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Biomedical subjects

L Volterra

Publications and source records attributed to L Volterra.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1994

A comparison of methods for diarrhoeic shellfish poison detection.

Samples of diarrhoeic shellfish poison (DSP) mussels from several parts of the Italian Adriatic coastline were extracted and tested according to a number of different methods presently available, i.e. Yasumoto's mouse biotest, Kat's biotest, the ELISA test and the HPLC method. Results were compared for toxic levels detected in each sample. While a common qualitative result (toxic/non-toxic) was given by all the methods, no clear quantitative agreement was found. The differences between methods and consequent lack of agreement in results are discussed.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

Sanitary implications associated with the use of eutrophic freshwater.

This review presents the problem of eutrophication of lakes whose waters are used also for potable use. The indirect negative impact of algal blooms as well as the direct consequences of the overgrowth of toxic Cyanophyta are considered. Problems for water treatment plants processing eutrophic raw water are exposed. Basic treatment will not easily remove algae or their by-products and increased use of chlorine will give rise to high levels of chlorinated by-products such as THM. Possible alternatives and improvements are suggested for the treatment of poor quality raw water to obtain high quality drinking water.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Microcystin-like toxins in different freshwater species of Oscillatoria.

In January and September of 1989 and March 1990 blooms of Oscillatoria rubescens, Oscillatoria tenuis and Oscillatoria mougetii were found in Lake Simbirizzi and Lake Flumendosa in Sardinia, and in Lake San Puoto in the Lazio region of Italy. By using different extraction methods and HPLC analysis, two microcystin-like toxins (RR-like and YR-like), similar to some of the toxic compounds produced by the Cyanophycea Microcystis aeruginosa, were detected in these blooms.

Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid↗
PubMed1990

Presence of saxitoxin in toxic extracts from Gonyaulax polyedra.

A "red tide" bloom of Gonyaulax polyedra occurred in Italy in Autumn, 1988. Algal concentrated extracts and undiluted water samples from the bloom were tested both with the Microtox system and a mouse bioassay, revealing the presence of paralytic shellfish poison-like neurotoxins. Saxitoxin levels evaluated on the basis of toxicological and instrumental analysis showed discrepancies. Other toxins could be present in addition to paralytic shellfish poison.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

Identification of enteroviruses isolated from sea-water: indirect immunofluorescence (IIF).

In this research the Enteroviruses presence in sea water was studied. In previous studies presumptive Enteroviruses were revealed in 43% and in 77% of sea water samples analyzed. It was necessary to identify viral particles isolated from marine water because the detection of this kind of virus was performed only on the basis of cytopathic effect appearance on cell cultures. The aim of this research was to verify the suitability of Indirect Immunofluorescence for identification of presumptive Enteroviruses isolated from marine waters. 13 field strains from RC 37 cells (Cercopithecus Kidney cell line) were tested. Pools of Horse immune sera against COXS, POLIO and ECHO, and anti-horse antibodies conjugated with fluorescein were used. The results revealed the presence of Coxsackie virus and Echo virus. There were many problems related with ECHO identification for the presence of cross-reactions with COXS. The IIF method cannot be performed routinely, because it did not show high level of specificity and sensibility, and it is expensive. This methodology can be used only in particular cases and in laboratories with competent virologists and related facilities. In the future, the only suitable methodology for identification of Enteroviruses isolated from field samples is based on the use of RNA and DNA probes.

Antigens, Viral↗
PubMed1990

[Comparative evaluation of Escherichia coli strains as markers for the study of bacteriophages].

The count of coliphages in polluted waters was found to be dependent on many experimental factors. The host-strain used for their enumeration is among the most important. In this paper we report a comparative investigation on the variability of counts of coliphages in sewage as a result of variations in host-strains of Escherichia coli and in methodologies. Two methods were used for enumerating them: the M.P.N. and the direct count. E. coli C, B1, Hfr and E36 consistently produced more plaques than any other host tested.

Blood Coagulation Factors↗
PubMed1988

Water hygiene of two swimming pools: microbial indicators.

The microbiological quality of the water of two swimming pools was evaluated to determine which organisms might be the best indicators of pollution. Membrane filtration gave low numbers of the common indicators of faecal pollution but high counts of the indigenous skin bacteria. As illnesses normally contracted in a swimming pool are mostly those of the skin rather than intestinal, it is suggested that the best indicators of the hygienic condition of water in a swimming pool are staphylococci because of their resistance to disinfection, high numbers in the environment, and ease of recovery.

Bacteria↗