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Biomedical subjects

S Cosentino

Publications and source records attributed to S Cosentino.

46 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMedDate not supplied

HCV and HBV infection among multitransfused thalassemics from eastern Sicily.

Serum specimens from 152 Sicilian multitransfused thalassemic subjects were tested for antibodies to hepatitis C virus (anti- HCV) and for HBV markers by enzyme linked immunoassay and with reference to anti-HCV, confirmed by recombinant immunoblot assay. A high rate (47%) of subjects was anti-HCV positive. HBsAg was found in 8% of patients and 55% had anti-HBs or anti-HBc antibodies or both. Contrary to HBV infection, anti-HCV seropositivity was related to the number of transfused units. The highest anti-HCV prevalence was observed between 16 and 20 years; 100% of persons older than 50 years had at least one marker of HBV infection. In conclusion, HCV and HBV are widespread among multitransfused thalassemic. Probably in our area, particularly during the pre-HBsAg screening era, several multitransfused patients were infected by HBV more readily than by HCV.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Prevalence of markers for human immunodeficiency virus types 1 and 2, human T-lymphotropic virus type I, cytomegalovirus, and hepatitis B and C virus in multiply transfused thalassemia patients. The French Study Group On Thalassaemia.

The prevalence of markers for human immunodeficiency virus types 1 and 2 (HIV-1, HIV-2), human T-lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-I), hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV), and cytomegalovirus (CMV) was evaluated in a population of 305 multiply transfused thalassemia patients in Belgium, France, and Italy (Sicily). No patients were found positive for HIV-2 antibodies. Two French patients were seropositive for HIV-1, having been infected before systematic blood screening. Antibodies to HTLV-I were found in two Sicilian patients. A positive anti-HCV enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was found in one-third of the patients and a positive CMV IgG test in two-thirds. Twenty-two percent of the patients in the three countries were uninfected by HBV and were not vaccinated. With the exception of HIV-1, HIV-2, HTLV-I, and anti-hepatitis B surface antigen assays, all markers were encountered more frequently in Sicilian patients than in French or Belgian patients. This study emphasizes the need to improve HBV vaccination coverage in the three countries. At present, data indicate that the introduction of routine screening for HTLV-I should be considered, particularly in Sicily.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Effect of secondary contamination in the dairy industry].

The evolution that has characterized the cheesemaking technique, which has continued to based on automation, has produced an alteration in the causes of contamination of dairy products. It is essential to locate the points of possible pollution and monitor them with appropriate modalities for a good quality of finished products. The purpose of this study was to determine quantitatively and qualitatively the secondary contamination in the production environments of 10 Dairy Industries. Particularly, air, pasteurized milk, curd, surfaces of manufacturing area and water were selected for microbiological tests. Moreover, fresh and ripened cheeses have been checked for microbial contamination. The results of our survey show a large contamination of production environments by Enterobacteriaceae and yeasts, that often cause alterations of dairy products. From the experimental results obtained, some conclusions may be drawn: the microbiological situation of the production environment is precisely reflected on the qualities of processed products. The persistence of an high microbic number/gr. of product and the frequent isolation of pathogenic Staphylococci make doubtful the healthiness of these very common foods. Finally, the A.A. point out the water pollution of the most of dairy industries. It show that disinfections plants are not run correctly.

Air Microbiology↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Hygienic and microbiological quality of starters and coagulants used in the production of sheep's milk cheese].

The hygienic level of the raw materials is prevailing in the determination of microbial quality of finished product in food production. Not all alimentary products have the same possibilities of being contaminated. They develop, with a series of intermediate passages, from products that can not be contaminated to products that can be easily attached from micro-organisms. It is essential to locate the points of possible pollution and monitor them with appropriate modalities for a good quality of finished products. The "starters" and "coagulants" of dairy industry may be carrier of microbial pollution if they are improperly handled during the processing and storage. 202 samples of starters and 128 of coagulants, produced by large and small industries have been examined in this work. Total viable count, total Coliforms, anaerobic bacteria and Yeasts have been determined. A quantitative valuation has been also carried out above the lactic bacteria in all samples of starters. The starters results have shown a clean quantitative difference between the industrial products and natural cultures about the lactic microflora value, as well as more high frequency of pollution in samples in which lactic acid bacteria were found below standard. Among the coagulants, no microbial pollution has been detected in the commercial enzymes, whereas serious hygienic problems have shown up in the "rennets"; they have also presented an high anaerobic bacteria number/gr. of product. According to the related data, the AA. think starters and coagulants can have not unfavourable influence on dairy production only is some hygienic operations requirements are followed in their preparation.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Results of an airborne spore study in various regions of southern Sardinia].

Fungal air spores can play a significant role in several allergic manifestations. Therefore, the identification of geographic areas of mould distribution could be helpful to the clinician, especially if associated with fungal air spore recording in homes or working environments of sensitized subjects, in determining the real clinical importance of sensitization to fungi. On this basis, we studied the occurrence of airborne fungi at two urban sites and at two rural sites in the South of Sardinia, from May 1987 to April 1988, using the gravity plate method. Our survey has pointed out a significant difference about the occurrence of airborne spores in the areas sampled. Spore concentrations were lower at the urban sites during all the survey period. On the whole 6319 fungal colonies belonging to 28 different genera have been found. Cladosporium, Alternaria, Penicillium and Aspergillus, represented by a range of species, were the most common fungi identified in all sites examined. Remarkable the incidence of Yeasts, represented by the genera Candida, Saccharomyces, Rhodotorula and Sporobolomyces. Aureobasidium, Stemphilium, Botrytis, Chaetomium, Mucor and Rhizopus have been found in all sites but they have not been steadily isolated during the survey. Several other genera have been found only sporadically. Our results seem to confirm that fungal air spores, because of its quantity and variety, can represent a serious problem for human health in Sardinia.

Air Microbiology↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Esophageal achalasia: its ambulatory treatment by balloon dilatation].

We report immediate and late clinical results achieved in 33 patients with achalasia treated with pneumatic dilation as an outpatient procedure. Thirty patients were seen before any therapy and 3 following a failed esophagomyotomy. All patients were submitted to clinical, radiological and manometric evaluation before treatment: six of them belonged to Adams' class I, 19 to class II and 8 to class III. The dilations were performed with Microvasive Regiflex System (30-35-40. mm.). The average number of dilations per patient was 1.4; one dilation was performed in 25 patients, 2 dilations in 6, and three dilation in two. The patients after the dilation were controlled for a maximum period of 3 hours before being discharged from the outpatient facilities. No complications, worthy of note, was related to the procedures. The clinical results were subdivided in four classes according to Vantrappen's schema. Ten days--immediate results--after the first dilation excellent-good results were obtained in 26 patients (78.8%); moderate results in four (12.1%) and poor results in three (9.1%). The mean LES pressure, evaluated in 15 out of 25 cases fell from 37.6 mmHg. Before treatment to a value of 16.2 mmHg after treatment (p < 0.005). Of the 30 patients followed for an average period of 30.6 months (2-82)--late results--excellent-good results were obtained in 24 (80%), moderate results in 4 (13.3%) and poor in 2 (6.7%). In conclusion the clinical results, of our study, repeat those published in a previous prospective evaluation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adolescent↗