The molecular cytogenetic characterization of Conopophaga lineata indicates a common chromosome rearrangement in the Parvorder Furnariida (Aves, Passeriformes).

Cytogenetic analyses of the Suboscines species are still scarce, and so far, there is no karyotype description of any species belonging to the family Conopophagidae. Thus, the aim of this study is to describe and analyze the karyotype of Conopophaga lineata by chromosome painting using Gallus gallus (GGA) probes and to identify the location of the 18/28S rDNA cluster. Metaphases were obtained from fibroblast culture from two individuals of C. lineata. We observed a diploid number of 2n=78. GGA probes showed that most ancestral syntenies are conserved, except for the fission of GGA1 and GGA2, into two distinct pairs each. We identified the location of 18S rDNA genes in a pair of microchromosomes. The fission of the syntenic group corresponding to GGA2 was observed in other Furnariida, and hence may correspond to a chromosomal synapomorphy for the species of Parvorder Furnariida

The end of the reign of a ‘’master regulator’’: A defect in function of the LasR quorum sensing 4 regulator is a common feature of Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates

Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a bacterium known to cause infections in immunocompromised individuals, regulates several of its virulence functions using three interlinked quorum sensing (QS) systems (las, rhl, and pqs). Despite its presumed importance in regulating virulence, dysfunction of the las system regulator LasR occurs frequently in strains isolated from various environments, including clinical infections. This newfound abundance of LasR‐defective strains calls into question existing hypotheses regarding their selection. Indeed, current assumptions concerning factors driving the emergence of LasR deficient isolates and the role of LasR in the QS hierarchy must be reconsidered. Here, we highlight that LasR is not the primary master regulator of QS in all P. aeruginosa genetic backgrounds. We also revisit and complement current knowledge on the ecology of LasR‐dependent QS in P. aeruginosa, review the hypotheses explaining the putative adaptive benefits of selecting against LasR function, and discuss the implications of this renewed understanding.</br

Synthesis, Fungitoxic Activity against Botrytis cinerea and Phytotoxicity of Alkoxyclovanols and Alkoxyisocaryolanols

Clovane and isocaryolane derivatives have been proven to show several levels of activity against the phytopathogenic fungus Botrytis cinerea. Both classes of sesquiterpenes are reminiscent of biosynthetic intermediates of botrydial, a virulence factor of B. cinerea. Further development of both classes of antifungal agent requires exploration of the structure-activity relationships for the antifungal effects on B. cinerea and phytotoxic effects on a model crop. In this paper, we report on the preparation of a series of alkoxy-clovane and -isocaryolane derivatives, some of them described here for the first time (2b, 2d, 2f-2h, and 4c-4e); the evaluation of their antifungal properties against B. cinerea, and their phytotoxic activites on the germination of seeds and the growth of radicles and shoots of Lactuca sativa (lettuce). Both classes of compound show a correlation of antifungal activity with the nature of side chains, with the best activity against B. cinerea for 2d, 2h, 4c and 4d. In general terms, while 2-alkoxyclovan-9-ols (2a-2e) exert a general phytotoxic effect, this is not the case for 2-arylalkoxyclovan-9-ols (2f-2i) and 8-alkoxyisocaryolan-9-ols (4a-4d), where stimulating effects would make them suitable candidates for application to plants.This research was supported by a grant from Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovacion y Universidades (RTI2018-097356-B-C21, MCIU/AEI/FEDER, EU). A.d.A.P.B., G.G.d.S. and J.A.T. thank Coordenacao de Aperfeicoamento de Pessoal de nivel superior (CAPES, Brazil) for research fellowships (CAPES-DGU 197/09)

Allophoma brasiliensis J.L.V.R. Carvalho, J.D.P. Bezerra &amp;amp; Souza-Motta (Didymellaceae, Pleosporales): first occurrence in an agricultural site from Brazilian Atlantic Forest

Allophoma brasiliensis J.L.V.R. Carvalho, J.D.P. Bezerra &amp;amp; Souza-Motta is reported for the &amp;#64257;rst time as endophyte from leaves of Capsicum annuum L. (Solanaceae) isolated in an agricultural site from Brazilian Atlantic Forest. For species determination, morphological characters were analysed along with a multigene analysis performed using the ITS region of the rDNA, the partial large subunit nuclear ribosomal RNA gene (LSU rRNA), the partial second largest subunit of the RNA polymerase II gene subunit (rpb2), and the partial &amp;beta;&amp;ndash;tubulin gene (tub2). A key to Allophoma Qian Chen &amp;amp; L. Cai species is provided. This new record contributes to the global fungal diversity, indicating a new geographical distribution, and a new lifestyle

Challenges for coonnecting citizens and smart cities: ICT, e-governance and blockchain

The way citizens interact with cities affects overall life quality. Their participation in social decisions is of paramount importance for helping on public decisions that affect governance, regulation and education. This interaction has the potential of being boosted within the scope of smart and digital cities, especially by recent advances in blockchain technology. This work introduces insights about how smart cities’ concepts and innovative technologies can help society to face daily challenges for improving citizens’ awareness. Digital technologies are able to drive social and economic development by employing Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to promote innovation. In this context, e-governance, in conjunction with disruptive concepts such as blockchain, is showing up as a fundamental tool for a decentralized democracy. This study reviews, discusses, raises open points and presents suggestions towards an efficient, transparent and sustainable use of technology, applied to future cities.Thays A. Oliveira would like to thank the partnership with NeoResearch Community and support of Neo Foundation. Miquel Oliver was supported by the Spanish Government under projects TEC2016-79510-P (Proyectos Excelencia 2016); Miquel Oliver and Helena Ramalhinho were also supported by the 2017-SGR-1739 grant