New Alien Plant Taxa for Italy and Europe: An Update

Despite the wide amount of scientific contributions published on alien plant species, their diffusion dynamics, and their interactions with native taxa, it is increasingly difficult to slow down their spreading and their negative impact on habitats. Last recent years, in fact, a sharp rise in the number of new alien plant taxa introduced in Italy and Europe has been recorded. The aim of this work is to investigate most of the Italian territory in order to verify whether this alarming trend is still underway. Specimen collections and/or observations of alien plants have been performed in as many as 12 Italian regions. All the collected specimens are stored in public or private herbaria. Taxa have been identified according to the literature from the countries of origin of the investigated taxa, while the nomenclature followed the current international references. Updates on 106 taxa are reported. In particular, among 117 new records, 89 are first records, 27 are changes to status and there is 1 extinction. Seven new taxa for Italian alien flora are reported, two of which are new to Europe. The administrative regions with the highest number of records are Calabria (48), Sardegna (17) and Sicilia (15). Five of the surveyed taxa, for the first time, have been considered invasive aliens to Italian territory. The unfrequent amount of original results provided by this work, over the simple importance of data itself, proves how floristic investigation, still today, represents one of the most effective tools in broadening the current knowledge about alien taxa and their dynamics.

Ecological and Syntaxonomic Analysis of the Communities of Glebionis coronaria and G. discolor (Malvion neglectae) in the European Mediterranean Area

Nitrophilous communities dominated by Glebionis coronaria and Glebionis discolor in the European Mediterranean area were studied. The nomenclature was corrected according to the current taxonomy, following the International Code of Phytosociological Nomenclature (ICPN). The statistical analysis revealed six new associations and one subassociation, with four in Spain, one in Greece, and one in Italy. Additionally, a subassociation of high relevance due to its endemic character was identified. These grasslands exhibit requirements for organic matter and other edaphic nutrients that are closer to those of Malva neglecta communities than to those of Hordeum murinum subsp. leporinum. We confirmed the published syntaxon with the rank of Resedo albae-Glebionenion coronariae suballiance and its subordination to the Malvion neglectae alliance, and we established the type association for this suballiance. Sisimbrietalia officinalis J. Tüxen in Lohmeyer et al. 1962 em. Rivas-Martínez, Báscones, T. E. Díaz, Fernández-González & Loidi 1991. Stellarietea mediae Tüxen, Lohmeyer & Preising ex von Rochow 1951.

Plant invasion risk inside and outside protected areas: Propagule pressure, abiotic and biotic factors definitively matter

Invasive alien species are among the main global drivers of biodiversity loss posing major challenges to nature conservation and to managers of protected areas. The present study applied a methodological framework that combined invasive Species Distribution Models, based on propagule pressure, abiotic and biotic factors for 14 invasive alien plants of Union concern in Italy, with the local interpretable model-agnostic explanation analysis aiming to map, evaluate and analyse the risk of plant invasions across the country, inside and outside the network of protected areas. Using a hierarchical invasive Species Distribution Model, we explored the combined effect of propagule pressure, abiotic and biotic factors on shaping invasive alien plant occurrence across three biogeographic regions (Alpine, Continental, and Mediterranean) and realms (terrestrial and aquatic) in Italy. We disentangled the role of propagule pressure, abiotic and biotic factors on invasive alien plant distribution and projected invasion risk maps. We compared the risk posed by invasive alien plants inside and outside protected areas. Invasive alien plant distribution varied across biogeographic regions and realms and unevenly threatens protected areas. As an alien's occurrence and risk on a national scale are linked with abiotic factors followed by propagule pressure, their local distribution in protected areas is shaped by propagule pressure and biotic filters. The proposed modelling framework for the assessment of the risk posed by invasive alien plants across spatial scales and under different protection regimes represents an attempt to fill the gap between theory and practice in conservation planning helping to identify scale, site, and species-specific priorities of management, monitoring and control actions. Based on solid theory and on free geographic information, it has great potential for application to wider networks of protected areas in the world and to any invasive alien plant, aiding improved management strategies claimed by the environmental legislation and national and global strategies.

Close-to-Nature Silviculture to Maintain a Relict Population of White Oak on Etna Volcano (Sicily, Italy): Preliminary Results of a Peculiar Case Study

Habitat loss is a potential long-term effect of projected climate change for Mediterranean forest ecosystems. Here, we investigated the effectiveness of a close-to-nature silvicultural practice to conserve an old-growth white oak forest patch in Sicily (Italy) and promote regeneration dynamics. The study area, although small, is distinctive for its isolation, position and environmental characteristics. We conducted a Before-After Control-Impact (BACI) study to analyse the responses of different taxonomic groups (vascular plants and birds) to silvicultural treatments (selection thinning, no thinning), and to determine whether close-to-nature silviculture practices may cause significant shifts in the investigated communities. Specifically, we assessed the responses of (1) vascular plants by means of species diversity and taxonomic distinctness indices and (2) birds in terms of diversity, abundance and forest specialisation. Preliminary results suggest that cautious close-to-nature silviculture practice could-by mimicking natural gap dynamics-contribute to maintaining old-growth forest patches and promote oak seedling emergence without short-term detrimental impacts on biodiversity. Although the monitoring has to be repeated over the long-term, the multi-taxon approach and indices incorporating information on taxonomic relationships into diversity measures were demonstrated to be valuable tools for interpreting biotic community structure and dynamics.

Carpological Analysis of Two Endemic Italian Species: Pimpinella anisoides and Pimpinella gussonei (Apiaceae)

This study aims to clarify the taxonomic doubts, which have varied over the centuries, on the only two endemic species of the genus Pimpinella growing in Italy: P. anisoides and P. gussonei. For this purpose, the main carpological characters of the two species were examined, analyzing the external morphological traits and their cross-sections. Fourteen morphological traits were identified, obtaining datasets for the two groups using 40 mericarps (20 per species). The obtained measurements were subjected to statistical analysis (MANOVA and PCA). Our results highlight that at least 10 of the 14 morphological traits analyzed support the distinction between P. anisoides and P. gussonei. In particular, the following carpological characters are very significant ways to distinguish between the two species: monocarp width and length (Mw, Ml), monocarp length from base to maximum width (Mm), stylopodium width and length (Sw, Sl), length/width ratio (l/w) and cross-section area (CSa). In particular, the fruit of P. anisoides is larger (Mw 1.61 ± 0.10 mm) than that of P. gussonei (Mw 1.27 ± 0.13 mm), the mericarps of the first species are longer (Ml 3.14 ± 0.32 vs. 2.26 ± 0.18 mm) and the cross-section area (CSa) of P. gussonei is larger (0.92 ± 0.19 mm) than that of P. anisoides (0.69 ± 0.12 mm). The results also highlight the importance of the morphological traits of the carpological structures for the specific discrimination of similar species. The findings of this study contribute to an evaluation of the taxonomic significance of this species within the genus Pimpinella, and also provide valuable information for the conservation of these two endemic species.

Relevant but neglected habitat types by the Directive 92/43 EEC in southern Italy

The 92/43/EEC Habitats Directive is the main European Union legal tool concerning nature conservation. The habitat types listed in Annex I to the Directive are phytosociology-based. It is widely acknowledged that phytosociological analysis is a crucial approach for habitats characterization and for monitoring their conservation status. Based on bibliographic investigations and new field survey campaigns, a list of habitat types neglected by the Habitats Directive is here presented and described for southern Italy. In this paper, 8 new habitat types and 13 subtypes are proposed. For each of these proposed new habitat types, a wide range of information, including ecology, chorology, species composition, syntaxonomy, threats, and conservation status, is here provided. To supply more detailed phytogeographical and coenological information about the proposed new habitat types, distribution maps based on 10 × 10 km reference grids and phytosociological tables including unpublished relevés were carried out.

Notulae to the Italian native vascular flora: 14

In this contribution, new data concerning the distribution of native vascular flora in Italy are presented. It includes new records, confirmations, and status changes to the Italian administrative regions. Nomenclatural and distribution updates, published elsewhere, and corrigenda are provided as Suppl. material 1.

An integrated approach for the characterization of wild Crocus species adopting phenotypical and phytochemical traits

Crocus is a taxonomically complex genus, characterized by high intra- and inter-specific variability. Five wild Crocus taxa - Crocus biflorus, C. longiflorus, C. neapolitanus, C. siculus and C. thomasii from three different areas of Southern Italy (Calabria, Basilicata and Sicily) have been investigated. We considered both flower morphological traits (inner and outer perigone segments, style branches and anthers) and the chemical profile of specialised metabolites (apocarotenoids: crocins; flavonoids: flavonols) in style branches, which were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography, coupled with a diode array detector and mass spectrometry (HPLC-UV-DAD-ESI-MS). Saffron (C. sativus) was also included as the 'control' species. The length of perigone tube, outer and inner tepals, anthers and style branches gave the highest contribution to the discrimination of different taxa. Concerning the specialised metabolite profiles, 20 flavonols and 24 crocins have been identified and quantified in the Crocus extracts and used to discriminate among samples, confirming that Crocus taxa can be considered as an important natural source of these substances. The chemical profiles of the different populations showed some distinctive qualitative and quantitative patterns that contributed to a certain degree of discrimination among species, in fact, flavonoids content range is comprised between 2.7 and 145.9 mg/g, whereas crocins range between 19.8 and 604.0 mg/g. It is thus hypothesized that the combination of morphological and phytochemical screenings may be an effective methodology to characterize wild Crocus genotypes from Southern Italy, also in comparison to C. sativus (saffron).

Notulae to the Italian alien vascular flora: 13

In this contribution, new data concerning the distribution of vascular flora alien to Italy are presented. It includes new records, confirmations, exclusions, and status changes for Italy or for Italian administrative regions. Nomenclatural and distribution updates published elsewhere are provided as Suppl. material 1.

Notulae to the Italian alien vascular flora: 12

In this contribution, new data concerning the distribution of vascular flora alien to Italy are presented. It includes new records, confirmations, exclusions, and status changes for Italy or for Italian administrative regions. Nomenclatural and distribution updates published elsewhere are provided as Suppl. material 1.

Notulae to the Italian native vascular flora: 12

In this contribution, new data concerning the distribution of native vascular flora in Italy are presented. It includes new records, confirmations, exclusions, and status changes to the Italian administrative regions. Nomenclatural and distribution updates, published elsewhere, and corrigenda are provided as Suppl. material 1.

Contribution to the Knowledge of Rocky Plant Communities of the Southwest Iberian Peninsula

The rocky habitats of southern Portugal are ecosystems with extreme xericity conditions, associated with special abiotic strains. In these unstable ecological conditions, a considerable diversity of plant communities occurs. The objective of this study, carried out in the Algarve and Monchique, and the Mariánica Range biogeographical sectors, is to compare chasmo-chomophytic communities of the southwestern Iberian Peninsula, using a phytosociological approach (Braun–Blanquet methodology) and numerical analysis (hierarchical cluster analysis). From these results, two new communities were identified, Sanguisorbo rupicolae-Dianthetum crassipedis and Antirrhinetum onubensis, as a result of floristic and biogeographical differences from other associations already described within the alliances Rumici indurati-Dianthion lusitani and Calendulo lusitanicae-Antirrhinion linkiani, both included in the Phagnalo saxatilis-Rumicetea indurate class.

Notulae to the Italian alien vascular flora: 11

In this contribution, new data concerning the distribution of vascular flora alien to Italy are presented. It includes new records, confirmations, exclusions, and status changes for Italy or for Italian administrative regions. Nomenclatural and distribution updates published elsewhere are provided as Suppl. material 1.

Notulae to the Italian native vascular flora: 11

In this contribution, new data concerning the distribution of native vascular flora in Italy are presented. It includes new records, confirmations, exclusions, and status changes to the Italian administrative regions. A new combination in the genus Pilosella is proposed. Nomenclatural and distribution updates, published elsewhere, and corrigenda are provided as Suppl. material 1.

The Assessment and the Within-Plant Variation of the Morpho-Physiological Traits and VOCs Profile in Endemic and Rare Salvia ceratophylloides Ard. (Lamiaceae)

Salvia ceratophylloides (Ard.) is an endemic and rare plant species recently rediscovered as very few individuals at two different Southern Italy sites. The study of within-plant variation is fundamental to understand the plant adaptation to the local conditions, especially in rare species, and consequently to preserve plant biodiversity. Here, we reported the variation of the morpho-ecophysiological and metabolic traits between the sessile and petiolate leaf of S. ceratophylloides plants at two different sites for understanding the adaptation strategies for surviving in these habitats. The S. ceratophylloides individuals exhibited different net photosynthetic rate, maximum quantum yield, light intensity for the saturation of the photosynthetic machinery, stomatal conductance, transpiration rate, leaf area, fractal dimension, and some volatile organic compounds (VOCs) between the different leaf types. This within-plant morpho-physiological and metabolic variation was dependent on the site. These results provide empirical evidence of sharply within-plant variation of the morpho-physiological traits and VOCs profiles in S. ceratophylloides, explaining the adaptation to the local conditions.

Notulae to the Italian alien vascular flora: 10

In this contribution, new data concerning the distribution of vascular flora alien to Italy are presented. It includes new records, confirmations, exclusions, and status changes for Italy or for Italian administrative regions. Nomenclatural and distribution updates published elsewhere are provided as Suppl. material 1.

Impact of invasive alien plants on native plant communities and Natura 2000 habitats: State of the art, gap analysis and perspectives in Italy

Invasive alien plants are a major threat to biodiversity and they contribute to the unfavourable conservation status of habitats of interest to the European Community. In order to favour implementation of European Union Regulation no. 1143/2014 on invasive alien species, the Italian Society of Vegetation Science carried out a large survey led by a task force of 49 contributors with expertise in vegetation across all the Italian administrative regions. The survey summed up the knowledge on impact mechanisms of invasive alien plants in Italy and their outcomes on plant communities and the EU habitats of Community Interest, in accordance with Directive no. 92/43/EEC. The survey covered 241 alien plant species reported as having deleterious ecological impacts. The data collected illustrate the current state of the art, highlight the main gaps in knowledge, and suggest topics to be further investigated. In particular, the survey underlined competition as being the main mechanism of ecological impact on plant communities and Natura 2000 habitats. Of the 241 species, only Ailanthus altissima was found to exert an ecological impact on plant communities and Natura 2000 habitats in all Italian regions; while a further 20 species impact up to ten out of the 20 Italian administrative regions. Our data indicate that 84 out of 132 Natura 2000 Habitats (64%) are subjected to some degree of impact by invasive alien plants. Freshwater habitats and natural and semi-natural grassland formations were impacted by the highest number of alien species, followed by coastal sand dunes and inland dunes, and forests. Although not exhaustive, this research is the first example of nationwide evaluation of the ecological impacts of invasive alien plants on plant communities and Natura 2000 Habitats.

Three New Alien Taxa for Europe and a Chorological Update on the Alien Vascular Flora of Calabria (Southern Italy)

Knowledge on alien species is needed nowadays to protect natural habitats and prevent ecological damage. The presence of new alien plant species in Italy is increasing every day. Calabria, its southernmost region, is not yet well known with regard to this aspect. Thanks to fieldwork, sampling, and observing many exotic plants in Calabria, here, we report new data on 34 alien taxa. In particular, we found three new taxa for Europe (Cascabela thevetia, Ipomoea setosa subsp. pavonii, and Tecoma stans), three new for Italy (Brugmansia aurea, Narcissus 'Cotinga', and Narcissus 'Erlicheer'), one new one for the Italian Peninsula (Luffa aegyptiaca), and 21 new taxa for Calabria (Allium cepa, Asparagus setaceus, Bassia scoparia, Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris, Bidens formosa, Casuarina equisetifolia, Cedrus atlantica, Chlorophytum comosum, Cucurbita maxima subsp. maxima, Dolichandra unguis-cati, Fagopyrum esculentum, Freesia alba, Juglans regia, Kalanchoë delagoënsis, Passiflora caerulea, Portulaca grandiflora, Prunus armeniaca, Prunus dulcis, Solanum tuberosum, Tradescantia sillamontana, and Washingtonia filifera). Furthermore, we provide the first geolocalized record of Araujia sericifera, the confirmation of Oxalis stricta, and propose a change of status for four taxa (Cenchrus setaceus, Salpichroa origanifolia, Sesbania punicea, and Nothoscordum gracile) for Calabria. The updated knowledge on the presence of new alien species in Calabria, in Italy and in Europe could allow for the prevention of other new entries and to eliminate this potential ecological threat to natural habitats.

Ancient wheats: beneficial effects on insulin resistance

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus are two conditions that commonly exist together in the context of the metabolic syndrome. Several scientific advances in understanding this association have identified insulin resistance as the key point in the pathogenesis of both diseases. The first line treatment suggested in the management of these diseases is represented by lifestyle changes and in particular the modification of alimentary regimen, with the transition to a healthy diet. In this context, several studies have focused their attention on the identification of food products with beneficial actions, like ancient wheat (AW). AW are defined as the early cereals that were domesticated in their places of origin in the "Fertile Crescent" of the Middle East, and played a central role as a main source of food for the early civilizations in that region. The present narrative review aims to provide a systematic overview of the state of the art on the effects of AW on insulin resistance.

Global and Regional IUCN Red List Assessments: 9

In this contribution, the conservation status assessment of three vascular plants according to IUCN categories and criteria are presented. It includes the assessment of Soldanella calabrella Kress at global level, and the regional assessment of Luzula pindica (Hausskn.) Chrtek & Křísa and Romulea variicolor Mifsud (Italy).

Notulae to the Italian alien vascular flora: 9

In this contribution, new data concerning the distribution of vascular flora alien to Italy are presented. It includes new records, confirmations, exclusions, and status changes for Italy or for Italian administrative regions. Furthermore, three new combinations are proposed. Nomenclatural and distribution updates published elsewhere are provided as Suppl. material 1.

Notulae to the Italian native vascular flora: 8

In this contribution, new data concerning the distribution of native vascular flora in Italy are presented. It includes new records, confirmations, exclusions, and status changes to the Italian administrative regions for taxa in the genera Ajuga, Chamaemelum, Clematis, Convolvulus, Cytisus, Deschampsia, Eleocharis, Epipactis, Euphorbia, Groenlandia, Hedera, Hieracium, Hydrocharis, Jacobaea, Juncus, Klasea, Lagurus, Leersia, Linum, Nerium, Onopordum, Persicaria, Phlomis, Polypogon, Potamogeton, Securigera, Sedum, Soleirolia, Stachys, Umbilicus, Valerianella, and Vinca. Nomenclatural and distribution updates, published elsewhere, and corrigenda are provided as Suppl. material 1.

Notulae to the Italian alien vascular flora: 8

In this contribution, new data concerning the distribution of vascular flora alien to Italy are presented. It includes new records, confirmations, exclusions, and status changes for Italy or for Italian administrative regions of taxa in the genera Bunias, Calocedrus, Calycanthus, Celosia, Clerodendrum, Convolvulus, Crassula, Cyclamen, Datura, Dicliptera, Eragrostis, Erigeron, Gamochaeta, Gazania, Impatiens, Kolkwitzia, Leucaena, Ludwigia, Medicago, Muscari, Nigella, Oenothera, Opuntia, Paulownia, Petroselinum, Phyllostachys, Physalis, Pseudosasa, Quercus, Reynoutria, Roldana, Saccharum, Sedum, Semiarundinaria, Senecio, Sisyrinchium, Solanum, Sporobolus, Tulipa, Vachellia, Verbena, and Youngia. Nomenclatural and distribution updates published elsewhere are provided as Suppl. material 1.

Laparoscopic nephrectomy in children with Wilms tumor. Considerations after 10 years of experience

Despite laparoscopy in children is considered safe and is routinely used for several procedures, even in neonates and in pediatric oncology, its role in the treatment of pediatric renal tumors is still controversial. This study analyzes the results of laparoscopic nephrectomy for Wilms Tumor (WT) in pediatric age compared with open nephrectomy after 10 years of experience in a single centre. From 1993 in our center of reference for pediatric oncology, 30 patients with WT have been treated. We performed 21 open nephrectomy and in the last 10 years 9 laparoscopic nephrectomy. In all patients treated laparoscopically, the same technique made by the same equip was used. Compared with patients treated by open surgery, we did not find a significant difference in terms of outcome and survival. In the open surgery group, two patients had lung relapse while in the other group there was one local relapse. These three children obtained and maintained a second complete remission with chemotherapy. Open surgery complications were a tumor rupture in two cases, and an episode of pancreatitis 10 days after surgery. In the laparoscopic group, there were two conversions to open surgery not considered as complications but a surgical choice for cystic areas present in the tumor. As far as complications and oncologic outcomes are concerned, both techniques showed similar results. In experienced hands, laparoscopy proves to be an attractive alternative to open surgery for pediatric renal tumors.

Laparoscopic transposition of lower pole crossing vessels in children with extrinsic pelvi-ureteric junction obstruction: a worthy alternative to dismembered pyeloplasty

Pelviureteric junction obstruction (PUJO) due to intrinsic or extrinsic causes is a common problem in childhood. Extrinsic compression by a lower pole-crossing blood vessel can present symptomatically in older children. In these cases, laparoscopies Vascular Hitch can represent a valid alternative to pyeloplasty dismembered. We analyzed the data of 4 children affected by extrinsic PUJO treated at our institution with the laparoscopic Vascular Hitch procedure modified by Chapman. Surgical indications included presence of clinical symptoms, worsening of intermittent hydronephrosis, signs of obstruction on the MAG-3 scan, clear or suspected images of polar crossing vessels on CT scan or Uro-MRI. All procedures were completed laparoscopically. No complications occurred. Mean follow-up was 13 months with resolution of symptoms and PUJ obstruction and significant improvement of hydronephrosis in all cases. When blood vessels crossing lower pole represent the pure mechanical cause of UPJ obstruction the laparoscopic Vascular Hitch procedure represents an excellent alternative to dismembered pyeloplasty. It is less technically demanding then pyeloplasty and is associated with a lower complication rate. The main challenge is to intraoperatively ascertain the absence of associated intrinsic stenosis.

Ureterocystoplasty (bladder augmentation) in a 16 year-old boy with Goldenhar syndrome

The use of the dilated ureter for bladder augmentation is universally accepted for its lower rate of complications compared to the use of gastrointestinal segments. We report the case of a 16 yearold boy affected by Goldenhar syndrome who presented with neurogenic bladder with small-capacity, 5° grade vescico-ureteral reflux (VUR) with megaureter and bilateral hydronephrosis. Bladder augmentation using the distal dilated ureter, transuretero-ureterostomy left to right and Mitrofanoff's appendicovescicostomy were performed. Six months after surgery voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) revealed a compliant bladder with a functional capacity of 400 ml. Ureterocystoplasty is a safe and effective method of augmenting small capacity urinary bladder. We suggest using the ureter, when available, instead of using gastrointestinal segments.

Notulae to the Italian alien vascular flora: 7

In this contribution, new data concerning the distribution of vascular flora alien to Italy are presented. It includes new records, confirmations, and status changes for Italy or for Italian administrative regions of taxa in the genera Abies, Actinidia, Aloe, Amaryllis, Anredera, Arctotheca, Bidens, Cardiospermum, Celosia, Commelina, Cotoneaster, Cyclamen, Eclipta, Euphorbia, Grevillea, Hedera, Hibiscus, Impatiens, Juglans, Kalanchoe, Koelreuteria, Lindernia, Melinis, Myriophyllum, Nandina, Nicotiana, Oenothera, Oxalis, Parthenocissus, Phoenix, Phyllanthus, Physalis, Plumbago, Pteris, Quercus, Setaria, Symphytum, Tagetes, and Washingtonia. Nomenclatural and distribution updates, published elsewhere are provided as Suppl. material 1.

Notulae to the Italian native vascular flora: 7

In this contribution, new data concerning the distribution of native vascular flora in Italy are presented. It includes new records, confirmations and status changes to the Italian administrative regions for taxa in the generaAcer,Alchemilla,Andrachne,Bromus,Clinopodium,Colchicum,Damasonium,Erodium,Festuca,Hieracium,Hyparrhenia,Ipomoea,Linaria,Lolium,Narcissus,Ranunculus,Sisymbrium,Stipa,Valerianella,Vicia, andZannichellia. New combinations in the genusZiziphora(Z.sardoaandZ.corsica) and the new subspeciesUlmusminorsusbp.canescensare proposed. Furthermore, the name Calaminthaalpinavar.sardoa is here lectotypified. Nomenclatural and distribution updates, published elsewhere, and corrigenda are provided as Suppl. material 1.

Seed dormancy and control of germination in Sisymbrella dentata (L.) O.E. Schulz (Brassicaceae)

Seed germination responsiveness to environmental cues is crucial for plant species living in changeable habitats and can vary among populations within the same species as a result of adaptation or modulation to local climates. Here, we investigate the germination response to environmental cues of Sisymbrella dentata (L.) O.E. Schulz, an annual endemic to Sicily living in Mediterranean Temporary Ponds (MTP), a vulnerable ecosystem. Germination of the only two known populations, Gurrida and Pantano, was assessed over a broad range of conditions to understand the role of temperatures, nitrate, hormones (abscisic acid - ABA and gibberellins - GA) and after-ripening in dormancy release in this species. Seed germination responsiveness varied between the two populations, with seeds from Gurrida germinating under a narrower range of conditions. Overall, this process in S. dentata consisted of testa and endosperm rupture as two sequential events, influenced by ABA and GA biosynthesis. Nitrate addition caused an earlier testa rupture, after-ripening broadened the thermal conditions that allow germination, and alternating temperatures significantly promoted germination of non-after-ripened seeds. Primary dormancy in S. dentata seeds likely allows this plant to form a persistent seed bank that is responsive to specific environmental cues characteristic of MTP habitats.

Checklist of gypsophilous vascular flora in Italy

Our understanding of the richness and uniqueness of the flora growing on gypsum substrates in Italy has grown significantly since the 19^th century and, even today, new plant species are still being discovered. However, the plants and plant communities, growing on gypsum substrates in Italy, are still a relatively unknown subject. The main aim of this paper was to elaborate a checklist of the Italian gypsophilous flora, to increase knowledge about this peculiar flora and for which conservation efforts need to be addressed. Through a structured group communication process of experts (application of the Delphi technique), a remarkable number of experienced Italian botanists have joined together to select focal plant species linked to gypsum substrates. From the results obtained, 31 plant species behave as absolute or preferent taxa (gypsophytes and gypsoclines) and form the 'core' Italian gypsophilous flora. The most abundant life forms were chamaephytes and hemicryptophytes, belonging to Poaceae and Brassicaceae; as for chorotypes, the most represented are Mediterranean and narrow endemics. By improving on previously available information about the flora with a clear preference for gypsum in Italy, this undertaking represents an important contribution to the knowledge of a habitat which is today considered a priority for conservation.

Morphometric analysis and bioclimatic distribution of Glebionis coronaria s.l. (Asteraceae) in the Mediterranean area

We present a revision of Glebionis coronaria in the Mediterranean area based on: a) micro-morphology of the disc floret cypselas observed with a high-resolution confocal microscopy; b) measurements of the disc cypsela with a stereoscopic microscope - duly scaled; c) its distribution in several bioclimatic belts; d) field observations; e) comparisons of herbarium samples. Because of this study, we propose the elevation of Glebionis coronaria var. discolor to the rank of species, as Glebionis discolorcomb. & stat. nov., based on morphological and ecological characteristics such as the disposition of the intercostal glands, the size of the disc cypsela wings and its distribution according to the bioclimatic belts. Glebionis coronaria, with totally yellow ray florets and intercostal glands aligned, is exclusive to the thermo-Mediterranean bioclimatic belt, while Glebionis discolor, with white ray florets on a yellow base and intercostal glands arranged randomly, is found in the thermo- and meso-Mediterranean belt. Illustrations of micromorphological characteristics of the cypselas, an identification key, a taxonomic synopsis including information on nomenclatural types, synonyms, descriptions of the taxa, and, as supplementary information, a list of the specimens examined and bioclimatic classification of samples localities are also presented.

Lipophilic methotrexate conjugates with antitumor activity

Lipophilic methotrexate (MTX)-lipoamino acid conjugates coupled with amide or ester linkages (1a-1r) were synthesised. The inhibitory activity of the conjugates was evaluated on bovine liver DHFR. The in vitro growth inhibitory effect against MTX-sensitive human lymphoblastoid CCRF-CEM cells and an MTX-resistant sub-line (CEM/MTX), which displays defective intracellular transport of MTX, was determined under short-term and continuous (120-h incubation) exposure conditions. The alpha, gamma, or alpha,gamma amide conjugates showed different activity in inhibiting the growth of parent cells. CEM/MTX cells were much less susceptible than CCRF-CEM cells to inhibition by alpha or alpha,gamma-substituted lipoamino acid conjugates, whereas both cell lines were almost equally sensitive to the MTX-gamma conjugates. Although less potent than MTX, they could partially circumvent the impaired transport system. These findings confirm that lipophilic MTX conjugates may be good lead compounds on the drug development for the treatment of some MTX-resistant tumors. Ester-type conjugates displayed an interesting activity against parent CCRF-CEM cells, although they were less potent against the transport-resistant sub-line. Stability studies on these molecules indicated that they are not degraded into MTX in the culture medium, thus suggesting that they are not able to over-cross cell resistance despite of their lipophilicity.

Synthesis and preliminary in vitro screening of lipophilic alpha, gamma-bis(amides) as potential prodrugs of methotrexate

As part of a program aimed at studying the feasibility of amide derivatives of methotrexate (MTX) as lipophilic prodrugs, with the aims of increasing passive cellular uptake and obtaining prolonged-release agents, we describe the synthesis of five long-chain alkyl bis(amides) of MTX, from decyl- to octadecylamide, by direct transamidation to the MTX diethyl ester. Compounds were subjected to a preliminary biological screening, to assess their inhibitory activity against bovine liver dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) and in vitro antitumor activity against human leukemia CCRF-CEM cells. As a general trend, an increase in lipophilicity led to a linear reduction of enzyme inhibition; however, the bis(decyl)amide derivative showed a good intrinsic affinity for DHFR (IC50 6.41 nM), comparable to that of MTX diethyl ester and close to that of MTX (IC50 2.90 nM). In the antitumor assay, lower homologues (C10-C14) displayed an interesting activity profile, suggesting the desirability of additional studies with these and similar compounds.

Efficient one-step direct labelling of recombinant antibodies with technetium-99m

High-affinity bacterially expressed antibody fragments can nowadays be cloned from established hybridomas or, more conveniently, isolated directly from antibody libraries displayed on filamentous phage. Such antibodies can be tagged with C-terminal peptide tags containing one cysteine residue, which represents a convenient functionalisation site for a number of applications, including technetium-99m labelling. Here we describe a simple one-step method for 99mTc labelling of cysteine-tagged recombinant antibodies with more than 50% radionuclide incorporation. The labelled antibodies displayed full retention of immuoreactivity and good stability.

Overexpression of DR-nm23, a protein encoded by a member of the nm23 gene family, inhibits granulocyte differentiation and induces apoptosis in 32Dc13 myeloid cells

Chronic myelogenous leukemia evolves in two clinically distinct stages: a chronic and a blast crisis phase. The molecular changes associated with chronic phase to blast crisis transition are largely unknown. We have identified a cDNA clone, DR-nm23, differentially expressed in a blast-crisis cDNA library, which has approximately 70% sequence similarity to the putative metastatic suppressor genes, nm23-H1 and nm23-H2. The deduced amino acid sequence similarity to the proteins encoded by these two latter genes is approximately 65% and includes domains and amino acid residues (the leucine zipper-like and the RGD domain, a serine and a histidine residue in the NH2- and in the COOH-terminal portion of the protein, respectively) postulated to be important for nm23 function. DR-nm23 mRNA is preferentially expressed at early stages of myeloid differentiation of highly purified CD34+ cells. Its constitutive expression in the myeloid precursor 32Dc13 cell line, which is growth-factor dependent for both proliferation and differentiation, results in inhibition of granulocytic differentiation induced by granulocyte colony-stimulating factor and causes apoptotic cell death. These results are consistent with a role for DR-nm23 in normal hematopoiesis and raise the possibility that its overexpression contributes to differentiation arrest, a feature of blastic transformation in chronic myelogenous leukemia.

Expression of ornithine decarboxylase gene in elderly human monocytes

The proliferative capacity of the immune system is impaired in elderly subjects and the expression of various genes involved in cell cycle progression is reduced in PHA stimulated lymphocytes during the aging process. Macrophages play a fundamental role in the immune system response. It has recently been demonstrated that the process of macrophage activation is accompanied by a rapid, transient rise of ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) mRNA levels. In fact, the ODC gene seems to be involved in macrophage activation and differentiation. The authors demonstrated that the steady-state levels of ODC mRNA and the correlated superoxide anion production are lower in the monocytes of elderly subjects with respect to those in young subjects used as control. These results confirmed the impaired immune function of the elderly.

Polyamine involvement in functional activation of human macrophages

Polyamines naturally occur in all living beings and play an important role in the regulation of cell proliferation, differentiation, and functional stimulation of terminally differentiated cells. Our studies, using specific inhibitors of polyamine biosynthesis such as alpha-difluoromethylornithine and methylglyoxal-bis[guanylhydrazone] to prevent polyamine accumulation, have indicated that polyamines are associated with functional activation of human macrophages. Both inhibitors diminished the respiratory burst activity of macrophages induced by lipopolysaccharide and interferon gamma. The methylglyoxal-bis]guanylhydrazone] inhibitory effect was concentration-dependent and could be reversed by spermine, which is the final product of polyamine biosynthesis.

AO 1535 inhibits O2- production by human macrophages

AO 1535 is a semisynthetic monoglycosylceramide derived from O-glycosilated sphingosine, with a chemical structure similar to the glycolipids present in many mammalian tissues. In the epidermis monoglycosylceramides contribute to consolidate the structure of cutaneous layers. It has been recently shown that sphingosine and its derivatives are potent inhibitors of Protein kinase C, and block the 'respiratory burst' of phagocitic cells. In macrophages, like in neutrophils, the reactive oxygen intermediates are produced by a membrane associated enzymatic complex, NADPH-oxidase, which is activated by Protein kinase C. This study demonstrates that AO 1535 is able to inhibit the production of reactive oxygen intermediates in human monocytes and macrophages stimulated by phorbol ester and chemotactic tetrapeptide, suggesting a potential clinical application of AO 1535 in the treatment of inflammatory dermatoses.

Inhibitors of polyamine biosynthesis block tumor necrosis factor-induced activation of macrophages

The activation of polyamine biosynthesis, dependent on increased gene expression of ornithine decarboxylase, has been found to play an important role in the control of cell proliferation and differentiation. In this report it has been found that accumulation of ornithine decarboxylase mRNA also follows stimulation of human monocytes/macrophages by tumor necrosis factor. Human recombinant tumor necrosis factor (100 units/ml) also evoked an enhanced respiratory burst of macrophages. The respiratory burst response was inhibited in a dose-dependent manner with difluoromethylornithine, an inhibitor of ornithine decarboxylase, and methylglyoxal-bis(guanylhydrazone), an inhibitor of the formation of spermidine and spermine. The data presented in this paper suggest that polyamines may play a functional role in tumor necrosis factor-driven macrophage activation, and they are discussed in the context of their possible use as inhibitors of polyamine metabolism in tumor chemotherapy.

Transcription factor activation and functional stimulation of human monocytes

Activation of expression of genes encoding transcription factors: c-fos and c-jun and formation of AP1 transcriptional complex in human monocytes was investigated. It was found that lipopolysaccharide induced strongly both c-fos and c-jun expression as well as AP1 formation. Interferon gamma activated strongly c-fos and weakly c-jun and AP1. Tumor necrosis factor induced slightly c-fos and had almost no effect on c-jun and AP1. The data suggest that differences in functional responses elicited in monocytes by all three factors may be dependent on different routes on nuclear signalling employed by the factors.

Accumulation of ornithine decarboxylase mRNA accompanies activation of human and mouse monocytes/macrophages

Accumulation of ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) mRNA was investigated in human monocytes and mouse peritoneal macrophages. Treatment of both populations of mononuclear phagocytes with bacterial lipopolysaccharide induced a marked and rapid increase in the accumulation of the ODC gene transcript. A similar phenomenon, albeit less pronounced, was also observed following treatment of human monocytes with human recombinant interferon-gamma. These results suggest a role for ODC, and therefore polyamines, in the regulation of mononuclear phagocyte functions.

Glial fibrillary acidic protein messenger RNA and glutamine synthetase activity after nervous system injury

The level of the mRNA for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), the major protein of the intermediate filaments of astroglial cells, and the activity of glutamine synthetase (GS), an enzyme selectively localized in astrocytes, were measured at different times after a unilateral mechanical lesion in the rat cerebral cortex. A rapid and early increase (6 hours post-lesion) in GFAP mRNA was observed; GFAP mRNA level reached a peak at 1-3 days and then decreased. Moreover, an astrocytic activation in cortical zones far from the injury site and in the contralateral hemisphere was detected. No change of GS activity was observed in the same model of brain injury, showing that this astroglial marker is not modified during the reactive gliosis obtained with this experimental model. GFAP mRNA has also been detected in the rat sciatic nerve; however, its level was not modified after nerve transection, suggesting a different regulation of GFAP expression in the peripheral nervous system.