Bioprocess of Gibberellic Acid by Fusarium fujikuroi: The Challenge of Regulation, Raw Materials, and Product Yields.

Gibberellic acid (GA3) is a tetracyclic diterpenoid carboxylic acid synthesized by the secondary metabolism of Fusarium fujikuroi. This phytohormone is widely studied due to the advantages it offers as a plant growth regulator, such as growth stimulation, senescence delay, flowering induction, increased fruit size, and defense against abiotic or biotic stress, which improve the quality and yield of crops. Therefore, GA3 has been considered as an innovative strategy to improve agricultural production. However, the yields obtained at large scale are insufficient for the current market demand. This low productivity is attributed to the lack of adequate parameters to optimize the fermentation process, as well as the complexity of its regulation. Therefore, this article describes the latest advances for potentializing the GA3 production process, including an analysis of its origins from crops, the benefits of its application, the related biosynthetic metabolism, the maximum yields achieved from production processes, and their association with genetic engineering techniques for GA3 producers. This work provides a new perspective on the critical points of the production process, in order to overcome the limits surrounding this modern line of bioengineering.

Quantifying venom production: A study on Micrurus snakes in Mexico.

Our study quantifies venom production in nine Mexican coral snake species (Micrurus), encompassing 76 specimens and 253 extractions. Noteworthy variations were observed, with M. diastema and M. laticollaris displaying diverse yields, ranging from 0.3 mg to 59 mg. For animals for which we have length data, there is a relationship between size and venom quantity. Twenty-eight percent of the observed variability in venom production can be explained by snake size, suggesting that other factors influence the amount of obtained venom. These findings are pivotal for predicting venom effects and guiding antivenom interventions. Our data offer insights into Micrurus venom yields, laying the groundwork for future research and aiding in medical response strategies. This study advances understanding coral snake venom production, facilitating informed medical responses to coral snake bites.

Improved Diaphorina citri (Hemiptera: Liviidae) Adults Biocontrol in Citrus by Hirsutella citriformis (Hypocreales: Ophiocordycipitaceae) Gum-Enhanced Conidia Formulation.

Hirsutella citriformis Speare is the only entomopathogenic fungus involved in Diaphorina citri Kuwayama natural epizootics. The aim of the present study was to evaluate different protein sources as supplements to stimulate Hirsutella citriformis growth, improve conidiation on solid culture, and evaluate its produced gum for conidia formulation against D. citri adults. Hirsutella citriformis INIFAP-Hir-2 strain was grown on agar media enriched with wheat bran, wheat germ, soy, amaranth, quinoa, and pumpkin seed, in addition to oat with wheat bran and/or amaranth. The results demonstrated that 2% wheat bran significantly (p < 0.05) promoted mycelium growth. However, 4% and 5% wheat bran achieved the highest conidiation (3.65 × 107 conidia/mL and 3.68 × 107 conidia/mL, respectively). Higher conidiation (p < 0.05) was observed on oat grains supplemented with wheat bran, as compared with culturing on oat grains without supplements (7.25 × 107 versus 5.22 × 107 conidia/g), after a 14 d instead of 21 d incubation period. After supplementing synthetic medium or oat grains with wheat bran and/or amaranth, INIFAP-Hir-2 conidiation increased, whereas production time was reduced. After using Acacia and Hirsutella gums to formulate conidia produced on wheat bran and amaranth at 4%, field trial results showed that the highest (p < 0.05) D. citri mortality was achieved by Hirsutella gum-formulated conidia (80.0%), followed by the Hirsutella gum control (57.8%). Furthermore, Acacia gum-formulated conidia caused 37.8%, whereas Acacia gum and negative controls induced 9% mortality. In conclusion, Hirsutella citriformis gum used to formulate its conidia improved biological control against D. citri adults.

Genome Analysis and Pathobiology of Cassava-Infecting Torradoviruses Containing a Putative Maf/HAM1 Pyrophosphatase Domain.

Next generation sequencing has been used to identify and characterize the full genome sequence of a cassava-infecting torradovirus, revealing the presence of a Maf/HAM1 domain downstream of the RNA-dependent RNA-polymerase (RdRp) domain in RNA1 in all isolates sequenced. A similar domain is also found in unrelated potyvirids infecting Euphorbiaceae hosts in the Americas and cassava in Africa. Even though cassava torrado-like virus (CsTLV) could not be mechanically transmitted to a series of herbaceous hosts, it can be efficiently transmitted by bud graft-inoculation to different cassava landraces. Our bioassays show that CsTLV has a narrow host range. Crystal-like structures of isometric virus-like particles were observed in cells of plants with single infection by CsTLV, and consistently induced chlorotic leaf spots and affected root yields significantly. Moreover, CsTLV infection induces changes in the accumulation of total sugars in storage roots. Field surveys indicated the presence of CsTLV in the main cassava growing regions of Colombia, and the occurrence of two different cassava-infecting torradovirus species. Profiles of small RNAs of 21 to 24 nucleotides in length, derived from CsTLV RNAs targeted by cassava RNA silencing defense mechanisms, are also reported.

Shifts of acidogenic bacterial group and biogas production by adding two industrial residues in anaerobic co-digestion with cattle manure.

Anaerobic biodigestion figures as a sustainable alternative to avoid discharge of cattle manure in the environment, which results in biogas and biofertilizer. The anaerobic bioconversion of biomass to methane via anaerobic biodigestion requires a multi-step biological process, including microorganisms with distinct roles. Here, the dynamics of acidogenic bacterial populations by classical microbiology, as well as biogas productivity by gasometer and chromatography, in the anaerobic co-digestion process were studied. This paper presents a performance evaluation of co-digestion systems for biogas production using cattle manure and wastes from the Sewage Treatment Station of a brewery and ricotta cheese whey. The search revealed that the type of substrate added in co-digestion with cattle manure, Carbon/Nitrogen ratio, and Ammonia Nitrogen were the most influential factors that explained many of the variations of the microbiota in the biodigesters fed. This study demonstrated a good potential for the use of ricotta cheese whey in the production of biogas and its further conversion into energy. These findings could provide some fundamental and technical information for the co-treatment of industrial derived wastes in centralized anaerobic biodigestion facilities in a sustainable manner with high process capacity and methane recovery.

Genetic architecture of photosynthesis energy partitioning as revealed by a genome-wide association approach.

The photosynthesis process is determined by the intensity level and spectral quality of the light; therefore, leaves need to adapt to a changing environment. The incident energy absorbed can exceed the sink capability of the photosystems, and, in this context, photoinhibition may occur in both photosystem II (PSII) and photosystem I (PSI). Quantum yield parameters analyses reveal how the energy is managed. These parameters are genotype-dependent, and this genotypic variability is a good opportunity to apply mapping association strategies to identify genomic regions associated with photosynthesis energy partitioning. An experimental and mathematical approach is proposed for the determination of an index which estimates the energy per photon flux for each spectral bandwidth (Δλ) of the light incident (QI index). Based on the QI, the spectral quality of the plant growth, environmental lighting, and the actinic light of PAM were quantitatively very similar which allowed an accurate phenotyping strategy of a rice population. A total of 143 genomic single regions associated with at least one trait of chlorophyll fluorescence were identified. Moreover, chromosome 5 gathers most of these regions indicating the importance of this chromosome in the genetic regulation of the photochemistry process. Through a GWAS strategy, 32 genes of rice genome associated with the main parameters of the photochemistry process of photosynthesis in rice were identified. Association between light-harvesting complexes and the potential quantum yield of PSII, as well as the relationship between coding regions for PSI-linked proteins in energy distribution during the photochemical process of photosynthesis is analyzed.

Physiological characterization of a new thermotolerant yeast strain isolated during Brazilian ethanol production, and its application in high-temperature fermentation.

BACKGROUND: The use of thermotolerant yeast strains can improve the efficiency of ethanol fermentation, allowing fermentation to occur at temperatures higher than 40 °C. This characteristic could benefit traditional bio-ethanol production and allow simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) of starch or lignocellulosic biomass. RESULTS: We identified and characterized the physiology of a new thermotolerant strain (LBGA-01) able to ferment at 40 °C, which is more resistant to stressors as sucrose, furfural and ethanol than CAT-1 industrial strain. Furthermore, this strain showed similar CAT-1 resistance to acetic acid and lactic acid, and it was also able to change the pattern of genes involved in sucrose assimilation (SUC2 and AGT1). Genes related to the production of proteins involved in secondary products of fermentation were also differentially regulated at 40 °C, with reduced expression of genes involved in the formation of glycerol (GPD2), acetate (ALD6 and ALD4), and acetyl-coenzyme A synthetase 2 (ACS2). Fermentation tests using chemostats showed that LBGA-01 had an excellent performance in ethanol production in high temperature. CONCLUSION: The thermotolerant LBGA-01 strain modulates the production of key genes, changing metabolic pathways during high-temperature fermentation, and increasing its resistance to high concentration of ethanol, sugar, lactic acid, acetic acid, and furfural. Results indicate that this strain can be used to improve first- and second-generation ethanol production in Brazil.

Composição e qualidade da carcaça de ovinos com diferentes pesos corporais ao abate / Carcass composition and quality of sheep with different slaughter body weights

Objetivou-se quantificar os cortes comerciais e seus tecidos em relação às diferentes faixas de peso corporal de abate de cordeiros. Foram utilizados 150 cordeiros sem raça definida e divididos nas faixas de peso corporal de abate, entre 16 a 20 kg; 21 a 25 kg; 26 a 30 kg; 31 a 35 kg; 36 a 40 kg e 41 a 45 kg. Os cortes comerciais avaliados foram o pescoço, paleta, pernil, costilhar, costelas fixas, costelas flutuantes, lombo com vazio e baixo. A partir desses dados calculou-se o rendimento dos cortes comerciais em relação ao peso de carcaça fria, rendimento de gordura (subcutânea e intermuscular) e de músculo e a relação músculo/gordura. Nos animais abatidos com 21 a 25 kg foi verificado maior rendimento da paleta em relação ao grupo de animais com 41 a 45 kg. Para o pernil, os resultados foram semelhantes aos da paleta. De um modo geral, os cortes comerciais dos animais abatidos mais leves apresentaram maiores rendimentos de músculo e menores de gordura. Os pesos corporais considerados como leves e medianos apresentaram uma melhor relação tecidual, proporcionando melhor porção comestível.(AU)

The aim of this study was to characterize and quantify commercial sheep meat cuts and their tissues in relation to different ranges of slaughter body weight of lambs. One hundred and fifty lambs were divided according to the following slaughter weight ranges: 16 to 20 kg, 21 to 25 kg, 26 to 30 kg, 31 to 35 kg, 36 to 40 kg, and 41 to 45 kg. The commercial meat cuts evaluated were the neck, shoulder, leg, ribs, fixed ribs, floating ribs, loin with void, low. Based on these data, the cut yields in relation to cold carcass weight, fat yield (subcutaneous and intermuscular), muscle yield, and muscle/fat tissue ratio were obtained. Animals slaughtered with 21 to 25 kg exhibited higher shoulder yield than heavier animals slaughtered with 41 to 45 kg. Similar results were obtained for the leg. In general, the commercial cuts of animals slaughtered with lighter weight provided higher muscle yields and lower fat yields. Body weights classified as light and medium exhibited a better tissue ratio, providing a better edible portion to consumers.(AU)

Determination of Fluorescence Quantum Yields in Scattering Media.

The fluorescence quantum yield is a measure of the efficiency of photon emission and quantifies the luminescent performance of a given sample. The determination of fluorescence quantum yields, particularly in scattering media, is relevant in the areas of materials science, technology and photonics. It is equally crucial when studying fluorescent bioanalytical probes and biological systems either for medical applications, physiological analyses or the interpretation of optical signals in nature. This type of determination represents a challenge since light scattering introduces an appreciable complexity in the measurements. Hence, the use of experimentally accurate methods and the understanding of their basis and principles is indispensable for obtaining reliable results. In addition, light re-absorption processes are usually very significant in these systems and the experimental quantum yields normally differ from the true quantum yields of the fluorophore. The first purpose of this work is to provide a clear and comprehensive compilation of the various optical methods that can be used for the determination of quantum yields in scattering media. A second purpose is to present the correction models to account for light re-absorption processes, applicable in each case. The advantages and disadvantages of each methodology are comparatively discussed, the difference between experimental and true quantum yield is clarified and it is explained which should be used depending on the case. Several examples previously published in literature are illustrated. The methods presented here are adequate for the study of very diverse samples such as suspensions, solid powders, films, animal tissues and even plant material.

Composição e qualidade da carcaça de ovinos com diferentes pesos corporais ao abate / Carcass composition and quality of sheep with different slaughter body weights

Objetivou-se quantificar os cortes comerciais e seus tecidos em relação às diferentes faixas de peso corporal de abate de cordeiros. Foram utilizados 150 cordeiros sem raça definida e divididos nas faixas de peso corporal de abate, entre 16 a 20 kg; 21 a 25 kg; 26 a 30 kg; 31 a 35 kg; 36 a 40 kg e 41 a 45 kg. Os cortes comerciais avaliados foram o pescoço, paleta, pernil, costilhar, costelas fixas, costelas flutuantes, lombo com vazio e baixo. A partir desses dados calculou-se o rendimento dos cortes comerciais em relação ao peso de carcaça fria, rendimento de gordura (subcutânea e intermuscular) e de músculo e a relação músculo/gordura. Nos animais abatidos com 21 a 25 kg foi verificado maior rendimento da paleta em relação ao grupo de animais com 41 a 45 kg. Para o pernil, os resultados foram semelhantes aos da paleta. De um modo geral, os cortes comerciais dos animais abatidos mais leves apresentaram maiores rendimentos de músculo e menores de gordura. Os pesos corporais considerados como leves e medianos apresentaram uma melhor relação tecidual, proporcionando melhor porção comestível.

The aim of this study was to characterize and quantify commercial sheep meat cuts and their tissues in relation to different ranges of slaughter body weight of lambs. One hundred and fifty lambs were divided according to the following slaughter weight ranges: 16 to 20 kg, 21 to 25 kg, 26 to 30 kg, 31 to 35 kg, 36 to 40 kg, and 41 to 45 kg. The commercial meat cuts evaluated were the neck, shoulder, leg, ribs, fixed ribs, floating ribs, loin with void, low. Based on these data, the cut yields in relation to cold carcass weight, fat yield (subcutaneous and intermuscular), muscle yield, and muscle/fat tissue ratio were obtained. Animals slaughtered with 21 to 25 kg exhibited higher shoulder yield than heavier animals slaughtered with 41 to 45 kg. Similar results were obtained for the leg. In general, the commercial cuts of animals slaughtered with lighter weight provided higher muscle yields and lower fat yields. Body weights classified as light and medium exhibited a better tissue ratio, providing a better edible portion to consumers.

The effects of copper on photosynthesis and biomolecules yield in Chlorolobion braunii.

Our knowledge of the effects of copper on microalgal physiology is largely based on studies conducted with high copper concentrations; much less is known when environmentally relevant copper levels come into question. Here, we evaluated the physiology of Chlorolobion braunii exposed to free copper ion concentrations between 5.7 × 10-9 and 5.0 × 10-6  mol · L-1 , thus including environmentally relevant values. Population growth and maximum photosynthetic quantum yield of PSII were determined daily during the 96 h laboratory controlled experiment. Exponentially-growing cells (48 h) were analyzed for effective quantum yield and rapid light curves (RLC), and total lipids, proteins, carbohydrates, chlorophyll a and carotenoids were determined. The results showed that growth rates and population density decreased gradually as copper increased in experiment, but the photosynthetic parameters (maximum and effective quantum yields) and photochemical quenching (qP) decreased only at the highest free copper concentration tested (5.0 × 10-6 mol · L-1 ); nonphotochemical quenching (NPQ) increased gradually with copper increase. The RLC parameters Ek and rETRmax were inversely proportional to copper concentration, while α and Im decreased only at 5.0 × 10-6 mol · L-1 . The effects of copper in biomolecules yield (mg · L-1 ) varied depending on the biomolecule. Lipid yield increased at free copper concentration as low as 2.5 × 10-8 mol · L-1 , but proteins and carbohydrates were constant throughout.

Light-use efficiency and energy partitioning in rice is cultivar dependent.

One of the main limitations of rice yield in regions of high productive performance is the light-use efficiency (LUE). LUE can be determined at the whole-plant level or at the photosynthetic apparatus level (quantum yield). Both vary according to the intensity and spectral quality of light. The aim of this study was to analyze the cultivar dependence regarding LUE at the plant level and quantum yield using four rice cultivars and four light environments. To achieve this, two in-house Light Systems were developed: Light System I which generates white light environments (spectral quality of 400-700 nm band) and Light System II which generates a blue-red light environment (spectral quality of 400-500 nm and 600-700 nm bands). Light environment conditioned the LUE and quantum yield in PSII of all evaluated cultivars. In white environments, LUE decreased when light intensity duplicated, while in blue-red environments no differences on LUE were observed. Energy partition in PSII was determined by the quantum yield of three de-excitation processes using chlorophyll fluorescence parameters. For this purpose, a quenching analysis followed by a relaxation analysis was performed. The damage of PSII was only increased by low levels of energy in white environments, leading to a decrease in photochemical processes due to the closure of the reaction centers. In conclusion, all rice cultivars evaluated in this study were sensible to low levels of radiation, but the response was cultivar dependent. There was not a clear genotypic relation between LUE and quantum yield.

The fishery exploitation of acoupa weakfish off São Paulo coast, Southeastern Brazil / A exploração pesqueira da pescada-amarela na costa de São Paulo, Sudeste do Brasil

The Acoupa weakfish Cynoscion acoupa (Lacepède, 1801) is a large inshore sciaenid of commercial and social importance found along the entire Brazilian coast. In spite of this, there is few information on the species, both in terms of biological aspects and fishery yields, particularly off southeastern Brazil. Within this context, this study aimed to an evaluation of Acoupa weakfish fishery production off São Paulo coast (23°22–25°18S) based on publicly available statistical data collected between 1998 and 2016. Acoupa weakfish fishery in this State takes place on both industrial and artisanal scales, and employs at least 22 different fishing gears. The pair-trawling fishery was the most important Acoupa weakfish producer during the period surveyed, with a sharp decline in the catches from 2007 onward due to the establishment of Marine Protected Areas off São Paulo coast, which banned trawling in depths shallower than 26 meters. Acoupa weakfish yields were relatively low in São Paulo when compared with other demersal fishes exploited, despite the high retail prices commanded by the species in regional markets and restaurants.(AU)

A pescada-amarela Cynoscion acoupa (Lacepède, 1801) é um cianídeo demersal costeiro de grande porte que apresenta importância social e econômica ao longo de toda a costa brasileira. Entretanto, há pouca informação sobre a espécie em termos biológicos e pesqueiros, principalmente no sudeste do Brasil. Dentro desse contexto, o presente estudo procurou avaliar a produção pesqueira da espécie na costa de São Paulo (23°22–25°18S) a partir de dados estatísticos de domínio público coletados entre 1998 e 2016. A pescaria da pescada-amarela no estado ocorre em escala industrial e artesanal, e emprega pelo menos 22 tipos de artes de pesca. O arrasto de parelhas foi o mais importante produtor durante o período estudado, apresentando um declínio abrupto nos desembarques a partir de 2007, devido a implementação de Áreas Marinhas Protegidas na costa paulista, que baniu a pesca de arrasto em profundidades menores que 26 metros. Os desembarques de pescada-amarela são relativamente baixos em comparação a outros peixes demersais capturados apesar dos altos preços de varejo cobrados para a espécie nos mercados e restaurantes regionais.(AU)

The fishery exploitation of acoupa weakfish off São Paulo coast, Southeastern Brazil / A exploração pesqueira da pescada-amarela na costa de São Paulo, Sudeste do Brasil

The Acoupa weakfish Cynoscion acoupa (Lacepède, 1801) is a large inshore sciaenid of commercial and social importance found along the entire Brazilian coast. In spite of this, there is few information on the species, both in terms of biological aspects and fishery yields, particularly off southeastern Brazil. Within this context, this study aimed to an evaluation of Acoupa weakfish fishery production off São Paulo coast (23°22’–25°18’S) based on publicly available statistical data collected between 1998 and 2016. Acoupa weakfish fishery in this State takes place on both industrial and artisanal scales, and employs at least 22 different fishing gears. The pair-trawling fishery was the most important Acoupa weakfish producer during the period surveyed, with a sharp decline in the catches from 2007 onward due to the establishment of Marine Protected Areas off São Paulo coast, which banned trawling in depths shallower than 26 meters. Acoupa weakfish yields were relatively low in São Paulo when compared with other demersal fishes exploited, despite the high retail prices commanded by the species in regional markets and restaurants.

A pescada-amarela Cynoscion acoupa (Lacepède, 1801) é um cianídeo demersal costeiro de grande porte que apresenta importância social e econômica ao longo de toda a costa brasileira. Entretanto, há pouca informação sobre a espécie em termos biológicos e pesqueiros, principalmente no sudeste do Brasil. Dentro desse contexto, o presente estudo procurou avaliar a produção pesqueira da espécie na costa de São Paulo (23°22’–25°18’S) a partir de dados estatísticos de domínio público coletados entre 1998 e 2016. A pescaria da pescada-amarela no estado ocorre em escala industrial e artesanal, e emprega pelo menos 22 tipos de artes de pesca. O arrasto de parelhas foi o mais importante produtor durante o período estudado, apresentando um declínio abrupto nos desembarques a partir de 2007, devido a implementação de Áreas Marinhas Protegidas na costa paulista, que baniu a pesca de arrasto em profundidades menores que 26 metros. Os desembarques de pescada-amarela são relativamente baixos em comparação a outros peixes demersais capturados apesar dos altos preços de varejo cobrados para a espécie nos mercados e restaurantes regionais.

Effect of non-genetic factors on milk yields traits in Simmental cows raised subtropical climate condition / Efeito de fatores não genéticos em produção de leite em gado simmental criado em condições climáticas subtropicais

The aim of this study was to identify non-genetic parameters affecting the milk yield traits of Simmental cows raised in subtropical climate conditions. Records on 1904 lactation events of Simmental cows (N=706) during 2001-2014 were included in this study. A generalized linear model was used to investigate the effect of non-genetic factors (calving year, season, and age; lactation number; birth type; and calf sex) on real milk yield (MY), adjusted 305-d lactation milk yield (305-d MY), adjusted mature-age 305-d lactation milk yield (305-d MAMY), lactation length (LL), and dry periods (DP). The MY, 305-d MY, 305-d MAMY, LL, and DP were 6413.04kg, 6060.30kg, 6871.21 kg, 329.88d, and 57.67d, respectively, in Simmental cows. The effects of calving year, birth type, and calf sex on MY were significant (P<0.05). Calving year, calving age, birth type, and calf sex had significant effects on 305-d MY (P<0.05). The 305-d MAMY was significantly affected by calving year, birth type, and calf sex (P<0.05). In conclusion, based on the findings of the present study, the milk yield traits of Simmental cows raised at subtropical climate conditions with ideal feeding and management strategies was in accordance with world standards.(AU)

O objetivo desse estudo foi identificar parâmetros não genéticos afetando características de produção de leite em vacas Simmental criadas em condições climáticas subtropicais. Registros em 1904 eventos de lactação de vacas Simmental (N=706) de 2001 a 2014 foram incluídos nesse estudo. Um modelo linear generalizado foi utilizado para investigar o efeito de fatores não genéticos (ano, estação, e idade de parto; número de lactação; tipo de nascimento; sexo do bezerro) em produção real de leite (MY), produção ajustada 305-d (305-d MY), produção ajustada madura 305-d (305-d MAMY), duração de lactação (LL), e períodos secos (DP). MY, 305-d MY, 305-d MAMY, LL, e DP foram 6413.04kg, 6060.30kg, 6871.21kg, 329.88d e57.67d, respectivamente, em vacas Simmental. Os efeitos de ano de parto, tipo de parto e sexo do bezerro em MY foram significantes (P<0.05). O 305-d MAMY foi significativamente afetado por ano de parto, tipo de parto e sexo do bezerro (P<0.05). Conclui-se que, baseado nos achados do presente estudo, a produção de leite de vacas Simmental criadas em condições climáticas temperadas com alimentação e estratégias de manejo ideais estava de acordo com padrões mundiais.(AU)

Effect of non-genetic factors on milk yields traits in Simmental cows raised subtropical climate condition / Efeito de fatores não genéticos em produção de leite em gado simmental criado em condições climáticas subtropicais

The aim of this study was to identify non-genetic parameters affecting the milk yield traits of Simmental cows raised in subtropical climate conditions. Records on 1904 lactation events of Simmental cows (N=706) during 2001-2014 were included in this study. A generalized linear model was used to investigate the effect of non-genetic factors (calving year, season, and age; lactation number; birth type; and calf sex) on real milk yield (MY), adjusted 305-d lactation milk yield (305-d MY), adjusted mature-age 305-d lactation milk yield (305-d MAMY), lactation length (LL), and dry periods (DP). The MY, 305-d MY, 305-d MAMY, LL, and DP were 6413.04kg, 6060.30kg, 6871.21 kg, 329.88d, and 57.67d, respectively, in Simmental cows. The effects of calving year, birth type, and calf sex on MY were significant (P<0.05). Calving year, calving age, birth type, and calf sex had significant effects on 305-d MY (P<0.05). The 305-d MAMY was significantly affected by calving year, birth type, and calf sex (P<0.05). In conclusion, based on the findings of the present study, the milk yield traits of Simmental cows raised at subtropical climate conditions with ideal feeding and management strategies was in accordance with world standards.(AU)

O objetivo desse estudo foi identificar parâmetros não genéticos afetando características de produção de leite em vacas Simmental criadas em condições climáticas subtropicais. Registros em 1904 eventos de lactação de vacas Simmental (N=706) de 2001 a 2014 foram incluídos nesse estudo. Um modelo linear generalizado foi utilizado para investigar o efeito de fatores não genéticos (ano, estação, e idade de parto; número de lactação; tipo de nascimento; sexo do bezerro) em produção real de leite (MY), produção ajustada 305-d (305-d MY), produção ajustada madura 305-d (305-d MAMY), duração de lactação (LL), e períodos secos (DP). MY, 305-d MY, 305-d MAMY, LL, e DP foram 6413.04kg, 6060.30kg, 6871.21kg, 329.88d e57.67d, respectivamente, em vacas Simmental. Os efeitos de ano de parto, tipo de parto e sexo do bezerro em MY foram significantes (P<0.05). O 305-d MAMY foi significativamente afetado por ano de parto, tipo de parto e sexo do bezerro (P<0.05). Conclui-se que, baseado nos achados do presente estudo, a produção de leite de vacas Simmental criadas em condições climáticas temperadas com alimentação e estratégias de manejo ideais estava de acordo com padrões mundiais.(AU)

Combined strategies for improving production of a thermo-alkali stable laccase in Pichia pastoris

Background: Laccases are copper-containing enzymes which have been used as green biocatalysts for many industrial processes. Although bacterial laccases have high stabilities which facilitate their application under harsh conditions, their activities and production yields are usually very low. In this work, we attempt to use a combinatorial strategy, including site-directed mutagenesis, codon and cultivation optimization, for improving the productivity of a thermo-alkali stable bacterial laccase in Pichia pastoris. Results: A D500G mutant of Bacillus licheniformis LS04 laccase, which was constructed by site-directed mutagenesis, demonstrated 2.1-fold higher activity when expressed in P. pastoris. The D500G variant retained similar catalytic characteristics to the wild-type laccase, and could efficiently decolorize synthetic dyes at alkaline conditions. Various cultivation factors such as medium components, pH and temperature were investigated for their effects on laccase expression. After cultivation optimization, a laccase activity of 347 ± 7 U/L was finally achieved for D500G after 3 d of induction, which was about 9.3 times higher than that of wild-type enzyme. The protein yield under the optimized conditions was about 59 mg/L for D500G. Conclusions: The productivity of the thermo-alkali stable laccase from B. licheniformis expressed in P. pastoris was significantly improved through the combination of site-directed mutagenesis and optimization of the cultivation process. The mutant enzyme retains good stability under high temperature and alkaline conditions, and is a good candidate for industrial application in dye decolorization.

Facile Synthesis and Photophysical Characterization of New Quinoline Dyes.

This paper describes the synthesis of new quinoline derivatives, molecules that has been long interest in the organic and medicinal chemistry. Through the Multicomponent Reaction (MCR), an important tool in modern synthetic methodology, that generate products with good structural complexity, in addition to economy of atoms and selectivity, we provide easy access to the preparation of quinoline derivatives. The reactions were promoted by niobium pentachloride, as a Lewis acid. Subsequently, the synthesis of new aminoquinoline derivatives with good yields was performed using Pd/C and hydrazine. The photophysical investigations of quinoline derivatives show the substituent effect on the optical properties characterization was done by absorption and photoluminescence measurements with quantum yields of up to 83 %, the presence of the amino group at position 6 at the quinoline backbone was crucial for obtaining these increased quantum yields. Results show that these molecules may have potential use for a variety of applications and mainly attracts attention because of its wide potential of applicability in optoelectronic devices.

Productive characteristics of meat quails reared in different environments / Características produtivas de codornas de corte mantidas em diferentes ambientes

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of ambient temperature and consumption on the performance, carcass yields and cuts, organs, and body temperatures of meat quails. The experiment was conducted at the Federal University of Maranhão, campus of Chapadinha-MA, during September to October 2013. From the 14th day of age, 450 meat quails, not sexed, with an average initial weight of 90.4 ± 12.9 g, were distributed in batteries and accommodated in either acclimatized or non-acclimatized rooms, until 42 days of age. The experimental design was completely randomized, with three treatments, and six replicates of 25 birds each. The treatments were CE (acclimatized environment at 26 °C); NE (natural environment), and CECC (acclimatized environment at 26 °C with controlled feed, to keep the same consumption level as that of the birds in NE). The evaluated variables at 28 and 42 days of age were as follows: (1) the intake of feed, weight gain, feed conversion, body weight, and energy efficiency to weight gain, (2) the carcass weight, carcass yields (%) for breast, thigh, drumstick, and wing, and (3) the relative weights (%) of the digestive tract, heart, liver, gizzard, and intestine. In addition, we evaluated the cloacal and surface temperatures (°C), and subsequently, calculated the average and surface body temperatures. The treatment means were compared using the Student-Newman-Keuls test, with 5% level of significance. Compared with the acclimatized ambient environment, the natural environment more favored the performance of quails up to 28 days, but then affected it negatively from that age onward. Carcass yield, organs, and internal temperature of the quails maintained in the acclimatized and natural environments were not influenced.(AU)

Objetivou-se avaliar os efeitos da temperatura ambiente sobre o desempenho, rendimentos de carcaça e cortes, órgãos e temperaturas corporais de codornas de corte. O experimento foi conduzido na Universidade Federal do Maranhão, campus de Chapadinha-MA, no período de setembro a outubro de 2014. A partir do 14º dia de idade, 450 codornas de corte, não sexadas, com o peso inicial médio de 90,4 ± 12,9g, foram distribuídas em baterias, acondicionadas em sala climatizada e não climatizada, até o 42° dia. O delineamento experimental foi o inteiramente casualizado, com três tratamentos e seis repetições de 25 aves. Os tratamentos consistiram em: AC (Ambiente climatizado com temperatura de 26°C); AN (Ambiente natural) e ACCC (Ambiente climatizado com temperatura de 26°C com alimentação controlada para manter o mesmo consumo das aves mantidas no AN). Foi avaliado o consumo de ração, ganho de peso, conversão alimentar, peso vivo, eficiência energética para ganho de peso; o peso de carcaça, rendimentos (%) de carcaça, peito, coxa, sobrecoxa e asa; os pesos relativos (%) do trato digestório, coração, fígado, moela e intestino aos 28 e aos 42 dias. Também foram avaliadas as temperaturas (°C) cloacais e superficiais, e posteriormente, calculadas a superficial média e corporal média. As médias dos tratamentos foram comparadas pelo teste SNK considerando o nível de 5% de significância. O ambiente natural melhorou o desempenho das codornas até os 28 dias, prejudicando a partir dessa idade em relação ao ambiente climatizado. Os rendimentos de carcaça, órgãos e a temperatura interna das codornas mantidas nos ambientes climatizado e natural, não foram influenciados.(AU)

Productive characteristics of meat quails reared in different environments / Características produtivas de codornas de corte mantidas em diferentes ambientes

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of ambient temperature and consumption on the performance, carcass yields and cuts, organs, and body temperatures of meat quails. The experiment was conducted at the Federal University of Maranhão, campus of Chapadinha-MA, during September to October 2013. From the 14th day of age, 450 meat quails, not sexed, with an average initial weight of 90.4 ± 12.9 g, were distributed in batteries and accommodated in either acclimatized or non-acclimatized rooms, until 42 days of age. The experimental design was completely randomized, with three treatments, and six replicates of 25 birds each. The treatments were CE (acclimatized environment at 26 °C); NE (natural environment), and CECC (acclimatized environment at 26 °C with controlled feed, to keep the same consumption level as that of the birds in NE). The evaluated variables at 28 and 42 days of age were as follows: (1) the intake of feed, weight gain, feed conversion, body weight, and energy efficiency to weight gain, (2) the carcass weight, carcass yields (%) for breast, thigh, drumstick, and wing, and (3) the relative weights (%) of the digestive tract, heart, liver, gizzard, and intestine. In addition, we evaluated the cloacal and surface temperatures (°C), and subsequently, calculated the average and surface body temperatures. The treatment means were compared using the Student-Newman-Keuls test, with 5% level of significance. Compared with the acclimatized ambient environment, the natural environment more favored the performance of quails up to 28 days, but then affected it negatively from that age onward. Carcass yield, organs, and internal temperature of the quails maintained in the acclimatized and natural environments were not influenced.

Objetivou-se avaliar os efeitos da temperatura ambiente sobre o desempenho, rendimentos de carcaça e cortes, órgãos e temperaturas corporais de codornas de corte. O experimento foi conduzido na Universidade Federal do Maranhão, campus de Chapadinha-MA, no período de setembro a outubro de 2014. A partir do 14º dia de idade, 450 codornas de corte, não sexadas, com o peso inicial médio de 90,4 ± 12,9g, foram distribuídas em baterias, acondicionadas em sala climatizada e não climatizada, até o 42° dia. O delineamento experimental foi o inteiramente casualizado, com três tratamentos e seis repetições de 25 aves. Os tratamentos consistiram em: AC (Ambiente climatizado com temperatura de 26°C); AN (Ambiente natural) e ACCC (Ambiente climatizado com temperatura de 26°C com alimentação controlada para manter o mesmo consumo das aves mantidas no AN). Foi avaliado o consumo de ração, ganho de peso, conversão alimentar, peso vivo, eficiência energética para ganho de peso; o peso de carcaça, rendimentos (%) de carcaça, peito, coxa, sobrecoxa e asa; os pesos relativos (%) do trato digestório, coração, fígado, moela e intestino aos 28 e aos 42 dias. Também foram avaliadas as temperaturas (°C) cloacais e superficiais, e posteriormente, calculadas a superficial média e corporal média. As médias dos tratamentos foram comparadas pelo teste SNK considerando o nível de 5% de significância. O ambiente natural melhorou o desempenho das codornas até os 28 dias, prejudicando a partir dessa idade em relação ao ambiente climatizado. Os rendimentos de carcaça, órgãos e a temperatura interna das codornas mantidas nos ambientes climatizado e natural, não foram influenciados.