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Ethnopharmacological relevance The leaves of Allophylus edulis (A. St.-Hil., A. Juss. & Cambess.) Radlk. (Sapindaceae) are traditionally used as a natural anti-inflammatory agent; however, there are no scientific studies demonstrating its activity essential oil. The content of essential oil in A. edulis may be the chemical basis to explain its ethnobotanical uses, since infusions of this plant are used to treat inflammation in the traditional medicine in Brazil. Aim of the study This study evaluated the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-mycobacterial activities of the essential oil (EOAE) and viridiflorol, its main compound. Material and methods Essential oil from fresh leaves of A. edulis (EOAE) was obtained by hydrodistillation in a Clevenger-type apparatus. Forty-one compounds, accounting for 99.10% of the oil, were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS). The major constituent of the oil was viridiflorol (30.88%). Additionally, the essential oil and viridiflorol were evaluated using an in vitro test against Mycobacterium tuberculosis and in 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2’-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) assays. Both EOAE (30 and 100 mg/kg) and viridiflorol (3 and 30 mg/kg) by oral administration were assayed in carrageenan-induced mice paw oedema and pleurisy using subcutaneous injection of dexamethasone (0.5 mg/kg) as the positive control. Results EOAE and viridiflorol displayed moderate in vitro activity in the M. tuberculosis assay. In all tests, EOAE and viridiflorol showed moderate antioxidant activity compared with reference standards. Both EOAE and viridiflorol showed significant inhibition in the carrageenan-induced mice paw oedema via oral administration of the oil (30 and 100 mg/kg), compound (3 and 30 mg/kg), and subcutaneous injection of dexamethasone (0.5 mg/kg, reference drug). Also EOAE and viridiflorol significantly inhibited carrageenan (Cg) induced pleurisy, reducing the migration of total leucocytes in mice by 62±5% (30 mg/kg of oil), 35±8% (100 mg/kg of oil), 71±5% (3 mg/kg of viridiflorol) and 57±3% (30 mg/kg of viridiflorol). Conclusion For the first time, the results from this work corroborate the literature, showing that A. edulis can be used as a natural anti-inflammatory agent. Moreover, both EOAE and viridiflorol exhibited biological activities, such as anti-mycobacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Organic acids or their salts can be used as growth promoters in aquaculture, aiding in pathogen inhibition in the intestinal tract, providing energy to aquatic organisms, and improving the digestibility of dietary nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus. The objective of the present study was to select salts of organic acid such as sodium acetate, sodium butyrate, sodium citrate, sodium formate, sodium lactate and sodium propionate, with potential to be used as feed additives for marine shrimp. One performed and analyzed in vitro inhibition of three Vibrio species (Vibrio harveyi, V. alginolyticus, and V. anguillarum), at two different pH values (6.2 and 7.1). The attractiveness of the diets was assessed by the percentage of positive choices and rejection, in aquariums, of dual choice Y-maze format. The leaching of different salts in the diets was also evaluated after immersion in seawater for 0, 15, 30, 45 and 60min. In order to evaluate the intestinal bacterial count alteration, shrimps were fed, during 14days, with diets containing 2% of their salts plus a control diet. Later, it was possible to determine the bacteriological count of total heterotrophic marine bacteria (Marine Agar) vibrio species (TCBS Agar) and bacteria lactic acid (MRS Agar). Subsequently, data of bacterial inhibition in vitro and in vivo, besides the tests of attractiveness and leaching of diets were used to select the best salts by the ideotype test through Mahalanobis distance. After, the top three salts were used in the tests of feed intake and digestibility of dry matter, protein, energy and phosphorus. The results of this study clearly indicate that salts of organic acids possess inhibitory activity against pathogenic vibrio species in marine shrimp, with propionate, butyrate, and acetate salts exhibiting the highest inhibitory capacity (p<0.0001). Regarding the stability of salts in the diets, molecules with a higher carbon number (C), such as butyrate (4C), lactate (3C), and citrate (6C), showed less leaching. There was also increased attractiveness and consumption of commercial diets when they were supplemented with sodium propionate and butyrate (p<0.05). Furthermore, sodium propionate decreased the vibrio species concentration in the intestinal microbiota of marine shrimp (p<0.05), Litopenaeus vannamei, besides increasing the apparent digestibility of energy (p<0.01) and phosphorus (p<0.02). Thus, we conclude that the use of salts of organic acids could improve marine shrimp nutrition and health and that the salt propionate has the greatest potential for use as a diet supplement for L. vannamei. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The chances of a global hydrogen economy becoming a reality have increased significantly since the COVID pandemic and the war in Ukraine, and for net zero carbon emissions. However, intercontinental hydrogen transport is still a major issue. This study suggests transporting hydrogen as a gas at atmospheric pressure in balloons using the natural flow of wind to carry the balloon to its destination. We investigate the average wind speeds, atmospheric pressure, and temperature at different altitudes for this purpose. The ideal altitudes to transport hydrogen with balloons are 10 km or lower, and hydrogen pressures in the balloon vary from 0.25 to 1 bar. Transporting hydrogen from North America to Europe at a maximum 4 km altitude would take around 4.8 days on average. Hydrogen balloon transportation cost is estimated at 0.08 USD/kg of hydrogen, which is around 12 times smaller than the cost of transporting liquified hydrogen from the USA to Europe. Due to its reduced energy consumption and capital cost, in some locations, hydrogen balloon transportation might be a viable option for shipping hydrogen compared to liquefied hydrogen and other transport technologies. [Display omitted] • A new approach to transporting hydrogen with balloons. • Possible paths for hydrogen balloon transportation. • Estimation of the optimum altitude to transport hydrogen in balloons. • The global potential for hydrogen balloon transportation is accessed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacterial cellulose (BC) membranes biosynthesized by Komagataeibacter rhaeticus AF1 strain were used as a platform for precipitating cerium-doped calcium phosphates (Ce:CaP), which were synthetized by successive soaking of BC membranes in solutions containing Ca2+, PO 4 3− and Ce3+ precursor ions. After obtaining the as-prepared composites, BC-Ce:CaP was submitted to a thermal treatment at 600 °C for 3 h, and Ce:CaP was characterized by scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDX), thermogravimetric analysis (TG), derivative thermogravimetric analysis (DTG) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Ce:CaP presented hydroxyapatite, chlorapatite and buchwaldite (sodium calcium phosphate) phases and revealed a trabecular structure composed per nanowires with interconnected pores. Furthermore, BC-Ce:CaP and Ce:CaP show cell viability and has been suggested for use as a mineral scaffold. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated different artificial substrates during pre-nursery of Pacific white shrimp in a biofloc system. Post-larvae (PL 5–80 PL L −1 ) were raised in 60 L tanks filled with 52 L of chlorinated seawater (35‰) and 6 L of the microalga Chaetoceros muelleri . Four treatments were performed, including control (no artificial substrate), Bidim ® (geotextile), mosquito net screen (2 mm mesh) and Needlona ® (polyester fiber). The total surface area of artificial substrate comprised 100% of the tank area (0.89 m 2 ). PLs were fed nine times a day using commercial feed. Molasses was added in all treatments four times a day at an average carbon:nitrogen ratio of 14.7:1. The experiment was carried out until the PLs reached PL20, and during this time, water quality, survival, weight gain and survival to salinity stress were all evaluated. Water quality parameters remained within the accepted levels for shrimp rearing, with the exception of total suspended solids (TSS) in mosquito net screen and control, which had the highest values (507 ± 5.50 mg L −1 and 565 ± 23.46 mg L −1 , respectively). Using Needlona ® as artificial substrate increased the survival rate (91 ± 11.6%) and reduced TSS (42%) when compared to the control. No significant differences were observed in final weight and survival to salinity stress. Among the different substrates, Needlona ® was the most suitable for application in Pacific white shrimp prenursery in the biofloc system, essentially because it could maintain levels of solids suspended in water without the use of clarifiers or water exchange, resulting in higher survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to isolate and identify bacteria of the genus Bacillus sp. from a super-intensive culture system with Litopenaeus vannamei microbial flakes, and evaluate their potential of affecting the water quality, performance and immunological parameters when added to the water and diet. Bacillus spp. isolates were evaluated in vitro for the ability to inhibit pathogens, antagonistic activity. After selection, Bacillus spp. was added to the water to assess the influence in the formation and maintenance of microbial flakes in post-larvae culture. In order to verify the performance and hemato-immunological parameters of L. vannamei for 42 days of culture, they were incorporated in formulated diets. Four bacteria were isolated from the microbial flakes super-intensive system: Bacillus thuringiensis CPQBA 571-12 DRM 06 (> 99%), Bacillus licheniformis CPQBA 571-12 DRM 07 (> 99%), B. licheniformis CPQBA 571-12 DRM 08 (> 99%) and Bacillus cereus CPQBA 571-12 DRM 09 (> 99%). B. licheniformis CPQBA 571-12 DRM 07 was the only isolate that showed in vitro inhibitory characteristics against the pathogen Vibrio alginolyticus (BCCM 2068) with a 20 mm diameter inhibition zone and the isolates did not show any antagonistic activity. For the test of formation and maintenance of microbial aggregates generated in the post-larvae culture super-intensive system, a significant difference was observed (p < 0.05) in the microbiological count of the water on the seventh day of testing, when the total count of Vibrio spp. in water was lower in the groups treated with Bacillus spp. (1 × 10 4 CFU·mL − 1 ) than in the control group. In the fattening test, supplementation with Bacillus spp. did not affect the performance of shrimp, however, there were no significant differences (p < 0.05) in the immunological parameters, Bacillus spp. strains were able to increase the total count of hemocytes, the serum binder content and the total protein in serum, and decrease the hemolymph phenoloxidase (PO) activity. There was also an increase (p < 0.05) in the intracellular production of superoxide anion stimulated by laminarin (β-1,3 glucans) and PMA (Phorbol myristate acetate) compared to the baseline. The conclusion is that the Gram-positive bacteria Bacillus spp., isolated from microbial bioflakes, are important for the cultivation and maintenance of the health and growth of L. vannamei , and can be used as probiotics or as biocontrol for water in super-intensive culture systems. Statement of relevance Bacillus spp. were isolated from biofloc system water and can be supplemented in shrimp ( L. vannamei ) feed to increase immunocompetence and used as biocontrol for Vibrio spp. in water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We assessed the hatchery performance of Litopenaeus vannamei between the mysis1 and postlarva 5 stages, in a zero-exchange biofloc system. Two sources of organic carbon (molasses and dextrose) were evaluated and water quality, zootechnical parameters, microbiology, and water consumption during production were compared between carbon-supplemented and control groups. The mean values of the evaluated water quality parameters were appropriate for this production stage. Fertilization with molasses and dextrose efficiently controlled ammonia levels and ammonia did not reach the average concentrations that are considered toxic for the species (total ammonia < 1.3 mg L −1 and free ammonia < 0.05 mg L −1 ). The number of heterotrophic bacteria in the water was greater in the molasses and dextrose groups than in the control group. However, there was no difference in Vibrionaceae count between groups. There was no difference between groups in survival (>85%), length (6.15 mm), dry weight (0.17 mg) of postlarvae 5. Treatment with dextrose or molasses required approximately 12% of the water used by the control group. L. vannamei production rates and water quality were maintained without water exchange using a biofloc system supplemented with dextrose or molasses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aims of this research were to evaluate the zootechnical performance and dietary cost for the marine shrimp ( Litopenaeus vannamei ) cultured in a superintensive biofloc system and a conventional semi-intensive system using diets containing different protein levels. Four different diets, with crude protein (CP) contents of 24.3, 30.3, 32.9 and 36.7% were produced. In the laboratory, experimental culture in the biofloc system was performed in twelve experimental units at a density of 250 shrimp m − 3 , the four treatments were performed in triplicate. The semi-intensive culture system was applied at the commercial farm in eleven ponds containing 15.5 shrimp m − 2 . After 49 days, the zootechnical performance of the shrimp was rated, and the cost per kilogram of shrimp was produced by both culture systems. In the semi-intensive system, the shrimp fed with a diet containing 32.9% CP showed a higher final weight and weight gain and a lower dietary cost. In the biofloc culture, a higher final weight, weight gain, growth rate and productivity were observed in shrimp fed diets containing 30.3, 32.9 and 36.7% CP compared with those fed a diet containing 24.3% CP. The lowest dietary cost of shrimp farming in the biofloc system was registered in the shrimp fed the 30.3% CP diet, whereas, in the semi-intensive system, the highest final weight, highest weight gain and lowest cost were observed in shrimp fed the 32.9% CP diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The sensitivity and reproducibility of a PCR targeted to amplify the conserved 120 base-pair region of minicircles from Leishmania kDNA was defined using DNA extracted from skin biopsy imprints on filter paper. Seventy-seven patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis from an endemic region of Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis in Brazil underwent skin biopsy of the ulcer border. Tissue samples were imprinted on filter paper and then, they were stored at −20°C. Imprints on filter paper were stored at 4°C. Samples were processed at three laboratories; Lab1 and Lab2 performed the PCR-kDNA assay using DNA extracted from the filter paper, and Lab3 processed PCR-kDNA using DNA from fresh-frozen tissue used as a gold standard. All samples were codified to maintain blinding during lab processing. Fifty-three (68.8%) patients had parasites isolated and identified by isoenzymes as L. (V.) braziliensis. The positivity of PCR-kDNA was similar between the three laboratories: 87.0, 85.7 and 88.3% (Lab1, Lab2 and Lab3, respectively). The sensitivity of PCR-kDNA in culture-proven cases was better, and showed similar results in all laboratories: 95.8, 95.8 and 97.9% (Lab1, Lab2 and Lab3, respectively). Data from the 77 enrolled patients showed an overall percent agreement of 80.5% (Kappa=0.173) for the filter-paper approach between Lab1 and Lab2. Percent agreement between Lab1 and Lab3 was 83.1% (Kappa=0.22), and it was 94.8% between Lab2 and Lab3 (Kappa=0.77). Fifteen patients were diagnosed in just one of the two laboratories that used DNA extracted from filter paper. We conclude that the sensitivity of the filter paper approach is satisfactory and could be used in clinical trials and field work. Reproducibility could be improved using two separate imprints from the same biopsy sample. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]