Control of Gray Mold on Clamshell-Packaged 'Benitaka' Table Grapes Using Sulphur Dioxide Pads and Perforated Liners.

The use of vented clamshells has become popular in the packaging of grapes for local and international markets. The aim of this study is to evaluate the postharvest preservation of 'Benitaka' table grapes individually packaged in vented clamshells using different types of SO2-generating pads and perforated plastic liners during cold storage. A completely randomized design with four replications in a two-factor arrangement with an additional treatment [(4 × 3) + 1] was used. The trials were carried out under two situations: Artificial or natural infections with Botrytis cinerea, which is the causal agent of gray mold on table grapes. The incidence of gray mold, shattered berries, and stem browning were evaluated at 30 and 45 days of cold storage at 1 ± 1 °C and 3 days of shelf-life at 22 ± 1 °C after the period of cold storage. Mass loss and berry firmness were also examined at the end of the cold storage period. The use of dual-release SO2-generating pads containing 5 or 8 g of a.i. and slow-release pads with 7 g of a.i. was effective in controlling the incidence of gray mold in grapes packaged in vented clamshells and kept under cold storage for up to 45 days. Under these storage conditions, perforated plastic liners with 0.3% ventilation area or micro-perforated liners with 1.0% ventilation area reduced the percentage of mass loss and shattered berries.

Exogenous Abscisic Acid Promotes Anthocyanin Biosynthesis and Increased Expression of Flavonoid Synthesis Genes in Vitis vinifera × Vitis labrusca Table Grapes in a Subtropical Region.

Hybrid (Vitis vinifera ×Vitis labrusca) table grape cultivars grown in the subtropics often fail to accumulate sufficient anthocyanins to achieve good uniform berry color. Growers of V. vinifera table grapes in temperate regions generally use ethephon and, more recently, (S)-cis-abscisic acid (S-ABA) to overcome this problem. The objective of this study was to determine if S-ABA applications at different timings and concentrations have an effect on anthocyanin regulatory and biosynthetic genes, pigment accumulation, and berry color of the Selection 21 cultivar, a new V. vinifera ×V. labrusca hybrid seedless grape that presents lack of red color when grown in subtropical areas. Applications of S-ABA 400 mg/L resulted in a higher accumulation of total anthocyanins and of the individual anthocyaninsanthocyanins: delphinidin-3-glucoside, cyanidin-3-glucoside, peonidin-3-glucoside, and malvidin-3-glucoside in the berry skin and improved the color attributes of the berries. Treatment with two applications at 7 days after véraison (DAV) and 21 DAV of S-ABA 400 mg/L resulted in a higher accumulation of total anthocyanins in the skin of berries and increased the gene expression of CHI, F3H, DFR, and UFGT and of the VvMYBA1 and VvMYBA2 transcription factors in the seedless grape cultivar.

Red blotch disease alters grape berry development and metabolism by interfering with the transcriptional and hormonal regulation of ripening.

Grapevine red blotch-associated virus (GRBaV) is a major threat to the wine industry in the USA. GRBaV infections (aka red blotch disease) compromise crop yield and berry chemical composition, affecting the flavor and aroma properties of must and wine. In this study, we combined genome-wide transcriptional profiling with targeted metabolite analyses and biochemical assays to characterize the impact of the disease on red-skinned berry ripening and metabolism. Using naturally infected berries collected from two vineyards, we were able to identify consistent berry responses to GRBaV across different environmental and cultural conditions. Specific alterations of both primary and secondary metabolism occurred in GRBaV-infected berries during ripening. Notably, GRBaV infections of post-véraison berries resulted in the induction of primary metabolic pathways normally associated with early berry development (e.g. thylakoid electron transfer and the Calvin cycle), while inhibiting ripening-associated pathways, such as a reduced metabolic flux in the central and peripheral phenylpropanoid pathways. We show that this metabolic reprogramming correlates with perturbations at multiple regulatory levels of berry development. Red blotch caused the abnormal expression of transcription factors (e.g. NACs, MYBs, and AP2-ERFs) and elements of the post-transcriptional machinery that function during red-skinned berry ripening. Abscisic acid, ethylene, and auxin pathways, which control both the initiation of ripening and stress responses, were also compromised. We conclude that GRBaV infections disrupt normal berry development and stress responses by altering transcription factors and hormone networks, which result in the inhibition of ripening pathways involved in the generation of color, flavor, and aroma compounds.

Berry-cluster thinning to reduce compactness of ‘Black Star’ table grapes / Despenca como método de raleio para reduzir a compacidade de cachos da uva de mesa ‘Black Star’

ABSTRACT: The berry-cluster thinning technique was evaluated at different phenological times to prevent bunch compactness of ‘Black Star’ table grape, a new somatic mutation of ‘Brasil’ grape. The trial was carried out during 2012 and 2013 seaons in a vineyard situated in Marialva, PR, Brazil. Vines were trained in an overhead trellis system and spaced at 3x4m. The randomized block design was used as a statistical model with five replications and five treatments. The following treatments were evaluated: control; brushing prior to anthesis; and berry-cluster thinning at different times, when berries were 3-6, 7-10, or 11-15mm in diameter. The prevalence of bunch compactness was evaluated considering the levels: loose, medium loose, and dense bunches. The main physico-chemical characteristics of grapes and yield were also appraised. The data obtained were submitted to ANOVA, and toTukey’s test at 5% was applied. So, thinning is a mandatory practice to avoid bunch compactness of ‘Black Star’ grapes. The technique has to be performed, preferably, by means of brushing prior to anthesis, and the failure to accomplish this practice at this time, berry-cluster thinning when berries are 11-15mm in diameter can be used.

RESUMO: O método de raleio de bagas em diferentes fases fenológicas reduz a compactação de cachos da uva fina de mesa ‘Black Star’, uma nova mutação da uva ‘Brasil’. As videiras foram conduzidas em latada em espaçamento 3x4m, e o experimento foi realizado nas safras 2012 e 2013. O delineamento experimental consistiu em blocos casualizados, com cinco repetições e cinco tratamentos: controle sem raleio; raleio com escova plástica realizado no pré-florescimento e; despenca quando as bagas apresentavam 3-6, 7-10 ou 11-15mm de diâmetro. A compacidade predominante dos cachos foi avaliada de acordo com a seguinte classificação: cachos soltos, medianamente soltos e compactos. As características físico-químicas dos cachos e a produtividade também foram avaliadas. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância e as médias comparadas pelo teste de Tukey a 5%. Verificou-se que o raleio de bagas é uma prática obrigatória na uva ‘Black Star’ para diminuir a compacidade dos cachos. A operação deve ser realizada, preferencialmente, com a escova plástica no pré-florescimento, e na impossibilidade de executar ou finalizar essa prática nesta fase, pode-se empregar a despenca quando as bagas apresentarem 11-15mm de diâmetro.

Maquinistas ferroviários: trabalho em turnos e repercussões na saúde / Train drivers: shiftwork and health impacts

Objetivo descrever o impacto do trabalho em turnos na saúde, no sono e na qualidade de vida de maquinistas ferroviários. Métodos foram avaliados 611 maquinistas (escalas de trabalho 4 x 1 e 6 x 2), por meio de polissonografia, Índice da Qualidade do Sono de Pittsburgh, Índice de Gravidade de Insônia, Questionário de Qualidade de Vida SF-36, Questionário de Horne e Östberg, Capacidade de Trabalho e Escala de Sonolência de Epworth. Resultados os maquinistas apresentaram idade média de 36,6 ± 15,1 anos, 22% apresentaram obesidade e 38,1% risco para doenças cardiovasculares. Em relação ao sono, 64,2% dos maquinistas relataram qualidade ruim de sono, 11,6% apresentaram distúrbios do sono e 29,3% sonolência excessiva. Os resultados da polissonografia mostraram que 36,1% deles apresentaram apneia do sono e 47,2% demonstraram eficiência do sono reduzida. Além disso, os maquinistas apresentaram baixos índices de qualidade de vida, especialmente os da escala 4 x 1. Conclusão é possível afirmar, na população estudada, que a exposição ao trabalho em turnos, a rotatividade inversa, pouco tempo dispensado às folgas e horas extras de trabalho estão associados a danos ao bem-estar, saúde, sociabilização e ao sono de qualidade desses trabalhadores e que provavelmente os fatores relacionados aos turnos de trabalho contribuem para esses danos. .

Objective to describe the impact of shiftwork on the health, sleep and quality of life of railway drivers. Methods six hundred eleven railway drivers (schedule 4x1 and 6x2) were evaluated by polysomnography, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Insomnia Severity Index, Work Capacity Index, Quality of Life questionnaire (SF-36), Morningness-eveningness questionnaire (MEQ), and Epworth Sleepiness Scale. 
Results railway drivers assessed were 36.6 ± 15.1 years of age, 22% were obese, and 38.1% presented risks for cardiovascular disease. Poor sleep quality 64.2%, 11.6% had sleep disorders and 29.3% excessive sleepiness. The polysomnography results showed that 36.1% of them presented sleep apnea and 47.2% had significant reduction in sleep efficiency. The railway drivers showed low levels of quality of life, especially those working under the 4x1 schedule. Conclusion it is possible to assert that exposure to shiftwork, reverse rotation schedule, few days off, and working overtime are associated with impairment to well-being, health, sociability and workers’ sleep quality, and the factors related to shiftwork probably contribute to these findings. .

Robust evaluation of time since awakening using force platform posturography

INTRODUCTION: Sleepiness is responsible for a considerable proportion of traffic accidents. It is thus an important traffic safety issue to find a robust, objective and practical way to estimate the amount of time a person has been awake. To attempt to meet this goal, we investigated the relationship between sleepiness and posture control. METHODS: Subjects were kept awake for 36 hours and posturographic data during quiet standing were collected every two hours by means of a force platform. The standing surface (rigid surface or foam surface) and visual (eyes open or eyes closed) conditions were manipulated. RESULTS: In the more challenging conditions (with foam surface and/or eyes closed), the body sway variables derived from the center of the pressure measurement increased significantly when time since awakening became greater than 21 h in almost all subjects. CONCLUSION: Based on this result, we propose a practical protocol that could robustly assess whether time since awakening was greater than 21 h.

Indole butyric acid and substrates influence on multiplication of blackberry 'Xavante' / Influência do ácido indol butírico e substratos na propagação de amoreira-preta 'Xavante'

Blackberry is a shrubby plant specie which has a high economic importance among agriculture crops. Brazil is the major country of Latin America with the highest future scope for blackberries. For availability of good quality and maximum quantity of seedlings, the present study was carried out at the Universidade Estadual de Londrina,PR from January to March in 2013. The aim of the study was to evaluate the multiplication of blackberry 'Xavante' cuttings under different type of substrates treated with different levels of indole butyric acid (IBA). The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with 2 factors, i.e., substrate (rice husk, vermiculite and coconut fiber) and IBA (0; 1,000; 2,000 and 3,000mg L-1), with 5 replications. Each replicate consisted of 10 cuttings. The variables studied were: cutting rooting, cutting survival, leaf retention, cuttings with new leaves, number of major roots, length of major roots and roots dry weight. Most of the variables were significantly affected by both substrate and IBA. Rice husk and vermiculite performed better than coconut fiber and provided the same results for most of the variables, while coconut fiber showed lower performance for all of the variables studied. IBA significantly affected the rooting and the number of major roots. It is concluded that for multiplication of blackberry 'Xavante', both rice husk and vermiculite can be used along 2,000mg L-1 of IBA.

A amoreira-preta é uma espécie vegetal arbustiva que apresenta relevante importância econômica entre as culturas frutíferas. O Brasil é o maior produtor da América Latina. Para disponibilidade de boa qualidade e alta quantidade de mudas, o presente estudo foi realizado na Universidade Estadual de Londrina, PR, de janeiro a março, em 2013.O objetivo foi avaliar a mulitiplicação de amoreira-preta 'Xavante' em vários tipos de substratos sob diferentes níveis de ácido indol butírico (AIB). O delineamento experimental foi em blocos casualizados com dois fatores: substrato (casca de arroz carbonizada, vermiculita e fibra de coco) e AIB (0, 1.000, 2.000 e 3.000mg L-1), com cinco repetições, sendo cada repetição constituída por 10 estacas. As variáveis ​​avaliadas foram: estacas enraizadas, sobrevivência das estacas, retenção de folhas, estacas com folhas novas, número de raízes, comprimento de raízes e massa seca dos raízes. A maioria das variáveis foi significativamente afetada pelos substratos e AIB. A casca de arroz e vermiculita apresentaram melhor desempenho quanto à maioria das variáveis, enquanto a fibra de coco apresentou dempenho inferior. O AIB afetou significativamente a porcentagem de enraizamento e o número de principais raízes. Conclui-se que, para a otimizar a multiplicação de mudas de amoreira-preta 'Xavante' , tanto a casca de arroz carbonizada como a vermiculita podem ser usadas, associadas a 2.000mg L-1 de AIB.

Substratos no enraizamento de estacas herbáceas de amora-preta Xavante / Substrates on rooting of blackberry Xavante herbaceous cuttings

A amora-preta (Rubus spp.) destaca-se entre as espécies que apresentam boas perspectivas de cultivo em áreas de agricultura familiar. Visando a otimizar a multiplicação de mudas dessa espécie, o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o uso de substratos e concentrações do ácido indolbutírico (AIB) no enraizamento de estacas de amora-preta Xavante. O delineamento experimental foi o inteiramente casualizado em arranjo fatorial 3x2 (três tipos de substratos e duas concentrações de AIB), com cinco repetições de sete estacas, sendo adotados os fatores: tipos de substratos (casca de arroz carbonizada, vermiculita grânulos médios e fibra de coco) e tratadas ou não com AIB (0 e 1000mg L-1). Após 80 dias, foram avaliadas as variáveis: sobrevivência das estacas; retenção foliar; estacas enraizadas; número de raízes por estaca; comprimento da maior raiz; massa seca das raízes por estaca; e pH; condutividade elétrica; densidade e capacidade de retenção de água dos substratos. Não houve influência dos substratos e da aplicação de AIB sobre a porcentagem de estacas enraizadas, verificando-se alta eficiência no enraizamento das estacas de amora-preta Xavante (86,2%). Para a porcentagem de sobrevivência das estacas, o melhor resultado foi obtido sem a aplicação de AIB. Conclui-se que a amora-preta Xavante pode ser propagada por estaquia herbácea com eficiência, sem o uso de AIB, utilizando-se preferencialmente o substrato casca de arroz carbonizada como opção de baixo custo.

The blackberry (Rubus spp.) stands out among the species that have good prospects for cultivation in areas of family farm agriculture. In order to optimize the multiplication of seedlings of this species, the aim of this research was to evaluate the use of different substrates and concentrations of indolebutyric acid (IBA) on the rooting of cuttings of blackberry Xavante. The experiment was performed using the completely randomized design in a 3x2 factorial arrangement (three substrates and two concentrations of IBA), with five replications of seven cuttings, and the following factors were adopted: types of substrates (vermiculite medium granules, carbonized rice husk and coconut fiber) and treated or not treated with IBA (0 and 1000mg L-1). After 80 days, the following variables were evaluated: cuttings survival; leaf retention; rooted cuttings; root number per cutting; length of the longest root; dry weight of roots per cutting; and pH; electrical conductivity; bulk density and water retention capacity of the substrates. There was no influence of the substrates and the IBA on the percentage of rooted cuttings, verifying the high efficiency on rooting of the blackberry Xavante cuttings (86.2%). For the percentage of cuttings survival the best result was obtained without the IBA application. It was concluded that the blackberry Xavante can be propagated by herbaceous cuttings efficiently, using the carbonized rice husk as low-cost option.

Prevalence of and risk factors for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome in Brazilian railroad workers.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the prevalence of, and the risk factors for, obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) among Brazilian railroad workers. METHODS: Male railroad workers (745) from a railway company in Brazil were analyzed after responding to questionnaires about their demographics, sleep habits, excessive daytime sleepiness (Epworth), and the likelihood of having apnea (Berlin). We also performed polysomnography and measured anthropometric data for all of the railroad workers. RESULTS: The results showed that 261 (35.03%) of the railroad workers presented with OSAS. These railroad workers were older (OSAS: 38.53±10.08 versus non-OSAS: 33.99±8.92 years), more obese according to body mass index (27.70±4.38 versus 26.22±3.92 kg/m(2)), and employed for a longer period of time (14.32±9.13 years) compared with those without OSAS (10.96±7.66 years). Among those with OSAS, 9.5% were smokers and 54.7% reported alcohol use. The associated risk factors were age (OR=2.51, 95% CI=1.76-3.57), BMI (OR=1.56, 95% CI=1.04-2.34), alcohol use (OR=1.28, 95% CI=0.90-1.81), and a high chance of having sleep apnea, as assessed by the Berlin questionnaire (OR=2.19, 95% CI=1.49-3.21). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of OSAS in Brazilian railroad workers was higher than that observed in the general population but similar to that found in the population of the city of São Paulo, Brazil. These results suggest that age, BMI, a high risk of developing apnea through subjective self-reporting (Berlin), and alcohol use are associated with a higher risk of developing OSAS. These data reinforce the need to be more attentive to this population because they have a higher propensity for accidents.

Reciprocal interactions of obstructive sleep apnea and hypertension associated with ACE I/D polymorphism in males.

BACKGROUND: The angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism gene contributes to the genesis of hypertension (HTN) and may help explain the relationship between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and HTN. However, ACE is a pleiotropic gene that has several influences, including skeletal muscle and control of ventilation. We therefore tested the hypothesis that ACE polymorphism influences OSA severity. METHODS: Male OSA patients (apnea-hypopnea index [AHI]>5 events/h) from 2 university sleep centers were evaluated by polysomnography and ACE I/D polymorphism genotyping. RESULTS: We studied 266 males with OSA (age=48+/-13 y, body mass index=29+/-5 kg/m(2), AHI=34+/-25 events/h). HTN was present in 114 patients (43%) who were older (p<0.01), heavier (p<0.05) and had more severe OSA (p<0.01). The I allele was associated with HTN in patients with mild to moderate OSA (p<0.01), but not in those with severe OSA. ACE I/D polymorphism was not associated with apnea severity among normotensive patients. In contrast, the only variables independently associated with OSA severity among patients with hypertension in multivariate analysis were BMI (OR=1.12) and II genotype (OR=0.27). CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate reciprocal interactions between OSA and HTN with ACE I/D polymorphism, suggesting that among hypertensive OSA males, the homozygous ACE I allele protects from severe OSA.

Simple detection of large InDeLS by DHPLC: the ACE gene as a model.

Insertion-deletion polymorphism (InDeL) is the second most frequent type of genetic variation in the human genome. For the detection of large InDeLs, researchers usually resort to either PCR gel analysis or RFLP, but these are time consuming and dependent on human interpretation. Therefore, a more efficient method for genotyping this kind of genetic variation is needed. In this report, we describe a method that can detect large InDeLs by DHPLC (denaturating high-performance liquid chromatography) using the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene I/D polymorphism as a model. The InDeL targeted in this study is characterized by a 288 bp Alu element insertion (I). We used DHPLC at nondenaturating conditions to analyze the PCR product with a flow through the chromatographic column under two different gradients based on the differences between D and I sequences. The analysis described is quick and easy, making this technique a suitable and efficient means for DHPLC users to screen InDeLs in genetic epidemiological studies.

Can energy drinks reduce the depressor effect of ethanol? An experimental study in mice.

Although the popularization of the combined use of alcoholic beverages and energy drinks (ED) containing caffeine, taurine and other substances has increased, there are no controlled experimental studies on the effects of ED alone or combined with ethanol. This work aimed at evaluating the effects of different doses of ED combined or not with ethanol, on the locomotor activity of Swiss mice. The administration of 3.57, 10.71 or 17.86 ml/kg of ED alone increased the locomotor activity of the animals in relation to a control group. Low doses of ethanol (0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 g/kg) alone or in combination with 10.71 ml/kg of ED did not affect their locomotor activity. However, the reduction of activity observed after 2.5 g/kg of ethanol was antagonized by 10.71 ml/kg of ED. Further studies on the mechanisms of this interaction are still needed.