Exploring SoySNP50K and USDA Germplasm Collection Data to Find New QTLs Associated with Protein and Oil Content in Brazilian Genotypes.

Genetic diversity within a germplasm collection plays a vital role in the success of breeding programs. However, comprehending this diversity and identifying accessions with desirable traits pose significant challenges. This study utilized publicly available data to investigate SNP markers associated with protein and oil content in Brazilian soybeans. Through this research, twenty-two new QTLs (Quantitative Trait Loci) were identified, and we highlighted the substantial influence of Roanoke, Lee and Bragg ancestor on the genetic makeup of Brazilian soybean varieties. Our findings demonstrate that certain markers are being lost in modern cultivars, while others maintain or even increase their frequency. These observations indicate genomic regions that have undergone selection during soybean introduction in Brazil and could be valuable in breeding programs aimed at enhancing protein or oil content.

Citroflavonoids as Promising Agents for Drug Discovery in Diabetes and Hypertension: A Systematic Review of Experimental Studies.

Flavonoids are naturally occurring compounds widely distributed in the Citrus genus. These natural compounds have many health benefits, mainly for metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. In fact, some these compounds are components of drug products with approved indications for peripheral vascular insufficiency and hemorrhoids. However, information on pharmacological effects of these compounds remains disperse and there is scarce comprehensive analysis of whole data and evidence. These kinds of evidence analyses could be necessary in drug design and the development of novel and innovate drug products in diabetes and hypertension. We aimed to systematically search for evidence on the efficacy of citroflavonoids in diabetes and hypertension in in vivo models. We searched four literature databases based on a PICO strategy. After database curation, twenty-nine articles were retrieved to analyze experimental data. There was high heterogeneity in both outcomes and methodology. Naringenin and hesperetin derivates were the most studied citroflavonoids in both experimental models. More investigation is still needed to determine its potential for drug design and development.

New insights into perceptions of technology claims in greek-style yogurt: A view in the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Covid-19 pandemic has strongly impacted people's lives and the food industry. In this sense, food products claiming nutritional and health-promoting benefits due to the presence of bioactive peptides and probiotics, such as Greek-style yogurt, have been in demand. The objective of this work was to investigate, through word association, the perception of the consumers regarding the seven concepts related to Greek-style yogurt (traditional, ultra-creamy, zero fat, high content proteins, zero lactose, light and with no added sugars), in the context of social isolation due to Covid-19. In this online survey, 346 participants completed a questionnaire. The participants were divided according to health concerns (increased, not changed, or decreased) and eating habits (improved, not changed, or worsened) during the Covid-19 pandemic. Chi-square and prototypical analysis were used as statistical tests. During the Covid-19 pandemic, based on self-report, around 66% of the participants had their eating habits and their concerns about health changed. The general associations were related to the categories pleasure, health, creamy, pleasant texture, food restriction, and loss of sensory quality. 'Health' and 'pleasure' were negatively associated with the conceptualization of Greek-style yogurt. For the zero-fat, light, and sugar-free Greek-style yogurts, the terms creamy and ultra-creamy are sensory appealing to the consumers. In general, the price and concerns about health are factors that strongly influence the purchase intention of Greek-style yogurts. The yogurts were associated with sensory and non-sensory characteristics, which can be useful for marketing strategies for of different product concepts.

Cowpea: A low-cost quality protein source for food safety in marginal areas for agriculture.

Cowpea is a low-cost protein source for human nutrition for the world's impoverished regions. Therefore, the yield and total grain protein content (TGPC) of two modern commercials genotypes, Novaera and Gurguéia, and two traditional local genotypes, Paulistinha and EPACE-10, were studied. Also, leaf area and dry weight, leaf soluble protein content, and chlorophyll a fluorescence, parameters related to photosynthetic capacity, were used to evaluate genotypes. Under optimal conditions, the yield of EPACE-10 and Paulistinha, with higher TGPC, was lower than for Gurguéia and Novaera, which showed lower TGPC. The four cowpea genotypes showed high lysine content and low methionine and cysteine. The results revealed a negative correlation between yield and TGPC. The modern commercial genotype Novaera showed a high yield with low TGPC but a higher globulin and albumin content than Gurguéia. Thus, it can be used in high-input agriculture. In contrast, the traditional local genotype EPACE-10, with high TGPC and higher amino acid content than Paulistinha, is indicated for low-input agriculture in marginal areas for food safety under climate changes.

Intake and apparent digestibility of dry matter, milk production, and composition of cows fed with diets containing oilseed cakes: A meta-analysis.

Oilseed cakes can partially replace corn or soy used in the diet without losing animal performance. The objective was to carry out a meta-analysis and principal component analysis to evaluate the effects of cakes on the intake and apparent digestibility coefficient (ADC) of dry matter (DM) and milk production and composition in lactating dairy cows. The data set used in the meta-analysis came from 51 studies published between 2009 and 2019, which resulted in 119 studies with 18 types of cakes evaluated in 1350 cows. Cows fed with cakes increased dry matter intake (DMI) by 0.366 kg d-1 (P < 0.001) and DMI as a function of the animal's body weight by 0.103% (P < 0.0001) compared with the diet without cake. The milk protein content decreased by 0.050% (P < 0.010). The contents of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) (26%-%) and ether extract (EE) (3%-7%) of the cake diets did not affect ADCDM. Cakes with contents between 10% and 30% can replace corn or soy in the diet without affecting milk production, components (fat, protein, and lactose), and contents (fat and lactose), but it can reduce the milk protein content of milk.

Methodology for the identification of relevant loci for milk traits in dairy cattle, using machine learning algorithms.

Machine learning methods were considered efficient in identifying single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) underlying a trait of interest. This study aimed to construct predictive models using machine learning algorithms, to identify loci that best explain the variance in milk traits of dairy cattle. Further objectives involved validating the results by comparison with reported relevant regions and retrieving the pathways overrepresented by the genes flanking relevant SNPs. Regression models using XGBoost (XGB), LightGBM (LGB), and Random Forest (RF) algorithms were trained using estimated breeding values for milk production (EBVM), milk fat content (EBVF) and milk protein content (EBVP) as phenotypes and genotypes on 40417 SNPs as predictor variables. To evaluate their efficiency, metrics for actual vs. predicted values were determined in validation folds (XGB and LGB) and out-of-bag data (RF). Less than 4500 relevant SNPs were retrieved for each trait. Among the genes flanking them, signaling and transmembrane transporter activities were overrepresented. The models trained:•Predicted breeding values for animals not included in the dataset.•Were efficient in identifying a subset of SNPs explaining phenotypic variation. The results obtained using XGB and LGB algorithms agreed with previous results. Therefore, the method proposed could be applied for future association studies on milk traits.

Environment affects starch composition and kernel hardness in temperate maize.

BACKGROUND: Protein percentage and kernel weight affect the endosperm hardness of maize grains. However, changes in starch composition could also modify kernel hardness, which is often predicted through milling ratio. The objective of this work was to evaluate the relationship between changes in starch composition and endosperm hardness, and to assess the effects of protein content and kernel weight on that relationship. For this, we used information obtained from three temperate hybrids in multi-environmental experiments, as well as experiments conducted under controlled conditions designed to modify starch composition. Milling ratio was determined as maize kernel hardness predictor in both experiments and it was correlated with grain weight and grain composition. RESULTS: In both experiments, milling ratio presented a significant Spearman correlation coefficient with amylose/starch ratio. Milling ratio was significantly related to the amylose/starch ratio using a simple fit with datasets from different experiments and hybrids. Increases in amylose/starch ratio were associated with increases in milling ratio. CONCLUSION: Starch composition was related to milling ratio variations among hybrids of different aptitude for dry milling through different environments, regardless of protein content. Thus, increases in the amylose/starch ratio were related to increases in the milling ratio. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Blood biochemical parameters and organ development of brown layers fed reduced dietary protein levels in two rearing systems.

OBJECTIVE: An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of different levels of crude protein (CP) and two rearing systems (cage and floor), on blood parameters and digestive and reproductive organ development of brown laying hens. METHODS: A total of 400 Hisex Brown laying hens between 30 and 45 weeks of age were distributed in a completely randomized design and a 2×4 factorial arrangement, with main effects including two rearing systems (cage and floor) and levels of CP (140, 150, 160, and 180 g/kg), in a total of eight treatments and five replicates of 10 birds each with initial body weight of 1,877 g (laying hen in cage) and 1,866 g (laying hens in floor). The parameters evaluated were plasma total protein, albumin, uric acid, total cholesterol, relative weights of oviduct, abdominal fat, liver, gizzard, crest and dewlap, length of small intestine and oviduct. RESULTS: The blood parameters were similar in birds reared in cage and floor systems. The birds reared on the floor showed greater small intestine and oviduct weight (%) and lower liver and pancreas weight (%). A significant interaction was observed between factors for the relative gizzard, crest and dewlap weight, serum protein, uric acid, and total cholesterol (p<0.05). The diets with 140 g/kg CP resulted in lower serum protein and lower cholesterol in birds reared in floor system, while birds reared in cage system showed no effect of CP on both parameters. Birds reared in cage and fed with 140 and 150 g/kg CP presented lower uric acid. The group of birds reared in floor system fed 180 g/kg had greater uric acid. CONCLUSION: The dietary protein level can be reduced up to 140 g/kg for Hisex Brown hens (30 to 45 weeks of age) without an important effect on metabolic profile and organ development in both rearing systems.

Cost-effectiveness of animal protein consumption in Turkey / Custo-efetividade do consumo de proteína animal na Turquia

The most tangible economic indicator of animal protein consumption is the real price of 1 g protein of a certain quality. The present study aimed to determine and compare the cost-effectiveness of some animal proteins in Turkey. To determine cost-effectiveness, average protein contents (g/100 g), biological values (%), and inflation-adjusted 36-month real prices (TRY/kg) of eight different foods of animal origin were used. The ANOVA test yielded a significant difference between the cost-effectiveness of selected animal proteins (P<0.01 and η2 = 0.973). Multiple comparisons revealed that chicken meat and chicken egg, between which there was no significant difference, were economically superior to other foods (P < 0.05). Cow's milk and homogenized yogurt, between which there was no significant difference, took second place in terms of cost-effectiveness. These products were followed by fresh kashar cheese, ripened Turkish white cheese, beef meat, and mutton meat. There were also significant relationships between the unit prices of certain animal products. Although the real price of 1 g of animal protein varies according to time and place depending on the factors affecting supply and demand, the global economic advantage of egg and chicken meat coincides with the dimensions of health and religious beliefs. If today's demographic, climatic, biological, and technological developments can make animal protein production cheaper and more reliable, consumer welfare in underdeveloped and developing countries can increase.

O indicador econômico mais tangível do consumo de proteína animal é o preço real de 1g de proteína de determinada qualidade. O presente estudo teve como objetivo determinar e comparar o custo-efetividade de algumas proteínas animais na Turquia. Para determinar a relação custo-benefício, foram utilizados os teores de proteína (g/100 g), valores biológicos (%) e preços reais de 36 meses (TRY/kg), ajustados pela inflação, de oito diferentes alimentos de origem animal. O teste ANOVA rendeu uma diferença significativa entre o custo-efetividade das proteínas animais selecionadas (P < 0,01 e η2 = 0,973). Múltiplas comparações revelaram que a carne de frango e o ovo de galinha, entre os quais não houve diferença significativa, foram economicamente superiores aos outros alimentos (P < 0,05). O leite de vaca e o iogurte homogeneizado, entre os quais não houve diferença significativa, ficaram em segundo lugar em termos de custo-benefício. Esses produtos foram seguidos por queijo kashar fresco, queijo branco turco curado, carne bovina e carne de carneiro. Também havia relações significativas entre os preços unitários de certos produtos de origem animal. Embora o preço real de 1 g de proteína animal varie de acordo com o tempo e o local, dependendo dos fatores que afetam a oferta e a demanda, a vantagem econômica global do ovo e da carne de frango coincide com as dimensões da saúde e das crenças religiosas. Contudo, se os desenvolvimentos demográficos, climáticos, biológicos e tecnológicos de hoje podem tornar a produção de proteína animal mais barata e mais confiável, o bem-estar do consumidor em países subdesenvolvidos e em desenvolvimento pode aumentar.

Allelic Variation at Glutenin Loci (Glu-1, Glu-2 and Glu-3) in a Worldwide Durum Wheat Collection and Its Effect on Quality Attributes.

Durum wheat grains (Triticum turgidum L. ssp. durum) are the main source for the production of pasta, bread and a variety of products consumed worldwide. The quality of pasta is mainly defined by the rheological properties of gluten, an elastic network in wheat endosperms formed of gliadins and glutenins. In this study, the allelic variation at five glutenin loci was analysed in 196 durum wheat genotypes. Two loci (Glu-A1 and Glu-B1), encoding for high-molecular-weight glutenin subunits (HMW-GS), and three loci (Glu-B2, Glu-A3 and Glu-B3), encoding for low molecular weight glutenin subunits (LMW-GS), were assessed by SDS-PAGE. The SDS-sedimentation test was used and the grain protein content was evaluated. A total of 32 glutenin subunits and 41 glutenin haplotypes were identified. Four novel alleles were detected. Fifteen haplotypes represented 85.7% of glutenin loci variability. Some haplotypes carrying the 7 + 15 and 7 + 22 banding patterns at Glu-B1 showed a high gluten strength similar to those that carried the 7 + 8 or 6 + 8 alleles. A decreasing trend in grain protein content was observed over the last 85 years. Allelic frequencies at the three main loci (Glu-B1, Glu-A3 and Glu-B3) changed over the 1915-2020 period. Gluten strength increased from 1970 to 2020 coinciding with the allelic changes observed. These results offer valuable information for glutenin haplotype-based selection for use in breeding programs.

Patterns of physiological parameters and nitrogen partitioning in flag leaf explain differential grain protein content in rice.

The grain protein content (GPC) in rice is low, and more efforts with agronomic and molecular approaches were performed to increase them. However, the rice research focusing on the plant physiological behaviour that modulates the phenomenon of grain protein filling is very scarce. This work contains physiological parameters related to photosynthetic activity in the flag leaf in the grain filling period and N partitioning assays of high (Nutriar) and traditional (Camba) GPC cultivars. Results indicated a higher photosynthetic capacity, a better capacity to provide CO2 to the chloroplast and a healthier PSII structure in Camba relative to Nutriar. Chlorophyll fluorescence parameters decreased more steeply over time in the high protein variety, and a strong negative correlation was observed between GPC and PSII structure parameters. N content in the flag leaf at anthesis showed lower values and higher remobilisation during the grain filling period in Nutriar compared to Camba. The results of this work suggested that the inactivation of some PSII structures in higher GPC cultivars is associated with N remobilisation and would contribute to an increase in the free N available to be translocated to the grain.

Rheological, chemical and sensory characterization of fortified cookies with edible flour of Xuta (Jatropha curcas L.).

In this research, the dough rheological properties of wheat flour mixed with defatted edible J. curcas flour to improve protein content in cookies were study. The wheat and J. curcas mix proportions were 100:0 (CT, control), 95:5% (T-5), 90:10% (T-10), 85:15% (T-15), 80:20% (T-20). The dough variables responds were strength, toughness, extensibility, tenacity extensibility index, water adsorption, development time, weakening grade, and mix tolerance index. In cookies, the physicochemical and hedonic characteristic were quantified. As the addition of J. curcas flour increased, the dough force and extensibility decreased up to 200.5 W × 10-4 J and 60 mm, but tenacity increased up to 16.46 mm, which in consequence increased the tenacity extensibility index in 1.75, respect to the control. Dough water adsorption and development time increased 7.62% and 1.00% while the weakening grade, mix tolerance index and stability decreased 60.17 UB, 79.2 UB and 2.1 min, respectively, when J. curcas flour was added up to 20%. In cookies water adsorption, protein, lipids and ashes increased 1.18%, 6.98%, 0.42%, 2.26%, respectively, when 20% J. curcas flour was added. The fortify cookies factor decreased 0.4 that correspond to a very good quality. The sensory evaluation indicated no differences in acceptability of fortify cookies with J. curcas flour. It can be concluded that it is suitable to mix up to 80:20% wheat and J. curcas flour because the alveographic and farinographic properties were in the require range to elaborate cookies, which increased 6.98% the protein content and maintained the physicochemical and hedonic acceptance.

Tlr4 participates in the responses of markers of apoptosis, inflammation, and ER stress to different acute exercise intensities in mice hearts.

BACKGROUND: Toll-like receptor 4 (Tlr4) is recognized due to its role in the immune response. Also, this protein can participate in the signaling pathway of events triggered by physical exercise such as apoptosis, inflammation, and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the role of Tlr4 in the markers of these events in the myocardium of mice submitted to acute physical exercise (APE) protocols at different intensities. METHODS: Echocardiogram, RT-qPCR, and immunoblotting technique were used to evaluate the left ventricle of wild-type (WT) and Tlr4 knockout (Tlr4 KO) submitted to APE protocols at 45, 60, and 75% of their maximal velocity. Also, we performed the bioinformatics analysis to establish the connection of heart mRNA levels of Tlr4 with heart genes of inflammation and ER stress of several isogenic strains of BXD mice. RESULTS: Under basal conditions, the Tlr4 deletion diminished the performance, and expression of inflammation and ER stress genes in the left ventricle, but increased the serum levels of CK, Il-17, and Tnf-alpha. Under the same exercise conditions, the Tlr4 deletion reduced the glycemia, serum levels of CK, Il-17, and Tnf-alpha, as well as genes and/or proteins related to apoptosis, inflammation and ER stress in the left ventricle, but increased the levels of CK-mb and LDH, as well as other genes related to apoptosis, inflammation, and ER stress in the left ventricle. CONCLUSION: Altogether, the current findings highlighted the effects of different acute exercise intensities were attenuated in the heart of Tlr4 KO mice.

Influence of nitrogen, environment, and cultivars on the industrial quality of wheat / Influência do nitrogênio, ambiente e cultivares na qualidade industrial de trigo

The quality of wheat is a pre-eminent factor in the criteria for commercialization of this cereal, and several parameters contribute to the evaluation of wheat quality. The objective of this study was to verify the effects of nitrogen fertilization on the cover and the environment for wheat cultivars and the effects on the industrial quality of the grain. Furthermore, we sought to identify correlations between the parameters of industrial quality. Experiments were conducted in Londrina for 2 years, in two distinct environments (A1 and A2). The experimental design was a randomized complete block design with four replications. The cultivars IPR Catuara TM, BRS Gaivota, Quartzo, and CD 120 were evaluated with different forms of nitrogen management: N1, without N in coverage; N2, 60 kg ha-1 of N in the form of urea at the beginning of tillering; N3, 80 kg ha-1 of N in urea formulation (60 kg ha-1 in tillering and 20 kg ha-1 in booting); N4, 100 kg ha-1 of N in the form of urea (60 kg ha-1 in tillering and 40 kg ha-1 in booting); N5, 80 kg ha-1 of N (60 kg ha-1 of N in the form of urea at the beginning of tillering, and 20 kg ha-1 of N in the form of ammonium sulfate in booting); N6, 100 kg ha-1 of N (60 kg ha-1 of N in the form of urea at the beginning of tillering, and 40 kg ha-1 of N in the form of ammonium sulfate in booting). Further, we evaluated grain yield, protein content, sedimentation volume with sodium dodecyl sulfate, and parameters of alveograph and farinograph. Nitrogen fertilization did not influence industrial quality parameters. The stability of the mass was influenced by the isolated effects of cultivars and the environment. The interaction of cultivars and environments influenced the parameters of alveograph and water absorption of the mass. The higher the protein content, the lower the stability of the mass, independent of the cultivar.

A qualidade do trigo é fator preponderante nos critérios para comercialização desse cereal e diversos parâmetros contribuem na avaliação de sua qualidade. O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar o efeito da adubação nitrogenada de cobertura e do ambiente, em cultivares de trigo e seus efeitos na qualidade industrial do grão, bem como identificar correlações entre os parâmetros de qualidade industrial. Foram conduzidos experimentos em Londrina em dois anos, caracterizando dois ambientes (A1 e A2). O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o de blocos ao acaso em parcelas subdivididas, com quatro repetições. Foram avaliadas as cultivares IPR Catuara TM, BRS Gaivota, Quartzo e CD 120 em diferentes formas de manejo do nitrogênio em cobertura: N1 - sem N em cobertura; N2 - 60 kg ha-1 de N na formulação de ureia no início do perfilhamento; N3 - 80 kg ha-1 de N na formulação de ureia, (60 kg ha-1 no perfilhamento e 20 kg ha-1 no emborrachamento); N4 - 100 kg ha-1 de N na formulação de ureia (60 kg ha-1 no perfilhamento e 40 kg ha-1 no emborrachamento); N5 - 80 kg ha-1 de N (60 kg ha-1 de N na formulação de ureia no início do perfilhamento, e 20 kg ha-1 de N na formulação de sulfato de amônio no emborrachamento); N6 - 100 kg ha-1 de N (60 kg ha-1 de N na formulação de ureia no início do perfilhamento, e 40 kg ha-1 de N na formulação de sulfato de amônio no emborrachamento). Foram realizadas avaliações da produtividade de grãos, do teor de proteínas, do volume de sedimentação com dodecil sulfato de sódio e dos parâmetros de alveografia e farinografia. A adubação nitrogenada não influencia os parâmetros de qualidade industrial. A estabilidade da massa é influenciada pelos efeitos isolados de cultivar e ambiente. A interação cultivares e ambientes influencia os parâmetros de alveografia e absorção de água da massa. Quanto maior o teor protéico, menor a estabilidade da massa, independentemente da cultivar.

Influence of nitrogen, environment, and cultivars on the industrial quality of wheat / Influência do nitrogênio, ambiente e cultivares na qualidade industrial de trigo

The quality of wheat is a pre-eminent factor in the criteria for commercialization of this cereal, and several parameters contribute to the evaluation of wheat quality. The objective of this study was to verify the effects of nitrogen fertilization on the cover and the environment for wheat cultivars and the effects on the industrial quality of the grain. Furthermore, we sought to identify correlations between the parameters of industrial quality. Experiments were conducted in Londrina for 2 years, in two distinct environments (A1 and A2). The experimental design was a randomized complete block design with four replications. The cultivars IPR Catuara TM, BRS Gaivota, Quartzo, and CD 120 were evaluated with different forms of nitrogen management: N1, without N in coverage; N2, 60 kg ha-1 of N in the form of urea at the beginning of tillering; N3, 80 kg ha-1 of N in urea formulation (60 kg ha-1 in tillering and 20 kg ha-1 in booting); N4, 100 kg ha-1 of N in the form of urea (60 kg ha-1 in tillering and 40 kg ha-1 in booting); N5, 80 kg ha-1 of N (60 kg ha-1 of N in the form of urea at the beginning of tillering, and 20 kg ha-1 of N in the form of ammonium sulfate in booting); N6, 100 kg ha-1 of N (60 kg ha-1 of N in the form of urea at the beginning of tillering, and 40 kg ha-1 of N in the form of ammonium sulfate in booting). Further, we evaluated grain yield, protein content, sedimentation volume with sodium dodecyl sulfate, and parameters of alveograph and farinograph. Nitrogen fertilization did not influence industrial quality parameters. The stability of the mass was influenced by the isolated effects of cultivars and the environment. The interaction of cultivars and environments influenced the parameters of alveograph and water absorption of the mass. The higher the protein content, the lower the stability of the mass, independent of the cultivar.(AU)

A qualidade do trigo é fator preponderante nos critérios para comercialização desse cereal e diversos parâmetros contribuem na avaliação de sua qualidade. O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar o efeito da adubação nitrogenada de cobertura e do ambiente, em cultivares de trigo e seus efeitos na qualidade industrial do grão, bem como identificar correlações entre os parâmetros de qualidade industrial. Foram conduzidos experimentos em Londrina em dois anos, caracterizando dois ambientes (A1 e A2). O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o de blocos ao acaso em parcelas subdivididas, com quatro repetições. Foram avaliadas as cultivares IPR Catuara TM, BRS Gaivota, Quartzo e CD 120 em diferentes formas de manejo do nitrogênio em cobertura: N1 - sem N em cobertura; N2 - 60 kg ha-1 de N na formulação de ureia no início do perfilhamento; N3 - 80 kg ha-1 de N na formulação de ureia, (60 kg ha-1 no perfilhamento e 20 kg ha-1 no emborrachamento); N4 - 100 kg ha-1 de N na formulação de ureia (60 kg ha-1 no perfilhamento e 40 kg ha-1 no emborrachamento); N5 - 80 kg ha-1 de N (60 kg ha-1 de N na formulação de ureia no início do perfilhamento, e 20 kg ha-1 de N na formulação de sulfato de amônio no emborrachamento); N6 - 100 kg ha-1 de N (60 kg ha-1 de N na formulação de ureia no início do perfilhamento, e 40 kg ha-1 de N na formulação de sulfato de amônio no emborrachamento). Foram realizadas avaliações da produtividade de grãos, do teor de proteínas, do volume de sedimentação com dodecil sulfato de sódio e dos parâmetros de alveografia e farinografia. A adubação nitrogenada não influencia os parâmetros de qualidade industrial. A estabilidade da massa é influenciada pelos efeitos isolados de cultivar e ambiente. A interação cultivares e ambientes influencia os parâmetros de alveografia e absorção de água da massa. Quanto maior o teor protéico, menor a estabilidade da massa, independentemente da cultivar.(AU)

Quality selection and genetic diversity of Tunisian durum wheat varieties using SSR markers / Seleção de qualidade e diversidade genética de vari edades de trigo duro da tunísia usando marcadores SSR

Our study focuses on the molecular analysis of the genetic diversity within 15 Tunisian durum wheat varieties and the assessment of the efficiency of some available markers to select valuable genotypes for technological proprieties of semolina (i.e. parameters related to SDS-sedimentation, mixing time and breakdown resistance of mixograph, grain protein content and yellow colour). While several markers were validated, others were not informative within the genotypes used. A high level of polymorphic information content (PIC) was detected, with an average of 5.2 polymorph alleles per locus and 0.6 average. Old varieties have high protein content however; modern varieties display strong gluten strength. Our results thus open the opportunity to choose valuable parents on the base of pedigrees, technological properties and genetic distances; and lead us to select efficient markers for the Regional Indigenous Land Strategy (Rils) selection strategy

Nosso estudo enfoca a análise molecular da diversidade genética em 15 variedades de trigo duro tunisiano e a avaliação da eficiência de alguns marcadores disponíveis para selecionar genótipos valiosos para propriedades tecnológicas de semolina (ou seja, parâmetros relacionados à sedimentação sds, tempo de mistura e resistência à degradação do mixógrafo, teor de proteína dos grãos e cor amarela). Enquanto vários marcadores foram validados, outros não foram informativos dentro dos genótipos utilizados. Foi detectado um alto nível de conteúdo de informação polimórfica (pic), com uma média de 5,2 alelos polimórficos por locus e 0,6 média. Variedades antigas têm alto teor de proteína no entanto; variedades modernas exibem forte força de glúten. Nossos resultados abrem, assim, a oportunidade de escolher pais valiosos com base em pedigrees, propriedades tecnológicas e distâncias genéticas; e nos levam a selecionar marcadores eficientes para a estratégia de seleção da estratégia regional de terras indígenas (rils).

Benzyl propionate synthesis by fed-batch esterification using commercial immobilized and lyophilized Cal B lipase.

In this work, a fed-batch approach was adopted to overcome propionic acid lipase inactivation effects in the benzyl propionate direct esterification mediated by lipases. The ester synthesis was performed using commercial immobilized (Novozym 435) and lyophilized form Candida antarctica fraction B lipase (Cal B) as biocatalysts of the esterification between benzyl alcohol and propionic acid in a solvent-free system. The reaction involved the propionic acid-controlled addition during the first 5 h ensuring an excess of alcohol to dilute the media. The biocatalyst Novozym 435 showed a good performance in the first cycle of the fed-batch esterification, ensuring 90 and 99% of conversion at substrates molar ratio of 1:1 and 1:5 (acid:alcohol), respectively. However, the enzyme lost the activity and the conversions were sharply reduced at the second cycle. A novel qualitative protein content analysis by optical microscopy showed that the lipase was desorbed from the support after the esterification, and this behavior was strongly related to the presence of propionic acid in the reaction medium. The lyophilized Cal B was also tested as biocatalyst of the benzyl propionate esterification and showed a similar performance (related to the Novozym 435) in ester conversion and initial reaction rates for all substrates molar ratios tested. Since the substrates affected the performance of the Novozym 435, the lyophilized Cal B is the most suitable catalyst to the benzyl propionate esterification with conversions above 90%, considering a the fed-batch approach in a solvent-free system.

Harvesting Season and Botanical Origin Interferes in Production and Nutritional Composition of Bee Pollen

ABSTRACT We aimed to evaluate the frequency of bee pollen production, its botanical origin and chemical composition when collected in different seasons. Our results indicate that higher proteins (22.80 ± 3.09%) and flavonoids (2789.87 ± 1396.00 μg 100g-1) levels were obtained in the winter season, which also showed greater pollen production (134.50 ± 35.70 grams) and predominance of the Myrtaceae family. As for spring we found high concentrations of lipids (4.62 ± 2.26%) and low ash content (2.22 ± 0.39%). Regarding the amino acid composition and vitamin C content, we found no differences between the averages throughout the seasons. Our results highlight the importance of understanding not only the botanical origin and the chemical composition of bee pollen, but also the harvesting frequency of this product by bees, so that it becomes possible to supplement the colonies in times of natural food resources shortage.

Ultra-processed foods, protein leverage and energy intake in the USA.

OBJECTIVE: Experimental studies have shown that human macronutrient regulation minimizes variation in absolute protein intake and consequently energy intake varies passively with dietary protein density ('protein leverage'). According to the 'protein leverage hypothesis' (PLH), protein leverage interacts with a reduction in dietary protein density to drive energy overconsumption and obesity. Worldwide increase in consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPF) has been hypothesized to be an important determinant of dietary protein dilution, and consequently an ecological driving force of energy overconsumption and the obesity pandemic. The present study examined the relationships between dietary contribution of UPF, dietary proportional protein content and the absolute intakes of protein and energy. DESIGN: National representative cross-sectional study. SETTING: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2009-2010. SUBJECTS: Participants (n 9042) aged ≥2 years with at least one day of 24 h dietary recall data. RESULTS: We found a strong inverse relationship between consumption of UPF and dietary protein density, with mean protein content dropping from 18·2 to 13·3 % between the lowest and highest quintiles of dietary contribution of UPF. Consistent with the PLH, increase in the dietary contribution of UPF (previously shown to be inversely associated with protein density) was also associated with a rise in total energy intake, while absolute protein intake remained relatively constant. CONCLUSIONS: The protein-diluting effect of UPF might be one mechanism accounting for their association with excess energy intake. Reducing UPF contribution in the US diet may be an effective way to increase its dietary protein concentration and prevent excessive energy intake.

Soybean performance in agroforestry systems using eucalyptus with sandy soil and tropical climate / Desempenho da soja em sistemas agroflorestais com eucalipto em solo arenoso e clima tropical

Agroforestry systems have been considered options for sustainable intensification of agricultural production, especially in regions with tropical climate and sandy soils. The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of soybean crops in agroforestry systems with Eucalyptus urograndis in the Northwest region of the state of Paraná, Brazil. The systems were implanted in October 2009, using single and double rows of eucalyptus. Soybean crop performance was evaluated in the growing season between 2015/16 in four experiments. In each experiment, a spatial conformation of eucalyptus plants was used: simple row with low density of trees, simple row with high density, double rows with low density and double rows with high density. A contiguous area without tree interference was used as control group. In the four experiments, soybean growth and nitrogen content in dry mass at full bloom were not significantly reduced, due to the presence of eucalyptus. The reduction of soybean yield caused by tree interference ranged from 40% to 43% compared to the control group. Protein and oil contents in soybean grains were not altered by tree interference.(AU)

Sistemas agroflorestais são opções para a intensificação sustentável da produção agropecuária, sobretudo em regiões que apresentam clima tropical e solos arenosos. Objetivou-se nesse trabalho avaliar o desempenho da cultura da soja em sistemas agroflorestais com Eucalyptus urograndis na região Noroeste do Paraná. Os sistemas foram implantados em outubro de 2009, usando renques simples e duplos de eucalipto. O desempenho da cultura da soja foi avaliado na safra 2015/16, em quatro experimentos. Em cada experimento foi utilizada uma conformação espacial de plantas de eucalipto: renques simples com baixa densidade de árvores, renques simples com alta densidade, renques duplos com baixa densidade e renques duplos com alta densidade. Como testemunha, foi considerada uma área contígua, sem a presença de árvores. Nos quatro experimentos, o crescimento e o teor de nitrogênio na massa seca da soja, avaliados no pleno florescimento, não foram reduzidos expressivamente em função da interferência do eucalipto. A redução de produtividade de grãos de soja causada pelas árvores variou de 40 a 43% em relação à testemunha. Os teores de proteína e óleo nos grãos de soja não foram alterados pela interferência das árvores.(AU)