Universidade Estadual De Research Articles

Development of a mobile application for emergency shift handovers using the National Early Warning Score.

To develop and validate a prototype of a mobile application shift handover between nurses in the emergency room using a severity scale. This is a technological tool carried out at the Universidade Estadual de Maringá using design thinking, divided into four phases: discovering, defining, developing, and delivering. To structure the information, a checklist was used based on the Situation Background Assessment Recommendation, and to categorize patients in terms of severity, the National Early Warning Score was used. The validation of the sample was carried out by 10 nurses, specialized in the field of urgency and emergency, using the System Usability Scale questionnaire to assess usability. The content validity coefficient was used for analysis. The application scored 75.75 in usability and had a content validity coefficient of 0.8. The prototype obtained an excellent evaluation of usability and agreement between evaluators. Future studies are needed for implementation in practice, evaluating the practicality, applicability, efficiency and time savings in shift information transfer.

Catalog of type specimens of the fish collection of the Ncleo de Pesquisas em Limnologia, Ictiologia e Aquicultura (NUP), Universidade Estadual de Maring, Paran, Brazil.

This study aims to provide an annotated list of the type-material housed in the fish collection of the Ncleo de Pesquisas em Limnologia, Ictiologia e Aquicultura (NUP), Universidade Estadual de Maring, Paran, Brazil. NUPs fish type collection hosts type-material of 157 species, distributed in 503 lots (11 holotypes and 492 lots of paratypes) totalling 2,915 specimens. For each species, catalog numbers of all available lots are provided, and for each lot, total number of specimens, range of variation of standard length, number of cleared and stained specimens (when any), locality data, collectors, and date of collection, are provided.

Germination and vigour of seed of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) treated with Arsenicum album

Rosimar Maria Marques1; Bruno Reis1; Anielen C. Tormena Cavazin1; Flávia Carolina Moreira1; Monica G. Buchoski1; Hingrid Ariane Silva1; Mayara A. Lois1; Carlos Moacir Bonato1*
 
 1Universidade Estadual de Maringá – UEM
 
 1* Orientador – cmbonato@uem.br
 
 Introduction: The accelerated aging test evaluates the behavior of seeds exposed to stress conditions based on the fact that the rate of deterioration is considerably increased by exposure to high temperature and relative humidity [1]. The knowledge acquired in homeopathic science is experimental research on healthy living organisms that are undergoing experimentation using homeopathic medicines [2]. The experimental research on homeopathic plants has been performed in Europe, Mexico, India and Brazil, proving that the principle of homeopathy, as set out in the animal kingdom has been found in plants [3]. This experiment aimed to evaluate the effect of the homeopathic Arsenicum album in decimal (x) and centesimal (cH) scale on the physiological variables of the germination and growth of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) subjected to accelerated aging.
 
 Materials and methods: The experiment was conducted at the Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Homeopathy, Universidade Estadual de Maringá - UEM. Arsenicum album 6x and 2CH matrices were acquired in homeopathic pharmacy. From matrices were prepared further dynamizations in decimal (x) and centesimal (C) scale, according to the Brazilian Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia [4]. In the accelerated aging test were used samples of 200 seeds per treatment distributed evenly forming a single layer on the surfaces of metal wire suspended inside the plastic box containing inside 40ml of Arsenicum album (9, 12, 18, or 30x 24 and 9, 12, 18, 24 or 30C). The control consisted of distilled water. The boxes were placed in BOD-chamber adjusted to 42°C and relative humidity 100% for 96 hours. After this period, led to the germination test, using four replicates of 50 seeds, totalizing 52 experimental units which were placed on germination paper previously soaked with distilled water in an amount equivalent to 2.5 times the paper weight[5]. The rolls were arranged randomly in the BOD-chamber at 25°C±2. The interpretation of the test was performed after seven days [6]. Germination percentage (% PG) was determined according to the Rules for Seed Analysis [5]. The length of primary roots (PRL) and hypocotyl (LH) were only performed in normal seedlings. The total length of the radicle (TLR) was calculated as the sum of the lengths of hypocotyl and primary root. The experimental design was completely randomized. We adopted the double-blind procedure, avoiding possible interference from the researcher. Data were subjected to analysis of variance and means compared by Scott-Knott test (P ≤ 0.05).
 
 Results: Arsenicum album 9x, 9CH and 12CH reduced the percentage of germination (%PG) (Figure 1A). The highest values in the length of hypocotyl (LH) ​​were observed in 12 and 24x dilutions, followed by a reduction in intermediate and higher inhibition at 30x and 9x. The 18x does not differ from control. All centesimal dilution presented effect on the variable analyzed. There was an increase in hypocotyl length in the 12, 18 and 24 dilutions, and reduction in 9 and 30 cH dilutions (Figure 1B). The primary root length (PRL) of sorghum was increased in dilutions 18 and 30x. However, the centesimal dilutions were not different from control (Figure 1C). There was an increase in the total length of the seedlings (TLS) in the dilutions 18, 24 and 30x and reduction in 9x when compared to control. As for centesimal dilutions, there was an effect only in 18cH. The other centesimal dilutions were not different from control (Figure 1D).
 
 Conclusions: In general, homeopathic preparations did not affect the germination percentage except for 9x, and 9cH 12cH dilution. Furthermore, the dilutions reduced the effects on premature aging verified by high values ​​of growth variables. These results suggest that high dilution Arsenicum album can be an alternative to minimize the deleterious effect to high temperature.

Physiological response of sorghum seeds treated with Arsenicum album submitted to low temperature

Introduction: Temperature is one of the main environmental factors that act on plants, affecting physiological processes such as germination and vigor, growth, photosynthesis, water and nutrients uptake, among others [1]. When seeds are exposed to temperature stress during imbibition process occur dramatic changes in the reorganization and function of the plasma membrane impairing the stability and functional structure of the membrane resulting in the decrease on germination and embryo death [2][3]. In plant, stress triggers wide response that extends from the change of gene expression and cell metabolism to changes in growth rate and productivity. The organism’s reaction is a function of plant capacity to produce effects opposite to the action of stressors [4].
 
 Aim: the purpose of this study was to evaluate high dilution effect of Arsenicum album on physiological variables of germination and growth of sorghum.
 
 Material and Methods: The experiment was conducted at the Laboratory of Physiology and Homeopathy at Universidade Estadual de Maringá - UEM. Arsenicum album 6x matrix was acquired in homeopathic laboratory. From matrix, other dilutions were prepared according to Brazilian Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia [5] with the homeopathic remedies prepared in distilled water (1/10) and succussed by 100 times in mechanical arm (50-Denise Model Autic). For cold test, 50 seeds were distributed on germitest paper moistened to 2.5 times the weight of paper under different dilutions of A. album (9, 12, 18, 24 and 30x) with four replications. The control consisted of distilled water. After sowing, the rolls were placed in plastic bags and sealed, and lead in BOD-chamber at 10°C for 7 days. After this period, the rolls were removed from plastic bags and transferred to BOD-chamber at (25 ± 2)°C, arranged at random where they remained for seven days. Germination percentage (GP%) were evaluated according to Rules for Seed Analysis [6]. The length of primary roots (LPR) and length of hypocotyl (LH) were determined only for seedlings. The total length seedlings (TLS) was calculated as the sum of the lengths of hypocotyl (LH) and primary root (LPR). The fresh biomass (FB) of the seedlings were obtained by removing from their cotyledons, and then weighed on an analytical balance. The dry biomass (DB) was obtained after drying at (80 ± 1)°C for 72h. The experimental design was completely randomized. We adopted the double-blind procedure, thereby avoiding possible researcher interference. Data were subjected to analysis of variance and means compared by Scott-Knott (P≤ 0.05).
 
 Results: Seed exposure for seven days to cold stress at 10º C inhibited the germination percentage (GP%). Dilutions 9 and 18x showed the lowest germination percentage (Figure 1A). The cold inhibited the total length of hypocotyls (LH) the length of the seedlings (TLS), with the lowest values ​​observed in seeds treated with dilution 24x (Figures 1B and 1C). Fresh biomass production of seedlings (FB) also was reduced the dilutions 9, 12 and 24x (Figure 1D). Seedlings treated with the dilution 24x reduced the dry biomass production (DB) (Figure 1E).
 
 Conclusions: We can conclude that homeopathy Arsenicum album 24x reduced the germination percentage, the length, fresh and dry biomass of sorghum. Probably the cause of this reduction is the lower absorption/water content in the system. The reduction in water content can be the cause lower values ​​for the variables mentioned. However, the inhibitory action of the 24x dilution in water content is not yet known and will be one of the goals of future work.

A Web of Science-based Analysis of Global Research Trends on <i>Moringa oleifera</i> from 2010 – 2019

Since time immemorial, people in developing countries relied on herbal folklore to treat different human diseases because of their numerous advantages over conventional drugs. As a result, the applications of medicinal plants are increasing in both advanced and developing countries owing to the emergent popularity of herbal products. <em>Moringa oleifera</em> (<em>M. oleifera</em>) is one of the most promising floras that have received global attention due to its versatile uses in medicine, industries, agriculture, nutrients, and coagulant in water treatment. Despite the extensive literature on this plant, no document has been reported on the quantity of research that has been carried out on the plant over time and as a result, this present study aimed to in retrospect evaluate the global research outputs on <em>M. oleifera</em> from 2010 to 2019. An overall of 989 articles was retrieved from Science Citation Index-Expanded (SCI-Expanded) and a bibliometric package in RStudio and VOS viewer were explored for data analysis and visualization, respectively. The research outputs were observed to have increased relatively over the year, and the most relevant author, institution, country, and journal were Bergamasco R (n = 33), UniversidadeEstadual de Maringá (n = 199), India (n =145) Industrial Crops and Products (n = 29), respectively. Co-authors/documents were 5, while 3.79 for the collaboration index. Findings from this study reveal the research collaboration network among the researchers and trend topics on <em>M. oleifera</em> and we believe that this study would provide valuable information for researchers interested in joining the field in the future.

Antimicrobial resistance evaluation of bacteria isolated from infections in small animals in the Umuarama region, Paraná

ABSTRACT: Bacterial resistance is shown to be an inevitable side effect due to the excessive use of antibiotics, becoming a significant concern worldwide. Knowledge of regional bacterial resistance profiles enables the development of site-specific infection control practices, making conscious and moderate use of commercially available antibiotics. The aim of this study was the retrospective evaluation of the antimicrobial resistance profile of bacteria isolated from companion animal infections in the region of Umuarama/PR, from 2013 to 2017. This research was performed by analyzing the database belonging to the “Laboratório de Microbiologia Animal” at the “Universidade Estadual de Maringá” (UEM). Staphylococcus spp. represented 45.53% of the bacteria isolated from clinical infections in small animals in the period and place evaluated, followed by enterobacteria (34.04%), non-fermenting Gram-negative bacilli (NFGNB, 11.06%) and Streptococcus/Enterococcus (9.36%). A high number of antimicrobial resistance to antibiotics used in veterinary medicine was found. The lowest resistances associated with the best impact factor values were found for aminoglycosides, especially amikacin, chloramphenicol, and fluoroquinolones (norfloxacin and ciprofloxacin). Intermediate results were found for sulbactam-associated ampicillin, ceftriaxone, amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, and enrofloxacin. According to the number of resistant antimicrobial drugs, 64.26% (151/235) of the isolates were classified as multidrug-resistant, being 15.32% extensively resistant. Considering the resistance to antimicrobial classes, 68.94% (162/235) of the isolates were classified as multiresistant, being 19.15% extensively resistant. No bacterial strains were characterized as pan-resistant, but ten bacteria were resistant to all classes tested, with isolated susceptibility to certain drugs. Through the evaluation of resistance profiles found in the period and place studied and relevant literature, it is clear that there is a growing increase in the number of multiresistant bacteria among domestic animals which characterizes a serious risk to public health. The therapeutic arsenal is becoming increasingly diminished, and there is more difficulty in empirical drug selection, making antimicrobial susceptibility testing essential for more specific selection in antimicrobial therapy. Educational measures on the conscious use of antibiotics, infection control, and prevention of local specific zoonoses need to be instituted for the knowledge of health professionals and general access of the population.

GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF BELL PEPPER CROP IRRIGATED WITH MAGNETICALLY-TREATED WATER

This study aimed to evaluate the benefits of irrigation with magnetically-treated water and replacement depths based on ETc, in plant growth and development of bell pepper grown in a protected environment in two cultivation seasons. The experiment was carried out in a protected environment, in the Centro Técnico de Irrigação (CTI), at Universidade Estadual de Maringá (UEM), in Maringá - PR. Two experiments were performed: summer (2017-2018) and winter-spring (2018). The experimental design adopted was randomized blocks in factorial scheme 3 x 2 (six treatments) with four replications in the summer season and 2 x 2 (four treatments) with six replications in the winter-spring season. The first factor consisted of water replacement depths (50, 75 and 100% of the evapotranspiration of culture (ETc) in the summer season, and 75 and 100% ETc in the winter-spring season. The second factor was the application of water with and without magnetic treatment. Characteristics of growth (plant height, stem diameter, leaf area, and dry matter of stem, leaf, total, and root) and development (first flower and first fruit) were evaluated. Results showed that there was no significant interaction between the factors for the summer season. There were only isolated effects of replacement depths, and the 100% ETc had the highest values for the growth variables, independent of water treatment. The application of magnetically-treated water provided higher accumulation of dry matter (stem, total, and root) when irrigated with 75% ETc for the winter-spring season.

Workshop for innovation in the metropolises: urban mobility study of a university campus

This paper presents the project management of a transnational workshop in urban engineering, held as education and training for students from Brazil (UFRJ – Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro Federal University, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Maringá State University) and France (UTC – Université de Technologie de Compiègne, Compiègne University of Technology, Sorbonne University). The aim was to encourage them to propose transport management improvements to the Cidade Universitária campus of UFRJ. Coordinators and students visited UFRJ and UTC to analyse data and develop solutions. The research methodology employed information technology – particularly geographic information system and collaborative platforms – in the documentation and communication. The findings were consolidated in two workshops, one at each university, and were later circulated through a webpage and final project report. A system diagnosis was produced, along with several short-, medium- and long-term proposals for internal mobility and connections with the existing urban transport network.

Phosphorus application effects on seeding chia

Chia (Salvia Hispanica L.) is an annual herbaceous plant belonging to the family Lamiaceae, with large proportions of omega-3, omega-6, antioxidants, fibers and proteins in its composition. Information and recommendations on its cultivation are still limited, as interest in the plant is recent. Thus, the objective of this work is to verify the effects of the application of phosphorus doses in the sowing of chia. The experiment was conducted under field conditions, at Fazenda da Universidade Estadual de Maringá, at the Umuarama Regional Campus. The soil of the place where the typical Dystrophic Red Latosol, with sandy texture experiment was implanted. The experimental design was a randomized block with five treatments and five replicates. The treatments were composed of five doses of phosphorus at sowing (0, 30, 60, 90, 120 kg ha-1). The dry mass of the aerial part, final population of plants, mass of 1,000 grains, productivity and oil content were evaluated. Phosphorus rates application at sowing provided positive increases in the vegetative and reproductive chia development.

Estimation of the crop coefficient (kc) for bell pepper under greenhouse conditions

ABSTRACT This study aimed to determine the crop coefficient (kc) and respective water consumption of the Magali R. bell pepper hybrid cultivated in a protected environment from May to September 2015. Reference evapotranspiration was estimated using the Modified Penman-Monteith method and data were collected from an automatic weather station installed inside the greenhouse at the Universidade Estadual de Maringá, in the municipality of Maringá, PR, Brazil (23° 25’ 57’’ S, 51° 57’ 8’’ W, and altitude of 542 m). Evapotranspiration was measured using constant water table lysimeters. The total water consumption of the bell pepper crop was 282 mm and the average consumption was 2.35 mm d-1. The maximum evapotranspiration was 5.37 mm d-1. Crop coefficient values for the bell pepper were 0.86, 1.55, and 1.4 for the initial, intermediate, and final stages, respectively, which were higher than those recommended by the Food and Agriculture Organization.

Identification key and pictures of the Hypostomus Lacépède, 1803 (Siluriformes, Loricariidae) from the rio Ivaí, upper rio Paraná basin

The rio Ivaí flows through the left margin of the upper rio Paraná basin with 798 km of extension, being one of its largest tributaries. In this study, we analyzed 586 specimens of Hypostomus Lacépède, 1803 from the rio Ivaí basin deposited in the Coleção de Peixes do Núcleo de Pesquisas em Limnologia, Ictiologia e Aquicultura da Universidade Estadual de Maringá (NUP) and Coleção Ictiológica do Grupo de Pesquisas em Limnologia e Recursos Pesqueiros (CIG). Herein, 14 species of Hypostomus were recorded from the rio Ivaí basin (10 already described and 4 possible new). The most representative species was H. ancistroides, corresponding to 23.5% of all the specimens, followed by Hypostomus sp. 3, with 15.2%, and Hypostomus sp. 2, with 13.8%. Considering Hypostomus, this study suggests that the rio Ivaí has high species richness compared with adjacent basins, such as rio Paranapanema, rio Tibagi, rio Piquiri and rio Iguaçu. Knowing the difficulties founded by many ichthyologists and researchers in identifying species within this genus, we also present here an identification key for its species present in the rio Ivaí basin.

Yellow Fever Vaccine in Brazil: A Revolt Backwards 100 Years Later?

Cohesive Journal of Microbiology & Infectious Disease Yellow Fever Vaccine in Brazil: A Revolt Backwards 100 Years Later? João Paulo Martins do Carmo* UEG Campus Itumbiara-GO, Brazil *Corresponding author: João Paulo Martins do Carmo, University of Sao Paulo, Universidade Estadual de Goiás, Campus Itumbiara-GO, Brazil Submission: January 30, 2018; Published: February 08, 2018 DOI: 10.31031/CJMI.2018.01.000507 ISSN: 2578-0190 Volume1 Issue2

Genetic variability among elite popcorn lines based on molecular and morphoagronomic characteristics.

Knowledge of genetic diversity among genotypes and relationships among elite lines is of great importance for the development of breeding programs. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate genetic variability based on the morphoagronomic and molecular characterization of 18 elite popcorn (Zea mays var. everta) lines to be used by Universidade Estadual de Maringá breeding programs. We used 31 microsatellite primers (widely distributed in the genome), and 16 morphological descriptors (including the resistance to maize white spot, common rust, polysora rust of maize, cercospora and leaf blights). The molecular data revealed variability among the lines, which were divided into four groups that were partially concordant with unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPMGA) and Bayesian clusters. The lines G3, G4, G11, and G13 exhibited favorable morphological characters and low disease incidence rates. The four groups were confirmed using the Gower distance in the UPGMA cluster; however, there was no association with the dissimilarity patterns obtained using the molecular data. The absence of a correlation suggests that both characterizations (morphoagronomic and molecular) are important for discriminating among elite popcorn lines.

Physiological and behavioral responses of Nellore steers to artificial shading in an intensive production system

The influence of artificial shading on environmental variables and on behavioral responses of Nellore steers in an intensive production system was evaluated in this study. The experiment was conducted in the experimental feedlot of the Department of Animal Science at Universidade Estadual de Goiás, from July to October 2014. Forty-eight male Nellore cattle with an average initial weight of 310 kg were kept in double 24-m2 stalls, in a total of 24 stalls. Of these, six were in the open air; six were covered with black shade netting of 30% light interception; six with black shade netting 50%; and six with black shade netting 80%, providing 6 m2 of shade per stall. Temperature-humidity index (THI) and respiratory frequency (RF) were assessed twice weekly and behavior was evaluated fortnightly during 12 h, between 06:00 h and 18.00 h. Feeding behavior, rumination, rest, and social activities such as body care and playful and abnormal activities were observed. A significant increase was found in THI and RF as the shading levels decreased, while a significant difference was recorded in rest and in other activities, water intake, and play behavior. Rest time and playful behavior increased significantly, and other activities and water intake decreased with the increase in shading levels. Shading does not change the time spent on feeding behaviors and rumination, or the frequencies of urination, defecation, cleaning other animals, self-cleaning, and social and abnormal types of behavior. The use of black shade netting of 80% light interception provides greater comfort to animals, promoting welfare and quality of life to them.

Performance of Nellore males under different artificial shading levels in the feedlot

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of artificial shading on weight gain and meat quality of male Nellore cattle in an intensive production system. The experiment was conducted in the experimental feedlot of the Course of Animal Science at Universidade Estadual de Goiás, from July to October 2014. Forty-eight male Nellore cattle with an average initial weight of 310 kg were kept in double 24-m2 stalls, in a total of 24 stalls. Of these, six were in the open air; six were covered with black shade netting of 30% light interception; six with black shade netting 50%; and six with black shade netting 80%, providing 6 m2 of shade per stall. The ration supplied to the animals and the orts left in the trough were weighed daily to determine intake, and the temperature-humidity index (THI) was measured twice weekly. Animals were weighed for the first time at the start of the experiment, and then another three times until the end, which was followed by the slaughter and assessments of performance and meat quality. A difference (p < 0.05) was observed between the average THI values, with the highest value found in the stalls without artificial shading. No difference (p > 0.05) was observed for feed intake, initial weight, final weight, total weight gain, average daily weight gain, carcass yield, marbling, texture, fatness, backfat thickness, loin-eye area, color, thigh length and circumference, leg length and circumference, or carcass length between the animals on the different treatments. The use of artificial shading does not have a significant effect on performance or meat quality of feedlot Nellore cattle when the ambient temperature is within the thermal comfort zone.

Genetic resistance to Colletotrichum lindemuthianum in the Andean cultivar Jalo Pintado 2 of common bean

The anthracnose caused by fungus Colletotrichum lindemuthianum (Sacc. & Magnus) Briosi & Cavara is the most widespread disease and economically important fungal disease of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). The use of resistant cultivars is considered as one of the most effective methods in controlling this disease. The present study had as aim to characterize the genetic resistance of the Andean common bean cultivar Jalo Pintado 2 to the C. lindemuthianum through inheritance and allelism tests. The experiment was conducted under greenhouse conditions at Laboratório de Melhoramento do Feijão Comum e de Biologia Molecular do Núcleo de Pesquisa Aplicada a Agricultura (Nupagri) at Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Paraná, Brazil. The results of the F2 population from the crossing 'Jalo Pintado 2' (R) × Cornell 49-242 (S), inoculated with race 73 of C. lindemuthianum, adjusted to the ratio of 3R: 1S, demonstrating the action of a dominant gene in the cultivar Jalo Pintado 2. The allelism tests evidenced that the gene in the 'Jalo Pintado 2' is independent from those previously characterized: Co-1, Co-2,Co-3, Co-34, Co-4, Co-42, Co-43, Co-5, Co-6, Co-11, Co-12, Co-13, Co-14, Co-15 and Co-16. This gene is also independent from those genes not yet named present in Paloma, Perla and Amendoim Cavalo cultivars. The authors propose the Co-

Functional properties and sensory testing of whey protein concentrate sweetened with rebaudioside A

ABSTRACT Objective: To develop a natural dietary product with functional benefits for diabetic patients. Whey protein concentrate was obtained through the separation membrane processes and sweetened with rebaudioside A. This product was submitted to sensory testing in humans and used to evaluate possible functional properties in male Wistar rats models with diabetesMellitus induced by streptozotocin. Methods: Two concentrates were produced. Only the second showed protein content of 74.3 and 17.3% of lactose was used as supplementation in induced diabetic rats. This concentrate was obtained from the concentration by reverse osmosis system (180 k Daltons), followed by nanofiltration in a 500 k Daltons membrane and spray drying at 5.0% solution of the first concentrate developed. The concentrate was sweetened with rebaudioside A (rebaudioside A 26 mg/100 g concentrate). All procedures were performed at the Center for Studies in Natural Products, at the Universidade Estadual de Maringá. Three experimental groups were established (n=6): two groups of diabetic animals, one control group and one supplemented group; and a control group of normal mice (non-diabetic). The supplemented group received concentrates sweetened with rebaudioside A in a dose of 100 mg/kg bw/day by an esophageal tube for 35 days. Fasting, the fed state and body weight were assessed weekly for all groups. At the end of the supplementation period, the following were analyzed: plasma parameters of glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides and fructosamine; the serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase, water and food intake. Organs and tissues were removed and weighed to assess mass and anatomical changes. Results: The product presented 74% of proteins and 17% of lactose and showed satisfactory sensory testing by the addition of 26 mg of rebaudioside A/100 g concentrate. Supplementation of the product reduced hyperglycemia, plasma fructosamine levels, triglycerides and total cholesterol, and improved body weight gain of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Conclusion: Whey protein concentrate with substantial content of protein (above 70%) and low lactose was obtained through the membrane separation processes. The addition of rebaudioside A at the concentration of 26 mg/100 g rebaudioside A proved to be as sweet as sucralose with satisfactory sensory testing, which indicates that this is a non-caloric natural sweetener that can replace artificial sweeteners. The product (whey protein concentrate sweetened with rebaudioside A) presented important functional properties and reduced the metabolic disorders caused by the syndrome.

Screening of inbred popcorn lines for tolerance to low phosphorus.

Increasing phosphorus use efficiency in agriculture is essential for sustainable food production. Thus, the aims of this study were: i) to identify phosphorus use efficiency (PUE) in popcorn lines during the early plant stages, ii) to study the relationship between traits correlated with PUE, and iii) to analyze genetic diversity among lines. To accomplish this, 35 popcorn lines from Universidade Estadual de Maringá breeding program were studied. The experiment was conducted in a growth chamber using a nutrient solution containing two concentrations of phosphorus (P): 2.5 μM or low P (LP) and 250 μM or high P (HP). After 13 days in the nutrient solution, root morphology traits, shoot and root dry weight, and P content of the maize seedlings were measured. A deviance analysis showed there was a high level of genetic variability. An unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) clustering analysis identified three groups for the LP treatment (efficient, intermediate, and inefficient) and three groups for the HP treatment (responsive, moderately responsive, and unresponsive). The results of a principal component analysis and selection index were consistent with the UPGMA analysis, and lines 1, 2, 13, 17, 26, and 31 were classified as PUE.

Extracellular enzymatic profiles and taxonomic identification of endophytic fungi isolated from four plant species.

Plants of medicinal and economic importance have been studied to investigate the presence of enzyme-producing endophytic fungi. The characterization of isolates with distinct enzyme production potential may identify suitable alternatives for specialized industry. At Universidade Estadual de Maringá Laboratory of Microbial Biotechnology, approximately 500 isolates of endophytic fungi have been studied over the last decade from various host plants, including medicinally and economically important species, such as Luehea divaricata (Martius et Zuccarini), Trichilia elegans A. Juss, Sapindus saponaria L., Piper hispidum Swartz, and Saccharum spp. However, only a fraction of these endophytes have been identified and evaluated for their biotechnological application, having been initially grouped by morphological characteristics, with at least one representative of each morphogroup tested. In the current study, several fungal strains from four plants (L. divaricata, T. elegans, S. saponaria, and Saccharum spp) were identified by ribosomal DNA typing and evaluated semi-quantitatively for their enzymatic properties, including amylase, cellulase, pectinase, and protease activity. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the presence of four genera of endophytic fungi (Diaporthe, Saccharicola, Bipolaris, and Phoma) in the plants examined. According to enzymatic tests, 62% of the isolates exhibited amylase, approximately 93% cellulase, 50% pectinase, and 64% protease activity. Our results verified that the composition and abundance of endophytic fungi differed between the plants tested, and that these endophytes are a potential enzyme production resource of commercial and biotechnological value.

Is 30 years enough time to niche segregation between a non-native and a native congeneric fish species? Evidences from stable isotopes

Event Abstract Back to Event Is 30 years enough time to niche segregation between a non-native and a native congeneric fish species? Evidences from stable isotopes Gustavo Henrique Z. Alves1*, Gislaine I. Manetta1, Patrícia A. Sacramento1 and Evanilde Benedito1 1 Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Biology Dept., Brazil The invasion of non-native species that are phylogenetically similar to native species was observed in the Upper Paraná River following the construction of the Itaipu hydroelectric plant and subsequent removal of a natural geographic barrier (Sete Quedas Falls). Endemic fish species from the Lower Paraná River, such as the piranha Serrasalmus marginatus, successfully colonized the new environment. A few years later, S. marginatus had become the dominant species, while the prevalence of the congeneric species, Serrasalmus maculatus, had declined. Considering that the two piranha species naturally coexist in the Pantanal and that S. marginatus is a non-native species in the Upper Paraná River floodplain, we hypothesized that trophic niche overlap between Serrasalmus species only occurred in the Upper Paraná River floodplain due to short-term co-existence. The study area in which the isotopic niche overlap between S. maculatus and S. marginatus was evaluated consisted of two ponds located in different floodplains, the Pantanal and the Upper Paraná River. We used carbon and nitrogen stable isotope analysis to elucidate the differences in the energy intake by the native and non-native species. We used mixing models and calculated the isotopic niche area and niche overlap to infer the nature of the trophic interactions between the species in both habitats. According to the mixing model, the predominant source of carbon for both species was terrestrial. Nevertheless, in Upper Paraná River, the δ13C signature of the two species differed significantly and the non-native species had a greater niche width than the native species. In the Pantanal, there were no differences in δ13C, but the species differed with respect to δ 15N, and the niche widths were narrow for both species.Based on these results, it can be inferred that the species depend on different food sources. Piranhas obtain energy from distinct prey species, which probably consume resources from diverse food chains. Thus, the establishment of S. marginatus is probably driven by access to resources not used by the native species, by other niche dimensions not analyzed in this study (e.g., reproductive issues, competition among juveniles, etc.), or by other biotic interactions. Acknowledgements The authors thank Nupélia/UEM, the CNPq/SISBIOTA project, the Graduate Program in Ecology of Continental Aquatic Environments (Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia de Ambientes Aquáticos Continentais - PEA); CNPq/PELD for financial support and infrastructure to develop the study, and CNPq for the scholarship granted to Gustavo H. Z. Alves, and Patrícia A. Sacramento. This work was partially supported by CAPES, an organ of the Brazilian Government for the training of human resources. Keywords: Carbon, Nitrogen, Trophic niche, NON-NATIVE SPECIES, Serrasalmus Conference: XV European Congress of Ichthyology, Porto, Portugal, 7 Sep - 11 Sep, 2015. Presentation Type: Poster Presentation Topic: Ecology, Conservation and Invasive Species Citation: Alves GZ, Manetta GI, Sacramento PA and Benedito E (2015). Is 30 years enough time to niche segregation between a non-native and a native congeneric fish species? Evidences from stable isotopes. Front. Mar. Sci. Conference Abstract: XV European Congress of Ichthyology. doi: 10.3389/conf.FMARS.2015.03.00246 Copyright: The abstracts in this collection have not been subject to any Frontiers peer review or checks, and are not endorsed by Frontiers. They are made available through the Frontiers publishing platform as a service to conference organizers and presenters. The copyright in the individual abstracts is owned by the author of each abstract or his/her employer unless otherwise stated. Each abstract, as well as the collection of abstracts, are published under a Creative Commons CC-BY 4.0 (attribution) licence (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) and may thus be reproduced, translated, adapted and be the subject of derivative works provided the authors and Frontiers are attributed. For Frontiers’ terms and conditions please see https://www.frontiersin.org/legal/terms-and-conditions. Received: 30 Dec 2015; Published Online: 30 Dec 2015. * Correspondence: Dr. Gustavo Henrique Z Alves, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Biology Dept., Maringá, Paraná, Brazil, alvesghz@yahoo.com.br Login Required This action requires you to be registered with Frontiers and logged in. To register or login click here. Abstract Info Abstract Supplemental Data The Authors in Frontiers Gustavo Henrique Z Alves Gislaine I Manetta Patrícia A Sacramento Evanilde Benedito Google Gustavo Henrique Z Alves Gislaine I Manetta Patrícia A Sacramento Evanilde Benedito Google Scholar Gustavo Henrique Z Alves Gislaine I Manetta Patrícia A Sacramento Evanilde Benedito PubMed Gustavo Henrique Z Alves Gislaine I Manetta Patrícia A Sacramento Evanilde Benedito Related Article in Frontiers Google Scholar PubMed Abstract Close Back to top Javascript is disabled. Please enable Javascript in your browser settings in order to see all the content on this page.