0000000001225102
AUTHOR
Nino Romano
Influenza dei percorsi formativi sulle conoscenze di infezioni da HIV, HBV e HCV nella pratica odontoiatrica
The knowledge and preventive practices toward the risk of infection with HIV, HBV and HCV were evaluated in a sample of 254 dentists and odontostomatologies in Palermo, by answering to an anonymous questionnaire sent by mail. Overall, most of the participants showed a good knowledge of the transmission pattern of blood-borne viruses as well as good practice for personal hygiene (washing of hands, routine use of gloves, etc.). However 80.8% answered to recap needles after use and more than 40% have had at least one needle injury during the last year in their occupational setting. Moreover, nearly 24% of the interviewed declared to have not made vaccination against Hepatitis B virus infection…
Health Tecnology Assessment: bisogni formativi teorici e pratici nelle Scuole di Specializzazione in Igiene e Medicina Preventiva
Objective: The aim of our study was to perform a survey of Italian graduate students (medical doctors) attending Public Health Schools, in order to assess the importance and training needs concerning Health Technology Assessment (HTA) during their public health postgraduate education. Methods: In July 2010, we sent by e-mail a questionnaire to all graduate medical students attending Public Health Schools from four Italian Regions (representing Northern, Center and Southern Italy). The questionnaire included two sections: 1) knowledge on HTA; 2) assessment of the importance of HTA training during academic public health education. Main results: Eighty-two Public Health graduate students from …
Rapporto di mortalità per causa nella provincia di palermo (2002-2004)
Evaluation of customer satisfaction with the hospital catering system in the city of Palermo (Italy) [Valutazione della Customer Satisfaction nella “Ristorazione Ospedaliera” della città di Palermo]
Obiettivi: lo scopo dello studio è stato quello di rilevare la ”customer satisfaction” nella ristorazione ospedaliera di pazienti ricoverati in due strutture pubbliche (Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico e Presidio Ospedaliero Asl 6) ed in un Presidio Ospedaliero privato di Palermo, valutandone le differenze anche in relazione alla diversa tipologia di preparazione dei pasti, con “cucina centralizzata”, nel pubblico, ed “in loco”, nel privato. Metodi: l’indagine è stata realizzata con questionario a risposta multipla mediante intervista diretta, somministrato a 207 pazienti, su 227 presenti, che hanno collaborato all’inchiesta. Risultati: Giudizi favorevoli sono stati espressi so…
Comparison of laboratory inverse methods for determining the hydraulic properties of unsaturated soils
Effetti delle campagne di vaccinazione attiva contro l'influenza tra il personale dell'Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico
Prevalence of Toscana and Sicilian Phlebovirus Antibodies in Classic Kaposi Sarcoma Case Patients and Control Subjects in Sicily
To assess whether arthropod bites promote Kaposi sarcoma (KS), we determined the seroprevalence of Sicilian (SFSV) and Toscana (TOSV) phlebovirus antibodies in 30 patients with classic KS and 100 controls in Sicily. Nine (6.9%) subjects, all controls, were positive for SFSV, whereas 41 (31.5%) were positive for TOSV. Seroprevalence with immunoglobulin (Ig) M or IgG against either virus was significantly higher in controls (43% vs 13.3% in case patients; P < .01). Adjusted for age, IgG seroprevalence was significantly lower in KS patients compared to controls (adjusted odds ratio, 0.22; 95% confidence interval, .07–.72). Low phlebovirus seroprevalence in patients with KS may reflect incapaci…
INDICATORI DI RISCHIO CARDIOVASCOLARE E METABOLICO IN POPOLAZIONE GENERALE ADULTA SICILIANA
BODY MASS INDEX (BMI), SOVRAPPESO ED OBESITA' IN UN CAMPIONE RAPPRESENTATIVO DELLA POPOLAZIONE RESIDENTE IN UNA CITTADINA DELLA SICILIA OCCIDENTALE
Hygienic-sanitary quality of ready-to-eat salad vegetables on sale in the city of Palermo (Sicily).
INDAGINE SU prevalenza, Attitudini E CONOSCENZE Al riguardo Tabagismo TRA GLI STUDENTI DI MEDICINA: UNO STUDIO multicentrico IN ITALIA.
CARATTERISTICHE EPIDEMIOLOGICHE DELLA VITA RIPRODUTTIVA E DEPRIVAZIONE SOCIO-ECONOMICA IN UN CAMPIONE DELLA POPOLAZIONE FEMMINILE ADULTA RESIDENTE IN UNA CITTADINA SICILIANA
PARAMETRI STRUTTURALI DI SITI SPORTIVI INDOOR E RISCHIO RADON. RISULTATI PRELIMINARI DI UN'INDAGINE NELLE PALESTRE A PALERMO.
Influenza vaccination among healthcare workers and absenteeism from work due to influenza-like illness in a teaching hospital in Palermo
<p><strong>Background</strong>: Annual flu vaccination of healthcare workers (HCWs) is recommended worldwide as the best way to prevent influenza and to avoid its transmission. However, in several European Countries, vaccination rate among HCWs is still less than 25%. The aim of this study was to determine the HCW vaccination coverage during a three year period in a large University Hospital, identifying socio demographic and occupational variables involved in the decision to accept influenza vaccination. Moreover, for the 2007-2008 season, we also assessed the effectiveness of influenza vaccination in reducing influenza-related absenteeism.</p><p><strong>…
Prevalenza,conoscenze e attitudini riguardo al tabagismo tra gli studenti di medicina: risultati di uno studio multicentrico in Europa.
Consumo di fumo di tabacco e sostanze stupefacenti in un campione di studenti del primo anno della facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia di Palermo
Uso di nested-PCR per la diagnosi di pneumocistosi in campioni di gargarizzato
Epidemiology of malignant melanoma in the province of Palermo (2003-2005)
<p><strong>Background</strong>: The incidence of melanoma has steadily increased worldwide and shows geographical variability according to latitude. The aim of this study was to describe the incidence of cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM) cases in the Province of Palermo during the period 2003-2005.</p><p><strong>Methods</strong>: 231 incident cases of CMM, registered by the Cancer Registry of Palermo, were analysed. Anatomic localization, histological type, thickness, ulceration, margins, any lymph node involvement and metastases were evaluated. A statistical analysis of survival rates was performed.</p><p><strong>Results</stro…
Educational Changes in Preventing Infective Risk Due to Occupational Blood-Borne Exposure.
Delayed-type hypersensitivity in classic Kaposi sarcoma patients and controls
Background: Immune perturbation likely affects the development of Kaposi sarcoma (KS) among people infected with the KS-associated herpesvirus (KSHV). We tested whether KSHV-seropositive individuals or cases of classic KS (cKS), which typically originates in the leg, had differing delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) in the forearm or leg. Methods: Mantoux DTH with three antigens (Candida, tetanus, PPD) was performed on the forearm and leg of 15 cKS cases, 14 KSHV-positives without KS, and 15 KSHV-negative controls. The diameters of induration responses were compared by group and body site. Results: Leg DTH was greater than forearm DTH among controls (mean difference 5.6 mm, P=0.0004), where…
Vaccination against the 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1) among healthcare workers in the major teaching hospital of Sicily (Italy)
The aim of the study was to investigate factors involved in vaccination acceptance among healthcare workers (HCWs) and adverse reactions rates associated with pandemic influenza vaccination. The study was carried out in the major teaching hospital of Sicily from November 2009 to February 2010 on 2267 HCWs. A total of 407 (18%) HCWs were vaccinated against the 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1). A logistic regression analysis indicates an increased risk of non-vaccination against pandemic influenza in females (OR = 1.6; 95% CI = 1.3-2.1) compared to males, in nurses/technicians/administrative workers (OR = 1.7; 95% CI = 1.3-2.2) compared to doctors/biologists, and in HCWs who were non-vaccinat…
Ricerca di mutazioni primarie agli inibitori della fusione in soggetti con infezione da virus dell’immunodeficienza umana (HIV-1)
Immunization status of internationally adopted children in Italy
An increasing number of internationally adopted children is coming to Italy, and their immunization status is unknown. We evaluated the immunization status of such children in Palermo, Italy. We searched for the presence of a BCG scar in 88 children, 49 boys and 39 girls (mean age 76+/-32 months), most of whom (98%) came from Eastern Europe. Presence of BCG scar was observed in 59 (67.1%) of them, included five children without any pre-adoptive medical records. Twenty-three out of 29 children without any evidence of BCG scar were tested by Mantoux. Seven (30.4%) of 23 were tuberculin positive and diagnosed as having latent tuberculosis infection. We also examined immunization status against…
Immunoglobulin M seropositivity for Toscana virus in a random population sample in Sicily.
Summary Objectives High Toscana virus (TOSV) antibody seropositivity rates have been documented in the last decade, especially in the Mediterranean area. It is unclear if these rates are associated with a recent or past exposure to the virus. This is of importance, as primary infection can cause neurologic complications, especially in adults. The aim of the present study was to assess the current active TOSV circulation in western Sicily. Methods A cross-sectional seroprevalence study was conducted on 271 individuals aged 4–92 years, sampled from the general population of a small city. Each participant completed a self-administered questionnaire and provided serum, which was analyzed for th…
PARAMETRI STRUTTURALI DI SITI SPORTIVI INDOOR E RISCHIO RADON. RISULTATI PRELIMIARI DI UN'INDAGINE NELLE PALESTRE A PALERMO.
Risk factors for classical Kaposi's sarcoma.
Background: Classical Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is a malignancy of lymphatic endothelial skin cells. Although all forms of KS are associated with the KS-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), classical KS occurs in a small fraction of KSHV-infected people. We sought to identify risk factors for classical KS in KSHV-infected individuals. Methods: Lifestyle and medical history data from case patients with biopsyproven non-AIDS (non-acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) KS in Italy were compared by logistic regression analysis with data from population-based KSHV-seropositive control subjects of comparable age and sex. After KSHV immunofluorescence testing, randomly selected patients on the rosters of local…
EFFETTI DELLE CAMPAGNE DI VACCINAZIONE ATTIVA CONTRO L'INFLUENZA TRA IL PERSONALE DELL'AZIENDA OSPEDALIERA UNIVERSITARIA POLICLINICO DI PALERMO (AOUP)
Free and antibody-complexed antigen and antibody profile in apparently healthy HIV seropositive individuals and in AIDS patients.
The pattern of free and antibody-complexed HIV antigen and the antibody profile were investigated retrospectively in 305 serum samples taken from 22 AIDS patients before and during the development of AIDS and from 40 apparently healthy seropositive individuals. Most AIDS patients were found positive for both free and complexed antigen and had high gp41 antibody titres but low or undetectable p24 antibody. Four different patterns of HIV antigenaemia were observed: 1) positive for both free and complexed antigen; 2) negative for free HIV antigen at first, but always positive for complexed antigen; 3) positive for free antigen without complexed antigen; and 4) negative for both free and comple…
Prevalenza di infezione di HHV8 in Sicilia e fattori di rischio per la trasmissione e l'infezione del virus HHV8
Pregnant women as a sentinel population to target and implement hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccine coverage: a three-year survey in Palermo, Sicily.
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccine coverage was assessed using serologic patterns of infection (HBsAg, anti HBc) and vaccine-induced immunity (isolated anti HBs) among 3318 pregnant women attending the Obstetrical Unit of the University Hospital in Palermo who were screened over 3 years (2001-2003). Three thousand and eight of them (90.6%) were born in Sicily, whereas 310 (9.4%) were immigrants from non-EU countries. The overall prevalence of HBsAg was 1.1%, and it was significantly higher among immigrant than indigenous women (4.2% versus 0.8%; OR 5.26; p < 0.0001). Serologic evidence of past HBV infection (anti HBc) also was significantly higher in immigrants than in Sicilian women (24.5% ve…
Rare association of human herpesvirus 6 DNA with human papillomavirus DNA in cervical smears of women with normal and abnormal cytologies.
We investigated by nested PCR the possible association of human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) and human papillomavirus (HPV) genomes in the cervixes of 109 women with normal and abnormal cytological smears. HPV DNA was detected in 8.33% of 24 women with normal cytologies and in 41.1% of 85 women with abnormal cytologies; the proportion of HPV DNA was directly related to the severity of the lesions. HHV-6 DNA was found in only one patient, who had a cytological pattern of koilocytosis. The HHV-6 genome was classified by restriction enzyme analysis as variant B. The study indicates that detection of the HHV-6 genome in the cervixes of women with a wide spectrum of gynecological complaints is a rare e…
REAZIONI AVVERSE CORRELATE ALLA VACCINAZIONE CONTRO L'INFLUENZA PANDEMICA (H1N1) PRESSO L'AZIENDA OSPEDALIERA UNIVERSITARIA "P. GIACCONE" (A.O.U.P.) DI PALERMO
Attività didattica integrativa svolta al Corso di Laurea per Tecnici della Prevenzione dell’Università di Palermo.
Consumo di sostanze alcoliche in un campione di studenti del primo anno della Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia di Palermo
Genetic Diversity of HIV-1 Non-B Strains in Sicily: Evidence of Intersubtype Recombinants by Sequence Analysis ofgag,pol, andenvGenes
The molecular epidemiology of HIV-1 strains in Sicily (Italy) was phylogenetically investigated by the analysis of HIV-1 gag, pol, and env gene sequences from 11 HIV-1 non-B strains from 408 HIV-1-seropositive patients observed from September 2001 to August 2006. Sequences suggestive of recombination were further investigated by bootscanning analysis of various fragments. Overall, we identified several second-generation recombinant (SGRs) strains, which contained genetic material of CRF02_AG in at least one gene. Notably, three individuals were found to be infected with subsubtype A3, and one of them showed genetic recombination with subsubtype A4. The current study emphasizes the genetic a…
Prevalence of influenza vaccination among nurses and ancillary workers in Italy: Systematic review and meta analysis
Italian Ministry of Health recommends vaccination for seasonal influenza to all healthcare workers (HCW), particularly to nurses who have an important interaction with patients. The aim of this study is to conduct a systematic review in order to estimate the pooled prevalence of influenza vaccinations among nurses and ancillary workers in Italy and analyze the enhancing and hindering factors. Results: The review was performed using 15 articles, 6 containing the prevalence of vaccination for nurses and ancillary workers, while the others qualitative analysis. In all the selected articles the score calculation has been performed by using a protocol for observational studies. The nurses and an…
Indagini microbiologiche su insalate di quarta gamma commercializzate a Palermo. Risultati preliminari
Risk of classic Kaposi sarcoma with exposures to plants and soils in Sicily
Abstract Background Ecologic and in vitro studies suggest that exposures to plants or soil may influence risk of Kaposi sarcoma (KS). Methods In a population-based study of Sicily, we analyzed data on contact with 20 plants and residential exposure to 17 soils reported by 122 classic KS cases and 840 sex- and age-matched controls. With 88 KS-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) seropositive controls as the referent group, novel correlates of KS risk were sought, along with factors distinguishing seronegatives, in multinomial logistic regression models that included matching variables and known KS cofactors - smoking, cortisone use, and diabetes history. All plants were summed for cumulative exposu…
Infection with human herpes virus type 8 in an area at high prevalence for hepatitis C virus infection in southern Italy
Summary. The Campania Region is a geographical area of southern Italy characterized by high incidence rates of hepatocellular carcinoma and of classic Kaposi's sarcoma. Epidemiological investigations carried out among different population groups in this region have found high prevalence rates of both hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human herpesvirus type 8 (HHV-8). To assess co-infection rates of HCV and HHV-8, we carried out a cross-sectional seroepidemiological study prevalence in Pomigliano d'Arco, a Health District of Campania located 20 km away from Naples. The overall rate of HCV/HHV-8 co-infection was 3.1%, 3.5% among men and 2.7% among women. No difference emerged in the HCV/HHV-8 co-i…
Evidence Based Prevention: un nuovo modello in Sanità Pubblica
The concept of evidence-based prevention (EBP), was developed during the last decade as the counterpart, in Public Health, of Evidence-Based Medicine (EBM) in Clinical Medicine. The growing debate on EBP reflects the increasing recognition that successful evaluation of public health interventions will necessarily entail the use of research designs other than controlled trials as well as the use of various other types of evidence, often in combination. Evidence-based prevention, therefore, aims to implement those prevention strategies that have been found to be useful and effective through a formal evaluation based on scientific methodology. A the same it aims to progressively discard all pr…
Reliability of breast cancer incidence estimates in the province of Palermo (Sicily): a comparison between two case ascertainment systems.
Gestione degli impianti ad uso natatorio. Monitoraggio chimico-microbiologico ed analisi comparativa dei dati delle piscine comunali di Palermo e del territorio dell’A.S.L. n.2 di Lucca.
main routes of trasmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in a family setting in Palermo: some biological properties of the new isolated.
Prevalenza di infezione da patogeni a trasmissione ematica (HIV, HBV, HCV) in tossicodipendenti afferenti ai SERT dell’area palermitana
VALUTAZIONE DELL'ESPOSIZIONE A FITOFARMACI IN POPOLAZIONE GENERALE DI UN COMUNE SICILIANO: DATI PRELIMINARI
POSSIBILI FONTI DI ESPOSIZIONE A FITOFARMACI IN UN CAMPIONE RAPPRESENTATIVO DI POPOLAZIONE NELLA SICILIA OCCIDENTALE
Detection of HIV type 1 non-B subtypes in Sicily, Italy.
To evaluate the presence of HIV-1 non-B subtypes in Sicily, we sequenced and genotyped HIV-1 PR and RT regions of the pol gene using plasma from 169 HIV-1-infected adult patients. All samples were obtained from a study of antiretroviral-associated resistance mutations resulting in virological failure during highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Eight (4.7%) patients had the non-B HIV-1 subtype including some circulating recombinant forms (CRFs). All of these individuals acquired the infection by heterosexual transmission. The detection of HIV-1 non-B strains was significantly associated with younger age of HIV-1 acquisition. Our findings indicate, for the first time, the presence of…
Sorveglianza attiva per le I.O. presso l’U.T.I. dell’Azienda Ospedaliera di Sciacca, risultati preliminari
Sieroepidemiologia dei virus epatitici in un gruppo di bambini adottati dall'estero
VALIDITA' DEL METODO DI IMMUNOFLUORESCENZA DIRETTA NELLA DIAGNOSI DI GIARDIASI IN UN SOGGETTO HIV+
A study to evaluate the lifestyle of medical students in Palermo (Italy) [Indagine sugli stili di vita degli studenti della Facoltà di Medicina di Palermo]
Scientific evidence confirms that unhealthy life habits play an important role in the development of many disorders in all age groups. This study evaluated the lifestyles of 445 first-year medical students in Palermo and Caltanissetta (Italy) by using an anonymous self-administered multiple choice questionnaire Approximately 97% of participants believe that a healthy diet is either "very important" or "extremely important" but only 44% follow a healthy diet. Fifty eight percent frequently perform sports/physical activities while eight percent report being sedentary. A peak in alcohol consumption was found to generally occur in one single day of the week. Twelve percent of those interviewed …
Can the serological status of anti-HBc alone be considered a sentinel marker for detection of occult HBV infection?
Some individuals have “occult” infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV), defined as presence of HBV genome in the serum or liver tissue without HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) in the serum. The aim of this study was to investigate whether serum antibodies against HBV core antigen in isolation (“anti-HBc alone”) are a useful marker of “occult” HBV in patients with or without hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. “Anti-HBc alone” was detected in the sera of 119/6,544 (1.8%) asymptomatic outpatients referred to the diagnostic laboratory for routine testing for viral hepatitis, 62/607 (10.2%) drug users, and 42/195 (21.5%) patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Using three in-house nested-PCR amplifica…
Neutralizing antibody and clinical status of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals
An assay based on inhibition of cytopathic effect of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) strains in Molt 4 cells was developed to quantitate neutralizing antibodies (NA) in sera of HIV-infected individuals. The assay was specific and gave results comparable to those obtained by the inhibition of immunofluorescence (IFI) and reverse transcriptase (RT) activity. Attempts were made to correlate the presence and the antibody titres with the clinical status of HIV-infected individuals classified according to Walter Reed staging classification scheme. NA titres correlated inversely with the stage of HIV infection: Compared with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients, HIV-infected subje…
Valutazione dei comportamenti sessuali e delle conoscenze in materia di malattie sessualmente trasmesse (mst) in un campione di studenti del primo anno della Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia di Palermo
Main routes of trasmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)infection in a family setting in Palermo, Italy.
A cross-sectional seroepidemiologic study was carried out on household contacts and sexual partners of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antibody-positive intravenous drug abusers in Palermo, Italy, in 1985 to evaluate factors that influenced HIV transmission. A total of 43 index cases, 36 spouses or heterosexual partners, 28 children, and 55 adult household members were enrolled. None of the household members without sexual contact, who had shared items and facilities and had interacted with the index cases, contracted HIV infection. However, six of 36 sexual partners had antibodies to HIV. It was observed that the risk of HIV infection was significantly associated with the frequency of s…
Knowledge, attitudes and risk of HIV, HBV and HCV infections in hairdressers of Palermo city (South Italy)
Background: The hairdressing trade may potentially expose its practitioners and their customers to blood-borne infections. Methods: Knowledge, attitudes and behaviours towards occupational risk of HIV, HBV and HCV infections were evaluated in a cross-sectional survey, conducted during spring 2008, in 105 out of 112 randomly selected hairdressers of Palermo. Participants were queried by answering to an anonymous questionnaire. Results: Most of hairdressers (93.3%) knew that HIV and hepatitis are transmitted through parenteral route and could also be transmitted by razors. The availability of gloves was inadequate, up to 30% of the participants never used them and up to 50% usually reused the…
COOK AND CHILL: RISULTATI DI UN'INDAGINE CONDOTTA PRESSO L'U.O. DI ORTOPEDIA DELL'AZIENDA OSPEDALIERO-UNIVERSITARIA POLICLINICO
METODO PER LA GENOTIPIZZAZIONE DI HIV-1 E RELATIVI KIT DIAGNOSTICI PER LA RILEVAZIONE DI FARMACO-RESISTENZA (geni gag e pol)
La vaccinazione antinfluenzale come Strumento di Sanità pubblica e di prevenzione. Esperienza dell'Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Policlinico (AOUP) "P. Giaccone "di Palermo. Analii
Valutazione delle abitudini alimentari e dell'attività fisica in un campione di studenti del primo anno della facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia di Palermo
MDM2 and CDKN1A gene polymorphisms and risk of Kaposi's sarcoma in African and Caucasian patients
A single-nucleotide polymorphism in the MDM2 promoter (SNP309; rs2279744) causes elevated transcription of this major negative regulator of p53 in several cancer types. We investigated MDM2 SNP309 and CDKN1A (p21/Waf1/Cip1) codon 31 (rs1801270) polymorphisms in 86 cases of cutaneous Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) from African and Caucasian patients, and 210 healthy controls. A significant increase of the MDM2 SNP309 T/G genotype was observed among classic KS cases (odds ratio 2.38, 95% confidence interval 1.0-5.5). Frequencies of CDKN1A codon 31 genotypes were not significantly different between cases and controls. The results suggest that the MDM2 SNP309 G allele may act as a susceptibility gene fo…
Risk Factors for Classical Kaposi Sarcoma in a Population-based Case-control Study in Sicily
Abstract Background: Classical Kaposi sarcoma is a rare complication of Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpes virus (KSHV) infection. We conducted a population-based, frequency-matched case-control study in Sicily to further investigate the reported inverse relationship between smoking and classical Kaposi sarcoma and to identify other factors associated with altered risk. Methods: All incident, histologically confirmed classical Kaposi sarcoma cases in Sicily were eligible. A two-stage cluster sample design was applied to select population controls. KSHV seropositivity was determined using four antibody assays (K8.1 and orf73 enzyme immunoassays and two immunofluorenscence assays). Using SAS-ca…
Aspetti positivi e negativi del tirocinio pratico svolto al primo triennio del Corso di Laurea in tecniche della prevenzione nell'ambiente e nei luighi di Lavoro dell'Università di Palermo
Tobacco use prevalence, knowledge and attitudes, and tobacco cessation training among medical students: results of a pilot study of Global Health Professions Students Survey (GHPSS) in Italy
Aim The aims of this study were to examine tobacco use prevalence, knowledge and attitudes, and tobacco cessation training among students attending Italian medical schools using the Global Health Professions Student Survey approach and to identify possible factors associated with smoking status. Subjects and Methods A multicentre cross-sectional pilot study was carried out in five Italian Schools of Medicine from March to April 2009. Questionnaires were administered in anonymous, voluntary and self-administered form to third year students attending medical schools. The outcome measure was “being a current smoker”. A logistic regression was used to evaluate possible factors associated with s…
Valutazione della didattica nel corso di laurea "Tecniche della prevenzione nell'ambiente e nei luoghi di lavoro"
Sorveglianza Igienico-Sanitaria Di Una Piscina Di Uso Pubblico Della Città Di Palermo (Italia) [Surveillance of the sanitary conditions of a public swimming pool in the city of Palermo (Italy)]
In a previous study we evaluated the microbiological quality of water of seven pools in the city of Palermo through evaluation of bacterial indicators of faecal contamination and of protozoa (Giardia and Cryptosporidium). In this study we also searched for the presence of fungi in two swimming pools of a public swimming facility in the same city. Samples were collected from both pools, their filtration systems and floor surfaces of the facility. Chemical-physical and microbiological examination of water of the two pools have shown that quality of water depends on the concentration of residual free chlorine and on the number of bathers in the pool. The values of four microbiological paramete…
La vaccinazione antinfluenzale come Strumento di Sanità pubblica e di prevenzione. Esperienza dell'Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Policlinico (AOUP) "P. Giaccone "di Palermo. Analisi e confronto della copertura da vaccino negli anni 2005-2009.
Introduzione Le Linee guida per la prevenzione e controllo dell'influenza, emanano Ogni anno dal Ministero della Salute, raccomandano la vaccinazione per tutti Coloro Che svolgono Funzioni lavorative di primario interesse collettivo. Il personale sanitario rappresenta, un tal Riguardo, un obiettivo strategico della campagna da vaccino antinfluenzale SIA per la possibile trasmissione dell'influenza aviaria Pazienti SIA Perchè l'eventuale assenteismo Potrebbe inficiare la qualità e la Capacità dell'Assistenza erogata. La trasmissione dell'influenza ad un Paziente è sicuramente un importante Rischio nosocomiale in Quanto l'Infezione virale PUÒ portare ad un aggravamento dello stato di salute d…
No association between human herpesvirus type 8 infection and multiple myeloma.
Metodo per la genotipizzazione di HIV-1 e relativi kit diagnostici per la rilevazione di farmaco-resistenza (gene ENV-gp41).
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION This invention concerns a laboratory method for genotyping human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) through gene sequencing of gp41-env. It allows to detect the nucleotide mutations conferring resistance to antiretroviral drugs active to gp41-env. The present method allows to analyze also low viraemia samples at around 101 -102 copies HIV-RNA/ml. This method offers the advantage of being easily adaptable to both plasma and cellular samples and is therefore able to value "in advance" the genetic mutations potentially involved in the resistance phenomena to anti-retroviral drugs, even in patients with optimal/sub-optimal virologic control. The kit use the one-s…
Sorveglianza delle Infezioni Nosocomiali in una Unità di Cardiochirurgia di Palermo.
Mortalità per tumori nella Provincia di Palermo (anno 2004): risultati preliminari.
Valutazione degli stili di vita in un campione di studenti del primo anno della Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia di Palermo
MAIN ROUTES OF TRANSMISSION OF HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS (HIV) INFECTION IN A FAMILY SETTING IN PALERMO, ITALY1
A cross-sectional seroepidemiologic study was carried out on household contacts and sexual partners of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antibody-positive intravenous drug abusers in Palermo, Italy, in 1985 to evaluate factors that influenced HIV transmission. A total of 43 index cases, 36 spouses or heterosexual partners, 28 children, and 55 adult household members were enrolled. None of the household members without sexual contact, who had shared items and facilities and had interacted with the index cases, contracted HIV infection. However, six of 36 sexual partners had antibodies to HIV. It was observed that the risk of HIV infection was significantly associated with the frequency of s…
INDAGINI MICROBIOLOGICHE IN ACQUE DI FALDA DEL TERRITORIO PALERMITANO DESTINATE AL CONSUMO UMANO
Il tirocinio pratico svolto al Corso di Laurea in "Tecniche della Prevenzione nell'ambiente e nei luoghi di lavoro" dell'università degli studi di Palermo: opinioni e suggerimenti degli studenti
LA VACCINAZIONE ANTINFLUENZALE COME STRUMENTO PER LA RIDUZIONE DELL'ASSENTEISMO DEL PERSONALE. ESPERIENZA DELL'AZIENDA OSPEDALIERO UNIVERSITARIA POLICLINICO (AOUP) "P. GIACCONE" DI PALERMO.
Human papillomavirus is commonly present in psoriatic skin and normal skin samples from healthy subjects
Letter to editor No abstract
DETECTION OF HIV TYPE 1 (HIV-1) NON-B SUBTYPES IN SICILY, ITALY
To evaluate the presence of HIV-1 non-B subtypes in Sicily, we sequenced and genotyped HIV-1 PR and RT regions of the pol gene using plasma from 169 HIV-1-infected adult patients. All samples were obtained from a study of antiretroviral-associated resistance mutations resulting in virological failure during highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Eight (4.7%) patients had the non-B HIV-1 subtype including some circulating recombinant forms (CRFs). All of these individuals acquired the infection by heterosexual transmission. The detection of HIV-1 non-B strains was significantly associated with younger age of HIV-1 acquisition. Our findings indicate, for the first time, the presence of…
VALUTAZIONE DELLA PRESENZA DEL GAS RADON IN IMPIANTI SPORTIVI INDOOR IN SICILIA E SARDEGNA.
Socio-economic and other correlates of Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus seroprevalence among older adults in Sicily.
The virus that causes Kaposi sarcoma, KS-associated herpesvirus (KSHV, also known as human herpesvirus 8) has an unusual distribution and poorly characterized modes of transmission. To clarify these issues, socio-demographic correlates of KSHV seroprevalence were examined in a population-based study. In 1,154 randomly sampled adults (aged 32- 92, mean 71 years) throughout Sicily, KSHV antibodies were detected with four assays and a conservative algorithm. Seroprevalence was re-weighted to the population. Odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals (OR, CI) from multivariate logistic regression were used to estimate associations of seroprevalence with interview data. KSHV seroprevalence was 8.…
RESIDUI DI FITOSANITARI IN FLUIDI BIOLOGICI UMANI E VALUTAZIONE DELL'ESPOSIZIONE IN POPOLAZIONE GENERALE DI UN COMUNE SICILIANO: PROGETTAZIONE DI UNO STUDIO.
GESTIONE DEGLI IMPIANTI AD USO NATATORIO. MONITORAGGIO CHIMICO-MICROBIOLOGICO ED ANALISI COMPARATIVA DEI DATI DELLE PISCINE COMUNALI DI PALERMO E DEL TERRITORIO DELL'AZ. USL 2 DI LUCCA.
Effetti delle campagne di vaccinazione attiva contro l’influenza tra il personale dell’Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico di Palermo (AOUP).
“Evidence of HIV-1 second-generation recombinant strains (SGRs) in Sicily: sequence analysis of gag, pol, and env genes.”
Re-emergence of HIV Infection and Syphilis Among Men Who Have Sex with Men
Sexual activity has been shown to be the primary mode of transmission for several important viral and bacterial infections among men who have sex with men (MSM) throughout the world and therefore sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are still one of major public health problem worldwide. Since the earliest days of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic MSM have been profoundly affected by the disease; by the time the first AIDS cases were reported in the early 1980s, HIV had already spread widely among homosexual and drug-user communities. In western Europe, has been estimated that HIV incidence peaked around 1983 among MSM and in 1987-88 among injecting drug users, with 120.000 …
STILI DI VITA ED INDICI DI DEPRIVAZIONE IN UN CAMPIONE RAPPRESENTATIVO DELLA POPOLAZIONE RESIDENTE IN UNA CITTADINA DELLA SICILIA OCCIDENTALE
Seroprevalence of and risk factors for Toscana and Sicilian virus infection in a sample population of Sicily (Italy).
Summary Objective The present study aimed to assess seroprevalence of and risk factors for Toscana (TOSV) and Sicilian (SFSV) virus infections in a sample of Sicilian subjects. Methods A cross-sectional seroepidemiological study was conducted on 271 individuals. Each participant completed a self-administrated questionnaire and provided a serum sample which was analyzed for the presence of IgG specific anti-TOSV and anti-SFSV viruses. Results Overall, 90 subjects (33.2%) were positive for TOSV IgG, 25 (9.2%) were positive for SFSV IgG and 11 (4%) were positive for both the viruses. A higher risk for TOSV seropositivity was found in participants who were older (adjOR = 1.02 per year; 95% CI =…
Sieroprevalenza dell'infezione da virus dell'epatite A nella provincia di Palermo
E' la pneumocistosi ancora presente in pazienti HIV positivi in epoca HAART?
Sorveglianza della nuova influenza H1N1 in Sicilia
Vaccination against the 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1) among healthcare workers in the major teaching hospital of Sicily (Italy).
Detection of a new 3-base pair insertion mutation in the protease gene of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 during highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART).
To investigate a new insertion mutation in the protease (PR) gene of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) in a patient extensively pretreated with antiretroviral drugs, genotypic analyses of plasma-derived viruses were performed by sequencing segments of 1302 nucleotides in the pol gene of HIV-1. Despite optimal compliance to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) the patient showed poor virological success. Nucleotide sequences of retrospective available plasma samples exhibited a previously unknown 3-bp insertion mutation, corresponding to a leucine, between codons 31 and 32 of the PR gene. This kind of mutation appears to be very rare and it does not seem to be associated wi…
INDAGINI SULLA STAGIONALITÀ DI GIARDIA E CRYPTOSPORIDIUM NEL FIUME ORETO DI PALERMO.
Effect of L-Histidine on the Survival of a T-Strain of Mycoplasma
The addition of L-histidine to the growth medium prolongs the stationary phase and the survival of a T-strain of mycoplasma. Results of an experiment performed with 14 C-labeled urea demonstrate that the action of L-histidine is based on the retardation of the rise of pH.
Behavioural profile of drug users attending public drug-treatment centres in Sicily: the role of social context
<p><strong>Objective</strong>: Investigations of injecting drug users (IDUs) have suggested that the social context may influence high-risk behaviours in this population. The aim of this study was to describe knowledge, attitudes and behaviours of IDUs attending public drug-treatment centres in our area.</p><p><strong>Study design and methods</strong>: A cross-sectional survey was conducted between July 2002 and February 2004, enrolling 607 drug users attending four public drug-treatment centres in the Palermo area. Two of them were located inside the urban area, whereas the other two were in rural districts near the city. All participants answered …
Genotypic analysis at multiple loci across Kaposi's sarcoma herpesvirus (KSHV) DNA molecules: clustering patterns, novel variants and chimerism
Abstract Background: the genomes of human Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) display several levels of DNA sequence heterogeneity and subgrouping that show distinctive clustering patterns in related human populations. The four major subtype patterns for the hypervariable ORF-K1 protein correlate closely with the principal diasporas resulting from the migration of modern humans out of East Africa and suggest that KSHV is an ancient human virus that is transmitted primarily in a familial fashion with consequent very low recombination rates. However, chimeric genomes have also been detected, especially with regard to the presence of P versus M alleles of the ORF-K15 gene. Objective…
Target therapy in HER2-overexpressing breast cancer patients.
The development of new therapeutic strategies, such as monoclonal antibodies directed against human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2), has offered new hopes for women with early breast cancer whose tumors overexpress HER2. We retrospectively analyzed the population-based data of Breast Cancer Registry of Palermo in 2004-2006, and selected 1401 invasive breast cancer cases, nonmetastatic at diagnosis, having HER2/neu oncogene expression determined. We have correlated this information to age, tumor stage at diagnosis (TNM), nodal involvement, and receptor status (ER and PgR). Survival analysis was conducted dividing the patients in two different groups according to date of diagnosis: …
Conoscenze ed atteggiamenti degli studenti della Facoltà di medicina e chirurgia di Palermo riguardo al fumo di tabacco: indagine conoscitiva.
The Changing Pattern of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Infection in Intravenous Drug Users
A cross-sectional seroepidemiologic study was carried out between 1985 and 1990 in 1,567 heterosexual intravenous drug users who had been seen at the AIDS Regional Reference Center in Palermo, Italy, to evaluate the rate of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) seroprevalence in this group and its long-term trend. Sixty serum samples collected from drug users in 1980 and 1983, before the founding of the Center (1985), were tested as well. Some demographic and behavioral risk factors were studied in a subgroup of intravenous drug users enrolled in 1985, 1987, and 1990 for their possible association with HIV-1. These factors were also studied in relation to hepatitis B virus infection, …
Human herpesvirus type 8 DNA sequences in biological samples of HIV-positive and negative individuals in Sicily.
Objective: To evaluate the circulation of a new human herpesvirus (HHV), HHV-8 or Kaposi's sarcoma (KS)-associated herpesvirus in a geographical area where a high incidence rate of classical KS was already present before the appearance of the AIDS epidemic. Design and methods: The study was carried out by analysing: (i) bioptic samples from classic, AIDS-associated KS, and controls; (ii) peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from classic KS, HIV-positive subjects with and without KS and healthy HIV-negative individuals; (iii) semen samples from heterosexual HIV-positive and HIV-negative individuals affected or not by KS; and (iv) cervical swabs from HIV-negative healthy heterosexual fem…
Sorveglianza delle Infezioni Nosocomiali nel reparto di Cardiochirurgia dell'AOUP di Palermo
Consumo di sostanze alcooliche in un campione di studenti del I anno della Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia
Can technical, functional and structural characteristics of dental units predict Legionella pneumophila and Pseudomonas aeruginosa contamination?
Legionella pneumophila and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are common colonizers of water environments, particularly dental unit waterlines. The aim of this study was to assess whether the technical, functional and structural characteristics of dental units can influence the presence and the levels of opportunistic pathogens. Overall, 42 water samples were collected from dental units in a teaching hospital in Palermo, Italy, including 21 samples from the 21 taps supplied by the municipal water distribution system and 21 samples from oral rinsing cups at 21 dental units. L. pneumophila was present in 16 out of 21 water samples (76.2%) from dental units, and the median concentration was higher in samp…
Indagine sulla presenza di Giardia e Cryptosporidium in campioni di reflui civili, di acque superficiali e sotterranee della provincia di Palermo.
Indagine su conoscenze , attitudini e comportamenti relativi al consumo di insalate di IV gamma nella città di Palermo
Differences in Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus-specific and herpesvirus-non-specific immune responses in classic Kaposi sarcoma cases and matched controls in Sicily
Kaposi sarcoma (KS) might develop because of incompetent immune responses, both non-specifically and specifically against the KS-associated herpesvirus (KSHV). Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 15 classic (non-AIDS) KS cases, 13 KSHV seropositives (without KS) and 15 KSHV-seronegative controls were tested for interferon-γ T-cell (enzyme-linked immunospot [Elispot]) responses to KSHV-latency-associated nuclear antigen (LANA), KSHV-K8.1 and CMV/Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) peptide pools. The forearm and thigh of each participant was also tested for delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) against common recall antigens. Groups were compared with Fisher exact test and multinomial logistic regress…
Antibodies to human herpes virus type 8 (HHV8) in general population and in individuals at risk for sexually transmitted diseases in Western Sicily.
Human herpes virus 8 (HHV8) appears to be the primary aetiologic agent of Kaposi sarcoma (KS). To study the distribution of HHV8, a seroepidemiological study was carried out in western Sicily, where a high incidence rate of classical KS is well documented.A total of 970 sera of healthy human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) negative individuals of general population (1-70 years old) and 742 sera of individuals in different risk groups for HIV infection were evaluated by means of an indirect immunofluorescence assay able to detect antibodies to lytic and latent HHV8 antigens.Crude seroprevalence to HHV8 antigens was 11.5% in the general population, and it increased significantly with age from 6%…
L'ABITUDINE AL FUMO TRA GLI STUDENTI DELLA FACOLTA' DI MEDICINA E CHIRURGIA DI PALERMO
FUMO, STUDENTI, FACOLTA' DI MEDICINA E CHIRURGIA, PALERMO
COOK AND CHILL: RISULTATI DI UN'INDAGINE CONDOTTA PRESSO L'U.O. DI ORTOPEDIA DELL'AZIENDA OSPEDALIERO-UNIVERSITARIA POLICLINICO (AOUP)"P.GIACCONE" DI PALERMO.
Risk of classical Kaposi sarcoma by plasma levels of Epstein-Barr virus antibodies, sCD26, sCD23 and sCD30
Abstract Background To clarify the immunological alterations leading to classical Kaposi sarcoma (cKS) among people infected with KS-associated herpesvirus (KSHV). Methods In a population-based study of 119 cKS cases, 105 KSHV-seropositive controls, and 155 KSHV-seronegative controls, we quantified plasma soluble cluster of differentiation (sCD) levels and antibodies against Epstein-Barr virus nuclear antigen-1 (anti-EBNA-1) and viral capsid antigen (anti-VCA). Differences between groups in prevalence of low-tertile anti-EBNA-1 and high-tertile anti-VCA were compared by logistic regression. Continuous levels between groups and by presence of cKS co-factors among controls were compared by li…
Metodo per la genotipizzazione di HIV-1 e relativi kit diagnostici per la rilevazione di farmaco-resistenza (geni GAG/POL).
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION This invention concerns a laboratory method for genotyping human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) through gene sequencing of pol. It allows to detect the nucleotide mutations conferring resistance to antiretroviral drugs active to pol. The present method allows to analyze also low viraemia samples at around 101 -102 copies HIV-RNA/ml. This method offers the advantage of being easily adaptable to both plasma and cellular samples and is therefore able to value "in advance" the genetic mutations potentially involved in the resistance phenomena to anti-retroviral drugs, even in patients with optimal/sub-optimal virologic control. The kit use the one-step RT-PCR…
Epidemiologia Molecolare del virus dell'Immunodeficienza Umana (HIV-1 e HIV-2)
Prevalenza di infezione da patogeni a trasmissione ematica (HIV,HBV,HCV)in tossicodipendenti afferenti ai SERT dell'area palermitana
Background. Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is primarily caused by human herpesvirus (HHV)-8 infection, and the risk is increased with high HHV-8 lytic or latent antibody titers or the detection of HHV-8 DNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Host genes important for control of HHV-8 infection are not well characterized. Methods. In 172 HHV-8 latent nuclear antigen (LANA)-seropositive adults in Italy without KS, we examined correlations of common variants in host immune genes with the detection of HHV-8 DNA in PBMCs and with high lytic and latent antibody titers. Twenty-eight single-nucleotide polymorphisms in 14 genes were analyzed. We detected HHV-8 DNA in PBMCs with real-time amplificati…