Search

In cereal crops some soil-borne diseases of viral etiology were described a few decades ago and the causal agents were identified as elongated bipartite RNA viruses, transmitted by the endoparasitic plasmodiophorid Polymyxa graminis. As found in all continents, these virus diseases are also present in Europe where two virus species appear predominant, Soil-borne cereal mosaic virus (SBCMV, belonging to the genus Furovirus) and Wheat spindle streak mosaic virus (WSSMV, belonging to the genus Bymovirus). These viruses tend to induce similar symptoms on winter cereals, including a general yellowing and size reduction of the plant, appreciable mainly in early spring, usually accompanied by mosaic on leaves. The extent of yield reduction has been estimated between 30 and 70%. The prevalence of these viruses is difficult to establish only by observing symptomatology, mainly because symptoms can be confused with nutrient deficiencies and/or water stress. Extended surveys have only rarely been performed. In Italy SBCMV and WSSMV were reported on both common (Triticum aestivum L.) and durum [Triticum turgidum L. subsp. durum (Desf.) Husn.] wheat in several regions, but a nation-wide investigation has not yet been carried out. This kind of survey would require technologies and protocols capable of collecting representative materials from the cereal growing areas at the right time of the year (March and April) and analysing a high number of plant samples for both viruses. Another type of analysis would be sampling soils for the presence of the P. graminis vector. As a step towards these goals, we have re-examined the analytical protocols currently available in the literature and developed a multiplex assay capable of detecting SBCMV and WSSMV simultaneously in wheat tissues, as well as an assay for detecting the presence of P. graminis in the soil. This work is supported by Regione Lombardia, d.d.s. n. 4403 28/03/2018, grant n° 42 - SURF.

Drought negatively affects plant growth and development. The ability to tolerate abiotic stresses varies among species, and among genotypes within species. Unravelling the molecular mechanisms behind drought response is essential to identify the genes involved in tolerance. Comparative transcriptomic studies, analysing different genotypes with contrasting drought responses (tolerance vs sensitiveness), allow the exploitation of the natural genetic variation of plant species for discovering genes involved in drought tolerance. Here, a meta-analysis on RNA-Seq data related to comparative transcriptomic studies of different Gramineae species was performed to identify the genes representing common key players in response to drought, as well as the regulatory pathways in which these genes are involved. In particular, four published studies, investigating the transcriptomic response to drought in the leaf of two contrasting genotypes (tolerant and sensitive) in Brachypodium, barley, maize and rice, were selected for the transcriptomic meta-analysis. We re-analysed the RNA-Seq data with a unique pipeline and detected the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in both genotypes of the four experiments. The drought-induced variation in DEG expression was compared between tolerant and susceptible genotypes of each species. We assumed that the genes whose expression regulation differs between the two contrasting genotypes represent key players in the differentiation between the tolerant and the sensitive response to drought. The rice orthologues of the selected genes were identified to obtain comparable datasets. We found 69 common genes that are putatively involved in drought tolerance in the four species. Clustering analysis and protein-protein interaction underlined a prominent role of genes involved in photosynthesis and chlorophyll degradation (i.e., the Stay-Green gene, SGR) for all the considered species. Moreover, genes of unknown function that may be crucial in plant tolerance were identified. Finally, gene co-expression networks of the 69 genes and the DEGs encoding transcription factors were developed to reveal regulatory pathways that putatively differentiate the response of tolerant and susceptible genotypes in the four Gramineae species. Specific transcription factors for each species were identified as putative major players in the regulation of drought tolerance.

Cichorium endivia is a typical Mediterranean species that has been cultivated since ancient times in the Mediterranean basin. C. endivia leaves represent an excellent source of health benefiting plant nutrients and are widely consumed as fresh, minimally processed and cooked traditional food. C. endivia commercial varieties show a high degree of intraspecific morphological variation, and two major varieties can be distinguished: var. latifolium with broad leaves (escarole) and var. crispum with narrow curly/crisp leaves (endive). Due to the striking morphological diversity of the leaves in escarole and endive, C. endivia represents a good model to study the relationship between leaf shape and function. A standing question, that is both of fundamental and applied interest, is the adaptive value of leaf shape in relation with its photosynthetic activity. We used transcriptomic data from leaves of two commercial cultivars of endive and two of escarole to explore regulatory networks of transcription factors (TFs) involved in leaf development and leaf function through cluster analysis and construction of Gene Co-expression Networks (GCN). We identified modules of functionally related TF genes acting in C. endivia leaves and regulatory networks that are differential between broad and curly leaves. We then analyzed how genes related to photosynthetic activity, as well as to molecules involved in energy dissipation and reactive oxygen species (ROS) detoxification (flavonoids, carotenoids and ascorbic acid), enter into the GCN networks and relate to the TF modules identified with a guide-gene approach. This allowed to predict the regulatory networks controlling photosynthesis in C. endivia leaves, their relationship with leaf morphological characteristics and the genetic hubs that are at the boundaries between shape and function. Physiological analysis of the photosynthesis properties linked to different leaf shapes were carried out to corroborate predictive models of the regulatory networks identified. Finally, target genes to be used in breeding selection programs and biotechnology were predicted based on network topological properties and node ranking.

Maximize accumulation of valuable bioproducts in cardoon cell-based biorafinery using biotechnological approaches. Gene over-expression, RNAi and/or CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing on seed/leaf derived calli will be directed to i) increase monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) for producing bioplastics, bioadditives, lubricants, etc. and ii) modify lignin composition for recovery of different biologically active polyphenols, as well as for higher digestibility and availability of cellulose to enzymatic degradation and fermentation.

This paper aims to assess whether and to what extent environmental and productivity affect each other within heterogeneous farms. The analysis concerns the sample of FADN Lombardy farms observed from 2008 to 2013. Using the FADN information on production structures and activities, a productivity index (Total Factor Productivity - TFP) and an environmental indicator (Emission Intensity - EI) are properly reconstructed at the farm level. The nexus between TFP and EI is then investigated by admitting heterogenous behaviour across farm sizes and specializations. Results show that the relationship between TFP and EI is not univocal and suggest that the mitigation of GHG emission can be based on the diffusion of the best practices adopted by high-productivity farms of different size and specialization., Bio-based and Applied Economics, Vol 6 No 2 (2017)

The aim of this work was to study the ability of flax and hemp Liquid Cell Cultures (LCCs) to produce and accumulate secondary metabolites of interest for industrial/pharmaceutical purposes. At first, seven cultivars of hemp and flax were tested with a combined approach of biochemistry, molecular biology and 1H-NMR profiling to select the most promising cultivar of both species. qRT-PCR of two key genes of phenylpropanoid pathway (PAL and 4CL) and their relative specific enzymatic activity have been determined, as well as the metabolic profile of leaves extracts. On the basis of these results two cultivars, 'Valoal' for flax and 'Futura' for hemp, have been chosen to set up the cell cultures. The obtained LCCs have been characterized for total phenolics and flavonoids content, free radical scavenging activity (DPPH assay) and metabolic profiles- (1H-NMR). According to the class of metabolites identified the relative biosynthetic pathway has been examined by mean of key enzymatic activities and relative mRNA expression (qRT-PCR).

One of the major objectives of Italian rice (Oryza sativa L.) breeding programs is the development of less water-demanding varieties, for the adaptation of rice to suboptimal climate and soil conditions. Polyethylene glycol (PEG)-mediated osmotic stress is an experimental systems which decreases the water potential of the nutrient solution and therefore it has been often used to study drought response in plants. Previously, we performed a physiological characterization of 17 Italian rice cultivars for their response to PEG-mediated osmotic treatment. Differential responses among the genotypes were highlighted and two cultivars showing opposite phenotypes were selected for transcriptome analysis: the high sensitive cultivar Loto and the high tolerant Eurosis. A RNA-Seq analysis (Illumina technology) was performed on leaf and root samples of these cultivars, after 3h and 24h of osmotic stress treatment. The analysis of transcriptomic data revealed that a 3h-treatment led to a substantial modulation of genes in the roots of Eurosis, whereas fewer DEGs were called in the roots of the sensitive cultivar Loto. After 24h of treatment, a similar number of DEGs was found in Eurosis and Loto. In leaves, the highest number of DEGs was observed in Loto after 24h of stress treatment. GO enrichment analysis of DEGs in the various contrasts highlighted some differences between the cultivars, with several genotype-specific GO terms (i.e. enriched GO terms from one genotype/tissue/treatment missing in the alternative genotype in the same tissue/treatment). Some enriched GO terms specific to the tolerant genotype Eurosis were related to chromatin and cytoskeleton. Many genes associated with these GO terms were down-regulated in 3h-treated Eurosis roots, whereas in Loto they were down-regulated only after 24h, suggesting a delay in the Loto response. These data indicated a different modulation of gene sets between the tolerant and the sensitive cultivars. In particular, Eurosis showed an earlier regulation of gene expression in response to osmotic stress which is not paralleled, at least at early stages, in Loto. The analysis of the expression data is in progress to reveal genes putatively responsible for the contrasting phenotypes of the analyzed genotypes. Many genes showed a contrasting regulation between the two cultivars, especially in roots at 3h of stress treatment; among them, several transcription factors and two helicases encoding genes. Helicases are involved in RNA metabolism and may be important for increasing transcriptional and translational activity under stress conditions. Interestingly, some myb and WRKY genes seemed to be involved in the different response to the osmotic stress, since they showed a different regulation in the two genotypes. For instance in roots, at 3h of treatment, OsMYB55, known to be involved in the heat stress response, and the myb-related NIGT1 gene, known to be involved in salt stress and nitrate response, were up-regulated only in Eurosis; WRKY30 was up-regulated in Loto and down-regulated in Eurosis, whereas WRKY106 and WRKY117 were down-regulated only in Eurosis. This work was supported by Progetto AGER, grant n° 2010-2369 (RISINNOVA - Integrated genetic and genomic approaches for new Italian rice breeding strategies).

Abiotic stresses are the primary cause of crop loss worldwide, reducing average yields for most major crop plants by more than 50%. Rice is particularly susceptible to dehydration, and cultivars may considerably differ in their vegetative response to water deficit. The identification of key genes regulated by water shortage is a major objective for the development of drought-tolerant varieties by molecular breeding. Here, we provide a physiological analysis of the response to osmotic stress in 17 Italian rice cultivars (Oryza sativa L. ssp japonica). Rice plants were grown in hydroponic culture and then subjected to PEG treatment (20% PEG 6000). Based on the measurement of two physiological parameters (leaf Relative Water Content, RWC, and Electrolyte Leakage, EL), the cultivars exhibited differential responses to osmotic stress. After 48h of treatment, Carnaroli, Gigante Vercelli, Loto, Maratelli and Vialone Nano exhibited the lowest RWC values (80%. Similarly, the first group of cultivars exhibited the highest EL values (>94%), whereas the second group maintained EL values lower than 40%. The other varieties exhibited an intermediate sensitivity. Therefore, the cultivars Eurosis (tolerant) and Loto (sensitive) were selected for transcriptome analysis, to identify differentially regulated genes (DEGs) and pathways. Total RNAs were separately extracted from leaves and roots, after 3h and 24h of osmotic stress treatment, and used for RNA sequencing through Illumina (HiSeq2000) technology. The analysis of transcriptomic data revealed that a 3h osmotic treatment led to a substantial modulation of genes in the roots of the tolerant genotype Eurosis (6007 genes), whereas fewer DEGs were called in the roots of the sensitive cv Loto (3962 genes). At 24h of treatment, a similar number of DEGs was found in Eurosis and Loto (3065 and 3102 genes, respectively). In leaves, the highest number of DEGs was observed in Loto at 24h of stress treatment. The responses of the two genotypes were different, both in roots and leaves, especially at 3h of treatment. In roots, at 3h of treatment 2552 DEGs were common to Eurosis and Loto, whereas 3455 were specific to Eurosis and 1410 to Loto. At 24h, 1789 DEGs were common to the two cultivars, whereas 1276 and 1313 DEGs were specific to Eurosis and Loto, respectively. In leaves, at 3h of treatment 2062 DEGs were common to the two cultivars, whereas 915 were specific to Eurosis and 2751 to Loto. At 24h, 2004 DEGs were common to the two cultivars, whereas 2219 and 1084 were specific to Eurosis and Loto, respectively. GO enrichment analysis of DEGs in the various contrasts is in progress to reveal biological trends differentiating tolerant and sensitive genotypes.

Prevention and Treatment of White Spots in Fixed Orthodontics. Aim of Study: To outline a protocol that can reduce or prevent white spots in patients with fixed orthodontics. Material and methods: A total number of 150 patients were selected. White spots were diagnosed in 32 patients (Test Group) during fixed orthodontics. The Test Group was divided into two: Group A (16 patients) and Group B (16 patients). Group A was treated with mouthwash with 0.12% clorexidine diluted to 50% to be applied in the morning for a month as well as a fluoride gel to be applied in the evening for a month. Group B was treated with placebo. Results: In 85% of group A patients there was a statistically significant reduction (p

Constitutive expression of the rice cold-inducible Osmyb4 gene in transgenic Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) plants improves adaptive responses to cold and drought stress, most likely due to the constitutive activation of several stress-inducible pathways and to the accumulation of several compatible solutes (e.g., glucose, fructose, sucrose, proline, glycine betaine and some aromatic compounds). Although the Osmyb4 gene seems able to activate stress responsive pathways in different species, we previously reported that its specific effect on stress tolerance depends on the transformed species. In the present work, we report the effects of the Osmyb4 expression for improving the stress response in apple (Malus pumila Mill.) plants. Namely, we found that the ectopic expression of the Myb4 transcription factor improved physiological and biochemical adaptation to cold and drought stress and modified metabolite accumulation. Based on these results it may be of interest to use Osmyb4 as a tool for improving the productivity of woody perennials under environmental stress conditions.

Obiettivi: Illustrare un protocollo di prevenzione delle “white spots” nel paziente ortodontico; mettere in evidenza come le decalcificazioni e le “white spots” siano un significante problema per il paziente e per il team odontoiatrico durante e al termine del trattamento ortodontico fisso. L'entità della placca batterica in maniera significativa immediatamente dopo il posizionamento dell'apparecchiatura fissa (brackets, bande, fili, legature elastiche e metalliche); inoltre la composizione della flora batterica si modifica a favore di un aumento dello Streptococco Mutans, il batterio implicato nella carie dentale. Ne consegue che il paziente sottoposto a trattamento ortodontico fisso presenta un rischio maggiore di sviluppare patologia cariosa. Il segno più precoce di patologia cariosa è la decalcificazione dello smalto che si manifesta clinicamente con la presenza di “white spots” sulla superficie dello smalto circostante il bracket, generalmente non visibile nel paziente non ortodontico. Sebbene queste decalcificazioni possono remineralizzare dopo il debonding, le “white spots”spesso permangono e possono continuare a rappresentare motivo di preoccupazione estetica e della carie per il paziente. Risultati e Conclusioni: Una corretta igiene orale utilizzando tutti i dispositivi disponibili è d'obbligo, altresì i controlli periodici dell'igienista dentale per valutare il corretto utilizzo degli stessi è molto importante se non fondamentale per il risultato della terapia; il fluoro somministrato topicamente nelle varie forme (vernici, gel, dentifrici fluorati, collutori) è indispensabile durante la terapia ortodontica anche se non c'è ancora evidenza scientifica su quale sia il metodo più efficace; altresì evidente è che l'utilizzo di cementi vetrionomerici riduce sensibilmente le decalcificazioni presenti negli elementi dentali.

Gli autori in seguito ad una revisione sistematica della letteratura, si propongono di dare all’ortodontista come al chirurgo orale e maxillo – facciale delle indicazioni sulla necessità o meno di effettuare l’avulsione dei terzi molari in relazione alla terapia ortodontica.