Postharvest treatments to mitigate the internal browning in "Bartlett" pears.

Internal browning is an important disorder in pear fruit which can lead to economic losses. Pears (Pyrus communis L. cv. Bartlett) were harvested at early harvest maturity of 90 N from a commercial orchard in southern Brazil. Methyl jasmonate, ethanol, and 1-methylcyclopropene vapor treatments were carried out for 24 hours in order to mitigate the internal browning disorder. Fruit were stored for up to 150 days at 0 ± 1 °C and 90 ± 5 % RH. Pears exhibited internal browning in 37 % of the control samples after 90 days of cold storage. However, no internal browning symptoms were observed in the 1-MCP treatment. The first symptoms in 1-MCP samples were noticed after 120 days of cold storage (12 %) and reached 100 % in five days at room temperature. 1-MCP-treated pears showed flesh firmness values of 82 N after 90 days of cold storage and 18.7 N when they were removed from the cold storage and kept at 20 °C. The greatest acceptance index was attributed to 1- MCP pears after 90 days at 0 ± 1 °C followed by 5 days at 20 ± 1 °C (89.35). High acceptance indexes were attributed to MeJa (77.95) and control pears (76.40) after 30 days in cold storage followed by 5 days at room temperature. 1-MCP (0.3 µL L-1 , 24 hours at 0 ± 1 °C) treatment delays ripening and mitigates the internal browning in early harvested ?Bartlett? pears, that can be stored for up to 90 days at 0 ± 1 °C.

Condições de atmosfera controlada para pêssegos "maciel" colhidos em dois estádios de maturação

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito de duas temperaturas e condições de atmosfera controlada (AC) sobre a conservação de pêssegos da cultivar Maciel, colhidos em dois estádios de maturação. Os tratamentos avaliados foram: armazenamento refrigerado (AR) na temperatura de +0,5°C; AR na temperatura de -0,5°C; 2,0kPa O2 + 4,0kPa CO2 em -0,5°C; 1,0kPa O2 + 3,0kPa CO2 em -0,5°C; 2,0kPa O2 + 6,0kPa CO2 em -0,5°C. As avaliações foram realizadas após 60 dias de armazenamento e mais dois e quatro dias de exposição dos frutos à temperatura de 20ºC. Na análise realizada após dois meses de armazenamento, mais dois dias a 20°C, verificou-se que os frutos submetidos a 2,0kPa de O2 + 4,0 kPa de CO2 apresentaram maior firmeza de polpa em relação aos demais tratamentos, sendo que a mesma não foi influenciada pelo estádio de maturação. Os sólidos solúveis totais foram maiores em frutos com estádio de maturação maduro independente da condição de armazenamento. A ocorrência de podridões e escurecimento interno da polpa não foi influenciada pelo estádio de maturação. No entanto, a condição de AC de 1,0 kPa de O2 + 3,0kPa de CO2 proporcionou o menor percentual de podridões e escurecimento interno da polpa em relação aos demais tratamentos. Na avaliação realizada aos quatro dias de exposição a 20°C, os frutos colhidos no estádio maduro estavam completamente podres, independente da condição de armazenamento praticada.

Respostas pós-colheita de abacaxi 'Pérola' no tratamento com calor e armazenagem refrigerada

Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito de diferentes temperaturas de armazenamento e do tratamento inicial a 40 ºC, por 24 horas, na preservação de abacaxis 'Pérola'. Os abacaxis foram colhidos no estádio de maturação pintado, tratados com calor e foram mantidos sob condição de ambiente (25 ºC e 75-80% UR) ou refrigerados durante 17 dias, a 8 ºC, ou 14 ºC. Após este período, foram transferidos para condição de ambiente, 25 ºC e 75-80% UR. As avaliações foram realizadas no início (0 dia) e após 1; 5; 9; 13 ou 17 dias. Os frutos armazenados sob refrigeração foram transferidos para o ambiente e também foram avaliados aos 21, 25 ou 29 dias. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial (2x3x9), tendo-se os fatores, frutos tratados com calor ou não, três temperaturas de armazenamento e 9 épocas de avaliação. Os frutos foram avaliados quanto à perda de massa fresca, coloração externa, resistência da casca e da polpa, rendimento em polpa, além da intensidade respiratória. A perda de massa fresca e a resistência da casca e da polpa foram maiores nos frutos armazenados sob condição ambiente quando comparada à perda de massa e resistência dos abacaxis armazenados sob refrigeração, com variação na coloração da casca, de verde para amarela, com a evolução do tempo. Os abacaxis mantidos sob refrigeração a 8 ºC ou 14 ºC tiveram vida útil de 29 dias, enquanto os abacaxis mantidos a 25 ºC foram descartados após 17 dias. Abacaxis tratados com calor apresentaram a maior taxa respiratória, enquanto aqueles mantidos a 8 ºC apresentaram a menor atividade respiratória, tanto sob refrigeração como em condição ambiente.

Conservação pós-colheita de abacaxi 'Pérola' colhido no estádio de maturação pintado associando-se refrigeração e atmosfera modificada

Estudou-se a manutenção da qualidade do abacaxi 'Pérola', utilizando-se de refrigeração e atmosfera modificada. Os frutos foram armazenados em ambiente com controle de temperatura a 8ºC e 90%UR, durante 17 dias, quando foram transferidos para condição de ambiente (25ºC, 75-80%UR). Eles foram avaliados na recepção, caracterizando-os, após 5; 9; 13 e 17 dias sob refrigeração, e depois de transferidos para as condições de ambiente, aos 21; 25 e 29 dias. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial (6 x 8), tendo-se seis tratamentos (testemunha, duas ceras e três filmes plásticos) e oito épocas de avaliação. Os frutos foram avaliados quanto à coloração, ocorrência de podridões e de escurecimento interno, e a polpa avaliada quanto ao pH e aos teores de sólidos solúveis totais (SST), acidez total titulável (ATT), ácido ascórbico e açúcares solúveis, totais e redutores. Durante o armazenamento, observaram-se o amarelecimento dos frutos, o aumento no pH, na relação SST/ATT, e nos teores de açúcares solúveis, totais e redutores, que foram maiores após a transferência dos frutos para o ambiente. Os sintomas de injúria por chilling aumentaram com o tempo de armazenamento. Os tratamentos que modificam a atmosfera (embalagens e ceras) não influenciam significativamente nos principais atributos de qualidade do abacaxi 'Pérola', mas o uso de embalagem com PEBD e PVC atrasou o aparecimento de sintomas de escurecimento interno após a transferência dos frutos para a condição ambiente. Os frutos sem embalagem e os tratados com cera mostraram-se mais sensíveis à injúria por chilling, que se manifestou aos quatro dias após a remoção para o ambiente. A embalagem em PEBD e PVC retardou o aparecimento dos primeiros sintomas, em quatro dias.

Distúrbio fisiológico provocado pelo frio e prevenção com tratamentos térmicos em abacates

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

In-season calcium-spray formulations improve calcium balance and fruit quality traits of peach.

Experiments to evaluate the effect of in-season calcium (Ca) sprays on late-season peach (Prunus persica L. Batsch cv. Calrico) were carried out for a 2-year period. Calcium formulations (0.5% and 1.0% in 2008 and only 0.5% tested in 2009) supplied either as CaCl2 or Ca propionate in combination with two or three adjuvants (0.05% of the nonionic surfactants Tween 20 and Break Thru, and 0.5% carboxymethylcellulose, CMC) were sprayed four to five times over the growing season. Peach mesocarp and endocarp Ca concentrations were determined on a 15-day basis from the beginning of May until the end of June. Further tissue analyses were performed at harvest. A decreasing trend in fruit Ca concentrations over the growing season was always observed regardless of the Ca treatments. Both in 2008 and 2009, significant tissue Ca increments associated with the application of Ca-containing sprays in combination with adjuvants were only observed in June, which may be coincident with the period of pit hardening. In 2008, both at harvest and after cold storage, the total soluble-solids concentration (° Brix) of fruits supplied with Ca propionate (0.5% and 1.0% Ca) was always lower as compared to the rest of treatments. The application of multiple Ca-containing sprays increased firmness at harvest and after cold storage, especially when CaCl2 was the active ingredient used. Supplying the adjuvants Tween 20 and CMC increased fruit acidity both at harvest and after cold storage. Evaluation of the development of physiological disorders after cold storage (2 weeks at 0°C) indicated a lower susceptibility of Ca-treated fruits to internal browning. Fruits treated with multiple CaCl2-, CMC-, and Break Thru®-containing sprays during the growing season were significantly less prone to the development of chilling injuries as compared to untreated peaches.

Mealiness assessment in fruits using MRI techniques.

Mealiness is a sensory attribute that cannot be defined by a single parameter but through a combination of variables (multidimensional structure). Previous studies propose the definition of mealiness as the lack of crispiness, of hardness and of juiciness. Current aims are focused on establishing non destructive tests for mealiness assessment. MultiSliceMultiEcho Magnetic resonance images (MRI, 64*64pixels) have been taken corresponding to a 3ms of Echo time. Small samples of Top Red apples stored 6 months at controlled atmosphere (expected to be non mealy) and 2°C (expected to be mealy) have been used for MRI imaging. Three out of four apples corresponding to the sample maintained at controlled atmosphere did not develop mealiness while three out of four fruits corresponding to the sample stored at 2°C became mealy after 6 month of storage. The minimum T2 values/image obtained for the mealy apples shows to be significantly lower when compared with non mealy apples pointing that a more dis-aggregated structure leads to a quicker loss of signal Also, there is a significant linear correlation (r=-0.76) between the number of pixels with a T2 value below 35ms within a fruit image and the deformation parameter registered during the Magness-Taylor firmness test. Finally, all the T2 images of the mealy apples show a regional variation of contrast which is not shown for non mealy apples. This variation of contrast is similar to the MRI images of water-cored apples indicating that in these cases there is a differential water movement that may precede the internal browning.

Fruit by fruit identification of mealy peaches. Extraction of storage features.

Mealiness is a negative attribute of sensory texture, characterised by the lack of juiciness decrease in the total amount of of water content of tissues. Peach mealy textures are known as \ and leatheriness. Besides the lack of juiciness and flavour, that characterises mealy fruits, in associated with internal browning near the stone and an incapacity of ripening although there i ripe appearance. It is considered as a physiological disorder that appears in stone fruits probably < unbalanced pectolitic enzyme activity during storage. Since January 1996, a wide EC Project entitled: "Mealiness in fruits. Consumer perception and i detection" is being carried out. Within it, the Physical Properties Laboratory (ETSIA-UPM) working to develop instrumental procedures to detect mealiness in different types of fruits (s contributions by Barreiro to AgEng). The results obtained have shown to correlate well with \ measurements in apples (Barreiro et al), also we have succeeded in identifying individual mealy j the basis of instrumental measurement in peaches. The definition of these texture categories will be used in further studies as a base for new individual classification.

Comparison Of Postoperative Stability Of Three Rigid Internal Fixation Techniques After Sagittal Split Ramus Osteotomy For Mandibular Advancement.

The aim of this investigation was to compare the skeletal stability of three different rigid fixation methods after mandibular advancement. Fifty-five class II malocclusion patients treated with the use of bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy and mandibular advancement were selected for this retrospective study. Group 1 (n = 17) had miniplates with monocortical screws, Group 2 (n = 16) had bicortical screws and Group 3 (n = 22) had the osteotomy fixed by means of the hybrid technique. Cephalograms were taken preoperatively, 1 week within the postoperative care period, and 6 months after the orthognathic surgery. Linear and angular changes of the cephalometric landmarks of the chin region were measured at each period, and the changes at each cephalometric landmark were determined for the time gaps. Postoperative changes in the mandibular shape were analyzed to determine the stability of fixation methods. There was minimum difference in the relapse of the mandibular advancement among the three groups. Statistical analysis showed no significant difference in postoperative stability. However, a positive correlation between the amount of advancement and the amount of postoperative relapse was demonstrated by the linear multiple regression test (p < 0.05). It can be concluded that all techniques can be used to obtain stable postoperative results in mandibular advancement after 6 months.

Development Plates For Stable Internal Fixation: Study Of Mechanical Resistance In Simulated Fractures Of The Mandibular Condyle.

To develop Y-shaped plates with different thicknesses to be used in simulated fractures of the mandibular condyle. Ten plates were developed in Y shape, containing eight holes, and 30 synthetic polyurethane mandible replicas were developed for the study. The load test was performed on an Instron Model 4411 universal testing machine, applying load in the mediolateral and anterior-posterior positions on the head of the condyle. Two-way ANOVA with Tukey testing with a 5% significance level was used. It was observed that when the load was applied in the medial-lateral plate of greater thickness (1.5 mm), it gave the highest strength, while in the anteroposterior direction, the plate with the highest resistance was of the lesser thickness (0.6 mm). A plate with a thickness of 1.5 mm was the one with the highest average value for all displacements. In the anteroposterior direction, the highest values of resistance were seen in the displacement of 15 mm. After comparing the values of the biomechanical testing found in the scientific literature, it is suggested that the use of Y plates are suitable for use in subcondylar fractures within the limitations of the study.

Permeability of different groups of maxillary teeth after 38% hydrogen peroxide internal bleaching

This study evaluated the influence of internal tooth bleaching with 38% hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) on the permeability of the coronal dentin in maxillary anterior teeth and premolars. Seventy teeth (14 per group) were used: central incisors (CI), lateral incisor (LI), canines (C), first premolars (1PM) and second premolars (2PM). Pulp chamber access and transversal sectioning at 2 mm from the cementoenamel junction were performed and the specimens were divided into 2 groups (n= 7): a) no treatment and b) bleaching with 38% H2O2. The bleaching agent was applied to the buccal surface and to the pulp chamber for 10 min. This procedure was repeated 3 times. The specimens were processed histochemically with copper sulfate and rubeanic acid, sectioned longitudinally, and digitalized in a scanner. The area of stained dentin was measured using Image Tool software. Data were analyzed statistically by ANOVA and Tukey's HSD test (?=0.05). There was statistically significant difference (p<0.001) among the untreated groups, CI (0.23 ± 0.26) having the lowest permeability and LI (10.14 ± 1.89) the highest permeability. Among the bleached groups, dentin permeability was increased in all groups of teeth except for 2PM. It may be concluded that bleaching with 38% H2O2 affected dentin permeability near the pulp chamber in maxillary anterior teeth and in first and second premolars.

Internal and external time conflicts in adolescents: sleep characteristics and interventions

Daytime fatigue and lack of sleep seem to increase throughout adolescent years. Several environmental, psychological, and biological factors have been associated with the development of sleep across adolescence. The aim of the present article is to summarize these factors and to give examples of various outcomes in sleep patterns among adolescents studied in different cultural settings. It is obvious from earlier work that many adolescents have displaced circadian rhythms and lack of adaptation to school hours due to an early school start or additional burdens for work. Several interventions have aimed to help the adaptation process by supporting sleep processes and changing scheduling, in this way promoting classroom alertness. In summary, adolescents worldwide shorten their sleep due to schoolwork hours and additional work, especially by disturbing their sleep due to circadian misalignment

Highlights from the I international symposium of thrombosis and anticoagulation in internal medicine, October 23–25, 2008, Sao Paulo, Brazil

Abstract The importance of thrombosis and anticoagulation in clinical practice is rooted firmly in several fundamental constructs that can be applied both broadly and globally. Awareness and the appropriate use of anticoagulant therapy remain the keys to prevention and treatment. However, to assure maximal efficacy and safety, the clinician must, according to the available evidence, choose the right drug, at the right dose, for the right patient, under the right indication, and for the right duration of time. The first International Symposium of Thrombosis and Anticoagulation in Internal Medicine was a scientific program developed by clinicians for clinicians. The primary objective of the meeting was to educate, motivate and inspire internists, cardiologists and hematologists by convening national and international visionaries, thought-leaders and dedicated clinician-scientists in Sao Paulo, Brazil. This article is a focused summary of the symposium proceedings

Internal stresses and textures of nanostructured alumina scales growing on polycrystalline Fe(3)Al alloy

The evolution of internal stresses in oxide scales growing on polycrystalline Fe(3)Al alloy in atmospheric air at 700 degrees C was determined using in situ energy-dispersive synchrotron X-ray diffraction. Ex situ texture analyses were performed after 5 h of oxidation at 700 degrees C. Under these conditions, the oxide-scale thickness, as determined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, lies between 80 and 100 nm. The main phase present in the oxide scales is alpha-Al(2)O(3), with minor quantities of metastable theta-Al(2)O(3) detected in the first minutes of oxidation, as well as alpha-Fe(2)O(3). alpha-Al(2)O(3) grows with a weak (0001) fiber texture in the normal direction. During the initial stages of oxidation the scale develops, increasing levels of compressive stresses which later evolve to a steady state condition situated around -300 MPa. (C) 2010 International Centre for Diffraction Data. [DOI: 10.1154/1.3402764]