The ability to modify mesophyll conductance (gm) in response to changes in irradiance may be a component of the acclimation of plants to shade‐sun transitions, thus influencing species‐specific ...distributions along light‐gradients, and the ecological niches for the different species. To test this hypothesis we grew three woody species of the Oleaceae family, the evergreen Phillyrea latifolia (sun‐requiring), the deciduous Fraxinus ornus (facultative sun‐requiring) and the hemi‐deciduous Ligustrum vulgare (shade tolerant) at 30 or 100% sunlight irradiance. We show that neither mesophyll conductance calculated with combined gas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence techniques (gm) nor CO2 assimilation significantly varied in F. ornus because of sunlight irradiance. This corroborates previous suggestions that species with high plasticity for light requirements, do not need to undertake extensive reorganization of leaf conductances to CO2 diffusion to adapt to different light environments. On the other hand, gm steeply declined in L. vulgare and increased in P. latifolia exposed to full‐sun conditions. In these two species, leaf anatomical traits are in part responsible for light‐driven changes in gm, as revealed by the correlation between gm and mesophyll conductance estimated by anatomical parameters (gmA). Nonetheless, gm was greatly overestimated by gmA when leaf metabolism was impaired because of severe light stress. We show that gm is maximum at the light intensity at which plant species have evolved and we conclude that gm actually plays a key role in the sun and shade adaptation of Mediterranean species. The limits of gmA in predicting mesophyll conductance are also highlighted.
Engineered nanoscale materials (ENMs) are considered emerging contaminants since they are perceived as a potential threat to the environment and the human health. The reactions of living organisms ...when exposed to metal nanoparticles (NPs) or NPs of different size are not well known. Very few studies on NPs-plant interactions have been published, so far. For this reason there is also great concern regarding the potential NPs impact to food safety. Early genotoxic and phytotoxic effects of cerium oxide NPs (nCeO2) and titanium dioxide NPs (nTiO2) were investigated in seedlings of Hordeum vulgare L. Caryopses were exposed to an aqueous dispersion of nCeO2 and nTiO2 at, respectively 0, 500, 1000, and 2000 mg l(-1) for 7 days. Genotoxicity was studied by Randomly Amplified Polymorphism DNA (RAPDs) and mitotic index on root tip cells. Differences between treated and control plants were observed in RAPD banding patterns as well as at the chromosomal level with a reduction of cell divisions. At cellular level we monitored the oxidative stress of treated plants in terms of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and ATP content. Again nCeO2 influenced clearly these two physiological parameters, while nTiO2 were ineffective. In particular, the dose 500 mg l(-1) showed the highest increase regarding both ROS generation and ATP content; the phenomenon were detectable, at different extent, both at root and shoot level. Total Ce and Ti concentration in seedlings was detected by ICP-OES. TEM EDSX microanalysis demonstrated the presence of aggregates of nCeO2 and nTiO2 within root cells of barley. nCeO2 induced modifications in the chromatin aggregation mode in the nuclei of both root and shoot cells.
Saline soils are highly heterogeneous in time and space, and this is a critical factor influencing plant physiology and productivity. Temporal changes in soil salinity can alter plant responses to ...salinity, and pre-treating plants with low NaCl concentrations has been found to substantially increase salt tolerance in different species in a process called acclimation. However, it still remains unclear whether this process is common to all plants or is only expressed in certain genotypes. We addressed this question by assessing the physiological changes to 100 mM NaCl in two contrasting olive cultivars (the salt-sensitive Leccino and the salt-tolerant Frantoio), following a 1-month acclimation period with 5 or 25 mM NaCl. The acclimation improved salt tolerance in both cultivars, but activated substantially different physiological adjustments in the tolerant and the sensitive cultivars. In the tolerant Frantoio the acclimation with 5 mM NaCl was more effective in increasing plant salt tolerance, with a 47% increase in total plant dry mass compared with non-acclimated saline plants. This enhanced biomass accumulation was associated with a 50% increase in K+ retention ability in roots. On the other hand, in the sensitive Leccino, although the acclimation process did not improve performance in terms of plant growth, pre-treatment with 5 and 25 mM NaCl substantially decreased salt-induced leaf cell ultrastructural changes, with leaf cell relatively similar to those of control plants. Taken together these results suggest that in the tolerant cultivar the acclimation took place primarily in the root tissues, while in the sensitive they occurred mainly at the shoot level.
Anthocyanic morphs are generally less efficient in terms of carbon gain, but, in turn, are more photoprotected than anthocyanin-less ones. To date, mature leaves of different morphs or leaves at ...different developmental stages within the same species have generally been compared, whereas there is a lack of knowledge regarding different stages of development of red
. green leaves. Leaves (1-, 7-, and 13-week-old) of red- (RLP) and green-leafed (GLP)
in terms of photosynthetic rate, carbon metabolism and photoprotective mechanisms were compared to test whether anthocyanin-equipped leaves perform better than anthocyanin-less leaves and whether photoprotection is the primary role of epidermally-located anthocyanins, using for the first time a recently-developed parameter of chlorophyll fluorescence (qPd). GLP leaves had a higher photosynthetic rate in 1- and 7-week-old leaves, but RLP leaves performed better at an early stage of senescence and had a longer leaf lifespan. Anthocyanins contributed to leaf photoprotection throughout the leaf development, but were tightly coordinated with carotenoids. Besides photoprotecting, we propose that epidermal anthocyanins may be principally synthetized to maintain an efficient carbon-sink strength in young and senescent leaves, thus extending the RLP leaf lifespan.
Cardiovascular diseases remain a leading cause of mortality globally, with atherosclerosis representing a significant pathological means, often leading to myocardial infarction. Coronary artery ...bypass surgery, a common procedure used to treat coronary artery disease, presents challenges due to the limited autologous tissue availability or the shortcomings of synthetic grafts. Consequently, there is a growing interest in tissue engineering approaches to develop vascular substitutes. This review offers an updated picture of the state of the art in vascular tissue engineering, emphasising the design of scaffolds and dynamic culture conditions following a biomimetic approach. By emulating native vessel properties and, in particular, by mimicking the three-layer structure of the vascular wall, tissue-engineered grafts can improve long-term patency and clinical outcomes. Furthermore, ongoing research focuses on enhancing biomimicry through innovative scaffold materials, surface functionalisation strategies, and the use of bioreactors mimicking the physiological microenvironment. Through a multidisciplinary lens, this review provides insight into the latest advancements and future directions of vascular tissue engineering, with particular reference to employing biomimicry to create systems capable of reproducing the structure–function relationships present in the arterial wall. Despite the existence of a gap between benchtop innovation and clinical translation, it appears that the biomimetic technologies developed to date demonstrate promising results in preventing vascular occlusion due to blood clotting under laboratory conditions and in preclinical studies. Therefore, a multifaceted biomimetic approach could represent a winning strategy to ensure the translation of vascular tissue engineering into clinical practice.
Abdominal hernia repair surgeries involve the fixation of a surgical mesh to the abdominal wall with different means such as suture, tacks, and glues. Currently, the most effective mesh fixation ...system is still debated. This review compares outcomes of mesh fixation in different surgical procedures, aiding surgeons in identifying the optimal technique.
A meta-analysis was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Articles published between January 2003 and January 2023 were searched in electronic databases. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing mesh fixation with cyanoacrylate-based or fibrin glues with classical fixation techniques (sutures, tacks) in open and laparoscopic procedures were included.
17 RCTs were identified; the cumulative study population included 3919 patients and a total of 3976 inguinal hernias. Cyanoacrylate-based and fibrin glues were used in 1639 different defects, suture and tacks in 1912 defects, self-gripping mesh in 404 cases, and no mesh fixation in 21 defects. Glue fixation resulted in lower early postoperative pain, and chronic pain occurred less frequently. The incidence of hematoma was lower with glue fixation than with mechanical fixation. Recurrence rate, seroma formation, operative and hospitalization time showed no significant differences; but significantly, a higher number of people in the glue group returned to work by 15- and 30-days after surgery when compared to the tacker and suture groups in the same time frame.
Cyanoacrylate and fibrin glue may be effective in reducing early and chronic pain and hematoma incidence without increasing the recurrence rate, the seroma formation, or the operative and hospitalization time.
The olive is a long-lived evergreen tree, capable of regenerating itself from any part of the plant (pollard tree). This characteristic has allowed the olive trees to survive across the centuries ...until they become real natural monuments. The aim of this work has been to study the monumental “Olivo della Strega” (“Witch’s Olive tree”) olive tree, located in the olive orchard of Santissima Annunziata church, in Magliano (Grosseto, Italy), a tree with a special place in local history and folklore and with estimated age over 700 years. The morphometric data of leaf, fruit, stone and pollen were used to characterize the phenotype, while genetic diversity was assessed on the basis of microsatellite markers. The morphological and genetic analysis pointed to two clearly distinguishable parts in the “Olivo della Strega” tree, called sample left (SL) and sample right (SR). This ancient plant consists of two different genotypes: one part (SL) was identified as cv Frantoio and the other (SR) as an unknown genotype. Moreover, traditional (in vivo conservation) and advanced techniques (cryopreservation) have made conservation achievable to preserve its genetic heritage. In particular “Olivo della Strega” pollen was stored for 1 year in liquid nitrogen. The morphology of pollen grains, viability and germinability of fresh and long term cryopreserved pollen were observed at different times during preservation, without revealing significant differences.
Exposing fruits and vegetables to UVB radiation post-harvest is a technique used to modify secondary metabolites and prolong their shelf life. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects ...of UVB irradiation on the chemical and physical characteristics of fig cv. Dottato fruits. The UVB irradiation was 2.26 Wm−2. Two exposure times were carried out: 10 and 60 min resulting in a UVB dose of 1.4 and 8.1 kJm−2, respectively. In the control, the UVB was eliminated by a polyester film (control −UVB). After treatment, the fig fruits were stored and analyzed at different times until decay. Quality parameters (decay, weight loss, color, chlorophyll, and firmness) and physicochemical parameters (soluble solids content, pH parameters, and titratable acidity) were positively influenced by irradiation. Total and individual sugars increased gradually during the storage period in both the skin and the flesh, with glucose being higher after 10 days in the UVB treated samples. Total carotenoid content increased gradually during the storage period, with a marked increase in the +UVB fruit. The content of total and individual polyphenols was positively influenced by UVB treatment, with the UVB treated samples showing the highest values at both 7 and 10 days. The study showed an increase in by-products in both the skin and the flesh. This research confirms the effectiveness of UVB radiation in improving the nutritional qualities and shelf life of Ficus carica fruits.
► Growth in Paulownia was reduced at Zn>1000μM. ► An accumulation of electron dense materials was evident in treated plants. ► High Zn damaged chloroplast structure and negatively affected ...photosynthesis. ► Sequestration, accumulation and exclusion of Zn excess limited Zn-induced damages.
The efficacy of Paulownia tomentosa in the absorption and accumulation of Zn from contaminated soils has been recently described. However, no data are available regarding the modifications induced by high levels of Zn on the anatomy and physiology of this tree species. P. tomentosa were grown hydroponically at different Zn concentrations (100, 500, 1000, 2000, 3000, and 5000μM). The plant growth and leaf gas exchange parameters (net CO2 assimilation and stomatal conductance) were significantly reduced at high Zn concentrations. Electron and confocal microscopy analysis showed differences in the cellular ultrastructure between control and treated (above 2000μM) plants, which exhibited an accumulation of electron-dense materials. The major toxic effects of high Zn concentrations were related to damages to the cell functionality, i.e., the chloroplast ultrastructure, which negatively affected the photosynthetic performance, thus leading to a significant growth inhibition. P. tomentosa plants are able to limit Zn-induced damages by activating effective mechanisms of Zn sequestration and accumulation of excess Zn in dedicated structures, such as petiole cell walls and root hairs, or by excluding part of the Zn in exudates located on the petiole surface.
The use of biostimulants and/or biofertilizers has acquired considerable importance and can contribute to the sustainable management agriculture, reducing the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, ...and water. This study aims to assess the effects of Effective Microorganisms (EM) and Olive Mill Wastewater (OMW) on the growth, photosynthetic performance and polyphenols content of the medicinal plant Tanacetum balsamita. The EM and OMW were used at two dilution rates. The EM was added to 5% v/v and 10% v/v, while OMW was added to 2.5% v/v and 5% v/v in plants at the early growth stage. After 75 days of treatment, all the treated plants had a leaf number and leaf area almost 2-fold higher than in the Control plants. Moreover, the treatments, at all the concentrations applied had a positive effect on the photosynthetic activity, with an improvement both in terms of the quantum yield of photosynthesis and electrons transport efficiency. The best photosynthetic and growth performances in the treated plants coincided with the higher production of phenolic compounds; indeed, after 75 days, the content of chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, and isochlorogenic acid was even 2-fold of the Control plants. Also, rutin content was 1.28–1.50-fold respect to the Control extracts. The highest phenolic compound content was reflected by the highest antiradical activity, found in the extracts of the treated plants. The effectiveness of EM to increase the growth and quality of plants and in particular, the potential use of OMW on the cultivated crop was confirmed to this study.
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