Molecular genetic variability of Italian binucleate <Emphasis Type="Italic">Rhizoctonia</Emphasis> spp. isolates from strawberry

Fifty-eight binucleate Rhizoctonia isolates were collected over six years from strawberry plants displaying symptoms of black root rot in Italy. Almost all isolates were able to produce necrosis on strawberry roots, most of them also showed this ability on faba bean and, with lower frequency, on a crucifer and a cereal crop used in rotation with strawberry in Italy. The sequence alignment of Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) regions of 51 binucleate Rhizoctonia were analyzed and compared with a set of eight sequences representative of Rhizoctonia isolate Anastomosis Groups (AG) already found to be pathogenic on strawberry (AG-A, AG-G, AG-I and AG-F). The neighbour-joining tree, based on ITS region sequences, divided Italian strawberry Rhizoctonia isolates into two main clusters corresponding to AG-A and AG-G. The results were confirmed by hyphal anastomosis tests. The clustering obtained with the phylogenetic tree was also confirmed using PCR-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism of 28S rDNA to compare some isolates, defined as AG-A and AG-G on the basis of ITS region sequence analysis, with representative AG isolates pathogenic on strawberry. The AG-A and AG-G Rhizoctonia spp. were widespread in Italian strawberry-growing areas, although with different relative frequencies: AG-G was most frequent in northern (latitude 44°N) and AG-A in southern (latitude 39–40°N) Italy. Analysis of MOlecular VAriance, based on geographic location, showed that Rhizoctonia molecular variations between northern and southern Italy accounted for 36.6% of the total, but most of the variations (61%) occurred within each of the four geographical regions from where the isolates originated.     

Lead, Zinc, Arsenic and Copper Pollution in the Alluvial Plain of a Mining Wadi: The Beal Case (Cartagena–La Union Mining District, SE Spain)

The distribution and mobility of heavy metals in the non-saturated zone of the alluvial plain of a wadi in the Cartagena–La Union mining district was investigated. The elemental chemistry of soils, in-depth sediments and different plant species (namely Hirsfeldia incana, Ditrichia viscosa and Piptatherum miliaceum) was carried out by using X-ray fluorescence and X-ray diffraction techniques. Potential mobility of metals was assessed by using lixiviation test runs (DIN 38414-S4). Concentrations detected in soils and sediments were higher than the acceptable limits reported in official regulations. Regarding metals mobility, values obtained for Pb, Zn and As exceed the limits established by European Union for DIN 38414-S4 leachates. Whilst the obtained leaching percentages for Pb, Cu and As were not especially high (<2%), Zn exhibit a very high leaching potential (up to 60% of the total metal content), involving potential risk of pollution events.     

A combined analysis based on microbial communities and volatile organic compounds as a tool to study soil quality in an urban environment

<正>Dear Editor,Soil quality is defined as“the capacity of a soil to function,within ecosystem and land use boundaries,to sustain productivity,maintain environmental quality,and promote plant and animal health”(Doran and Parkin 1994).In this context,soil functionality is fundamental to the biosphere and is highly dependent on the associated microbiota.Soil microorganisms are relevant for terrestrial ecosystem functioning,and understanding the functional changes of the biological community i...     

3-[4-(1H-Indol-3-yl)-1,3-thiazol-2-yl]-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridines,Nortopsentin Analogues with Antiproliferative Activity

A new series of nortopsentin analogues, in which the imidazole ring of the natural product was replaced by thiazole and the indole unit bound to position 2 of the thiazole ring was substituted by a 7-azaindole moiety, was efficiently synthesized. Two of the new nortopsentin analogues showed good antiproliferative effect against the totality of the NCI full panel of human tumor cell lines (~60) having GI₅₀ values ranging from low micromolar to nanomolar level. The mechanism of the antiproliferative effect of these derivatives, investigated on human hepatoma HepG2 cells, was pro-apoptotic, being associated with externalization of plasma membrane phosphatidylserine and mitochondrial dysfunction. Moreover, the compounds induced a concentration-dependent accumulation of cells in the subG0/G1phase, while confined viable cells in G2/M phase.     

Management Effects on Soil Organic Carbon Stock in Mediterranean Open Rangelands—Treeless Grasslands

Soil organic carbon (SOC) is subject to relatively rapid changes. In grasslands soils, the management system influences these changes. Therefore, these soils play a crucial role in climate change mitigation. Current research has developed strategies and methodologies to help us understand their role as a carbon sink. In this study, the SOC and total nitrogen contents and stocks (SOC‐S) and their variation with depth were evaluated in annual crop rotations (cereal–fallow). Fifty soil profiles were sampled in the Los Pedroches Valley (southern Spain). This area consists of Mediterranean open rangelands—treeless grasslands with cereal–fallow rotation, under two management systems: long‐term (20 years) organic farming (OF) and conventional tillage (CT). The studied soils were Cambisols (CM), Leptosols (LP) and Luvisols (LV). The objective of this research was to determine any management system effects (OF vs CT) on SOC and total nitrogen contents and stocks and their variation with profile depth. It was observed that SOC concentration decreased with depth (Ah–Ap > Bw > C). The SOC concentration was higher in the top soil for all studied soils in OF compared with CT. The highest totals of SOC‐S were found in LV‐OF (66·01 Mg ha⁻¹) and the lowest in LP‐CT (21·33 Mg ha⁻¹). Significant differences (p < 0·05) between soils types and management practices were found in carbon stocks, increasing the SOC‐S in OF compared with that in CT in all studied soils; this increase was 75·25%, 85·73% and 234·88% for CM, LV and LP, respectively. The results indicated that management practices significantly influence SOC‐S in the Los Pedroches Valley and, consequently, OF in annual crop rotations (cereal–fallow) is an excellent alternative to CT that increases the SOC content in Mediterranean open rangelands—treeless grasslands environments. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Clinical,cytologic, and histologic features of a mammary micropapillary carcinoma in a dog

Mammary invasive micropapillary carcinoma is a rare variant of mammary carcinoma that was recently recognized in dogs. The cytologic features and biologic behavior of such neoplasms in dogs have not yet been widely discussed in the veterinary literature. We report the clinical, cytologic, and histologic features of a canine micropapillary carcinoma in a 13‐year‐old female mongrel dog. The mammary region presented with extreme local pain, severe edema and erythema, and multifocal epidermal ulceration, which is typical for an inflammatory mammary carcinoma. Fine‐needle aspirates were highly cellular and consisted of individual cells and papillary cell clusters with characteristics of malignant epithelial cells. Histologic examination revealed neoplastic cells arranged in small papillae without fibrovascular cores, sometimes inside clear lymphatic spaces, indicating lymphovascular invasion. Regional lymph node evaluation revealed metastatic cells. Due to deteriorating clinical condition the dog was euthanatized 5 months after mastectomy. At necropsy, metastatic neoplastic mammary cells were found in popliteal and mediastinal lymph nodes, the right femoral biceps muscle, liver, heart, lungs, and urinary bladder.     

Effect of dietary protein level and source on digestive proteolytic enzyme activity in juvenile Senegalese sole, Solea senegalensis Kaup 1850

The effect of dietary protein level and protein source on growth and proteolytic activity of juvenile Solea senegalensis was studied. In Experiment 1, fish were fed on four experimental diets containing increased protein levels (36, 46, 56 and 67%). In Experiment 2, Senegalese soles were fed on five diets with partial substitution of fish meal by soybean meal, soybean protein concentrate, soybean protein isolate, wheat gluten meal or pea protein concentrate. Results prove that growth and proteolytic activity in the distal intestine of fish were affected by the quantitative increase in dietary protein. The origin of protein source used in the elaboration of experimental diets affected both the amount and composition of the alkaline proteases secreted into the intestinal lumen; however, it did not decrease animal growth. Juvenile Senegalese sole showed capability to modulate digestive protease secretion when the concentration and/or source of dietary protein were modified. Quantity and quality of dietary protein affected protein hydrolysis in Senegalese sole intestine. This study establishes that 30% fish meal protein can be replaced by soybean derivatives without affecting intestinal proteases. Replacement with wheat gluten meal or pea protein concentrate should be taken cautiously, but further research is needed to establish whether growth performance and digestive enzyme physiology of Senegalese sole are affected by plant protein-supplemented diets in a long-term trial.     

Introduction of exotic fish species and decline of native species in the lower Po basin,north‐eastern Italy

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Lipid droplet distribution of immature canine oocytes in relation to their size and the reproductive stage

This study investigated the distribution of lipid droplets (LD) in immature canine oocytes in relation to their size and the reproductive stage. Oocytes were collected from the ovaries of bitches at different estrous stages, divided according to their size (110‐120 µm; >120 µm), and stained with Nile Red to detect lipid droplet distribution. At the follicular phase most of the oocytes displayed a diffuse pattern of LD distribution, whereas at anestrus and luteal phase oocytes showed LD mainly in a peripheral/ perinuclear LD distribution. A significantly higher intensity of LD has been recorded in the oocytes > 120 µm compared to those of smaller size (110 ‐ 120 µm) at all stages of the estrous cycle. At follicular phase, oocytes > 120 µm displayed LD intensity similar to that of oocytes > 120 µm at luteal phase and higher compared to the oocytes of the other groups.