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PubMed2004

Butanol fermentation research: upstream and downstream manipulations.

An overview of advances in acetone-butanol fermentation research is presented with specific reference to the history of acetone-butanol fermentation, genetic manipulation of the butanol-producing Clostridium beijerinckii NCIMB 8052, as well as upstream and downstream processing. Specific reference is made to the development of the hyperamylolytic, hyper-"butanolagenic" C. beijerinckii BA101 strain. Amylolytic enzyme production by C. beijerinckii BA101 was 1.8- and 2.5-fold greater than that of the C. beijerinckii NCIMB 8052 strain grown in starch and glucose, respectively. We confirmed the presence of a phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP)-dependent phosphotransferase system (PTS) associated with cell extracts of C. beijerinckii BA101 by glucose phosphorylation by PEP and ATP-dependent glucose phosphorylation. It was found that C. beijerinckii BA101 was defective in PTS activity and that it compensates for this defect with enhanced glucokinase activity, resulting in an ability to transport and utilize glucose during the solventogenic stage. The principal problem associated with acetone-butanol fermentation by C. beijerinckii or C. acetobutylicum is butanol toxicity/inhibition to the culture. To solve this problem, we have attempted various alternative in situ/online techniques of butanol removal including membrane-based systems such as pervaporation, liquid-liquid extraction, and gas stripping. We found that gas stripping and pervaporation appear to be the most promising of the in situ acetone-butanol fermentation and recovery techniques but, in terms of cost-effective industrial applications, gas stripping appears to be the most promising.

Acetone↗
PubMed2005

Is biodegradation of bitumen a source of recalcitrant naphthenic acid mixtures in oil sands tailing pond waters?

Carboxylic acids are transient metabolites during the mineralization of petroleum hydrocarbons. Crude oils, however, vary in their proportion of the hydrocarbon components. Depending on structure, some carboxylic acid metabolites resist further biodegradation and persist in aquatic systems. During the extraction of oil sands bitumen, recalcitrant carboxylic acid mixtures, collectively referred to as naphthenic acids (NAs), are released into the wastewaters. These waters also contain unrecovered bitumen from the oil sands. The unextracted bitumen is often overlooked as a possible source of the petroleum acids. The present article discusses the literature data on the biotransformation of hydrocarbons in bitumen from oil sands to the corresponding petroleum carboxylic acids. Some insight is given on the mechanism of the biodegradation process. The susceptibility to biodegradation is affected by differences in alicyclic carboxylic acids such as carbon chain length, chain branching, and the oddness or evenness of carbon chain containing the carboxylic group, positions where alkyl groups are substituted on the cyclic ring, geometrical isomerism, and number of cyclic rings.

Bacteria, Aerobic↗
PubMed1998

[Computer-assisted evaluation of aortic aneurysm morphology for choosing the method of therapy].

Computer aided surgery planning software for AAA is a industry-standard software development for viewing patient-specific data on a personal computer through a unique approach, which improve visualization, navigation, and decision support capabilities for both open and endovascular surgery. Raw scan data is extracted from CT scans, and rendered into a three-dimensional format. This 3D modeling technology and user interface provides a patient-specific model with a rapid visual access to the full range of information, including accurate 3D assessment of AAA morphology and pathology, interactive multiplanar reconstructions, measurements, and views to assist the surgeon in understanding of complex 3D relationships. It provides an optimal system for patient evaluation and selection for endovascular repair of AAA and in the post-operative evaluation of stent deployment and/or complications, such as endoleaks.

Aortic Aneurysm↗
PubMed2003

Constituents within pulp mill effluent deplete retinoid stores in white sucker and bind to rainbow trout retinoic acid receptors and retinoid X receptors.

Wild female and male white sucker (Catostomus commersoni) inhabiting an area receiving pulp mill effluent had reduced hepatic levels of retinol, didehydroretinol, retinyl esters, and didehydroretinyl esters, while vitamin E levels were unaffected. This disruption of the retinoid system led us to test methanol and dichloromethane extracts from the effluent of 11 pulp mills from across Canada for their ability to bind to rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) retinoic acid receptors (RARs) from the gill and retinoid X receptors (RXRs) from the liver. Concentrated extracts of the final effluent from 6 of the 11 pulp mills were able to displace greater than 25% of the receptor-bound [3H]all-trans retinoic acid (RA) or [3H]9-cis RA from trout RARs and RXRs, respectively. The ability of the extracts to displace retinoic acid did not appear to be linked to the pulping or treatment processes. Moreover, extracts with the greatest activity came from thermomechanical mills, suggesting the compounds may originate from the wood furnish. In addition, extracts prepared from wood furnish (wood chips: white spruce [50%], lodgepole pine [47%], and balsam fir [3%]) from one mill were able to displace [3H]RA from the RARs and RXRs. The 4-hydroxy RA, a metabolite of RA that has been shown to be generated in greater quantities in fish exposed to P450-inducing xenobiotics, was able to displace [3H]all-trans RA from trout RARs as effectively as unlabeled all-trans RA. These results suggest that pulp mill effluent may impact the retinoid system of fish at multiple sites, either by decreasing hepatic retinoid stores or through contributing additional ligands (from the wood furnish) that can bind to RA receptors.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Optimization of glucose oxidase production by Aspergillus niger using genetic- and process-engineering techniques.

Wild-type Aspergillus niger NRRL-3 was transformed with multiple copies of the glucose oxidase structural gene (god). The gene was placed under the control of the gpdA promoter of A. nidulans. For more efficient secretion the alpha-amylase signal peptide from A. oryzae was inserted in front of god. Compared to the wild type, the recombinant strain NRRL-3 (GOD3-18) produced up to four times more extracellular glucose oxidase under identical culture conditions. Addition of yeast extract (2 gl-1) to a mineral salts medium containing only glucose as carbon source increased volumetric and specific extracellular glucose oxidase activities by 130% and 50% respectively. With the same medium composition and inoculum size, volumetric and specific extracellular glucose oxidase activities increased more than ten times in bioreactor cultivations compared to shake-flask cultures.

Aspergillus nidulans↗
PubMed2002

Optimization of medium and cultivation conditions for capsular polysaccharide production by Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 23F.

The influence of medium composition and culture conditions on Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 23F cultivation was investigated in order to develop an industrial method for polysaccharide (PS) production. Acid-hydrolyzed casein (AHC) and dialyzed enzymatically hydrolyzed soybean meal (EHS) were investigated as nitrogen sources, and the vitamin solution of Hoeprich's medium and dialyzed yeast extract as vitamin sources. The influence of initial glucose concentration was also evaluated. In flask experiments, the best nitrogen source for PS production was AHC; EHS yielded small amounts of PS without interfering with bacterial growth. Dialyzed yeast extract provided an approximately 2-fold increase in PS production when compared to Hoeprich's vitamin solution. In a 5-l bioreactor, it was observed that the pneumococcus did not grow under aerobic conditions, CO(2) did not increase PS yield, glucose was inhibitory above 30 g l(-1), and the main glucose catabolism product was lactate, which had an inhibitory effect on cell growth. When anaerobic cultivation was performed under N(2) flow using the optimized medium, 240 mg l(-1) of soluble PS was obtained, which represents a 3-fold increase in yield as compared to that described in the published patent [Yavordios and Cousin (1983) European Patent 0 071515 A1]. Application of these results would considerably simplify upstream and downstream processes for PS production.

Bioreactors↗
PubMed2001

2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin equivalents in tissue samples from three species in the Denver, Colorado, USA, metropolitan area.

The Rocky Mountain Arsenal (RMA), a Superfund site near Denver, Colorado, USA, has a history of various industrial processes that may have led to the release of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). The PCDDs, PCDFs, and non-ortho- and mono-ortho-substituted PCBs cause a common set of toxic effects that are mediated through the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). The total AhR-mediated activity of complex mixtures in biota samples from the RMA and surrounding reference areas was determined by both instrumental and bioanalytical techniques. Mean concentrations of bioassay-derived 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) equivalents (TCDD-EQ) in carp eggs, owl livers, and kestrel eggs ranged from 0 to 8.5, 17 to 130, and 2.4 to 18 pg/g, respectively. For most samples analyzed, concentrations of TCDD-EQ and instrumentally derived TCDD equivalents (TEQs) were not significantly different. In a few tissue samples, concentrations of TEQs and TCDD-EQs were not equivalent. This can indicate the presence of AhR-active compounds that were not identified or quantified by instrumental techniques or the existence of nonadditive interactions among congeners when samples are analyzed by the bioassay. Overall, mean concentrations of TCDD-EQs in extracts of carp and kestrel eggs were not significantly different between groups of samples collected on and off the RMA, whereas concentrations of TCDD-EQs in several owl livers collected on the RMA were significantly greater than concentrations in owl livers from off the RMA.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) ecotoxicology in marine ecosystems.

Low levels of oil and hence polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are naturally present in the marine environment, although levels have increased significantly following human extraction and use of oil and gas. Other major anthropogenic sources of PAHs include smelters, the use of fossil fuels in general, and various methods of waste disposal, especially incineration. There are two major sources for PAHs to marine ecosystems in Norway: the inshore smelter industry, and offshore oil and gas production activities. A distinction is generally made between petrogenic (oil-derived) and pyrogenic (combustion-derived) PAHs. Although petrogenic PAHs appear to be bioavailable to a large extent, pyrogenic PAHs are often associated with soot particles and less available for uptake into organisms. There is extensive evidence linking sediment-associated PAHs to induction of phase-I enzymes, development of DNA adducts, and eventually neoplastic lesions in fish. Most studies have focused on high-molecular-weight, carcinogenic PAHs such as benzo[a]pyrene. It is less clear how two- and three-ring PAHs affect fish, and there is even experimental evidence to indicate that these chemicals may inhibit some components of the phase I system rather than produce induction. There is a need for increased research efforts to clarify biological effects of two- and three-ring PAHs, PAH mixtures, and adaptation processes in marine ecosystems.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Applying whole water samples to cell bioassays for detecting dioxin-like compounds at contaminated sites.

Methodology was developed in order to rapidly and cost-efficiently screen whole water samples without extraction for the presence of dioxin-like compounds using a cell bioassay approach. Presence of dioxin-like compounds was indicated by the induction in the rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) liver cell line, RTL-W1, of cytochrome CYP1A, which was measured as 7-ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) activity. Two simple culture media, L-15/ex and Earle's-G, prepared in tissue culture water and supplemented with 5% serum, proved suitable for supporting RTL-W1 cell viability and induction of EROD activity by the model inducers, 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) and benzo[a]pyrene (BaP). Preparation of the same simplified media using whole surface and ground water instead of tissue culture water again allowed EROD induction by spiked TCDD and BaP to be detected but higher concentrations of inducers were necessary. Despite this reduced sensitivity, RTL-W1 cells responded to 4 out of 40 ground water samples from a former oil and lignite processing site with significant EROD induction. In the future, the value of the bioassay is as an inexpensive means of quickly screening ground and surface water samples to identify high contaminant levels particularly at industrial sites, where detailed site-investigations and long-term monitoring programs are required.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Review of disposal technologies for chromated copper arsenate (CCA) treated wood waste, with detailed analyses of thermochemical conversion processes.

Several alternative methods for the disposal of chromated copper arsenate (CCA) treated wood waste have been studied in the literature, and these methods are reviewed and compared in this paper. Alternative disposal methods include: recycling and recovery, chemical extraction, bioremediation, electrodialytic remediation and thermal destruction. Thermochemical conversion processes are evaluated in detail based on experiments with model compounds as well as experimental and modelling work with CCA treated wood. The latter category includes: determination of the percentage of arsenic volatilised during thermal conversion of CCA treated wood, identification of the mechanisms responsible for arsenic release, modelling of high temperature equilibrium chemistry involved when CCA treated wood is burned, overview of options available for arsenic capture, characterisation of ash resulting from (co-)combustion of CCA treated wood, concerns about polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins/furans (PCDD/F) formation. Finally, the most appropriate thermochemical disposal technology is identified on short term (co-incineration) and on long term (low-temperature pyrolysis or high-temperature gasification).

Air Pollutants↗
PubMed2003

Arsenic contaminated site at an abandoned copper smelter plant: waste characterization and solidification/stabilization treatment.

A preliminary survey of an arsenic contaminated site from an abandoned copper smelting facility and feasibility study of using solidification/stabilization (S/S) process to treat the contaminant waste were undertaken. It was found that the waste, located in the three-flue gas discharge tunnels, contained 2-40% arsenic. The pH of the contaminated waste is extremely low (ranging from 1.8 to 3.6). The X-ray diffraction evidence indicates that the arsenic particles present in the flue gas mainly exist as As(III), or As(2)O(3). The total amount of arsenic contaminated waste is estimated to be 700 ton in the studied area. About 50% of the particle sizes are less than 2 mm. Arsenic is easily extracted from wastes with a variety of leaching solutions. In order to meet the arsenic leaching standard of the toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP), an extremely high cement dosage is required in the S/S process (cement/waste weight ratio>6). The waste with lower particle size having higher specific surface area exhibits somewhat positive effect on the S/S performance. The use of fly ash from municipal waste incinerators, in conjunction with the reduced amount of cement, is able to meet the TCLP arsenic and lead standards. The use of lime alone could meet the TCLP arsenic standard, but lead leaching concentrations exceeded leaching Pb standard. The results of semi-dynamic leaching tests of some solidified samples indicate higher accumulated arsenic leaching concentrations after only a few leachant renewals.

Arsenic↗
PubMed2004

Assessment of the production of antioxidants from winemaking waste solids.

Winemaking waste solids (WS, resulting from red grapes after fermentation and distillation to recover spirits) were subjected to various processing schemes for isolating fractions with antioxidant activity. The liquors entrapped in WS as received were separated by pressing and freeze-dried to yield a fraction with antioxidant activity (measured as DPPH radical scavenging capacity) comparable to those of synthetic antioxidants. A second approach based on the direct processing of raw WS in sulfuric acid medium under fixed operational conditions and further extraction of hydrolysis liquors with ethyl acetate enabled the isolation of a fraction with higher antioxidant ability at an improved yield. The most favorable approach started with a washing stage leading to liquors (which were directly freeze-dried to yield 1.20 g of extract/100 g of oven-dry WS and presented an EC50 of 0.41 g of extract/L) and washed solids, which were dried and subjected to hydrolytic processing (i) with water as a reactive in an autocatalyzed reaction (autohydrolysis) or (ii) with sulfuric acid solutions to give an ethyl acetate-soluble fraction with improved antioxidant properties (EC50 in the range of 0.18-0.40 g/L). Samples from washing liquors and processing of washed solids in aqueous medium were subjected to chromatographic fractionation and analysis to give isolates with remarkable antioxidant activity (with EC50 as low as 0.07 g/L) and to identify their major components.

Antioxidants↗
PubMed1978

Determination of streptomycin residues in eggs and stability of residues after cooking.

An assay procedure for streptomycin was developed, using a surfactant-pH 8 buffer extraction, heating at 85 degrees C to eliminate inhibition from lysozyme activity, and centrifuging to remove physical barriers to diffusion. Recoveries of streptomycin from supplemented eggs averaged 42% over the range of 0.33--2.05 microgram streptomycin/g egg. Eggs were supplemented at 3.0, 30.0, and 300 microgram streptomycin/g and subjected to various cooking procedures: frying, poaching, scrambling, and hard boiling. There was little or no loss of activity as a result of the various cooking procedures with the exception of one of the hard boiled varieties where there was a 40% loss only at the 3.0 microgram/g supplementation. Streptomycin residues were quite stable to normal egg preparation procedures.

Cooking↗
PubMed2006

Aerobic decolorization and detoxification of a disperse dye in textile effluent by a new isolate of Bacillus sp.

A number of aerobic species capable of decolorizing some of the dyes in a textile mill effluent were isolated. One of the isolates was able to decolorize Terasil black dye under aerobic conditions in the presence of an exogenous carbon source after 5 days. Glucose or starch (%1 ea) are essential for decolorization but the process proceeds faster in the presence of 0.5% yeast extract. Results of the BOD(5) show that the untreated effluent samples have a low BOD value, whereas treated samples show an initial increase in BOD up to 15 days followed by a decrease after 20 days. FT-IR and GC-MS data also reveal that the initial components in the untreated effluent disappear after 20 days of treatment, confirming biodegradation of the dye. Phytotoxicity tests on the untreated effluent samples using the seeds of Lens orientalis, Triticum aestivum, and Triticum boeoticum indicate that the first one is the most sensitive while the last one is the most resistant. On the other hand the treated effluent allows 90% germination in Triticum boeoticum seeds and 100% germination in the other two.

Azo Compounds↗
PubMed2004

Direct detection and identification of lactic acid bacteria in a food processing plant and in meat products using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis.

We established a novel system using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) to quickly identify bacteria known to be responsible for spoilage in meat processing plants and meat products. We extracted bacterial DNA from swabbed samples at various locations in the plant and from meat products and performed PCR amplification, targeting 16S rDNA from the dominant organisms. The amplification products were subjected to DGGE, and the contaminating bacteria in the meat products and the plant were analyzed. This analysis indicated that lactic acid bacteria and spoilage-causing bacteria are widely distributed within the meat processing plant. We developed molecular size markers to identify the dominant organisms obtained from the plant and meat products. The establishment of the present method allows quick and simple identification of bacteria causing the possible deterioration of products and contamination and thus permits constant monitoring of any harmful bacteria within meat processing plants.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Determination of chitin and protein contents during the isolation of chitin from shrimp waste.

Accurate determination of chitin and protein contents in crustacean biomass and the intermediate products during the industrial isolation of chitin cannot be made directly from the total nitrogen content, unless the appropriate corrections are applied. This method, however, is affected by the presence of other nitrogen-containing chemical species that are formed endogenously or by the action of microorganisms during the handling of the sample. Therefore, an alternative rapid method to estimate the contents of these components can be very useful both in research and in various fields of application. An original method has been developed to address this problem. The method consists of the development of a set of equations based on the stoichiometric contents of nitrogen of chitin and protein whereby the amounts of each component can be estimated from the value of the total nitrogen content, provided the rest of the proximate composition of the sample is accurately known. In order to validate the procedure, a set of model mixtures of pure chitin and protein concentrate in the solid state, both extracted from shrimp head waste, are used. Excellent agreement between the predicted and real values of chitin and protein are obtained (R2=0.98, slope=0.90). When the proposed method is tested in the analysis of real samples obtained from five different processing protocols of pretreatment of raw shrimp head, it is found that in general the values of protein and chitin contents throughout the various stages of the process vary as expected. [GRAPH: SEE TEXT] Variation of the measured total nitrogen versus calculated stoichiometric total nitrogen of the chitin-protein mixtures.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Report on health status of residents in areas with industrial, mining or military sites in Sardinia, Italy].

The work described in the present report has been requested by the Secretary of Hygiene, Health and Social Welfare of the Sardinia Region (Italy). It has been carried out by the Regional Epidemiological Observatory within the domain of ESA (Epidemiology Development and Environment) and with the support of the European Union. Eighteen areas (for a total of 73 municipalities) were identified a priori as "potentially polluted", accounting for a population of 917,977 in 2001 census (56% of the total population of Sardinia). The areas have been named after the most important town, as listed below (in brackets rounded 2001 population), major activities in industrial areas are briefly described. INDUSTRIAL AREAS: Portoscuso (59,000). Processing of aluminium and other metals. Foundry. Power plants. Dismissed mines (mainly coal mining, lead, zinc). Plants for storing and treating special wastes. Italian Law 349/1986 classified this area as "at high risk of environmental crisis" and classified some plants as being "at high technological risk" (Norma Seveso Decree 334/1999). The area is part of the Sulcis National Restoration site. San Gavino (24,000). Industrial and commercial activities. Lead and zinc foundry. Dairy factories. Food industry. Sarroch (52,000). Petrochemical and refinery industry. Power plants. Mining. Incinerator. Plants for storing and treating special wastes. Gas and mineral oil deposits. Ottana (15,000). Chemical industry. Production of plastics and synthetic fibres. Denim production. Porto Torres (168,000). Chemical industry: production of basic chemicals (benzene, toluene, ethylene, propylene and others), polyethylene, elastomers and vinyl chloride. Textile industry. First and second category landfills. Some plants have been classified "at high technological risk" (Norma Seveso Decree 334/1999). The area is a National Restoration site. The town of Sassari is included. Tortolì (23,000). Construction of steel structures for offshore facilities of the oil and gas industry. Paper industry. Tempio Pausania (21,000). Cork production. Stone quarries. Macomer (17,000). Textile industry (velvet). First and second category landfills. Incinerator. MINING AREAS: Arbus (30,000). Extraction of zinc, lead and silver. Iglesias (39,000). Extraction of zinc, lead and silver. MILITARY SITES: Teulada (16,000). La Maddalena (11,000). Naval army shipyards. Salto di Quirra (31,000). Mining area. URBAN AREAS: Cagliari (299,000). Petrochemical plants, port, airport. Nuoro (37,000). Olbia (47,000). Port and airport. Oristano (31,000). Sassari (121,000). RESULTS: THE COMPARISON SARDINIA-ITALY: In 1997-2001, the age-standardized mortality rate (x1,000 person-years) among males was higher than in Italy (84.4 vs 80.8) while the reverse occurred in females (50.9 vs 52.0). Ill defined causes of death were 1.4% in males and 2.5% in females (vs corresponding estimates of 1.1% and 1.4% in Italy). Compared to Italian national data, regional age-standardized estimates were higher in Sardinia for infectious diseases (23% in males and 12% in females), respiratory diseases (22% and 14%: pneumoconiosis was more than 6 times more frequent in Sardinia than in Italy), diseases of the digestive system (26% and 9%: for liver cirrhosis, the excess was 33% in males and 9% in females; corresponding figures for liver cancer were 13% and 16%), breast cancer in females (5%). On the other hand, regional mortality rates were lower than the national rates for cardiovascular diseases (-1.3% and -7.4% in males and females respectively), all cancers considered as a whole (-9% and -7%) and lung cancer (-5% and -32%). Regional and national death rates for non Hodgkin lymphoma in both sexes and for leukaemia in females were almost identical, whereas the latter rate in males was slightly higher in Sardinia than in Italy (9.4 vs 8.4 x100,000 person-years). Particularly in men, the differences in mortality rates from all causes and from cardiovascular, respiratory diseases and lung cancer among the four traditional Provinces (Cagliari, Nuoro, Oristano and Sassari) were greater than the difference between Sardinia and Italy. Remarkably enough, also death rates from lymphohaemopoietic tumours were more heterogeneous within Sardinia. RESULTS IN THE INVESTIGATED AREAS: Rates of hospital discharges in Sardinia showed a high variability, which is partly attributable to differences in the availability of both hospital beds and alternative forms of care. This heterogeneity must be taken into account in the interpretation of rates of hospital discharge. These were relatively high in some areas (Cagliari, Iglesias, Portoscuso, Tortolì) and low in others (Olbia, Porto Torres, Sassari). All the reported observed/expected ratios were based on material deprivation adjusted figures. All the estimated statistics were reported with 90% Confidence Interval. INDUSTRIAL AREAS: In 1997-2001, deaths from respiratory diseases were significantly in excess in males in Portoscuso (obs/exp 205/124.77) and in San Gavino (69/46.77). Deaths from pneumoconiosis were recorded sporadically, with the exception of Portoscuso, where the excess was impressive (obs/exp 112/30.46). SMRs for lung cancer in males ranged between 0.62 in Ottana and 1.22 in San Gavino, with statistically significant departure from expected values in Portoscuso and Sarroch (both with SMR significantly in excess in males: 1.24). In Porto Torres mortality from all causes was in significant excess in both sexes (SMRs 1.04 in males and 1.09 in females), for respiratory diseases (1.08 and 1.28), for diseases of the digestive system (1.13 and 1.21), for all cancers (1.04 and 1.09). Liver cancer deaths were also in excess in both sexes (SMRs 1.18 and 1.21). The latter finding is confirmed by incidence rates from the local cancer registry. Among industrial areas, Porto Torres was also the one with a stronger evidence of an excess of deaths from lymphohaemopoietic cancer in males (obs/exp 99/83.60) and females (73/68.20). MINING AREAS: These areas are characterized by statistically significant excesses of mortality in males, largely caused by non neoplastic respiratory conditions (obs/exp 119/86.41 in Iglesias and 156/62.55 in Arbus). In recent years, deaths from pneumoconiosis averaged 20 per year in Arbus and 10 per year in Iglesias. Lung cancer in males was also significantly in excess in both areas (obs/exp 72/56.38 in Arbus and 108/72.14 in Iglesias). There is a time trend (1981-2001) towards a decrease of mortality from respiratory conditions, which nevertheless remains largely in excess over the regional average also in the most recent period. MILITARY AREAS: Statistically significant excesses of deaths and hospital discharges for non Hodgkin lymphoma were detected in La Maddalena (mortality, 1981-2001, in males 17 observed cases vs 6.13 expected, in females 8/5.64). In Salto di Quirra in 1997-2001 deaths from myeloma (in males 5/2.3) and leukaemias were increased in both sexes (total obs/exp 20/13.3, statistically non significant). URBAN AREAS: Urban areas in Sardinia are relatively well developed with high values of socioeconomic indicators. The health profile in Cagliari and Sassari is typical of towns of the Western world. In Cagliari there is a higher mortality for colorectal, breast, cervical and lung cancer. CONCLUSIONS: Environmental (non occupational) pollution might explain some of the observed excesses of disease in the investigated industrial areas of Sardinia, particularly in women, less likely to be exposed to hazards in the work environment, whereas in the mining areas studied the disease pattern suggests a major role of occupational exposures. On the other hand, the causal links between disease occurrence and exposures in the screened military areas remain uncertain. The disease patterns in the cities of Sardinia are likely to be associated with lifestyle and urban pollution. Historically, southern Italian Regions have been characterized by an advantage over the rest of the country in terms of health, but during the last decade such advantage tended to vanish. Sardinia confirms this secular trend. However in the most recent years studied, overall age-standardized mortality rate in Sardinian females still remains lower than Italian average, but this is not the case for males any more. Differences in the health profile between residents in different areas of Sardinia have been found to be far greater than the difference between Sardinia as a whole and Italy. A major contribution to intraregional differences is given by the 18 investigated areas where excesses were registered for: respiratory diseases (including cancer) in the industrial areas of Portoscuso, Sarroch and Porto Torres, and in the mining areas; diseases of the digestive tract, liver cancer and lymphohaemopoietic cancer in the area of Porto Torres; cancer of the lymphohaemopoietic system in some military areas; cancers of the colon and rectum, lung, breast and uterus in some of the major cities of the Region.

Catchment Area, Health↗
PubMed2004

A prevalence estimate of pervasive developmental disorder among immigrants to Israel and Israeli natives- a file review study.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence rates of pervasive developmental disorder (PDD) have risen in the West over the last 10 years. There is argument over the etiology of this change in rates. Social and cultural processes including migration have been hypothesized. Israel, as a country of ongoing immigration with a national registry of children diagnosed with PDD, offers an opportunity to compare rates of PDD among immigrants from developing countries and native Israelis. METHOD: A Social Security national registry of 1004 children diagnosed with PDD was reviewed and rates were calculated using data extracted from the Israel National Bureau of Statistics. Of all Jewish children that were born in the years 1983-1997 and who are currently living in Israel, we defined four groups: (1). native Israelis of non-Ethiopian extraction (N = 1198, 300), (2). native Israelis of Ethiopian extraction (N = 15600), (3). immigrants of non-Ethiopian extraction (N = 110300) and (4). children born in Ethiopia (N = 11800). A further breakdown of groups 1 and 3 by well-characterized ethnic or geographical origins was not possible. RESULTS: The rate of PDD was significantly elevated in native Israelis as compared to all immigrant children. Among immigrants, the rate of PDD in Ethiopian-born children was lower than that of those born in other countries. The rate of PDD in immigrant Ethiopian children was much lower than in native Israeli children of Ethiopian extraction. CONCLUSIONS: Birth in Israel, an industrialized country, is a marker for an environmental risk factor for PDD. This may indicate that gestation, birth or infancy in industrialized countries exposes children to environmental insults that increase the risk for contracting PDD.

Adolescent↗