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Abstract This paper presents the results of the interpretation of a set of high‐resolution seismic lines integrated with multibeam echosounder data acquired in a coastal area in the Northern Adriatic Sea. The aim of the study was to reconstruct the stratigraphic evolution of a late Quaternary sedimentary succession offshore the town of Bibione, North‐Eastern Italy, by recognising the key unconformities, identifying the main depositional units, dating them and reconstructing the depositional environments in relation to relative sea‐level variations. Specifically, four sedimentary units, separated by erosional unconformities associated with the development of deep channels, were identified and dated based on literature information. By interpreting the seismic data, sedimentary dynamics were reconstructed and palaeoenvironments identified. The lower unit corresponds to a paludal environment, showing abundant gas seeps and accumulations (bright spots); the two intermediate units correspond to fluvial deposits, filling the deep incisions that characterise the bounding surfaces. Finally, the shallowest unit, bounded by a wave‐ravinement surface incised by tidal currents, corresponds to the Holocenic progradation of the coastal wedge. In addition, several vertical gas chimneys were identified, ranging in width from a few metres to 20–30 m. These were present in all units, often reaching the sea floor. Finally, elongated mounds, about 300 m wide, at the sea floor were recognised. The bathymetric and seismic characteristics of these elongated bodies and their relationship to adjacent sedimentary bodies suggest that they are probably methane‐derived carbonate formations known as ‘Trezze’ or ‘Tegnùe’. These names recall the fact that the trawls of the local fishermen were often hindered (‘tegnù’ in the Venetian language) or even cut off by these formations.

Abstract Seismic reflection (2D/3D), borehole and bathymetric data are used to recognize a new gravitational complex in the Gulf of Squillace, Southern Italy, named the Squillace Complex. The complex has a NE-striking headwall connected to a basal detachment formed between Messinian evaporites and Tortonian shales. Its sense of movement changes to a W–E direction in the toe region. In plan view, the Squillace Complex is marked by the presence of sinuous and continuous seafloor scarps, just a few kilometers offshore, over an elongated morphological high. Seismic-well ties reveal that the complex was initiated in the Zanclean (~ 4 Ma) and continued its movement into the Gelasian (~ 2.1 Ma) at an average rate of 1.9 mm/year. Movement slowed down in the Calabrian (middle Pleistocene) and continued until the present day at a lower rate of 0.1 mm/year. Gravitational collapse of the Squillace Complex correlates with discrete contractional/transpressional events affecting the Calabrian region, which caused basin shortening and the temporary arrest of Calabrian Arc migration. These episodes resulted in tectonic uplift in the study area after 0.45 Ma (Late Pleistocene). Conversely, the complex’s slower movement recorded since the Calabrian (middle Pleistocene) is associated with slab rollback of the Ionian plate under the Calabrian Arc.

Myotonic dystrophy is a hereditary disorder with systemic involvement. The Italian Neuro-Cardiology Network-“Rete delle Neurocardiologie” (INCN-RNC) is a unique collaborative experience involving neurology units combined with cardio-arrhythmology units. The INCN facilitates the creation of integrated neuro-cardiac teams in Neuromuscular Disease Centers for the management of cardiovascular involvement in the treatment of myotonic dystrophy type 1 (MD1).

Abstract Aims Although increasingly recognized as a distinct pathological entity, left bundle branch block‐induced cardiomyopathy (LBBB‐ICMP) is not included among the possible aetiologies of acquired dilated cardiomyopathies (DCM). While diagnostic criteria have been proposed, its recognition remains principally retrospective, in the presence of clinical and instrumental red flags. We aimed to assess the prevalence and clinical and instrumental features of LBBB‐ICMP in a large cohort of patients with DCM. Methods and results We analysed a cohort of 242 DCM patients from a two‐centre registry. Inclusion criteria were age > 18, non‐ischaemic or non‐valvular DCM, and LBBB on electrocardiogram. LBBB‐ICMP was defined according to previously proposed diagnostic criteria: (i) neither family history nor clinically identifiable potential causes for DCM; (ii) negative genetic testing; (iii) echocardiographic features including non‐severe chamber dilation, normal absolute and relative wall thickness, marked dyssynchrony, and normal right ventricular function; and (iv) absence of late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) on cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). From the entire cohort, we identified 30 subjects (similar in terms of New York Heart Association class I or II in 80% vs. 75%, P = 0.56; QRS width of 150 ± 22 vs. 151 ± 24 ms, P = 0.82; and cardiac remodelling of baseline end‐diastolic diameter 66 ± 8 vs. 65 ± 10 mm, P = 0.53) with a comprehensive dataset including CMR and genetic testing, required to verify the presence of the diagnostic criteria proposed for LBBB‐ICMP. The main characteristics of this subgroup were 73% males, age 45 ± 13 years, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) 30 ± 10%, LGE in 38% of patients, and QRS complex of 150 ± 22 ms. Patients were under guideline‐directed medical therapy, and 57% of them were treated with cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). Two patients (6.67%, 50% males, age 53 ± 13 years) fulfilled the diagnostic criteria proposed for LBBB‐ICMP. After a follow‐up of 44 (12–76) months, LVEF was normal and QRS width significantly reduced (from 154 ± 25 to 116 ± 52 ms) in patients with LBBB‐ICMP. Both patients were under optimal medical treatment, and one was implanted with CRT‐D. Neither of the two patients experienced death, malignant ventricular arrhythmia, or heart failure hospitalization at follow‐up. Conclusions Left bundle branch block‐induced cardiomyopathy emerges as a distinct pathological entity, promptly identifiable in a minority but not negligible proportion of patients with newly diagnosed DCM and LBBB, using a series of diagnostic criteria including CMR and genetic testing. Further studies are needed to better elucidate the clinical course of LBBB‐ICMP.

The Sciacca basin extends in the southwestern part of Sicily and hosts an important geothermal field (the Sciacca Geothermal Field) characterized by hot springs containing mantle gasses. Newly acquired high-resolution seismic profiles (Boomer data) integrated with a multichannel seismic reflection profile in close proximity to the Sciacca Geothermal Field have documented the presence of numerous active and shallow fluid-related features (pipes, bright spots, buried and outcropping mud volcanoes, zones of acoustic blanking, and seafloor fluid seeps) in the nearshore sector between Capo San Marco and Sciacca (NW Sicilian Channel) and revealed its deep tectonic structure. The Sciacca Geothermal Field and the diffuse submarine fluid-related features probably form a single onshore–offshore field covering an area of at least 70 km2. This field has developed in a tectonically active zone dominated by a left-lateral transpressive regime associated with the lithospheric, NNE-striking Sciacca Fault System. This structure probably favored the rising of magma and fluids from the mantle in the offshore area, leading to the formation of a geothermal resource hosted in the Triassic carbonate succession that outcrops onshore at Monte San Calogero. This field has been active since the lower Pleistocene, when fluid emissions were likely greater than today and were associated with greater tectonic activity along the Sciacca Fault System.

Abstract Background Parameters measured during implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) implant also depend on bioelectrical properties of the myocardium. We aimed to explore their potential association with clinical outcomes in patients with single/dual‐chamber ICD and cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator (CRT‐D). Methods In the framework of the Home Monitoring Expert Alliance, baseline electrical parameters for all implanted leads were compared by the occurrence of all‐cause mortality, adjudicated ventricular arrhythmia (VA), and atrial high‐rate episode lasting ≥24 hours (24 h AHRE). Results In a cohort of 2976 patients (58.1% ICD) with a median follow‐up of 25 months, event rates were 3.1/100 patient‐years for all‐cause mortality, 18.1/100 patient‐years for VA, and 9.3/100 patient‐years for 24 h AHRE. At univariate analysis, baseline shock impedance was consistently lower in groups with events than without, with a 40 Ω cutoff that better identified high‐risk patients. However, at multivariable analysis, the adjusted‐hazard ratios (HRs) lost statistical significance for any endpoint. Baseline atrial sensing amplitude during sinus rhythm was lower in patients with 24 h AHRE than in those without (2.45 [IQR: 1.65‐3.85] vs 3.51 [IQR: 2.37‐4.67] mV, P 1.5 mV vs those with values ≤1.5 mV was 0.52 (95% CI: 0.33‐0.83), P = .006. Conclusions Although lower baseline shock impedance was observed in patients with events, the association lost statistical significance at multivariable analysis. Conversely, low sinus rhythm atrial sensing (≤1.5 mV) measured with standard transvenous leads could identify subjects at high risk of atrial arrhythmia.

Since about 20,000 years ago, the geography of the Earth has been profoundly modified by the gradual sea-level rise caused by the melting of continental ice sheets. Flat areas and regions characterized by very low gradients experienced, more than others, rapid flooding, with the progressive disappearance of vast coastal territories. Here we present a reconstruction of the late Quaternary coastline evolution of the north-western sector of the Sicilian Channel, constrained by high-resolution seismic profiles where the marker of the post-Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) marine transgression has been clearly identified and mapped. The locations of the post-LGM seismic horizon have been compared with predictions of a Glacial Isostatic Adjustment (GIA) model, which accounts for the migration of the shorelines in response to sea-level rise and for Earth's rotational and deformational effects associated with deglaciation. We have verified that most of the points mapped through seismic data interpretation fall along the palaeo-coastline that the GIA model predicts for the 21 kyrs B.P. time frame. However, the model shows a misfit in the marine sector between Mazara del Vallo and Sciacca, where the available data indicate a Quaternary tectonic uplift. The analysis of the seismic profiles provides useful constraints to current GIA models. These add on existing histories of relative sea level in the Mediterranean Sea, allowing to gain new insight into the evolution of the palaeo-geography of the region of study and of the whole Sicilian Channel since the LGM, even in areas where direct geophysical observations are not available yet. In this respect, one of the most attractive implications of the ancient coastline evolution is linked with the underwater archaeology. The sea-level rise heavily impacted the distribution of human settlements, possibly forcing site abandonment and migrations, and this is particularly relevant in the Mediterranean basin, the cradle of the western civilization. The underwater traces left by these ancient populations represent the fundamental proofs to reconstruct the early history of our precursors.

The Southern Apennines (SA) are part of the Apennine–Maghrebian chain, a segment of the circum-Mediterranean Alpine orogenic system. It is a NE-verging fold-and-thrust belt with an about N150°-striking axis developed since the late Oligocene-early Miocene. The Geological Map at 1:25,000 scale of the Pergola–Melandro basin area, presents a sector of the axial zone of the SA which represents a key area to reconstruct the tectonic evolution of this chain. The map describes the complex structural and stratigraphic relationships between the three main tectonic units forming this sector of the SA: (1) the carbonate slope succession of the Maddalena Mts Unit, interpreted as the eastern boundary of the Apennine carbonate Platform; (2) the Lagonegro Unit, resulting from the deformation of the homonym pelagic basin; (3) the strongly deformed Argille Variegate Group sandwiched between the two previous units. Three main contractional tectonic stages, occurring from middle Miocene to Pliocene, have been recognized. Since Pliocene times low-angle extensional tectonic contacts and tectono-gravitative detachments affected the tectonic pile.

Abstract We provide a model for the genesis of Holocene coralligenous buildups occurring in the northwestern Adriatic Sea offshore Venice at 17–24 m depth. High-resolution geophysical surveys and underwater SCUBA diving reconnaissance revealed meandering shaped morphologies underneath bio-concretionned rocky buildups. These morphologies are inferred to have been inherited from Pleistocene fluvial systems reactivated as tidal channels during the post- Last Glacial Maximum transgression, when the study area was a lagoon protected by a sandy barrier. The lithification of the sandy fossil channel-levee systems is estimated to have occurred at ca. 7 cal. ka BP, likely due to the interaction between marine and less saline fluids related to onshore freshwater discharge at sea through a sealed water-table. The carbonate-cemented sandy layers served as nucleus for subsequent coralligenous buildups growth.

Device interrogation and management are time consuming, representing a relevant burden for pacing centers. In several situations, patients' management requires additional follow up visits.Remote Monitoring (RM) allows an optimal recall management and a rapid diagnosis of device or lead failure, without the need of additional in office visits. Further it allows a significant delay reduction between the adverse event and the reaction to the alarm, shortening the time needed to make a clinical decision. A role in risk-predicting patient-related outcomes has also been shown. RM permits detection of the arrhythmia from 1 to 5 months in advance compared to in-office visits. Importantly, by using specific algorithms with multiparametric analysis, RM has been studied as a potential instrument to identify early patients on risk of worsening HF using specific algorithms. Although the use of RM in HF setting remains controversial, it has been proposed to improve HF clinical outcomes and survival in clinical trials. In this sense, RM success could require a standardization of process within a management model, that may involve different health care professionals. In this review, we examine recent advances of RM providing an update of this tool through different clinical scenarios. Keywords: Implantable devices, Heart failure, Atrial fibrillation, Remote telemonitoring

Background Implantable cardioverter‐defibrillators (ICDs) are widely employed for the prevention of sudden cardiac death. Despite technological improvements, patients often need to undergo generator replacement, which entails the risk of periprocedural complications. Our aim was to estimate the service life of ICDs over a 10‐year interval and to assess the main causes of replacement on the basis of data from the National ICD Registry of the Italian Society of Arrhythmology and Cardiac Pacing (AIAC). Methods and Results The registry includes data from over 400 hospitals in Italy. We included all patients who underwent device replacement from calendar years 2007 to 2016. The median service life of the ICDs and its trend over the years was estimated across the 3 types of devices (single‐chamber, dual‐chamber, cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator) and the indication to implantation. The causes of replacement were also analyzed. We included 29 158 records from 27 676 patients (80.9% men; mean age at device replacement 65.8±12.0 years). The median service life was 57.3 months (interquartile range 27.8 months). Over the years, service life showed an increasing trend. The majority of patients underwent elective replacement because of battery end of life, and over the years there was a significant reduction of replacement for recalls, erosion/infections, and cardiac resynchronization therapy upgrading. Conclusions Our data from a large single‐nation population showed that the trend of ICD service life, independently from ICD type, indication, and settings, significantly improved over time. Moreover, there was a striking reduction of interventions for upgrading and infection/erosion. This favorable trend has important clinical, organizational, and financial implications.

Aims: Despite continuous efforts in improving the selection process, the rate of non-responders to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) remains high. Recent studies on intraventricular blood flow suggested that the alignment of hemodynamic forces (HDFs) may be a reproducible biomarker of mechanical dyssynchrony. We aimed to explore the relationship between pacing-induced realignment of HDFs and positive response to CRT.Methods and results: We retrospectively analyzed 38 patients from the CRT database of our institution fulfilling the inclusion criteria for HDFs-related echocardiographic assessment early pre and post CRT implantation, with available mid-term follow-up (≥ 6 months) evaluation. Standard echocardiographic and deformation parameters early pre and post CRT implantation were integrated with the measurement of HFDs through novel methods based on speckle-tracking analysis. At midterm follow-up 71% of patients were classified as responders (reduction of Left Ventricular Systolic Volume Indexed ≥ 15%). Patients did not display significant changes between close evaluations pre and post-implant in terms of ejection fraction and strain metrics. A significant reduction of the ratio between the amplitudes of transversal and longitudinal force components was found. The variation of this ratio strongly correlates (R2 =0.60) with Left Ventricular (LV) end-systolic volume variation at mid-term follow up.Conclusion: Pacing-induced realignment of HDFs is associated with CRT efficacy at follow up. These preliminary results claim for dedicated prospective clinical studies testing the potential impact of HDFs study for patient selection and pacing optimization in CRT.

Milk is recognised as an important element of the pastoral civilisations in Africa, where it has not only an economic value, but also a social and cultural value. The objective of this review is to identify the main African dairy products, mainly focussing on typical production processes based on the use of local animal resources. To this aim, dairy products were classified into five categories, according to the type and the production method: fresh cheese, ripened cheese, fermented milk, butter and dairy by-products. These categories give rise to an extraordinary range of local products where tradition, culture, and environmental conditions and constraints play a major role in contributing to this diversification. In some countries, some attempts are being made in order to valorise the local dairy products by establishing Slow Food Presidia or including them in the Ark of Taste compiled by Slow Food. One of the main constraints that limits the commercialisation and export of African dairy products is related to the scarce hygiene in milk production and processing, and the frequent absence of starter cultures, which result in products with non-standardised characteristics, short shelf life and high spoilage susceptibility, with consequent risks for human health. Efforts should be made to support the dairy products chain in Africa, by making production processes safer and by valuing local resources, in order to expand the internal market and the export opportunities. Development cooperation projects may play an important role in this respect and should therefore be encouraged.

This review aims to identify the main typical non-dairy edible products of animal origin available in Africa, describing their production processes and their strengths and constraints. Farm animals are mainly raised in an extensive, family-run system; there is, however, a significant development of intensive poultry production. Meat products are usually obtained by drying, but meat and/or offal can also be stored as stuffed products and can be additionally treated by smoking and/or curing. The increasing poultry production provides eggs and meat at low price. The small-scale/family farms are managed mainly by women and children, with a positive social impact. The assets and limits of local breeds and of extensive versus semi-extensive or intensive production systems are discussed. Seafood are an essential source of proteins, minerals and micronutrients. Due its high perishability, the proportion of cured fish in this continent is higher than the world average. Wildlife can supply high-quality meat, but attention must be paid to the vulnerable/endangered species and to the sanitary aspects of this food chain. Insects are traditionally consumed in Africa, supplying very cheap highly nutritive food, with low environmental impact. Finally, a variety of honey and other bee products, including some Slow Food praesidia, are described. From the point of view of the respect of biodiversity and ecosystems, local culture, accessibility and nutritional requirements, animal productions in Africa are usually carried out in a sustainable way; however, the low efficiency of most traditional production systems represents an important limit, also in relation to export opportunities.