Search

Shrimps fishing, especially the pink (Farfantepenaeus brasiliensis and F. subtilis) and the white (Litopenaeus schmitti) ones, are relevant for the Brazilian Northeast economy, and their price depends on their aspect-quality. They are rich in lipids/proteins, which are a target for autolytic and microbial enzymes. These may not change the shrimps’ appearance but generate substances that may cause poisoning, as histamines. This work compared the microbial quality of fillets and shells of these three shrimps, harvested in two years, after cooking and storage under different freezing times (0- 90 days), as well as the total carotenoids (TC) and antioxidant activity (AA%) of ethanolic extracts from all the samples, using spectrophotometry and DPPH test. None histaminogenic and few mesophilic bacteria were isolated (all Gram+ species of Corynebacterium, Listeria, Arthrobacter, Bacillus and Erysipelothrix), but in lower number than the tolerability limit. The TC and AA% of fresh shells from time “zero” were always higher than those of fillets, mainly for F. subtilis. Cooking increased TC and AA% of fillets, but reduced them in shells, and both parameters declined along the freezing. Thin-layer chromatography and spectrophotometric scanning of all the extracts and standards evidenced astaxanthin as the main carotenoid.

All processes in agro-industries consume water and generate large volumes of nutrient-rich effluents. To recycle effluents from a sugar–alcohol industry in the Northeastern Brazil (Coruripe, Alagoas), the effect of a daily application of a microbial formulation (containing five indigenous bacteria and two fungi), at the entrance of the two first facultative ponds (D, E) of its treatment plant formed by seven ponds (A–G), was evaluated in the sugarcane harvests of 2014/2015 and 2015/2016. Fortnightly, the values of 11 physicochemical parameters were checked and statistically compared (one and two-way ANOVA) in untreated (sedimentation pond A) and post-treated effluent (last facultative pond G), during both harvests. The treated effluent presented statistically significant improvements (p > 0.05), even between harvests, with averages of removal of organic matter of ca. 79.21% and 90.62%, and increases of the dissolved oxygen (DO) of ca. 72% and 74%, as well as the average increase of pH was ca. 42% and 50%. This better quality residue generally satisfied the class III level of the Brazilian Resolution 357/2005 (National Council for the Environment (CONAMA)), for water reuse in sugarcane irrigation on the yellow clay latosol soil, since it still is a light source of organic matter, nitrites and phosphorus, reducing the need of fertilizers for maintaining the productivity with low risk of salinization. According to Pearson’s bivariate correlation coefficient, while the DO and pH have positive correlation, they both have general inverse relation with the other physicochemical parameters evaluated and vice versa.

Introdução: A preocupação com uma produção agrícola mais sustentável, com minimização ou reciclagem de resíduos gerados nos diferentes processos agroindustriais, tem aumentado nas últimas duas décadas. Por sua vez, a água, que é um recurso limitado e sofre alteração no seu curso, seja por fenômenos naturais ou ação antrópica, precisa ser bem utilizada. Na indústria sucroalcooleira, ela é usada na irrigação e processo industrial, o que gera grandes volumes de águas residuárias. Para minimizar o impacto ambiental desse efluente, a Estação de Tratamento de Efluentes (ETE) da S.A. Usina Coruripe (Coruripe, AL), o destina para diluição da vinhaça e posterior fertirrigação do canavial. Objetivos: Em cooperação técnico-científica com a Universidade Federal de Alagoas, e sob coordenação da Profa. Dra. Ana Maria Queijeiro López, o trabalho apresenta os resultados do monitoramento da biorremediação dessa ETE durante a safra 2020/21. Material e métodos: As amostras, coletadas quinzenalmente em 6 pontos, foram submetidas a análises físico-químicas [pH, temperatura, condutividade elétrica e oxigênio dissolvido, demanda química de oxigênio (DQO), nitrito, nitrato, amônia, fosfato e sólidos], seguindo os protocolos do manual Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater. Resultados: No período avaliado, observaram-se os maiores valores de DQO nas lagoas A, B, D e Captação Lateral, provavelmente devido a despejos de origem industrial e/ou matéria orgânica. A condutividade elétrica atingiu 1.815,00 mS.cm-1, sendo que a cultura de cana-de-açúcar tolera valores de até 3.000 mS.cm-1 sem grandes consequências. Valores de pH ácidos, bem como as maiores concentrações de nitrito, nitrato e amônia, foram frequentes nas lagoas iniciais da Estação, característico do efluente. Da mesma forma, amostras das Lagoas A, B e D apresentaram os menores valores de OD (0,60 mg O2.L-1). Por outro lado, os pontos Lagoa G (pós-tratamento) e Captação Central apresentaram concentrações mais elevadas desse parâmetro. Constatou-se redução de matéria orgânica (64,79 %) da Lagoa A (receptora de águas de lavagem de cana e caldeiras) para a Lagoa G (pós-tratamento biológico). Conclusão: O processo adotado pela empresa, ou seja, a biorremediação com microrganismos, foi eficiente na safra 2020/2021 e a água de reúso, nas condições apresentadas, é indicada para a fertirrigação.

A large percentage of Colombia’s economic activity corresponds to the agricultural sector. In this sector, plantains rank second in production and planted area. However this crop is affected by different diseases, among which The Black Sigatoka stands out, caused by the fungus Mycosphaerella fijiensis. The disease highly reduces the production level of the crop and although there are prevention measures that allow reducing the incidence of the disease, there’s a lack of support for small producers in Colombia, who do not have technological tools to support the disease detection processes. This article outlines the development of a support system for the detection of black sigatoka using digital images. For this, a characterization process of the agricultural user is carried out, then, a machine learning methodology is implemented to classify the disease on a mobile device. The support system is validated through laboratory tests, field tests and the feedback from the agricultural user. Resumo Uma grande porcentagem da atividade econômica na Colômbia corresponde ao setor agrícola. Neste, a banana verde ocupa o segundo lugar em produção e área plantada. No entanto, a plantação é afetada por diversas doenças, dentre as quais se destaca a Sigatoka negra, causada pelo fungo Mycosphaerella fijiensis. A doença reduz muito o nível de produção agrícola e embora existam medidas de prevenção que permitam reduzir sua incidência, falta apoio aos pequenos produtores, que não possuem ferramentas tecnológicas para apoiar os processos de detecção da doença. Este artigo apresenta o desenvolvimento de um sistema de suporte à detecção de Sigatoka negra por meio de imagens digitais. Para isso, é realizado um processo de caracterização do usuário agrícola e, em seguida, implementa-se uma metodologia de aprendizado de máquina para classificar a doença em um dispositivo móvel. O sistema de apoio é validado a partir de testes laboratoriais e de campo e socialização com o usuário agrícola.

The impact of herbal salt as a natural antioxidant on the lipids of roasted Dolphinfish (Coryphaena hippurus Linnaeus, 1758), as well as in the sensory characteristics of this food was evaluated after using refined or herbal salts, by analyzing the differences in its fatty acid contents, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), product acceptability and consumption intent. Centesimal composition, total phenols and characterization of phenolic compounds were also determined. The cooking caused a significant increase (p < 0.05) in the protein, lipid, ash, whose percentages were higher in fish salt roasted with herbs, compared to fish roasted with refined salt, except for ash. Rutin phenolic compound presented higher concentrations in fish treated with the three herbs. After cooking, the total monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids of herbal salt-roasted Dolphinfish increased by 128% and 109% compared to refined salt-roasted. TBARS values ​​for salt-roasted gold were 558% higher than in natura and for herbal salt-roasted gold they corresponded to 174%. These results show that the phenolic compounds detected in herbs exerted an antioxidant effect on the preservation of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids from fish roasted with herbal salt. Sensory analysis resulted in good acceptability and purchase intent for herbal salt-roasted Dolphinfish.

The changes in chemical composition, chlorides, phenols and fatty acid profile of roasted or not Dolphinfish (Coryphaena hippurus Linnaeus, 1758) samples, after using or herbal salt or common iodized salt (NaCl), during storage under freezing, were evaluated. The ash and chloride contents were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in samples of the roasted fish previously treated with salt, compared to those treated with herbal salt. Oregano herb had a higher content of phenolic compounds and a significant difference (p < 0.05), compared to rosemary and basil herbs. At time “zero”, or after 45 and 90 days of storage under freezing, the fatty acid content of the samples in natura, showed no significant difference (p > 0.05), when compared to the roasted and pre-treated with herbal salt. However, statistically lower values were detected (p > 0.05) in roasted samples pre-treated with salt, showing a positive correlation between phenolic compounds and the antioxidant activity exerted by herbs, in relation to the profile of fatty acids during storage under freezing, preserving nutritional quality. These results contributed to show the good functionality of herbal salt, in addition to encouraging healthy eating habits, by reducing common salt consumption.

Biological flocculants are advantageous due to their biodegradability and safety to living beings. In this work, four bacterial strains, isolated from sugarcane cropped soil (Bacillus megaterium LBPMA-APFSG3Isox and B. toyonensis LBPMA-ACOPR1.Isox) and sludge of an agroindustrial effluent (B. pumilus LBPMA-BLD07 and B. thuringiensis LBPMA-EFIII), were studied. It was found that all of them secreted bioflocculants, at 37 ± 1 °C, with no pH changes over time and the flocculant activity increased during the time course of incubation. These results stimulated the optimization of the culture conditions to improve flocculation rates, such as the pH, nitrogen sources and carbon. For B. toyonensis LBPMA-ACOPR1.Isox and B. thuringiensis LBPMA-EFIII, the best pH for the bioflocculant production was 5.0. Sucrose and maltose were the best sources of carbon, while urea was the preferred source of nitrogen for two of the tested isolates (B. pumilus LBPMA-BLD07 and B. toyonensis LBPMA-ACOPR1.Isox), followed by (NH4)2SO4 (B. megaterium LBPMA-APFSG3Isox) and peptone (B. thuringiensis LBPMA-EFIII). The FTIR-ATR spectra of each extracted material responsible for the flocculant activities of the strains displayed carboxyl, hydroxyl and methoxy functional groups characteristic of polysaccharides.

Biosurfactants possess diverse chemical properties and provide important characteristics to the producing microorganisms, which can act as surface-actives and emulsifiers of hydrocarbon and others water insoluble substances. Most of them are lipopeptides synthetized by Bacillus. This study evaluated the biosurfactant production by strains of Bacillus previously obtained from liquid residues of sugar-alcohol industry. The bacterial isolates LBPMA: BSC, BSD, J1, J2 and L1 were cultivated in medium that induces production of biosurfactants (Landy medium). During 48 h of incubation, at intervals of 12 h, the total contents of proteins, reducing carbohydrates and surfactant activity of the filtrated growth media free of cells were evaluated. The results showed that these strains use glucose as a source of carbon, energy and for synthesis of surfactant. In this medium (24 h), the best producer of biosurfactant was the strain LBPMA-J2, molecularly identified as Bacillus thuringiensis. Once the supernatant free of cells of this microorganism disperses the oil phase in the water, this strain has potential for being utilized on bioremediation processes.

Biophysical, theoretical and biological in vitro studies were carried out to evaluate the interaction of the main allergen protein of egg white (ovalbumin, OVA) with sulphonamides (SA): sulphathiazole (S1), sulfaquinoxaline (S2), sulfadimethoxine (S3) and sulfamethazine (S4). The binding constants for the OVA-SA supramolecular complexes ranged from 1.20 to 30.66 × 105 M−1, observing the following order of affinity: S1 > S2 > S4 > S3. The preferential forces in the stabilization of the OVA complexes with S2 and S3 were hydrogen bonds and Van der Waals forces, whereas for OVA-S1 and OVA S4, were electrostatic interactions. Interaction process led to a change in the native structure of the protein, which may potentiate its natural allergenicity. Cations Ca(II), Mg(II) and Fe(III) favor the interaction of OVA with S1 and S2. The theoretical studies performed were consistent with the spectroscopic data. Finally, it was found that the interaction process for sulfonamides evaluated with OVA change the inhibition activity profile these antibiotics against strains of Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 and Bacillus megaterium APFSG3isox, but not the minimal inhibitory concentration values.

This study evidenced the physicochemical composition and antioxidant activity (AA) of honeys (n = 31) and pollen (n = 25) of stingless bees species from Alagoas, Brazil. Fifteen parameters were studied under the light of a multivariate analysis. A dendrogram with three groups of honeys was stablished for the different bees, being the group III formed exclusively by samples from genus Melipona. Plebeia sp. and Tetragona clavipes Fabricius (1804) produced honeys with higher pH/acidity, electrical conductivity, phenolic total and AA. Even different bees from the same meliponary, as M. asilvai and T. clavipes, produced honeys with different AA and chemical profiles, possibly due their different nectar preference. The multivariate analysis of the bee pollen samples also showed three principal components responsible for 74.52% of their variability, clustering nine groups strongly influenced by total phenolics and AA. Honey and pollen produced by T. clavipes had the highest phenolic content and AA. Therefore, the chemical characteristics and AA of the Meliponini honey and bee pollen showed here can give support to the market to influence their incorporation in the human diet as sources of potential functional foods.

Lignin is present in plant cell secondary wall, associated to carbohydrates preventing their efficient hydrolysis, and cellulose pulp manufacture basically consists in breaking down the middle lamella of plant cells, individualizing fibers such as cellulose from the other biopolymers. Different levels of lignocellulose are found in plant residues and they can be decomposed by extracellular fungal lignin modifying enzymes, used as a tool to reduce waste materials in contaminated soils and effluents. In the paper mill industries, for instance, they are a suitable or complementary alternative to the traditional methods of pulping/bleaching, contributing to improve paper strength as well as to reduce the pitch content, the quantity of chemicals and the consume of electrical energy. The aim of this review was to describe the fungal degradation of lignocellulosic like-material, the non-specific enzymatic aspects of the attack of wood and agricultural wastes, the fungal ability for biosorption and bioconversion, and its applications in the pulp/paper industry and bioremediation.

Shrimps are sources of carotenoids, astaxanthin is the predominant, responsible for their special and desirable properties, as well as for their instability under heat treatment during the domestic preparation, industrial processing or storage under freezing. These can cause discoloration and reduce the beneficial health properties. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of heat treatment and storage under freezing (0, 45 and 90 days) on the levels of total carotenoids and stability of the antioxidant activity of ethanolic extracts of fillets and shells, raw and cooked, of the white shrimp (“Vila Franca”) Litopenaeus schmitti (Burkenroad, 1938). The antioxidant ability of the extracts was evaluated using the radicals DPPH• (2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl) and ABTS+• (2,2’-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6 sulfonic acid), as well as by the iron reducing power (FRAP) test. The extracts of cooked or in natura shrimps (fillets and shells) represent dietary sources of carotenoids, displaying antioxidant activity through all the tested methods, after heat treatment and storage under freezing. The antioxidant activity of the extracts was superior to the one of ascorbic acid, mainly in the cooked fillet and shells. The samples of shrimp shells seemed a valuable source of carotenoids, whose antioxidant activity was verified even 90 days after freezing, and can be used in food products as functional natural supplement, adding value to this waste. RESUMO Os camarões são fontes de carotenóides, sendo a astaxantina o predominante, responsáveis por suas propriedades especiais e desejáveis, e também a causa da sua instabilidade pelo tratamento térmico durante o preparo doméstico, processamento industrial ou armazenamento sob congelamento, que pode causar descoloração e redução de suas propriedades benéficas à saúde. Este trabalho visou avaliar o efeito do tratamento térmico e armazenamento sob congelamento (0, 45 e 90 dias) nos teores de carotenóides totais e na estabilidade da atividade antioxidante dos extratos etanólicos de filé e cascas, cruas ou cozidas, de camarão “Vila Franca” Litopenaeus schmitti (Burkenroad, 1938). A capacidade antioxidante dos extratos foi avaliada utilizando os radicais DPPH• (2,2-difenil-1-picril-hidrazila) e ABTS+• (2,2’-azino-bis-(3-etilbenzotiazolina-6- acido sulfônico), bem como pelo teste do poder redutor do ferro (FRAP). Os extratos do camarão cozido ou in natura (filé e cascas), representam fontes dietéticas de carotenóides, exibindo atividade antioxidante através de todos os métodos testados, após o tratamento térmico e armazenamento sob congelamento. A atividade antioxidante dos extratos foi superior a de ácido ascórbico, principalmente no filé e cascas cozidos. As amostras de cascas de camarão parecem uma valiosa fonte de carotenóides, cuja atividade antioxidante foi verificada até 90 dias após o congelamento, e pode ser utilizado nos produtos alimentares como suplemento natural funcional, agregando valor a esses resíduos.

The sugar and ethanol industry generates large quantities of waste liquids. If untreated effluents are used in fertigation, they might contaminate groundwater and, if they are released into water bodies, they might also jeopardize the survival of the aquatic ecosystem. Therefore, the proposal of this study was to isolate microorganisms from the treatment station of a sugar and ethanol industry, assessing their enzymatic behavior and effects in laboratory, as well as the physicochemical improvement of the effluent. Following a bioaugmentation of the effluent, a physicochemical monitoring was performed with the purpose of reusing it in drip irrigation.

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are fully biodegradable biopolyesters produced by many prokaryotes and accumulated as insoluble cytoplasmatic inclusions. The detection of these intracellular granule is usually provided using lipofilic azodyes, which are not specific. Another way to screen PHA-producing bacteria is through culture-independent molecular techniques such Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), and the search for new PHA-producer strains is essential to reduce the cost at industrial level. The application of these both methods is desirable. In the present study, 24 bacteria isolated from soil of the Atlantic forest in Maceio (AL, Brazil) and from agri-industrial sludge (Coruripe-AL, Brazil) were studied regarding to their capacity of growing in mineral salt medium, as indicative of PHA synthesis. All strains were submitted to biochemical characterization, whilst PCR has proved that isolates BMA-05, BMA-10, BMA-13 and BDL-07 has the gene phaC, which encodes a PHA synthase, the key for PHA synthesis. The amplification and sequencing of their 16S r-DNA region was able to identify these bacteria respectively as Pseudomonas fluorescens, Enterobacter aerogenes, Klebsiella oxytoca and Bacillus pumilus. The same minimal medium supplement with peptone demonstrated to induce growing of those strains.

Enzimas extracelulares de fungos são importantes para sua sobrevivência em ambientes inóspitos, sendo capazes de degradar compostos recalcitrantes. Fungos filamentosos secretam hidrolases e fenoloxidases capazes de degradar complexos de estruturas aromáticas, como de alguns xenobióticos. O propósito deste trabalho foi testar diferentes corantes (Azul de Metileno, Azure B, Verde Malaquita e Cristal Violeta), em substituição ao composto Poly R478, no método de seleção de microrganismos degradadores de fenóis em meio sólido, além de comparar tal atividade de Micoflora isolada de efluentes de indústria sucroalcooleira com a de outros fungos adquiridos em coleção oficial. Os corantes testados revelaram-se ótimos substitutos do Poly R478. O isolado que apresentou atividade descolorante mais intenso do que a do diâmetro de seu crescimento (Cladosporium sp.) foi testado, então, em meio líquido frente a dois substratos naturais e um sintético (bagaço de cana, serragem de madeira e azul de metileno). Este removeu altas concentrações de glicídios redutores, proteínas e fenóis totais, além de reduzir a DQO em meio com serragem de madeira como substrato fenólico natural. Tal fungo, portanto, mostrou-se promissor para compor consórcios visando cometabolismo e biorremediação de efluentes nos quais há presença de compostos fenólicos ou outros recalcitrantes com estrutura semelhante à de lignina.Extracellular enzymes of fungi are important for survival in inhospitable environments, as they are able to degrade recalcitrant compounds. Filamentous fungi secrete hydrolases and phenoloxidases that are capable of degrading complexes of aromatic structures, such as certain xenobiotics. The purpose of this study was to test different dyes (methylene blue, Azure B, Malachite Green and Crystal Violet), replacing the compound Poly R478 in the method of selection of phenol decomposer microorganisms in solid medium, and compare this activity of the mycoflora of effluents from sugar-alcohol industry, to the ones of other fungi acquired in official collection. The tested dyes proved to be excellent substitutes for Poly R478. The isolate that showed more intense decolorant activity than the diameter of its growth (Cladosporium sp.) was then tested on two natural and one synthetic substrate (sugarcane bagasse, sawing wood, and methylene blue) in liquid medium. This isolate removed high concentrations of reducing sugars, proteins and total phenols, and reduced the COD in medium containing sawdust as natural substrate of phenols. This fungus, therefore, seems promising to form consortia for co-metabolism and bioremediation of effluents in which there is a presence of phenolic or other recalcitrant compounds with similar structure to lignin.

A produção brasileira de pinha (Annona squamosa L.) predomina no Nordeste, sendo afetada pela antracnose causada por Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. Este estudo avaliou: 1) as taxas de crescimento micelial e conidiação, dimensões de conídios e produção de amilase, xilanase, pectinases e protease por isolado desse fungo de lesões de abacate (Persea americana Mill), em diferentes meios; 2) as porcentagens de germinação e formação de apressórios do mesmo sobre folhas jovens de pinha; 3) as alterações in vivo nos teores de proteínas, fenóis e carboidratos solúveis totais, antes e após a inoculação. Folhas jovens de plântulas de dois ecótipos de pinha (PI e CT) foram destacadas, submetidas à inoculação e incubadas ou para sua extração (0 e 36 horas após), ou para seu clareamento (0, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36, 42 e 46 horas após), coloração e análise ao microscópio. Particionou-se cada extrato contra hexano, e a fração polar foi concentrada e resolubilizada para determinação dos parâmetros bioquímicos mencionados. Verificou-se maior esporulação do isolado fúngico em meio Mathur, e este produziu todas as enzimas ensaiadas in vitro. In vivo, este foi mais agressivo ao ecótipo PI, mas verificou-se ca. de 80% de germinação e 50% de formação de apressórios após 24 e 30 horas de incubação respectivamente sobre os ecótipos PI e CT. Os teores de proteínas, glicídeos redutores e fenóis totais dos extratos de CT foram mais elevados 36 horas após a inoculação, enquanto apenas uma ligeira elevação no conteúdo de fenóis foi constatada nos extratos de PI.The Brazilian production of sugar-apple (Annona squamosa L.) predominates in the Northeast, being affected by anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. This study evaluated:1) the rates of micelial growth, conidiation, size of conidia and production of amylase, xylanase, protease and pectinases by the fungus isolated from lesions of avocado (Persea americana Mill), in different media; 2) the percentage of its germination and formation of appressoria on the young leaves of sugar apple; 3) the in vivo changes in levels of total proteins, phenols and soluble carbohydrates, before and after inoculation. Young leaves of two different ecotypes of sugar apple (PI and CT) were detached, inoculated and incubated either for their extraction (after 0 and 36 hours), or for its clearing (after 12, 18, 24, 30, 36, 42 and 46 hours), staining and analysis under the microscope. Each extract was partitioned against hexane, and the polar fraction was concentrated and re-solubilized for determination of biochemical parameters above mentioned. It was observed a higher sporulation of the fungal isolate in Mathur's medium, and it has produced all the enzymes tested in vitro. In vivo, this was more aggressive on the ecotype PI. There was ca. 80% germination and 50% of appressoria formation of the same after 24 and 30 hours of incubation on the ecotypes PI and CT respectively. The levels of total proteins, phenols and reducing glycids in extracts of CT were higher at 36 hours after inoculation, while only a slight increase in phenolic content was detected in extracts of PI.

The plant defence activators acibenzolar-S-methyl (Benzo[1,2,3]thiadiazole-7-carbothioic acid-S-methyl ester, ASM), 2,6-dichloro-isonicotinic acid (DCINA), salicylic acid (SA), and dibasic potassium phosphate (K2HPO4) were tested for their ability to protect cashew (Anacardium occidentale) seeds and leaves from anthracnose disease caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. No inhibition of the early stages of pathogen development was caused by concentrations equal to or lower than 1.1 mM a.i. ASM, 1.2 mM a.i. DCINA, 5 mM SA and 50 mM K2HPO4. Maximum reduction of the disease in detached leaves, without phytotoxic effects, was obtained with 0.07 mM a.i. ASM and DCINA, 5 mM SA, and 50 mM K2HPO4, with a time interval of at least 72 h between application of the activator and inoculation with the pathogen. On attached leaves, foliar sprays were slightly more efficient than soil drench treatments, with 5 mM SA being the most effective treatment, while 50 mM SA as well as 0.3 mM a.i. ASM and DCINA caused phytotoxic effects. In field-grown plants, protection was conferred by a soil drench of concentrations as low as 12.6 µM a.i. ASM and DCINA and 2.6 mM SA. These concentrations were not phytotoxic suggesting that plant defence activators have potential for control of anthracnose disease in the field.

O avanço tecnológico permitiu a inserção dos computadores no ambiente hospitalar, sendo necessários na solicitação de exames, registro de informações dos pacientes ou para uso pessoal dos médicos.Trinta e um teclados de computadores do Hospital Universitário Professor Alberto Antunes/UFAL foramsubmetidos a análises microbiológicas no período de fevereiro a junho de 2011. As colônias isoladasdas amostras foram analisadas morfobioquímicamente, inclusive por método automatizado (VITEK®).Entre os setores monitorados, foram detectadas as seguintes bactérias: Acinetobacter baumanii (Clí-nica Obstétrica), Pseudomonas stutzeri (Clínica Médica e Maternidade), P. oryzihabitans (Pediatria),Enterobacter cancerogenus (Setor de Quimioterapia), E. cloacae (UTI Neonatal), Enterococcus faecium(Enfermaria do Setor Oncológico), Sphingomonas paucimobilis (Setor Oftalmológico) e Rhizobiumradiobacter (Alojamento Conjunto). Destas, P. oryzihabitans, E. cancerogenus e S. paucimobilis apresentaram resistência a antimicrobianos comumente recomendados. Portanto, os teclados de computadores hospitalares podem atuar na disseminação de patógenos, devendo fazer parte da rotina dedesinfecção do ambiente hospitalar. A cobertura com película protetora e a adoção de medidas preventivas como a lavagem das mãos são de grande importância.

Extracellular enzymes of fungi are important for survival in inhospitable environments, as they are able to degrade recalcitrant compounds. Filamentous fungi secrete hydrolases and phenoloxidases that are capable of degrading complexes of aromatic structures, such as certain xenobiotics. The purpose of this study was to test different dyes (methylene blue, Azure B, Malachite Green and Crystal Violet), replacing the compound Poly R478 in the method of selection of phenol decomposer microorganisms in solid medium, and compare this activity of the mycoflora of effluents from sugar-alcohol industry, to the ones of other fungi acquired in official collection. The tested dyes proved to be excellent substitutes for Poly R478. The isolate that showed more intense decolorant activity than the diameter of its growth ( Cladosporium sp.) was then tested on two natural and one synthetic substrate (sugarcane bagasse, sawing wood, and methylene blue) in liquid medium. This isolate removed high concentrations of reducing sugars, proteins and total phenols, and reduced the COD in medium containing sawdust as natural substrate of phenols. This fungus, therefore, seems promising to form consortia for co-metabolism and bioremediation of effluents in which there is a presence of phenolic or other recalcitrant compounds with similar structure to lignin.

During the processing of raw materials from the sugar-alcohol industry, large quantities of wastewater is produced, which is inappropriate to release into water bodies without previous suitable treatment. The bioremediation is used to decompose organic waste until an innocuous condition or to a concentration below the limit under legislation; moreover fungi have very important role in this strategy due to the secretion of hydrolytic enzymes. In the present study, we evaluated the behavior of fungi isolated from residuals of the waste treatment station from a sugar-alcohol industry in face to the phenols degradation, as tannic acid and other compounds of agri-industrial wastewater supplemented with specific nutrients. Among different fungi, those identified as Aspergillus sp. and Cladosporium sp. presented the best rates of production of enzymes that degrade tannic acid, such as laccase, while Mucor sp. was better to remove the Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) and the total phenol content, followed by Cladosporium sp., Phanerochaeta chrysosporium and Geotrichum candidum .

Toxicity tests with aquatic organisms constitute an effective tool in the evaluation, prediction and detection of the potential effect of pollutants from environmental samples in living organisms. Vinasse, a highly colored effluent, is a sub-product rich in nutrients, mainly organic matter, with high pollutant potential when disposed in the environment. Assays for vinasse decolorization were performed using the fungus Pleurotus sajor-caju CCB020 in vinasse biodegradation study, were occurred reductions of 82.8% in COD, 75.3% in BOD, 99.2% in the coloration and 99.7% in turbidity. The vinasse toxicity reduction was determined by the exposition to the following organisms: Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata, Daphnia magna, Daphnia similis and Hydra attenuata. This work concluded that the systematic combination of P. sajor-caju and vinasse can be applied in the bioprocess of color reduction and degradation of complex vinasse compounds, with reduction in the toxicity and improving its physical–chemical properties., This research was supported by CAPES (Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel), a Brazilian foundation within the Ministry of Education and by CNPq (National Council for Scientific and Technological Development) a foundation associated to the Brazilian Ministry of Science and Technology (MCT).

Thirty six isolates of fungi obtained from anthracnose lesions of cashew and associated host plants in Brazil, were compared by their cultural, morphological and partial sequences of the 28S ribosomal DNA characters. They showed a high degree of cultural variability. The average mycelial growth rate on all tested media ranged from 10.2-13.3 mm/day between the isolates. Most of them produced perithecia (sterile and fertile) and some produced setae (sterile and fertile). All the isolates produced acervuli with predominantly cylindrical conidia (12.4-17.7 µmX 4.8-6.0 µm in width) with round ends, which became septate on germination, and produced unlobed or slightlylobed appressoria. Comparison of the D2 domain of the large subunit (LSU) rDNA sequences with those of other defined species of Colletotrichum and Glomerella grouped 35 of the isolates with known strains of C. gloeosporioides from different hosts (> 98.9% homology). The one exception (LARS 921) was identical to G. cingulata (LARS 238) from Vigna unguiculata.Trinta e seis isolados de fungos obtidos de lesões de antracnose em cajueiros e outras plantas consorciadas no Brasil, foram comparados quanto a seus aspectos culturais, morfológicos e seqüências parciais do rDNA 28S. Os isolados apresentaram elevado grau de variabilidade cultural, com taxa de crescimento médio, em todos os meios testados, entre 10,2 e 13,3 mm/dia. A maioria deles produziu peritécios (estéreis e férteis), e alguns produziram setas (estéreis e férteis) nos diferentes meios. Todos apresentaram acérvulos com predominância de conídios cilíndricos (12,4-17,7 µm X 4,8-6,0 µm), de extremidades arredondadas, formando septos durante a germinação e produzindo apressórios ligeiramente lobados ou lisos. Comparando as seqüências do domínio D2 da larga subunidade (LSU) do rDNA dos isolados com aquelas já identificadas de espécies de Colletotrichum/ Glomerella, verificou-se que 35 deles correspondem a C. gloeosporioides (> 98,9% de homologia), e um deles, o isolado 921, é idêntico a G. cingulata (LARS 238) de V. unguiculata.

The intention of this work was to evaluate the growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (C1 LBPVMA-UFAL) on lubricant oil and verify the production of rhamnolipid biosurfactant. Tests in solid medium containing lubricant oil supplemented with different sources of nitrogen were used to evaluate the growth of P. aeruginosa . The growth medium used for production of rhamnolipid was (g L -1 ): yeast extract, 0.1; NaCl, 1.0; MgSO 4 , 0.2; MnSO 4 .H 2 O, 0.02; 0.5% lubricant oil (w v -1 ). The biosurfactant concentration was detected 24h after the inoculation, during the exponential phase, with the maximum value obtained up to 120h, although no drastic alteration of pH had been verified. The emulsifier activity was also first detected after 24h of incubation, with maximum production after 120h. The characterization of the produced biosurfactant was performed through thin layer chromatography, which showed the presence of two spots with R f values equal to 0.71 and 0.5, revealed by reagents specific to rhamnolipids. These results suggested that two types of rhamnolipidic biosurfactant are produced by the strain of P. aeruginosa in limited conditions of nutrients, able to use lubricant oil as main carbon source. This bacterium, isolated from agro-industrial effluent, showed potential to bioremediation assays of contamination with petrol and his derivates.

A produção brasileira de pinha (Annona squamosa L.) predomina no Nordeste, sendo afetada pela antracnose causada por Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. Este estudo avaliou: 1) as taxas de crescimento micelial e conidiação, dimensões de conídios e produção de amilase, xilanase, pectinases e protease por isolado desse fungo de lesões de abacate (Persea americana Mill), em diferentes meios; 2) as porcentagens de germinação e formação de apressórios do mesmo sobre folhas jovens de pinha; 3) as alterações in vivo nos teores de proteínas, fenóis e carboidratos solúveis totais, antes e após a inoculação. Folhas jovens de plântulas de dois ecótipos de pinha (PI e CT) foram destacadas, submetidas à inoculação e incubadas ou para sua extração (0 e 36 horas após), ou para seu clareamento (0, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36, 42 e 46 horas após), coloração e análise ao microscópio. Particionou-se cada extrato contra hexano, e a fração polar foi concentrada e resolubilizada para determinação dos parâmetros bioquímicos mencionados. Verificou-se maior esporulação do isolado fúngico em meio Mathur, e este produziu todas as enzimas ensaiadas in vitro. In vivo, este foi mais agressivo ao ecótipo PI, mas verificou-se ca. de 80% de germinação e 50% de formação de apressórios após 24 e 30 horas de incubação respectivamente sobre os ecótipos PI e CT. Os teores de proteínas, glicídeos redutores e fenóis totais dos extratos de CT foram mais elevados 36 horas após a inoculação, enquanto apenas uma ligeira elevação no conteúdo de fenóis foi constatada nos extratos de PI. The Brazilian production of sugar-apple (Annona squamosa L.) predominates in the Northeast, being affected by anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. This study evaluated:1) the rates of micelial growth, conidiation, size of conidia and production of amylase, xylanase, protease and pectinases by the fungus isolated from lesions of avocado (Persea americana Mill), in different media; 2) the percentage of its germination and formation of appressoria on the young leaves of sugar apple; 3) the in vivo changes in levels of total proteins, phenols and soluble carbohydrates, before and after inoculation. Young leaves of two different ecotypes of sugar apple (PI and CT) were detached, inoculated and incubated either for their extraction (after 0 and 36 hours), or for its clearing (after 12, 18, 24, 30, 36, 42 and 46 hours), staining and analysis under the microscope. Each extract was partitioned against hexane, and the polar fraction was concentrated and re-solubilized for determination of biochemical parameters above mentioned. It was observed a higher sporulation of the fungal isolate in Mathur's medium, and it has produced all the enzymes tested in vitro. In vivo, this was more aggressive on the ecotype PI. There was ca. 80% germination and 50% of appressoria formation of the same after 24 and 30 hours of incubation on the ecotypes PI and CT respectively. The levels of total proteins, phenols and reducing glycids in extracts of CT were higher at 36 hours after inoculation, while only a slight increase in phenolic content was detected in extracts of PI.

The cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) crop is an important source of income for the population of the Brazilian Northeast, and anthracnose disease caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides leads to significant production loss. However, there is little information on either the host resistance or the variation in the aggressiveness of the pathogen under controlled environment. The reaction of commercial (CCP-06, CCP-09, CCP-76 and CCP-1001) and one non-commercial (CAP-14) dwarf cashew clones was assessed against 36 isolates of this fungus controlled environmental conditions. All the isolates, including those from hosts other than cashew, were able to cause lesions on leaves and stems of most clones, albeit to different degrees. Clone CCP-06 was the most susceptible, while clone CCP-1001 showed a level of resistance to a number of the isolates, including isolate 905, while isolates 910 and 912 were aggressive to all clones. Injury increased the susceptibility of the clones to all isolates, indicating that resistance also might be associated with structural barriers that hinder penetration. Ripened cashew apples (8-week-old), of commercial clones were susceptible to isolates 905 and 910. Immature pseudo-fruits (2-week-old), with exception of clone CCP-76 which was susceptible to both isolates showed resistance against these isolates, suggesting the presence of structural and chemical barriers. Developed nuts (8-week-old), however, were more resistant than immature nuts (2-week-old) to both isolates, probably due to their thicker exocarp cuticle and reduced number of stomatal pores.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a eficiência de uma membrana cerâmica (0,8 µm de porosidade) na filtração de soro de leite de búfala (SLB) e comparar a qualidade microbiana e nutricional do filtrado com aquela do soro proveniente do processo de pasteurização (65 ºC, 30 minutos). Foram realizadas sete repetições em que as amostras de SLB colhidas, antes e após a filtração (SF) ou pasteurização (SP), foram caracterizadas quanto ao pH, densidade (d), acidez lática (ºD), umidade (U), extrato seco total (EST), teor de gordura (TG), lactose (Lac) e proteínas (Pro), e também quanto ao número de bactérias aeróbias mesófilas. As amostras in natura de SLB apresentaram médias de pH = 6,31, acidez = 10,00, U = 89,60, EST = 10,40, d = 1,027, P = 1,19%, Lac = 5,84%, e G = 1,20%. Os resultados indicaram que houve uma redução de carga microbiana média de 4,04 x log UFC.mL-1 em AS para 1,50 x log UFC.mL-1 nas amostras de SP e para 0,70 x log UFC.mL-1 nas amostras de SF. Portanto, a microfiltração por membrana cerâmica foi mais eficiente que o processo de pasteurização lenta em relação à redução de carga microbiana. The purpose of this work was to evaluate the efficiency of a ceramic membrane with (porosity of 0.8 µm) to filter the whey of buffalo's milk aiming to reduce the microbial charge and characterize the nutritional value of this product. The results were compared with those of the pasteurization process (65 ºC, 30 minutes). Seven assays were carried out by submitting the samples to filtration or pasteurization processes. The samples were then analyzed before (SBF) and after (SAF) filtration and after pasteurization (SAP) regarding the mesophyllic aerobic bacteria count. The milk whey samples before filtration (SBF) was also characterized regarding physico-chemical parameters (pH, density, acidity, humidity, total dried extract, concentration of total fats, lactose, and protein). The results indicate a reduction of the microbial charge from 4.04 x log CFU.mL-1 to 1.50 x log CFU.mL-1 in the SAP samples and to 0.70 x log CFU.mL-1 in the SAF samples. Other findings were pH = 6.29, acidity = 10.07, humidity = 89.94, total dried extract = 10.06, density = 1.029, protein = 1.19%, lactose = 5.85%, and fat = 1.37%. The microfiltration process using a ceramic membrane proved more efficient than the pasteurization process regarding microbial charge reduction.

Bee pollen results from the mixture of pollen and floral nectar with the salivary substances of bees and has increasingly been used as a food with therapeutic properties. In this study, 30 samples of bee pollen from Apis mellifera apiaries in three mesoregions of Alagoas (Brazil) - Mata Atlântica, South Coast and Caatinga, were collected during the dry season of 2008/09 and analysed. Mata Atlântica and Caatinga had good production of bee pollen. In the same season, Mata Atlântica contained a higher diversity of pollen types for feeding bees with a predominance of herbaceous pollen (63%), whereas the Caatinga samples contained monofloral pollen. Physicochemical data were analysed with the nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis statistical test. The Caatinga samples were analysed to determine their contents of total phenolic compounds (25.85 ± 10.80 mg gallic acid eq/g) and flavonoids (45.62 ± 32.19 mg quercetin eq/g) and their antioxidant activity (for instance, 70.62 ± 4.50% in the DPPH test), which were possibly affected by the environmental conditions of this biome. RESUMO O pólen apícola resulta da mistura de pólen e néctar floral com substâncias salivares da abelha, e emerge como um alimento com propriedades terapêuticas. Neste trabalho foram analisadas 30 amostras desse material de apiários (Apis mellifera), coletadas durante a estação seca de 2008/09 em três mesorregiões de Alagoas - Mata Atlântica, Costa Sul e Caatinga. A Mata Atlântica e a Caatinga foram regiões boas produtoras de pólen apícola. Na mesma época, a Mata Atlântica apresentou a maior diversidade de tipos de pólen para alimentar abelhas, com predominância de herbáceas (63%), enquanto as amostras de Caatinga foram monoflorais. Os dados físico-químicos foram analisados pelo teste estatístico não paramétrico de Kruskal-Wallis. As amostras da Caatinga se destacaram quanto ao teor de fenóis (25,85 ± 10,80 eq. mg Ácido Gálico/g), flavonoides totais (45,62 ± 32,19 eq. mg Quercetin/g), e atividade antioxidante (através do teste do DPPH, por exemplo, 70,62 ± 4,50%), provavelmente devido à condição ambiental deste bioma.

Considering that Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium able to colonize the upper gastrointestinal tract and cause mucosal injury, not always can be effectively eradicated by the traditional approaches, there is an interest in alternative therapies until a vaccine be available. Honey is a food supplement with high carbohydrate content and antioxidant activity, as well as broad antimicrobial spectrum. After analyzing the physicochemical and in vitro antimicrobial properties of an Apis mellifera honey from the Atlantic forest of Alagoas / Brazil, the purpose of the present work was evaluate its in vivo effects against Helicobacter pylori in the gastric mucosa of Wistar rats. First, it was verified the success of inoculation/infection of the pathogen in the gastric mucosa of the rats, through the subsequent removal of their stomachs for histological analysis (hematoxylin and eosin stain and Giemsa stain). Then, four groups of animals were treated with sterilized distilled deionized water, the Apis mellifera honey, a combination of omeprazole, amoxicillin and clarithromycin, and an association of such medicines and honey (1:1). Except the control, all treatments were effective in combating infection, however, honey reduced the inflammatory process, whilst the antibiotics increase the number of eosinophils.

The impact of white onion as a natural antioxidant on the lipid profile of “Vila Franca” shrimp (Litopenaeus schmitti Burkenroad, 1938), during storage under freezing, was evaluated by changes in the composition of fatty acids, carotenoids, centesimal composition and phenols. The lipid content in the shrimp samples in natura and with white onion was dimmed after 45 days of storage under freezing. At zero time and during storage, lower levels of fatty acids were detected in the shrimp with addition of white onion. There was a reduction in the total carotenoid content of fresh and white onion shrimp samples after 45 days of storage, corresponding to 30% and 43%, respectively. After 90 days of storage, was detected a loss of 28%, in the samples with addition of white onion, in relation to 45 days. In spite of the linear increase in phenol content during storage, no positive correlation was observed between the concentrations of phenols and the antioxidant activity exerted by white onion, in relation to the profile of fatty acids and carotenoids of the food.