Research on the formulation and revision of standard limits for antimony,boron and vanadium in the "Standards for Drinking Water Quality (GB5749-2022)" in China / 中华预防医学杂志

China is rich in antimony, boron, and vanadium mineral resources, which have been detected in environmental water bodies and drinking water. During the revision process of the "Standards for Drinking Water Quality (GB5749-2006)", research and evaluation are focused on three indicators: antimony, boron and vanadium. Vanadium is added and the limit value of boron is adjusted. This study reviews and discusses the technical contents related to the revision of the antimony, boron and vanadium, including the environmental presence levels, exposure status, health effects, and the revision of the standard limits of these three indicators. Suggestions are also made for the implementation of this standard.

Moderate Toxicity of Potential Boron-containing Therapeutic, Dipotassium-trioxohydroxytetrafl uorotriborate - K2 (B3 O3 F4 OH) in Rats and Mice

Abstract Biological activity of boron-containing compounds (BCCs) has been well-known. Growing interest and numerous applications for BCCs have been reported. Boron and boron-containing acids show low acute toxicity in mammals but data on halogenated boroxine (HB) - dipotassium-trioxohydroxytetrafluorotriborate, K2(B3O3F4OH) acute toxicity have not been reported before. This compound, characterized as a potential therapeutic for skin changes, exhibits no observable genotoxicity in doses lower that 0.1 mg/ml in vitro and 55 mg/kg in vivo. It has also been confirmed as an antitumour agent both in vitro and in vivo as well as an inhibitor of enzymes involved in antioxidant mechanisms. The aim of this study was to assess the acute toxicity of HB and to determine the maximum tolerated dose as well as a dose free of any signs of toxicity in different test organisms. Acute toxicity of HB was tested in Sprague-Dawley and Wistar rats and BALB/c mice after single parenteral application of different doses. We determined doses free of any sign of toxicity and LD50 after single dose administration. LD50 of HB ranges from 63 to 75 mg/kg in different test models, meaning that HB shows moderate toxicity

Effect of boric acid application on antioxidant enzymes activity and gene expression in Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L) cultivars

Abstract: Boron is one of the most important micronutrients for plants. Plants may suffer from deficiency or with boron toxicity. Boron plays a role in significant physiological and biochemical events in plants such as synthesis of the cell wall, membrane integrity, antioxidation, transport of photosynthesis products to other organs of the plant. The enzyme activities of ascorbate peroxidase (APX), catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in three different safflower cultivars (Balcı, Dinçer and Remzibey) subjected to different boric acid concentrations (0, 5, 10, 15 mM) were measured spectrophotometrically, and the changes in the expression levels of the genes that encode these enzymes were obtained by quantitative RT-qPCR. When both the spectrophotometric measurements and the mRNA values were evaluated together, both the activity and mRNA values of APX and GR enzymes were found to be the highest in the Dinçer cultivar among the varieties treated with 15 mM boric acid, while the lowest values of these enzymes were determined in the Remzibey cultivar. According to the RT-qPCR results, the lowest SOD and CAT values were determined in Remzibey. The Dinçer cultivar was found to have the highest antioxidant capacity (APX, GR) to cope with oxidative stress caused by boric acid application at high concentrations. The sensitive Remzibey cultivar was found to have the lowest antioxidant capacity to cope with such oxidative stress. Balcı was found to be closer to Dinçer than to Remzibey in terms of boron tolerance. As a result, the boron-sensitive cultivar had low antioxidant activity.

Oxidative Damage to BV2 Cells by Trichloroacetic Acid: Protective Role of Boron via the p53 Pathway / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

This study aimed to investigate the neurotoxicity induced by trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and the possible protective mechanisms of boron (B). Mouse BV2 cells were treated with TCA (0, 0.39, 0.78, 1.56, 3.12, 6.25, or 12.5 mmol/L) and B (0, 7.8, 15.6, 31.25, 62.5, 125, 500, or 1,000 mmol/L) for 3 h and 24 h, respectively. Then, reactive oxygen species, and supernatant proinflammatory cytokine and protein levels were analyzed after 24 h of combined exposure. Beyond the dose-dependent decrease in the cellular viability, it clearly increased after B supplementation ( P < 0.05). Moreover, B decreased oxidative damage, and significantly down-regulated IL-6 levels and up-regulated TNF-β production ( P < 0.05). B also decreased apoptosis via the p53 pathway. The present findings indicated that TCA may induce oxidative damage, whereas B mitigates these adverse effects by decreasing cell apoptosis.

Improving micropropagation of some grape cultivars via boron, calcium and phosphate

BACKGROUND: An efficient regeneration protocol is a priority for the successful application of plant biotechnology. Grape nodal explants were used to develop a micropropagation protocol for Thompson Seedless and Taify cvs. Explants were cultured on MS medium supplemented with Kinetin or benzylaminopurine (BA) and indolebutyric acid (IBA). RESULTS: For both cultivars, axillary buds were grown, only, on a medium enriched with kinetin, moreover, shoot tip necrosis and callus formation were observed on Thompson Seedless cv. cultures grown on a medium with BA. Supplementing the growth medium with 100 mM (boron) B and 2.5 mM (calcium) Ca successfully help overcome these phenomena. The highest regenerated shoot numbers (14 and 6.2 explant 1 ) for Taify and Thompson Seedless cvs., respectively, were on media supplemented with 13.2 mM BA + 4.9 mM IBA and BA 13.2 mM + 5.8 mM IBA, respectively. Moreover, these media supported the developing shoots to have the heaviest dry weights (1.46 and 0.72 mg explant 1 ) for Taify and Thompson Seedless cvs., respectively. Thompson Seedless cv. regenerated shoot numbers and their dry weights were significantly increased by increasing the MS medium PO4 concentration. However, these two parameters were significantly decreased for Taify cv. Developing shoots were elongated and rooted on MS medium enriched with 4.9 mM, IBA 100 mM B and 2.5 mM Ca. Plantlets were acclimatized and successfully transferred to the greenhouse conditions. CONCLUSIONS: A novel promising protocol for Thomson Seedless and Taify cvs. micropropagation using single nodes has been developed.

Doses, methods and times of application of boron in soybean under field conditions / Doses, métodos e épocas de aplicação de boro na soja sob condições de campo

The boron (B) fertilization in soybean is important to ensure great yields. Boron correction must be applied in deficient soils repairing losses, exports and leaching. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of doses, methods and times of application of B in soybean B content and yield. The field experiments were conducted during the 2015/16 and 2016/17 cropping seasons and set as a randomized block design with nine treatments (0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2 kg ha-1 of B, 0.5 kg ha-1 of B mixed with NPK (02-28-18) in furrow during sowing, foliar application with 0.3 kg ha-1 of B in V4 soybean stage, foliar application with 0.3 kg ha-1 of B in R1 soybean stage, and foliar application of 0.15 kg ha-1 in V4 plus 0.15 kg ha-1 of B in R1 soybean stage) and four replications. Boric acid was the B source and the variables analyzed were: B leaf content, B exported in seeds, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, weight of 100 seeds (g) and productivity (kg ha-1). The levels of B in leaf were between 30.1 and 43.8 mg kg-1 and between 65.0 and 92.6 mg kg-1 in the 2015/16 and 2016/17 growing season, respectively. Exports of B in seeds were estimated between 166 and 248 g ha-1 and between 208.9 to 260.8 g ha-1 in the 2015/16 and 2016/17 growing season, respectively. Great productivity (3,820 kg ha-1) was observed in the 2016/17 growing season, with an estimated dose of 0.95 kg ha-1 of B.

A fertilização de boro na soja é importante para garantir boas produtividades, corrigir solos deficientes e repor perdas, exportação ou lixiviação. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os efeitos de doses, avaliar modos e épocas de aplicação de B na produtividade da soja. Os experimentos foram implantados na Fazenda Experimental da UEG, Campus Ipameri, nas safras 2015/2016 e 2016/2017 com delineamento em blocos ao acaso, com nove tratamentos e quatro repetições. 0,0; 0,5; 1,0; 1,5; 2,0 kg ha-1 de boro, - 0,5 kg ha-1 de B junto com NPK 2-28-18 no sulco de semeadura; aplicação foliar com 0,3 kg ha-1 de boro em V4; aplicação foliar com 0,3 kg ha-1 de boro em R1; aplicação foliar de 0,150 kg ha-1 em V4 mais 0,150 kg ha-1 de boro em R1. Foi utilizado como fonte o ácido bórico. As variáveis respostas analisadas foram: teor na folha, exportação pelos grãos, número de vagens por planta, número de grãos por vagem, massa de 100 grãos e produtividade. Os teores de B encontrados ficaram entre 30,12 e 43,83 mg kg-1 na folha de soja na safra 2015/2016 e entre 65,0 e 92,6 mg kg-1 na safra 2016/2017. As exportações de Boro foram estimadas entre 166 e 248 g ha-1 e 208,9 a 260,8 g ha-1 na primeira e segunda safra, respectivamente. Houve maior produtividade na segunda safra (3820 kg ha-1) com dose estimada de 0,95 kg ha-1

Grain production fatty acid and oil profile from sunflower cultivars receiving different boron doses / Produção de grãos, perfil de óleo e ácido graxo em cultivares de girassol submetidos a diferentes doses de boro

Among the main factors that affect the productivity of crops is deficiency of nutrients. Boron (B) is an essential micronutrient for plants, and sunflower is one of the most sensitive plants to deficiency of the element. Its inadequate supply can impair sunflower plants' metabolism and grain and oil yield. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of different boron doses on the production of sunflower grains and the content and quality of the oil obtained from them. The experimental design was randomized blocks in a factorial scheme with three cultivars (Helio251, BRS323, BRS324) and four B doses (0, 2.5, 5.0, 8.0 kg ha-1). Two harvests were performed, the first in the R5 reproductive stage and the second at the end of the R9 cycle. In both cases, the levels of B in the capitulum were measured. At the end of the cycle, the grain yield, crude protein and oil content in the grains and fatty acid profile were analyzed. The cultivars responded differently to the treatments with B. The boron fertilization influenced the grain yield and oil content, but was not correlated with the profile of the majority unsaturated fatty acids and crude protein in the grains. Variations were observed in the fatty acid profile between the cultivars, an important aspect that needs to be evaluated according to the purpose of the production. In soil with lower availability of B, cultivar BRS323 was most efficient in B uptake, grain yield and oil content and quality.

Dentre os principais fatores que afetam a produtividade das culturas está a deficiência de nutrientes. O Boro (B) é um micronutriente essencial para plantas, e o girassol é uma das mais sensíveis à deficiência desse elemento. Seu fornecimento inadequado pode prejudicar o metabolismo, a produção de óleo e grãos das plantas de girassol. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito de diferentes doses de boro na produção de grãos, conteúdo a qualidade do óleo de girassol. O experimento foi conduzido em delineamento de blocos ao acaso em esquema fatorial com três cultivares (Helio251, BRS323, BRS324) e quatro doses de B (0; 2,5; 5,0; 8,0 kg ha-1). Foram realizadas duas coletas, a primeira na fase reprodutiva R5 e a segunda no final do ciclo R9. Em ambos os casos, os níveis de B no capítulo foram medidos. No final do ciclo, foram analisados a produção de grãos, teor de proteína bruta e óleo nos grãos e perfil de ácidos graxos. Os cultivares responderam diferentemente aos tratamentos com B. A adubação com boro influenciou o rendimento de grãos e teor de óleo, mas não se correlacionou com o perfil da maioria dos ácidos graxos insaturados e da proteína bruta nos grãos. Foram observadas variações no perfil de ácidos graxos entre cultivares, um aspecto importante que precisa ser avaliado de acordo com a finalidade da produção. No solo com menor disponibilidade de B, o cultivar BRS323 foi mais eficiente na absorção de B, rendimento de grãos, teor e qualidade de óleo.

The retranslocation of boron is influenced by the nutritional status of cherry tomato plants / A retranslocação do boro é influenciada pelo estado nutricional do tomateiro cereja

Boron (B) retranslocation may confer greater tolerance to B deficiency or toxicity, resulting in plants and fruits with better nutritional quality. Most plants do not demonstrate phloem mobility for B; however, some plants have natural mobility and others express it under stress conditions, such as nutritional stress. Therefore, we investigated the phloem mobility of B in cherry tomato plants with different nutritional status. The plants were cultivated in nutrient solution with adequate and insufficient doses of Potassium (K) and B. Furthermore, the plants received foliar fertilization with B in a mature leaf (F) in a localized form. The B content and amount in leaves near F were compared with leaves of the same age and position on control plants. The experiment was carried out in a protected environment and conducted in a randomized complete block design in a subdivided plot scheme with four replicates. Re-translocation of B between neighboring leaves was observed when the plant was without K deficiency and with B deficiency. In this nutritional status, leaves next to fertilized leaf with B (F) showed higher B amount when compared to leaves of the same position of control plants. Evidence suggests that retranslocation of B over relatively short distances (between leaves) can be influenced by the nutritional status the cherry tomato plants.

A retranslocação de Boro (B) pode conferir maior tolerância à deficiência ou toxidez de B, resultando em plantas e frutos com melhor qualidade nutricional. A maioria das plantas não demonstra mobilidade floemática para o B, contudo, algumas plantas possuem mobilidade natural e outras a expressam sob condições de estresse, como o estresse nutricional. Nesse sentido, foi investigada a mobilidade floemática do B em plantas de tomate cereja com diferentes status nutricionais. As plantas foram cultivadas em solução nutritiva com doses adequada e insuficiente de Potássio (K) e B. Adicionalmente, as plantas receberam, de forma localizada, fertilização foliar com B em uma folha madura (F). Os teores e os conteúdos de B nas folhas vizinhas a F foram comparados com folhas de mesma idade e posição de plantas controle. O experimento foi realizado em ambiente protegido e conduzido no delineamento de blocos casualizados em esquema de parcelas subdivididas com quatro repetições. Evidenciou-se retranslocação de B entre folhas vizinhas quando a planta estava sem deficiência de K e com deficiência de B. Neste status nutricional, as folhas vizinhas à folha aplicada (F) apresentaram maiores teores e conteúdos de B quando comparadas às folhas de mesma posição das plantas controle. As evidências sugerem que a retranslocação de B em distâncias relativamente curtas (entre folhas) pode ser influenciada pelo status nutricional de plantas de tomate cereja.

Boron alters cation exchange properties of corn roots but does not decrease aluminum toxicity / Boro altera as propriedades de troca catiônica da raiz de milho, mas não diminui a toxidez por alumínio

Most studies that have registered amelioration of Al toxicity due to root cation exchange capacity (CEC) decrease with B application were conducted using eudicotyledonous species (high root CEC). However, the effect of B/Al interaction on the root CEC values in species with low root CEC such as corn (Zea mays L.) has been understudied. Thus, this study aimed to: (1) verify if B decreases root CEC and if it benefits the growth and nutrient uptake in corn plants under Al toxicity; and (2) verify which method of root CEC analysis better differentiates the effects of B and Al. Corn seedlings were grown in complete nutrient solution with the following treatments: 0, 50, and 200 µM of B versus 0 and 300 µM of Al. Root attributes showed correlations with nutrient depletion from the nutrient solution, but nutrient depletion generally varied with transpiration in two depletion tests. The addition of B or Al in nutrient solution decreased root CEC; however, B failed to decrease Al toxicity in corn plants. The four methods used to determine CEC of corn roots had contrasting results, particularly with respect to the effect of B in the presence of Al.

A maioria dos estudos que registraram amenização da toxidez de Al devido ao decréscimo da capacidade de troca de cátions (CTC) radicular com a aplicação de B foram realizados com espécies eudicotiledôneas (alta CTC radicular). Contudo, o efeito da interação B/Al nos valores de CTC radicular em espécies de baixa CTC radicular, como no milho (Zea mays L.), é pouco conhecido. Assim, os objetivos desse estudo foram: (1) verificar se o B reduz a CTC radicular e se isso beneficia o crescimento e a absorção de nutrientes em plantas de milho sob toxidez por Al; (2) verificar qual método para análise de CTC radicular diferencia melhor o efeito do B e Al. Plântulas de milho foram cultivadas em solução nutritiva completa com os seguintes tratamentos: 0, 50 e 200 µM de B versus 0 e 300 µM de Al. Os atributos radiculares apresentaram correlações com a depleção de nutrientes da solução nutritiva, mas, em geral, a depleção de nutrientes variou principalmente com a transpiração em dois testes de depleção. A adição de B na solução nutritiva reduziu a CTC radicular, o que também ocorreu quando o Al foi adicionado, contudo, o B não aliviou a toxidez por Al nas plantas de milho. Os quatro métodos usados para determinar a CTC radicular do milho tiveram resultados contrastantes, particularmente com relação ao efeito do B na presença de Al.

Addition of micronutrients to npk formulation and initial development of maize plants / Adição de micronutrientes a formulado npk e o desenvolvimento incial de plantas de milho

Micronutrients are essential nutrients for plant growth and development; however, the micronutrient content in soil is often insufficient to ensure maximum productivity, which creates the need for their application through fertilizers. This study compared the availability of zinc, boron, manganese and copper to the soil, their absorption, accumulation and effect in developing maize plants, supplied as granules mixed with NPK granules or as powder, coating NPK granules. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse, in a randomized block design with four replications, using a soil classified as Oxisol and maize hybrid AG1051. The formulation for fertilizers used was 4-30-10 (N- P2O5 -K2O) with 0.3% zinc, 0.1% boron, 0.2% manganese and 0.2% copper applied at doses of 0, 150, 300, 600, 1200 and 2400 kg ha-1, furthermore, doses of 4-30-10 without micronutrients were applied to ensure variation only for micronutrient doses. Coating NPK granules with micronutrients was better than the mixture for soil Zn content, zinc concentration and accumulation in the shoot and dry mass production. Both fertilizers presented similar behavior for soil B content, B concentration and accumulation in shoots. However, for the greatest dose, B results were better for the mixture of granules. The addition of Mn and Cu to NPK formulation resulted in no response in the soil, although the mixture resulted in greater concentration of Mn in the shoot and coating granules showed greater accumulation of Cu.

Os micronutrientes são essenciais às plantas porém seus teores no solo podem não ser suficientes para altas produtividades, o que gera necessidade de aplicação via fertilizantes. Objetivou-se comparar a disponibilização de zinco, boro, manganês e cobre para o solo, sua absorção, acúmulo e efeito no desenvolvimento de plantas de milho, quando aplicados granulados e em mistura com grânulos NPK ou na forma de pó, revestindo grânulos de NPK. O experimento foi conduzido em casa de vegetação, com delineamento de blocos casualizados, com quatro repetições, com amostras de solo classificado como Latossolo Vermelho distrófico típico e híbrido de milho AG1051. Os fertilizantes utilizados foram de formulação 4-30-10 (N-P2O5-K2O) com 0,3 % de zinco, 0,1 % de boro, 0,2 % de manganês e 0,2 % de cobre aplicados nas doses de 0, 150, 300, 600, 1200 e 2400 kg ha-1. Doses complementares de 4-30-10 sem micronutrientes foram aplicadas para que todos os tratamentos recebessem as mesmas doses de nitrogênio, fósforo e potássio, variando somente as doses dos micronutrientes. O revestimento dos grânulos de NPK com micronutrientes é superior à mistura quando se compara o teor de zinco no solo, a concentração e o acúmulo de zinco na parte aérea e a produção de massa seca das plantas de milho. A mistura de micronutrientes granulados com grânulos de NPK apresenta comportamento semelhante para os teores de boro no solo, sua concentração e acúmulo na parte aérea. A adição de manganês e cobre ao formulado NPK não resultou em resposta no solo, embora a forma de mistura tenha resultado em maior concentração de manganês na parte aérea, e o revestimento de grânulos tenha mostrado maior acúmulo de cobre pelas plantas de milho.

Riesgo ambiental por arsénico y boro en las cuencas hidrográficas Sama y Locumba de Perú / Environmental risk due to arsenic and boron in the watersheds Sama y Locumba from Perú

Se efectuó un estudio para estimar el riesgo ambiental sostenible relativo ante concentraciones totales de arsénico y boro en aguas superficiales de las cuencas hidrográficas Sama y Locumba, en Tacna, Perú, a través de muestreos de tipo no probabilístico por conveniencia en puntos referenciales, durante los meses de agosto y noviembre del 2016, así como abril y junio del 2017. Se obtuvo que los valores de arsénico en los respectivos meses fueron 0,0731; 0,29835; 0,287 y 0,711 mg.L-1, lo que superó el límite máximo permisible (0,01 mg.L-1); este incumplimiento fue similar en cuanto al boro, pues se hallaron concentraciones de 8,681 y 4,148 mg.L-1, pero el valor máximo establecido es de 2,4 mg.L-1. Las concentraciones determinadas por meses revelaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas (pd≤0,05). Se concluyó que las aguas superficiales como recurso natural fueron no sostenibles y representaban un riesgo ambiental y para la salud humana

A study was carried out to estimate the relative sustainable environmental risk with total concentrations of arsenic and boron in superficial waters of the watersheds Sama and Locumba, in Tacna, Peru, through samplings of non probabilistic type by convenience in reference sites, during the months of August and November of 2016, as well as April and June, 2017. It was obtained that the arsenic values in the respective months were 0,0731; 0,29835; 0,287 and 0,711 mg.L-1, which overcame the permissible maximum limit (0,01 mg.L-1); this unfulfillment was similar as for the boron, because concentrations of 8,681 and 4,148 mg.L-1 were found, but the established maximum value is 2,4 mg.L-1. Concentrations determined per months revealed statistically significant differences (pd≤0,05). It was concluded that the superficial waters as natural resource were not sustainable and they represented an environmental risk and for the human health

High exposure to boron in drinking water and sperm parameters in Chilean young people / Exposición elevada a boro en el agua potable y parámetros de esperma en gente joven chilena

Our aim was to describe sperm parameters in residents from Northern Chile. We evaluated in 101 volunteers (18 and 30 years old) urinary and drinking water Boron levels using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry; semen parameters were measured with standardized methods. Each individual was categorized in 3 levels of exposure: low (B levels in urine 2.94 mgL-1 or tap water 3.0 mgL-1), medium (urinary B between 2.95-7.4 mgL-1 and B in tap water with 3.0-7.0 mgL-1) and high (urinary B > 7.4 mgL-1 or tap water > 7.0 mgL-1). We found no significant differences among groups by pH, sperm concentration (45.1; 48.2 and 38 million/mL), motility 1th hour (38.1; 40.0 and 45.5 %) and vitality 1th hour (88.6; 88.0 and 76.9 %) respectively. Abnormal morphology was significant different (83.3; 90 and 83 %). Young men exposed to B in drinking water present sperm variations associated with the level of exposure. Most of these changes are positive at intermediate levels of B. For the highest exposures were observed negative changes in sperm morphology, concentration, motility and vitality, all relevant parameters of fertility. Beneficial effect is observed at medium exposure, like a "U curve".

El objetivo de este trabajo fue describir los parámetros espermáticos en residentes del norte de Chile. Se evaluaron en 101 voluntarios (18 y 30 años), los niveles urinarios y de agua potable de boro, usando "Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry". Los parámetros del semen se midieron con métodos estandarizados. Cada individuo se clasificó en 3 niveles de exposición: bajo (niveles B en la orina 2,94 mgL-1 o agua potable 3,0 mgL-1), medio (B urinario entre 2,95-7,4 mgL-1 y B en agua de beber con 3,0- 7,0 mgL-1) y alto (B urinario >7,4 mgL-1 o agua potable > 7,0 mgL-1). No se encontraron diferencias significativas entre los grupos por pH, concentración de espermatozoides (45,1; 48,2 y 38 millones/mL), motilidad a 1 hora (38,1; 40,0 y 45,5%) y vitalidad 1 hora (88,6; 88,0 y 76,9%) respectivamente. La morfología anormal fue significativamente diferente (83,3; 90 y 83%). Los hombres jóvenes expuestos a B en el agua potable presentan variaciones espermáticas asociadas con el nivel de exposición. La mayoría de estos cambios son positivos en niveles intermedios de B. Para las exposiciones más altas se observaron cambios negativos en la morfología, concentración, motilidad y vitalidad del esperma, parámetros relevantes de la fertilidad. Un efecto beneficioso se observa en la exposición media, como una "curva U".

Plackett-burman design and response surface optimization of medium trace nutrients for glycolipopeptide biosurfactant production

Background: A glycolipopeptide biosurfactant produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain IKW1 reduced the surface tension of fermentation broth from 71.31 to 24.62 dynes/cm at a critical micelle concentration of 20.80 mg/L. The compound proved suitable for applications in emulsion stabilization in food, as well as in cosmetic and pharmaceutical formulations

Methods: In the present study, Plackett-Burman design [PBD] and response surface method [RSM] were employed to screen and optimize concentrations of trace nutrients in the fermentation medium, to increase surfactant yield

Results: The PBD selected 5 significant trace nutrients out of the 12 screened. The RSM, on the other hand, resulted in the production of 84.44 g glycolipopeptide/L in the optimized medium containing 1.25 mg/L nickel, 0.125 mg/L zinc, 0.075 mg/L iron, 0.0104 mg/L boron, and 0.025 mg/L copper

Conclusion: Significant second-order quadratic models for biomass [P<0.05; adjusted R2=94.29%] and biosurfactant [R2=99.44%] responses suggest excellent goodness-of-fit of the models. However, their respective non-significant lack-of-fit [Biomass: F=1.28; P=0.418; Biosurfactant: F=1.20; P=0.446] test results indicate their adequacy to explain data variations in the experimental region. The glycolipopeptide is recommended for the formulation of inexpensive pharmaceutical products that require surface-active compounds

Effects of supplemental boron on intestinal proliferation and apoptosis in African ostrich chicks / Efectos del boro suplementario sobre la proliferación intestinal y apoptosis en polluelos de avestruz africana

Boron is an essential trace element which plays an important role in process of metabolism and the function of the tissues. However, the effects of boron on the intestinal cells in African ostrich chicks are poorly reported. Therefore, this study was designed to investigate the role of boron on proliferation and apoptosis of the intestinal cells. A total of 36, ten day-old ostrich chicks were randomly divided into six groups and fed on the same basal diet supplemented with 0, 40, 80, 160, 320 and 640 mg/L boric acid in drinking water for 80 days. Proliferatingcell nuclearantigen (PCNA) wasused to test the proliferation indexof intestine in different group byimmunohistochemicalstaining (IHC). Apoptoticcellsofintestinewere detectedbyDutp-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) reaction and evaluated by integral optical density (IOD). Results showed that proliferationof intestinal cells significantly increased in groups of 80, 160, 320 and 640 mg/L. TUNEL reaction showed that apoptosis significantly decreased in 80 mg/L groups, while significantly increased in high dose of boron groups (320 and 640 mg/L), especially inepithelium. In conclusion, low dose of boron-supplemented water could promote cell proliferation and depress apoptosis, while high dose of boron could cause intestinal apoptosis and thus we found increased proliferation of intestine cell as a compensatory adaption. These findings may support optimal dosage of boron that could protect the development of ostrich intestine, while high dosage of boron could suppress it, or even has toxic effects on it.

El boro es un elemento esencial que desempeña un importante rol en el proceso del metabolismo y en la función de los tejidos. Sin embargo, existe poca información de los efectos del boro en las células intestinales de polluelos de avestruz Africana. Por lo tanto, este estudio fue diseñado para investigar el papel del boro sobre la proliferación y la apoptosis de las células intestinales. Un total de 36 polluelos de avestruz de diez días se dividieron, aleatoriamente, en seis grupos y se alimentaron con una misma dieta basal suplementada con 0, 40, 80, 160, 320 y 640 mg/L de ácido bórico en agua potable durante 80 días. Se utilizó el antígeno nuclear celular de células en proliferación (PCNA) para probar el índice de proliferación de intestino en diferentes grupos por tinción inmunohistoquímica. Las células apoptóticas del intestino fueron detectadas por dUTP-biotina nick etiquetado para reacción (TUNEL) y evaluadas por la densidad óptica integrada (DOI). Los resultados mostraron que la proliferación de las células intestinales aumentó significativamente en los grupos de 80, 160, 320 y 640 mg /L. La reacción TUNEL mostró que la apoptosis se redujo significativamente en los grupos de 80 mg/L, mientras que el aumento fue significativo en grupos tratados con dosis alta de boro (320 y 640 mg/L), especialmente en el epitelio. En conclusión, la baja dosis de boro en agua suplementada podría promover la proliferación celular y deprimir la apoptosis, mientras que altas dosis de boro podrían provocar apoptosis intestinal y, por lo tanto, se halló una mayor proliferación de las células del intestino como una adaptación compensatoria. Estos hallazgos indican que una dosis óptima de boro podría proteger el desarrollo del intestino del avestruz, mientras que altas dosis de boro podrían suprimirla, o incluso tener efectos tóxicos sobre ella.

Foliar application of calcium and boron improves the spike fertily and yield of wheat / Aplicação foliar de cálcio e boro melhora a fertilidade da espiga e produtividade do trigo

Foliar applications of calcium (Ca) and boron (B) could improve the fertilization of flowers and enhance the wheat yield. The effects of foliar spray of Ca and B on plant growth, grain yield and yield components of wheat were investigated in this study. Treatments consisted of 0, 1.8, 3.6, and 7.2 L ha­1 application of chelated fertilizer containing 125 g L­1 of Ca and 6 g L­1 of B (Omega Cabor II®), divided into two spray, the first one at tillering and the second at early bloom. The results revealed that foliar spray of Ca and B did not affect the stem diameter, peduncle length, spike length, hectoliter weight and thousand-grain mass of wheat. Maximum plant height and flag leaf insertion height was recorded with 4.0 L ha­1 application of foliar fertilizer (4% increase over control). The 7.2 L ha­1 application of foliar fertilizer increased significantly the number of spikelets per spike (9%), number of grains per spike (24%), grain mass per spike (28%), spike mass (14%), number of spikes m­2 (32%) and grain yield (30%) compared to the control. Foliar application of Ca and B improves growth, fertilization of flowers and the number of fertile tillers of wheat plants resulting in higher grain yield.

A aplicação foliar de cálcio (Ca) e boro (B) pode garantir a fertilização das flores e aumentar a produtividade do trigo. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito da aplicação foliar de Ca e B no crescimento, nos componentes de rendimento e na produtividade do trigo. Os tratamentos constituíram da aplicação de 0; 1,8; 3,6 e 7,2 L ha­1 de fertilizante foliar, na forma de quelato, contendo 125 g L­1 de Ca e 6 g L­1 de B (Omega Cabor II®), divididas em duas aplicações foliares, a primeira no início do afilhamento e a segunda no emborrachamento. Os resultados revelaram que a aplicação foliar de Ca e B não afetaram o diâmetro de colmo, comprimento do pedúnculo, comprimento da espiga, peso do hectolitro e massa de mil grãos de trigo. A maior altura de planta e altura de inserção da folha bandeira foram verificados com a aplicação de 4.0 L ha­1 de fertilizante foliar (aumento de 4% em relação ao controle). A aplicação de 7.2 L ha­1 de fertilizante foliar aumentou significativamente o número de espiguetas por espiga (9%), número de grãos por espiga (24%), massa de grãos por espiga (28%), massa de espiga (14%), número de espigas m­2 (32%) e produtividade de grãos (30%). A aplicação foliar de cálcio e boro melhora o crescimento, a fertilização das flores e o número de afilhos férteis das plantas de trigo resultando no aumento de produção de grãos.

Análise de crescimento do girassol em função do suprimento de fósforo e boro / Sunflower growth related to the phosphorus and boron supply

A cultura do girassol é de grande importância no cenário mundial por ser uma planta de múltiplas finalidades. No Brasil, o interesse do produtor por esta cultura vem crescendo a cada ano, pois além do destacado teor de óleo nos aquênios, a planta pode ser utilizada para alimentação animal na forma de silagem. Outro fator que merece destaque é que o Governo Federal em parceria com o Governo do Estado, a Petrobras S.A. e as prefeituras dos municípios envolvidos vem incentivando o plantio da oleaginosa através da agricultura familiar gerando renda aos pequenos agricultores e desenvolvimento para a região. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar o crescimento do girassol (Helianthus annuus L.) híbrido "Helio 358" em diferentes níveis de fósforo e boro no solo, cultivado em sistema convencional no município de Cruz das Almas, Bahia. O experimento foi conduzido no Campus da Universidade Federal do Recôncavo da Bahia, em Latossolo Amarelo coeso, no período de Julho a Novembro de 2008. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi em esquema fatorial 5x2, sendo cinco doses de fósforo (0; 40; 80; 120 e 200 kg ha-1 de P) e duas de boro (0 e 2 kg ha-1 de B), com os tratamentos distribuídos em blocos casualizados, com três repetições e amostragens na parcela a cada quinze dias. Em cada coleta avaliou-se o rendimento de matéria seca total da parte aérea, a área foliar, a altura das plantas e o diâmetro das hastes. Através da variação da matéria seca e da área foliar obteve-se a taxa de crescimento da cultura, a taxa de crescimento relativo e taxa assimilatória líquida. Verificou-se que não houve efeito significativo da interação entre fósforo e boro nas variáveis em estudo, contudo houve significância para a aplicação isolada de fósforo no crescimento do girassol. A aplicação de fósforo acelerou o desenvolvimento do girassol e o florescimento, antecipando a colheita e a obtenção do índice de área foliar ótimo.

The sunflower crop is of great importance on the world stage to be a multi-purpose plant. In Brazil, the interest of the producer of this crop is growing every year, because besides the highlighted achene oil content, the plant can be used for animal feed in the form of silage. Another factor worth mentioning is that the Federal Government in partnership with the State Government, Petrobras S.A. and municipal governments involved has encouraged the planting of oilseed by family farms generating income for small farmers and development for the region. The purpose of this study was to analyze the growth of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) hybrids "Helio 358" at different levels of phosphorus and boron in the soil, grown in conventional system in Cruz das Almas, Bahia. The experiment was conducted on the campus of the Universidade Federal do Recôncavo da Bahia, in Oxisoil, from July to November 2008. The experimental design was a 5x2 factorial design, with five levels of phosphorus (0, 40, 80, 120 and 200 kg ha-1 P) and two boron (0 and 2 kg ha-1 B), with treatments arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replications and plot sampling in a fortnight. At each sampling evaluated the yield of total dry matter of shoots, leaf area, plant height and diameter of the rods. By varying the dry matter and leaf area obtained the rate of crop growth, the relative growth rate and assimilation rate. It was found that there was no significant interaction between phosphorus and boron in the variables under study, but there was significance to the isolated phosphorus application on the growth of sunflower. Phosphorus application accelerated the development and flowering sunflower, anticipating harvesting and obtaining optimal leaf area index.

Histological evaluation of the effects of borax obtained from various sources in different rat organs / Evaluación histológica de los efectos del borax obtenido de diversas fuentes en diferentes órganos de rata

Boron is an essential element for life and intake via different sources into the body. Because effects of boron and compounds on the body has not been studied enough especially in tissue level, we planned this study to evaluate the effects of borax the most intaken form of boron compound on different intraabdominal organs histologically and also clinically. 42 male rats divided into equal 7 groups and different toxicological doses consistent with its LD50 dose (5000 mg/kg/d) were administered by gavage except control and sham groups. In the study, 2 different kinds of borax one of which was produced for research and the other for agriculture but the same formulation, were used and their effects were also compared. As a result it was found that borax did not cause any histological changes in kidney, large intestine, liver and stomach in lower doses. But if doses were increased, a slightly inflammatory cell migration was detected without clinical signs in liver and large intestine. However, when a single very high dose of borax was administered, very high edema, inflammatory cell migration and neovascularization was observed and clinically 2 out of 6 rats died within 5 hours. We suggested that very high dose intake of borax may cause sudden death and also during long periods and higher dose intake may pave the way of inflammatory bowel diseases. At the same time, in boron related studies we advice that the kind of boron and also their source should be evaluated carefully and the most suitable compound should be chosen in case of faulty results.

El boro es un elemento esencial para la vida e ingresa a través de diferentes fuentes al cuerpo. Dado que los efectos del boro y sus compuestos en el cuerpo no se han estudiado lo suficiente, especialmente a nivel tisular, se planificó este estudio para evaluar sus efectos y la forma de consumo más común del compuesto de boro sobre diferentes órganos intraabdominales a nivel histológico y clínico. Cuarenta y dos ratas macho divididas en 7 grupos, con diferentes dosis toxicológicas de acuerdo con su dosis DL50 (5000 mg/kg/d) administradas por sonda, excepto en los grupos control y simulado. En el estudio fueron usados 2 tipos diferentes de boro, uno producido para la investigación y el otro para la agricultura, pero de la misma formulación, y sus efectos fueron comparados. Se encontró que el boro no causó cambios histológicos en el riñón, intestino grueso, hígado y estómago en dosis bajas. Sin embargo, al aumentar la dosis, se detectó una leve migración de células inflamatorias, sin signos clínicos, en el hígado e intestino grueso. Por otra parte, cuando se administró una sola dosis muy alta de boro, se observó un amplio edema, migración de células inflamatorias y neovascularización; clínicamente 2 de 6 ratas murieron dentro de 5 horas. Sugerimos que la ingesta de dosis muy altas de bórax pueden causar la muerte súbita, además la ingesta de dosis altas y durante periodos de tiempo prolongado puede causar enfermedades inflamatorias del intestino. Es recomendable que en los estudios relacionados con el boro, el tipo de boro así como su fuente sean evaluados cuidadosamente, eligiendo el compuesto más adecuado en caso de resultados erróneos.

Influence of rootstocks on growth, yield, fruit quality and leaf mineral element contents of pear cv. 'Santa Maria' in semi-arid conditions

BACKGROUND: Rootstocks play an essential role to determining orchard performance of fruit trees. Pyrus communisand Cydonia oblonga are widely used rootstocks for European pear cultivars. The lack of rootstocks adapted to different soil conditions and different grafted cultivars is widely acknowledged in pear culture. Cydonia rootstocks (clonal) and Pyrus rootstocks (seedling or clonal) have their advantages and disadvantages. In each case, site-specific environmental characteristics, specific cultivar response and production objectives must be considered before choosing the best rootstock. In this study, the influence of three Quince (BA 29, Quince A = MA, Quince C = MC) and a local European pear seedling rootstocks on the scion yield, some fruit quality characteristics and leaf macro (N, P, K, Ca and Mg) and micro element (Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn and B) content of 'Santa Maria' pear (Pyrus communis L.) were investigated. RESULTS: Trees on seedling rootstock had the highest annual yield, highest cumulative yield (kg tree(-1)), largest trunk cross-sectional area (TCSA), lowest yield efficiency and lowest cumulative yield (ton ha(-1)) in the 10th year after planting. The rootstocks had no significant effect on average fruit weight and fruit volume. Significantly higher fruit firmness was obtained on BA 29 and Quince A. The effect of rootstocks on the mineral element accumulation (N, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn and B) was significant. Leaf analysis showed that rootstocks used had different mineral uptake efficiencies throughout the early season. CONCLUSION: The results showed that the rootstocks strongly affected fruit yield, fruit quality and leaf mineral element uptake of 'Santa Maria' pear cultivar. Pear seedling and BA 29 rootstock found to be more prominent in terms of several characteristics for 'Santa Maria' pear cultivar that is grown in highly calcareous soil in semi-arid climate conditions. We determined the highest N, P (although insignificant), K, Ca, Mg, Fe and Cu mineral element concentrations on the pear seedling and BA 29 rootstocks. According to the results, we recommend the seedling rootstock for normal density plantings (400 trees ha(-1)) and BA 29 rootstock for high-density plantings (800 trees ha(-1)) for 'Santa Maria' pear cultivar in semi-arid conditions.

Effect of combined application of zinc, boron and molybdenum on yield and saikosaponin a, saikosaponin d contents of Bupleurum chinense / 中国中药杂志

This research use "3414" fertilizer effect experiments to handle zinc, boron and molybdenum trace element fertilizer, determined the dry matter accumulation and content of saikosaponion a and d, to investigate the different ratio of zinc, boron and molybdenum on yield and saikosaponin a, saikosaponin d contents of Bupleurum chinense. Found The suitable ratio of zinc, boron and molybdenum play an active role on dry matter accumulation and distribution, the treatment Zn2B2Mo3 is the best one to promote the dry matter accumulation and transfer to the underground part; in a certain range, only use zinc or molybdenum can promote the yield of B. chinense, the yield of treatment Zn2B2Mo1 is the highest one. According to the results of regression analysis: in accordance with Zn 48.45 g x hm(-2), B 355.05 g x hm(-2), Mo 86.40 g x hm(-2), can obtain the yield with 3313.05 kg x hm(-2); the treatment Zn2BMo2 is most effective to promote the total saikosaponin a and d accumulated, according to the results of regression analysis: in accordance with Zn 36.15 g x hm(-2), B 343.05 g x hm(-2), Mo 106.35 g x hm(-2), the content of total saikosaponin a and d can reach 1.23%. This research first discovered the suitable ratio of zinc, boron and molybdenum can promote the yield and saikosaponin a, saikosaponin d contents on B. chinense.