Resumo A tecnologia Biofloc é muito destacada hoje em dia por causa de seus tremendos efeitos na aquicultura. Os micróbios foram enriquecidos com a fonte de carbono orgânico mais barata, i. e., cascas de banana em pó, e foram incorporadas em diferentes aquários de criação de alevinos de carpa-capim sob diferentes tratamentos C/N (10: 1, 15: 1 e 20: 1) e 10% de troca diária de água. O crescimento inicial dos alevinos foi registrado. O experimento foi resolvido em triplicatas por 60 dias e executado paralelamente ao grupo controle fornecido com ração comercial e troca diária de água. Seu efeito foi avaliado medindo o crescimento dos alevinos e os parâmetros da água de cada aquário. O% de ganho médio em peso e comprimento dos alevinos foi obtido significativamente mais alto (28,12 ± 0,30g e 17,29 ± 0,46 cm respectivamente) em aquários contendo cascas de banana em pó puro com 10% de troca de água e a relação C/N foi ajustada em 20: 1 (T3) do que outros tratamentos e controle. A amônia e outros parâmetros da água também estavam sob controle no T3 mais do que nos outros grupos experimentais e de controle. Por todas as contagens, concluiu-se que a maior razão C/N no sistema de bioflocos tem o potencial de incrementar a taxa de crescimento de C. idella reduzindo a toxicidade e pode ser usada como substituto da farinha de peixe.

Abstract Biofloc technology is much highlighted these days because of its tremendous effects on aquaculture. Microbes were enriched on cheapest organic carbon source i. e., powdered banana peels and were incorporated in different aquaria rearing grass carp fingerlings under different C/N treatments (10:1, 15:1 and 20:1) and 10% water daily water exchange. The initial growth of fingerlings was recorded. The experiment was settled in triplicates for 60 days and run parallel to control group provided with commercial feed and daily water exchange. Its effect was evaluated by measuring the growth of fingerlings and water parameters of each aquarium. The average % gain in weight and length of fingerlings was obtained significantly highest (28.12 ± 0.30g and 17.29 ± 0.46cm respectively) in aquaria containing pure powdered banana peels with 10% water exchange and C/N ratio was adjusted at 20: 1 (T3) than other treatments and control. Ammonia and other water parameters were also under control in T3 than other experimental and control groups. By all counts, it was concluded that the highest C/N ratio in biofloc system had the potential to increment C. idella growth rate by reducing toxicity and could be used as fish meal substitute.

Resumo A quitina e seus produtos derivados têm imenso valor econômico devido ao seu papel vital em várias atividades biológicas, bem como em aplicações biomédicas e industriais. Insetos, microrganismos e crustáceos são o principal suprimento de quitina, mas a casca dos crustáceos como camarão, krill, lagosta e caranguejo são as principais fontes comerciais. O conteúdo de quitina de um indivíduo varia dependendo das estruturas que possuem o polímero e da espécie. Neste estudo, as cascas de caranguejos comestíveis (Callinectes sapidus) foram desmineralizadas e desproteinizadas, resultando em 13,8% (peso seco) de recuperação de quitina a partir de resíduos de quitina. As análises de FTIR e XRD do bruto experimental, bem como das quitinas purificadas, revelaram que ambas eram muito comparáveis aos controles adquiridos comercialmente. O pré-tratamento com ácido cedeu 54 g de quitina coloidal que resultou em 1.080% da quitina bruta. A quitina coloidal foi analisada para isolamento de 85 isolados bacterianos quitinolíticos de diferentes fontes. A zona de eliminação foi exibida pelos 35 isolados (41,17%) que sucederam seu crescimento a pH 7 em meio de ágar de quitina coloidal. A atividade quitinolítica máxima, ou seja, 301,55 U / ml, foi exibida pelo isolado JF70 quando cultivado em quitina extraída contendo carbono e nitrogênio. O estudo mostrou que resíduos de caranguejos azuis podem ser utilizados para extração de quitina e isolamento de bactérias quitinolíticas que podem ser usadas para degradar resíduos de quitina, resolver a poluição ambiental e também para fins industriais.

Abstract Chitin and its derived products have immense economic value due to their vital role in various biological activities as well as biomedical and industrial application. Insects, microorganism and crustaceans are the main supply of chitin but the crustaceans shell like shrimp, krill, lobsters and crabs are the main commercial sources. Chitin content of an individual varies depending on the structures possessing the polymer and the species. In this study edible crabs’ shells (Callinectes sapidus) were demineralized and deproteinized resulting in 13.8% (dry weight) chitin recovery from chitin wastes. FTIR and XRD analyses of the experimental crude as well as purified chitins revealed that both were much comparable to the commercially purchased controls. The acid pretreatment ceded 54g of colloidal chitin that resulted in 1080% of the crude chitin. The colloidal chitin was exploited for isolation of eighty five chitinolytic bacterial isolates from different sources. Zone of clearance was displayed by the thirty five isolates (41.17%) succeeding their growth at pH 7 on colloidal chitin agar medium. Maximum chitinolytic activity i.e. 301.55 U/ml was exhibited by isolate JF70 when cultivated in extracted chitin containing both carbon and nitrogen. The study showed wastes of blue crabs can be utilized for extraction of chitin and isolation of chitinolytic bacteria that can be used to degrade chitin waste, resolve environmental pollution as well as industrial purpose.

ABSTRACT This study was conducted to evaluate the anticoccidial potential of Artemisia brevifolia extract (ABE) and its effect on biochemical parameters against experimental coccidiosis in broiler chickens. For this purpose, a total of 150 broiler chicks were procured and divided into 5 equal groups (30 birds per group). At one week of age, the first three groups (A, B and C) were orally fed with ABE at dose rates of 100, 200 and 300mg/kg respectively for seven consecutive days. Group D served as infected/medicated and was treated with Baycox® (1ml/L of water). Group E served as the infected/non-medicated control group. At two weeks of age, all groups were infected with 50,000 sporulated oocysts of Eimeria tenella. The anticoccidial potential was evaluated based on lesion score, oocyst score, fecal score, feed conversion ratio, and mortality (%). Furthermore, the effect of ABE on hematological parameters and serum chemistry was also evaluated by following standard procedures. The anticoccidial effects were compared with the standard drug Baycox® (p>0.05). Results of the study showed the anticoccidial activity of ABE in terms of lesion diminishing, oocyst and fecal scores, better feed conversion ratios, and mortality reduction (%). The ABE also improved hematological parameters and stabilized the serum enzymes (ALT, LDH, Creatinine) of infected chicks (p>0.05).

This study was conducted to appraise the effects on egg quality and production performance of laying hens when drinking water was supplemented with calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg). A total of 384 (64-week-old) Hy-line Brown laying hens were assigned at random to four treatments, which consisted of CON: unsupplemented drinking water; T1: drinking water + 2 mg/L Ca + 250 mg/L Mg; T2: drinking water + 4 mg/L Ca + 510 mg/L Mg /10 L; and T3: drinking water + 5 mg/L Ca and 760 mg/L Mg. The experiment lasted six weeks. Water intake increased linearly in week 1 with the rising levels of Ca and Mg in the drinking water. Increasing the Ca and Mg levels improved eggshell strength (week 2 (P =0.01), week 5 (P =0.01), and week 6 (P = 0.03), and eggshell thickness (week 6) (P =0.02) and reduced the rate at which eggs were broken (week 4) (P =0.01). The supplemental Ca and Mg did not affect egg production, egg weight, Haugh unit, albumen height, eggshell colour, and yolk colour compared with CON. Nor did they influence the Haugh unit and albumen height after storing for 1, 5, 10 and 15 days. In conclusion, adding Ca and Mg to the drinking water increased the thickness and strength of the eggshells.

RESUMO: Plantas daninhas causam dano considerável à colheita de arroz. Para averiguar a influência de diferentes práticas de manejo de plantas daninhas sob diferentes sistemas de cultivo, um teste de campo foi conduzido durante 2014 -15. Como desenho experimental foram utilizados blocos inteiramente casualizados com parcelas subdivididas, cada uma de 6 x 2 m. Foram testados três sistemas de culitivo: plantio direto com aplicação de glifosato, cultivo convencional com pré-germinação de plantas daninhas (“stale seedbed tecnique”) e cultivo convencional sem pré-germinação de plantas daninhas. Sete tratamentos de manejo de plantas daninhas foram aplicados: “weedy check (controle com ervas daninhas)”, controle manual, oxidiargil pre-emergência, pyrazosulfuron pré-emergência, pyrazosulfuron pós-emergência, fenaxapropetil + sódio fluorido pós-emergência. Resultados revelaram que todos os tratamentos inclusive sistemas cultivo e herbicidas afetaram significativamente (p<0.05) a densidade e a biomassa seca de plantas daninhas. A menor densidade (i.e. 229.22, 159.22 e 127.77 m-2) e menor biomassa seca (i.e. 68.01, 49.29 e 41.08 g m-2) de plantas daninhas foram registradas em 30, 45 e 60 (dias após semeadura) para pyrazosulfuron (como pré-emergência), respectivamente, seguido por fenoxapropetil + sódio fluoreto (como pós-emergência). O peso máximo de 1000 grãos e máxima produção (i.e. 19.15 g e 3.45 t ha-1) foram registrados para tratamentos livres de plantas daninhas, que produziram 12 e 57% mais do que “weedy check”. Máximo benefício líquido e maior relação benef)cio/custo (i.e. USD 817 ha-1 e 1.76, respectivamente) foram registrados para pirazosulfuron aplicado tanto em pré como em pós-emergência sob plantio direto. Finalmente, pirazosulfuron (pré-emergência) e fenoxapropetil + fluoreto de sódio (pós-emergência) foram os tratamentos mais eficientes para controle de plantas danihas sob cultivo convencional com pré-germinação de plantas daninhas, enquanto pirazosulfuron proprocionou o melhor benef)cio/custo sob plantio direto.

ABSTRACT: Weeds cause considerable damage to rice crop. To ascertain the influence of different weed management practices under different tillage systems, a field experiment was conducted during 2014-15. Experimental design was RCB with split-plot arrangement and with a net plot size of 6 x 2 m. Three tillage systems viz; zero tillage with glyphosate application and conventional tillage with and without stale seed bed, and seven weed management treatments viz; weedy check, manual weeding, oxadiargyl as pre-emergence, pyrazosulfuron as pre-emergence, pyrazosulfuron as post-emergence, fenoxaprop-ethyle + sodium fluoride as post-emergence and fenoxaprop-ethyle + sodium fluoride as post-emergence. Results revealed that all treatments including tillage systems and herbicides significantly (p<0.05) affected weed density and weed dry biomass. Minimum weed density (229.22, 159.22 and 127.77 m-2) and weed dry biomass (68.01, 49.29 and 41.08 g m-2) at 30, 45 and 60 DAS (days after sowing) were recorded for pyrazosulfuron (as pre-emergence), respectively, followed by fenoxaprop-ethyle + sodium fluoride (as post-emergence). Maximum 1000-kernel weight and kernel yield (19.15 g and 3.45 ton ha-1) were recorded for weed free treatments and it was 12 and 57% higher than weedy check. Maximum net benefit and benefit to cost ratio (USD$ 817 ha-1 and 1.76, respectively) were recorded for pyrazosulfuron applied at either pre- or post-emergence stage under zero tillage system. Conclusively, pyrazosulfuron (as pre-emergence) and fenoxaprop-ethyle + sodium fluoride (as post-emergence) gave the best weed control under conventional tillage with stale seed bed system, while pyrazosulfuron exhibited maximum benefit-cost ratio under zero tillage system.

Anti-epileptic drugs administered during pregnancy can cause structural defects in the growing fetus and result in adverse neuro-developmental outcome later in life. Fetal valproate syndrome (FVS) results from teratogenic effects of valproic acid exposure in the prenatal period. It is characterised by a distinctive dysmorphic facies and a cluster of minor and major anomalies, as well as developmental and behavioural abnormalities. We describe a 14-month-old boy with the typical dysmorphic facies and other congenital abnormalities characteristic of FVS. There was a history of maternal intake of sodium valproate during pregnancy. The mechanism of teratogenicity and methods for prevention are discussed.

Um procedimento de extração no ponto nuvem (CPE) foi desenvolvido para a separação e pré-concentração de baixas concentrações de cobalto previamente à determinação por espectrometria de absorção atômica em chama (FAAS). O procedimento é baseado na formação do complexo de Co(II) com 2-[(2-mercaptofenilimino)metil]fenol (MPMP), seguido pela extração em fase rica em surfactante Triton X-114. Alguns parâmetros importantes que afetam a complexação e extração, tais como pH, concentrações do agente quelante e do surfactante, temperatura e tempo de equilíbrio, foram otimizados. Sob condições ótimas, a pré-concentração de um volume de 25 mL da amostra resultou em um limite de detecção de 0,21 µg L-1, um fator de enriquecimento de 97 e um desvio padrão relativo de 1,2% (n = 8, 60 µg L-1) para a determinação de Co(II) por FI-FAAS. O método foi aplicado com sucesso para amostras de água, vitamina B12 e ampolas de complexo B. A exatidão do método foi comprovada por experimentos de adição-recuperação, análise independente por espectrometria de absorção atômica com forno de grafite e determinação de Co em material de referência certificado.

A cloud point extraction (CPE) procedure was developed for the separation and preconcentration of trace amounts of cobalt prior to its determination by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). The procedure is based on the formation of Co(II) complex with 2-[(2-mercaptophenylimino)methyl]phenol (MPMP) followed by its extraction into a Triton X-114 surfactant-rich phase. Some important parameters affecting both complexation and extraction, such as pH, concentrations of chelating agent and surfactant, temperature, and time of equilibration, were optimized. Under optimum conditions, the preconcentration of a volume of 25 mL of sample resulted in a limit of detection of 0.21 µg L-1, an enhancement factor of 97, and a relative standard deviation of 1.2 % (n = 8, 60 µg L-1) for the determination of Co(II) by FI-FAAS. This procedure was successfully applied to water, vitamin B12 and B-complex samples. The accuracy was assessed employing addition-recovery experiments, independent analysis by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry and by using a certified reference material.