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Previous studies demonstrated the positive and negative effects of collaboration on memory (both veridical and false recall) and suggestibility in face-to-face contexts. However, it remains unclear whether the same results can be observed in a virtual context. To clarify this issue, the present study examined the performance of 10 nominal triads and 10 collaborative triads in a fully online setting. Participants interacted live, in videoconference and were tested with the Gudjonsson Suggestibility Scale (GSS) and the Deese/Roediger-McDermott (DRM) task. For the GSS, the results replicated the in-person pattern of results, with collaborative triads showing the standard inhibition effect in the immediate and delayed (after 24 h) recall tasks; in addition, collaborative triads were less suggestible than nominal triads. For the DRM, we likewise found that collaboration decreased the recall and recognition of both studied items (the standard inhibitory effect) and critical lures (the error-pruning effect). We therefore conclude that remembering in a virtual context exhibits the same general properties as its in-person counterpart, at least when using a videoconference setting.

Black rot (BR), caused by Guignardia bidwellii, is an emergent fungal disease threatening viticulture and affecting several mildew-tolerant varieties. However, its genetic bases are not fully dissected yet. For this purpose, a segregating population derived from the cross ‘Merzling’ (hybrid, resistant) × ‘Teroldego’ (V. vinifera, susceptible) was evaluated for BR resistance at the shoot and bunch level. The progeny was genotyped with the GrapeReSeq Illumina 20K SNPchip, and 7175 SNPs were combined with 194 SSRs to generate a high-density linkage map of 1677 cM. The QTL analysis based on shoot trials confirmed the previously identified Resistance to Guignardia bidwellii (Rgb)1 locus on chromosome 14, which explained up to 29.2% of the phenotypic variance, reducing the genomic interval from 2.4 to 0.7 Mb. Upstream of Rgb1, this study revealed a new QTL explaining up to 79.9% of the variance for bunch resistance, designated Rgb3. The physical region encompassing the two QTLs does not underlie annotated resistance (R)-genes. The Rgb1 locus resulted enriched in genes belonging to phloem dynamics and mitochondrial proton transfer, while Rgb3 presented a cluster of pathogenesis-related Germin-like protein genes, promoters of the programmed cell death. These outcomes suggest a strong involvement of mitochondrial oxidative burst and phloem occlusion in BR resistance mechanisms and provide new molecular tools for grapevine marker-assisted breeding.

Background: Grapevine reproductive development has direct implications on yield. It also impacts on berry and wine quality by affecting traits like cluster compactness, bunch and berry size, berry skin to pulp ratio or seedlessness. Seasonal fluctuations in yield, fruit composition and wine attributes, which are largely driven by climatic factors, are major challenges for worldwide table grape and wine industry. Accordingly, a better understanding of reproductive processes such as gamete development, fertilization, seed and fruit set is of paramount relevance for managing yield and quality. With the aim of providing new insights into this field, we searched for clones with contrasting seed content in two germplasm collections. Results: We identified eight variant pairs that seemingly differ only in seed-related characteristics while showing identical genotype when tested with the GrapeReSeq_Illumina_20K_SNP_chip and several microsatellites. We performed multi-year observations on fruit and seed set deriving from different pollination treatments, with special emphasis on the pair composed by Sangiovese and its seedless variant locally named Corinto Nero. The pollen of Corinto Nero failed to germinate in vitro and gave poor berry set when used to pollinate other varieties. Most berries from both open- and cross-pollinated Corinto Nero inflorescences did not contain seeds. The genetic analysis of seedlings derived from occasional Corinto Nero normal seeds revealed that the few Corinto Nero functional gametes are mostly unreduced. A number of genes potentially involved in sporogenesis and gametogenesis showed contrasting expression between Corinto Nero and Sangiovese and five missense single nucleotide polymorphisms were identified from transcriptomic data. The above findings suggest that the seedless phenotype of Corinto Nero is driven by pollen and/or embryo sac defects, and both events likely arise from meiotic anomalies. Finally, three genotypes, including Sangiovese and Corinto Nero, were unexpectedly found to develop fruits without pollen contribution and occasionally showed normal-like seeds. Conclusions: Our collective results suggest that parthenocarpy and stenospermocarpy are not restricted to Black Corinth (alias Korinthiaki) and Sultanina-derived cultivars. The single nucleotide polymorphisms identified between Sangiovese and its parthenocarpic variant Corinto Nero are suitable for testing as traceability markers for propagated material and as functional candidates for the seedless phenotype.

International audience; Fragrance in table grapes and a persistent and complex aroma in wine are both sought after by the modern consumer. In particular, the floral flavor typical of Muscat varieties, due to high levels of monoterpenoids (geraniol, linalool and nerol), is highly distinct and has been greatly appreciated since ancient times. Muscat flavor determination in grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) has up to now been studied by evaluating monoterpenoid quantity through QTL analysis. These studies have revealed co-localization of 1-deoxyxylulose-5-phosphate synthase (VvDXS) with the major QTL positioned on chromosome 5. The aim of the present study was to assess the connection between the positional candidate gene VvDXS and muscat flavor by investigating the nucleotide diversity of VvDXS ORF and its expression profiles in the grape berry. Association between VvDXS polymorphisms and muscat flavor was evaluated through a structured association analysis. A putative causal SNP responsible for a predicted non-neutral substitution was found to be significantly associated with muscat-flavored varieties. Moreover, muscat-like aromatic mutants displayed unique heterozygous non-synonymous mutations near the mutated site of Muscat genotypes. The relationship between the transcription profile of VvDXS alleles and monoterpenoid accumulation was investigated over an extended period of berry development. It is possible that a particular trend in expression rather than the level of expression ratio affects monoterpenoid accumulation in Moscato Bianco. In vivo experiments using transgenic tobacco and in vitro enzymatic assays suggest that the putative causal SNP raises monoterpenoid accumulation by changing the 3D protein structure and by increasing VvDXS activity in Muscat enzyme form.

Os retinóides têm sido amplamente utilizados na clínica dermatológica e nos produtos cosméticos com finalidades preventivas e reparadoras dos efeitos indesejáveis do envelhecimento cutâneo. Considerando que a concentração de retinóides, como por exemplo, o ácido retinóico ou o palmitato de retinila, pode influenciar na eficácia e segurança de uso dos mesmos em formulações tópicas, é de fundamental importância o desenvolvimento e avaliação dos efeitos benéficos e/ou colaterais de formulações dermocosméticas contendo diferentes concentrações de ácido retinóico (0,025%, 0,05% e 0,1%) e palmitato de retinila (0,25%, 0,5% e 1,0%), visando a obtenção de uma concentração que proporcione a máxima eficácia possível e risco mínimo à pele. Assim, o presente trabalho tem por objetivos avaliar a influência de diferentes concentrações de retinóides (ácido retinóico ou palmitato de retinila) em formulações dermocosméticas com finalidades antienvelhecimento, na pele de camundongos sem pêlo, por estudos histopatológicos, morfométricos, estereológicos e por Bioengenharia Cutânea. Para tal foram preparadas três formulações de géis creme à base de hidroxietilcelulose (HEC) e microemulsão de silicone e octanoato de octila (formulações de nos 1 e 3) e à base de complexo lipídico contendo álcool batílico e lecitina de soja, HEC e octanoato de octila (formulação de nº 2) as quais foram submetidas a testes preliminares de estabilidade. A formulação de nº 1 (F1) foi considerada a mais estável e, portanto, selecionada como veículo para a avaliação dos efeitos do ácido retinóico e do palmitato de retinila na pele de camundongos sem pêlo. Para a realização do ensaio biológico, amostras das formulações, acrescidas ou não (veículo) de 0,025; 0,05 ou 0,1% ácido retinóico ou 0,25; 0,5 ou 1,0% de palmitato de retinila foram aplicadas no dorso de camundongos sem pêlo. Após cinco dias da aplicação diária destas formulações, foram obtidas medidas de índice de eritema pelo equipamento Mexameter® MX16 e medidas do conteúdo aquoso do estrato córneo pelo equipamento Corneometer® CM825. Em seguida, os camundongos foram mortos e posteriormente foram colhidos fragmentos de pele das áreas que receberam aplicação das formulações, bem como da área que não foi aplicada nenhuma formulação (controle) e, a seguir, obtidos cortes histológicos para a realização dos estudos histopatológicos, morfométricos e estereológicos. De acordo com as metodologias empregadas, foi possível observar que, na avaliação do conteúdo aquoso do estrato córneo, somente as formulações que continham ácido retinóico em diferentes concentrações, provocaram mudanças significativas, reduzindo este conteúdo, ou seja, ocasionou um ressecamento na superfície da pele. Apenas as formulações contendo 0,025 e 0,1% de ácido retinóico e 1,0% de palmitato de retinila provocaram um aumento no índice de eritema. Além disso, tanto o ácido retinóico quanto o palmitato de retinila, atuaram na epiderme, porém de modo e intensidade diferentes, sendo que, o ácido retinóico teve um efeito mais pronunciado em relação às variáveis estudadas. As três diferentes concentrações de ácido retinóico e de palmitato de retinila ocasionaram aumento significante da espessura das camadas epiteliais, sem alteração da camada córnea. O ácido retinóico e o palmitato de retinila atuaram ainda aumentando os volumes nuclear, citoplasmático e celular, um dos fatores que ocasionou aumento da espessura do epitélio. Finalizando, ao analisar todas as variáveis histopatológicas, morfométricas e estereológicas, bem como o índice de eritema e o conteúdo aquoso do estrato córneo estudados, podemos sugerir que as formulações que continham as concentrações intermediárias, tanto do ácido retinóico (0,05%) quanto do palmitato de retinila (0,5 %), foram as que apresentaram melhores resultados, principalmente no que se refere a uma relação risco / benefício adequada e aceitável. Retinoids has been widely used in dermatological clinic and in cosmetics products with preventive purposes as well as for the repairmen of the cutaneous aging undesirable effects. Considering that the concentration of retinoids, i.e., the retinoic acid or the retinyl palmitate, can influence their efficacy and safety in topical formulations, the development and evaluation of the beneficial and/or collateral effect of dermocosmetic formulations containing different concentrations of retinoic acid (0.025%, 0.05% e 0.1%) and retinyl palmitate (0.25%, 0.5% e 1.0%) is very important, aiming at the attainment of a concentration that provides to the maximum possible efficacy and minimum risk to the skin. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of different concentrations of retinoids (retinoic acid or retinyl palmitate) in dermocosmetics formulations with antiaging purposes, in hairless mice, using histopathological, morphometric and stereologic studies and Skin Bioengineering Techniques. For this purpose, three gel cream formulations were developed, containing hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC) and silicone microemulsion and octyl octanoate (formulations nº 1 and 3) and a complex lipidic based formulation containing batyl alcohol and lecithin, HEC and octyl octanoate (formulation nº 2), which were submitted to preliminary stability tests. The formulation nº1 (F1) was considered the most stable, therefore, it was selected as the vehicle for the evaluation of the effects of the retinoic acid and the retinyl palmitate in hairless mice skin. For the accomplishment of the biological assay, samples of the formulations, supplemented or not (vehicle) of 0.025, 0.05 or 0.1% retinoic acid or 0.25, 0.5 or 1.0% retinyl palmitate were applied in the dorsal skin of hairless mice. After five days of daily application of these formulations, the erythema index was measured by reflectance spectrophotometry using a Mexameter® MX16 as well as the water content of the stratum corneum using Corneometer® CM825. After that, the hairless mice were sacrificed and later skin fragments were obtained for each area that received application of the formulations, as well as of the area that was not applied any formulation (control) and, after that histologic sections were obtained and submitted to histopathological, morphometric and stereologic studies. In accordance with the used methodologies, it was possible to observe that in the evaluation of the water content of the stratum corneum, only the formulations that contained retinoic acid in different concentrations provided significant changes, enhancing skin surface dryness. Only the formulations containing 0.025 and 0.1% of retinoic acid and 1.0% of retinyl palmitate provided an increase in erythema index. Moreover, both retinoic acid and retinyl palmitate acted in the epidermis, however in different intensity and way, since retinoic acid had more pronounced effects in relation to the studied variables. The three different concentrations of retinoic acid and retinyl palmitate caused a significant increase of the epithelial layers thickness, without alteration of the horny layer. Retinoic acid and retinyl palmitate also increased the nucleus, cytoplasmic and cell volumes, which was one of the factors that influenced the increase of the epithelium thickness. Finishing, when analyzing all the histopathological, morphometric and stereologic variables, as well as the erythema index and the water content of the stratum corneum studied, we can suggest that the formulations that contained the intermediate concentrations (such as 0.05% of retinoic acid and 0.5% of retinyl palmitate) presented the best results, mainly when an adequate and acceptable risk/ benefit relationship is considered.

Three chimeric proteins were obtained by fusing together the dianthin gene and DNA fragments encoding for the following membrane-acting peptides: the N-terminus of protein G of the vesicular stomatitis virus (KFT25), the N terminus of the HA2 hemagglutinin of influenza virus (pHA2), and a membrane-acting peptide (pJVE). Chimeric dianthins (KFT25DIA, pHA2DIA and pJVEDIA) retained full enzymatic activity in cell-free assays and showed increased ability to induce pH-dependent calcein release from large unilamellar vesicles (LUVs). pHA2DIA and pJVEDIA also showed faster kinetics of interaction with LUVs, while KFT25DIA and pHA2DIA displayed a reduced cytotoxicity as compared to wild-type dianthin. Conjugates made by chemically cross-linking KFT25DIA or pJVEDIA and human transferrin (Tfn) showed greater cell-killing efficiency than conjugates of Tfn and wild-type dianthin. As a consequence, by fusion of membrane-acting peptides to the dianthin sequence the specificity factor (i.e., the ratio between non-specific and specific toxicity) of Tfn-KFT25DIA, Tfn-pHA2DIA and Tfn-pJVEDIA was increased with respect to that of Tfn-based conjugates made with wild-type dianthin. Taken together, our results suggest that genetic fusion of membrane-acting peptides to enzymatic cytotoxins results in the acquisition of new physico-chemical properties exploitable for designing new recombinant cytotoxins and to tackle cell-intoxication mechanisms. Int. J. Cancer 86:582–589, 2000. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.