Search

In Mediterranean mountains, the abandonment of traditional land-uses is promoting a rapid forest expansion. This trend may be exacerbated by nature reserves, which further limit human disturbance in mountain contexts. We investigated whether ecological parameters, landscape structure, and management policy influenced vegetation cover/dynamics over a 14-year period in the Pollino National Park, a large protected area in southern Italy. Based on remote sensed and field data we obtained land-cover maps referred to 2004, 1997, and 1990. Canonical ordination related patterns of vegetation cover/dynamics to ecological (elevation, slope, climate) and structural (spatial heterogeneity) landscape traits. Higher change rate regarded scrublands (decrease) and forests (expansion). Spatial heterogeneity declined over the study period, while the average area of forest patches increased. A non-spatial transition matrix model revealed that the decline of pastures/scrublands, and forest recovery accelerated in the 1997-2004 period compared to the 1990-1997 interval. Since the Pollino National Park was established in 1993, the protection regime may have favored the reduction of open habitats in the second timeframe. The recognized trends suggest a future reduction of both landscape complexity and dynamics in the Pollino National Park, a factor that could possibly be detrimental for the conservation of biodiversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Mediterranean mountains, the abandonment of traditional land-uses is promoting a rapid forest expansion. This trend may be exacerbated by nature reserves, which further limit human disturbance in mountain contexts. We investigated whether ecological parameters, landscape structure, and management policy influenced vegetation cover/dynamics over a 14-year period in the Pollino National Park, a large protected area in southern Italy. Based on remote sensed and field data we obtained land-cover maps referred to 2004, 1997, and 1990. Canonical ordination related patterns of vegetation cover/dynamics to ecological (elevation, slope, climate) and structural (spatial heterogeneity) landscape traits. Higher change rate regarded scrublands (decrease) and forests (expansion). Spatial heterogeneity declined over the study period, while the average area of forest patches increased. A non-spatial transition matrix model revealed that the decline of pastures/scrublands, and forest recovery accelerated in the 1997–2004 period compared to the 1990–1997 interval. Since the Pollino National Park was established in 1993, the protection regime may have favored the reduction of open habitats in the second timeframe. The recognized trends suggest a future reduction of both landscape complexity and dynamics in the Pollino National Park, a factor that could possibly be detrimental for the conservation of biodiversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We studied inbreeding depression, growth context and maternal influence as constraints to fitness in the self-compatible, protandrous Dianthus guliae Janka, a threatened Italian endemic. We performed hand-pollinations to verify outcomes of self- and cross-fertilisation over two generations, and grew inbred and outbred D. guliae offspring under different conditions - in pots, a common garden and field conditions (with/without nutrient addition). The environment influenced juvenile growth and flowering likelihood/rate, but had little effect on inbreeding depression. Significant interactions among genetic and environmental factors influenced female fertility. Overall, genetic factors strongly affected both early (seed mass, seed germination, early survival) and late (seed/ovule ratio) life-history traits. After the first pollination experiment, we detected higher mortality in the selfed progeny, which is possibly a consequence of inbreeding depression caused by over-expression of early-acting deleterious alleles. The second pollination induced a strong loss of reproductive fitness (seed production, seed mass) in inbred D. guliae offspring, regardless of the pollination treatment (selfing/crossing); hence, a strong (genetic) maternal influence constrained early life-history traits of the second generation. Based on current knowledge, we conclude that self-compatibility does not prevent the detrimental effects of inbreeding in D. guliae populations, and may increase the severe extinction risk if out-crossing rates decrease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Italian populations and communities of Pinus leucodermis Antoine were studied in the Pollino National Park (Calabria/Basilicata, southern Italy). The relationships between the structure of P. leucodermis populations, and physical and biotic factors were evaluated. The species revealed a three-component pattern in the studied areas. Each component is characterized by a specific spatial distribution, community composition and population structure. The mature populations of P. leucodermis showed low recruitment rates. Moreover, we recorded young populations of P. leucodermis, which mostly occur close to the lower part of its altitudinal range, suggesting a downward expansion that appears to be connected with fire events. A suitability model based on Mahalanobis distances was built using topographic and climatic continuous variables. The predictive model showed that P. leucodermis occurs in less than 10% of its potential distribution area within the Pollino National Park. The species does not appear to be endangered at the regional level. However, its conservation status in Italy is affected by a restricted range (28 km2), by its isolation with respect to the species in the Balkan peninsula, and by the difficulties in originating durable populations in suitable areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Clinical complaints in atopic subjects with asthma and rhinitis occur more frequently in the presence of high total and allergen-specific IgE serum levels. Here we report on the relationship between total and allergen-specific IgE serum levels and presence of symptoms in an unselected farmer population sensitized to Tetranychus urticae (TU). Methods: Farmers were recruited as previously described. Total IgE and allergen-specific IgE were measured by immunoassay in TU-positive skin prick test (SPT) farmers (n = 58) and two control groups including Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Dp)-positive SPT subjects ( n = 40) and non-atopic, TU-negative SPT healthy farmers ( n = 25) . Results: Both TU+ and Dp+ subjects had significantly higher total IgE values (P < 0.001) than healthy non-atopic subjects. TU-specific IgE levels were significantly more elevated in symptomatic than non-symptomatic TU+ subjects ( P = 0.028). Dp-specific IgE levels were higher in symptomatic than non-symptomatic Dp+ subjects ( P = 0.003). Finally, total IgE levels were significantly higher in the symptomatic than non-symptomatic subgroups in both TU+ and Dp+ subjects ( P < 0.0001 and P = 0.007, respectively). Logistic regression analysis showed that only total IgE concentrations were significant predictors of current symptoms in TU+ subjects. Conclusions: High total IgE and allergen-specific IgE levels are associated with symptoms in TU+ subjects. Definition of their predictive value requires further studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The role of Tetranychus urticae (TU) as an occupational allergen has thus far been investigated only in selected farmer samples. Methods: The prevalence of TU-induced sensitization and occupational diseases in a randomized sample of farmers living in a temperate climate area was investigated. Occupational/nonoccupational symptoms, skin prick test (SPT) results with common allergens and TU, specific occupational test results, and greenhouse or open-field sources of TU exposure were assessed. The study design was cross-sectional. Results: The prevalence of positive SPT to TU was 6%. TU-induced allergic/nonallergic complaints accounted for 65% of farmers with challenge-confirmed occupational disease. In all farmers, sensitization to common allergens was a risk factor for both current occupational and nonoccupational complaints, while TU sensitization was a prominent risk factor for occupational complaints. Furthermore, in SPT-positive farmers, only the presence of seasonal occupational complaints was significantly associated with TU sensitization. Common allergen sensitization was a risk factor for development of TU sensitization, which was more frequent in greenhouse than in open-field workers. Conclusions: TU was a common nontraumatic, allergic occupational hazard for farmers. Since occupational seasonal symptoms could be directly related to the presence of TU sensitization, allergy to this mite should be routinely investigated in farmers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundProspective assessment of non-reactivity to local anaesthetics is a frequent reason for allergy consultation. ObjectivesTo investigate the clinical profiles of subjects referred for allergy evaluation; to prospectively reduce the frequency of evaluation by assessing the persistence, during clinical use, of non-reactivity to contaminant/additive-free mepivacaine; and to determine the usefulness of a diagnostic protocol involving patch testing. MethodsIn a prospective study, 198 consecutive patients underwent collection of clinical data, skin prick tests and patch tests using allergens/antigens relevant for the investigation, and an intradermal/subcutaneous challenge procedure using contaminant/additive-free mepivacaine, as appropriate. Patients were followed up for 3 years for assessment of non-reactivity persistence using the same diagnostic protocol. ResultsOnly one-third of the patients had a history of previous adverse local anaesthetic reactions. Absence of sensitization to contaminant/additive-free mepivacaine persisted in all subjects completing the follow-up. Controlled challenge with mepivacaine was negative in 196 patients with both negative specific skin prick tests and patch tests but it was eventful in two subjects with positive specific patch tests. A few subjects displayed positive skin prick tests and/or patch tests for latex and/or additives. ConclusionsA few patients had a relevant history for potential local anaesthetic-induced adverse reactions. Upon assessment of absence of sensitization and reactivity, contaminant/additive-free mepivacaine could safely be given for as long as 3 years. The patch testing was shown to be useful and safe for prediction of challenge outcomes. True allergic reactions to contaminant/additive-free mepivacaine were not observed in our patient series. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Characterizes gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD) by typical reflux symptoms and multiple atypical extraesophageal symptoms. Mechanisms involved in the producing GOR-induced asthma; Investigation of microaspiration into airways in animals.

Many factors have contributed to the richness of narrow endemics in the Mediterranean, including long-lasting human impact on pristine landscapes. The abandonment of traditional land-use practices is causing forest recovery throughout the Mediterranean mountains, by increasing reduction and fragmentation of open habitats. We investigated the population genetic structure and habitat dynamics of Plantago brutia Ten., a narrow endemic in mountain pastures of S Italy. Some plants were cultivated in the botanical garden to explore the species’ breeding system. Genetic diversity was evaluated based on inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) polymorphisms in 150 individuals from most of known stands. Recent dynamics in the species habitat were checked over a 14-year period. Flower phenology, stigma receptivity and experimental pollinations revealed protogyny and self-incompatibility. With the exception of very small and isolated populations, high genetic diversity was found at the species and population level.amova revealed weak differentiation among populations, and the Mantel test suggested absence of isolation-by-distance. Multivariate analysis of population and genetic data distinguished the populations based on genetic richness, size and isolation. Landscape analyses confirmed recent reduction and isolation of potentially suitable habitats. Low selfing, recent isolation and probable seed exchange may have preserved P. brutia populations from higher loss of genetic diversity. Nonetheless, data related to very small populations suggest that this species may suffer further fragmentation and isolation. To preserve most of the species’ genetic richness, future management efforts should consider the large and isolated populations recognised in our analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

“The New Red List of the Italian Flora” includes all the Italian policy species and other species of known conservation concerns for a total of 400taxa, 65% of which are threatened with extinction. The Red List is based on a huge georeferenced data-set useful for conservation purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent work, based on morphological and cytotaxonomical information, claimed the independence of Plantago brutia Ten., a narrow endemic of South Italy, with respect to Plantago media L. Here, we present a further evaluation of the systematic relationships occurring between these two taxa as revealed by molecular studies. We sampled P. brutia in most of the known populations and P. media in several European stands, from Sweden to the Iberian Peninsula and Balkans. We then investigated the relationships among the sampled populations by using as molecular markers the internal transcribed spacer regions ITS1 and ITS2. Furthermore, we considered cpDNA to gain further insight into the relationships among P. brutia/P. media populations. Based on nrDNA data, P. brutia appeared to be nested within the P. media complex, but as a well distinct subunit. This is congruent with a subspecific rank for this taxon within P. media. The cpDNA revealed the occurrence of several haplotypes in the studied material. Most of the assessed haplotypes were exclusive for single populations and thus phylogenetically uninformative. Nonetheless, we have found some haplotypes that are shared by different cytotypes or populations throughout the species range, suggesting possible explanations for the phylogenetic relationships occurring between P. brutia and the autopolyploid complex P. media. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the genetic structure, on a small spatial scale, of Campanula pollinensis along a heterogeneous altitudinal gradient on the Apennines of southern Italy. This endemic species inhabits territories in the Pollino National Park and is classified as a taxon of ‘Least Concern’. Along the elevation transect of Mt Cozzo del Pellegrino, the genetic profile of three subpopulations was examined using nuclear (ISSR) and chloroplast (SSR) markers. The subpopulation of the more elevated site showed maximuzm ISSR and minimum cpSSR diversity, while the opposite was found in the other two subpopulations. Differentiation values between subpopulations were indicative of restricted gene flow. The pollen flow/seed flow ratio suggested that pollen movements are less efficient than seed movements. At the same time, the haplotype pattern found along the altitudinal gradient could be the consequence of historical events, like the Quaternary glaciations. This study demonstrates that the use of two different markers can reveal some form of diversity even in small and apparently marginal patches of individuals. Consequently, a correct management of C. pollinensis ought not to neglect these small subpopulations, which are worthy of attention since they contain a relevant proportion of the total gene pool at this local scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: Two common factors, cigarette smoking and appendectomy, have been found to play a role in ulcerative colitis (UC). Data on their role in the development of extraintestinal manifestations (EIM) are scarce.METHODS: The relationship between cigarette smoking, appendectomy, and EIM was examined in a prospective study involving 535 (M/F= 319/216) consecutive UC patients followed up for 18 yr. We considered the major EIM: seronegative spondyloarthropathy, pyoderma gangrenosum/erythema nodosum, acute anterior uveitis, and primary sclerosing cholangitis. We excluded patients with a history of EIM or those colectomized before study entry, ex-smokers, and those who started to smoke during the course of UC.RESULTS: In UC patients, seronegative spondyloarthropathy and dermatologic complications were found increased in smokers (p<0.0001;p= 0.001) or in subjects with appendectomy (p= 0.0003;p= 0.02), while acute anterior uveitis and primary sclerosing cholangitis did not differ. The Kaplan-Meier analysis showed 18-yr rates for EIM of 71% in smokers and 45% in nonsmokers (log-rank test,p= 0.0001), and of 85% in patients with appendectomy and 48% in those without (p= 0.0001). Cox proportional-hazard model showed that cigarette smoking and appendectomy are independent factors promoting EIM. In smokers with appendectomy the adjusted hazard ratio (3.197, 95% CI 1.529–6.684) was higher than in patients with appendectomy alone (2.617, 95% CI 1.542–4.442) or smoking alone (1.947, 95% CI 1.317–2.879).In UC patients, appendectomy and cigarette smoking are prognostic factors for the development of EIM. The unfavorable effect of cigarette smoking on EIM is additive to that of appendectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Allergic diseases and seronegative spondyloarthropathies are frequently observed in ulcerative colitis (UC). In this report we have investigated possible relationships between IgE-mediated allergic disease (AD), allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) and seronegative spondyloarthropathy (SpA) in UC patients at different grades and extensions of mucosa inflammation. Methods: Forty-five UC consecutive outpatients were graded according to clinical, endoscopic and histologic activity scores. SpA was diagnosed according to the European Spondyloarthropathy Study Group criteria. AD was detected by skin prick tests and confirmed by specific provocation tests, while ACD was diagnosed using the European standard series of patch tests. Thirty-seven patients' spouses or partners served as controls. Results: Fourteen patients and 1 control subject showed SpA (P = 0.001). Diagnosis of rhinitis, conjunctivitis or asthma was made in 19 patients and in 5 controls (P = 0.004), while ACD was found in 10 and in 4 (P = 0.17), respectively. In UC, AD coexisted with SpA in 2 cases (P = 0.01), AD with ACD in 1 case (P = 0.03) and ACD with SpA in 5 (P = 0.24). Conclusions: Notwithstanding the high frequency of AD and SpA found in UC, the concurrence of AD with SpA or ACD is an unusual finding, while SpA and ACD may coexist. These data suggest that, in UC, atopy and seronegative arthritis, as well as atopy and delayed-type allergy, are strongly polarized conditions tending to mutual exclusion. In UC, the presence of AD without SpA or ACD, and of SpA or ACD without AD may indicate subgroups of patients in which T-helper-2 cell or T-helper-1 cell responses predominate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Data on allergy in ulcerative colitis (UC) have led to conflicting conclusions without proving any causal association. In this report we have investigated the presence of allergy and its possible relation with chronic colonic inflammation in patients with UC. Methods: Fifty UC patients underwent clinical, endoscopic, and histologic evaluations. The allergologic study included family/personal history; prick/patch exposition to airborne, food, and contact allergens; total serum IgE; and quantification of eosinophils in peripheral blood and intestinal mucosa. Diagnosis of rhinitis, conjunctivitis, and asthma was confirmed by specific provocation tests. Fifty healthy subjects were studied as control group. Results: A higher prevalence of allergic symptoms was found in patients (56%) and their first-degree relatives (52%) than in controls (18% and 26%) (P < 0.0001; P = 0.008). In patients skin tests showed increased rates of immediate (54%) and delayed-type (20%) hypersensitivity compared with controls (30% and 6%) (P = 0.01; P = 0.03). Diagnosis of allergic IgE-mediated disease was made in 19 cases and 6 controls (P = 0.01), and allergic contact dermatitis in 10 and 3, respectively (P = 0.03). IgE levels were higher in UC patients than in controls (P = 0.02). No dose-response relationship was found between degree of colonic tissue eosinophilia and clinical, endoscopic, and histologic disease severity. The degree of colonic tissue eosinophilia was higher in the presence of skin reactivity to food allergens. Conclusions: UC patients frequently show several markers of allergy. In particular, our data suggest an association between ulcerative colitis, tissue eosinophilia, and type-I allergy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The query “are there animals at home?” is usually administered for collecting information on anamnesis. This modality to consider exposure to pet allergens constitutes a potential bias in epidemiological studies and in clinical practice. The aim of our study was to evaluate/quantify different modalities of exposure to cat/dog in inducing allergic sensitization. Methods: Thirty Italian Allergy units participated in this study. Each centre was required to collect the data of at least 20 consecutive outpatients sensitized to cat/dog allergens. A standardized form reported all demographic data and a particular attention was paid in relieving possible modalities of exposure to cat/dog. Results: A total 723 patients sensitized to cat/dog were recorded, 359 (49.65%) reported direct pet contact, 213 patients (29.46%) were pet owners, and 146 subjects (20.19%) were exposed to pets in other settings. Other patients were sensitized by previous pet ownership (150–20.75%) or indirect contact (103–14.25%), in 111 subjects (15.35%) any contact was reported. Conclusions: Only 213 patients (29.46%) would be classified as “exposed to animals” and 510 (70.54%) as “not exposed” according to usual query. Our classification has shown that many “not-exposed” subjects (399–55.19%) were “really exposed”. The magnitude of exposure to pet allergens at home is not related exclusively to pet ownership. These considerations should be taken into account during the planning of epidemiological studies and in clinical practice for the management of pet allergic individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]