Food risk associated with vegetable consumption, exposure to antimicrobial-resistant strains and pesticide residues.

This preliminary study aimed to detect biological and chemical contaminants in vegetables sold in Sicily for human consumption, assess the spread of antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) strains in these foods, and characterize their antimicrobial-resistance genes. A total of 29 fresh and ready-to-eat samples were analyzed. Microbiological analyses were performed for the detection of spp.

Prevalence and antimicrobial resistance profiles of spp. in poultry meat.

The spread of multidrug resistant (MDR) strains, along the poultry supply chain, can represent a relevant threat to human health. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of spp. isolated from poultry meat for human consumption.

Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles: Effects on Development and Male Reproductive System.

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO-NPs) are used intensively. Thanks to their extremely small size (1-100 nm), TiO-NPs are more absorbable by living organisms; consequently, they can cross the circulatory system and then be distributed in various organs including the reproductive organs. We have evaluated the possible toxic effect of TiO-NPs on embryonic development and the male reproductive system using as an organism model.

In Vitro Nano-Polystyrene Toxicity: Metabolic Dysfunctions and Cytoprotective Responses of Human Spermatozoa.

The ubiquitous spread of Polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs) has rendered chronic human exposure an unavoidable phenomenon. The biodistribution of such particles leads to bioaccumulation in target organs including the testis, the site of sperm maturation. The purpose of this research has been to estimate the impact of PS-NPs (50 and 100 nm) on the metabolism of mature spermatozoa.

Hernioplasty with Peritoneal Flap for the Surgical Treatment of Umbilical Hernia in Swine.

Umbilical hernia is one of the most common developmental defects in swine, producing large economic losses for farmers, forced to slaughter animals at a younger age and therefore at a lower weight to prevent fatal complications. This study describes a surgical technique to repair umbilical hernia through the use of autologous prostheses, allowing recovery of the affected animals; Methods: After a general examination of the swine and examination of the lesions, the swine were anesthetized and underwent surgery. The surgery was performed by combining the traditional herniorrhaphy with the inclusion and fixation of a peritoneal flap obtained from the incision of the same hernial sac; Results: Follow-ups were carried out at 7, 30 and 60 days and demonstrated healing in all of the treated subjects; Conclusions: The use of this surgical technique allows for providing resistance to herniorrhaphy performed through the use of a cost-free autologous biomaterial prosthesis, with excellent tissue compatibility.

Acute Toxicity of a Marine Emerging Pollutant (Promethazine Hydrochloride) on sp.

Recently, there has been a worrying increase in the pollution of the aquatic ecosystem caused by emerging contaminants (ECs) detected in wastewater effluent discharges. Although traces of ECs in waters have been found in low concentrations, it leads to negative effects for nontarget organisms. Antihistamines are a class of drugs largely used, whose metabolites are widespread in the aquatic ecosystem.

Antioxidant activity of two Mill. species fruit extracts on human sperm quality after a freeze-thaw cycle.

This study investigated the phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity of fruit extracts of (Ker Gawl.) Haw.(OD) and (L.

Postmortem Electrical Conductivity Changes of Skeletal Muscle: Root Mean Square (RMS) Parameter in Estimating Time since Death.

Electric impedance spectroscopy techniques have been widely employed to study basic biological processes, and recently explored to estimate postmortem interval (PMI). However, the most-relevant parameter to approximate PMI has not been recognized so far. This study investigated electrical conductivity changes in muscle of 18 sea bass specimens, maintained at different room temperatures (15.

Preliminary study for the application of Raman spectroscopy for the identification of Leishmania infected dogs.

Raman spectroscopy is a rapid qualitative and quantitative technique that allows the simultaneous determination of several components in biological fluids. This methodology concerns an alternative technique to distinguish between non-healthy and healthy subjects. Leishmaniasis is a zoonosis of world interest, the most important agent is L.

Trace elements (Al, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn) in Mytilus galloprovincialis and Tapes decussatus from Faro and Ganzirri Lakes (Sicily, Italy): Flow cytometry applied for hemocytes analysis.

Background: Trace elements present in sessile molluscs, are important because they are used in human consumption and it has significantly increased in recent years. While their filtering of the water can lead to their build-up of organic and inorganic materials that can be sampled and analyzed, this can also lead to bioaccumulation of harmful substances, such as essential and non-essential elements, that can harm the human health if in taken in high concentrations or for a long period of time.

Methods: In the present study, the trace metal content (Al, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn) of two sessile crustaceans, 20 Mytilus galloprovincialis (mussel) and 20 Tapes decussatus (clam) in Faro and Ganzirri Lakes (Messina, Sicily, Italy) were analyzed.

Trace elements and omega-3 fatty acids of black sea (Bulgaria) bivalve species , and . Human health risk.

The study aimed to evaluate trace elements (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb and Zn) concentrations and fatty acids of three Black Sea bivalve species - and as well as human health risk and benefit-risk ratio based on n-3 LC-PUFA vs. toxic/essential elements. The results showed variations in the element concentrations among the analysed species.

Infection: A Multilocus Microsatellite Genotyping-Based Survey Demonstrating an Outbreak in Hospitalized Patients.

Microsatellite analysis identifies specific genotypes and the genetic relationship between strains. Our objective was to analyze the genotypes of strains isolated on different wards of a Tertiary-Referral University Center. We evaluated 70 strains in total, isolated from samples of patients admitted to five different wards over two years (January 2015-December 2016).

Artemia salina: A microcrustacean to assess engineered nanoparticles toxicity.

The focus of this work was to investigate the toxicity of different metal nanoparticles (gold nanoparticles [AuNPs], silver nanoparticles [AgNPs], titanium dioxide nanoparticles [TiO NPs]) on brine shrimp Artemia salina. We investigated if nanoparticles could have an influence on hatching of cysts and on mortality of larvae. Larvae (also called nauplii) and cysts were exposed to NPs for 24 hr in artificial seawater on microplates.

Evaluation of dimethoate toxicity on fertilization and on embryonic development of (Lamarck, 1816).

Organophosphates are a large class of chemicals with anticholinesterase action insecticides. Dimethoate belongs to the class of organophosphates and it is used for agriculture purpose. Its main toxicological role in animals and humans is the inhibition of the activity of acetylcholinesterase.

Toxicity assessment of two-dimensional nanomaterials molybdenum disulfide in Gallus gallus domesticus.

Recently two-dimensional nanomaterials, such as graphene and molybdenum disulfide (MoS), have received much attention as adsorbent materials for the effective removal of organic contaminants. MoS is attracting attention, not only for its chemical-physical properties, but also for its wide availability in nature as a constituent of molybdenite. The aim of this investigation was to assess the effects of different MoS concentrations (5 × 10, 5 × 10 and 5 × 10 mg/ml) on the embryonated eggs of Gallus gallus domesticus, according to Beck method.

Morphological analysis reveals the presence of Hepatoxylon trichiuri (Holten, 1802) Bosc, 1811 (Cestoda: Sphyriocephalidae) in Lepidopus caudatus (Euphrasen, 1788) (Pisces: Trichiuridae) from the Mediterranean Sea.

In this article, we report for the first time the presence of the parasite Hepatoxylon trichiuri in specimens of Lepidopus caudatus from the Mediterranean Sea. A total of four plerocercoids were studied using microscopy techniques for both morphological and histological analysis. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: We report for the first time for the Mediterranean Sea the presence of the parasite Hepatoxylon trichiuri in specimens of the commercial fish species Lepidopus caudatus.

Serogroup Sejroe Serovar Hardjo in Aborting Cows: Two Herd Cases in Sicily (Italy).

Introduction: The aim of this study was to present two outbreaks of bovine abortion due to infection in cattle herds located in the northern part of Sicily (Italy). The animals were positive for serogroup Sejroe serovar Hardjo in a microscopic agglutination test (MAT).

Material And Methods: A total of 23 Charolaise cows (farm A) and 75 Limousine bulls and Cinisara and Modicana cows (farm B) were enrolled in this study.

Toxicity assessment of nano-TiO in Apis mellifera L., 1758: histological and immunohistochemical assays.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the toxicity of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO NPs) by short-term toxicity tests in Apis mellifera, considered an excellent bioindicator organism mainly due to its sensitivity. Bees have been exposed to several concentrations of TiO NPs (1 × 10 , 1 × 10 , 1 × 10 , 1 × 10 mg/10 ml) for 10 days. Morphostructural and histological assays were done on gut and honey sac.

Morphostructural and immunohistochemical study for evaluation of nano-TiO toxicity in Armadillo officinalis Duméril, 1816 (Crustacea, Isopoda, Oniscidea).

Invertebrates are precious organisms in order to study environmental pollution. In particular, they appear to be suitable as a bioindicator species for pioneer ecotoxicity studies on new xenobiotics such as nanoparticles. In fact, they are able to absorb nanomaterials scattered in the environment in different ways and it's known the compartmentalization of nano-sized contaminants in selected tissues and intracellular organelles.

Biomarkers of Exposure to Chemical Contamination in the Commercial Fish Species (Euphrasen, 1788): A Particular Focus on Plastic Additives.

In recent years, the Mediterranean Sea has become an accumulation zone for waste generated by the 22 countries bordering its shores. Although the effects of plastic litter on the marine environment and on organisms have recently been studied in other areas, further information is needed for the Mediterranean Sea and, in particular, about plastics additives inputs and interactions with the biota and the trophic network, such as phthalates and bisphenol A. Plastic material production, use and disposal contribute also to the release of heavy metals into the environment, such as mercury (Hg), often used during the production of chlorine, the primary ingredient in PVC, lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd), which are used as stabilizers in PVC and leach out of products during use and disposal.

Evaluation of the effects of silver nanoparticles on Danio rerio cornea: Morphological and ultrastructural analysis.

Although in recent years there has been intensification in the use of nanoparticles (NPs) for the production of many commercial products, few studies have been carried out to assess the risks associated with its use. Among the most used NPs, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have a preponderant position as they have various applications. In this study, 40 adult zebrafish were exposed to increasing concentrations of AgNPs (8, 45, and 70 μg/L) for 30 days to evaluate the effects on eyes after chronic exposure to AgNPs with an average diameter of 50 nm.

Anti-inflammatory and cognitive effects of interferon-β1a (IFNβ1a) in a rat model of Alzheimer's disease.

Background: Aβ peptide abnormal production is associated with the development and maintenance of neuroinflammation and oxidative stress in brains from Alzheimer disease (AD) patients. Suppression of neuroinflammation may then represent a suitable therapeutic target in AD. We evaluated the efficacy of IFNβ1a in attenuating cognitive impairment and inflammation in an animal model of AD.

Relationship between arsenic accumulation in tissues and hematological parameters in mullet caught in Faro Lake: a preliminary study.

The authors investigated the arsenic (As) accumulation in different tissues (muscle, gill, liver, stomach, and intestine) and the possible correlation between tissue concentration and hematological parameters in mullet (Mugil cephalus Linnaeus, 1758) caught in Faro Lake (Messina, Sicily, Italy). On all fish, hematological analyses of blood samples, measurement of biometric indices, and the removal of the muscles, gills, liver, stomach, and intestine for the determination of arsenic concentration were performed. A hemogram was performed to find effects of arsenic concentration in tissues on hematological variables.