Campania Region Southern Italy Research Articles

Analysis of trends in productivity metrics in assessing land degradation: A case study in the Campania region of southern Italy

Land degradation is a critical issue at a global level and its progressive increasing greatly reduces soil ecosystem services. In this context, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015, defined the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and indicated some targets of particular interest for a territory to be integrated into short- and medium-term national programs. Target 15.3, which aims to end desertification and restore degraded lands, is currently monitored by indicator 15.3.1, measured as the combination of three sub-indicators (trends in land cover change, land productivity and carbon stocks) as suggested by the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), the custodian agency for the SDG indicator. In our opinion, this assessment shows some weakness that are generally caused by a lack of information from direct field observations. The greatest limitation regards land productivity dynamics linked to the NDVI trajectory adopted by the UNCCD methodological approach. For this reason, the paper proposes an alternative approach that consists of using annual maximum NDVI value assessments instead of annual mean values for trajectory calculation. To come to these conclusions, the study addresses a reliability assessment by using remote sensing techniques via the Google Earth Engine (GEE) and analysing the NDVI evolution over time at 450 locations spread around the Campania region (southern Italy). To this end, a customised Graphical User Interface (GUI) was built on the GEE platform and a Google Earth time slider tool was applied to visualize land cover changes which occurred at each location over a period of 18 years (2001–2018). The survey was carried out on MODIS and Landsat 7 collections and showed that the new approach had a better performance than the UNCCD approach (90 % vs 62 % of successful reliability tests, up to 96 % considering results from Landsat images). The application of maximum NDVI values to assess productivity dynamics spatially shows, with regard to UNCCD data, more than double the percentages of degraded and stable lands and a drastic reduction in improved areas within the Campania region. Overall, this innovative approach appears to agree more closely with ground truth and the use of finer resolution data is more suitable for investigating land degradation processes within a regional context.

Prognostic Value of Creatinine Levels at Admission on Disease Progression and Mortality in Patients with COVID-19-An Observational Retrospective Study.

Acute kidney disease and chronic kidney disease are considered conditions that can increase the mortality and severity of COVID-19. However, few studies have investigated the impact of creatinine levels on COVID-19 progression in patients without a history of chronic kidney disease. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of creatinine levels at hospital admission on COVID-19 progression and mortality. We performed a multicenter, observational, retrospective study involving seventeen COVID-19 Units in the Campania region in southern Italy. All adult (≥18 years) patients, hospitalized with a diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection confirmed by a positive reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction on a naso-oropharyngeal swab, from 28 February 2020 to 31 May 2021, were enrolled in the CoviCamp cohort. Evaluating inclusion/exclusion criteria, 1357 patients were included. Considering in-hospital mortality and creatinine value at admission, the best cut-off point to discriminate a death during hospitalization was 1.115 mg/dL. The logistic regression demonstrated that factors independently associated with mortality were age (OR 1.082, CI: 1.054-1.110), Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) (OR 1.341, CI: 1.178-1.526), and an abnormal creatinine value at admission, defined as equal to or above 1.12 mg/dL (OR 2.233, CI: 1.373-3.634). In conclusion, our study is in line with previous studies confirming that the creatinine serum level can predict mortality in COVID-19 patients and defining that the best cut-off of the creatinine serum level at admission to predict mortality was 1.12 mg/dL.

Seroprevalence and Risk Factors for Bovine Coronavirus Infection among Dairy Cattle and Water Buffalo in Campania Region, Southern Italy

Cattle and water buffalo are the main livestock species that are raised in the Campania region, southern Italy, and they contribute significantly to the regional rural economy. Currently there are limited data on the prevalence of relevant impact infections, such as bovine coronavirus (BCov), an RNA virus that causes acute enteric and respiratory disease. Although these diseases are described primarily in cattle, there have been reports of spillovers to other ruminants, including water buffalo. Here, we determined the seroprevalence of BCoV in cattle and water buffalo in the Campania region of southern Italy. An overall seroprevalence of 30.8% was determined after testing 720 sampled animals with a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. A risk factor analysis revealed that the seropositivity rates in cattle (49.2%) were higher than in water buffalo (5.3%). In addition, higher seroprevalence rates were observed in older and purchased animals. In cattle, housing type and location were not associated with higher seroprevalence. The presence of BCoV antibodies in water buffalo was associated with the practice of co-inhabiting with cattle, demonstrating that this practice is incorrect and promotes the transmission of pathogens between different species. Our study found a considerable seroprevalence, which is consistent with previous research from other countries. Our results provide information on the widespread distribution of this pathogen as well as the risk factors that are involved in its transmission. This information could be useful in the control and surveillance of this infection.

The RI.P.R.O.VA.RE. Project for the Regeneration of Inland Areas: A Focus on the Ufita Area in the Campania Region (Italy)

The depopulation of inland areas has reached very high levels in recent years. Among the actions to enhance these areas, the Strategia Nazionale Aree Interne (SNAI) was established in Italy in 2012, which proposed a delimitation of inland territories in light of criteria and indicators related to the distance of small towns from major urban poles. In doing so, SNAI gave less weight to some critical issues and potentialities that are considered, in many cases, particularly significant. In light of these considerations, this paper presents the results of a research project developed by three University Departments of Southern Italy that are in continuity with the activities carried out by SNAI. This project, entitled Re-inhabiting Countries. Operational Strategies for the Valorisation and Resilience of Inland Areas (RI.P.R.O.VA.RE), lasted 22 months, ending in 2022. Funded by the Ministry of the Environment and Protection of Land and Sea, it provided a theoretical–methodological contribution to the implementation of the National Sustainable Development Strategy, as well as operational tools to promote sustainable and resilient development processes. The paper focuses, in particular, on the results achieved in one of the selected focus areas, namely the Ufita valley in the Campania region of Southern Italy.

Incidence of Orbital Side Effects in Zygomaticomaxillary Complex and Isolated Orbital Walls Fractures: A Retrospective Study in South Italy and a Brief Review of the Literature.

Zygomaticomaxillary complex and isolated orbital walls fractures are one of the most common fractures of the midface, often presenting orbital symptoms and complications. Our study was born with the aim of understanding the trend in the incidence of orbital presurgical symptoms, specifically diplopia, enophthalmos and exophthalmos, in the Campania Region in southern Italy. We conducted a retrospective, monocentric observational study at the Maxillofacial Surgery Unit of the Federico II University Hospital of Naples, enrolling 402 patients who reported a fracture of the zygomaticomaxillary complex and orbital floor region from 15 June 2021 to 15 June 2022. Patients were evaluated by age, gender, etiology, type of fracture, preoperative orbital side effects and symptoms. Pre-surgical side effects were studied, and 16% of patients (n = 66) developed diplopia. Diplopia was most common in patients previously operated on for orbital wall fractures (100%), and least common in patients who reported trauma after interpersonal violence (15%) and road traffic accidents (11%). Exophthalmos appeared only in 1% (six cases); whereas it did not appear in 99% (396 cases). Enophthalmos was present in 4% (sixteen cases), most commonly in interpersonal violence cases (two cases). The frequency of orbital complications in patients with zygomaticomaxillary complex and isolated orbital walls fractures suggests how diplopia remains the most common pre-surgical orbital side effect.

The potential impact of biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) from terrestrial vegetation on a Mediterranean area using two different emission models

Biogenic Volatile Organic Compounds (BVOCs) emitted from vegetation are precursors of ozone (O3), photochemical oxidants and secondary organic aerosols (SOA) in the lower troposphere. The interaction between urban polluted air plumes originated along the coasts of the Mediterranean basin with biogenic emission occurring inland contributes to the occurrence of exceedances of the air quality standards for O3 and fine suspended particles (PM10, PM2.5). This interaction is favoured by prevailing sea-land breeze circulation during persistent high-pressure conditions. The actual contribution of BVOC to photochemical pollution is still uncertain because the approaches used to assess the emissions from terrestrial vegetation are quite different. There is some evidence in literature that BVOC emissions from Mediterranean vegetation is not accurately estimated by models based on the plant functional types (PFT) approach. To investigate these issues, a Plant Specific Emission Model (PSEM) was developed and applied to the Campania region in Southern Italy, for which a detailed vegetation inventory has been built. BVOC emission maps estimated by PSEM were compared with those generated using a PFT methodology, evidencing significant differences. BVOC emissions from the two models were then used to predict the concentrations of precursors and products of photochemical smog pollution over the Gulf of Naples (Italy) using a chemical-transport model. Simulations were performed during a period characterised by high pressure conditions that favour an enhanced O3 production under a sea-breeze circulation regime. VOCs concentration profiles predicted by the two models were compared with field data collected over Mount Vesuvius using a tethered balloon coupled with a PTR-MS. The results proved the better capability of PSEM to predict the concentrations of many BVOCs, including isoprene and some of its primary oxidation products over the measuring site, and suggested the significant potential of BVOC emission to produce SOA over the gulf of Naples.

Schoolteachers and Vaccinations: A Cross-Sectional Study in the Campania Region.

Background: This cross-sectional survey aimed to determine the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding vaccinations among schoolteachers in Italy. Methods: Data were collected through an online questionnaire from September 2020 to May 2021 from a sample of schoolteachers in the Campania region of southern Italy. Results: Only 27% of the participants had good knowledge about the vaccinations recommended for schoolteachers. Females who had children, who were unsatisfied by their health status, and not needing additional information about vaccinations were more likely to have good knowledge. Moreover, 61.5% perceived that vaccinations are useful in preventing infectious diseases, and 44.5% agreed or strongly agreed that vaccinations should be mandatory for schoolteachers. The results of multivariate logistic regression showed that schoolteachers who perceived that vaccinations are useful in preventing infectious diseases, who considered the recommended vaccinations to be useful to protecting their own and their students’ health, who believed that information received about vaccination was useful, and who needed additional information about vaccinations recommended for schoolteachers, were significantly more likely to agree or strongly agree that vaccinations should be mandatory for schoolteachers. Conclusions: These findings suggest the need for education strategies to ensure that schoolteachers are better informed about vaccinations recommended for their profession.

Falanghina Grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) Yield and Berry Quality under Different Pedoclimatic Conditions in Southern Italy

Climate is a determinant driver for grapevine geographical distribution, influencing yield and berry quality. The current environmental changes are intensifying the need to improve the knowledge of the soil–plant–atmosphere system in the vineyard, to properly manage cultivation factors and to increase berry yield and quality. Since most of the berry growth and ripening phases occur during the driest period in the Mediterranean area, increasing environmental constraints are expected to impose more and more limitations on grapevine productivity and finally on wine quality. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether different pedoclimatic conditions in four proximally located vineyards of the Campania Region in Southern Italy determine differences in crop yield and must quality of Vitis vinifera L. subsp. vinifera “Falanghina”. This study was conducted over three growing seasons, by monitoring vine growth and characterizing yield and must quality. The overall results showed differences in yield and berry quality characteristics for the four vineyards, with the field CA (Calvese) and GR (Grottole) showing pedoclimatic conditions limiting growth and yield compared to SL (Santa Lucia) and AC (Acquefredde).

Epidemiological, Clinical and Microbiological Characteristics of Patients with Bloodstream Infections Due to Carbapenem-Resistant K. Pneumoniae in Southern Italy: A Multicentre Study.

Background: In the present study, our aim was to evaluate the clinical and microbiological characteristics of a cohort of patients with bloodstream infections (BSI) due to Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) and investigate the independent predictors of mortality. Methods: All episodes of carbapenem-resistant E. coli (CREc) or K. pneumoniae (CRKp) BSI that were subject to a mandatory notification from January to December 2020 in all acute care hospitals and long-term care facilities of the Campania region in southern Italy were enrolled. All carbapenem-resistant strains were assessed through molecular tests for the presence of five carbapenemase gene families, i.e., K. pneumoniae Carbapenemase (KPC), oxacillinase-48 (OXA-48), New Delhi Metallo-β-lactamase (NDM), Verona integron encoded metallo-β-lactamase (VIM) and Imipenemase (IMP). Results: During the study period, a total of 154 consecutive non-repeated CRE BSI, all due to CRKp, were reported. The most frequently identified genes were KPC in 108 cases (70.1%), followed by metallo-betalactamases (MBL) (16.2%), and OXA-48 (2.6%); in 17 isolates (11%) no carbapenemase was detected. The overall mortality at 90 days was 41.9%. Using a log-rank test, patients without risk factors for CRE infections showed a significantly lower cumulative mortality (p = 0.001). After multivariate logistic regression analysis, the presence of at least one risk factor was the only predictor of mortality (OR: 1.7, 95% CI 1.2–6.1, p = 0.015). Conclusions. The study reported a non-negligible prevalence of MBL-producing organisms among CRKp isolated from blood cultures in our region. This data highlights the importance of molecular characterization of all clinical isolates of carbapenem-resistant organisms.

Biochemical Characterisation and Genetic Structure Provide Insight into the Diversity of the Mediterranean Tomato Ancient Varieties ‘San Marzano’ and ‘Re Fiascone’: New Resources for Breeding

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is one of the most important vegetable crops highly appreciated for the nutritional properties and content of beneficial compounds for human health. After its domestication, this crop has been spread throughout the world and found its secondary centre of diversification in the Mediterranean basin, where numerous landraces have been developed. Among these, ‘San Marzano’ is a famous and remunerative PDO variety for processing and fresh market consumption. ‘Re Fiascone’ is an ancient cultivar for which ongoing efforts aim to promote its diffusion and commercialisation. Both find their origin in the Campania region in Southern Italy where in the past decades, several accessions have been selected and handed down by farmers. This study reports a comprehensive assessment for morphological and biochemical traits of twenty-one accessions of the two landraces. Fruit morphology and content of sugars and flavonoids were the most discriminating parameters among cultivars. Among sugars and organic acids, fructose and citric acid were the most represented compounds, respectively. We found level of trans-lycopene and β-carotene up to 112.82 and 16.29 µg g−1 of fresh product, respectively, while ascorbic acid levels reached values up to 22.48 mg 100 g−1 of fresh weight. Molecular analysis has been performed using a double approach for microsatellite genotyping based on capillary electrophoresis and high-resolution melting. Results highlighted a separation of the accessions according to ‘Re Fiascone’ and ‘San Marzano’ identifying both unique and admixed accessions between the two groups. The study approach aims at the recovery and valorisation of local genetic resources, but also at the identification of traits of interest to transfer in breeding programs.

Prevalence and Direct Costs of Patients with Neuromyelitis Optica: Data from Campania Region in Southern Italy

Aim: The study aimed to estimate the prevalence and direct costs of neuromyelitis optica (NMO) patients in Campania, Italy. Materials & methods: We retrospectively evaluated 53 NMO patients (mean age: 50.9 ± 16.5 years; 34% men) from the Campania Region administrative databases identified through disease exemption codes in 2018 and analyzed the incidence of NMO among the Campania region population and the disease-related cost. Results: The prevalence of NMO was 0.91 per 100,000 individuals. The average regional cost per NMO patient was 10,836.2 euros. The highest cost was related to drugs (60.6%), followed by hospitalizations (32.7%), diagnostics (4.8%) and laboratory tests (1.0%). Conclusion: NMO is an extremely rare disease with an annual disease-related cost of 0.005% of public health expenditure.

Evaluation of Patients' Perception of Safety in an Italian Hospital Using the PMOS-30 Questionnaire.

Background: In our study, an Italian version of the PMOS-30 questionnaire was used to evaluate its feasibility and to improve health care quality in an Italian hospital. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 435 inpatients at a hospital in the Campania Region of Southern Italy using the PMOS-30 questionnaire and two other questions to assess patient feedback about the overall perception of safety. Results: The item “I was always treated with dignity and respect” showed the greatest percentage of agreement (agree/strongly agree = 89.2%; mean = 4.24). The least agreement was associated with the four “Staff Roles and Responsibilities” items (agree/strongly agree ranged from 31.5 to 40.0%; weighted mean = 2.84). All other 25 items had over 55.0% agreement, with 19 items over 70%. Moreover, 94.5% of the patients considered the safety of the ward sufficient/good/very good, and 92.8% did not notice situations that could cause harm to patients. Conclusion: Patient perception of safety was found to be satisfactory. The results were presented to the hospital decision makers for suggesting appropriate interventions. Our experience showed that the use of the PMOS-30 questionnaire may improve safety and health care quality in hospital settings through patient feedback.

Natural and anthropogenic factors driving groundwater resources salinization for agriculture use in the Campania plains (Southern Italy)

The Mediterranean region is under pressure for a more sustainable use of water resources in view of the actual and future climate change. Under this pressure, the need to better assess the links between groundwater availability and quality and irrigated agriculture, is becoming urgent. Through the hydrogeologic and hydrochemical characterization of the coastal aquifers of a representative Mediterranean study area (the Campania Region in southern Italy), this study strengthened the analysis of basic components of the groundwater cycle and their temporal variability, including hydrologic, environmental and socio-economic aspects. Selected physiochemical properties of groundwater in 52 monitoring wells were considered from the Campania Environmental Protection Agency database. A total of 626 samples were collected from 2004 to 2018 to capture the water quality variability. Factor analysis and a specific groundwater quality index were also applied on 23 samples in two different timelines (2006, 2016) to capture the hydro-chemistry evolution through year. Moreover, land use and active pumping wells locations were used in the analysis. Spatial and temporal trends of base exchange indices (BEX) and sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) were computed along with Pearson coefficient among different variables, like well densities and distance from the coast. The variation in the distribution of salinity between 2006 and 2016, along with highly positive and highly negative BEX and groundwater quality index values, indicate unstable conditions for the future. In the greenhouse's areas, where groundwater exploitation is elevated, an increase of salinity was recorded due to seawater intrusion. In volcanic districts water rock interaction is the main driver of groundwater salinization, while mixing processes with carbonate freshwaters diminish groundwater salinities in the alluvial plains. This study demonstrates that groundwater over pumping can have a major impact on groundwater quality used for irrigation, despite the dominant influence that local geological and morphological features exert on the area.

Between the hammerstone and the anvil: bipolar knapping and other percussive activities in the late Mousterian and the Uluzzian of Grotta di Castelcivita (Italy)

Hammerstones and anvils are among the oldest tools used by hominins to perform a variety of tasks including knapping activities. The bipolar technique on anvil is well documented in Prehistory since the Lower Palaeolithic and is usually considered to be an expedient technique in comparison to other knapping systems. This technique plays a pivotal role in the Uluzzian techno-complex lithic production where it is largely used. In the present study, we analyse the anvils and hammerstones recovered in the Mousterian and Uluzzian layers of the site of Castelcivita (Campania region-southern Italy) by a multi-disciplinary approach. Our aim is to investigate the function and functioning of anvils and hammerstones by evaluating the presence and the role of bipolar knapping in these two assemblages. To do this, we integrated techno-functional analysis (sensu Boeda) and use-wear study, by defining each techno-functional unit (transformative and prehensile unities) of anvils and hammerstones and identifying the specific use-wear left by the bipolar technique by means of a dedicated experimental programme. The obtained results allowed us to observe different technical behaviours, concerning both the production and the use of hammerstones and anvils, between Mousterian and Uluzzian. Differences were encountered in the selection of raw material (limestone in the Uluzzian, sandstone in the Mousterian) and in the technical way of approaching the tool as well as in the function: the Mousterian anvil was used ‘as is’ for crushing materials, unlike the Uluzzian anvils which were exclusively employed for bipolar knapping, after adapting their original volume. Hammerstones were mainly used as pestles or retouchers in the Mousterian and for direct percussion in knapping activities during the Uluzzian.

Evolution of Waste Cooking Oil Collection in an Area with Long-Standing Waste Management Problems

Waste cooking oil (WCO) can be a useful secondary raw material, if properly managed. On the contrary, uncontrolled disposal generates negative environmental impacts as well as economic loss. Therefore, improving WCO recovery rate, with the cooperation of citizens and effective collection programs, is fundamental. The aim of the study was to investigate the reason for the low recovery of WCO in those areas suffering serious waste management problems such as the Campania region in Southern Italy. For this purpose, the case of a WCO collection program adopted in Angri, a town of around 34,000 people with a high population density, was studied. In 2015, the collection program was managed by a social cooperative, while, in 2016, after the change of the local government, the collection of WCO was entrusted to a private company. In 2015, the households’ participation in the collection program was surveyed through a structured questionnaire. The results revealed that the collection of WCO was practiced by 53% of the respondents. Among those not collecting WCO, 76% of the sample wrongly disposed of WCO in their home (kitchen or toilet). Misinformation was the main reason why they did not adhere to the collection program. Therefore, it was suggested to support information and environmental education campaigns to promote environmental awareness of citizens. Unfortunately, the change of management, together with serious problems in the collection of municipal waste in the whole region, due to the continuous closures of the mechanical and biological plants, produced a sharp decline in the collection from 7730 kg in 2015 to an average of 3800 kg for the period 2016–2019, with a loss of more than 15,000 kg of WCO wrongly disposed with consequent environmental and economic damage. Therefore, information and awareness campaigns are important but the form of entrusting the collection service is equally important, especially in areas with long-standing waste management problems.

Non-essential toxic element (Cd, As, Hg and Pb) levels in muscle, liver and kidney of loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) stranded along the southwestern coasts of Tyrrhenian sea

Non-essential toxic metals are environmental pollutants that contaminate the marine ecosystem due to their extensive use and long-range transport (by rivers and air). Their presence into the environment is often linked to the human activity, with an expected bioaccumulation in the food chain. Within the marine animals, sea turtles may be considered as potential sentinel species for environmental assessment because of their long lifetime, habitat use and migratory nature.In this study, non-essential toxic metals in the coastal of Tyrrhenian Sea were monitored, during the 2017–2018 period, using the Mediterranean loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) as indicator species. The levels of Cadmium (Cd), Arsenic (As), Mercury (Hg) and Lead, (Pb) were determined in 30 turtles stranded in different locations along the coasts of Campania region of Southern Italy. After morphometric analysis, the non- essential toxic metal accumulation in loggerhead sea turtle muscle and organs have been measured analysing the total concentrations of metals in samples of liver, kidney, and muscle by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS) after microwave assisted digestion with nitric acid and hydrogen peroxide. The pattern of contaminants revealed a similar distribution for Pb and total mercury, that were not significantly high in all the analysed matrices. On the contrary, elevated concentrations of total As were found out in all matrices, mainly in muscle (25.7 mg/kg w.w.), and of Cd in liver (1.23 mg/kg w.w.) and kidney (6.82 mg/kg w.w.). These studies allow us to estimate the exposure degree to which these species are subjected.

DinSAR monitoring of the landslide activity affecting a stretch of motorway in the Campania region of Southern Italy

The paper deals with the landslide activity affecting a wide and steep slope crossed by a stretch of about 2.5 km of the provincial road Tirrena inferiore in the Campania region of Southern Italy. Some years ago, the road has been affected by the partial reactivation of dormant landslides, which caused both severe damages to the piers of a viaduct and considerable road surface deformations. By means of geognostic surveys, laboratory tests, geophysical prospecting as well as rainfall data, the modeling of landslides was performed in detail, and residual slope movements were monitored by means of inclinometers and satellite-based measurements (Cosmo-SkyMed interferometric data). A good correlation there is between the results provided by the two used techniques. With reference to the viaduct failure, DinSAR data allowed to ascertain the date on which the sudden acceleration of the landslide body pointed out the beginning of the landslide reactivation, in its paroxysmal phase. Ground deformations happened starting from January 2014 following an intense rainfall period that has been spreading between December 25 2013 and January 26 2014.

Trace elements in vegetables and fruits cultivated in Southern Italy

The levels of trace elements in a variety of fruit and vegetables have been investigated. A total of 161 samples were randomly collected on the field during the proper seasons in Campania region of Southern Italy to be included in this study. The selected agricultural producing area, within the provinces of Naples and Caserta, is well-known for the problem of toxic wastes illegally disposed and buried in its territory, that caused health and food security concerns to the consumers of food cultivated in those lands. Trace element levels were measured by using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The results of this study were used to assess the contributions of fruit and vegetables to the intake of heavy metals and the potential health risk for consumers by estimating the daily intake (EDI). The concentrations of Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Mo, Ni, Sr, Tl, U, V and Zn in selected foodstuffs were detected around the following mean values respectively: 0.010- 0.021- 2.81- 2.99- 0.185- 0.143- 2.64 -0.005- 0.003 -0.018- 4.96 mg/kg fresh weight (f.w.). Results showed that in all groups Cu, Mn, Sr, and Zn were the most abundant elements that are more likely to accumulate in nuts with mean value at 5.69 mg/kg f.w., followed by leaf vegetables with mean value at 1.05 mg/kg f.w. and finally fruit with mean value at 0.43 mg/kg f.w. Although these three groups show the highest contribution to the respective intakes, within all the food categories the EDI was below the threshold values for all the analysed elements, indicating that there is not an obvious health risk for the consumption of vegetables cultivated in the selected area.

Lactic Acid Bacteria Biota and Aroma Profile of Italian Traditional Sourdoughs From the Irpinian Area in Italy.

This study identified the lactic acid bacteria (LAB) biota and the volatilome profile of 28 typical sourdoughs of Irpinia—a large area of the Campania region of Southern Italy where numerous breads are produced, even today, following the ancient procedures of sourdough fermentation and for which information on the microbiological and sensory profile is lacking in literature. For this purpose, microbial quality, LAB biodiversity, chemical, and technological characteristics, as well as aroma profile by solid-phase microextraction technique (SPME)–gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) of Irpinian sourdoughs were investigated. The dominant LAB microbiota was examined by both culture-dependent and culture-independent methods Polymerase Chain Reaction/Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE). Results showed a high biodiversity in LAB community whereas the most frequent lactobacilli species recognized were Lactobacillus plantarum (ca. 22% of total LAB isolates), Lactobacillus sanfranciscensis (11%), Lactobacillus paralimentarius (8%), and Lactobacillus rossiae (6.5%), whereas LAB cocci could be mainly referred to Pediococcus pentosaceus (9.5% of total LAB isolates), Leuconostoc spp. (7.8%), and Weissella cibaria (7.7%). Sourdoughs were characterized by the dominance of one or two LAB species, thus proving that the environment influences the selection and the establishment of few key LAB species and that no specific correlation can be traced between microbial composition and geographical origin of the samples. Furthermore, although sourdoughs were characterized by different qualitative and quantitative volatile organic compound (VOC) compositions, no noticeable correlation between volatilome profile and geographical origin was found. However, it emerged that for more isolated locations, it was possible to find the existence of microbial biotypes and sensory profiles with a strong identity, thus revealing the existence of highly traditional and evocative bread recipes in those geographical contexts.

Real-time PCR detection of Toxoplasma gondii in tissue samples of wild boars (Sus scrofa) from southern Italy reveals high prevalence and parasite load

BackgroundToxoplasmosis is a zoonotic parasitic disease caused by Toxoplasma gondii, a widespread protozoan in the phylum Apicomplexa. In Europe, several studies have demonstrated the presence of the parasite in tissues of wild boars (Sus scrofa), but no data exists on the T. gondii load in tissues which in turn may be an useful way to assess the infection risk for the consumer of wild boar meat.MethodsWe sampled and tested a total of 472 tissue samples of brain, heart and masseter muscle from 177 wild boars from the Campania region of southern Italy by real-time PCR analyses for detection and quantification of T. gondii. The sensitivity and specificity of the method were calculated by ROC analysis curves.ResultsPCR analysis revealed the presence of T. gondii in tissue samples of 78 out of 177 (44%) wild boars. In general, the brain presented the highest PCR prevalence (31%), followed by the heart (28.3%) and the masseter muscle (24.2%), with the highest estimated parasite numbers observed in the brain followed by the heart and masseter muscle. The PCR method showed an excellent discriminating ability for each of the examined tissues. According to the ROC analysis curves, the respective sensitivity and specificity were 99 and 100% for masseter muscle, 98 and 98% for brain and 96 and 98% for heart samples.ConclusionsThe high prevalence of infection here detected suggests a widespread distribution of the parasite in the wildlife of the Campania region of southern Italy. The T. gondii burdens detected may potentially represent a source of infection for humans.