Metal concentrations in transitional and coastal waters measured by passive (Diffusive Gradients in Thin-films) and spot sampling: MONITOOL Project Dataset.

The MONITOOL project (2017-2023) was carried out to describe the relationships between total dissolved and labile metal concentrations measured in spot water samples and in concurrently deployed Diffusive Gradients in Thin-films (DGTs) passive samplers, respectively. The ultimate aim was to adapt existing marine metal Environmental Quality Standards (EQS ) for DGTs, enabling their use in the context of the European Directives (the Water Framework Directive (WFD) and the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD)). Time-integrated metal concentrations provided by DGTs, representing several days, are an advantage compared to conventional spot sampling, especially in highly dynamic systems, such as transitional waters.

Evaluation of Rhodotorula spp. contamination in hospital environments.

Microbiological monitoring of air and surfaces is a valuable tool for assessing the level of environmental contamination by bacteria and fungi in hospitals, especially in high-risk wards. The presence of these microorganisms requires strict control in view of their role as opportunistic pathogens. As regard yeasts, Candida albicans is one of the main opportunistic pathogens.

Echocolor Doppler morpho-functional study of the jugulo-subclavian confluence in chronic cerebro-spinal venous insufficiency and multiple sclerosis patients.

Objectives: The aim of this work is to measure the mean diameter of the confluence jugulo- subclavian, the impact of different types of jugular confluences and the correlation between the types of confluences and the Valsalva maneuver (jugular reflux) in subjects with Chronic Cerebro-Spinal Venous Insufficiency (CCSVI) and Multiple Sclerosis.

Method: We investigated by Echo-Color-Doppler (ECD) 103 subjects (67 F 36M) of mean age 45 ± 12 years (a minimum of 22 to a maximum of 79 years, with a median of 44 and a modal value 42 years), mean EDSS of 4.7 and average disease duration of 12 years.

Microbiological environmental monitoring in high-risk departments during building activities in a hospital site.

Background: This study examines the microbial and fungal contamination associated with the presence of renovation works in a hospital site in Sardinia (Italy).

Methods: Microbiological environmental monitoring was carried out before, during and at the conclusion of the works in the Ophthalmology Department in view of a risk assessment procedure.

Results: Although the median values of microbial and fungal counts were found raised during the works, protective measures set out by the internal procedures limited the contamination level.

C1-C2 X-Ray assessment of misalignment parameters in patients with Chronic Cerebra-spinal Venous Insufficiency and Multiple Sclerosis versus patients with other pathologies.

Purpose: The complete compression of the internal jugular veins, in front position, shows a prevalence of 48% and it is equally distributed in the various segments of these veins in patients with Chronic Cerebro-Spinal Venous Insufficiency (CCSVI) and Multiple Sclerosis (MS). The aim of this search is to identify radiological dislocation of C1-C2 as specific markers in patients with CCSVI and Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

Method: We investigated 386 patients suffering from CCSVI and Multiple Sclerosis and a control group of 156 patients without MS.