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To study the characteristics of borderline tumors (BOT) diagnosed during pregnancy, as either first diagnosis or relapse, to evaluate safety of expectant management.15 women affected by BOT during pregnancy were included, to evaluate clinical and histo-pathological characteristics. Age of patient, parity, gestational age, follow-up time, size of tumor, surgical approach, type and timing of surgery, FIGO stage, and histologic type were obtained through retrospective review.All patients except one were diagnosed with serous BOT (BOTs). Median follow-up time was 147 ± 57 months. Eight women received first diagnosis of BOT and seven had diagnosis of BOT recurrence during pregnancy, including three with a second relapse and four with a third relapse. BOT were diagnosed at FIGO stage I in most patients (75%) of the first group and in 14.3% of the second group, respectively. Micropapillary pattern was present in 71.4% of patients with first diagnosis of BOT, but only in 14.2% in case of relapse. All relapses were BOTs. No patient with BOT and concomitant pregnancy developed an invasive recurrence later. Overall, 24 relapses occurred in 10 patients (66.7%). Altogether 24 pregnancies occurred during follow-up, with a high livebirth rate (91.6%) and only 2 spontaneous miscarriages.According to our experience, an "expectation management" could be a safe option in case of both relapse of BOTs during pregnancy and first suspicion of BOT in pregnant women at advanced gestational age.

In classical biocontrol programmes, a rapid and correct identification of the introduced antagonist is a key issue during both the release and establishment monitoring phases. It is often difficult to distinguish morphologically cryptic species or immature stages. An accurate diagnosis can now be provided by molecular diagnostic methods. Among the conventional and real-time PCR-based methods, loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) is a particularly suitable technique as it allows a rapid amplification of target DNA directly in the field. During the programme implemented in Italy against the Asian chestnut gall wasp (ACGW) Dryocosmus kuriphilus, we developed a real-time LAMP assay, combined with a simple DNA extraction method, for rapid in-field identification of larvae, pupae, and adults of the biocontrol agent, the parasitoid Torymus sinensis. Validation of the assay comprised adults as well as preimaginal stages of parasitoids obtained from ACGW galls collected from different localities. Results confirmed the effectiveness of the LAMP assay to rapidly and specifically identify the target parasitoid in the field. This assay will be a valuable tool for quick on-site checking of the parasitism rate.

Viene studiata e descritta l’attività antagonista nei confronti di L.monocytogenes, di ricoprimenti per film di polietilene costituiti da un materiale ibrido organico-inorganico nanostrutturato preparato mediante tecnologia sol-gel e contenente Enterocina 416K1 .

Broad bean plants (Vicia faba) infested by the pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum, play a key role in the in-flight orientation of the parasitoid Aphidius ervi, by producing host-induced synomones (HIS). These volatiles are herbivore-specific and are systemically released from insect-free parts of an infested plant, suggesting the existence of an elicitor circulating throughout the plant. This study was designed to investigate whether the plant metabolic changes, leading to HIS biosynthesis and emission, can in some way trigger similar responses in neighboring plants through aerial and/or root communication. Uninfested broad bean plants maintained in the same pot together with plants infested by A. pisum became more attractive towards A. ervi females when tested in a wind-tunnel bioassay. This change was not observed when root contact was prevented among plants that had their aerial parts in close proximity, suggesting that an exudate from the roots of the infested plant may cause the induction of the attractive volatiles in uninfested plants. Broad bean plants grown hydroponically also produce pea aphid induced signals that attract A. ervi. Whenan intact (uninfested) plant was placed in a hydroponic solution previously used to grow a pea aphid-infested plant, it became attractive to parasitoids, while an intact plant placed in a solution previously used to grow an intact plant did not undergo such a change. These results indicate that plant-to-plant signaling in this tritrophic system may occur at the rhizosphere level and is most likely mediated by a systemically translocated elicitor.

Le amebe a vita libera sono state oggetto di diversi studi negli ultimi anni, non solo per le loro potenzialità patogene nei confronti dell’uomo, ma anche per l’importante ruolo che svolgono in natura, dove agiscono come predatori in grado di controllare le popolazioni batteriche. Alcuni degli organismi fagocitati però possono evitare la lisi fagosomiale e mantenere la loro condizione vitale a livello intracellulare, divenendo endosimbionti. Le amebe fungono così da riserva per questi batteri, proteggendoli da difficili condizioni extracellulari e provvedendo ad un ambiente consono alla loro replicazione. Tale tipo di interazione è particolarmente studiata in Legionella pneumophila, dal momento che l’ampia diffusione di questo germe, nonché la sua virulenza, pare siano fortemente influenzate dalla capacità di parassitare protozoi appartenenti ai generi Acanthamoeba, Naegleria e Balamuthia. Al fine di ottenere maggiori informazioni sui fattori favorenti o inibenti lo sviluppo di questi protozoi, è stato studiato il comportamento di un ceppo di Acanthamoeba polyphaga coltivato, in solido e in liquido, in associazione con L. pneumophila ed altri batteri ad habitat acquatico (Pseudomonas, Aeromonas, Achromobacter, Burkholderia). Su tappeti di cellule batteriche allestiti in Non Nutrient Agar (NNA), A.polyphaga si è mostrata in grado di moltiplicarsi utilizzando come nutrimento tutti i ceppi testati, nonostante alcuni, come Burkholderia cepacia SSV6 e Achromobacter xylox SS28, risultino più idonei al suo sviluppo. In piastre a pozzetti addizionate di acqua condottata autoclavata, il protozoo ha mostrato una buona capacità di sopravvivenza, non risultando inoltre influenzato dalla presenza di legionella o dei batteri acquatici testati. Dal momento che, fra i batteri descritti come capaci di vita intra-amebica, sono inclusi patogeni quali Chlamydia, Legionella, Listeria e Rickettsiae, risulta necessario riconsiderare la rilevanza clinica ed epidemiologica delle interazioni tra batteri e amebe, sia nel caso di simbiosi che di parassitismo.

In-flight orientation of the braconid Aphidius ervi in response to volatiles released from broad bean plants infested by the pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum, was studied in a no-choice wind-tunnel bioassay. The role of aphid infestation level and duration, systemic production of volatiles by "insect-free" parts of the plant, and the specificity of aphid-induced volatiles on the flight behavior of the foraging female parasitoids were investigated. The upper insect-free part of a three-leaved broad bean plant, which was basally infested by a population of 40 A. pisum, released synomones detectable by A. ervi females after at least 48-72 hr of infestation, resulting in both significant increases iii oriented flights and landings on the source compared with uninfested control plants. This suggests that volatiles involved in host-location by A. ervi are systemically released by broad bean plants either in response to circulation of aphid saliva, circulation of saliva-induced bioactive elicitors, or circulation of the synomones themselves. Air entrainment extracts of volatiles collected from a broad bean plant infested by the nonhost Aphis fabae or an uninfested broad bean plant elicited few oriented flights and landing responses by female parasitoids. These extracts were significantly less attractive than extracts collected from a broad bean plant infested by the host A, pisum, indieating the specificity of synomones elicited by different aphid species on the same plant species.

The flight behaviour of the aphid parasitoid Aphidius ervi Haliday (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) has been studied in a wind tunnel, in response to the following natural odour sources: broad bean plants infested with Acyrthosiphon pisum (Harris) (Homoptera: Aphididae) (PHC, plant-host complex), damaged broad bean plants from which the aphids were removed (HDP, host damaged plants), aphids (H, host) and uninfested broad bean plants (P, plant). The most attractive odour sources were PHC and HDP, which both stimulated a similar high number of oriented straight flights. In contrast, H and P were much less attractive and did not seem to be important in the long range attraction of the parasitoids.

The blend of volatile compounds emitted by bean plants (Phaseolus vulgaris) infested with greenhouse whitefly (Trialeurodes vaporariorum) has been studied comparatively with undamaged plants and whiteflies themselves. Collection of the volatiles and analysis by gas chromatography revealed more than 20 compounds produced by plants infested with whitefly. Of these, 4 compounds, (Z)-3-hexen-1-ol, 4,8-dimethyl-1,3,7-nonatriene, 3-octanone, and one unidentified compound were emitted at higher levels than from the undamaged control plants. Synthetic (Z)-3-hexen-1-ol, 4,8-dimethyl-1,3,7-nonatriene, or 3-octanone all elicited a significant increase in oriented flight and landing on the source by the parasitoid, Encarsia formosa, in wind tunnel bioassays. Two-component mixtures of the compounds and the three-component mixture all elicited a similar or, in most cases, a better response by the parasitoid, the most effective being a mixture of (Z)-3-hexen-1-ol and 3-octanone. These results demonstrate that E. formosa uses volatiles from the plant-host complex as olfactory cues for host location.

Looks into a generalized approach to reusing software artifacts (i.e. requirements, functional specifications, plans, designs, code, build scripts, test cases, installation scripts, user manuals, etc.). If we consider each software artifact as a "document", we can then provide the appropriate structure to the documents from which we can perform the appropriate processing and reuse of the software artifacts (without limiting it to just code reuse). This approach takes advantage of the W3C Recommendation for structured documents called XML (eXtensible Markup Language). This paper also shows several uses of this approach applied to software development.

The occurrence of male antennal glands in three hymenopteran parasitoids belonging to the family Encyrtidae (Leptomastix dactylopii, Rhopus meridionalis and Asitus phragmitis) is reported for the first time. The ultrastructure and function of these glands are described in detail. In all three species the glands consist of clustered unicellular secretory units extending underneath the cuticle. Glandular secretions were released externally and spread onto female antennae by specialized 'release and spread sites', appearing as 'scale-like' or 'peg-like' cuticular structures. These antennal glands play an important role during the complex sequences of courtship behaviour, eliciting female acceptance. The possible behavioural and taxonomical implications are discussed.

One approach to software reuse is to generate an application from a domain specific specification. The specification describes the application's problem or task, and it might take diverse forms, such as an interactive dialogue or a formal language. DECAdmire, an application generator provided by Digital Equipment, is an interactive application development tool that provides code generation for interactive management information-systems that involve relational database updates. DECAdmire provides 80 to 95 percent code reuse. >

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Heart failure is a major health problem with a high mortality rate in industrialized countries. Its ultimate therapy, heart transplantation, is limited by the shortage of heart donors. Since decades researchers have been working to solve this problem by developing mechanical circulatory support systems (MCSS) that can replace or assist the failing heart. We defined an ontology - i.e. a catalogue of existing items with formal specification of their features -in the domain of MCSS. Our aim is to support the implementation of an advanced database performing an intelligent management of MCSS installed in a given department. Our database, and relative ontology, has been realized by means of the Protege-2000 tool. About 30 different types of MCSS have been classified and represented according to their qualities. The tool is able to perform several kinds of queries, both with respect to the kind of machine requested and with respect to actual machines installed in a given ward or department.

In 2007, a 3-year survey was started in northeastern Italy to assess the influence of agricultural management on parasitoid composition and parasitism rates of parasitoids attacking larvae and pupae of Syrphidae (Diptera). Two types of management were considered - intensive (including wheat and maize monoculture with very low or null vegetation diversity) and extensive (with different types of habitats, characterized by a higher vegetation complexity). In habitats simplified by intensive agriculture, and particularly in maize fields, parasitism rates of syrphid larvae were higher than recorded in more diversified habitats. A substantial difference in the composition of the parasitoid complex was also found. In extensive and wheat sites, Diplazontinae (Braconidae), highly specialized to Syrphidae, were the dominant parasitoids, whereas in maize fields Pachyneuron (Pteromalidae) species, known as generalists, accounted for more than 80% of total parasitoids. In the habitats where Pachyneuron spp. were dominant, parasitism rates were very high. Conversely, in habitats where Diplazontinae were more abundant, the parasitism rates were very low. The higher rate of parasitism of syrphid larvae and pupae recorded in intensive monocultures could have a large impact on the development and control of aphid populations in such crops

*An integrated approach has been used to obtain an understanding of the molecular and chemical mechanisms underlying resistance to aphids in cherry-like tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) landraces from the Campania region (southern Italy). The aphid-parasitoid system Macrosiphum euphorbiae-Aphidius ervi was used to describe the levels of resistance against aphids in two tomato accessions (AN5, AN7) exhibiting high yield and quality traits and lacking the tomato Mi gene. *Aphid development and reproduction, flight response by the aphid parasitoid A. ervi, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry headspace analysis of plant volatile organic compounds and transcriptional analysis of aphid responsive genes were performed on selected tomato accessions and on a susceptible commercial variety (M82). *When compared with the cultivated variety, M82, AN5 and AN7 showed a significant reduction of M. euphorbiae fitness, the release of larger amounts of specific volatile organic compounds that are attractive to the aphid parasitoid A. ervi, a constitutively higher level of expression of plant defence genes and differential enhancement of plant indirect resistance induced by aphid feeding. *These results provide new insights on how local selection can offer the possibility of the development of innovative genetic strategies to increase tomato resistance against aphids.

In ambiente urbano le cause che portano ad un incremento della concentrazione di metalli pesanti sono imputabili principalmente alla ricaduta di inquinanti aero dispersi emessi da varie sorgenti diffuse e puntiformi, quali inceneritori di rifiuti solidi urbani, attività artigianali, impianti di riscaldamento domestico e traffico veicolare (Gherardi et al., 2008). Le ceneri prodotte dalla combustione presentano dimensioni e peso molecolare diversi (PM 10 e PM 2,5). Il contenuto in metalli pesanti ed altri elementi in traccia varia sia per il tipo di materiale combusto che dalle tipologie di combustione e la loro ricaduta al suolo dipende dalle condizioni atmosferiche ed in particolare dall'orientamento dei venti dominanti. Il monitoraggio dei metalli pesanti presenti nelle deposizioni atmosferiche può essere valutato con bioindicatori ambientali come i muschi; infatti la loro nutrizione minerale avviene attraverso le deposizioni secche ed umide (Giordano et al., 2005). Tali briofite presentano alcune proprietà bio-ecologiche, come l'assenza di cuticola, la presenza di costituenti della parete cellulare caratterizzati da gruppi funzionali caricati negativamente, tali da renderle molto vantaggiose per essere utilizzate per monitoraggi di deposizioni atmosferiche (Cenci et al., 2003).

In this study, Enterocin 416K1, a bacteriocin produced by Enterococcus casseliflavus IM 416K1, was entrapped in an organic-inorganic hybrid coating applied to a LDPE (low-density polyethylene) film for its potential use in the active food packaging field. The antibacterial activity of the coated film was evaluated against Listeria monocytogenes NCTC 10888 by qualitative modified agar diffusion assay, quantitative determination in listeria saline solution suspension and direct contact with artificially contaminated food samples (frankfurters and fresh cheeses) stored at room and refrigeration temperatures. All investigations demonstrated that enterocin-activated coatings have a good anti-listeria activity. Qualitative tests showed a clear zone of inhibition in the indicator lawn in contact with and around the coated film. During the quantitative antibacterial evaluation the L. monocytogenes viable counts decreased to 1.5 log units compared to the control. The inhibitory capability was confirmed also in food-contact assays. In all food samples packed with coated films we observed a significant decrease in L. monocytogenes viable counts in the first 24 h compared to the control. This difference was generally maintained up to the seventh day and then decreased, with the exception of the cheese samples stored at refrigeration temperature.

Aphids are economically important insect pests of agriculture and forest crops. They feed on phloem sap by extremely efficient mouthparts modified into long and flexible stylets. Adaptation to phytophagy is completed by an extremely ductile reproduction system that can alternate biparental and parthenogenetic generations. In order to reach plant phloem, aphids must overcome plant defences, either physically and/or chemically. However, plants respond to aphid attack by activating defence genes that lead to the production of physical barriers and/or chemical toxic compounds (direct resistance). In addition, attacked plants can attract the natural enemies of aphids by releasing specific volatile compounds (indirect resistance). We can take advantage of these different types of resistance in order to enhance the sustainable control of these phytophagous insects. In this review we summarize the main aspects of plant-aphid interactions, focusing on those issues that can have an economic application.

The prevailing reaction of plants to pest attack is the activation of various defense mechanisms. In tomato, several studies indicate that an 18 amino acid (aa) peptide, called systemin, is a primary signal for the systemic induction of direct resistance against plant-chewing pests, and that the transgenic expression of the prosystemin gene (encoding the 200 aa systemin precursor) activates genes involved in the plant response to herbivores. By using a combination of behavioral, chemical, and gene expression analyses, we report that systemin enhances the production of bioactive volatile compounds, increases plant attractivity towards parasitiod wasps, and activates genes involved in volatile production. Our data imply that systemin is involved in the systemic activation of indirect defense in tomato, and we conclude that a single gene controls the systemic activation of coordinated and associated responses against pests.

The blend of volatile compounds emitted by tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum) infested with the potato aphid (Macrosiphum euphorbiae) has been studied comparatively with undamaged plants and aphids themselves. Aphid-infested plants were significantly more attractive towards Aphidius ervi than undamaged plants and aphids themselves. Oriented response towards host-damaged plant, from which aphids were removed just before running the bioassay, did not differ from that recorded for infested plants. Collection of the volatiles and analysis by gas chromatography revealed only quantitative differences between uninfested and aphid-infested plants. Nine compounds, agr-pinene, (Z)-3-hexen-1-ol, agr-phellandrene, limonene, (E)-β-ocimene, p-cymene, methyl salicylate, (E)-β-caryophyllene and an unknown compound, were emitted at higher levels from aphid-infested plants than from undamaged control plants, whilst no differences were noted for hexanal, 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one, and humulene (=agr-caryophyllene). Synthetic standards of these compounds were tested in wind tunnel bioassays and all elicited a significant increase in oriented flight and landings on the target by the aphid parasitoid Aphidius ervi. (E)-β-caryophyllene resulted the most attractive towards female wasps. These results corroborate the hypothesis that the volatiles produced by the plant in response to aphid attack derive from both jasmonic and salicylic acid pathways, and are exploited by A. ervi as olfactory cues to locate its hosts.

Il contributo si occupa del governo della nuova società a responsabilità limitata e dei diritti di controllo dei soci.

Aphids, through their close association with plants, cause systemic release of semiochemicals. These may have negative effects on subsequent aphid colonisation and can also have positive roles with insects that are antagonistic to aphid development, for example parasitoids. One of the semiochemicals involved in host selection by aphids is methyl salicylate. and since this compound was shown to have a role as a plant stress signal, the hypothesis that aphids might facilitate identification of new plant signals was examined. Confirmation was obtained during an investigation of avoidance of unsuitable hosts by the lettuce aphid, Nasonovia ribis-nigri. (Z)-Jasmone was identified as a plant-derived semiochemical acting negatively for a number of aphid species, and positively for insect antagonists such as parasitoids and predators. However, when the compound was employed at 0.1 ppm in air above intact plants, these plants then attracted aphid parasitoids long after the (Z)-jasmone itself was no longer detectable, A specific interaction was proposed. since the (Z)-jasmone appeared to be selectively taken up by the plants. Aerial interactions between intact barley plants from different cultivars, which may be differentially releasing stress associated signals, can also influence acceptability to aphids. Furthermore, it has been shown that exudates from the roots of aphid-infested plants, grown hydroponically or in soil, cause intact plants to become more attractive to parasitoids. (C) 2001 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.

The effect of adult experience on in-flight orientation to plant-host complex volatiles by Aphidius ervi Haliday was studied in a wind tunnel bioassay, using Acyrthosiphon pisum (Harris), maintained on broad bean plants (Vicia faba) as host. A short oviposition experience (15 s) on the plant-host complex (PHC) was sufficient to induce a drastic decrease of flight propensity and stimulated a foraging behavior characterized by intense walking activity, However, flight activity resumed to normal levels 1 h after the oviposition experience on the PHC occurred. For parasitoids conditioned on the PHC for at least 1 min the recorded proportion making oriented flights to the PHC was significantly higher than that for naive females, In contrast, oviposition experience in the absence of plant material did not influence the A. ervi flight response, Oviposition attempts on aphid dummies without egg release did not reduce flight activity. When A. ervi females were exposed to glass beads coated with Ac. pisum cornicle secretion, a priming effect was observed, resulting, compared with naive females, in a significantly higher rate of oriented flights to the PHC. In contrast, oviposition attempts visually induced by colored aphid dummies did not influence flight behavior. A strong reaction to volatile cues from uninfested plants was induced by oviposition experience on newly infested broad bean plants, This appears to be a case of associative learning. In fact, uninfested broad bean plants are basically unattractive to naive A. ervi females. The results demonstrate that adult experience has a considerable influence on A. ervi behavior and may have important implications for biological control of natural pest aphid populations. (C) 1997 Academic Press.