Search Results (187)

The Italian grey partridge (Perdix perdix italica Hartert, 1917) is a subspecies endemic to the Italian peninsula, considered extinct in the wild, and it is included in Annex I of the EU Bird Directive. The aim of our project is to reintroduce a viable population of the endemic taxon into a protected area in north-east Italy, using genetically selected founder birds belonging to the original Italian genetic lineage. From 2021 to 2023, a total of 30,078 partridges were reintroduced to Valle del Mezzano using a soft-release method, and 241 of them were equipped with VHF transmitters to evaluate survival, dispersal and spacing behaviour of the released birds. Furthermore, male spring counts using the playback method were performed to assess the number of reproductive pairs. The overall survival was 21.86%; the Cox proportional hazards model, including time-dependent effects, showed that neither sex (HR = 1.20, p = 0.28) nor body mass significantly influenced survival. The release year was included as a stratification factor, and site-level heterogeneity was negligible. These results show that survival dynamics were not explained solely by individual traits. Dispersal distance and spatial behaviour were affected by the release year, while sex had only a minor effect and body mass had no impact. Local heterogeneity contributed to variability but did not override the strong temporal pattern. The number of calling males in spring ranged from 152 to 267, with variations between years. Overall, our findings suggest that post-release performance in reintroduced individuals is influenced more by environmental factors than by inherent individual traits. In conclusion, despite high mortality rates among reintroduced birds, the first breeding nucleus of Italian partridges since their extinction in the wild has been observed. Full article

Accurate estimation of actual evapotranspiration (ETa) is essential for understanding hydrological processes and managing water resources, especially in regions characterized by intensive agriculture and complex groundwater–surface interactions. This study intercompares three independent satellite-based ETa estimation approaches applied over Northeast Italy. The first two methods correspond to the classical MODIS algorithm (MOD16), which is based on a simplified Penman–Monteith approach, and to the more recent Sen-ET modelling framework, which relies on a surface energy balance principle. The outputs of these methods are compared to those produced by a water balance algorithm, NDVI-Cws, which predicts ETa through the combination of conventional ancillary data and MODIS NDVI imagery. The results obtained show that, while the MODIS algorithm yields ETa estimates which are generally lower than those of Sen-ET and NDVI-Cws, the latter methods produce similar predictions for most cover types examined. The same two methods are potentially capable of providing higher spatial resolution daily ETa estimates depending on the satellite inputs used; out of them, however, only NDVI-Cws can yield spatially complete and temporally continuous datasets. The analysis therefore provides insights into the reliability and usability of different remote sensing approaches for regional-scale water resource monitoring. Full article

Background: Foreign citizenship and low socioeconomic status are key determinants of health inequalities and may influence maternal and neonatal outcomes. This study aimed to assess maternal health during pregnancy and the main adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes related to labour and childbirth among women living in Trentino (Northern Italy), comparing women with Italian and foreign citizenship. Methods: A retrospective epidemiological study was conducted using data from the Birth Assistance Certificate (CedAP) database of the Autonomous Province of Trento. This study included all women who gave birth in Trentino between 2012 and 2016. Associations between citizenship and adverse outcomes were assessed using multivariable logistic regression models adjusted for potential confounders. Results: The analysis included 23,165 women, of whom 25.9% had foreign citizenship. Women with foreign citizenship showed a significantly higher risk of gestational diabetes mellitus compared with Italian women and an increased risk of extremely preterm birth (<28 weeks of gestation), particularly among women from Central and South America, Asia and Eastern Europe. Regarding labour and mode of delivery, women with foreign citizenship had a higher risk of caesarean section, especially among women from Central and South America and Africa. In terms of neonatal outcomes, infants born to women with foreign citizenship showed a higher likelihood of requiring phototherapy and admission to the neonatal intensive care unit. Conclusions: Significant differences were observed between immigrant and Italian women in both social determinants and maternal and neonatal perinatal outcomes. Identifying factors associated with adverse outcomes during pregnancy may help improve targeted maternal care and reduce health inequalities for both mothers and newborns. Full article

Agriculture is a hazardous industry, and working in livestock production has been linked to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). However, limited research has examined work-related risk factors contributing to MSDs among livestock workers especially in small and family-owned operations, like most of the companies located in the Friuli-Venezia Giulia (FVG) region of Italy. This cross-sectional study conducted in July 2024 investigates self-reported musculoskeletal pain and discomfort and occupational exposures among dairy and swine farmworkers (N = 50; mean age = 37 years) in FVG. We assessed musculoskeletal exposures, self-reported pain and discomfort, and the use of preventive techniques to maintain musculoskeletal health. Participants reported a high prevalence (80%) of musculoskeletal pain and discomfort, particularly among those working in family operations. While lower back and knee pain were most common, work-related exposures were most strongly associated with pain in the lower back and neck. These findings highlight the need to address occupational health risks related to MSDs in livestock operations, including possible prevention and intervention strategies. This may be especially important for small and family-owned farms where preventive and ergonomic interventions may yield substantial benefits. Full article

Background: Past workplace exposure to asbestos in combination with tobacco smoking has increased the risk of lung cancer for some residents in an area within the Friuli Venezia Giulia region, Northeast Italy. In light of studies showing that lung cancer screening (LCS) with low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) can reduce mortality, local stakeholders and decision-makers decided to assess the potential benefits, harms and cost-effectiveness of a single round of LCS with LDCT versus standard care among people aged 55 to 80 who were formerly exposed to asbestos and with at least 10 pack-years of smoking. Methods: An economic model was developed using a decision tree connected to a Markov cohort model. The primary outcome was the incremental cost per additional quality-adjusted life year (QALY). Other outcomes included the number of life years saved, the number of deaths averted and overdiagnosis. Results: Per 10,000 people screened, the intervention led to 395 additional QALYs (95% credible interval: 129 to 831) and incremental total costs of EUR 1,086,345 (95% credible interval: −852,607 to 2,155,826). The incremental cost per QALY gained was EUR 2750. There was a probability of cost-effectiveness of 99.5% relative to a threshold of EUR 25,000. Conclusions: The model estimated that the intervention was cost-effective. The model’s simplifications and limitations should be considered when interpreting the findings in relation to policy-making decisions. Further research could include the costs and benefits of incidental findings and could assess the cost-effectiveness of repeated rounds of screening for the same population. Full article

Mountain regions across Europe face demographic decline and institutional fragmentation that hinder sustainable tourism development. This study analyzes the territorial governance system of the Val Canale and Canal del Ferro valleys (Italian Alps) with the aim of designing a stakeholder-based Organizational Model (OM) to strengthen sustainable tourism coordination in a peripheral mountain context. A qualitative single-case study approach integrates Stakeholder Analysis, Actor-Linkage Matrix, Appreciative Inquiry, and spatial contextualization to examine relational, institutional, and territorial dynamics. The findings reveal a territory rich in environmental and cultural assets—characterized by protected areas and extensive trail networks—yet constrained by fragmented inter-municipal cooperation and limited supra-municipal coordination. Governance fragmentation, rather than resource scarcity, emerges as the primary barrier to coherent territorial development. In response, the proposed multi-level Organizational Model introduces a valley-level coordination unit designed to institutionalize collaborative governance, enhance administrative capacity, and align local initiatives with regional strategies. By operationalizing stakeholder theory within a structured territorial framework, the study contributes to place-based governance literature and offers transferable insights for peripheral mountain regions facing similar coordination challenges. Full article

Objective: The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate clinical and laboratory characteristics in adult patients with neuroinvasive West Nile virus (WNDD). We also studied the phylogeny and molecular characteristics of some of the WNV strains. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted at “Annunziata” Hub Hospital, a secondary referral facility in Calabria region, in Southern Italy. Sample pre-processing, sequencing and bioinformatic analyses were carried out at IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital in Negrar di Valpolicella, Verona, Veneto region in North-East Italy. Results: Nine cases of WNDD were analyzed, involving eight males and one female, with a mean age of 70.33 years (range 60–85). The overall average hospital stay was 20.6 days (range 6–46). Six patients made a full recovery after a mean of 35.3 days of acute care. Thirty-day mortality rate was 23%. VNDD in some of our patients manifested itself in the form of cerebral hemorrhage (ICH) in three patients, causing lethality in two patients and other unusual manifestations, such as Guillain–Barré syndrome with fatal outcome and severe facial palsy. Phylogenetic analysis shows that our sequences are closely related to other southern-Italian and cluster with Central–Southern–Eastern European sequences, while being evidently separated from northern Italian and Central–Western European ones, belonging to the sub-lineage 2a of the WNV-2, clustering with sequences from the Central–South–Eastern clade, mainly to Hungary. Conclusions: Cerebrovascular complications of WNE may be an important clinical manifestation of WNV neuroinvasive infection. Preliminary data do not allow us to determine whether our strains, closely related to other southern-Italian and cluster with Central–Southern–Eastern European sequences, really presented an increased neurovirulence. Full article

The lasca Protochondrostoma genei is an endemic freshwater fish of high conservation concern, listed in Annex II of the Habitat Directive and classified as Endangered in Italy. This study investigates the ecology, population structure, and habitat use of P. genei in the Chiarò di Cialla Creek (Northeast Italy), a biodiversity hotspot recently designated as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC IT3320041). Particular regard is given to the issue represented by the presence of the common nase Chondrostoma nasus, which competes with the lasca for habitats and trophic resources. Fish assemblages were surveyed by electrofishing during 2023 and 2024, coupled with detailed hydromorphological characterization of mesohabitats. Results highlighted that the lasca showed preference for glides and especially pools, characterized by moderate depths, low to moderate current velocities, high shading, and abundant shelters such as boulders, roots, and woody debris. However, P. genei extensively overlapped in habitat use with the invasive common nase C. nasus, whose density increased markedly during the study period, suggesting ongoing colonization and potential issues for the lasca conservation. Despite moderate river functionality scores and localized anthropogenic pressures, the Chiarò di Cialla Creek remains a key refuge for P. genei. These findings provide essential ecological information to support targeted conservation actions, including habitat management and invasive species control, within protected riverine systems. Full article

Microplastics spread through the environment in various ways. Inland waters are an ideal medium for their dispersal, as they collect pollutants from various sources and transport them over long distances. From there, microplastics can enter the marine environment, break down into smaller particles or end up in drinking water treatment plants. However, the fate, transport and potential health effects of microplastics after ingestion of drinking water and water in food are not yet fully understood. It is therefore necessary to evaluate the quantification and identification of microplastics in drinking water by analysing real samples in order to assess the potential impact on human health. To this end, microplastic contamination in 32 treated drinking water samples from a surface water treatment plant in north-eastern Italy were analysed using micro-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (µ-FT-IR). The results indicated low levels of contamination, with all the samples containing less than 170 microplastics per litre, which is in line with European drinking water levels. Polyolefins with size 50–500 µm, such as polypropylene and polyethylene, were the predominant polymers detected (50.2%), while surprisingly polyethylene terephthalate was scarcely present (0.1%, size range 10–50 µm). Statistical analysis revealed a significant negative correlation between microplastic concentration and sampling volume, with larger volumes yielding fewer particles. This inconsistency likely results from the lack of bottle rinsing when only a fraction of the sampling volume is filtered. It was also found that rinsing the sampling bottles with ethanol alone prior to analysis was sufficient to ensure accurate quantification. These results highlight the challenges in standardising the detection of microplastics in drinking water and underline the need for optimised sampling protocols. Full article

On 18 March 2025, a moderate earthquake with moment magnitude Mw 4.2 struck the Basilicata region in Southern Italy. The event occurred at 09:01:25 UTC with an epicentre located approximately 4 km northeast of the city of Potenza (PZ). The earthquake was clearly felt across the urban area and followed by a sequence of low-magnitude aftershocks. A few hours after the main shock, researchers from the University of Basilicata installed a temporary structural monitoring network to check the structural conditions of several buildings located in Potenza. This installation enabled the acquisition of accelerometric recordings of several aftershocks, providing a valuable dataset for preliminary observations on structural seismic response. The monitoring campaign focused on two adjacent twin buildings with similar geometry and structural layout but different seismic design strategies: one conventionally fixed at the base and the other equipped with seismic base isolation made by rubber bearings. Comparative analyses revealed distinct differences in dynamic response. The results highlight the need for refined regulatory tools to address near-epicentral conditions, particularly potential dynamic interactions among the vertical ground-motion component, the vertical vibration frequencies of the superstructure, and floor-system resonance. While not critical for ultimate limit states, these effects may influence comfort and performance in operational and damage limit states. Full article

Background and Objectives: The increase in rates of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) due to HCV infection supported the implementation of screening programs for control of this infection in Italy. The HepCoVe network has collected cases with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) in the Veneto region of North-East Italy since the 2000s. This platform allowed us to (a) compare the characteristics of the HCV cohort exposed to parenteral risk before or after 1995 (introduction of mandatory HCV testing), and (b) track the changes induced by IFN-based therapy and the novel direct-acting antivirals (DAA). Methods: From January 2000 to December 2005, 2703 prospectively recruited cases with CHC were analyzed and followed up for 16.2 ± 8.4 years, by a per protocol analysis. Results: Two epidemic waves occurred; the first, related to blood transfusions and infection with the HCV-1b and 2a/2c genotypes, affecting an elderly population, and the second, spread through drug addiction, among young people and with a prevalence of HCV-1a, 3a/3b and 4c/4d. Patients treated with DAA had more advanced liver disease; despite this, they achieved the highest SVR rate, compared to those who received an IFN-based regimen (95.1% vs. 61.5%; p < 0.01). The 10-year HCC incidence rate by KM was 0.81, 3.75, and 1.26 per 100 person-years (p-y) in cases with or without SVR and in the untreated group, respectively (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The period of exposure to HCV in Italy (born from 1939 to 1989) was supported by two epidemic waves. Unknowing cases of HCV infection are disappearing, particularly those included in the first cohort, among the “boomers”. Despite the eradication of HCV in all treated cases, antiviral therapy does not completely eliminate the risk of HCC onset. Full article

Classroom acoustics and noise exposure significantly impact students’ emotional, cognitive, and academic well-being. This study investigates how classroom noise and acoustics affect auditory and cognitive performance among 131 children in three primary schools in northeast Italy. Student performance was assessed using standardised tests evaluating working memory, verbal short and long-term memory, and visuospatial memory. Children were tested under two distinct acoustic conditions: ambient classroom noise and artificially induced noise (comprising a sequence of typical internal and external classroom sounds, intelligible speech, and unintelligible conversations). Prior to testing, hearing threshold was assessed, in order to reveal any existing impairments. Following each experimental session, children rated their perceived effort and fatigue in completing the tests. Acoustic characterisation of empty classrooms was performed using Reverberation Time (T₂₀), Clarity (C₅₀), and Speech Transmission Index (STI), while noise level was measured during all testing phases. Regression analysis was employed to correlate noise levels and reverberation times with class-average performance and perception scores. Results indicate that noise significantly impaired both verbal working memory and visual attention, increasing perceived effort and fatigue. Notably, both ambient and induced noise conditions exhibited comparable adverse effects on attentional and memory task performance. These findings underscore the critical importance of acoustic design in educational environments and provide empirical support for developing classroom acoustic standards. Full article

3-Methylcrotonyl-CoA carboxylase deficiency (3-MCCD) is a metabolic disorder with a wide clinical spectrum ranging from asymptomatic individuals to severe metabolic decompensation. Following the introduction of expanded newborn screening, a high number of asymptomatic individuals with 3-MCCD were identified, prompting debates about its inclusion in screening panels. In order to inform policy and healthcare decisions regarding the inclusion of 3-MCCD in newborn screening programs, we evaluated the long-term outcomes for newborns with positive results over a decade of screening experience in North-East Italy, as well as the psychological impact on their parents. Of the 336,668 newborns screened between 2014 and 2025, 9 were confirmed to be affected. These infants underwent annual clinical and biochemical assessments, including dried blood spot acylcarnitine profile, plasma free carnitine, and urinary organic acids assays. An emergency protocol was provided to all affected children to manage intercurrent illnesses. An ad hoc survey was developed to assess the psychological impact of the disease on parents. During follow-up (mean age at last visit: 4.2 years), one patient experienced metabolic decompensation during an intercurrent illness, which was promptly treated. One patient presented with growth retardation and another with transient psychomotor delay. Five patients developed carnitine deficiency, requiring supplementation. Psychological assessments revealed an initial high level of parental psychological impact, which decreased over time. All parents strongly supported the screening program. Newborn screening for 3-MCCD enabled the early identification and management of affected individuals, thereby avoiding severe metabolic decompensation. Although there is an initial psychological burden on parents, it significantly decreases over time. Therefore, the long-term benefits of newborn screening for 3-MCCD seem to outweigh the psychological drawbacks. Full article

Climate change poses increasing challenges to Reclamation Consortia, which must ensure equitable and sustainable water distribution under conditions of growing scarcity. This study evaluates supplemental irrigation management strategies adopted by three Reclamation Consortia in the Venetian Plain (Northeast Italy): Piave, Veneto Orientale and Acque Risorgive. The Consortia were selected based on their territorial and structural characteristics, as well as their different approach to managing water resources. This study fills a critical gap by integrating FAO AquaCrop-based estimates of irrigation needs for the 2022 and 2023 irrigation seasons in maize, grapevine and radicchio with an institutional analysis of Reclamation Consortia, offering an innovative framework that links technical and governance aspects of sustainable water management. Results reveal considerable variability among Consortia in terms of organizational structure, technological adoption, and resilience to drought. The 2022 season, characterized by extreme drought, required substantially higher irrigation volumes across all crops and soil types with significant differences compared to 2023 (p < 0.001), particularly for maize and grapevine (73% more irrigation water in maize). Well-drained soils and sprinkler irrigated crops showed the highest water demand (+45 mm compared to drip irrigation, p = 0.058), while loamy soils and drip systems proved more efficient. The Piave Consortium demonstrated the most advanced management system, supported by digital tools and structured rotation schedules. Nevertheless, structural factors, such as geographic location and infrastructure capacity, play a critical role in shaping resilience, leading to higher vulnerability in Consortia like Veneto Orientale and robustness in Acque Risorgive during drought conditions (i.e., 2022). Overall, the findings highlight the need to strengthen the main pillars of adaptation in irrigated agriculture, i.e., technology (decision support systems), governance (inter-Consortium coordination), and infrastructure (storage facilities), to promote flexible irrigation planning, enhance adaptive capacity, and ensure long-term sustainability under changing climatic conditions. These strategies also contribute directly to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals 2, 6, and 13 (Zero Hunger, Clean Water and Sanitation, and Climate Action) by improving water use efficiency, securing crop production, and enhancing resilience to climate change. Full article

Funerary archaeoentomology is the discipline that studies insects and other arthropods in archaeological contexts, with a particular focus on the funerary domain. The presence of specific species, such as necrophagous beetles or saprophagous flies, can provide crucial evidence regarding post-mortem conditions—whether bodies were left exposed to the air or buried suddenly after death—and whether they underwent particular preservation practices, such as desiccation or embalming. This study concentrates on entomological specimens collected from three mummified bodies at the Sanctuary of Madonna della Corona in the province of Verona (northeast Italy), aiming to reconstruct aspects of funerary practices, especially the season of death and the authenticity of the garments worn by the mummified individuals. Insects were manually collected from bodies belonging to three hermits living between the 17th and 19th centuries. A complex entomofauna consisting of Diptera, Coleoptera, Lepidoptera, and minor taxa was collected and analyzed. Diptera puparia, primarily from the families Calliphoridae, Muscidae, and Fanniidae, were the most abundant entomological elements recovered. Their presence suggests potential exposure of the bodies before burial and indicates that death likely occurred during a mild period of the year (end of spring/beginning of autumn). The co-occurrence of holes caused by maggots on the hermits’ skin and their garments allows us to speculate about the authenticity of the clothing used during the funerary rituals. By combining entomological evidence with textile analysis, this research offers a more precise understanding of historical funerary practices within this devotional context. It sheds light on methods of managing human remains, burial traditions, and preservation techniques, particularly regarding the clothing of the deceased. Full article