Practical indications for the prevention and management of SARS-CoV-2 in ambulatory dialysis patients : lessons from the first phase of the epidemics in Lombardy

Confronting the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak has allowed us to appreciate how efficiently highly-resourced settings can respond to crises. However even such settings are not prepared to deal with the situation, and lessons are only slowly being learnt. There is still an urgent need to accelerate protocols that lead to the implementation of rapid point-of-care diagnostic testing and effective antiviral therapies. In some high-risk populations, such as dialysis patients, where several individuals are treated at the same time in a limited space and overcrowded areas, our objective must be to ensure protection to patients, the healthcare team and the dialysis ward. The difficult Italian experience may help other countries to face the challenges. The experience of the Lombardy underlines the need for gathering and sharing our data to increase our knowledge and support common, initially experience-based, and as soon as possible evidence-based position to face this overwhelming crisis

Evaluation of Soil and Canopy Management Strategies in Highly Sustainable Viticultural Systems..

Since 2008, long term research has been conducted in a hilly, organically managed vineyard of cv. Sangiovese located in Northern Italy (Faenza, Ravenna), with the aim of innovating and improving the production process, by establishing highly sustainable viticultural systems. Different soil (e.g. intercropping) and canopy managements (e.g. post-veraison trimming and defoliation, \u201csemi-ballerina\u201d effect) strategies and the use of biodynamic preparations have been evaluated. Neither fertilizers nor irrigation water were used. The vines have gradually achieved an appropriate vegetative-productive balance, with a satisfactory yield, optimal nutritional status, high quality grapes and wines. The use of biodynamic preparations (500, 500k, fladen, 501) did not modify fruit yield, soluble solid concentration, pH and titratable acidity of the berry juice. Post-veraison trimming reduced bunch weight and fruit yield compared to trimming at fruit set. The effects of biodynamic production practices on composition and sensory attributes of Sangiovese wines were examined in the 2 years (2009 and 2010) during conversion from organic (ORG) to biodynamic (DYN) cultivation method. During the first year (2009), the DYN wines were characterized by low alcohol strength, colour intensity, total polyphenols, monomeric anthocyanins and catechin. Conversely, in the second year, DYN wines differed from the organic wines being lower in terms of total polyphenols and phenolic compounds, including polymeric pigments, co-pigmentation, tannins and iron-reactive polyphenols. The ORG wine produced on 2009 showed a more complex aroma profile; however, sensory differences between ORG and DYN wines were almost indistinguishable during the second year. The concentrations of ochratoxin A and biogenic amines were far below health-hazard threshold. Overall, the data indicate that the highly sustainable cultivation methods enable the attainment of healthy, productive vines producing good wines

Gestione del suolo e della chioma in sistemi viticoli altamente sostenibili.

Since 2008 a long term research is in progress in a hilly organically managed vineyard (Tebano, Ravenna) of cv. Sangiovese, with the aim of innovating and improving the production process, by establishing highly sustainable viticultural systems. Different soil (e.g. intercropping) and canopy management (e.g. post-veraison trimming and defoliation, \u201csemi-ballerina\u201d effect) strategies and the use of biodynamic preparations are being evaluated. Neither fertilizers nor irrigation water are used. The physiological status, the susceptibility to pathogens and environmental stresses of vines and the biochemical and sensory parameters of grapes have been assessed. The vines have gradually achieved an appropriate vegetative-productive balance, as proved by the satisfactory yields, optimal nutritional status, high quality of grapes and wines, degree of shoots lignification. The use of biodynamic preparations (500, fladen, 500k, trunk paste) did not modify fruit yield, soluble solid concentration, pH and titratable acidity of the berry juice. Noteworthy, post-veraison trimming reduced bunch weight and fruit yield as compared to trimming performed at fruit set

Bio e biodinamico: un test sulle uve Sangiovese

Cresce la domanda di prodotti sani e naturali. Le prove condotte dimostrano che \ue8 possibile ottenere vini di qualit\ue0, migliorando anche tipicit\ue0 e gradevolezz