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The early-middle Eocene (ca. 56-41 Ma) is recorded in the pelagic Scaglia Rossa and Variegata Formations of the Umbria-Marche Basin (central Italy). Geochemical and magnetostratigraphic alignment between the Bottaccione section (Gubbio, central Italy) and the Smirra core (Cagli, central Italy) allows us to generate a continuous and wellpreserved new record that, combined with previously published data from the same area, creates a continuous high-resolution record from the Paleocene-Eocene thermal maximum (ca. 56 Ma) to the lower part of chron C21n. Comparison with carbon isotope records from Ocean Drilling Program Sites 1258 and 1263 reveals a satisfactory match, providing further evidence of the global significance of the long-term trend and superposed perturbations captured by the d 13 C records. The identification of astronomically forced geochemical cycles allows us to develop a 405 k.y. tuned age model, thereby extending the astrochronology from ca. 56.0 to ca. 47.5 Ma. Marine magnetic anomaly profiles from major oceanic basins characterized by high seafloor spreading rates were used to independently test the astronomical polarity time scale associated with our tuning, as well as other polarity time scales. Our age model suggests the existence of periods of relatively constant seafloor spreading rates separated by rapid changes, while the other time scales generate more gradual variations and also include large and short-term deviations in spreading rates that occur simultaneously in different oceanic basins, implying errors in polarity reversal ages. The Umbria-Marche age model further contributes to the closure of the middle Eocene gap in the astronomical time scale.

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We have carried out an integrated chronostratigraphic analysis of the Alano di Piave section, proposed GSSP for the Bartonian/Priabonian boundary (Late Eocene). Age constraints were derived independently from a floating cyclochronology based on carbon isotope and wt.% CaCO 3 records, and 206 Pb/ 238 U dating of zircons from four volcanic tuffs. Orbital and radio-isotopic estimates of the duration of intervals bracketed by consecutive crystal-rich volcanic tuff layers are in good overall agreement, but discrepancies of 40-160 kyr are present between nominal volcanic tuff dates derived from astrochronology and 206 Pb/ 238 U. The degree to which these discrepancies are statistically significant at the 2σ level depends on the interpretation of the U-Pb zircon data, and the uncertainties assigned to the astronomical age model. The possible source and significance of these discrepancies are explored in detail. The resulting age model, combined with published bio-, and magnetostratigraphic data, is used to establish the duration of individual magnetochrons in the interval spanning the Bartonian/Priabonian transition, and the timing of late Bartonian-early Priabonian biostratigraphic and magnetostratigraphic events relative to the proposed GSSP, the regionally traceable crystal-rich tuff layer "Tiziano Bed". The chronostratigraphic framework developed at Alano di Piave will facilitate the global correlation of the Priabonian GSSP based on both bio-and magnetostratigraphic criteria. The obtained astrochronology allows a precise correlation of the Alano di Piave 13 C record with oceanic successions confirming a strong dependency of the marine carbon cycle on astronomical forcing although with inter-site differences, which could be related to water mass organization.

Introduction A new national survey has been carried out by the Italian Centers for Cognitive Disorders and Dementias (CCDDs). The aim of this new national survey is to provide a comprehensive description of the characteristics, organizational aspects of the CCDDs, and experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods A list of all national CCDDs was requested from the delegates of each Italian region. The online questionnaire is divided in two main sections: a profile section, containing information on location and accessibility, and a data collection form covering organization, services, treatments, activities, and any service interruptions caused by the COVID-19 outbreak. Results In total, 511 out of 534 (96%) facilities completed the profile section, while 450 out of 534 (84%) CCDDs also completed the data collection form. Almost half of the CCDDs (55.1%) operated for 3 or fewer days a week. About one-third of the facilities had at least two professional figures among neurologists, geriatricians and psychiatrists. In 2020, only a third of facilities were open all the time, but in 2021, two-thirds of the facilities were open. Conclusion This paper provides an update on the current status of CCDDs in Italy, which still shows considerable heterogeneity. The survey revealed a modest improvement in the functioning of CCDDs, although substantial efforts are still required to ensure the diagnosis and care of patients with dementia.