Association of kidney disease measures with risk of renal function worsening in patients with type 1 diabetes

Background: Albuminuria has been classically considered a marker of kidney damage progression in diabetic patients and it is routinely assessed to monitor kidney function. However, the role of a mild GFR reduction on the development of stage 653 CKD has been less explored in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) patients. Aim of the present study was to evaluate the prognostic role of kidney disease measures, namely albuminuria and reduced GFR, on the development of stage 653 CKD in a large cohort of patients affected by T1DM. Methods: A total of 4284 patients affected by T1DM followed-up at 76 diabetes centers participating to the Italian Association of Clinical Diabetologists (Associazione Medici Diabetologi, AMD) initiative constitutes the study population. Urinary albumin excretion (ACR) and estimated GFR (eGFR) were retrieved and analyzed. The incidence of stage 653 CKD (eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2) or eGFR reduction > 30% from baseline was evaluated. Results: The mean estimated GFR was 98 \ub1 17 mL/min/1.73m2 and the proportion of patients with albuminuria was 15.3% (n = 654) at baseline. About 8% (n = 337) of patients developed one of the two renal endpoints during the 4-year follow-up period. Age, albuminuria (micro or macro) and baseline eGFR < 90 ml/min/m2 were independent risk factors for stage 653 CKD and renal function worsening. When compared to patients with eGFR > 90 ml/min/1.73m2 and normoalbuminuria, those with albuminuria at baseline had a 1.69 greater risk of reaching stage 3 CKD, while patients with mild eGFR reduction (i.e. eGFR between 90 and 60 mL/min/1.73 m2) show a 3.81 greater risk that rose to 8.24 for those patients with albuminuria and mild eGFR reduction at baseline. Conclusions: Albuminuria and eGFR reduction represent independent risk factors for incident stage 653 CKD in T1DM patients. The simultaneous occurrence of reduced eGFR and albuminuria have a synergistic effect on renal function worsening

Needs and Intentionality: An Ontological Analysis and an Application to Public Services

A thorough understanding of what needs are is fundamental for designing well-behaved information systems for many social applications and in particular for public services. Talking about needs pervades indeed the jargon of Public Administrations when motivating their service offering. In this paper, we propose an ontological analysis of needs, aiming at a principled disentangling of the different uses of the term. We leverage philosophical tradition on intentionality, for its rich understanding of mental entities, we compare it with the well-established BDI (Belief-Desire-Intention) tradition in knowledge representation, and we propose a formalisation of needs within the foundational ontology DOLCE. Throughout the paper, we motivate our analysis focusing on needs in public services

Viral infections in one collection field of pomegranate (Punica granatum) in Italy.

Pomegranate has gained considerable popularity in many countries worldwide due to its health benefits. The competitive nature of fruit marketing forces improving the quality attributes, while keeping yield at an optimum level. To pursue this objective, in 2012 in the Ravenna province of the Emilia Romagna region (Italy) was established one coll ection field, wherein 57 cvs. from different countries of the world are maintained. As pomegranate is propagated by hardwood cuttings, healthy propagation material is required to avoid virus epidemics. We therefore focused our research on this collection field, which may play a pivotal role to spread new pomegranate propagation material. Moreover, we recently reported cherry leaf roll virus (CLRV) in the collection field and in a consistent amount of ornamental pomegranate plants in public gardens in Bologna (almost 10% of the analyzed samples, two expressing leaf deformation symptoms). Field inspections during spring 2015 showed several cvs. exhibiting virus-like symptoms on the leaves such as calico mosaic, chlorotic rings and malformations suggesting infection by some viral agent. Serological (ELISA) and molecular analysis (RT-PCR) are ongoing on leaf extracts from all 57 cvs., most symptomless, in order to detect the presence of several viruses such as: alfa alfa mosaic virus (AMV), arabis mosic virus (ArMV), CLRV, cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), strawberry latent ringspot virus (SLRV), tobacco ringspot virus (TRSV) and tomato ringspot virus (ToRSV)

Detection and molecular characterization of viruses infecting Actinidia spp.

Kiwifruit (genus Actinidia) is an economically important crop, with an industry in continuous expansion, grown in temperate regions. Italy (415,000 tons), New Zealand (378,000 tons) and Chile (229,000 tons) are the world\u2019s largest producers with a harvested area of 25,000, 12,800 and 10,900 Ha, respectively. In Italy the main areas of kiwifruit production are localized in Lazio, Piedmont, Emilia Romagna and Veneto regions. More than 50 species are recognized in the genus Actinidia but in New Zealand and Italy A. deliciosa and A. chinensis are the most widely grown cultivars\uac\uac. Kiwifruit has been considered to be relatively disease free for more than 30 years however, since 2003, several viruses and virus-like diseases have been identified and more recent studies demonstrated that Actinidia spp can be infected by a wide range of pathogens. Currently eleven different viral species have been identified on kiwifruit plants. In order to evaluate and prevent potential risks related to viral diseases spreading, several studies to investigate the presence of viruses on kiwifruit orchards and nurseries have been initiated. Kiwifruit plants showing symptoms attributable to viral infection, as yellow mosaic, chlorotic or necrotic rings, curled or laciniated leaves and wood pitting, have been identified during inspection of commercial orchards in the Emilia Romagna region. Suspected samples were collected and analyzed in order to determine the etiology of the observed symptoms. In this work we describe identification and characterization of two viral species: Cucumber Mosaic Virus (CMV) and Pelargonium zonate spot virus (PZSV) from kiwifruit plants showing, respectively, yellow mosaic and chlorotic ring spots. Moreover transmission electron microscopy of partially purified extracts from kiwifruit plants showing laciniated leaves and wood pitting, detected both rod-shaped and flexuous virus particles. Large-scale sequencing of collected samples, for molecular characterization of new viral isolates using next generation sequencing platforms as Ion Torrent, is also presented

Viruses of kiwifruit (Actinidia species)

Kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa) was introduced to New Zealand more than one hundred years ago and the New Zealand-raised cv. Hayward is now the dominant cultivar grown worldwide. Further accessions of kiwifruit seed and scionwood have been sourced from China for research and breeding. In one importation consignment, the first virus naturally infecting kiwifruit, Apple stem grooving virus (ASGV), was identified following symptoms observed in quarantined plants (2003). Since that time a further 12 viruses have been identified in kiwifruit. We classify these 13 viruses into three groups. The first group comprises the non-specialist viruses and includes Alfalfa mosaic virus (AMV) and Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) both members of the family Bromoviridae. The group also includes a further five viruses that appear to have limited effect on kiwifruit: two tobamoviruses, Ribgrass mosaic virus (RMV) and Turnip vein clearing virus (TVCV); a tombusvirus, Cucumber necrosis virus (CNV); a novel potexvirus; and Apple stem gooving virus (ASGV, genus Capillovirus). Most of the viruses classified in this first group are cosmopolitan and sometimes orchard weeds provide reservoirs for infection. The second group comprises the kiwifruit-adapted viruses. This group includes three novel viruses. i.e. two vitiviruses, Actinidia virus A (AcVA) and Actinidia virus B (AcVB), and a citrivirus closely related to Citrus leaf blotch virus (CLBV). In addition, preliminary evidence of a novel virus belonging to the Closteroviridae family has been obtained. The third group of viruses induces disease in kiwifruit. To date only two viruses have caused significant damage to kiwifruit within commercial orchards. In New Zealand, Cherry leaf roll virus (CLRV) has been detected on kiwifruit associated with symptoms including leaf spots, fruit malformation, reduction in yield, bark cracking and cane wilting. Pelargonium zonate spot virus (PZSV) has been detected in Italy associated with severe symptoms on leaves and fruit

First detection of Tomato Ringspot Virus in pomegranate plants.

Cuttings of Punica granatum for fruit production and ornamental usage have been introduced in accordance with EC directives in the Emilia-Romagna region from the USDA/ARS clonal germplasm repository (California) due to the increasing of pomegranate production all over the Italian territory. This planting material, before its delivering throughout the territory, was subjected to specific analysis in order to ensure a proper sanitary selection. Samples from symptomatic (yellowing, deformation or discoloration of leaves) and symptomless pomegranate trees were tested by ELISA assay using antibodies specific for several viruses affecting fruit crops. In many samples Tomato Ringspot Virus (ToRSV, EPPO A2 list) was detected and its infection confirmed by RT-PCR analysis. Biological characterization of the viral isolates was carried out. Buds were grafted into indicator peach rootstocks and sap from symptomatic tissues was mechanically inoculated onto herbaceous test plants on which typical symptoms of chlorotic ringspot, necrotic lesions, wilting and leaf curling were observed. Phylogenetic analysis revelead high sequence identity of RNA1 and RNA2 3'UTR regions of 4 pomegranate isolates. Official phytosanitary measures have been taken to eradicate the disease. All pomegranate plants of US origins have been uprooted and destroyed. These measures were aimed to avoid the ToRSV diffusion, with the intent to prevent the virus establishment in our territory where it would be harmful not only to pomegranates but also to other economically important fruit crops, as it is happening in USA

Characterization of Actinidia virus 1, a new member of the family Closteroviridae encoding a thaumatin-like protein

A new member of the family Closteroviridae was detected in Actinidia chinensis grown in Italy, using next generation sequencing of double-stranded RNA. The virus isolate, named Actinidia virus 1 (AcV-1) has a genome of 18,848\uc2 nts in length, a structure similar to the unclassified persimmon virus B (PeVB) and contains 12 open reading frames (ORFs) greater than 6\uc2 KDa, one carrying two papain-like leader proteases, a methyltransferase, a helicase and an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase domain. Additional ORFs code for homologs of heat shock protein 70, heat shock protein 90 and a coat protein. Curiously, AcV-1 and PeVB genomes code for a thaumatin-like protein, a peculiarity unreported for other viruses. In phylogenetic analyses both viruses group in a distinct clade evolutionarily related to closteroviruses. The final taxonomic position of AcV-1 within the family Closteroviridae is yet to be clarified

Investigations of new viral pathogens on actinidia spp.

Kiwifruit is an important horticultural crop originated from China. More than 50 species are recognized in the genus Actinidia but in New Zealand and Italy A. deliciosa and A.chinensis are the mostly widely grown cultivars.Kiwifruit has been considered relatively disease free for more than 30 years however, since 2003, several viruses and virus-like diseases have been identified and more recent studies demonstrated that Actinidia spp. can be infected by a wide range of pathogens. Currently 13 different viral species have been identified on kiwifruit plants and these were divided into 3 groups: non-specialistic viruses, kiwifruit adapted viruses and viruses inducing diseases. The last group of viruses induces diseases in kiwifruit and to date only 2 viruses have caused significant damage to kiwifruit within commercial orchards. In N.Z. cherry leaf roll virus has been detected on kiwifruit associated with symptoms including leaf spots, fruit malformation, reduction in yield, bark cracking and cane wilting. Pelargonium zonate spot virus has been detected in Italy associated with severe symptoms on leaves and fruits. Infected plants showed chlorotic and necrotic rings on leaves and depressed areas on the fruits that resulted in deformation of the berries. Moreover, kiwifruit plants showing symptoms attributable to viral infection such as leaf narrowing and curling and wood pitting, have been recently identified during inspections of commercial orchards but none of the known kiwifruit-infecting viruses were identified. Unidentified filamentous viral particles were detected in all these symptomatic samples. The identification of at least 13 viruses that can infect kiwifruit has important repercussions for orchard managment, especially for nurseries that propagate kiwifruit

Primi interventi contro il virus del melograno.

Dato il grande interesse che la coltura del melograno st\ue0 riscuotendo negli ultimi anni ,in Italia ed in particolare nella nostra regione, il Servizio fitosanitario regionale in collaborazione con i ricercatori del DIPsA di Bologna, ha avviato un monitoraggio del melograno in campi e vivai per capire se sono presenti organismi nocivi in grado di arrecare danni alla coltura o di diffondersi in altre specie. Nel 2013 sono cos\uec iniziate le indagini di campo e le ricerche di laboratorio mediante analisi sierologiche e molecolari per accertare la presenza su questa specie di agenti di malattie infettive, quali virus e fitoplasmi. Sono cos\uec state ispezionate piante in moltiplicazione presso alcuni vivai, nonch\ue9 altre presenti i collezioni varietali per il miglioramento genetico; controllati anche impianti produttivi e piante utilizzate per scopi ornamentali. In alcuni casi sono stati individuati sia in primavera che in autunno, sintomi sospetti attribuibili a virus quali: ingiallimenti, scolorazioni perinervali, deformazioni del lembo ed arrossamenti. Per la prima volta nel 2013 su alcuni melograni ornamentali \ue8 stato individuato il virus dell'accartocciamento fogliare del ciliegio (cherry leaf roll virus, CLRV), molto diffuso nei nostri areali su piante di noce e sambuco. Nel 2015, su diverse piante di origine americana, \ue8 stata invece accertata la presenza del virus della maculatura anulare del pomodoro (tomato ring spot virus, ToRSV); ben 62 campioni sono risultati positivi: si tratta di un organismo da quarantena in Europa, ubiquitario in USA, ma mai trovato in precedenza in melograno. Pu\uf2 causare deperimento e stentata crescita in molte specie come la vite, il melo, il pesco, il susino, il ciliegio, la fragola, il pomodoro, il geranio. Si trasmette per polline e per seme e con specifici nematodi vettori, fino ad oggi mai identificati in Italia. In seguito al ritrovamento di questo virus tutte le piante di melograno dei lotti risultati positivi sono cos\uec state estirpate e distrutte, le possibili piante ospiti limitrofe sono state ispezionate a campione, risultando tutte negative. Anche le analisi effettuate nel terreno circostante le piante infette alla ricerca del nematode vettore, non hanno dato risultato positivo. L'intento \ue8 quello di impedire che tale virus si insedi nel nostro territorio, dove risulterebbe dannoso non solo per il melograno, ma anche per tutte le altre specie arboree da reddito, come gi\ue0 avviene negli USA, dove \ue8 annoverato fra le principali avversit\ue0 di molte colture. le ricerche sui virus e fitoplasmi del melograno saranno approfondite anche nel prossimo futuro, rivolgendo particolare attenzione alla filiera vivaistica

PELARGONIUM ZONATE SPOT VIRUS infecting kiwifruit plants in Italy. Book Abs \u201822 nd International Conf Virus Graft Transmissible Diseases Fruit Crops\u2019, Roma, 3 -8 June 2012, p.27.

Pelargonium zonate spot virus (PZSV) is the single member of the Anulavirus genus (Fam. Bromoviridae) first isolated from tomato in Italy and later reported also from Spain, France, USA and Israel. Up to now PZSV has known to naturally infect only herbaceous hosts as tomato, pepper, artichoke and common weeds often symptomless. Symptoms on leaves and fruits of infected tomato plants are characterized by line patterns, chlorotic and necrotic rings, together with plant stunting, leaf malformation and poor fruit set, which often result in plant death as infected cells show severe cytopathological alterations. The virus is transmitted by mechanical inoculation, grafting, and through seed by means of infected pollen carried on the bodies of thrips. In May 2011 plants of kiwifruit (Actinidia chinensis) cv. Hort16A, exhibiting viral symptoms, were observed in two orchards in Faenza province, Emilia-Romagna region. Symptoms include chlorotic and necrotic rings on leaves and depressed areas on the fruits with consequently deformation of the berries. The causal agent has been successfully transmitted to indicator plants, as Chenopodium quinoa, Nicotiana benthamiana, N. glutinosa and N. tabacum, by mechanical inoculation. Viral particles with diameter of about 30 nm were observed on viral purification obtained from C. quinoa infected leaves. Random amplification and sequencing of nucleic acids isolated from purified virus, allowed identification of a short segment showing high nucleotide identity with 5\u2019 end of PZSV RNA2. RT-PCR analyses, performed using PZSV primer pair, specifically identified the virus in all indicator hosts and in leaves and fruits collected from all symptomatic kiwifruit plants. The new PZSV isolate has been characterized by sequencing and by ultrastructural and immuno-transmission electron microscopy investigations. Moreover, in order to determine the effect of the virus on cellular water compartmentation, tissue metabolic activity and overall quality, fruits and leaves from infected and healthy plants have been compared by NMR measurements (Proton transverse relaxation time), isothermal calo-respirometry (metabolic heat production) and visual appearance by computer vision system