scholarly journals Epidemiological Surveillance of Eye Disease and People Awareness in the Abruzzo Region, Italy

Medicina ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 57 (9) ◽  
pp. 978
Author(s):  
Leonardo Mastropasqua ◽  
Rossella D’Aloisio ◽  
Alessandra Mastrocola ◽  
Fabiana Perna ◽  
Luca Cerino ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Telephone Interview ◽  
Central Italy ◽  
Epidemiological Surveillance ◽  
Eye Disease ◽  
Substantial Agreement ◽  
Optimal Care ◽  
Social Actions ◽  
Abruzzo Region ◽  
Eye Examination ◽  
Ocular Health

Background and Objectives: Vision impairments and related blindness are major public health problems. The prevalence of eye disease and barriers to optimal care markedly vary among different geographic areas. In the Abruzzo region (central Italy), an epidemiological surveillance on the state of ocular health in the population aged over 50 years was performed in 2019. Materials and Methods: Participants were sampled to be representative of the region’s inhabitants. Data were collected through a telephone interview and an eye examination. Prevalence of cataract, glaucoma, retinopathy, and maculopathy was assessed. The Cohen’s kappa (k) was used to measure the agreement between the presence of eye disease and awareness of the disease by the participants. Results: Overall, 983 people with a mean age of 66.0 ± 9.5 years were included in the study. The prevalence of cataracts, glaucoma, maculopathy, and retinopathy was 52.6%, 5.3%, 5.6%, and 29.1%, respectively. Among the total of the affected people, those aware of their condition were 21.8% (k = 0.12, slight agreement) for cataract, 65.4% (k = 0.78, substantial agreement) for glaucoma, 7.1% (k = 0.10, slight agreement) for maculopathy, and 0% for retinopathy (k = −0.004, agreement lower than that expected by chance). Refractive defects were corrected in the vast majority of participants. Conclusion: In the Abruzzo region, about two thirds of citizens aged 50 years or over suffer from cataract, glaucoma, retinopathy, or maculopathy, which are recognized as leading causes of blindness. Many people with eye disease do not know they have it. These data can be used by clinicians and policymakers to undertake clinical, political, and social actions.

scholarly journals Epidemiological Surveillance of Eye Disease and People Awareness in the Abruzzo Region, Italy

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leonardo Mastropasqua ◽  
Rossella D'Aloisio ◽  
Alessandra Mastrocola ◽  
Fabiana Perna ◽  
Luca Cerino ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Telephone Interview ◽  
Central Italy ◽  
Epidemiological Surveillance ◽  
Eye Disease ◽  
Substantial Agreement ◽  
Optimal Care ◽  
Social Actions ◽  
Abruzzo Region ◽  
Eye Examination ◽  
Ocular Health

Background and Objectives: Vision impairments and related blindness are major public health problems. Prevalence of eye disease and barriers to optimal care markedly vary among different geographic areas. In the Abruzzo region (Central Italy), an epidemiological surveillance on the state of ocular health in the population aged over 50 years was performed in 2019. Materials and Methods: Participants were sampled to be representative of the region inhabitants. Data were collected through a telephone interview and an eye examination. Prevalence of cataract, glaucoma, retinopathy, maculopathy was assessed. The Cohen’s kappa (k) was used to measure the agreement between presence of eye disease and awareness of the disease by the participants. Results: Overall, 983 people with mean age of 66.0±9.5 years were included in the study. The prevalence of cataract, glaucoma, maculopathy, and retinopathy was 52.6%, 5.3%, 5.6%, and 29.1%, respectively. Among the total of affected people, those aware of their condition were 21.8% (k=0.12, slight agreement) for cataract, 65.4% (k=0.78, substantial agreement) for glaucoma, 7.1% (k=0.10, slight agreement) for maculopathy, and 0% for retinopathy (k=-0.004, agreement lower than that expected by chance). Refractive defects were corrected in the vast majority of participants. Conclusion: In the Abruzzo region, about two third of citizens aged 50 years or over suffer from cataract, glaucoma, retinopathy or maculopathy, which are recognized as leading causes of blindness. Many people with eye disease do not know they have it. These data can be used by clinicians and policymakers to undertake clinical, political, and social actions.

scholarly journals Multipronged dental analyses reveal dietary differences in last foragers and first farmers at Grotta Continenza, central Italy (15,500–7000 BP)

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alessia Nava ◽  
Elena Fiorin ◽  
Andrea Zupancich ◽  
Marialetizia Carra ◽  
Claudio Ottoni ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dental Plaque ◽  
Central Italy ◽  
Abruzzo Region ◽  
Nuanced Understanding ◽  
Fucino Basin ◽  
Changes Over Time ◽  
Diachronic Changes ◽  
Dental Conditions ◽  
Over Time ◽  
Late Palaeolithic

AbstractThis paper provides results from a suite of analyses made on human dental material from the Late Palaeolithic to Neolithic strata of the cave site of Grotta Continenza situated in the Fucino Basin of the Abruzzo region of central Italy. The available human remains from this site provide a unique possibility to study ways in which forager versus farmer lifeways affected human odonto-skeletal remains. The main aim of our study is to understand palaeodietary patterns and their changes over time as reflected in teeth. These analyses involve a review of metrics and oral pathologies, micro-fossils preserved in the mineralized dental plaque, macrowear, and buccal microwear. Our results suggest that these complementary approaches support the assumption about a critical change in dental conditions and status with the introduction of Neolithic foodstuff and habits. However, we warn that different methodologies applied here provide data at different scales of resolution for detecting such changes and a multipronged approach to the study of dental collections is needed for a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of diachronic changes.

scholarly journals The 2017 Rigopiano Avalanche—Dynamics Inferred from Field Observations

Geosciences ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 466
Author(s):  
Dieter Issler
Keyword(s):  
Snow Cover ◽  
Central Italy ◽  
Snow Avalanche ◽  
Field Observations ◽  
Flow Front ◽  
Moderate Amount ◽  
Vulnerability Curve ◽  
Abruzzo Region ◽  
Avalanche Dynamics ◽  
Different Parts

Data on the disastrous snow avalanche that occurred on 18 January 2017 at the spa hotel Rigopiano, municipality of Farindola in the Abruzzo region of central Italy, are analyzed in different ways. The main results are the following. (i) The 2017 Rigopiano avalanche went beyond the run-out point predicted by the topographic-statistical α-β model with standard Norwegian calibration, while avalanches in neighboring paths appear to have run no farther than the β-point of their respective paths during the same period. (ii) The curvature and super-elevation of the trimline between 1500 and 1300 m a.s.l. indicate that the velocity of the front was around 40 m s−1. In contrast, the tail velocity of the avalanche can hardly have exceeded 25 m s−1 in the same segment. (iii) The deposits observed along all of the lower track and in the run-out zone suggest that the avalanche eroded essentially the entire snow cover, but fully entrained only a moderate amount of snow (and debris). The entrainment appears to have had a considerable decelerating effect on the flow front. (iv) Estimates of the degree to which different parts of the building were damaged is combined with information about the location of the persons in the building and their fates. This allows to refine a preliminary vulnerability curve for persons in buildings obtained from the 2015 Longyearbyen avalanche, Svalbard.

An annotated checklist of the vascular flora of Majella National Park (Central Italy)

Phytotaxa ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 412 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-90 ◽  
Author(s):  
FABIO CONTI ◽  
GIAMPIERO CIASCHETTI ◽  
LUCIANO DI MARTINO ◽  
FABRIZIO BARTOLUCCI
Keyword(s):  
National Park ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Central Italy ◽  
Herbarium Specimens ◽  
Native Flora ◽  
Extensive Field ◽  
Northern Border ◽  
Abruzzo Region ◽  
Annotated Checklist ◽  
First Time

The Majella National Park is located in Abruzzo region (Central Italy) and covers an area of 740 Km2. An updated checklist of the vascular plants growing in the park is here presented on the basis of extensive field surveys carried out from 1982 to 2018, analysis of relevant literature and review of herbarium specimens kept in APP, FI, NAP, RO, and Herb. Magellense. The park’s flora amounts to 2,286 specific and subspecific taxa (including 11 hybrids), belonging to 118 families and 694 genera. According to our results, 201 taxa are endemic to Italy; 136 taxa are reported for the first time in the park, of which two taxa are new for Abruzzo region; 73 taxa have not been confirmed in recent times and 42 are doubtfully occurring taxa. The Park represents the southern or northern border of their Italian distribution of 137 taxa. Moreover, Poa ligulata is confirmed for the flora of Italy. The non-native flora amounts to 110 taxa. The number of taxa recorded in the Majella National Park is one of the highest in a protected area within the Mediterranean Basin.

scholarly journals Knowledge about Diabetic Retinopathy, Eye Check-up Practice and Associated Factors among Adult Patients with Diabetes Mellitus Attending at Debark Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abel Sinshaw Assem ◽  
Mebratu Muusew Tegegne ◽  
Destaye Shiferaw Alemu ◽  
Asamere Tsegaw Woredekal ◽  
Tsehay Kassa Tefera
Keyword(s):  
Diabetes Mellitus ◽  
Diabetic Retinopathy ◽  
Northwest Ethiopia ◽  
Good Knowledge ◽  
Eye Disease ◽  
Diabetic Patients ◽  
Duration Of Diabetes ◽  
Patients With Diabetes ◽  
History Of ◽  
Eye Examination

Abstract Background: Routine eye examination plays a vital role in detecting diabetic retinopathy in its earliest stage before the onset of blindness. Patients’ knowledge about the nature and the consequences of diabetic retinopathy and routine eye checkup helps for timely identification and early treatment. However, there is limited evidence on knowledge of patients with diabetes mellitus on diabetic retinopathy and their eye check-up practices in Ethiopia. The aim of this study was to assess knowledge about diabetic retinopathy, eye check-up practice and associated factors of diabetic retinopathy among adult diabetic patients at Debark hospital, Northwest Ethiopia. Methods: Institution based cross-sectional study was conducted at Debark hospital, Northwest Ethiopia, from April 20/2018- May 20/2018. A pretested interviewer administered structured questionnaire was used to collect data among 230 diabetic patients aged 18 years and above. Data were entered in to Epi Info version 7 and exported to SPSS version 20 for analysis. Bivariable and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses were done. Odds ratio with 95% confidence level was determined and variables with p–value of < 0.05 were considered as statistically significant. Result: Out of 238 sample 230 were participated, among this, 119 (51.7%) were males. The mean age of the respondents was 49 (SD ±17.6) years. One hundred nine (47.4%) participants had good knowledge and 91 (39.6%) had good eye check-up practice. Urban residence [AOR= 2.65;95% CI: 1.16-6.07)]), monthly income of 3501-8000 birr [AOR=4.54;(1.31-15.7)], type II diabetes mellitus [AOR=3.9;(1.6-9.6)], duration of diabetes (6-12 years[AOR=4.4;(1.4-13.5)]), history of eye disease [AOR=5.5;(2.3-13.0)] were associated with good knowledge. Similarly, longer duration of diabetes (13-25 years [AOR=3.77; (1.05-13.5)]) and history of eye disease [AOR=2.47; (1.09-5.62)] were associated with good eye check-up practice. Conclusion: The proportion of good knowledge about diabetic retinopathy among diabetic patients at Debark hospital was fair (47.4%) and good eye check-up practice (eye examination at least once in the past year) was low (39.6%). Longer duration of diabetes and history of eye disease were identified as positive factors for good knowledge and eye check-up practice. Knowledge and regular eye check-up practice needs to be enhanced through provision of appropriate health education.

scholarly journals A meteorological–hydrological regional ensemble forecast for an early-warning system over small Apennine catchments in Central Italy

2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (6) ◽  
pp. 3135-3156
Author(s):  
Rossella Ferretti ◽  
Annalina Lombardi ◽  
Barbara Tomassetti ◽  
Lorenzo Sangelantoni ◽  
Valentina Colaiuda ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Resolution ◽  
Regional Scale ◽  
Central Italy ◽  
Warning System ◽  
Radar Data ◽  
Rain Gauge ◽  
Ensemble Forecast ◽  
Precipitation Forecast ◽  
Statistical Indicator ◽  
Abruzzo Region

Abstract. The weather forecasts for precipitation have considerably improved in recent years thanks to the increase of computational power. This allows for the use of both a higher spatial resolution and the parameterization schemes specifically developed for representing sub-grid scale physical processes at high resolution. However, precipitation estimation is still affected by errors that can impact the response of hydrological models. To the aim of improving the hydrological forecast and the characterization of related uncertainties, a regional-scale meteorological–hydrological ensemble is presented. The uncertainties in the precipitation forecast and how they propagate in the hydrological model are also investigated. A meteorological–hydrological offline coupled ensemble is built to forecast events in a complex-orography terrain where catchments of different sizes are present. The Best Discharge-based Drainage (BDD; both deterministic and probabilistic) index, is defined with the aim of forecasting hydrological-stress conditions and related uncertainty. In this context, the meteorological–hydrological ensemble forecast is implemented and tested for a severe hydrological event which occurred over Central Italy on 15 November 2017, when a flood hit the Abruzzo region with precipitation reaching 200 mm (24 h)−1 and producing damages with a high impact on social and economic activities. The newly developed meteorological–hydrological ensemble is compared with a high-resolution deterministic forecast and with the observations (rain gauges and radar data) over the same area. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) statistical indicator shows how skilful the ensemble precipitation forecast is with respect to both rain-gauge- and radar-retrieved precipitation. Moreover, both the deterministic and probabilistic configurations of the BDD index are compared with the alert map issued by Civil Protection Department for the event showing a very good agreement. Finally, the meteorological–hydrological ensemble allows for an estimation of both the predictability of the event a few days in advance and the uncertainty of the flood. Although the modelling framework is implemented on the basins of the Abruzzo region, it is portable and applicable to other areas.

scholarly journals Paleopathological studies in the inner Abruzzo Region (Central Italy)

2002 ◽  
Vol 19 ◽  
pp. 145-149
Author(s):  
Luca Ventura ◽  
Pietro Leocata ◽  
Domenico Mancinelli ◽  
Gaetano Miranda ◽  
Terenzio Ventura
Keyword(s):  
Central Italy ◽  
Abruzzo Region

scholarly journals Anterior Segment Examination with Slit-Lamp Biomicroscope: What Should be Highlighted?

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (5) ◽  
pp. 14-19
Author(s):  
Fazella Kirara Sakti
Keyword(s):  
Pathological Condition ◽  
Anterior Part ◽  
Anterior Segment ◽  
Health Assessment ◽  
Slit Lamp ◽  
Pathological Conditions ◽  
Ocular Disorders ◽  
Eye Examination ◽  
Illumination Source ◽  
Ocular Health

Ocular health assessment consists of various types of examinations that aim to find pathological conditions in the eye so that it helps ophthalmologists to diagnose and provide therapy for ocular disorders suffered by the patients. Slit-lamp biomicroscope is one of the most important eye assessments and has become the standard in assessing the pathological condition of the anterior part of the eye. This examination is performed using a stereoscopic biomicroscope instrument in combination with a bright illumination source. The results of the anterior segment examination using slit-lamp biomicroscope may provide more detailed ocular findings, such as the abnormalities of the eyelid, conjunctival lesions, abnormalities of the cornea, lens, or other parts of the anterior ocular segments. Therefore, the ability to examine slit-lamp biomicroscope is essential for the ophthalmologist. This review will discuss the eye examination using slit-lamp biomicroscope and the findings that will make it easier for clinicians to determine the direction of diagnostic approach in ocular patients. 

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