Short-term effects of desert and non-desert PM on mortality in Sicily, Italy.

Background: Increased PM concentrations are commonly observed during Saharan dust advections. Limited epidemiological evidence suggests that PM from anthropogenic and desert sources increase mortality. We aimed to evaluate the association between source-specific PM (non-desert and desert) and cause-specific mortality in Sicily during 2006-2012 period.

[Health effects of Saharan dust in Sicily Region (Southern Italy)].

Unlabelled: "OBJECTIVES: to investigate the increase of PM10 during Saharan dust outbreaks with adverse health effects in Sicily (Southern Italy), the largest Mediterranean Island.

Design: pooled analyses of time series with Poisson regression models to estimate the association between PM10 from different sources (desert and non-desert) and different outcomes.

Setting And Participants: the four largest cities of Sicily (Palermo, Catania, Syracuse, and Messina) and three macroareas (North- East, South, and West) Sicily was divided into.

Chemical and microbiological parameters and sensory attributes of a typical Sicilian salami ripened in different conditions.

A study was carried out on a typical Sicilian salami prepared from meat of the local Nero Siciliano pig in order to characterize this typical product. One formulation of salami was divided in two batches and ripened in two different environments, a traditional sicilian room (TR) and a controlled industrial ripening room (RR). Microbiological and physico-chemical analysis were performed on raw mixture and after 7 and 90 days of ripening.

Comparison of the performances of Nero Siciliano pigs reared indoors and outdoors. 1. Growth and carcass composition.

A total of 78 female and male Nero Siciliano pigs were used. Forty-one pigs were reared following the traditional management system, 37 pigs were reared in pens with a small outdoor paddock and fed to appetite using commercial rations according to the growing period. Both male and female pigs were castrated.