Natural regeneration of Atlantic Forest species in the understory of Eucalyptus saligna Smith. in a former forest production unit at the Parque das Neblinas, Bertioga, SP

This study aimed at characterizing the potential for natural regeneration of native vegetation in the under-story of an earlier Eucalyptus saligna Smith production stand. The study was carried out at the Parque das Neblinas, Bertioga municipality, SP, in a 45 ha third rotation stand; which had been abandoned 15 years ago for natural regeneration to occur. The sampling was done in 24 plots of 20 x 40 m. The sampled area was of 19,200 m(2), with inventory made of 100% of the eucalyptus trees. All regeneration trees with a height >= 1.30 m and DBH >= 5.0 cm were measured, as well as adult individuals with DBH >= 5.0 cm; surveyed in two size classes. 1,417 individuals of E. saligna were measured, with a density of 738,02 individuals/ha and a basal area of 22.69 m(2)/ha. Among 2,763 natural regeneration individuals, 111 species belonged to 66 genera and 34 botanical families. The species represented 43.7% of the tree richness of neighboring native forest fragments. The total estimated density and the basal area were respectively 1,052.6 individuals/ha and 6.4 m(2)/ha of autochthonous trees with DBH >= 5.0 cm (Class 1); while for regeneration there were 3,864.58 individuals/ha, and 2.76 m(2)/ha of individuals with a height >= 1.30 m and DBH <5.0 cm (Class 2). Shannon diversity (H`) was 2.83 and 3.68, respectively, for Classes 1 and 2, and the corrected species richness for a 1000-individual sample (R(1000)) were 75.6 and 87.29 (Fisher`s a index) for the same classes. The majority of the species (34.84%) was typical from the understory of wet tropical forest and had zoochoric fruit dispersal (67.57%). The results indicate that, under these conditions, a eucalyptus forest is able to provide adequate regeneration niches for native vegetation, and may represent a sink habitat for local populations.

The development and production of leaves and tillers by Marandu palisadegrass fertilised with nitrogen and sulphur

The effects of combined nitrogen and sulphur fertilisation on the dynamics of leaf and tiller appearance in Marandu palisadegrass (Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu) and its impact on dry matter production were evaluated in a greenhouse study. Grass seedlings were grown in pots filled with a soil classified as an Entisol and were harvested after 43 days, a further 35 days and finally after 48 more days. Five rates of N (0, 100, 200, 300 and 400 mg/dm(3)) and 5 rates of S (0, 10, 20, 30 and 40 mg/dm(3)) were tested in an incomplete factorial design with 4 replications. Leaf and tiller development were monitored every 3 days by counting the appearance of recently expanded leaves and new basal tillers. The phyllochron and thermal time between appearance of tillers decreased as N and S fertiliser levels increased to about 300 and 25 mg/dm(3), respectively, then tended to increase. In contrast, leaf and tiller appearance rates increased with the supply of these nutrients to similar levels, then tended to decline. Leaf and tiller production and dry matter yields were affected by both N and S levels, with the role of S increasing as the growth phases increased.

Influence of Urea and Ammonium Sulfate on Soil Acidity Indices in Lowland Rice Production

Urea and ammonium sulfate are principal nitrogen (N) sources for crop production. Two field experiments were conducted during three consecutive years to evaluate influence of urea and ammonium sulfate application on grain yield, soil pH, calcium (Ca) saturation, magnesium (Mg) saturation, base saturation, aluminum (Al) saturation, and acidity (H + Al) saturation in lowland rice production. Grain yield was significantly influenced by urea as well as ammonium sulfate fertilization. Soil pH linearly decreased with the application of N by ammonium sulfate and urea fertilizers. However, the magnitude of the pH decrease was greater by ammonium sulfate than by urea. The Ca and Mg saturations were decreased at the greater N rates compared to low rates of N by both the fertilizer sources. The Al and acidity saturation increased with increasing N rates by both the fertilizer sources. However, these acidity indices were increased more with the application of ammonium sulfate compared with urea. Rice grain yield had negative associations with pH, Ca saturation, Mg saturation, and base saturation and positive associations with Al and acidity saturation. This indicates that rice plant is tolerant to soil acidity.

Development and characterization of microsatellite markers for castor (Ricinus communis L.), an important oleaginous species for biodiesel production

Castor (Ricinus communis L.) is an important oleaginous plant from both economic and social points of view. The seeds contain an oil with excellent properties for industrial uses. This paper presents the main results of a study aiming to develop microsatellite markers for castor. Twelve new polymorphic microsatellite markers were isolated and characterized in 38 genotypes accessions from the castor germplasm of the Brazilian Agricultural Research Company (EMBRAPA). Knowledge on the genetic diversity of castor can be used to gain a better understanding on genetic diversity conservation, and germplasm management, guiding breeding programs and conservation strategies.

Carotenoids production from a newly isolated Sporidiobolus pararoseus strain by submerged fermentation

This work aimed at evaluating the total carotenoids production by a newly isolated Sporidiobolus pararoseus. Bioproduction was carried out in an orbital shaker, using 10% (w/v) of inoculum (25 A degrees C, 180 rpm for 35 h), incubated for 120 h in a dark room. Liquid N(2) and dimethylsulphoxide (DMSO) were used for cell rupture, and carotenoids were extracted with a solution of acetone/methanol (7:3, v/v). Optimization of carotenoids bioproduction was achieved by experimental design technique. Initially, a Plackett-Burman design was used for the screening of the most important factors, after the statistical analysis, a complete second-order design was carried out to optimize the concentration of total carotenoids in a conventional medium. Maximum concentration of 856 mu g/L of total carotenoids was obtained in a medium containing 60 g/L of glucose, 15 g/L of peptone, and 15 g/L of malt extract, 25 A degrees C, initial pH 4.0 and 180 rpm. Fermentation kinetics showed that the maximum concentration of total carotenoids was reached after 102 h of fermentation and that carotenoids bioproduction was associated with cell growth.

Production of finger millet (Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn.) dry matter under anticipated fertilization of soybeans

Due to the lack of information about the effects of soybean fertilization anticipation and the use of Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaerm. (ANSB Pe-de-galinha 5352) as cover culture, and the need for new techniques for the management of the agro-ecosystem in a more conservationist, sustainable and functional manner the goal of this research was to study the effects of anticipated fertilization on the production of dry matter in E. coracana. The experiments were carried out in an Oxisol, during the growing seasons of 200112002, 200212003 and 200312004, in Piracicaba, SP Brazil (22`50`25""S and 48`01`65""W). The experimental design was of totally randomized blocks and twelve treatments (lev- els of anticipated fertilization) were used with three repetitions. The base fertilization of soybean culture was partially anticipated, in the sowing for the finger-millet crop. Approximately 70 days after sowing, samples of the finger millet plants were collected in order to evaluate the dry matter production and to desiccate them thereafter It is concluded that the anticipation of phosphorus and potassium fertilization of soybean increases the dry matter production of E. coracana; in addition, E. coracana holds a great potential for the production of plant residues and it can be used in culture rotation or in no-tillage production systems.

Lopap: A non-inflammatory and cytoprotective molecule in neutrophils and endothelial cells

Lopap (Lonomia obliqua prothrombin activator protease) is a member of the lipocalin family isolated from the extract of L obliqua bristles. Lopap displays serine protease-like activities, including coagulation disturbance, cytokine secretion and antiapoptotic activity in human cultured endothelial cells. Here, we have investigated the effects of the recombinant protein (rLopap) on the inflammatory and apoptotic processes of neutrophils and endothelial cells from male Wistar rats. We found that rLopap did not induce in vivo leukocyte-endothelial interactions in the microvasculature, initial steps of leukocyte recruitment during inflammation. Incubation of rLopap with neutrophils or endothelial cells prevented apoptosis evoked by serum deprivation and induced nitric oxide (NO) production in both cell types, and increased the expression of ICAM-1 by endothelial cells. Simultaneous incubation of endothelial cells or neutrophils with rLopap and N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), a non-specific inhibitor of NO synthases, inhibited NO production and impaired the protection on apoptosis. Differently, incubation of endothelial cells with monoclonal antibody anti ICAM-1 did not change the protection on apoptosis evoked by rLopap. Together, these results indicate that rLopap does not display inflammatory properties in vivo but inhibits apoptosis of neutrophils and endothelial cells depending, at least in part, on NO production. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Monocyte-derived dendritic cells from patients with severe forms of chromoblastomycosis induce CD4(+) T cell activation in vitro

Dendritic cells (DCs) have been described as initiators and modulators of the immune response. Recently we have shown a predominant production of interleukin-10 cytokine, low levels of interferon-gamma and inefficient T cell proliferation in patients with severe forms of chromoblastomycosis. Chromoblastomycosis starts with subcutaneous inoculation of Fonsecaea pedrosoi into tissue where DCs are the first line of defence against this microorganism. In the present study, the interaction of F. pedrosoi and DCs obtained from patients with chromoblastomycosis was investigated. Our results showed that DCs from patients exhibited an increased expression of human leucocyte antigen D-related (HLA-DR) and co-stimulatory molecules. In the presence of conidia, the expression of HLA-DR and CD86 was up-regulated by DCs from patients and controls. Finally, we demonstrate the reversal of antigen-specific anergy and a T helper type 1 response mediated by DCs incubated with F. pedrosoi conidea.

Protein-Energy Malnutrition Modifies the Production of Interleukin-10 in Response to Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in a Murine Model

Malnutrition modifies resistance to infection by impairing a number of physiological processes including hematopoesis and the immune response. In this study, we examined the production of Interleukin-4 (IL-4) and IL-10 in response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and also evaluated the cellularity of the blood, bone marrow, and spleen in a mouse model of protein-energy malnutrition. Two-month-old male Swiss mice were subjected to protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) with a low-protein diet (4%) as compared to the control diet (20%). When the experimental group lost approximately 20% of their original body weight, the animals from both groups received 1.25 mu g of LPS intravenously. The Cells ill the blood, bone marrow, and spleen were counted, and circulating levels of IL-4 and IL-10 were evaluated in animals stimulated with LPS. Cells from the spleen, bone marrow, and peritoneal cavity of non-inoculated animals were collected for Culture to evaluate the production of IL-4 and IL-10 after stimulating these cells with 1.25 mu g of LPS in vitro. Malnourished animals presented leucopenia and a severe reduction in bone marrow, spleen, and peritoneal cavity cellularity before and after Stimulus with LPS. The circulating levels of IL-10 were increased in malnourished animals inoculated with LPS when compared to control animals, although the levels of IL-4 did not differ. In cells cultured with LPS, we observed high levels of IL-10 in the bone marrow cells of malnourished animals. These findings suggest that malnourished mice present a deficient immune response to LPS. These alterations may be partly responsible for the immunodeficiency observed in these malnourished mice.

Gastro-resistant Pellets of Didanosine obtained by Extrusion and Spheronization: Assessing the Production Process

The aim this work was develop gastro-resistant pellets of didanosine as well as study the impact on the pellets properties, regarding the way as the binder was added and drying process used. The pellets formation was accompanied by analysis of morphological parameters and didanosine dissolution. In the most cases, pellets showed diameter around 1.0 mm and shape parameters acceptable. The variations of the process did not interfere significantly in pellets size. In turn, drying in fluid bed favored the dissolution of didanosine, in contrast to binder addition on powder form that impaired. In another hand, this last resulted in the best aspect factor (about 1.1). Gastro-resistant pellets showed adequate dissolution, compatible with this type of dosage form. The variables of process studied enabled obtain pellets with characteristics of shape and dissolution just slightly different, indicating flexibility of the formulation for production of gastro-resistant pellets of didanosine.

Screening of Variables Influencing the Clavulanic Acid Production by Streptomyces DAUFPE 3060 Strain

Clavulanic acid (CA) is a beta-lactam antibiotic, which has a potent beta-lactamase inhibiting activity. The influence of five variables, namely pH (6.0, 6.4, and 6.8), temperature (28A degrees C, 30A degrees C, and 32A degrees C), agitation intensity (150, 200, and 250 rpm), glycerol concentration (5.0, 7.5, and 10 g/L) and soybean flour concentration (5.0, 12.5, and 20 g/L), on CA production by a new isolate of Streptomyces (DAUFPE 3060) was investigated in 250-mL Erlenmeyer flasks using a fractional factorial design. Temperature and soybean flour concentration were shown to be the two variables that exerted the most important effects on the production of CA at 95% confidence level. The highest CA concentration (494 mg/L) was obtained after 48 h at 150 rpm, 32A degrees C, pH 6.0, 5.0 g/L glycerol, and 20 g/L soybean flour concentrations. Under these conditions, the yields of biomass and product on consumed substrate were 0.26 g(X)/g(S) and 64.3 mg(P)/g(S), respectively. Fermentations performed in 3.0-L bench-scale fermenter allowed increasing the CA production by about 60%.

Fed-Batch Production of Tetanus Toxin by Clostridium Tetani

This study deals with the effects of the initial nitrogen source (NZ Case TT) level and the protocol of glucose addition during the fed-batch production of tetanus toxin by Clostridium tetani. An increase in the initial concentration of NZ Case TT (NZ(0)) accelerated cell growth, increased the consumption of the nitrogen source as well as the final yield of tetanus toxin, which achieved the highest values (50-60 L(f)/mL) for NZ(0) > 50 g/L. The addition of glucose at fixed times (16, 56, and 88 h) ensured a toxin yield (similar to 60 L(f)/mL) about 33% higher than those of fed-batch runs with addition at fixed concentration (similar to 45 L(f)/mL) and about 300% higher than those obtained in reference batch runs nowadays used at industrial,scale. The results of this work promise to substantially improve the present production of tetanus toxin and may be adopted for human vaccine production after detoxification and purification. (C) 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 26: 88-92, 2010

Biogas production and valorization by means of a two-step biological process

The scope of this research work was to investigate biogas production and purification by a two-step bench-scale biological system, consisting of fed-batch pulse-feeding anaerobic digestion of mixed sludge, followed by methane enrichment of biogas by the use of the cyanobacterium Arthrospira platensis. The composition of biogas was nearly constant, and methane and carbon dioxide percentages ranged between 70.5-76.0% and 13.2-19.5%, respectively. Biogas yield reached a maximum value (about 0.4 m(biogas)(3)/kgCOD(i)) at 50 days-retention time and then gradually decreased with a decrease in the retention time. Biogas CO(2) was then used as a carbon source for A. platensis cultivation either under batch or fed-batch conditions. The mean cell productivity of fed-batch cultivation was about 15% higher than that observed during the last batch phase (0.035 +/- 0.006 g(DM)/L/d), likely due to the occurrence of some shading effect under batch growth conditions. The data of carbon dioxide removal from biogas revealed the existence of a linear relationship between the rates of A. platensis growth and carbon dioxide removal from biogas and allowed calculating carbon utilization efficiency for biomass production of almost 95%. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The effect of inulin as a prebiotic on the production of probiotic fibre-enriched fermented milk

We investigated the effect of inulin as a prebiotic on the production of probiotic fibre-enriched fermented milk. The kinetics of acidification of inulin-supplemented milk (0, 0.01, 0.02 and 0.04 g/g), as well as probiotic survival, pH and firmness of fermented milk stored at 4 degrees C for 24 h and 7 days after preparation were examined. Probiotic fibre-enriched fermented milk quality was influenced both by the amount of inulin and by the co-culture composition. Depending on the co-culture, inulin addition to milk influenced acidification kinetic parameters, probiotic counts, pH and the firmness of the product.

The behavior of key enzymes of xylose metabolism on the xylitol production by Candida guilliermondii grown in hemicellulosic hydrolysate

A variety of raw materials have been used in fermentation process. This study shows the use of rice straw hemicellulosic hydrolysate, as the only source of nutrient, to produce high added-value products. In the present work, the activity of the enzymes xylose reductase (XR); xylitol dehydrogenase (XD); and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) during cultivation of Candida guilliermondii on rice straw hemicellulosic hydrolysate was measured and correlated with xylitol production under different pH values (around 4.5 and 7.5) and initial xylose concentration (around 30 and 70 g l(-1)). Independent of the pH value and xylose concentration evaluated, the title of XD remained constant. On the other hand, the volumetric activity of G6PD increased whereas the level of XR decreased when the initial xylose concentration was increased from 30 to 70 g l(-1). The highest values of xylitol productivity (Q (P) a parts per thousand 0.40 g l(-1)) and yield factor (Y (P/S) a parts per thousand 0.60 g g(-1)) were reached at highest G6PD/XR ratio and lowest XR/XD ratio. These results suggest that NADPH concentrations influence the formation of xylitol more than the activity ratios of the enzymes XR and XD. Thus, an optimal rate between G6PD and XR must be reached in order to optimize the xylitol production.