Seroprevalence and risk factors of Neospora spp. in donkeys from Southern Italy

Polyphenol-rich beverage consumption is not univocally accepted as a risk modulator for cardio-metabolic risk factors, despite mechanistic and epidemiological evidence suggesting otherwise. The aim of this study was to assess whether an association between polyphenol-rich beverage consumption and metabolic status could be observed in a Mediterranean cohort with relatively low intake of tea, coffee, red and white wine, beer, and fresh citrus juice. Demographic and dietary characteristics of 2044 adults living in southern Italy were analyzed. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of the association between polyphenol-rich and alcoholic beverage consumption and metabolic status adjusted for potential confounding factors. Specific polyphenol-rich beverages were associated, to a various extent, with metabolic outcomes. Individuals with a higher total polyphenol-rich beverages had higher polyphenols intake and were less likely to have hypertension, type-2 diabetes, and dyslipidemia (OR = 0.57, 95% CI: 0.44–0.73; OR = 0.41, 95% CI: 0.26–0.66; and OR = 0.41, 95% CI: 0.29–0.57, respectively). However, when adjusted for potential confounding factors, only the association with hypertension remained significant (OR = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.50–0.94). Current scientific evidence suggests that such beverages may play a role on cardio-metabolic risk factors, especially when consumed within the context of a dietary pattern characterized by an intake of a plurality of them. However, these associations might be mediated by an overall healthier lifestyle.

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Body Mass Index, Cardiovascular Risk Factors, and Carotid Intima-Media Thickness in a Pediatric Population in Southern Italy

Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition ◽

10.1097/mpg.0b013e3181d4c21d ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 51 (2) ◽

pp. 216-220 ◽

Cited By ~ 20

Author(s):

Carmelo Antonio Caserta ◽

Gaspare Maria Pendino ◽

Saverio Alicante ◽

Angela Amante ◽

Fulvia Amato ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Body Mass Index ◽

Cardiovascular Risk ◽

Cardiovascular Risk Factors ◽

Body Mass ◽

Southern Italy ◽

Pediatric Population ◽

Intima Media Thickness ◽

Carotid Intima Media Thickness ◽

Media Thickness

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Mapping, cluster detection and evaluation of risk factors of ovine toxoplasmosis in Southern Italy

Geospatial health ◽

10.4081/gh.2016.432 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 11 (2) ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Roberto Condoleo ◽

Vincenzo Musella ◽

Maria Paola Maurelli ◽

Antonio Bosco ◽

Giuseppe Cringoli ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Geographical Information Systems ◽

Southern Italy ◽

Geographical Information ◽

Economic Losses ◽

Common Source ◽

High Exposure ◽

Campania Region ◽

Source Of Infection ◽

Serological Data

Toxoplasmosis, an important cause of reproductive failure in sheep, is responsible for significant economic losses to the ovine industry worldwide. Moreover, ovine meat contaminated by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii is considered as a common source of infection for humans. The aim of this study was to develop point and risk profiling maps of T. gondii seroprevalence in sheep bred in Campania Region (Southern Italy) and analyse risk factors associated at the flock-level. We used serological data from a previous survey of 117 sheep flocks, while environmental and farm management information were obtained from an analysis based on geographical information systems and a questionnaire purveyance, respectively. An univariate Poisson regression model revealed that the type of farm production (milk and meat vs only meat) was the only independent variable associated with T. gondii positivity (P<0.02); the higher within-flock seroprevalence in milking herds suggests that milking practices might influence the spread of the infection on the farm. Neither environmental nor other management variables were significant. Since a majority of flocks were seasonally or permanently on pasture, the animals have a high exposure to infectious T. gondii oocysts, so the high within-flock seroprevalence might derive from this management factor. However, further studies are needed to better assess the actual epidemiological situation of toxoplasmosis in sheep and to clarify the factors that influence its presence and distribution.

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Distribution and risk factors associated with Babesia spp. infection in hunting dogs from Southern Italy

Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases ◽

10.1016/j.ttbdis.2018.07.005 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 9 (6) ◽

pp. 1459-1463 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Vincenzo Veneziano ◽

Diego Piantedosi ◽

Nicola Ferrari ◽

Benedetto Neola ◽

Mario Santoro ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Southern Italy ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Hunting Dogs ◽

Babesia Spp

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Trends of Prevalence of Uncontrolled Risk Factors for Cerebrocardiovascular Disease: Southern Italy from 1988/9 to 2008/9

Cholesterol ◽

10.1155/2016/6087981 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 2016 ◽

pp. 1-7

Author(s):

Vincenzo Capuano ◽

Norman Lamaida ◽

Ernesto Capuano ◽

Rocco Capuano ◽

Eduardo Capuano ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Blood Pressure ◽

Cardiovascular Disease ◽

Risk Factor ◽

Southern Italy ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Targeted Interventions ◽

Risk Factor Prevalence ◽

Cross Sectional Studies ◽

Prevention Of Cardiovascular Disease

The aim of this study was to determine the trends of cardiovascular risk factor prevalence between 1988/9 and 2008/9 in the 25–74-year-old population in an area of Southern Italy. We compared three cross-sectional studies conducted in random population samples, in 1988/9, 1998/9, and 2008/9 in Salerno, Italy. The methodology of data collection (lipid profile, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, glycaemia, and smoking) and conducting tests which the population underwent during the three phases was standardized and comparable. Prevalence of diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and smoking was calculated and standardized for age. A total of 3491 subjects were included. From 1988/9 to 2008/9, in males, the prevalence of all four risk factors was reduced. In women, there was a clear reduction of hypertension, a similar prevalence of hypercholesterolemia, and an increase of smoking and diabetes. In the area of Salerno, our data confirm that the global prevalence of the major risk factors is decreasing in men, but their absolute values are still far from optimization. In women, diabetes and smoking showed a negative trend, therefore requiring targeted interventions. These data are now used as a base for executive targeted programs to improve prevention of cardiovascular disease in our community.

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Risk factors for recent toxoplasma infection in pregnant women in Naples

Epidemiology and Infection ◽

10.1017/s0950268800052675 ◽

1996 ◽

Vol 116 (3) ◽

pp. 347-351 ◽

Cited By ~ 63

Author(s):

W. Buffolano ◽

R. E. Gilbert ◽

F. J. Holland ◽

D. Fratta ◽

F. Palumbo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Risk Factor ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Southern Italy ◽

Congenital Toxoplasmosis ◽

Toxoplasma Infection ◽

Recent Infection ◽

Raw Meat ◽

Pork Products ◽

Cyst Viability

SUMMARYEffective primary prevention of congenital toxoplasmosis requires up to date information on locally relevant risk factors for infection in pregnant women. In Naples, risk factors for toxoplasma infection were compared in recently infected women (as assessed by detection of specific IgM in serum) and susceptible, IgG negative women. Recent infection was strongly associated with frequency of consumption of cured pork and raw meat. Eating cured pork or raw meat at least once a month increased the risk of toxoplasma infection threefold.This simple study design for determining locally relevant sources of toxoplasma infection is the first report of cured pork as a risk factor for infection. Further research is required to determine cyst viability in cured pork products. Our findings suggest that in southern Italy, cured pork and raw meat should be avoided by susceptible pregnant women.

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