a fundamental concept for many areas of animal research. In laboratory rodents, exposure to various stressors results in immediate and postponed behavioral changes that can be measured with standard tests. Less is known about how wild rodents that have not undergone domestication respond to stressors in laboratory settings. This study was aimed at evaluating behavioral responses to restraint stress in male and female wild-derived house mice (Mus musculus musculus). One week after the end of three daily restraint sessions, alterations in mouse behavior were assessed in two tests. In the open field test, stressed mice (n = 23) entered the unprotected central zone less frequently (P < 0.05) and showed increased duration of self-grooming (P < 0.05) compared to controls (n = 23), indicating elevated anxiety. In the forced swim test, most mice (44 out of 46) displayed episodes of behavioral despair, but the influence of stress was insignificant. To characterize baseline performance of wild-derived mice, their behavior was compared to that of a laboratory strain. As compared to C57BL/6 males (n = 10), M. m. musculus males (n = 14) showed significantly greater exploratory activity in the open field and longer latency of the first immobility episode in the forced swim test (P < 0.001). Overall, these findings confirm ecological validity of the widely used animal model of restraint stress and may serve as a basis for future studies
Genotypic reaction of chickpea to Fusarium oxysporum and seed sanitary quality
Full text linkThis research investigated the reaction of chickpea genotypes to Fusarium oxysporum CML 2878, seed health quality, and seed treatment with Carbendazim + Thiram fungicide. The roots of 15-day-old chickpea seedlings were injured, immersed in fungal suspension (4.5 x 107 conidia/mL), and transplanted. Thirty days later, F. oxysporum incidence in the genotypes, pathogenicity, and fresh mass and length of the root and shoot were evaluated. The conducted seed health test followed the incubation methodology on a paper substrate. The seed health and sand emergence tests used a factorial arrangement with two seed treatments (treated with fungicide and untreated) and nine genotypes. Total emergence and the number of normal and abnormal plants were evaluated. All genotypes were susceptible to F. oxysporum CML 2878, thus yellowing and browning the leaves and reducing root development. The primary fungi associated with the seeds of the studied genotypes were Aspergillus sp., Fusarium sp., Rhizopus sp., and Penicillium sp. The fungicide was highly efficient in fungal control but reduced emergence, weight, seedling height, and the number of normal seedlings in the genotypes. This study demonstrated that the evaluated genotypes were susceptible to F. oxysporum CML 2878 and Fusarium sp., spread by seeds. Although fungicidal control was efficient for Fusarium, it may interfere with chickpea germination and vigor
Multifunctional fluorescent Pseudomonas: effects on maize development and tools for their selection
Full text linkMaize is one of the most cultivated cereals worldwide. Despite the low nutrient availability in the soil, high amounts of fertilizers are applied causing economic and environmental impacts. Then, Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) as Fluorescent Pseudomonas can be utilized as an alternative. The present work aims to analyze the effect of Pseudomonas isolates on maize development and production and verify the relationship between growth mechanisms and IAA production. Sixteen Pseudomonas isolates were tested in vitro to produce IAA, ACC deaminase, siderophores, and solubilize Fe and Al phosphates. Three isolates (CBSAL02, CBSAL05, and CBSAL06) were selected for the field experiment, in which an A. brasilense inoculant was the control, generating five treatments with four replications. More than 50% of the isolates demonstrated the tested mechanisms. Only CBSAL05 did not produce siderophore or could fix N. Inoculations with A. brasilense and Pseudomonas isolates increased leaf N content among the selected isolates. The CBSAL06 isolate increased productivity, thus demonstrating the potential use as an inoculant.O milho é um dos cereais mais cultivados em todo o mundo. Devido à baixa disponibilidade de nutrientes no solo, grandes quantidades de fertilizantes são aplicadas causando impactos econômicos e ambientais, e como alternativa, pode-se utilizar Rizobactérias Promotoras de Crescimento de Plantas (PGPR) como Pseudomonas fluorescentes. O objetivo foi analisar o efeito de isolados de Pseudomonas no crescimento e produção de milho e verificar a relação entre mecanismos de crescimento e produção de AIA. Dezesseis isolados de Pseudomonas foram testados in vitro, quanto à sua capacidade de produzir AIA, ACCDesaminase, sideróforos e solubilizar fosfatos de Fe e Al. Três isolados (CBSAL02, CBSAL05 e CBSAL06) foram selecionados para experimento de campo, no qual um inoculante de A. brasilense foi o controle, perfazendo cinco tratamentos com quatro repetições. Mais de 50% dos isolados apresentaram os mecanismos testados. Entre os isolados selecionados, apenas CBSAL05 não produziu sideróforo ou fixou N. As inoculações com isolados de A. brasilense e Pseudomonas aumentaram o teor de N nas folhas. O isolado CBSAL06 aumentou a produtividade, sugerindo potencial para uso como inoculante
Schizolobium parahyba var. amazonicum seedling growth by Trichoderma spp. strains under nitrogen rates
Full text linkThis study evaluated the initial development of paricá (Schizolobium parahyba var. amazonicum) seedlings under different nitrogen rates with the application of Trichoderma spp., using a randomized complete block design in a 4x5 factorial scheme (strains and rates) with seven replications. The evaluated traits were plant height, stem diameter, leaf and stem fresh weights, leaf and stem dry weights, and aerial part dry and fresh weights. Trichoderma spp. strains did not satisfactorily promote paricá seedlings (Schizolobium parahyba var. amazonicum) under high nitrogen rates. However, the Trichoderma harzianum IBLF 006 WP strain was efficient only under low nitrogen availability
Multifunctional microorganisms and phosphorus dosages in soybean-maize and soybean-rice successions under no-till systems in the cerrado
Full text linkMultifunctional phosphate solubilizing microorganisms can contribute to reducing phosphorus doses without affecting the grain yield of crops. The aim of this work was to evaluate agricultural production systems involving soybean-maize and soybean-rice successions, inoculation of beneficial microorganisms and application of phosphorus doses with a view to sustainable intensification of agriculture and soil health and fertility in the Cerrados region. The experimental design was a randomized block design in a 2x4 factorial scheme with four replications. The treatments were composed of the combination of two phosphorus doses, 50% (45 kg ha-1 of P2O5) and 100% (90 kg ha-1 of P2O5) of the recommended dose with four uses of multifunctional microorganisms: 1. BRM 32111 (Burkholderia sp.), 2. BRM 32114 (Serratia marcescens), 3. co-inoculation (BRM 32111 + BRM 32114), and 4. control (no application of microorganisms). The microorganisms provided significant increases in the 100-grain weight and grain yield of soybeans, dry matter and nutrient accumulation of rice and maize, reduction of phytopathogenic fungus propagules, and increased accumulation of nutrients and activity of the enzymes Betaglicosidase and Arilsulfatase in the soil. Applying 50% phosphorus reduced the 100-grain weight and grain yield of soybean, dry matter and nutrient accumulation of rice, propagules of Trichoderma spp., and the nutrients in the soil. The soybean-maize succession showed higher levels of Arylsulfatase than the soybean-rice succession. The highest soybean yields were obtained by applying BRM 32114 with 50% and co-inoculation with 100% phosphorus
Climate change is expected to reduce the potential distribution of Ceiba glaziovii in Caatinga, the largest area of dry tropical forest in South America
Full text linkEcological niche modeling is a widely used tool to predict species distribution considering current, past, or future climate change scenarios across different geographic areas. Modeling scenarios allow researchers to assess the impacts of climate change on species distribution and identify priority areas for conservation. This study aimed to model the current and future potential distribution of Ceiba glaziovii under different climate change scenarios in Brazil. The MaxEnt algorithm was used to correlate species occurrence points with bioclimatic variables in current and future climate scenarios. Four General Circulation Models (GCMs) from CMIP6 were employed: BCC-CSM2-MR, CNRM-CM6-1, IPSL-CM6A-LR, and MIROC6, considering optimistic and pessimistic projections. The contribution of variables and model accuracy were assessed using the Jackknife statistical test and the Area Under the Curve (AUC) parameter. AUC values for current and future scenarios demonstrated high accuracy. The bioclimatic variables of precipitation and temperature were the main contributors to determining areas with higher habitat suitability. In the future climate scenario, there was a reduction in areas with good climatic suitability for all four GCMs, considering optimistic and pessimistic projections. Among the areas with high habitat suitability, the IPSL-CM6A-1 model in the optimistic projection showed the smallest reduction, while in the pessimistic scenario, all areas with high suitability disappeared. The species\u27 climatic niche is expected to decrease under all tested climate change scenarios. The central areas of the Caatinga and its transition zones exhibit the highest climatic suitability in current and future scenarios and should be prioritized for the species\u27 conservation