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Takuissu GR, Kenmoe S, Ebogo-Belobo JT, Kengne-Ndé C, Mbaga DS, Bowo-Ngandji A, Ondigui Ndzie JL, Kenfack-Momo R, Tchatchouang S, Kenfack-Zanguim J, Lontuo Fogang R, Zeuko'o Menkem E, Kame-Ngasse GI, Magoudjou-Pekam JN, Suffredini E, Veneri C, Mancini P, Bonanno Ferraro G, Iaconelli M, Verani M, Federigi I, Carducci A, La Rosa G. Exploring adenovirus in water environments: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Environ Health Res 2024; 34:2504-2516. [PMID: 37678554 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2023.2255559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
Adenoviruses (AdVs) have a significant impact in both medical and environmental contexts. The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of AdV in different water types, such as untreated and treated wastewater, surface water, groundwater, drinking water, and other water matrices. A total of 239 articles were included in this meta-analysis. Adenoviruses were detected in various waters worldwide. The overall prevalence in water was found to be 59.2%, with the highest prevalence in untreated wastewater (83.1%) and treated wastewater (75.3%), followed by "other water matrices" (53.4%), surface water (49.5%) drinking water (22.7%), and groundwater (18.5%). Most of the studies did not assess the viability of the viruses, leading to weak links between water contamination and risk. Both human and animal AdV were found in water environments. The findings suggest that water, including drinking water, could be a significant route of AdV transmission in both developed and developing economies.
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Affiliation(s)
- G R Takuissu
- Centre for Food, Food Security and Nutrition Research, Institute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plants Studies, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - S Kenmoe
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - J T Ebogo-Belobo
- Medical Research Centre, Institute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plants Studies, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - C Kengne-Ndé
- Epidemiological Surveillance, Evaluation and Research Unit, National AIDS Control Committee, Douala, Cameroon
| | - D S Mbaga
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Yaounde I, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - A Bowo-Ngandji
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Yaounde I, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - J L Ondigui Ndzie
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Yaounde I, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - R Kenfack-Momo
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of Yaounde I, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - S Tchatchouang
- Scientific Direction, Centre Pasteur du Cameroun, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - J Kenfack-Zanguim
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of Yaounde I, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - R Lontuo Fogang
- Department of Animal Biology, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon
| | - E Zeuko'o Menkem
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - G I Kame-Ngasse
- Medical Research Centre, Institute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plants Studies, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | | | - E Suffredini
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary public health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - C Veneri
- National Center for Water Safety (CeNSia), Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - P Mancini
- National Center for Water Safety (CeNSia), Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - G Bonanno Ferraro
- National Center for Water Safety (CeNSia), Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - M Iaconelli
- National Center for Water Safety (CeNSia), Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - M Verani
- Hygiene and Environmental Virology Laboratory, Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - I Federigi
- Hygiene and Environmental Virology Laboratory, Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - A Carducci
- Hygiene and Environmental Virology Laboratory, Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - G La Rosa
- National Center for Water Safety (CeNSia), Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
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2
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Carducci A, Fiore M, Lorini C, Federigi I, Verani M, Ferrante M, Bonaccorsi G. Environmental Health Literacy: an index to study its relations with pro-environmental behaviors. Eur J Public Health 2022. [DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckac130.074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
The citizen’ awareness about environmental health risks has been identified as an important determinant of citizens’ choices for the adoption of pro-environmental behaviors, but for its study simple measures to be applied in population studies are still lacking. The Environmental Health Literacy (EHL), is a recent sub-cathegory of health literacy, including functional, critical and interactive dimensions, that can be applied in surveys on environmental health risk perception and behaviors. The aim of our study was to elaborate and validate an EHL Index (ELHI) using data from a large multicenter survey carried out among 4778 students of different disciplines in 15 Italian Universities, with a self-administered anonymous questionnaire investigating risk perceptions, attitudes and behaviors towards environmental health risks and including a simple Functional Health Literacy test (FHL). From the original questionnaire of 56 items three sets of questions were selected to represent the three dimensions of health literacy (Functional, Critical or Interactive) and their outcomes were compared with the answers about FHL test and pro-environmental behaviors. The Principal Component Analysis was used to select the most representative questions that were then grouped in the EHLI. The index was significantly associated with both FHL test and behaviors questions. The ROC curve indicated a satisfying accuracy and was used to identify the best cut-off for ELHI. In conclusion the constructed ELHI can be considered reliable and useful for further population surveys in similar target people to plan communication interventions about environmental health risks and their prevention through individual choices.
Key messages
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Affiliation(s)
- A Carducci
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa , Pisa, Italy
| | - M Fiore
- Department of Medical, Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies “G., University of Catania , Catania, Italy
| | - C Lorini
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence , Florence, Italy
| | - I Federigi
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa , Pisa, Italy
| | - M Verani
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa , Pisa, Italy
| | - M Ferrante
- Department of Medical, Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies “G., University of Catania , Catania, Italy
| | - G Bonaccorsi
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence , Florence, Italy
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3
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Parolini N, Dede’ L, Antonietti PF, Ardenghi G, Manzoni A, Miglio E, Pugliese A, Verani M, Quarteroni A. SUIHTER: a new mathematical model for COVID-19. Application to the analysis of the second epidemic outbreak in Italy. Proc Math Phys Eng Sci 2021; 477:20210027. [PMID: 35153578 PMCID: PMC8441130 DOI: 10.1098/rspa.2021.0027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 epidemic is the latest in a long list of pandemics that have affected humankind in the last century. In this paper, we propose a novel mathematical epidemiological model named SUIHTER from the names of the seven compartments that it comprises: susceptible uninfected individuals (S), undetected (both asymptomatic and symptomatic) infected (U), isolated infected (I), hospitalized (H), threatened (T), extinct (E) and recovered (R). A suitable parameter calibration that is based on the combined use of the least-squares method and the Markov chain Monte Carlo method is proposed with the aim of reproducing the past history of the epidemic in Italy, which surfaced in late February and is still ongoing to date, and of validating SUIHTER in terms of its predicting capabilities. A distinctive feature of the new model is that it allows a one-to-one calibration strategy between the model compartments and the data that are made available daily by the Italian Civil Protection Department. The new model is then applied to the analysis of the Italian epidemic with emphasis on the second outbreak, which emerged in autumn 2020. In particular, we show that the epidemiological model SUIHTER can be suitably used in a predictive manner to perform scenario analysis at a national level.
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Affiliation(s)
- N. Parolini
- MOX, Department of Mathematics, Politecnico di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - L. Dede’
- MOX, Department of Mathematics, Politecnico di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - P. F. Antonietti
- MOX, Department of Mathematics, Politecnico di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - G. Ardenghi
- MOX, Department of Mathematics, Politecnico di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - A. Manzoni
- MOX, Department of Mathematics, Politecnico di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - E. Miglio
- MOX, Department of Mathematics, Politecnico di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - A. Pugliese
- Department of Mathematics, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - M. Verani
- MOX, Department of Mathematics, Politecnico di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - A. Quarteroni
- MOX, Department of Mathematics, Politecnico di Milano, Milano, Italy
- Institute of Mathematics, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
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4
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Carducci AL, Agodi A, Ancona C, Angelini P, Bagordo F, Barbone F, Birbaum L, Carreri V, Casuccio A, Conti A, Conversano M, De Donno A, De Giglio O, Desiante F, Di Pietro A, Dogliotti E, Donato F, Fara GM, Fiore M, Forastiere F, Giammanco G, Izzotti A, Montagna MT, Oliveri Conti G, Petronio MG, Sciacca S, Signorelli C, Testai E, Verani M, Vinceti M, Vitale F, Ferrante M, Adani G, Berghella L, Calia C, Calzolari R, Canale A, Castiglione D, Conti A, Copat C, Cristaldi A, Cuffari G, Coronel Vargas G, De Vita E, De Nard F, Federigi I, Filippini T, Grasso A, Leonardi N, Letzgus M, Lo Bianco G, Mazzucco W, Nicolosi I, Orlandi P, Paladino G, Pizzo S, Pousis C, Raffo M, Rivolta S, Scarpitta F, Trani G, Triggiano F, Tumbarello A, Vecchio V, Zuccarello P, Vassallo M. Impact of the environment on the health: From theory to practice. Environ Res 2021; 194:110517. [PMID: 33271142 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.110517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The Erice 56 Charter titled "Impact of the environment on the health: from theory to practice" was unanimously approved at the end of the 56th course of the "International School of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine G. D'Alessandro" held from 3rd to November 7, 2019 in Erice - Sicily (Italy) and promoted by the Study Group of "Environment and Health" of the Italian Society of Hygiene, Preventive Medicine and Public Health. The course, that included lectures, open discussions and guided working groups, was aimed to provide a general training on epidemiological and toxicological aspects of the environmental health impact, to be used by public health professionals for risk assessment, without forgetting the risk communications. At the end of the course 12 key points were agreed among teachers and students: they underlined the need of specific training and research, in the perspective of "One Health" and "Global Health", also facing emerging scientific and methodological issues and focusing on communication towards stakeholders. This Discussion highlight the need to improve knowledge of Health and Environment topic in all sectors of health and environmental prevention and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- A L Carducci
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - A Agodi
- Department of Medical Science, Surgical and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Italy
| | - C Ancona
- Department of Epidemiology of the Regional Health Service, Lazio Region, Rome, Italy
| | - P Angelini
- Public Health Service, Emilia-Romagna Region, Italy
| | - F Bagordo
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, Italy
| | - F Barbone
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Italy
| | - L Birbaum
- Office of the Director, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - V Carreri
- Past-President of Italian Society of Hygiene (SItI), Italy
| | - A Casuccio
- Department of Health Promotion, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, "G. D'Alessandro", University of Palermo, Italy
| | - A Conti
- Regional Agency for Environmental Protection of Sicily, Italy
| | - M Conversano
- Department of Public Health, ASL, Taranto, Italy
| | - A De Donno
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, Italy
| | - O De Giglio
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, Section of Hygiene, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Italy
| | - F Desiante
- Department of Prevention, Local Health Authority of Taranto, Taranto, Italy
| | - A Di Pietro
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Italy
| | - E Dogliotti
- Department of Environmental and Health. Istituto Superiore di Sanità. Rome, Italy
| | - F Donato
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, And Public Health, University of Brescia, Italy
| | - G M Fara
- International School of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine «Giuseppe D'Alessandro», Erice, Trapani, Italy
| | - M Fiore
- Department of Medical Science, Surgical and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Italy
| | - F Forastiere
- Department of Epidemiology of the Regional Health Service, Lazio Region, Rome, Italy
| | - G Giammanco
- International School of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine «Giuseppe D'Alessandro», Erice, Trapani, Italy
| | - A Izzotti
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - M T Montagna
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, Section of Hygiene, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Italy
| | - G Oliveri Conti
- Department of Medical Science, Surgical and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Italy
| | - M G Petronio
- Health and Environment-Department of Prevention, Local Health Authority-Empoli, Florence, Italy
| | - S Sciacca
- Department of Medical Science, Surgical and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Italy
| | - C Signorelli
- University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - E Testai
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Environment & Health Dept., Rome, Italy
| | - M Verani
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - M Vinceti
- Section of Public Health, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - F Vitale
- Department of Health Promotion, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, "G. D'Alessandro", University of Palermo, Italy
| | - M Ferrante
- Department of Medical Science, Surgical and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Italy.
| | - G Adani
- Section of Public Health, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - L Berghella
- Section of Public Health, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - C Calia
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, Section of Hygiene, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Italy
| | - R Calzolari
- Regional Agency for Environmental Protection of Sicily, Italy
| | - A Canale
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - D Castiglione
- Department of Medical Science, Surgical and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Italy
| | - A Conti
- Regional Agency for Environmental Protection of Sicily, Italy
| | - C Copat
- Department of Medical Science, Surgical and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Italy
| | - A Cristaldi
- Department of Medical Science, Surgical and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Italy
| | - G Cuffari
- Regional Agency for Environmental Protection of Sicily, Italy
| | - G Coronel Vargas
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - E De Vita
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Italy
| | | | - I Federigi
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - T Filippini
- Section of Public Health, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - A Grasso
- Department of Medical Science, Surgical and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Italy
| | - N Leonardi
- University Center for the Protection and Management of Natural Environments and Agrosystems (CUTGANA), University of Catania, Italy
| | | | | | - W Mazzucco
- Department of Health Promotion, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, "G. D'Alessandro", University of Palermo, Italy
| | - I Nicolosi
- Department of Medical Science, Surgical and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Italy
| | - P Orlandi
- Local Health Authority of Rome, Italy
| | - G Paladino
- Department of Medical Science, Surgical and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Italy
| | - S Pizzo
- Department of Health Promotion, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, "G. D'Alessandro", University of Palermo, Italy
| | - C Pousis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, Section of Hygiene, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Italy
| | - M Raffo
- Local Health Authority of Rome, Italy
| | | | - F Scarpitta
- Department of Health Promotion, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, "G. D'Alessandro", University of Palermo, Italy
| | - G Trani
- Central Health Department of the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region, Trieste, Italy
| | - F Triggiano
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, Section of Hygiene, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Italy
| | | | - V Vecchio
- Department of Medical Science, Surgical and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Italy
| | - P Zuccarello
- Department of Medical Science, Surgical and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Italy
| | - M Vassallo
- Department of Medical Science, Surgical and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Italy
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5
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Calamusa A, Tardelli S, Avvenuti M, Cresci S, Federigi I, Tesconi M, Verani M, Carducci A. Twitter monitoring evidence of Covid-19 infodemic in Italy. Eur J Public Health 2020. [PMCID: PMC7543462 DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckaa165.066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Risk communication is essential for risk management, especially during alarming events, in order to create a balanced risk perception. The tweets follow up can be useful to timely evidence “media storms” or “infodemics” thus suggesting corrective interventions. The spread of Covid-19 has been the occasion to observe the evolution of tweets about this topic, with the aim of evidence peaks of fear Methods On 30th January 2020 we started a large collection of Italian and English tweets containing the following keywords: “coronavirus”, “2019-nCov”, “CoronavirusOutbreak”, “CoronavirusWho”, “WuhanCoronavirus”, “coronaviruschina”, “coronavirusitalia”, “virus cina”, “virus cinese”, “virus mascherine”, “virus paura”, “virus polmonite” and “virus vaccine”. “Covid-19” and “SARS-CoV-2” were added later. For the data collection Twitter Streaming API was used. Results The total number of tweets collected till 26th February was approximately 20M, 2M in Italian and 18M in English. The trend of the volume of tweets gathered shows a first small peak between Jan 30th and Feb 1st, but a second, higher, peak is visible after the 21st February, following the report of the Covid-19 clusters in Italy. Italian tweets account for 6% of the first peak and for 22% of the second. The Italian word “paura” firstly appeared on Feb 5th, with a peak after Feb 21th. Conclusions ”infodemics” or “media storms”, are situations of uncontrolled diffusion of news and opinion, frequently leading to irrational and counterproductive behaviors. The Italian evolution of tweets indicate since the first day of cluster report, a clear escalation of fear, that suggests timely corrective actions to facilitate the disease control. Key messages With the twitter monitoring we demonstrate that since 21th February an infodemic is spreading in Italy. The twitter follow up can be used to timely evidence a public alarm, motivate corrective interventions and. evaluate the efficacy of them.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Calamusa
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - S Tardelli
- Institute of Informatics and Telematics, National research Council, Pisa, Italy
| | - M Avvenuti
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - S Cresci
- Institute of Informatics and Telematics, National research Council, Pisa, Italy
| | - I Federigi
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - M Tesconi
- Institute of Informatics and Telematics, National research Council, Pisa, Italy
| | - M Verani
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - A Carducci
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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6
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Carducci A, Federigi I, Verani M, Liu D, Thompson JR. The potential for coronavirus transmission in waters: what do we know? Eur J Public Health 2020. [PMCID: PMC7543491 DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckaa166.110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Although the main route of transmission of SARS-CoV2 is via droplets and close contact, concerns about the possible secondary transmission via waters is growing given evidence for SARS-CoV2 faecal elimination. Here we review studies on coronavirus in water environments. Methods A review was carried out of papers writen in English on PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science. Papers were identified using the keywords: coronavirus, SARS, MERS, Covid-19 associated with water, surface water, drinking water, wastewater, sewage, slurry, sludge, biosolid. Papers were screened using their title and abstract to confirm their relevance. They were then reviewed to identify: coronavirus type and strain, type of water sample, type of study, detection methods, monitoring data, survival data, effect of disinfection and treatments. Results Since 1978, only 18 papers met the selection criteria. Of these, 11 reported experimental studies, 6 field studies, and one included both field and experimental work. Experimental studies were carried out using samples spiked with SARS-CoV or surrogates: 4 addressed the recovery efficiency of detection methods; 3 reported studies on virus removal from waters by different treatments; 7 were focussed on survival in water samples with results ranging from 2 to > 100 days, depending on virus, type of water, temperature, and detection method. Field studies monitored the presence of coronavirus in waters, sewage, slurry or biosolid. The included in total no more than 200 samples and used different detection methods. Some samples tested positive in 5 studies. Conclusions While knowledge of coronavirus in waters appears very scarce and fragmentary, the recent SARS-CoV2 emergency demands new attention be focussed on its survival in natural conditions and following treatment in order to assess the risk of waterborne and food borne transmission as well as developing monitoring within sewage treatment facilities. Key messages The potential spread of SARS-CoV2 through waters cannot be excluded without better knowledge. Urgent research on this topic is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Carducci
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - I Federigi
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - M Verani
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - D Liu
- Ecological Society of Shandong, Zhijinshi Jie - Jinan, China
| | - J R Thompson
- UCL Department of Geography, University College London, London, UK
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7
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Bonadonna L, Briancesco R, Suffredini E, Coccia A, Della Libera S, Carducci A, Verani M, Federigi I, Iaconelli M, Bonanno Ferraro G, Mancini P, Veneri C, Ferretti E, Lucentini L, Gramaccioni L, La Rosa G. Enteric viruses, somatic coliphages and Vibrio species in marine bathing and non-bathing waters in Italy. Mar Pollut Bull 2019; 149:110570. [PMID: 31542593 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.110570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2019] [Revised: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 09/02/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Microbial safety of recreational waters is a significant public health issue. In this study we assessed the occurrence and quantity of enteric viruses in bathing and non-bathing waters in Italy, in parallel with microbial faecal indicators, somatic coliphages and Vibrio spp. Enteric viruses (aichivirus, norovirus and enterovirus) were detected in 55% of bathing water samples, including samples with bacterial indicator concentrations compliant with the European bathing water Directive. Aichivirus was the most frequent and abundant virus. Adenovirus was detected only in non-bathing waters. Somatic coliphages were identified in 50% bathing water samples, 80% of which showed simultaneous presence of viruses. Vibrio species were ubiquitous, with 9 species identified, including potential pathogens (V. cholerae, V. parahaemoylticus and V. vulnificus). This is the first study showing the occurrence and high concentration of Aichivirus in bathing waters and provides original information, useful in view of a future revision of the European Directive.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Bonadonna
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - R Briancesco
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - E Suffredini
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - A Coccia
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - S Della Libera
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - A Carducci
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - M Verani
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - I Federigi
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - M Iaconelli
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - G Bonanno Ferraro
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - P Mancini
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - C Veneri
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - E Ferretti
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - L Lucentini
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - L Gramaccioni
- Ministry of Health, Directorate General for Prevention, Rome, Italy
| | - G La Rosa
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy.
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Covolo L, Guana M, Bonaccorsi G, Brunelli L, Castaldi S, De Donno A, Mereu A, Verani M, Zaniboni D, Gelatti U. Health and web for women: preliminary results of “SEI Donna” survey. Eur J Public Health 2019. [DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckz185.428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
In 2018, 52% of the European population use the Web to seek health information and 77% consider it a useful tool to improve their knowledge about health. The Italian survey “SEI Donna” aims to investigate knowledge, perceptions and use of the web tools in women regarding health issues.
Methods
We used an online questionnaire to collect data including the type of online research and the degree of trust towards different sources. We also assessed health literacy (HL) and eHealth literacy scale (eHEALS) using validated tests.
Results
Of 7291 women who completed the questionnaire, 96% (n = 7022) seeks health information online. The 33% of women follows social media groups on health. One third of sample (31%) purchased a health product online, particularly cosmetics (75%) and supplements (41%). More than one third of sample thinks that information retrieved by web improve their health (35%) and influence their habits (34%). Half of sample (52%) searched online for a second opinion after medical examination. The reason was the need of a deepening in the 67% of cases. Overall, the HL is functional in 34% of cases, marginal in 56% and low in the rest (10%). Women with low HL trust less health information reported by institutional websites than women with functional HL, respectively 73% vs 86% (p < 0.001) and the eHEALS score of women less trusting is lower than those trusting, 23±7 vs 28±7 (p < 0.001).
One third of women declares not to be able to evaluate the reliability of a website particularly women with low HL (36%) compared to those with functional HL (20%), p < 0.001. Women reporting not to be able to evaluate the reliability of a website have eHEALS score lower than women who indicated an institutional website, respectively 24±7 vs 28±7 (p < 0.001).
Conclusions
The results confirm the large use of the web as a tool to seek health information, have a second opinion and buy health products. A good level of HL and eHEALS seem to make women more skilled in surfing the web.
Key messages
The results confirm the importance to put effort on strategies aiming to improve health literacy and eHealth literacy in the population. In the public health communication perspective, the fact that one third of women thinks that information retrieved by web improve their health and influence their habits, must be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Covolo
- Unit of Hygene, Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - M Guana
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - G Bonaccorsi
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - L Brunelli
- Department of Medica Area, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - S Castaldi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - A De Donno
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science and Technology, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - A Mereu
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - M Verani
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - D Zaniboni
- Degree Course in Health Care, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - U Gelatti
- Unit of Hygene, Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
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Verani M, Carducci A, Donzelli G, Palomba G, Ceretti E, Vannini S, Moretti M, Bagordo F, Pignata C, Biggeri A, Gelatti U. Air pollution and health: study of the biological effects in children by buccal micronucleus assay. Eur J Public Health 2017. [DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckx187.654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- M Verani
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - A Carducci
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - G Donzelli
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - G Palomba
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - E Ceretti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Science and Public Health, University of Brescia, Italy
| | - S Vannini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - M Moretti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - F Bagordo
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science and Technology, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - C Pignata
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - A Biggeri
- Department of Statistic, Computing and Application, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - U Gelatti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Science and Public Health, University of Brescia, Italy
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10
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Ceretti E, Zani C, Feretti D, Vannini S, Verani M, De Donno A, Bonetta S, Montalbano S, Biggeri A, Gelatti U. Primary DNA damage in salivary leukocytes of children exposed to air pollutants. MAPEC_LIFE project. Eur J Public Health 2017. [DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckx189.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - C Zani
- Brescia University, Brescia, Italy
| | | | - S Vannini
- University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | - A Biggeri
- University of Firenze, Firenze, Italy
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11
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Ceretti E, Zani C, Viola GCV, Villarini M, Verani M, Bagordo F, Bonetta S, Levorato S, Carducci A, De Donno A, Bonetta S, Bonizzoni S, Colombi P, Gelatti U. How much Italian children follow the Mediterranean diet? Eur J Public Health 2016. [DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckw174.064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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12
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Casini B, Carducci A, Verani M, Donzelli G, Palomba G, Ceretti E, Zani C, Carraro E, Schiliro T, De Donno A, Grassi T, Villarini M, Bonizzoni S, Zagni L, Gelatti U. Awareness-raising on air quality and health effects in primary school children. Eur J Public Health 2016. [DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckw172.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- B Casini
- Department of Translational Research, N.T.M.S., University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - A Carducci
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - M Verani
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - G Donzelli
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - G Palomba
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - E Ceretti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Science and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - C Zani
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Science and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - E Carraro
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - T Schiliro
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - A De Donno
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science and Technology, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - T Grassi
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science and Technology, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - M Villarini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | | | - L Zagni
- Centro Servizi Multisettoriale e Tecnologico, Brescia, Italy
| | - U Gelatti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Science and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
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13
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Carducci A, Donzelli G, Casini B, Verani M, Palomba G, Mascagni G, Ceretti E, Zani C, Bagordo F, Serio F, Carraro E, Schilirò T, Villarini M, Bonizzoni S, Bonetti A, Gelatti U. Air pollution and health: study of citizen's attitudes and behaviours using multiple sources. Eur J Public Health 2016. [DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckw174.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- A Carducci
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - G Donzelli
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - B Casini
- Department of Translational Research, N.T.M.S., University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - M Verani
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - G Palomba
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - G Mascagni
- Department of Political Sciences, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - E Ceretti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Science and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - C Zani
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Science and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - F Bagordo
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science and Technology, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - F Serio
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science and Technology, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - E Carraro
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - T Schilirò
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - M Villarini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | | | - A Bonetti
- Centro Servizi Multisettoriale e Tecnologico – CSMT Gestione S.c.a.r.l., Brescia, Italy
| | - U Gelatti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Science and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
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Zani C, Ceretti E, Grioni S, Viola GCV, Donato F, Feretti D, Festa A, Bonizzoni S, Bonetti A, Monarca S, Villarini M, Levorato S, Carducci A, Verani M, Casini B, De Donno A, Grassi T, Bagordo F, Carraro E, Bonetta S, Bonetta S, Gelatti U. Are 6-8 year old Italian children moving away from the Mediterranean diet? Ann Ig 2016; 28:339-48. [PMID: 27627665 DOI: 10.7416/ai.2016.2114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Mediterranean diet (MD) is considered one of the healthiest dietary models, as it decreases the risk of chronic diseases and may modulate the organism's early response to environmental pollution. In recent decades, Mediterranean countries have been replacing their traditional diet with other less healthy eating habits, especially among children and teenagers. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate the MD and the level of adherence to it in 6-8 year old Italian children, in relation to residence, lifestyle, and social and family contexts. METHODS A questionnaire was administered to the children's parents in two seasons in 5 Italian towns. The diet section contained 116 questions investigating the frequency of consumption of different types of food. The Italian Mediterranean Index (IMI) was calculated according to the intake of 6 typical Mediterranean and 4 non-Mediterranean foods. On the basis of IMI score, MD adherence was classified as low (≤ 3 IMI score), medium (4-5) and high (≥ 6). Total energy load and diet composition in micro- and macronutrients were calculated from consumption frequency. RESULTS Diet analysis was computed on 1164 subjects with two complete questionnaires. Body mass index, calculated for each subject, showed that 28.9% of the children were overweight, the figure varying slightly with area of residence. Our findings showed that 59.0% of the children had a low score for MD adherence. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study showed that most Italian children did not follow the MD and socio-economic characteristics appeared not to be associated with type of diet.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Zani
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialities, Radiological Science and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - E Ceretti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialities, Radiological Science and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - S Grioni
- Epidemiology and Prevention Unit, IRCCS Foundation, Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - G C V Viola
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialities, Radiological Science and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - F Donato
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialities, Radiological Science and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - D Feretti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialities, Radiological Science and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - A Festa
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialities, Radiological Science and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | | | - A Bonetti
- Centro Servizi Multisettoriale e Tecnologico - CSMT Gestione S.c.a.r.l., Brescia, Italy
| | - S Monarca
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - M Villarini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - S Levorato
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - A Carducci
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - M Verani
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - B Casini
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - A De Donno
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science and Technology, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - T Grassi
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science and Technology, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - F Bagordo
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science and Technology, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - E Carraro
- Department of Public Health and Paediatrics, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Si Bonetta
- Department of Public Health and Paediatrics, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Sa Bonetta
- Department of Public Health and Paediatrics, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - U Gelatti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialities, Radiological Science and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
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15
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De Donno A, Grassi T, Ceretti E, Viola G, Levorato S, Vannini S, Salvatori T, Carducci A, Verani M, Bonetta S, Carraro E, Bonizzoni S, Bonetti A, Bagordo F, Serio F, Idolo A, Gelatti U, Study Group MAPEC. Air pollution biological effects in children living in Lecce (Italy) by Buccal micronucleus cytome assay (the MAPEC_LIFE study). ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.2495/sdp-v11-n4-500-510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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16
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Levorato S, Vannini S, Ceretti E, Salvatori T, Carraro E, Fatigoni C, Verani M, Moretti M, De Donno MA, Monarca S, Bonizzoni S, Bonetti A, Gelatti U. Evaluation of air pollution genotoxic effects in children by the buccal micronucleus cytome assay. Eur J Public Health 2015. [DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckv176.238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Abstract
Bacterial indicator organisms are used globally to assess the microbiological safety of waters. However, waterborne viral outbreaks have occurred in drinking water systems despite negative bacterial results. Using viral markers may therefore provide more accurate health risk assessment data. In this study, fecal, wastewater, stormwater, surface water (fresh and salt), groundwater, and drinking water samples were analyzed for the presence or concentration of traditional indicators, innovative indicators and viral markers. Samples were obtained in the United States, Italy, and Australia and results compared to those reported for studies conducted in Asia and South America as well. Indicators included total coliforms, Escherichia coli, enterococci, male-specific coliphages, somatic coliphages and microviradae. Viral markers included adenovirus, polyomavirus, and a potential new surrogate, Torque teno virus (TTV). TTV was more frequently found in wastewaters (38-100%) and waters influenced by waste discharges (25%) than in surface waters used as drinking water sources (5%). TTV was also specific to human rather than animal feces. While TTV numbers were strongly correlated to other viral markers in wastewaters, suggesting its utility as a fecal contamination marker, data limitations and TTV presence in treated drinking waters demonstrates that additional research is needed on this potential viral indicator.
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Affiliation(s)
- A J Charest
- Department of Civil Engineering, Wentworth Institute of Technology, 550 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - J D Plummer
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, 100 Institute Road, Worcester, MA 01609, USA E-mail:
| | - S C Long
- Department of Soil Science and Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene, 2601 Agricultural Drive, Madison, WI 53718, USA
| | - A Carducci
- Laboratory of Hygiene and Environmental Virology, Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Via S. Zeno 35/39, 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - M Verani
- Laboratory of Hygiene and Environmental Virology, Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Via S. Zeno 35/39, 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - J P S Sidhu
- CSIRO Land and Water, Ecosciences Precinct, 41 Boggo Road, Dutton Park, Queensland 4102, Australia
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Zani C, Donato F, Grioni S, Viola GCV, Ceretti E, Feretti D, Festa A, Bonizzoni S, Bonetti A, Monarca S, Villarini M, Levorato S, Carducci A, Verani M, Casini B, De Donno A, Grassi T, Idolo A, Carraro E, Gilli G, Bonetta S, Gelatti U. Feasibility and reliability of a questionnaire for evaluation of the exposure to indoor and outdoor air pollutants, diet and physical activity in 6-8-year-old children. Ann Ig 2015; 27:646-56. [PMID: 26241109 DOI: 10.7416/ai.2015.2056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The MAPEC-Life project aims to study the biological effects of early exposure to air pollutants on the oral mucosa cells of school-age children in five Italian cities. A questionnaire was created to evaluate the association between outdoor and indoor airborne pollutants, lifestyle, diet and biomarker effects. The feasibility and reliability of the questionnaire were evaluated. METHODS A questionnaire was drawn up to be filled in by the parents of 6-8-year-old children. It consisted of 148 questions on the children's health, physical activity, environmental exposures and the frequency of food consumption at the main meals. First we conducted a questionnaire feasibility study involving 53 volunteer parents. We then performed a reliability study by administering the questionnaire to a further 156 parents and again one month later (test/retest method). The correlations between answers at the first and second administration of the questionnaire were evaluated using the Kappa statistic and Spearman's coefficient. RESULTS After verifying the feasibility of the questionnaire, we conducted a reliability analysis on 132 completed questionnaires. The percentage of agreement between the first and the second responses given was over 70%, all K values being greater than 0.6. The analysis of calories and macronutrients also showed good agreement. CONCLUSIONS The questionnaire drawn up for the study proved to be sufficiently reliable for gathering information about the factors of interest in our study of the relationship between air pollution and early biological effects in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Zani
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialities, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - F Donato
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialities, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - S Grioni
- IRCCS Foundation, National Cancer Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - G C V Viola
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialities, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - E Ceretti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialities, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - D Feretti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialities, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - A Festa
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialities, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | | | - A Bonetti
- Centro Servizi Multisettoriale e Tecnologico-CSMT Gestione S.c.a.r.l., Brescia, Italy
| | - S Monarca
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - M Villarini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - S Levorato
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - A Carducci
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - M Verani
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - B Casini
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - A De Donno
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science and Technology, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - T Grassi
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science and Technology, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - A Idolo
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science and Technology, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - E Carraro
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - G Gilli
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - S Bonetta
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - U Gelatti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialities, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
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Feretti D, Ceretti E, De Donno A, Moretti M, Carducci A, Bonetta S, Marrese MR, Bonetti A, Covolo L, Bagordo F, Villarini M, Verani M, Schilirò T, Limina RM, Grassi T, Monarca S, Casini B, Carraro E, Zani C, Mazzoleni G, Levaggi R, Gelatti U. Monitoring air pollution effects on children for supporting public health policy: the protocol of the prospective cohort MAPEC study. BMJ Open 2014; 4:e006096. [PMID: 25227631 PMCID: PMC4166251 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2014-006096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Genotoxic biomarkers have been studied largely in adult population, but few studies so far have investigated them in children exposed to air pollution. Children are a high-risk group as regards the health effects of air pollution and some studies suggest that early exposure during childhood can play an important role in the development of chronic diseases in adulthood. The objective of the project is to evaluate the associations between the concentration of urban air pollutants and biomarkers of early biological effect in children, and to propose a model for estimating the global risk of early biological effects due to air pollutants and other factors in children. METHODS AND ANALYSIS Two biomarkers of early biological effects, DNA damage by the comet assay and the micronuclei (MN) test, will be investigated in oral mucosa cells of 6-8-year-old children. Concurrently, some toxic airborne pollutants (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) and nitro-PAH) and in vitro air mutagenicity and toxicity in ultra-fine air particulates (PM0.5) will be evaluated. Furthermore, demographic and socioeconomic variables, other sources of exposures to air pollutants and lifestyle variables will be assessed by a structured questionnaire. The associations between sociodemographic, environmental and other exposure variables and biomarkers of early biological effect using univariate and multivariate models will be analysed. A tentative model for calculating the global absolute risk of having early biological effects caused by air pollution and other variables will be proposed. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The project has been approved by the Ethics Committees of the local Health Authorities. The results will be communicated to local Public Health Agencies, for supporting educational programmes and health policy strategies. LIFE+2012 Environment Policy and Governance. LIFE12 ENV/IT/000614.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Feretti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Science and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - E Ceretti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Science and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - A De Donno
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science and Technology, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - M Moretti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - A Carducci
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - S Bonetta
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | | | - A Bonetti
- Centro Servizi Multisettoriale e Tecnologico—CSMT Gestione S.c.a.r.l., Brescia, Italy
| | - L Covolo
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Science and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - F Bagordo
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science and Technology, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - M Villarini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - M Verani
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - T Schilirò
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - R M Limina
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Science and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - T Grassi
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science and Technology, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - S Monarca
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - B Casini
- Department of Translational Research, N.T.M.S., University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - E Carraro
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - C Zani
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Science and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - G Mazzoleni
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - R Levaggi
- Department of Economics, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - U Gelatti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Science and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
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20
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Casini B, Verani M, Tascini C, Privitera G, Carducci A. Airborne antibiotic resistant bacteria in a solid waste recycling plant: a crucial area for public health actions. Eur J Public Health 2013. [DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckt126.201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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Carducci A, Verani M. Effects of bacterial, chemical, physical and meteorological variables on virus removal by a wastewater treatment plant. Food Environ Virol 2013; 5:69-76. [PMID: 23412727 DOI: 10.1007/s12560-013-9105-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2012] [Accepted: 01/31/2013] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of wastewater treatment is to minimize chemical and microbial contamination of recipient waters. The present study evaluated the impacts of meteorological variables, such as temperature and rainfall, on the removal of human viruses and indicators by a wastewater treatment plant servicing Pisa, Italy. Data were obtained during four sampling campaigns from 2007 to 2010. Wastewater sewage samples were analyzed for human adenovirus (HAdV) and norovirus using quantitative molecular techniques. In parallel, Escherichia coli, enterococci and somatic coliphages were measured, and meteorological and chemical data were recorded. We detected a continuous presence of HAdV in both influent and effluent samples with an average removal rate of 2.01 log10 Genomic Copies/l. An association between meteorological parameters and viral removal rates was detected only for rainfall and HAdV removal during a specific sampling campaign. No correlation was found between viral data and microbial, chemical and physical ones. Viral removal rates were not strongly influenced by meteorological conditions and were unrelated to other process indicators routinely monitored. Our results suggest that HAdV is a suitable parameter to assess the viral removal efficiency of wastewater treatment plants, particularly in the case of heavy rainfall.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Carducci
- Laboratory of Hygiene and Environmental Virology, Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Via S. Zeno 35/39, 56127, Pisa, Italy.
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Bertrand I, Schijven JF, Sánchez G, Wyn-Jones P, Ottoson J, Morin T, Muscillo M, Verani M, Nasser A, de Roda Husman AM, Myrmel M, Sellwood J, Cook N, Gantzer C. The impact of temperature on the inactivation of enteric viruses in food and water: a review. J Appl Microbiol 2012; 112:1059-74. [PMID: 22380614 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2672.2012.05267.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 155] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Temperature is considered as the major factor determining virus inactivation in the environment. Food industries, therefore, widely apply temperature as virus inactivating parameter. This review encompasses an overview of viral inactivation and virus genome degradation data from published literature as well as a statistical analysis and the development of empirical formulae to predict virus inactivation. A total of 658 data (time to obtain a first log(10) reduction) were collected from 76 published studies with 563 data on virus infectivity and 95 data on genome degradation. Linear model fitting was applied to analyse the effects of temperature, virus species, detection method (cell culture or molecular methods), matrix (simple or complex) and temperature category (<50 and ≥50°C). As expected, virus inactivation was found to be faster at temperatures ≥50°C than at temperatures <50°C, but there was also a significant temperature-matrix effect. Virus inactivation appeared to occur faster in complex than in simple matrices. In general, bacteriophages PRD1 and PhiX174 appeared to be highly persistent whatever the matrix or the temperature, which makes them useful indicators for virus inactivation studies. The virus genome was shown to be more resistant than infectious virus. Simple empirical formulas were developed that can be used to predict virus inactivation and genome degradation for untested temperatures, time points or even virus strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Bertrand
- Laboratoire de Chimie Physique et Microbiologie pour l'Environnement (LCPME), Université de Lorraine, CNRS, Nancy, France
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Carducci A, Verani M, Lombardi R, Casini B, Privitera G. Environmental survey to assess viral contamination of air and surfaces in hospital settings. J Hosp Infect 2011; 77:242-7. [PMID: 21277649 PMCID: PMC7124363 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2010.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2010] [Accepted: 10/29/2010] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
The presence of pathogenic viruses in healthcare settings represents a serious risk for both staff and patients. Direct viral detection in the environment poses significant technical problems and the indirect indicators currently in use suffer from serious limitations. The aim of this study was to monitor surfaces and air in hospital settings to reveal the presence of hepatitis C virus, human adenovirus, norovirus, human rotavirus and torque teno virus by nucleic acid assays, in parallel with measurements of total bacterial count and haemoglobin presence. In total, 114 surface and 62 air samples were collected. Bacterial contamination was very low (<1 cfu/cm2) on surfaces, whereas the ‘medium’ detected value in air was 282 cfu/m3. Overall, 19 (16.7%) surface samples tested positive for viral nucleic acids: one for norovirus, one for human adenovirus and 17 (14.9%) for torque teno virus (TTV). Only this latter virus was directly detected in 10 air samples (16.1%). Haemoglobin was found on two surfaces. No relationship was found between viral, biochemical or bacterial indicators. The data obtained confirm the difficulty of assessing viral contamination using bacterial indicators. The frequent detection of TTV suggests its possible use as an indicator for general viral contamination of the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Carducci
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Italy.
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Serracca L, Verani M, Battistini R, Rossini I, Carducci A, Ercolini C. Evaluation of Adenovirus andE. colias indicators for human enteric viruses presence in mussels produced in La Spezia Gulf (Italy). Lett Appl Microbiol 2010; 50:462-7. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1472-765x.2010.02820.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Vasickova P, Pavlik I, Verani M, Carducci A. Issues Concerning Survival of Viruses on Surfaces. Food Environ Virol 2010; 2:24-34. [PMCID: PMC7091010 DOI: 10.1007/s12560-010-9025-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2009] [Accepted: 01/17/2010] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Viruses are the causative agents of an estimated 60% of human infections worldwide. The most common viral illnesses are produced by enteric and respiratory viruses. Transmission of these viruses from an infected person or animal to a new host can occur via several routes. Existing studies strongly suggest that contaminated fomites or surfaces play an important role in the spreading of viral diseases. The potential of viral spreading via contaminated surfaces depends particularly on the ability of the virus to maintain infectivity whilst it is in the environment. This is affected by a combination of biological, physical and chemical factors. This review summarises current knowledge about the influence of environmental factors on the survival and spread of viruses via contaminated surfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- P. Vasickova
- Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 70, 621 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - I. Pavlik
- Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 70, 621 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - M. Verani
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Via S. Zeno, 35-56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - A. Carducci
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Via S. Zeno, 35-56127 Pisa, Italy
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Carducci A, Morici P, Pizzi F, Battistini R, Rovini E, Verani M. Study of the viral removal efficiency in a urban wastewater treatment plant. Water Sci Technol 2008; 58:893-7. [PMID: 18776627 DOI: 10.2166/wst.2008.437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Municipal and agricultural wastewater contain a variety of microorganisms and in particular enteric viruses. For the reuse of this treated wastewater it is important to ensure the efficiency of purification treatments and disinfection practices, that have often been insufficient to lower the viral load below the risk level. For this reason, for the routine analysis of recycled waters, the research into pathogenic viruses (e.g. HAV) and classical bacterial parameters (E. coli, enterococci and Salmonella) has to be associated with specific viral indicators such as somatic coliphages, adenovirus and TTV. The results of environmental monitoring, carried out in a wastewater treatment plant, showed the presence of adenovirus DNA in 100% of collected samples and TTV DNA in 95% (19/20) of raw sewage and in 85% (17/20) of the exit samples, while HAV was detected only in 2 samples over 40 (5%). The quantitative analysis has revealed an average reduction of 2 log for adenovirus and 1.58 log for TTV. The bacterial indicators were reduced by 1.74 log and 1.99 log respectively for E. coli and enterococci, while for somatic coliphages an average reduction of 2.2 log was observed. No significant correlation was shown between these parameters, confirming their inadequacy for the virological risk assessment. However the results of adenovirus confirm it as the best indicator to evaluate the efficacy of wastewater depuration plant in eliminating viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Carducci
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
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Carducci A, Verani M, Battistini R, Pizzi F, Rovini E, Andreoli E, Casini B. Epidemiological surveillance of human enteric viruses by monitoring of different environmental matrices. Water Sci Technol 2006; 54:239-44. [PMID: 17037159 DOI: 10.2166/wst.2006.475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
In the aim of studying possible relations between viruses detected in clinical specimens and the ones found in different environmental matrices, in the period May 2004 to April 2005, the collection of faecal samples from gastroenteritis cases and the monthly monitoring of raw and treated wastewater, river water, seawater and mussels were carried out. The viruses considered for environmental monitoring were adenovirus, rotavirus, enterovirus, norovirus, hepatitis A virus (HAV) and Torque teno virus (TTV): they were searched for with PCR and RT-PCR and confirmed by gene sequencing. Faecal coliforms and somatic coliphages' counts were also determined. The surveillance of case detected 45 positive faecal samples out of 255 (17.6%) while 35 of 56 environmental samples (62.5%) resulted positive for at least one of the considered viruses. The detection of the same viral strain in the faeces of gastroenteritis cases and in water was possible for adenovirus and rotavirus, which were also predominant in environmental matrices; thus they could be considered as a reference for risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Carducci
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Medical Biotechnologies, Infectology and Epidemiology, University of Pisa, via S Zeno 35, 56127 Pisa, Italy
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Verani M, Casini B, Battistini R, Pizzi F, Rovini E, Carducci A. One-year monthly monitoring of Torque teno virus (TTV) in river water in Italy. Water Sci Technol 2006; 54:191-5. [PMID: 17037152 DOI: 10.2166/wst.2006.468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Torque teno virus (TTV) is prevalent worldwide in general populations but at present is not related with any specific pathology. Its presence in faeces and its remarkable environmental stability suggest the possibility of using it as an indicator of faecal contamination in the environment. To evaluate the waterborne spread of TTV and its possible relationship with human pathogen enteric viruses, water samples were collected monthly for a year (May 2004-April 2005) from a river receiving the effluent of the treatment plant of the city of Pisa, concentrated and assayed with bimolecular tests (PCR, RT-PCR). TTV was detected in three samples (25%) while 16% of samples were positive for enteroviruses, 33% for rotaviruses, 8% for noroviruses genotype 1 and 25% for noroviruses genotype 2. Only two TTV samples (June and January) were also positive for rotavirus and norovirus, respectively. The detection of TTV in water confirmed its possible faecal-oral route of transmission but data are still insufficient to draw conclusions about the role of TTV as a viral indicator.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Verani
- Dept of Experimental Pathology, Medical Biotecnologies, Infectivology and Epidemiology, University of Pisa, via S Zeno 35, 56127 Pisa, Italy
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Carducci A, Calamusa A, Manfredi P, Williams J, Romano F, Giuntini A, Marcantonio S, Bandinelli RB, Piz R, Tarini F, Verani M, Privitera G. [Research on Pisa University student's life style and health]. Ann Ig 2004; 16:673-84. [PMID: 15552733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/01/2023]
Abstract
Surveys on life and health conditions of university students besides providing useful epidemiologic data partly related to the young population. They are potentially useful for the intervention planning aimed to remove possible environmental or behavioural risk factors. Following these purpose a survey sample about 1200 student attending the University of Pisa was carried out through an anonymous questionnaire about 41 questions focused on behaviours and lifestyles of young people, possible health problems, self-perception of the health state, the use of public health services, and the more commonly used (or preferred) sources of information on health topics. The results suggest that although the self perception of the state of health is broadly positive for the majority of students, there is also a significant frequency of individuals declaring significant at risk behaviours (persistence of sexual practices at risk, drug use, alcohol and smoke abuse). The consumption, also sporadic, of psicoattive substances has been declared gives beyond 40% of the students, in particular 37% asserts to have tried drugs. The habit to smoke appeared diffused much between the students; the percentage of smokers turns out equal to 41% in total (40% females, 42% males). 76% of the interviewed ones has declared to be sexually active, the percentage of those who have declared multiple relations or occasional is elevated (12%), and 47% of the students asserts to use the condom with fixed partner and 77% with occasional partner. Moreover there seems to be a significant association between the changes in the diet and other lifestyles that are due to the "university lifestyle" (as a consequence of leaving the family or increased commuting) and the insurgence of several types of sickness, e.g. gastroenteric disturbances and fever attacks. Finally, the present investigation suggests that few interventions on services offered to students (such as accommodation, teaching structures and especially the creation of a "health office" where students can acquire information on health and other topics related to their condition) could have a significantly beneficial impact on the general state of health of the university population.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Carducci
- Osservatorio della Comunicazione Sanitaria, Dipartimento di Patologia Sperimentale, Biotecnologie Mediche, Infettivologia ed Epidemiologia, Università di Pisa.
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Carducci A, Lucchesi N, Casini B, Mazzoni F, Liaci D, Verani M. Virological analysis of shellfish for food safety and control. Water Sci Technol 2004; 50:137-139. [PMID: 15318499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The present study was performed in order to obtain reliable and applicable techniques of viral detection in shellfish for use in ensuring food safety. This research was developed in two steps: (a) different techniques to recover viruses from artificially contaminated shellfish were tested and (b) the best technique was applied to analyse shellfish collected from sites along the coast of Salento.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Carducci
- Dept of Experimental Pathology, BMIE, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
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Casini B, Stefani L, Giuntini A, Verani M, Sigari G, Carducci A. Identification of cytopathogenic isolates from environmental matrices: application of analytical protocols. Water Sci Technol 2004; 50:219-222. [PMID: 15318512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
This work was aimed at studying cytopathogenic agents isolated from the environment by adopting, in parallel, various techniques currently used in clinical virology. The purpose of this research was not only to identify the viral species isolated but also to verify the most reliable protocols for environmental applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Casini
- Dept of Experimental Pathology, BMIE, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
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Carducci A, Casini B, Bani A, Rovini E, Verani M, Mazzoni F, Giuntini A. Virological control of groundwater quality using biomolecular tests. Water Sci Technol 2003; 47:261-266. [PMID: 12639039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Deep groundwater, even if generally protected, could be contaminated by surface or rain water infiltration through soil fractures, septic tanks, cesspits, land irrigation, disposal of wastewater and disposal of muds from depuration systems. The sanitary importance of such possible contamination is related to the different uses of the water and it is at the maximum level when it is intended for human use. Routine microbiological analyses do not consider viruses, only bacterial parameters, as contamination indicators. However, it is known that enteric viruses can survive a long time in deep aquifers and that they may not always be associated with bacterial indicators. The virological analysis of waters intended for drinking use is provided only as an occasional control exercised at the discretion of the sanitary authority. Technological difficulties with obtaining data about groundwater viral contamination led to a study to devise rapid and efficient methods for their detection and the application of these methods to samples from different sources. Four acid nucleic extraction techniques have been tested (classic proteinase K- phenol/chloroform, QIAamp Viral RNA Kit (Qiagen), SV Total RNA Isolation System (Promega) and NucleoSpin Virus L (Macherey-Nagel). Sensitivity and specificity of RT-PCR protocols for entero- (EV), hepatitis A (HAV) and small round structured (SRSV) viruses have been verified. Deep groundwater samples (100 L) were concentrated (2-step tangential flow ultrafiltration) and the concentrate contaminated with serial 10-fold dilutions of a known titre of poliovirus type 3. Extracted RNA was concentrated (microcon-100) and analysed by RT-PCR using specific EV primers and visualising amplification products by agarose gel electrophoresis. In addition, two different methods of RT-PCR for non-cultivable viruses have been tested: (a) RT-PCR and nested RT-PCR for HAV and (b) RT-PCR with generic primers and RT-PCR with specific primers for SRSV. Different specificity tests have been carried out in the presence of some of the commoner microorganisms. The most efficient, sensitive and specific protocols were used to test 35 x 100L deep groundwater samples. Sample concentrates were split with one part treated with chloroform and analysed by cell culture (BGM and Frp/3, derived from FrHK/4, cells) and the other tested by RT-PCR for HAV, EV and SRSV. Results demonstrated the high efficiency of the classic and QIAamp methods. Microcon-100 did not increase the sensitivity of the technique used. The highest sensitivity was observed for RT-PCR with specific primers for SRSV and for nested RT-PCR for HAV. One sample showed a cytopathic effect, not confirmed at the third subculture, while the RT-PCR allowed the detection of echovirus 7. Cell culture did not allow detection of the majority of the enteric viruses while PCR gave sensitive, specific and rapid detection of a range of agents in the same samples. Even if it was impossible to fix a virological quality standard, it would be necessary to find a viral indicator in order to achieve a complete preventive check which would be particularly useful in some cases (e.g. water never used before, after pollution accidents, for seasonal checking).
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Affiliation(s)
- A Carducci
- Dept of Experimental Pathology BMIE, University of Pisa, Via S Zeno 35, 56127 Pisa, Italy.
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Carducci A, Verani M, Casini B, Giuntini A, Mazzoni F, Rovini E, Passaglia A, Giusti L, Valenza A, Lombardi R. Detection and potential indicators of the presence of hepatitis C virus on surfaces in hospital settings. Lett Appl Microbiol 2002; 34:189-93. [PMID: 11874540 DOI: 10.1046/j.1472-765x.2002.01066.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
AIMS The risk of hepatitis C virus infection in hospital environments can be assessed not only by studying epidemiological data and work practices, but also by the detection of these viruses (or indicators thereof) in health-care settings, on instruments etc. METHODS Since standardized techniques specific to this end do not exist, this study was undertaken to apply methods currently used on clinical samples to the assessment of environmental HCV risk, either through direct detection of the virus (RT-PCR), or by probing for haemoglobin as a potential indicator of blood contamination. The tested techniques were applied in a trial environmental monitoring programme undertaken in various hospital laboratories and clinics, during which total bacterial count determinations were performed in parallel with haemoglobin and hepatitis C virus detection. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY The data indicate that the applied methods are of value in detecting low levels of contamination in a hospital environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annalaura Carducci
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Medical Biotechnologies, Infectious Diseases and Epidemiology, University of Pisa, Italy.
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Carducci A, Cantiani L, Moscatelli R, Casini B, Rovini E, Mazzoni F, Giuntini A, Verani M. Interference between enterovirus and reovirus as a limiting factor in environmental virus detection. Lett Appl Microbiol 2002; 34:110-3. [PMID: 11849505 DOI: 10.1046/j.1472-765x.2002.01056.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Faecal material from raw sewage or other sources lacking effective treatment sometimes contaminates water for human consumption. The relevant Italian regulations therefore call for testing drinking and recreational water for the presence of enterovirus. METHODS AND RESULTS Traditional methods of analysis are based on revealing the typical cytopathic effects of enterovirus on cell cultures. However, the presence in environmental samples of different types of virus may cause interference phenomena that mask such cytopathic effects. The paper reports on an experimental test of this interference hypothesis. Buffalo Green Monkey cell cultures were co-infected via mixed suspensions of the polio type 3 virus and reovirus type 1. Cytopathic effects were then sought and the presence of enterovirus tested for via RT-PCR. CONCLUSIONS, SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY The results obtained indicate that the normally high sensitivity of tests for the detection of enterovirus in samples is considerably decreased by the simultaneous presence of reovirus.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Carducci
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Medical Biotechnologies, Infectious Diseases and Epidemiology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
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Verani M. Myocardial Perfusion Imaging During Coronary Vasodilation With CGS-21680, a Selective Adenosine A2 Receptor Agonist. J Am Coll Cardiol 1998. [DOI: 10.1016/s0735-1097(97)84467-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Berman D, Iskandrian A, Verani M, Johnston D, Parry J, Quinn J, Dixon M, Orlandi C. Effect of body mass index on side effects during adenosine stress testing. J Am Coll Cardiol 1998. [DOI: 10.1016/s0735-1097(98)81369-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Fuller CM, Raizner AE, Chahine RA, Nahormek P, Ishimori T, Verani M, Nitishin A, Mokotoff D, Luchi RJ. Exercise-induced coronary arterial spasm: angiographic demonstration, documentation of ischemia by myocardial scintigraphy and results of pharmacologic intervention. Am J Cardiol 1980; 46:500-6. [PMID: 7415995 DOI: 10.1016/0002-9149(80)90021-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Exercise-induced coronary arterial spasm is an infrequently recognized phemonemon whose mechanism and management are not well established. In two patients with reproducible exercise-induced S-T segment elevation and angina pectoris thallium-201 scintigraphy showed areas of reversible anteroapical hypoperfusion, and gated radionuclide ventriculography revealed anteroapical hypokinesia with a decrease in left ventricular ejection fraction at peak exercise. During coronary arteriography supine exercise provoked occlusive spasm of the left anterior descending coronary artery, which at rest had only minimal plaques. Consequently, treadmill testing was performed with five different pharmacologically provoked interventions: direct vasodilatation (nitrates), alpha adrenergic blockade (phenmoxybenzamine), beta adrenergic blockade (propranolol), calcium flux blockade (verapamil), and prostaglandin inhibition (indomethacin). Exercise-induced coronary arterial spasm, manifested as S-T segment elevation and angina, was prevented by nitrates, but was not eliminated by short-term oral administration of an alpha or beta blocking agent, a calcium antagonist or a prostaglandin inhibitor. Further, beta adrenergic blockade appeared to be detrimental. Thus, this study demonstrates (1) that coronary arterial spasm may be the underlying mechanism of at least some cases of exertional angina associated with transient perfusion deficits and left ventricular dysfunction, and (2) that it may be prevented by oral nitrates.
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Moskowitz M, Verani M. Mönckeberg's arteriosclerosis revisited: or silver vessels among the old. J Can Assoc Radiol 1976; 27:200-2. [PMID: 977640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
This study showed that Mönckeberg's arteriosclerosis was found in 23 patients over the age of 60. Diabetes or probable diabetes mellitus was found in 22 out of 23 of these patients. It is concluded that roentgenographic demonstration of MAS in this age group is highly specific for diabetes mellitus. Further, a pilot study suggests that if MAS is present, without demonstrable plain film evidence of coexistent IAS, the chances of the patient having elevated cholesterol seems to be approximately one quarter that of the general population over 60. His chances of an elevated triglyceride appear to be about half that of the same population group.
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