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Abstract Fermentation using starter cultures has been considered an alternative and economically viable technology for the production of specialty coffees. This type of technology promotes several benefits, such as increased sensory quality, control over the fermentation process, predictability of the final product and added value. Coffee (Coffea arabica L.) samples for this study were collected in Presidente Olegário - MG (2018/19 crop year) in the Cerrado region of Minas Gerais. The effects of natural fermentation and inoculation of the yeast Torulaspora delbrueckii and duration of fermentation (0, 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours) on the sensory and chemical quality (analysis of bioactive, volatile, and organic compounds and fatty acids) of coffee were evaluated. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of fermentation time and starter culture inoculation on the chemical composition of fermented coffees. Fermentation time significantly influenced the sensory description of the coffee beverage, with notes of honey, brown sugar and almond predominating up to 48 hours, for coffees fermented for 72 and 96 hours the notes described were and fruity, winey notes. The chemical composition was primarily influenced by fermentation time.

The delivery of therapeutical molecules through the skin, particularly to its deeper layers, is impaired due to the stratum corneum layer, which acts as a barrier to foreign substances. Thus, for the past years, scientists have focused on the development of more efficient methods to deliver molecules to skin distinct layers. Microneedles, as a new class of biomedical devices, consist of an array of microscale needles. This particular biomedical device has been drawing attention due to its ability to breach the stratum corneum, forming micro-conduits to facilitate the passage of therapeutical molecules. The microneedle device has several advantages over conventional methods, such as better medication adherence, easiness, and painless self-administration. Moreover, it is possible to deliver the molecules swiftly or over time. Microneedles can vary in shape, size, and composition. The design process of a microneedle device must take into account several factors, like the location delivery, the material, and the manufacturing process. Microneedles have been used in a large number of fields from drug and vaccine application to cosmetics, therapy, diagnoses, tissue engineering, sample extraction, cancer research, and wound healing, among others.

Objective: To systematically review studies examining the effects of home-visiting preventive parenting programs (HV-PPs) on improving the quality of mother-child interactions in early childhood. Method: Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses protocol, we identified 3,586 studies published between 2018 and 2022 by searching the following databases: PubMed, Web of Science, BVS/LILACS, SciELO, and PsycNET/PsycINFO. After applying the eligibility criteria, 17 articles were selected for review. Results: Most studies were conducted in high-income countries (53%) and the remainder were conducted in upper-middle-income countries, predominantly using a randomized controlled trial design and with strong methodological quality. The 17 studies applied 13 different HV-PPs, predominantly using video feedback, based on various dosages and schedules. Most studies (77%) showed significant positive effects on mother-child interactions by improving mainly positive maternal behaviors (e.g., sensitivity and responsiveness). Positive effects occurred independent of the study design, sample characteristics, measures, and constructs assessed. However, the findings suggest that the combination of fewer than six sessions, durations shorter than three months, and a very early start did not impact mother-child interactions, as expected. Few studies have explored negative maternal behaviors, children’s behaviors, and dyadic interactions such as mutuality and synchrony. Conclusions: HV-PPs positively impacted mother-child interactions in early childhood despite the large heterogeneity across program designs, outcome measures, and overlapping constructs. Based on the results, we discuss the practical and economic implications of using parenting programs as a preventive approach.

Nowadays, epidemiological modeling is applied to a wide range of diseases, communicable and non-communicable, namely AIDS, Ebola, influenza, Dengue, Malaria, Zika. More recently, in the context of the last pandemic declared by the World Health Organization (WHO), several studies applied these models to SARS-CoV-2. Despite the increasing number of researches using spatial analysis, some constraints persist that prevent more complex modeling such as capturing local epidemiological dynamics or capturing the real patterns and dynamics. For example, the unavailability of: (i) epidemiological information such as the frequency with which it is made available; (ii) sociodemographic and environmental factors (e.g., population density and population mobility) at a finer scale which influence the evolution patterns of infectious diseases; or (iii) the number of cases information that is also very dependent on the degree of testing performed, often with severe territorial disparities and influenced by context factors. Moreover, the delay in case reporting and the lack of quality control in epidemiological information is responsible for biases in the data that lead to many results obtained being subject to the ecological fallacy, making it difficult to identify causal relationships. Other important methodological limitations are the control of spatiotemporal dependence, management of non-linearity, ergodicy, among others, which can impute inconsistencies to the results. In addition to these issues, social contact, is still difficult to quantify in order to be incorporated into modeling processes. This study aims to explore a modeling framework that can overcome some of these modeling methodological limitations to allow more accurate modeling of epidemiological diseases. Based on Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and spatial analysis, our model is developed to identify group of municipalities where population density (vulnerability) has a stronger relationship with incidence (hazard) and commuting movements (exposure). Specifically, our framework shows how to operate a model over data with no clear trend or seasonal pattern which is suitable for a short-term predicting (i.e., forecasting) of cases based on few determinants. Our tested models provide a good alternative for when explanatory data is few and the time component is not available, once they have shown a good fit and good short-term forecast ability.

Endophytic fungi are promising producers of phenolic compounds; however, the process of extracting these molecules from the culture medium is a crucial step for obtaining these metabolites. In this context, the best conditions for extracting phenolic compounds produced by Cophinforma mamane CF2-13, isolated from an Amazonian plant, were evaluated. The fungus was cultivated in a liquid medium to obtain its metabolites. The effects of the solvent, time, and temperature were investigated, as well as the use of ultrasound. The total phenolics and the antioxidant activity were assessed to define the best extraction conditions. The optimized extract was chemically characterized and used to analyze its potential in protecting olive oil from lipid oxidation. The best results were found using ethyl acetate at 20 °C for 2 h. These conditions led to 61.61 mg GAEq/g of extract of total phenolics, and an antioxidant capacity of 0.47, 0.45, and 0.29 mmol TEq/g of extract using the DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP methods, respectively. In addition, the optimized extract presented caffeic acid and was able to delay the lipid oxidation of olive oil. The potential of endophytic fungi to produce phenolic compounds is promising for the food industry since natural bioactive compounds have many benefits for human health.

Abstract Monogeneans are a diverse group of flatworms, being ectoparasites of marine and freshwater fish, with great morphological and ecological variety. Analyzes of monogenetics in fish with great habitat diversity such as snappers are scarce in the literature, which already emphasizes the need for an update in this regard. The presente study found, morphologically characterized and mapped the geographic distribution and in known hosts the species Microcotyloides incisa and Microcotyloides impudicus, describing the first occurrence of these monogeneans for South America and in new hosts. The survey of hosts in the literature shows that M. incisa seems to have a greater Affinity with congener species of Lutjanidae and fish from other families, which may indicate a preference or specificity for fish of this family because they are congeners of their host type. The introduction of these parasites into South American waters may have occurred due to the migratory behavior of snappers, which are well distributed along the Mexican coast, where the parasites are usually reported. Here, we also bring the first occurrence of M. incisa for Lutjanus analis and Lutjanus jocu and M. impudicus for Ocyurus chrysurus and Lutjanus synagris, helping in the mapping and distribution of these monogenetic species in the Americas.

Abstract Immunization with the Amastigote Surface Protein-2 (ASP-2) and Trans-sialidase (TS) antigens either in the form of recombinant protein, encoded in plasmids or human adenovirus 5 (hAd5) confers robust protection against various lineages of Trypanosoma cruzi. Herein we generated a chimeric protein containing the most immunogenic regions for T and B cells from TS and ASP-2 (TRASP) and evaluated its immunogenicity in comparison with our standard protocol of heterologous prime-boost using plasmids and hAd5. Mice immunized with TRASP protein associated to Poly-ICLC (Hiltonol) were highly resistant to challenge with T. cruzi, showing a large decrease in tissue parasitism, parasitemia and no lethality. This protection lasted for at least 3 months after the last boost of immunization, being equivalent to the protection induced by DNA/hAd5 protocol. TRASP induced high levels of T. cruzi-specific antibodies and IFNγ-producing T cells and protection was primarily mediated by CD8+ T cells and IFN-γ. We also evaluated the toxicity, immunogenicity, and efficacy of TRASP and DNA/hAd5 formulations in dogs. Mild collateral effects were detected at the site of vaccine inoculation. While the chimeric protein associated with Poly-ICLC induced high levels of antibodies and CD4+ T cell responses, the DNA/hAd5 induced no antibodies, but a strong CD8+ T cell response. Immunization with either vaccine protected dogs against challenge with T. cruzi. Despite the similar efficacy, we conclude that moving ahead with TRASP together with Hiltonol is advantageous over the DNA/hAd5 vaccine due to pre-existing immunity to the adenovirus vector, as well as the cost-benefit for development and large-scale production.

Land Use and Land Cover (LULC) datasets are widely used across disciplines, with many users demanding more and better information. Understanding the uncertainties and errors associated to the main LULC datasets is a required step to facilitate their correct use, as well as to identify what could be improved in the future production of these products. CORINE Land Cover is probably the most well-known and used LULC dataset in Europe, especially valuable for the rich time-series that it provides. Despite being produced through a change mapping first approach, which tries to avoid technical errors and uncertainties in the temporal analysis of LULC changes, the Copernicus Land Monitoring Service distributes status layers of CORINE (CSL), which are not valid for change analysis because of their associated errors and uncertainties. The CORINE layers of changes (CHA) remove a lot of these issues, but do not meet the needs of many users. In Portugal, the national authority in charge of producing CORINE, the DGT, has implemented a backdating approach to produce consistent CSL layers that allow change analysis with low levels of uncertainty. Throughout this paper, we evaluate the changes that can be analyzed through all available CORINE layers in Portugal: Copernicus CSL layers; the national DGT CSL layers; and CHA layers. To this end, we aim to assess what type of changes can be studied through each type of layer, their associated sources of uncertainty and the relevance and utility of the Portuguese backdating approach to produce a consistent time-series of LULC maps. The results prove how the Portuguese CORINE layers distributed by the Copernicus Land Monitoring Service contain important sources of uncertainty, which however have been removed through the national backdating methodology. This methodology can be therefore exported for the production of CORINE in other European countries.

The increasing world population means an increased demand for sustainable processes and products related to foods, particularly those with added health benefits. Plants can be an alternative source of nutritional and biofunctional ingredients. Cytisus plants are an underexploited bioresource, currently prevalent in the Mediterranean Basin and western Asia. This manuscript addresses the processing potential of Cytisus plants for the development of added-value products, including food formulations, food packaging, cosmetics, and therapeutic applications. Most research has reported that Cytisus spp. are a promising source of inexpensive bioactive polyphenol compounds. Cytisus flowers should be considered and exploited as raw materials for the development of new food ingredients (antioxidants, preservatives, additives, etc.), nutraceuticals, or even direct therapeutic agents (anticancer, antibacterial, etc.). In order to evaluate the socioeconomic effect of these underutilized plants, more research is needed to assess their valorization for therapeutic and dietary possibilities, as well as the economic impact.

This article analyses rice production in Portugal from its establishment in the late eighteenth century to the present. Today, not only are the Portuguese the main consumers of rice in Europe, but this cereal is the second most-produced by Portuguese agriculture. However, the historical analysis of rice production in Portugal is limited to specific eras and/or geographies. This research aims to contribute to filling several research gaps, providing a long-term view of a current problem, as the terms of public support for rice production have recently been discussed. Thus, based mainly on statistical sources, the conclusion is that rice, after a phase of slow growth, established itself from the 1930s onwards as one of the main crops of Portuguese agriculture. In fact, rice was the only cereal in Portugal that managed to keep up with the increase in productivity of the other European countries. To this end, in conjunction with favourable agroecological and market factors, public policies were decisive, such as seed selection and the introduction of more productive varieties, the elimination of public health problems and the construction of major agricultural hydraulic public works.

The randomized controlled trial examined the efficacy of a personalized remote video feedback parenting program to improve parenting and child behavior outcomes. Ninety-two mothers of 2-6-year-old children were randomly allocated into the intervention group (n = 50) and waiting-list control group (n = 42). The Strengthening Bonds preventive program was performed to improve positive parenting. The mothers participated in one in-person group session. During six weeks, the mothers received, via smartphone, remote personalized video feedback about their mother-child interactions in a play situation. Parenting was the primary outcome, and child behavior was the secondary one. Pre- and post-intervention assessments were performed. The generalized estimating equation analysis showed no significant results in the intention-to-treat (ITT). In the treatment-on-the-treated (TOT), there were statistically significant effects of the intervention decreasing mothers’ coercive parenting practices and child behavior problems. The structural equation model analysis showed that the intervention-induced reductions in children’s behavior problems were mediated by improvements in coercive practices. There was a direct effect of the intervention to improve the parental sense of competence. Despite the null findings in the ITT analysis, the TOT analysis showed promising results to strengthen positive parenting behaviors and beliefs and reduce child behavior problems.

ObjectiveCervical cancer is one of the deadliest cancers among women in Latin America and Caribbean (LAC), where most of the countries have not been successful in implementing population-level cytology-based screening programs. An increasing body of evidence supports the validity of self-sampling as an alternative to clinician collection for primary Human papillomavirus (HPV) screening. Therefore, this work aims to summarize recent HPV self-sampling approaches in LAC.MethodWe performed a systematic review to identify studies focused on “Self-sampling”, and “Human Papillomavirus DNA test” and “Latin America” in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane library and SCOPUS databases for publications dating between 01 January 2017 and 15 March 2022 based on the Preferred Reporting Items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis (PRISMA) statement. Additionally, the references of the articles were carefully reviewed.ResultsOf the 97 records selected, 20 studies including 163,787 participants, with sample sizes for individual studies ranging from 24 to 147,590 were included in this review. Studies were conducted in 10 LAC countries (18.5%), most with upper medium-income economies (70%). The range of age was 18 to ≥65 years. The vast majority of the studies (85%) addressed the HPV self-sampling strategy for primary cervical cancer screening with overall success for all women including under/never screened and those from special populations (rural, indigenous and gender minorities). Women generally found HPV self-sampling highly acceptable regardless of age, setting of collection, target population or country of residence.ConclusionsHPV self-sampling is a promising strategy to overcome the multiple barriers to cervical cancer screening in LAC settings and increasing attendance in underscreened women in countries/territories with well-established screening programs. Furthermore, this strategy is useful even in LAC countries/territories without organized cervical cancer screening and in special populations such as indigenous, rural and transgender women. Therefore, the information generated by the recent initiatives for HPV self-sampling approach in LAC can be beneficial for decision-making in both new and existing programs in the region.

Sewage sludge, produced daily and inherent to urban development, presents problems of disposal that are still challenging today. Its disposal still offers palliative solutions, where the final destination is generally in landfills or, restrictively, to use in agriculture. The synthesis of carbon quantum dots (CQDs) from sewage sludge is a better alternative to use the stock of organic material present in the sludge. The present work aims to produce Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) using principles of green chemistry and to use an alternative raw material intrinsic stock of carbon present in sewage sludge, making its final disposal more sustainable. The material obtained has a core structure mainly composed of sp2 carbon and nitrogen. The surface functional groups containing sulfur, nitrogen, and oxygen of CQDs were investigated using FTIR and TG/DSC coupled FTIR techniques. The CQDs showed a luminescence decay time equivalent to fluorescent compounds and with satisfying quantum yield since no passive/oxidizing agent or material purification process was used. The photoluminescence spectroscopy analysis showed that the CDQs excitation λmax was at 360 nm and caused a λmax emission at 437 nm (CQDsa) and 430 nm (CQDsb). The CQDs obtained showed sizes of 9.69 ± 2.64 nm (CQDsa) and 10.92 ± 2.69 nm (CQDsb). In vitro experiments demonstrated the uptake of CQDs by the endothelial cell line EAhy 926 and their nontoxicity. However, the production of CQDs can be used for the sustainable disposal of sewage sludge.

Engineering microorganisms to grow on alternative feedstocks is crucial not just because of the indisputable biotechnological applications but also to deepen our understanding of microbial metabolism. One-carbon (C1) substrate metabolism has been the focus of extensive research for the prominent role of C1 compounds in establishing a circular bioeconomy. Methanol in particular holds great promise as it can be produced directly from greenhouse gases methane and carbon dioxide using renewable resources. Synthetic methylotrophy, i.e. introducing a non-native methanol utilization pathway into a model host, has therefore been the focus of long-time efforts and is perhaps the pinnacle of metabolic engineering. It entails completely changing a microorganism’s lifestyle, from breaking up multi-carbon nutrients for growth to building C-C bonds from a single-carbon molecule to obtain all metabolites necessary to biomass formation as well as energy. The frontiers of synthetic methylotrophy have been pushed further than ever before and in this review, we outline the advances that paved the way for the more recent accomplishments. These include optimizing the host’s metabolism, “copy and pasting” naturally existing methylotrophic pathways, “mixing and matching” enzymes to build new pathways, and even creating novel enzymatic functions to obtain strains that are able to grow solely on methanol. Finally, new approaches are contemplated to further advance the field and succeed in obtaining a strain that efficiently grows on methanol and allows C1-based production of added-value compounds.

ABSTRACT In recent years the immunomodulatory actions of vitamin D, a steroid hormone, have been extensively studied. In 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the question arose as to 25(OH)D status would be related to susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection, since several studies pointed out a higher prevalence and severity of the disease in populations with low levels of 25(OH)D. Thus, we investigated the 25(OH)D levels in adults “Detected” positive for SARS CoV-2 by RT-PCR (reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction) test, and in negative controls, “not Detected”, using the Fleury Group's examination database, in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Of a total of 14.692 people with recent assessments of 25(OH)D and RT-PCR tests for COVID-19, 2.345 were positive and 11.585 were negative for the infection. The groups did not differ in the percentage of men and women, or in the age distribution. There were no differences in the distribution of 25(OH)D between the two groups (p = 0.08); mean 25(OH)D of 28.8 ± 21.4 ng/mL and 29.6 ± 18.1 ng/mL, respectively. In the specific population studied, clinical, environmental, socioeconomic and cultural factors should have greater relevance than 25(OH)D in determining the susceptibility to COVID-19.

This work presents a multi-parameter optical fiber monitoring solution applied to an underground power distribution network. The monitoring system demonstrated herein uses Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) sensors to measure multiple parameters, such as the distributed temperature of the power cable, external temperature and current of the transformers, liquid level, and intrusion in the underground manholes. To monitor partial discharges of cable connections, we used sensors that detect radio frequency signals. The system was characterized in the laboratory and tested in underground distribution networks. We present here the technical details of the laboratory characterization, system installation, and the results of 6 months of network monitoring. The data obtained for temperature sensors in the field tests show a thermal behavior depending on the day/night cycle and the season. The temperature levels measured on the conductors indicated that in high-temperature periods, the maximum current specified for the conductor must be reduced, according to the applied Brazilian standards. The other sensors detected other important events in the distribution network. All the sensors demonstrated their functionality and robustness in the distribution network, and the monitored data will allow the electric power system to have a safe operation, with optimized capacity and operating within tolerated electrical and thermal limits.

E. globulus leaves have been mainly exploited for essential oil recovery or for energy generation in industrial pulp mills, neglecting the abundance of valuable families of extractives, namely, triterpenic acids, that might open new ways for the integrated valorization of this biomass. Therefore, this study highlights the lipophilic characterization of E. globulus leaves before and after hydrodistillation, aiming at the integrated valorization of both essential oils and triterpenic acids. The lipophilic composition of E. globulus leaves after hydrodistillation is reported for the first time. Extracts were obtained by dichloromethane Soxhlet extraction and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. In addition, their cytotoxicity on different cell lines representative of the innate immune system, skin, liver, and intestine were evaluated. Triterpenic acids, such as betulonic, oleanolic, betulinic and ursolic acids, were found to be the main components of these lipophilic extracts, ranging from 30.63–37.14 g kg−1 of dry weight (dw), and representing 87.7–89.0% w/w of the total content of the identified compounds. In particular, ursolic acid was the major constituent of all extracts, representing 46.8–50.7% w/w of the total content of the identified compounds. Other constituents, such as fatty acids, long-chain aliphatic alcohols and β-sitosterol were also found in smaller amounts in the studied extracts. This study also demonstrates that the hydrodistillation process does not affect the recovery of compounds of greatest interest, namely, triterpenic acids. Therefore, the results establish that this biomass residue can be considered as a promising source of value-added bioactive compounds, opening new strategies for upgrading pulp industry residues within an integrated biorefinery context.

Abstract Arthrospira platensis is a cyanobacterium that is of great biotechnological interest, particularly for the food industry, as it possesses a high content of proteins, pigments, lipids and carbohydrates. Cyanobacteria produce extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), which are co-products of secondary metabolism that present thickening or gelling properties. A 3-level factorial design was used to study the combined effect of different nitrate concentrations and photon flux density (PFD) values to evaluate the biomass and EPS production of A. platensis. The best result in terms of biomass production was obtained under condition 6 (2 g L−1 NaNO3 and 600 μE m−2 s−1) yielding a concentration of 1.292 g L−1. However, condition 1 (0.25 g L−1 NaNO3 and 200 μE m−2 s−1) produced the greatest EPS yield (111 mg g−1), followed by condition 9 (2 g L−1 NaNO3 and 1000 μE m−2 s−1). FTIR analyses of EPS samples indicated the presence of carboxylate and sulfate functional groups, and rheological studies of the EPS at 5 and 10 g L−1 revealed a dilute solution behavior.

Background: Tropical grasses, such as elephant grass, have high moisture content during its ideal phenological state for silage. High moisture content hinders proper preservation and reduces the nutritive value of silage due to secondary fermentation and production of effluents. Adding feed materials with high dry matter content, such as murumuru (Astrocaryum murumuru) meal, is a potential alternative to improve silage yield. Objective: To determine the effects of including murumuru meal (0, 7, 14, 21, and 28%) on the fermentative characteristics, microbiological activity, aerobic stability, and chemical composition of elephant grass silages. Methods: A completely randomized design with five treatments and five replicates was used. Elephant grass was collected at 60 d of age, minced, and homogenized with murumuru meal. The mass was placed in experimental 15-L silos. The silos were collected and analyzed 45 d later. Results: Effluent production decreased (p

Abstract Background Mesenchymal chondrosarcoma is a rare and aggressive bone tumor with few reports of primary tumor in the chest wall. Case We report a case of a 17‐year‐old male presenting with back pain and a posterior mediastinal mass. Imaging demonstrated what was thought to be a benign chondral tumor. The patient underwent resection which confirmed extraskeletal mesenchymal chondrosarcoma. The patient declined proposed adjuvant chemotherapy and underwent multiple resections for rapid local reoccurrence. He ultimately elected for hospice care. Conclusion The case highlights the importance of close disease monitoring and exploration of treatment options, given lack of established guidelines and consistent tumor features.

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a movement disorder characterized by the progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons resulting in dopamine deficiency in the striatum. Given the estimated escalation in the number of people with PD in the coming decades, interventions aimed at minimizing morbidity and improving quality of life are crucial. Mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress are intrinsic factors related to PD pathogenesis. Accumulating evidence suggests that patients with PD might benefit from various forms of exercise in diverse ways, from general health improvements to disease-specific effects and, potentially, disease-modifying effects. However, the signaling and mechanism connecting skeletal muscle-increased activity and brain remodeling are poorly elucidated. In this review, we describe skeletal muscle–brain crosstalk in PD, with a special focus on mitochondrial effects, proposing mitochondrial dysfunction as a linker in the muscle–brain axis in this neurodegenerative disease and as a promising therapeutic target. Moreover, we outline how exercise secretome can improve mitochondrial health and impact the nervous system to slow down PD progression. Understanding the regulation of the mitochondrial function by exercise in PD may be beneficial in defining interventions to delay the onset of this neurodegenerative disease.

Propomo-nos fazer a análise semiótica da capa da revista noticiosa The Economist, de novembro de 2020, intitulada “Suddenly, Hope” (De Repente, a Esperança). Sendo este o nosso objetivo, partimos da conceção triádica do signo, de inspiração peirceana (Peirce, 1960), assim como da demonstração, realizada por Saussure (1916/2006), de que cada signo está vinculado à estrutura que significante e significado compõem, pelo que estas dimensões não podem ser consideradas isoladamente. Mas o ponto de vista que privilegiámos é o de que a produção de sentido ocorre sempre em condições concretas de tempo, espaço e interlocução. Sendo este o ponto de partida para a análise, identificámos a cor da imagem retratada na capa do The Economist como o principalelemento de análise. Foi Goethe (1810/1840) quem apresentou a cor como oprincipal elemento da perceção humana, com capacidade para induzir um efeito significativo na alma do recetor da mensagem, ou seja, no interpretante, para utilizarmos a conceção do signo, proposta por Peirce (1960). A análise da imagem presente na capa do The Economist remete para o contexto social atual de pandemia, causada pelo vírus SARS-CoV-2. A imagem de capa do The Economist conduz-nos, ainda, à teoria da liminaridade, de Victor Turner (1969/1974). Essa sugestão decorre da ideia formulada, no sentido de a sociedade atravessar o túnel, como quem empreende um rito de passagem para uma sociedade melhor.

To effectively plan and manage the use of agricultural land, it is crucial to identify and evaluate the multiple human and environmental factors that influence it. In this study, we propose a model framework to identify the factors potentially explaining the use of agricultural land for wheat, maize, and olive grove plantations at the regional level. By developing a machine-learning model coupled with a model-agnostic approach, we provide global and local interpretations of the most influential factors. We collected nearly 140 variables related to biophysical, bioclimatic, and agricultural socioeconomic conditions. Overall, the results indicated that biophysical and bioclimatic conditions were more influential than socioeconomic conditions. At the global interpretation level, the proposed model identified a strong contribution of conditions related to drainage density, slope, and soil type. In contrast, the local interpretation level indicated that socioeconomic conditions such as the degree of mechanisation could be influential in specific parcels of wheat. As demonstrated, the proposed analytical approach has the potential to serve as a decision-making tool instrument to better plan and control the use of agricultural land.

Parkinson's Disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder affecting more than 10 million people worldwide. Currently, PD has no cure and no early diagnostics methods exist. Mitochondrial dysfunction is presented in the early stages of PD, and it is considered an important pathophysiology component. We have previously developed mitochondria-targeted hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives, presenting antioxidant and iron-chelating properties, and preventing oxidative stress in several biological models of disease. We have also demonstrated that skin fibroblasts from male sporadic PD patients (sPD) presented cellular and mitochondrial alterations, including increased oxidative stress, hyperpolarized and elongated mitochondria and decreased respiration and ATP levels. We also showed that forcing mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) in sPD fibroblasts uncovers metabolic defects that were otherwise hidden. In this work, we tested the hypothesis that a lead mitochondria-targeted hydroxycinnamic acid derivative would revert the phenotype found in skin fibroblasts from sPD patients.Our results demonstrated that treating human skin fibroblasts from sPD patients with non-toxic concentrations of AntiOxCIN4 restored mitochondrial membrane potential and mitochondrial fission, decreased autophagic flux, and enhanced cellular responses to stress by improving the cellular redox state and decreasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Besides, fibroblasts from sPD patients treated with AntiOxCIN4 showed increased maximal respiration and metabolic activity, converting sPD fibroblasts physiologically more similar to their sex- and age-matched healthy controls. The positive compound effect was reinforced using a supervised machine learning model, confirming that AntiOxCIN4 treatment converted treated fibroblasts from sPD patients closer to the phenotype of control fibroblasts.Our data points out a possible mechanism of AntiOxCIN4 action contributing to a deeper understanding of how the use of mitochondria-targeted antioxidants based on a polyphenol scaffold can be used as potential drug candidates for delaying PD progression, validating the use of fibroblasts from sPD patients with more active OXPHOS as platforms for mitochondria-based drug development.

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) have been identified as responsible for the spread of tumors to other organs of the body. In this sense, the development of sensitive and specific assays for their detection is important to reduce the number of deaths due to metastases. Here, we assessed whether the detection of CTCs in peripheral blood can serve in the construction of a panel of diagnosis and monitoring treatments of breast cancer (BC), focusing on the expression of markers of epithelial–mesenchymal transition. Through analyzing the blood from women without breast alterations (control), women with benign alterations, women with breast cancer without chemotherapy, and women with breast cancer with chemotherapy, we identified the best markers by transcriptional levels and determined three profiles of CTCs (mesenchymal, intermediate, and epithelial) by flow cytometry which, combined, can be used for diagnosis and therapy monitoring with sensitivity and specificity between 80% and 100%. Therefore, we have developed a method for detecting breast cancer based on the analysis of CTC profiles by epithelial–mesenchymal transition markers which, combined, can be used for the diagnosis and monitoring of therapy.

Abstract Factors regulating transcription of pluripotency genes in congenital nevo-melanocytes are not known. Nevo-melanocytes belong somewhere in-between the ends of a spectrum where the normal epidermal melanocyte represents one end and a melanoma cell with multiple genetic abnormalities represents the other. Cells from large/giant congenital nevi (L/GCMN), unlike normal melanocytes, grow colonies on soft agar and express pluripotency markers, similar to melanoma cells. In this study normal melanocytes, SKMEL28 melanoma cells and nevo-melanocytes isolated from three L/GCMN patients were exposed to niche factors bFGF and IGF1 in vitro at physiological doses, and expression of a panel of pluripotency markers was determined by RT-PCR. While normal melanocytes did not show any significant transcriptional change in the genes studied, bFGF induced transcription of Sox2 and Bmi1 in melanoma cells. Patients’ cells showed differential expression, with Sox10 being common to C76N and PD1N, while only Sox2 and Bmi1 were upregulated in C139N. IGF1 on the other hand induced unique sets of genes in each individual sample. We conclude that expression of pluripotency genes in L/GCMN cells is affected by niche factors bFGF and IGF1; however, each individual growth factor induced a unique set of genes in a patient’s cells.

Neuroinflammation is a common hallmark in different neurodegenerative conditions that share neuronal dysfunction and a progressive loss of a selectively vulnerable brain cell population. Alongside ageing and genetics, inflammation, oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction are considered key risk factors. Microglia are considered immune sentinels of the central nervous system capable of initiating an innate and adaptive immune response. Nevertheless, the pathological mechanisms underlying the initiation and spread of inflammation in the brain are still poorly described. Recently, a new mechanism of intercellular signalling mediated by small extracellular vesicles (EVs) has been identified. EVs are nanosized particles (30–150 nm) with a bilipid membrane that carries cell-specific bioactive cargos that participate in physiological or pathological processes. Damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) are cellular components recognised by the immune receptors of microglia, inducing or aggravating neuroinflammation in neurodegenerative disorders. Diverse evidence links mitochondrial dysfunction and inflammation mediated by mitochondrial-DAMPs (mtDAMPs) such as mitochondrial DNA, mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) and cardiolipin, among others. Mitochondrial-derived vesicles (MDVs) are a subtype of EVs produced after mild damage to mitochondria and, upon fusion with multivesicular bodies are released as EVs to the extracellular space. MDVs are particularly enriched in mtDAMPs which can induce an immune response and the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Importantly, growing evidence supports the association between mitochondrial dysfunction, EV release and inflammation. Here, we describe the role of extracellular vesicles-associated mtDAMPS in physiological conditions and as neuroinflammation activators contributing to neurodegenerative disorders.

PAS-LuxR transcriptional regulators are conserved proteins governing polyene antifungal biosynthesis. PteF is the regulator of filipin biosynthesis from Streptomyces avermitilis. Its mutation drastically abates filipin, but also oligomycin production, a macrolide ATP-synthase inhibitor, and delays sporulation; thus, it has been considered a transcriptional activator. Transcriptomic analyses were performed in S. avermitilis ΔpteF and its parental strain. Both strains were grown in a YEME medium without sucrose, and the samples were taken at exponential and stationary growth phases. A total of 257 genes showed an altered expression in the mutant, most of them at the exponential growth phase. Surprisingly, despite PteF being considered an activator, most of the genes affected showed overexpression, thereby suggesting a negative modulation. The affected genes were related to various metabolic processes, including genetic information processing; DNA, energy, carbohydrate, and lipid metabolism; morphological differentiation; and transcriptional regulation, among others, but were particularly related to secondary metabolite biosynthesis. Notably, 10 secondary metabolite gene clusters out of the 38 encoded by the genome showed altered expression profiles in the mutant, suggesting a regulatory role for PteF that is wider than expected. The transcriptomic results were validated by quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. These findings provide important clues to understanding the intertwined regulatory machinery that modulates antibiotic biosynthesis in Streptomyces.

In order to access environmental conditions, the use of bioindicators that have a close relationship with environmental stressors is a largely common practice, but when evaluating environmental inferences, the individual dominant taxa need to be interpreted. Humid regions such as the marshlands are fragile ecosystems and sustain communities of microalgae, often used as bioindicators, of which diatoms are a good example. Although they provide an excellent response to chemical and physical changes in water, diatom studies in surface sediments in wetlands are scarce worldwide. To determine whether diatom species have the potential to provide unambiguous inferences in the influence of environmental factors, we have evaluated diatom abundance in surface sediment, from three Pantanal lakes, against a set of environmental gradients: pH, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, conductivity, total dissolved solids, water temperature, index of trophic water status, total phosphorus and total nitrogen. The Ferradura lake presented an oligotrophic state and both Burro and Caracará lakes presented mesotrophic state. Diatoms were more abundant in the a mesotrophic conditions, but with higher species richness in the oligotrophic conditions. Depending on the N:P ratio, the nutrients nitrogen and phosphorus can also play the role of pollutants and may have negative and unpredictable effects in the environment, such as biotic homogenization. Despite the spatial variation in species, there was a greater richness of Eunotia Ehrenberg species, with the highest relative density of Eunotia formica Ehrenberg and E. pantropica Glushchenko, Kulikovskiy & Kociolek, due to the environmental acidic conditions, a determining characteristic of this genus. It was also observed that a small increase in the level of phosphorus generated an increase in the abundance of Aulacoseira Thwaites with the highest relative density of A. pusilla (Meister) Tuji & Houki and A. veraluciae Tremarin, Torgan & T.Ludwig. However, A. italica dominated in the moderately acidic environment. The results can help with decisions in impacted areas to solve socioeconomic problems, environmental management and biodiversity.

ABSTRACT Bacillus methanolicus MGA3 is a thermotolerant and relatively fast-growing methylotroph able to secrete large quantities of glutamate and lysine. These natural characteristics make B. methanolicus a good candidate to become a new industrial chassis organism, especially in a methanol-based economy. Intriguingly, the only substrates known to support B. methanolicus growth as sole sources of carbon and energy are methanol, mannitol, and, to a lesser extent, glucose and arabitol. Because fluxomics provides the most direct readout of the cellular phenotype, we hypothesized that comparing methylotrophic and nonmethylotrophic metabolic states at the flux level would yield new insights into MGA3 metabolism. In this study, we designed and performed a 13C metabolic flux analysis (13C-MFA) of the facultative methylotroph B. methanolicus MGA3 growing on methanol, mannitol, and arabitol to compare the associated metabolic states. On methanol, results showed a greater flux in the ribulose monophosphate (RuMP) pathway than in the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, thus validating previous findings on the methylotrophy of B. methanolicus. New insights related to the utilization of cyclic RuMP versus linear dissimilation pathways and between the RuMP variants were generated. Importantly, we demonstrated that the linear detoxification pathways and the malic enzyme shared with the pentose phosphate pathway have an important role in cofactor regeneration. Finally, we identified, for the first time, the metabolic pathway used to assimilate arabitol. Overall, those data provide a better understanding of this strain under various environmental conditions. IMPORTANCE Methanol is inexpensive, is easy to transport, and can be produced both from renewable and from fossil resources without mobilizing arable lands. As such, it is regarded as a potential carbon source to transition toward a greener industrial chemistry. Metabolic engineering of bacteria and yeast able to efficiently consume methanol is expected to provide cell factories that will transform methanol into higher-value chemicals in the so-called methanol economy. Toward that goal, the study of natural methylotrophs such as Bacillus methanolicus is critical to understand the origin of their efficient methylotrophy. This knowledge will then be leveraged to transform such natural strains into new cell factories or to design methylotrophic capability in other strains already used by the industry.

Signaling molecule receptors play a central role in quorum sensing and in the coordination onset of specialized metabolite biosynthesis in Streptomyces due to their dual function in signal detection and gene expression control through DNA-binding in the promoter region of their target genes. In Streptomyces ambofaciens the alp biosynthetic gene cluster includes the signaling molecule receptor AlpZ that negatively regulates through a complex regulatory cascade the expression of key genes involved in the kinamycin antibiotic production until its cognate ligand, a yet unidentified signaling molecule, prompts its release from target promoters. Here we use an original molecular dynamics method to evaluate the DNA-binding properties of AlpZ to its target DNA sequence and the impact the signaling molecule has on the interaction. It is the first time this approach is used to characterize a regulator from the γ-butyrolactone receptor family. The observed KD in the nanomolar range indicates that AlpZ-DNA constitute a particularly stable complex. The signaling molecule ably disturbs this binding while kinamycin has no effect on the activity of AlpZ. Regulator size was determined and found to be considerably large regarding protein sequence, indicating that AlpZ regulates gene expression by binding the DNA as a homodimer, and structural modeling comparison with closely related γ-butyrolactone receptors supports this conclusion.

The overapplication of manure on agricultural soils leads to nitrogen and phosphorus discharge into the aquatic environment, resulting in serious eutrophication problems and decreased water quality. Piggery wastewater (PWW) can be treated by microalgae to recycle nutrients, but the toxic levels of ammonia and organic matter hinder their growth. Fresh water is usually used to dilute PWW, but it is a scarce resource. The implementation of a pretreatment step before microalgae-based treatment could make PWW suitable for microalgae growth. Electrocoagulation, ammonia stripping, photo-Fenton, and constructed wetlands were evaluated as pretreatment methods to reduce ammonia, chemical oxygen demand (COD), color, and total suspended solids. Moreover, the pretreated PWWs were tested to grow the microalga Tetradesmus obliquus. Photo-Fenton showed the best results among the other pretreatments, achieving removal efficiencies above 90%, except for ammonia. This resulted in T. obliquus being capable of growing on undiluted PWW, even at higher ammonia levels, achieving similar biomass productivity to synthetic medium (66.4 ± 17.8 mg·L−1·day−1 and 60.1 ± 10.4 mg·L−1·day−1, respectively) almost doubling with pH control (116.5 mg·L−1·day−1). Thus, this pretreatment seems to be the most promising one to incorporate into microalgae-based treatment systems and must be further explored.

Sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase (SERCA) is a crucial component of the cellular machinery responsible for Ca2+ homeostasis. The selective inhibition of SERCA by thapsigargin (TG) leads to perturbations in Ca2+ signaling, which can trigger endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. The unfolded protein response (UPR) pathway is activated in response to ER stress and induces an adaptive response to preserve cell survival or committee cells to programmed death, depending on stress duration and/or level. Early stages of ER stress stimulate mitochondrial metabolism to preserve survival but under chronic ER stress conditions, mitochondrial dysfunction is induced, which, in turn, can enhance inflammation through NLRP3 inflammasome activation. This study was aimed at investigating the role of SERCA inhibition on NLRP3 inflammasome activation in human monocytes, which was evaluated in primary monocytes isolated from healthy individuals and in the THP-1 human monocytic cell line. Findings obtained in both THP-1 and primary monocytes demonstrate that SERCA inhibition triggered by TG does not activate the NLRP3 inflammasome in these innate immune cells since IL-1β secretion was not affected. Results from THP-1 monocytes showing that SERCA inhibition increases mitochondrial Ca2+ content and fusion, in the absence of changes in ROS levels and membrane potential, support the view that human monocytes counteract ER stress that arises from inhibition of SERCA through modulation of mitochondrial morphology towards mitochondria fusion, thus preventing NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Overall, this work contributes to a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms that modulate the activity of the NLRP3 inflammasome leading to sterile inflammation, which are still poorly understood.

The 2021 re-emergence of yellow fever in non-human primates in the state of Rio Grande do Sul (RS), southernmost Brazil, resulted in the death of many howler monkeys (genus Alouatta) and led the state to declare a Public Health Emergency of State Importance, despite no human cases reported. In this study, near-complete genomes of yellow fever virus (YFV) recovered from the outbreak were sequenced and examined aiming at a better understanding of the phylogenetic relationships and the spatio-temporal dynamics of the virus distribution. Our results suggest that the most likely sequence of events involved the reintroduction of YFV from the state of São Paulo to RS through the states of Paraná and Santa Catarina, by the end of 2020. These findings reinforce the role of genomic surveillance in determining the pathways of distribution of the virus and in providing references for the implementation of preventive measures for populations in high risk areas.

Natural bioactive compounds from food waste have fomented interest in food and pharmaceutical industries for the past decade. In this work, it purposed the recovery of bioactive avocado peel extract using an environmentally friendly technique: the ultrasound assisted extraction. The response surface methodology was applied in order to optimize the conditions of the extraction, ethanol-water mixtures and time. The optimized extracts (ethanol 38.46%, 44.06 min, and 50 °C) were chemically characterized by HPLC-ESI-MS and FTIR. Its antioxidant ability, as well as, its effect on cell metabolic activity of normal (L929) and cancer (Caco-2, A549 and HeLa) cell lines were assessed. Aqueous ethanol extracts presented a high content in bioactive compounds with high antioxidant potential. The most representative class of the phenolic compounds found in the avocado peel extract were phenolic acids, such as hydroxybenzoic and hydroxycinnamic acids. Another important chemical group detected were the flavonoids, such as flavanols, flavanonols, flavones, flavanones and chalcone, phenylethanoids and lignans. In terms of its influence on the metabolic activity of normal and cancer cell lines, the extract does not significantly affect normal cells. On the other hand, it can negatively affect cancer cells, particularly HeLa cells. These results clearly demonstrated that ultrasound is a sustainable extraction technique, resulting in extracts with low toxicity in normal cells and with potential application in food, pharmaceutical or nutraceutical sectors.

The main goal of this study was to chemically characterize an aqueous S. nigra flower extract and validate it as a bioactive agent. The elderflower aqueous extraction was performed at different temperatures (50, 70 and 90 °C). The extract obtained at 90 °C exhibited the highest phenolic content and antiradical activity. Therefore, this extract was analyzed by GC-MS and HPLC-MS, which allowed the identification of 46 compounds, being quercetin and chlorogenic acid derivatives representative of 86% of the total of phenolic compounds identified in hydrophilic fraction of the aqueous extract. Naringenin (27.2%) was the major compound present in the lipophilic fraction. The antiproliferative effects of the S. nigra extract were evaluated using the colon cancer cell lines RKO, HCT-116, Caco-2 and the extract’s antigenotoxic potential was evaluated by the Comet assay in RKO cells. The RKO cells were the most susceptible to S. nigra flower extract (IC50 = 1250 µg mL−1). Moreover, the extract showed antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria, particularly Staphylococcus aureus and S. epidermidis. These results show that S. nigra-based extracts can be an important dietary source of bioactive phenolic compounds that contribute to health-span improving life quality, demonstrating their potential as nutraceutical, functional foods and/or cosmetic components for therapeutic purposes.

FAO estimates that in 2030 the poultry meat production could reach 120 million tons, which is a challenge in terms of waste management. Feathers are mainly composed of keratin, an important biomaterial. Using feathers as a source of keratin will minimize the waste generated, while contributing to supply an important material for several industries, such as pharmaceutical and biomedical. The peptides were extracted from the feathers by microbial degradation. In this study, we evaluated the peptides effect on keratinocyte metabolic activity and migration. The influence of these peptides on non-activated and activated macrophages was also assessed. It was demonstrated that depending on the keratin peptide fraction in contact with keratinocytes, it is possible to modulate the migration rate of the keratinocytes. Peptide fraction with low molecular weight increases migration, while peptides with a high range of molecular sizes decreases it. Some peptide fractions induce the secretion of TNF-α in non-activated macrophages and not on activated macrophages, demonstrating that these peptides should only be placed in contact with cells, in the context of an ongoing inflammatory process. This work is a step forward on the understanding of keratin peptides influence on keratinocytes and immune cells system cells, macrophages.

Elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.) juice concentrate is highly rich in polyphenols, particularly anthocyanins and flavonols, which have been associated with a wide range of health-promoting properties. Phenolic compounds, in particular anthocyanins, are unstable and may change during storage, which might influence the product color quality and its potential health effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in the polyphenols profile of elderberry juice concentrate produced at an industrial scale during seven months of storage at 5 °C and at room temperature. The total phenolic content, the total monomeric anthocyanins, the percent polymeric color, and the ABTS•+ scavenging activity were monitored over time. In addition, the profile and content of the main individual phenolic compounds were also assessed by HPLC-DAD. The results show that cyanidin-3-O-sambubioside, cyanidin-3-O-glucoside, cyanidin-3-O-sambubioside-5-O-glucoside, cyanidin-3,5-O-diglucoside, chlorogenic acid, rutin, and quercetin-3-O-glucoside were the main phenolic compounds identified. Storage at room temperature resulted in a strong reduction in total monomeric anthocyanin content accompanied by an increase in percent polymeric color values. Cyanidin-3-O-sambubioside and cyanidin-3-O-glucoside degraded faster than cyanidin-3,5-O-diglucoside and cyanidin-3-O-sambubioside-5-O-glucoside. Concentration of chlorogenic acid also decreased over storage, whereas rutin and quercetin-3-O-glucoside were quite stable. Storage at 5 °C caused a lower impact on the contents of anthocyanins and chlorogenic acid and the percent polymeric color was not affected. The total phenolic content and the in vitro antioxidant activity remained quite similar over the time, for both temperatures, suggesting that elderberry concentrates still preserve their health benefits of antioxidant capacity after seven months of storage.

Agricultural statistical data enable the detection and interpretation of the development of agriculture and the food supply situation over time, which is essential for food security evaluation in any country. Based on the historical agricultural statistics, this study produces a long spatial time-series with annual production values of three cereals relevant to global food security—wheat, maize, and rice, aiming to provide geographical and historical perspectives. Therefore, we reconstructed past and current production patterns and trends at the district level over 169 years, which supported a space–time cross-reading of the general characteristics of the regional agricultural production value distributions and relative densities in Portugal. Particularly, the production trends of wheat, maize, and rice showed three different situations: growth (maize), stability (rice), and decline (wheat). For decades, maize and wheat production alternated, depending on agricultural years and political aspects, such as the Wheat Campaign (1929–1938). The changes over time presented a pattern that, in the case of these three cereals, enabled a clear division of the country into major regions according to cereal production. Overall, maize and rice, both grown on irrigated croplands, presented a similar pattern in some regions of Portugal, mainly the central region. In this study, a preliminary analysis was presented and related to successive public policies; however, notably, there are more lessons to be learned from this long spatial time-series.

Background: the use of semi-purified glycerin in pig diets has been studied as an alternative energy source. Objective: to evaluate growth performance and serum levels of glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, and urea in pigs fed diets containing semi-purified glycerin during the growth phase. Methods: forty barrows with an initial weight of 27.30 ± 1.74 Kg, distributed in a randomized complete block design with four treatments and five replicates were used. The dietary treatments were a combination of corn and soybean meal diets with the addition of 0, 5, 10 or 15% semi-purified glycerin. The experimental period lasted 27 days and was divided into two periods. Results: during Period 1, pig performance did not differ with the inclusion of semi-purified glycerin in the diet. In Period 2, an improvement in average daily weight gain was observed. In the total period, an improvement was observed in the average daily weight gain, feed/gain ratio and final weight of the animals. However, serum parameters were not affected by the inclusion of semi-purified glycerin in the diets. Conclusion: the addition of up to 15% semi-purified glycerin to the diet of growing pigs improves growth performance without affecting serum parameters.

Parasitic isopod species are poorly known in the northeastern coast of Brazil. In this sense, this study presents novel records of Isopoda of the families Aegidae, Cymothoidae, and Corallanidae. A total 69 specimens of Lutjanus analis and 19 of Lutjanus jocu, of which 46 isopods from 3 different species were collected, i.e. Rocinela signata, Cymothoa excisa, and Excorallana richardsoni. The species R. siganata and E. richardsoni are reported for the first time in L. jocu. A significant relationship between the parasite R. signata and the size of the fish L. jocu was also observed. The isopod C. excisa is considered an incidental finding in L. analis. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of this species in fish from Brazil. The three species of isopods are new occurrences in the State of Sergipe, northeast region of the country. An additional morphological characteristic observed in the dorsal setae of pleotelson in specimens of E. richardsoni was that one end of this structure wws bifid. This information contributes to the current body of knowledge of the morphology of this particular species.