Doenças associadas à Xylella fastidiosa no Brasil

Based on genomic information, the Xylella fastidiosa bacterium is classified into three main subspecies: fastidiosa, multiplex and pauca. These different subspecies are naturally transmitted through vector insects, known as sharpshooters, which feed on the sap of xylem vessels of plants, where the bacteria colonize. Mainly due to the obstruction in the transport of water and mineral salts in these conducting vessels, the X. fastidiosa bacterium causes serious diseases in different cultures of economic interest. In Brazil, this phytopathogen was detected for the first time in plum trees, a crop in which the multiplex subspecies is responsible for the disease known as plum leaf scald. Subsequently, the pauca subspecie was associated with citrus variegated chlorosis in sweet orange orchards in São Paulo State. In the same state, the pauca subspecie was also found in coffee plants causing atrophy of the coffee tree branches, a disease whose damage has not been quantified yet. Recently, the pauca subspecie has also been found in olive trees, causing the olive quick decline syndrome, reported in the southeast region, especially in the Serra da Mantiqueira region. In this review, specific aspects of these diseases were focused, as well as measures that can be adopted as management.

Degradation of polystyrene by tropical bacterial and fungal isolates

Plastic waste is one of the major contributing factors to the growth of municipal solid wastes globally. It is a threat to public health and negatively impact the aquatic and terrestrial animals due to its persistence in the environment. Bacterial and fungal isolates were tested for their ability to degrade polystyrene. The cultures were grown on mineral salts medium supplemented with polystyrene as the sole carbon source in 250 mL conical flasks. The polystyrene reduced from 1 g (week 0) to 0.7g (week 7). Statistical analysis of variance (one-way ANOVA) shows a significant difference between the reduction in weight of polystyrene in the experimental flask compared to the control (P<0.05). Gas chromatography mass spectrometry analysis of biodegradation products shows that some toxic polystyrene constituents such as O-xylene, cis-9-hexadecenal and 3-phenol pentadecyl were removed.

ELASTOMERS WITH A HIGH CONTENT OF MODIFIED CARBOXYMETHYLCELLULOSE

The use of lactam-containing complex salts (LCS) with the functions of dispersants, apparatuses and crosslinking agents made it possible to obtain elastomers with a high (at least 300 wt.% per 100 wt.h. of rubber), containing modified carboxymethyl cellulose for the cuff of a packer device capable of performing the necessary shut-off functions in contact with highly concentrated, at least 25% aqueous solutions of mineral salts - NaCl and CaCl2. The achieved effect is expressed in the ability of LCS to disperse water-swelling polymers (GNP), to have an appreting effect on GNP particles, thereby preventing their agglomeration, as well as to create additional chemisorption bonds in the rubber matrix. As a result, a developed network of interface boundaries is obtained, which contributes to the rapid penetration of aqueous solutions of mineral salts into the array of elastomeric composition.

DEVELOPMENT OF TECHNOLOGY AND THE POTENTIAL OF DRINKS WITH «ANTI-AGE» EFFECT

Modern trends in the creation of drinks provide for the use of various infusions, plant extracts, as well as vitamin and mineral complexes, organic acids and polysaccharides as part of their bases, which allows to ensure the normalization of physiological and metabolic processes in the human body and prevent a number of diseases and syndromes that lead to a decrease in working capacity. The main problems in the creation of various drinking forms are associated with the purification and preparation of water, the dissolution of components and their possible interaction with each other in the packaging unit during storage. Considering the above, it is relevant to create dry concentrates of health-improving drinks with long shelf life. The developed approach and technology is a promising form of drinks to improve the living standards of the population of Ukraine and other countries. The developed products will improve immunity, prevent a number of nutritional diseases, improve dietary intake during diet therapy and help restore micronutrient balance in the human body. It has been established that the physiological value of dry drinks according to the described production method is preserved in finished product forms (sticks with a metallized backing, sachets, sachets with a “zip-fastener” and a metallized inlay, plastic cans with a screw cap and with polymer backing as a control against preliminary opening) the entire recommended shelf life is from 12 to 24 months. The mixture is a convenient form for transportation and preparation. When diluted in liquid media (purified drinking water, mineral water, milk, fermented milk drinks, drinks based on plants, cereals, legumes, tea, coffee, cocoa), the specified functional properties are preserved and improved due to the activation of biologically active substances contained in the mixture and dilution media. The novelty of individual technological solutions and the indicated physiological and functional properties lies in the use of extracts of plants, fruits, berries, vegetables, as well as additionally introduced vitamins, mineral salts, amino acids, hydrolysates and isolates of plant proteins, natural bioenhancers and bioactiators with unique anti -age "effects.

In vitro co-metabolism of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) by the mucin-degrading bacterium Akkermansia muciniphila

Akkermansia muciniphila is a Gram-negative bacterium that resides within the gut mucus layer, and plays an important role in promoting gut barrier integrity, modulating the immune response and inhibiting gut inflammation. Growth stimulation of A. muciniphila by polyphenols including epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) from difference sources is well-documented. However, no published in vitro culture data on utilization of polyphenols by A. muciniphila are available, and the mechanism of growth-stimulating prebiotic effect of polyphenols on it remains unclear. Here in vitro culture studies have been carried out on the metabolism of EGCG by A. muciniphila in the presence of either mucin or glucose. We found that A. muciniphila did not metabolize EGCG alone but could co-metabolize it together with both these substrates in the presence of mineral salts and amino acids for mucin and protein sources for glucose. Our metabolomic data show that A. muciniphila converts EGCG to gallic acid, epigallocatechin, and (-)-epicatechin through ester hydrolysis. The (-)-epicatechin formed is then further converted to hydroxyhydroquinone. Co-metabolism of A. muciniphila of EGCG together with either mucin or glucose promoted substantially its growth, which serves as a further demonstration of the growth-promoting effect of polyphenols on A. muciniphila and provides an important addition to the currently available proposed mechanisms of polyphenolic prebiotic effects on A. muciniphila.

BIODEGRADATION POTENTIAL OF RHIZOSPHERIC MICROORGANISMS OF RHIZOPHORA RACEMOSA IN CRUDE OIL CONTAMINATED MANGROVE SWAMP IN THE NIGER DELTA

Rhizophora racemosa (red mangrove tree) belongs to the family Rhizophoraceae; it is an important constituent of the mangrove swamp in Niger Delta, an oil producing region in Nigeria. The remediation of soils containing organic pollutants is possible with the use of microbial communities when the ecology is understood for potentials maximization. This study investigated the biodegradation potential of rhizospheric microorganisms of Rhizophora racemosa in crude oil- contaminated mangrove swamp in the Niger Delta.The total microbial count was determined by the serial dilution method. The hydrocarbon-utilizing bacteria and fungi were enumerated using Mineral Salts Agar containing crude oil as the sole carbon source. The biodegradation potential of these rhizomicrobes was determined using screen test, shake flask degradation tests, Total Organic Gas (TOG) and Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon (TPH) InfraCal Analyzer (HATR-T2 and CH). The turbidity, total organic gas (TOG-N) and total petroleum hydrocarbon were measured weekly for twenty-eight days. Hydrocarbon-degrading microbes isolated from the rhizosphere were identified as Marinococcus sp., Azotobacter sp., Acinetobacter sp. Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus and Candida albicans. The highest rate of TPH reduction was recorded in Acinetobacter sp. (from 150 mg/L on day 1 to ˂0.0031 mg/L on day 14). This was followed by Candida albicans (148mg/L on day 1 to 2.68mg/L on day 28) and Aspergillus flavus (150mg/L on day 1 to 4.21mg/L on day 28) In conclusion, it can be inferred that the some rhizospheric microbes of Rhizophora racemosa can efficienctly degrade hydrocarbon up to 100% rate over a period of 28 days.

SODIUM CHLORIDE (SALT) ITS ROLE AND USE IN ANCIENT IRAQ

Mineral Salts are One of the Most important Non-Metallic Chemicals that were widely available in ancient Iraq, and due to its many Uses in life Matters and for industrial purposes, it was Allocated in the Study of a Type of these Salts, which is Sodium Chloride salt (Table Salt), as there were Several Types, including: - Calcium Sulfate Sodium Silicate, Sodium Carbonate and Potassium Nitrate Because of the Importance of Sodium Chloride (salt) in Ancient Iraq and the lack of Studies that Dealt with it, we Chose it as a Subject for our Study, and we Relied on Many Arab, Translated and Foreign Sources, the most important of which are: -Levy, Martin, 1980 , Chemistry and Chemical Technology, translated by: Al-Mayahi and others, Dar Al-Rashid. - Potts ,D.,1987,'' ON Salt and salting gathering in Ancient Mesopotamia ''(JESHO), vol.27‎.

Synthesis and properties of vinyl benzyl alcohol copolymers with styrene

Objectives. Synthesis and study of the properties of copolymers of vinyl benzyl alcohol (VBA) with styrene with antimicrobial properties.Methods. The study employed infrared (IR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, thin-layer chromatography, viscometry, and elemental analysis. The sessile drop method and the pencil method were respectively utilized to determine the contact angles and hardness of the films. The process of testing the film coatings’ resistance to the effects of molds consisted of contaminating the film coatings applied to the glass with mold spores of the All-Russian Collection of Microorganisms in a solution of mineral salts without sugar (Czapek–Dox medium).Results. Homopolymers of vinyl benzyl acetate and its copolymers with styrene were synthesized in this study. Homo- and copolymers of VBA were obtained by saponification. IR and proton NMR (1H NMR) spectroscopy determined the composition of the copolymers. Employing IR spectroscopy, the degree of saponification was monitored by the appearance of the hydroxyl group absorption band and the disappearance of the ester group absorption band. According to the IR spectroscopy data, only an insignificant (~3%) amount of ester groups remains in the saponified copolymers. The influence of the copolymers’ composition on their solubility in various solvents is demonstrated. IR spectroscopy of the copolymers revealed hydrogen-bond formation between the unreacted ester groups and hydroxyl groups formed due to the saponification. The viscometry of the solutions of mixtures of saponified and unsaponified copolymers, solutions of mixtures of saponified copolymer with polyvinyl acetate, and viscometry of saponified copolymers in various solvents all support this conclusion. These bonds’ concentration depends on the copolymer’s composition and can be controlled by the nature of the solvent from which these copolymers’ films are formed. Saponified copolymer solutions form smooth, transparent film coatings with excellent adhesion to metals and silicate glass surfaces. The contact angle of these films, like the hardness, decreases as the VBA units’ concentration in the copolymers increases and depends on the solvent polarity used to form the films. It has been demonstrated that increasing the VBA units concentration suppresses the microorganisms’ growth.Conclusions. Film coatings made of copolymers of styrene with VBA have been shown to have high biocidal activity against molds; can be used to protect structural materials and products from the effects of microorganisms.

Relationship of cation-anion balance in the prepartum rations of primiparous holstein cows with colostrum and milk composition, and milk production / Relação do equilíbrio cátion-ânion nas rações pré-parto de vacas holstein primíparas com a composição do colostro e a composição e produção do leite

Anion supply in prepartum rations affects the mineral metabolism in primiparous cows. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of calcium chloride and dietary calcium sulfate in prepartum heifers’ rations on the composition of colostrum, fat and protein milk content, and total milk production during 305 days of lactation. Forty five Holstein heifers were assigned to three groups (15 per group) 21 days before calving. The heifers received a partially mixed ration (PMR) plus 2.5 kg/cow/day of wheat middlings (CP= 18.5%, neutral detergent fiber= 36.7%). Mineral salts with a dietary cation-anion difference (DCAD) of +200 mEq/kg of dry matter (DM) were added in the control group (TCon); calcium chloride was added in one of the experimental groups (TCICa), and calcium sulfate was added in the other experimental group (TSoCa), both with DCAD= +30 mEq/kg of DM. After calving, they were fed on commercial feed, corn silage, and alfalfa grazing. The content of fat, protein, calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium in the colostrum was not different among the treatments (p0.05). TClCa cows produced a greater average of milk (kg/day), fat and protein corrected milk (kg/day), fat (kg/day), and net energy of lactation (Mcal/day). The TClCa group had higher milk production, and fat (kg) and protein (kg) content than TCon (p0.05), with intermediate values for TSoCa. The supply of calcium chloride in the prepartum of heifers produced differences in milk production and composition during the 305 days of lactation.

Identification, Documentation and Control of Biological Contamination in Middle Distillate Fuel

<p>The present study was initiated under a contract with the New Zealand Defence Scientific Establishment to document the nature, extent and possible sources of microbial contamination of middle distillate fuel ('Dieso' ) held in storage tanks at Devonport, Auckland, and to study possible methods for control of such contamination. Thirty-one fungal species and five bacteria were isolated during the period 1982-1984. The principal contaminants were the fungi Cladosporium resinae (the anamorph of Amorphotheca resinae Parbery), Penicillium corylophilum and Paecilomyces variotii. All three fungi produced dark mycelial mats at the water/diesel fuel interface in laboratory studies. Interactions between these fungi were observed. In the presence of Bushnell.-Haas mineral salts/diesel fuel phases Cladosporium resinae predominated while in seawater/diesel fuel phases Penicillium corylophilum predominated. All New Zealand and Australian isolates of C. resinae grew profusely in Bushnell-Haas mineral salts/diesel fuel phases. The biostatic/biocidal effects of chemicals on the predominant fungi in diesel fuel were studied in laboratory and field tests during 1984-1985. The most effective biocides in controlling C. resinae were benomyl, imazalil and Kathon 886. Imazalil had no effect on Paecilomyces variotii but when used in combination with benomyl a synergistic effect occurred at 100 ppm. Biobor JF, DEGME and EGME performed poorly in laboratory tests regardless of the amount of water present, but gave temporary inhibition of C. resinae in the field tests. Isolates from tanks treated with Biobor JF and DEGME grew well in the presence of these compounds in the laboratory. DML-7 and Proxel AS inhibited C. resinae and Penicillium spp. in both laboratory and field tests at a high dose of 300 ppm but were less effective against P. variotii. The effects of the biocides on engine performance and carbon deposits on engine components were studied. Recommendations for control of microbiological contamination of stored diesel fuel are given. In electron microscope studies no difference was observed in the intracellular structures between jet and diesel fuel isolates of C. resinae and the non-hydrocarbon utilizing Cladosporium cladosporioides.</p>