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Association between West Nile Virus circulation in Culex mosquitoes and avian biodiversity in Emilia-Romagna, Italy
No full textLinking movement ecology and zoogeochemistry: red deer as drivers of nutrient redistribution in the Alps
Full text linkInfluence of yeast adaptation with bio-activators on the process of wine alcoholic fermentation
No full textThe initial stages of alcoholic fermentation are highly sensible to various external influences, making the ability of the fermenting strains to adapt to challenging conditions crucial for the success of the process. The performance of wine yeasts depends on their capacity to endure the harsh conditions of must fermentation. Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains consistently encounter unfavourable conditions during winemaking, such as low pH levels. This study investigated the effects of adding two commercial bio-activators (Adapta®, Hnutrix® B-Vitality) on fermentation performances and yeast cell response during the first 48 h of alcoholic fermentation. Additionally, the influence of a low pH environment (2.9) on the examined parameters was evaluated. Specifically, yeast levels were monitored over the initial 48h period post-inoculation using flow cytometry and plate counts. Furthermore, yeast RNA was converted into cDNA, and RT-qPCR was used to assess gene expression. Notably, in treatments with bio-activators, plate counts and flow cytometry showed that yeast levels reached higher levels 14 h after inoculation. Moreover, the presence of bio-activators enhanced cell viability, which could explain the improved fermentation rate observed in both standard and low pH conditions when the two bio-activators were used. The analysis of gene expression patterns revealed significant differences in treatment responses. Under low pH conditions, two markers related to radical scavenging mechanisms showed expression levels ten times higher than those under standard conditions. In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights into yeast cell physiology, highlighting how yeast cells adapt their responses during the initial stages of fermentation in challenging environment
Airborne campaign activities in the framework of the FLEX-ITA project
No full textThis contribution outlines the ongoing activities part of the project “FLEX Inland water and Terrestrial Airborne measurements and scientific exploitation” (FLEX-ITA), founded by the Italian Space Agency (ASI) and developed in collaboration between the University of Milano-Bicocca, CNR-IBE, CNR-IREA and FEM. The project aims to establish a network of experts in airborne and field campaigns to support the ESA FLEX mission. The two-year project includes a range of activities with the following key objectives: (i) deploy the airborne imaging spectrometer IBIS (Specim, Spectral Imaging Ltd., Finland) to acquire high-quality data for mapping the Solar-Induced Fluorescence (SIF); (ii) develop algorithms similar to FLEX mission processor for retrieving spectrally resolved SIF from airborne imagery; (iii) advance methods for Calibration/Validation (Cal/Val) of the FLEX mission through integrated airborne and ground-based measurements; (iv) promoting innovative approaches to SIF-based indicators for detection and monitoring of water stress in agriculture; and (v) exploiting FLEX-like measurements to improve phytoplankton characterization and evaluate in inland water environments. To achieve the project objectives, airborne campaigns are scheduled for the first and second years, supported by in-situ spectral, chemical/physical and physiological measurements. These efforts aim to build expertise in data acquisition, airborne sensor operation, processing methods, analysis, modelling and interpretation of the SIF data. Within this framework, the FLEX-ITA 2024 campaign was designed to acquire data through two distinct campaigns: (i) the “land” campaign focused on the early detection of water stress in agricultural crops, and (ii) the “water” campaign aimed at characterizing and quantifying aquatic phytoplankton in lakes. The campaigns involved simultaneous and coordinated data acquisitions using two high-resolution airborne imaging spectrometers, IBIS and HyPlant, which were co-installed on the same airborne platform (i.e., Cessna 208B Grand Caravan). This effort was made possible through a partnership between the FLEX-ITA project, CzechGlobe, and Forschungszentrum Jülich. The HyPlant airborne imaging spectrometer consists of the high-resolution FLUO module and the VIS-SWIR DUAL module. The FLUO operates in the red and near-infrared wavelengths (650–800 nm) with high spectral resolution (FWHM = 0.2 nm). The DUAL acquires imaging spectroscopy data across the 400–2500 nm range, providing key information for deriving biochemical and structural plant properties relevant to interpret SIF. The technical specifications of the IBIS sensor are similar to those of the FLUO module. Although the nominal characteristics of IBIS and FLUO are comparable, HyPlant is recognized as the first airborne sensor developed explicitly for SIF mapping. Since its introduction in 2012, it has been widely used in international campaigns related to the FLEX mission. In contrast, IBIS represents a newer commercial instrument with its full capabilities still being explored. The "land" campaign was conducted in Rispescia (Grosseto, Italy) from June 15 to July 7, 2024. Multiple flight lines were successfully acquired on June 22, 28, and 30, contributing to the diverse project objectives. These included multi-temporal flights on different days and times of the day, varying flight altitudes, and multi-angular observations. The irrigation manipulation experiment was conducted in the experimental area considering three agricultural crops (i.e., Sunflower, Sudan grass, and Lentils), each divided into well-irrigated and non-irrigated plots. During the experiment, field spectroscopy measurements were continuously collected using three FLOX spectrometers (JB-Hyperspectral, Germany) to measure SIF and canopy reflectance at various plots. Physiological measurements were also acquired throughout the campaign to characterize and monitor crop conditions. The "water" campaign covered the southwestern region of Lake Garda (Italy) where the CNR-IREA permanent station is located. On July 4th, airborne survey was conducted along seven flight lines, repeated at two different times of the day and at varying flight altitudes. Concurrently, an intensive field campaign was carried out with three distinct boats, encompassing a wide range of optical, biological, and physicochemical measurements, alongside water sampling at multiple depths across various sites. Laboratory analyses were performed to quantify chlorophyll-a, secondary pigments, coloured dissolved organic matter, and total suspended particles. Apparent optical properties, such as remote sensing reflectance, were measured using spectroradiometers including ROX, SR-3500, WISP-3, and HyperOCR, while phytoplankton fluorescence and backscattering were evaluated with specialized instruments. Additional in situ measurements, such as turbidity, dissolved oxygen, and other physicochemical parameters, were recorded with multiparameter probes and complemented by atmospheric observations using Microtops II and CIMEL photometers. This contribution presents preliminary results, focusing on the evaluation of the quality and reliability of IBIS airborne imagery, as well as advancements in SIF retrieval algorithms. Special attention will be given to the novel capability of estimating spectrally resolved SIF from airborne imagery, as foreseen for the FLEX mission. SIF retrievals will be quantitatively compared with ground-based measurements from FLOX spectrometers, complemented by the assessments of the spatial and temporal consistency of the SIF maps produced. Finally, the potential contribution of these results in the framework of Cal/Val activities of the FLEX mission will be discusse
Impact of extreme weather events on tick-host dynamics and disease risk in mountainous regions: the study case of Vaia windstorm in the north-eastern Italian Alps
No full textIn 2018, the windstorm ‘Vaia’ hit the North-Eastern Italian Alps causing the loss of 42 million trees across over 42500 hectares by creating fragmented habitats that alter local animal communities and raise disease risk concerns. The area is part of the BEPREP project focusing on biodiversity recovery to reduce disease spread. This study evaluates the responses of hosts to a catastrophic event in terms of community composition and relative abundance and the consequences on zoonotic risk using small mammals, ticks and tick-borne pathogens as a model system. The study site is located in the Paneveggio-Pale di San Martino Natural Park (Autonomous Province of Trento, Northern Italy). Twelve sites are identified in three different habitat types (post-Vaia windthrow, forest and meadow), both at 1100 and 1700 m a.s.l. In each site, we performed Capture-Mark-Recapture live-trapping of small mammals and tick-dragging along transects during 2023/2024. Bacteria and protozoa were detected in ticks using PCR-based methods combined with sequencing. In total 212 Ixodes sp. ticks were collected through transects (97 in 2023 and 115 in 2024), with a higher tick density in Vaia sites compared to forest ones. Tick-borne pathogens screening of ticks collected in 2023 (for 2024 analyses are ongoing) reported Anaplasma phagocytophilum (3.33%), Babesia venatorum (5%), Rickettsia monacensis (3.33%) and Borrelia afzelii (20%) in Vaia sites, while in the forest only B. afzelii (16.22%) and B. burgdorferi s.s. (5.41%) were detected. We captured 261 small mammal individuals belonging to Apodemus flavicollis, A. sylvaticus, Clethrionomys glareolus, Microtus spp. and Sorex spp. Small mammal diversity was higher in Vaia sites. Vaia sites are undergoing natural reforestation, with heterogeneous habitats that promote the interface between vectors and hosts, raising disease risk. This study emphasizes understanding habitat changes' ecological effects on animal communities and disease transmission
MdDSK2a-Like-MdMTA module functions in apple cold response via regulating ROS detoxification and cell wall deposition
Full text linkN6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most abundant internal RNA modification in eukaryotic cells. Although the importance of its roles in mRNA metabolism, plant development, and stress responses has been well documented, regulation of its machinery is largely unknown in plants. Here, it is reported that MdMTA positively regulates cold tolerance. Combining MeRIP-seq and RNA-seq, it is found that MdMTA regulates the m6A and expression levels of cold-responsive genes under cold stress, including those involved in reactive oxygen species (ROS) detoxification and cell wall deposition. Further analysis reveals that MdMTA promotes ROS scavenging and the deposition of cellulose and hemicellulose by regulating the mRNA stability of the relevant genes under cold conditions. MdDSK2a-like, a ubiquitin receptor protein, mediates MdMTA degradation by the 26S ubiquitin-dependent proteasome and autophagy pathways. MdDSK2a-like negatively regulates cold tolerance by reducing the m6A levels of MdMTA target genes. Consistently, MdDSK2a-like inhibits ROS scavenging and the deposition of cellulose and hemicellulose under cold conditions. Genetic dissection shows that MdDSK2a-like acts upstream of MdMTA in cold response. The results not only reveal the degradation of MdMTA, but also illustrate the molecular mechanism of the MdDSK2a-like-MdMTA module in m6A modification and cold respons
Peptidomics in the wine industry: literature perspectives on functional importance and analytical methods
No full textGestione di R201 Kissabel® varietà di mele a polpa rossa
No full textA partire dal 2015 nel panorama frutticolo trentino sono state introdotte nuove varietà, tra tutte queste, R-201 Kissabel®, resistente a Venturia inaequalis, si distingue per la caratteristica polpa rossa, ma presenta tendenza ad alternanza produttiva e rugginosità che devono essere tenute sotto controllo