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Historical Floras are biodiversity-oriented textual sources, which refer to times when scientific methods were far different compared to the present. They are also geographical documents, as the entire work is referred to a focal region explored by certain collectors and following certain principles, since the taxa recorded are usually accompanied by a description of the locality of the observation. Retrospective georeferencing, as well as taxonomic revision, of the records in Historical Floras are, however, very challenging processes, which are usually not taken into account. As a result, very few global overviews of Historical Floras exist to date. In this article we present the analysis of the 7767 floristic records of the late XIX century Flora of the province of Bologna (N-Italy) compiled by Girolamo Cocconi. We processed these records by georeferencing them, whenever possible, to 659 pairs of coordinates and coupling them with the analysis of the collectors involved besides the author, as to provide the spatial and temporal dimension that permits us to further understand the taxonomic information given by the species listed. This allowed us to detect a bias in the exploration of the territory, which depended on accessibility and/or attractivity of the areas for fieldwork and shifted through time as function of the available collaborators who influenced the definition of the floristic pattern of the territory. Finally, we provided a diachronic analysis with the present flora to document the most significant land use changes based on selected floristic target groups.

The ability of forests to continue absorbing atmospheric CO2, and hence mitigating climate change, is constrained by global change drivers, such as increasing nitrogen deposition induced by anthropogenic activities. N input from atmospheric deposition can positively affect forest productivity in N-limited temperate and boreal ecosystems. However, under N saturation conditions, a cascade of negative effects can be observed, leading to tree growth decline, increase in soil acidification and N loss pathways, and nutrient imbalance. Experimental simulations of N deposition have been extensively used to directly determine whether atmospheric N input contributes to alleviating N limitation and to understand ecosystem responses. However, the majority of these experiments have considered soil N applications, often applying N doses several order of magnitude higher than ambient deposition, thus not mimicking realistic changes in atmospheric deposition. Moreover, soil applications exclude a priori atmosphere-canopy exchange processes, including direct canopy N uptake. In this context, the experiment established in a mature and eutrophic Fagus sylvatica L. forest in Italy represents a unique resource for advancing understanding on forest responses to global change. At this site, four different treatments have been carried out since 2015: control, canopy (30 kg ha-1 yr-1) and soil (30 and 60 kg ha-1 yr-1) N applications, with doses reflecting more realistic changes in atmospheric deposition (about twice and three times as much as ambient deposition). We asked whether the two experimental approaches (canopy vs. soil applications) can lead to different responses in terms of i) tree growth and intrinsic water-use efficiency (the ratio between photosynthesis and stomatal conductance) and ii) ecosystem nitrogen processes (including plant-microbe interactions). For this purpose, we combined dendroecological analyses (the measure of ring widths and stable carbon isotope composition, δ13C) with the measure of foliar nutrient concentrations and stable nitrogen isotope composition (δ15N) in different forest samples, including foliar, litter, soil main root and ectomycorrhizal root tips. On-going δ13C analyses will provide insight regarding the physiological mechanisms underpinning growth changes in relation to different treatments. Whereas, δ15N in different forest samples will help to elucidate differences in ecosystem N processes between the two approaches, i.e., N retention within the system or increasing N loss pathways and other nutrient limitations due to N saturation.

Atmospheric nitrogen deposition is an important global change driver, potentially affecting forest health and productivity. In order to evaluate the potential effects on tree growth and above-ground biomass production in southern European conditions, a long-term manipulation experiment was carried out in a prealpine beech forest (Pian Cansiglio, BL). Four treatments are compared: (i) control, (ii) moderate soil fertilization, (iii) high soil fertilization (iv) and moderate above canopy fertilization. Results, 7 years into the experiment, do not show any effect of soil fertilization treatments on the monitored parameters, but show instead positive effects of the canopy fertilization on the allocation of resources to the canopy and on the production of leaf biomass, with values that in 2021 exceeded those observed in the control treatment by 0.72 Mg DM ha-1. The contribution of N due to atmospheric deposition does not seem to decrease the growth of pre-alpine beech forests in the short term, but could substantially alter their ecological dynamics.

Photoselective nets were used to examine apple shoot physiology during dormancy and budbreak. Two trials were conducted: one in the field and one in controlled conditions. In the first, three colored nets (red, blue, and white, shading 20%) covered sections of single trees, leaving an empty portion as control, from December to April. The white net increased canopy air temperature compared with the blue one. Differences were found in carbohydrate seasonal patterns; however, it appeared that soil temperature had higher impacts on sugar movement in the trees. No differences were found in bud phenology. In the second trial, cuttings were placed in boxes constructed with the same-colored nets and monitored from the end of February to April. Results showed differences in phenology and carbohydrate translocation. The white box hastened bloom and its cuttings had higher amounts of carbohydrates at the end of the trial. On the contrary, the blue box delayed bloom while resources were still being consumed and its cuttings had the lowest amounts of reserves at the end of the trial. These results add new insights on apple physiology under different light spectra and commercial applications should not be excluded for improving crop management.

Conventional technique for transcutaneous bone-anchored hearing implants surgery requires the elevation of a large retroauricular skin flap to expose the site of implantation, that may cause a large scar and the interruption of retroauricular vasculature. A less invasive, endoscopic-assisted modification of the surgical technique is described, which provides access to the implant site through two small skin incisions and the creation of a pocket in the retroauricular area. Endoscopic-assisted bone-anchored hearing implant surgery could be a viable option for transcutaneous bone-anchored hearing implant surgery, especially for pediatric patients.

Anthropogenic activities have resulted in a significant increase of reactive nitrogen (N) compounds in the atmosphere and a rise in N deposition on forest ecosystems. Increasing N loads impact forest productivity and health, altering tree physiological status and nutrient balance with possible beneficial and detrimental consequences. The impact of N deposition has received considerable attention by scientific research, covering medium and high latitudes, while experimental studies in the Mediterranean area are almost absent. The present study used a manipulative approach, through replicated N additions (background deposition, 30, 60 kg N ha-1 yr-1) to simulate the cumulative effects of N deposition in two beech (Fagus sylvaticaL.) forests located in contrasting climatic regions of Italy. Leaf nutrients and photosynthetic pigments were tested as monitoring indicators after four years of N fertilization. Foliar N and pigment concentrations indicated not limiting N conditions at both forest sites, although changes in chlorophylls and carotenoids showed an early response of the canopy to N additions. N-to-phosphorus (P) and sulfur (S) ratios increased under elevated N fertilization, which could be partly related to the relative enhancement of foliar N concentration, and partly associated with the reduction of foliar P and S. The two eutrophic beech forests monitored were not severely affected by chronic N addition, not showing critical nutritional and physiological impairments over the short to medium period. However, the modifications in leaf nutrient and pigment compositions showed an incipient stress response and accentuated the differences induced by climatic and soil characteristics at the two sites. The potential use of nutrients and photosynthetic pigments in monitoring forest N deposition under contrasting climatic conditions and the eventual limits of manipulative experiments are discussed.

Historical floras, i.e. lists of plant species recorded in a given geographical area, are not usually considered for capturing past landscape features. In this study, we tested the usefulness of the simultaneous use of historical floristic data and a coeval topographic map to evaluate the main features of the past vegetation landscape and the potential of such data in change detection. Our study site was the Monte Fumaiolo area (northern Italy), where historical floristic data were independently recorded by two famous botanists during the 1930s. Past floristic data were then compared with current cartographic and vegetation data. Despite the fact that the two authors explored a comparable area, they significantly differed in the use of toponyms and in the distribution of floristic records among toponyms. This is reflected by a low floristic similarity at the toponym level between the two data sets. Nevertheless, the species classification into ecological categories allowed to highlight how the two authors recorded similar information on the landscape features. However, the use of these floristic data may have some flaws in landscape change detection.

Plant-associated microbes can shape plant phenotype, performance, and productivity. Cultivation methods can influence the plant microbiome structure and differences observed in the nutritional quality of differently grown fruits might be due to variations in the microbiome taxonomic and functional composition. Here, the influence of organic and integrated pest management (IPM) cultivation on quality, aroma and microbiome of raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) fruits was evaluated. Differences in the fruit microbiome of organic and IPM raspberry were examined by next-generation sequencing and bacterial isolates characterization to highlight the potential contribution of the resident-microflora to fruit characteristics and aroma. The cultivation method strongly influenced fruit nutraceutical traits, aroma and epiphytic bacterial biocoenosis. Organic cultivation resulted in smaller fruits with a higher anthocyanidins content and lower titratable acidity content in comparison to IPM berries. Management practices also influenced the amounts of acids, ketones, aldehydes and monoterpenes, emitted by fruits. Our results suggest that the effects on fruit quality could be related to differences in the population of Gluconobacter, Sphingomonas, Rosenbergiella, Brevibacillus and Methylobacterium on fruit. Finally, changes in fruit aroma can be partly explained by volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted by key bacterial genera characterizing organic and IPM raspberry fruits.

Anthropogenic activities resulted in a significant increase in nitrogen (N) compounds in the atmosphere and their deposition back to the biosphere, with important implications on both carbon (C) and N cycles. Indeed, an increase in N deposition can increase forest productivity in N limited forest ecosystems. In addition, it can also increase N loss pathways, leading to soil acidification and nutrient imbalance. Several N manipulation experiments have been carried out for decades till now, though most of them focused on conifer forests. We consider two manipulation experiments established in 2015 on two beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) forests in Italy, Cansiglio and Collelongo sites, located on the Eastern Alps and Central Apennines, respectively. The two forests were chosen along a climate and N deposition gradient. Thus, our goal was to assess the effects of simulated N deposition increase on nutritional, physiological status and growth of beech forests from two contrasting climatic conditions. At both sites, N was added directly to the soil as NH4NO3 in two doses: 30 kg N ha-1 yr-1 and 60 kg N ha-1 yr-1. Moreover, in Cansiglio we also included a canopy N fertilization adding 30 kg N ha-1 yr-1. Leaves were collected in 2016 and 2018 for the analyses of nutrients, stable C and N isotopes, and photosynthetic pigments. The aboveground production was periodically monitored with girth band and litterfall collectors. The nutrient stoichiometry analysis showed elevated N concentrations and high N:P in both forests, even in the control plots. N addition significantly increased N:P and N:S ratios in the treated plots. Changes in chlorophyll concentration were mainly related to differences between the two sites, while carotenoids were also influenced by N fertilization. After four years, we did not find an effect of the treatment (regardless of the doses) on both tree growth and leaf biomass. Altogether, our results suggest that both forests were not N limited. Finally, difference between the two manipulation approaches will be discussed in terms of leaf nutrients and C and N stable isotopes in the case of Cansiglio site.

Importance Severe pain on awakening (POA) and emergence delirium (ED) are common following pediatric adenotonsillectomy. Effective preventive interventions are lacking. Objective To determine the effects of intraoperative auditory stimulation on reduction of POA and ED after pediatric adenotonsillectomy. Design, setting, and participants Single-center, double-blinded, 4-armed, randomized clinical trial of children undergoing adenotonsillectomy from March 2018 to May 2019 at a tertiary care pediatric referral center. Interventions Children were randomized to 1 of the following groups: auditory stimulation with music, auditory stimulation with noise, ambient noise insulation with masking earplugs, and a control group receiving no intervention. Ear inserts were placed in the operating room once general anesthesia was administered. Stimulation parameters were based on the preoperative audiological evaluation and the appropriate fitting of the transduction system, including ambient noise level monitoring. Main outcomes and measures The primary outcome was POA levels measured on 10-point scales according to age-appropriate validated tools. The secondary outcome was ED levels assessed according to the Pediatric Anesthesia Emergence Delirium 20-point scale. Results A total of 104 consecutive healthy children (median [interquartile range] age at surgery, 5.0 [3.8-6.4] years) were included in the analysis. Music had a large effect size on POA (0.63; 98% CI, 0.43-0.84) and a medium effect size on ED (0.47; 98% CI, 0.21-0.75), while noise had a medium effect size on POA (0.47; 98% CI, 0.22-0.73) and a large effect size on ED (0.63; 98% CI, 0.44-0.85) compared with controls. The earplugs group showed a small effect size on POA and ED. Considering a clinically meaningful threshold of greater than 4 for POA and 10 or greater for ED at dichotomized analysis, a large effect size was achieved by music (1.39; odds ratio [OR], 0.08; 98% CI, 0.02-0.29; and 0.84; OR, 0.22; 98% CI, 0.06-0.75, respectively) and noise (0.97; OR, 0.17; 98% CI, 0.05-0.6; and 1.48; OR, 0.07; 98% CI, 0.02-0.26, respectively), while earplugs resulted in a small effect size. Conclusions and relevance In this randomized clinical trial, children undergoing adenotonsillectomy who received intraoperative auditory stimulation demonstrated a clinically meaningful decrease in POA and ED in the immediate postoperative period. Further research is needed to assess whether intraoperative auditory stimulation may decrease POA and ED in children undergoing other types of surgical procedures. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04112979.

Although superficial scald (SS) is well characterized on apples, there are only a few insights concerning the influence that agronomic and management variability may have on the occurrence of this physiological disorder on pears. In this study, we aimed to improve our understanding of the effect of different preharvest factors on SS development using a multivariate statistical approach. Pears (Pyrus communis L.) cv “Abate Fetel” were picked during two consecutive seasons (2018-2019 and 2019-2020) from twenty-three commercial orchards from three growing areas (Modena, Ferrara, and Ravenna provinces) in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. Bioclimatic indices such as weather and soil, agronomic management such fertilization and irrigation, orchard features such as rootstock and training systems, and SS incidence were carried out at harvest and periodically postharvest in all producers. Two different storage scenarios (regular atmosphere and use of 1-MCP) were also evaluated. Our data in both seasons showed high heterogeneity between farms for SS symptoms after cold storage either in the regular atmosphere or with 1-MCP treatment. Nevertheless, in 2018, all the producers showed SS at the end of the storage season, but in 2019 some of them did not exhibit SS for up to 5 months. In fact, some preharvest factors changed considerably between the two seasons such as yield and weather conditions. Indeed, some factors seem to affect SS in both growing seasons. Some can increase its occurrences such as physiological and agronomical factors: high yields, late date of blooming, heavy downpours, improper irrigation management (low watering frequency and high volumes), nitrogen (included that deriving from organic matter), soil texture (presence of clay), orchard age, and canopy volume in relation to training system and rootstock. Others can decrease SS such as climatic and management factors: late harvest dates, rain, gibberellins, calcium, manure, absence of antihail nets or use of photoselective nets, and site (probably related to better soils toward the Adriatic coast). Initial preharvest variability is an important factor that modulates physiological plant stress and, subsequently, the SS after cold storage in “Abate Fetel” pears. Multivariate techniques could represent useful tools to identify reliable multiyear preharvest variables for SS control in pear fruit different batches.

High temperatures and the anomalous distribution of rainfall during the growing season may have a negative impact on grapevine yield and berry composition. In recent years, many studies have focused on the application of agronomical techniques to reduce the negative impact of heat waves on secondary metabolites such as phenols. In particular, treatments with kaolin have shown positive effects on reducing canopy temperatures, enhancing the accumulation of anthocyanins. In regard to the above, three treatments were evaluated: untreated control (C), kaolin (CAO), and chabasite-rich zeolitites (ZEO) applications on cv. Sangiovese in order to verify the cooling effects on leaves and bunches, and the impact on gas exchange, yield parameters, berry composition, and on both chemical and sensory notes of wine. Minerals were sprayed twice around the veraison on the entire canopy at a 3% concentration. The results showed that the application of the minerals was able to reduce the berry temperatures in both years of the trial as compared to the untreated control (C), without affecting vine gas exchange, yield, and soluble solid accumulation. Furthermore, the cooling effect determined an increase in anthocyanin on both the grapes and the wine. At testing, CAO and ZEO wines stood out regarding greater color intensity and were preferred by the judges.

Objective To predict the impact of face personal protective equipment on verbal communication during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Design We assessed the effect of common types and combinations of face personal protective equipment on speech intelligibility in quiet and in a simulated noisy environment. Results Wearing face personal protective equipment impairs transmission of middle-to-high voice frequencies and affects speech intelligibility. Surgical masks are responsible for up to 23.3% loss of speech intelligibility in noisy environments. The effects are larger in the condition of advanced face personal protective equipment, accounting for up to 69.0% reduction of speech intelligibility. Conclusion The use of face personal protective equipment causes significant verbal communication issues. Healthcare workers, school-aged children, and people affected by voice and hearing disorders may represent specific at-risk groups for impaired speech intelligibility.

The aim of the present experiment was to evaluate the effectiveness of soil electrical conductivity (EC) measurement as a fast tool to assess mineral nitrogen (N) in orchards, in order to define precise N inputs that can help farmers to reduce useless fertilizer application. During one vegetative season, seven orchards of different species, supplied with mineral or organic fertilization, were monitored. Nitrate soil concentration was measured monthly by laboratory analyses, while soil EC and moisture were recorded continuously by soil probes. Nitrate and EC were positively correlated, laying the foundation for the identification of a fast and reliable index. However, while some dates showed a high Pearson correlation coefficient, no correlation was found for others. The correlation was not affected by type of fertilizer, and was higher in silty-clay-loam than in loam soils. Pooling all of the data, a significant correlation with a Pearson coefficient of 0.75 was found. The soil optimal nitrate N availability was defined by an EC in the range of 0.3 to 0.6 mS cm&minus, 1. Although these are only preliminary results, our data are promising, showing a good suitability of soil EC measurement as a means to monitor soil mineral N availability.

Sweet cherries (Prunus avium L.) are highly appreciated fruits for their taste, color, nutritional value, and beneficial health effects. In this work, seven new cultivars of sweet cherry were investigated for their main quality traits and nutraceutical value. The phytochemical profile of three classes of phenolic compounds and the antioxidant activity of the new cultivars were investigated through high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection (HPLC-DAD) and spectrophotometric assays, respectively, and compared with those of commonly commercialized cultivars. Cyanidine-3-O-rutinoside was the main anthocyanin in all genotypes, and its levels in some new cultivars were about three-fold higher than in commercial ones. The ORAC-assayed antioxidant capacity was positively correlated with the total anthocyanin index. The nutraceutical value of the new cultivars was investigated in terms of antioxidant/neuroprotective capacity in neuron-like SH-SY5Y cells. Results demonstrated that the new cultivars were more effective in counteracting oxidative stress and were also able to upregulate brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a pro-survival neurotrophin, suggesting their potential pleiotropic role in counteracting neurodegenerations.

The continuous use of copper-based fungicides in viticulture to contrast fungal diseases may result into an accumulation of Cu in the topsoil, reaching toxicity levels for plants and soil biota. A possible strategy to mitigate the negative effects of excess of Cu could involve the formation of insoluble molecules by the application of P to the soil. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness P soil application as a strategy to alleviate the toxic effect of excess of Cu on potted grapevines plants, with particular emphasis on the physiological response of plants. Micropropagated plants of 1103 Paulsen rootstock were grown according to a factorial experimental design with two factors: Cu (4 levels: 0, 100, 200, 300 mg kg−1 dw) and P (2 levels: 0 and 100 mg kg−1 dw) and three replicates. Net photosynthesis, efficiency of PSII photochemistry and linear electron transport rate decreased as soil Cu concentration increased. The addition of P increased net photosynthesis, improved the efficiency of PSII photochemistry and linear electron transport rate, but decreased stomatal conductance. As a consequence, shoot and root biomass declined with the increase of Cu concentration in soil, while the increment of P tackled this decline and improved nutritional status. CuEDTA extractable fraction in soil was increased by both the supply of Cu and P; this because the addition of P in combination with the highest Cu soil concentration determined a decrease of soil pH. In conclusion, the addition of P to the soil mitigated Cu excess toxicity symptoms in grape through a preservation of photosynthetic apparatus efficiency and an improvement of nutrient uptake.

Paeonia officinalis L., subsp. officinalis, is a herbaceous peony spontaneously growing on rocky slopes, up to 1,800 m of altitude, from Southern France to Albany, that includes Tuscan and Emilian Apennines. Its propagation occurs by rhizome or seeds under natural growing conditions; however, seeds need a couple of years to germinate. The aim of the present research was to set up a protocol for the in vitro propagation of this species, useful for its reintroduction in the natural environment, and suitable at nursery level. The combined effect of 6-benzyladenine (BA) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) was investigated on shoot multiplication of single shoots and small shoot clusters, in agarized culture media. A two-step rooting procedure was used, providing one-week culture of shoots in complete darkness on media enriched with indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) and their transfer to auxin-free media. Agarized media or perlite soaked in liquid media were used for both root induction and elongation phases.Complete culture survival was obtained with 1.0 g L-1 PVP and the use of small shoot clusters as explants. BA at 2.0 mg L-1 gave the maximum mean shoot multiplication (2.7) from a single shoot at the 3rd subculture; however, very short shoots were produced by shoot clusters after three further subcultures. BA at 1.0 gL(-1) allowed a constant multiplication (about 2:1) of well-elongated shoots regardless of the explant type. The multiplication rates reported here are quite low, but comparable to data available in the literature for in vitro grown shoots of wild herbaceous P lactiflora. The maximum rooting percentage (50%) was obtained in liquid media, for shoots from 1.0 mg BA treated with 2.5 mg L-1 IBA, although not different from other IBA treatments (1 and 5 mg L-1 ). The present results are promising with regard to the in vitro phases. However, they also suggest further research in improving rooting and achieving successful acclimatization of healthy plants. If this goal is reached, micropropagation might represent an alternative vegetative propagation method for the reintroduction in the natural environment of this species, and its release at nursery level as plant for gardens.

The elimination of a certain number of leaves around bunches before veraison is a common practice in vineyards to increase berries sunlight exposure, which, if acting in synergy with temperature increase, may affect grape anthocyanin and flavonol composition and give rise to contradictory results. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect over two years of leaf removal on anthocyanin and flavonol composition at harvest in four red Vitis vinifera L. varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Nero d'Avola, Raboso Piave and Sangiovese, characterized by different anthocyanin and flavonol profiles. The concentration of total anthocyanins in berries did not vary among control and defoliated vines in all varieties in both vintages, while total flavonols strongly increased after the treatment. Our results showed a genotype-dependent response to leaf removal that may induce a strong enhancement of the di-substituted branch of the flavonoid pathway, with consequences on anthocyanins and flavonols profile.

Historical-geographical (chorographic) descriptions provide some of the earliest formal documentation about landscape. We propose a methodological approach aimed at reconstructing a spatial-explicit picture of the agroforestry system of a eighteenth-century landscape, detecting the main land-use drivers, and analysing existing legacies of past agro-forestry productivity in the present landscape. The study area was the Bologna Apennines, and our data source was a chorographic dictionary from 1781-83. We obtained a matrix of 240 administrative units per 18 agro-forestry products with related productivity indices. Multivariate analysis showed that environmental constraints influenced products and productivity. Agricultural areas (and related products) mainly shaped the hillside, while forests and semi-natural areas (and related products) characterized the mountainside. Such former clustering is still recognizable: agricultural land mostly changed to artificial land-cover, whereas semi-natural areas and forests still exist. The proposed approach confirms that chorography can be a useful tool as a primary source in landscape research.

In mountain regions of southern Europe, old-growth chestnut orchards maintained by traditional management were a key component of the economic, cultural, and ecological heritage. Currently, many stands are abandoned due to decreased economic sustainability even though, according to European policies, the loss of traditionally managed old-growth chestnut orchards should be contrasted to prevent biodiversity loss. In this study, we preliminarily mapped the remnants of old-growth chestnut orchards across a region of the northern Apennines (Italy) with a strong tradition of chestnut orchard cultivation. Then, we assessed the effects of management/abandonment in terms of tree features (e.g. size, crown structure, health conditions), occurrence and abundance of target epiphytic lichens, and richness and composition of understory vegetation. Our results revealed contrasting patterns of tree features, lichen, and plant diversity in managed and abandoned old-growth chestnut orchards of the northern Apennines, supporting the view that traditional management is fundamental for the long-term maintenance of healthy veteran trees, the enhancement of epiphytic lichens related to old-growth conditions, and plant diversity. This indicates that 1000 years of chestnut civilization represent a cultural heritage that benefits nature conservation, promoting a virtuous interplay between human activities and biodiversity. For this reason, policies aimed at sustaining traditional management in old-growth chestnut orchards are indispensable to avoid the degradation and loss of this habitat and its centuries-old cultural and ecological legacy.

Functionality of training systems different in size, shape and geometry are primarily a function of their ability to intercept and distribute light effectively within the canopy. In peach, methodologies for a rapid and reliable assessment of such features are still lacking. In this study we propose a systemic approach that as unique data entry requires diurnal ground monitoring of the light-shadow windows of a tree canopy. Case studies for canopy shapes were a pyramid (▴, Delayed Vase), a parallelogram (♦, Palmette) and a Y (Tatura trellis) chosen within a 3-year-old peach orchard. Canopy geometrical and structural parameters calculated from above and below canopy radiation readings taken at full canopy development include Silhouette ( S ) as sunlit canopy area projected orthogonal to the sunbeam, leaf layer index (LLI), canopy leaf projection coefficient computed orthogonal to sunbeam direction ( K ⌋ ), instantaneous canopy photon influx ( Q CA ), instantaneous canopy intercepted photon flux in the 300–1100 nm waveband ( Q C ) and canopy photon influx capture efficiency ( e Q CA → Q C ). Whole-tree gas exchange was also continuously monitored for a week on each canopy shape to gain a direct measurement of canopy net assimilation rate ( A C ) and canopy transpiration rate ( E C ). A positive Q C vs. A C correlation was shown by any canopy type, with r = 0.93, 0.97 and 0.92 for ▴, ♦ and Y , respectively. By contrast, while Q C and E C were weakly correlated in ▴ and ♦, a close positive correlation ( r = 0.87) was found between these two variables in Y . The Tatura trees also showed, regardless of timing of the day, the highest E C / A C , hence better water use efficiency. This study validates the hypothesis that a systemic assessment of canopy quantum flux absorption ( Q C ) leads to reliable prediction of actual net canopy photosynthetic rates paving the way to: (a) easier and faster evaluation of efficiency of canopy systems differing in size and shape and (b) simplification in whole-canopy photosynthetic models.

The influence of four different harvest times on the bull’s eye rot of ‘Cripps Pink’ apple caused by Neofabraea spp. was investigated in two orchards harvested at four different times. In addition, a control strategy based on chemical treatments performed in preharvest or postharvest was evaluated. Regression analysis between harvest time and disease incidence revealed high r2 values (>0.75). All preharvest fungicide treatments significantly (P < 0.0085) reduced the bull’s eye rot incidence; however, thiophanate-methyl (achieving >87% control) was more effective than a mixture of pyraclostrobin and boscalid (87.5% control) than the single treatments with pyraclostrobin and boscalid (

The increasing importance of short rotation coppice (SRC) plantations for bioenergy production makes it crucial to evaluate their carbon (C) sink potential and to understand which sustainable practices could increase productivity and C sequestration. This study examined the combined effect of woody ash and nitrogen (N) fertilization on the productivity, net C balance (NECB) and soil C sink capacity of a poplar SRC plantation established on a former arable land in northern Italy. Above- (ANPP) and below-ground (BNPP) primary productivity, including both root litter and rhizodeposition (Croot litter), were estimated by a combination of inventory methods, soil respiration measurements and C budgeting approaches. NECB was estimated as changes in both plant and soil C pools, and the portion of soil organic carbon (SOC) derived from poplar leaf and root litter was estimated using a combination of in-growth cores and isotopic measurements. Nitrogen application at 100kgha−1 increased ANPP in terms of C accumulation only in the first year, while NECB was not affected by treatments and was 9.96MgCha−1year−1 on average. Irrespective of the treatment, the plantation accumulated on average 0.7MgCha−1year−1 of SOC and the poplar-derived soil C input was 3.0Mgha−1year−1. Positive NECB shows that the studied SRC resulted in an important C sink even in the first years after the establishment. However, long-term studies are needed to better assess the effect of N and ash application on C and nutrient cycles over more than one rotation period.

Bacterial meningitis may cause inner ear fibrosis and progressive cochlear ossification with irreversible profound hearing loss (HL). Recognition of potential ossification is essential for effective management. We present a clinical case of a 4 year old boy who developed a progressive HL starting 3 weeks after meningitis. For the prospective risk of cochlear ossification, bilateral cochlear implantation (CI) was performed. Unexpectedly, unaided hearing threshold began to show improvement on the left ear, starting 4 months after meningitis and continuing for years post CI surgery. In order to explore the residual cochlear function, a trial of exclusively acoustic amplification was performed on the improved left side 5 years post implantation, providing good results. A certain degree of hearing recovery may be expected after meningitis related deafness. This case encourages surgeons to always adopt atraumatic surgical techniques that can enable the preservation of cochlear structure and residual function after CI surgery.

Background The anthocyanin and tannin concentration and composition of Vitis vinifera L. cv. Sangiovese berries were investigated from post-veraison to harvest. Exhaustive extraction with methanol and acetone was performed to determine the total flavonoid concentration, while a model hydroalcoholic solution was used to prepare extracts representing the winemaking process. The aim of this study was to improve the knowledge of the phenolic maturity of Sangiovese grape. Results The total anthocyanin concentration increased during ripening, but the quantity of extractable anthocyanins increased more rapidly than the total. The total skin tannin concentration declined from post-veraison to harvest, whereas the extractable portion increased, with little difference in the composition of the fractions. Both the total and extractable seed tannin concentration diminished rapidly just after veraison, and only small fluctuations were detected until harvest. Conclusion These results indicate that the extractability of anthocyanins and skin tannins increases during ripening, whereas there is no clear trend for seed tannins during the same period. This is the first survey to study the behavior of phenolic compounds during different steps of ripening of Sangiovese grape. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

L’obiettivo dello screening uditivo neonatale universale è di ottenere una diagnosi precoce di ipoacusia congenita. Non appena confermata la perdita uditiva, è necessario intervenire dal punto di vista riabilitativo. Nell’ambito del progetto del Ministero della Salute CCM 2013 “Programma regionale di identificazione, intervento e presa in carico precoci per la prevenzione dei disturbi comunicativi nei bambini con deficit uditivo” un gruppo di professionisti appartenenti a centri di terzo livello con un programma regionale di screening uditivo neonatale, ha analizzato i limiti e i punti di forza dell’attuale impostazione dei programmi regionali di screening uditivo neonatale mediante l’analisi SWOT e la realizzazione di una matrice TOWS. Alcune criticità sono rappresentate dalla copertura dello screening e dal numero di persi allo screening. Sono state sviluppate raccomandazioni volte a migliorare l’efficacia di tali programmi. Sono emerse la necessità di una regolamentazione uniforme dei programmi di screening a livello regionale e nazionale, e il bisogno di ricevere informazioni e formazione aggiornate, di alta qualità, e condivise per familiari e operatori.

L’impianto cocleare costituisce una valida opportunità per fornire l’accesso alla stimolazione uditiva nei casi di ipoacusia severa o profonda di origine cocleare. E’ stato ampiamente dimostrato che l’impianto cocleare è una soluzione sicura ed efficace e che la precocità nell’attivazione è associata a risultati migliori. E’ importante studiare le variabili e gli aspetti che possono interferire con un adattamento precoce e un adeguato accesso al mondo sonoro: caratteristiche del bambino, alleanza terapeutica con la famiglia, aspetti tecnici, medici e organizzativi. Obiettivo di questo lavoro è quello di proporre raccomandazioni utili per gli aspetti organizzativi-pratici relativi alle attivazioni precoci di impianto cocleare, attraverso un particolare modello di analisi SWOT e TOWS.

Nell’ambito delle ipoacusie infantili permanenti, la diagnosi audiologica precoce rappresenta il presupposto per l’attivazione di un adeguato programma abilitativo, in modo da prevenire o limitare i noti effetti che la deprivazione uditiva determina sullo sviluppo del linguaggio e delle abilità cognitive nel bambino. Nella diagnosi audiologica possono riconoscersi schematicamente tre fasi: l’identificazione dei soggetti a rischio, la definizione dei caratteri dell’ipoacusia, la verifica dell’appropriatezza della diagnosi stessa e dell’abilitazione. La strategia ed i metodi della diagnosi audiologica sono ben definiti e prevedono l’integrazione dei dati provenienti dai metodi obiettivi, con quelli clinici e comportamentali. A fronte di una sostanziale efficacia delle procedure e di un diffuso consenso sul loro impiego e sulla loro interpretazione, esistono varie criticità rispetto al conseguimento di tale obiettivo, che saranno affrontate in questo lavoro.

Grazie al perfezionamento delle procedure diagnostiche e alla diffusione dei programmi di screening uditivo neonatale, la diagnosi di ipoacusia può essere posta con estrema tempestività rispetto ad un passato non troppo lontano. Diventa pertanto fondamentale giungere dalla diagnosi alla corretta applicazione dell’apperecchio acustico in tempi rapidi, in modo da ripristinare la funzione uditiva e consentire lo sviluppo del linguaggio. L’intervento abilitativo precoce di protesizzazione acustica o l’eventuale successiva applicazione dell’impianto cocleare offrono l’opportunità di un regolare sviluppo delle vie uditive centrali e delle aree cerebrali deputate alla ricezione dell’informazione sonora nonchè delle relative connessioni con le aree motorie e articolatorie. L’obiettivo di questo articolo è presentare i risultati di un’analisi strategica che prenda in considerazione i punti di forza, i punti di debolezza, le opportunità e i rischi del percorso clinico da seguire per ottenere un’amplificazione precoce in tutti i casi di ipoacusia bilaterale permanente dell’età pediatrica. L’analisi è centrata sulla realtà italiana ed è parte del progetto CCM 2013 finanziato dal Ministero della Salute “Programma regionale di identificazione, intervento e presa in carico precoci per la prevenzione dei disturbi comunicativi nei bambin con deficit uditivo”.

Nelle più recenti linee guida internazionali sull’intervento precoce in audiologia pediatrica emerge l’importanza del coinvolgimento della famiglia nel percorso diagnostico- riabilitativo del bambino con deficit uditivo permanente. Questa modalità di approccio costituisce una ricchezza per lo sviluppo dei bambini con deficit uditivo. Vi sono ad oggi poche evidenze del panorama italiano rispetto a questo ambito e rimangono aperte perplessità e difficoltà di gestione pratica. L’obiettivo di questo articolo è presentare i risultati di un’analisi strategica che prende in considerazione i punti di forza, i punti di debolezza, le opportunità e i rischi di una presa in carico precoce che renda competente la famiglia. Le iniziali fasi della presa in carico devono fornire alle famiglie di bambini con recente diagnosi di ipoacusia permanente le informazioni e/o il sostegno necessario al fine di indurle a compiere la scelta del dispositivo protesico uditivo più idoneo, entro tre mesi dalla diagnosi audiologica. Nell’ambito del progetto del Ministero della Salute CCM 2013 “Programma regionale di identificazione, intervento e presa in carico precoci per la prevenzione dei disturbi comunicativi nei bambini con deficit uditivo” un gruppo di esperti ha identificato tre principali raccomandazioni utili per migliorare lo sviluppo comunicativo del bambino attraverso il coinvolgimento della famiglia e il rafforzamento dell’alleanza terapeutica. Queste considerazioni costituiranno il punto di partenza per riflessioni e analisi più dettagliate che potranno dare luce a linee guida e indicazioni specifiche su come buone prassi di presa in carico di bambino con deficit uditivo e famiglia possano inserirsi e concretizzarsi nel reale panorama italiano.

Powdery mildew, caused by Golovinomyces orontii and Podosphaera xanthii, is a widespread disease that causes important losses in cucurbit production. To determine the aetiology and the epidemiology of cucurbit powdery mildew disease in the North of Italy, observations on the occurrence of the main disease-causing fungal species were conducted during the 2010, 2011 and 2012 growing seasons. Samples of infected leaves of zucchini, melon and pumpkin plants, either from field or greenhouse crops, were collected every 15–18 days from May to September/October. To identify the fungal species, both morphological observations based on the asexual stage and molecular identifications by a Multiplex-PCR reaction with species-specific primers were performed. Climatic parameters of temperature and relative humidity were also monitored. Pearson's correlation coefficient and Principal Component Analysis showed a negative significant correlation between the two species, and a peculiar epidemiological behaviour was also observed: the earlier infections were caused by G. orontii, which was the predominant species till the end of June–middle of July. At this time, this species progressively decreased in frequency and was replaced by P. xanthii that became the main species infecting cucurbits till the end of the growing season. As the two species have different ecological requirements, these seasonal variations in the cucurbit powdery mildew species composition could possibly be explained by the influence of temperature and relative humidity on the pathogen epidemiology during the growing season but also by the different overwintering strategies adopted by the two species.