Erosão hídrica associada a algumas variáveis hidrológicas em pomar de maçã submetido a diferentes manejos do solo

O manejo do solo em cultivos perenes, como pomares, influencia a erosão hídrica. O presente estudo avaliou as perdas de solo e água sob chuva simulada em um Latossolo, em pomar de maçã, entre os meses de agosto de 2007 e abril de 2008, na estação experimental de fruticultura de clima temperado da Embrapa Uva e Vinho, em Vacaria (RS). O trabalho foi conduzido em parcelas experimentais de 3,5 x 11 m, sob chuvas com 1 h de duração e intensidade constante ao longo delas, com variação de 70 a 88 mm h-1 entre uma chuva e outra. Os sistemas de manejo estudados foram: 1) capina manual sob a copa das plantas e solo coberto com gramíneas e leguminosas no restante da área (ST); 2) aveia não dessecada, em que as sementes foram incorporadas ao solo, com capina manual em toda a área, dois meses antes do início dos testes de chuva (AN); 3) aveia dessecada quimicamente sete dias antes do início dos testes de chuva, em que as sementes foram incorporadas ao solo com enxada rotativa em toda a área, dois meses antes do início dos testes (AD); e 4) solo sem cobertura, em que a vegetação, após ter sido dessecada, foi removida da superfície do solo em toda a área com capina manual, um dia antes de iniciar os testes de chuva (SC). A forma de manejo da superfície do solo e o número de chuvas influenciaram a erosão hídrica; as perdas de solo variaram amplamente, enquanto as perdas de água apresentaram menor variação. Apesar da mobilização do solo para implantação de aveia, os tratamentos AN e AD com esse cultivo mostraram a mesma eficácia de controle da erosão em relação ao tratamento ST, em que o solo foi mobilizado apenas sob a copa das plantas. A eliminação da cobertura do solo no tratamento SC aumentou expressivamente as perdas de solo em relação aos tratamentos com cobertura; no que se refere às perdas de água, a diferença foi menor. O tempo de ocorrência do escoamento superficial influenciou a perda de solo; observou-se aumento dessa variável com o aumento do tempo de enxurrada até certo momento, a partir do qual diminuiu, independentemente do tratamento; a perda de água aumentou até certo momento e estabilizou. Houve relação inversa entre razão de perda de solo e razão de perda de água, independentemente do tipo de cobertura do solo e do sistema de manejo sob as macieiras. O modelo exponencial ajustou-se a essa relação.

Fourmidable: a database for ant genomics.

BACKGROUND: Fourmidable is an infrastructure to curate and share the emerging genetic, molecular, and functional genomic data and protocols for ants. DESCRIPTION: The Fourmidable assembly pipeline groups nucleotide sequences into clusters before independently assembling each cluster. Subsequently, assembled sequences are annotated via Interproscan and BLAST against general and insect-specific databases. Gene-specific information can be retrieved using gene identifiers, searching for similar sequences or browsing through inferred Gene Ontology annotations. The database will readily scale as ultra-high throughput sequence data and sequences from additional species become available. CONCLUSION: Fourmidable currently houses EST data from two ant species and microarray gene expression data for one of these. Fourmidable is publicly available at http://fourmidable.unil.ch.

Mineralization of the recalcitrant oxalic and oxamic acids by electrochemical advanced oxidation processes using a boron-doped diamond anode

Oxalic and oxamic acids are the ultimate and more persistent by-products of the degradation of N-aromatics by electrochemical advanced oxidation processes (EAOPs). In this paper, the kinetics and oxidative paths of these acids have been studied for several EAOPs using a boron-doped diamond (BDD) anode and a stainless steel or an air-diffusion cathode. Anodic oxidation (AO-BDD) in the presence of Fe2+ (AO-BDD-Fe2+) and under UVA irradiation (AO-BDD-Fe2+-UVA), along with electro-Fenton (EF-BDD), was tested. The oxidation of both acids and their iron complexes on BDD was clarified by cyclic voltammetry. AO-BDD allowed the overall mineralization of oxalic acid, but oxamic acid was removed much more slowly. Each acid underwent a similar decay in AO-BDD-Fe2+ and EFBDD, as expected if its iron complexes were not attacked by hydroxyl radicals in the bulk. The faster and total mineralization of both acids was achieved in AO-BDD-Fe2+-UVA due to the high photoactivity of their Fe(III) complexes that were continuously regenerated by oxidation of their Fe(II) complexes. Oxamic acid always released a larger proportion of NH4 + than NO3- ion, as well as volatile NOx species. Both acids were independently oxidized at the anode in AO-BDD, but in AO-BDD-Fe2+-UVA oxamic acid was more slowlydegraded as its content decreased, without significant effect on oxalic acid decay. The increase in current density enhanced the oxidation power of the latter method, with loss of efficiency. High Fe2+ contents inhibited the oxidation of Fe(II) complexes by the competitive oxidation of Fe2+ to Fe3+. Low current densities and Fe2+ contents are preferable to remove more efficiently these acids by the most potent AO-BDD-Fe2+-UVA method.

Multifocal epithelial tumors and field cancerization from loss of mesenchymal CSL signaling.

It is currently unclear whether tissue changes surrounding multifocal epithelial tumors are a cause or consequence of cancer. Here, we provide evidence that loss of mesenchymal Notch/CSL signaling causes tissue alterations, including stromal atrophy and inflammation, which precede and are potent triggers for epithelial tumors. Mice carrying a mesenchymal-specific deletion of CSL/RBP-Jκ, a key Notch effector, exhibit spontaneous multifocal keratinocyte tumors that develop after dermal atrophy and inflammation. CSL-deficient dermal fibroblasts promote increased tumor cell proliferation through upregulation of c-Jun and c-Fos expression and consequently higher levels of diffusible growth factors, inflammatory cytokines, and matrix-remodeling enzymes. In human skin samples, stromal fields adjacent to multifocal premalignant actinic keratosis lesions exhibit decreased Notch/CSL signaling and associated molecular changes. Importantly, these changes in gene expression are also induced by UVA, a known environmental cause of cutaneous field cancerization and skin cancer.

Tolerância de porta-enxertos de videira ao alumínio do solo

Onze porta-enxertos e duas cultivares americanas de videira (Vitis spp) foram avaliadas mediante níveis de saturação por Al no solo (Cambissolo Húmico álico), objetivando alcançar a tolerância diferenciada ao Al. O trabalho foi conduzido em casa de vegetação, com seis tratamentos completamente casualizados e quatro repetições, na Embrapa-Centro Nacional de Pesquisa de Uva e Vinho, em Bento Gonçalves, RS, no período de 1987 a 1990. As características avaliadas foram: altura das plantas, comprimento das raízes, peso da matéria seca da parte aérea e das raízes e teores de P, K, Ca e Mg em folhas e raízes. Diante dos acréscimos ou aumentos verificados em cada característica (variação %) e por cultivar, foi possível estabelecer a tolerância diferenciada das cultivares. O teor de K na parte aérea não foi afetado pelos níveis de saturação por Al, enquanto os teores de Ca e Mg foram os mais afetados. O teor de P teve um comportamento estável entre os níveis de saturação por Al. As cultivares Isabel e Cunningham apresentaram diferença na tolerância ao Al do solo; a Cunningham teve melhor comportamento. Os porta-enxertos R99, Rupestris du Lot e Kober 5BB, juntamente com Isabel, foram os mais sensíveis ao Al, e P1103, 101-14 e 196-17Cl foram os mais tolerantes.

Occupational exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation of outdoor workers in France

Question: Outdoor occupational exposure could be associated with important cumulative and intense exposure to ultraviolet (UV) solar radiation. Such exposure would increase risk of skin cancer. However, little information exists on jobs associated with intense UV exposure. The objective of this study was to characterise occupational UV exposure in a representative sample in France. Methods: A population-based survey was conducted in May-June 2012 through computer-assisted telephonic interviews in population 25 to 69 years of age. Individual UV irradiation was computed with declared time and place of residence matched to UV records from satellite measurement (Eurosun project). We analysed factors influencing exposure to UV (annual average and seasonal peak). Results: A total of 1442 individuals declared having an occupational exposure to UV which represents 18% of population aged 25 to 69 years. Outdoor workers were more frequently men (58%), aged 40-54 (43%), with a phototype III or IV (69%). Occupations associated with highest UV exposure were: construction workers (annual daily average 62.8 Joules/m2), gardeners (62.6), farmers (52.8), culture/art/social sciences workers (52.0) and transport workers/mail carriers (49.5). The maximum of UVA exposure was found for occupation with a strong seasonality of exposure: culture, art or social sciences works (98.1 Joules/m2), construction works (97.2), gardening (96.7) and farming (95.0). Significant factors associated with high occupational UV exposure were gender (men vs. women: 53.6 vs. 42.6), phototype (IV vs. I: 51.9 vs. 45.5) and taking lunch outdoors (always vs. never: 59.8 vs. 48.6). Conclusion: Our study showed that some occupations were associated with particularly intense UV exposure such as farmers, gardeners, construction workers. Other unexpected occupations were also associated with high UV exposure such as transport workers, mail carriers and culture/art/social sciences workers.

Efeito do porta-enxerto na qualidade do cacho da videira 'Niágara Rosada'

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a qualidade do cacho da videira 'Niágara Rosada' (Vitis labrusca L.) enxertada sobre cinco porta-enxertos e avaliada durante sete safras na região de Taubaté, SP. Os cachos colhidos nas plantas enxertadas sobre 'IAC 313', 'IAC 766' e 'Traviú' apresentaram tamanho (comprimento e largura), massa e número de bagas significativamente maiores do que o verificado nas plantas enxertadas sobre 'Kober 5BB' e 'Schwarzmann'. A baga apresentou massa significativamente maior no 'IAC 766' e 'Traviú' em comparação ao 'Schwarzmann'. O teor de sólidos solúveis dos frutos foi maior no 'Kober 5BB' (15,46°Brix) e 'Schwarzmann' (15,28°Brix) em comparação ao verificado no 'IAC 313' (14,18°Brix).

Comportamento de ésteres hidroxicinâmicos durante a vinificação de vinhos brancos

O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar o conteúdo de ácido caftárico e cutárico em mostos e vinhos brancos, nos vários estágios da vinificação. Foram utilizadas cultivares de uva branca, Chenin Blanc e Sauvignon Blanc (Vitis vinifera) cultivadas em Santana do Livramento, RS, e Niágara (Vitis labrusca), cultivada em Santa Maria, RS, das safras de 1997, 1998 e 1999. O conteúdo desses compostos foi determinado por meio de cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência, na fase de esmagamento da uva, durante a fermentação, e no vinho pronto para o consumo. Concentrações de ácido caftárico foram geralmente mais altas do que as de ácido cutárico, tanto em mosto quanto em vinho. A quantidade média de ácido caftárico no mosto, nas três cultivares, foi de 61,25 mg/L, enquanto no vinho correspondente, foi de 32,10 mg/L, comprovando a diminuição deste composto durante a fermentação. Comportamento semelhante foi observado em relação ao ácido cutárico (22,63 e 9,00 mg/L, respectivamente no mosto e no vinho). Em amostras coletadas seis meses após o engarrafamento, observou-se também uma diminuição dos dois compostos, porém em menor proporção.

Risk factors of sunburns from occupational sun exposure in outdoor workers

Question: Outdoor workers can be exposed to intense ultraviolet (UV) solar radiation likely to results to sunburns. As sunburn is an important risk factor for skin cancer, in particular melanoma, we investigated the causes of occupational sunburns (OS) in French outdoor workers. Methods: A population-based survey was conducted in May-June 2012 through computer-assisted telephonic interviews in population 25 to 69 years of age. History of sunburn from occupational exposure within the year preceding interview was collected. We analysed the risk of OS in multivariate logistic regression. Results: Out of 1442 individuals who declared having an occupational exposure to solar UV radiation, 403 (27.9%) reported a sunburn from occupational exposure in the year preceding the interview. Sunburns were more frequent in women (30% vs. 26.4% in men although not significant p = 0.14), in younger workers (p = 0.0099), in sensitive phototype (40% in phototype I/II vs. 23% in phototype III/IV, p < 0.001) and in workers taking lunch outdoor (p = 0.0355). Some occupations were more associated with OS (more than 30%): health occupations, managing, research/engineering, construction workers and culture/art/social sciences workers. In multivariate analysis, risk factors for OS are phototype (I vs. IV, OR = 4.30 95% CI [2.65-6.98]), sunburn during leisure time (OR = 3.46 95% CI [2.62-4.59]), seasonality of exposure (seasonal vs. constant exposure OR = 1.36 95% CI [1.02-1.81] and annual UVA exposure (OR for 10J/m² daily average increment 1.08 95% CI [1.02-1.14]). In multivariate analysis the type of occupation was not associated with increased OS. Conclusion: Sunburns from occupation was also observed in non sensitive population, phototype IV, which shows that outdoor workers are potentially exposed to intense UV radiations. This study suggests that prevention should target UV sensitive outdoor workers as well as those cumulating intense UV exposure.

The Oncogene ATF3 Is Potentiated by Cyclosporine A and Ultraviolet Light A.

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) represents the most important cutaneous complication following organ transplantation. It develops mostly on sun-exposed areas. A recent study showed the role of activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3) in SCC development following treatment with calcineurin inhibitors. It has been reported that ATF3, which may act as an oncogene, is under negative calcineurin/nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) control and is upregulated by calcineurin inhibitors. Still, these findings do not fully explain the preferential appearance of SCC on chronically sun-damaged skin. We analyzed the influence of UV radiation on ATF3 expression and its potential role in SCC development. We found that ATF3 is a specifically induced AP1 member in SCC of transplanted patients. Its expression was strongly potentiated by combination of cyclosporine A and UVA treatment. UVA induced ATF3 expression through reactive oxygen species-mediated nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) activation independently of calcineurin/NFAT inhibition. Activated NRF2 directly binds to ATF3 promoter, thus inducing its expression. These results demonstrate two mechanisms that independently induce and, when combined together, potentiate the expression of ATF3, which may then force SCC development. Taking into account the previously defined role of ATF3 in the SCC development, these findings may provide an explanation and a mechanism for the frequently observed burden on SCCs on sun-exposed areas of the skin in organ transplant recipients treated by calcineurin inhibitors.

Efecto del agua aplicada en las relaciones hídricas y productividad de la vid 'Crimson Seedless'

Este estudio fue dirigido para evaluar la relación agua-rendimiento en vid de mesa cv. Crimson y establecer valores críticos para las mediciones del estado hídrico de las plantas. Los estudios de campo se desarrollaron durante tres años, en el Valle de Aconcagua, Chile, a 32º47'S y 70º42'O, en un suelo de textura franco arcillosa. Se proporcionaron a las plantas diferentes cantidades de agua de riego entre 40 y 100% de la evapotranspiración del cultivo (Etc). El potencial hídrico xilemático medido a mediodía (psixmin) y la conductancia estomática estuvieron estrechamente relacionados con el déficit de agua impuesto y el rendimiento obtenido. Los rendimientos de la vid disminuyeron respecto al agua aplicada en el rango de los tratamientos estudiados. Sesenta por ciento de restricción de la Etc redujo 22% del rendimiento. Cuando la planta mantuvo psixmin mayor que -0,75 MPa entre cuaja y pinta, la producción y los calibres fueron mayores.

Recuperação e distribuição do nitrogênio fornecido a videiras jovens

O objetivo deste trabalho foi estimar a recuperação e a distribuição do N fornecido a videiras jovens. O experimento foi realizado em casa de vegetação na Embrapa Uva e Vinho, Bento Gonçalves, RS. Foram utilizadas videiras da cultivar Riesling Itálico e Chardonnay, enxertadas no porta-enxerto 101-14 Mgt. Foi cultivada uma planta por vaso contendo 3,5 kg de um Neossolo Litólico. A solução de sulfato de amônio com 2% de átomos 15N, na dose de 185,60 mg de N foi aplicada na superfície do solo depois do transplante das videiras. As plantas foram coletadas em seis épocas, e separadas em folhas, porta-enxerto + enxerto, raízes grossas e finas. Todas as partes das videiras foram secadas em estufa, para determinação da produção de matéria seca e análise do N total e 15N. A maior recuperação do N do fertilizante pelas videiras jovens ocorreu em épocas próximas ao fornecimento do N. A maior quantidade de N acumulado nas videiras derivou-se de formas diferentes daquelas do N fornecido. As folhas e raízes foram o maior compartimento de N total e N derivado do fertilizante.

Establishment of an in vitro photoassay using THP-1 cells and IL-8 to discriminate photoirritants from photoallergens

At present, there are no in vivo or in vitro methods developed which has been adopted by regulatory authorities to assess photosensitization induced by chemicals. Recently, we have proposed the use of THP-1 cells and IL-8 release to identify the potential of chemicals to induce skin sensitization. Based on the assumption that sensitization and photosensitization share common mechanisms, the aim of this work was to explore the THP-1 model as an in vitro model to identify photoallergenic chemicals. THP-1 cells were exposed to 7 photoallergens and 3 photoirritants and irradiated with UVA light or kept in dark. Non phototoxic allergens or irritants were also included as negative compounds. Following 24 h of incubation, cytotoxicity and IL-8 release were measured. At subtoxic concentrations, photoallergens produced a dose-related increase in IL-8 release after irradiation. Some photoirritants also produced a slight increase in IL-8 release. However, when the overall stimulation indexes of IL-8 were calculated for each chemical, 6 out of 7 photoallergens tested reached a stimulation index above 2, while the entire set of negative compounds had stimulation indexes below 2. Our data suggest that this assay may become a useful cell-based in vitro test for evaluating the photosensitizing potential of chemicals.

Laser-Ultraviolet-A induced ultra weak photon emission in human skin cells: A biophotonic comparison between keratinocytes and fibroblasts

Photons participate in many atomic and molecular interactions and processes. Recent biophysical research has discovered an ultraweak radiation in biological tissues. It is now recognized that plants, animal and human cells emit this very weak biophotonic emission which can be readily measured with a sensitive photomultiplier system. UVA laser induced biophotonic emission of cultured cells was used in this report with the intention to detect biophysical changes between young and adult fibroblasts as well as between fibroblasts and keratinocytes. With suspension densities ranging from 1-8x106 cells/ml, it was evident that an increase of the UVA-laser-light induced photon emission intensity could be observed in young as well as adult fibroblastic cells. By the use of this method to determine ultraweak light emission, photons in cell suspensions in low volumes (100 mu l) could be detected, in contrast to previous procedures using quantities up to 10 ml. Moreover, the analysis has been further refined by turning off the photomultiplier system electronically during irradiation leading to the first measurements of induced light emission in the cells after less than 10 mu s instead of more than 100 milliseconds. These significant changes lead to an improvement factor up to 106 in comparison to classical detection procedures. In addition, different skin cells as fibroblasts and keratinocytes stemining from the same donor were measured using this new highly sensitive method in order to find new biophysical insight of light pathways. This is important in view to develop new strategies in biophotonics especially for use in alternative therapies.

Biologia e tabela de vida de fertilidade de Planococcus citri em diferentes estruturas vegetativas de cultivares de videira

O objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar a biologia e a tabela de vida de fertilidade de Planococcus citri, em folhas de videira das cultivares Cabernet Sauvignon, Itália e Isabel, em bagas de uva 'Itália' e em raízes da 'Isabel' e dos porta-enxertos 101-14 e IAC-572. Os seguintes parâmetros foram avaliados: duração e viabilidade dos estágios de ovo e ninfa; e fecundidade e longevidade dos adultos. Em raízes do porta-enxerto IAC-572, a cochonilha não completou o ciclo biológico. Em bagas de uva 'Itália', o inseto completou a fase de ninfa, porém os adultos foram inférteis. Em folhas das diferentes cultivares, a duração média do período de ovo a adulto dos machos foi de 24,63 dias, com viabilidade de 32%, enquanto as fêmeas duraram 32 dias com viabilidade de 56%. Em raízes, a duração do ciclo biológico de fêmeas e machos foi de 32,45 e 29,50 dias, respectivamente. Em folhas, a fecundidade foi de 67,27, 66,09 e 53,33 ovos por fêmea, nas cultivares Cabernet Sauvignon, Isabel e Itália, respectivamente. Nas raízes foram obtidos 30,4 e 70,0 ovos por fêmea, no porta-enxerto 101-14 e na cultivar Isabel, respectivamente.