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Northern Italy (northern + italy)
Selected AbstractsHORSETAILS AND SEED FERNS FROM THE MIDDLE TRIASSIC (ANISIAN) LOCALITY KÜHWIESENKOPF (MONTE PRÀ DELLA VACCA), DOLOMITES, NORTHERN ITALYPALAEONTOLOGY, Issue 5 2007EVELYN KUSTATSCHER Abstract:, Well-preserved floras from the Alpine Early,Middle Triassic are rare, and thus our understanding of the vegetation in this area during this period of time continues to be incomplete. As a result, every new find represents a significant piece of information that deserves thoughtful consideration. Anisian (Middle Triassic) sphenophytes and pteridosperms have recently been recovered from the Kühwiesenkopf locality (Monte Prà della Vacca) in northern Italy. The sphenophytes are represented by stem fragments, strobili and isolated sporangiophore heads of Equisetites, as well as by a few specimens of Neocalamites sp. and Echinostachys sp. The pteridosperms include abundant remains of the peltasperm foliage type Scytophyllum bergeri. A second Scytophyllum species in this flora, S. apoldense, is regarded as conspecific with S. bergeri based on epidermal anatomy; the two morphotypes are interpreted as sun and shade leaves of a single biological species. The seed-bearing disc Peltaspermum bornemannii sp. nov. probably represents the female reproductive structure of S. bergeri. Additional pteridosperm remains include foliage assignable to Sagenopteris sp. and Ptilozamites sp., in both cases perhaps the earliest records of these genera. [source] COMMENTS ON I. ANGELINI AND P. BELLINTANI, ,ARCHAEOLOGICAL AMBERS FROM NORTHERN ITALY: AN FTIR,DRIFT STUDY OF PROVENANCE BY COMPARISON WITH THE GEOLOGICAL AMBER DATABASE', ARCHAEOMETRY, 47(2) (2005), 441,54,ARCHAEOMETRY, Issue 4 2006E. RAGAZZI First page of article [source] Perception of, and anxiety levels induced by, laser treatment in patients with sight-threatening diabetic retinopathy.DIABETIC MEDICINE, Issue 10 2006A multicentre study Abstract Aims To investigate how laser treatment is perceived, in terms of anxiety and awareness, by diabetic patients attending four centres in Northern Italy with specific interest and expertise in diabetic retinopathy, where work settings and flow are organized differently. Methods The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Family Apgar-List of Threatening Experiences (FA-LTE), State-Trait Anxiety Inventories 1 and 2 (STAI-1 and STAI-2) questionnaires were completed by 259 patients, 131 waiting for laser treatment and 128 control subejcts awaiting non-intervention visits. Open questions were also asked on whether patients had ever heard the word ,laser' and whether they could describe laser treatment. Results High scores were detected by HADS, STAI-1 and STAI-2 among patients waiting for photocoagulation. Anxiety was greater in women and people with poor schooling. After controlling for centres, gender, previous laser treatment and schooling, HADS and STAI-1 remained significantly lower among persons waiting for non-intervention visits. Having received photocoagulation previously did not modify anxiety. Anxiety was lower in those centres where facilities and resources were more patient-oriented. Most patients could neither describe photocoagulation nor explain why they were about to receive it, but had a negative perception and some described it with words evoking cruelty and pain. Conclusions These data suggest that laser treatment is experienced as an event that causes anxiety. Preoperative education and counselling may help to reduce fear and patients' avoidance of treatment. [source] From introduction to the establishment of alien species: bioclimatic differences between presence and reproduction localities in the slider turtleDIVERSITY AND DISTRIBUTIONS, Issue 1 2009Gentile Francesco Ficetola ABSTRACT Aim, Understanding the factors determining the transition from introduction of aliens to the establishment of invasive populations is a critical issue of the study of biological invasions, and has key implications for management. Differences in fitness among areas of introduction can define the zones where aliens become invasive. The American slider turtle Trachemys scripta has been introduced worldwide, and has negative effects on freshwater communities, but only a subset of introduced populations breed successfully. We used species distribution models to assess the factors influencing the slider distribution in Italy, by analysing bioclimatic features that can cause the transition from presence of feral adults to breeding populations. We also evaluated whether climate change might increase the future suitability for reproduction. Location,, Central and Northern Italy. Methods,, The distribution of slider turtle was obtained from the literature, unpublished reports and field surveys. We used Maxent to build bioclimatic models. Results,, Reproductive populations are associated to a clear bioclimatic envelope with warmer climate, more solar radiation and higher precipitations than populations where reproduction is not observed. Several Mediterranean areas currently have climatic features suitable for sliders. Scenarios of climate change predict the expansion of these areas. In the near future (2020), the proportion of populations in areas suitable for reproduction will dramatically increase. Main conclusion,, Our study shows that bioclimatic differences can determine the areas where aliens become invaders. Management should be focused to these source areas. However, climate change can increase fitness in the future, and therefore the interactions between climate change and fitness can boost the invasiveness of this alien species. [source] A morphological reappraisal of Tubifex blanchardi Vejdovský, 1891 (Clitellata: Tubificidae)ACTA ZOOLOGICA, Issue 2 2009Roberto Marotta Abstract Tubifex blanchardi Vejdovský, 1891 is a freshwater tubificid, often living in sympatry with Tubifex tubifex (Müller 1774). Although considered from its discovery as a species on its own, its biological status is debated. During the early seventies T. blanchardi was reduced to a mere form of T. tubifex, as a particular case of polymorphism in chaetal pattern. Using classical histological techniques, microdissections of portions of the male genital apparatus and phalloidin staining of dissected copulatory organs we investigated 163 mixed individuals of T. blanchardi and T. tubifex belonging to sympatric populations from the Lambro River (Milan, Northern Italy). The internal morphology of T. blanchardi is described for the first time. Our results show that T. tubifex and T. blanchardi differ in several characters concerning both their external and internal morphology, and in the fine organization of their copulatory organs. Several independent character sets support the separation of T. blanchardi from T. tubifex, suggesting that it is an independent species. This study also supports the idea that T. blanchardi and T. bergi (Hrab,, 1935), another species closely related to T. tubifex, are not conspecific. The observed morphological differences between allopatric populations of T. tubifex are discussed. [source] An evaluation of European air pollution regulations for particulate matter monitored from a heterogeneous networkENVIRONMETRICS, Issue 8 2009Sujit K. Sahu Abstract Statistical methods are needed for evaluating many aspects of air pollution regulations increasingly adopted by many different governments in the European Union. The atmospheric particulate matter (PM) is an important air pollutant for which regulations have been issued recently. A challenging task here is to evaluate the regulations based on data monitored on a heterogeneous network where PM has been observed at a number of sites and a surrogate has been observed at some other sites. This paper develops a hierarchical Bayesian joint space,time model for the PM measurements and its surrogate between which the exact relationship is unknown, and applies the methods to analyse spatio -temporal data obtained from a number of sites in Northern Italy. The model is implemented using MCMC techniques and methods are developed to meet the regulatory demands. These enablefull inference with regard to process unknowns, calibration, validation, predictions in time and space and evaluation of regulatory standards. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Analysis of air quality monitoring networks by functional clusteringENVIRONMETRICS, Issue 7 2008R. Ignaccolo Abstract Air quality monitoring networks are important tools in management and evaluation of air quality. Classifying monitoring stations via homogeneous clusters allows e dentification of similarities in pollution, of representative sites, and of spatial patterns. Instead of summaries by statistical indicators, we propose to consider the air pollutant concentrations as functional data. We then classify using functional cluster analysis, where Partitioning Around Medoids (PAM) algorithm is embedded. The proposed data analysis approach is applied to the air quality monitoring network in Piemonte (Northern Italy); we consider the three more critical pollutants: NO2, PM10, and O3. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Sourcing carbonate pointed stones from the barrier beach of Mantoloking, New Jersey, USAGEOARCHAEOLOGY: AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL, Issue 8 2006John P. Vermylen Over 500 previously unidentified, symmetric pointed stones of similar size, shape, color, and texture have been found on the barrier beach of Mantoloking, New Jersey, since 1940. Petrographic, stereo, and scanning electron microscopy analysis reveals that the stones are made of either a biomicritic packstone composed of 50% siliceous microfossil remains ( including sponge spicules and radiolaria) embedded in a micrite matrix or a limestone with abundant angular quartz grains (50,150 ,m wide) surrounded by a calcite matrix. The distinctive shape of the Mantoloking stones is most similar to whetstones used for sharpening scythes. We conducted a worldwide search and discovered one producer of carbonate whetstones: a company in the town of Pradalunga in Northern Italy. Microscope analysis reveals that the Pradalunga source rocks are exact matches for the spicule-rich limestone and angular quartz-rich limestone found in the Mantoloking collection. The whetstones are most likely lost cargo from a wreck offshore of Mantoloking, but the exact source may never be known. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [source] Near real time satellite imagery to support and verify timely flood modellingHYDROLOGICAL PROCESSES, Issue 5 2009Giuliano Di Baldassarre Abstract The study investigates the capability of coarse resolution synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imagery to support flood inundation models. A hydraulic model of a 98-km reach of the River Po (Northern Italy) was calibrated on the October 2000 high-magnitude flood event with extensive and high-quality field data. During the June 2008, low-magnitude flood event a SAR image was acquired and processed in near real time (NRT) in order to provide adequate data for quick verification and recalibration of the hydraulic model. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Maternal expectations about infant development of pre-term and full-term infants: a cross-national comparisonINFANT AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT, Issue 1 2006Y. van Beek Abstract In three European regions (The Netherlands, Northern Italy and Southern Italy) we investigated whether mothers of healthy pre-term infants (n=92) adjust their expectations for the timing of developmental milestones in the first years of life as compared to mothers of full-term infants (n=140). We examined whether these adjustments could be seen as reflecting a pessimistic view, as would be predicted from the ,prematurity stereotype' perspective. Partial corrections for prematurity were regularly made, but no indications were found for an overly pessimistic view. Moreover, the differences between the regions in the anticipated timing of mastery of milestones were larger than the effects of prematurity. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Prescription practices of diagnostic imaging in dementia: a survey of 47 Alzheimer's Centres in Northern ItalyINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY, Issue 7 2003R. Riello Abstract Background To date, there are no data at the national or European level on the prescription practices of imaging (CT, MR, and SPET) in the diagnosis of cognitively impaired elderly patients. Methods We addressed prescription practices of diagnostic imaging in 47 Alzheimer's Centres in Northern Italy, with an ad-hoc questionnaire. Results The use of imaging in new cases was relatively intensive: 62% of the Alzheimer's Centres prescribed CT to more than 95% of cases, 24% prescribed MR to more than 33% of cases, and 33% prescribed SPET to more than 5% of cases. A minority of Alzheimer's Centres (n,=,3, 6%) prescribed imaging to less than 100% of new cases. The association between onsite scanner availability and frequency of prescription increased from CT (Odds ratio (OR),=,1.8) through MR (OR,=,2.4) to SPET (OR,=,4.6), although only the latter was significant (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.2,17.7, p,=,0.003). Patient-related factors (age, severity of cognitive impairment, and clinical suspicion of cerebrovascular disease) influenced prescription of structural imaging in 30,53% of Alzheimer's Centres and organizational factors (onsite scanner availability, and waiting list) in a similar proportion (32 and 43% respectively). Conclusions Organizational factors play a relevant role in the prescription of imaging exams in patients with cognitive impairment and, at least for CT, the perceived diagnostic added value is rather low, suggesting a high degree of uncertainty in the clinical use of imaging techniques. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Effect of autumn and winter meteorological variables on spring aphid populations in the Po valley, Northern ItalyJOURNAL OF APPLIED ENTOMOLOGY, Issue 8 2001D. Rongai Prediction of aphid populations is crucial to the successful application of control strategies. In previous studies clear relationships between aphid catches and meteorological variables were highlighted. The primary objective of this study was to quantify the effects of autumn and winter meteorological variables on the aphid species populations the following spring. The data on all the species caught at two Italian sites (Ozzano Emilia and Budrio) up to 31 May from 1992 to 1999 were used for this study. Different models were found according to the aphid biological cycle (i.e. holocycle, anholocycle, holo-anholocycle). A fourth group of minor species, designated as ,others', was properly modelled as holo-anholocycle species. A satisfactory fit was observed when holocycle species were plotted against minimum temperature and precipitation in October, anholocycle species against minimum temperature and precipitation in December,January, holo-anholocycle species and ,others' against wind speed and number of frosty days in November, and minimum temperature and precipitation in December,January. Model response was more consistent at Budrio (open flat site) than at Ozzano Emilia (flat site delimited by a hill). A coherent pattern was found with an overall comparison of the estimates against observations. The possibility offered by these empirical models for forecasting spring aphid populations of all species at a given site is clearly of interest. This first study encouraged further investigation aimed at validating models before applying them in practice. [source] Grapevine yellows in Northern Italy: molecular identification of Flavescence dorée phytoplasma strains and of Bois Noir phytoplasmasJOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 6 2007S. Botti Abstract Aims:, Verify the presence and the molecular identity of phytoplasmas in Northern and Central Italy vineyards where yellows diseases are widespread. Methods and Results:, Phytoplasma presence and identity were determined by PCR/RFLP analyses on 16S ribosomal gene testing 1424 symptomatic samples. The 65% of samples resulted phytoplasma infected; in particular 256 samples were found positive to phytoplasmas belonging to group 16SrV (mainly Flavescence dorée associated), and the remaining 37% was infected by phytoplasmas belonging to ribosomal subgroup 16SrXII-A (Stolbur or Bois Noir associated). 16SrV ribosomal group representative strains were further typed for variability in SecY and rpS3 genes. The results showed the presence of phytoplasmas belonging to 16SrV-C, 16SrV-D and to a lesser extent, 16SrV-A subgroup. Conclusions:, Possible relationships between genetic polymorphisms of phytoplasma strains belonging to subgroup 16SrV-C and their geographic distribution and/or epidemic situations were detected. Significance and Impact of the Study:, Bois Noir and Flavescence dorée phytoplasmas are present in significant percentages in the areas under investigation. Molecular tools allowed to identify phytoplasma-infected plants and the genes employed as polymorphism markers resulted useful in distinguishing and monitoring the spreading of the diseases associated with diverse phytoplasmas belonging to 16SrV subgroup in vineyards. [source] Survival at low temperature of larvae of the pine processionary moth Thaumetopoea pityocampa from an area of range expansionAGRICULTURAL AND FOREST ENTOMOLOGY, Issue 3 2009Gernot Hoch Abstract 1,Larvae of Thaumetopoea pityocampa (Lepidoptera: Notodontidae) develop throughout the winter, although their feeding activity and survival can be impaired by adverse climatic factors. The present study investigated the survival at low temperature of larvae originating from a population with range expansion in an alpine valley in Northern Italy. 2,The supercooling point of individually analysed larvae averaged at ,7 °C. This value insufficiently described the cold hardiness of the larvae; 39% of the tested larvae were alive when returned to room temperature immediately after freezing. When larval colonies inside their nest were exposed to ,17 °C for 1 h after gradual temperature decrease, survival was 70.4%. 3,Rearing of larvae in the laboratory at different day/night temperatures indicated an effect of cumulative chill injury on larvae. A logistic regression explained the relationship between negative thermal sum (h°C below 0 °C) received in the laboratory experiment and larval survival. A similar relationship was demonstrated between negative thermal sum and survival of larval colonies in the field. 4,In the laboratory experiment, some tested larvae were able to survive for up to 8 weeks without feeding depending on rearing temperature. As expected, feeding occurred only when larvae were reared at temperatures of 9 °C day/0 °C night. 5,We classify the larvae of T. pityocampa as being moderate freezing tolerant. The winter behaviour allows this species to track climate warming by a rapid expansion into those areas that become compatible with the insect's development. [source] The Death of Countess Agusta in Portofino (Northern Italy) and the Soil from Two Mismatched SlippersJOURNAL OF FORENSIC SCIENCES, Issue 2 2009Gianni Lombardi Ph.D. Abstract:, Accident, suicide, or homicide might have caused the death of Countess Agusta who fell from the 80-m tall cliff of her villa. Two mismatched slippers were recovered along the cliff. Use was made of microscope, X-ray diffractometry, scanning electron microscopy, and microprobe techniques to compare 40 mg of soil collected from the slipper soles with samples from the villa garden. Structural details of the slipper soles were consistent with the lady wearing them during the fall. Analysis of the soil residues confirmed that they originated from the garden only. The features of a few, minute glass chips adhering to the slipper soles reasonably matched those of other fragments that were found on a small ledge on the cliff beyond the garden parapet. Based on this and other evidence, the case was closed with a verdict of accidental fall. [source] Changes in circulation of B and non-B HIV strains: Spotlight on a reference centre for infectious diseases in Northern ItalyJOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY, Issue 6 2008Fausto Baldanti Abstract Stored demographic data and HIV RT and protease sequences of 877 HIV patients attending for the first time the HIV/AIDS outpatient clinics of a reference Infectious Diseases centre in Northern Italy between 1999 and 2006 were stratified by 3-year spanning periods according to date of HIV infection. In the period 1980,1982, new infections were entirely caused by HIV-1 subtype B strains and were all diagnosed in injection drug users, 88.9% of whom were males. Injection drug users accounted for 12.8% of new infections in 2004,2006. The frequency of heterosexually-transmitted infections consistently increased until 2000 (from almost none to 51.5%) remaining stable afterwards. About half of heterosexual patients were females. HIV infections among homosexual men increased from 0% in 1980,1982 to 15,21% between 1998 and 2006. Overall, the frequency of non-B subtypes HIV strains increased from 0% in 1980,1982 to 20.3% in 2004,2006 with a greater impact in heterosexuals (from 0% in 1980,1982 to 30.5% in 2004,2006). In conclusion, a picture of the changing scenario of circulating HIV types and subtypes in a reference Infectious Diseases centre in Northern Italy over the past 26 years is provided. A progressive modification in risk factors for HIV infection and a significant increase in the frequency of non-B HIV strains were observed. J. Med. Virol. 80:947,952, 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Genetic Variability Analysis and Molecular Detection of Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. eustomae Isolated from Eustoma grandiflorum in Northern ItalyJOURNAL OF PHYTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 7-8 2010Yuan Li Abstract A total of 35 isolates of Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. eustomae obtained from diseased Eustoma grandiflorum plants in northern Italy, showing typical Fusarium wilt symptoms, were analysed for their genetic variability and molecular identification. Genetic diversity of the isolates was studied by using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD). This analysis clustered the isolates into three groups at a genetic similarity of 69%. Sequence analysis of RAPD fragments led to the design of a pair of specific primers that amplify a 505-bp SCAR (sequence characterized amplified region) marker (SCAR505) which was used to rapidly detect F. oxysporum f.sp. eustomae on Eustoma grandiflorum plants. In a temperature-controlled chamber, detection of the pathogen by PCR was 100% successful in root and stem samples of infected but still symptomless plants. The diagnostic procedure could be completed in 1 day and allowed rapid and reliable detection of the pathogen in asymptomatic plants in the early stages of disease development. [source] Level of trace elements in Pteridophytes growing on serpentine and metalliferous soilsJOURNAL OF PLANT NUTRITION AND SOIL SCIENCE, Issue 6 2007Laura Cornara Abstract A screening of Pteridophytes growing on serpentine and metalliferous soils in Northern Italy was carried out to assess the ability of these plants to tolerate or accumulate trace elements of toxicological interest. Few data are available on metal tolerance/accumulation of terrestrial ferns growing in the Mediterranean region, and several species presented here have never been investigated for this purpose. The trace-element composition (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb, Zn) and P content of aerial parts of plants (12 fern and 2 horsetail species) and of their associated soils were measured. An analysis of the relationship between element concentrations in soil and in shoot revealed a significant correlation only for Zn (p < 0.05). Hierarchical cluster analysis based on element concentrations in plant aerial parts showed two outliers, viz. Equisetum ramosissimum Desf., showing the highest levels of Cr, Fe, Cu, Ni, and As, and Nephrolepis cordifolia C. Presl., showing the highest Pb value. The bioaccumulation factor exceeded 1 only for Cd in two species, Athyrium filix-femina and Dryopteris filix-mas. However, also in these cases the corresponding values of the metal in the shoots were below the thresholds for hyperaccumulators. The examined Pteridophytes seem to have developed their adaptation prevalently through mechanisms of tolerance based on metal exclusion. None of these plant species seem suitable for phytoextraction, but N. cordifolia, Pteridium aquilinum ssp. aquilinum, and E. ramosissimum have potential to be used for stabilization and restoration of soils rich in heavy metals. [source] On fumonisin incidence in monoculture maize under no-till, conventional tillage and two nitrogen fertilisation levelsJOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE, Issue 7 2008Adriano Marocco Abstract BACKGROUND:Fusarium ear rot and fumonisin contamination are serious problems for maize growers. The lack of maize genotypes highly resistant to fumonisin contamination emphasises the need for management strategies to prevent contamination by this mycotoxin. There are conflicting reports regarding no-till and nitrogen (N) fertilisation practices in relation to the incidence of fumonisins. In this study the effect of no-till compared with conventional tillage and of N fertilisation rates on fumonisin occurrence was investigated over three years in Northern Italy. RESULTS: The average contamination of grain by fumonisins B1 and B2 over the three years was significantly different, with a lower value in 2000 (516 µg kg,1) than in the other years (5846 and 3269 µg kg,1 in 2001 and 2002 respectively). Conventional tillage and no-till treatments had no significant effect on the incidence of fumonisins. This finding suggests that above-ground residues infected by Fusarium would not lead to an increase in fumonisin incidence. However, N fertilisation significantly increased fumonisin levels, by 99 and 70% in 2000 and 2001 respectively. CONCLUSION: Maize monoculture does not show a cumulative effect on the occurrence of fumonisins, while high rates of N fertiliser consistently result in elevated fumonisin levels. Both these effects can be influenced by annual meteorological fluctuations. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry [source] Framework for surface water quality management on a river basin scale: Case study of Lake Iseo, Northern ItalyLAKES & RESERVOIRS: RESEARCH AND MANAGEMENT, Issue 2 2001D. H. A. Al-Khudhairy Abstract River (DESERT) and lake (EVOLA) water quality models are used to simulate the influences of alternative water quality management scenarios on the quality of receiving surface waters in the Lake Iseo basin, Northern Italy. The scenarios are representative of the European Union Directive on Urban Waste Water Treatment (91/271/EEC) and of the regional authority's objective to reduce the total phosphorus loads from point sources entering Lake Iseo and to restore the lake as close as it is practically possible to its former natural qualitative state. Application of DESERT shows that the regional ,Water Clean Up Plan' can achieve similar reductions in total phosphorus concentrations in the basin's main river system, Oglio River, to the 91/271/EEC directive, but at notably lower economic costs. Application of EVOLA to Lake Iseo shows that it is not practical to achieve the regional authority's objective of a specific total phosphorus concentration in the lake by 2016. Instead, the results show that a more realistic, but higher, total phosphorus concentration can be achieved by 2016. The results of both modelling exercises indicate the usefulness of DESERT and EVOLA for comparing and assessing water quality management scenarios and for revising the regional authority's final objectives with regards to total phosphorus concentration in Lake Iseo, as well as the regional ,Water Clean Up Plan' for restoring and safeguarding the quality of the basin's surface waters. [source] Bronchopulmonary dysplasia and brain white matter damage in the preterm infant: a complex relationshipPAEDIATRIC & PERINATAL EPIDEMIOLOGY, Issue 6 2009Luigi Gagliardi Summary We analysed the relationship between bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and brain white matter damage (WMD) in very preterm infants, adjusting for common risk factors and confounders. We studied a cohort of infants <32 weeks gestational age (GA) and <1500 g, admitted to 12 hospitals in Northern Italy in 1999,2002. The association between BPD and WMD was estimated by generalised estimating equations and conditional logistic models, adjusting for centre, GA, propensity score for prolonged ventilation and other potential confounders. Directed acyclic graphs (DAG) were used to depict the underlying causal structure and guide analysis. Of the 1209 infants reaching 36 weeks, 192 (15.8%) developed BPD (supplemental oxygen at 36 weeks) and 88 (7.3%) ultrasound-defined WMD (cystic periventricular leukomalacia). In crude analysis, BPD was a strong risk factor for WMD [odds ratio (OR) = 5.9]. With successive adjustments, the OR progressively decreased to 3.88 when adjusting for GA, to 2.72 adding perinatal risk factors, and further down to 2.16 [95% confidence interval 1.1, 3.9] when ventilation was also adjusted for. Postnatal factors did not change the OR. Significant risk factors for WMD, in addition to BPD, were a low GA, a lower Apgar score, a higher illness severity score, ventilation and early-onset sepsis, while antenatal steroids, being small for GA, and surfactant were associated with a reduced risk. In conclusion, our data suggest that BPD is associated with an increased risk of WMD; most of the effect is due to shared risk factors and causal pathways. DAGs helped clarify the complex confounding of this scenario. [source] A New Family Of Coleoids From The Lower Jurassic Of Osteno, Northern ItalyPALAEONTOLOGY, Issue 6 2000Alessandro Garassino The discovery of well preserved and almost complete fossil coleoid cephalopods near Osteno in northern Italy has allowed the original study of a single specimen by Pinna (1972) to be enhanced. The unusual structure of the ten arms, showing a clear differentiation in the shape of the arm hooks (long and thin on six arms and short and stocky on the other four), is a distinctive character which is not present in any Jurassic family of coleoids known to date. We distinguish two new genera: Ostenoteuthis, with the species O. siroi sp. nov., and Uncinoteuthis, with the species U. cuvieri sp. nov. The new family Ostenoteuthidae (Order uncertain) is erected for them. The systematic position of this family within the fossil coleoids is discussed. [source] Haplotype diversity of Tilletiopsis spp. causing white haze in apple orchards in Northern ItalyPLANT PATHOLOGY, Issue 3 2010S. Baric White haze (WH), a manifestation of extensive colonization of anamorphic smut fungi of the genus Tilletiopsis on the surface of apple fruit, has recently been described as a new postharvest disorder of the cultivar Elstar. This study shows that these fungi can also affect apple fruit of different cultivars prior to harvest, and therefore seriously compromise the quality of the produce in Northern Italy. In order to identify the Tilletiopsis taxa involved in the induction of WH in this region, 48 isolates, mainly derived from fruit samples, were analysed by DNA sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer region. Six haplotypes were identified that could be assigned to three different phylogenetic lineages, the T. washingtonensis group, the T. pallescens group and the Entylomataceae. More than 40% of the isolates were classified as T. washingtonensis which had not previously been associated with WH. Furthermore, this is the first study that reports the occurrence of this species on field-grown fruit samples. The extensive overgrowth of apple fruit by Tilletiopsis spp., appearing erratically in the last decade, may be a consequence of moist weather conditions and novel cultural practices, such as the use of hail nets and the intensive application of foliar nutrients. [source] High prevalence of parkinsonian disorders associated to manganese exposure in the vicinities of ferroalloy industriesAMERICAN JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE, Issue 11 2007Roberto G. Lucchini MD Abstract Objective To assess the prevalence of Parkinsonian disturbances in relationship to environmental exposure to manganese due to ferroalloy industries in the province of Brescia, Northern Italy. Methods Manganese concentrations were measured in settled dust collected in each of the 206 municipalities. Parkinsonian patients were identified using two sources: (1) clinical registers from local hospitals, specialized neurologists, and exemption from prescription payment; (2) L-Dopa prescriptions. Standardized prevalence rates and raw and full Bayesian-smoothed standardized morbidity ratios (SMRs) were calculated for the entire province and for each municipality. Results Manganese concentrations in settled dust were significantly higher in the surroundings and downwind from the industrial plants. A total number of 2,677 Parkinsonian cases were identified among 903,997 residents (crude prevalence, 296/100,000; 95% CI: 284.80,307.20; standardized prevalence, 407/100,000; 95% CI: 393.87,420.12). Significantly higher SMRs (Kruskal,Wallis ,2 1 df,=,17.55, P,<,0.001) were observed in 37 municipalities in the vicinities of ferromanganese plants (324 cases among 77,708 residents; standardized prevalence 492/100,000; 95% CI: 442.80,541.20), compared to the other 169 municipalities of the province (2,353 cases among 826,289 residents, standardized prevalence 321/100,000; 95% CI 308.80,333.20). Row and Bayesian SMRs were associated with the concentrations of manganese in settled dust. Conclusion Study results suggest that environmental exposure to manganese is associated with an increased prevalence of Parkinsonian disturbances. Since the highest prevalence rates were observed in a closed community of the pre-Alps where the industries are located, further research should address a possible interactive role of genetic factors. Am. J. Ind. Med. 50:788,800, 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] An easy non-invasive X-ray diffraction method to determine the composition of Na-pyroxenes from high-density `greenstone' implementsACTA CRYSTALLOGRAPHICA SECTION A, Issue 1 2008Roberto Giustetto A large number of polished stone implements from Palaeolithic to Bronze Age sites of Northern Italy and Southern France are made of high-pressure (HP) metamorphic rocks (eclogite and related rocks), mainly consisting of Na-pyroxene (jadeite to omphacite) from the metamorphic belt of the Western Alps. The standard archaeometric study of prehistoric stone implements follows a procedure that is invasive, expensive and time-consuming. Since Na-pyroxenes may show a large compositional range, a thorough study of the variations affecting the dhkl values, obtained by X-ray diffraction, of three selected reflections as a function of different chemical composition was carried out, in order to determine the chemistry of Na-pyroxene isomorphic mixtures and roughly evaluate their relative amounts. These reflections (21, 310, 002) are sharp, intense and sensitive to the variation of pyroxene chemical composition. Using such dhkl values measured on pyroxenes of known chemistry, a Ca-pyroxene(Di),jadeite(Jd),aegirine(Ae) compositional diagram was constructed, from which the composition of an unknown pyroxene can be estimated within an error of about 5%. When the size of the object is relatively small and a flat polished surface is present, the proposed analytical procedure becomes totally non-invasive. The data obtained shed light on the provenance sources of such implements and the prehistoric trade routes. [source] Stable isotope evidence for the consumption of millet and other plants in Bronze Age ItalyAMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY, Issue 2 2009Mary Anne Tafuri Abstract Stable carbon and nitrogen isotope analysis was carried out on human and animal bones from four inland Early and Middle Bronze Age sites in Northern and Southern Italy. The main aims of the investigation were to explore the contribution of plant foods to the human diet and to examine any dietary differences between and within each of the sites. At two of the sites in Northern Italy, human and animal bones were significantly enriched in 13C. This finding was attributed to the consumption of domestic millets (Panicum miliaceum and/or Setaria italica), which are C4 pathway plants. Conversely, individuals from the two Bronze Age sites in Southern Italy were significantly depleted in 13C compared to those from the north. Here, millet was absent from the diet, and protein from C3 plants made a much greater dietary contribution than animal protein. This finding highlights the importance of cereal cultivation, most likely of wheat and barley, in the south of Italy during the Bronze Age. Overall, our results support the idea that the widespread cultivation of millet first occurred in Northern Italy, following its introduction from across the Alps in Central Europe. Finally, we found no significant differences in the stable isotope values between individuals at each site, when grouped by their sex or presence of grave goods. This leads to the conclusion that any status difference that may have existed is not reflected in the long-term dietary record, or at least not as measurable by stable isotope analysis. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2009. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Work, Identity, and Stigma Management in an Italian Mental Health CommunityANTHROPOLOGY OF WORK REVIEW, Issue 1 2006Sara M. Bergstresser Abstract When mental illness prevents an individual from working, the economic burden is obvious, but little attention has been paid to the accompanying loss of social identity. This paper addresses the meanings of work and unemployment for participants in an Italian community mental health center, and it evaluates the role of work therapy in an agricultural setting as a way to regain some social aspects of work or professional identity. The study is based on over a year of anthropological fieldwork in the Province of Bergamo, Northern Italy, conducted to investigate the relationship between community-based mental health care, social stigma of mental illness, and the social sphere in everyday life. The social position of the individual at the time of job loss is significant in his or her professional expectations while in the community center. Those who had previously worked in manual or farming capacities found this type of work therapy to be a helpful means of social participation. On the other hand, expectations based on educational, social, and economic hierarchies persist for individuals within mental health communities. For those individuals with high education, manual labor violated professional expectations, and the reality of their employability provided a conflict between social participation and perceived status group. The stigma of unemployment is also addressed in relation to political identity and desire for worker status. [source] Satyrinae butterflies from Sardinia and Corsica show a kaleidoscopic intraspecific biogeography (Lepidoptera, Nymphlidae)BIOLOGICAL JOURNAL OF THE LINNEAN SOCIETY, Issue 1 2010LEONARDO DAPPORTO The Mediterranean islands of Sardinia and Corsica are known for their multitude of endemics. Butterflies in particular have received much attention. However, no comprehensive studies aiming to compare populations of butterflies from Sardinia and Corsica with those from the neighbouring mainland and Sicily have been carried out. In the present study, the eleven Satyrinae species inhabiting Sardinia and Corsica islands were examined and compared with continental and Sicilian populations by means of geometric morphometrics of male genitalia. Relative warp computation, discriminant analyses, hierarchical clustering, and cross-validation tests were used to identify coherent distributional patterns including both islands and mainland populations. The eleven species showed multifaceted distributional patterns, although three main conclusions can be drawn: (1) populations from North Africa and Spain are generally different from those belonging to the Italian Peninsula; (2) populations from Sardinia and Sicily often resemble the North Africa/Spain ones; Corsica shows transitional populations similar to those from France; and (3) sea barriers represent filters to dispersal, although their efficacy appears to be unrelated to their extension. Indeed, the short sea straits between Sardinia and Corsica and between Sicily and the Italian Peninsula revealed a strong effectiveness with respect to preventing faunal exchanges; populations giving onto sea channels between Corsica and Northern Italy and between Sicily and Tunisia showed a higher similarity. A comparison of island and mainland distributions of the eleven taxa have helped to unravel the complex co-occurrence of historical factors, refugial dynamics, and recent (post-glacial) dispersal with respect to shaping the populations of Mediterranean island butterflies. © 2010 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2010, 100, 195,212. [source] Obstetric risk factors and persistent increases in brain parenchymal echogenicity in preterm infantsBJOG : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS & GYNAECOLOGY, Issue 9 2004Arsenio Spinillo Objective To assess the risk of persistent (>7 days) increases in brain parenchymal echogenicity in preterm infants and their association with known obstetric risk factors. Design Case,control study of prospectively collected data. Setting A University hospital in Northern Italy. Population Eighty-five singleton infants between 24 and 34 weeks of gestation with a cranial ultrasonographic diagnosis of persistently increased parenchymal echogenicity without development of cystic degeneration, and 170 control infants with negative cranial ultrasonographic findings. Methods A comparison of the prevalence of selected obstetric risk factors between infants with persistent echo-dense lesions and negative controls. Main outcome measures Odds ratios of persistent echo-dense lesions including first-degree interactions between variables. Results After adjusting for birthweight, logistic regression analysis showed that the only factor associated with an increased risk of persistent brain echo-dense lesions in infants was multiple courses of antenatal steroids (OR = 2.14, 95% CI = 1.11,4.15, P= 0.024). In this group, the risk of persistent echo-dense lesions was particularly high in: (i) mothers receiving dexamethasone rather than betamethasone (P value for interaction = 0.015) and (ii) after expectant management of pre-eclampsia or intrauterine growth retardation (P value for interaction = 0.03). Conclusions Multiple doses of antenatal steroids, especially dexamethasone, could influence the prevalence of persistent increases in brain parenchymal echogenicity in preterm infants. [source] Analysis of historical landslide time series in the Emilia-Romagna region, northern ItalyEARTH SURFACE PROCESSES AND LANDFORMS, Issue 10 2010Mauro Rossi Abstract A catalogue of historical landslides, 1951,2002, for three provinces in the Emilia-Romagna region of northern Italy is presented and its statistical properties studied. The catalogue consists of 2255 reported landslides and is based on historical archives and chronicles. We use two measures for the intensity of landsliding over time: (i) the number of reported landslides in a day (DL) and (ii) the number of reported landslides in an event (Sevent), where an event is one or more consecutive days with landsliding. From 1951,2002 in our study area there were 1057 days with 1 , DL ,?45 landslides per day, and 596 events with 1 , Sevent , 129 landslides per event. In the first set of analyses, we find that the probability density of landslide intensities in the time series are power-law distributed over at least two-orders of magnitude, with exponent of about ,2·0. Although our data is a proxy for landsliding built from newspaper reports, it is the first tentative evidence that the frequency-size of triggered landslide events over time (not just the landslides in a given triggered event), like earthquakes, scale as a power-law or other heavy-tailed distributions. If confirmed, this could have important implications for risk assessment and erosion modelling in a given area. In our second set of analyses, we find that for short antecedent rainfall periods, the minimum amount of rainfall necessary to trigger landslides varies considerably with the intensity of the landsliding (DL and Sevent); whereas for long antecedent periods the magnitude is largely independent of the cumulative amount of rainfall, and the largest values of landslide intensity are always preceded by abundant rainfall. Further, the analysis of the rainfall trend suggests that the trigger of landslides in the study area is related to seasonal rainfall. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||