Search Results (2,237)

This study examines the spatio-temporal dynamics of rainfall erosivity, R, in the Umbria region (central Italy), based on a 20-year dataset of 30 min precipitation records from 54 stations. Using the RUSLE2 framework, models of varying complexity were evaluated to estimate the R-factor: the original model (Model A), and models based solely on event rainfall depth h_e or daily rainfall depth h_d. All the models show consistency in the spatial and temporal patterns of the R-factor: higher erosivity is observed in the southern and northwestern areas, while summer contributes the most to annual erosivity due to the high average intensity of rainfall events. Trend analyses indicate stationarity across most stations. Compared to Model A (mean R-factor: 1840 MJ mm ha⁻¹ h⁻¹ y⁻¹), the models based on h_e underestimate the R-factor by about 15%, whereas the R-factor derived from the h_d-dependent model is almost equivalent. The estimate from Model A is also approximately 20% higher than that of a previous study conducted on a more limited dataset. The most likely reason for this difference appears to be the formula used for estimating the R-factor. The study highlights the practicality of simplified models, which offer a viable alternative in contexts where high-resolution precipitation data are unavailable. It also demonstrates the benefits of denser station networks and longer observation periods, particularly in regions characterised by complex terrains. Full article

A greenhouse trial was conducted in Southern Italy to examine the effects of foliar applications of two substances, methyl-jasmonate (MeJA) and a zeolite, on the harvest and post-harvest performance of two hydroponically grown baby leaf genotypes (leafy chicory ‘Cicoria costa rossa’; kale ‘Cavolo nero’). MeJA is a phyto-hormone primarily studied for fruit and post-harvest applications, while zeolite is typically used for pest and disease biological control. MeJA (Sigma-Aldrich Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany), and a commercial zeolite (Big-Zeo, Agricola Internazionale s.r.l., Pisa, Italy) (BigZeo) were sprayed twice at the second and fourth true leaf stages (BigZeo, 5 kg ha⁻¹; MeJA, 250 µM). Bio-physiological (yield, dry matter DM, chlorophyll CHL, weight loss WL) and qualitative (nitrate, carotenoids, phenols, flavonoids, anthocyanins, antioxidant activity) traits were evaluated in both raw and fresh-cut (7 day-cold-stored) products. Treatments did not significantly affect yield (1.0 kg m⁻²), while plant responses to the substances concerning other traits were genotype-dependent. MeJA enhanced greenness (CHL), texture (DM), and antioxidant activity (by increasing carotenoids and flavonoids) in chicory. In contrast, zeolite improved greenness, texture, and antioxidant activity (by increasing carotenoids, anthocyanins, and phenols), and reduced nitrate in kale. Treatments did not affect weight loss (2.2 g 100 g⁻¹ f.w., on average). After 7 days of storage, MeJA-treated chicory and zeolite-treated kale exhibited improved textural and nutritional quality. Full article

Natural extracts derived from plants have gained attention as potential therapeutic agents for obesity management. Some natural extracts were demonstrated to inhibit pancreatic lipase and alpha amylase, potentially influencing nutrient absorption and contributing to weight management. Pinus nigra subsp. laricio (Poir.) Maire, commonly known as the Calabrian pine or larch pine, is a subspecies of the black pine native to the mountains of southern Italy and Corsica. This study investigated the phytochemical content and antioxidant (DPPH and β-carotene bleaching assays) and enzymatic (lipase and amylase inhibition) activities of ethanolic extracts from apical shoots and branches, fractionated into n-hexane, dichloromethane, and ethyl acetate. All the extracts were also subjected to a preliminary evaluation of their anti-inflammatory potential by measuring the ability to inhibit nitric oxide (NO) production in RAW 264.7 macrophages. The ethyl acetate branch fraction exhibited the strongest antioxidant activity (DPPH IC50 15.67 ± 0.16 μg/mL), while the total branch extract best inhibited pancreatic lipase (IC50 0.62 mg/mL). Amylase inhibition was strongest in the ethyl acetate apical shoot fraction (IC50 22.05 ± 0.29 µg/mL). The branches’ hexane and dichloromethane fractions showed the greatest anti-inflammatory potential, inhibiting NO production in RAW 264.7 cells with IC50 values comparable to the positive control. Full article

The preservation of paleontological heritage is relevant for paleobiological and geological research, as well as for scientific dissemination. Fossils are indicative of the evolutionary processes, biodiversity, ecology, and geography of the past and require specific geoconservation actions. In Italy, fossils are protected as cultural heritage, and their unauthorized collection and trading are counteracted by a regulatory framework. The local superintendence and law enforcement provide control over the territory, often resorting to the expertise of university paleontologists. In the Calabria region (southern Italy), the collaboration among institutions is yielding interesting results in research, preservation, and public awareness of paleontological heritage. This paper highlights the different approaches to the conservation and promotion of fossils by three museums in Calabria. At the National Archeological Museum of Reggio Calabria, fossils are included in the Prehistory section. The history of life on Earth, with a focus on regional paleontology, characterizes the Museum of the University of Calabria. The Civic Museum of Ricadi exhibits local fossils. Collaboration among these museums and their institutional referents contributes to public awareness and scientific understanding of paleontological heritage, reinforcing the need for conservation and promotion strategies. Full article

This study aims to enhance natural heritage through detailed monitoring aimed at evaluating ongoing environmental dynamics and anthropic impacts on fragile coastal ecosystems, with particular attention to dune ecosystems and back-dune ponds in Southern Italy. The integration of remote sensing technologies, such as thermal cameras and geospatial data, has made it possible to identify underground water sources that are useful for characterizing and monitoring the water regime of the targeted area. Through modelling software, different methods of assessing the environmental state, aimed at identifying the best sustainable practices that can be implemented in these fragile ecosystems, are also proposed. The presented multidisciplinary approach demonstrates how science and technology can support the sustainable management of protected areas, with positive implications for environmental protection and local development, and the adoption of best practices, inspired by international models, that can promote the conservation of biodiversity and the valorization of historical heritage. Full article

This paper presents a case study of the natural radioactivity level and radon exhalation in limestone and sandstone rocks from the archaeological park of Tindari, located in Sicily, southern Italy. These rocks were representative of natural stones utilised as building materials in the studied area. The activity concentrations of ²²⁶Ra, ²³²Th, and ⁴⁰K were assessed using high purity germanium (HPGe) gamma-ray spectrometry. Subsequently, the absorbed gamma dose rate (D), annual effective dose equivalent (AEDE), activity concentration index (ACI), and alpha index (I_α) were quantified to evaluate potential radiological health risks associated with radiation exposure from the analysed rocks. Finally, E-PERM electret ion chamber measurements were conducted to accurately quantify the radon exhalation rate from the investigated samples. The results obtained in this case study provide a foundation for further research into the background radioactivity levels in natural stones employed as building materials. Full article

The aim of this study was to identify and characterize the bioactive peptide profile of Podolica cow’s milk. This dairy product is known for its nutritional properties related to the presence of peculiar lipids and is a typical breed traditionally reared in southern Italy. Using top-down peptidomics, we identified 2213 peptides in milk samples from four different farms, with 19 matching bioactive sequences. Bioactivities include dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV) inhibition, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition, antioxidant activity, enhanced calcium uptake, and other peptides with potential antimicrobial effects. DPP-IV-inhibitory peptides (e.g., LDQWLCEKL and VGINYWLAHK) suggest potential for type 2 diabetes management, while ACE inhibitors (such as YLGY and FFVAPFPEVFGK) could support cardiovascular health by reducing hypertension. Antimicrobial peptides such as SDIPNPIGSENSEK and VLNENLLR showed broad spectrum of activity against various harmful microorganisms, positioning Podolica milk as a promising source for natural antimicrobial agents. Additionally, peptides with osteoanabolic, antianxiety, and immunomodulatory properties further highlight the multifaceted health benefits associated with this type of milk. Our findings underline the functional richness of Podolica milk peptides with various bioactivity properties, which could enhance the value of derived dairy products and contribute to sustainable agricultural practices. Future research will aim to explore these bioactivity properties in vivo, establishing a foundation for functional foods and supplements based on Podolica milk. Full article

Background/Objectives: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major global health concern with profound implications for human, animal, and environmental health. Marine ecosystems are emerging as reservoirs of resistant bacteria due to contamination from anthropogenic activities. This study aimed to investigate fluoroquinolone-resistant and multidrug-resistant bacteria in loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta). Methods: Cloacal swabs were collected from 28 loggerhead sea turtles at a rescue center in southern Italy. Swabs were cultured in nutrient media supplemented with enrofloxacin. Bacterial isolates underwent identification by MALDI-TOF, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, and assessment for multidrug resistance. Conjugation experiments evaluated the transferability of enrofloxacin resistance. Results: Thirty-six enrofloxacin-resistant bacterial strains were isolated from 22 turtles. The identified species included Vagococcus fluvialis (13 strains), Citrobacter freundii (5), Escherichia coli (6), and Pseudomonas mendocina (4). Thirty-five isolates exhibited multidrug resistance, with resistance to critically important antibiotics such as imipenem observed in C. freundii and Enterobacter faecium. Conjugation experiments showed no transfer of resistance genes. Conclusions: The study highlights the prevalence of fluoroquinolone-resistant and multidrug-resistant bacteria in C. caretta, implicating marine environments as reservoirs of AMR. The findings underscore the need for stricter regulation of antimicrobial use and monitoring of resistance dissemination in marine ecosystems. These results contribute to understanding AMR dynamics within the One Health framework, emphasizing the interconnectedness of environmental, animal, and human health. Full article

The birth rate data in Italy continue to be discouraging. They are taking on the nature of a structural problem given the continuous decline in population, which is neither accompanied by significant structural policies to promote parenthood, nor supporting the births of fertile generations. This study uses a mixed methods approach and was started in 2022 with the creation of six focus groups in the southern Italian regions of Basilicata, Campania, Calabria, Molise, Puglia, and Sicily. Images taken from the “Fertility Day” social communication campaign were used as a visual stimulus to initiate the discussion. In 2024, it continued with a survey based on a pilot study at a hospital involving pregnant women in southern Italy. The results show that the choice to become parents is not only interconnected with either socio-economic issues or the presence/absence of services and incentives but also relates to emerging cultural models that need to be better understood. On this basis, the dual role of institutions in promoting policies therefore becomes fundamental. On the one hand, the “guarantors” of human, civil, and social rights, which have been developed and established over the centuries, are significant. On the other hand, the “promoters” of parental support pathways are needed. Full article

The climatic conditions in southern Italy favor the occurrence and spread of forest fires, with severe long-lasting consequences on the local flora and fauna. On the one hand, biological and chemical in situ measurements are typically used to accurately investigate the evolution of the land affected by fires, with limited spatial coverage. On the other hand, Remote Sensing (RS) is a mature technology to complement the in situ campaigns on large regions with adequate revisit time. In this paper, we evaluate the capability of Sentinel-2 data to spatially and temporally extend post-fire in situ analysis on a fire-affected area. In particular, we estimate the soil quality index from Sentinel-2 data and achieve a remarkable coefficient of determination ($R^2=0.79$) and low relative error ($e_r=0.06$), highlighting the robustness of the proposed approach. Furthermore, the soil water content and the total iron (Fe) concentrations emerged as pertinent indicators detectable through Near-Infrared and Short-Wave Infrared Sentinel-2 bands. The obtained results prompted an investigation into the post-fire evolution of soil properties, thanks to RS data, in a large area covered by diverse vegetation types. The obtained results encourage a deeper synergic use of in situ and remotely observed data, enabling a comprehensive understanding of soil quality dynamics in fire-affected regions. Full article

Social sustainability relies on the promotion of social processes and structures that ensure the basic needs of individuals and communities are met while also encouraging constructive interactions among them. This paper offers an overview of the characteristics of Italy’s peripheral rural areas and presents findings from a targeted survey conducted across three southern Italian regions. Evaluations collected from a sample of residents were analyzed using the class of CUB models, which are suitable for preference and opinion data. Subjective perceptions of well-being and quality of life, community participation, and the quality of social relationships were examined. Residents’ opinions on the available services in the areas, including economic facilities, digitalization, and transportation, were also considered. Our research indicates that perceptions of well-being in the peripheral areas of Italy are remarkably influenced by individuals’ assessments of their income adequacy. Our findings establish a strong connection between a positive self-assessment of well-being and the belief that income can sufficiently meet needs. Exploring the perceptual dimensions of well-being can offer valuable insights for stakeholders and decision-makers in developing policy efforts and community-led social innovations, which are critical for fighting sentiments of marginalization in rural areas caused by economic perceptions. Full article

The nematode Spinitectus inermis (Zeder, 1800), a specific gastrointestinal parasite of Anguilla anguilla, has been recorded for the first time in the Italian Peninsula. The study was conducted in the Mesima River, located in the southwestern part of the Calabria region (southern Italy). Over a five-month period, 162 specimens of European eel were sampled, revealing an overall prevalence of 47.53%, a mean intensity of 9.51 (±13.88), and a mean abundance of 4.55 (±10.69). The nematode was present throughout the five months analyzed, with prevalence rates ranging from 32.0% to 57.14%. The overall prevalence in the Mesima River was higher than in most previous studies, and the mean abundance of infection was also higher. The highest prevalence of infection was observed in September (56.7%), October (57.14%), November (48.57%), and December (40.54%), with the lowest in March (32.0%). In conclusion, Spinitectus inermis appears to be well established in the eel population of the Mesima River, exhibiting high prevalence and intensity year-round despite ecological variations, though its intermediate hosts remain unknown. Full article

Micropterigidae and Eriocraniidae are poorly investigated in Southern Europe. Despite the richness of the Italian territory, studies devoted to investigating their molecular diversity are lacking. Furthermore, knowledge concerning the diversity and species distribution of these families in southern Italian regions is very poor. The aim of this paper is to contribute to filling the gaps in knowledge on the diversity of Micropterigidae and Eriocraniidae in southern Italian regions by analysing, through DNA barcoding, the samples collected in this geographic area by the authors in recent years. In total, 37 specimens were submitted to DNA barcoding analysis. The sequences were subsequently identified by comparing them with those available in the Barcoding of Life Data Systems. The results provided the first record and the first sequences of the Eriocraniidae family for southern Italy, the first record in continental Italy of a formerly Sicilian endemic species, the first sequences of an endemic species, and the first sequence belonging either to a previously described but unsequenced species or to an undescribed species. In conclusion, DNA barcoding of these families in southern Italy provided very interesting insights, improving their molecular libraries and the knowledge on the fauna of this territory. Daytime studies can further improve these results, but addressing the gaps concerning immature stages should be the major goal of future research. Full article

Introduction: Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) require immunosuppressive drugs like biologics. All IBD patients, including those on biological therapy, should be vaccinated against COVID-19, according to the ECCO recommendations. IBD patients on anti-TNF treatment exhibited lower COVID-19 vaccine responses; however, SARS-CoV-2 variant neutralizing antibody titers have been seldom studied. Methods: IBD patients and healthcare professionals (control group) were tested for COVID-19 vaccine immunogenicity by neutralizing antibody titers against Wild-Type SARS-CoV-2 and its variants. IBD patients were assigned to no treatment/mesalamine, anti-TNF biologic therapy, or non-anti-TNF biologic therapy. The study was performed in a tertiary hospital in Palermo, Sicily, from May to July 2021. Results: In total, 107 IBD patients and 41 healthcare workers were enrolled. A total of 46 patients received mesalamine or no medication, 28 received anti-TNF biologics, and 33 received non-anti-TNF biologics. No significant differences were found in age, gender, or timing of blood sampling post vaccination. Omicron neutralizing activity was markedly reduced in all groups (p < 0.001). The group of patients on anti-TNF biologics showed lower neutralizing antibody titers against Alpha, Delta, and Gamma strains than every other group analyzed. Conclusions: IBD patients on anti-TNF drugs have a reduced serological response to the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine, with the Omicron variant not being neutralized. This highlights the necessity for tailored vaccine strategies for these patients. Full article

Background: West Nile virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne RNA virus, with birds as reservoirs and humans as incidental hosts. WNV often causes asymptomatic infections, but severe neuroinvasive disease occurs in fewer than 1% of human cases. Recent climatic changes and occupational exposure have increased its spread, particularly in Southern Italy. This study aimed to assess WNV seroprevalence and occupational risks among outdoor workers to guide targeted public health interventions. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Apulia region, southeastern Italy, from November 2023 to April 2024. Participants completed a detailed questionnaire on socio-demographics, occupational exposure, travel history, and health symptoms. Blood samples were analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and neutralization assays to detect WNV-specific antibodies. Results: 250 outdoor workers in southeastern Italy were recruited, including agricultural workers, veterinarians, forestry workers, and livestock breeders. The latter showed the highest WNV prevalence at 6.5%. Protective measures such as repellent use (β = −0.145, OR = 0.95, p = 0.019) and personal protective equipment (PPE) usage (β = −0.12, OR = 0.94, p = 0.04) significantly reduced the likelihood of WNV infection. Conclusions: The study highlights the significant occupational risk posed by WNV to outdoor workers involved in livestock breeding in Southern Italy, likely due to their frequent exposure to mosquito-prone environments. Tailored public health strategies and education programs are needed to protect high-risk outdoor workers from WNV, amidst the backdrop of changing climatic conditions that favor increased transmission. Full article