Abruzzo Region Research Articles

Regional rainfall threshold maps drawn through multivariate geostatistical techniques for shallow landslide hazard zonation

The Empirical Rainfall Thresholds (ERTs) for shallow landslide initiation are commonly devised worldwide mostly to be implemented within landslide early warning systems. Nonetheless, since the pioneering works on ERTs in the 1980s, only meteorological variables - that are cumulated E or intensity I and duration D values of rainfalls that are likely to trigger landslides - have been used to predict landslide occurrence, even though they are characterized by a large uncertainty. Over time, many efforts have been devoted to constrain ERT to geo-morphological characters of the landslide locations but, since nowadays, they did not get to a sound new method to derive ERT and strengthen its ability to forecast future rainfall-induced landslide. In this study, local geo-morphological characters have been taken into account by means of the co-kriging technique to constrain the E and D mean values of a regional ERT and their confidence intervals. The study area, where the proposed method was trained, is the hilly side of the Abruzzo region (Italy). Here, 62 shallow landslides have been analyzed in the time span of 2013–2017 by collecting 62 (D,E) pairs related to the rainfalls that were likely to trigger them. The relevant geo-morphological features for the considered territory have been selected through the principal component analysis. Then, the Multi-Collocated Co-Kriging technique, through ISATIS Geovariances software, has been applied to derive the spatial variability structures of E and D values conditioned by the selected geo-morphological parameters. Therefore, threshold values of E and D and their confidence intervals have been calculated generating a new shape of regional ERT, consisting of maps of continuous estimated threshold values of (D,E) and confidence interval values suitable for being used in early warning systems for shallow landslide initiation.

Quantitative PCR (qPCR) vs culture-dependent detection to assess honey contamination by Paenibacillus larvae

The detection/quantification in honey of spores of the bacterial pathogen Paenibacillus larvae, etiological agent of the American Foulbrood (AFB) infectious disease of honey bees, represents a useful diagnostic tool to identify apiaries at risk of outbreaks and apply prevention measures. Plate count is the method in use for analyzing presence and number of spores but its validity needs to be re-assessed since P. larvae field strains showed a low rate of germination in culture media. To this aim, culture-dependent P. larvae detection/quantification was compared in this study with quantitative PCR (qPCR) based analysis for 139 honey samples, each from a different apiary, collected in 2017 and 2018 in the Abruzzo region. According to qPCR based detection, 59.6% samples contained P. larvae spores, while, according to plate count, only 32.3% samples were contaminated. Moreover, the levels of contamination determined with the two methods differed. Many samples (29.5%) were negative with the cultivation assay but positive with the qPCR test, suggesting that not all the field strains were able to develop in plate. This hypothesis was confirmed by re-testing those samples with PLA medium added with germination stimulants and obtaining P. larvae growth. Results strongly suggested the necessity to apply improved culture methods or molecular detection/quantification for a more reliable AFB risk estimation in order to efficiently fight this honey bee plague.

Ketoacidosis admission rate in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients from 2006 to 2015 in Abruzzo, Italy

Abstract Background Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a potentially life-threatening but largely preventable complication of diabetes and is associated with significant health care utilization and expenditure. Whereas DKA is mostly related to type 1 diabetes, over recent years an increasing number of hospital admissions for DKA have been reported in adult subjects with type 2 diabetes. The aim of this study was to assess the trend of hospitalizations for DKA in adult patients with type 2 diabetes and its associated factors. Methods A retrospective cross-sectional study was performed from 2006 to 2015 in Abruzzo region. Data were collected from hospital discharge records (HDRs) of type 2 diabetes adult patients with either primary or secondary diagnosis for DKA. Age-adjusted hospitalization rates were computed by gender and standardized on the regional population in 2006. A logistic regression model was implemented using the presence of DKA as dependent variable. Results We identified 160,366 HDRs with type 2 diabetes. Out of them, 1611 (1.00%) were due to DKA. The hospitalization rates for DKA increased both for male +115.9 and female +142.8%, from 2006 to 2015. Associated factors of DKA were age ranging from 18 to 44 (adjOR=4.17; 95%CI:3.27-4.31), uncontrolled diabetes (adjOR=1.79; 95%CI:1.60-2.01), trauma (adjOR=1.38; 95%CI:1.13-1.68), any infection (adjOR=1.68; 95%CI:1.22-.2.33), liver disease (adjOR=1.29; 95%CI:1.09-1.53), fluid and electrolyte disorders (adjOR=2.09; 95%CI:1.09-1.53), psychosis (adjOR=1.69; 95%CI:1.25-2.30). Conclusions Hospitalization trends for DKA in adult patients with type 2 diabetes have been increasing and are associated with some comorbidities. Early screening, appropriate patients, families and communities education remain an important aspect of preventing an acute diabetic complication such as DKA. Moreover, multimorbidity complicates the disease management and remains an open challenge for public health. Key messages This study addresses hospitalizations for DKA in adult patients with type 2 diabetes, an occurrence increasing worldwide for unclear reasons. For preventing DKA in type 2 diabetes patients, it is useful taking into consideration the known trigger factors, but it is also worthwhile improving the management of comorbidities in outpatients.

1891P - Identification of the founder BRCA1 mutation c.4117G>T (p.Glu1373*) recurring in the Abruzzo and Lazio regions of Central Italy and predisposing to breast/ovarian and BRCA1-related cancers

BackgroundFounder BRCA1/2 cancer predisposing mutations have been reported in Italian population. We reported the founder BRCA1 mutation, c.4117G>T - p.Glu1373*, recurring in unrelated families of Abruzzo and Lazio regions of Central Italy. MethodsPreliminary analysis of 17 unrelated families carrying BRCA1 c.4117G>T nonsense mutation reported in the Hereditary Breast/Ovarian Cancer Registry of the Oncology Territorial Care Unit, University of L’Aquila and Genetic Unit, Catholic University of Rome was performed by genetic counselling and peripheral blood collection after written informed consent from affected and unaffected probands. BRCA1/2 genetic analysis were performed by direct sequencing; haplotype analysis was carried out using microsatellite markers in the 17q21 region: D17S846, D17S1328, D17S855 (intragenic), D17S902, D17S806. Post-test genetic counselling was performed to address Therapeutic and/or Preventive Clinical strategies. Geographic area of origin, cancer family trees, cancers affecting the probands were collected. To date, overall 23 unrelated families were enrolled. ResultsIn the preliminary analysis, BRCA1 c.4117G>T mutation was identified in 17 unrelated families with familial origin in a territory of Central Italy including Abruzzo and Lazio regions: this mutation was always and significantly associated with the Allelic Variant (AV) BRCA1, c.3119G>A (p.Ser1040Asn), in 52 tested carriers, 20 affected and 32 unaffected. Microsatellite markers confirmed a common haplotype shared by the 52 probands, comprising the region between D17S1328 and D17S902 markers. In overall 23 unrelated families, the association of BRCA1 founder mutation and the AV were identified in 66 tested carriers, 28 affected and 38 unaffected. ConclusionsThe BRCA1 c.4117G>T is a founder mutation prevalent in the territory of Central Italy in Abruzzo and southern Lazio regions, cosegregating with AV BRCA1 c.3119G>A, providing faster identification of affected and unaffected carriers to specifically address therapeutic and preventive clinical pathways for breast, ovarian and BRCA1-related cancers. Legal entity responsible for the studyEnrico Ricevuto. FundingHas not received any funding. DisclosureAll authors have declared no conflicts of interest.

Activity of Italian natural chabasite-rich zeolitites against grey mould, sour rot and grapevine moth, and effects on grape and wine composition

The activity of Italian chabasite-rich zeolitites for control of grey mould, sour rot and grapevine moth was compared to that from synthetic fungicides and insecticides in three vineyards in the Abruzzo region of Italy. Persistence of zeolitites on grapevine canopies has enabled applications to be carried out before rainfall events, which are likely to predispose for infections by grey mould and sour rot pathogens. Applications for control of Lobesia botrana (grapevine moth) were carried out after the peak of the male flight, and the presence of eggs on grape berries was also assessed. Disease and pest control were very satisfactory and comparable to those obtained from synthetic fungicides and insecticides. In addition, there were no differences among treatments for yield, berry composition, or wine ethyl alcohol, pH and total acidity. Phenolic compounds increased in wine from zeolitite-treated plants where the treatment was carried out within 15 days from grape harvest. These promising results have strategic value, because zeolitites provided simultaneous control of grey mould, sour rot and L. botrana. However, since these compounds have been tested for the first time for the control of diseases and L. botrana, the results obtained in this study require further validation.

Post-earthquake reconstruction as an opportunity for a sustainable reorganisation of transport and urban structure

The reconstruction of a damaged historic/modern urban system following a natural catastrophic event, even if sophisticated, complex and expensive can become an opportunity to apply innovative methods of urban regeneration oriented towards environmental sustainability. A research by the University of L'Aquila exploring the consequences of the 2009 earthquake in central Italy, both in analytical and design terms, is focused on this theme, applying innovative principles to the reconstruction project of the city of L'Aquila, capital of the Abruzzo Region (Italy). The study carries out an analysis of the earthquake effects on urban systems and mobility and proposes an operating strategy based on a multidisciplinary approach that integrates urban design and sustainable mobility strategies. In particular, it outlines the components of Strategic Projects that has been developed for the reconnection of the urban fragments created by the dispersion of the city after the earthquake, which has applied the principles of multi-modal sustainable mobility.The results of the study show that the post-quake reconstruction, if properly interpreted, can be a unique opportunity to conceive and construct the conditions to implement a new and more efficient urban sustainable transport model through advanced technologies based on outlining an innovative urban redesign approach.

Nature park establishment and environmental conflicts in coastal areas: The case of the Costa Teatina National Park in central Italy

The Costa Teatina National Park was legally instituted to protect the natural environment of a section of the southern coast of Italy's Abruzzo region that is characterized by a relatively low degree of urbanization. The law instituting the park was passed in 2001, but due to difficulties in defining its spatial boundaries, the process of actually setting the park up has still not been completed. The underlying cause of this delay is a type of environmental conflict involving a variety of different players, from institutional bodies to interest groups and pressure groups. Our study identifies and documents the complex, dynamic relationships that exist between the various stakeholders, and discusses the reasons behind the difficulty in coming to an agreement on the park boundaries, a necessary step before the park can be properly established. The example of the Costa Teatina National Park is illustrative of a common set of problems that are likely to be encountered when attempting to institute a nature park in a coastal area with existing human activity and habitation. However, it should also be considered that in each situation, there are unique features that can influence the way the local population reacts to the creation of a park. In the case of the Costa Teatina National Park, there appear to be two main factors contributing to the conflicts: 1) a lack of consensus, locally, as to the need for environmental protection and a sustainable economy, and 2) the absence of an overwhelming, pressing need for the park that would override potential conflict and opposition.

Investigating the association between indoor radon concentrations and some potential influencing factors through a profile regression approach

Radon-222 is a naturally occurring radioactive gas arising from the decay of Uranium-238 present in the earth’s crust. The knowledge of the radon effects on human health is generating a growing attention by national and international authorities aimed at assessing the exposure of people to this radioactive gas and identifying building types and geographic areas where high indoor radon concentrations (IRCs) are likely to be found. However, given its multi-factorial dependence and the substantial regional variation, the analysis of IRC is not a simple task. There have been several efforts to evaluate the impact of the major influencing factors on IRCs. In this paper we illustrate how the complex relationships between the IRCs and a set of associated variables can be analysed using profile regression, a Bayesian non-parametric model for clustering responses and regressors simultaneously. Analyzing a geo-referenced database of annual IRCs for the Abruzzo region (Central Italy), we show that the proposed methodology allows to identify clusters of buildings according to their proneness to IRCs and that, through cluster assignment, it is possible to disentangle the effect of regressors on IRC and predict its levels for specific combinations of the explanatory variables.

High prevalence of hepatitis E virus in raw sewage in Southern Italy

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infections constitute a significant health problem worldwide. The burden of hepatitis E in Italy seems low when compared with other European countries. In recent years, improved surveillance activities in Italy have revealed marked geographical differences in HEV epidemiology, with some regions characterised by higher seroprevalence rates. Abruzzo Region (Southern Italy) is currently recognised as a high-risk area for HEV infection. In this study, we investigated the epidemiology of HEV in Teramo Province by monitoring four wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Out of 56 influent sewage specimens collected during 2016–2017, HEV RNA was detected in 13/56 (23.2%) sewage samples from all the four WWTPs. Upon sequence analysis of the partial ORF2 gene, four strains showed the highest nucleotide identity to Gt3 subtype c, being more closely related to other HEVs previously identified in human and animal hosts in Abruzzo. For one strain, sequence data were generated only for a short region of the ORF1 gene, revealing the highest identity to HEVs Gt3 of subtype f. Altogether, the findings of this study confirm that HEV largely circulates in the setting investigated.

An annotated checklist of the vascular flora of Majella National Park (Central Italy)

The Majella National Park is located in Abruzzo region (Central Italy) and covers an area of 740 Km2. An updated checklist of the vascular plants growing in the park is here presented on the basis of extensive field surveys carried out from 1982 to 2018, analysis of relevant literature and review of herbarium specimens kept in APP, FI, NAP, RO, and Herb. Magellense. The park’s flora amounts to 2,286 specific and subspecific taxa (including 11 hybrids), belonging to 118 families and 694 genera. According to our results, 201 taxa are endemic to Italy; 136 taxa are reported for the first time in the park, of which two taxa are new for Abruzzo region; 73 taxa have not been confirmed in recent times and 42 are doubtfully occurring taxa. The Park represents the southern or northern border of their Italian distribution of 137 taxa. Moreover, Poa ligulata is confirmed for the flora of Italy. The non-native flora amounts to 110 taxa. The number of taxa recorded in the Majella National Park is one of the highest in a protected area within the Mediterranean Basin.

On a Rational and Interdisciplinary Framework for the Safety and Conservation of Historical Centres in Abruzzo Region

ABSTRACT The seismic sequences occurred in Italy during the last decades confirmed the vulnerability of historical centres and the need for novel procedures aimed at preserving the cultural heritage and mitigating the structural risk. Building conservation and safeguard require a multidisciplinary approach, so that an accurate assessment of buildings conditions, both conservative and structural in nature, can be accomplished; as a result, potential risk factors and the associated interventions to increase the resilience of sites and historic buildings can be successfully identified. Herein, an insight on the technical literature offers some reflections about a reliable framework for conservation plans that could comply with the current knowledge and technology, and therefore potentially defined proactive. The opportunities given by the integration of information systems and structural monitoring techniques are analysed in the light of a SWOT analysis able to support a rational approach to the preservation of historical centres. The proposed SWOT matrix is the result of an interdisciplinary effort and reflects the key features of a real case, paradigmatic of many historical centres of the Abruzzi Region. In such a perspective, this study represents a step forward an effective and rational approach to the structural maintenance and preservation of historical centres.

Evaluation of cradle to gate environmental impact of frozen green bean production by means of life cycle assessment

Abstract The main objective of this study is to assess the impact of frozen green bean production and processing. The analysis and relative information collected regards a medium industry located in the south of Marche region (Italy) and the whole production system, from field to industry, is in a range of about 100 km between Marche and Abruzzo regions. The aim of this study is to assess the impact of 1 kg of frozen green bean for two different cultivation protocols for herbicides and pesticides application in order to assess the possible advantages due to shifting to different field treatments. The baseline scenario (A) considers the application of two herbicides (Pendimethalin and Linuron) and two pesticides (Altacor and Azoxystrobin), the alternative scenario (B) considers one herbicides application (Clomazone) and two pesticides (Emamectine and Azoxystrobin). The analysis has been conducted following ISO 14040 and 14044 on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Product Category Rules for arable crops v. 2.0. LCI (Life Cycle Inventory) and LCIA (Life Cycle Impact Assessment) phase have been performed using LCA software SimaPro® v. 8.2.3.0 with updated databases. The most used databases for this study are Ecoinvent 3 and Agri-footprint, LCI data have been collected through interviews, consulting official documents and company management programs. The system boundaries considered includes crop production, transport to industry plant and industry processing and all the data are referred to 2014 crop season. Crop production LCI considers seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, field activities, yield and relative emissions. Transportations covers distances and payload with empty return. Industry phase considers transformation efficiency, energy, fuels, water. The function of the production chain is to provide frozen green bean, no coproduct or by-product were produced. Residues and product losses from industry processing are managed by anaerobic digestion as waste. Plastics and other wastes from field and industry has been treated by landfill. Data regarding field phase were collected by interviews and consulting official management documents from 43 farms. Data regarding industrial phase have been gathered from automated management systems hardware/software AS/400 (IBM). The LCIA results for 1 kg of frozen green been show an impact of about 0.7 kg of CO2 eq for GWP, 1.9E-4 kg of C2H4 eq kg for PCOP, 3.5E-3 kg of SO2 eq for AP and 1.7E-3 kg of PO43- for EP. The analysis conducted comparing two different solutions of plant protection and herbicides application shows how solution A has a lower impact on ADP, ADP fossil, GWP 100yr, ODP, MEP, PCOP, AP and EP from 0.04% to 11% about. On the other hand, solution B has a lower impact on HTP, FEP, MEP and TEP between 4 and 40%. The analysis conducted shows the impact of frozen green been at industry level representative of medium size processing plant with average technology. The only information available in literature are limited to open field production impact assessment of raw green bean without any kind of industry transformation. . Simply replacing herbicide treatment and one pesticide application, for preventing weed and pest resistance, there is a consistent reduction of impact on different categories for ecotoxicity group without increasing too much the impact on other categories considered. The only exception can be found for ADP category in which the impact of alternative scenario (B) is higher than baseline (A). The reason lies in the lower active ingredient concentration and higher amount of commercial product used for solution B. From the analysis remains evident the contribution on ADP fossil, GWP and ODP due to energy used in industrial phase. On the other side field phase contributes more on ADP, HTP, FEP, AP and EP.

Community heritage and heritage community. Participatory models of cultural and natural heritage management in some inner areas of the Abruzzo region

The purpose of this study is to analyze how research projects involving communities and stakeholders can achieve a deeper understanding of natural and cultural landscapes and provide key elements for self-sustainable territorial development. These strategies find a fertile field for action in the fragile areas, which require restoration works in order to be reconverted into resources, within the framework of a global territorial development plan. This paper focuses on some inner Abruzzo areas that are disadvantaged by marginalization and depopulation. The strong naturalistic imprint of the region has led to the establishment of many parks and ecomuseums; some of them are included within national and European networks and act in partnership with institutions and foundations on a regular basis. This entrepreneurship does not exclude, but rather encourages the contribution of local communities. Inhabitants and other stakeholders cooperate with institutions and play a proactive role in the enhancement of the territory and in the production of social wealth. Lo scopo di questo studio e analizzare come i progetti di ricerca che coinvolgono comunita e stakeholders possano raggiungere una comprensione piu profonda dei paesaggi naturali e culturali e possano fornire elementi chiave per lo sviluppo autosostenibile del territorio. Queste strategie trovano un fertile campo d’azione nelle aree fragili, che richiedono interventi di ripristino e valorizzazione delle risorse nell’ambito di un piano di sviluppo globale del territorio. L’articolo si focalizza su alcune aree dell’Abruzzo interno, penalizzate dalla marginalizzazione e dall’abbandono. La forte impronta naturalistica della regione ha determinato l’istituzione di numerosi parchi ed ecomusei, alcuni dei quali sono inseriti in networks nazionali ed europei e operano in partenariato con istituzioni e fondazioni. Questa imprenditorialita non esclude, anzi stimola, il contributo delle comunita locali che cooperano con le istituzioni e svolgono un ruolo propulsivo per la valorizzazione del territorio e per la produzione di ricchezza sociale.

Seroprevalence of antibodies against the cat lungworm Aelurostrongylus abstrusus in cats from endemic areas of Italy

Aelurostrongylus abstrusus (Nematoda, Metastrongyloidea) is a worldwide occurring lungworm causing verminous pneumonia in cats. To date the Baermann method is the most used procedure to diagnose A. abstrusus infection by isolating first stage larvae from faeces, though its sensitivity and specificity can be impaired by several factors. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the detection of antibodies against A. abstrusus has been recently developed as a diagnostic alternative. The present study evaluated the seroprevalence for A. abstrusus infection in cats from two endemic areas of Italy. Overall, 250 sera were sampled and tested for the presence of antibodies against A. abstrusus. Based on the results obtained from 20 cats proven to be infected by A. abstrusus using Baermann technique and molecular methods, and from 20 negative cats (Subset A), a cut off value of 0.347 optical density (OD) was determined, leading to a sensitivity of 95% and a specificity of 100%. Two-hundred and ten cats (142 and 68 from Abruzzo and Umbria regions, respectively) were included in Subset B (i.e. 202 negative by Baermann examination and 8 positive for Troglostrongylus brevior). Antibodies against A. abstrusus were detected in forty-five (21.4%, 95% CI: 16.1–27.6%) samples. This study confirms the occurrence of A. abstrusus in endemic areas of Italy and indicates that one-fifth of randomly selected cats have or had a lungworm infection with production of antibodies.

The “Fan of the Terre Peligne”: Integrated Enhancement and Valorization of the Archeological and Geological Heritage of an Inner-Mountain Area (Abruzzo, Central Apennines, Italy)

The outstanding cultural heritage of Italy is intimately related to the landscape and its long-lasting history. Besides major cities, famous localities, and park areas, several minor places and areas hide important features that allow the enhancing of inner-mountain and hilly areas as well as local natural reserves. This enhancement is supported by combining different types of cultural tourism, such as the archeological and geological ones. In this paper, an integrated geological–archeological itinerary is presented, which aims to valorize both these aspects in the inner-mountain areas of the central Apennines. The itinerary, called the “Fan of the Terre Peligne”, is focused on the Terre Peligne area located in the Sulmona basin, in the central-eastern part of the Apennines chain (Abruzzo region, central Italy). It is composed of five sectors (one for each of the municipalities included) and incorporates traditional physical tools and digital ones. Here, the evidence of the Apennines formation is preserved from the origin of marine carbonate rocks to their deformation and the landscape shaping. The Terre Peligne intermontane basin became—and still is—one of the main transit areas for crossing the Italian peninsula since before Roman times and here many stages of Italian history are preserved. This allows outlining of the presence of man since prehistoric times, and here the name “Italia” was defined for the first time, in Corfinio, and to testify the connection between human and landscape history. A SWOT (strengths–weaknesses–opportunities–threats) analysis highlighted the main strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Combining geological and archeological elements, which are intimately connected in this area, this itinerary intends to be an instrument for the enhancement and awareness of the natural and cultural heritage of a poorly known area that features outstanding geological, landscape, and human elements of the history of the inner Apennines.

Hospitalization Rates for Respiratory Diseases After L'Aquila Earthquake.

The study aims to investigate the impact of the earthquake on public health, in terms of hospitalizations for respiratory diseases in the Abruzzo region, focusing on the area damaged by the earthquake “Crater”. We collected data of hospitalizations of residents in Abruzzo between 2009 and 2015. Hospital Discharge Records (HDRs) with a primary diagnosis of respiratory disease were included and divided into pneumonia, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), and respiratory insufficiency. Absolute frequencies and standardized hospitalization rates were calculated to perform both a short-term and a medium-long term analysis. A linear regression was performed using standardized hospitalization rates and the time. A total of 108.669 respiratory-related records were collected and the most frequent subgroup was respiratory insufficiency. Standardized Hospitalization Rates (SHRs) for respiratory diseases resulted higher in the non-Crater than Crater area, but the short-term analysis showed a significant increase in hospitalizations for pneumonia and respiratory insufficiency in the Crater area. The medium-long term analysis reported a significant difference on the slope decrease of hospitalizations for acute and chronic respiratory diseases in the Crater versus the non-Crater area. The earthquake may have played a triggering role in the increased detection of respiratory diseases. A temporal relationship between the quake and an increase in admissions was found although it is not yet possible to detect a direct cause-effect relationship.

Evaluation of heavy metals background in the Adriatic Sea sediments of Abruzzo region, Italy

This work focuses on the characterization of background levels of heavy metals (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, Zn) in seabed marine sediments of the central Adriatic Sea, collected up to 10 km far from the Abruzzo region coastline (Italy). The used approach follows the guidelines established by the Decree of the Italian Ministry of Environment, n. 173/2016, concerning the determination of threshold values of metal concentration, and including only samples with low or absent toxicological content. A statistical analysis, using the adjusted Tuckey's boxplot to identify the percentiles and potential outliers, was performed. The background concentrations were calculated as the values of the 90th percentile of distribution, according to the national regulation. This study represents the first attempt to calculate the background levels of marine sediments done at regional level in Abruzzo. A few outliers have been found, and interpreted as potential anthropic contamination.

Identification of CTX-M-15 and CTX-M-27 in Antibiotic-Resistant Gram-Negative Bacteria Isolated from Three Rivers Running in Central Italy.

The main goal of this study was to identify Gram-negative bacteria resistant to antibiotics, in particular β-lactams, in stream waters and effluents from urban wastewater treatment plants draining into Fino, Tavo, and Saline rivers of the Abruzzo region, Italy. Eight sampling sites were selected because they were the most contaminated by coliforms during previous sampling campaign. One sample for each site was collected for the detection of total and fecal coliforms, Escherichia coli and Enterococcus species by Colilert-18 and Enterolert-E Quanti-Tray/2000. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria, selected on ampicillin and cefotaxime-supplemented agar plates, were identified by EnteroPluri test systems and then confirmed by MALDI-TOF. The resistant determinants were identified and characterized by PCR and sequencing. The microbiological analysis allowed to detect E. coli, total coliforms, fecal coliforms, and enterococci with a coefficient of variation of 215.7%, 212.8%, 242.5%, and 188.5%, respectively. Several Gram-negative bacteria were identified: Serratia liquefaciens, E. coli, Enterobacter cloacae, Citrobacter freundii, Raoultella ornithinolytica, Acinetobacter johnsonii, Aeromonas veronii, Aeromonas hydrophila, and Pseudomonas koreensis. All strains possessed class 1 integrons, insertion sequences, and genes encoding for serin- and metallo-β-lactamases. Extended-spectrum β-lactamases, such as CTX-M-15 and CTX-M-27, were found in Enterobacteriaceae, whereas CphA metallo-β-lactamase was found in A. veronii and A. hydrophila. The main resistance's mechanism to β-lactams observed among the analyzed strains is represented by the production of serin β-lactamases (CTX-M-15, CTX-M-27, and SHV-1) and metallo β-lactamase (CphA).

Lathyro asphodeloidis-Klaseetum lycopifoliae, a new plant association in the alliance Cynosurion cristati Tüxen, 1947 in Central Apennines

This study presents a new plant association discovered in the Central Apennines and named Lathyroasphodeloidis-Klaseetumlycopifoliae. It consists of a semi-natural meadow characterized by the co-dominance of two rare taxa, Klasealycopifolia and Lathyruspannonicussubsp.asphodeloides, occurring in Italy in only a few localities in the Central and Northen Apennines. The association was discovered on the Altopiano delle Rocche high plateau in the province of L’Aquila (Abruzzo region, Italy). Multivariate analysis of the relevés shows two floristic and ecological aspects, corresponding to two different subassociations: festucetosum circummediterraneae, with elements from the Festuco-Brometea class, growing in the outer portions of the plateau, and narcissetosum poëtici, corresponding to the most typical aspect and occupying the central part of the plateau, differentiated by meso-hygrophilous species of the Molinietalia and Trifolio-Hordeetalia orders. The plant association has great natural value, due to the presence of several rare plant species, and cultural importance in association with the traditional “Narcissus Fest” held each year in May.

Segetal plant communities of traditional agroecosystems: a phytosociological survey in central Italy

Aims: We present the results of a phytosociological investigation of segetal plant communities colonizing winter arable fields, olive groves, and vineyards in selected traditional agricultural areas of central Italy. Some of these communities have great environmental and cultural value and are threatened by changes in agriculture. Given the lack of knowledge, this paper aims to introduce the recent diversity of traditional agriculture weed vegetation in this part of Italy by means of the collection of original data. Study area: Latium and Abruzzo regions (central Italy). Methods: Hierarchical classification of 132 unpublished releves, carried out with fixed area plots in 44 cultivated patches, and their characterization in phytosociological, chorological, structural, and ecological terms. Results: The numerical analyses detected the presence of 10 vegetation types, attributable to four phytosociological classes: Chenopodietea, Festuco-Ononidetea striatae, Molinio-Arrhenatheretea, and Papaveretea rhoeadis. Two Natura 2000 Habitats were recognized. Conclusions: The study allowed the detection and classification of well-preserved communities of traditional agricultural systems, some of which are disappearing in Europe.