Distribution of trace metals and metalloids in tissues of Eurasian Woodcock (Scolopax rusticola) from Southern Italy.

Heavy metals and metalloids in the environment are recognised as a threat to the health of organism. Terrestrial birds are ideal subjects for the examination of these pollutants because of their high mobility and high intra- and interspecific variation in trophic levels. We examined the contents of 6 trace metals (Cd, Pb, Cr, Sb and V) and metalloids (As) in the liver, kidney, muscle, and feathers of woodcocks (Scolopax rusticola) from Southern Italy by a validated ICP-MS method.

Carrying Enterobacterales Harboring Antibiotic Resistance Genes.

The Eurasian woodcock () belongs to those bird species that make systematic migratory flights in spring and autumn in search of favorable breeding and wintering areas. These specimens arrive in the Mediterranean Area from northeastern European countries during the autumn season. The purpose of this study was to assess whether woodcocks can carry antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) along their migratory routes.

Can Stray Cats Be Reservoirs of Antimicrobial Resistance?

The emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global problem that requires a One Health approach. Despite several studies have reported the role of companion animals as reservoirs of AMR, limited information is available regarding the role of cats in the circulation of AMR. In this study, we evaluated the phenotypic and genotypic profile of 75 isolated from rectal swabs and fecal samples of 75 stray cats (living in solitary or in a colony) sampled in Palermo (Sicily, Italy), to determine whether these animals may participate in the spread of AMR.

Retrospective Analysis of Leishmaniasis in Sicily (Italy) from 2013 to 2021: One-Health Impact and Future Control Strategies.

Leishmaniasis is an important vector-borne disease that represents a serious public health problem, including in Sicily (Italy), which is considered an endemic area. We collected canine, feline and human data from 2013 to 2021 in Sicily, while entomological surveys were conducted only in 2013 and 2021. Overall, 23,794/74,349 (34.

The "Hygiene Package": Analysis of Fraud Rates in Italy in the Period before and after Its Entry into Force.

In violation of EU legislation, fraudulent activities in agri-food chains seek to make economic profits at the expense of consumers. Food frauds (FFs) often constitute a public health risk as well as a risk to animal and plant health, animal welfare and the environment. To analyze FFs in Italy during 1997-2020 with the aim of gaining observational insights into the effectiveness of the legislation in force and consequently of inspection activities, FFs were determined from official food inspections carried out by the Central Inspectorate of Quality Protection and Fraud Repression of Agri-food Products in 1997-2020.

Food Is Reservoir of MDR : Prevalence of ESBLs Profiles and Resistance Genes in Strains Isolated from Food.

spp. are among the most frequent causes of foodborne diseases, and the increasing occurrence of MDR strains is an additional cause for concern. In the three-year period 2019-2021, we collected spp.

A serosurvey for spotted fever group Rickettsia and Coxiella burnetii antibodies in rural dogs and foxes, Chile.

Antibodies against Spotted Fever Group (SFG) Rickettsia and Coxiella burnetii, investigated through indirect antibody immunofluorescence tests, were detected in serum samples from 3.1% and 0% of 358 rural dogs, respectively, and in none of 32 wild foxes tested. SFG Rickettsia seropositive dogs were only detected in the Mountain Desert (8%) and the Steppe-Mediterranean (9%) regions.

Can Human Handling Increase the Presence of Multidrug Resistance (MDR) in spp. Isolated from Food Sources?

The spread of antibiotic resistance (AR) among zoonotic pathogens is a serious health problem, especially because in the last decade the massive use of antibiotics has favored the emergence of Multidrug Resistance (MDR) strains. Some species of the genus are among the major causes of foodborne infections worldwide and could represent reservoirs of AR. For these reasons, the susceptibility to six antibiotic classes of 63 strains isolated from animals and food was determined to assess the presence of MDR strains.

Preliminary Results on the Prevalence of spp. in Marine Animals Stranded in Sicilian Coasts: Antibiotic Susceptibility Profile and ARGs Detection in the Isolated Strains.

The presence of spp. in marine animals is a consequence of contamination from terrestrial sources (human activities and animals). Bacteria present in marine environments, including spp.

Antibiotic Susceptibility Profile and Tetracycline Resistance Genes Detection in spp. Strains Isolated from Animals and Food.

spp. is among the leading causes of foodborne infections in humans and a large number of animals. spp.

Mapping the distribution and risk factors of Anaplasmataceae in wild and domestic canines in Chile and their association with Rhipicephalus sanguineus species complex lineages.

Anaplasma platys and Ehrlichia canis are members of the Anaplasmataceae family that cause disease in dogs and are mainly transmitted by Rhipicephalus sanguineus species group ticks. We performed a cross-sectional study on these pathogens across six bioclimatic regions of Chile, including 719 free-ranging rural dogs, 132 Andean foxes (Lycalopex culpaeus), and 82 South American gray foxes (Lycalopex griseus). Dog and fox blood samples were first screened for DNA of Anaplasmataceae followed by two Ehrlichia-specific protocols.

Serological Survey and Molecular Characterization of in Sicilian Cattle.

Tropical theileriosis is a tick-borne disease caused by hemoprotozoan parasites with considerable veterinary and economic impact worldwide. Ticks transmitting the disease belong to the , , and genera. The genus is very common in Sicily (Italy) and represents the main vector in the island.

A Cross Sectional Study on Serological Prevalence of and in Different Canine Population of Sicily (South-Italy) during 2017-2019.

Vector-borne pathogens such as and are widespread in the Mediterranean basin. , is considered the main vector in Mediterranean climatic areas. Seroprevalence in dogs is variable in relation to environmental factors, presence of vectors, and dogs' management.

Nutrient content changes from steaming or soaking timothy-alfalfa hay: effects on feed preferences and acute glycemic response in Standardbred racehorses1.

Soaking hay and steaming hay are strategies that are used to reduce respirable dust particles for horses but may result in variable nutrient losses, including nonstructural carbohydrates (NSC) and minerals. Since these losses have not been quantified in Canadian hay yet, the first aim of this study was to identify nutrient losses from first-cut timothy-alfalfa hay grown in southern Ontario, Canada, after soaking for 30 min or steaming for 60 min. It is uncertain whether horses prefer hay when it is dry, soaked, or steamed.

Analysis of interferon-gamma producing cells during infections by Yersinia enterocolitica O:9 and Brucella abortus in cattle.

One of the major constraints in the diagnosis of animal brucellosis is the cross-reactivity that occurs between Brucella and Yersinia surface antigens. With the aim to find a method to distinguish Brucella from Yersinia infection, the expansion of interferon gamma producing (IFN-γ+) T cell subsets obtained from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) isolated from cattle either infected by Brucella abortus or experimentally immunized with Yersinia enterocolitica O:9 were compared. The lymphocytes were analyzed by flow cytometry after PBMC were in vitro re-exposed to Yersinia or Brucella antigens.

Occurrence and risk factors of Coxiella burnetii in domestic ruminants in Lebanon.

Coxiella burnetii causes diseases in humans (Q fever) and animals, domestic ruminants playing a major role in the epidemiology of the infection. Information on C. burnetii infection in Lebanon is scanty.

The First Serological Study of Q Fever in Humans in Lebanon.

Objective: The aim of this study was to estimate, for the first time, the human seroprevalence of Q fever in Lebanon, by assessing the presence of antibodies against the causative agent, Coxiella burnetii. A total number of 421 serum samples (226 females and 196 males) were collected in February 2015 from hospitals and laboratories dispersed in five Lebanese provinces: Akkar, Bekaa, Mount Lebanon, Nabatieh, and South Lebanon.

Methods: Serial testing approach was used.

Evaluation of Symptoms and Prevention of Cancer in Menopause: The Value of Vulvar Exam.

Vulvar and vaginal atrophy (VVA), is a chronic medical condition experienced by postmenopausal women, with prevalence estimated ranging from 10% to 50% [1]. VVA is characterized by a constellation of symptoms, that may affect daily activities, sexuality, relationships, and quality of life [3]. Early recognition and effective treatment of VVA may enhance sexual health and the quality of life of women and their partners.

Nutraceutical effects of table green olives: a pilot study with Nocellara del Belice olives.

Background: The aim of this study was to analyse the nutraceutical properties of table green olives Nocellara del Belice, a traditional Mediterranean food. The Mediterranean Diet has as key elements olives and extra virgin olive oil, common to all Mediterranean countries. Olive oil is the main source of fat and can modulate oxidative stress and inflammation, whereas little is known about the role of olives.

Analysis of seroprevalence against Coxiella burnetii in a sample of farm workers in Western Sicily.

Introduction And Objective: Little is known about the development of chronic Q fever caused by Coxiella burnetii in occupational risk groups and in the general population in Italy, as well as in many countries in the world. The aim of this study was to highlight the presence of the infection in a sample of workers operating outdoors (but not directly in contact with animals), in three provinces of western Sicily, in order to detect the human seroprevalence and compare the obtained data with those found in animals raised in the same territory.

Materials And Methods: The study included 126 generic seasonal agricultural workers (labourers), 84 male and 42 female; none of whom were aware of any previous contact with Coxiella burnetii.

Bleeding profile in users of an etonogestrel sub-dermal implant: effects of anthropometric variables. An observational uncontrolled preliminary study in Italian population.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the menstrual profile in users of the etonogestrel (ENG)-releasing implant (Nexplanon®) and the possible correlation with anthropometric variables.

Methods: Ninety-two healthy women, desiring long-term contraception with the ENG implant were enrolled in a prospective observational study. Anthropometric variables were measured at baseline and after 3, 6, 9, and 12 months.

A case of ovarian torsion in a patient carrier of a FSH receptor gene mutation previously affected by spontaneous ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.

We here report a case of ovarian torsion in a patient with an history of two previous episodes of spontaneous ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome during her two pregnancies. A mutation of follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHr) gene was identified in this patient and in other members of the family. Two years after her successful second pregnancy, the patient showed signs of severe thyroiditis during administration of oral contraceptive, with suppressed TSH and increased thyreoglobulin, in the absence of any abnormalities of the auto-antibodies.