Microplastics affect soil-plant system: Implications for rhizosphere biology and fitness of sage (Salvia officinalis L.)

A mesocosm experiment was set-up to investigate the effects of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) fragments deriving from plastic film on soil ecology, rhizosphere and plant (Salvia officinalis L.) fitness. The internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and 16S metagenomic analysis was adopted to evaluate taxonomic and functional shifts of both soil and rhizosphere under the influence of microplastics (MPs). Photosynthetic parameters and enzymes involved in oxidative stress were assessed to unveil the plant physiological state. MP fragments were analysed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and metagenomics to investigate the plastisphere. Microbial biomarkers of MPs pollution were identified in soil and rhizosphere, reinforcing the concept of molecular biomonitoring. Overall, Bacillus, Nocardioides and Streptomyces genera are bacterial biomarkers of MPs pollution in soil whereas Aspergillus, Fusarium and Trichoderma genera, and Nectriaceae family are fungal biomarkers of MPs polluted soil. The data show that the presence of MPs promotes the abundance of taxa involved in the soil N cycle, but simultaneously reduces the endophytic interaction capability and enhances pathogen related functions at the rhizosphere level. A significant decrease in chlorophyll levels and increase of oxidative stress enzymes was observed in plants grown in MPs-polluted soil. The SEM observations of MPs fragments revealed a complex colonisation, where bacteria (Bacillus in MPSo and Microvirga in MPRz) and fungi (Aspergillus in MPSo and Trichoderma in MPRz) represent the main colonisers. The results demonstrate that the presence of MPs causes changes in the soil and rhizosphere microbial community and functions leading to negative effects on plant fitness.

Effects of microplastics on microbial community dynamics in sediments from the Volturno River ecosystem, Italy

In this study, the sources, abundance, and ecological implications of microplastic (MP) pollution in Volturno, one of the main rivers in southern Italy, were explored by investigating the MP concentration levels in sediments collected along the watercourse. The samples were sieved through 5- and 2-mm sieves and treated with selective organic solvents. The polymer classes polystyrene (PS), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate (PC), nylon 6 (PA6), and nylon 6,6 (PA66) were quantified using pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Furthermore, a 16S rRNA metagenomic analysis was performed using next-generation sequencing in Ion Torrent™ to explore the bacterial taxonomy and ecological dynamics of sediment samples. The MPs were detected in all samples collected from the study area. PP and PET were the most abundant and frequently detected polymer types in the analysed samples. The total MP concentration ranged from 1.05 to 14.55 ppm (parts per million), identifying two distinct data populations: high- and low-MP-contaminated sediments. According to the Polymer Hazard Index (PHI), MP pollution was categorised as hazard levels III and IV (corresponding to the danger category). Metagenomic data revealed that the presence of MPs significantly affected the abundance of bacterial taxa; Flavobacteraceae and Nocardiaceae, which are known to degrade polymeric substances, were present in high-MP-contaminated sediments. This study provides new insights into the ecological relevance of MP pollution and suggests that microorganisms may serve as biomarkers of MP pollution.

Multi-omic characterisation as a tool to improve knowledge, valorisation and conservation of wild fruit genetic resources: the case of Arbutus unedo L

The valorisation and conservation of plant genetic resources (PGRs) and wild fruit PGRs are critical to ensure the maintenance of genetic and cultural heritage and to promote new perspectives on resource use. New strategies to characterize PGRs are needed, and the omics approach can provide information that is still largely unknown. The Strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo L.) is an underutilized, drought and fire-resistant species distributed in the Mediterranean area and its berries have large ethnobotanical use. Although their phenolic profile and antioxidant capacity are known, they are not well characterised, particularly from a proteomic perspective. The aim of this work is the characterisation of two ecotypes of A. unedo (Campania and Sicily) from a molecular viewpoint to valorise and encourage the preservation of this wild fruit. Samples were collected from two different geographical areas to assess whether different geographical conditions could influence the characteristics of leaves and fruits at the three stages of ripening (green, veraison, red). Proteomic analysis identified 904 proteins, of which 122 showed significance along the ripening. Some of these differentially abundant proteins, such as chalcone synthase, show a marked increase during ripening. The protein functional classes with the highest representation are involved in protein and amino acid metabolism, glycolysis and in secondary metabolism. From a proteomic perspective, there are no differences between the fruits from the two regions compared by the ripening stage. However, the pedoclimatic metabolic imprinting allowed the observation of good diversity in the metabolomic profiles between the two ecotypes, especially for anthocyanins, 4 times more abundant in the Sicilian veraisoned fruit than in the Campania one, and catechins, with double the abundance in the Campania ecotype compared to the Sicilian ecotype in the green phase, but more abundant (3x) in the Sicilian veraisoned fruit. Phenolic compounds show a 20% greater abundance in the Campania green arbutus fruit than in the Sicilian one, values that then equalise as ripening progresses. Multi-omic characterisation enhanced the knowledge on a wild fruit plant species which shows specific adaptations and responses to the environment to be considered when addressing the issue of local agrobiodiversity.

Quercus ilex Phyllosphere Microbiome Environmental-Driven Structure and Composition Shifts in a Mediterranean Contex

The intra- and interdomain phyllosphere microbiome features of Quercus ilex L. in a Mediterranean context is reported. We hypothesized that the main driver of the phyllosphere microbiome might be the season and that atmospheric pollutants might have a co-effect. Hence, we investigated the composition of epiphytic bacteria and fungi of leaves sampled in urban and natural areas (in Southern Italy) in summer and winter, using microscopy and metagenomic analysis. To assess possible co-effects on the composition of the phyllosphere microbiome, concentrations of particulate matter and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were determined from sampled leaves. We found that environmental factors had a significative influence on the phyllosphere biodiversity, altering the taxa relative abundances. Ascomycota and Firmicutes were higher in summer and in urban areas, whereas a significant increase in Proteobacteria was observed in the winter season, with higher abundance in natural areas. Network analysis suggested that OTUs belonging to Acidobacteria, Cytophagia, unkn. Firmicutes(p), Actinobacteria are keystone of the Q. ilex phyllosphere microbiome. In addition, 83 genes coding for 5 enzymes involved in PAH degradation pathways were identified. Given that the phyllosphere microbiome can be considered an extension of the ecosystem services offered by trees, our results can be exploited in the framework of Next-Generation Biomonitoring.

Influence of sediment texture on HDPE microplastics recovery by density separation

Microplastics (MPs) are an emerging environmental pollutant, threatening marine and terrestrial ecosystems. Because of their properties and their widely varying size (5mm-0.1 μm), it is still difficult to define a valid and efficient method for extracting MPs from solid matrices. Among the several methods proposed, density separation is the most practical and cost-effective one. Progress is still ongoing towards a deeper understanding of the advantages and limitations related to the application of density separation for MPs extraction, the recovery yields and the factors that may influence it. In this context, we introduce the following work, which provides an early-stage insight into how the sediment texture may influence the efficiency of this extraction method, and how parameters, such as sedimentation time and extraction cycles, can be modified to always achieve the best recovery. Our focus has been directed on evaluating the extraction efficiency of HDPE MPs by density separation using NaCl, from three types of sediment: sandy (SS), sandy loam (SLS) and sandy-clay loam (SCLS). We investigated the impact of sedimentation time (1, 6, 12, 24 h) and extraction cycles (3 cycles for each sedimentation time) on MPs recovery. Finally, we determined the minimum amount of MPs (MPs g/g sediment) below which it is not possible to quantify MPs with the method used. The results have shown that the recovery efficiency of MPs from sediment is structure dependent. The highest recoveries are reached after a settling time of 1 and 6 h. Furthermore, for samples with minimum clay content (SS), only one extraction cycle is needed, whereas two extraction cycles are required for SLS and SCLS. The outcomes about the detection limit (LOD) of the method, showed the existence of an interaction MPs-clay/sediment, which allowed us to understand how far this extraction method is suitable in field, thus defining the minimum grade of MPs pollution (MPs g/g sediment) below which this method is no longer capable to extract MPs from contaminated samples.

Particulate matter and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon uptake in relation to leaf surface functional traits in Mediterranean evergreens: Potentials for air phytoremediation

We explored relationships between particulate matter (PM) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAHs) leaf concentrations, uptake rates and leaf surface functional traits in four Mediterranean evergreen trees (Chamaerops humilis, Citrus × aurantium, Magnolia grandiflora, and Quercus ilex) during a dry month. Pollutant leaf concentration at different dates and uptake rate were correlated. We quantified PM by gravimetric analysis, PAHs were extracted from intact and dewaxed leaves and analyzed by GC-MS, and cuticle thickness, number and surface of stomata (N_s and S_S) and trichomes (N_t and S_t) were determined by optical microscopy. Infrared spectroscopy was used to investigate the leaves surfaces composition and assess esterification index (E). Studied species were characterized by unique combinations of functional traits and pollutant uptake capacities. PM₁₀ uptake scaled positively with S_S, S_t and upper cuticle thickness (T_c,u) across species. PM_2.5 uptake scaled positively with T_c,u, and thicker cuticles were also associated with greater shares of uptake of hydrophobic PM fractions. Uptakes of different fractions of PAH were generally weakly related to different leaf functional traits, except for some correlations with E and S_S. We conclude that both plant surface morphological and chemical leaf traits influence PM and PAH retention, unveiling their potential role in air phytoremediation.

An Endemic Plant of the Mediterranean Area: Phytochemical Characterization of Strawberry Tree (Arbutus unedo L.) Fruits Extracts at Different Ripening Stages

This work focused on the extraction, quantification, and characterization of bioactive compounds of Arbutus unedo L. fruits, comparing the results obtained from the different ripening states. Extractions were performed by different methods (such as maceration extraction and ultrasonic extraction) and food grade solvents (aqueous and hydroalcoholic solvents) in each of the all ripening states (four states considered, associated with four different colors, i.e., green, yellow, orange, and red). The presence of (poly)phenols was quantified and characterized, and scavenging activity was determined by the Folin–Ciocâlteu reagent and the DPPH method, respectively. The content of bioactive compounds was characterized by LC-MS/MS, such as multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mass spectrometry. The results showed that ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) performed better than maceration extraction; ethanol–water mixture extracts showed a more positive effect than the use of aqueous extracts regarding the content of total phenolic compounds. Overall, the total phenolic compounds in the EtOH:H₂O mixture at a ratio of 7:3 (v:v) were higher than that of the other solvents for both extraction methods. Some bioactive molecules were characterized for the first time in the extracts of A. unedo. The chemical profile of the strawberry tree extracts depended on the degree of fruit ripeness. The results suggest that A. unedo fruits may be of great interest for food and nutraceutical applications.

Biotechnological Combination for Co-contaminated Soil Remediation: Focus on Tripartite "Meta-Enzymatic" Activity

Soil pollution is a pressing problem requiring solutions that can be applied without large-scale side effects directly in the field. Phytoremediation is an effective strategy combining plant and root-associated microbiome to immobilize, degrade, and adsorb pollutants from the soil. To improve phytoremediation, it is necessary to think of plants, fungi, and bacteria not as individual entities, but as a meta-organism that reacts organically, synergistically, and cooperatively to environmental stimuli. Analyzing the tripartite enzymatic activity in the rhizosphere is necessary to understand the mechanisms underlying plant-microorganism communication under abiotic stress (such as soil pollution). In this work, the potential of a microbial consortium along with a plant already known for its phytoremediation capabilities, Schedonorus arundinaceus (Scheb.) Dumort., was validated in a mesocosm experiment with pluricontaminated soil (heavy metals, PAHs, and PCBs). Chemical analyses of the soil at the beginning and end of the experiment confirmed the reduction of the main pollutants. The microscopic observation and chemical analyses confirmed the greater root colonization and pollutant removal following the microbial treatment. To obtain a taxonomic and functional picture, tripartite (plant, fungi, and bacteria) enzyme activity was assessed using a metatranscriptomic approach. Total RNA was extracted from a sample of rhizosphere sampled considering 2 centimeters of root and soil attached. From the total reads obtained, mRNAs were filtered, and analysis focused on reads identified as proteins with enzymatic activity. The differential analysis of transcripts identified as enzymes showed that a general increase in potential enzyme activity was observed in the rhizosphere after our biotechnological treatment. Also from a taxonomic perspective, an increase in the activity of some Phyla, such as Actinobacteria and Basidiomycota, was found in the treated sample compared to the control. An increased abundance of enzymes involved in rhizospheric activities and pollutant removal (such as dehydrogenase, urease, and laccase) was found in the treated sample compared to the control at the end of the experiment. Several enzymes expressed by the plant confirmed the increase in metabolic activity and architectural rearrangement of the root following the enhancement of the rhizospheric biome. The study provides new outcomes useful in rhizosphere engineering advancement.

Exploring an enhanced rhizospheric phenomenon for pluricontaminated soil remediation: Insights from tripartite metatranscriptome analyses

Phytoremediation involving the use of microorganisms with tolerant plant species represents a new frontier for on-site remediation of pluricontaminated soils. In this study, the effectiveness of a biotechnological strategy, involving the use of Festuca arundinacea and a pool of microorganisms, was assessed by a mesocosm experiment and an in-depth rhizospheric metatranscriptomic analysis. The chemical profile of mesocosm soil at the end of the experiment (240 days) showed that the decrease of trace elements such as Cd, Hg, Pb, Sn, Tl, V and Zn in the soil was enhanced by our biological combination. Additionally, also the organic pollutants (PAHs and PCBs) were strongly reduced up to 40.5%. About two million transcripts were identified and used for taxonomic and functional profiling. Transcripts read counts, tripartite among plant, bacteria and fungi were identified and quantified to provide an overview of the complex soil community composition. We observed that Actinobacteria and fungi abundance might be involved in remediation success. Functional analyses showed that Trehalose Biosynthesis and the antioxidant activity might have played a key-role in metaorganism effective interactions. The biotechnological approach remodeled the transcriptional profile toward organic pollutant degradation and heavy metal stress response.

Overcome the limits of multi-contaminated industrial soils bioremediation: Insights from a multi-disciplinary study

Phytoremediation can be a promising and sustainable strategy to recovery Potentially Toxic Elements (PTEs) contaminated soils. However, at the field level, this tool can be limited by many issues. Herein, we combined native plant species with different cover type (mono and poly culture) in an in-field mesocosm experiment for the remediation of multi-contaminated soils from Bagnoli brownfield site (Southern Italy). We preliminary gain insights about the physical, chemical and biological features of the soils and subsequently induced a potential variation in the soil microbiome. We found that polyculture better respond both in terms of pollutant phytostabilization efficiency and from a stress tolerance perspective. Among plant species, Festuca achieved the best performance due to the overexpression of metal transporters able in both PTEs influx and sequestration from the cytoplasm. We achieved a site-specific bio-factory, which represents a strategy for the sustainable and relatively fast recovery of large contaminated areas.

Ethnobotany of dye plants in Southern Italy, Mediterranean Basin: floristic catalog and two centuries of analysis of traditional botanical knowledge heritage

BACKGROUND

Since ancient times, man has learned to use plants to obtain natural dyes, but this traditional botanical knowledge (TBK) is eroding. In the late, during, and the early 1800s, there was an increase in research related to dye species, and this allowed the development of industry and economy in rural contexts of Southern Italy. Today, dyes are mainly obtained from synthetic products, and this leads to risks for human health related to pollution.

METHODS

Starting from the literature, three catalogs of the dyeing species (plants, algae, fungi, and lichens) used in the Mediterranean Basin and mainly in Southern Italy have been created. Percentages of parts used and colors extracted from species have been recorded and analyzed. The plant species present in the catalogs have been verified in the territories of Southern Italy, and the data have been registered. An ethnobotanical survey was conducted, in the region of Southern Italy, to verify the erosion level of traditional botanical knowledge, linked to the ethnobotanical dyeing, over time.

RESULTS

A total of 524 species were recorded among plants, algae, fungi, and lichens, and related parts used and extracted pigments. Most uses concern the stems and leaves, and the most frequent color is yellow. From the on-field survey operations, 283 plant species have been verified. These represent 64.31% of the species reported in the flora of the dye plants produced. The results, from the ethnobotanical survey, show that only 8.6% of TBK remained in the collective memory.

CONCLUSIONS

This catalog is among the largest in this sector and is the basis for studies related to the restoration of an eco-sustainable economy which would allow the development of marginal areas present throughout Southern Italy.

Rapid Solid-Liquid Dynamic Extraction (RSLDE): A Powerful and Greener Alternative to the Latest Solid-Liquid Extraction Techniques

Traditionally, solid-liquid extractions are performed using organic and/or inorganic liquids and their mixtures as extractant solvents in contact with an insoluble solid matrix (e.g., the Soxhlet method) or using sequential atmospheric pressure systems that require long procedures, such as maceration or percolation. The objective of this procedure is the extraction of any compounds that can be carried out from the inner solid material to the outlet, resulting in a solution containing colorants, bioactive compounds, odorous substances, etc. Over the years, in the extraction techniques sector, there have been many important changes from the points of view of production, quality, and human and environmental safety due to improvements in technology. In more recent times, the interest of the scientific community has been aimed at the study of sustainable processes for the valorization of extracts from vegetables and food by-products, through the use of non-conventional (innovative) technologies that represent a valid alternative to conventional methods, generally through saving time and energy and the formation of fewer by-products. Therefore, with the development of principles based on the prevention of pollution, on a lower risk for human health, and on a low environmental impact, new systems have been implemented to reduce extraction times and solvent consumption, to improve efficiency, and to increase the productivity of the extracts. From this point of view, rapid solid-liquid dynamic extraction (RSLDE), performed using the Naviglio extractor, compared to traditional applications, is a technique that is able to reduce extraction times, generally leads to higher yields, does not require heating of the system, allows one to extract the active ingredients, and avoids their degradation. This technique is based on a new solid-liquid extraction principle named Naviglio’s principle. In this review, after reviewing the latest extraction techniques, an overview of RSLDE applications in various research and production sectors over the past two decades is provided.

A case of primary meningioma of the frontal sinus

A case of right frontal sinus tumor which at histology turned out to be a psammomatous meningioma is reported. The occurrence of primary meningiomas within the paranasal sinuses is rare and probably related to the transformation of embryonic arachnoid cell remnants or ectopic meningocytes derived from pluripotential mesenchymal cells. A search of the literature disclosed 30 further cases of meningiomas primarily involving the paranasal sinuses: a short analysis of the latters is presented and some of the distinctive features of these unusual tumors, as compared to their intracranial counterpart, are emphasized.

Dumbbell tumor of the anterior skull base. Meningioma? No, adenoid cystic carcinoma!

BACKGROUND

Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is a rare neoplasm of the exocrine glands. Because of its tendency for skull base involvement and intracranial spread, ACC should be diagnosed promptly by the neurosurgeon, although discrimination from meningioma is often difficult. Radical resection of such tumors requires familiarity with complex craniofacial approaches.

CASE DESCRIPTION

An unusual case of dumbbell-shaped ACC centered over the planum sphenoidale is presented. Regular margins and neuroimaging features suggested a preoperative diagnosis of meningioma. The lesion was gross, totally resected in a two-staged procedure through frontobasal and transfacial approaches, with good functional and aesthetic result.

CONCLUSION

The epidemiologic, histologic, and clinical features of ACC are reviewed. ACC is rarely encountered by the neurosurgeon; however it should always be considered in the differential diagnosis of skull base tumors. Interdisciplinary surgical approaches represent the major advance in the treatment of these complex neoplasms.

Non-acoustic neuroma tumor (NANT) of the cerebello-pontine angle: a 15-year experience

Between 1980 and 1994, 145 patients affected by tumors of the CP angle underwent surgery at the Division of Neurosurgery of the San Camillo Hospital in Rome. The 56 (39%) "non-acoustic tumors" have been analyzed with regard to epidemiologic factors, clinical picture, neuroimaging findings in order to determine their distinctive diagnostic features. Moreover, the surgical outcome and follow-up results are presented and compared with those of the literature.

Spontaneous spinal epidural hematomas: is the role of dural arteriovenous malformations underestimated?

Two recent observations of spinal epidural hematomas (SEH) are presented: one of them was associated with iatrogenic coagulopathy, the other, apparently "spontaneous", required reoperation for early recurrence and was finally attributed to ruptured epidural arteriovenous malformation missed during the first procedure. Both patients underwent complete recovery. Although modern neuroimaging provides quick, noninvasive, and sensitive assessment of spinal epidural bleeding, we believe that preoperative spinal angiography is indicated in "spontaneous" SEH with subacute clinical course. Demonstration of underlying vascular anomaly would allow better surgical planning, complete obliteration of abnormal vessels, and prevention of recurrences. Essential epidemiological, pathogenetical, and clinical aspects of SEH are reviewed.

Pituitary abscess. A case report and review of the literature

The pituitary abscess is a rare pathology which presents an high mortality and morbidity. The diagnosis of pituitary abscess has to be excluded in case of tumoral hypophyseal syndrome; a correct diagnosis leads to an early treatment and to a decreasing of the mortality and morbidity. Antibiotics have to be associated to neurosurgical treatment in order to reduce the pre- and post- operative infectious complications. A case of pituitary abscess is reported: the preoperative diagnosis has been based on the clinical symptoms (visual field defect and meningeal syndrome) and on the neuroradiological images (CT, MRI).

The durability of the result of anterior temporal lobectomy for epilepsy

A retrospective study was made of the postoperative course of 90 patients submitted to "en bloc" temporal lobectomy for intractable epilepsy. Particular attention was paid to the pattern of recurrent seizures after operation. Follow-up periods of at least 5 years were available for 60 patients and a further 47 patients were followed up for periods of between 5 and 12 years after surgery. Three postoperative courses were observed, failure of the treatment in which the seizure frequency was changed by less than 75% (21% of the total), a partial relief of seizures in an intermediate group (21%) and a successful result in the remainder (58%) although only 25% of the total remained constantly fit-free. The recurrence of fits after a long fit-free interval is described and discussed.