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Biological pollution, caused by the negative impact of alien species, also known as non-indigenous species (NIS), is regarded as one of the greatest threat to marine ecosystems. The recent upsurge in the number and spread of these species drew attention to putative vectors such as shipping and shellfish importation for culture and consumption. The port of Taranto in Southern Italy is a hub for several vectors as it serves commercial and military shipping, fishing and recreational boating, in addition to shellfish importation. An analysis of anthropogenic activities and possible vectors in Taranto Seas was recently carried out within the framework of the RITMARE Project, involving local stakeholders. Different categories of stakeholders answered dedicated questionnaires with a high degree of reticence, and this highlighted a general lack of awareness of the problems associated with alien species. Consequently, there is a strong need to instil a truly ecological awareness among the general public and stakeholders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1 - The Long-Term Ecosystem Research (LTER) network, now a global reality, was founded on a combination of long-term ecological studies, short-term experiments, and comparisons among sites and eco-domains. 2 - The LTER-Italy network was officially established as a formal member of the LTER international network in 2006, following a wider on-going process in Europe; it currently consists of 22 sites representing the main ecosystem typologies of Italy. Four coastal transitional ecosystem sites are included in the LTER-Italy network: on the northern Peninsula, these include the Venice Lagoon and the lagoons of the Po River Delta, which are characterized by a temperate climate and the influence of t ides; and in the southern sector, these include the coastal ecosystems of Sardinia and the Mar Piccolo of Taranto, which are characterized by a Mediterranean climate and the absence of sensible tides. 3 - In this paper, we present and discuss three main issues: (1) the LTER-International and LTER-Europe context, emphasising the most practical issues and activities that must be addressed for the effective organization and maintenance of LTER networks; (2) the history, structure, and perspectives of the national LTER-Italy network; and (3) the opportunities, strengths, and weaknesses related to participation of the LTER-Italy network in the study of coastal transitional ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has been predicted that Grateloupia turuturu, native of the cold-temperate waters of Japan, is one of the most invasive marine species considered as a threat to global marine biodiversity. However, few studies have been carried out to assess the extent of its spread worldwide. Its seasonal dynamics in the Mar Piccolo of Taranto, a transitional water system in the Northern Ionian Sea, were observed for ten years. Systematic monthly observations were carried out from 2008 to 2018. The length of thalli and density were measured alongside the seawater temperature. Data were processed by means of non-parametric statistical analyses. No invasive behavior was detected for G. turuturu. It seems well established in the Mar Piccolo even though its population is limited to the station of first detection. However, due to its shown preference for plastic substrate, it could become a vector of another urgent threat, that is plastic pollution., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The principles of good laboratory practice (GLP) are also applicable to studies on plant protection products (PPP). In Italy the placing of PPP on the market is authorized by Ministry of Health in accordance with the Decree no. 194/95, which implements Directive 91/414/EEC. The studies listed in Annexes II and III of Directive 91/414/EEC must be conducted in accordance with the principles of GLP, independently of the site of conduct (laboratory, greenhouse, field). Studies on efficacy may be instead conducted in accordance with the principles of good experimental practice. The Ministry of Health grants the compliance status to test facilities which work according to the principles of BPL, with the exception of test facilities which conduct field studies as regards efficacy tests. Such test facilities are under the responsibility of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.

In 1997 the Italian monitoring programme for pesticide residues in food comprised 7951 samples of 152 different foods for which a total of 275 pesticides were analysed. For 90 pesticides, the National Estimated Daily Intakes (NEDIs) were calculated by using the 90th percentile value and the food consumption data for the general Italian population. The calculated NEDIs were found to represent only a small portion of the respective Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI).

In the present paper is presented the surveillance system for pesticide-related illnesses proposed by the Istituto Superiore di Sanità, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health. Through the collaboration of local or regional poison control centres and local health departments with public hospitals and emergency departments, cases of acute pesticide-related illnesses among persons seeking health care will be registered according to standard procedures. Data collected locally will be transmitted to the Istituto Superiore di Sanità for registration and evaluation of the association between symptoms and type of exposure and for severity of illnesses related to pesticide exposure. These data will be analysed at regular intervals in order to estimate the magnitude of the problem of acute pesticide-related illnesses in Italy and to identify priority areas for implementing public health prevention and intervention programs.

The need for periodontal prevention and therapy was quantified according to the prevention of pathologies within the framework of an epidemiological study carried out on a sample population aged between 6 and 18 years. Data were collected using the CPITN method (WHO).

The paper reports the results of a study of the prevalence of periodontal diseases found in a sample group, aged between 6 and 18, resident in Naples. The structure of the survey, the clinical methods of collecting data and the statistical processing of data were carried out according to WHO directives regarding the study of oral pathologies.