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Investigation of crude methanolic extract from poison secreted by the Rhaebo gutattus on status redox antioxidant in mice
Full text linkThe study evaluated the antioxidant properties of a crude methanolic extract (CME) from Rhaebo guttatus poison in mice over a period of 7 and 30 days. The mice were divided into groups and treated with different concentrations of the extract (0; 8 μg mL-1; 16 μg mL-1 and 32 μg mL-1 or vehicle; 100 μL/animal/day; via gavage). The liver samples were analyzed for status redox parameters as catalase (CAT), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), reduced glutathione (GSH) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). The results showed that the CME caused changes in the levels of various antioxidants and oxidative stress markers. At 7 days, there was an increase in TBARS levels (8 μg mL-1 dose) and GST activity (16 μg mL-1 dose), and a reduction in GSH levels (32 μg mL-1 dose) compared to the control group. At 30 days, TBARS and GSH levels returned to control values in the same period, but GSH increased (32 μg mL-1 dose) compared at 7 days; GST activity remained high after 30 days for 32 μg mL-1 dose compared other groups and time of treatment (7 days). Overall, the study suggests that the extract modulates antioxidant properties per se that can affect various markers of status redox in the liver of mice, mainly 16 μg mL-1 dose demonstrated to act under antioxidant enzymes in different times (7 or 30 days)
Synthesis and evaluation of the antimicrobial activity of purified and unpurified multi-walled carbon nanotubes
Full text linkMulti-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were purified and unpurified in this study to obtain hybrid materials with improved activity. The production stage comprised a chemical purification of the produced sample. Raman spectroscopy analyzed the structural composition of purified and unpurified samples. The disc diffusion assay, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), and time-kill assessment analyzed antimicrobial activity. MWCNT performed well against the tested bacteria (Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter aerogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus sp. Staphylococcus epidermidis). The disc diffusion assay revealed inhibition zone differences caused by purified and unpurified MWCNTs. MIC and MBC values of purified and unpurified MWCNTs were similar. The purified and unpurified nanotubes of Staphylococcus epidermidis (ATCC 35985) exhibited inhibition zone diameters of approximately 8 mm and 9 mm, respectively. The microdilution method revealed a MIC of 1.23 mg/ml for the purified nanotube and 0.156 mg/ml for the unpurified nanotube against the same microorganism. The killing curve analysis demonstrated that unpurified carbon nanotubes were more effective against all tested microorganisms. MWCNTs represent a promising method for microbiology, but studies on the toxicity of these materials remain scarce
Olive oil: research model to clarify its health benefits and its unique mechanism of action
Full text linkThe uniqueness of Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) convincing evidence that its intake has many health aspects by increased longevity and prevention of many age-associated non infectious diseases such as cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. In this study, Twenty-four rats were divided into 4 groups (6 rats each), as a following: Control group, EVOO group: rats were oral administrated with EVOO at a dose of 1ml/100g body weight for two weeks, Irradiated group (IR): rats were exposed to 6Gy of whole body γ-radiation; EVOO and IR group: rats were oral administrated with EVOO for two weeks prior to irradiation (6Gy). EVOO successfully reduces cellular destruction, chromosomal aberrations, pro-inflammatory markers interleukin-1β (IL-1β),and ameliorates heart and coronary arteries tissues damages, accompanied by lowering Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF),Total Cholesterol (TC) and Triglyceride levels (TG). Therefore, EVOO provided adequate protection for cells against exposure to harmful ionizing irradiation (6 Gy).The uniqueness of Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) convincing evidence that its intake has many health aspects by increased longevity and prevention of many age-associated non infectious diseases such as cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. In this study, Twenty-four rats were divided into 4 groups (6 rats each), as a following: Control group, EVOO group: rats were oral administrated with EVOO at a dose of 1ml/100g body weight for two weeks, Irradiated group (IR): rats were exposed to 6Gy of whole body γ-radiation; EVOO and IR group: rats were oral administrated with EVOO for two weeks prior to irradiation (6Gy). EVOO successfully reduces cellular destruction, chromosomal aberrations, pro-inflammatory markers interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and ameliorates heart and coronary arteries tissues damages, accompanied by lowering Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), Total Cholesterol (TC) and Triglyceride levels (TG). Therefore, EVOO provided adequate protection for cells against exposure to harmful ionizing irradiation (6 Gy)
In vitro photoautotrophic cultivation of Melocactus zehntneri: insights from allometric characteristics from germination to acclimatization
Full text linkMelocactus zehntneri is a species of ornamental relevance suffering anthropogenic pressures, putting its preservation at risk. Thus, alternatives for propagating and conserving this species are needed. This study evaluated the effect of photoautotrophic cultivation of M. zehntneri to produce plants well acclimated to natural conditions. The seeds underwent different imbibition times before in vitro germination. Besides the growth room, a greenhouse hosted the photoautotrophic cultivation of seedlings. Vermiculite replaced agar in the culture medium. The imbibition pre-treatment in distilled water and the growth environments affected some parameters linked to germination. The greenhouse provided better characteristics for plants grown in vitro and for acclimatization than those kept in the growth room. Plants cultivated and acclimated ex vitro in a greenhouse photoautotrophic environment showed improved characteristics regarding ornamental significance
Relationship of potassium doses with bioethanol yield in sweet potato in Cerrado soil
Full text linkSweet potato-bioethanol yield was evaluated in response to potassium fertilizer application. Experiments were performed using a 5 × 2 factorial design in which factors included the amount of K2O applied to the soil, with five levels (0, 30, 60, 120, and 240 kg ha-1) and genotype, with two levels (industrial genotype BDGPI #25 and table genotype BDGPM #04). Root yield, root starch and soluble solid contents, bioethanol yield, and economic viability of potassium application for bioethanol production were evaluated. Potassium affected root yield of both genotypes, with the highest yield observed at 140 kg K2O ha-1. Root starch concentration at harvest depended on genotype potential rather than potassium dose. Soluble solid content in fresh roots was lower than that in cooked roots, in which case, maximum conversion efficiency was observed at 109,69 and at 123.75 kg K2O ha-1 for BDGPM#04 and BDGPI#25, respectively. Bioethanol yield reached 10,484 and 9,839 L ha-1 at 151.87 and 136 kg K2O ha-1 for BDGPI#25 and BDGPM#04, respectively. Genotype BDGPI#25 was more efficient than sugarcane in converting potassium to bioethanol at 151.87 kg K2O ha-1, producing 10,484.29 L of bioethanol. In turn, BGDPM#04 showed maximum conversion efficiency relative to sugarcane at 122 kg K2O ha-1.Avaliou-se o rendimento de bioetanol em batata-doce sob resposta a diferentes níveis de adubação com potássio. Experimentos foram conduzidos em esquema fatorial 5 x 2. O primeiro fator foram 5 doses de potássio aplicado via solo na forma de K2O (0, 30, 60, 120 e 240 kg ha-1 de K2O) e dois genótipos de batata-doce: BDGPI#25 para industria e BDGPM#04 para mesa. Foi avaliado a produtividade de raízes de batata-doce, teor de amido nas raízes, sólidos solúveis, produtividade de bioetanol e viabilidade econômica da aplicação de potássio para produção de bioetanol. O potássio afeta a produtividade de raízes dos genótipos com maior rendimento na dose de 140 kg ha-1 de K2O. A concentração final de amido nas raízes de batata-doce depende do potencial de expressão do genótipo do que da dose de potássio. O teor de sólidos solúvel nas raízes crua é menor do que nas raízes cozidas. Nas raízes cozidas, os pontos de máxima eficiência foi de 109,69 kg ha-1 K2O no genótipo BDGPM#04 e 123,75 kg ha-1 K2O no genótipo BDGPI#25. A produtividade de bioetanol foi de 10.484 L ha-1 na dose de 151,87 kg ha-1 no genótipo BDGPI#25 e 9.839 L ha-1 na dose de 136 kg ha-1 K2O no genótipo BDGPM#04. O genótipo BDGPI#25 foi mais eficiente na conversão de potássio do que a cana-de-açúcar na dose de 151,87 kg ha-1 de potássio produzindo 10.484,29 L de bioetanol. Já o genótipo BDGPM#04 comparado com a cana-de-açúcar teve efeito máximo na dose de 122 kg ha-1
Increased efficiency fertilizers in arabica coffee growth in Vale do Ribeira, SP
Full text linkControlled-release fertilizers have been increasingly used. This study aimed to evaluate and adapt new technologies applied via soil for sustainable coffee production, in order to generate information that contribute to the technical innovation of the crop for the Vale do Ribeira region. The experiment was set at UNESP, in Registro – SP. The experimental design was in randomized blocks. The experiment consisted of eight treatments with four replications, with plots of six plants. Four doses (200, 300, 400 and 500 kg ha-1) of a mixed fertilizer 20-05-20 were used, with controlled release in six months, intended for coffee trees in formation and production, compared to the dose of 500 kg ha-1 of the conventional mixed fertilizer 20-05-20, ammonium sulfate and calcium nitrate with boron, in addition to a control treatment, which did not receive NPK fertilization. The cultivar used was ‘Obatã IAC 1669’ in 3.0 x 0.6 m spacing. The following characteristics were evaluated: number of plagiotropic branches, number of nodes of plagiotropic branches, stem diameter, plant height and yield, in two harvest periods, besides the surface chemical characteristic of the soil. Increasing the dose of the slow-release fertilizer leads to greater plant growth; the coffee plant presents a highly responsive behavior to the increase in fertilizer doses in relation to nitrogen, and the use of the slow-release fertilizer Agroblen (20-05-20) 100% and ammonium sulfate + SS + KCl allows greater yield
Effects of prebiotic intake on glycemia and serum cholesterol concentration in obese and eutrophic dogs: a systematic review
Full text linkSedentary behavior and low physical stimulation in companion animals have increased obesity and related metabolic disorders. Dietary fibers, such as prebiotic polysaccharides, are potential adjunct therapies for these conditions. This systematic review evaluated the effects of prebiotic intake on blood glucose and serum cholesterol levels in dogs. Using the PICOS strategy, we focused on eutrophic and obese dogs treated with prebiotics (Intervention) versus placebo diets (Comparison) in randomized clinical trials (Study design). The outcomes assessed were blood glucose and serum cholesterol concentrations. Two reviewers independently searched five databases and grey literature, assessing bias with the SYRCLE protocol. From 2,518 articles, 22 were pre-selected for full-text review, and nine met the inclusion criteria. Qualitative analysis revealed that prebiotic intake significantly reduced serum cholesterol in 57% of studies, particularly in non-obese dogs (75%), without exceeding physiological limits. However, blood glucose levels were unaffected in most studies (71%). The studies demonstrated low risk of bias, though blinding procedures were often poorly described. Due to study heterogeneity, meta-analysis was not feasible. We concluded that prebiotic ingestion effectively reduces serum cholesterol in dogs, with minimal impact on blood glucose levels
Spray drying of cellulases produced by Bacillus sp. SMIA-2
Full text linkMicrobial cellulases present biotechnological potential to be used in several industries, including food, brewery and wine, industrial waste for chemical feedstock, animal feed, pulp and paper, agriculture, textile and detergent production. In this work, cellulases produced by the thermophilic Bacillus sp. SMIA-2 in submerged cultures containing sugarcane bagasse, corn steep liquor and passion fruit rind flour were spray-dried, in an attempt to improve their stability for industrial purposes. The cellulases were spray dried and analyzed before and after the drying process and subsequent storage. A Central Composite Design (CCD) 23 was used to investigate the effect of different concentrations of arabic gum and microcrystalline cellulose, as well as the spray dryer inlet temperature on the cellulase spray drying process. The results evidenced that the combination of 1.0 % (w/v) arabic gum and 1.0% (w/v) microcrystalline cellulose, at inlet temperature of 70 °C, was effective in maintaining the activities of both avicelases (avicel-hydrolyzing enzymes) and carboxymethylcellulases (carboxymethylcellulose-hydrolyzing enzymes - CMCase). The dried avicelase was completely preserved when stored at 5oC, while the CMCase retained 89% of its activity, which indicates promising potential for industrial uses, especially in detergent formulations
Rhizobia inoculation increases pea grain yield: an overview and challenges
Full text linkThe aim of this study was to evaluate the contribution of inoculation with microorganisms, mainly rhizobia, on pea (Pisum sativum) production using a systematic literature review approach and a comparative analysis of grain yield to provide information to fill gaps in nontraditional regions of cultivation for this legume. A systematic search strategy was implemented, targeting papers published in scientific journals accessible through the Web of Science® (WoS) database spanning from January 1990 to April 2022. The search terms "Pisum sativum," "inoculation," and "strain" were used. The differences between the pea grain yields from plants inoculated with nitrogen-fixing microorganisms and those from noninoculated plants (control) were analyzed using thirteen field-scale studies. Overall, pea inoculation/coinoculation promoted a greater grain yield (3118 ±210 kg ha-1) than noninoculation (2338± 127 kg ha-1), showing the importance of biological nitrogen fixation for legume crop production. In the pursuit of reducing pea production costs, emphasis has been placed on inoculation, highlighting the importance of comprehending the symbiotic relationship between peas and Rhizobium. Furthermore, this research aimed to explore the interaction between Rhizobium and selected microorganisms known to enhance plant growth to identify optimal combinations to boost pea productivity
Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) growth and biochemical alterations in response to meloidogyne incognita infection, minerals, and nano-fertilizers
Full text linkThe effects of four inoculum levels (500, 1,000, 2,000, or 4,000 second-stage juveniles (J2) per plant) of the root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita, on two pomegranate cultivars (‘Manfalouty’ and ‘Wonderful’) were investigated under greenhouse conditions in response to plant inorganic and organic chemical concentrations. Furthermore, the effects of six commercial chemical fertilizers (inorganic fertilizers and nano-fertilizers) on plant growth and nematode reproduction were also studied. Both cultivars recorded the highest gall formation, embedded stages, and final nematode population at the inoculum dosage of 2,000 J2/plant. The highest reproductive rate was achieved with 500 J2/plant, while the lowest rate was observed with 4,000 J2/plant on both cultivars. ‘Wonderful’, at all M. incognita inoculum levels, was more sensitive to nematode infestation than ‘Manfalouty’. ‘Wonderful’ showed a greater reduction in fresh and dry plant weights than ‘Manfalouty’ at 2,000 and 4,000 J2/plant. In both cultivars, the concentrations of N, P, and K decreased with increasing nematode inoculum levels. This decline was more pronounced in ‘Manfalouty’ than in ‘Wonderful’. The nano-fertilizers, Hyper Feed®, and Hyper Feed Solo® reduced all nematode parameters but only in ‘Wonderful’. Treatment with Hyper Feed® resulted in the highest percentage increases in all plant growth parameters in ‘Wonderful’. Total carbohydrate concentration was increased in ‘Manfalouty’ treated with the nano-fertilizers, especially with Hyper Feed®. Also, concentrations of total phenols and tannins increased in ‘Wonderful’ when treated with either nano-fertilizer. Generally, both nano-fertilizers showed an increase in plant N levels. We recommend using nano-fertilizers in integrated pest management (IPM) programs on pomegranate where they improved plant growth parameters and reduced nematode multiplication parameters more markedly than inorganic fertilizers