Nanopesticides: Physico-chemical characterization by a combination of advanced analytical techniques.

The recent application of manufactured nanomaterials (MNMs) in plant protection products (PPPs) enhances stability of the active substance (a.s.), minimizes application losses, reduces the quantities of a.s., increases coverage on leaf surface, improves precise application, etc. Besides offering benefits, there is high concern about the potential risk for human and environment associated with the use of nanopesticides. In this study, a panel of complementary methodologies were used to determine size distribution and chemical identification of four different formulations of nanopesticides. Measurements were performed by dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), asymmetric field flow fractionation-multi angle light scattering (AF4-FFF-MALS), gas/liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS, LC-MS/MS) or diode array detector (HPLC-DAD) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Results indicated average size values in the ranges: 27.4-148.7 nm by DLS; 39.1-82.0 nm by AF4-FFF-MALS; and 42-90 nm by TEM. Linked to these nanosized particles both organic active ingredients and inorganic ones were identified. In addition, the obtained data revealed that all the four PPPs contained more than 50% of particles with number size distribution between 1 and 100 nm and, according to the European Commission definition, they can be defined as nanopesticides.

Genetic variability of the stolbur phytoplasma vmp1 gene in grapevines, bindweeds and vegetables.

AIM: Evaluation of the genetic variability of stolbur phytoplasma infecting grapevines, bindweeds and vegetables, collected in different central and southern Italian regions. MATERIALS AND RESULTS: Phytoplasma isolates belonging to stolbur subgroup 16SrXII-A were subjected to molecular characterization by polymerase chain reaction/restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR/RFLP), to investigate two different nonribosomal genes: tuf and vmp1. In grapevines, 32% of samples were infected by tuf-a type and 68% by tuf-b type, with different relative incidences in the regions surveyed. All herbaceous samples (bindweeds, tomato, tobacco, pepper, celery) were infected by tuf-b. The gene vmp1 showed higher polymorphism in grapevines (nine profiles) than herbaceous plants (six) by RFLP analysis, in agreement with nucleotide sequences' analysis and virtual digestions. CONCLUSIONS: The phylogenetic analysis of vmp1 gene sequences supports the RFLP data and demonstrates the accuracy of RFLP for preliminary assessments of genetic diversity of stolbur phytoplasmas and for screening different vmp types. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Stolbur represents a serious phytosanitary problem in the areas under investigation, owing to heavy economic losses in infected grapevines and vegetables. Molecular information about the complex genotyping of the vmp1 gene provides useful data towards a better understanding of stolbur epidemiology. Moreover, this study clarifies some different vmp1 genotype classifications of stolbur, providing molecular data in comparison with previous investigations.

Identification of a 16SrII-E Phytoplasma in Calendula arvensis, Solanum nigrum, and Chenopodium spp.

Epidemiological surveys were performed in Northern Sardinia (Italy) in a 10-year-old vineyard affected by "Bois noir" disease. Samples collected between May and October 2003 from chlorotic and stunted weeds belonging to 14 different taxonomic groups were indexed molecularly for detection of phytoplasmas. Nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays using primers specific for the phytoplasma 16SrDNA gene showed three of six Calendula arvensis, one of two Solanum nigrum, and one of seven Chenopodium spp. assayed positive. Restriction fragment length polymorphism analyses and sequencing of amplified 16SrDNA fragments identified a putative phytoplasma in the ribosomal subgroup 16SrII-E. Further characterization of the rps3 gene, coding a ribosomal protein, confirmed the identification. However, the weeds and leafhop-per species collected in the vineyard tested negative by PCR assays for the Stolbur phytoplasma, the causal agent of "Bois noir". This is the first report of a phytoplasma of the 16SrII-E subgroup infecting C. arvensis, S. nigrum, and Chenopodium spp.

[Radiopaque lesions of the jaws]. / Le lesioni osteoaddensanti dei mascellari.

This paper provides an overview of radiopaque lesions of the jaws after having outlined the various criteria for classification; depending on their etiology. Those lesions are generally separated into lesions with an unknown cause and lesions with a known etiology (phlogistic, dysplastic-dystrophic, tumoral). The authors give a general description of the clinical and radiographic symptoms of the main lesions. In many cases, with the exception of asymptomatic lesions with an unknown etiology, the patient presents a variable swelling that deforms the bone in question, resulting in asymmetry of the face and/or, depending on the site, nasal obstruction, mastication and speech disorders, exophthalmos with or without diplopia. The radiographic aspect of lesions and the associated laboratory and clinical findings often enable a diagnosis to be reached, but in doubtful cases diagnosis can only be confirmed by histological analysis.

[Necrotizing sialometaplasia of the submandibular gland. Report of a case]. / Scialometaplasia necrotizzante della ghiandola sottomandibolare. Descrizione di un caso.

A case report of swelling of the right submandibular gland, with spontaneous remission, is described. Clinical, ultrasonographical and cytological features suggest that the swelling could be ascribed to a necrotizing sialometaplasia. The etiopathological hypothesis and pathology of the lesion are presented, and the differential diagnosis with other spreading lesions of the submandibular gland is discussed.