Cellular and humoral immune responses during intrathoracic paracoccidioidomycosis in BALB/c mice

Paracoccidioidomycosis is a chronic infection that primarily affects the lungs. Here we investigated cellular and humoral immune responses after intrathoracic Paracoccidioides brasiliensis infection in BALB/c mice. P. brasiliensis-colony-forming units (CFUs), fungal DNA and granulomas in lungs increased progressively, peaking at day 90 postinfection (p.i.). IFN-γ production was highest on day 15 p.i., declining thereafter. The kinetics of the NO production was similar to that described for IFN-γ. In contrast, IL-10 increased from day 45 p.i. reaching a peak at day 90. Levels of serum IgG1 were higher than IgG2a between days 30 and 90 p.i. 30% of mice died by day 90 p.i. These data indicate that infection with P. brasiliensis by the intrathoracic route shows high IFN-γ and NO production at day 15 p.i., unable to control multiplication of fungi, which appears to be associated with a progressive increase in IL-10 and in the number and complexity of granulomas.     

Vulvo vaginal candidiasis in thoroughbred mares following progestogen administration intravaginal treatment with clotrimazole

Six Thoroughbred mares developed vulvo vaginal candidiasis following oral administration of altrenogest, a synthetic progestogen, 12.5 mg/day for fifteen days. Vaginal congestion, whitish discharge and intertrigo were observed. Candida albicans was cultured from the vagina and the vulva of all six mares. Intravaginal administration of clotrimazole, 500 mg/day for five consecutive days, resulted in rapid disappearance of the vaginal symptoms, healing of the cutaneous lesions and negative cultures. Upon clearing of the infection, the mares were returned to normal breeding practices. Five of them became pregnant within three months after completion of the anticandida treatment.     

Evaluation of the healing of surgically created small colon serosal lesions in horses, treated by homologous pericardium implantation: An experimental study

The healing of serosal lesions created in the small colon of horses and treated by homologous pericardium implantation was evaluated. A standing left flank laparotomy was performed in 6 horses. The small colon was partially exposed, and a defect measuring 2 × 2 cm was created in the serosa between the mesenteric border and the anti-mesenteric taenia. A square piece of homologous pericardium preserved in a 98% glycerin solution was rehydrated, dried, and sutured over the defect. Recovery of the animals was uneventful, with no signs of abdominal discomfort and no significant changes in physiologic variables, intestinal motility, behavior, appetite, or defecation pattern. The same was true for the erythrogram (packed cell volume, red cell count, and hemoglobin concentration), leukogram, and plasma fibrinogen values. The animals were reoperated on through the ventral midline approach after 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 35 weeks, respectively, and the implants were inspected visually and collected for microscopic study. No adhesions were found. Initially, there was a rim of fibrotic tissue covering the suture line, which regressed over time and was no longer evident after 7 weeks. From that moment on, progressive integration of the implant to the intestinal serosa was observed. Histopathologic examination revealed a late healing process, with infiltration of mononuclear cells, fibroblasts, neovascularization, and mature collagen fibers, which increased in intensity up to 6 weeks and then progressively regressed. At 5 weeks, it was already difficult to distinguish between the implant and the intestinal serosa. Our conclusion was that homologous pericardium implants have good acceptance in intestinal serosal lesions in horses and offer a good perspective for clinical application.     

Optimizing soil fertility and ph to maximize cadmium removed by Indian mustard from contaminated soils

The effects of soil pH, different levels of nitrogen (N), phosphoras (P), and potassium (K), alone and in combination on cadmium (Cd) uptake by Indian mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czen., cv ‘426308'] were studied under greenhouse conditions. Results showed that Cd concentration in aboveground biomass at soil pH 5.5 was three times more than at pH 6.5 and 7.5. Treatments without N application at pH 5.5 had the highest Cd concentrations in the aboveground biomass. Dry weight of aboveground biomass was significantly lower atpH 5.5 compared to pH 6.5 and 7.5. Total Cd uptake at pH 6.5 increased by 2 to 2.5 times compared to uptake at soil pH 5.5. Those conditions for maximum Cd accumulation by the aboveground biomass of Indian mustard from Cd‐contaminated soil occurs at soil pH 6.5 and when the application rates of N, P, and K are at 200, 100, and 66 kg ha^‐1, respectively.     

Biodiversity of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) in Honduras, evidenced by morphological characterization

This paper describes findings in the characterization of 300 accessions in a collection of common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) in Honduras. The plant material was collected from 1990 to 1994 (4 years before the damaging Mitch Hurricane) covering most of the Departments of the country and kept at the Escuela Agrícola Panamericana Zamorano. Thirty-two morpho-agronomical characters were evaluated and the results were grouped by classes. The studied accessions showed a marked diversity with high predominance of red and small seeds. The accessions with purple flowers had black seeds and originate mainly from the western area of the country where this type of seed is preferred. Principal Component Analysis shows that clearly defined groups do not exist. The conservation of this diversity is recommended for future propagation, breeding and the investigation of the genetic relationships and other studies.     

BORON DEFICIENCY AFFECTS GAS EXCHANGE AND PHOTOCHEMICAL EFFICIENCY (JPI TEST PARAMETERS) IN GREEN DWARF COCONUT

Boron (B) deficiency causes a wide array of symptoms, not only among species of palms, but also within a single species (i.e. Cocos nucifera). A better understanding of the effects of B deficiency in coconut will be important to try optimizing a rational fertilization management in coconut plants. Thus, modification of PSII photochemistry (using a group of fluorescence parameters, called the JIP- test, that quantify the stepwise flow of energy through Photosystem II) and gas-exchange in boron deficient green dwarf coconut plants were investigated. Our results suggest that a modification of PSII photochemistry (non-stomatic effects) and gas-exchange (stomatic effects) were induced by boron deficiency. Such modifications are manifested by (1) increase the ratio of total dissipation to the amount of active reaction centers (RCs) [dissipation (DI)/RC] and (2) leaf-to-air vapor pressure difference (VPD_leaf-air). These modifications (on PSII photochemistry and gas-exchange) were caused by a decrease in energy absorbed per excited cross-section [absorption flux (ABS)/cross section of the sample (CS₀)], density of active reaction centers (RC/CS), maximal trapping rate of an exciton that will lead to Q_A reduction measured over a cross- section of active and inactive RCs [trapping flux (TR)/CS₀], electron transport per excited cross-section [electron transport flux (ET₀)/CS)], area above curve (proportional to the pool size of the electron acceptors QA on the reducing side of PSII), photosynthesis (A), stomatal conductance (g_s), transpiration (E), chlorophyll concentration (SPAD readings), growth parameters (root DW and height plant). Our results demonstrate that by analyzing fluorescence (JIP test parameters) derived from the polyphasic fluorescence transients measurements were able to estimate the functional changes of PSII in B deficient coconut plants. The results in this study suggest that fluorescence analysis (JIP test) and instantaneous measurements of gas-exchange can be useful tools in assessing the physiological effects of B deficiency in green dwarf coconut.     

CHROMIUM TOXICITY IN HYBRID EUCALYPTUS (EUCALYPTUS UROPHYLLA S. T. BLAKE X GRANDIS W. HILL EX. MAIDEN) CUTTINGS

A greenhouse experiment was carried out to evaluate chromium (Cr) toxicity in urograndis (Eucalyptus urophylla S. T. Blake x grandis W. Hill ex. Maiden). Chromium nitrate was amended to Clark's nutrient solution (0.00, 0.04, 0.08, 0.16, 0.32 and 0.64 mmol L^?1 Cr), which was used to breed one urograndis cutting per pot (four replications). Regression analysis revealed that Cr rates of 0.08 mmol L^?1 or higher significantly decreased (P < 0.01) dry matter yield of shoot and root. Chromium accumulation order in plant was: root > stem > leaves. Critical Cr toxicity level in leaves was 0.74 mg kg^?1. Uptake and translocation of nutrients were affected differently by Cr. Mostly have their uptake reduced due to root damage. Magnesium, iron and manganese translocation increases, supposedly to maintain normal photosynthetic activity. Wilting is the main visual symptom of Cr toxicity. Urograndis may be suitable for contaminated sites phytostabilization and receive industrial waste fertilization.     

Seasonal Variation in Nutrient Status of Foxglove Leaves

The seasonal variation of mineral elements and the relationships among them were studied in natural populations of foxglove (Digitalis obscura). Young and mature leaves were collected in 10 different populations and on four sample dates (May, July, October, and February). Leaf mineral elements [nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu)] were determined. The highest concentrations of N, P, and K in young leaf were recorded in May, followed by a decrease in the other months, while in contrast Ca and Fe showed the lowest concentration in May. Mature leaves showed differential seasonal behavior. Besides seasonal variations, significant fluctuations of N/P and Ca/Mg ratios were observed in young leaves. Strong positive correlations existed among N, P and K, while negative correlations were found between Ca and N, P, or K.     

Effects of protein sources and inclusion levels on nitrogen metabolism and urea kinetics of Nellore feedlot steers fed concentrate-based diets

Urea recycling occurs in all mammalian species and represents an important source of ruminal nitrogen (N) for ruminants fed protein-restricted diets. However, its importance for cattle fed adequate amounts of protein and energy remains unclear. Six Nellore feedlot steers fed concentrate-based diets were used in a 6 × 6 Latin square design with a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments to evaluate ruminal fermentation, urea kinetics, and N excretion. Treatments consisted of 3 protein sources (PS: soybean meal plus urea [SU], corn gluten meal [CGM], and dry distillers grains [DDG]) and 2 inclusion levels (PL; 11% and 14%). Steers were adapted to the diets for 14 d followed by 8 d of sample collection. Feed intake, fecal output, and urine production were measured from day 18 to day 22 of each period. Blood samples were collected every 6 h on day 18. [¹⁵N-¹⁵N]-urea was infused into the jugular vein for 82 h over day 19 to day 22, and measurement of ¹⁵N in background (day 18) and enriched feces and urine (day 21) were used to evaluate urea kinetics. To evaluate the incorporation of recycled urea N into microbial protein (MICP), ruminal and duodenal fluid were collected on day 22. Steers fed SU diets had lower (P < 0.05) nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), greater (P < 0.05) urea-N entry rate (UER), and tended (P < 0.10) to have greater gastrointestinal entry rate of urea-N (GER) compared with those fed CGM or DDG. In addition, steers fed SU had greater (P < 0.05) urea-N returned to ornithine cycle (ROC) compared with those fed CGM or DDG. Increasing PL tended (P < 0.10) to increase UER. The proportion of total microbial N from recycled urea-N was greater (P < 0.05) for steers fed CGM compared with those fed SU and also greater for steers fed diets with 11% CP than for those fed with 14% CP. Diets with 11% CP can be used for Nellore feedlot cattle fed concentrate-based diets without negatively affecting intake, digestibility, and ruminal fermentation. Moreover, diets containing rumen undegradable protein (RUP) feed sources (CGM or DDG) compared with diets with SU markedly increased NUE, while maintaining microbial protein (MICP) synthesis. Results from this study suggest that the equation adopted by NASEM (NASEM. 2016. Nutrient requirements of beef cattle. 8th revised ed. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press) was not accurate in estimating the urea-N used for anabolism (UUA) in Nellore feedlot cattle fed concentrate-based diets.     

Soil fertility in indigenous swidden fields and fallows in northern Amazonia,Brazil

In the northern Brazilian Amazon, indigenous peoples who inhabit the savannas of Roraima, plant their crop fields in frequently managed “forest islands” using a rotating “slash-and-burn” system. The system advocates long-term sustainability, but population growth and threats to indigenous lands have led to shorter rotations and greater frequency of use of forest island areas. Our objective was to examine soil texture and fertility (0–20 cm in depth) in indigenous crop fields (roças) and fallow lands (capoeiras, secondary forests), generating recommendations that may help to optimize traditional soil management. Results indicated that roça sites are less acidic than capoeira sites, which was expected as ashes produced by burning are alkalizing, but acidity did not increase again after 8 months of cultivation, and pH was high in all sites (>6). The general increase in nutrients expected in roças compared with capoeiras did not occur. The expected decrease of soil fertility after first months of cultivation did not happen, nor the increase of soil fertility according to fallow length. Overall, soil texture proved to be the main determinant of fertility. The unexpected results suggest that the edaphic processes resulting from the traditional indigenous cultivations, practised for centuries or millennia in this region, likely contributed to the current stabilization of soil acidity and fertility. The stable moderate fertility and stable high pH observed in all sites are advantages for production in slash-and-burn systems in this region, and this is especially important for more pressured areas, where agroecological practices could improve soil use and management. Although not determinant for soil fertility recovery at the studied depth (0–20 cm), the fallow period (growth of capoeiras) is still important for recovery of environmental and social functions of forest islands.