Dietary L-tryptophan alters aggression in juvenile matrinxa Brycon amazonicus

This study evaluated the effect of dietary supplementation with -tryptophan (L-TRP), a serotonin precursor, on the aggressiveness of juvenile matrinx . Fish were kept in individual aquaria for 7 days receiving the diets: D1 (control: 0.47% of TRP), D2 (0.94% of TRP), D3 (1.88% of TRP), and D4 (3.76% of TRP). After this, they were grouped with an intruder fish to establish a resident-intruder relationship during periods of 20 min. Blood cortisol, glucose, chloride, sodium and calcium; hemoglobin, hematocrit, red blood cell count and volume; liver glycogen and lipids were measured. Territoriality had significant effect on the aggressiveness of matrinx (the residents were more aggressive than intruders, < 0.001) and tryptophan significantly affected their behavior. Fish fed with the D2 diet presented a longer latency until the first attack ( = 0.0069) and bit the intruder fewer times ( = 0.0136) during the period of observation, compared to the control group. The frequency of bites and chases after the first attack was not affected by the dietary supplementation of TRP. Physiological variables were not significantly affected by the diet, except for a moderate increase in cortisol level in fish fed with D2 diet after the fight, indicating slight activation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-interrenal axis. The results show that juvenile matrinx have aggressive and territorial behavior and that a diet containing 9.4 g TRP kg(-1) alter their aggressiveness, without affecting the stress-related physiological parameters.

Resposta de feijão-vagem a diferentes níveis de fertilidade

Estudou-se a resposta de feijão-vagem de crescimento indeterminado à fertilidade do solo em Anápolis (GO). Utilizaram-se sete linhagens (Hav 13, Hav 38, Hav 40, Hav 49, Hav 56, Hav 64 e Hav 68), e as cultivares Favorito Ag 480, Macarrão Bragança e Teresópolis Ag 484, em sete doses da formulação 4-30-16 aplicadas ao solo (D0= 0; D1=200; D(2)400; D3=600; D4=800; D5=1000 e D6=1200 kg/ha). Houve diferenças significativas entre genótipos para todas características avaliadas, dentro de cada dose do formulado, exceto para produtividade, no quinto nível, e para altura média das plantas no nível mais elevado de fertilidade. As linhagens Hav 49 e Hav 64 igualaram-se aos genótipos de maiores rendimentos em todos os ambientes. O nível médio de fertilidade foi o mais conveniente, do ponto de vista econômico, para todas as características consideradas. Com exceção de Hav 13 e Teresópolis Ag 484, que se mostraram imprevisíveis quanto à produtividade, Hav 13 e Hav 64, quanto ao número de vagens por planta e Favorito Ag 480 quanto à altura média das plantas, os demais genótipos foram estáveis. Todos os genótipos responderam proporcionalmente à melhoria do ambiente para produtividade, número de vagens por planta e altura das plantas. Quanto ao peso médio das vagens a linhagem Hav 40 respondeu menos que proporcionalmente ao aumento da fertilidade do solo, mostrando-se adaptável a solos menos férteis, enquanto a cultivar Teresópolis Ag 484 respondeu mais que proporcionalmente à melhoria da fertilidade mostrando-se adaptável a solos mais férteis.

CABBAGE GROWTH and PRODUCTION IN RELATION TO PLANT DENSITY and NITROGEN

At present, the Brazilian market prefers cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) of smaller size, which can be achieved by increasing population density; yet this management can alter the optimum rate of nitrogen (N), its second most required nutrient. This study was conducted in the Universidade Estadual Paulista, Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil, from February to June 2004. The objective was to evaluate the effect of population density: 31 250 (DI) and 46 875 plants ha(-1) (D2) with 0, 100, 200 and 300 kg N ha-1 on the growth and production of cabbage Astrus. The experimental design consisted of randomized blocks with a 2 x 4 factorial arrangement and three replicates. Statistical analysis were a variance analysis (F test), the Tukey test for population density averages and polynomial regression for the N rates. In D1, an increase was recorded in the number of inner and outer leaves, dry matter of inner and outer leaves, the stem diameter at the insertion of the head, and the stem dry and fresh matter. The maximum size of the plant in D2 was 1.57 kg and was obtained with 300 kg N ha(-1), while in D1 it was 2.1 kg and was obtained with 244 kg N ha(-1). The optimal economic rate in 131 was 227.1 kg N ha(-1). The highest yield (72.7 t ha(-1)) was obtained with the highest N rate in D2. Smaller cabbage heads, commercially preferred, were obtained without the application of N, regardless of plant population.

Resposta nutricional do porta-enxerto delimoeiro 'citrumelo' à aplicacão de nitrogênio, fósforo e potássio

The effect of the application of three doses N, P and K on substrates on the nutritional status of root stock of 'Citrumelo' lemon (Citrus paradisi x Poncirus trifoliata) was evaluated. The experiment followed a fully randomized factorial design (3x3) (three nutrients x three doses plus a control) with three replicates. The treatments consisted of D1 = half standard dose, D2 = one standard dose and D3 = twice standard dose, in addition to the control that did not received fertilization at all. At four months after the emergence of the root stock of lemon 'Citrumelo' the plants tissue (leaves) were determined for nutrients analysis to obtain its accumulation. The results showed that plants of lemon 'Citrumelo' 'Swingle' are responsive to the application of N, P and K. The application of nitrogen showed a linear accumulation pattern of N and K, while the applications of phosphorus and potassium provided a quadratic response.

Adubação com NPK e o estado nutricional de ‘citrumelo’ por medida indireta de clorofila

The SPAD values of the leaves have correlation with nutrients content and dry matter production and could be used for evaluation of the nutritional state in citrus rootstock. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of the rates of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) on the indirect measure of chlorophyll in the lemon tree citrus rootstock of "citrumelo". After 20 days from sowing of the plants, the experiment was installed, in a randomized design factorial project 3x3 + 1, being three rates of N, P e K (920 mg dm(-3) 790 mg dm(-3) and 100 mg dm(-3), respectively), with three replications. The treatments were: D1 = half of the recommend rate; D2 = the recommend rate; e D3 = two times the recommend rate and one control (without fertilization). Four months after the emergency, were determined the SPAD values, dry matter yield and the N, P and K content of the plants. Interaction between N, P and K content with SPAD values the plants were found. SPAD values with N content and with the dry mass yield of the plants the citrus rootstock were encountered, indicating that the indirect measure of chlorophyll is adequate for the evaluation of the nitrogen content of 'citrumelo' plants.

Effect of liming on the mineral nutrition and yield of growing guava trees in a typic hapludox soil

High soil acidity influences the availability of mineral nutrients and increases that of toxic aluminium (Al), which has a jeopardizing effect on plant growth. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effects of soil liming on the development of guava (Psidium guajava L.) plants, on soil chemical characteristics, and on fruit yield. The experiment was carried out at the Bebedouro Citrus Experimental Station, state of São Paulo, Brazil, in a Typic Hapludox soil, from August 1999 to March 2003. The treatments consisted of limestone dose: D0 = zero; D1 = half dose; D2 = total dose; D3 = 1.5 times the dose, and D4 = 2 times the dose to raise the V value to 70%. The doses corresponded to zero, 1.85, 3.71, 5.56, and 7.41tha(-1) applied to the upper soil layer (0-30cm deep) before planting. The results showed that liming caused an improvement in the evaluated soil chemical characteristics up to a depth of 60cm in soil samples both in the line and between lines. The highest fruit yields were obtained when the base saturation reached a value of 55% in the line and 62% between the lines. Foliar levels of calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) were 8.8 and 2.5gkg-1, respectively. The highest limestone dose maintained the soil base saturation (at the layer of 0-20cm) in the line close to 55% during at least 40 months after the incorporation of limestone.

PHOSPHORUS EFFECTS IN THE NUTRITION and GROWTH of DEVELOPING MANGO PLANTS

The objective was to study the effects of phosphorous (P) fertilization on nutritional and developmental aspects of growing mango plants. The mango plants were evaluated by soil chemical analyses, leaf chemical analyses, biological examination of plant growth, and the starting point of fruit production. Having this in view, an experiment was set up on 2 January 2003, at Flora, a farm in Uberlandia, state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The soil was a clayish Oxisol. The doses at planting were: D0 = zero, D1 = 40, D2 = 100, D3 = 200, and D4 = 300 g of P2O5 plant-1. These doses at the beginning of the second year were multiplied by 1.5 and at the beginning of the third year by 2.0 and applied to the plants. The fertilizer used in this experiment was triple superphosphate (44% of P2O5.). During August of 2004, 2005, and 2006, soil samples were taken at a depth of 20 cm in between the plant rows. Leaf samples were taken during August of 2004 and 2005 to determine macro- and micronutrient contents in the leaves. Plant stem diameter was measured during January of 2004 and 2005. Plant height and crown radius were measured during January of 2005 and fruit production in 2005 and 2006. Fertilizer applications increased the level of P in the soil but significantly influenced plant performance only after the second year. The effects of phosphorus on mango plants take place slowly leading to increments in plant stem diameter only at the third year. Fruit set was not influenced by phosphorous fertilization.

Liming and postharvest quality of carambola fruits

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Influência da frequência de suplementação no consumo, na digestibilidade e na fermentação ruminal em novilhos de corte mantidos em pastagem de capim-marandu

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Fresh and matured lamb meat quality fed with sunflower seeds and vitamin E

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a qualidade da carne de cordeiros Ile de France alimentados com dietas contendo grãos de girassol e vitamina E. Trinta e dois cordeiros pesando inicialmente 15kg foram alojados em baias individuais e abatidos ao atingir 32kg de peso corporal. Os tratamentos consistiram de quatro dietas experimentais: D1) cana-de-açúcar + concentrado sem grãos de girassol; D2) cana-de-açúcar + concentrado com grãos de girassol; D3) cana-de-açúcar + concentrado grãos de girassol, mais 1000mg de vitamina E kg-1 de matéria seca (MS) da dieta; e D4) cana-de-açúcar + concentrado com grãos de girassol e 1000mg de vitamina E dieta kg-1 de MS. Os parâmetros temperatura, pH, cor, perda de peso ao cozimento, força de cisalhamento e capacidade de retenção de água foram determinados nos tempos de maturação de 0, 7 e 14 dias no músculo Longissimus dorsi. As características qualitativas da carne não foram afetadas pelas dietas contendo grãos de girassol combinado com vitamina E, no entanto, pH 24 horas foi afetado (P<0,05) pela dieta contendo grãos de girassol com vitamina E. A perda de peso por cozimento não foi influenciada (P>0,05) pelos tempos de dieta ou de maturação, por outro lado, a força de cisalhamento e capacidade de retenção de água foi significativamente afetada (P<0,05). O uso da vitamina E resultou em carne com maior capacidade de retenção de água. O tempo de maturação influenciou nos parâmetros pH, cor e força de cisalhamento. Carne de cordeiro com 7 dias de maturação apresentou menor força de cisalhamento.

Composição centesimal da carne de cordeiros submetidos a dietas com diferentes teores de concentrado

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Eficácia do herbicida amicarbazone aplicado sobre a palha ou no solo no controle de plantas daninhas na cultura da cana-de-açúcar

A eficácia dos herbicidas no sistema de cana-crua é diretamente influenciada pela quantidade e distribuição de palha na área, bem como pela ocorrência da primeira chuva superior a 20 mm posterior à aplicação, uma vez que a palha é capaz de interceptar o herbicida antes que este atinja o solo. Nesse contexto, a presente pesquisa teve como objetivo avaliar a eficácia e o comportamento do herbicida amicarbazone no controle de plantas daninhas no sistema de cana-crua. Para isso, foi realizado um experimento em condições controladas, considerando diferentes doses de amicarbazone (D1 = 1,05 kg ha-1, D2 = 0,875 kg ha-1, D3 = 0,700 kg ha-1 e D4 = 0,525 kg ha-1) e situações de aplicação desse herbicida, a saber: sobre 5 t de palha ha-1, sobre o solo e coberto com 5 t de palha ha-1, além de pulverização sobre o solo sem cobertura de palha, resultando assim em 12 tratamentos. Aos 7, 14, 21 e 28 dias após a aplicação (DAA), foi avaliada a porcentagem de controle das seguintes espécies de plantas daninhas: Ipomoea grandifolia, Brachiaria decumbens, Merremia cissoides e Euphorbia heterophylla. Pelos resultados obtidos, pode-se constatar que, independentemente da espécie de planta daninha avaliada, os maiores índices de controle foram observados quando o amicarbazone foi aplicado sobre a palha, simulando-se em seguida precipitação correspondente a 30 mm de chuva, e nos tratamentos em que o herbicida foi aplicado diretamente no solo sem palha. Dessa forma, para as espécies I. grandifolia, M. cissoides e E. heterophylla, todos os tratamentos apresentaram excelente controle (nota 6 - 100%) a partir dos 14 DAA; para B. decumbens, o controle total ocorreu aos 28 DAA. Portanto, pode-se concluir que o amicarbazone é uma excelente alternativa para o manejo dessas espécies de plantas daninhas em cana-crua.

Efeitos de sentido das não coincidências do dizer na escrita acadêmica

Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte

Presence of autoantibodies against HeLa small nuclear ribonucleoproteins in chagasic and non-chagasic cardiac patients

We detected anti-human small nuclear ribonucleoprotein (snRNP) autoantibodies in chagasic patients by different immunological methods using HeLa snRNPs. ELISA with Trypanosoma cruzi total lysate antigen or HeLa human U small nuclear ribonucleoproteins (UsnRNPs) followed by incubation with sera from chronic chagasic and non-chagasic cardiac patients was used to screen and compare serum reactivity. Western blot analysis using a T. cruzi total cell extract was also performed in order to select some sera for Western blot and immunoprecipitation assays with HeLa nuclear extract. ELISA showed that 73 and 95% of chronic chagasic sera reacted with HeLa UsnRNPs and T. cruzi antigens, respectively. The Western blot assay demonstrated that non-chagasic cardiac sera reacted with high molecular weight proteins present in T. cruzi total extract, probably explaining the 31% reactivity found by ELISA. However, these sera reacted weakly with HeLa UsnRNPs, in contrast to the chagasic sera, which showed autoantibodies with human Sm (from Stefanie Smith, the first patient in whom this activity was identified) proteins (B/B', D1, D2, D3, E, F, and G UsnRNP). Immunoprecipitation reactions using HeLa nuclear extracts confirmed the reactivity of chagasic sera and human UsnRNA/RNPs, while the other sera reacted weakly only with U1snRNP. These findings agree with previously reported data, thus supporting the idea of the presence of autoimmune antibodies in chagasic patients. Interestingly, non-chagasic cardiac sera also showed reactivity with T. cruzi antigen and HeLa UsnRNPs, which suggests that individuals with heart disease of unknown etiology may develop autoimmune antibodies at any time. The detection of UsnRNP autoantibodies in chagasic patients might contribute to our understanding of how they develop upon initial T. cruzi infection.

Involvement of dopamine receptors in diethylpropion-induced conditioning place preference

Diethylpropion (DEP) is an amphetamine-like agent used as an anorectic drug. Abuse of DEP has been reported and some restrictions of its use have been recently imposed. The conditioning place preference (CPP) paradigm was used to evaluate the reinforcing properties of DEP in adult male Wistar rats. After initial preferences were determined, animals weighing 250-300 g (N = 7 per group) were conditioned with DEP (10, 15 or 20 mg/kg). Only the dose of 15 mg/kg produced a significant place preference (358 ± 39 vs 565 ± 48 s). Pretreatment with the D1 antagonist SCH 23390 (0.05 mg/kg, sc) 10 min before DEP (15 mg/kg, ip) blocked DEP-induced CPP (418 ± 37 vs 389 ± 31 s) while haloperidol (0.5 mg/kg, ip), a D2 antagonist, 15 min before DEP was ineffective in modifying place conditioning produced by DEP (385 ± 36 vs 536 ± 41 s). These results suggest that dopamine D1 receptors mediate the reinforcing effect of DEP