Genetic identification and insights into the ecology of Contracaecum rudolphii A and C. rudolphii B (Nematoda: Anisakidae) from cormorants and fish of aquatic ecosystems of Central Italy.

Contracaecum rudolphii (s. l.) is a complex of sibling species of anisakid nematodes having the fish-eating birds belonging to the Family Phalacrocoracidae as final hosts.

Fungal colonization on stoneworks. Interaction fungi-powdered stone samples.

The microbial activity plays an important role in the biodegradative processes implied in stonework decay. In natural environments it is not possible to separate the damage produced by microorganisms from damage caused by physical and chemical agents. In vitro assays carried out with microbes isolated from weathered stones are required in order to understand the biological mechanisms involved in stone deterioration.

Silica, hyaluronate, and alveolar macrophage functional differentiation.

Background: Silicosis is mediated by macrophages, their soluble mediators, and extracellular matrix molecules. In this study, we investigated the effects of silica and/or hyaluronate (HA) on several alveolar macrophage responses.

Methods: We evaluated glycosaminoglycan (GAG) production by radiolabeled precursors, nitric oxide (NO) release by its oxidation product, phagocytic activity by Candida albicans internalization, and the secretion of two fibrogenic cytokines, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta, by specific assays.

Microbial growth and air pollution in carbonate rock weathering. Preliminary results of a in situ experimental study.

Preliminary results on limestone weathering caused by air pollution and microbial colonization are presented in this study. Outdoor exposure experimental assays were performed on Scaglia limestone samples. Samples were exposed in two areas in Perugia (Italy) that differ for degree of urban air pollution.

Antimicrobial susceptibility of potentially pathogenic halophilic vibrios isolated from seafood.

Susceptibility patterns to 27 antimicrobial agents and beta-lactamase production were investigated in potentially pathogenic halophilic vibrios from seafood. The effect of salinity on the response to the drugs in vitro was also studied. All isolates were uniformly sensitive to choramphenicol, imipenem, meropenem but resistant to lincomycin.