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Changes in body composition of Wistar rats: effects of high-intensity interval training
Full text linkThe present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) in the body composition of Wistar rats. The HIIT protocol consisted of high-intensity swimming three times a week for four weeks. There were no differences between groups as to the Lee index. However, the weights of the perigonadal (p=0.001) and retroperitoneal (p=0.026) fats were significantly different between the Control Group (CG, n=10) vs. Trained Group (TG, n=10), respectively. There was also a significant increase in the body weight of the animals in TG (16.43%) and CG (7.19%) at the end of the experiment. These findings suggested that HIIT was not sufficient to improve significantly the body composition of rats
Fermentative losses and lactic acid content of elephant grass silages added with macaúba cake
Full text linkElephant grass is indicated for silage production but requires additives to increase dry matter content because it reduces the production of effluents, potentially improves the fermentation pattern, and preserves the nutrients of the silage. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of including macaúba cake in elephant grass ensilage on dry matter content, lactic acid bacteria population, lactic acid production, pH values, losses by gases and effluents, and dry matter recovery. The experimental design was completely randomized, in a 3x6 factorial scheme, with three levels of inclusion of macaúba cake (0, 10, and 20%) and six opening times (1, 5, 10, 20, 40, and 60 days after ensilage), with four repetitions. Macaúba cake was an effective moisture-absorbing additive, increasing dry matter content, lactic acid bacteria population, and lactic acid content and reducing the pH. The losses by effluents and gases decreased, and dry matter recovery increased with the addition of this biodiesel co-product. The 20% level of inclusion of macaúba cake in elephant grass ensilage allowed for better preserving the ensiled material.O capim-elefante é indicado para produção de silagem, em decorrência do excelente potencial produtivo, contudo, é necessário utilização de aditivos para redução das perdas por efluentes. Objetivou-se avaliar os efeitos da inclusão da torta de macaúba, na ensilagem de capim-elefante, sobre os teores de matéria seca, população de bactérias ácido láticas, produção de ácido lático, valores de pH, perdas por gases, por efluentes e recuperação de matéria seca. O delineamento experimental foi o inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial 3 x 6, sendo três níveis de inclusão da torta de macaúba (0; 10 e 20%) e seis tempos de abertura (1; 5; 10; 20; 40 e 60 dias após a ensilagem), com quatro repetições. A torta de macaúba mostrou-se efetiva como aditivo absorvente de umidade, com elevação do teor de matéria seca, da população das bactérias ácido láticas, do teor de ácido lático e redução de pH. As perdas por efluentes e por gases foram reduzidas e a recuperação de matéria seca elevou-se com adição desse coproduto do biodiesel. O nível de inclusão de 20% da torta de macaúba na ensilagem de capim-elefante possibilitou melhor conservação do material ensilado
Artificial pollination and use of growth regulators in atemoya ‘Gefner’ fruits
Full text linkThe objective was to study the effectiveness of the growth regulator (ANA + GA3) associated or not to the application of adjuvant and artificial pollination in ‘Gefner’ atemoya. The experiment was conducted in the experimental orchard at Florida’s Tropical Research and Education Center. The experimental design was in a randomized block, with 14 treatments, 10 repetitions and 3 flowers per plot. The highest percentages of fixed fruits were obtained with hand pollination – HP and 450 NAA + 1250 GA3 mg L-1 + adjuvant and HP. The use of hand pollination for ‘Gefner’ atemoya tree proved to be the most efficient method so far. Applying growth regulator without artificial pollination produces parthenocarpic fruits, however with high rate of abortions, and small fruits. Growth regulators together with hand pollination produces small and uneven fruits, and cause reduction in the fruits’ titratable acidity. The use of adjuvant caused low fixation and toxicity to fruits, and its use is not recommended
Polyphasic characterization of rhizobial isolates obtained from different common bean-producing regions
Full text linkIn Brazil, the common bean is a crop with significant social and economic importance. The prospecting of N2 fixing bacteria is crucial since biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) is an eco-friendly technique. This work aimed to obtain and characterize rhizobium isolates based on morpho-physiological, molecular, and symbiotic efficiency parameters, using the strains SEMIA 4077, SEMIA 4080, and SEMIA 4088 as references. The characteristics of the isolates and colonies, their tolerance to salinity and temperature, as well as their utilization of carbon sources, served as the basis for the morpho-physiological characterization. BOX-PCR, REP-PCR, and ERIC-PCR markers were used for genotypic characterization. Assessment of the symbiotic efficiency was carried out in a greenhouse, determining the number of nodules (NN), nodule dry weight (NDW), shoot dry weight (SDW), and total-N (Total-N) accumulation in the shoot. Among the isolates, those exhibiting: neutral culture medium pH, fast growth, colony diameter <2 mm, opaque transparency, homogeneous appearance, and cream color were predominant. Compared to temperature, salinity was the most restrictive factor to the growth of the isolates. Most of the isolates grew on sucrose (88.43%) and mannitol (87.28%). Genotypic analysis revealed that 90% of the isolates clustered in the same group as the reference strain SEMIA 4080. The TaMsG2R1 and BaDeG4R2 isolates showed higher Total-N in the shoot than the reference strains and should be evaluated in future studies under field conditions
Diversity of weeds species in grapes farms of Tayma (Tabuk, Saudi Arabia): implication for invasive species ecology
Full text linkThe biodiversity of the agroecosystem leads to changes in the Floristic composition, diversity, and abundance of weed species in crop and orchard farms. The present study is considered the first attempt to categorize, evaluate, and document the diversity of weed populations among different grape farms in Tayma, Tabuk region, Saudi Arabia. The results of ANOVA showed that the number of weed species varied significantly across the six grape farms. During six grape farms under study, 30 weed species belonging to thirteen families and 28 genera were recorded. In total, twelve weed species belong to the Poaceae family with a rate of 40%. While the other families are represented either by one or two species with rates of 3.3% and 6.7%, respectively. Biogeographic origins analysis showed that the Tropical area represented 23.3% of total weed flora, followed by Saharo Arabian (16.7%), Mediterannean-Euro Siberian-Irano-Turanian (13.3%) and American (10.0%). Therophytes were the dominant life forms with a rate of 66.7%, followed by Hemicryptophyte (20.0%), Geophyte (6.7%), and Chamaephyte (6.7%). A total of 16 and 14 weed species belong to the annual and perennial life span, respectively. Also, the grass and herb habits represented 40% and 60% of 30 weed species, respectively. According to the abundance score, the most common weed species of those grape farms in the region study are Cynodon dactylon, Desmostachya bipinnata, and Setaria verticillata, they belong to the Poaceae family. Based on the presence and absence of weed species in grape farms, the Principal Component Analyses (PCA) show that the grape farms and weed species (into two groups) are distinguished mainly along the first two components. Also, positive correlations were observed among most grape farms, according to PCA. Generally, more studies on the ecological aspects and floristic composition of weed species in grape farms are also needed
EFICIÊNCIA NUTRICIONAL DO GIRASSOL EM FUNÇÃO DE DIFERENTES DOSES DE POTÁSSIO EM REGIÃO SEMIÁRIDA
No full textPotassium (K) participates in critical processes in sunflower cultivation, such as osmotic regulation and translocation of photosynthesis. However, the absorption or accumulation of this nutrient occurs differently owing to edaphoclimatic factors or between cultivars. The objective of this study was to evaluate the nutritional efficiency of sunflower cultivars as a function of different dosage K dosages in a semiarid region. To this end, two experiments were conducted in 2016 and 2017. The treatments consisted of five dosages of K at 0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 kg ha-1 K2O and four sunflower cultivars, Aguará 6, Altis 99, Multissol, and BRS 122. The experimental design was a randomized block with four replications and subdivided plots. The characteristics evaluated were agronomic efficiency, physiological efficiency, recovery efficiency, utilization efficiency, and accumulation of total K in the plant. Sunflower cultivars responded to K dosages in the two crops, with variations in efficiency parameters. Crop 2 showed better nutritional efficiency compared to crop 1. Aguará 6 showed greater nutritional efficiency than the other two crops. The use of dosages between 75 and 91 kg ha-1 of K2O provided better efficiency in K usage for the cultivars.O potássio participa de processos importantes para a cultura do girassol, como a regulação osmótica e translocação de fotossintetizados. No entanto, a absorção ou acúmulo deste nutriente ocorre de forma distinta em decorrência de fatores edafoclimáticos ou entre cultivares. Logo, objetivou-se avaliar a eficiência nutricional de cultivares de girassol em função de diferentes doses de potássio em região semiárida. Em virtude deste objetivo, foram realizados dois experimentos nos anos de 2016 e 2017. Os tratamentos foram compostos por cinco doses de potássio (0, 30, 60, 90, 120 kg ha-1 de K2O) e quatro cultivares de girassol (Aguará 6, Altis 99, Multissol e BRS 122). O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o de blocos ao acaso, com quatro repetições e em parcelas subdividas. As características avaliadas foram eficiência agronômica (EA), eficiência fisiológica (EF), eficiência de recuperação (ER), eficiência de utilização (EU) e acúmulo de potássio total na planta (AcKT). As cultivares de girassol responderam as doses de potássio nas duas safras agrícolas, com variações dos parâmetros de eficiência. A cultivar Aguará 6 mostrou maior eficiência nutricional, nas duas safras agrícolas. A safra 2 proporcionou melhor eficiência nutricional. A utilização da dose de 60 kg ha-1 de K2O foi a que promoveu melhor eficiência nutricional durante as duas safras agrícolas
Behavioral assessment of Tambaqui juveniles (Colossoma macropomum) exposed to different ambient colors and social stress
Full text linkAnimal welfare regards the quality of life and the environment in which animals live or are exposed. Hence the importance of studies assessing the environmental influence on the biology and behavior of fishes from the Colossoma macropomum species, considering their higher potential for fish-farming and as a test organism in scientific research. This study aimed to assess, in a controlled environment, the behavioral changes expressed by juveniles from the Colossoma macropomum species exposed to different ambient colors or social situations. The results did not show an influence from the different ambient colors or social situations on fish distribution in the water column. The color pattern showed dark tones in black- and blue-colored environments, and light tones in white-colored environments or with the presence of a mirror. The time of locomotor activity/frequency did not change in any of the treatments of exposure to environments with colors and a mirror. Moreover, the fishes remained with folded fins and a straight posture, maintaining a pattern of rhythmic operculum beating in a normal frequency range described for the species. This suggests that animal welfare did not change in any of the situations tested and that there was a pattern of adaptive response to the type of environment
Physiological quality of Capsicum chinense \u27Adjuma\u27 seeds during development
No full textOnce “bode” pepper plants (Capsicum) have continuous development and fructification, it is not possible to determine a specific season for seed physiologic maturation and harvest. This research aimed to evaluate physiological quality of “bode” pepper (Capsicum chinense \u27Adjuma’) during fruit development and enzymes expression on seed germination. Manually extracted seeds were submitted to physiological tests being evaluated germination at first count (FC), final (G), and germination speed index (GSI), additionally, enzymatic analyses were carried. The lowest values for the physiological tests were observed for initial development stages. The greatest for FC, G and IVG were observed for seeds from fruits 70 days after anthesis (DAA). Superoxide dismutase enzyme has the highest values on seeds harvested at 49 DAA while malate dehydrogenase has more expression at 70 DAA. Catalase, alcohol dehydrogenase, and esterase have the higher expression at 63 DAA. The maturation stage influences bode pepper seed physiological quality, being seeds harvested at 70 DAA those with the better results on the evaluated parameters, thus, considered physiologically mature and the indicated time for harvest
Anti-fasciolic effect of raw seeds of Nigella sativa, Fumaria parviflora (aerial), in naturally infected Buffaloes
No full textIn the present study Nigella sativa (seeds) and Fumaria parviflora (aerial), were used to treat buffaloes naturally infected with fasciolosis and their efficacy (%) was compared. In vivo, pre-and post-treatment (50 mg, 100 mg, and 150 mg/ kg body weight of the two medicinal plants) fecal egg counts were determined following standard fecal egg count reduction in buffaloes (Babulus sp.) of Nili Ravi breed naturally parasitized with Fasciola sp. The infected buffaloes were randomly divided into 3 main groups’ i.e. A, B, and C. Animals in groups A and B were further subdivided into three subgroups i.e. A1, A2, A3; B1, B2, B3. Sub-groups A1 and B1 were given dose levels of 50mg/kg body weight, A2, and B2, 100mg while A3 and B3, 150mg/kg body weight of Nigella sativa (seeds) and Fumaria parviflora (aerial), respectively. Group C with infected animals served as a control. 2 medicinal plants has been found significantly (P<0.05) efficient (42-100%) and safe to use against fasciolosis
Ezetimibe increases resistance to oxidative stress and extends lifespan mimicking dietary restriction in Caenorhabditis elegans
Full text linkEzetimibe is an approved drug for lowering plasma LDL (low-density lipoprotein) level via inhibition of cholesterol absorption. Derivatives of ezetimibe reduce inflammatory response and oxidative stress. In the present study, we investigated the effect of dietary supplementation with ezetimibe in response to environmental stressors and found that ezetimibe increases resistance to oxidative stress and ultraviolet irradiation. Ezetimibe also significantly extended lifespan accompanying reduced fertility, which is a common trade-off for longevity in C. elegans. Cellular level of reactive oxygen species was increased and the expression of stress-responsive genes, hsp-16.2 and sod-3, was induced by dietary supplementation with ezetimibe, suggesting a hormetic effect on oxidative stress response and lifespan. Ezetimibe also significantly prevented amyloid beta-induced toxicity and completely reversed increased mortality by high-glucose diet. Nuclear localization of DAF-16 required for the prevention of amyloid beta-induced toxicity was enhanced by ezetimibe supplementation. Lifespan assay using known long-lived mutants, age-1, clk-1, and eat-2, revealed that lifespan extension by ezetimibe specifically overlapped with that of eat-2 mutants, which are genetic models of dietary restriction. Effect of ezetimibe on lifespan of worms fed with diluted bacteria suggested that ezetimibe mimics the effect of dietary restriction on lifespan. These findings suggest that ezetimibe exhibits anti-oxidative and anti-aging effects through hormesis and works as a dietary-restriction mimetic on lifespan extension