Classification of wine grape biotypes according to their variety and sanitary condition by fingerprinting untargeted analysis.

Grapes secondary metabolites content mainly depends on variety, but also on climate and cultural conditions, including sanitary status. This study aimed to use a metabolomic fingerprinting approach for grouping 72 wine grape biotypes, Negro amaro n. (N), Malvasia nera di Brindisi/Lecce n. (M), and Uva di Troia n. (U), on the basis of their cultivar and virological conditions. The skins were extracted and analysed by flow injection mass spectrometry; a one-way ANOVA/Principal Component Analysis (PCA) allowed to efficiently cluster the samples, recognizing M from N and U biotypes. Conversely, the clusterisation of the biotypes affected by different virus complexes was really more tough and a clear distinction among infected plants was not always observed. However, very interestingly, by applying ANOVA/PCA to the biotypes of each varieties, singularly, healthy biotypes were sharply separated in all the varieties and a relationship between anthocyanin compounds and Grapevine leafroll associated virus (GLRaV3) slightly appeared.

Effect of pre-harvest inactivated yeast treatment on the anthocyanin content and quality of table grapes.

Due to the global warming, more and more often the red-pink grape varieties grown in the Mediterranean basin reveal an insufficient accumulation of anthocyanins and thus a scarce coloration. Nowadays, this is becoming an important technological issue, which may result in the reduction of the fresh market value of table grape. This study aimed at assessing the effect of the pre-harvest treatment by specific inactivated yeasts (YE) on the qualitative parameters and anthocyanin pattern of three red table grape varieties, which typically present poor and/or incomplete coloration during warm years. An increment of anthocyanins level up to almost seven folds corresponding to an improvement of red skin appearance was observed in all the treated table grapes, which was preserved after cold storage, too. While, no significant influence on chemical composition and berry texture and dimensions was found, meaning that YE did not cause appreciable taste changes in grapes.

Correction to: SNP genotyping elucidates the genetic diversity of Magna Graecia grapevine germplasm and its historical origin and dissemination.

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.

Effect of two exogenous plant growth regulators on the color and quality parameters of seedless table grape berries.

Some red-pink table grape varieties, cultivated in warm climates, can fail in achieving the right level of anthocyanins responsible for the intense and uniform red color of berries. Nowadays, this is becoming an important technological issue in the Mediterranean area, which may result in decreasing market acceptance and potential economic value of table grape. Usually, plant growth regulators or phytohormones, such as S-ABA, can overcome this problem because they drive the accumulation of anthocyanins over the ripening season. Harpin proteins (HrP), which enhance the plant disease resistance, may be supposed to stimulate the anthocyanins biosynthesis in grape skin if applied close to veraison. Therefore, this research aimed at comparing the effect of HrP and S-ABA over the anthocyanin and color improvement of Crimson Seedless table grape grown in Southern Italy. For the first time, the exogenous treatment with HrP showed as effective as the less sustainable S-ABA one in favoring the anthocyanin accumulation, leading to peonidin-3-O-glucoside, cyanidin-3-O-glucoside, and malvidin-3-O-glucoside values up to 4 folds higher than control grapes and giving rise to a greater concentration of the more stable acylated anthocyanins. Overall, the color of berries was improved but keeping high the other quality characteristics.

Communication and health education in communities experiencing asbestos risk and health impacts in Italy.

INTRODUCTION: Numerous municipalities in Italy currently experience asbestos health impact, in particular excesses of pleural mesothelioma incidence and mortality. This paper presents an integrated analysis of epidemiological studies and communication actions in affected municipalities to highlight how communication has been implemented depending on health impact evidence and involvement of local stakeholders. METHODOLOGY: Four case studies are identified concerning industrial and natural sources of asbestos exposure having different diseases burden. This integrated analysis benefited from multidisciplinary skills. DISCUSSION: Evidence of different stakeholders engagement is presented to emphasize their role in the communication process. Similarities and differences among case studies allowed us to identify lessons-learned to be transferred in other asbestos contaminated sites. CONCLUSIONS: The adoption of communication strategies and practices, since the very early evidence of asbestos health impact, represents a relevant contribution for epidemiological and health surveillance, particularly for those communities where asbestos health impact has only been recently reported.

SNP genotyping elucidates the genetic diversity of Magna Graecia grapevine germplasm and its historical origin and dissemination.

BACKGROUND: Magna Graecia is the ancient name for the modern geopolitical region of South Italy extensively populated by Greek colonizers, shown by archeological and historical evidence to be the oldest wine growing region of Italy, crucial for the spread of specialized viticulture around Mediterranean shores. Here, the genetic diversity of Magna Graecia grape germplasm was assessed and its role in grapevine propagation around the Mediterranean basin was underlined. RESULTS: A large collection of grapevines from Magna Graecia was compared with germplasm from Georgia to the Iberian Peninsula using the 18 K SNP array. A high level of genetic diversity of the analyzed germplasm was determined; clustering, structure analysis and DAPC (Discriminant Analysis of Principal Components) highlighted the genetic relationships among genotypes from South Italy and the Eastern Mediterranean (Greece). Gene flow from east (Georgia) to west (Iberian Peninsula) was identified throughout the large number of detected admixed samples. Pedigree analysis showed a complex and well-structured network of first degree relationships, where the cultivars from Magna Graecia were mainly involved. CONCLUSIONS: This study provided evidence that Magna Graecia germplasm was shaped by historical events that occurred in the area due to the robust link between South Italian and Greek genotypes, as well as, by the availability of different thermal resources for cultivars growing in such different winegrowing areas. The uniqueness of this ampelographic platform was mainly an outcome of complex natural or human-driven crosses involving elite cultivars.

[Health impact of asbestos fibres naturally occurring in Mount Pollino area (Basilicata Region, Southern Italy)]. / Impatto sulla salute delle fibre di amianto presenti in affioramenti naturali nell'area del Pollino (Basilicata).

OBJECTIVES: to estimate the health impact of asbestos fibres naturally occurring in Mount Pollino area (Basilicata Region, Southern Italy). DESIGN: geographic mortality, hospitalization, and incidence study. Setting and participant s: population resident in 12 Municipalities of Mount Pollino area with naturally occurring asbestos fibres. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: standardized mortality ratio (SMR) and standardized hospitalization rate (SHR) for asbestos-related diseases; standardized incidence ratio (SIR) for mesotheliomas. Result s: in the area of Mount Pollino, where asbestos fibres naturally occur, especially in the sub-area in which fibres are close to dwellings and settlements, it was observed: • a significant excess of mesothelioma incidence (SIR: 208; CI95% 111-355; 13 observed); • a non-significant excess of hospitalization for malignant pleural neoplasms (SHR: 176; CI95% 93-335; 9 observed); • a significant excess for mortality and hospitalization for pneumoconiosis (SMR: 534; CI95% 345-824; 20 observed - SHR: 245; CI95% 149-405; 15 observed); • a significant excess for hospitalization (SHR: 852; CI95% 290-2,506; 3 observed) for asbestosis. CONCLUSION: it is necessary to continue environmental monitoring and environmental remediation in the area with higher asbestos exposure. It is suggested to implement a permanent process of epidemiological surveillance in this same area. A communication plan with local administrators, general practitioners, school teachers, media, and the resident population at large should be realized.

Effect of Implant Diameter and Ridge Dimension on Stress Distribution in Mandibular First Molar Sites-A Photoelastic Study.

The long-term clinical success of a dental implant is dependent upon maintaining sufficient osseointegration to resist forces of occlusion. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of implant diameter on stress distribution around screw-type dental implants in mandibular first molar sites using photoelastic models. The design included models with different buccal-lingual dimension. Twelve composite photoelastic models were assembled using 2 different resins to simulate trabecular and cortical bone. Half of the models were fabricated with average dimensions for ridge width and the other half with narrower buccal-lingual dimensions. One internal connection implant (13 mm length) with either a standard (4 mm), wide (5 mm), or narrow (3.3 mm) diameter was embedded in the first molar position of each photoelastic model. Half the implants were tapered and the other half were straight. Full gold crowns in the shape of a mandibular first molar were fabricated and attached to the implants. Vertical and angled loads of 15 and 30 pounds were applied to specific points on the crown. Wide-diameter implants produced the least stress in all ridges while narrow-diameter implants generated the highest stress, especially in narrow ridges. It may be that the volume and quality of bone surrounding implants influences stress distribution with a greater ratio of cortical to trabecular bone, thus providing better support. Models with wide-diameter implants loaded axially had a more symmetrical stress distribution compared to standard and narrow diameter implants. A more asymmetrical stress pattern developed along the entire implant length with angled loads. Implant diameter and ridge width had considerable influence on stress distribution. Narrow-diameter implants produced more stress than wide diameter implants in all conditions tested.

Microleakage of adhesive resinous materials in root canals.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to compare the in vitro micro-leakage resistance of adhesive resin materials to long-used zinc oxide-eugenol and epoxy resin sealers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seven materials, five test (Real Seal, Real Seal XT, Panavia F 2.0, Infinity Syringeable, GCEM) and two controls (Tubliseal, AH Plus), were evaluated for micro-leakage resistance in a bovine incisor root model, with 12 roots per material. Teeth were root canal treated, stored in water, artificially aged by thermal-cycling, stained with silver nitrate, sectioned to yield eight measurement points per tooth (four coronal and four apical), giving 672 measurement points. Stain penetration was measured using digital positioners and a toolmakers microscope; then analyzed using descriptive statistics, two-way analysis of variance and multiple comparisons testing (P < 0.05). RESULTS: All modern adhesive resinous materials leaked significantly less than long-used zinc oxide-eugenol and epoxy resin sealers (P < 0.05). Mean leakage values and their associated (standard deviations) in mm were: Infinity Syringeable 2.5 (1.5), Real Seal XT 3.2 (1.4), Real Seal 3.4 (1.6), Panavia F 2.0 3.8 (2.7), GCEM 4.2 (1.8), Tubli-seal 5.4 (2.8), AH Plus 6.3 (2.3). Overall, more leakage occurred apically than coronally (P < 0.0001). Many materials exhibited dimensional instability: Marked contraction, expansion, or lack of cohesion. CONCLUSION: A variety of adhesive resinous materials, endodontic sealers and crown cements, reduced micro-leakage in comparison to long and widely used zinc oxide- eugenol and epoxy sealers.

Fatigue behavior of the resinous cement to zirconia bond.

PURPOSE: Resinous cements are widely used for luting zirconia restorations. Adhesive failures have occurred at the cement/zirconia interface, rather than at the cement/dentin interface, suggesting that the cement/zirconia bond may lack durability; however, few comprehensive, comparative evaluations of fatigue effects have been reported. The rate of fatigue-induced loss of bond strength may be a more important predictor of long-term success than a single snapshot of bond strength after an arbitrary number of thermocycles. Previous studies have failed to identify trends by investigating bond strengths at several different numbers of cycles. This may result in invalid conclusions about which cements have superior bond strengths. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of artificial aging by thermocycling and resinous cement type on bond strengths to zirconia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The effect of the number of thermocycles (0, 1, 10, 100, 1000, and 10,000) on the bond strengths of five resinous cements, two of which were used with and without a primer, and an oxygen-inhibiting gel, was studied. Specimens were randomly assigned to thermocycle number/cement-type test groups. Because zirconia has a very low thermal diffusivity, exceptionally long thermocycle dwell times were used. Cylinders of zirconia were bonded end-to-end. One end of each bonded specimen was insulated, specimens were thermocycled and tested in shear, and bond strengths were calculated and analyzed. RESULTS: Two-way ANOVA revealed that the effects of cement type, the number of thermocycles, and their interaction all significantly affected bond strength (p < 0.0001). By 10,000 cycles, most cements had lost at least half of their initial bond strengths, and two cements effectively recorded zero bond strengths. Failure modes were cement specific, but adhesive modes predominated. Fatigue resistance of two cements was greatly improved by use of a primer and an oxygen-inhibiting gel, as recommended by their respective manufacturers. CONCLUSIONS: Both the type of resin cement and the number of thermocycles influenced bond strength. Fatigue through thermocycling affected different cement types in different ways. Some materials displayed more rapid loss of bond strength than others. Cements differed in their failure modes.

Validation assay of p3_VvAGL11 marker in a wide range of genetic background for early selection of stenospermocarpy in Vitis vinifera L.

DNA markers technology, derived from research in molecular biology and genomics, offers great promise for plant breeding, allowing the "molecular breeding" via marker-assisted selection. Grapevine genomic resources allowed, in recent years, the characterization at molecular level of genes involved in interesting phenotypes such as stenospermocarpic seedlessness, a trait really appreciated by consumers. Recent studies in table grapes revealed that the VvAGL11 gene, member of the D-lineage MADS-box family, controls the ovule identity, and thus potentially playing an important role in stenospermocarpy. Intragenic markers of VvAGL11 have been found and tested for breeding purposes. In the present paper, we describe an in deep assay on a total of 475 genotypes derived by our own grape germplasm and seeded × seedless crosses F1 offspring, to evaluate and verify the "diagnostic" power of VvAGL11 in marker-assisted selection. We found only 8/475 that were seeded and carried the seedless-associated allele in the STS p3_VvAGL11. However, and most importantly, there were no seedless varieties without such allele. We validated the marker as a 100 % effective tool for early negative selection of stenospermocarpy in Vitis vinifera L. crosses.

Sangiovese and its offspring in southern Italy.

This paper demonstrates the importance of different approaches such as ampelography, historical researches, and molecular analysis to reveal direct parent-child relationship. The aim of this paper was to highlight the degree of relationship to five varieties spread in southern Italy, through ampelographic and molecular characterization: Sangiovese, Mantonico di Bianco, Gaglioppo di Cirò, Mantonicone, and Nerello Mascalese. Molecular characterization was carried out through 52 SSR molecular markers, showing that Sangiovese and Mantonico di Bianco are the parents of Gaglioppo di Cirò, Mantonicone, and Nerello Mascalese. Ampelographic description was performed using the method developed by the Organisation Internationale de la Vigne et du Vin. This analysis identifies three distinct groups: the first brings together Sangiovese and the two offspring Nerello Mascalese and Gaglioppo di Cirò, while Mantonico di Bianco and Mantonicone are positioned at a distance from the first and between them. Using molecular characterization, supported by the ampelographic one, we showed that Gaglioppo di Cirò, Mantonicone, and Nerello Mascalese, three varieties recovered in the southern regions of Italy, such as Calabria and Sicily, originated by the cross between a nationally spread grape variety as Sangiovese and a Calabria autochthonous vine as Mantonico di Bianco.

Evidences for an alternative genealogy of 'Sangiovese'.

Two different hypothesis for the parentage of 'Sangiovese', the most important and widespread Italian winegrape, have been proposed by some previous studies. We screened our grapevine collection, mostly comprising south Italian cultivars collected to preserve biodiversity, to asses kinships. Surprisingly we found two previously unreported candidate parents for 'Sangiovese'. The first putative parent is 'Ciliegiolo' a well know variety already addressed as relative of 'Sangiovese'; the second putative parent is 'Negrodolce', an old local variety we recovered and was considered lost during the last century. In order to obtain a stronger statistical support for this new kinship, we tested seventy different microsatellite markers but only 57 were found reliable. The new proposed parentage stood well even with such a in depth molecular analysis whereas only one discrepancy was found in one of the 57 microsatellite marker analyzed. This discrepancy is certainly due to a null-allele and therefore it should not impair our hypothesis but it points out limits of the microsatellites profiling as a pedigree research method considering that this is the third different kinship proposed so far for 'Sangiovese'. Thus in this article, by means of detailed molecular fingerprinting, we provide a completely new strong evidence for a south Italian origin of 'Sangiovese' and we discuss our findings comparing our data with those previously reported by other authors.

Microleakage resistance of minimally invasive Class I flowable composite restorations.

Minimally invasive flowable composite Class I restorations are widely used. However, flowable composites are characterized by low filler contents, modified resin formulations, low moduli of elasticity, low viscosity, generally poor mechanical properties, and decreased long-term stability. The purpose of this study was to compare the microleakage resistance of a wide variety of flowable composites used with their manufacturers' recommended bonding systems to that of a long-used and widely studied microhybrid composite when placed as minimally invasive occlusal restorations. Molar teeth were prepared in a standardized manner, restored, artificially aged, stained, sectioned, evaluated, and analyzed. Microleakage varied substantially, by a whole order of magnitude, among the material groups tested. The control group, a conventional microhybrid composite material, leaked significantly less than all the flowable composite groups. Microleakage varied very slightly among measurement site locations. Tiny microscopic bubbles were seen within many of the flowable composite specimens, as were a few voids.

Comparative biomechanical evaluation of mono-cortical osteosynthesis systems for condylar fractures using photoelastic stress analysis.

Fractures of the condyle account for 20-30% of all mandibular fractures, and are therefore one of the most common facial injuries. Precise evaluation of the mechanical stresses that develop in a fractured mandible is essential, particularly for the testing of systems currently used for stabilisation of the condylar fragment. Photoelastic stress analysis can be used to visualise alterations in the strain that is induced in the mandible by a fracture, and in the osteosynthesis materials used to stabilise it. This method, used on currently used osteosynthesis materials, showed that stabilisation of a subcondylar fracture with a single miniplate does not provide enough stability, whereas the use of two miniplates - properly positioned - offers sufficient stability in all loading conditions. A microplate may be used as a tension-resisting plate with equally good results.

Effect of compromised cortical bone on implant load distribution.

PURPOSE: To investigate photoelastically the difference in load distribution of dental implants with different implant neck designs in intact and compromised bone. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Composite photoelastic models were fabricated using two different resins to simulate trabecular bone and a 1-mm thick layer of cortical bone. The following parallel-sided, threaded implants were centrally located in individual models representing intact and compromised cortical bone: Straumann (4.1-mm diameter x 12-mm length), AstraTech (4.0-mm diameter x 13-mm length), and 3i (3.75-mm diameter x 13-mm length). The compromised cortical bone condition was simulated by contaminating a 1-mm neck portion with Vaseline to impair the implant-resin interface. Vertical and oblique static loads were applied on the abutments, and the resulting stresses were monitored photoelastically and recorded photographically. RESULTS: For the fully intact condition, the highest stresses were observed around the crest and apical region for all implant designs under vertical and inclined loads. There were no appreciable differences in magnitude or distribution between implant types. With compromised cortical bone, for all designs and load directions, higher stresses in the supporting structures were observed. Increased stresses were noted especially at the cortical bone-trabecular bone interface. Somewhat lower stress levels were observed with the 3i implant. CONCLUSIONS: The condition of implant-cortical bone contact has considerable influence on stress distribution. A compromised cortical bone condition caused higher level stresses for all implant designs tested.

Retention and load transfer characteristics of implant-retained auricular prostheses.

PURPOSE: The use of osseointegrated implants for maxillofacial prostheses reduces the need for adhesives, provides for a more stable and more esthetic prosthesis with thinner margins, and results in increased patient acceptance and confidence. The purpose of this study was to compare the retention and load transfer characteristics of differently designed implant-retained auricular prostheses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A photoelastic model was fabricated of the auricular-temporal region of a human skull. Craniofacial implants 3.75 mm in diameter and 4 mm long were embedded in locations typically selected to retain auricular prostheses. Two retention mechanisms were evaluated on the implants: a Hader bar with 3 clips and the use of 3 Locator attachments. The retentive capacity of the prostheses was determined on an Instron test machine. Initial retention and changes with multiple removals were examined. Dislodgment forces were applied to each retentive device in the field of a circular polariscope. Resulting stresses were monitored and recorded photographically. RESULTS: The highest initial retention demonstrated by the Locator device was 12.4 +/- 0.9 lb, and the highest retention value for the Hader bar with clips was 7.5 +/- 1.1 lb. All attachments decreased in retention after multiple removals. The Locator devices produced higher peri-implant stresses compared to the Hader bar-with-clips design. CONCLUSIONS: Since higher retention is associated with higher stresses, results of this study suggest that a balance between retention and stress production is necessary in selecting a retention mechanism for the specific requirements of the patient being treated. The Locator attachment was correlated with higher retention values as well as with higher peri-implant stress compared to the Hader bar-and-clip attachment design. Retention decreased and then stabilized after multiple

Biomechanical rationale for surgically facilitated expansion of the maxilla in the cleft palate patient.

AIM: To evaluate in vitro the biomechanical effects of surgically assisted rapid palatal expansion in a photoelastic unilateral cleft palate analog by observing stresses produced during appliance activation. METHODS: A photoelastic analog of an adult skull with unilateral cleft palate was fabricated using birefringent materials to simulate bone and teeth. A customized hyrax appliance was applied to the anchor teeth and incrementally activated. Resulting stress patterns on both the cleft side and the intact side were observed and recorded photographically in the field of a circular polariscope. Subsequently, the pterygomaxillary junctions were sequentially cut, the appliance activations repeated, and the resulting stresses recorded. RESULTS: With intact pterygomaxillary junctions, the highest stresses were localized at the zygomaticomaxillary and zygomaticofrontal sutures, with higher intensity on the intact side. Stresses concentrated in the pterygoid plates evidenced resistance to the expansion forces of the hyrax appliance. On separating the defect pterygomaxillary junction, increased stresses were located from the zygomaticomaxillary suture to the zygomaticofrontal suture and at the zygomatic arches on both sides, as well as the pterygomaxillary junction of the non-defect side. After cutting both the pterygomaxillary junctions, decreased stress was located from the zygomaticomaxillary suture to the zygomaticofrontal suture, the zygomatic arch, and the frontonasal sutures on both sides. CONCLUSIONS: The pterygomaxillary junctions acted as the main resistive elements to expansion forces generated by a hyrax appliance. Separating the pterygomaxillary junctions assisted the bodily displacement of the lateral maxillary segment, which would facilitate correction of maxillary arch constrictions in the adult unilateral cleft lip patient.

Comparing cutting efficiencies of diamond burs using a high-speed electric handpiece.

This study sought to compare the cutting efficiency of different diamond burs on initial use as well as during repeated use, alternating with sterilization. Long, round-end, tapered diamond burs with similar diameter, profile, and diamond coarseness (125-150 microm grit) were used. A high-torque, high-speed electric handpiece (set at 200,000 rpm) was utilized with a coolant flow rate of 25 mL/min. Burs were tested under a constant load of 170 g while cuts were made on a machinable ceramic substrate block. Each bur was subjected to five consecutive cuts for 30 seconds of continuous operation and the cutting depths were measured. All burs performed similarly on the first cut. Cutting efficiencies for three of the bur groups decreased significantly after the first cycle; however, by the fifth cycle, all bur groups performed similarly without any significant differences (p > 0.05). A scanning electron microscope revealed significant crystal loss after each use.

[Consensus Conference "Health surveillance of resident population exposed to tremolite in Local Health Unit 3 territory Lagonegro, PZ". Rome 22-23 February 2005]. / Consensus Conference "Sorveglianza sanitaria delle popolazioni esposte a fibre di tremolite nel territorio della ASL 3 Lagonegro-PZ". Roma 22-23 febbraio 2005.

Herein is reported the health surveillance document agreed upon during the Consensus Conference held in Rome at the Istituto Superiore di Sanità last year. The aim of the consensus conference was to define guidelines for epidemiologic and health surveillance of the resident population in the area of the Basilicata region exposed to tremolite pollution (Local Health Unit 3 territory Lagonegro, PZ). The health surveillance program for residents and the nested epidemiologic study evaluates for each resident willing to participate, individual exposure with a personal dosimeter, as well as the prevalence of obstructive, restrictive or mixed pulmonary functional patterns, searching for fiber and asbestos bodies in induced-sputum, the prevalence of non malignant asbestos disturbances related to pleural anomalies and, last but not least, provides information on risks and sensitization, advising on personal behaviour that could reduce the risks.