Diagnostic study on an immunochromatographic rapid test for schistosomiasis: comparison between use on serum and on blood spot from fingerprick

An immunochromatographic rapid test (ICT; Schistosoma ICT IgG-IgM, LDBIO Diagnostics) demonstrated high sensitivity (96%) in the diagnosis ofSchistosoma mansoniandS. haematobium. To date, the test has been validated for use on serum only, but in the absence of lab equipment, blood drop from fingerprick could be a useful option. This method is acquiring more interest because of the high flow of migrants rapidly moving across Italy and other European countries

Accuracy of Five Serologic Tests for the Follow up of Strongyloides stercoralis Infection

BACKGROUND: Traditional faecal-based methods have poor sensitivity for the detection of S. stercoralis, therefore are inadequate for post-treatment evaluation of infected patients who should be carefully monitored to exclude the persistence of the infection. In a previous study, we demonstrated high accuracy of five serology tests for the screening and diagnosis of strongyloidiasis. Aim of this study is to evaluate the performance of the same five tests for the follow up of patients infected with S. stercoralis. METHODS: Retrospective study on anonymized, cryo-preserved samples available at the Centre for Tropical Diseases (Negrar, Verona, Italy). Samples were collected before and from 3 to 12 months after treatment. The samples were tested with two commercially-available ELISA tests (IVD, Bordier), two techniques based on a recombinant antigen (NIE-ELISA and NIE-LIPS) and one in-house IFAT. The results of each test were evaluated both in relation to the results of fecal examination and to those of a composite reference standard (classifying as positive a sample with positive stools and/or at least three positive serology tests). The associations between the independent variables age and time and the dependent variable value of serological test (for all five tests), were analyzed by linear mixed-effects regression model. RESULTS: A high proportion of samples demonstrated for each test a seroreversion or a relevant decline (optical density/relative light units halved or decrease of at least two titers for IFAT) at follow up, results confirmed by the linear mixed effects model that showed a trend to seroreversion over time for all tests. In particular, IVD-ELISA (almost 90% samples demonstrated relevant decline) and IFAT (almost 87%) had the best performance. Considering only samples with a complete negativization, NIE-ELISA showed the best performance (72.5% seroreversion). CONCLUSIONS: Serology is useful for the follow up of patients infected with S. stercoralis and determining test of cure

Democratic directionality for transformative food systems research

Effective interfaces of knowledge and policy are critical for food system transformation. Here, an expert group assembled to explore research needs towards a safe and just food system put forward principles to guide relations between society, science, knowledge, policy and politics

Il pioppo nero. Populus nigra L. (Famiglia Salicaceae)

International audienc

Genetic transformation of Populus nigra by Agrobacterium tumefaciens

Two clones of Populus nigra L. were tested in vivo and in vitro for their susceptibility to three different Agrobacterium tumefaciens wild-type strains evaluating number and size of resulting calluses. Strain C58 proved to be the most virulent. Various parameters affecting Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of P. nigra clones were further analysed using b-glucuronidase gene transient expression. The clone Jean Pourtet proved to be more susceptible than the clone San Giorgio. A. tumefaciens strain A281 pKIWI105 proved to be the most virulent. The optimal procedure involved dipping of leaf discs into a bacterial suspension (7x108 cells/ml) for 20 min, followed by a 48 h co-cultivation period on semi-solid regeneration medium. Leaf explants were co-cultivated with two disarmed A. tumefaciens strains. Plantlets of San Giorgio were regenerated, tested for b-glucuronidase activity and rooted on selective medium containing kanamycin. Polymerase chain reaction analysis and Southern blot hybridization confirmed the integration of the neomycin phosphotransferase II gene into the poplar genom

In vitro culture and genetic engineering of Populus spp.: synergy for forest tree improvement

Populus species and hybrids are intensively cultivated as sources of woody biomass for the forest products industry and for reforestation of lowlands in temperate regions of the world. However, the long generation time of trees, the presence of seasonal dormancy and the prolonged period required for evaluation of mature traits are strong limitations for classical breeding and selection. The development of methods for in vitro culture and genetic engineering has increased the possibility of producing poplar genotypes improved in insect pest resistance, herbicide tolerance, growth rate and wood quality, or reduction in undesirable traits. Poplar has become a model system in forest tree biotechnology due to several useful features: small genome size, short rotation cycle, rapid growth rate and ease of vegetative propagation. The combination of molecular techniques and classical breeding will help create forest trees with positive effects on the environment. However, risks associated with the biotechnological applications (concerning the impact on biodiversity, long-term adaptation, transgene inheritance and stability) should be carefully evaluated and field tests performed with transgenic poplar

Orienteering and the Environment - IOF Survey

The Survey “Orienteering and the Environment” follows an analogous survey carried out in 2011 to understand the main issues faced by the orienteering movement in different countries. With the survey we could update the situation with a broader response. The preservation of the environment is a key pillar of the IOF sustainability ambition but the relationship between orienteering and the environment has clear implications also on the other two pillars of sustainability, social and economic. The information gathered will help to improve the performance of the IOF and its Member Federations and define the priorities for the IOF Environment and Sustainability Commission in the years to come.The areas covered by the survey were the following: • National circumstances regarding environmental issues related to orienteering. • Significance of specific environment issues related to orienteering. • Possible environmental conflicts occurred in connection with the organization of orienteering activities. • Measures taken at the national level for the management of orienteering’s environmental issues. • Needs of support from the IOF on environmental issues.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

RAPD FINGERPRINTS FOR IDENTIFICATION AND FOR TAXONOMIC STUDIES OF ELITE POPLAR (POPULUS SPP) CLONES

RAPD (Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA) fingerprints have recently been used to estimate genetic and taxonomic relationships in plants. In this study RAPD analysis was performed on 32 clones belonging to different species of the genus Populus. Of these, 25 clones are registered in several countries for commercial use and, altogether, cover almost 50% of the worlds cultivated poplars. DNA was prepared from leaves and amplified by PCR using random oligonucleotide primers. Amplification products were separated by agarose-gel electrophoresis to reveal band polymorphisms. Four primers out of the 18 tested, were selected on the basis of the number and frequency of the polymorphisms produced. With these a total of 120 different DNA bands were reproducibly obtained, 92% of which were polymorphic. The polymorphisms were scored and used in band-sharing analyses to identify genetic relationships. With a few but interesting exceptions, these are consistent with the present taxonomy of the genus Populus and with the known predigrees of cultivated poplars. Moreover, the results show that RAPD analysis allows one to discriminate among all tested clones and can, therefore, be recommended as a convenient tool to defend plant breeders rights