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C Anzalone

Publications and source records attributed to C Anzalone.

12 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1993

The presence of anti-Borrelia burgdorferi antibodies in a group of multiple sclerosis patients in eastern Sicily. Preliminary data.

The authors evaluate the presence of anti-Borrelia burgdorferi antibodies in a group of polysclerotic patients of Eastern Sicily, in order to verify or dismiss a correlation between Borrelia infection and demyelinizing syndrome. 460 samples of serum were examined, of which 60 belonged to patients affected by definite multiple sclerosis; the other 400 were taken from a group of apparently healthy subjects. From the analysis of the data obtained it can be seen that of the 60 polysclerotic subjects examined, 12 equal to 20% were found to be positive for the presence of IgG anti-Borrelia burgdorferi, while in the control group 30 subjects were found to be positive, equal 7.5%.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Symptoms of ocular discomfort and microclimate: epidemiologic and environmental survey in operating rooms].

An epidemiological investigation regarding the ocular symptoms of 213 subjects working in the operating theatres of a hospital of the eastern Sicily was conducted. Information was gathered via a questionnaire designed to identify the ocular symptoms that occurred most frequently during working hours in the operating theatre. The questionnaire was administered by a specialist in Occupational Health, before any decision was made to investigate the indoor air quality. The microclimate parameters (temperature, relative humidity, number of air changes/hour, air velocity, illumination levels) of the operating theatres were also studied. The results of the epidemiological investigation showed that 154 subjects out of 213 (72.3%) reported a lack of eye comfort. The most frequently reported symptoms were fatigue (35.21%) and heaviness (34.27%), followed by burning (25.82%), redness (25.35%), lacrimation (17.84%), itching (2%), blinking (20%), foreign body sensation (19%) and photophobia (10%). The study of the indoor climate of the operating theatres showed that the number of air changes/hour and illumination level were not consistent with those recommended by the Italian Regulatory Authority. Others parameters were considered to be satisfactory. The Authors conclude that the low illumination level may be responsible for the high percentage of subjects suffering from eye fatigue and heaviness. The ineffective rate of room air exchange, possibly interacting with chemicals and aerosols, is thought to be responsible for the other ocular symptoms experienced by the workers. The present study suggests that the operating theatre environment might be a cause of the ocular discomfort often complained of by health care workers. Further studies are needed in this area.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Direct viable count as test for toxicity assessment: the effects of four metals on a Salmonella enteritidis strain.

The toxicity of synthetic sewage containing increasing concentrations of arsenic (.125, .25, .5, 1.0 mg L-1), cadmium (.02, .05, .1, .2 mg L-1), lead (.2, .5, 1.0, 2.0 mg L-1) and nickel (.5, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0 mg L-1) has been investigated by determining the total direct count (TDC) and the direct viable count (DVC) of Salmonella enteritidis by means of an immunofluorescence technique (IFA). This has been done in order to evaluate the possibility of using the IFA technique to estimate the toxicity of complex effluents. Arsenic, cadmium and nickel produced a concentration-dependent reduction in the number of viable bacterial cells. This was more clear when the viable bacterial cells were considered than when only the culturable part was used. Lead did not show a concentration-dependent and reproducible effect. At the highest concentrations allowed by the Italian wastewater regulations, lead, cadmium, arsenic and nickel reduced the viable/total bacterial cells ratio to 74.5%, 68.5%, 28.4% and 6.9%, respectively. The toxic effects of the metals were also tested using the standard Microtox assay.

Area Under Curve↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Effect of metal mixtures on Salmonella enteritidis viability in synthetic sewage.

We sought to determine the effect of 26 multiple metals solutions, containing Cd, Pb, As and/or Ni, on the viability of Salmonella enteritidis. We used the direct viable count effected by immunofluorescence technique (IFA-DVC) in comparison with the culturable cell count. The metals concentrations were prepared considering the single as well as the overall limits provided by Italian regulation on the water pollution. The mixtures containing nickel showed always toxicity more elevated than other metal solutions tested. Thus we consider too high the nickel law limit. The interactions among the elements, causing generally toxicity decrease, are very well assessable by IFA-DVC test. This method permits to calculate the lethal concentrations of toxicants on bacteria that play a pivotal role on the ecosystem components.

Area Under Curve↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Survey on microclimatic condition of classroom].

The results of a research, in winter and spring, on the microclimatic parameters and lighting in eighteen classrooms of primary schools in the town of Messina, are exposed. In a significant number of classrooms values of temperature and relative humidity are registered not in accordance with Italian standards. Thermal indices (PMV and PPD) showed, in both seasons, discomfort conditions in many rooms. A percentage of dissatisfied persons, significantly higher the 10% (56.8% in winter and 70.3% in spring), has been obtained. We used, also, a questionnaire modified by Fanger to evaluate the thermal subjective sensations of the students. The results point out that the thermal subjective sensations expressed by the students are often in disagreement with the Fanger thermal comfort indices obtained by instrument. The authors believe that the Fanger's indices do not reflect the effective environmental conditions.

Environment↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Knowledge of disinfection practices and behaviour of the nursing staff at a hospital].

The authors have carried a study on the knowledge of disinfection practices and the behaviour in operating room in order to control and prevent nosocomial infections. It is necessary for high percent of head nurses and nurses to have guidelines for the disinfection/sterilization procedures with the aim to avoid infections, but a large number of subjects don't know the correct procedures. The knowledge of a correct behaviour in the operating room is greater, although many of nursing staff don't wear the overshoes and the protective glasses. The statistical analysis show that nurses and the subjects with high degree have a greater knowledge of problems. It is important the planning of training and retraining courses directed to the improvement of technical knowledge and behaviour.

Disinfection↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Influence of microclimate factors on ocular discomfort in video display terminal workers].

The objective of the present research was to evaluate the effect of environmental parameters (temperature, air velocity, relative humidity, illumination level, cubature) on ocular symptoms (tiredness, tearing, redness, blinking, itching, burning, photophobia, foreign body sensation, and heaviness) in a group of 54 male Video Display Terminal (VDT) workers. The subjects were employed in a public office placed in Messina and naturally ventilated; the investigation was performed in Spring time. Information about the ocular symptoms, occurring during the workshift, were gathered through a questionnaire; environmental measurements were performed by a data collector LSI. The results showed that 43 subjects out of 54 (79%) reported a lack of eye comfort; in addition the illumination level, temperature and air velocity were not consistent with those suggested by the Italian Regulatory Authority. A significant correlation between illumination level, temperature, air velocity and eye discomfort (tearing, heaviness, blinking, photophobia itching, respectively) was found. The Authors conclude that the inadequate environmental condition, possibility in interaction with the indoor chemical contaminants and the workload at VDT, may be responsible for the irritative eye symptoms complained by VDT-workers at workplace.

Adult↗