Lecco Province Research Articles

Improved groundwater modeling by incorporating geological information from hydrogeological sections

Geological cross-sections are usually employed in the hydrogeological model conceptualization, but their usage may not be easily exploited in subsequent modeling phases. The spatial distribution of geological facies along a geological section’s track may significantly vary when using random facies fields, and these may not be faithful to the original conceptualization described by the geological section. The present work offers a novel framework for improving available hydrogeological models using geological sections as a more quantitative source of information, hence by taking into account of information coming from a geological section. Then, this information given by the change in the distribution of porosities is transferred from the section’s track to surrounding locations through a proper kriging procedure upon a chosen Correlation Scale (R), which is exponentially correlated in space. This procedure is tested by using porosity distributions upon several R, associating a conductivity value with each porosity one through empirical formulations, and informing several numerical models related to a real case study (an aquifer in the province of Lecco, Northern Italy). The proposed procedure enables to significantly outperform the former calibrated numerical model. Best-calibrated models show that the convenient R could be from 2 to 5 kilometers long, consistent with the width of the alluvial and fluvioglacial floodplain that characterizes the aquifer under examination.

The role of different sources of uncertainty on the stochastic quantification of subsurface discharges in heterogeneous aquifers

The quantification of subsurface discharges may significantly be affected by multiple sources of uncertainty, especially in highly heterogeneous aquifers. In this work, subsurface discharges within alluvial aquifers located in the province of Lecco (Lombardy, Northern Italy) are quantified relying upon a Monte Carlo (MC) framework under geological and conditioning data uncertainty sources. These are respectively employed through different geological conceptual models, whose facies spatial distributions are simulated through Sequential Indicator Simulations methodology (SISIM), and by conditioning stochastic facies simulations with different data constraints. Stochastic porosity fields are then achieved upon facies simulated fields by associating average porosity values to each local simulated facies. Then, stochastic subsurface discharge fluxes are quantified under steady hydraulic conditions upon saturated hydraulic fields, inferred from porosity ones. Then, the study of subsurface discharges is pursued via the Generalized Extreme Values (GEV) approach. This method enables both to interpret peak-over-thresholds (POTs) discharges spatial distribution, and to study the role geological and data uncertainty sources on their quantification, for example studying discharges conveyed towards a lake through the surrounding aquifer. These uncertainty-based analyses show that subsurface discharges clearly convey in correspondence of main alluvial aquifers, as well as the tendency to be collected along preferential pathways. Furthermore, the inspection of POTs empirical probability spatial distributions highlights that the geological uncertainty plays as a primary uncertainty source rather than the conditioning data. The latter plays a minor role, e.g. between different employed models, only in presence of a relevant geological difference between analyzed ones. These results are consistent with other kinds of information, such as hydrogeological sections and available piezometric maps, providing novel contributions to understanding how to quantify subsurface discharges in poorly monitored aquifers or how to treat various sources of uncertainty.

Probabilistic delineation of subsurface connected pathways in alluvial aquifers under geological uncertainty

The present work aims to address the issue of the delineation of subsurface pathways carved in sedimentary aquifers from a stochastic perspective. A probabilistic approach to recognize preferential alluvial pathways is proposed relying only upon borehole data. These data can be employed to identify locations where the surficial aquifer is characterized by highly permeable (alluvial) hydrofacies. A Monte Carlo (MC) approach is set up to simulate stochastic realizations of local alluvial soil ratios in a bi-dimensional regularly gridded domain. Alluvial pathways are defined as the collection of cells whose simulated alluvial ratios are greater or equal to a first threshold, imposed on the simulated sediments ratio, and sharing a minimum occurrence probability, equal to a second probabilistic threshold. Then, probable highly permeable subsurface pathways throughout the domain for a real case-study application, within the province of Lecco (Lombardy, Northern Italy), are appraised. Subsurface alluvial pathways delineated upon geological data show channel-like patterns, like their surface counterparts. Subsurface discharge peaks in the central portion of these pathways, where permeable sediment probability is higher than elsewhere. Moreover, subsurface alluvial pathways features are consistent with available hydrogeological and piezometric information. The present approach has been also compared with a Multiple-Points Statistics approach, proving better at capturing the spatial patterns of connected subsurface pathways. Therefore, the present approach seems promising to be employed in the preliminarily understanding of large-scale groundwater circulation patterns, in particular for poorly monitored areas or serving as further analysis background.

COVID-19 Vaccination Strategies Considering Hesitancy Using Particle-Based Epidemic Simulation.

Vaccine hesitancy is one of the critical factors in achieving herd immunity and suppressing the COVID-19 epidemic. Many countries face this as an acute public health issue that diminishes the efficacy of their vaccination campaigns. Epidemic modeling and simulation can be used to predict the effects of different vaccination strategies. In this work, we present an open-source particle-based COVID-19 simulator with a vaccination module capable of taking into account the vaccine hesitancy of the population. To demonstrate the efficacy of the simulator, we conducted extensive simulations for the province of Lecco, Italy. The results indicate that the combination of both high vaccination rate and low hesitancy leads to faster epidemic suppression.

A Vaccination Simulator for COVID-19: Effective and Sterilizing Immunization Cases.

In this work, we present a particle-based SEIR epidemic simulator as a tool to assess the impact of different vaccination strategies on viral propagation and to model sterilizing and effective immunization outcomes. The simulator includes modules to support contact tracing of the interactions amongst individuals and epidemiological testing of the general population. The particles are distinguished by age to represent more accurately the infection and mortality rates. The tool can be calibrated by region of interest and for different vaccination strategies to enable locality-sensitive virus mitigation policy measures and resource allocation. Moreover, the vaccination policy can be simulated based on the prioritization of certain age groups or randomly vaccinating individuals across all age groups. The results based on the experience of the province of Lecco, Italy, indicate that the simulator can evaluate vaccination strategies in a way that incorporates local circumstances of viral propagation and demographic susceptibilities. Further, the simulator accounts for modeling the distinction between sterilizing immunization, where immunized people are no longer contagious, and effective immunization, where the individuals can transmit the virus even after getting immunized. The parametric simulation results showed that the sterilizing-age-based vaccination scenario results in the least number of deaths. Furthermore, it revealed that older people should be vaccinated first to decrease the overall mortality rate. Also, the results showed that as the vaccination rate increases, the mortality rate between the scenarios shrinks.

Adopting a cross-scale approach for the deployment of a green infrastructure

The implementation of a Green Infrastructure (GI) involves several actors and governance scales that need adequate knowledge support. The multifunctionality of GI entails the implementation of a cross-scale approach, which combines assessments conducted at different levels and active stakeholder engagement. This paper provides a methodology to implement a cross-scale approach to support the deployment of a Regional GI. The methodology was tested in Lombardy Region (north-west of Italy), considering three relevant territorial scales and relative strategic and planning policies. The continental level representing the overall policy-context; the regional level, with its key role for guaranteeing landscape coherence and connectivity and the local level where planning actions are effectively designed and implemented. The EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 and the EU GI strategy were used as references for the continental level; at the regional level, a proposal of Regional GI was evaluated focusing on two Provinces (Varese and Lecco), three regional parks (Ticino, Adda Nord and Campo dei Fiori). At the local scale, the new development plan of the Municipality of Cassano d'Adda (Milan metropolitan area) was evaluated considering different possible scenarios. The regional GI was evaluated with respect to the capacity to provide Cultural Ecosystem Services (CES). CES were mapped using the ESTIMAP-recreation model. The model was adapted to the regional and local level with the active engagement of local stakeholders. Additionally, census data were analysed to obtain an overview of the equitable distribution of the CES amongst inhabitants. Results show that, in 78% of the census blocks of the study area, inhabitants have a high-value recreation resource within 4 km (31% within 4 km and 47% within 300 m). Unmet demand characterises 22% of the census blocks in the study area, clustered in zones with a high population density. The regional GI covers almost completely the two Provinces and the regional parks. In Varese Province: 68% of the territory is included in the regional GI, 82% of the census blocks local demand for recreation opportunities is met, but the population density is higher where the demand is unmet. The Province is characterised by a relatively old population (share of people older than 65 years 23.4%). In Lecco Province, 80% of the territory is included in the regional GI, in 96% of the blocks the local demand is met and the local population is relatively old (share of elderly population 22.12%). The three regional parks present significant differences, strongly influenced by the territorial context. The Campo dei Fiori Park is almost completely included in the regional GI. The entire local population has nature-based recreation opportunities in their close vicinity. Nevertheless, the population density is very low and citizens are relatively old. The majority of the Parco Adda Nord is included in the regional GI providing recreation opportunities to 90% of the census blocks within the Park boundaries. A total of 70% of Ticino Park is included in the regional GI, where local residents are relatively old (share of elderly population 23.78%) and 90% of local census blocks are close to nature-based opportunities. At local scale, we explored how the approach can be used to estimate changes in the CES potential provision and how this can be integrated into a site management plan. This paper demonstrated that the combination of studies in a cross-scale perspective enhances the understanding of GI multifunctionality. It provides a framework to adapt CES mapping models to the local setting with active stakeholders engagement. Moreover, it demonstrates that also highly urbanised areas, such as the Lombardy Region in Italy, can play a role in the deployment of a continental GI and can support biodiversity and nature protection.

Migration, culture contact and the complexity of coexistence

This paper covers a part of a larger qualitative and participatory study on the integration of asylum seekers and refugees hosted in the Province of Lecco, Northern Italy. Their embodied experience as newcomers and the daily relationships with space, with others, and with the public discourse is the main focus of the paper. The notion of coexistence, its struggles, constraints and possibilities, is addressed following Bateson’s work on culture contact and a systemic theoretical framework. The discourse of integration is deconstructed and challenged, re-imagining the outcome of culture contact as the unpredictable effect of complex, relational, and entangled processes of interaction. Newcomers’ movements in the physical and symbolic space are studied with aesthetic and generative methods, inspired by the spatial and sensory turns in social sciences. The methodology is multiple and layered: interviews, focus groups, narrative aesthetic workshops and sensobiographic walks are used to chronicle and interpret narratives of coexistence, at a micro, meso, and macro level.

Assessing the susceptibility to acute respiratory illness COVID-19-related in a cohort of multiple sclerosis patients

IntroductionItaly has been the first European country severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. ObjectiveTo analyze the incidence of the clinical presentations suggestive for COVID-19 infection among patients with Multiple Sclerosis in the province of Lecco, in the North Italy, the closest province capital to Bergamo. To describe the association of demographics, clinical characteristics, and use of DMTs categories with the risk of contracting the disease. MethodsWe telephonically interviewed all the 275 MS patients followed in the MS center. The collected data included recent contact with a patient with COVID-19 diagnosis or a subject with respiratory symptoms and the developing of COVID-19 symptoms or a confirmed diagnosis. Results15 out of 275 patients reported symptoms suggestive for COVID-19 infection, only one of them with PCR-confirmed diagnosis. No one of them presented severe symptoms or needed hospitalization. Using a multivariable logistic regression model, the only factor associated with being in the COVID-suspect group was the report of a recent contact with a patient with a COVID-19 diagnosis. ConclusionsThe prevalence of COVID-19 within MS patients seems to resemble the prevalence in general population. The lack of associations with other factors assessed, including DMTs, may reflect a lack of statistical power. Larger population studies are needed to explore the correlation between different disease-modifying therapies and COVID-19 course.

COVID-19 Outbreak in a Large Hemodialysis Center in Lombardy, Italy

COVID-19 Outbreak in a Large Hemodialysis Center in Lombardy, Italy

New Evidence of Alteration of Graftonite-(Mn) from the Malpensata Pegmatite, Colico Municipality, Lecco Province, Italy

New Evidence of Alteration of Graftonite-(Mn) from the Malpensata Pegmatite, Colico Municipality, Lecco Province, Italy

Reconstructing normality following the diagnosis of a childhood chronic disease: does \u201crare\u201d make a difference?

Living with a childhood chronic disease can be challenging, especially if the diagnosis involves a rare condition. This study sought to elucidate how the diagnosis of a rare disease, as compared to a common, chronic condition, may influence maternal experiences of childhood illness. We conducted face-to-face, semi-structured interviews with 26 mothers of children treated in a pediatric hospital in the province of Lecco, Italy. Half of the participants had a child diagnosed with Bartter syndrome (BS), and the rest had a child suffering from celiac disease (CD). Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using an inductive thematic approach. We identified three main themes from the analysis of our data: (1) disrupted normality and the need to know, (2) reconstructing normality, and (3) acting “normal.” Although most participants experienced the disclosure of diagnosis as a relief, processes that facilitated normality reconstruction in celiac families, notably access to appropriate information, social support, and personal contact with comparison others, were found to be important stressors for mothers living with BS.Conclusion: This comparative qualitative study provides evidence on how well-known problems associated with the rarity of childhood diseases impact on families’ efforts to cope with the illness and regain a sense of normality.What is Known:• Families living with a rare disease have been found to experience a range of common problems, directly linked to the rarity of these pathologies.What is New:• Maximization of both emotional and instrumental social support, through provision of appropriate information or establishment of disease-specific support groups, could greatly contribute to rare disease families’ efforts to cope with childhood illness and regain a sense of normality.

Arrojadite-(BaNa), BaNa3(Na,Ca)Fe2+13Al(PO4)11(PO3OH)(OH)2, A New Phosphate Mineral From the Luna Albite Pegmatite, Dorio Commune, Lecco Province, Italy

Abstract Arrojadite-(BaNa), BaNa 3 (Na,Ca)Fe 2+ 13 Al(PO 4 ) 11 (PO 3 OH)(OH) 2 , is the Na-, Ba-rich member of the arrojadite group. This primary phosphate was found at the Luna albite pegmatite, Dorio, Lecco province, Italy where it occurs associated with fluorapatite in the blocky-albite unit of the pegmatite. This new phosphate forms greenish or yellowish translucent masses, or rough crystals up to 4–5 cm in diameter hosted by albite. Arrojadite-(BaNa) is anisotropic with α 1.656(2), β 1.660(2), and γ 1.664(2), and is non-fluorescent under both short-wave (254 nm) and long-wave (366 nm) ultraviolet light. The mineral is brittle with an irregular fracture and a good cleavage parallel to {110}; its Mohs hardness is 4–5. Its measured specific gravity is 3.54(2). The empirical formula, calculated on the basis of 12 (P + Si + As) atoms per formula unit is (Ba 0.62 K 0.27 Pb 0.13 Sr 0.07 ) Σ1.09 Na 3 (Na 1.19 Ca 0.85 ) Σ2.04 (Fe 2+ 9.82 Mg 1.92 Mn 2+ 1.64 ) Σ13.38 Al 1.01 (PO 4 ) 11 (HPO 4 )(OH 1.75 F 0.25 ) Σ2 , with the water content calculated considering 2 (OH – + F) per formula unit. Arrojadite-(BaNa) is monoclinic with space group C 2/c; its unit-cell parameters are a 16.4984(6) A, b 10.0228(3) A, c 24.648(1) A, β 105.850(4)°, and V 3920.8(2) A 3 , for Z = 4. The eight strongest lines in the X-ray powder diffraction pattern are [ d in A ( I / I 0 ) hkl ]: 3.137 (100) 5 1 0, 2.818 (61) 3 1 6, 3.303 (46) 3 2, 2.667 (35) 2 0 8, 2.878 (32) 3 3 1, 3.488 (28) 1 1 6, 4.621 (22) 1 3, and 2.936 (22) 3 3 0. The mineral, which has been approved by the CNMNC under number IMA 2014-071, is named arrojadite-(BaNa) since it corresponds to the Ba-Na-rich member of the arrojadite mineral group, in which Ba is the principal element at the X5 (= A1) site and M Fe * ≤ 0.5 apfu . Sodium is the unique element at the cation X1 (= Ca) site.

A population-based study of active and drug-resistant epilepsies in Northern Italy.

Drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) is defined by the International League Against Epilepsy as a failure of adequate trials of two tolerated, appropriately chosen, and used antiepileptic drugs to achieve sustained seizure freedom. Our aim was to calculate the following: (1) the prevalence of active epilepsy and DRE in a well-defined population of Northern Italy and (2) the proportion of incident cases developing DRE. The study population (146,506; year 2008) resided in the province of Lecco, Northern Italy. The medical records of 123 general practitioners were reviewed to identify patients with epilepsy, diagnosed by a neurologist during the period 2000-2008. The point prevalence of active epilepsy and DRE was calculated on December 31, 2008. A total of 747 prevalent patients with epilepsy, 684 patients with active epilepsy, and 342 incident cases were identified. The frequency of DRE was 15.6% (107/684) of all active epilepsies and 10.5% (36/342) of incident cases. The point prevalence was 0.73 per 1000. The standardized prevalence of DRE was 0.7 per 1000 (Italian population) and 0.8 per 1000 (world population). Our data indicate that 1/6 patients with active epilepsy in the general population has DRE, and 1/10 patients with newly diagnosed epilepsy will develop DRE within nine years from the diagnosis.

Karenwebberite, Na(Fe2+,Mn2+)PO4, a new member of the triphylite group from the Malpensata pegmatite, Lecco Province, Italy

Karenwebberite, Na(Fe 2+ ,Mn 2+ )PO 4 , belongs to the triphylite group of minerals and corresponds to the Fe-equivalent of natrophilite or to the Na-equivalent of triphylite. It occurs in the Malpensata pegmatite dike, Colico, Lecco Province, Italy. Karenwebberite is found as late-magmatic-stage exsolution lamellae up to 100 μm thick, hosted by graftonite and associated with Na-bearing ferrisicklerite and with a heterosite-like phase. Lamellae are pale green, with very pale grayish-green streak. The luster is greasy to vitreous, and lamellae are translucent (pale green) to opaque (dark green). Optically, the mineral is anisotropic, biaxial (+), α = 1.701(2), β = 1.708(2), γ = 1.717(2) (for λ = 589 nm), 2 V meas = 87(4)°, 2 V calc = 41°, Z = b . Pleochroism is moderate with X = dark gray, Y = brown, and Z = yellow. The mineral is brittle with a Mohs hardness of 4.5; in thin section it displays a perfect cleavage along {001} with an irregular fracture. Karenwebberite is non-fluorescent either under short-wave or long-wave ultraviolet light, and its calculated density is 3.65 g/cm 3 . The mean chemical composition, determined by the electron microprobe from 16 point analyses (wt%), is: P 2 O 5 41.12, Fe 2 O 3 * 7.00, FeO* 25.82, MgO 0.23, ZnO 0.11, MnO 9.31, CaO 0.10, Na 2 O 14.66, total 98.41 (*: calculated values). The empirical formula, calculated on the basis of 1 P atom per formula unit from, is (Na 0.817 Ca 0.003 □ 0.180 ) ∑1.000 (Fe 2+ 0.622 Mn 2+ 0.228 Fe 3+ 0.151 Mg 0.010 Zn 0.002 ) ∑1.013 PO 4 . Karenwebberite is orthorhombic, space group Pbnm , a = 4.882(1), b = 10.387(2), c = 6.091(1) A, V = 308.9(1) A 3 , and Z = 4. The mineral possesses the olivine structure, with the M1 octahedra occupied by Na, and the M2 octahedra occupied by Fe and Mn. The eight strongest lines in the X-ray powder pattern are [ d in A (intensities) ( hkl )]: 5.16 (50) (020), 4.44 (90) (110), 3.93 (80) (021), 3.56 (90) (120), 3.04 (80) (002), 2.817 (100) (130), 2.559 (100) (131), and 1.657 (50) (061). The mineral is named in honor of Karen Louise Webber, Assistant Professor Research at the Mineralogy, Petrology and Pegmatology Research Group, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.A.

Impact of a Population-Based Colorectal Cancer Screening Program on Local Health Services Demand in Italy: A 7-Year Survey in a Northern Province

In 2005, the National Health Service recommended a population-based colorectal cancer (CRC) screening program using biennial fecal occult blood testing (FOBT), followed by total colonoscopy in positive patients. So far, no studies have been performed to evaluate the impact of a mass-screening CRC campaign on the health system services at the community level in Italy. We have therefore assessed the workload generated by the first two biennial rounds of screening program on the activity of hospital services involved in CRC diagnosis in the Lecco province. Routine data from all hospital services of our province were collected on activity levels related to CRC diagnosis from January 2003 to December 2009. This time span covered the 2 years prior to, as well as the two biennial rounds of the CRC screening program. In particular, we focused on the volume of outpatient FOBTs and colonoscopies (both diagnostic and interventional) performed among subjects outside the screening program. Joinpoint models were used to test whether an apparent change in trend of examination over time was statistically significant in different age cohorts of the population (<50 years, 50-69 years, and ≥70 years). The volume of "extra-screening" per-patient/FOBTs and colonoscopies increased significantly over the evaluated periods in all ages, until year 2008, when a steady trend was beginning; the AAPCs (average of the annual percent changes) values were 5.7, 3.1, and 8.4 for FOBT and 14.6, 13.4, and 16.7 for colonoscopy in the three age cohorts, respectively. However, the increase in both FOBT and colonoscopy demand was maximal in the cohort ≥70 years, where three statistically significant annual percent changes (APCs) were identified (in 2003-2005, 2005-2006, and 2006-2007 APCs were 12.3, 14.9, and 15.9 for FOBT, and 18.7, 36.8, and 25.4 for colonoscopy, respectively). After the implementation of a FOBT-based mass-screening program for CRC, careful consideration must be given to the significant increase in the workload of hospital services involved in CRC diagnosis, outside the screening campaign. The extra-work mainly involves gastroenterologists performing colonoscopy, whose activity increased over the 5-year period by 118%, as well as laboratory services, where the demand of FOBTs rose by 40%. This phenomenon, mainly attributable to a profound change in the attitude toward CRC screening by those age cohorts outside the program, covers a time span of two full rounds of screening, whereupon a steady trend for colonoscopy is apparent.

COMPLEX MECHANISMS OF ALTERATION IN A GRAFTONITE + SARCOPSIDE + TRIPHYLITE ASSOCIATION FROM THE LUNA PEGMATITE, PIONA, LECCO PROVINCE, ITALY

Phosphate masses have been found in a pegmatite rich in oligoclase, with minor muscovite and schorl, outcropping at Luna, near Piona, Lecco Province, Italy. These masses consist of sarcopside lamellae embedded in graftonite with minor triphylite with a well-developed alteration rim. Chemical analyses made with an electron microprobe and the X-ray powder-diffraction method allowed us to identify the following alteration-induced phosphate minerals: ferrisicklerite, heterosite, kryzhanovskite, ferrostrunzite, jahnsite-(CaMnFe), rockbridgeite, lipscombite, and whitmoreite. Petrographic observations of the textures allowed us to decipher the complex mechanism of alteration. The first sequence of alteration, due to hydrothermal topotactic transformation of triphylite into ferrisicklerite and heterosite, is marked by a progressive leaching of Li and by concomitant oxidation of Fe and Mn. The second one involves graftonite, sarcopside and the alteration products of triphylite. It is characterized by a progressive leaching of Ca in oxidizing and hydration conditions. The first step of the second sequence shows an almost complete preservation of the lamellar texture of the primary assemblage graftonite + sarcopside, and produces kryzhanovskite and ferrostrunzite. Kryzhanovskite displays two different chemical compositions, reflecting those of the primary graftonite and sarcopside: the Fe:Mn ratio is preserved. The second step shows the formation of the paragenesis jahnsite-(CaMnFe) + rockbridgeite + lipscombite. In a later episode of alteration, whitmoreite occurs as the result of the auto-oxidation process of ferrostrunzite. This process suggests that a phosphoferrite-like mineral previously occurred in the first step and then transformed into kryzanovskite by auto-oxidation as well.

Structural Analysis of the Paderno d’Adda Bridge (Italy, 1889)

The Paderno d’Adda Bridge is a marvellous riveted iron viaduct with a doubly-built-in parabolic arch that crosses the river Adda near Milano, between Paderno d’Adda (Lecco province) and Calusco d’Adda (Bergamo province), in Lombardia, northern Italy. It was completed in 1889 by the “Società Nazionale delle Officine di Savigliano” (SNOS). In this work, following a previous contribution to the last SAHC08 Conference (Ferrari and Rizzi 2008), a complete FEM model of the bridge is presented, in the attempt of querying the performance of the structure at design stage. Several static loading conditions have been carried-out in the elastic range and results have been compared to those available in the original SNOS Report (1889), with remarkable correspondence.

Faecal occult blood test-based screening programme with high compliance for colonoscopy has a strong clinical impact on colorectal cancer

The results of a pilot colorectal cancer screening programme by biennial immunochemical faecal occult blood test (FOBT) are reported. All residents aged between 50 and 69 years in the Italian province of Lecco were invited to have a FOBT. Those with a positive result were offered colonoscopy. FOBT uptake and compliance with colonoscopy were assessed. Detection rate and positive predictive value (PPV) for cancer and adenoma were calculated. Tumour stages were compared between screen-detected cancers and other colorectal cancers diagnosed within the target age group. Some 38,693 (49.6 per cent) of 78,083 individuals had a FOBT and 2392 (6.2 per cent) had a positive result. Colorectal cancer was diagnosed in 4.6 per cent and advanced adenoma in 32.7 per cent. PPVs were 4.0 per cent for cancer, 28.1 per cent for advanced adenoma and 36.6 per cent for any adenoma. There was a significant difference in incidence of stage III/IV disease between screened and non-screened cohorts. Compliance for colonoscopy was 92.0 per cent. Major determinants of compliance were age less than 59 years, female sex, high education level and non-manual work. These results justify extension of colorectal cancer screening to other regions of Italy.

First Record of Crown and Root Rot Caused by Cylindrocladium pauciramosum on California Lilac in Italy.

California lilacs, or Ceanothus, are evergreen, drought tolerant, colorful ornamental shrubs belonging to the Rhamnaceae family. Ceanothus thyrsiflorus var. repens is the most common species grown in Italy. In October 2005, a severe wilting was noticed on approximately 3,000 potted, 6-month-old plants obtained from cuttings produced by a commercial nursery in Lecco Province (northern Italy). Wilting was always associated with root rot and brown discoloration at the base of the stem. No leaf spots or stem lesions were detected. A Cylindrocladium sp. was isolated consistently from crown, basal stems, and roots of symptomatic plants with potato dextrose agar. Although many crown rots are caused by Phytophthora spp., this pathogen was not found associated with rotten roots and crown plating small pieces of diseased root tissue and crowns onto selective medium. A random selection of five Cylindrocladium sp. isolates was obtained from the infected crown and basal stem. Subsequently, they were identified on carnation leaf agar (CLA) as Cylindrocladium pauciramosum C.L. Schoch & Crous on the basis of their obpyriform to broadly ellipsoidal terminal vesicles, conidiophore branching pattern, conidium, and perithecial morphology, as well as mating type with tester strains of C. pauciramosum selected isolates (1,4). All single-conidial isolates were mated with tester strains DISTEF-G87 (MAT1-1) and DISTEF-G128 (MAT1-2) of C. pauciramosum on CLA, which confirmed both mating types to be present. Two of the isolates were deposited at Fungal Biodiversity Centre, Centraalbureau voor Schimmelcultures (CBS-120145 and CBS-120146). Pathogenicity tests were performed by macerating CLA cultures of C. pauciramosum, obtained from a single-spore isolate and incorporating them on the soil surface of 20 8-month-old C. thyrsiflorus var. repens potted plants. The same number of plants was used as the control. Following inoculation, plants were well irrigated and kept in a growth chamber at 25 ± 1°C. All inoculated plants developed crown rot, basal stem rot, and root rot 25 days after inoculation. Uninoculated control plants remained healthy. C. pauciramosum was reisolated from the artificially inoculated plants. C. pauciramosum causes considerable damage to the ornamental industry in Italy, where projects have been carried out since the first record of the fungus in Europe (3). C. pauciramosum was previously detected on Ceanothus sp. in the United Kingdom (2), where foliar and stem lesions were described. To our knowledge, this is the first record of the pathogen on C. thyrsiflorus var. repens and the first report of wilting due to crown and basal stem rot.

Marine reptiles (Thalattosuchia) from the Early Jurassic of Lombardy (northern Italy)

The fossil remains of two small reptiles recently discovered in the Sogno Formation (Lower Toarcian) near Cesana Brianza (Lecco Province), represent the first mesoeucrocodylians reported for Lombardy and some of the few Jurassic reptiles from Italy. Due to the absence of diagnostic skeletal elements (the skulls are lacking), it is not possible to refer the new specimens at genus level with confidence. Although the well developed dermal armour would characterise Toarcian thalattosuchians of the genera Steneosaurus (Teleosauridae) and Pelagosaurus (Metriorhynchidae), the peculiar morphology of the osteoderms allow to tentatively refer the remains to the latter taxon (cf. Pelagosaurus sp.). The small size, along with the opening of the neurocentral vertebral sutures and, possibly, the non sutured caudal pleurapophyses, indicate that the specimens were morphologically immature at death. These “marine crocodiles” confirm the affinities between the fauna of the Calcare di Sogno Formation and coeval outcrops of central Europe that also share the presence of similar fishes and crustaceans.