P Pu ur rp po os se e: : To compare two non-muscle relaxant anesthetic techniques in myasthenic patients undergoing trans-sternal thymectomy, evaluating the intra-and postoperative conditions including the early extubation in the operating room.M Me et th ho od ds s: : Sixty-eight consecutive myasthenic patients undergoing trans-sternal thymectomy were prospectively randomized in two groups: propofol and sevoflurane. In both groups anesthesia was induced with propofol (1-2 mg·kg -1 ) and intubation performed after topical anesthesia of the airway with lidocaine. Anesthesia was maintained in the propofol group (36 patients) with a continuous propofol infusion (3-6 mg·kg -1 ·hr -1 ) and nitrous oxide and, in the sevoflurane group (32 patients), with sevoflurane (end-tidal 1-1.5%) in O 2 :N 2 O. Intubating conditions, hemodynamic changes, neuromuscular transmission, postoperative intensive care unit and hospital length of stay and complications were evaluated. Data were analyzed with repeated measure two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Chi square test and Student's t test.R Re es su ul lt ts s: : Intubating conditions were good in all patients. There were no hemodynamic changes. All patients were extubated in the operating room and none had to be re-intubated for postoperative respiratory depression. Neuromuscular transmission showed minimal changes, more important in the sevoflurane group, and at the end of the procedure the recovery was complete in all patients. We did not observe any other significant differences between the two groups studied.C Co on nc cl lu us si io on n: : Our data show that these two anesthetic techniques allow the early extubation of myasthenic patients in the operating room. Objectif

Phoenix canariensis Chabaud (Canary Palm) is one of the most distinctive landscape elements of several coastal urban centers in Italy. However, over the past few years, international trade has increased the risk of the introduction of Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Red Palm Weevil) in the country, causing the death of numerous plants. In this work we assessed the damage caused by the insect to Canary Palm in the City of Bari, Apulia Region, furnishing useful information to decision makers and communities for proper preservation measures in favor of this important urban-green resource. The findings shed light on effective and efficient spending strategies of public funds for urban green inside areas affected by the Red Palm Weevil, also based on cost-benefit approaches.

Yam is an important West African crop and is an inexpensive source of carbohydrate. Many people of Central African origin living in South Italy buy imported tubers to prepare their preferred recipes. Aspidiella hartii (Cockerell) infests yam tubers marketed in Bari (South Italy). Adult female scales on tuber bark are brownish, subcircular and about 1.2 mm wide. Ventral shields (‘flags’) from dead individuals are also abundant. The pest reproduces during storage and covers the tuber. Removal of plant sap shrivels the tubers during their trade, reducing quality, viability and marketability of the product. Severe A. hartii infestation of tubers can also inhibit their resprouting or kill the plant in the country of origin. Dipping yam in concentrated pyrethroids, or organophosphate insecticide, storage in sawdust, paddy husk or wood ash or paraffin wax coating may help to control the pest, although dipping in pyrethroids or organophosphate insecticide is not allowed in Europe. The armoured scale also infests Colocasia sp. (Taro, Araceae) and Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam. (sweet potato, Convolvulaceae) causing similar damage. The presence of A. hartii host plants in Europe and the possible host‐shift of this pest to other crops in the region pose a risk for EPPO countries.

Sardaro, R., L. Roselli, R. Grittani, M. Scrascia, C. Pazzani, V. Russo, F. Garganese, C. Porfido, L. Diana and F. Porcelli. 2019. Community preferences for the preservation of Canary Palm from Red Palm Weevil in the city of Bari. Arab Journal of Plant Protection, 37(2): 206-211.Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (red palm weevil) caused the death of 40% of Phoenix canariensis Chabaud (Canary palm) between 2011 and 2013 in the city of Bari. Extraordinary measures of compulsory pest control at EU and national level were applied, which however require public funds, hence proper cost-benefit studies, in order to favour better decision-making for urban green management. In this work, we investigated the preferences of the urban community towards specific measures for the preservation of Canary palm through a choice experiment. The results can be used to endorse the strategy in force and to shed light on effective and efficient prospective expenditures of public funds for areas affected by red palm weevil.

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