A Community-Curated DokuWiki Resource on Diagnostics, Diversity, Pathogenicity, and Genetic Control of Xanthomonads.

Xanthomonads, including Xanthomonas and Xylella species, constitute a large and significant group of economically and ecologically important plant pathogens. Up-to-date knowledge of these pathogens and their hosts is essential for the development of suitable control measures. Traditional review articles or book chapters have inherent limitations, including static content and rapid obsolescence. To address these challenges, we have developed a Web-based knowledge platform dedicated to xanthomonads, inspired by the concept of living systematic reviews. This platform offers a dynamic resource that encompasses bacterial virulence factors, plant resistance genes, and tools for diagnostics and genetic diversity studies. Our goal is to facilitate access for newcomers to the field, provide continuing education opportunities for students, assist plant protection services with diagnostics, provide valuable information to breeders on sources of resistance and breeding targets, and offer comprehensive expert knowledge to other stakeholders interested in plant-pathogenic xanthomonads. This resource is available for queries and updates at https://euroxanth.ipn.pt. [Formula: see text] Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license.

Sugarcane Straw as a Source of Arabinoxylans: Optimization and Economic Viability of a Two-Step Alkaline Extraction.

Sugarcane processing produces a significant amount of byproducts in the form of straw and bagasse, which are rich in cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. This work aims to provide a valorization approach to sugarcane straw by optimizing a two-step alkaline extraction of arabinoxylans by a response surface methodology to evaluate a potential industrial-scale production. Sugarcane straws were delignified using an alkaline-sulfite pretreatment, followed by alkaline extraction and precipitation of arabinoxylan, a two-step process optimized using a response surface methodology. A KOH concentration of (2.93-17.1%) and temperature (18.8-61.2 °C) were chosen as independent variables, and the arabinoxylan yield (%) as a response variable. The model application shows that KOH concentration, temperature, and the interaction between both independent variables are significant in extracting arabinoxylans from straw. The best-performing condition was further characterized by FTIR, DSC, and chemical and molecular weight evaluation. The straws arabinoxylans presented high purities levels, ca. 69.93%, and an average molecular weight of 231 kDa. The overall estimated production cost of arabinoxylan from straw was 0.239 €/g arabinoxylan. This work demonstrates a two-step alkaline extraction of the arabinoxylans method, as well as their chemical characterization and economic viability analysis, that can be used as a model for industrial scale-up production.

Biogenic silica microparticles as a new and sustainable cosmetic ingredient: Assessment of performance and quality parameters.

The demand for sustainable products is increasing worldwide and cosmetic industry is not an exception. Besides exploring nature as source of new ingredients, their production must be sustainable and should use environmentally friendly processes. In this work, biogenic silica microparticles were synthesized from sugarcane ash, and their potential application as cosmetic and skincare ingredient was evaluated. For such application, several properties were validated, including cytotoxicity in skin keratinocytes, potential sensitization effect on skin peptides, stimulation of pro-collagen I alpha 1, wound healing capacity, as well as the ingredient stability along a storage period. Biogenic silica showed to be non-cytotoxic on skin keratinocytes, at concentrations up to 5 wt%, and non-skin sensitizer. A positive effect on the stimulation of pro-collagen I alpha 1 suggests a potential anti-ageing activity, while the migration of fibroblasts to a wounded area suggests a regenerative capacity. Under an accelerated stability study, biogenic silica showed an increase on the loss on drying, but no changes were observed on its functional properties, mainly oil absorption capacity, as well the microbiological quality, which was maintained. Overall, novel biogenic silica microparticles produced from a sustainable source are safe, stable over time and have potential to be used as a cosmetic and skincare ingredient.

New applications of advanced instrumental techniques for the characterization of food allergenic proteins.

Current approaches based on electrophoretic, chromatographic or immunochemical principles have allowed characterizing multiple allergens, mapping their epitopes, studying their mechanisms of action, developing detection and diagnostic methods and therapeutic strategies for the food and pharmaceutical industry. However, some of the common structural features related to the allergenic potential of food proteins remain unknown, or the pathological mechanism of food allergy is not yet fully understood. In addition, it is also necessary to evaluate new allergens from novel protein sources that may pose a new risk for consumers. Technological development has allowed the expansion of advanced technologies for which their whole potential has not been entirely exploited and could provide novel contributions to still unexplored molecular traits underlying both the structure of food allergens and the mechanisms through which they sensitize or elicit adverse responses in human subjects, as well as improving analytical techniques for their detection. This review presents cutting-edge instrumental techniques recently applied when studying structural and functional aspects of proteins, mechanism of action and interaction between biomolecules. We also exemplify their role in the food allergy research and discuss their new possible applications in several areas of the food allergy field.

Impactos da pandemia de Covid-19 no mercado de trabalho e na distribuição de renda no Brasil

A pandemia de covid-19, deflagrada logo nos primeiros meses de 2020, impactou drasticamente a dinâmica social em todo o mundo. A elevada velocidade de contágio e a consequente saturação dos leitos de internação hospitalar implicaram a necessidade de ações severas de contenção epidemiológica, sobretudo em termos de limitação da circulação e aglomeração de pessoas. Este livro, portanto, congrega uma variedade de estudos que abordaram essa temática sobre múltiplas lentes analíticas, incluindo pesquisadores e pesquisadoras não só de diferentes diretorias, mas também de outros órgãos que contribuíram em periódicos do Ipea desde 2020. Para tanto, optou-se por organizá-lo em capítulos divididos em cinco seções, conforme as dimensões de análise escolhidas pelos(as) pesquisadores(as).

Neverland or Tomorrowland? Addressing (In)compatibility among the SDG Pillars in Europe.

The 2015-2030 agenda framed Sustainable Development as a Universal venture. This decision has a great historic significance as it encompasses building a better future for the whole of humanity, enrolling the millions who have been denied the chance to live a decent, dignified and fulfilling life and to achieve their potential. For the first time, an entire generation will have the chance to succeed in ending poverty while being the last to have a chance of saving the planet. The world will be a better place in 2030 if humanity succeeds in this journey. However, there is hovering skepticism around the feasibility of this accomplishment. The article aims to empirically test the (in)compatibilities among these objectives even for developed economies such as the European Union countries, demonstrating that unless solid bridges are built promoting innovative networks at a transnational level, welfare and prosperity among those ecosystems will be compromised. The results show that the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) pillars have heterogeneous determinants, which are to some extent incompatible. Moreover, policy makers need to further reinforce multi-country compensations if the environment is to be preserved.

Effect of ibuprofen on extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) production and composition, and assessment of microbial structure by quantitative image analysis.

A Sequencing Batch Reactor (SBR) with activated sludge was operated with synthetic wastewater containing ibuprofen (IBU) to investigate the biomass stress-responses under long-term IBU exposure. There were 3 different phases: phase I as the control without IBU for 56 days, phase II (40 days), and phase III (60 days) containing IBU at 10 and 5 mg L-1 each. The overall performance of the SBR as well as the extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) in terms of polysaccharides, proteins, and humic acid substances were estimated. Morphological parameters of microbial aggregates in the presence of IBU (phase II and phase III) were assessed by quantitative image analysis (QIA). Removal efficiencies of chemical oxygen demand (COD) and ammonium (NH4+) were significantly reduced by IBU. Loosely bound EPS (LB-EPS) decreased during phase II and phase III, and tightly bound EPS (TB-EPS) was slightly higher in phase II than phase I. TB-EPS proteins were greater in phase II, perhaps to protect microbial cells from IBU exposure. These findings provided insight into both activated sludge stress-responses and EPS composition under long-term IBU exposure. Spearman correlation showed that EPS and morphological parameters significantly affected sludge settleability and flocculation. QIA also proved to be a powerful technique in investigating dysfunctions in activated sludge under IBU exposure.

Chemical Exposure: European Citizens' Perspectives, Trust, and Concerns on Human Biomonitoring Initiatives, Information Needs, and Scientific Results.

Over the last few decades, citizen awareness and perception of chemical products has been a topic of interest, particularly concerning national and international policy decision makers, expert/scientific platforms, and the European Union itself. To date, few qualitative studies on human biomonitoring have analysed communication materials, made recommendations in terms of biomonitoring surveillance, or asked for feedback in terms of specific biomonitoring methods. This paper provides in-depth insight on citizens' perceptions of knowledge of biomonitoring, impact of chemical exposure on daily life, and claims on how results of research should be used. Four semi-structured focus groups were held in Austria, Portugal, Ireland, and the United Kingdom (UK). The cross-sectional observational qualitative design of this study allows for better understanding of public concern regarding chemicals, application, and use of human biomonitoring. The main findings of this study include citizens' clear articulation on pathways of exposure, the demand on stakeholders for transparent decision-making, and sensitivity in communication of results to the public. Validated and trustful communication is perceived as key to empowering citizens to take action. The results can be used to facilitate decision-making and policy development, and feeds into the awareness needs of similar and future projects in human biomonitoring. Furthermore, it also brings to light ideas and concepts of citizens' in shaping collaborative knowledge between citizens', experts, scientists, and policy makers on equal terms.

Desigualdades no mercado de trabalho e pandemia da Covid-19

O objetivo deste estudo é investigar a evolução de três dimensões relevantes da desigualdade brasileira no mercado de trabalho, gênero, raça/cor e idade, no período de 2012 a 2020. Mais especificamente, analisa-se como essas estatísticas foram afetadas pela crise associada à pandemia da Covid-19. A partir de dados da Pesquisa Nacional por Amostra de Domicílios Contínua (PNAD Contínua) do Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (IBGE), encontra-se as desigualdades nas taxas de participação, desemprego, ocupação e informalidade não se reduzem durante a crise. Ao contrário, observa-se a ampliação do diferencial, como é o caso da taxa de ocupação por raça/cor e idade. Os resultados indicam ainda aumento intenso nas chances de sair da condição de ocupado para inatividade e redução das chances de conseguir um emprego. Importante notar que mesmo ao se controlar por outras características pessoais ou do posto de trabalho, as mulheres, os negros e os jovens possuem maiores chances de perder a ocupação. No entanto, esta desvantagem não é uma característica somente da crise de 2020.

The aim of this study is to investigate three relevant dimensions of Brazilian inequality in the labor market, gender, race and age, in the period 2012-2020. More specifically, we analyze how these statistics were affected by the crisis due to Covid-19. It is observed that inequalities in participation, unemployment, occupation and informality rates are not reduced during the 2020 crisis. On the contrary, there is an increase in the difference of employment to population ratio by race and age. The results also indicate that 2020 is characterized by an unusual increase in the chances of job loss and a reduction in the chances of getting a job. It is important to note that even when controlling for other personal or job characteristics, women, blacks and young people are more likely to lose their jobs. Nonetheless, this disadvantage is not specific of the 2020 crisis.

Uma análise da MP n° 936/2020 sobre os rendimentos dos trabalhadores e a renda domiciliar per capita / An analysis of MP n ° 936/2020 on workers' income and per capita household income

O objetivo desta nota técnica é caracterizar trabalhadores e famílias que poderão ser potencialmente afetados por esta norma e simular as possíveis variações de salários e rendimentos. Além desta introdução, a nota é composta pela seção 2, que descreve os principais aspectos da MP nº 936/2020; pela seção 3, a qual apresenta os dados utilizados; pela seção 4, que sumariza os resultados; e pela seção 5, que expõe as principais conclusões.

Homologous tropomyosins from vertebrate and invertebrate: Recombinant calibrator proteins in functional biological assays for tropomyosin allergenicity assessment of novel animal foods.

BACKGROUND: Novel foods may provide new protein sources for a growing world population but entail risks of unexpected food-allergic reactions. No guidance on allergenicity assessment of novel foods exists, while for genetically modified (GM) crops it includes comparison of sequence identity with known allergens, digestibility tests and IgE serum screening. OBJECTIVE: As a proof of concept, to evaluate non-/allergenic tropomyosins (TMs) regarding their potential as new calibrator proteins in functional biological in vitro assays for the semi-quantitative allergy risk assessment of novel TM-containing animal foods with mealworm TM as an example. METHODS: Purified TMs (shrimp, Penaeus monodon; chicken Gallus gallus; E coli overexpression) were compared by protein sequencing, circular dichroism analysis and in vitro digestion. IgE binding was quantified using shrimp-allergic patients' sera (ELISA). Biological activities were investigated (skin testing; titrated basophil activation tests, BAT), compared to titrated biological mediator release using humanized rat basophil leukaemia (RBL) cells. RESULTS: Shrimp and chicken TMs showed high sequence homology, both alpha-helical structures and thermal stability. Shrimp TM was stable during in vitro gastric digestion, chicken TM degraded quickly. Both TMs bound specific IgE from shrimp-allergic patients (significantly higher for shrimp TM), whereas skin reactivity was mostly positive with only shrimp TM. BAT and RBL cell assays were positive with shrimp and chicken TM, although at up to 100- to 1000-times lower allergen concentrations for shrimp than chicken TM. In RBL cell assays using both TM as calibrators, an activation of effector cells by mealworm TM similar to that by shrimp TM confirmed the already reported high allergenic potency of mealworm TM as a novel protein source. CONCLUSIONS & CLINICAL RELEVANCE: According to current GM crops' allergenicity assessment, non-allergenic chicken TM could falsely be considered an allergen on a weight-of-evidence approach. However, calibrating allergenic potency in functional BAT and RBL cell assays with clinically validated TMs allowed for semi-quantitative discrimination of novel food protein's allergenicity. With TM calibration as a proof of concept, similar systems of homologous protein might be developed to scale on an axis of allergenicity.

Chances de óbito por Covid-19 entre os trabalhadores formais: evidências do estado do Rio de Janeiro / Nota Técnica n. 76 (Diset) : Chances de obito por Covid-19 entre os trabalhadores formais: evidencias do estado do Rio de Janeiro

Esta nota técnica tem o objetivo de realizar uma análise sobre o perfil socioeconômico da população que teve confirmada a infecção pela Covid-19 no estado do Rio de Janeiro e investigar em que medida determinadas características socioeconômicas afetam as chances de morrer da doença. Para isso, serão utilizadas informações socioeconômicas individualizadas disponíveis para o conjunto dos trabalhadores formais do estado.

Reduções nas horas trabalhadas com compensação governamental como política de manutenção do emprego e da renda

Este artigo tem como objetivo apresentar algumas propostas que têm sido sugeridas em alguns países envolvendo short-time work para manutenção do emprego e da renda durante o cenário pandêmico da Covid-19. Além disso, são descritos alguns resultados de políticas semelhantes a partir das análises de experiências implantadas durante a crise financeira de 2008-2009.

Mercado de trabalho e pandemia da Covid-19: ampliação de desigualdades já existentes?

O objetivo desta nota é identificar quais trabalhadores sofreram maior impacto em termos de perda de ocupação no Brasil em dois períodos: o mês de março de 2020 e a segunda quinzena do mesmo mês deste ano. Em particular, pretende-se desagregar as perdas ocupacionais por gênero, idade, raça/cor e nível educacional dos trabalhadores(as). A decomposição das perdas será feita, ainda, por tipos de jornadas (parcial ou integral), de emprego (com ou sem carteira assinada no setor privado) e por renda do trabalho.

Validated Assessment Scales for Cellulite Dimples on the Buttocks and Thighs in Female Patients.

BACKGROUND: New treatment methods for cellulite require globally accepted scales for aesthetic research and patient evaluation. OBJECTIVE: To develop a set of grading scales for objective assessment of cellulite dimples on female buttocks and thighs and assess their reliability and validity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two photonumeric grading scales were created and validated for dimples in the buttocks in female patients: Cellulite Dimples-At Rest, and Cellulite Dimples-Dynamic. Sixteen aesthetic experts rated photographs of 50 women in 2 validation sessions. Responses were analyzed to assess inter-rater and intra-rater reliability. RESULTS: Overall inter-rater reliability and intra-rater reliability were both "almost perfect" (≥0.81, intraclass correlation efficient and weighted kappa) for the At Rest scale. For the Dynamic scale, inter-rater reliability and intra-rater reliability were "substantial" (0.61-0.80). There was a high correlation between the cellulite scales and body mass index, age, weight, and skin laxity assessments. CONCLUSION: Consistent outcomes between raters and by individual raters at 2 time points confirm the reliability of the cellulite dimple grading scales for buttocks and thighs in female patients and suggest they will be a valuable tool for use in research and clinical practice.

Validated Assessment Scales for Skin Laxity on the Posterior Thighs, Buttocks, Anterior Thighs, and Knees in Female Patients.

BACKGROUND: The demand for noninvasive skin-tightening body procedures is increasing. OBJECTIVE: To develop a set of grading scales for the objective assessment of skin laxity and assess their reliability and validity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two photonumeric grading scales were created and validated for skin laxity in female patients: Skin Laxity-Posterior Thighs/Buttocks, and Anterior Thighs/Knees. Fifteen aesthetic experts rated photographs of 50 women in 2 validation sessions. Responses were analyzed to assess inter-rater and intra-rater reliability. RESULTS: Overall inter-rater reliability according to intraclass correlation efficient (ICC) 2.1 and weighted kappa was at least "substantial" for both scales in both sessions, and "almost perfect" (≥0.81) for the Anterior Thighs and Knees scale in session 2. Intra-rater reliability was "almost perfect" for both scales (ICC 2.1) and "substantial" to "almost perfect" by weighted kappa. A correlation between the skin laxity scales and body mass index, age, weight, sun exposure, and cellulite severity was observed. CONCLUSION: The skin laxity photonumeric grading scales are valid and reliable instruments for assessing laxity on the posterior thighs and buttocks, and anterior thighs and knees. The scales will be of value for standardizing clinical evaluations and quantifying outcome measurements in research and clinical practice.

Evolutionary history of the buildup and breakdown of the heterostylous syndrome in Plumbaginaceae.

The evolutionary pathways leading to the heterostylous syndrome are not well understood, and models concerning the origins of distyly differ in the order in which reciprocal herkogamy and self-incompatibility evolve. We investigated the evolution and breakdown of distyly in Plumbaginaceae, a family with considerable diversity of floral traits and reproductive systems. Using Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo analyses and stochastic character mapping, we examined the evolutionary assembly and breakdown of the heterostylous syndrome based on a well-resolved phylogeny of 121 species of Plumbaginaceae and six outgroup taxa using five nuclear and plastid gene regions. We used the distribution of reproductive traits and reconstructed ancestral characters across phylogenies to evaluate competing models for the evolution of distyly. The most likely common ancestor of Plumbaginaceae was self-incompatible and monomorphic for sex-organ arrangement and pollen-stigma characters. Character state reconstructions indicated that reciprocal herkogamy evolved at least three times and that shifts to selfing and apomixis occurred on multiple occasions. Our results provide comparative support for the early ideas of H. G. Baker on evolutionary pathways in Plumbaginaceae, and the more recent selfing avoidance model by D. & B. Charlesworth in which distyly evolves from self-incompatible ancestors.

Monitoramento dos efeitos da nova política uruguaia de regulação do mercado de cannabis sobre a zona de fronteira: vitimização e percepção social em políticas sobre drogas na fronteira brasileira com o Uruguai - segunda rodada

O objetivo deste relatório é apresentar os resultados da segunda rodada da Pesquisa de Vitimização e Percepção Social em Políticas sobre Drogas na Fronteira Brasileira com o Uruguai, realizada pelo Ipea durante o mês de agosto de 2017. São resultados preliminares, pois o projeto contempla ainda a realização de uma terceira rodada. Outro relatório realizará a análise dos dados em painel. A pesquisa compõe o Plano de Monitoramento dos Efeitos da Nova Política Uruguaia de Regulação do Mercado de Cannabis sobre a Zona de Fronteira, sob a responsabilidade comum de investigadores brasileiros e uruguaios, no quadro do Protocolo de Rivera, de 16 de dezembro de 2014.

Seasonal change in main alkaloids of jaborandi (Pilocarpus microphyllus Stapf ex Wardleworth), an economically important species from the Brazilian flora.

Pilocarpus microphyllus Stapf ex Wardleworth (jaborandi, Rutaceae) is one of the most important Brazilian medicinal species owing to its content of pilocarpine (PIL), an alkaloid used for treating glaucoma and xerostomia. This species contains another alkaloid, epiisopiloturine (EPI), which has demonstrated effectiveness against schistosomiasis. The aim of this work was to assess seasonal changes of PIL and EPI in three populations of cultivated P. microphyllus from northeastern Brazil over one year, including the dry and rainy seasons. Alkaloid profiles were correlated to phenotypic and genetic patterns in the morphological and molecular characterizations. PIL was the primary alkaloid and its levels differed among populations in all months except September. The S01 population (green line) showed an especially high PIL content compared to populations S02 and S03 (traditional line), which had similar alkaloid contents. PIL content gradually decreased in the three populations in the rainy season.EPI content was significantly different between the green line (S01) and the traditional line (S02 and S03).S01 had a significantly lower EPI content in all months, demonstrating that it was not the best source for EPI extraction. Inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers and morphological analyses clearly separated S01 from S02 and S03, in agreement with the alkaloid results. This study shows the first correlation between the chemical, morphological, and molecular markers of P. microphyllus and highlights the potential benefits of a multidisciplinary research approach aimed at supporting both industry and conservation of natural resources.