Indagine aerobiologica sui pollini aerodiffusi nella città di Sassari (Sardegna) e considerazioni botaniche ed allergologiche relative agli anni 1984–1985

Riassunto Vengono presentati i risultati del monitoraggio dei pollini allergogeni (18 gruppi botanici + pollini totali) effettuato a Sassari (Sardegna sett.) nel biennio 1984–85, mediante apparecchio campionatore volumetrico ?Burkard?, comparati coi dati dell'indagine clinico-allergologica effettuata contemporaneamente nella zona. La contaminazione pollinica dell' aeroplancton viene messa in relazione con la vegetazione della regione circostante. è stata anche calcolata la conc. oraria dei pollini totali nei vari mesi. Nel 1985 si sono registrati valori di conc. pollinica superiori che nel 1984, specie per i pollini totali, Oleaceae, Cupressaceae e Quercus. Le Compositae hanno sempre presentato una bassa conc. pollinica, e una scarsa incidenza nelle sensibilizzazioni della zona. Le Gramineae vengono al 1° posto come responsabili di pollinosi. Le Oleaceae hanno presentato valori alti di conc. giorn. (eccezionali nel 1985), mentre l'incidenza di pollinosi da olivo nel Sassarese è risultata assai limitata. Il polline di Urticaceae è presente tutto l'anno, ma soprattutto da metà marzo a metà giugno; si è rilevata nei pazienti pollinosici cross-reattività tra Parietaria e Urtica.      

Valutazione dei dati aerosporologici ottenuti in due diverse stazioni di rilevamento di una stessa città

Riassunto Nel presente lavoro vengono riportati gli studi quantitativi e qualitativi delle spore micetiche presenti in due diverse zone della città di Cagliari. I rilevamenti sono stati effettuati nei mesi di Febbraio, Marzo ed Aprile del 1987 utilizzando capsule di Petri contenenti “Potato dextrose agar” più antibiotico. Sono state osservate differenze significative nella frequenza delle spore delle due zone considerate. Nel corso dell'intera ricerca abbiamo isolato 6702 colonie filamentose appartenenti a 15 generi diversi; 6 generi sono stati repertati costantemente. Sulla base della quantità e varietà delle specie micetiche identificate, gli Autori ritengono che le spore aerodiffuse possono costituire un fattore di rischio non trascurabile.      

Le pollinosi da oleacee. Indagine aerobiologica nell'atmosfera della città di Palermo

Riassunto Sono stati effettuati tre anni (1984–86) di osservazioni epidemiologiche ed aerobiologiche per ricercare la relazione esistente tra concentrazione pollinica giornaliera delle Oleacee nell' atmosfera della città di Palermo e numero di casi di pollinosi dovute a tale polline. I dati aerobiologici sono stati ottenuti con un campionatore volumetrico VPPS 2000. Questi, elaborati con il metodo della media mobile su 7 giorni e correlati con i dati epidemiologici, hanno evidenziato che, nel nostro territorio, le famiglie di pollini che rivestono importanza clinica sono tre: Urticacee, prevalentemente Parietaria, Graminacee ed Oleacee, prevalentemente Olea europaéa. Le Oleacee occupano il terzo posto nel determinismo delle pollinosi (21,76% di tutte le pollinosi), mentre dal punto di vista aerobiologico sono al secondo posto. La mancanza di proporzionalità diretta è da mettere in relazione, verosimilmente, con il breve periodo sintomatologico e con un basso potere allergizzante di tale aeroallergene. E' stato registrato, negli ultimi dieci anni, anche in Sicilia, un aumento della frequenza di sensibilizzazione verso il polline delle Oleacee.      

Affinità floristica dei tipi di vegetazione bentonica della Cala di Mitigliano (Massa Lubrense,Napoli)

Abstract

Floristic affinity of bentonic vegetational types of Cala di Mitigliano (Massa Lubrense Napoli). — We have studied the bentonic plants community in the Cala di Mitigliano. It appears that some species compositions repeat themselves with a certain regularity. This fact lets us recognize and consequently classify them. In Cala di Mitigliano we took an interest and considered only such species compositions. We calculated, in them and between them, the coefficient of affinity by SÖRENSEN (1948). The cluster analysis by average linkage and the use of an index of «individualisation» (Feoli, ined.) based on floristic comparison showed that the species compositions, although we chose such ones to describe the vegetation, equally change gradually from place to place.     

Le Infezioni Con “Stubborn” Ottenute per Trauma E Il Grado di Recettività dei Tipi di Grano

Abstract

Dioecy ensures cross pollination but pollen must travel from male to female plants, sometimes covering long distances. The present study concerns the reproductive strategy of two Italian dioecious plants: Mercurialis annua L. and Bryonia dioica L. The former is anemophilous and the latter is entomophilous; the latter has nectar and pollen as rewards. The distribution of pollen grains on the stigma is very different in the two species, reflecting the different types of pollination. In both species there is a number-dependent mechanism of pollen germination on the stigma. This mechanism could enhance male gametophytic competition.     

Ricerche Sul Meristema Apicale della Radice. VII L'attività di Alcuni Enzimi Della Glicolisi,del Ciclo di Krebs e di Quello dei Pentoso Fosfati

Abstract

Studies on root apical meristem. VII. Activities of some enzymes of glycolysis, of the Krebs cycle and of the pentose phosphate cycle. — The enzymes assayed are: aldolase, glyceraldheyde-3-phosphate: NAD oxidoreductase, triosephosphate isomerase, fumarate hydratase, aconitate hydratase, glucose-6-phosphate: NADP oxidoreductase, 6-phosphogluconate: NADP oxidoreductase. The determinations were made on pea roots (Pisum sativum cv. Alaska) which were obtained by germinating seeds on moist vermiculite, in the dark, at 25° C, either for 2 or 7 days. In both cases samples were collected from the meristematic zone (0-2 mm from the apex) and from the extending zone (2-4 mm from the apex). All the enzymes determined are present both in the meristematic and in the extending zone of the root. If referred to a fresh weight basis, their activities are always greater in the meristem; if referred to a dry weight or to a protein basis, the values in the meristematic zone are nearly equal to, or higher than those in the extending zone. With respect to the development of the cell in the root from the meristematic to the vacuolated state, the present results indicate that the change in volume is accompanied by increases is the enzymes tested.     

L'Azione dell'Ossigeno Liquido Sulla Germinabilità dei Semi Duri di Ginestrino (Lotus Corniculatus L.) e di Ladino (Trifolium Repens L.)

Abstract

Comparative researches on morphology and physiology of PICEA and LARIX. Fresh weight and chlorophyll content in seedlings kept at various light intensities. — The fresh weight and the chlorophyll content of lots of seedlings from Larix decidua and Picea excelsa grown on sand for 12 days in climatic cell at 25 [ddot]C with 86% relative humidity and a light intensity of 90, 250, 500, 1.000, 2.000 and 4.000 lux were determined.

The fresh weight of Picea seedlings is not significantly affected by all light intensities except for 4.000 lux, where it is 20% higher. Even in dim light (90 lux) the fresh weight of Picea seedlings is only 7% inferior to that of the lot kept at 2.000 lux.

The results obtained in Larix are remarkably different; its fresh weight is more influenced by the light intensity: at 4.000 lux, e. g., the fresh weight is considerably higher (more than 20%) than the arithmetical mean of all the lots, while at 90 lux it appears greatly inferior (30%) to the lot kept at 2.000 lux.

No correlation exhists between fresh weight and chlorophyll content variations.

In Larix only the difference between seedlings kept at 250 lux and 90 lux is very strong. In the latter the chlorophyll content for g. f. w. is 40% inferior to the average of all the lots. At the maxime intensities the chlorophyll content of Larix seedlings appears to be particularly increased, while that of Picea seedlings is slightly inferior to that observed at 2.000 lux.

These figures are in agreement with the special ecology of the two plants and particularly with the light need of Larix, as it is clearly demonstrated by the fresh weight and chlorophyll content per g. f. w. and by the different ratio in chlorophyll contents of the lots of seedlings kept at 2.000 and 4.000 lux.     

Nuovi reperti di intersessualità nelle Cucurbitacee

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to investigate differences in plant species composition between managed and unmanaged forests, and to assess if these difference give rise to a higher plant diversity in the unmanaged forest. Furthermore our aim is to relate forest structure to differences in plant species composition, identifying the structural attributes more strongly related to the unmanaged forest vegetation. We compared an old-growth forest and a managed highforest in the Abruzzo Lazio and Molise National Park (Central Italy). Plant species composition and diversity, deadwood components and live structure have been analyzed. We used permutational multivariate analysis of variance to test the response of species composition to management factor; furthermore, we compared species richness and beta diversity. Redundancy analysis has been used to relate plant species abundances to structural variables; the importance of dead and living wood components has been compared through variation partitioning. Plant species composition proved to be significantly different in the two sites, and the old-growth stand showed a higher plant diversity. From a structural point of view, we found differences especially in the amount and quality of deadwood, and in the diameter class distribution. These variables are also the most important in determining the old-growth stand plant species composition according to redundancy analysis. Variation partitioning confirmed the greater importance of the deadwood variables. Our results suggest that including deadwood surveys in traditional forest inventories could help in finding forests with both structural and floristic old-growth properties to be considered in conservation programmes. The imitation of natural dynamics, through the creation of gaps avoiding deadwood removal, could be an effective strategy for restoring old-growth conditions, also in terms of plant diversity.     

Fenomeni citologici nuovi nella embriogenesi (“semigamia„) e nella microsporogenesi (“doppio nucleo di restituzione„) di rudbeckia laciniata L.

Abstract

L' A. descrive in Rudbeckia laciniata L. una specie apomittica, con gametofito femminile diploide originato da quattro divisioni del nucleo della cellula madre; di cui la prima di tipo restituzionale.

Descrive il fenomeno della «semigamia», per cui lo spermio penetra nella cellula uovo diploide senza degenerare e senza fondersi col nucleo femminile, ma si divide insieme a questo per originare un embrione di tipo chimerico.

Analogo comportamento presenta R. speciosa Wender.

Descrive anche la formazione di granuli pollinici giganti, tetraploidi, originati dalla formazione di un nucleo di restituzione in seguito ad ognuna delle due divisioni meiotiche («doppio nucleo di restituzione» o «nucleo di birestituzione»).     

Sulle capacità di sviluppo della placca midollare in condizioni di espianto

Zusammenfassung Durch Anwendung der Explantationsmethode vonMangold wird der Rumpfschwanzteil der Medullarplatte in vitro explantiert, um die Evolutionsfähigkeiten der isolierten Medullaranlage und die Entwicklungskorrelationen zwischen dem Chorda-Mesodermkomplex und der Morphohistogenese des Rückenmarks zu studieren.Es wird vor allem festgestellt, daß der Neuralstrang, der sich aus der explantierten Neuralplatte bildet, auch ohne Mitwirkung der Chorda oder irgendeines Stützorgans verlängerungsfähig ist.Von großer Bedeutung für die Morphohistogenese des Neuralstranges scheint die Chorda zu sein, und gewissermaßen auch das Mesoderm.Fehlt das Mesoderm, so schmelzen die Ganglien zu einer einzigen Masse zusammen, ventral zum Neuralstrang; die Struktur des Neuralstranges erleidet aber dadurch keine Veränderung.Fehlt die Chorda dagegen, so treten sehr wichtige Veränderungen im Neuralstrang ein, d. h. übermäßige große der Neuralröhre oder mehrfache Röhrenbildung, Zerstörung der Zellen- und Fasernanordnung, Neuroblastenabsonderung aus dem Rumpfteil des Neuralstranges.Wenn aber, auch bei fehlender Chorda, der Neuralstrang von Mesodermmassen begleitet wird, ist seine Struktur viel regelmäßiger.Es scheint also, daß das Mesoderm, außer die Wirkung auf die Zerteilung der Ganglienanlagen, auch gewissermaßen die ausgebliebene Wirkung der Chorda ersetzen kann.     

Attività acetilcolinesterasica nel ganglio ciliare di cane

Summary The authors have studied the histochemical localization of acetylcholinesterase activity in the dog's ciliary ganglion by using the modified Koelle and Friedenwald technique. For better localisation of the structures stained by the histochemical method, some sections were in addition submitted to the Feulgen reaction, stained with Neutral red or impregnated according to the method of Bielschowsky.The results showed that if the pH of the incubating medium was 6,4, the pre- and postganglionic nerve branches as well as the nerve cell bodies react with a mean intensity only; the pericellular capsules, the sheathes formed by the satellite cells round the short processes and round the proximal part of the axone as well as the neurilemma of the nerve fibers between the ganglionic cells react as if they were the site of a very high enzymatic activity.At pH 5,2 of the incubating medium the authors observed the copper sulphide precipitate due to enzymatic activity to form a pattern resembling fibrillar woofs, sheathes, cords and rings of various dimensions; it now seems to be situated close to the ganglionic cell bodies and to the arches of its fenestrations and the precipitations appear to be in intimate contact with the deep side of the satellite cell sheath.The authors believe that the different results obtained in the first case may be explained by admitting that at pH 6,4 a massive staining of the satellite cells' capsules and sheathes may occur as the result of diffusion of the enzyme or of intermediate products from the preganglionic nerve fibers, which are the site of high acetylcholinesterase activity.     

Relitti Mediterranei all'imboccatura di Cavità Ipogee Carsiche

Abstract

Mediterranean relicts at the mouth of karstic caves. — Far away from the mediterranean maquis stretched along the coast of Trieste, we can still find some groups of rank evergreen-oaks with several other mediterranean species.

The survival of these thermophile species is probably due to warm ascensional drafts, coming just in winter from the underneath caves.     

Ricerche Sull'Azione Inibente di Alcune Antiauxine Sull'Attività di Deidedrogenasi Delle Frazioni Solubile E Mitocondriale di Estratti di Tessuti di Piante Superiori

Summary

Inhibiting effect of antiauxins on some dehydrogenare enzyme systems in the soluble and in the particulate fractions of extracts from plant tissues.

The effect of several antiauxins (trans-cinnamic acid, diphenylacetic acid, 2–4 dichloroanisole, b-phenylpropionic acid, maleic hydrazide) on dehydrogenasic systems in enzymic preparations from higher plant tissues (cauliflower, pea, artichocke) has been investigated. Dehydrogenase activity has been determined, in the soluble (glucose-6-phosphate) as well as in the particulate (malic TPN linked, malic DPN linked, succinic dehydrogenases) fraction of the protoplasma, by the tetrazolium (used «in vacuum») and the Thunberg methods. Mitochondrial preparations have been obtained through repeated precipitations at 20.000 × g., in the cold, in 0,5 M sucrose.

All of the antiauxins tested, at concentrations ranging between 60 and 400 p. p. m., clearly inhibited dehydrogenase activity, both in the soluble as in the mitochondrial systems. Inhibition appeared non competitive, and indipendent from coenzyme concentration; it was more evident at lower pH values, and it increased with pretreatment of the enzyme with the antiauxins, in the absence of substrate.

These results are interpreted as an evidence for the capacity of antiauxins to act directly on fundamental metabolic systems, even in absence of auxin.

The lack of specificity and the characteristics of the inhibiting action of antiauxins on dehydrogenase systems suggest that they could act through the inactivation of some chemical group of general diffusion and importance among the enzymes of the class here investigated; very probably, of -SH groups.     

Variazioni di attività della clorogenico ossidasi e di altri enzimi interessati all'ossidoriduzione del TPN durante l'attivazione di fettine di tubero di patata

Abstract

CHANGES IN THE ACTIVITY OF CHLOROGENIC ACID OXIDASE AND OTHER ENZYMES INVOLVED IN OXIDATION AND REDUCTION OF TPN IN AGEING POTATO TUBER SLICES. — The activation of respiration, and in particular of the pentose phosphate pathway, during incubation of potato tuber slices could depend on the increase of activity of oxidative enzymes mediating electron transfer from Gl. 6-P to oxygen.

The present report deals with the activity changes, in the first period of incubation, of the following enzymes: Gl. 6-P-dehydrogenase, TPNH-glutathione reductase, gluta-thione-dehydroascorbate reductase, chlorogenic acid oxidase and a TPNH diaphorase utilizing tetrazolium salts as electron acceptors.

The activity of all of these enzymes, with the exception of TPNH diaphorase, was found to bs, at all stages of incubation, in large excess respect that required to account for the estimated contribution of the pentose phosphate pathway to respiration.

Gl. 6-P dehydrogenase, glutathione reductase and chlorogenic oxidase activities markedly incresed during incubation; but their increase appeared to be clearly delayed (of some hours) respect that of oxygen uptake. This seems to indicate that the increase in activity of these anzymes is rather a consequence than a cause of the respiratory activation.

TPNH diaphorase showed a very low activity in the fresh slices, and it increased quite significantly already in the very first period (5 hours) of incubation. This behaviour suggests the possibility that this enzyme could limit TPNH oxidation, and thus the pentose phosphate pathway activity, and that its activation could be correlated with that of oxidative metabolism in the ageing slices. Further investigation of this hypothesis requires the identification of the natural electron acceptor of this enzyme.     

Osservazioni sulla sessualità di ceratonia siliqua L.

Summary

In Ceratonia Siliqua the development of the female gametophyte is of the normal monomegasporial, eightnucleated type. The albumen is nuclear. The microspore tetrads divide simultaneously.     

Impiego delle sezioni di coleoptile di alcune varietà italiane di frumento nel dosaggio biologico di sostanze promotrici ed inibitrici della crescita

Abstract

Growth response of coleoptile sections from four Italian cultivars of wheat to some growth regulators.—The following Italian wheat varieties were used to obtain the coleoptile sections used throughout the experiments: Funo, S. Pastore, Abbondanza, Generoso.

The growth substances tested were Indolacetic acid (IAA), Abscisic acid (ABA), Kinetin and Gibberellic acid.

The colcoptile response of each variety was tested with three different concentrations for each growth regulator in combination with two sucrose concentrations and three different pH levels.

The experiments indicated that the coleoptiles from the variety « Funo » react linearly to incresing IAA and ABA concentration resulting the best one to be used in this bioassay.     

Effetto di Inibitori Della Sintesi Proteica Sull'aumento di Attività Enzimatiche e sul Risveglio del Metabolismo Nell'Endosperma di Semi di Ricino in Germinazione

Abstract

Effects of inhibitors of protein synthesis on the development of metabolic activity in the endosperm during the germination of castor bean seeds. — The effect of chloramphenicol, streptomycin and actinomycin-C on the increase of the activities of glyceroaldehyde-phosphate dehydrogenase, aldolase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, fructose 1–6 diphosphate-1-phosphatase, phosphomonoesterase, in the endosperm of germinating castor bean seeds was investigated.

In all cases, the protein synthesis inhibitors depressed the activation of the enzymes tested: in particular, actinomycin (50 μg/ml) completely suppressed the increase of the activities.

The development of the rate of oxygen uptake and the conversion of fats to sugars was strongly affected by the inhibitors.

These data suggest that the increase of the activities of several enzymes in the germinating endosperm is dependent on enzyme synthesis rather than on the conversion from the inactive to the active form of the enzymes.