Adding-value to Ganoderma lingzhi by producing enzymes and antioxidant compounds under submerged fermentation using different culture media.

Ganoderma lingzhi is widely reported for its medicinal properties, presenting several bioactive substances with potential pharmaceutical and industrial application. This study aimed to evaluate the production of mycelial biomass, extracellular enzymes and antioxidant compounds by G. lingzhi under submerged fermentation. G. lingzhi was cultured in Polysaccharide (POL) and Melin-Norkrans (MNM) media for 7 days. The cellulases, xylanases, pectinases, laccases, and proteases activities were quantified in the culture broth, while the antioxidant potential was evaluated for the mycelial biomass. G. lingzhi showed higher biomass production in MNM. However, it exhibited similar microstructural characteristics in both culture media. In the POL there was greater activity of CMCase (0.229 U/mL), xylanase (0.780 U/mL), pectinase (0.447 U/mL) and proteases (16.13 U/mL). FPase did not differ (0.01 U/mL), and laccase was detected only in MNM (0.122 U/mL). The biomass water extract from MNM showed high levels of phenolic compounds (951.97 mg AGE/100 g). DPPH• inhibition (90.55%) and reducing power (0.456) were higher in MNM medium, while ABTS•+ inhibition (99.95%) and chelating ability (54.86%) were higher in POL. Thus, the MNM medium was more favorable to the production of mycelial biomass and phenolic compounds, while the POL medium favored the synthesis and excretion of hydrolytic enzymes.

Adolescent experiences during perinatal care in the COVID-19 pandemic: synthesis of qualitative studies.

OBJECTIVES: To understand how the perinatal care experiences among adolescents were impacted during the early years of the COVID-19 pandemic. STUDY DESIGN: Integrative review. METHODS: We performed a search in the literature focusing on qualitative studies regarding the perceptions of pregnant adolescents during the pandemic (2020-2023). We described the most frequent thematic axes observed in the included studies, and we synthesized the results. RESULTS: The selection involved 69 articles, resulting in 9 studies from 7 countries (Indonesia, Kenya, the United Kingdom, South Africa, the United States, Malawi, and India). The studies highlight six main thematic axes: 1. Economic impact: the pandemic adversely influenced personal and family conditions, leading to early marriages and violence and exacerbating pre-existing economic inequalities. 2. Mental health: increased anxiety, depression, isolation, and fear among pregnant adolescents, with a focus on concerns related to contamination and perinatal uncertainties. 3. Compromised perinatal care: restrictions during prenatal and delivery care and lack of emotional and professional support lead to negative impacts on care for pregnant adolescents. 4. Breakdown of family Support network: school closures, family losses, and increased domestic violence affected family dynamics, influencing the occurrence of early pregnancies. 5. Impact on sexual education: school closures hindered access to contraceptives, contributing to unplanned pregnancies. 6. Vaccine hesitancy: misinformation led to hesitancy among pregnant women, highlighting the need for better communication to increase confidence in vaccination. CONCLUSIONS: The review emphasizes the wide geographic variety of the studies and highlights the interconnection between economic, social, and mental health factors. The pandemic intensified preexisting challenges, underscoring the importance of comprehensive support for pregnant adolescents, including emotional and psychological support. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated social and economic inequalities, negatively impacting the perinatal experiences of pregnant adolescents. The emphasis is on the need for comprehensive support, considering psychosocial factors, highlights the importance of more inclusive and sensitive health policies addressing the specific needs of this group during public health crises. The identified thematic axes, spanning economic, mental health, perinatal care, family support networks, sexual education, and vaccine hesitancy, illuminate the intricate challenges faced by adolescents during the pandemic. The identification of these axes provided a comprehensive analysis of the diverse consequences experienced by adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic. It also allows the proposition of tailored interventions to mitigate the adverse effects on adolescent well-being and inform public health strategies for future pandemics or crises.

Trastuzumab deruxtecan in human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive breast cancer brain metastases: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd) has shown promising results in patients with breast cancer brain metastases (BCBMs). We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of T-DXd in the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive BCBM population. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases as well as American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO), and San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (SABCS) websites for clinical trials (CTs) and observational studies evaluating T-DXd in patients with HER2-positive BCBM. Heterogeneity was assessed with I2 statistics. Random effects models were used for all statistical analyses, which were carried out using R software (version 4.2.2). RESULTS: Ten studies were included, six CTs (n = 189) and four observational studies (n = 130), with a total of 319 patients. The median progression-free survival was 15 months [95% confidence interval (CI) 13.9-16.1 months]. The objective response rate (ORR) was 61% (95% CI 52% to 70%), and the intracranial (IC)-ORR was 61% (95% CI 54% to 69%). No significant differences in ORR and IC-ORR were observed between CTs and observational studies (P = 0.31 and 0.58, respectively). The clinical benefit rate (CBR) was 80% (95% CI 52% to 94%), and the IC-CBR was 70% (95% CI 54% to 82%). The ORR was 68% (95% CI 57% to 77%) in the subgroup of patients with stable BMs and 60% (95% CI 48%-72%) in patients with active BM, with no significant difference between groups (P = 0.35). CONCLUSIONS: Our systematic review and meta-analysis supports the IC activity of T-DXd in patients with stable BM and active BM. TRIAL REGISTRATION: International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) under the protocol number CRD42023422589.

Hydrogen peroxide in attenuation of salt stress effects on physiological indicators and growth of soursop / Peróxido de hidrogênio na atenuação do estresse salino nos indicadores fisiológicos e crescimento da gravioleira

To mitigate the deleterious effects of salt stress, substances capable of acting as mitigators and/or inducers of tolerance to stress have been used, enabling the use of saline waters and contributing to the development of irrigated agriculture. In this context, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of foliar spraying with hydrogen peroxide as an attenuator of salt stress effects on soursop morphophysiology. The experiment was conducted under greenhouse conditions in Campina Grande - PB, Brazil, using a randomized block design, in a 4 × 4 factorial arrangement, whose treatments resulted from the combination of four levels of electrical conductivity of irrigation water - ECw (0.8 ­ control, 1.6, 2.4, and 3.2 dS m-1) and four concentrations of hydrogen peroxide - H2O2 (0, 10, 20, and 30 µM), with three replicates. Foliar application of hydrogen peroxide at a concentration of 10 µM increased growth, chlorophyll synthesis, and relative water content in the leaves and consequently reduced the foliar water saturation deficit of soursop irrigated with ECw up to 1.6 dS m-1. The concentration of hydrogen peroxide of 30 µM intensified the salt stress on the electrolyte leakage in the leaf blade and the photosynthetic pigments of soursop, 270 days after transplanting.

Para mitigar os efeitos deletérios do estresse salino, tem se utilizado substâncias capazes de atuar como atenuantes e/ou indutoras de tolerância ao estresse, viabilizando o uso de águas salinas e contribuindo para desenvolvimento da agricultura irrigada. Neste contexto, objetivou-se com presente estudo, avaliar o efeito da pulverização foliar com peróxido de hidrogênio como atenuante do estresse salino sobre a morfofisiologia da gravioleira. O estudo foi conduzido sob condições de casa de vegetação, em Campina Grande - PB, utilizando-se o delineamento de blocos casualizados, no arranjo fatorial 4 × 4, cujos tratamentos resultaram da combinação de quatro níveis de condutividade elétrica da água de irrigação - CEa (0,8 ­ controle; 1,6; 2,4 e 3,2 dS m-1) e quatro concentrações de peróxido de hidrogênio - H2O2 (0; 10; 20 e 30 µM), com três repetições. A aplicação foliar de peróxido de hidrogênio na concentração de 10 µM aumentou o crescimento, a síntese de clorofila e o teor relativo de água nas folhas e consequentemente reduziu o déficit de saturação hídrica foliar da gravioleira irrigada com CEa de até 1,6 dS m-1. A concentração de peroxido de hidrogênio de 30 µM intensificou o estresse salino sobre o extravasamento de eletrólitos no limbo foliar e os pigmentos fotossintéticos da gravioleira, aos 270 dias após o transplantio.

Irrigation with saline water in the cultivation of mini watermelon under phosphate fertilization.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the water status, photosynthetic pigments, and photochemical efficiency of mini watermelon plants under salt stress and phosphate fertilization. The experiment was conducted in pots under greenhouse conditions in Pombal, PB, Brazil. The experimental design used was randomized blocks in a 5 × 4 factorial scheme, with five levels of electrical conductivity of irrigation water - ECw (0.3, 1.3, 2.3, 3.3, and 4.3 dS m-1) and four doses of phosphorus (60, 80, 100, and 120% of the recommendation), with three replicates. The relative water content in the tissues decreased with the increase in ECw levels in all phosphorus doses, with decreases of 7.05, 7.81 and 8.83% per unit increase in ECw, in plants fertilized with 80, 100 and 120% P2O5. On the other hand, ECw levels increased electrolyte leakage, regardless of phosphorus doses of the recommendation. The synthesis of photosynthetic pigments and the quantum efficiency of photosystem II were inhibited by increasing water salinity from 0.3 dS m-1 in plants grown under phosphorus doses above 60% of the recommendation. Water salinity from 0.3 dS m-1 reduced chlorophyll b contents, initial, maximum, and variable fluorescence of mini watermelon plants, with a decrease of 11.86, 4.51, 4.53, and 4.54% per unit increment of ECw, respectively.

Aqueous extract OF Moringa oleifera Lam leaves added to freezing extenders damages goat sperm membranes.

BACKGROUND: Semen cryopreservation is a biotechnology used frequently in animal production; however, there are some obstacles, such as those caused by high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Moringa oleifera (MO) is known as a potent source of antioxidants and might be an important adjuvant. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine the effect of different concentrations of MO extract supplementation on goat semen cryopreservation efficiency. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ejaculates (n=6) from four goat breeders were pooled and diluted in skimmed milk (SM) or Tris-egg yolk (TEY)-based extenders and supplemented with different concentrations of MO extract (0, 1, 2 and 5 mg/mL). After the freeze-thaw cycle, sperm kinetics and viability were assessed. RESULTS: With the SM extender, straightness, wobble and plasma membrane integrity were lower than in the control group (P < 0.05). With the TEY extender, wobble was lower in with 5 mg/mL MO extract than in the control group (P < 0.05). As regards sperm ultrastructure, evaluated by SEM, the MO extract, regardless of the diluent used, damaged the membrane of sperm cells in a dose-dependent manner. CONCLUSION: The addition of aqueous extract of MO leaves in both diluents at all concentrations tested affects the parameters of sperm progressivity and damages the plasma membrane in a dose-dependent manner. DOI: 10.54680/fr23310110712.

Salicylic acid does not relieve salt stress on gas exchange, chlorophyll fluorescence, and hydroponic melon growth.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the salicylic acid applications in attenuating the harmful effects of saline nutrient solution on the physiology and growth of 'Gaúcho' melon cultivated in the NFT hydroponic system. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse, in Pombal-PB, Brazil. The cultivation system used was the Nutrient Film Technique - NFT hydroponics. A completely randomized split-plot design was used, with the plot referring to four levels of salinity in the nutrient solution - ECns (2.1 control, 3.2, 4.3, and 5.4 dS m-1) and the sub-plot four concentrations of salicylic acid (SA) (0, 1.5, 3.0, and 4.5 mM), applied via foliar spray, with six replications. Nutrient solution of 4.3 and 5.4 dS m-1 electrical conductivity promotes higher maximum and variable fluorescence, respectively. The stomatal conductance, transpiration, stem diameter, main branch length, leaf dry mass, and stem dry mass of 'Gaúcho' melon plants decrease with the increase in salinity of the nutrient solution. Salicylic acid increases the initial fluorescence and the main branch length of 'Gaúcho' melon plants in hydroponic cultivation. Salicylic acid at a concentration of 1.5 to 4.5 mM did not attenuate the effects of salt stress on the internal CO2 concentration, CO2 assimilation rate, and root dry mass of 'Gaúcho' melon plants.

Morphology of 'Crioula' guava seedlings under irrigation with increasing salinity water and nitrogen/potassium fertilization.

Several studies have been conducted evaluating the management of fertilizers as strategies to mitigate the deleterious effects of salt stress, so the objective of this work was to evaluate the quality of 'Crioula' guava seedlings under irrigation with water of different salinity levels and fertilized with combinations of nitrogen and potassium. The experiment was performed in a protected (screened) environment using a randomized block design and analyzed in a 5 × 4 factorial scheme, with four replicates, with the plot formed by two plants. The treatments were formed from the combination of the factor electrical conductivity of irrigation water (ECw 0.3, 1.1, 1.9, 2.7 and 3.5 dS m-1), with the factor combinations (C) of nitrogen (N) and potassium (K2O) doses, being C1 = 70% N + 50% K2O, C2 = 100% N + 75% K2O, C3= 130% N + 100% K2O and C4= 160% N + 125% K2O. The recommended dose of 100% N and K, respectively, was 541.1 mg N dm-3 soil and 798.6 mg K dm-3 soil. The combinations of N and K fertilization corresponding to 70% N + 50% K2O and 100% N + 75% K2O of the recommended doses promoted greater growth of 'Crioula' guava seedlings. Water with ECw of 2.1 dS m-1 promotes the formation of quality 'Crioula' guava seedlings.

Eugenia uniflora: a promising natural alternative against multidrug-resistant bacteria.

This work aimed to evaluate the chemical composition, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities from crude extract and fractions from leaves of Eugenia uniflora Linn. The crude extract was obtained by turbo extraction and their fractions by partitioning. Chromatographic analysis were performed, and the antioxidant capacity was verified by two methods (DPPH• and ABTS•+). The Minimal Inhibitory/Bactericidal Concentration were conducted against twenty-two bacteria, selecting five strains susceptible to extract/fractions and resistant to the antibiotics tested. Ampicillin, azithromycin, ciprofloxacin, and gentamicin were associated with Ethyl Acetate Fraction (EAF) against multidrug-resistant strains in modulatory and checkerboard tests. The chromatographic data showed gallic acid, ellagic acid, and myricitrin in crude extract, with enrichment in the EAF. The electron transfer activity demonstrated in the antioxidant tests is related to the presence of flavonoids. The Gram-positive strains were more susceptible to EAF, and their action spectra were improved by association, comprising Gram-negative bacilli. Synergisms were observed to ciprofloxacin and gentamicin against Pseudomonas aeruginosa colistin-resistant. The results demonstrate that the extract and enriched fraction obtained from the leaves of E. uniflora act as a promising natural alternative against multidrug-resistant bacteria.

Incidence of interstitial lung disease and cardiotoxicity with trastuzumab deruxtecan in breast cancer patients: a systematic review and single-arm meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd) has been shown to benefit progression-free survival and overall survival in patients with metastatic breast cancer (mBC) after progression on ≥1 human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-targeted therapies. However, interstitial lung disease (ILD) and cardiotoxicity are the most significant toxicities associated with T-DXd. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the incidence and severity of these toxicities in mBC patients treated with T-DXd. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We searched PubMed, Cochrane, and Scopus databases, and conferences websites for randomized clinical trials and nonrandomized studies of intervention including HER2-low or HER2-positive mBC patients who received at least one dose of T-DXd. Statistical analysis was carried out using R software. RESULTS: We included 15 studies comprising 1970 patients with a mean follow-up of 13.3 months. Median age ranged from 53 to 59 years, 61.9% were non-Asian, and 67.4% had hormone receptor-positive mBC. In a pooled analysis, the incidence of ILD was 11.7% [222 patients; 95% confidence interval (CI) 9.1% to 15.0%]. Patients receiving T-DXd dose of 6.4 mg/kg developed a significantly higher rate of ILD (22.7%) compared to those receiving a dose of 5.4 mg/kg (9.3%) (P < 0.01). Most cases of ILD (80.2%; 174/217 patients) were mild (grade 1 or 2). Grade 3 or 4 ILD was reported in 29 patients (13.4%), and grade 5 in 14 patients (6.4%). The incidence of decreased left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was 1.95% (95% CI 0.65% to 3.73%), and the QT interval (QTi) prolongation was 7.77% (95% CI 2.74% to 20.11%). Most patients were asymptomatic, but four had LV dysfunction and heart failure (0.26%). CONCLUSIONS: In this meta-analysis of 1970 patients with mBC, treatment with T-DXd was associated with a 11.7% incidence of ILD, 7.7% incidence of prolonged QTi, and 1.9% incidence of reduced LVEF. Early detection and management of T-DXd-related toxicity by a multidisciplinary team may ultimately improve patient outcomes.

Production of mycelial biomass, proteases and protease inhibitors by Ganoderma lucidum under different submerged fermentation conditions.

Ganoderma lucidum is a medicinal mushroom widely recognized as a source of biomolecules with pharmacological properties, however, little is known about the factors that influence the synthesis of bioactive proteins by this fungus when cultivated under submerged fermentation. The objective of this work was to evaluate the production of mycelial biomass and intracellular proteases and protease inhibitors by G. lucidum cultivated under different submerged fermentation conditions. The cultivation was carried out in a medium composed of glucose (10 or 20 g.L-1), soy peptone (2.5 or 5 g.L-1) and yeast extract (5 g.L-1), with incubation under agitation (120 rpm) and non-agitation, totaling 8 experimental conditions. Biomass production was determined from the dry weight, while glucose consumption was estimated by quantification of reducing sugars. The proteins were extracted in NaCl (0.15 M), and the protein extracts were submitted to protein quantification by the Bradford method, total proteolytic activity using azocasein, caseinolytic and fibrinolytic activity in Petri dishes, activity of serine (trypsin and chymotrypsin) and cysteine (papain) protease inhibitors. Cultivation in agitated condition showed higher biomass production with a maximum value of 7 g.L-1, in addition to higher activities of trypsin, chymotrypsin and papain inhibitors, with 154 IU.mg-1, 153 IU.mg-1 e 343 IU.mg-1 of protein, respectively. The non-agitated condition showed a greater potential for obtaining proteins, total proteases, caseinolytic and fibrinolytic enzymes, with maximum values of 433 mg.g-1 of extract, 71 U.mL-1 of extract, 63.62 mm2 and 50.27 mm2, respectively. Thus, a medium composed of soy peptone, yest extract and glucose in a 1:2:4 proportion is recommended, under agitation to produce protease inhibitors, and the non-agitated condition when the target is, mainly caseinolytic and fibrinolytic enzymes.

Salicylic acid concentrations and forms of application mitigate water stress in sour passion fruit seedlings.

The present study aimed to evaluate concentrations and forms of application of salicylic acid used for water stress mitigation on the gas exchange and growth of yellow passion fruit. The experimental design was arranged in randomized blocks in a 4 × 4 × 2 factorial scheme, with four concentrations of salicylic acid (SA) via foliar application (0.0, 0.7, 1.4, and 2.1 mM), four SA concentrations via fertigation (0.0, 0.7, 1.4, and 2.1 mM), and two irrigation depths estimated based on the actual evapotranspiration - ETr (50 and 100% of ETr), with three replications. Water stress negatively affected the physiology and growth of yellow passion fruit seedlings at 75 days after sowing (DAS). The application of salicylic acid, regardless of the form of application, attenuates the effects of water stress on gas exchange and growth of yellow passion fruit, with the best results obtained when applying a concentration of 1.30 mM via leaf or 0.90 mM via fertirrigation. The combination of foliar application of AS and fertigation contributed to improve photosynthetic and growth parameters under water conditions of 50 and 100% of ETr. The foliar application of AS presents superior responses to the application via fertigation. These results reinforce the hypothesis that the attenuation of water stress by salicylic acid is related to the maintenance of gas exchange, which depends on the concentration and form of application, and studies testing combinations throughout the crop cycle become promising for advances in knowledge from the action of this phytohormone on abiotic stress.

Mineral composition and production of guava under salt stress and salicylic acid.

The limitation in the quality of water sources for irrigation in the semi-arid region of northeastern Brazil is increasingly present, so it is necessary to use water with high concentrations of salts for agricultural production, which makes the use of elicitors essential to mitigate the harmful effects of salinity on plants. Given the above, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of foliar application of salicylic acid on the mineral composition and production of guava plants under salt stress conditions in the post-grafting phase. The experiment was carried out under greenhouse conditions, in a randomized block design, in a 2 × 4 factorial scheme, with two levels of electrical conductivity of irrigation water (0.6 and 3.2 dS m-1) and four concentrations of salicylic acid (0, 1.2, 2.4, and 3.6 mM), with three replicates. During the flowering stage of guava, N, P, and K contents accumulated in the leaves according to the following order of concentration: N > K > P. Foliar application of 1.2 mM of salicylic acid increases the leaf contents of N, P, and K in guava plants grown under irrigation with water of 0.6 dS m-1. Water salinity of 3.2 dS m-1 reduces the growth and production components of guava plants.

Morphophysiology and production of bell pepper grown under salt stress and salicylic acid foliar application.

Considering the relevance of bell pepper and the limitations imposed by the deleterious effects of salt stress, especially in semi-arid regions, it is extremely important to establish strategies that can facilitate the use of saline water in vegetable production. In this scenario, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of the frequency of foliar application of salicylic acid on the morphophysiology and production of the bell pepper cv. "All Big" irrigated with saline water. The study was conducted at a greenhouse in Campina Grande - PB. The treatments were distributed in a completely randomized design and set up in a 4 × 4 factorial arrangement with three replications, corresponding to four application frequencies of salicylic acid (F1- No application of salicylic acid, F2 - Weekly application, F3- fortnightly application, and F4- monthly application) and four levels of electrical conductivity of irrigation water - ECw (0.8, 1.6, 2.4 and 3.2 dS m-1). The fortnightly application of salicylic acid at a concentration of 1.0 mM mitigated the effects of salt stress on the morphophysiology and production components of bell pepper cv. All Big cultivated with ECw of up to 2.4 dS m-1, which reinforces the hypothesis that salicylic acid can act as a signaling molecule and reduce the effects of saline stress in bell pepper, enabling the use of brackish water in agricultural activity, mainly in semi-arid regions of northeastern Brazil, which have a shortage of fresh water.

Physiology and production of sugar-apple under water stress and application of proline.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the physiology and production of sugar-apple as a function of irrigation intervals and foliar application of proline under the conditions of Paraíba's semi-arid region. A randomized block design was laid out in a 4 × 2 factorial scheme, with treatments resulting from the combination of four irrigation intervals (1, 4, 8 and 12 days) and two concentrations of proline (0 and 10 mM), with four replicates, and the plot consisted of four usable plants. Increase in irrigation intervals reduced the gas exchange of sugar-apple plants at 298 days after transplanting. Exogenous application of proline at concentration of 10 mM increased contents of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll and carotenoids and fruit fresh mass in plants grown under 12-day irrigation intervals.

Potential of elephant grass genotypes silages as exclusive roughage on tissue composition and meat quality of lambs: a preliminary study / Potencial de silagens de genótipos de capim-elefante como volumoso exclusivo sobre a composição tecidual e a qualidade da carne de cordeiros: um estudo preliminar

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of diets containing elephant grass genotypes silages as exclusive roughage on leg tissue composition, and physicochemical characteristics of meat of lambs. Twenty-four crossbred male lambs with an average initial body weight of 20.29±2.66kg were distributed in a complete randomized design with three treatments and eight replicates. The treatments consisted of three silages of elephant grass genotypes (IRI-381, Elephant B or Mott), without additives or wilting, as the only roughage. The diets did not affect (P>0.05) the dry matter (898.70±60.10 g/day), crude protein (128.93±6.91g/day), total digestible nutrients (690.20±91.82g/day) intakes, body weight at slaughter (24.83±2.79kg), and carcass yields (P>0.05). The tissue composition of the leg did not differ significantly between silages of elephant grass genotypes (P>0.05). No difference (P>0.05) for the physicochemical characteristics of meat from lambs fed diets tested was observed. Therefore, our results indicate that diets containing 50% elephant grass genotypes silages (IRI-381, Elephant B or Mott), harvested at 60 days of growth, have potential for use in lambs feeding.

Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar os efeitos de dietas contendo silagens de genótipos de capim-elefante como volumoso exclusivo sobre a composição tecidual da perna e nas características físico-químicas da carne de cordeiros. Vinte e quatro cordeiros machos mestiços, com peso corporal inicial médio de 20,29±2,66kg, foram distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, com três tratamentos e oito repetições. Os tratamentos consistiram de três silagens de genótipos de capim-elefante (IRI-381, Elephant B ou Mott), sem aditivos ou emurchecimento, como único volumoso. As dietas não afetaram (P>0,05) os consumos de matéria seca (898,70 ± 60,10g/dia), proteína bruta (128,93±6,91g/dia) e nutrientes digestíveis totais (690,20±91,82g/dia), peso corporal ao abate (24,83±2,79kg) e rendimentos de carcaça (P>0,05). A composição tecidual da perna não diferiu significativamente entre as silagens dos genótipos de capim-elefante (P>0,05). Não foi observada diferença (P>0,05) para as características físico-químicas da carne dos cordeiros alimentados com as dietas testadas. Portanto, os resultados indicam que dietas contendo 50% de silagens de genótipos de capim-elefante (IRI-381, Elephant B ou Mott), colhidos aos 60 dias de crescimento, têm potencial para uso na alimentação de cordeiros.

Salicylic acid does not relieve salt stress on gas exchange, chlorophyll fluorescence, and hydroponic melon growth / O ácido salicílico não alivia o estresse salino nas trocas gasosas, fluorescência da clorofila e crescimento hidropônico do meloeiro

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the salicylic acid applications in attenuating the harmful effects of saline nutrient solution on the physiology and growth of 'Gaúcho' melon cultivated in the NFT hydroponic system. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse, in Pombal-PB, Brazil. The cultivation system used was the Nutrient Film Technique - NFT hydroponics. A completely randomized split-plot design was used, with the plot referring to four levels of salinity in the nutrient solution - ECns (2.1 control, 3.2, 4.3, and 5.4 dS m-1) and the sub-plot four concentrations of salicylic acid (SA) (0, 1.5, 3.0, and 4.5 mM), applied via foliar spray, with six replications. Nutrient solution of 4.3 and 5.4 dS m-1 electrical conductivity promotes higher maximum and variable fluorescence, respectively. The stomatal conductance, transpiration, stem diameter, main branch length, leaf dry mass, and stem dry mass of 'Gaúcho' melon plants decrease with the increase in salinity of the nutrient solution. Salicylic acid increases the initial fluorescence and the main branch length of 'Gaúcho' melon plants in hydroponic cultivation. Salicylic acid at a concentration of 1.5 to 4.5 mM did not attenuate the effects of salt stress on the internal CO2 concentration, CO2 assimilation rate, and root dry mass of 'Gaúcho' melon plants.

Resumo O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar as aplicações do ácido salicílico como atenuador dos efeitos deletérios da solução nutritiva salina sobre a fisiologia e o crescimento do melão 'Gaúcho' cultivado em sistema hidropônico NFT. O experimento foi conduzido em casa de vegetação, em Pombal - PB, Brasil. O sistema de cultivo utilizado foi a técnica do fluxo laminar de nutrientes - NFT. Foi utilizado um delineamento inteiramente casualizado em parcelas subdivididas, sendo a parcela referente a quatro níveis de salinidade de solução nutritiva - CEsn (2,1 controle, 3,2, 4,3 e 5,4 dS m-1) e a subparcelas quatro concentrações de ácido salicílico - AS (0, 1,5, 3,0 e 4,5 mM), aplicado via pulverização foliar, com seis repetições. A solução nutritiva de 4,3 e 5,4 dS m-1 condutividade elétrica promove maior fluorescência máxima e variável, respectivamente. A condutância estomática, a transpiração, o diâmetro do caule, o comprimento do ramo principal, a massa seca da folha e a massa seca do caule do meloeiro 'Gaúcho' diminuiu com o aumento da salinidade da solução nutritiva. O ácido salicílico aumenta a fluorescência inicial e o comprimento do ramo principal do meloeiro 'Gaúcho' em cultivo hidropônico. O ácido salicílico na concentração de 1,5 a 4,5 mM não atenuou os efeitos do estresse salino sobre a concentração interna de CO2, taxa de assimilação de CO2 e massa seca da raiz do meloeiro 'Gaúcho'.

Morphology of 'Crioula' guava seedlings under irrigation with increasing salinity water and nitrogen/potassium fertilization / Morfologia de goiabeira 'Crioula' sob irrigação com águas de salinidades crescentes e adubação nitrogenada-potássica

Abstract Several studies have been conducted evaluating the management of fertilizers as strategies to mitigate the deleterious effects of salt stress, so the objective of this work was to evaluate the quality of 'Crioula' guava seedlings under irrigation with water of different salinity levels and fertilized with combinations of nitrogen and potassium. The experiment was performed in a protected (screened) environment using a randomized block design and analyzed in a 5 × 4 factorial scheme, with four replicates, with the plot formed by two plants. The treatments were formed from the combination of the factor electrical conductivity of irrigation water (ECw 0.3, 1.1, 1.9, 2.7 and 3.5 dS m-1), with the factor combinations (C) of nitrogen (N) and potassium (K2O) doses, being C1 = 70% N + 50% K2O, C2 = 100% N + 75% K2O, C3= 130% N + 100% K2O and C4= 160% N + 125% K2O. The recommended dose of 100% N and K, respectively, was 541.1 mg N dm-3 soil and 798.6 mg K dm-3 soil. The combinations of N and K fertilization corresponding to 70% N + 50% K2O and 100% N + 75% K2O of the recommended doses promoted greater growth of 'Crioula' guava seedlings. Water with ECw of 2.1 dS m-1 promotes the formation of quality 'Crioula' guava seedlings.

Resumo Diversos estudos vêm sendo desenvolvido avaliando o manejo de adubos como estratégias para mitigar os efeitos deletérios do estresse salino, neste sentido, objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar a qualidade de mudas de goiabeira Crioula sob irrigação com águas de diferentes níveis salinos e adubadas com combinações de nitrogênio e potássio. O experimento foi conduzido em ambiente protegido (telado) utilizando-se o delineamento de blocos casualizados e analisados em esquema fatorial 5 × 4, com quatro repetições, com a parcela formada por duas plantas. Os tratamentos foram formados pela combinação do fator condutividade elétrica da água de irrigação (CEa), com valores de 0,3; 1,1; 1,9; 2,7 e 3,5 dS m-1; e o fator combinações (C) de doses de nitrogênio (N) e potássio (K2O), sendo C1 = 70% N + 50% K2O; C2 = 100% N + 75% K2O; C3= 130% N + 100% K2O e C4= 160% N + 125% K2O. A dose recomendada de 100% de N e K, respectivamente, foi de 541,1 e 798,6 mg de K dm-3 de solo. As combinações de adubação nitrogenada e potássica de 70% N + 50% K2O e 100% N + 75% K2O, em relação às doses recomendadas, resultaram em um maior crescimento de mudas de goiabeira Crioula. Água com CEa média de 2,1 dS m-1 foi capaz de promove a formação de mudas de qualidade de goiabeira Crioula.

Production of mycelial biomass, proteases and protease inhibitors by Ganoderma lucidum under different submerged fermentation conditions / Produção de biomassa micelial, proteases e inibidores de proteases por Ganoderma lucidum cultivado sob diferentes condições de fermentação submersa

Ganoderma lucidum is a medicinal mushroom widely recognized as a source of biomolecules with pharmacological properties, however, little is known about the factors that influence the synthesis of bioactive proteins by this fungus when cultivated under submerged fermentation. The objective of this work was to evaluate the production of mycelial biomass and intracellular proteases and protease inhibitors by G. lucidum cultivated under different submerged fermentation conditions. The cultivation was carried out in a medium composed of glucose (10 or 20 g.L-1), soy peptone (2.5 or 5 g.L-1) and yeast extract (5 g.L-1), with incubation under agitation (120 rpm) and non-agitation, totaling 8 experimental conditions. Biomass production was determined from the dry weight, while glucose consumption was estimated by quantification of reducing sugars. The proteins were extracted in NaCl (0.15 M), and the protein extracts were submitted to protein quantification by the Bradford method, total proteolytic activity using azocasein, caseinolytic and fibrinolytic activity in Petri dishes, activity of serine (trypsin and chymotrypsin) and cysteine (papain) protease inhibitors. Cultivation in agitated condition showed higher biomass production with a maximum value of 7 g.L-1, in addition to higher activities of trypsin, chymotrypsin and papain inhibitors, with 154 IU.mg-1, 153 IU.mg-1 e 343 IU.mg-1 of protein, respectively. The non-agitated condition showed a greater potential for obtaining proteins, total proteases, caseinolytic and fibrinolytic enzymes, with maximum values of 433 mg.g-1 of extract, 71 U.mL-1 of extract, 63.62 mm2 and 50.27 mm2, respectively. Thus, a medium composed of soy peptone, yest extract and glucose in a 1:2:4 proportion is recommended, under agitation to produce protease inhibitors, and the non-agitated condition when the target is, mainly caseinolytic and fibrinolytic enzymes.

Ganoderma lucidum é um cogumelo medicinal amplamente reconhecido como fonte de biomoléculas com propriedades farmacológicas, entretanto, pouco se conhece acerca dos fatores que influenciam a síntese de proteínas bioativas por esse fungo, quando cultivado sob fermentação submersa. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a produção de biomassa micelial e de proteases e inibidores de proteases intracelulares por G. lucidum cultivado em diferentes condições de fermentação submersa. O cultivo foi realizado em meio contendo glicose (10 ou 20 g.L-1), peptona de soja (2,5 ou 5 g.L-1) e extrato de levedura (5 g.L-1), com incubação sob agitação (120 rpm) ou não-agitado, totalizando 8 condições experimentais. A produção de biomassa foi determinada a partir do peso seco e o consumo de glicose a partir da quantificação de açúcares redutores. As proteínas foram extraídas em NaCl (0,15 M) e os extratos proteicos foram submetidos à quantificação de proteínas pelo método de Bradford, atividade proteolítica total usando azocaseína, atividade caseinolítica e fibrinolítica em placa de Petri, atividade de inibidores de serino-proteases (tripsina e quimotripsina) e cisteíno-protease (papaína). O cultivo em condição agitada apresentou maior produção de biomassa com valor máximo de 7g.L-1, além de maiores atividades de inibidores de tripsina, quimotripsina e papaína, com 154 UI.mg-1, 153 UI.mg-1 e 343 UI.mg-1 de proteína, respectivamente. A condição não-agitada demonstrou maior potencial para a obtenção de proteínas, proteases totais, enzimas caseinolíticas e fibrinolíticas, com valores máximos de 433 mg.g-1 de extrato, 71 U.mL-1 de extrato, 63,62 mm2 e 50,27 mm2, respectivamente. Assim, recomenda-se o meio composto de peptona de soja, extrato de levedura e glicose na proporção 1:2:4, em condição agitada para a produção de inibidores de proteases, e a condição não-agitada para a síntese de proteases, principalmente enzimas caseinolíticas e fibrinolíticas.

Salicylic acid concentrations and forms of application mitigate water stress in sour passion fruit seedlings / Concentrações e formas de aplicação de ácido salicílico mitiga o estresse hídrico em mudas de maracujazeiro-azedo

The present study aimed to evaluate concentrations and forms of application of salicylic acid used for water stress mitigation on the gas exchange and growth of yellow passion fruit. The experimental design was arranged in randomized blocks in a 4 × 4 × 2 factorial scheme, with four concentrations of salicylic acid (SA) via foliar application (0.0, 0.7, 1.4, and 2.1 mM), four SA concentrations via fertigation (0.0, 0.7, 1.4, and 2.1 mM), and two irrigation depths estimated based on the actual evapotranspiration - ETr (50 and 100% of ETr), with three replications. Water stress negatively affected the physiology and growth of yellow passion fruit seedlings at 75 days after sowing (DAS). The application of salicylic acid, regardless of the form of application, attenuates the effects of water stress on gas exchange and growth of yellow passion fruit, with the best results obtained when applying a concentration of 1.30 mM via leaf or 0.90 mM via fertirrigation. The combination of foliar application of AS and fertigation contributed to improve photosynthetic and growth parameters under water conditions of 50 and 100% of ETr. The foliar application of AS presents superior responses to the application via fertigation. These results reinforce the hypothesis that the attenuation of water stress by salicylic acid is related to the maintenance of gas exchange, which depends on the concentration and form of application, and studies testing combinations throughout the crop cycle become promising for advances in knowledge from the action of this phytohormone on abiotic stress.

O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar as concentrações e formas de aplicação do ácido salicílico como mitigador do estresse hídrico sobre as trocas gasosas e parâmetros de crescimento do maracujazeiro amarelo. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos casualizados, em esquema fatorial 4 × 4 × 2, com tratamentos constituídos por quatro concentrações de ácido salicílico (SA) via aplicação foliar (0,0, 0,7, 1,4 e 2,1 mM), quatro concentrações de SA via fertirrigação (0,0, 0,7, 1,4 e 2,1 mM) e duas lâminas de irrigação estimadas com base na evapotranspiração real - ETr (50 e 100% da ETr), com três repetições. O estresse hídrico afetou negativamente a fisiologia e o crescimento das mudas de maracujazeiro amarelo aos 75 dias após o semeio (DAS). A aplicação de ácido salicílico, independente da forma de aplicação, atenua os efeitos do estresse hídrico nas trocas gasosas e crescimento do maracujazeiro amarelo, com os melhores resultados obtidos ao se aplicar a concentração de 1,30 mM via foliar ou 0,90 mM via fertirrigação. A combinação de aplicação de AS via foliar e fertirrigação contribuiu para melhorar os parâmetros fotossintéticos e de crescimento nas condições hídricas de 50 e 100% da ETr. A aplicação via foliar de AS apresenta respostas superiores a aplicação via fertirrigação. Esses resultados reforçam a hipótese de que a atenuação do estresse hídrico pelo ácido salicílico está relacionada a manutenção das trocas gasosas, a qual depende da concentração e forma de aplicada, sendo que estudos testando combinações ao longo do ciclo da cultura se torna promissores para avanços nos conhecimentos provenientes da atuação desse fitormônio sobre o estresse abiótico.