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The concept of “sustainability” is also becoming of great interest in the management of ornamental and territorial greenery. The new trends in the design of green spaces are aimed both at enhancing their “natural” aspects and at researching schemes characterized by lower maintenance costs. Spontaneous vegetation represents a characteristic component of the urban environment and is always adequate to the conditions of the site in which it is located. In this context, the role of spontaneous herbaceous plants becomes fundamental and constitutes an effective response to the current demand for the defence, conservation and enhancement of biodiversity. So far, the use of spontaneous vegetation for ornamental purposes, in public and private areas, is somewhat limited. The full potential of wild herbaceous species is often not achieved due to a lack of planning, management and limited species-specific knowledge. The objective of the work concerned the determination of some biometric characteristics of spontaneous herbaceous species found in the urban area of the city of Palermo in order to identify the best ones such as wildflower. The survey involved 18 species belonging to 13 different botanical families. The most represented families are Asteraceae, Poaceae and Brassicaceae. It emerged that the plants had diversified sizes always characterized by a high showiness of the floral structures. Although the Mediterranean flora is generally dominated by yellow flower structures, during the survey plants with white, pink, lilac, orange, lilac-violet and violet flowers were found, which are interesting for a possible use as wildflowers. Finally, the heterogeneity of the height found in the different plants allows us to support the possibility of using the species in various combinations in relation to the type of area to be planted.

This paper illustrates the results of a study carried out in 4 regional Parks in Sicily (Italy) from 2009 to 2010. The study area covers a surface of 2076 km2, the 8% of the territory of Sicily, includes 90 towns and it is characterized by a high degree of plant biodiversity. The main aim of the study was to analyse the extent of the current knowledge on medicinal uses of wild shrub and herbaceous plants in the area, using quantitative indices. The information was obtained using semi-structured interview format performed on a sample of 802 people over the age of 60 who were considered experts in rural traditions. The results highlight that most of the species are used against general health and metabolic and gastrointestinal disorders. Only very few medicinal uses are widely known by all the informants and a specific medicinal use is often known by only very few people.

Rosmarinus officinalis L. is an aromatic shrub commonly found in the Mediterranean area. It is used in cooking both to add aroma and as a preservative in processed foods. Essential oils of rosemary are used in medicine and in the cosmetics industry due to their considerable biological properties. The yield and quality of rosemary essential oils mainly depend upon the chemo type, environmental conditions and cultivation techniques. The aim of this study was to evaluate the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of essential oils of wild R. officinalis biotypes found in Sicily using different drying methods. Five types of drying methods were used for the tests: a) shade drying under a roof using natural air ventilation; b) direct sunlight drying; c) oven drying at 30°C; d) oven drying at 40°C; e) oven drying at 50°C. The results highlight qualitative and quantitative differences with regards to the dry methods and essential oils.

Human iodine (I) shortage disorders are documented as an imperative world-wide health issue for a great number of people. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends I consumption through ingestion of seafood and biofortified food such as vegetables. The current work was carried out to appraise the effects of different I concentrations (0, 50, 250, and 500 mg L−1), supplied via foliar spray on curly endive grown in the fall or spring–summer season. Head fresh weight, stem diameter, head height, and soluble solid content (SSC) were negatively correlated to I dosage. The highest head dry matter content was recorded in plants supplied with 250 mg I L−1, both in the fall and spring–summer season, and in those cultivated in the fall season and supplied with 50 mg I L−1. The highest ascorbic acid concentration was recorded in plants cultivated in the spring–summer season and biofortified with the highest I dosage. The highest fructose and glucose concentrations in leaf tissues were obtained in plants cultivated in the spring–summer season and treated with 250 mg I L−1. Plants sprayed with 250 mg I L−1 and cultivated in the fall season had the highest I leaf concentration. Overall, our results evidently suggested that an I application of 250 mg L−1 in both growing seasons effectively enhanced plant quality and functional parameters in curly endive plants.

Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. BACKGROUND Myocardial work (MW) estimation by pressure-strain loops (PSL) allows a non-invasive evaluation of myocardial performance, as recently demonstrated in adult patients. Aim of this study is to provide the reference values for global myocardial work index (MWI), constructive work (MCW), wasted work (MWW), and work efficiency (MWE) in a group of healthy children. METHODS Assessment of MW was performed using a commercially available software package (Echopac, GE). MW was measured from PSLs areas, derived from non-invasive LVP curves combined with strain acquired speckle tracking echocardiography (STE). After calculating GLS, values of brachial blood pressure were inserted and the time of valvular events by echocardiography were indicated, then the software was able to measure non-invasive PSLs. RESULTS Two-dimensional (2D) standard and speckle-tracking echocardiography were performed in 90 healthy children (mean age 9.9 ±4.9 [1-17] years, females: 57%) together with the assessment of MW by means of PSLs. Mean ± standard deviation, 5° and 95° percentile values for global MWI, MCW, MWW, and MWE in the whole population were 1769 ± 254 mm Hg, (1354-2193); 2201 ± 290 mm Hg, (1657-2658); 78 ± 47 (29-163) mm Hg%; 96 ± 1.8 (92-99)%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The assessment of MW is feasible in healthy children. This study provides useful 2-dimensional echocardiographic reference ranges for novel indices of non-invasive MW.

Background Myocardial work (MW) estimation by pressure-strain loops (PSL) allows a non-invasive assessment of myocardial performance, as recently demonstrated in adult patients. Aim Aim of this study is to provide the reference values for global myocardial work index (MWI), constructive work (MCW), wasted work (MWW), and work efficiency (MWE) in a group of healthy children. Methods Assessment of MW was performed using a commercially available software package. MW was measured from PSLs areas, derived from non-invasive LVP curves combined with strain acquired speckle tracking echocardiography (STE). After calculating GLS, values of brachial blood pressure were inserted and the time of valvular events by echocardiography were indicated, then the software was able to measure non-invasive PSLs. Results Two-dimensional (2D) standard and speckle-tracking echocardiography were performed in 90 healthy children (mean age 9.9±4.9 [1–17] years, females: 57%) together with the assessment of MW by means of PSLs. Mean ± standard deviation, 5° and 95° percentile values for global MWI, MCW, MWW, and MWE in the whole population were 1769±254 mm Hg, (1354–2193); 2201±290 mm Hg, (1657–2658); 78±47 (29–163) mm Hg%; 96±1.8 (92–99)%, respectively. Conclusions The assessment of MW is feasible in healthy children. This study provides useful 2-dimensional echocardiographic reference ranges for novel indices of non-invasive MW. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Public grant(s) – EU funding. Main funding source(s): ESC Training Grant 2019

Background Cardiovacular diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of death worldwide. Platelet play a key role in the pathophysiology of multiple CVD. LincRNAs are long non-coding RNAs transcribed from intergenic DNA segments. Some members of this class were recently associated with human disease. Linc-223 is co-transcribed together with mir-223 and was recently shown to bind to miR-125. Both miR-223 and miR-125 are highly expressed in platelets. Purpose In light of the capability of Linc-223 to bind to miR-125, we aimed to investigate whether their reciprocal expression levels might reflect the degree of platelet activity. Methods RNA was extracted using miRVANA. MiRNAs and lncRNAs were measured by means of quantitative Real Time RT-PCR. Results We found a significant reduction of Linc-223 levels (p Conclusions We identify a reciprocal modulation of Linc-223 and miR-125, its ligand upon different levels of platelet aggregations. These results are compatible with previous evidence from patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia, that Linc-223 might bind to and sponge miR-125, inhibiting its effect. These results suggest that plasma levels of Linc-223, miR-125 and miR-223 might be used a biomarkers of platelet finction in a clinical context, for risk stratification of patients or to assess the responsiveness to antiplatelet treatments. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

The reuse of treated wastewater represents an attractive prospect for sustainable water management in urban areas. The aim of this study was to evaluate the reuse of treated wastewater from constructed wetland systems for the irrigation of Seashore paspalum turf (Paspalum vaginatum Sw.) and assess the effects of treated wastewater on the soil and turfgrass. The research was carried out in Sicily (Italy) in a pilot-scale horizontal subsurface flow system (HSSF). Seashore paspalum plots were irrigated with freshwater and treated wastewater. In treated wastewater-irrigated plots, we estimated the amounts of nitrogen and potassium, supplied by irrigating with treated wastewater. The productive and qualitative characteristics of Seashore paspalum were not significantly influenced by irrigation with treated wastewater compared to freshwater. There was no significant variation in soil salinity and organic matter with the application of treated wastewater. The results confirm that treated wastewaters provide an additional water source and fertilizer for turf management in urban areas where the supply of freshwater is often limited.

Despite high urbanization, the city of Palermo (Sicily, Italy) has a good level of plant biodiversity. The Parco della Favorita is the largest green space in the city. It covers an area of 400 ha and is the green lung of the city. The Parco della Favorita is home to many wild species of medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs). This study aims to promote the Favorita Park as an urban green area to be used for educational purposes to raise awareness for the medicinal and food uses of MAPs. Nineteen plant species belonging to fifteen botanical families were identified. The most representative plant species were Foeniculum vulgare, Laurus nobilis, Capparis spinosa and Malva sylvetsris. Some of these plant species are used in traditional medicine, while others in various Sicilian culinary dishes.

In urban areas, the parks represent an important source of plant biodiversity. The Parco della Favorita is the largest green area in Palermo city (Sicily, Italy). Clinopodium raimondoi Spadaro, A.S. Faqi & Mazzola is an aromatic plant species which has a range of uses in Sicilian traditional culture. The essential oil of this species is rich in terpene components and its aroma is similar to that of mint. The aim of this study was to enhance the germplasm of C. raimondoi in the Parco della Favorita. A collection-field was set up within the park. The main biometric and productive parameters of the species were determined and gas chromatographic analyses were carried out to determine the quality profile of the essential oils. The collection-field of C. raimondoi plays an important role in the conservation and safeguard of the species.

Myrtus communis is a Mediterranean shrub widely diffused in Sicily. To promote the cultivation of myrtle, seven wild populations were collected from different areas of Sicily, with the aim to select new candidate cultivars in the frame of a selection program. Considering the berries value in the food industry, many efforts need to be done to cultivate myrtle as alternative to harvest from wild plants. To promote cultivation few important phenologic traits have been recorded in candidate cultivar selections from wild populations in Sicily. This study was performed in a repository field under homogeneous environmental conditions. The vegetation activity of the selected accessions begins in January/February and all myrtle plants keep growing until December. Differences in number and time of flowering fluxes on myrtle accessions were observed. All Monte Pellegrino, most of Riserva Zigaro and few myrtle accessions from Ispica and Ribera showed two flowering fluxes in June and July, while only three Monte Pellegrino accessions present also a third flowering between August and the beginning of November. High variability was observed in fruit ripening time. In general, Ribera and Sciacca populations present an early fruit ripening period from October to January, while Scopello and Ispica myrtle berries ripen later (from November to February). Future studies will be conducted in order to select genotypes for domestication program.

Industrial crops for energy purposes are object of increasing interest worldwide and play an important role as a source of renewable energy. The aims of this study were to evaluate: i) the agronomic performance of Brassica napus L. var. oleifera D.C. and Brassica carinata A. Braun in a semi-arid environment; ii) to evaluate the economic viability of a pilot combined heat and power (CHP) plant operating on pure vegetable oil (PVO). The research was carried out in Sicily (Italy). The main biometric and yield parameters of the two species were determined. Chemical-physical characterizations were carried out on PVO for each species using specific protocols. The cogeneration of renewable energy was carried out using a CHP system with a nominal power of 75 kW h-1. The final stage focused on the economic viability analysis of the CHP system. Oil seed yield of Brassica napus and Brassica carinata were 2.10 and 1.16 t ha-1 on average, respectively. Cash-flow trend analysis showed good economic benefit to farmers. These results make the two species promising energy crops for cultivation in Mediterranean areas.

Potential energy feedstocks from conventional agriculture usually include pure vegetable oil (PVO) and agricultural/forest residues. Their uses can represent a starting point for the development of short agro-energy chains in the south areas of the Mediterranean region. This paper focused on testing and awareness raising of biofuel production for the cogeneration of electricity and heat from PVO of two Brassica oilseed crops in Sicily (Italy). The main aims of this study were: i) to evaluate the agronomic performance of rapeseed (Brassica napus L. var. oleifera D.C.) and Ethiopian mustard (Brassica carinata A. Braun) in semi-arid climate condition; ii) to analyze the quality of PVO and the chemical-physical characteristics of pure vegetable oils, defatted seed meals and crop residues of the two species; iii) to define the economic viability of a pilot combined heat and power (CHP) plant operating on PVO. In this study, seed and crop residue yields were determined at the harvesting stage on a harvest area of 10 m2. For each species, chemical-physical characterizations were carried out using specific protocols. The cogeneration of heat and electricity was carried out using a CHP system with a nominal power of 75 kWh. The final stage of the study focused on the economic viability analysis of the CHP system. Seed yields of rapeseed and Ethiopian mustard were 2.10 and 1.16 t ha−1 on average, respectively. Ethiopian mustard obtained the highest performance of aboveground biomass yield (5.31 t ha−1). The fatty acid profiles of the PVO resulted different for the two oilseed crops. Ethiopian mustard had, on average, the highest glucosinolate content in the seeds. The cogenerator showed a consumption of 14.4 kg PVO h−1 on average. Cash-flow trend analysis showed good economic benefit for farmers. These results make the two species as promising energy crops for suitable short agro-energy chains in the south Mediterranean areas.

Myrtle (Myrtus communis L.) is an aromatic plant spontaneously growing and increasingly cultivated in Mediterranean area. Recently, interest on myrtle plant is growing due to the pharmacological and antioxidant properties since myrtle leaves are important sources of phenolic and antioxidant compounds with health-promoting effects. Plant genotype is the primary factor affecting antioxidant activity and phenol content. For this reason, a core collection of local selected myrtle accessions from Sicily was evaluated with the aim to identify genotypes with high antioxidant value. Thirty-six myrtle individuals belonging to seven populations were studied for leaf total phenols, tannins and antioxidant activity. Results of quantitative determination of total phenols, tannins and antioxidant activity measured with two protocols (DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activity) revealed a high variability of myrtle genotypes for these parameters. Leaves of the accession MTR11 belonging to Scopello population had the highest total phenol content as catechin equivalents (5495 mg CE 100 g-1 dw) and the highest antioxidant activity (DPPH: 53.7 mmols Trolox 100 g-1 dw; ABTS: 61.6 mmols Trolox 100 g-1 dw). On the contrary, the lowest phenols content (1540.7 mg CE 100 g-1 dw) and the lowest antioxidant activity (DPPH: 13.9 mmols Trolox 100 g-1 dw; ABTS: 16.7 mmols Trolox 100 g-1 dw) were determined in the genotype MTR7 belonging to Zingaro population. The concentration of tannins in the leaves of myrtle analyzed ranged from 78.3 mg CE 100 g-1 dw to 356.9 mg CE 100 g-1 dw, in MRT7 of Zingaro and in 2MRT6 of Misilmeri populations respectively.

Wastewaters generated by agro-industrial operations often represent an unsustainable cost for farms due to high wastewater-treatment management costs. The wastewater produced by dairies, wineries or oil mills may vary in quantity and in quality depending on the time of the year, making the use of a conventional treatment system less efficient and more costly. Constructed wetland systems (CWs) provide low-cost technology and an efficient solution in the treatment of a number of wastewaters from agriculture. They are simple to build, have low maintenance costs and are sustainable compared to conventional treatment methods. This paper shows a case study that was carried out on a dairy-cattle farm, located in the West of Sicily (Italy). The aim of the study was to evaluate the pollutant removal efficiency of an horizontal subsurface flow system (HSSFs) for the treatment of dairy parlor wastewater (DWWs). An HSSFs was planted with Phragmitesaustralis (Cav.) Trin. ex Steud. DWWs were initially pre-treated with a degreaser and two Imhoff septic tanks were used for the removal of suspended solids. The results showed a significant removal rate of organic pollutants by the HSSFs. The system was efficient in the treatment of DWWs and represents an artificial engineering system that corresponds well to Italian legislation requirements concerning the management of agricultural wastewaters from dairy-cattle farms.

Oregano (Origanum vulgare ssp. hirtum) is one of the most popular aromatic species used in Mediterranean cuisine. In addition to its use for culinary and ornamental purposes, it is also known as a medicinal plant for its antispasmodic, antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal and expectorant properties. A number of wild oregano populations were found in various areas of Sicily. Representative samples of the different populations at flowering stage were collected at varying altitudes between 60 and 1000 m a.s.l. in 2004 an 2005. The samples were processed to evaluate the quantity and quality of the production, as well as the essential oil composition. Significant differences were found between the populations of oregano along the altitudinal transects. At the lowest altitude level (0-400 m a.s.l.) the plants had a greater height, dry weight and number of branches/plant, as well as a greater leaf percentages compared to the plants at the highest altitudes. However, altitude had no significant influence on essential oil’s yield and qualitative properties.

Bermudagrass (Cynodon spp.) is the most widely used warm season turf species in the world for sport, lawn and utility turfs. The species is widespread in Sicily (Italy) where it exhibits a large range of diverse morphological characteristics due to a long process of adaptation to varying climatic and soil conditions of the island. In order to exploit the bermudagrass genetic resources and establish a germplasm bank for use in various plant breeding programmes, bio-agronomic evaluation tests were carried out on the 40 Sicilian biotypes of Cynodon spp. from 2002 to 2004 at the experimental farm “Orleans”, University of Palermo. The accessions were compared to the standard cultivar ‘Savannah’, as a reference. The main biometric and qualitative parameters (leaf texture, shoot density, turf colour and quality, etc.) of bermudagrass turf were monitored and, for each parameter, the biotypes exhibited significant differences.

Mechanisms of litter decomposition, translocation and stabilization into soil layers are fundamental processes in ecosystem functioning as it regulates the cycle of soil organic matter (SOM), CO2 emission into the atmosphere, carbon sequestration into the soil. In this study, it was investigated the contribution of litters of different stages of Mediterranean secondary succession on Carbon sequestration, analyzing the role of earthworms on translocation of SOM into soil profile. For this purpose δ13C difference between meadow C4-Csoil and C3-Clitter were used in a field experiment. Four undisturbed litters of different stages of succession were collected (45, 70, 100 and 120 since agriculture abandon) and placed on the top of isolated soil cores. The litter contribution to C stock was affected by plant species and increased with the age of the stage of secondary succession. The soil organic carbon after 1 year since litter position increased up to 40% in comparison to no litter treatment in soil with litter of 120 years since abandon. The new carbon derived from C3-litter was decomposed and transferred into soil profile thanks to earthworms and dissolved organic carbon leaching. After 1 years the carbon increase attributed to earthworm activity ranged from 6 to 13% in soil under litter in field abandoned since 120 and 45 years, respectively.

The mechanisms of litter decomposition, translocation and stabilization into soil layers are fundamental processes in the functioning of the ecosystem, as they regulate the cycle of soil organic matter (SOM) and CO2 emission into the atmosphere. In this study the contribution of litters of different stages of Mediterranean secondary succession on carbon sequestration was investigated, analyzing the role of earthworms in the translocation of SOM into the soil profile. For this purpose the δ13C difference between meadow C4-C soil and C3-C litter was used in a field experiment. Four undisturbed litters of different stages of succession (45, 70, 100 and 120 since agriculture abandon) were collected and placed on the top of isolated C4 soil cores. The litter contribution to C stock was affected by plant species and it increased with the age of the stage of secondary succession. One year after the litter position, the soil organic carbon increased up to 40% in comparison to soils not treated with litter after 120 years of abandon. The new carbon derived from C3 litter was decomposed and transferred into soil profile thanks to earthworms and the leaching of dissolved organic carbon. After 1 year the carbon increase attributed to earthworm activity was 6 and 13% in the soils under litter of fields abandoned for 120 and 45 years, respectively.

Theoretically, skin barrier creams reduce or even prevent the penetration into the skin by building up a physical barrier, like a thin film between the skin and the irritant. Practically, controversial experiences concerning the effectiveness of barrier creams exist. For this, we propose an in vivo method to evaluate the efficacy of barrier creams trough clinical scoring and instrumental analysis.Nineteen housewives with hand dermatitis in remission phase were enrolled in the study. Every patient was evaluated clinically and an arbitrary score was assigned by the investigator considering erythema, exudation, lichenification and xerosis. A score was also assigned by every patient to itching and burning. As measurement of the functional state of the skin and of the effectiveness of the barrier cream, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), corneometry, colorimetry and visco-elasticity determination were performed. To investigate the protection properties against irritant products, the 24-h irritancy patch test with sodium lauryl sulphate 1% in water was used.Through the patch test technique the efficacy of the barrier cream was tested compared to other topical products containing corticosteroids, lipids, humectants or urea, with already known anti-inflammatory, lenitive or protective properties. The results showed this methods easy and fast in handling, non-invasive, standardized, and in vivo applicable for evaluation and ranking of barrier creams.The study preparation demonstrated high tolerability and indubitable efficacy in improving the skin barrier function even towards a very well known irritant.

Pityriasis lichenoides (PL) is an uncommon inflammatory skin disease. Traditionally, two clinical forms can be distinguished: pityriasis lichenoides et varioliformis acuta (PLEVA) and pityriasis lichenoides chronica (PLC). PLEVA is characterized by a generalized eruption of acute onset, consisting of papular lesions that develop central necrosis and scar. In contrast, PLC is typified by small scaly red papules that do not evolve into necrotic lesions and may persist for months or years. PLEVA and PLC represent two variants of the clinical and istological spectrum of PL, but intermediate forms can occur specially in children. Although PLEVA can be found in patients at any age, it occurs predominantly in the second and third decades of life; in fact, this disorder is remarkably rare in childhood. We report the case of a 9-year-old girl who developed PLEVA.

In Mediterranean cooking, oregano is an aromatic herb which is mostly known for its pleasant, characteristic aroma. Although it grows wild throughout the Island of Sicily, it is cultivated in order to satisfy the growing demand for this herb for seasoning. In order to ensure success, specially selected plant material (superior qualities and good productive performance) is necessary for specialised cultivation. This paper contains the productive results (2000-2005) of several oregano accessions, previously characterized in terms of morphology and quality in a field collection catalogue. The productive response was found to vary for the different biotypes under examination. Several of these results were found to be promising as they exhibited a satisfying level of productive stability and would seem to be suitable for specialized cultivation.

The aim of the study is to evaluate the biodiversity of Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. in Sicily (Italy), observing several ecotypes collected in specific areas of the island. The ultimate goal was to identify ecotypes that have the qualitative standards required to establish turfgrasses and/or for specific plant breeding programmes. For each of the 22 bermudagrass ecotypes that were collected from Sicily, leaf texture, stolon internodes length, stolon diameter, turf colour, uniformity and quality rating were the main biometric and qualitative parameters monitored. The speed of recovery was also determined for each ecotype. Interesting variability was recorded in the collected vegetative material for the main tested parameters. All ecotypes showed significant differences for most parameters. In particular, the ecotypes 7, 8 and 22 exhibited the highest results.

Because of the rarity of megakaryocytes in the bone marrow, a cell line inducible for megakaryocytic characteristics provides a valuable model for study. When cultured with phorbol esters, the human multipotent hematopoietic leukemic cell line K562 can be induced to develop many megakaryocytic characteristics, viz. increased cell size, reduced growth rate, megakaryocytic antigens, and expression of the sis proto-oncogene, the structural gene for the B-chain of platelet-derived growth factor. Further aspects of this process are here presented. First, it induces the release of mitogenic activity into the medium. Second, phorbol dibutyrate induces polyploidy, a feature of normal megakaryocyte development. Third, mezerein and teleocidin, nonphorbol ester tumor promotors, also induce development of multinuclearity and polyploidy.

K562 is an established human erythroleukemia cell line, inducible for hemoglobin synthesis by a variety of compounds including n-butyrate. To elucidate the role of butyrate-induced histone acetylation in the regulation of gene expression in K562 cells, we isolated 20 variants resistant to the growth inhibitory effect of butyrate. Four variants having different degrees of resistance were selected for detailed study. All four were found to be resistant to the hemoglobin-inducing effect of butyrate, suggesting that the two aspects of butyrate response, restriction of growth and induction of hemoglobin synthesis, are coupled. Further, after (5 days) culture with butyrate, two of the four variants exhibit less acetylation of H3 and H4 histones than does the butyrate-treated parent. Analysis of histone deacetylases from the variants indicated that each variant was distinct and that butyrate resistance may be accounted for by decreased affinity of the variant enzymes for butyrate, increased affinity of the enzymes for acetylated histone, or both. The fact that variants selected for resistance to growth inhibition by butyrate are also deficient in butyrate-induced hemoglobin synthesis and have abnormal histone deacetylase activity argues for butyrate inducing K562 cells to synthesize hemoglobin and restrict growth via histone acetylation.

Tra le specie presenti allo stato spontaneo della flora mediterranea, il mirto occupa una posizione di rilievo per le sue molteplici applicazioni nei settori alimentare, farmaceutico, cosmetico e vivaistico. Il Dipartimento A.A.T. dell'Università degli Studi di Palermo, in collaborazione con il Consorzio Co.Ri.S.S.I.A. di Palermo, ha avviato un programma di raccolta e valutazione di germoplasma spontaneo di mirto. Nel 2006, sono state effettuate osservazioni preliminari su n. 9 biotipi di mirto collezionari in campo catalogo. Nel presente lavoro si riportano i primi risultati sulle caratteristiche feno-morfologiche e biometriche dei biotipi esaminati.

Linosa, isola dell'arcipelago delle Pelagie, vanta un'antica tradizione agricola basata su sistemi colturali tradizionali legati a poche colture agrarie (ortive, vite, cappero, ecc.). Per salvaguardare e valorizzare tali produzioni, il Consorzio Co.Ri.S.S.I.A. di Palermo ha intrapreso uno studio sul cappero linosano (Capparis spinosa L. subsp. rupestris). La prova è stata condotta somministrando schede-questionario ad un campione rappresentativo di produttori di cappero locali unitamente ad indagini esporative sul territorio. Sono state individuate 7 accessioni di cappero su cui sono stati condotti rilievi morfo-biometrici e produttivi. In questo lavoro si riportano i risultati delle schede-questionario e le schede descrittive delle accessioni individuate.

Gran parte delle varietà di peperoncino, coltivate a scopo alimentare, è considerata interessante anche ai fini ornamentali. Ciò è attribuibile principalmente al frutto che rende questa pianta idonea alla coltivazione in vaso e per la realizzazione di aiuole e bordure. Il Consorzio di ricerca Co.Ri.S.S.I.A. di Palermo ha avviato una ricerca allo scopo di valorizzare il peperoncino come specie ornamentale da vaso. Sono state confrontate 34 varietà di peperoncino coltivate in quattro differenti tipologie di vaso, rilevando i principali parametri morfologici e estetici. La specie ha manifestato una buona adattabilità alla coltivazione in vaso, avvalorando, nel contempo, il suo impiego anche per fini ornamentali.