1,721,035 research outputs found
Detection and genotyping of Giardia duodenalis in oreto river (Sicily, south Italy)
No full textThe aim of this study was to identify whether the origin of Oreto river Giardia contamination was derived from one of the influents, which flows near Monreale city and receives its treated wastewater, or from livestock living in farms along the river. Genotypes were characterized by DNA sequencing analysis of PCR products of TPI gene. 17 water samples coming from Oreto basin, 20 fecal animal samples and 7 human fecal samples from 3 patients with giardiasis were processed. Cysts were typed as assemblage A (n=11), B (n=2) and A+B (n=4) in water samples, as assemblage A (n=4) and B (n=2) in human samples, while in livestock was found only assemblage E. Subtype AII was prevalent in both water and human samples. This work suggests the need to increase the efficacy of wastewater treatment in order to avoid any further river contamination
VALIDITA' DEL METODO DI IMMUNOFLUORESCENZA DIRETTA NELLA DIAGNOSI DI GIARDIASI IN UN SOGGETTO HIV+
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Knowledge, attitude, and practice of the use of ready-to-eat vegetables among potential consumers of Palermo (Italy).
No full textThe knowledge, attitude, and practice toward the use of ready-to-eat vegetables were evaluated in a sample of 701 (388 women and 313 men) potential consumers in Palermo, by answering to an anonymous questionnaire handed out. Food safety perceptions and behaviors were analysed; in general, interviewed consumers who perceived higher risks exhibited safer food behaviors. There weren't considerable differences in the use of these salads between two sexes; 81.4% of respondents uses these products to save a lot of time, particularly the graduates attach importance to saving in time (p = 0.001), and only 34.4% is worrying about high price. Statistical analysis showed a significant correlation between better food safety knowledge and female sex; for example, compared with women, men reported to buy ready-to-eat salads on sale at room temperature and at temperature of refrigerator without distinction (p = 0.015). This study confirms the IV range salads meet modern consumer's requirements and also suggests the need of food safety educational strategies for targeted groups
Molecular Characterization of Giardia duodenalis cysts in the Oreto River (Sicily, Southern Italy)
Full text linkBackground: The presence of Giardia was investigated along the Oreto river between January 2008 and May 2009 with the aim of understanding the source of contamination by molecular typing of cysts. Methods: A total of 38 water samples (10 collected from the river mouth, 24 from the whole Oreto basin and 4 sewage samples from the Monreale treatment plant) were processed. In addition, 22 faecal samples of livestock living close to the Oreto area, were analyzed. The presence of Giardia was determined by immunofluorescence assay and their genetic characterization was achieved by a nested PCR assay targeting the triosephosphate isomerase gene. Results: All water samples from the river mouth were positive for Giardia, even if the concentration of cysts fluctuated considerably among sampling occasions. Our investigation showed that the Vadduneddu and Altofonte torrents, two influents of the river, were the principal sources of contamination. Moreover, the genotypes of Vadduneddu torrent were the same as those detected in human wastewater taken from the activated sludge plant of Monreale city. Assemblages A and B were found in water samples with a predominance of Assemblage A, subtype AII. Assemblage E was only found in a single calf isolate. Conclusions: The data show that the high cyst counts regularly detected in the Oreto river are due to contamination with wastewater of human origin. This finding is relevant for public health, particularly because river water is used for agricultural purpose
Tubal function in divers and non-divers: case control study
No full textBackground. The aim of this study was to examine whether recurrent scuba diving during the time and frequent use of Valsalva’s manoeuvre while diving, increase functionality of divers’ Eustachian Tube (ET) comparison with non-divers.
Methods. The study included 30 experienced divers (G1), mean age 25,8 years, who were diving from over 10 years. The control group consisted of 30 non-divers (G2), mean age 31,3 years. Each sample underwent clinical examination to identify predisposing conditions to middle ear barotraumas and ET dysfunction. ET function has been investigated by Inflation-Deflation test that shows baseline tympanogram, a second tympanogram shifted of the peak towards positive values of 20 mmH20 or more and a third tympanogram shifted of the peak towards negative values of 20 mmH20 or more, as a result of the action of the elastics components in a normal tube. Classification of ET function:normofunction, hypofunction and hyperfunction.
Results. Among divers the ET function resulted, also in the presence of risk factors, normofunction (50%) and hyperfunction (50%); for non-divers in 23,3% of cases it was evidenced an ET hypofunction suggesting statistically significant difference (χ2= 6,4656; P=0,0197).
Conclusions. The results show significant greater Eustachian Tube function in divers than in the control group also in the presence of risk factors. It can be explained as a frequent use of Valsalva’s manoeuvre during the time cause changes in middle ear vibration system and Eustachian Tube function
Sviluppo e valutazione di una metodica economica idonea a svelare la presenza di cryptosporidium e giardia nella lattuga. Risultati preliminari
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