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The increasing impact of climate change poses a serious threat to olive cultivation, particularly through environmental stresses such as ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation. This study investigates the use of pollen as a marker to discriminate the UV-B tolerance of four Italian olive cultivars (Frantoio, Leccino, Olivastra Seggianese, and Pendolino). Pollen grains were exposed to UV-B radiation at varying durations (1, 2 and 3 h) and distances (10, 20, 30 and 40 cm) to evaluate viability, germination rate, pollen tube length, and cell wall composition, including the distribution of key structural elements such as pectins, cellulose, callose, arabinogalactan proteins, and polysaccharide-synthesizing enzymes. Results indicate that UV-B stress effects are highly cultivar-specific and exposure-dependent. Frantoio and Leccino show higher sensitivity to short-term, high-intensity UV-B, while Pendolino demonstrates greater resistance to prolonged exposure but unexpected sensitivity to low-intensity, short-duration UV-B. This multidimensional response underscores the complex interaction between cultivar and UV-B stress. These findings contribute to the sustainability of olive cultivation under changing environmental conditions by identifying more resilient cultivars.

ABSTRACT Neisserial adhesin A (NadA) is a meningococcal surface protein included as recombinant antigen in 4CMenB, a protein-based vaccine able to induce protective immune responses against Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B (MenB). Although NadA is involved in the adhesion/invasion of epithelial cells and human myeloid cells, its function in meningococcal physiology is still poorly understood. To clarify the role played by NadA in the host-pathogen interaction, we sought to identify its cellular receptors. We screened a protein microarray encompassing 2,846 human and 297 mouse surface/secreted recombinant proteins using recombinant NadA as probe. Efficient NadA binding was revealed on the paired sialic acid-binding immunoglobulin-type lectins receptors 5 and 14 (Siglec-5 and Siglec-14), but not on Siglec-9 therein used as control. The interaction was confirmed by biochemical tools with the determination of the KD value in the order of nanomolar and the identification of the NadA binding site by hydrogen-deuterium exchange coupled to mass spectrometry. The N-terminal domain of the Siglec-5 that recognizes the sialic acid was identified as the NadA binding domain. Intriguingly, exogenously added recombinant soluble Siglecs, including Siglec-9, were found to decorate N. meningitidis surface in a NadA-dependent manner. However, Siglec-5 and Siglec-14 transiently expressed in CHO-K1 cells endorsed NadA binding and increased N. meningitidis adhesion/invasion while Siglec-9 did not. Taken together, Siglec-5 and Siglec-14 satisfy all features of NadA receptors suggesting a possible role of NadA in the acute meningococcal infection.IMPORTANCEBacteria have developed several strategies for cell colonization and immune evasion. Knowledge of the host and pathogen factors involved in these mechanisms is crucial to build efficacious countermoves. Neisserial adhesin A (NadA) is a meningococcal surface protein included in the anti-meningococcus B vaccine 4CMenB, which mediates adhesion to and invasion of epithelial cells. Although NadA has been shown to bind to other cell types, like myeloid and endothelial cells, it still remains orphan of a defined host receptor. We have identified two strong NadA interactors, Siglec-5 and Siglec-14, which are mainly expressed on myeloid cells. This showcases that NadA is an additional and key player among the Neisseria meningitidis factors targeting immune cells. We thus provide novel insights on the strategies exploited by N. meningitidis during the infection process, which can progress to a severe illness and death.

The contribution is focused on defensive control carried out by investigative agencies and on worker's right to access information collected by such agencies in relation to the exercise of the right to the protection of personal data and the right to defense, especially when the information acquired from investigative activities is used in disciplinary proceedings. The Author's reflection, starting from the analysis of the Data Protection Authority’s decision on July 6, 2023, also concerns the integrative and reinforcing function of the labour law rules carried out by the principle of correctness and by the general principles envisaged by the GDPR which intervene to further limit the prerogatives of the employer

Fumigation controls pests by sealing a room using methyl bromide (CH3Br) and oxygen gas. This process requires a gas mask, fumigation plastics, sand snakes, and a certificate. The interview revealed that specific supply shortages cause fumigation delays in 15% of monthly orders. This research aims to develop an inventory control application by applying the economic order quantity (EOQ) and reorder point (ROP) methods to overcome the problem of running out of stock. The EOQ method determines the amount of inventory to order to avoid excess stock, while ROP determines the right time to order inventory. The study involved two types of testing: white box testing and comparing manual calculations with application calculations to determine their consistency using data from March to May. The white box testing results show that the program's internal structure and logic run well. This is supported by evidence that each test case can pass two flow graphs resulting from cyclomatic complexity calculations. In addition, the results of testing the EOQ and ROP method calculations show an insignificant difference between the results of manual calculations and application calculations of 3.87%. This proves that application calculations for EOQ and ROP are running correctly and by the researchers' expectations.

Durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L. ssp. durum) landraces, traditional local varieties representing an intermediate stage in domestication, are gaining attention due to their high genetic variability and performance in challenging environments. While major kernel metabolites have been examined, limited research has been conducted on minor bioactive components like lipids, despite their nutritional benefits. To address this, we analyzed twenty-two tetraploid accessions, comprising modern elite cultivars and landraces, to (i) verify if the selection process for yield-related traits carried out during the Green Revolution has influenced lipid amount and composition; (ii) uncover the extent of lipid compositional variability, giving evidence that lipid fingerprinting effectively identifies evolutionary signatures; and (iii) identify genotypes interesting for breeding programs to improve yield and nutrition. Interestingly, total fat did not correlate with kernel weight, indicating lipid composition as a promising trait for selection. Tri- and di-acylglycerol were the major lipid components along with free fatty acids, and their relative content varied significantly among genotypes. In particular, landraces belonging to T. turanicum and carthlicum ecotypes differed significantly in total lipid and fatty acid profiles. Our findings provide evidence that landraces can be a genetically relevant source of lipid variability, with potential to be exploited for improving wheat nutritional quality.

Con il presente contributo l’Autrice intende promuovere una riflessione sulle sfide che il sindacato è chiamato ad affrontare nell’era della digitalizzazione sia con riguardo alle modalità di azione sindacale e di esercizio dei diritti collettivi che gli strumenti social consentono di sperimentare, sia con riguardo alle nuove istanze di rappresentanza che il mondo del lavoro su piattaforma digitale esprime e alla capacità del sindacato tradizionale di rappresentarle. La riflessione che si intende suscitare riguarda altresì le potenzialità di intervento della contrattazione collettiva a fronte della gestione algoritmica dei rapporti di lavoro e dell’adozione di modelli organizzativi orizzontali e fluidi da parte dell’impresa 4.0; a tal riguardo l’A. tiene conto delle criticità connesse all’esercizio del diritto di negoziazione collettiva da parte dei lavoratori delle piattaforme digitali in prevalenza qualificati come autonomi, nonché del carattere transnazionale del lavoro su piattaforma. / 𝑇ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑎𝑦 𝑎𝑖𝑚𝑠 𝑡𝑜 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑚𝑜𝑡𝑒 𝑎 𝑟𝑒𝑓𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑜𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑒𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑒 𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑖𝑠 𝑐𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑑 𝑢𝑝𝑜𝑛 𝑡𝑜 𝑓𝑎𝑐𝑒 𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑒𝑟𝑎 𝑜𝑓 𝑑𝑖𝑔𝑖𝑡𝑎𝑙𝑖𝑠𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛, 𝑛𝑎𝑚𝑒𝑙𝑦 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑜𝑛𝑒𝑠 𝑟𝑒𝑔𝑎𝑟𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑚𝑒𝑡ℎ𝑜𝑑𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑒 𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑒𝑥𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑖𝑠𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑐𝑜𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑟𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑠𝑜𝑐𝑖𝑎𝑙 𝑡𝑜𝑜𝑙𝑠 𝑚𝑎𝑘𝑒 𝑖𝑡 𝑝𝑜𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑏𝑙𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑒𝑥𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡. 𝐼𝑛 𝑎𝑑𝑑𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛, 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑛𝑒𝑤 𝑖𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑟𝑒𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑙𝑑 𝑜𝑓 𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑘 𝑜𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑑𝑖𝑔𝑖𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑚 𝑒𝑥𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑒𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑎𝑏𝑖𝑙𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑒 𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑡𝑜 𝑟𝑒𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑚 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑡𝑎𝑘𝑒𝑛 𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑜 𝑎𝑐𝑐𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑡. 𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑎𝑦 𝑎𝑙𝑠𝑜 𝑐𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑐𝑜𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑏𝑎𝑟𝑔𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡𝑜 𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑣𝑒𝑛𝑒 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑟𝑒𝑔𝑎𝑟𝑑 𝑡𝑜 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑎𝑙𝑔𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑡ℎ𝑚𝑖𝑐 𝑚𝑎𝑛𝑎𝑔𝑒𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑙𝑎𝑏𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑟𝑒𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑎𝑑𝑜𝑝𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑜𝑓 ℎ𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑧𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑓𝑙𝑢𝑖𝑑 𝑜𝑟𝑔𝑎𝑛𝑖𝑠𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝑚𝑜𝑑𝑒𝑙𝑠 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 4.0 𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑝𝑟𝑖𝑠𝑒. 𝐼𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒, 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐴𝑢𝑡ℎ𝑜𝑟 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑑𝑒𝑟𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑚𝑎𝑖𝑛 𝑐𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 𝑖𝑠𝑠𝑢𝑒𝑠 𝑟𝑒𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑡𝑜 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑒𝑥𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑖𝑠𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑐𝑜𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑏𝑎𝑟𝑔𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑟𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡𝑠 𝑏𝑦 𝑑𝑖𝑔𝑖𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑚 𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑘𝑒𝑟𝑠, 𝑤ℎ𝑜 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑚𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑙𝑦 𝑞𝑢𝑎𝑙𝑖𝑓𝑖𝑒𝑑 𝑎𝑠 𝑎𝑢𝑡𝑜𝑛𝑜𝑚𝑜𝑢𝑠, 𝑎𝑠 𝑤𝑒𝑙𝑙 𝑎𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑛𝑠𝑛𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝑛𝑎𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑚 𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑘.

IntroductionIn the last decade, it has been discovered that allergen-bearing extracellular nanovesicles, termed “pollensomes”, are released by pollen during germination. These extracellular vesicles (EVs) may play an important role in pollen-pistil interaction during fertilization, stabilizing the secreted bioactive molecules and allowing long-distance signaling. However, the molecular composition and the biological role of these EVs are still unclear. The present study had two main aims: (I) to clarify whether pollen germination is needed to release pollensomes, or if they can be secreted also in high humidity conditions; and (II) to investigate the molecular features of pollensomes following the most recent guidelines for EVs isolation and identification.MethodsTo do so, pollensomes were isolated from hydrated and germinated kiwi (Actinidia chinensis Planch.) pollen, and characterized using imaging techniques, immunoblotting, and proteomics.ResultsThese analyses revealed that only germinated kiwi pollen released detectable concentrations of nanoparticles compatible with small EVs for shape and protein content. Moreover, a plant homolog of ALIX, which is a well-recognized and accepted marker of small EVs and exosomes in mammals, was found in pollensomes.DiscussionThe presence of this protein, along with other proteins involved in endocytosis, is consistent with the hypothesis that pollensomes could comprehend a prominent subpopulation of plant exosome-like vesicles.

The implementation of Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) concept on pedestrian paths in Manggarai, Jakarta, requires well-ordered pedestrian path, as an area linkage between transit facility and various functions around it. Presently, the pedestrian paths condition around Manggarai Station is still not optimal. Meanwhile, the Transit-Oriented Development concept demands compliance with the standards in its implementation. This study aims to assess the pedestrian paths feasibility in the area around Manggarai Station, based on the criteria that should be met in supporting the concept implementation process. This research applied an evaluative method through POE (Post-Occupancy Evaluation), in measuring the standards of the existing pedestrian paths and providing recommendations for the authorities. The findings are novelties in understanding the disadvantages of safety factors, physical infrastructure, shelter for the hot and rainy season, easy access to the elderly and people with disabilities, especially in linking supporting facilities. Interestingly, the pedestrian path has an attraction that triggers people to walk a long distance with ease. Also, these findings are important in designing Transit-Oriented Development at Manggarai, such as wide sidewalks, providing zebra crossings, and trees. In addition, these result are in the form of suggestions for improving pedestrian path conditions as well as providing action plans for stakeholders.

Cysteine proteases, belonging to the C1-papain family, play a major role in plant growth and development, senescence, and immunity. There is evidence to suggest that pollen cysteine protease (CP) (ZmCP03) is involved in regulating the anther development and pollen formation in maize. However, there is no report on the genome-wide identification and comparison of CPs in the pollen coat and other tissues in maize. In this study, a total of 38 homologous genes of ZmCP03 in maize were identified. Subsequently, protein motifs, conserved domains, gene structures, and duplication patterns of 39 CPs are analyzed to explore their evolutionary relationship and potential functions. The cis-elements were identified in the upstream sequence of 39 CPs, especially those that are related to regulating growth and development and responding to environmental stresses and hormones. The expression patterns of these genes displayed remarked difference at a tissue or organ level in maize based on the available transcriptome data in the public database. Quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) analysis showed that ZmCP03 was preferably expressed at a high level in maize pollen. Analyses by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and immunoblot, immunofluorescence and immunogold electron microscopy all validated the cellular localization of ZmCP03 in both the pollen coat and pollen cytoplasm. In addition, 142 CP genes from Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), rice (Oryza sativa) and cotton (Gossypium hirsutum), together with 39 maize CPs, were retrieved to analyze their evolution by comparing with orthologous genes. The results suggested that ZmCP03 was relatively conservative and stable during evolution. This study may provide a referential evidence on the function of ZmCP03 in pollen development and germination in maize.

Nanosilver applications, including sensing and water treatment, have significantly increased in recent years, although safety for humans and the environment is still under debate. Here, we tested the environmental safety of a novel formulation of silver nanoparticles functionalized with citrate and L-cysteine (AgNPcitLcys) on freshwater cnidarian Hydra vulgaris as an emerging ecotoxicological model for the safety of engineered nanomaterials. AgNPcitLcys behavior was characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS), while Ag release was measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). H. vulgaris (n = 12) subjects were evaluated for morphological aberration after 96 h of exposure and regeneration ability after 96 h and 7 days of exposure, after which the predatory ability was also assessed. The results show a low dissolution of AgNPcitLcys in Hydra medium (max 0.146% of nominal AgNPcitLcys concentration) and highlight a lack of ecotoxicological effects, both on morphology and regeneration, confirming the protective role of the double coating against AgNP biological effects. Predatory ability evaluation suggests a mild impairment of the entangling capacity or of the functionality of the tentacles, as the number of preys killed but not ingested was higher than the controls in all exposed animals. While their long-term sub-lethal effects still need to be further evaluated on H. vulgaris, AgNPcitLcys appears to be a promising tool for environmental applications, for instance, for water treatment and sensing.

In clementine, failure of fertilization can result in parthenocarpic fruit development, which has several advantages, such as seedless fruit, longer shelf-life, and greater consumer appeal. Recently, S-RNases have been identified in Citrus grandis, thus revealing that the self-incompatibility (SI) reaction relies on the S-RNase gametophytic mechanism. The fundamental role of environmental factors, mostly temperature, in determining the numbers of pollen tubes reaching the ovary is also well established in Citrus. In the present work, temperature-dependent pollen–pistil interactions in C. clementina were analyzed, focusing on several morphological aspects, as well as on polyamine (PA) content and the activity and distribution of transglutaminase (TGase), both reported to be involved in the SI response in pear and in pummelo. Results clearly indicate that temperature contributed to a different activation of the SI response, which occurs at optimal temperature of 25°C but was by-passed at 15°C. TGase activity was stimulated during the SI response, and it localized differently in the compatible and incompatible interaction: in compatible pollinated styles, TGase localized inside the style canal, while it was detected all around it in incompatible crosses. TGase localization and activity were congruent with the levels of soluble and insoluble conjugated PAs and with morphological evidences, which highlighted cell wall modification occurring as a result of SI.

Il saggio prende in esame i molteplici interventi legislativi che hanno riformato in questi ultimi anni il sistema di tutele dei lavoratori impiegati negli appalti, rivolgendo una particolare attenzione alle regole che governano il regime della responsabilità solidale dell’appaltante nei confronti dei lavoratori dipendenti dell’appaltatore; la ricostruzione dell’evoluzione del dato normativo è volta a mettere in evidenza i diversi orientamenti di politica legislativa in tema di decentramento produttivo. In particolare, dopo aver esaminato i contenuti dell’obbligazione solidale ampliatisi con il susseguirsi delle riforme, l’Autore evidenzia come le modifiche che hanno riguardato l’aspetto processuale della disciplina abbiano però sostanzialmente indebolito la posizione del lavoratore. Infine, ad essere preso in esame il ruolo che oggi è riconosciuto dal legislatore all’autonomia collettiva nella governance dei processi di outsourcing. / 𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑎𝑦 𝑎𝑛𝑎𝑙𝑦𝑧𝑒𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑙𝑒𝑔𝑖𝑠𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑚𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒𝑠 𝑤ℎ𝑖𝑐ℎ ℎ𝑎𝑣𝑒 𝑟𝑒𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑚𝑒𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑡𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑠𝑦𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑚 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑒𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑜𝑦𝑒𝑒𝑠 𝑖𝑛 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑠 𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑙𝑎𝑠𝑡 𝑦𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑠, 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑎 𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑢𝑙𝑎𝑟 𝑓𝑜𝑐𝑢𝑠 𝑜𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑟𝑢𝑙𝑒𝑠 𝑔𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑠𝑜𝑙𝑖𝑑𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑦-𝑏𝑎𝑠𝑒𝑑 𝑎𝑐𝑐𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑏𝑖𝑙𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑟𝑒𝑔𝑖𝑚𝑒; 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑎𝑛𝑎𝑙𝑦𝑠𝑖𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑟𝑒𝑔𝑢𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑜𝑟𝑦 𝑑𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑎𝑖𝑚𝑠 𝑡𝑜 𝑢𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑟𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑒 𝑙𝑒𝑔𝑖𝑠𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑝𝑜𝑙𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 𝑔𝑢𝑖𝑑𝑒𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑠 𝑎𝑏𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑜𝑢𝑡𝑠𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑐𝑖𝑛𝑔. 𝑆𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑖𝑓𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑦, ℎ𝑎𝑣𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑑𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑠𝑜𝑙𝑖𝑑𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑜𝑏𝑙𝑖𝑔𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑎𝑓𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑟𝑒𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑚𝑠, 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐴𝑢𝑡ℎ𝑜𝑟 𝑠𝑢𝑔𝑔𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑎𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑠 𝑟𝑒𝑔𝑎𝑟𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑐𝑒𝑑𝑢𝑟𝑎𝑙 𝑎𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑐𝑖𝑝𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑒 ℎ𝑎𝑣𝑒 𝑠𝑢𝑏𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑦 𝑟𝑖𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑒𝑑 𝑒𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑜𝑦𝑒𝑒 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑑𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛. 𝐹𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑦 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐴. 𝑡𝑎𝑘𝑒𝑠 𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑜 𝑎𝑐𝑐𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑟𝑜𝑙𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑐𝑜𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑏𝑎𝑟𝑔𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑔𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑛𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑜𝑢𝑡𝑠𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑐𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑐𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑒𝑠.

Abstract Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica L.) produces silky cellulosic fibres, as well as bioactive molecules. To improve the knowledge on nettle and enhance its opportunities of exploitation, a draft transcriptome of the “clone 13” (a fibre clone) is here presented. The transcriptome of whole internodes sampled at the top and middle of the stem is then compared with the core and cortical tissues sampled at the bottom. Young internodes show an enrichment in genes involved in the biosynthesis of phytohormones (auxins and jasmonic acid) and secondary metabolites (flavonoids). The core of internodes collected at the bottom of the stem is enriched in genes partaking in different aspects of secondary cell wall formation (cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin biosynthesis), while the cortical tissues reveal the presence of a C starvation signal probably due to the UDP‐glucose demand necessary for the thickening phase of bast fibres. Cell wall analysis indicates a difference in rhamnogalacturonan structure/composition of mature bast fibres, as evidenced by the higher levels of galactose measured, as well as the occurrence of more water‐soluble pectins in elongating internodes. The targeted quantification of phenolics shows that the middle internode and the cortical tissues at the bottom have higher contents than top internodes. Ultrastructural analyses reveal the presence of a gelatinous layer in bast fibres with a lamellar structure. The data presented will be an important resource and reference for future molecular studies on a neglected fibre crop.

Pollen-stigma interaction is a highly selective process, which leads to compatible or incompatible pollination, in the latter case, affecting quantitative and qualitative aspects of productivity in species of agronomic interest. While the genes and the corresponding protein partners involved in this highly specific pollen-stigma recognition have been studied, providing important insights into pollen-stigma recognition in self-incompatible (SI), many other factors involved in the SI response are not understood yet. This work concerns the study of transglutaminase (TGase), polyamines (PAs) pattern and metabolomic profiles following the pollination of Pyrus communis L. pistils with compatible and SI pollen in order to deepen their possible involvement in the reproduction of plants. Immunolocalization, abundance and activity of TGase as well as the content of free, soluble-conjugated and insoluble-bound PAs have been investigated. 1H NMR-profiling coupled with multivariate data treatment (PCA and PLS-DA) allowed to compare, for the first time, the metabolic patterns of not-pollinated and pollinated styles. Results clearly indicate that during the SI response TGase activity increases, resulting in the accumulation of PAs conjugated to hydroxycinnamic acids and other small molecules. Metabolomic analysis showed a remarkable differences between pollinated and not-pollinated styles, where, except for glucose, all the other metabolites where less concentrated. Moreover, styles pollinated with compatible pollen showed the highest amount of sucrose than SI pollinated ones, which, in turn, contained highest amount of all the other metabolites, including aromatic compounds, such as flavonoids and a cynnamoil derivative.

To encourage the applicability of nano-adsorbent materials for heavy metal ion removal from seawater and limit any potential side effects for marine organisms, an ecotoxicological evaluation based on a biological effect-based approach is presented. ZnCl2 (10 mg L−1) contaminated artificial seawater (ASW) was treated with newly developed eco-friendly cellulose-based nanosponges (CNS) (1.25 g L−1 for 2 h), and the cellular and tissue responses of marine mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis were measured before and after CNS treatment. A control group (ASW only) and a negative control group (CNS in ASW) were also tested. Methods: A significant recovery of Zn-induced damages in circulating immune and gill cells and mantle edges was observed in mussels exposed after CNS treatment. Genetic and chromosomal damages reversed to control levels in mussels’ gill cells (DNA integrity level, nuclear abnormalities and apoptotic cells) and hemocytes (micronuclei), in which a recovery of lysosomal membrane stability (LMS) was also observed. Damage to syphons, loss of cilia by mantle edge epithelial cells and an increase in mucous cells in ZnCl2-exposed mussels were absent in specimens after CNS treatment, in which the mantle histology resembled that of the controls. No effects were observed in mussels exposed to CNS alone. As further proof of CNS’ ability to remove Zn(II) from ASW, a significant reduction of >90% of Zn levels in ASW after CNS treatment was observed (from 6.006 to 0.510 mg L−1). Ecotoxicological evaluation confirmed the ability of CNS to remove Zn from ASW by showing a full recovery of Zn-induced toxicological responses to the levels of mussels exposed to ASW only (controls). An effect-based approach was thus proven to be useful in order to further support the environmentally safe (ecosafety) application of CNS for heavy metal removal from seawater.

Roles for nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) during pollen-tube growth have been well established in angiosperms, but there remains lack of information regarding their potential signalling roles in pollen tubes in gymnosperms. Here, the pollen-tube elongation of Arizona cypress (Cupressus arizonica Greene) was investigated. Nitric oxide, ROS, and actin were detected using their respective fluorescent probes. Both NO and ROS were observed in the nuclei of generative cells and pollen-tube cells, and in the cytoplasm in the tip region. An intracellular NO content in the pollen cells was lowered using an NO scavenger or an NO-synthase inhibitor. Similarly, an endogenous ROS content in the pollen cells was lowered using an NAD(P)H oxidase inhibitor. These treatments reduced pollen germination and pollen-tube growth, and induced severe morphological abnormalities. Inhibition of NO and ROS accumulation also severely disrupted the actin cytoskeleton in the pollen tubes. These data indicate that NO and ROS had signalling roles in pollen germination and pollen-tube formation in cypress.

Proper growth of the pollen tube depends on an elaborate mechanism that integrates several molecular and cytological sub-processes and ensures a cell shape adapted to the transport of gametes. This growth mechanism is controlled by several molecules among which cytoplasmic and apoplastic polyamines. Spermine (Spm) has been correlated with various physiological processes in pollen, including structuring of the cell wall and modulation of protein (mainly cytoskeletal) assembly. In this work, the effects of Spm on the growth of pear pollen tubes were analyzed. When exogenous Spm (100 μM) was supplied to germinating pollen, it temporarily blocked tube growth, followed by the induction of apical swelling. This reshaping of the pollen tube was maintained also after growth recovery, leading to a 30–40% increase of tube diameter. Apical swelling was also accompanied by a transient increase in cytosolic calcium concentration and alteration of pH values, which were the likely cause for major reorganization of actin filaments and cytoplasmic organelle movement. Morphological alterations of the apical and subapical region also involved changes in the deposition of pectin, cellulose, and callose in the cell wall. Thus, results point to the involvement of Spm in cell wall construction as well as cytoskeleton organization during pear pollen tube growth.

Drought stress is one of the most severe conditions for plants, especially in the face of the emerging problem of global warming. This issue is important when considering economically relevant crops, including the tomato. For these plants, a promising solution is the valorization of local agrobiodiversity as a source of genetic variability. In this paper we investigated how six Italian tomato varieties react to a prolonged period of water depletion. We used a multidisciplinary approach, from genetics to plant physiology and cytology, to provide a detailed overview of the response of plants to stress. The varieties analyzed, each characterized by a specific genetic profile, showed a genotype-specific response with the variety ‘Fragola’ being the most resistant and the variety ‘Pisanello’ the most susceptible. For all the parameters evaluated, ‘Fragola’ performed in a manner comparable to that of control plants. On the contrary, ‘Pisanello’ appeared to be more affected and showed an increase in the number of stomata and a drastic increase in antioxidants, a symptom of acute oxidative stress. Our work suggests the existence of a valuable reservoir of genetic biodiversity with more drought-tolerant tomato genotypes opening the way to further exploitation and use of local germplasm in breeding programs.

In this work, hydrophilic silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), bifunctionalized with citrate (Cit) and L-cysteine (L-cys), were synthesized. The typical local surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) at λ max = 400 nm together with Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) measurements (H> = 8 ± 1 nm) and TEM studies (Ø = 5 ± 2 nm) confirmed the system nanodimension and the stability in water. Molecular and electronic structures of AgNPs were investigated by FTIR, SR-XPS, and NEXAFS techniques. We tested the system as plasmonic sensor in water with 16 different metal ions, finding sensitivity to Hg2+ in the range 1−10 ppm. After this first screening, the molecular and electronic structure of the AgNPs-Hg2+ conjugated system was deeply investigated by SR-XPS. Moreover, in view of AgNPs application as sensors in real water systems, environmental safety assessment (ecosafety) was performed by using standardized ecotoxicity bioassay as algal growth inhibition tests (OECD 201, ISO 10253:2006), coupled with determination of Ag+ release from the nanoparticles in fresh and marine aqueous exposure media, by means of ICP-MS. These latest studies confirmed low toxicity and low Ag+ release. Therefore, these ecosafe AgNPs demonstrate a great potential in selective detection of environmental Hg2+, which may attract a great interest for several biological research fields.

The purpose of this paper is to describe a non-invasive and quantitative imaging analysis method based on elliptic Fourier. Archaeological seeds reduction in size, respect the contemporary fresh seeds used as control, was evaluated to obtain admissible morphometric data. Investigations established different morphological variations between grape seeds ancient cultivars.