Microbial Metabolic Potential Affected by Surplus Wastewater Irrigation in Tropical Soil Cultivated with Tifton 85 Bermuda Grass (Cynodon dactylon Pers. X C. niemfuensis Vanderyst)

Agricultural reuse of treated sewage effluent (TSE) is an environmental and economic practice; however, little is known about its effects on the characteristics and microbial function in tropical soils. The effect of surplus irrigation of a pasture with TSE, in a period of 18 months, was investigated, considering the effect of 0% surplus irrigation with TSE as a control. In addition, the experiment consisted of three surplus treatments (25%, 50%, and 100% excess) and a nonirrigated pasture area (SE) to compare the soil microbial community level physiological profiles, using the Biolog method. The TSE application increased the average substrate consumption of the soil microbial community, based on the kinetic parameters of the average well color development curve fitting. There were no significant differences between the levels of surplus irrigation treatments. Surplus TSE pasture irrigation caused minor increases in the physiological status of the soil microbial community but no detectable damage to the pasture or soil.

Preweaning performance and body composition of calves from straightbred Nellore and Bos taurus x Nellore crosses

The objectives were to evaluate preweaning performance, body composition, and efficiency of calves representing straightbred Nellore (NL), F(1), and 3-breed-cross systems. Energy requirements, milk production, and efficiency of 39 cow-calf pairs were recorded from straightbred NL calves from NL cows (10), crossbred (Angus-sired) calves from NL cows (ANL: 9), and crossbred calves (CC; Canchim-sired: 5/8 Charolais, 3/8 Zebu) from ANL (10) and Simmental x NL (10) cows. Cows and their respective calves were individually fed from birth to weaning (17 to 190 d postpartum). At 38 d of age, corn silage (7.8% CP, 2.19 Mcal of ME/kg of DM) was available to calves ad libitum. Milk production at 42, 98, 126, and 180 d postpartum was recorded by weighing calves before and after suckling. The ratio between GE and ME of milk was considered 1:0.93. Calves were slaughtered at weaning and the 9th-, 10th-, and 11th-rib section was removed for body composition estimation. The ANL calves were lighter (P < 0.01) at birth than the CC calves; the NL calves were intermediate. At weaning, the CC calves were heavier (P = 0.04) than the NL and ANL calves (230 +/- 5.5 vs. 172 +/- 8.1 and 209 +/- 8.6 kg, respectively). The ANL calves had greater (371 +/- 27 Mcal; P = 0.01) silage intake than the NL (270 +/- 25 Mcal) and CC (279 +/- 17 Mcal) calves. Milk energy intake was greater for the CC calves (970 +/- 38 Mcal of ME; P = 0.005) than the NL (670 +/- 57 Mcal of ME) and ANL (743 +/- 61 Mcal of ME) calves. The ANL calves compensated for the reduced milk production of the NL cows, which supplied less of their energy requirement for growth by increased silage intake. Calves from crossbred cows received a greater proportion of their total energy intake from milk. Crossbred calves had greater (P < 0.03) retained energy (retained energy = weaning body energy - birth body energy) than the NL calves (388 +/- 23 for ANL, and 438 +/- 15 for CC vs. 312 +/- 22 Mcal for NL calves). Percentages of water (P = 0.74) and chemical fat (P = 0.51) were similar among groups (63.7 +/- 0.6 and 14.3 +/- 0.7% for ANL calves, 63.1 +/- 0.4 and 14.7 +/- 0.5% for CC calves, and 63.3 +/- 0.6 and 13.7 +/- 0.7% of empty BW for water and chemical fat, respectively, for NL calves). Energetic efficiency (kcal of retained energy/Mcal of ME intake) was similar (P = 0.52) among groups (358 +/- 22 for ANL calves, 355 +/- 14 for CC calves, and 327 +/- 22 for NL calves). The greater BW gains and the differences in empty body composition at weaning were not enough to compensate for the greater ME intake of crossbreds. In this study, the crossbreeding systems evaluated increased preweaning calf performance but did not affect gross or energetic calf efficiency.

Cow/calf preweaning efficiency of Nellore and Bos taurus x Bos indicus crosses

The objectives of this study were to determine if percentage Bos taurus (0 or 50%) of the cow had an effect on ME requirements and milk production, and to compare cow/calf efficiency among 3 mating systems. Metabolizable energy requirements were estimated during a feeding trial that encompassed a gestation and lactation feeding trial for each of 2 groups of cows. Cows were 0 or 50% Bos taurus ( 100 or 50% Nellore) breed type: Nellore cows (NL; n = 10) mated to Nellore bulls, NL cows ( n = 9) mated to Angus bulls, Angus x Nellore (ANL; n = 10) and Simmental x Nellore (SNL; n = 10) cows mated to Canchim (5/ 8 Charolais 3/ 8 Zebu) bulls. Cows were individually fed a total mixed diet that contained 11.3% CP and 2.23 Mcal of ME/kg of DM. At 14-d intervals, cows and calves were weighed and the amount of DM was adjusted to keep shrunk BW and BCS of cows constant. Beginning at 38 d of age, corn silage was available to calves ad libitum. Milk production at 42, 98, 126, and 180 d postpartum was measured using the weigh-suckle-weigh technique. At 190 d of age, calves were slaughtered and body composition estimated using 9-10-11th-rib section to obtain energy deposition. Regression of BW change on daily ME intake (MEI) was used to estimate MEI at zero BW change. Increase in percentage Bos taurus had a significant effect on daily ME requirements (Mcal/d) during pregnancy (P < 0.01) and lactation (P < 0.01). Percentage Bos taurus had a positive linear effect on maintenance requirements of pregnant (P = 0.07) and lactating (P < 0.01) cows; during pregnancy, the ME requirements were 91 and 86% of those in lactation (131 +/- 3.5 vs. 145 +/- 3.4 Mcal.kg(-0.75).d(-1)) for the 0 and 50% B. taurus groups, respectively. The 50% B. taurus cows, ANL and SNL, suckling crossbred calves had greater total MEI (4,319 +/- 61 Mcal; P < 0.01) than 0% B. taurus cows suckling NL (3,484 +/- 86 Mcal) or ANL calves (3,600 +/- 91 Mcal). The 0% B. taurus cows suckling ANL calves were more efficient (45.3 +/- 1.6 g/Mcal; P = 0.03) than straightbred NL (35.1 +/- 1.5 g/Mcal) and ANL or SNL pairs (41.0 +/- 1.0 g/Mcal). Under the conditions of this study, crossbreeding improved cow/ calf efficiency and showed an advantage for cows that have lower energy requirements.

IBA application for rooting of Eucalyptus benthamii Maiden and Cambage x Eucalyptus dunnii Maiden minicuttings

IBA application for rooting of Eucalyptus benthamii Maiden and Cambage x Eucalyptus dunnii Maiden minicuttings. Eucalyptus has great importance in the forestry sector and many advances in the area of improvement have been achieved with the advent of biotechnological techniques. However, some promising genotypes still do not have multiplication protocols with cloning techniques, such as minicutting. The study aimed to evaluate IBA concentrations for survival, rooting and vegetative vigor of E. benthamii x E. dunnii minicuttings, and determine the maximum technical efficiency dose. Ministumps H12, H19 and H20 clones were cultivated in a clonal minigarden under a semi-hydroponic system. For rooting, the rninicutting basal portion was plunged in hydro-alcoholic solutions, whose concentrations were: 0; 2,000; 4,000; 6,000 and 8,000 mg L(-1) of IBA. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design, with the factors consisting of three clones and five IBA concentrations, with five replications, containing 10 minicuttings per replication. IBA positively influenced the minicutting rooting processes, with differentiated behavior between the clones, with 30.32 to 55.45% rooting variation. The positives increments occurred until the highest IBA concentration for H12 and H19 clones. However, the range between 4,000 and 6,000 mg L(-1) of IBA treatments promoted the best rooting results for the H20 clone.

Allele-Specific Expression of the MAOA Gene and X Chromosome Inactivation in In Vitro Produced Bovine Embryos

During embryogenesis, one of the two X chromosomes is inactivated in embryos. The production of embryos in vitro may affect epigenetic mechanisms that could alter the expression of genes related to embryo development and X chromosome inactivation (XCI). The aim of this study was to understand XCI during in vitro, pre-implantation bovine embryo development by characterizing the allele-specific expression pattern of the X chromosome-linked gene, monoamine oxidase A (MAOA). Two pools of ten embryos, comprised of the 4-, 8- to 16-cell, morula, blastocyst, and expanded blastocyst stages, were collected. Total RNA from embryos was isolated, and the RT-PCR-RFLP technique was used to observe expression of the MAOA gene. The DNA amplicons were also sequenced using the dideoxy sequencing method. MAOA mRNA was detected, and allele-specific expression was identified in each pool of embryos. We showed the presence of both the maternal and paternal alleles in the 4-, 8-to 16-cell, blastocyst and expanded blastocyst embryos, but only the maternal allele was present in the morula stage. Therefore, we can affirm that the paternal X chromosome is totally inactivated at the morula stage and reactivated at the blastocyst stage. To our knowledge, this is the first report of allele-specific expression of an X-linked gene that is subject to XCI in in vitro bovine embryos from the 4-cell to expanded blastocyst stages. We have established a pattern of XCI in our in vitro embryo production system that can be useful as a marker to assist the development of new protocols for in vitro embryo production. Mol. Reprod. Dev. MoL Reprod. Dev. 77: 615-621, 2010. (C) 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

X ray densitometry applied to technological evaluation of MDF panels of eucalyptus

MDF panels from eucalyptus wood fibers were manufactured in laboratory and industrial production and had their apparent density profile determined by X-ray densitometry. The MDF panels apparent density parameters (maximum density of the superior and inferior faces; medium and minimum density) were determined and compared. The results indicated that the density values of the MDF panels made in the laboratory and in industrial line did not show significant statistical differences, indicating the similarities in the pressing phase of the fibers of both kinds. However, for MDF panels of laboratory and production line, the values of maximum, mean and minimum densities showed statistically significant correlations. The determination of the density profile for MDF panels by X-ray densitometry is important for the evaluation of pressing phase and other variables of the industrial process of production, as well for the determination of the technological properties.

Phytoplasma closely related to the pigeon pea witches`-broom phytoplasma (16Sr IX) is associated with citrus huanglongbing symptoms in the state of Sao Paulo, Brazil

In February 2007, sweet orange trees with characteristic symptoms of huanglongbing (HLB) were encountered in a region of Sao Paulo state (SPs) hitherto free of HLB. These trees tested negative for the three liberibacter species associated with HLB. A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) product from symptomatic fruit columella DNA amplifications with universal primers fDI/rPI was cloned and sequenced. The corresponding agent was found to have highest 16S rDNA sequence identity (99%) with the Pigeon pea witches`-broom phytoplasma of group 16Sr IX. Sequences of PCR products obtained with phytoplasma 16S rDNA primer pairs fU5/rU3, fU5/P7 confirm these result.,;. With two primers D7f2/D7r2 designed based oil the 16S rDNA Sequence of the cloned DNA fragment, positive amplifications were obtained from more than one hundred samples including symptomatic fruits and blotchy mottle leaves. Samples positive for phytoplasmas were negative for liberibacters, except for four samples, which were positive for both the phytoplasma and `Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus`. The phytoplasma was detected by electron microscopy in the sieve tubes of midribs from symptomatic leaves. These results Show that a phytoplasma of group IX is associated with citrus HLB symptoms ill northern, central, and Southern SPs. This phytoplasma has very probably been transmitted to citrus from an external Source of inoculum, but the Putative insect vector is not yet known.

Functionality of bioactive compounds in Brazilian strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.) cultivars: Evaluation of hyperglycemia and hypertension potential using in vitro models

Fruits of seven fully ripened strawberry cultivars grown in Brazil (Dover, Camp Dover, Camarosa, Sweet Charlie, Toyonoka, Oso Grande, and Piedade) were evaluated for total phenolics, antioxidant activity based on DPPH radical scavenging assay, and functionality such as inhibition of alpha-amylase, alpha-glucosidase, and angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) relevant for potentially managing hyperglycemia and hypertension. The total phenolics content ranged from 966 to 1571 mu g of gallic acid/g of fruit fresh weight for Toyonoka and Dover, respectively. No correlation was found between total phenolics and antioxidant activity. The major phenolic compounds in aqueous extracts of strawberries were ellagic acid, quercetin, and chlorogenic acid. Strawberries had high alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activity. However, alpha-amylase inhibitory activity was very low in all cultivars. This suggested that strawberries could be considered as a potential dietary source with anti-hyperglycemic potential. The evaluated cultivars had no significant ACE inhibitory activity, reflecting low anti-hypertensive potential.

Bioactive compounds and quantification of total ellagic acid in strawberries (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.)

Strawberries are one of the most popular edible fruits in Brazil and their consumption has increased with the development of new varieties available at almost all seasons. Fruit of seven full-ripened strawberry cultivars (Dover, Camp Dover, Camarosa, Sweet Charlie, Toyonoka, Oso Grande and Piedade) were characterized in relation to the total phenolics, vitamin C, flavonoids, free and total ellagic acid contents and antioxidant capacity. Camp Dover had the lowest values for anthocyanins and total phenolics but the highest total flavonoid content. Dover presented the highest anthocyanin, total phenolics and ellagic acid contents and also elevated antioxidant capacity. The best conditions for the determination of the total ellagic acid content in strawberries were also optimized and the results showed that the extraction with 80% acetone, and hydrolysis using 2 N TFA at 120 degrees C for 60 min allowed a 99% recovery. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Discriminant analysis of trace elements in normal, benign and malignant breast tissues measured by total reflection X-ray fluorescence

In this work total reflection X-ray fluorescence spectrometry has been employed to determine trace element concentrations in different human breast tissues (normal, normal adjacent, benign and malignant). A multivariate discriminant analysis of observed levels was performed in order to build a predictive model and perform tissue-type classifications. A total of 83 breast tissue samples were studied. Results showed the presence of Ca, Ti, Fe, Cu and Zn in all analyzed samples. All trace elements, except Ti, were found in higher concentrations in both malignant and benign tissues, when compared to normal tissues and normal adjacent tissues. In addition, the concentration of Fe was higher in malignant tissues than in benign neoplastic tissues. An opposite behavior was observed for Ca, Cu and Zn. Results have shown that discriminant analysis was able to successfully identify differences between trace element distributions from normal and malignant tissues with an overall accuracy of 80% and 65% for independent and paired breast samples respectively, and of 87% for benign and malignant tissues. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Quantum-chemical, NMR and X-ray diffraction studies on (+/-)-1-[3,4-(methylenedioxy)phenyl]-2-methylaminopropane

Time-averaged conformations of (+/-)-1-[3,4-(methylenedioxy)phenyl]-2-methylaminopropane hydrochloride (MDMA, ""ecstasy"") in D(2)O, and of its free base and trifluoroacetate in CDCl(3), were deduced from their (1)H NMR spectra and used to calculate their conformer distribution. Their rotational potential energy surface (PES) was calculated at the RHF/6-31G(d,p), 133LYP/6-31G(d,p), B3LYP/cc-pVDZ and AM1 levels. Solvent effects were evaluated using the polarizable continuum model. The NMR and theoretical studies showed that, in the free base, the N-methyl group and the ring are preferentially trans. This preference is stronger in the salts and corresponds to the X-ray structure of the hydrochloride. However, the energy barriers separating these forms are very low. The X-ray diffraction crystal structures of the anhydrous salt and its monohydrate differed mainly in the trans or cis relationship of the N-methyl group to the a-methyl, although these two forms interconvert freely in solution. (C) 2007 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Analysis of Liquid Crystalline Nanoparticles by Small Angle X-Ray Diffraction: Evaluation of Drug and Pharmaceutical Additives Influence on the Internal Structure

The goal of this work was to study the liquid crystalline structure of a nanodispersion delivery system intended to be used in photodynamic therapy after loading with photosensitizers (PSs) and additives such as preservatives and thickening polymers. Polarized light microscopy and light scattering were performed on a standard nanodispersion in order to determine the anisotropy of the liquid crystalline structure and the mean diameter of the nanoparticles, respectively. Small angle X-ray diffraction (SAXRD) was used to verify the influence of drug loading and additives on the liquid crystalline structure of the nanodispersions. The samples, before and after the addition of PSs and additives, were stable over 90 days, as verified by dynamic light scattering. SAXRD revealed that despite the alteration observed in some of the samples analyzed in the presence of photosensitizing drugs and additives, the hexagonal phase still remained in the crystalline phase. (C) 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association J Pharm Sci 100: 2849-2857, 2011

Cyclic Guanosine Monophosphate Signaling Cascade Mediates Pigment Aggregation in Freshwater Shrimp Chromatophores

The cell signaling cascades that mediate pigment movements in crustacean chromatophores are not yet well established, although Ca(2+) and cyclic nucleotide second messengers are involved. Here, we examine the participation of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) in pigment aggregation triggered by red pigment concentrating hormone (RPCH) in the red ovarian chromatophores of freshwater shrimp. In Ca(2+)-containing (5.5 mmol l(-1)) saline, 10 mu mol l(-1) dibutyryl cGMP alone produced complete pigment aggregation with the same time course (approximate to 20 min) and peak velocity (approximate to 17 mu m/min) as 10(-8) mol l(-1) RPCH; however, in Ca(2+)-free saline (9 X 10(-11) mol l(-1) Ca(2+)), db-cGMP was without effect. The soluble guanylyl cyclase (GC-S) activators sodium nitroprusside (SNP, 0.5 mu mol l(-1)) and 3-morpholinosydnonimine (SIN-1, 100 mu mol l(-1)) induced moderate aggregation by themselves (approximate to 35%-40%) but did not affect RPCH-triggered aggregation. The GC-S inhibitors zinc protoporphyrin IX (ZnPP-XI, 30 mu mol l(-1)) and 6-anilino-5,8-quinolinedione (LY83583, 10 mu mol l(-1)) partially inhibited RPCH-triggered aggregation by approximate to 35%. Escherichia coli heat-stable enterotoxin (STa, 1 mu mol l(-1)), a membrane-receptor guanylyl cyclase stimulator, did not induce or affect RPCH-triggered aggregation. We propose that the binding of RPCH to an unknown membrane-receptor type activates a Ca(2+)-dependent signaling cascade coupled via cytosolic guanylyl cyclase and cGMP to protein kinase G-phosphorylated proteins that regulate aggregation-associated, cytoskeletal molecular motor activity. This is a further example of a cGMP signaling cascade mediating the effect of a crustacean X-organ neurosecretory peptide.

Synthesis of new amphiphilic chlorin derivatives from protoporphyrin-IX dimethyl ester

A simple synthesis of new amphiphilic chlorin derivatives from protoporphyrin-IX dimethyl ester is reported.The preparation Of Such compounds is based in a straightforward methodology, which involves the Diels-Alder reaction of protoporphyrin-IX dimethyl ester with maleic anhydride followed by addition of nucleophilic species to the initially formed cycloadducts, a transformation, which is highly regioselective. Preliminary photophysical studies with the new compounds show that they meet adequate features for PDT applications. (c) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Electrocatalytic oxidation of ethanol on Sn((1-x))Ir((x))O(2) electrodes in acid medium

The electrochemical oxidation of ethanol at Sn((1-x))Ir (x) O(2) electrodes (with x = 0.01, 0.05, 0.1 and 0.3) was studied in 0.1 mol L(-1) HClO(4) solution. Electrolysis experiments were carried out and the reaction products were analyzed by Liquid Chromatography. It was found that the amounts of the reaction products depended on the composition of the electrode. In situ infrared reflectance spectroscopy measurements were performed to identify the adsorbed intermediates and to postulate a reaction mechanism for ethanol electrooxidation on these electrode materials. As evidence, acetaldehyde and acetic acid were formed through a successive reaction process. Carbon dioxide was also identified as the end product, showing that the cleavage of the carbon-carbon bond occurred. These results indicate that the synthesized catalysts are able to lead to the total combustion of organic compounds. Analysis of the water bending band at different potentials illustrated its role at the electrode interface.