Maize kernel metabolome involved in resistance to fusarium ear rot and fumonisin contamination.

Fusarium verticillioides poses a threat to worldwide maize production due to its ability to infect maize kernel and synthesize fumonisins that can be accumulated above safety levels for humans and animals. Maize breeding has been proposed as key tool to decrease kernel contamination with fumonisins, but metabolic studies complementary to genomic approaches are necessary to disclose the complexity of maize resistance. An untargeted metabolomic study was proposed using inbreds genetically related but with contrasting levels of resistance in order to uncover pathways implicated in resistance to Fusarium ear rot (FER) and fumonisin contamination in the maize kernel and to look for possible biomarkers. Metabolite determinations were performed in kernels collected at 3 and 10 days after inoculation with F. verticillioides (dat). Discriminant metabolites between resistant and susceptible RILs were rather found at 10 than 3 dat, although metabolite differences at later stages of colonization could be driven by subtle variations at earlier stages of infection. Within this context, differences for membrane lipid homeostasis, methionine metabolism, and indolacetic acid conjugation seemed highly relevant to distinguish between resistant and susceptible inbreds, confirming the polygenic nature of resistance to FER and fumonisin contamination in the maize kernels. Nevertheless, some specific metabolites such as the polyamine spermidine and/or the alkaloid isoquinoline seemed to be promising indirect selection traits to improve resistance to FER and reduce fumonisin accumulation. Therefore, in vitro and in vivo experiments will be necessary to validate the inhibitory effects of these compounds on fumonisins biosynthesis.

Genomic versus phenotypic selection to improve corn borer resistance and grain yield in maize.

Introduction: The study of yield and resistance/tolerance to pest are related traits fundamental for maize breeding programs. Genomic selection (GS), which uses all marker information to calculate genomic breeding values, is presented as an emerging alternative to phenotypic and marker-assisted selections for improving complex traits controlled by many genes with small effects. Therefore, although phenotypic selection (PS) has been effective for increasing resistance and yield under high infestation with maize stem borers, higher genetic gains are expected to be obtained through GS based on the complex architecture of both traits. Our objective was to test whether GS is more effective than PS for improving resistance and/or tolerance to maize stem borers and grain yield. Methods: For this, we compared different selection programs based on phenotype and genotypic value for a single trait, resistance or yield, and for both traits together. Results and discussion: We obtained that GS achieved the highest genetic gain for yield, meanwhile phenotypic selection for yield was the program that achieved the highest reduction of tunnel length, but was ineffective for increasing yield. However, phenotypic or genomic selection for increased resistance may be more effective in improving both traits together; although the gains per cycle would be small for both traits.

Inbred Selection for Increased Resistance to Kernel Contamination with Fumonisins.

In temperate world-wide regions, maize kernels are often infected with the fumonisin-producing fungus Fusarium verticillioides which poses food and feed threats to animals and humans. As maize breeding has been revealed as one of the main tools with which to reduce kernel contamination with fumonisins, a pedigree selection program for increased resistance to Fusarium ear rot (FER), a trait highly correlated with kernel fumonisin content, was initiated in 2014 with the aim of obtaining inbred lines (named EPFUM) with resistance to kernel contamination with fumonisins and adapted to our environmental conditions. The new released EPFUM inbreds, their parental inbreds, hybrids involving crosses of one or two EPFUM inbreds, as well as commercial hybrids were evaluated in the current study. The objectives were (i) to assess if inbreds released by that breeding program were significantly more resistant than their parental inbreds and (ii) to examine if hybrids derived from EPFUM inbreds could be competitive based on grain yield and resistance to FER and fumonisin contamination. Second-cycle inbreds obtained through this pedigree selection program did not significantly improve the levels of resistance to fumonisin contamination of their parental inbreds; however, most EPFUM hybrids showed significantly better resistance to FER and fumonisin contamination than commercial hybrids did. Although European flint materials seem to be the most promising reservoirs of alleles with favorable additive and/or dominance effects for resistance to kernel contamination with fumonisins, marketable new Reid × Lancaster hybrids have been detected as they combine high resistance and yields comparable to those exhibited by commercial hybrids. Moreover, the white kernel hybrid EPFUM-4 × EP116 exploits the genetic variability within the European flint germplasm and can be an alternative to dent hybrid cultivation because white flint grain can lead to higher market prices.

Genomics and Pathways Involved in Maize Resistance to Fusarium Ear Rot and Kernel Contamination With Fumonisins.

Fusarium verticillioides is a causal agent of maize ear rot and produces fumonisins, which are mycotoxins that are toxic to animals and humans. In this study, quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and bulk-segregant RNA-seq approaches were used to uncover genomic regions and pathways involved in resistance to Fusarium ear rot (FER) and to fumonisin accumulation in maize kernels. Genomic regions at bins 4.07-4.1, 6-6.01, 6.04-6.05, and 8.05-8.08 were related to FER resistance and/or reduced fumonisin levels in kernels. A comparison of transcriptomes between resistant and susceptible inbred bulks 10 days after inoculation with F. verticillioides revealed 364 differentially expressed genes (DEGs). In the resistant inbred bulks, genes involved in sink metabolic processes such as fatty acid and starch biosynthesis were downregulated, as well as those involved in phytosulfokine signaling and many other genes involved in cell division; while genes involved in secondary metabolism and compounds/processes related to resistance were upregulated, especially those related to cell wall biosynthesis/rearrangement and flavonoid biosynthesis. These trends are indicative of a growth-defense trade-off. Among the DEGs, Zm00001d053603, Zm00001d035562, Zm00001d037810, Zm00001d037921, and Zm00001d010840 were polymorphic between resistant and susceptible bulks, were located in the confidence intervals of detected QTLs, and showed large differences in transcript levels between the resistant and susceptible bulks. Thus, they were identified as candidate genes involved in resistance to FER and/or reduced fumonisin accumulation.

Effects of Loigolactobacillus coryniformis K8 CECT 5711 on the Immune Response of Elderly Subjects to COVID-19 Vaccination: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Elderly people are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19, with a high risk of developing severe disease and a reduced immune response to the COVID-19 vaccine. A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial to assess the effect of the consumption of the probiotic Loigolactobacillus coryniformis K8 CECT 5711 on the immune response generated by the COVID-19 vaccine in an elderly population was performed. Two hundred nursing home residents >60 yrs that had not COVID-19 were randomized to receive L. coryniformis K8 or a placebo daily for 3 months. All volunteers received a complete vaccination schedule of a mRNA vaccine, starting the intervention ten days after the first dose. Specific IgG and IgA antibody levels were analyzed 56 days after the end of the immunization process. No differences between the groups were observed in the antibody levels. During the intervention, 19 subjects had COVID-19 (11 receiving K8 vs. 8 receiving placebo, p = 0.457). Subgroup analysis in these patients showed that levels of IgG were significantly higher in those receiving K8 compared to placebo (p = 0.038). Among subjects >85 yrs that did not get COVID-19, administration of K8 tended to increase the IgA levels (p = 0.082). The administration of K8 may enhance the specific immune response against COVID-19 and may improve the COVID-19 vaccine-specific responses in elderly populations.

Genomics of maize resistance to kernel contamination with fumonisins using a multiparental advanced generation InterCross maize population (MAGIC).

Maize kernel is exposed to several fungal species, most notably Fusarium verticillioides, which can contaminate maize kernels with fumonisins. In an effort to increase genetic gains and avoid the laborious tasks of conventional breeding, the use of marker-assisted selection or genomic selection programs was proposed. To this end, in the present study a Genome Wide Association Study (GWAS) was performed on 339 RILs of a Multiparental Advanced Generation InterCross (MAGIC) population that had previously been used to locate Quantitative Trait Locus (QTL) for resistance to Fusarium Ear Rot (FER). Six QTLs for fumonisin content were detected in the bins 3.08, 4.07, 4.10, 7.03-7.04, 9.04-9.05 and 10.04-10.5. Five of the six QTLs collocate in regions where QTLs for FER were also found. However, the genetic variation for fumonisin content in kernel is conditioned by many other QTLs of small effect that could show QTL x environment interaction effects. Although a genomic selection approach to directly reduce fumonisin content in the kernel could be suitable, improving resistance to fumonisin content by genomic selection for FER would be more advisable.

Genomics of Maize Resistance to Fusarium Ear Rot and Fumonisin Contamination.

Food contamination with mycotoxins is a worldwide concern, because these toxins produced by several fungal species have detrimental effects on animal and/or human health. In maize, fumonisins are among the toxins with the highest threatening potential because they are mainly produced by Fusarium verticillioides, which is distributed worldwide. Plant breeding has emerged as an effective and environmentally safe method to reduce fumonisin levels in maize kernels, but although phenotypic selection has proved effective for improving resistance to fumonisin contamination, further resources should be mobilized to meet farmers' needs. Selection based on molecular markers linked to quantitative trait loci (QTL) for resistance to fumonisin contamination or/and genotype values obtained using prediction models with markers distributed across the whole genome could speed up breeding progress. Therefore, in the current paper, previously identified genomic regions, genes, and/or pathways implicated in resistance to fumonisin accumulation will be reviewed. Studies done until now have provide many markers to be used by breeders, but to get further insight on plant mechanisms to defend against fungal infection and to limit fumonisin contamination, the genes behind those QTLs should be identified.

Maize Resistance to Stem Borers Can Be Modulated by Systemic Maize Responses to Long-Term Stem Tunneling.

Limited attention has been paid to maize (Zea mays L.) resistance induced by corn borer damage, although evidence shows that induced defenses have lower resource allocation costs than constitutive defenses. Maize responses to short- and long-term feeding by the Mediterranean corn borer (MCB, Sesamia nionagrioides) have been previously studied, but the suggested differences between responses could be due to experimental differences. Therefore, in the current study, a direct comparison between short- and long-term responses has been made. The objectives were (i) to determine changes in the level of antibiosis of the stems induced by feeding of S. nonagrioides larvae for 2days (short-term feeding) and 9days (long-term feeding), (ii) to characterize the metabolome of the stems' short- and long-term responses to borer feeding, and (iii) to look for metabolic pathways that could modulate plant resistance to MCB. Defenses were progressively induced in the resistant inbred, and constitutive defenses were broken down in the susceptible inbred. Results suggest that the different resistance levels of the two inbreds to stem tunneling by MCB could depend on their ability to establish a systemic response. Based on these results, a high throughput look for specific metabolites implicated in systemic induced resistance to maize stem borers is recommended; the current focus on constitutive defense metabolites has not been successful in finding molecules that would be valuable tools for pest control.

Gendered Career Choices: Paths Toward Studying a Degree in Physical Activity and Sport Science.

Drawing on Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT), we examined factors affecting interest in pursuing a degree in Physical Activity and Sport Science (PASS) among Spanish teenage students. Although women were awarded 55.1% of all bachelor degrees in Spain in 2017-2018, female enrollment in PASS degrees is decreasing and currently stands below 20% across the country. To better understand the under-representation of women in this field, 4146 students (50.2% girls; mean age = 16.82 years; SD = 0.837) participated in a survey designed to measure a series of SCCT constructs: interest in studying a PASS degree, career outcome expectations, goal representations, and perceived social supports. With these data, we tested a set of path analysis models to explain gender differences in interest in studying a degree in PASS. These models tested the assumption that interest in PASS would mediate the paths from outcome expectations and social supports to goal representations. Model 1 assumed that interest would partially mediate the path from outcome expectations to goal representations, Model 2 assumed complete mediation, and Model 3 assumed absence of mediation. All models were tested separately for boys and girls. Our results provide information on how male and female students set personal goals based on expected career outcomes and show that this process is affected by gender stereotypes. The lack of interest by young women in studying a degree in PASS (only 7.8% of girls expressed this interest compared with 19.0% of boys), together with the gender differences observed in perceived social supports, outcome expectations, and goal representations, have several important theoretical and practical implications. The present research suggests that interventions that foster positive outcome expectations and social support are necessary to increase interest in studying PASS among teenage girls.

Effect of Long-Term Feeding by Borers on the Antibiotic Properties of Corn Stems.

Plant long-term response against chewing insects could become stronger than initial reactions and even turn into systemic. The objectives of the present study were 1) to evaluate whether the long-running attack to the stem by corn borers can improve the stem antibiotic properties; 2) to check whether hydroxycinnamic acids could be involved in this antibiotic response; 3) and to check whether elicitation by Sesamia nonagrioides Lef. (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) regurgitant could activate long-term plant responses. In this sense, we observed that long-term feeding by S. nonagrioides larvae induced genotype-dependent changes in stem antibiosis and phenolic profiles, but the hydroxycinnamate content does not have a significant role in the systemic defense induced by the attack. In addition, response to long-term feeding by larvae could not be fully mimicked by elicitation using S. nonagrioides regurgitant alone. For the first time, it has been demonstrated that 'long-term' attack to the stem by corn borers can increase the stem antibiotic properties, and this has to be considered attending to breeding strategies.

Defensive changes in maize leaves induced by feeding of Mediterranean corn borer larvae.

BACKGROUND: Plants can respond to insect attack via defense mechanisms that reduce insect performance. In this study, we examined the effects of several treatments applied to two maize genotypes (one resistant, one susceptible) on the subsequent growth and survival of Sesamia nonagrioides Lef. (Mediterranean corn borer, MCB) larvae. The treatments were infestation with MCB larvae, application of MCB regurgitant upon wounding, wounding alone, or exposure to methyl jasmonate, and they were applied at the V6-V8 stage of maize development. We also monitored changes in the concentrations of compounds known to be involved in constitutive resistance, such as cell wall-bound hydroxycinnamates and benzoxazinoids. RESULTS: In both maize genotypes, the leaves of plants pre-infested with MCB larvae were less suitable for larval development than those from untreated plants. Application of MCB regurgitant upon wounding, and wounding itself, resulted in leaf tissues becoming less suitable for larval growth than those of pre-infested plants, suggesting that there could be herbivore-associated effector molecules that suppress some wounding responses. A single application of MCB regurgitant did not seem to mimic feeding by MCB larvae, although the results suggested that regurgitant deposited during feeding may have enhanced ferulates and diferulates synthesis in infested vs. control plants. Jasmonic acid may play a role in mediating the maize response to MCB attack, but it did not trigger hydroxycinnamate accumulation in the leaves to a level comparable to that induced by larval leaf feeding. The EP39 maize genotype showed an increase in leaf cell wall strength by increasing hemicellulose cross-linking in response to MCB attack, while induced defenses in the EP42 plants appeared to reflect a broader array of resistance mechanisms. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicated that leaf feeding by MCB larvae can increase leaf antibiosis against MCB in two maize genotypes with contrasting levels of resistance against this borer. Also, the larval regurgitant played a positive role in eliciting a defense response. We determined the effects of the plant response on larval growth, and detected defense compounds related to borer resistance.

La discapacidad en la enseñanza pública: estudio exploratorio de los libros de texto de educación física de Brasil / Disability in public education: an exploratory study in physical education textbooks in Brazil

El objetivo del estudio es mostrar cómo se representa y configura la participación de las personas con discapacidad en las prácticas corporales a través de las fotografías de los libros de texto de Educación Física. El estudio es de tipo empírico, descriptivo y comparativo entre los libros analizados. La muestra fue de 929 fotografías de libros publicados en Brasil entre los años 2006 y 2012 para la Educación Física en la Enseñanza Fundamental y Media. La técnica de investigación fue el análisis de contenido mediante un instrumento de observación elaborado ad hoc. La prueba piloto, la consulta a expertos/as y la prueba intercodificadores son los criterios científicos que avalan el instrumento. Para el análisis estadístico se utilizó el software SPSS 19.0. Se realizó un análisis univariante y bivariante y se aplicó el test Ji-cuadrado de Pearson con un nivel de significación en el 5%. La representación de las personas con discapacidad en las imágenes de los libros de texto de Educación Física es prácticamente invisible y está sesgada. Las personas con discapacidad aparecen representadas en prácticas deportivas realizadas en contextos competitivos de máximo nivel de profesionalidad. La participación de este colectivo está limitada a determinadas prácticas corporales no inclusivas y alejadas de ámbitos educativos o utilitarios. Las mujeres con discapacidad son mínimamente representadas en las imágenes de los libros de texto. Los tipos de deficiencias mostradas en las imágenes se alejan del estereotipo tradicional que asocia la discapacidad al uso de la silla de ruedas.

Abstract The aim of this study is to show how people with physical disabilities are represented and how their participation is configured in Physical Education textbook images. The study is empiric, descriptive and comparative among analyzed books. The sample consisted of 929 photographs from Physical Education textbooks, published from 2006 to 2012 and used on basic and high school teaching in Brazil. The method used was to analyze the content through the elaboration of an ad hoc coding scheme. The trial test, consultation with experts, and intercoder reliability tests are the demarcation criteria used to support the observation tool. The software SPSS 19.0 was used for statistic analysis. Univariate and bivariate analysis were performed and the Pearson Chi-square test with a significance level of 5% was applied. The representation of disabled people in Physical Education textbooks images is virtually invisible and biased. People with physical disabilities are represented on high-performance competitive sport contexts. The participation of this group is limited to specific non-inclusive physical activities and distant from educational or useful scopes. Physically disabled women are scarcely represented on textbooks images. The kinds of disability shown on those images are far from the traditional stereotype that associate disability with the use of a wheelchair.

Genetic Factors Involved in Fumonisin Accumulation in Maize Kernels and Their Implications in Maize Agronomic Management and Breeding.

Contamination of maize with fumonisins depends on the environmental conditions; the maize resistance to contamination and the interaction between both factors. Although the effect of environmental factors is a determinant for establishing the risk of kernel contamination in a region, there is sufficient genetic variability among maize to develop resistance to fumonisin contamination and to breed varieties with contamination at safe levels. In addition, ascertaining which environmental factors are the most important in a region will allow the implementation of risk monitoring programs and suitable cultural practices to reduce the impact of such environmental variables. The current paper reviews all works done to address the influence of environmental variables on fumonisin accumulation, the genetics of maize resistance to fumonisin accumulation, and the search for the biochemical and/or structural mechanisms of the maize plant that could be involved in resistance to fumonisin contamination. We also explore the outcomes of breeding programs and risk monitoring of undertaken projects.

Estereótipos de gênero nas imagens dos livros didáticos de educação física do Brasil / Estereotipos de género en las imágenes de los libros didácticos de educación física de Brasil / Gender stereotypes in images of physical education textbooks in Brazil

Este estudo analisa se existem estereótipos de gênero nas imagens de livros didáticos da Educação Física brasileira. Foram analisadas 929 fotografias de livros publicados entre 2006 e 2012 e destinados a estudantes do ensino fundamental e médio. Para a análise de conteúdo se utilizou uma adaptação ad hoc de um instrumento empregado em investigações precedentes. Os resultados mostram um ligeiro predomínio da representação de homens frente à de mulheres e muitas imagens de grupos mistos de homens e mulheres. As imagens reproduzem parcialmente os padrões hegemônicos que vinculam o tipo de prática corporal com o gênero. Os homens se associam com os esportes enquanto as mulheres se vinculam às atividades de fitness e condicionamento físico. O âmbito competitivo e os esportes de elite são accessíveis tanto para homens como para mulheres e não existe vinculação do uso do espaço esportivo em função do gênero.

This study examines whether or not Brazilian Physical Education textbooks contain images of gender stereotypes. It looked at 929 photographs of textbooks published between 2006 and 2012 to be used by Basic and Secondary Education students. Content analysis was conducted through an ad hoc adaptation of an instrument used in previous studies. Results show a slight predominance of the male representation over female, and many images of mixed groups. Images partially reproduce hegemonic patterns linking physical activity with gender. Men are associated to sports while women are linked to fitness activities. The competitive environment and elite sports are accessible to both men and women and there is no relation between gender and the use the sports space.

Este estudio analiza si existen estereotipos de género en las imágenes de los libros didácticos de Educación Física brasileños. Se analizaron 929 fotografías de libros publicados entre 2006 y 2012 destinados a estudiantes de Enseñanza Fundamental y Media. Para el análisis de contenido se utilizó una adaptación ad hoc de un instrumento empleado en investigaciones precedentes. Los resultados muestran un ligero predominio de la representación de hombres frente a la de mujeres y muchas imágenes de grupos mixtos de ambos sexos. Las imágenes reproducen parcialmente los patrones hegemónicos que vinculan el tipo de actividad física con el género. Los hombres son asociados a los deportes, mientras que las mujeres son vinculadas a las actividades de fitness y preparación física. El ámbito competitivo y los deportes de élite son accesibles tanto para hombres como para mujeres y no existe vinculación del uso del espacio deportivo en función del género.

El deporte como mecanismo propagandístico de identidad nacional en España / O esporte como mecanismo propagandístico de identidade nacional na Espanha / Sport as a national identity propaganda mechanism in Spain

El objetivo de este trabajo fue identificar el uso del deporte como mecanismo propagandístico de identidad nacional en los programas de los partidos políticos que presentaron candidatura a las elecciones generales de 2011 en España. Para ello, se analizó el contenido de estos textos. Los resultados del análisis constataron que ocho programas electorales utilizan el deporte en su discurso programático como estrategia para reforzar la identidad cultural de un territorio y patrocinar la nación. Sobre todo, son los partidos nacionalistas los que más uso hacen de este discurso, circunscribiéndolo al independentismo.

This work looks into the use of sport as a mechanism of national identity propaganda in political parties’ programs in Spain’s 2011 general elections. The study is based on content analysis of those programs. Results indicate that the election programs used sport to reinforce territorial cultural identity and strengthen the idea of nation. Nationalist parties were the ones to use that discourse most often, placing it under within Independentism.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi o de identificar o uso do esporte como mecanismo propagandístico de identidade nacional nos programas dos partidos políticos que apresentaram candidaturas nas eleições gerais de 2011 na Espanha. Para isso, foram analisados os conteúdos desses programas. Os resultados da análise constataram que oito programas eleitorais utilizam o esporte em seu discurso programático como estratégia para reforçar a identidade cultural de um território e patrocinar a nação. Sobretudo, são os partidos nacionalistas os que mais fazem uso desse discurso, circunscrevendo-o ao independentismo.

Critical environmental and genotypic factors for Fusarium verticillioides infection, fungal growth and fumonisin contamination in maize grown in northwestern Spain.

In northwestern Spain, where weather is rainy and mild throughout the year, Fusarium verticillioides is the most prevalent fungus in kernels and a significant risk of fumonisin contamination has been exposed. In this study, detailed information about environmental and maize genotypic factors affecting F. verticillioides infection, fungal growth and fumonisin content in maize kernels was obtained in order to establish control points to reduce fumonisin contamination. Evaluations were conducted in a total of 36 environments and factorial regression analyses were performed to determine the contribution of each factor to variability among environments, genotypes, and genotype × environment interactions for F. verticillioides infection, fungal growth and fumonisin content. Flowering and kernel drying were the most critical periods throughout the growing season for F. verticillioides infection and fumonisin contamination. Around flowering, wetter and cooler conditions limited F. verticillioides infection and growth, and high temperatures increased fumonisin contents. During kernel drying, increased damaged kernels favored fungal growth, and higher ear damage by corn borers and hard rainfall favored fumonisin accumulation. Later planting dates and especially earlier harvest dates reduced the risk of fumonisin contamination, possibly due to reduced incidence of insects and accumulation of rainfall during the kernel drying period. The use of maize varieties resistant to Sitotroga cerealella, with good husk coverage and non-excessive pericarp thickness could also be useful to reduce fumonisin contamination of maize kernels.

Diferencias de género percibidas por el alumnado en la interacción visual y táctil de las tareas de expresión corporal / Student's perceptions of gender differences with regards to the visual and tactile interaction involved in corporal expression activities / Diferenças de gênero percebidas pelos estudantes na interação visual e tátil das tarefas de expressão corporal

Este artículo examina las diferencias de género percibidas por el alumnado en la interacción visual y táctil de las tareas de expresión corporal. Se realizó un análisis de contenido de los diarios de prácticas de 34 alumnos/as - 22,26±2,87 años- de la Universidad de Zaragoza -España-. El tratamiento de la información se realizó con el software NVIVO 8. Los resultados son que las tareas de mayor implicación emocional suscitan una mayor percepción de las diferencias de género; las mujeres son percibidas como más expresivas que los hombres; existe una preferencia visual por el sexo opuesto; y los hombres sienten miedo por tocar a las mujeres. Se concluye que la intervención didáctica que incorpora la interacción táctil y visual debe secuenciar las tareas de menor a mayor compromiso emocional e incorporar consignas para facilitar la ruptura con las atribuciones de género que coartan la expresividad

This paper examines university student's perceptions of gender differences with regards to the visual and tactile interaction involved in corporal expression activities. The study is based on a content analysis of the work experience diaries of 34 students (22.26±2.87 years) from the University of Zaragoza (Spain). Data was processed using the NVIVO 8 software. Results showed: i) activities that require a higher level of emotional involvement engender a higher perception of gender differences; ii) women are perceived as more expressive than men; iii) there is a visual preference for the opposite sex; and iv) men are fearful of touching women. Results lead to the conclusion that didactic intervention that involves tactile and visual interaction should be sequenced in tasks of lesser to greater emotional commitment and incorporate actions and instructions that facilitate the rupture of gender attributions that impede expression. Keywords: Gender identity. Nonverbal communication. Physical education and training

Este artigo examina as diferenças de gênero percebidas pelos estudantes na interação visual e tátil das tarefas de expressão corporal. Foi realizada uma análise contendo os diários de práticas de 34 alunos e alunas entre -22,26±2,87 anos- da Universidade de Zaragoza - Espanha. O tratamento da informação se realizou com o software NVIVO 8. Os resultados são que as tarefas de maior implicação emocional geram uma maior percepção das diferenças de gênero; as mulheres são percebidas como mais expressivas; existe uma preferência visual pelo sexo oposto; e os homens sentem medo por tocar as mulheres. Conclui-se que as tarefas de intervenção educacional que incorporam a interação tátil e interação visual devem ser programadas a fim de aumentar progressivamente o envolvimento emocional, e incorporar estratégias para facilitar a quebra com atribuições coercitivas de gênero que restringem a expressividade

Deshibición, espontaneidad y codificación percibida por el alumnado de expresión corporal / Lack of inhibition, spontaneity and codification as perceived by the student of corporal expression / Desinibição, espontaneidade e codificação percebida pelos alunos de expressão corporal

Este artículo examina las percepciones del alumnado en cuanto a la desinhibición, la espontaneidad y la codificación de las tareas en la disciplina de expresión corporal. La muestra fue de 18 personas - 24,46±2,22 años-; alumnos/as de la Universidad de Vigo (España). Se realizó análisis de contenido de los diarios de prácticas del alumnado. El tratamiento de la información se realizó con el software de análisis cualitativo NVIVO 8. Los resultados mostraron que: la interacción visual y táctil inhibe el compromiso expresivo, las consignas basadas en metáforas facilitan el movimiento espontáneo y la codificación del gesto favorece la transmisión de mensajes

This article aims to identify student's perceptions regarding the lack of inhibition, spontaneity and codification of the tasks associated with corporal expression. The study sample comprised 18 students (24.46 ± 2.22 years old) of corporal expression at the University of Vigo (Spain). A content analysis of the student's logbooks was undertaken. Data was processed using the NVIVO 8 software. Results showed that visual and tactile interaction inhibits expressive commitment, instructions based on metaphors facilitate spontaneous movement and codification of gestures favours the transmission of messages

Este artigo examina as percepções a respeito da desinibição, espontaneidade, e a codificação de alunos e alunas nas tarefas da disciplina de expressão corporal. A amostra foi composta por 18 pessoas -24,46 ± 2,22 anos-, alunos/ as da Universidade de Vigo (Espanha). Análise dos dados foi realizada pela técnica de análise de conteúdo dos diários de práticas dos alunos/as. Para o tratamento dos dados foi utilizado o software de análise qualitativa NVIVO8. Os resultados mostraram que: a interação visual e tátil inibe o compromisso expressivo, os slogans com base em metáforas facilitam o movimento espontâneo e a codificação do gesto favorece a transmissão de mensagens

Is it possible to control fumonisin contamination in maize kernels by using genotypes resistant to the Mediterranean corn borer?

Insect activity has long been associated with Fusarium infection. The objectives of the current study were 1) to estimate the impact of Mediterranean corn borer, Sesamia nonagrioides Lefèbvre, damage on fumonisin contamination in the maize kernel by comparing fumonisin contamination under infestation and protected conditions, and 2) to measure the potential use of genotypes resistant to this borer as controlling factors of fumonisin contamination. Genotypes with increased kernel damage by borers tended to increase fumonisin accumulation under infestation conditions. In particular environments, other factors influenced fumonisin contamination more than damage by borers. When ear damage by borers is significant, maize resistance to ear damage could contribute to the reduction of fumonisin contamination in the kernels. Genotype such as EP42 x EP77 that combines low ear damage by borers and low fumonisin level across environments is a good choice to control fumonisin contamination. The use of an applicable methodology to identify Mediterranean corn borer-resistant genotypes to ear attack under artificial infestations might be a promising approach.

Environmental factors related to fungal infection and fumonisin accumulation during the development and drying of white maize kernels.

In Southern Europe where whole maize kernels are ground and used for making bread and other food products, infection of the kernels by Fusarium verticillioides and subsequent fumonisin contamination pose a serious safety issue. The influence of environmental factors on this fungal infection and mycotoxin accumulation as the kernel develops has not been fully determined, especially in such food grade maize. The objectives of the present study were to determine which environmental factors may contribute to kernel invasion by F. verticillioides and fumonisin accumulation as kernels develop and dry in naturally infected white maize. Three maize hybrids were planted at two different sowing dates and kernel samples were collected 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 days after silking. The percentage of kernels infected, and ergosterol and fumonisin contents were recorded for each sampling. F. verticillioides was the most prevalent species identified as the kernels developed. Temperature and moisture conditions during the first 80 days after silking favored natural kernel infection by F. verticillioides rather than by Aspergillus or Penicillium species. Fumonisin was found in kernels as early as 20 days after silking however significant fumonisin accumulation above levels acceptable in the EU did not occur until after physiological maturity of the kernel indicating that kernel drying in the field poses a high risk. Our results suggest that this could be due to increasing kernel damage by insects that favor fungal development, such as the damage by the moth Sitotroga cerealella, and to the occurrence of stress conditions for F. verticillioides growth that could trigger fumonisin biosynthesis, such as exposure to suboptimal temperatures for growth simultaneously with low water activity.