Search Results (470)

Three painted valuable wood sculptures from conventual collections in Apulia (Southern Italy), made between the beginning of the 17th century and the first half of the 18th century, were studied to shed light on the pictorial materials and techniques of the Neapolitan Baroque sculpture in Southern Italy. A multi-analytical approach was implemented using integrated micro-invasive techniques, including polarized light microscopy (PLM) in ultraviolet (UV) and visible (VIS) light, scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and pyrolysis–gas chromatography/high-resolution mass spectrometry (Py-GC/HRMS). The stratigraphic sequences were microscopically identified, and the pictorial layers were discriminated on the basis of optical features, elemental compositions, and mapping. Organic components were detected by FTIR as lipids and proteinaceous compounds for binders, while terpenic resins were detected as varnishes. Accordingly, PY-GC/HRMS identified siccative oils, animal glue, egg, and colophony. The results allowed the identification of the painting techniques used for the pictorial films and the ground preparation layers and supported the distinction between original and repainting layers. The results of this multi-analytical approach provide insights into Baroque wooden sculpture in Southern Italy and offers information to support restorers in conservation works. Full article

Polystigma amygdalinum the causal agent of Red Leaf Blotch (RLB), is responsible for one of the most important foliar diseases affecting almond [Prunus dulcis (Miller) D.A. Webb] in the Mediterranean Basin and the Middle East. The study is aimed at improving knowledge on RLB epidemiology and the role of environmental conditions in disease development. Field monitoring was conducted from 2022 to 2025 in three almond orchards located in Apulia (southern Italy) and characterized by different microclimatic conditions. A total of 39 cultivars, including Apulian local germplasm and international cultivars (‘Belona’, ‘Genco’, ‘Guara’, ‘Ferragnès’, ‘Filippo Ceo’, ‘Lauranne^® Avijor’, ‘Soleta’, and ‘Supernova’), were evaluated. Symptoms occurred from late spring to summer, resulting particularly severe on ‘Guara’ and ‘Lauranne^® Avijor’, whereas ‘Belona’, ‘Ferragnès’, ‘Genco’, and ‘Supernova’ exhibited the highest tolerance. To our knowledge, this is also the first report of RLB tolerance by ‘Filippo Ceo’, ‘Ficarazza’, ‘Centopezze’, and ‘Rachele piccola’ representing potential genetic resources for breeding programs. Moreover, these findings reinforced previous observations proving that RLB was less severe on medium-late and late cultivars. Disease incidence varied significantly among sites and years and was strongly associated with increased rainfall, higher relative humidity, and mild temperatures recorded in November, influencing disease occurrence in the following growing season. P. amygdalinum was consistently detected by qPCR in all RLB-affected tissues and, in some cases, from mixed early RLB + Pseudomonas-like symptoms. From some leaves with early RLB symptoms, P. amygdalinum was also successfully isolated in pure culture. Overall, our results provide clear evidence that P. amygdalinum is the sole fungal pathogen consistently associated with typical RLB symptoms in Apulia (southern Italy) and highlight important cultivar-dependent differences. Its frequent molecular detection in leaves showing atypical or mixed symptoms suggests unresolved epidemiological aspects requiring further investigation. Full article

Sometimes, mandatory rules for eradicating pathogens specifically target crops that hold intrinsic economic value, cultural heritage, and are a lucrative tourist attraction as well as an appealing part of the landscape due to their historical presence in the region. An example of this is the introduction of Xylella fastidiosa subsp. pauca (Xfp), mainly vectored by Philaenus spumarius to olive groves in Apulia. Twelve years after the first official report on its presence and numerous studies, this review aims to reconsider some of the quarantine measures in place to prevent the spread of Xfp. Surveys carried out within the demarcated areas have shown a low incidence of Xfp over the years ranging from 0.06% to 0.70%. Furthermore, the bacterium is now present throughout the region, from the south to the north, potentially suggesting that the bacterium may be endemic in the region. Epidemiological models have indicated low or negligible infectivity for asymptomatic trees. Rigorous vector control, achieved through the mechanical removal of eggs and juvenile forms, coupled with the contemporary reduction in the Xfp load within the olive crown using bactericidal compounds, could effectively reduce the spread of Xfp in both infected and demarcated areas. These actions could also serve as preventive measures in current free areas. Once the prevalence of both vectors and Xfp is low, only olive trees in demarcated areas that test positive for the bacterium should be uprooted. Trees within a 50 m radius of an Xfp-positive olive tree should not be removed if they test negative for Xfp upon detection. Full article

Background: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a heterogeneous disorder associated with substantial cardiometabolic and neurocognitive morbidity. Although the apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) remains the conventional measure of OSA severity, it only partially reflects the underlying pathophysiological complexity. Growing evidence indicates that nocturnal hypoxemia may be a more powerful marker of adverse outcomes than event frequency alone. Therefore, this study aimed to identify distinct OSA phenotypes based on oximetry-derived features and to assess whether these profiles offer additional clinical insight beyond traditional AHI-based classification. Methods: This multicenter retrospective study, part of the Living with OSA and CPAP: The Apulia Region Experience project, included 1386 adults diagnosed with OSA across 15 sleep centers in Southern Italy. Standardized clinical, anthropometric, and polysomnographic (PSG) data were collected. Hierarchical clustering analysis was performed based on PSG oximetry-derived variables. Resulting clusters were compared across demographic, clinical, hypoxemic, and therapeutic features. Results: Three reproducible clusters emerged. Cluster 1 (mild–non-obese) included younger, leaner patients with lower AHI (22.9 ± 10.5 events·h⁻¹), minimal desaturation (T90 5.6 ± 7.6%), and limited comorbidities. Cluster 2 (severe–obese–hypoxemic) represented the most critical phenotype, characterized by marked obesity (BMI 39.2 ± 8.2 kg·m⁻²), severe OSA (AHI 74.9 ± 17.9 events·h⁻¹), profound nocturnal hypoxemia (T90 51.5 ± 28.2%), and a high prevalence of metabolic disorders (76%), requiring higher CPAP pressures and frequent oxygen supplementation. Cluster 3 (older–comorbid) comprised older males (63.7 ± 11.8 years) with moderate-to-severe OSA (AHI 44.8 ± 15.2 events·h⁻¹) and multiple cardiometabolic comorbidities. Conclusions: Oximetry-derived variables identify distinct and clinically meaningful OSA phenotypes that extend beyond traditional AHI-based classification. Recognizing hypoxemia-driven subtypes could improve risk stratification and enable more personalized management strategies in clinical practice. Full article

This study investigated the fungal species associated with symptomatic cultivated Brassica crops in Apulia, Southern Italy, during the 2022–2023 growing seasons. Twenty-two samples from Brassica oleracea var. botrytis, B. oleracea var. italica, and B. rapa var. cymosa showing stunting, wilting, necrotic spots, and lesions were analyzed using morphological and molecular analyses. A total of 259 fungal isolates were obtained, mainly belonging to the genera Alternaria, Plectosphaerella, Fusarium, and Sclerotinia, with Alternaria and Plectosphaerella being the most frequent. Microsatellite PCR (MSP-PCR) profiling revealed considerable genetic diversity within the Alternaria and Plectosphaerella genera, whereas Fusarium and Sclerotinia showed uniform profiles. Multilocus analyses (ITS, tef-1α, rpb2, Alt-a1, and gapdh) identified nine species as Alternaria alternata, A. brassicicola, A. japonica, Fusarium solani species complex, Plectosphaerella cucumerina, P. pauciseptata, P. plurivora, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, and Stemphylium vesicarium. While Alternaria, Fusarium, and Sclerotinia species are well-known Brassicaceae pathogens, P. pauciseptata, P. plurivora, and S. vesicarium have been detected here for the first time on cultivated Brassica crops worldwide. These findings highlight significant intraspecific diversity among the detected fungi and expand the current knowledge of fungal diversity associated with symptomatic cultivated Brassica plants. Full article

Background: Socioeconomic disparities may affect COVID-19 booster vaccination uptake, potentially undermining public health efforts. This study assessed the association between first booster dose coverage and municipal socioeconomic deprivation in the Apulia region of southern Italy. A secondary objective was to evaluate whether SARS-CoV-2 incidence modified this relationship. Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational study including Apulian residents aged ≥5 years from 1 January 2021, to 31 December 2022. First booster doses were identified using an algorithm based on dose chronology and national guidelines. Vaccination and infection data were retrieved from regional databases. Socioeconomic deprivation was measured using the Social and Material Vulnerability Index (SMVI) developed by the Italian National Institute of Statistics (ISTAT). Booster coverage was calculated at the municipal level. A multivariable Poisson’s regression model was used to estimate the association between SMVI and booster uptake, adjusting for age group, primary vaccine type, SARS-CoV-2 incidence, and municipal vaccination rates. Analyses were stratified by sex. Results: A total of 2,732,258 individuals received a first booster dose. Booster coverage decreased with increasing SMVI. Among females, a significant reduction was observed in the highest deprivation category (RR > 102 vs. <99: 0.95; 95% CI: 0.94–0.97) and it was similar in males (RR: 0.95; 95% CI: 0.93–0.96). A significant interaction between age and deprivation was found in both sexes, with a sharper decline in younger individuals. Municipal vaccination rates were positively associated with booster uptake. SARS-CoV-2 incidence was positively associated with uptake only in males. Conclusions: The analysis revealed a significant association between lower socio-cultural level and lower adherence to the first booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. The decline is more pronounced among subjects younger than 50 years with high levels of vulnerability. The findings of this study suggest that to overthrow vaccine hesitancy, knowledge of the social setting allows for targeted communications to the different groups in the population. Further research is needed to define different approaches in the different social groups. Full article

In the cherry-growing area of Apulia (Italy), sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) cultivars are commonly grafted onto Prunus mahaleb L. rootstock. This study investigated the influence of the scion on the fruit quality of the rootstock, an aspect that remains largely underexplored in studies of stionic interactions. In an old sweet cherry orchard in the Bari area, several ‘Ferrovia’ trees grafted onto P. mahaleb L. rootstock were observed, where some rootstock individuals had developed fruiting branches below the grafting point. We collected fruits from those mahaleb rootstocks and compared them with fruits produced by non-grafted P. mahaleb L. trees growing in the same orchard. Extracts of grafted and non-grafted mahaleb cherries was analyzed by HPLC-DAD and ¹H-NMR. Anthocyanins, coumaric acid derivatives, organic acids, and reducing sugars were identified in both extracts. Non-grafted mahaleb fruits were characterized by a higher relative content of malic acid, fructose, dihydro-coumaric acid derivatives, and anthocyanins and lower content of α/β glucose and sorbitol, with respect to the grafted mahaleb. The metabolic differences observed between fruits from grafted and non-grafted P. mahaleb L. were further supported by our preliminary NMR-based analysis conducted on fruit juice over two consecutive years. The results suggest that grafting may induce some physiological changes not only in the scion, but also in the rootstock, even in its vegetative (above-ground) organs, if developed. This work represents a novel finding and reinforces the broader understanding that grafting impacts physiological processes in plants. Full article

Thymus apulus, a new species from the calcareous highland (Murge hill area) of Apulia and Basilicata, southern Italy, is described and illustrated. The new species belongs to Thymus sect. Hyphodromi, and has been confused in the past with T. striatus (a southeastern European species), or T. spinulosus (a species strictly endemic to central and southern Italy). A morphometric analysis to assess the taxonomic relationships of the putative new species and the closely related T. spinulosus and T. striatus was carried out. Multivariate and univariate morphometric analyses demonstrate that T. apulus is clearly different from T. striatus and T. spinulosus. It can be reliably identified by a combination of quantitative and qualitative diagnostic characters, including pink corolla, capituliform to elongate inflorescence, predominantly glabrous leaves with rare sessile oil glands and non-parallel lateral veins, and distinct morphometric traits of the bracts and calyx. The distribution of T. apulus is restricted to several localities in the Murge highland (Apulia and Basilicata), within Alta Murgia National Park (SCI IT9120007 “Alta Murgia”) and Murgia Materana Park (SCI IT9220135 “Gravine di Matera”). Thymus apulus usually grows in sub-Mediterranean xeric grasslands corresponding to habitat 62A0, “Eastern sub-Mediterranean dry grasslands (Scorzoneratalia villosae)”, included in Annex I of the Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC). Furthermore, the conservation status assessment of the new species, according to IUCN categories and criteria, is proposed and discussed, and an analytical key for dried herbarium specimens to the species of T. sect. Hyphodromi in Italy is presented. Full article

Sant’Agostino green table olives, traditionally processed in Apulia and flavoured with Foeniculum vulgare, represent a niche product whose microbial ecology remains largely unexplored. This study aimed to characterise the microbiota of the final product (both brine and fruit) after six months of storage with wild fennel. Four production batches were analysed using a combined culture-dependent and culture-independent approach. Microbiological counts revealed variable levels of aerobic mesophilic microorganisms, yeasts, lactic acid bacteria (LAB), and staphylococci, with yeasts and LAB being predominant. Ten LAB strains were identified, including Enterococcus faecium, Leuconostoc mesenteroides subsp. jonggajibkimchii, Leuconostoc mesenteroides subsp. cremoris, Leuconostoc pseudomesenteroides, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, and Lactiplantibacillus pentosus. Yeast isolates belonged to Candida tropicalis, Torulaspora delbrueckii, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Amplicon sequencing (MiSeq Illumina) revealed distinct bacterial profiles between fruit and brine samples, with taxa from Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Enterococcus, Lactobacillus, Leuconostoc, Alphaproteobacteria, Enterobacteriaceae, and other Gammaproteobacteria. Enterococcus and Leuconostoc were consistently detected, while Lactobacillus sensu lato appeared only in one fruit and one brine sample. These findings provide new insights into the microbial diversity of Sant’Agostino olives and contribute to the understanding of their fermentation ecology and potential for quality and safety enhancement. Full article

In 2017, the Commission Implementing Decision (European Union [EU]) 2017/1910 officially declared Italy to be enzootic bovine leukosis (EBL)-free. The Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/689 laid criteria to maintain an official disease-free status. While some infection clusters persist in restricted areas, specific measures are being implemented to eliminate pockets of viral persistence. This updated analysis of current data, concerning epidemiological trends of EBL in Italy from January 2022 to December 2024, aimed to analyze the status of infection clusters in terms of risk factors associated with bovine leukemia virus (BLV) seropositivity to evaluate the effectiveness of the eradication measures. Our findings highlighted an improvement in EBL eradication; however, the Latium region lags behind in terms of disease eradication while the situation in Apulia is being resolved. Campania, which has implemented restrictive and consistent health measures, has the lowest prevalence and incidence rates compared with previous years. Identifying and assessing risk factors that favor EBL persistence in infection clusters is essential as is implementing specific measures to eliminate such clusters, thereby enabling disease eradication and the adoption of targeted prevention strategies. Full article

In recent years, the spread of the phytopathogenic bacterium Xylella fastidiosa Wells et al., 1987 (Bacteria: Proteobacteria, Gammaproteobacteria) has posed a significant threat to olive cultivation in Italy, particularly in regions of high economic and agronomic value such as Apulia (Southern Italy). In this two-year study (2019–2020), we investigated the Auchenorrhyncha community in three representative olive farms in Tuscany (Central Italy), another region with highly valuable olive-growing, comparing traditional (400 trees/ha) and super-high-density (1500 trees/ha) management systems. Adult insects were collected monthly from May to November using sweep net sampling on both olive tree canopies and herbaceous ground cover. In total, 1844 individuals belonging to 25 genera and five families were identified. Philaenus spumarius L. and Neophilaenus campestris (Fallén) (Cercopoidea: Aphrophoridae) were confirmed as the most prevalent X. fastidiosa vectors in each site. However, data analysis revealed that Auchenorrhyncha community composition was significantly influenced by site and vegetation stratum, but not by olive grove management systems. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the composition of Auchenorrhyncha communities associated with olive groves, highlighting that new super-high-density management does not influence the presence and abundance of X. fastidiosa vectors. Full article

Halophytes are increasingly recognized as sustainable crops that offer a wide range of nutrients. This study provides a nutritional characterization of annual (Salicornia europaea) and perennial (Sarcocornia fruticosa, Arthrocaulon macrostachyum) species of glasswort, collected from different coastal habitats in southern Italy. S. europaea was also cultivated under non-saline conditions. Results showed differences in mineral content, and bioactive compounds among genotypes, but they were modulated by environmental conditions, leading to significant site-specific variation. S. europaea, regardless of the collecting sites, exhibited the highest concentration of minerals (K, Ca, and Mg), chlorophylls, carotenoids, and phenolic compounds as well as antioxidant activity. A. macrostachyum stood out for its high flavonoid and sterol content, exhibiting other nutritional traits comparable to S. europaea when collected in a more arid site. A. macrostachyum and S. fruticosa displayed similar compositional features, showing the highest anthocyanin and iodine (187.8 µg 100 g⁻¹ FW, on average) content. Sodium and potassium—critical for hypertension management—varied, exceeding the recommended Na/K ratio (1) for human consumption, especially in A. macrostachyum grown close to the sea. The most promising result was observed in non-saline S. europaea and in an A. macrostachyum sample (1.7, on average). Overall findings confirm the potential of both annual and perennial glassworts as nutritionally rich, sustainable crops for marginal environments. Full article

In recent years, agriculture has increasingly faced shocks related to climate change, pathogen outbreaks, and geopolitical instability, highlighting the need for sustainable regeneration strategies. This study develops an innovative Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) framework that integrates the Delphi method, the Analytic Network Process (ANP), and the Aggregated Decision-Making (ADAM) method—the first application of this combination in the context of agricultural regeneration. The framework was applied to the Apulia region (Italy), heavily affected by the Xylella fastidiosa epidemic, and evaluated alternative crops across 30 economic, environmental, and socio-cultural sub-criteria. Results indicate that carob, walnut, and pistachio outperform other options by combining strong economic viability, climate resilience, and cultural compatibility. To mitigate the risks of monoculture, crop diversification strategies based on high-ranked alternatives are recommended. Sensitivity analysis confirmed the robustness of results, and the framework demonstrates high scalability, offering a transparent tool for policymakers in regions facing similar agricultural crises. Full article

This article presents an extensive experimental investigation of the dynamic characteristics of three-arch historical masonry bridges, using Operational Modal Analysis (OMA). The research thoroughly characterizes the dynamic behavior of four representative masonry bridges from the Apulia Region in Southern Italy through detailed experimental campaigns. These campaigns employed calibrated and optimally implemented accelerometric monitoring systems to acquire high-quality dynamic data under controlled excitation and environmental conditions. The selected bridges include the Santa Teresa Bridge in Bitonto, the Roman Bridge in Bovino, the Roman Bridge in Ascoli Satriano and a moderner road bridge on the Provincial Road SP123 in Troia; they span almost two millennia of construction history. The experimental framework incorporated several non-invasive excitation methods, including controlled vehicle passes, instrumented hammer impacts and ambient vibration tests, strategically chosen for optimal signal quality and heritage preservation. This investigation demonstrates the feasibility of capturing the dynamic behavior of these complex and specific historic structures through customized sensor configurations and various excitation methods. The resulting natural frequencies and mode shapes are accurate, robust, and reliable considering the extended data set used, and have allowed a rigorous seismic assessment. Eventually, this comprehensive data set establishes a fundamental basis for understanding and predicting the seismic response of several three-span masonry bridges to accurately identify their long-term resilience and effective conservation planning of these valuable and vulnerable heritage structures. In conclusion, the data comparison enabled the formulation of a predictive equation for the identification of the first natural frequency of bridges from geometric characteristics. Full article

This article explores the voices of sailors across time, focusing on how song and prayer animate the nautical cult of St. Nicholas of Myra from the Middle Ages to the present. Drawing on hagiography, poetry, and music, it examines how medieval sources portray sailors’ cries to St. Nicholas during storms at sea, often depicting univocal, affective pleas that provoke divine response. These representations—especially in Latin sequences such as Congaudentes exultemus—highlight the cultural weight of the literal and metaphorical voice within miracle narratives. The article then bridges medieval and modern devotional soundscapes through nineteenth- and twentieth-century ethnographic collections from Apulia, Italy, particularly through the work of folklorists Saverio La Sorsa and Alfredo Giovine. Their records of Barese sailors’ songs and prayers to St. Nicholas—still sung today—provide embodied counterpoints to the mediated voices of medieval texts. Through this transhistorical lens, I argue that voice operates as connective tissue in the devotional lives of seafarers: an expression of fear, faith, and communal identity. By amplifying sailors’ voices in text, song, and performance, both medieval and modern traditions construct a vivid aural archive that affirms the enduring relationship between St. Nicholas and those who navigate the dangers of the sea. Full article