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Gli insetti come indicatori della qualità degli agro-ecosistemi e degli interventi agro ambientali

Analisi della biodiversità riferita a ogni gruppo studiato: Coleotteri Carabidi

The insect predator complex in weedy margins adjacent to crops was studied in order to understand the ecological role of noncrop habitats on polyphagous predators in a northern Italian rural landscape. Weedy field margins at ten sites, in Bologna province, of different age and maturity which were adjacent to hedgerows, were sampled with a sweep net. Coleoptera (Coccinellidae) and Rhynchota (Nabidae) were the most abundant groups sampled in these weedy margins. Hippodamia variegata (Goeze) was the most abundant coccinellid species, followed by Coccinella septempunctata L. and Propylea quatuordecimpunctata (L.). Among the tribe of Scymnini, Scymnus rubromaculatus (Goeze) and S. apetzi Mulsant were the most abundant species. A consistent population of Anthocoris sp. was recorded at one site only, and these Anthocorids probably originated from the adjacent pear orchard. The age and maturity of the hedgerows appear to influence the abundance and distribution of predator families in the adjacent weedy margins. Nabidae were the most abundant insects within margins adjacent to old hedgerows. These old hedgerows showed generally a more uniform distribution of relative predator abundance than younger hedgerows. The margins adjacent to young hedgerows were characterised by a strong predominance of Coccinellidae. Correspondence Analysis performed on predator abundance ordinated the sites according to the age of adjacent hedgerows and the intensity of ecological infrastructure management. The phenology of Coccinellidae was studied. These predators showed two developmental peaks: the first between June and July, and the second between September and October. Particularly the first peak showed large populations of coccinellid larvae in the weedy margins. The knowledge of the phenology of these beneficial predators results in a recommendation for the rational management of ecological infrastructures in order to preserve and improve coccinellid and other predator populations

Le specie alleate nella lotta contro gli insetti dannosi

Il vigneto nell’agroecosistema

The role of natural vegetation, including trees, shrubs and weeds in supporting predatory insects with particular reference to Coccinellids, was investigated in a two-year field studies. The samplings were carried out by mechanical knock-down (MKD) and visual inspections (VIS) in hedgerow of Northern Italy (Bologna province) between March and October. Among trees and shrubs, Euonymus europaeus L. (spindle-tree) and Prunus spinosa L. (blackthorn) showed the highest number of predatory species, followed by Crataegus monogyna Jacques (hawthorn), Populus sp. (poplar), Cornus sanguinea L. (dogwood) L. and Corylus avellana L. (hazel). Salix alba L. (willow) and Pyrus pyraster Burgsdorf (wild pear) were characterised by the lowest level of predator diversity. Coccinellidae represented the most abundant family of insect predators on trees and weeds. Eggs and/or larvae of Coccinellidae were found in all the tree and shrub species sampled with the exception of Sambucus nigra L. (elder). Data demonstrate that some trees and shrubs species can provide shelter for adult ladybirds, mainly in late summer, when many crops in Northern Italy are harvested. A list of the Coccinellid species, including relative abundance on the most important plant species, is provided. The number of species sampled by MKD on hedgerows was higher than those sampled by VIS. Among the weeds, Cirsium sp., Rumex sp. and Urtica dioica L. (stinging nettle) supported the reproduction of Coccinellids. Only adults of Coccinellids were found on Daucus carota L., Amaranthus retroflexus L., Dipsacus sylvestris Hudson, Arctium sp., Crepis sp., Picris sp.. Correspondence analysis was used for the ordination of both plant and Coccinellid species and it was performed on the matrix of the data collected by VIS. The role of hedgerows and weeds in landscape management is discussed. Local biodiversity of beneficials in Bologna province can be conserved and improved by increasing “island” habitats like hedgerows and field margins.

Bone metastases are only apparently similar lesions, considering the large varieties of istotypes and the spread of the primary tumour. Although these metastases develop early and are not terminal events, they have to be considered as severe complications. When possible, surgical treatment can improve the history of the patient in terms of life expectancy and quality of life. The approach to these lesions should be multidisciplinary in collaboration with oncologists and radiotherapists. In fact the average of survival of these patients has increased in recent years. The evolution of anesthesiological techniques permits surgical treatments that once were considered prohibitive. The application of new adjuvant therapies increases the effectiveness for surgical treatment. Controversy exists over the most appropriate treatment for patients with bone metastatic disease. The purpose was to determine the best sequential process to arrive at the most appropriate treatment considering the individual general conditions and the parameters of the metastases. As the number of treatment options for metastatic bone disease has grown, it has become clear that effective implementation of these treatments can only be achieved by a multidisciplinary approach.

The Variscan metamorphic basement of the westernmost part of the Southern Alps consists of the Ivrea-Verbano Zone and Serie dei Laghi separated by the Cossato-Mergozzo-Brissago Line, a subvertical, late-Variscan ductile shear zone. The paper deals with the complex history of magmatism, deformation, and metamorphism during pre-Alpine and Alpine evolution of the Serie dei Laghi, a metasedimentary sequence hosting older and younger granites. Rb-Sr whole-rock (WR) isochron (466±5 Ma) and Pb-Pb single zircon evaporation ages (458±6 Ma and 463±4 Ma) on metagranites date the emplacement of the older intrusive series, whereas Rb-Sr muscovite ages (311-325 Ma) approach the Carboniferous metamorphism (331-340 Ma). Rb-Sr WR isochrons (277±8 Ma) and biotite ages (276-281 Ma) on granitic plutons date the emplacement of the younger intrusive series. However, both intrusive series have some rejuvenated biotite ages (up to 170 Ma). Such ages suggest opening of the Sr isotope system, though the timing of this event cannot be determined precisely via Rb-Sr systematics. The metasediments reached incomplete whole- rock Sr isotopic homogenisation at 288±99 Ma, very close to the age of the Permian event recorded by the granites. Ordovician U-Pb zircon ages have been ascribed to infiltration of residual granitic melts. Moreover, zircons of 1003±2 Ma reflect the presence of old detrital components. Finally, most of the intrusive, metaintrusive, and metasedimentary rocks plot on well-defined linear correlations in both the initial Pb-Pb and the 206Pb/ 204 Pb(i) vs. 238U/204Pb diagrams. These correlations, as well as 238U/204Pb ratios far higher than those reported for crustal rocks, are interpreted as due to recent opening of the Pb isotope system, which caused either an increase in the U/Pb ratios and/or a rough homogenisation of the Pb isotopes. However, this process affected the Sr isotope system only at the mineral scale (post-Variscan biotite ages), while whole-rock isochrons are still preserved in both metaintrusive and intrusive rocks. An estimated age of 26±10 Ma is obtained by applying an "inverse" approach to the Pb data. Such a widespread process, which involved most of the igneous, metaigneous, and metasedimentary rocks of the Variscan belt, implies a large-scale mobilisation of fluids that could be attained only through the reactivation of the many pre-Alpine faults dissecting the Serie dei Laghi.

Butterflies were inventorised in nine sites of three different habitat types of the Emilia-Romagna rural landscape (Northern Italy). Sites were situated in three different landscape contexts, from high to low landscape complexity. A total of 39 butterflies species were collected, including some rare species for the region. Diversity indices and correspondence analysis showed that the butterfly fauna was influenced by the habitat type and not by the landscape complexity of the area around the site. The higher diversity was registered in an hedgerow with a grassy margin. Grassy margins of crops showed the higher mean frequency of catches, probably because of the high number of flowers available. Butterflies seem to be poorly influenced by the landscape characteristics around the sites because of the adults mobility. Field margins are suggested as suitable habitats for butterfly conservation.

A number of studies have shown the role of expanded Bone Marrow-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells in the repair and regeneration of musculo-skeletal tissues. The current European regulations define in vitro expanded cells for clinical purposes as substantially manipulated and include them in the class of Advanced-Therapy Medicinal Products to be manufactured in compliance with current Good Manufacturing Practice. Among the characteristics that such cells should display, genomic stability has recently become a major safety concern. The aim of this study is to perform a chromosomal and genetic characterization of Bone Marrow-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells expanded in compliance with Good Manufacturing Practice for a potential clinical use in orthopaedics.Mesenchymal Stem Cells, isolated from bone marrow, were expanded for six weeks in compliance with current Good Manufacturing Practice. DNA profiling analyses were applied to test cross-contamination absence. Genomic stability was evaluated by means of karyotyping, sequencing of TP53, p21/CDKN1A and MDM2 genes and the expression analysis of c-MYC and H-RAS oncogenes, p21/CDKN1A, TP53, p16/CDKN2A, RB1 and p27/CDKN1B tumor suppressor genes and hTERT gene.The DNA profiling analysis showed a unique genetic profile for each Mesenchymal Stem Cell culture, indicating the absence of cross-contamination. Karyotyping evidentiated some chromosomal abnormalities within the 10% limit set by the Cell Products Working Party review, except for one patient. In all cases, the molecular biology analyses did not revealed DNA point mutations, acquisition or changes in gene expression. hTERT levels were undetectable.Cultured Mesenchymal Stem Cells do not seem to be prone to malignant transformation. In fact, although some chromosomal aberrations were found, molecular biology analyses demonstrated that the expansion phase did not induce the acquisition of de novo genetic changes.

Objectives: The prognosis of attacks of ulcerative colitis is clearly linked to the extent and activity of the disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the value of high resolution ultrasonography in assessing both the extent and activity of severe ulcerative colitis and its response to medical treatment. Methods: Fifty-seven consecutive patients affected by a severe (32 patients) or moderately severe (25 patients) attack of ulcerative colitis underwent ultrasonographic examination. The ultrasonographic extent of the disease was evaluated in 32 patients by comparing ultrasonography and scintigraphy. Results: Compared with scintigraphy, sensitivity, specificity, and overall accuracy of ultrasonographic extent were 89%, 100%, and 91%, respectively. These results were also confirmed in a subgroup of patients submitted to surgery, comparing ultrasonographic and scintigraphic data versus specimens. Using the ultrasonographic score of activity, it was possible to discriminate severe and moderately severe attacks with a specificity, sensitivity, and diagnostic accuracy of 96%, 90.3%, and 92.9% respectively. A close correlation was also found between ultrasonographic and scintigraphic activity (r = 0.78; p < 0.001). After 10 days of intensive treatment, the ultrasonographic activity significantly decreased in severe and moderate groups (p < 0.001) and in both subgroups of nonoperated patients (p < 0.001) but not in operated patients (p = NS). Conclusions: High resolution ultrasonography can be useful in assessing both extent and activity of severe ulcerative colitis, in monitoring the patient's condition, and in objectively evaluating the response to medical therapy.

Background: Vertebral biopsy is fundamental in determining whether a spinal lesion is of infectious or neoplastic etiology. Accurate diagnosis is critical for proper medical and/or surgical treatment and consequently for the prognosis of the patient. CT-guided percutaneous spinal biopsy (CTSB) may minimize the risk of contamination and complications. Aim: To demonstrate the importance and efficacy of CTSB and subsequent microbiologic/histological examination in the diagnosis of spinal lesions, particularly for those of an infectious nature. Materials and Methods: Two series of spinal infection patients. Prospective series of 69 patients (2009-2011), 24 of whom underwent CTSB. Retrospective series of 130 patients (1999-2008), 65 of whom underwent CTSB. All patients had microbiologic and histological testing of biopsy samples, when possible. Results: For the 2009-2011 patient series, histological examination yielded a diagnosis in 81.8% of cases, microbiologic culture and PCR for Mycobacterium tuberculosis in 45.8%. For the 1999-2008 series, histological examination yielded a diagnosis in 69% of cases, culture in 38.5%. Spinal lesions in 4 patients with previous histories of malignancy were assumed to be metastatic and treated with radiation at outside institutions. After biopsy, all were revealed to be spondylodiscitis. Conclusions: Percutaneous CT-guided needle biopsy is the mainstay of diagnosis for spine lesions of unknown etiology, thus guiding appropriate treatment. Histological diagnosis, when possible, is critical before initiation of therapy and may be helpful in cases where cultures are negative. In the case of a spinal lesion of unknown origin, even in the setting of a previous malignancy, metastasis should not be assumed; infection and new primary lesions should always be considered as part of the differential diagnosis.

Minimally invasive spine surgery has gained a great consent in the treatment of vertebral osteoporotic fractures. We perform a retrospective clinical and radiographic review on 32 consecutive patients (22 female and 10 male) surgically treated for a thoracolumbar osteoporotic fracture (type A) by a minimally invasive system. By this study, we propose to determine the safety and efficacy of an expandable, percutaneous, minimally invasive technique to reduce the disability caused by vertebral osteoporotic fractures.We retrospectively reviewed 32 patients who were operated on between 2003 and 2004 by means of an innovative technique which employs an expandable system inserted by a minimally invasive approach into the vertebral body. Average age at surgery was 64.8 years (range, 27-82). All patients were mobilized in first post-operative day with no external immobilization and discharged from the Hospital in the second post-operative day.This innovative technique which employs an expandable system inserted by a minimally-invasive approach into the vertebral body permits to obtain a double mechanical support for the vertebral plate, to partially reduce the fracture, to mobilize the patient immediately, reducing disability and costs related to the vertebral osteoporotic fractures.