Effects of Using Live Grass Shrimp (Palaemonetes varians) as the only Source of Food for the Culture of Cuttlefish, Sepia officinalis (Linnaeus, 1758)

The life cycle of cuttlefish fed ad libitum exclusively on live grass shrimp (Palaemonetes varians) was studied during 5 consecutive generations. Different culture temperatures promoted different (P < 0.05) exponential growth for each life cycle, being summer generations shorter than those of winter. Higher temperatures promoted higher IGR’s and mortality, while lower temperatures promoted increased life span, reproduction stages, total fecundity and total egg biomass. Increased generations also seemed to increase fertility. A “hybrid” generation promoted the best results in terms of hatchling weight, individual fecundity and fertility. Mean egg weight was related to female size and embryonic development took longer at lower temperatures. Brood stock sex ratios seemed to be temperature related. All of these culture aspects were also compared between themselves in order to establish future brood stock methodologies. Grass shrimp proved to be a good diet for the culture of cuttlefish throughout the life cycle. The use of only one species reduces costs and labor associated to cuttlefish culture.     

Growth of young cuttlefish, Sepia officinalis (Linnaeus 1758) at the upper end of the biological distribution temperature range

Individual growth rates, feeding rates (%BWd^?1) and food conversions for cuttlefish (S. officinalis) hatchlings and juveniles were determined during this study. A flow‐through system was used. Water temperature reached 30 °C during the hottest part of the day, gradually decreasing to 25 °C during the night; salinity varied between 37 ± 3 ppt and lights were kept on for 14 h day^?1. Hatchlings were placed in separate compartments with a water volume of 1.2 L. Juvenile cuttlefish (from 0.5 to 25 g) were placed in bigger baskets, with a water volume of 5.2 L. Water flow was 120 L h^?1. The biggest cuttlefish used in these experiments (> 25 g) were gathered in groups of five and placed in circular tanks (water volume of 250–300 L). Thus, results obtained in this case are means and not individual data. During the first 10, 20, 30 and 40 days, mean growth rates (of all individuals sampled by age group) decreased consistently (11.8 ± 4.1, 9.8 ± 1.8, 8.1 ± 2.2 and 7.3 ± 0.7%BW^?1 respectively); in similar fashion, mean feeding rates decreased with age group (33.7 ± 13.5, 22.0 ± 7.9, 17.3 ± 3.9 and 16.7%BWd^?1 respectively). Mean food conversions varied between 3.6 and 2.5 between the age groups. When grouping results by weight class, similar patterns occur, as growth and feeding rates decrease consistently as cuttlefish grow bigger. Highest mean growth and feeding rates are obtained by hatchlings (< 0.1 g) with 12.4 ± 4.5 and 35.3 ± 15.1%BWd^?1, respectively, while the lowest growth and feeding rates were recorded for the largest animals, between 15 and 25 g (3.4 ± 1.1 and 10.8 ± 4.1%BWd^?1 respectively). For these weight classes, mean food conversions varied between 2.7 ± 0.9 and 3.8 ± 2.8.     

Changes in the condition index for mangrove oysters (Crassostrea rhizophorae) from Todos os Santos Bay,Salvador, Brazil

The condition index was calculated for two samples of 600 C. rhizophorae taken from Jacuruna farm in September–October 1977 (spawning period) and December 1977–January 1978 (post-spawning period). There was a significant difference (P ≤ 0.05). Over the size range 2.1 to 10.0 cm (height) the condition index ranged from 59.0 ± 16.2 to 71.8 ± 30.5 for the spawning period, but was only 27.1 ± 10.2 to 43.9 ± 33.0 for the post-spawning period. The size class 4.1 to 6.0 cm gave the best commercial yields and was considered more suitable for the shucked oyster than the fresh oyster market.     

Nano- and Microdelivery Systems for Marine Bioactive Lipids

There is an increasing body of evidence of the positive impact of several marine lipids on human health. These compounds, which include ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, have been shown to improve blood lipid profiles and exert anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective effects. The high instability of these compounds to oxidative deterioration and their hydrophobicity have a drastic impact in their pharmacokinetics. Thus, the bioavailability of these compounds may be affected, resulting in their inability to reach the target sites at effective concentrations. In this regard; micro/nanoparticles can offer a wide range of solutions that can prevent the degradation of targeted molecules, increase their absorption, uptake and bioavailability. In this work we will present the options currently available concerning micro- and nanodelivery systems for marine lipids; with emphasis on micro/nanoparticles; such as micro/nanocapsules and emulsions. A wide range of bottom-up approaches using casein, chitosan, cyclodextrins, among others; will be discussed.     

Evaluation of Magnetic Coagulant (α-Fe<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>-MO) and its Reuse in Textile Wastewater Treatment

The textile industries are characterized as one of the biggest consumers of potable water and chemical products throughout its process, being responsible for the elevated wastewater generation with intense coloration and wide polluting potential. In this context, the present study proposes the development and application of a new coagulant material for textile wastewater treatment. The proposed coagulant (α-Fe₂O₃-MO) was composed by hematite nanoparticles (α-Fe₂O₃) obtained by a simple non-pollutant methodology, associated with Moringa oleifera (MO) seeds saline extract compounds. Coagulation/flocculation (CF) efficiency was evaluated by removal of physicochemical parameters such as apparent color, turbidity, and compounds with absorption at UV_254nm (UV_254nm) through CF tests carried out on Jar test equipment and sedimentation carried out in the presence and absence of external magnetic field (600 k Am^?1). Kinetics sedimentation was from 0 to 90 min. The use of this new coagulant allowed the removal of 92.37% for apparent color, 91.43% for turbidity, and 46.09% for UV_254nm, indicating that the proposed coagulant association was efficient in the treatment of this type of wastewater under external magnetic field with only 10 min of sedimentation. In addition, the resulting sludge from CF process was tested as base material for a new coagulant synthesis, demonstrating great reuse potential. Therefore, the new proposed coagulant, composed of α-Fe₂O₃ and the compounds present in the seed extract of MO, has applicability for textile wastewater treatment demonstrating high removal rate for all evaluated parameters with cost reduction in the proposed treatment for this wastewater.     

Dietary protein:lipid ratio changes growth,digestive enzyme activity,metabolic profile and haematological parameters in hybrid surubim (Pseudoplatystoma fasciatum × Leiarius marmoratus)

Studies investigating improved protein:lipid ratios based on their effects on growth, nutrient utilization, digestive enzyme activities, blood metabolites and erythogram in tropical carnivorous fish are very scarce. This study evaluated the effect of different protein:lipid ratios on these parameters in the hybrid surubim Pseudoplatystoma corruscans × Leiarius marmoratus. Juvenile fish (8.90 ± 0.94 g initial weight) were fed 3% of total biomass for 60 days using four isoenergetic experimental diets with different protein:lipid ratios (9.00, 4.60, 3.54 and 1.78). Higher growth performance parameters were observed at higher protein:lipid ratios. The activities of intestine total alkaline protease, trypsin and lipase (U/mg protein) were not affected by dietary treatments. Chymotrypsin (U/mg protein) was higher in the 4.60 protein:lipid ratio group. Amylase (U/mg protein) was higher in intermediate groups. Blood glucose, total plasma protein, triglycerides, cholesterol and free amino acids decreased as the protein:lipid ratio decreased. Haematocrit was higher at the 9.00 and 4.60 protein:lipid ratios. Hybrid surubim showed metabolic adaptation to the different protein:lipid ratios tested. These results suggest that the 4.60 protein:lipid ratio showed the best protein‐sparing effect of lipids.     

Effects of Feeding Levels on Growth Response,Body Composition,and Energy Expenditure in Blackspot Seabream,Pagellus bogaraveo,Juveniles

Although reported as a slow growing species, to date information regarding nutritional dynamics of blackspot seabream, Pagellus bogaraveo, is limited, especially during ongrowing phase. This study determined the effects of different feeding levels on growth response, body composition, and energy expenditure of blackspot seabream juveniles (initial weight = 64 g). Fish were allocated in nine indoor tanks (15 fish per tank) and fed a basal diet twice daily at increasing levels (2.5, 3.3, and 4.1 g feed/kg^0.8/d) for 138 d. Growth response decreased with decreasing feeding levels, but only at 2.5 g feed/kg^0.8/d (P < 0.001). Differences in growth rates were positively correlated with body lipid content (r² = 0.90). Net protein utilization decreased with each increase in feeding level. The energy requirement for zero growth (maintenance) and the estimated energy loss on starvation were calculated as 22.6 and 17.9 kJ/kg^0.8/d, respectively. The energy cost for protein and lipid gain was calculated as 3.8 and 1.4 kJ/kJ energy deposited, respectively. This study suggested that blackspot seabream may grow slower than the other close‐related species because of its higher demand of dietary protein energy in favor of lipid deposition.     

Studies on the constituents of a Brazilian folk infusion. Isolation and structure elucidation of new triterpene saponins from Ilex amara leaves.

The isolation of three new triterpene saponins 3beta-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)-alpha-L-2-O-acetylarabinopyranosylolean-12-en-28-oic acid 28-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl ester (2), 3beta-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)-alpha-L-O-arabinopyranosylurs-12-en-28-oic acid (3), and 3beta-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)-beta-D-O-galactopyranosylurs-12-en-28-oic acid (4) together with five known saponins and one flavonoid glycoside from the aqueous infusion of Ilex amara (Vellozo) Loes. leaves is reported. All structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods, including the concerted application of one-dimensional (1H, TOCSY, 13C, and 13C DEPT NMR) and two-dimensional NMR techniques (DQF-COSY, HSQC, and HMBC).